Saturday, June 30, 2018

"Justice Betrayed"




Image result for justice betrayed patricia bradley"Justice Betrayed" is another great romantic suspense book from Patricia Bradley, another one in her Memphis Cold Case series.
 Rachel Sloan finds herself dreading Elvis Week even more when Elvis impersonator Vic Vegas arrives at her office to specifically see her.  Rachel finds herself being drawn into the midst of a case to solve; however this is not like any other as it involves two murders, two murders that took place 17 years apart.  Very quickly, this turns into three murders to be solved and Rachel is suddenly wondering if she will be the target next 
Rachel has dealt with much heartache and she has barricaded herself from God and does not have the peace of knowing and loving Him and relying on Him. Rachel is in over her head but really doesn't have anyone to help her as she has a history with Boone and yet he may be the best one to help her, besides God that is. 
This story completely grabbed my attention from the prologue and held it all the way to the end.  It is a nice mix of romance and suspense and the style of writing is very easy to read and follow. 
This is another great read from Patricia and I highly recommend it!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Wednesday, June 27, 2018

"More Than Meets the Eye"


Image result for more than meets the eye karen witemeyer






Karen Witemeyer has become one of my must-read authors, there is not one of her books that I have not liked.  However, her latest, "More Than Meets the Eye," is one of my top favorites of her books!  The cover art is just amazing as well, look that detail!



Evangeline, Zach and Seth created their own family after being carted around as orphans and put on display for prospective families only to be turned away from and after a tragedy struck for them once again.  These 3 have done well for themselves over the years; however now they are being threatened.  Evangeline has always been rejected by those who come into contact with her or ridiculed or people believe she is cursed and honestly she has had a tough life and one would think she would be bitter and miserable.  Logan Fowler quickly realizes that Evangeline is anything but that.  Logan has arrived in town hoping to avenge his father's death and he is trying to find Zach whom he believes is responsible for his father's death.  When Logan actually meets the Hamilton family he is confused and intrigued.

This is such a well-written story filled with so many poignant moments and lines throughout it.  There is also humor sprinkled throughout as well as moments that will tug at your heart.  The characters are ones that are easy for the reader to connect with and relate to and I found myself immediately feeling sorry for them, but also admiring their strength and determination.  I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it for those whom enjoy historical romance fiction!

*Thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

"The Love Letter"


Book Description from the publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Wedding Dress comes a story of long-lost love and its redemption in future generations.
Romance has never been actress Chloe Daschle’s forte—in life or on screen. But everyone knows who to call for a convincing death scene . . . and it might be killing her career.
When Chloe is given a peek at the script for an epic love story, she decides to take her destiny into her own hands and request an audition for the lead female role, Esther Kingsley. The compelling tale, inspired by family lore and a one-page letter from the colonial ancestor of scriptwriter Jesse Gates, just might break her out of this career-crippling rut. Jesse would rather write about romance than live through it after his past relationship ended in disaster. But once on-set together, the chemistry between Jesse and his leading lady is hard to deny.
Centuries earlier, in the heart of the Revolutionary War, Hamilton Lightfoot and Esther Longfellow wrote their saga off the silver screen. Esther’s Loyalist father opposes any relationship with Hamilton, but Esther must face her beloved father’s disapproval and the dangers of war in order to convince Hamilton of their future together. Hamilton has loved Esther for years, and on the eve of battle pens the love letter she’s always wanted—something straight from the heart.
Set in stunning upcountry South Carolina, The Love Letter is a beautifully-crafted story of the courage it takes to face down fear and chase after love, even in the darkest of times. And just maybe, all these generations later, love can come home in a way not even Hollywood could imagine.

My Review:
I have been waiting to read "The Love Letter" ever since I first saw that this was Rachel Hauck's new release! First of all, this book has such a beautiful cover, I loved it!  I also loved the storyline, so sweet and romantic.  Chloe is an actress and her career has been in the same rut it seems and her career as an actress may not be much longer.  She takes a risk to hopefully help her career when she sees a new script come across.  However, it turns into more than she imagined. 
I loved the chemistry between Chloe and Jesse and seeing this relationship develop between them.  Chloe and Jesse are both working through things in their lives career wise and in their personal lives and I love how this is addressed and handled along this storyline.  Rachel's books are always so inspiring, sweet, and characters you cannot help but love!  I highly recommend this new release from Rachel!

*Thanks to the BookLook Bloggers Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*
 

A guide for girls!

Image result for the girls guide to conquering lifeI have to say I wish I had gotten this book years ago as it is filled with so much useful information!  This book is divided into 10 sections, each section focusing on a specific topic which then is broken down into more specific things.  For example, the second chapter is social skills & manners.  Included in this section is how to shake hands, how to set a table, how to leave a tip, how to make a bed, how to wrap a gift, among other things as well.  Each skill has a materials needed list, time requirement/commitment listed, steps if applicable and instructions as to how to complete the task.  The layout is wonderful, very easy to follow and easy to find a specific skill that you may have questions about or a refresher as to the "proper" acceptable way to handle a specific situation.  I highly recommend this book and would suggest it for moms to have on hand for helping to teach their daughters various things and to have as a resource for girls to look into on their own.  Also, it is wonderful for those whom may not live with their mother or have a mother figure in the home as it would be uncomfortable asking a father questions, for example, in regards to shaving legs, and proper hygiene.  "The Girls' Guide to Conquering Life" will definitely help girls to do just that and feel confident in their actions!

*Thanks to the Revell Reads Blogger Program for the complimentary copy of this book.*

Tuesday, June 5, 2018

"A Cowboy of Convience" on tour!


On Tour with Prism Book Tours


A Cowboy of Convenience
(Sheridan Sweethearts #2)
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
June 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Groom by Agreement

A real home--it's what Vienna Howe dearly wants for her young daughter. Yet the ramshackle property she just inherited hardly qualifies. She can't afford the repairs--until foreman West McCall suggests they start a dude ranch together. For propriety's sake, they'll need a marriage in name only...a practical solution for two wary hearts.

Years ago, West convinced Vienna to marry a man of means, never realizing how cruel her husband could be. Guilt-ridden, he intends to secure the lovely widow's future. But despite his reluctance to get close to anyone, this union might do more than fix Vienna's ranch. It could open the door to a warm, loving future...


Other Books in the Series

The Rancher's Temporary Engagement
(Sheridan Sweethearts #1)
By Stacy Henrie
Inspirational Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 Pages
February 1st 2018 by Love Inspired Historical

Undercover Fiancée

The Pinkerton agent that Edward Kent hired is intelligent, capable—and unexpectedly female! Though shocked to learn that Maggy Worthing will be investigating the threats to his Wyoming horse ranch, Edward needs to find the culprit. And if that means a temporary engagement to give Maggy a cover story, he’ll play along with the feisty detective.

Maggy always gets her man—at least when it comes to solving crimes. The young widow refuses to marry again and land under another husband’s thumb. Unmasking Edward’s enemies will earn her a longed-for promotion…but the heart has its own mysteries. Could working together with the handsome English aristocrat spark a real and loving partnership?


About the Author


USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.


Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $40 Amazon e-gift card (open internationally)
- 1 winner will receive a signed print copy of THE RANCER'S TEMPORARY ENAGEMENT (US only)
- Ends June 13th

Grab Our Button!
 

Excerpt:

“Howdy, Sheriff. What can we do for you?”
“Howdy, McCall.” The sheriff smiled back. “I’m here to speak to Mrs. Howe.”
West glanced at her, his expression and honey-brown eyes as wary as the emotion now churning in Vienna’s stomach. “Everything all right?”
“Not to worry, son,” the sheriff said, turning back to her. “But I’m afraid I need to speak with Mrs. Howe in private.”
Vienna scooped up Hattie and walked past the sheriff. “West, do you mind watching her for a few minutes?”
“Not at all.” The man gave Hattie a gentle smile as he took her from Vienna and set her on her feet again.
The little girl gazed up adoringly at him. “You can help me feed my baby, Mr. West.”
“Now remind me what her name is again,” he asked as he led her in the direction of the corral.
“Hattie! Like me…”
Vienna felt both gratitude and pain watching the pair of them. While she was thankful her daughter had honorable male figures in her life such as Edward Kent, the wranglers and most especially West McCall—Hattie’s favorite by far—she still grieved and worried over her little girl’s lack of a father in her life.
“Come on into the parlor, Sheriff,” she said, waving the lawman inside. Once he stepped into the house and followed her into the room, she motioned for him to take a seat on the sofa.
He declined with a shake of his head. “I won’t be long, but you might wish to sit down, Mrs. Howe.”

My Review:
This latest book from Stacy Henrie "A Cowboy of Convenience," is a sweet story about two people who are lonely, lost in life and needing each other to help reach their needs and goals.  Vienna wants what is best for her young daughter, yet she knows she cannot provide the life and home she desires on her own.  West is the answer to her problems when he arrives on her property suggesting they join forces, meaning get married, and start a ranch together.  Although West and Vienna have a history, this seems to be the best plan for both of them. 
This is such a sweet romance, clean and inspiring, which is the kind I enjoy reading!  Stacy does a great job with writing about the characters and how their interactions and relationship grows and changes as the book progresses.  Vienna and West are both characters whom are easy to connect with and love; I was rooting for them both immediately upon starting this book.  I highly recommend this book and really this series!    

Friday, June 1, 2018

Guest post: What to do with those books you will never read again!

As with any book lover/avid reader, the books just keep on piling up and soon the bookshelves are overflowing and stacks are being made all throughout the house!  This is not a bad problem to have really, but wouldn't we all love to have the space for the books we love and want to keep, instead of having books that we do not want or would never look at or read again taking some valuable space?!  This post can help you will that problem!  Read on for some suggestions to do with the books that you do not want anymore!  Personally I love the street library (little library) idea, my kids love spotting these in various places and we have seen 2 while out and about when we have been out of state visiting family!

Guest Post from Cassie Phillips http://bountye.com/
 
What to do with those books you will never read again

 

Donate them – When most people think about getting rid of any unwanted items that they no longer need, the first place they think of is St Vincent de Paul or the Salvation Army. And while both of these places are great, and do some excellent work for the community, there are plenty of other places that accept second-hand goods and the donations go to some very good causes. Organisations such as the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation, which helps indigenous children gain access to education through literacy, and Books for Lesotho, which takes the donated books over to students in Southern Africa are great examples of other places that are always accepting donations. These organisations, and many others like them are great causes to get behind, and you’ll feel like you’re really making a difference by giving them your unwanted books. Local libraries are also another great place to donate to, and they are often on the lookout for new and different books to add to their collections.

 

Give to a Community Street Library – In most big cities and suburban areas, you may stumble across little wooden houses full of books out the front a local school or community centre. These little houses are known as community or street libraries, and they allow the community to engage with each other through the donating and swapping of books. Most of them have a clear glass window at front and a door that opens and closes to allow people to come and go with ease, as well as being able to protect the books from the weather and any other external forces. As mentioned, you can leave your own books in the library, or you can take a book with you. This is a great way to get rid of your old books that you no longer want and gives others who may not be able to afford new books the opportunity to take them for free. The Street Library website shows you the locations of some of the community libraries in your local area, so you know where to go to donate.  

 

Recycle them – Because books are made from paper, it is easy for them to be broken down and made into new items of a similar fashion and even be printed on again. Most old books are made from high-quality paper, and not made of mixed materials like that of a magazine or a catalogue. According to Planet Ark, a non-for-profit environmental foundation in Australia, paper can be recycled up to 8 times, and it can be repurposed into things like packaging, toilet rolls, and egg cartons, all of which can still be broken down fairly easy over time, and even reused again another time. There are plenty of recycling centres throughout most major cities in Australia that accept donations like books for recycling which are supported by Planet Ark. This is another great way of repurposing old and unwanted books to be used in a more positive an environmentally conscious way. They also sell the books that are in better condition at some of their repurposing centres, with the profits going to local charities and hospitals.

 

Sell them – If you’re a little bit strapped for cash, another thing you can do with your old books is to sell them. Bountye is a website that helps you find and sell second-hand and vintage goods online from multiple third-party websites. We live in an age where we are concerned with the mass-production of objects, we need to find solutions to try and reduce our carbon footprint significantly in order to continue to live happy and healthy lives. We’re always being told to reduce, reuse and recycle, and Bountye works hand in hand with this idea by repurposing old and unwanted items. At Bountye they “think buying second-hand stuff should be as easy as buying something new” and this is a great idea because if you don’t want something anymore, someone else may. They also have an app available on the App Store and Google Play, so you can do your buying and selling on the go.

 

Repurpose them - Although it goes against the grain for most people to defile an old and beloved book, there are many ways in which you can recycle your old and unwanted books and turn them into something completely different. One ever-popular project that uses an old book is the ‘book-safe’, in which you glue the pages of your book together and then hollow out the middle of it to use as a safe, which can store some of your valuables and hide them from unsuspecting guests in plain sight. Using an old hardcover book, you can also make some interesting bookmarks. All you have to do is cut off the spine of an old hardcover book and pierce a hole in one of the ends for a ribbon or some string, and you have a lovely custom-made bookmark. Also, this activity doesn’t destroy your book too much, so you won’t feel as guilty about doing this project compared to some of the others out there that use books. In saying that, both projects are a great way to repurpose the books that you once loved and allow them to continue to be used in a positive way in your home.