Sunday, January 31, 2016

Playing the Part by Jen Turano

I just finished this book last week and am finally finding time to write about it.  I love a good historical fiction and this one was good.  

Lucetta Plum is a well known actress with countless fans and admirers.  Except a bit of her past comes to haunt her and to threaten her, forcing her to leave the stage until the situation changes.  She finds herself in the estate or should we say castle with a mausoleum and cemetery owned by Bram, a man with just a few secrets of his own as she, too, also appears to have.  

The book has some exciting parts and you are not quite sure how things will turn out.  It's a story with some family trials, forgiveness and drama. She is an actress, after all.

Yes, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to those who enjoy a fast-paced historical fiction and a nice clean read.  

I was given a copy of this ebook through Netgalley for my honest review.  No monetary compensation was received.

You can pre-order this book from Amazon at this link.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Just Plain Sadie by Amy Lillard

I was SOOOOO lucky to get an advance reader's copy of this book.  I have read the other books of the Wells Landing Amish series.  I have enjoyed them all, but I have to admit, this is my favorite one. I could barely put it down.  And then when I was done I was so sad that it was over...

Yes, this was just a wonderful book.  It was so fun to read and the people in the story seemed to be so human it was as though I really knew them, shortcomings and all.

A little synopsis:

The people of Wells Landing always assumed that Sadie Kaufmann and Chris Flaud, best friends and constant companions, would surely marry.  She is shaken by news he gives her and then into her life appears Mennonite Ezra Hein.  Suddenly life is changing for the 22 year old Amish woman.  She finds herself breaking a few rules along her way and sometimes following her heart rather than the ways of her upbringing.  She is torn as to what to do with her life.  Being the plain sister in her family has not always given her many opportunities to find that special person in the past.

This book was really a fun read.  I am hoping there is another installment in this series!  This book, although continuing from the previous ones, can still be read alone.  It is really fun to see the characters of the previous books appear and remember their stories.

So yes, I highly recommend this book!  I know you will love it.  You can pre-order your copy at this link.  If you would like to link to the author page and get to know Amy Lillard, just click here!

Saturday, January 23, 2016

The Secret of Isian by Serena Clarke

Once more I am delighted to Introduce you to an up and coming author, Serena Clarke.  Here is some exciting news about her fantasy, Romance and Mystery Series!  I hope you will get to know Serena and grab a copy of her great books!

Magic, Fantasy, Romance, and Mystery

Fantasy has become one of the most popular genre, simply because you are taken into a completely new world… a world of magic and mystery… where almost anything can happen. In this new series by Serena Clarke, we have an enchanting kingdom and mystical creatures that reside in the forests.

The Treasure of Isian is the first book in The Isian Series. Prince Garin is a brave, proud, adventure-seeking prince. Elani is his most trusted servant and she would do anything for him. Their quest to find the mystical Treasure of Isian is immediately interrupted and they find themselves confronted by giants, elves, dragons, and a vengeful water-witch. Elani must face her greatest fears to save her prince and her kingdom. Will they be able to make a great sacrifice to save the kingdom?

“The Treasure of Isian was a stirring tale of an enchanted servant and a handsome prince,” wrote Author Charissa Stastny. “The adventures they face together as they search for the fabled treasure of Isian that will grant the bearer any wish they desire. Once I picked it up, I couldn’t put it down. The author did a wonderful job pacing the story and connecting me to the characters. Superb story that brought a smile to my face and helped me remember that sometimes, we can overlook the most valuable treasures in life if we’re not careful.”

In the second book in this series, The Alliance of Isian, Isian decides to make an alliance with their long time enemies.  Isian sends a proposal, offering their daughter to the prince, in order to ensure an alliance. Princess Gabrielle and Prince Alec must learn to work together and trust each other in order to triumph in the approaching war. With a mysterious beast attacking the kingdom, their lives in danger, and overcoming their vast cultural differences, will love grow despite their trials?

When we think of fantasy, we think of magic and mythical creatures, but it is not the same without some romance. Cheryl Larson wrote: “I am always intrigued by stories of arranged marriages and how they turn to marriages filled with love. There is plenty of action and intrigue in the storyline. I can't wait for the next book in the series!”

The Treasure of Isian and The Alliance of Isian can be found at local libraries, bookstores, and online. For more information and to read a sample chapter, visit http://serenaclarke.wordpress.com.


Now to introduce her latest book to you!


The title is The Secret of Isian and it follows along the themes of the other books in her series.  You will see battles with interesting and characters and mythical creatures as she has created in the past. This fantasy is also an exciting story that will keep you on your toes and wondering what will happen next. And of course, there is some romance there!

You will want to keep reading until the end of the book to find out what the interesting twists and turns will lead you to!

Here is a little synopsis about the book:

Many prophecies have been uttered about the impending war and those who will seek to stop it. With the war finally upon them, Rimelda, a talented seer, has heard the prophecies and believes she can help. Prince Ander, doubtful of her abilities and her true intentions, but determined to save his kingdom accepts her help and they proceed on a quest to end the war. 


Hindered by enemies as well as their own doubts, Ander and Rimelda must search for guidance in unlikely places and unravel the mysteries of the prophecies. 
With the world shrouded in darkness, will Ander accept his destiny in time to save the kingdoms and will he admit his true feelings for Rimelda?

You can find Serena's books at this link.

Sunday, January 17, 2016

More Than Friendship by Amy Lillard

I just finished reading this very enjoyable novella by Amy Lillard.  She is an excellent author and I have enjoyed all the books that I have read of hers.  Although this one was of a shorter length it seemed to me that the characters were well developed and that the story flowed at a good speed.

Clara Rose was looking forward to her upcoming marriage to Thomas Lapp.  There was only one thing standing in her way, her best friend, Obie.  Obie and Clara had been best friends forever.  Why would he now oppose their marriage in such a way?

By marrying Thomas, it seemed to Clara that would be losing her best friend.

I enjoyed this read very much.  I loved the characters, the storyline and events in the lives of Clara, Thomas and Obie.  I highly recommend this book to fans of Amish fiction.

It's a sweet romance with some twists and turns.

It is available for pre-order at this link.

I received an ebook copy of this book for the author for my honest review, which I have given.

Galaxy Buck: Mission to Sector 9

I have a DVD review today!  This one, as is apparent by the photo is one for the kids.  I gave it to my grandson that is 5 and he really enjoyed it and loves to watch it.

Wednesday, January 13, 2016

The Shamrock Case by Linda Weaver Clarke (Audible version)

I am so happy I was able to listen to  this cozy mystery.  It was right up my alley.  Why?  Because I am a genealogist by profession.  And in this book, the main character, Amelia Moore, a detective, is looking for the family of a young woman, Kate, who was adopted after the death of both of her parents.  She knows they were from Ireland and wants to find her family if possible.  Being a genealogist, I do this everyday as part of my work, also.  I have also worked on a few adoption cases and heir searches. I have also traveled abroad to do research, so I guess that makes me a bit of a detective, also!

About the book:  Amelia and her employee, Rick, head to Ireland after hired by Kate to find her family.  Amelia and Rick meet some trouble when the run into Art, the jilted ex-fiancĂ© of Kate's mother.  He is a trouble maker and causes problems throughout the story.  As Amelia and Rick search for the grandparents of Kate, they also have some down-time to tour the places on Kate's bucket list.

This is a cute story and there are unexpected results to the search for Kate's family.  You will have to read this sweet story.  It's a fun and enjoyable read.  But in this case I was able to listen to the Audible version.  I enjoyed the narrator Diane Lehman who was very expressive in her interpretations of the various characters.  She did a great job and it was easy to tell who was speaking just by her different voices.  You can order the Audible version at this link.

You can find Linda at her blog at the following link.  And you can purchase her ebook and paperback version here.  I am sure you will enjoy this nice book!

I received an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review which I have given.


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Hope's Dwelling Place by Connie Stevens

This was the last story in the Romance Collection, "Love is Patient".  Did I like it?  Yes, I really did.  The first thing that I noticed was that it took place in the Fredericksburg, Texas area.  I visited here two summers ago while in the San Antonio area.  And Texas holds a warm place in my heart, anyway, since my ancestor was an early settler in Panna Maria, over 150 years ago.

This was about a young woman, Amelia starting out as the local school marm.  As she arrives in her new location, although she expected to be met by the schoolboard member, Mr. Richter, no one is there to greet her in the cold night.  As she finally gets settled she meets Hank Zimmerman uncle to three recently orphaned children who will be attending her little school.

This story revolves around a German cultural group where the schoolboard member, Mr. Richter, is adament that the children only learn selected subject matter, including German.

Lovely story, with a few German errors.  This comment from me a native German.  Ah well, I overlook them and since this wasn't the final version, I am hoping they will not be in the final version.  For those that aren't German, I am sure they won't even be noticed.

The final word on the collection:  Wonderful.  You will be happy to have read this wonderful book!


Monday, January 4, 2016

Harvest of Love by Janet Lee Barton


I really enjoyed this story.  It was a sweet and happy book in this beautiful collection.  I especially liked this one.  It is the first novella of this author that I have read.  Her writing has a very nice Christian spirit about it and it is a book that leaves you feeling good knowing that God does have a plan for us and he can lead us in the direction that brings happiness into our lives.  Highly recommend this one!

This is a great collection. 

Shining Armor by Erica Vetsch

I have now finished the 3rd book in the series.  Gwendolyn Gerhard is becoming a mail order bride, or is she?  The man who had sent for her has died shortly before her arrival.  She is surprised by the fact that the man was also an old grandpa.  And now she's in the middle of nowhere and no where to stay, and no options but to return to where she started.

I am really enjoying this series of stories.  And I can't wait to start on the next one.  I rate this a 5 star. I enjoyed reading it and the characters were enjoyable and there was a bit of excitement along the way.

A link to where you can pre-purchase this series can be found here!

Author Erica Vetsch.

The Spinster and the Doctor by Frances Devine

I really enjoyed the Spinster and the Doctor by Frances Devine.  I have been enjoying all the novellas in this compilation.

Elaine works at an orphanage as a new doctor arrives in town.  It would appear that trouble follows this doctor everywhere he goes.  He hopes his fresh start will be greatly improved only to find that the local citizens have been hearing and sharing rumors about him spending time at the saloon with the women that work there.

This story is one of understanding, faith and forgiveness.  It's a great read and you will enjoy it.  Will be reading more of her writings.


The Spinster and the Cowboy by Lena Nelson Dooley

This novella was sweet and nice story about a young or perhaps, considered in her time, as "not so young" woman in her 20's.  India, owner of a cattle ranch in Arizona discovers that the new hired hand may have motives other than those of the role of "cowboy" especially when she is away and returns to find him in her office.

I thought perhaps the story ended a little faster than I would have expected, but did enjoy the plot and the characters.  I haven't read anything from this author before and hope that I will be able to read other of her works in the future.  I am also enjoying this collection and I am sure others will also.

You can find this book at this link.

A Birthday Wish by Darlene Franklin

Another in the Love is Patient collection, this book is also a sweet historical read.  Haydn is the grandson of an influential and well-to-do man.  As Gladys comes to care for his grandfather during his illness,  Haydn takes on the part of being a person who is not related.

The story is good, And it is a good Christian read.  I think you will enjoy this story as well!

Lady-in-Waiting by Erica Vetsch The Love is Patient Romance Collection

This is the second novella in the book.  I have recently read and reviewed another historical romance by this same author.  I enjoyed it alot, as I did this one, too.

Plain Jane is how Jane saw herself, and so she was desperate to win the love of her mail-order arranged marriage.  She was sure that he had no feelings for her, although she had feelings for him.

Moving out to a soddy was not what she had expected, but so it was and she has to decide how to earn her husband's love.

A sweet romance with an enjoyable storyline.  I enjoy this author and hope to read more of her writings.

The book can be purchased at this link.

The Love is Patient Romance Collection: The Spinster's Beau by Jill Stengl

I just started reading the first novella in this 9 part collection of historical novellas by some really amazing authors.  I decided I would review each one right after I read it so that it is still all fresh in my mind.

This book started out in a rather exciting way as Jane is called out to help the local doctor with what she supposed was a childbirth but turns out to be a rather different call than she would have ever expected.  Doing her best to help with her case brings along some surprising feelings and as Jane receives a marriage proposal from an unexpected suitor, she must choose to patiently wait to see what her future holds or accept the sure thing which promises a secure future.

I enjoyed the story very much.  It is the first I have read from this author and I hope that I will have the opportunity to read more from her.  Really loved the story.  I kind of wish it would continue to see what Jane's future looks like!

This book is scheduled to come out on Feb. 1, 2016.  It can be preordered through Amazon at the following link.