Sunday, October 1, 2023

Books read Sep 2023

 
 


 
MY REVIEW:
Take Me Please, Cowboy (The 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo, #1) by Jane Porter
Story starts with a note from the author, a dedication page.
Rye is on his way to the rodeo (to compete and earn money for the family) when he truck overheats so he rests by the side of the road after checking on his horses. He is a roofer by trade and runs the family’s business. With helping the girls to get college educations he's frazzled. He is there for all of them financially and with moral support.
Jackson pulls up and offers help but Rye can only see the blonde woman in the truck... So much character development in this story, love getting to know the characters past and present lives.
Story also follows Ansley, a painter and works at her uncles barn while tending to his needs as he's frail now.  
Their paths cross again during events for the 85th rodeo and they share some time together. She agrees to go to the rodeo to cheer him on.
To her Rye is the salt of the earth because of everything he does for everybody else but himself.
At times I had tears in the corners of my eyes because the dialogue is threatening to break them up, they may not have a choice together.  Communication is key, listen…
Love how she is able to grow with her career. Ends with a note from the author how this new series has started and who it involved.  Many more books will be coming out. Love hearing of the events and how the rodeo works. Love that everyone can share time to help others, that’s what neighbors do.
Author throws her heart into this one. Love older set of people in this story also and follow their well being and health and how it all synchs.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 
 

 
Tempt Me Please, Cowboy (The 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 2) by Megan Crane 
First time reading this author and I am familiar with the locale and the town, enjoyable read.
This book starts with acknowledgements and then the story.
Starts with Sydney as the bartender at her family’s saloon: Grey's, just starting there.
She was a data analyst in the DC area and usually only came back to Marietta for a quick trip for a holiday or wedding. Handed a 'mandatory don't return to work til the next new year with pay' she heads back home. There is so much that troubles her there.  Her grandparents raised them and there's always been talk that she's cursed like others in the family. It haunts her.
Story also follows Jackson who was once a football player but then returned to Marietta for a different career.  We learn about them both, how and where they were raised and all their relatives. Like how he wants to really get to know her besides the sex parts. Love the new words I've learned, more about the rodeo and events that take place in town and what makes them tick and about the nature scenes.
Never see them together as a couple, they have so much to work through. Adult situations.
Story ends with other books in the anthology and an except from book 3 in this series.
A KEEPER!



 
  

     

Marry Me Please, Cowboy (The 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 3) by Sinclair Jayne 
Starts with how this series came about.
Story starts with Willow and her brother Jace grew up on the farm.  She’s a barrel rider for the rodeo..
She's pregnant and she's not sure still what to do...What I love about this story is you get to hear what’s in  her mind as she’s thinking it. Same with other characters, you learn about their past and all little details of how they grew up.
Story also follows Jake who's a bull rider at the rodeo.  So financially unstable they discuss flowers and wedding dress and she had plans for those already, with her money... Jake heads off to do his promotional work to earn more money.
The cowboy that's left behind is the best man of Jake, Huck and he served with her brother Jace in the war and will be escorting her down the aisle...
Lots of twists and turns and issues they all need to work through.
Love romantic gestures, caring for elders through thick and thin, to coming up with solutions to their own problems in a loving way.
Love all explicit descriptions of the locale, places I'm familiar with and the little things that matter the most.
Adult situations.
First time reading this author and I can't wait to read more.
About the author and her works are listed at the back of the book.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
 

 


 
 
  Promise Me Please, Cowboy (The 85th Copper Mountain Rodeo Book 4) by C.J. Carmichael
This story starts out with Amy and she's just become owner of the B&B in Marietta. She's been educated enough to run it but finds problems with the help all quits because of some changes she wants done. So now we find her doing it all, maintenance, housekeeping, baking, bookkeeping.
Story is also following Chet and he is in the rodeo, that is having events this week.  Love how they meet and the legacy of his grandmother's Handkerchief.
The documentary film crew is also staying at the B&B. Love to hear how friendly some of the neighbors are and their offers.
Chet and Amy get to spend most sunset time together on the porch talking over their troubles. His father is back in town.... and mostly wants money, but something else.
She is concerned that her father will turn her down after she informs him who she is. Learned so much from this book, especially baking tips due to altitude change and a lot more about rodeo and events that take place. Love the community and hearing of all the charity work.
Such tragic moments and there are even more romantic and down to earth caring. Love setting and learning how to ride a horse, something I've done just once myself.
Never saw it ending as it did, things could've gone sideways at many times during the book.
About the author, her other works, and how this series came about are all enclosed at the end. Don’t' recall ever reading a book from this author and look forward to them all now.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Tule Publishing and this is my honest opinion.



   

 
Rachel’s Risk by Hilary Walker
To me this book is about two stories: the horse and the woman.
Rachel, a biologist  and a teacher is interested in the horses on the island.
She meets many when she arrives as a tour has been set up for them all.  There are doctors and specialists on the tour, very knowledgeable.
Have heard of wild ponies on other islands but not this type and I love to  read everything with words 'pearl' in them.
She is loving her time on the island researching notes in hand on the Pearls. She also has a copy of Gordon's book on the birds in the local area.  
She spends time by herself at the lighthouse to watch the horses in action.  Her main goal was to seek revenge for the death of her husband. The murderer has not been found yet. It consumes so much of her time thinking til other things take place.
Love how the hurricane comes and  she is lucky to make it back to the lighthouse when others arrive to take her off the island. What she discovers the next day makes her think she did make a wrong decision.
Like how the couple are the older ages as they relate to my age as well. She is able to help others in saving the one stallion. As she's leaving the island early as she feels like it's not her type as she's not religious for the people there.
She turns Gordon away from her when she bursts out that she doesn't believe in God. There are a few quotes form the Bible throughout the book when the situation arises.
They do come to terms but you wonder for how long it will last. They are honest with one another...he has a medical emergency and you wonder if they can remain together.  She has many options on the island and she weighs the pros and cons. She knows after her rehab with the horse what she must do...
Other part of the book is about the horse and I didn't think I'd learn too much about tending to them, but this book si very descriptive in that regard. She is patient with Risk. 
Love where this book goes, hardships, struggles, finding her religion, friendship from so many on the island.
Best book I've read from this author and I love all of her works but in depth character is developed so much stronger in this one. Love that they are older with things that matter to them-the issues, health and religion.
Learned so much about the horses and about the religion as it's very specific in many situations, reading from the bible and discussing the sections is power.
 



 
 

The Peculiar Vanishing Act of Mr Ralph Herriot: A Victorian Cozy Mystery (The Mrs Imogene Lynch Series Book 2) by Hannah Ivory 

This book starts out when Imogene has returned to her home in England and her housekeeper has exciitng news to share.  Imogene is persuaded by her and the doctor that she needs the trip to Egypt with her cousin Catherine and it'd be healthy for her to go.
Love the travel as I picture in my mind the modes of transportation back then and the countries they travel through. so exciting for me to go along with them.
Catherine is not so forthcoming with exactly why they are going to Egypt. Love hearing of all the traditions and culture in each of the countries.
They mysteries are laid out in front of you and it's up to Iomgene to figure them all out with others input. Love that it's NOT so straight forward. I can never guess who did it. Love how she is very resourcesful and even sends a telegram to a friend in England....
Can't wait to find out other books from thsi author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion.
 
 

 
Pericles & Aspasia by Yvonne Korshak
This story is political and historic along with a lot of other genres all mixed in.
Very entertaining read. Love the old times of Athens, 400 BC.  There is so much strategic information about how they battle, how they fight-as in Olympic games, and moves they make politically.
Fascinating read.  Details are very descriptive, you can see what they are seeing.
How love strong Aspasia is from when she escapes the ships and swims to the shore...  Philosophers are enlightening in this  book. Pericles is an all around leader and a man who leads a life that is admired.
Construction of the Parthenon was mazing to say the least and what was included and what had to be changed... Don't let the size of the book keep you from reading this. so many other secrets you will discover.
Cast of characters is attached at the end, note from the author and the changes they made, resources are listed also.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion. 


  


 What I Wish I Said: Confessions of a Columnist by Jaime Watt
I like that the column writer has done their job with research and given their view on various topics of conversation.
Not only Canadian politics but from all other countries around the world. Like their take on our presidential elections and what went wrong and how to learn from it so mistakes aren't made again.
Same with topics like Covid and how to get rid of it and also female equality issues.
Lots of references at the end and also a chat with a Toronto newspaper at the very end.
Enjoyed all the topics brought up and interesting to learn how they made it to Canada.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

 


 
ANOTHER SIDE OF THE HEART by C.H. LAZAROVICH
Story is about Mark a brain surgeon who's traveling and working overseas.
Mary his wife has left the city at her editing job and is living at the summer cottage on the island.
We learn a lot about their past and how those life’s play a part in the present day.
What I like in the book are the relationships, they are so real and genuine and during different phases of their lives. . Love how she  helps Juliette with her pregnancy by tending to the dog while she's suffering the loss of her daughter, a one year anniversary.
Details are very descriptive of the island, houses, people, locations  and the events that surround the long term and short term people...
Touching, moving, emotional story of growing up and finding what it is you really want in life. Twists and turns and so unpredictable. Excellent read.
Received this review copy from AIA Publishing and this is my honest opinion.
 

 



Santa and Company by Fern Michaels
Story starts out with the past cruise the gang all got together.
This year they are planning ladies only days in Tahoe. Only three are going but a fourth was invited. 
Love hearing what they all do for career and how they find time to relax. 
Problem arise when one gets injured, fourth shows up and it's new years eve. Creepy, scary things pop up out of nowhere... Stalkers are following one of them...
Love the location and especially all the activities. Fashion and food are described in detail also, love this. Lots of twists and turns
Love the charity work, as a team they can do anything.
Love these holiday reads, they are so involved. 
Received this review copy from Kensington Books, Kensington via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#SantaandCompany #NetGalley.

  
 
What We Lost by Tawfiq S Rangwala
Entreating read as I'm in US and never heard of the WE charity.  Very informative and so sad that so much was lost when it disbanded.   So many details and facts.
Hands on and he and his family went to the locations to collect the information.
At the end of the book are resource listings of where the information was published via online so you can read it yourself for further understanding of the tragedy.
About the author ends this book and glad he does pro bono work and is very charitable in his endeavors.   Wouldn't mind reading his other works.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.


 

 

The Devil's Trinity by Michael Parker

Enjoying this read because it's full of action, has technology and  struggles with outside sources: communist party, etc.

Starts when two men are out on a leisure cruise in their boat when they lose all power. before they know it the ship has split in two and they are thrown into the deep ocean waters. One is dead and the other is able to survive long enough to find out what's going on and ends up on an island... A vessel had come up from under the sea to rendezvous with another ship to pass them cargo, all with no lights on...

I can really image  this happening for real.  There are twists and turns when another man ends up in a hospital in the locale and he's suffered radiation poisoning, some nuclear bombs were missing and all but one are accounted for...

CIA and other bureaus are also investigating and Marsh does not want to join the wrong side as they need his expertise in their mission.....

Can't read this book fast enough to find out more.

Looking forward to more works from this author, very descriptive details and some things about sailing I know about. He's done his research. Was so real with the submersible that had just exploded in the ocean.

Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

 

 
Another Charge by Alexa Padgett
Story starts out with Silas and he's the leader of the hockey team. This is also about his sister who has passed away and she left her daughter with him to take care of.
He had NO idea she even had a daughter.
Story also follow Palmona who is a nanny and the pay  helps her with her mothers care.  The two boys she was in charge with had graduated and were on their way to college but they still stay in touch with her-more than their parents.
She takes on the job with Silas to tend to Beatrix and they bond easily. She helps SIlas with things he can do and say to bond with Beatrix also.
Palmona mother has  a stroke and just when things were going well with them all.
Silas is about to adopt Beatrix but then the real father is in the picture.
Things were going just so well for them til it's no longer the case...
Lots of adult situations and language.  Leaned a lot more about hockey, which sounds like fun. Ends with other works by the author.
Received this review copy from the author and this is my honest opinion. 
  



 
Growing Up American by Rafael Polo
What I like about this story is the boy is transported from Cuba to his relatives house in NY where he lives with many others. Everybody has jobs, he has school. Takes you through his full life, when his parents arrive, they become naturalized citizens and then further. Love parts of how they didn't want to live off welfare like other immigrants.  Really made a name for themselves and their families. Fascinating read. to hear from their side. Great read.
Received this review copy from the publisher and this is my honest opinion.
 

 

 
The Cowboy Christmas Charm by Ciara Knight
Story starts with Saige, She's walking away from her wedding day when her intended wants the prenuptial signed. She is only in it for the love, NOT negotiations.
She escapes to her mother’s house in the woods, no cell service. to find out about her past, where things went wrong and how to fix it all
When she arrives she finds the house trashed and Colt is on the porch, a hangover.
He was there when the other billionaire bachelors took him for a week to find himself. He doesn’t want to be like his father. He learns truth about the past from his step mother.
Saige hires Cole to fix up the house when they discover her great grandmothers diary about the cowboy charm that has been handed down to her. She learns the truth about the charm and hopes to find her own cowboy.
The snowstorm hits and they are now further from each other than ever as they are rescued...
She sends both men away, she is over them all...
Love that they are able to talk about their past and move on...
Love scenery descriptions, love the house and how it's set up. Unpredictable and twists and turns. Excellent read!
Can't wait to read more from this author.
 



 
  
  

Children's books:



 

 
Firefighter Fox by Jessica D. Adams
In this colorful children's book we find the toys sense someone is coming so they hide themselves back into the box where firefighter had left them. The bunny didn't make it back and time and the firefighter was going to take the bunny home to his daughters. The fox wonders will what will happen to the rest of them....
The paper the firefighter had caught was from the Underground Toy Society about a community day event.  Love brightly colored stuffed animals and they need patience, they will all find a new home.
Other works by the author are listed, about the author and illustrator are included at the end. Offer of free coloring pages and about how you can volunteer at your local fire department.
 




 Facts about the Emperor Penguin by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include. I don't know what it is but I like penguins.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.
Have seen these on TV and at zoos around the US.



 

 
 Facts about the Golden Oriole by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include. Such a bright yellow head and throat.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the bird.
Have probably seen these at zoos we've visited.


 
Facts about the Tree Frog by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the frog.
Have seen frogs, not sure if it was this particular species.


 
 
Facts about the Centipede by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.
Have probably seen these, there are a bunch of different species. 


 

 
Facts about the Akita by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.
Never heard or seen these.
 

 
 
Facts about the Horned Frog  by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.
Never heard or seen these.

 


 
 Facts about the Fur Seal by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the seal.
Never heard or seen these.


 


 Facts about the Jackal by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the animal.
Never heard or seen these, only 4 different species.

 
 
 Facts about the Lemming by Lisa Strattin
Colorful children's educational fun book.  This book starts out  with free ebook  offer when you subscribe to authors website. also information about box set of books and list of what they include.
Image credits are given then table of contents where chapters are listed.
Chapters include:  their life cycles, habitat, what they eat, etc. Each chapter also includes a full size photo showing different things about the rodent.
Never heard or seen these mostly because they live in the Arctic Circle. 




  


 
50 Hikes with Kids Colorado by Wendy Gorton; Kristin Tillack
Starts with an intro about the area in Colorado and that there is something for everyone, no matter the age of the children.
Preface is about how the couple get together and life continues with kids as they go on 
Hikes together.
Like this as a resource book because you can select by location, length of hike and other options in the charts.
There are pictures throughout and descriptions of the area and all kinds of tips and tricks to make it a successful hike.
Can't wait to visit Colorado again and see all great grandkids and showing them how fun and educational a hike can be.
A KEEPER!
Received this review copy from Timber Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#50HikeswithKidsColorado #NetGalley
 
 

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