Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy

Left Hanging by Cindy Dorminy
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received eBook from Red Adept publishing to review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  As a nurse and single mom, Darla Battle hides her loneliness behind a smile. But when she discovers that the new cute doctor everyone is talking about is her daughter’s father, she knows she needs to keep her distance from the man who abandoned her and their child, Stella.

When Theo Edwards returns to Nashville to finish his medical training, he never expects to run into Darla, a girl he spent one night with seven years ago. For reasons he can’t fathom, her attitude toward him is frosty, but he still hopes to ignite the spark they once felt.

Once Darla realizes Theo doesn’t know he’s Stella’s father, she has no idea how to tell him the truth. And the longer she waits, the more difficult it becomes. When the situation spins out of control, can the two come together for the sake of their daughter? Or is forgiveness out of reach? 


My thoughts: This was a book that was full of emotions. It is a romance that tackles some very real"ish" points of life. Darla is a single mother who has an amazing daughter. She has worked hard to give her daughter every opportunity and all the love she can give. The one thing she hasn't been able to give her is her father.

That is the part where it becomes complicated. What should have been the start of a beautiful relationship turns into a one night stand when there an emergency that pulls the two apart. It really was a tragic part of the story, if the two had shared their real names from the beginning they would have been a family seven years earlier.

Theo's ex-girlfriend is a huge cause for drama. Some people just can't/won't let go. How Theo handles the situation isn't a huge point for him, but I could see his justification and frustration. You just have to read it to find out how it goes, because, well, i'ts complicated.

There are moments that are so sweet and lovely that I wanted for it to be roses and chocolate moments for them. But the two lack communication skills. Really, I just wanted to throw something at them, because they were messing everything up. Honesty is always good in relationships.d

I loved the medical situations in the book.  I found them fascinating.  Theo is a pediatrician, who happens to be diabetic.  Darla is a nurse.  There is also several other medical emergencies described.  It was great and believable.

The book has fade to black moments. The kissing is pretty intense and you know of what happened between the two of them, more as a memory of their past. It has some language. I would recommend this book to older (not young teens) romance readers.

Online Purhase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Sense and Second Chances by Brittany Larsen + Tour Giveaway

Sense and Second Chances by Brittany Larsen
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre: Modern Day LDS retelling of classic.

Book Description:  Emily Carter is on the fast track to success when the unthinkable happens: a tragic accident claims the lives of her parents. Now Emily must set aside her dreams and raise her two younger siblings, Annie and Bryce. Emily and Annie are sisters, but that doesn’t mean they are anything alike. Whereas Emily reacts to the tragedy with her characteristic stoic calm, passionate Annie spirals into depression. Just when things seem like they can’t get any more difficult, Emily’s older half-brother and his fiancée arrive not to help, but to claim the family home he’s inherited from their parents. Without a place to call their own, Emily must take action—and fast.

When an exciting employment opportunity arises in Utah, the displaced Carters decide to build a new life in a new home. But it soon becomes clear that their future prospects will go far beyond professional, as each sister is faced with an unexpected romance. Yet love is never simple, and in matters of the heart, one sister must proceed with caution while the other needs to take a leap of faith . . .

My thoughts: Modern retelling of classic books have become one of my favorite genres. In this case, the book is a spin from Sense and Sensibility.

I couldn't help but love the cast of characters. Emily Carter is the sensible older sister left to take care of a younger brother and sister after the the tragic death of her parents. She put her goals and career on hold to fill the needs of her family. Annie is the younger sister with a floundering acting career suffering from severe depression, and there is an adorable younger brother.

The unexpected happened when an older half-brother decided to get married and take over his family home. They are uprooted and forced to find a new place to live. Fortunately, their father left them a ranch that needs a lot of work. It was fun to see the family step out of their comfort zone and lean and grow together.

The romance is sweet, but it does follow the original with the younger sister making some unwise choices and falling for the wrong guy. I loved that it followed the general plot of the original, but had it's own character.

A part that I particularly loved was the distinction between Judaism and Mormonism. This book has deep religious themes. It is written from an LDS (Mormon) perspective.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Author: (Taken from Amazon)  Brittany Larsen may be an Idaho girl living in California, but at heart she is English. She loves all things Jane Austen and counts the time she and her husband viewed the couch where Emily Bronte died as one of their most romantic moments ever. Sadly, he has no recollection of it. When not reading nineteenth century English literature or writing her own romances, Brittany loves spending time with her three incredible daughters, Emma, Tess, and Jane, and her amazingly supportive husband, Shawn.

Enter the Tour Giveaway!
(Prize and winner notification will be coming from Covenant Communications.

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Visit the Tour Stops:

*May 8th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*May 9th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

*May 10th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*May 11th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

* May 12th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

Possiblities: Partnering with God to Become Your Best Self by Kiersten Lortz + tour giveaway!

Possibilities by Kiersten Lortz
Rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from Publisher to Review
Genre: Self Help/ Inspirational


Book Description:  Do you feel stuck? Do you wish for a more joyful life than the one you’re leading? If the routine and pressures of life have you running on autopilot, it may be time to reevaluate your current course and remember that change begins within yourself—and it takes work! With refreshing insights, author Kiersten Lortz encourages you to stop waiting for things to get better and to expect the best out of life—not for yourself, but of yourself. Through inspired gospel teachings and personal experiences shared by women who have also felt stuck, you will be empowered to make the changes necessary to claim a more fulfilling and abundant life. Now is the time to transform yourself into a woman of industry and faith. By learning to eliminate negative influences, seek positivity, and create a life of productivity, you can find the strength to take action today.


My thoughts: I have to admit that I have felt "stuck" with my life for a long time.  I make goals and then do not follow through.  I want my life to be better, but I have not taken the steps necessary to make it better.  I don't think that I am alone in this cycle.

Kiersten Lortz felt inspired to write a book about making her life better.  She had been praying about becoming happy.  As usual, her answer wasn't given to her.  Instead she was prompted to search it out and write a book.  I am grateful for her promptings because she has shared her research with all of us, I definitely need the inspiration!

I was struck by her words in the first chapter.  It is under the header of the "List".

     "Get started by writing down your desires.  Divide your paper into four sections, and label them   Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, and Emotional.  Under each section list your desires for that area of your life.  See if you can include at least one to-be and one to-do in each category.  This will  enable you to become your best self by aligning what you are doing with the person you want to  become."

She then goes on to show a sample list and explain the importance of each category.  After this she made a statement that for me was one of those "light bulb" moments.  It brought it together.  The thing is that I know the principle, sometimes it take someone to word it one way, or share their insight that makes it finally sink in to my brain.

     "Once your list is compiled, you are ready for the final step --- making it happen.  This is the place  where most of us stay stuck, which is why the rest of this book is dedicated to taking action.  Why  do so many of us hesitate to move forward or allow defeat to come so easily?  The reasons are  endless--- guilt, laziness, low self-esteem, obligations, and on and on.  Guilt, in particular, is   always telling us we should be taking care of everyone else and leaving ourselves in the dust,  there to wallow until all the children are grown, the house and cars are paid off, and our husband's  career is winding down.  Only then, we say, it is 'our turn,'"

She also talks about the adversary putting up road blocks.  He doesn't want us to be happy.  He wants us to be miserable.  This is a book that I needed at this time in my life.

The book is written with LDS terms, but the message is universal.  I believe that it can be enjoyed by anyone.  The terms are defined, in case it may be confusing.

Online purchase links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book 

To see Kiersten's story, visit her WEBPAGE.

Enter the Tour Giveaway!

(Prize and notification coming from Covenant Communications)

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Visit the Tour Stops!

*May 1st: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*May 2nd:http://www.wishfulendings.com 

*May 3rd: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

*May 4th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*May 5th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/   

Blog Hop for "Spring Wedding Collection" (With a giveaway)

Genre: Christian, Contemporary, Romance Publisher: Celebrate Lit Publishing Publication date: May 3, 2017 Number of pages: 156 A Proxy Wedding Carly James values loyalty and friendship above all, so when her best friend calls asking her to be a proxy bride, she says, ‘yes.’ How hard can it be to say ‘I do’ so that her best friend can be with the one she loves? Only, Carly never counted on the feelings that began to swirl around with the proxy groom. Damien Nichols likes life lined up from A to Z, but when his best friend calls in a favor, disorder begins to reign. Instead of taking a quick flight to the proxy wedding, he must take a road trip with the proxy bride. Carly’s free-spirit attitude bumps heads with his meticulous approach to life. As Damien discovers the woman underneath the carefree façade, his emotions become involved. Will love become real at A Proxy Wedding?

​Hope Beyond Savannah
Lily Allman and Nikotemo (Nik) Lagatuo were the poster children for the term “opposites attract.” He was an evangelist and CEO for a non-profit from Samoa who grew up in a large loving family.  She was a blond bombshell with a funky style and no family to call her own. Two of the most unlikely people meet in the most unlikely of places, but God had a plan when He brought them together. They never let their differences deter them from the love they had for each other, but when Nik’s mother comes to the States for the wedding, the idea of wedded bliss is shaken.  Can prejudices be over looked, insecurities overcome, and hope for a better future be restored so that these two can have all that was promised?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

“You want me to do what?”

Carly James couldn’t believe her ears. She stared at her cellphone to ensure it wasn’t a prank call. One glance around her apartment told her Ashton Kutcher wouldn’t be jumping out to inform her she’d been pranked. Plus, the military phone number on the caller ID assured her it was her best friend, Brenda, calling.
“I want you to stand in for me at my wedding. You’ll be my proxy bride.”
“I’ve never even heard of such a thing.”
“It’s real simple. You say the vows as me and voilà, I’m married.”
Carly plopped down onto her oversized living room chair. Her head felt like she just jumped off a swing. “Why can’t you wait and plan a wedding like normal brides, Bren?”
“Because we both have orders that will only widen our separation. I’m headed to Alaska once this deployment’s done and Adam has orders to Japan.”
She bit her lip. That was a pretty far gap. Brenda had met Adam on a work trip to Las Vegas six months ago. Despite the fact they were only around each other for one month, it was enough for the two to bond and start a relationship. Now, they wanted to marry. She shook her head at the fastness of it all.
“So if I stand in for you,” she started cautiously. “The marriage will be legal and you can get your orders changed?”
“Exactly.”
Seems harmless enough. “Then only the bride has to have a proxy?”
Silence spanned the airwaves.
“Bren, are you still there?”
“Yes, I am. I, uh…the answer is no.”
“No?” Incredulity filled her voice. “What does that mean?”
“It means Adam should be having this same conversation with his best friend. We want both of you to stand in for us.”
Carly groaned. This had trouble written all over it.
“And I might as well tell you, it needs to happen in Montana.”
“What? Are you insane?”
“Carls,” Brenda whined, using her nickname. “Montana is the only state that does a double proxy wedding. We could have hired a service to take care of all the necessary paperwork, but that just seems so impersonal. We want it to be special even if we won’t be together when it happens.”
She squeezed her eyes shut. This was not happening. Had she rolled out of bed only to land in some alternate universe?

Toni Shiloh

Toni Shiloh is a wife, mom, and Christian fiction writer. Once she understood the powerful saving grace thanks to the love of Christ, she was moved to honor her Savior. She writes to bring Him glory and to learn more about His goodness.
She spends her days hanging out with her husband and their two boys. She is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the president of the Virginia Chapter.
You can find her on her website at http://tonishiloh.weebly.com/

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | GOOGLE+ | BOOK BUB
​ LINKEDIN | WEBSITE | Blogs: PUTTING ON THE NEW | HEARTWINGS

Melissa Wardwell

Melissa is married to her high school sweetheart and is a stay at home mom who homeschools their 3 children. When she isn't teaching or writing, you will find her on the back of a motorcycle or curled up on the couch, reading. Writing had never been in the plans for her life but now she can not imagine doing anything else. Her prayer is that each story blesses the reader in some way- whether it ministers to them or just gives them a break for the  chaotic moments in life . 

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

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May 1--Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette's Papers
May 2--Zerina Blossom's Books | Faithfully Bookish
May 3--cherylbbookblog | Christian Bookaholic
May 4--Bookworm Lisa | Wishful Endings | Mel's Shelves
May 5--Singing Librarian Books | Katie's Clean Book Collection
May 6--Reading Is My SuperPower | Just Commonly

Simplify Supper cookbook by Krista Numbers (Blog Tour + Giveaway)

From her grandfather Salvatore Granato's roots in Southern Italy to the legacy of her family's beloved Italian deli in the heart of Salt Lake City, Krista Numbers has a deep-seated love for good food. In Simplify Supper, this busy wife and mother proves that simple can be satisfying as she dishes up dozens of delectable dinners. From some of her family's best-loved Italian meals to fast feasts with an international flair, discover quick comfort foods you'll want at the heart of your dinner table, such as:

•Angel Hair Pasta with Basil Cream Sauce

•Smoked Turkey Panini with Pears and Blue Cheese

•Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas

• Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Rice

In addition to her collection of simple and satisfying meals, Krista shares personal anecdotes, sanity-saving kitchen tips, and suggestions for making family dinner a time for good food and good conversation. No matter the occasion, there is a recipe here to help you get a delicious supper on the table, pronto.

My thoughts:   I love the simplicity of the recipes found in this cookbook.  I tried a few and looked at every recipe to see what I thought about the ease of preparing the meals.  I was delighted to find that the ingredients are easily found at the grocery store.  There wasn't anything hard to find or that you would have to visit a specialty store to get.  For a busy mom, that is essential.  I want to feed my family a tasty meal that doesn't take a lot of prep time.

I also noticed that there were several recipes that are pasta dishes and a variety of Mexican recipes.  I happen to love both, so for me that is a bonus.  Often you buy either an Italian cookbook or a Soutwestern/Mexican cookbook.    

This is  a great cookbook for the busy person who wants to make a good homemade meal.

online purchase links:

Amazon * Deseret Book

Enter the Giveaway!

Want to win a copy of this book for yourself?  Use the rafflecopter below.  (Prize and notification coming from another source,)

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Book Blog Tour ~ "Unseen Road to Love" by Chelsea Curran

Unseen Road to Love by Chelsea Curran
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received ebook from publisher to review.
Genre: LDS Contemporary Romance

Book Description:  From the outside, Logan Atwood’s life looks perfect: a successful career, a lavish lifestyle. But after a brutal car accident leaves him in a coma, Logan suddenly finds himself five years in the past. Only then does he realize that his perfect world may have cost him the woman of his dreams and the faith he once loved. Is it too late for Logan’s second chance?



My thoughts: Rarely is a person given a glimpse to how their life might have gone if they made a different decision. Logan received that chance when he was in a coma after a car accident. He was shown what his life could have been if he wouldn't have accepted a job offer that he was uneasy about. He was shown a life of happiness and fulfillment, something he was lacking with his current lifestyle.

I wondered if he would be given a choice to take option 1 or 2, instead he was left to deal with the consequences of his decisions and make a better life for himself. I really liked how the book was presented. It was written from alternating view points. The writing could have been a bit more polished, but for an author debut, it was a great book. I would love to see what Chelsea Curran has in store in the future.

This book is clean with kissing. It makes reference to past sexual relationships. The characters are members of the LDS Religion (Mormon). The message is universal in repentance and forgiveness.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Books & Things

About the Author: Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona, and has an associates degree in general education from Dixie State University. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever

Visit her WEBPAGE.

Visit the Tour Stops:

• April 24: Type Writer Society
• April 28: Blooming with Books
• April 29: Mel’s Shelves
• May 1: Jorie Loves a Story
• May 2: Bookworm Lisa || Emmy Mom
• May 3: Swoon Reads || Wishful Endings
• May 4: Compass Book Ratings || Singing Librarian Books || Inklings and Notions

.

The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S Kilpack

The Vicar's Daughter by Josi S. Kilpack
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review.
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  Cassie, the youngest of six daughters in the Wilton family, is bold, bright, and ready to enter society. There's only one problem: her older sister Lenora, whose extreme shyness prevents her from attending many social events. Lenora is now entering her third season, and since their father has decreed that only one Wilton girl can be out at a time, Cassie has no choice except to wait her turn.

Evan Glenside, a soft-spoken, East London clerk, has just been named his great-uncle's heir and, though he is eager to learn all that will be required of him, he struggles to feel accepted in a new town and in his new position.

A chance meeting between Evan and Lenora promises to change everything, but when Lenora proves too shy to pursue the relationship, Cassie begins to write Mr. Glenside letters in the name of her sister. Her good intentions lead to disaster when Cassie realizes she is falling in love with Evan. But then Evan begins to court Lenora, thinking she is the author of the letters.

As secrets are revealed, the hearts of Cassie, Evan, and Lenora are tested. Will the final letter sent by the vicar's daughter be able to reunite the sisters as well as unite Evan with his true love?

My thoughts; There are times when you finish a book and sigh in contentment. This is one of those books for me. The story is wonderful and the characters are people that I would like to know.

The book is about a vicar's daughter (Cassie) who is desperate for her sister to marry, so she can be courted and find a husband of her own. She takes drastic measures that backfire when she falls in love the the man she intends for her sister.

That is the basic premise of the story, but it has more. Cassie is a lovely character, her selfishness has repercussions she did not think about. She spends a lot of time reflecting on her character flaws and trying to make restitution. I loved how she saw the needs of the people around her and did her best to help them. She had fantastic growth that really made the story inspirational.

As usual, Josi Kilpack has written another wonderful book. I know that when she writes, I read.

The book has some kissing and Christian themes.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

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 Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

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

Visit her WEBPAGE.

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley-Shepard Gray

An Uncommon Protector by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley/For Review
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction/Romance

Book Description:  Overwhelmed by the responsibilities of running a ranch on her own, Laurel Tracey decides to hire a convict—a man who’s just scary enough to take care of squatters and just desperate enough to agree to a one year post.


The years following the war have been hard on Laurel Tracey. Both her brother and her father died in battle, and her mother passed away shortly after receiving word of their demise. Laurel has been trying to run her two hundred acre ranch as best she can.


When she discovers that squatters have settled in her north pasture and have no intention of leaving, Laurel decides to use the last of her money to free a prisoner from the local jail. If she agrees to offer him room and board for one year, he will have to work for her to pay off his debt.


Former soldier Thomas Baker knows he’s in trouble when he finds himself jailed because he couldn’t pay a few fines. Laurel’s offer might be his only ticket out. Though she’s everything he ever dreamed of in a woman—sweet and tender-hearted, yet strong—he’s determined to remain detached, work hard on her behalf, and count the days until he’s free again.


But when cattle start dying and the squatters damage a barn, Thomas realizes more than just his freedom is on the line. Laurel needs someone to believe in her and protect her property. And it isn’t long before Laurel realizes that Thomas Baker is far more than just a former soldier. He’s a trustworthy hero who’s survived a terrible past. He needs more than just his freedom, he needs her love and care too. 


My thoughts: This book is a second in a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first, and completely enjoyed and understood this one. Now that I know some of the backstory and characters, I really want to read the first book.

This book takes place in Texas after the Civil War. Many women are widows and fatherless, Laurel falls into this category. She is trying to keep her family ranch up and running while finding a lot of opposition. Her step-siblings are leeches and want her to sell so they can have fund, there are other ranchers trying to get hold of the property. She is a strong and determined young lady who sees an opportunity to hire and ex-convict to help her run off the unsavory characters around her.

Fortunately for her, the ex-convict is a man of integrity. He hasn't lived a perfect life and has emotional as well as physical scars. From the moment they meet, there is a spark that neither is willing to act upon. Both care more about the other than they do themselves.

This book has some violence, and kissing.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barned & Noble * Book Depository