Friday, December 25, 2015

The Greatest Gift byPhilip Van Doren Stern

I was given this book by a neighbor as a Christmas Gift.  It is the story that the movie "It's a Wonderful Life" was based upon.  Given a second chance by a stranger, George says that his life was of no importance and that it would have been better had he never been born.

Seeing life without himself, shows emptiness and the memories he had do not have any value as he sees how others lives were affected by his having been there and he realizes that his life was important and he was important to many whose lives he touched.

A beautiful heartwarming story to read at Christmas time.  I love the tenderness and rare glimpses of simple things, the way Christmas should be in all our lives but tends to not be so much anymore as we become worldly and unappreciative of the many true blessings and joys we have in life.


Friday, December 18, 2015

Special Guest Post by Amy Lillard and a Giveaway!

I am so lucky to have Amy Lillard share an excerpt from her latest book, Lassoed by marriage, a collection of 9 historical romances of a time when arranged marriages were a somewhat common thing written by some very wonderful authors.  Their book is scheduled to become available on Jan. 1st, 2016.  

Book except:
He was making fun of her. But she had been made fun of her whole life, and frankly she didn’t care. She needed a husband and she needed one now. Today. This could not wait any longer. The crops needed to get in the ground so they would have time to grow and mature before harvest. That meant marrying somebody, dragging him out to the farm, and setting to work.
She turned on her heel and looked back toward the jail cells and the scraggly band of criminals there. She just had to trust in the Lord. Hadn’t He led her here? Hadn’t He provided these men? Though she thought she might need a little more than faith if she took home the older man or even the younger man, really. That left her only one choice.
            “You’re sure there are no others?” A girl had to make certain.
            “Nope.”
            “What’s he in for?” jumped to the tip of her tongue, but she bit back the words. She wasn’t sure she wanted to know. The only solution she had was getting married. She couldn’t back out. Not now.
The dark-haired man stirred, as if he sensed her eyes upon him. He opened them and they looked as black as pitch. Black hair, black eyes. She had never seen anything like it. A small shudder ran through her.
“H–him,” she stammered.
“Oh, Brannock over there?”
Penny gave a reassuring nod, though it was for her own benefit more than the sheriff’s. “Yes. Him. The one with the dark hair.”
The sheriff slipped around the desk and made his way to stand over next to the bars. “Well now, Brannock, it seems like it’s your lucky day. This here lady wants to marry you. Ain’t that something?”

Amy Lillard Bio
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family...and maybe homemade tacos...and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don't forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she's not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she's chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Loullen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: www.amylillardbooks.com.


You can contact Amy at this address: amylillard918@gmail.com
Where to find Amy on the web: http://amywritesromance.com/about-amy/for-readers/

Amy is giving away a copy of her new book to one very lucky winner!  Please leave a comment and if you sign up to follow my blog, you will get an extra chance to win!  This giveaway ends Dec. 27th. Also leave your email address in a safe way so that I can reach you!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Christmas at Harmony Hill by Ann H Gabhart

This book was a combination Shaker story and Civil War story.  Loved the combo and the characters.  The story about Heather, a washerwoman for the Union Army, for which her husband is fighting, tells how she followed the soldiers so that she would not be separated from him during this time.  As her time to deliver a child approaches, she realized she must return home only to be sent away by her father, a Confederate who resents her supporting the "other" side.

As she finds herself in the Shaker village, lots of interesting things occur, which I won't write about.  However, I love a historical novel, a Christmas story and those about people that I know very little about, but through this book have gained some new insights into a totally different cultural and religious group.  I found it an interesting read, and look forward to reading more from this author.

The only thing that I noted was that the end wrapped up rather quickly, perhaps otherwise that would have made it just a bit better.  But I would recommend this book for readers that enjoy historical novels.

The Bartered Bride Blog Tour and Giveaway!




THE BARTERED BRIDE

COLORADO 1880

Jem Wheeler has always been a survivor. He just wants to make a fresh start in Colorado Springs after the loss of his wife. But then he happens upon a young mute woman being sold off to the highest bidder. He wasn’t looking for a mail-order bride. He wasn’t looking to rescue anyone either. But desperate circumstances can drive a good man to do things he hadn’t planned on doing...

When Jem steps into Annie’s life, she’s not expecting anyone to save her. Mute from birth, she’s just using all her wits to survive. All she’s ever really wanted is a family of her own. For someone to see her. To look at her long enough to hear the things she can’t say.
Can a rescued bride who can’t speak communicate her love for a grieving widower and his little girl? Will her love ever be returned?

The Brides Series #3

Note: Each book in The Brides Series can be read as a stand-alone novel, but reading in order will provide a more complete reading experience.

EXCERPT

Jem took the apple core from his daughter and passed her one of the remaining crackers with a piece of cheese on it. Mae munched that down and looked to him immediately for another, the last one.

He gave it to her, then showed her his empty hands.

She frowned. “More?”

“No more,” Jem said, and showed her his empty hands again, making a bigger gesture out of it, as if the little girl was accusing him of hiding some.

If Annie weren’t so intent on eating her share of cheese and crackers she might have smiled at the sight of them, one of the most dangerous men she’d ever seen sitting side by side with that tiny little girl. They made quite a mismatched pair.

Mae looked over at Annie, at the last cracker in her hand and the last bit of cheese.

Annie gulped down the mouthful she was chewing. She looked down at the last of her meal and back at the little girl. To her shame, she didn’t want to give up her last cracker. She could barely remember the last meal she’d eaten.

“That’s Annie’s food,” Jem admonished the little girl. “You’ve had yours.”

Mae bit her lip. She glanced down at her lap, then back at Annie again.

I can share, Annie attempted to tell Mae with her eyes alone. She snapped her cracker in half—simply unable to bear parting with the whole thing—and passed it across to the little girl. Mae took it and popped the whole thing in her mouth, making Annie smile.

“Mae!” her father said.

She looked at him wide-eyed, her mouth full of cracker. “Whaf dafdda?” she said, muffled, spraying a few cracker crumbs onto his trousers.

He closed his eyes briefly and brushed them off. “You didn’t have to give her any,” he said to Annie, “but thanks.”

Annie grunted, her way of saying she didn’t mind that much. She looked down quickly and finished her last bit of food. The crackers had been crispy and the cheese silky and smooth. They’d tasted like heaven.

“You must be thirsty,” he said. “Do you mind sharing?”

She shook her head and automatically lifted two fingers.

“Two’s no?” he asked.

She nodded, pleased, and lifted one finger. She’d grown up sending signals through the floor of the Ruskins’ house, one stomp for yes, two for no. It came natural as rain now.

“And one’s yes,” he said, catching on quick.

Annie drank deep when he passed her the flask of water, amazed he’d let her drink from it. She tried her best to pour it down her throat without touching her lips to the flask, so he wouldn’t regret giving it to someone so dirty. She wished she could tell him thanks, but after Mae had her fill and he took his own swallow, he was back under his hat, likely going over the events of the day.

How he’d stuck himself with her.

How he probably regretted even stepping off the train at the last stop.

She couldn’t say she blamed him.

She hadn’t much wanted to marry a stranger herself.

BOOK LINKS

THE BARTERED BRIDE
http://apple.co/1O06PtN (iTunes/iBooks)

THE UNEXPECTED BRIDE
http://apple.co/1kp0zCf (iTunes/iBooks)

SLEIGH BELLS & MISTLETOE
http://apple.co/1klJLfo (iTunes/iBooks)

AUTHOR BIO

LENA GOLDFINCH writes sweet Historical Western Romance / Inspirational Romance and books for teens. She’s always been a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She enjoys life in a quiet, small town with her husband, two kids, and two very spoiled Black Labs.

SOCIAL LINKS


RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

In celebration of the release of The Bartered Bride, Lena is giving away some awesome prizes!
·        Grand Prize: $25 gift card (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, Kobo, or Google Play—winner’s choice) + all three ebooks in The Brides series (Open internationally)
·        Second Prize: Paperback copy of The Bartered Bride (Open to US residents only)
·        Third Prize: All three ebooks in The Brides series (Open internationally)
To enter these drawings, just fill out the Rafflecopter form below. Winners will be chosen after the end of the blog tour (December 19, 2015).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Lena Goldfinch

My thoughts and review:
I just finished reading The Bartered Bride this morning.  I grabbed my Kindle first thing after I woke up because I had wanted to finish reading it before I got up that day.  It was really a sweet, inspirational and interesting read.  It was dated in the 1880's which is a very significant time in history and new frontiers were being forged and the struggles of daily living seemed to be very life changing.

Annie finds herself in a terrible predicament as she is literally bartered for by an unseemly man.  Because of her past life and the fact that she has been unable to speak since birth or write although she can hear, she is at the mercy of whatever his plans are for her.

Jem Wheeler, a widower with a young daughter sees the bidding and the bidder and although he wants nothing to do with Annie realized she is in need of someone's help.  Perhaps he was the someone.

This book certainly kept me reading.  I enjoyed it so much.  I think I will definitely be seeking out and reading this author's other books.  I highly recommend this full length novel.  I know you will enjoy it.

I received a free ebook for my honest review which I have given.

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

The Restoration by Wanda E. Brunstetter

This was a wonderful book and a continuation of the Prairie Friends Series.  At this time the book is still available only for pre-order.  Here is the Amazon link to purchase it.  Having read the previous books, I was anxious to see how things turn out.

Elaine is still having her dinners, and realizes her feelings for Jonah are still there.  But feels perhaps that part of her life has passed by her and needs to continue courting Ben. She is assisted in her dinners by Priscilla, who has two suitors, although she doesn't really realize the fact for a while.  One is Englisch and one is Amish.  The Amish suitor is taking his sweet time to propose regardless of the fact that they have been courting for a long time.
Elam and David and Priscilla find themselves with an interesting love triangle.  You will need to read the book to find out what happens.  It's a good book and I really enjoyed it.  I hope the series will continue!
Wanda Brunstetter is one of my faves!

Wednesday, December 2, 2015

The Skiing Suitor by Niki Turner

The Skiing Suitor was a heartwarming and sweet Christian Historical Romance.  It was a really good read, a novella length, so not so long,  But a read that makes you feel glad that you took the time to read it.

Ruby St. John is an independent young woman and lives in Steamboat Springs, Colorado in the 1920's.  She's a skier, and a ski jumper as well and loves it and would never dream of giving this up. A new doctor in town Dr. Warren Kelly may not agree with Ruby's adventurousness but somehow finds her quite interesting, none-the-less.  The story gives us a taste of those cold Colorado winters, people caring for others, and just a good book.

I recommend this book to all you enjoy a sweet romance with a little adventure rolled in.  I was glad for the opportunity to read this book and will gladly read more books by this author.


Saturday, November 28, 2015

Lorenzo the Bear: Encounter at Jellyfish Cove

Although I am not the target audience for this children's book, it was a cute story.  Had nice illustrations that a child might like to see.  It was about a bear who prepared for a confrontation with a pirate, which he had.  Children will probably enjoy an adventure on the seas.

Friday, November 27, 2015

Indie Christian Books BLACK FRIDAY BOOK SALE!!!!

Smiley
 Like most other bookworms, great books make their way onto my "things I'm thankful for" list every year. It's hard to choose favorites, but I went ahead and picked five books I read in 2015 and am thankful for.
  1. Katia by Bruce Judisch: This was a book that totally touched my heart!
  2. For Maria, by Bruce Judisch: A second book by this author.  Amazingly accurate!
  3. Joline's Redemption, by Vickie McDonough, a book of repentence and forgiveness!
  4. Honor, by Lyn Cote: A strong woman of high moral standing.
  5. The Substitute Bride, by Carrie Fancett Pagels: I'm thankful for this book because the author named her lead character after me!
I don't know about you, but I'm looking forward to another great year of reading! Speaking of more reading, here's one more thing to be grateful for. Books on sale! In honor of Thanksgiving and Black Friday, a group of independent Christian authors banded together to offer over seventy discounted books on Nov 27-30. There's literally something for everyone. Every single book listed on Indie Christian Books is on sale in one or more ways. Find discounted paperbacks, dozens of books offered with free shipping, $0.99 ebooks, package deals and more. Even if you have a budget of $0, new reading material awaits you. Don't know what to pick? The fearless Indie Christian Books team created a quiz that will generate a book list perfect for you! Check it out! Book Quiz What awesome reads of 2015 are you grateful for? What books are you looking forward to reading in 2016?
A note on the Ebooks Only page. All books are listed as "Sold Out." This only refers to paperback copies of these titles. Please click onto the product pages to find descriptions and links to discounted or free ebooks.
Acknowledgements: Thanks to Leah E. Good for her work organizing this sale, Gloria Repp for completing the time consuming job of uploading book info to the sale website, and Hannah Mills for her fantastic design work on the website graphics. Hannah can be contacted at hmills(at)omorecollege(dot)edu for more information about her design services.

If any of the links don't work, please use these!

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Chat with Vera: Meet My Best Friend by Sheila Walsh [Review & Give...

Chat with Vera: Meet My Best Friend by Sheila Walsh [Review & Give...: Buy it at Family Christian About the book:  The Bible is not only a book, but it can also be a friend—the best friend we have. This eng...

Paralyzed by Alana Terry


This is the second book of Alana Terry's that I have read.  The first was Torn Asunder.  Both were absolutely wonderful books.  

Paralyzed was filled with suspense from page one.  As the poor college student dealt with the fact that she had witnessed a crime and the perpetrator was definitely after her, she finds herself seeking help and shelter.  I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading this.  It held my attention throughout and could hardly put it down.  You will want to read this book!  Highly recommended!


This charming novella is the latest in the J.E.B. Spredemann books and book 3 in the Amish by Accident Trilogy.  It is a really fun read.  Here is a little blurb:

Mattie Greene returns to Paradise near Christmastime, believing her marriage is coming to an end. Carson and Elisabeth are not ready to see their friend's marriage dissolve and they fight to keep them together.  WIll Mattie and Richard reunite in time for a perfect Christmas? Or will they spend the holidays--and the rest of their lives--alone?  

This clean Christian read is a great read for the Christmas time.  I really enjoyed reading it.  It is a shorter length but seems to develop the characters well even if you haven't read the earlier two parts to this series.  I have only read one of the previous books and yet I was able to reconnect with the characters that appeared in the earlier ones.  Loved it and was surprised by what happens.

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Gabriel's Bride by Amy Lillard

This was a fun Amish fiction read.  I truly enjoyed it.  I love this author's Amish books and recommend them.

The story is about Rachel Yoder who has very few choices, two to be exact.  To move to Ohio to relatives she hasn't met or to marry Gabriel Fisher.  Gabriel is a widower who is still missing the love of his life Rebecca.  They both need each other, yet Rachel feels she will never be able to fill those shoes.

The story is very well written.  I wanted to keep reading till I finished.  I didn't want to put the book down.  Loved it!

Monday, November 16, 2015

Lydia's Charm by Wanda E. Brunstetter

I received this book from the publisher and is was the Signature Edition.  I noticed that there was another cover also.  I am posting it to show that it is the same book.

I like the new cover better.  It is very pretty.

So Lydia King has found herself a widow with a four year old son to provide for.  With no family in Illinois, she finds herself returning to her mother who lives in Charm, Ohio.  Not always getting along smoothly with mom, Lydia is concerned about how things will work out for her.

As she arrives, Menno Troyer, a widower with four rambunctious sons, realizes that this might be just what is needed.  A new mother for his somewhat unruly boys.  Although not looking for love exactly, he is looking to fill the family needs.  Lydia, of course, also has needs.  A need to support herself and son Josh.  Perhaps this arrangement would be a good thing, perhaps...

She also meets an interesting family of "little people", except for their son Levi Stutzman. However, although she is interested in him, he shows no interest in her and her mother has unhappy feelings about a relationship for these two.

Will Lydia find a happy and good solution or how will she resolve this dilemma?

The book has some sad moments and yet happy ones, as well!

A great book by Wanda.  A sweet romance and a lovely story.


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

The Reluctant Duchess by Sharon Cullen

This was the first book from this author that I have read.  I enjoyed it very much.  I have not personally read many Regency Romance books, but it held my interest and kept me reading till the very end.

Lady Sara come to Duke Rossmoyne to receive help.  Her cousin had been murdered several years before and now Lady Sara was receiving letters and becoming fearful she approaches her deceased cousin Meredith's fiance.  Although having planned to not stay in London, Lady Sara's request for help does not go unanswered.  And he appears to have a bit of attraction immediately to Lady Sara.

Sara is not the same as her up and coming cousin was and prefers not to be in the limelight. However, despite this fact, Gabriel, Duke of Rossmoyne, has decided to help find the letter-writing murderer before more bad events should occur.

I enjoyed the book very much and hope to find more books from this author.

I received an ebook version of this book from NetGalley and have given my honest review.

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Joline's Redemption by Vickie McDonough

This is book 2 of the Land Rush Dreams series by Vickie McDonough.  I couldn't put this book down.  It was really good,  Although I had not had the opportunity to read book 1, this book was fine as a standalone. But I would really like to read books 1 and eventually book 3.

Jo's life has taken a terrible downward spiral and it appears that there is no way out of her problems.

In an attempt to protect her son she returns to Guthrie to her sister's home to try to earn enough money to get even farther away from her troubles.  She meets Baron, the brother of her deceitful "husband" and fears that he is of the same nature as was Mark.

Baron is much different than Mark, and is actually the one that cleans up after Mark's mishaps and misadventures.

Joline's attempts to trust are hard to come by and her life is ruled with fear until she finds it in her heart to trust in God.  But is it too late?  Will God forgive the sins of the past?  And will she be able to forgive herself?

Loved the book and look forward to reading more from this author.

I received this book from the publisher for my honest review which I have given.

Sunday, November 8, 2015

First Ever Reader's Luncheon in Utah

Have you ever been to a Reader's Luncheon?  Well, neither have I, until yesterday.  It was an interesting event.  I went alone but I think I would have liked to have taken a friend with me as I knew no one but Jennifer Beckstrand, one of my favorite authors, who happens to be a Utah native and invited me.

I was excited to go because it just sounded fun and it was.  There were about 270 people there, the majority being women and a few men, surprisingly.

The event started at registration where you get your name tag and goodie bag.  And there were many goodies included.  About 6 books were inside and bookmarks, and misc odds and ends, pens, pencils, a sleep mask, magnets, chapstick and so forth.  It was fun.  I think that the registration till entry time was a bit long but that's OK.  If I choose to go again, I will leave a little later, I think.  The only problem with that could be available parking. This was held at the South Towne Expo Center in Sandy.



It was then opened to enter the eating area and there we were greeted by beautifully set and decorated tables.  I was at Jennifer's table. Isn't it pretty?




In case you are wondering what is in the baskets, well I will tell you.  Three books, two from the author and one from another Utah Author.  Honey Bee soap dispenser. This had a cute tag around the top representing her next series of Amish books that she will have out sometime in the next year, probably end of June or July.  Here is a picture of the cute tag


And some Huckleberry syrup! 


Then there was a little bit of meet and greet time.  It was fun to look at all the pretty table settings and decorations.


Here below are the door prizes.  There were many but I didn't win one.  Usually I am so lucky, but not this time!  

There were some really nice prizes including a new Kindle loaded with 30 titles.  Fun.  You wouldn't believe how close my ticket number was at times.  I was holding my breath, but didn't get one.  Sigh.

There was also a giveaway table at the one side of the hall with about three books, bracelets, pens, can opener key chains and other items.  I grabbed some of those.

At the center of Jennifer's table was a Huckleberry pie, and we all got a piece of it.  But actually it was Huckleberry scented soap.  It smells really good, but it's too pretty to actually use, haha!  But it makes a very nice sachet!
There were some interesting historical characters here as well.  I suspect that they were fans of historical fiction.
There were two speakers.  The keynote speaker was Robyn Carr from Las Vegas.  I haven't personally read any of her books, but I got one from this event.  So I will be checking it out soon.
The other speaker was RaeAnn Thayne.  Then afterwards they held a signing party and book sales.  And then it was time to go home.  It was fun!

Saturday, November 7, 2015

Chat with Vera: Vendetta (The Nikki Boyd Files) by Lisa Harris {#B...

Chat with Vera: Vendetta (The Nikki Boyd Files) by Lisa Harris {#B...: About the book:  No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Persons Task Force. The case of her own missing sister...

Friday, November 6, 2015

Chat with Vera: Frozen Wild: How Animals survive in the Coldest Pl...

Chat with Vera: Frozen Wild: How Animals survive in the Coldest Pl...: ISBN: 9781454910251 - $14.95 ($16.95 Can) Sterling Children's Books ~ Ages 6-10 About the book:  Young explorers and animal enthusi...

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Her Captain's Heart by Lyn Cote

Yankee schoolmarm, Quaker Verity Hardy is a widow who takes on the big challenge of building, opening and teaching a school for black children not long after the Civil War.  The school is sponsored and paid for by the Freedman organization

She heads South with her father-in-law and daughter Beth to face unexpected and extremely hard trials in her goals.  But Verity is not one to give up under any circumstances even when it means starting completely from square one.

Her name Verity means to believe in a true principle and in the case of this story it would be the principle of equality for all which was Verity's goal and purpose.  Working together with ex-captain in the Union Army, Matt Ritter has it's challenges and joys.

When plans go awry, Verity forges ahead and never gives up, a truly strong and honorable woman.

This was another wonderful read written by Lyn Cote.  I really enjoy her books and I will keep reading her wonderful books.  I loved this book!

Sunday, November 1, 2015

Deviance by J.F. Penn

This was the first book from this author that I have read, but I understand that it is the end of a trilogy.  However, the characters developed in a way that I could easily pick up the story without having read the previous books. As you are probably thinking, this is definitely not in my normal reading genre.

The author does a good job of describing the dark side of London.  I received an audible version of this book and it was narrated by a woman with a British accent which seemed quite fitting for this book.

As Jamie Brooke, ex-cop and now a private investigator looks to find missing persons and learns of the deviant heroes in the book, whose backgrounds may have brought about the life-style we so frown upon and the upstanding, perhaps self righteous person, may also not be what they appear to be.

This book caters to a different audience then myself so in trying to be objective, I will say that the book was well written, shows life in a world that many of us do not see and can hold an audience if mystery and violence are your reading styles.

For me, I will stick to my regular genres and happily do so.

Disclaimer:  This book has violence, language and reference to sex.
I received an Audible version of this book from the author for my honest review which I have given.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

3 Days With a Cowboy by Lacy Williams

This was a sweet romance, the kind I really enjoy.  And I totally did enjoy it.  This story about two people, Stevie and Jake who meet again after many years.  Friends in high school, Stevie takes off in music and becomes famous, while Jake has a much different position and is a single professor who is essentially the acting father of his niece.

Their meeting is of course, followed by gossip by the locals as they are seen together.  Will some of the feelings of their younger years rekindle or will their different lives take it's toll?

I really enjoyed this sweet story and it left me wanting to read more of this author's works.

I received a free ebook from this author for my honest review, which I have given.

The Author, Lacy Williams

You can find Lacy's book at this link.

Chapel Springs Cookbook by Ane Mulligan

So I am excited to write up a review on this cookbook that I received from the author.  I had won a book on a giveaway from this author.  However, it wasn't this book, it was a different one.  The other won't be available for about another month or so.  The author then sent this to me saying the other would come a bit later on.

I was too happy.  I love cookbooks and went through it quickly and spotted some great cooking ideas that I hope to be able to try soon.  There is a little note or anecdote with most recipes adding to the personal interest of this book.  Ane adds a little tongue in cheek recipe too on page 50 for Elephant Stew.  I am sure to try that one!

Can't wait to get off the computer and start cooking!  You can find her book here.

Heart of Gold by Lacy Williams



This book was a sweet western historical romance.  I enjoyed it very much.  I wish it had been a bit longer, but regardless it was a fun and interesting romance and a clean one at that.  

The author was a new author for me and I enjoyed getting to know Opal and her father's hired man. It has a few surprises that you will find make for interesting reading.  Especially as some bad characters come into the scene and add some good adventure to the story line. 

I am starting to really enjoy the western genre thanks to great authors, such as Lacy Williams.

I received an ebook copy from the author for my honest review which I have given.

You can purchase an ebook copy here.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

RX:Murder by Dr. Richard L. Mabry, MD

A medical mystery written by a retired M.D.  Obviously he has the medical details down pat and it's interesting to read that knowing the author knew the facts about what was written.

Dr. Elena Gardner's patient, Mary Lou Stewart is the victim of her husband Luke's temper, drinking and physical abuse.  She's also expecting a child.  She fears for herself and her unborn child and shares her worries with her doctor, yet feels inadequate to provide for the two of them on her own. She feels unable to leave the abusive relationship she has found herself in.

When her husband's beaten body is found, several suspects come into view and the tension mounts. You will have to read this novella to find the answers.  Although a short read, it's a good one!

Sunday, October 25, 2015

How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

Amber Stokes writes a sweet, clean romance novella with a bit of mystery as to who this mysterious young woman is and why she is dressed as she is.  I was able to listen to an audible version of this book narrated by Patrick Wilson Mahaney.  I enjoyed it and it captured my attention throughout as I wondered who this mystery lady truly was.

Two people searching to find themselves in a confusing world with things pulling them in different directions.  It's a sweet story and I think you will enjoy it.

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


Honor by Lyn Cote

I loved this book!  It was so good.  Out of necessity, Honor finds herself marrying deaf Samuel Cathwell, who is an artisan glass maker.  He is actually drawn to her as well, as out of necessity, yet he is not at all comfortable showing his feelings with her, due to his deafness.  His deafness was caused from a childhood fever.  Her necessity, due to her grandfather disinheriting her because of her strong feelings about slavery and abolition.  She is determined to free slaves, including those of her grandfather.

She and Samuel, his nephew Eli, and her maid, Royale, make a move west to start a new life.  The trials, adventures and events of their lives together begin to shape their lives into a way that Honor never expected to experience.

The dramatic historical events make you feel as though you too, are experiencing the feelings that Honor is feeling as well as being totally enthralled in this wonderful book.  Highly recommend this!  It's a 5+++  Lyn is an amazing author.  I will be watching for her books!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

It's Release Day for While You're Awake

This was the first story of this author's that I was lucky enough to have read.  It is a novelette, shorter than full-length book or novella.  It was a quick but sweet read.  I had it read in a short time and enjoyed the read very much.  I hope to have other opportunities to read this author's works.

The story was based on a real experience by author Amber Stokes.  I suspect it was one that would leave quite an impression and be a hard-to-forget one, at that! Fun story to read, and it leaves you with that feel-good feeling! I recommend this as an enjoyable, clean read.


And today is release day, always an exciting day for authors and of course, their readers!






About the Book

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.



Author Bio

Amber Stokes works as a marketing content writer for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor's degree in English and run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she's always considered home.

You can learn more about Amber’s books, sign up for her author newsletter, join the Amber’s Gems street team, and more at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

Social Media Links


Goodreads: Amber Stokes



Giveaway!

Enter to win a little something sweet from Ava, Keegan, and the author! One winner will receive a lovely yellow and gold flower necklace & earrings set from Baubles, Beads and Stuff; a $10 Starbucks gift card (delivered electronically); and a Kindle copy of While You’re Awake (can be gifted to a friend, if desired!). Open to US residents only due to shipping costs.
a Rafflecopter giveaway