Jul 27 Book Review: Bear's Heart by Jane Porter

  

July 27

Bear's Heart by Jane Porter

Fantastic read and especially because it's about a disabled man.   About the author at the end talks about how this book came about and just how personal it is to the author, Jane and her life. Pure heart and soul in this story.

Story follows Josie who is a designer intern til her schooling is finished. She has a lot of ideas mostly because her brother and father and both in a wheelchair.

She has to think outside the box and see what works for her clients.  As a last resort she is sent to Clyde Park to talk to Bear. He is an ex bull rider who almost died after he was thrown off the bull.

Was in a coma and so many years of rehab to get where he's at today. He's retuning to the house he had built when he was going to marry Savannah but things changed after the accident.

The house no longer works for him either. He can't even get to the second floor, other rooms are too small for the wheelchair.

Josie is very patient and he has an idea and asks her to help him with finding him a more useable house and a business he wants to open.

Love the idea of the rehab idea and what it all involves.  So caring and useful for those who need it. Check it out on the internet, so cool!

Love hearing of the ice cream shop and the other town stores and shops. So many twists and turns.

Story also has a bit of Noah, Bears best friend, Savannah and Josies family and Rye and Ansley. Easy to keep them all straight, even if you've not read the other books in the series.

Things are going so smoothly til a meeting and then Bear breaks up with her. Josie finds a friend then heads home to her parents’ house..

Such hurtful things said, you know there is no way they are getting back together.

Super read, one to Keep!

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

Jul 30 Book Review: Sworn to Defend by Charlee James

  
   

Sworn to Defend by Charlee James

Like the books in this series I've read before from this author.

Love learning about new military grade tactical devices.

Hannah has a son who's autistic and it's a wonder how he processes things.

Hunter arrives back in the US where he will be spending time at the hospital room regaining his strength after the mission he was injured on. 

Love relationship they have with one another and the blue zone Colin has and who is included.

They do attend her sisters’ wedding and she doesn't want to marry the guy...

Lots of excitement, guns, being harassed, so many secrets to come out...

Love the second wedding, where it's just real family...

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

Book Review: The Cupcake Cottage by Jean Oram

  

The Cupcake Cottage by Jean Oram

Story starts out about hockey players and their quest to find the right girl for them.

There is a lot of drama and couples break up but take up with another player.

We end up with Maverick who is renovating his house in his time. He's a hockey player so they celebrate holidays while 

Maverick is home.

Story also follows Daisy May, team mascot manager and she grew up near Maverick so they spent a lot of time together. They are friends.

Team photographer/coach feels a bit of exposure would be good for them so take photos of them together and it goes viral.

Coach then thinks they need to be seen more often, dating.  It’d bring more sponsors to Maverick to get him on the right track to make what he’s worth.  They go along with the pretend dating...

Like details of furniture and how descriptive it really is. Like how the title came about...

 

Book Review: The Christmas Dilemma by Sarah Vance-Thompkins

  

  

The Christmas Dilemma by Sarah Vance-Thompkins

This story starts out with Eli and he is fixing up the family house. After their parents had died he left hsi bar in Michigan and came to help the family, his sisters.

Story is also following  Audrey, an ER trauma nurse who is there in town for 13 weeks as a traveling nurse.

They had been together at one time but after her father’s death they left eh area and now her mom is in an assisted living in another area. She doesn't get to visit with her often and she doesn't even realize what the day is or the holiday.

Audrey remembers her time at the Christmas Cove area and when she was younger and hanging out with Eli and his sister.

She is not able to locate a place to stay but with Dancy's help she can stay at the family residency, even in the tower rooms.

Town is very magical and  love hearing about all the festivities during the holiday.

Eli has told them all he will NOT be celebrating the holiday, no tree, lights or anything. 

Who, if anybody can change his mind....

First time reading this author and the saga continues with another book about Morgan, Eli's sister.

 

July 25 Book Review: The Package by Kimberley Troutte

 

 

The Package by Kimberley Troutte

Such an intriguing read. So much going on. Love military tactical movements for the sake of the package. Everybody is on board and the teams change from time to time. 

Love locations, descriptions and especially the new devices and how they work. They come in handy as the package is obtained and they must travel on the exclusive train to get to their destination. There is turmoil as her identity is suspected.  Her loss of memory really comes into play. At times she is not sure what is real and what is fake.  Can't wait to read more from this author.  There is another book in the works.

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

 

Jul 23 Book Review: One Lucky Cowboy by Kristine Lynn

 
 
 

One Lucky Cowboy  by Kristine Lynn

The story follows Jackson, Jax who is helping the family by stepping in to help run it. . Story is also following Jill who has been called in to help others in the family to retain what they have and to make it a bigger better place than ever before. There are lots of twists and turns in this story that really make it oh a good read. There's also a part where A father is told he has a son and he had no idea. Love the part with grandfather has offered his house to when they want to visit. I love all the  Family like aunts and uncles that are there to help through the turmoils. Especially like the exploration and the little Baby Animals that are around.

 

Book Review: Maid of Dishonor by Nancy Robards Thompson

  

 

Maid of Dishonor by Nancy Robards Thompson

This story is about a mother who owns the wedding location, a daughter who helps run the events and her daughter who also helps in her  own way. 

The wedding for the debut of the new venue is scheduled. Anson and London and she's a blogger influencer. There is so much drama as the 10 bridesmaids have been dismissed. They are able to find another to step in but she is murdered. 

So many suspects and the women team together to help solve what really happened. They have to dig deep, even going back to the college years when they knew the new bridesmaid. Bribes, stock trading, restraining orders and so much more make this a really good read. First time reading this author and can't wait to read more of her works.

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

Book Review: An Irresistible Temptation by Elsa Winckler

  

An Irresistible Temptation by Elsa Winckler

Story starts out  with Dana and her best friend is getting married and she's in the wedding party.

She has been thrown together with David a lot and she really connects with his body. She's ready to be done with the wedding and is again going on David's private plane.

Wedding destination sounds like a really expensive worthwhile trip of a lifetime. Adult situations and a shorter story than most.

Like the descriptions a lot, and can't wait to read more from the author. 

Book Review: Forgiving Her First Love by Dani Collins

 

Forgiving Her First Love by Dani Collins

This story starts out with Logan who has come back to the island his family lives on where they earn money with a hotel and marina off the coast of Canada.

Story also follows Sophia and her son who their live with gramps.

Logan had left the island and broke Sophias’ heart because she was not asked to go.

 What I like about this story is the fact that there are many ages starting from the very young to the very old and everything in between all their struggles and solutions to their problems.

Adult situations, very entertaining read.  Love hearing about their careers and how they are done.

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

Book Review: The Resistance Girls Revisited: A Reunion of Courage and Bond (A Resistance Girl Novel Book 8)

  

  

The Resistance Girls Revisited by Hannah Bryon

Sat here while reading this final book of the series and I have tears in my eyes, at the corners.  Yes I'm sad the book series will be ending with this one and want to stretch it out til the end.   Happy tears because a new series will start after this book.

Author knocked this one OUT of the park in my opinion. It is so much more than I ever thought about. So many secrets are revealed.

Love layout of the chapters and events. Love the descriptions as I can see myself at them and they are all such brilliant sights to view and partake. The food events are so detailed, I can't even imagine what the food tastes like. Extravagance of it all is amazing. 

Love how the author takes all the girls and their relatives, husbands, kids and parents into account in this story and brings them all together to explain why she was so harsh to them at the finishing school. Love tribute to all those involved, past and present.

Love hearing how the women have advanced their endeavors for the good of others and how they are succeeding. Love all the character in depth explanations at the end and which contain a glimpse of the author herself.

This whole series is a treasure and so entertaining, I learned so much.

New series because of who it is written by will be better than this one as the author has grown over the years and knows how to write her stories for us to enjoy.

Here's to many more!

 

Book Review: A Slice of Summer by Melissa McClone

  

 

A Slice of Summer by Melissa McClone

This store starts out with  Taryn and she runs the family bakery and has for many as her parents are retiring. They might sell the whole establishment. She wants it as she loves what she does. I love hearing of the different combination of treats she can make.

Story also follows Garrett and he's returning to the town for his sister's wedding. He is a lawyer and lives in LA. They had dated once several months ago but he never returned her calls.

He is rather shunned when he does show up to pick up where they left off. Problem is he has a legit reason but he's not made it that far for her to even listen.

They do get together and he helps her with her stand at the local fair. There are twists and turns and her father wants to sell to Nick who runs the other bakery and business has dropped at her location.

Garrett figures  out things don't add up with some of the help she has at the shop. After talking to the young man they find out who the culprit is.

Like hearing of the display, so unique. Love how this all plays out, opportunities knock loudly 

Children's books reviewed: Jul 13

 
 

 We Ate Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa’s House by Dr. LeAnna Hale-Ball

Super fun read because it's about grandparents and food.  Each page shows a letter of the alphabet and the family at grandparents house having the food that matches the letter.

The whole alphabet is depicted in this children's colorful educational read.

One of the best book I've read for kids.

Yosemite National Park Photo Hiking: Lessons Learned from a 50+ Couple's Trek to Yosemite  by Anthony Wessel

Like this series of books because it will probably be my only trip to visit them. Gives a lot of technical information about the area. Like that it lists if you only have a certain time what you should concern yourself about when you do get there.

There are pictures along the way. Different areas are highlighted and there are hiking tips along the way.

Interesting facts about moon bars and what they are. so cool.

 At the very end is a list in alpha order of the national parks. We still have a few to check off on our list.

Like section on hiking poles, I have 2 sets myself.

Photo tips are also given for the area.

 

Kenai Fjords National Park Photo Hiking: Lessons Learned from a 50+ Couple’s Trek to Kenai Fjords National Park by Anthony Wessel

Like this series of books because it will probably be my only trip to visit them. Gives a lot of technical information about the area.  Like that it lists if you only have a certain time what you should concern yourself about when you do get there.

There are pictures along the way. Different areas are highlighted and there are hiking tips along the way.

At the very end is a list in alpha order of the national parks. We still have a few to check off on our list.

Like section on hiking poles, I have 2 sets myself.

Photo tips are also given for the area.

 

Bryce Canyon National Park Photo Hiking: Lessons Learned from a 50+ Couple’s Trek to Bryce Canyon by Anthony Wessel

Like this series of books because it will probably be my only trip to visit them. Gives a lot of technical information about the area.  Like that it lists if you only have a certain time what you should concern yourself about when you do get there.

There are pictures along the way. Different areas are highlighted and there are hiking tips along the way.

At the very end is a list in alpha order of the national parks. We still have a few to check off on our list.

Like section on hiking poles, I have 2 sets myself.

Photo tips are also given for the area.

 

Jul 11 Book Review: Rumors, Ruin and the Duke by Karla Kratovil

  

 

Rumors, Ruin and the Duke by  Karla Kratovil

Like that this book is like having two stories in one book.

Lucy has a protector in Hart, his father was her protector but he had died along with Robert, Hart's brother.

Story also follows Hart, his attraction to her but she's too young for him and he is on a mission to find out who murdered his father and brother. When he  gets a meeting before everything can be divulged the bomb explodes. He returns months later with poor vision and marks from the blast still on his face and arms, and body.

Harts great aunt Trudy is a great companion to Lucy but she's 77 already. He hopes Lucy will marry soon so her spouse can protect her so he can get on with the murder investigation.

Like the way the clues comje in and who Hart seeks for more information. He has the solution to keeping Lucy safe. He is able to learn so much more after that fateful day he lost his relatives and knows who the culprits are. Now to proof it.

Lots of excitement with balls, weddings, locations, descriptions, and  his enemies that turn into friends, explosions and helping others learn how to use the quarter staff, etc. So many surprises.

Such useful information. Great read, can't wait to read more in this series.

Received this review coy from the publishing company and this is my honest opinion.

 

Children's books Jul 7

  

Bella's Trip to Italy: The Bella Lucia Series, Book 10 by Kristina Lucia Pezza

Sounded like a great book but the cover loads on multiple pc's and tablets and nothing else.

 

Bedtime on the Farm : Short bedtime read for babies and toddlers. by Jeff  and Natalie Inwood 

This educational, colorful children's book starts with number 10. Next you see ten puppies on a bed and one falls off. You then see the next lower number and how many puppies are left.

Shows a lot of different farm animals per number.

 

 

Bugs For Kids – The Big ABC Book: Explore Common Insects from A-Z, Master New Bugsy Words, and Grow Smarter with Over 500 Facts by Linda C. Jensen

Love how this book starts out: each letter has it's own bug associated.

Then each page highlights the letter and the bug and a bit about the bug. Next pages focus of bug also and fun facts to learn about.

Everything has pictures, colorful ones as well as showing the different parts of the bug.

Other works by the e author and acknowledgements and credits for images are included at the end.

Goodnight Outside: A children’s bedtime book for kids and toddlers by Craig Penn

Cute, colorful children's story about things that are outside and how they say good night to us.

Movies Jan 2024 - June 30

  

Movies Jan 2024 - June 30

horrible bosses

oak island

hudson and rex

echo

percy jackson

death in paradise

Reacher

Mr and Mrs smith

the beekeeper

murder at the breakers

the bricklayer

sanctified  n dakota

land of bad

will trent

blue ridge

death in paradise

argylle

birthright outlaw

the guardsmen 1, 2 and 3

red right hand

the old posse

madam web

Point Break

fallout

mechanic resurrection

anyone but you

atlas

civil war

fallout guy

57 seconds

code name banshee

earth right

jack london's son of the wolf

deving hart 2

butchers crossing

hypnotic

the baker

planet of the apes

mother of the bride

 mythica stormbound

the peacemaker

the killroom

robot

house of the dragon

jurassic triangle

desperation road

let sleeping dogs lie

transformers

batman and superman

3 beds, 2 bath, and a ghost

adult summer camp

poppy the nanny at hallowwen

code 8 part 2

Wolf and the lion

airforce one down

trigger warning

legend cats claw

the acolyte 

 

Book Review: Red Hot Texan (Corbyn Sisters of Last Stand Book 1) by Katherine Garbera

 

 

 Red Hot Texan (Corbyn Sisters of Last Stand Book 1) by Katherine Garbera 

Story starts out with Red and he lives in Last Stand, TX. Grew up with a father who taught him to fish and ran the local outfitter store where he still lives. His father moved to be with Red's mother who is an author and travels the world. He is hard to understand and left high school early. He has a hard time with words, explaining himself. He has many friends that consider him family.

Story also follows Emma who is the local librarians. She's set in her ways and feels betrayed at times with secrets that came to light when her parent secret came out.  She and Red do get together and take it very slow, out of the spotlight. 

He has a big secret but she didn't want to know what was up with his lawyer. He plans to tell her just not right away, eh has to find out what the judge has determined. 

Love little sentences at the start of each chapter, they ranged from Jane Austen to the Fisherman's guide to fishing. Love the analogies along the way. Makes the story more fun for me. Love family gathering and how the family are there for one another. So many twists and turns. Love this story and can't wait to read more from the author. So descriptive characters, she tells you what they like, their thoughts and little quirks they have.

Book Review: Just Say When by Jill Shalvis

  

 

 Just Say When by Jill Shalvis

Story about James and Julia and how they love each other but both are hesitant.

Being such a short novella you do learn a bit about each of them and how they grow the relationship together.

Great short read.