Thursday, December 28, 2017

Finding Verity by Jenny Loudon

Finding Verity by Jenny LoudonFinding Verity by Jenny Loudon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from author to review.
Genre: Contemporary Chick-Lit

Book Description:  Verity Westwood, successful businesswoman, living in London, mother of two grown daughters, dreams of a more exciting life. Her husband is handsome but selfish, her career leaves her cold, and her Fulham home is comfortable but has no heart, now that her daughters have left.


Edward Farrell, a nomadic American journalist from her past, returns unexpectedly, and she is swept by the irresistible desire to fulfil her dreams of working as an artist, like her famous father before her. After being caught in a storm on the Cote d’Azur, she vows to change her life.


What she does not foresee is the struggle involved, the ultimate price she will pay, and the powerful force of enduring love that changes everything. 



My thoughts:  "Finding Verity" is a bitter-sweet read. The book is told in the third person and it deals with Verity figuring out her life; where she wants to be and how to get there. There are many obstacles that she overcomes and she does a lot of soul searching.


This book provoked a lot of thought on my part. I contemplated marriage and relationships. It made me think about my relationship with my husband and a feeling of being blessed with a marriage of communication. Verity is about the same age as I am in the book, I empathized with children growing up and moving on. She takes stock of where she is and what she wants to be different. I find myself doing the same. The has realistic situations and things that women around 50 deal with. But, it isn't written exclusively for the aging woman. It is a story that many women of different ages can relate to.

This book contains adult innuendo and the use of the "f" bomb.



Online Purchase Links:


Jenny Loudon
About the Author:  (Taken from Amazon)  Jenny Loudon is a debut novelist who has worked as an editor, researcher and proof-reader. She read English and American Literature at the University of Kent at Canterbury, and gained a Masters in The Modern Movement. She currently lives with her family in the English countryside.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017

The Nobleman's Daughter by Jen Geigle Johnson

The Nobleman's DaughterThe Nobleman's Daughter by Jen Geigle Johnson
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre:  Regency



Book Description:  While British high society primps and plays, the impoverished citizens of London languish. But there are those fighting for the freedom of common citizens—including two members of the aristocracy who secretly champion revolution. In the drawing rooms of the upper class, Lady Amanda and Lord Nathaniel flirt and tease with the best of them as she pretends to win every heart in London for sport, and he, to conquer them. But in truth, their flirtation is merely a facade designed to keep their clandestine actions hidden from the ton—and from each other. When Nathaniel presents himself as a potential suitor, the attraction between the two is undeniable—but the faces they portray to the world are not enough to win each other's hearts.

While their crusade for London's poor unites them more deeply than they could imagine, Amanda and Nathaniel struggle to trust one another with their true ideals and identities. But when the call to action leads Amanda into the path of danger, she can only hope that Nathaniel will see through her frivolous pretense. Because now, only the aid of the suitor she loves most—but trusts least—can save her.
 



My thoughts: "The Nobleman's Daughter" is an amazing Regency romance. It was far from what I expected. When I think of the Regency period, of course, I picture the balls, banter, and the ton gathering for the season. I do not picture the impoverished people who were dependent upon the gentry for their living. This book gave me a clearer picture of the time period.

This book has romance, political intrigue, suspense, and a very bad man who makes many people's lives miserable. All of the elements combined gave me a book to read that captivated me, taught me, and made me want to know more.

The characters are well written and developed. I enjoyed my time spent with them.  This is a clean book with kissing and non-graphic violence.



Online Purchase Links:



Jen Geigle Johnson
About the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. 


Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference. 

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com




Monday, December 25, 2017

Wishing you Joy, Love, and Peace this Christmas!

I wish you and those you love a Very Merry Christmas!

Image result for christmas clipart

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs.  Enjoy!

 

Saturday, December 23, 2017

All That Makes Life Bright: The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe by Josi Kilpack

All That Makes Life Bright by Josi S. KilpackAll That Makes Life Bright: The Life and Love of Harriet Beecher Stowe by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Received from Publisher to Review

Book Description:  When Harriet Beecher marries Calvin Stowe on January 6, 1836, she is sure her future will be filled romance, eventually a family, and continued opportunities to develop as a writer. Her husband Calvin is completely supportive and said she must be a literary woman. Harriet's sister, Catharine, worries she will lose her identity in marriage, but she is determined to preserve her independent spirit. Deeply religious, she strongly believes God has called her to fulfill the roles of wife and writer and will help her accomplish everything she was born to do.

Two months after her wedding Harriet discovers she is pregnant just as Calvin prepares to leave for a European business trip. Alone, Harriet is overwhelmed-being a wife has been harder than she thought and being an expectant mother feels like living another woman's life. Knowing that part of Calvin still cherishes the memory of his first wife, Harriet begins to question her place in her husband's heart and yearns for his return; his letters are no substitute for having him home. When Calvin returns, however, nothing seems to have turned out as planned.

Struggling to balance the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing and her desire to be a part of the social change in Ohio, Harriet works to build a life with her beloved Calvin despite differing temperaments and expectations.

Can their love endure, especially after "I do"? Can she recapture the first blush of new love and find the true beauty in her marriage?
 



My thoughts: This is an amazing book. I had a little trouble getting into it, but once I did, I couldn't put it down.

Harriet Beecher Stowe was a woman of talent. She had a free spirit and intellect. She also fell in love in the 1800's, a time where women were not as valued for being independent thinkers.

This book takes a close look at the make up of marriage relationships. Expectations can make or break a marriage. I loved watching the struggles of Harriet and Calvin as they learn how to compromise. I can't imaging being a wife and a mother in the 1800's without our modern conveniences and have time to do everything perfectly. Harriet didn't know how to do it, and amazing brilliant woman wasn't perfect at everything. That gives me hope for myself. :)

This is not your typical romance book. The book begins on the couple's wedding day. It is about finding romance when life becomes mired in the everyday tasks. There is kissing and implied relations between husband and wife.



Online Purchase Links:


Josi S. Kilpack
About the  Author: (Taken from Goodreads)  I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.


I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children.

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Thursday, December 21, 2017

A re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson's "The Little Match Girl" by David Warner

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The Little Match Girl by Han Christian Anderson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher
Genre: Christmas Picture book



Book  Description:  The classic children's story The Little Match Girl, by Hans Christian Andersen, is retold for a Christmas audience as part of the annual Christmas concert series hosted by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

This beautifully illustrated edition shares the story of a young girl who attempts to sell her last bundle of matches on Christmas Eve. As the snow falls and the crowds pass her by, she strikes one of her matches, hoping for a little warmth. In its flame, she sees a vision of a roaring fire in a hot stove. The match goes out, taking the vision with it. A second match conjures a vision of a vast dining room complete with a feast fit for a king. The third match reveals a towering Christmas tree. With only a few matches left, she strikes them all and sees a vision of her beloved grandmother. Only this time, it is more than a vision as the spirit of grandmother takes the little match girl with her into heaven.
 



My thoughts: This book is beautiful. The illustrations are perfect and bring it to life. The story however, is sad, but at the same time full of hope. This is a re-telling of Hans Christian Anderson's classic tale.

The part that I loved the most in this story, that even as the little girl was hungry and cold, she could dream. As she lit her matches she saw scenes that helped her in her time of need. The hope also came from the fact that she was not alone, her grandmother was there watching out for her.

It reminds me that as we go about our daily routine, it is easy to overlook someone who may be in desperate need. This is a great message at this season of giving. Also one that I wish I could remember every day.



Online Purchase Links:


Wednesday, December 20, 2017

Mail-Order Christmas Baby by Sherri Shackelford

Mail-Order Christmas Baby by Sherri ShackelfordMail-Order Christmas Baby by Sherri Shackelford
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Recevied to review from Netgalley
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Book Description The Rancher's Special Delivery 

The "package" is addressed to him, but rancher Sterling Blackwell certainly didn't order a baby! More scandalous still, he and the town's pretty teacher are named as parents. With gossip running wild, only a marriage of convenience can protect little Gracie and their reputations until her real family is found. 

Heather O'Connor is content to be the spinster schoolmarm of Valentine, Montana…until Gracie's arrival stirs her heart. She can't keep the adorable child without Sterling's help, though she promises not to interfere with his life. But staying aloof from her handsome husband isn't easy with a tiny matchmaker in tow. A mistake brought them together, but love might just make them a family by Christmas…



My thoughts: The premise of this book appealed to me, a baby sent in the mail, by train, no return address. Hmm... where can the author take this I wondered?

What she did was create a delightful book. I was left wondering why someone would send a precious baby girl to an unmarried couple, listing them as the parents? Strange. It was beyond the realm of comprehension, but given the time period, had a bit of realism.

Sterling and Heather were a fun couple. They had interest in each other without anyone else knowing about it. They are unexpectedly thrown together in a scandal and have a quick wedding. Through it all, they showed grace and fortitude. The baby, Grace, was absolutely adorable.

The book has an element of intrigue that takes a while to be revealed. I didn't realize the full scale of the deception until the end. Sherri Shackelford does a great job at keeping part of her plot a secret and surprising the reader.

If you are looking for a cute, quick book to read. This would be a great one to pick up. It is a clean romance with some kissing and Christian themes.



Online Purchase Links:


Sunday, December 17, 2017

His Frontier Christmas Family by Regina Scot

His Frontier Christmas Family (Frontier Bachelors #7)His Frontier Christmas Family by Regina Scott
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley for review purposes
Genre: Historical Christian Romance

Book  Description A Family Made at Christmas

After taking guardianship of his late friend’s siblings and baby daughter, minister Levi Wallin hopes to atone for his troubled past on the gold fields. But it won’t be easy to convince the children’s wary elder sister to trust him. The more he learns about her, though, the more he believes Callie Murphy’s prickly manner masks a vulnerable heart…one he’s starting to wish he was worthy of.

Every man in Callie’s life chose chasing gold over responsibilities. Levi—and the large, loving Wallin family—might just be different. But she can tell he’s hiding something from her, and she refuses to risk her heart with secrets between them. Even as they grow closer, will their pasts keep them from claiming this unexpected new beginning?
 



My thoughts; This book takes a good look at the gold-rush era and the lives of the people and their families. I loved learning of the hardships they faced, also how the zeal for gold overtook many people sensibilities.

This book is part of a series that can be read as a stand-alone. It looks at the life and romance of Levi and Callie. Two people who were worlds apart in their upbringing thrown together by tragedy.

Callie is a young woman who has labored to hold her brothers and niece together while her brother is trying to bring home riches through panning gold. She is strong, determined, and smart. A preacher, Levi, brings word that her brother has passed and they are to become wards of said preacher. Her life is uprooted and changed, something that is hard for a strong independent young woman.

I found this book to be about trust, forgiveness, and adaptation. It is a clean book with Christian themes. There is also an adorable baby and precocious twins.





Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository


Regina ScottAbout the Author:  Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn't actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998).

Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency novellas ("The June Bride Conspiracy" in His Blushing Bride, "Sweeter Than Candy" in A Match for Mother, and "A Place by the Fire" in Mistletoe Kittens). Two of her novels, A Dangerous Dalliance and The Twelve Days of Christmas, have been translated into German. A Dangerous Dalliance and The Incomparable Miss Compton have been translated into Italian. Starstruck and Perfection have been translated into Dutch.

Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two sons. They reside in the Tri-Cities of southeast Washington State and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. Born in 1959 and raised in the Seattle area, Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally--both her parents are excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for "Sweeter Than Candy," the novella which was written as a tribute to her. 

Regina Scott is a devout Christian and a decent fencer; owns a historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection that currently takes up over a third of her large closet; and has been known to impersonate an independent consultant specializing in risk communication. 

Saturday, December 16, 2017

12 Days of Clean Romance ~ Featuring Author Cami Checketts (+ giveaway)

   


How to Kiss a Billionaire by Cami Checketts Sassy meets swoon-worthy in this fast-paced contemporary romance. Miriam Salisbury escapes to Oregon to avoid a boyfriend who won't take no for an answer, killing her beloved cat to prove it. When her father sends Clay Browning to protect her, she's certain he's lost his mind. As far as she's concerned Clay's experience is limited to posing for the camera, charming women, and making fun of her. He's been teasing her since they were children and she's never gotten over the way he threw crawdads at her at church picnics. Clay retired from the military and entered the world of private security. When he gets the call to protect Miriam he's excited to be around his lifelong crush. As expected, he teases her nonstop and the only thing he takes seriously is her security. He knows she'd never give him a chance and he can't help but give her a hard time. After Miriam is dumped in the freezing ocean on a crabbing expedition and Clay saves her from drowning and freezing to death, she takes a second look at her hired gun. But opening up to him is more terrifying than facing her stalker. As events escalate to a frenzied climax, Miriam and Clay must put aside past grudges in the hope of finding a lasting love for their future.


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Praise for series: "Cami Checketts is an expert at sending a flurry of butterflies straight to the heart! If you love the beach, a dash of suspense, and some toe-curling, swoony romance, then the Billionaire Beach Romance series is definitely for you.” Katie Watkins, Book Reviewer, Katie’s Clean Book Collection

 "I LOVE these sweet romances! I love that each of them is a mini escape. You almost feel as though you've traveled to a warm destination even though it's cold and snowy where you live. I love that I can pass them to either my daughter or my grandma and never have any concern about the content. And the characters in these are amazing! I love them all!” Cathy Jeppsen, Book Reviewer, My Book a Day

 


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Miriam closed her eyes as Clay’s arms came around her and held her tight.

 “Whoa, darling, if I would’ve known I’d get this reception, I would’ve broken into your house years ago.”

 Miriam pushed away from him, stumbling from the realization that he hadn’t changed. Clay was a vicious flirt and never took anything seriously. She shoved at his chest, but he didn’t budge. He was real and he was here, and unfortunately for her unsteady nerves, it didn’t look like he was going away. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

 “Your daddy hired me.” 

“My daddy … hired you?” She glared at him. “For what? A pinup model?”

 He smiled and tilted his head to the side. “I know I look good, but I actually have a few skills in protection too.”

 “You do not. All you’ve ever been good at is spending your billions of dollars and getting women to simper at your feet.” She knew he’d been in the military for four years after high school, but after that, he appeared to be the ultimate player. At least, it looked that way in the online photos she’d seen, when she’d googled him. Okay, it was pathetic that she’d googled him, but he was Clay Browning, a.k.a. Miriam’s dream man.

 He spread his arms, and she couldn’t help but notice the definition from his forearms and biceps up through his shoulders and chest. Maybe he should find a shirt that wasn’t so … form-fitting. “Hey, I’ve got lots of talents. What can I say?”

 Miriam pushed out a huffy breath. “You are not here. This is all some kind of crazy fantasy.”

 “I know I’m the stuff fantasies are made of, but I really am here.” He sauntered a step closer, and that spicy cologne made her stomach heat up. “You want to enact some of those fantasies you’ve been having about me?”

 She put a hand on his chest to keep him from coming any closer. Those muscles were real. Yikes. She dropped her hand and stepped back. “For one second, just for one, be serious. Why are you here, and how did you get in my house?”

 Clay rolled his eyes and folded his arms across his chest. Sheesh. What did he do with biceps that defined? Wrestle bulls?

 Focus, Miriam!

 “Your daddy called me, said Greg was threatening and stalking you and I had to find you. So I found you, and now I’m here to watch over you.”

 Watch over you? She would not survive with this man in the same town, let alone the same house. Her throat was dry and all those daydreams she used to have about him rotated through her mind.

 “How did you get in?” she demanded.

 “I told you: I have skills.” He smiled and finally admitted, “I was special ops in the Army and I’ve worked in private security since then.”

 “You’re being serious now? This isn’t some bull crap line that Clay Browning is giving me?”

 He smirked. “You can believe whatever you want, sweetheart.” He took a step closer, and her legs betrayed her by not backing up. “But do believe that I’m here and you I and are going to get real cozy.”

 Miriam looked over his gorgeous face. She clenched her trembling hands together and swallowed hard. “I’m not one of your flavors of the week, Clay.”

 He leaned in and sniffed her. “Ah. Yeah, I think you are. Vanilla with a hint of chocolate. My favorite flavor this week.”  


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Author Cami Checketts Cami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction. Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. She and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn't snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.  




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Also by Cami Checketts

Don't miss the rest of the Billionaire Beach Romances: Shadows in the Curtain Caribbean Rescue Cozumel Escape Cancun Getaway Trusting the Billionaire Onboard for Love




 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/31/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 15, 2017

12 Days of Clean Romance ~ Author Lucy McConnell





  Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux by Lucy McConnell Christmas Magic is changing and the Kringle Family scrambles to keep up in this fun and entertaining, sweet Christmas romance from Author Lucy McConnell. A normal electrical substation takes two years to build; but, Lux has 365 days to install one at the North Pole or Christmas Magic will overload the factory and send them back to the Dark Ages. The one man on the planet with the know-how, the education, and the time to help Lux finish the substation before her Noel deadline, is also the one man who sends sparks through her heart and surges through the power system. If Lux kisses Matthew Quik—again!—she could blow up Santa’s workshop before she has a chance to save it. If she doesn't kiss him, she may lose him forever.

  

    
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  Praise for the book: "For getting me in the mood for Christmas, and the romantic aspect of this holiday even before Thanksgiving, I’m happy to give Ms. McConnell the 5 STARS I’ve given her book." "Marrying Miss Kringle: Lux is a funny, tender, magical adventure into the sparkles of Christmas Magic and the sparks of human love."

  


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 Lux’s cheeks dusted pink. With her red hair and fair skin, she should have flushed bright red, but only this sprinkling of pink appeared, like she’d been dusted with pink powdered sugar. Why did this woman bring to mind sweet things like powdered sugar and chocolate and kisses at sunset? He gave his head a mighty shake. “You fell in the water.” “I know.” At least, he thought he knew. Everything had happened so fast. He’d fallen asleep and woken up when the ice cracked. He plopped his feet to the floor only to have them land in several inches of water. His stove had tipped over and the hot metal had melted clear through the ice. There must have been a crack in the ice nearby. “We pulled you out.” “We?” Quik adjusted the blankets over his arms. He could only imagine Lux and Ginger and Frost tearing his clothes off. Lux made to adjust her glasses, but they weren’t there. She looked around like they’d fallen off and she didn’t know how. So he wasn’t the only one thrown off by all this. Quik’s eyes traveled lower to find her bare shoulders and her skintight tank top. He jerked his eyes back up to her face, hoping she hadn’t caught his wandering eye. “Me and Dunder.” She chewed her lip. “My reindeer.” “Of course.” The situation was going up in weirdness. Having used up all his ability to care about propriety, Quik leaned back against the seat. He was in the bottom of a fancy velvet-lined sled. Yep. Weird. His eyes dropped shut. “You cut my pants?” he asked. “I’ll get you new ones,” offered Lux. “Did you cut my shirt too?” “No!” She was offended. That was kind of cute. “Too bad. I needed a new shirt.” He half smiled.  


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Author Lucy McConnell Award-winning author, Lucy McConnell, loves Christmas, romance, chocolate and Elvis. She started out as an editor at an advertising agency before moving on to teach in the marketing department of the local community college. She loved teaching and often misses the academic environment. Lucy retired from teaching and began to write articles and sweet romance novels. She has been published in national magazines, newspapers, short story compilations, and she writes cookbooks under the name Christina Dymock. If she's not at the computer, you can find her trying to keep up with her husband and four kids on the ski slopes, in a boat, in the kitchen, or on a horse.


 
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Also by Lucy McConnell



 
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Giveaway Details

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway
Ends 12/30/17
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway