Apr 28 The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

  

 

The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

This story starts with Colin who is being raised by a housekeeper. His father is the sheriff of the small southern town. One day when he first goes to school he is brought into an office and he has to talk to a woman. End result is he leaves home to live at the school for geniuses where room and board and classes are all paid for. He had feared his fathers moods especially when he had been drinking. His mother had passed away but he never went to the funeral. He finds out later why that was. Love how he excels at what they can teach him. By the age of 12 he's ready for some college classes. Love his math professor because he will be teaching him new things. He is just so much more advanced than anybody thought.

Colin still sees his father at meals with his new wife and her two boys. He fears he will have to go live with them soon as he's heading up the political ladder. 

Colin is quite outspoken and he wants to learn how to swim and the school allows that to happen. Dr. Arnold he treats with respect and he can tell him everything.  Colin knows what he really wants to study he just has to hide it from everybody, for now... Hate that he's really a loner, wish he had a family.

Love the thing that interests him so much and he does his research. He's able to help others financially. Amazing where he goes to from there, he's just so determined.

Love how sea draws him closer to his mother...

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion

#TheSapphireSea #NetGalle

  

Book Review: A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards

  

 

A Stone's Throw by Wayne Edwards 

Love this story. Starts out so tragic. Maggie had grown up with her mother in San Francisco.  Her mother had spells that usually lasted several hours. One day it was longer than the time Maggie was at school so she alerted the next door lady to come help.

She was transported to the hospital. .  Maggie was able to stay with the neighbors until the cost was too much for the family. Maggie was brought up with no father and had no idea who he even was. She then goes to an orphanage and then her grandfather comes to get her and they head back to Ira's ranch where she not only was to do chores but learned how to drive, run the tractors and even took care of the chickens and so much more. There is a neighbor that she likes and even her daughter and they bond. The girls all head to the store to get Maggie ready for 7th grade.

Like how she defends an overweight girl at lunch. Maggie also is so tall that she excels at the sports she's allowed to play. She often can be found playing the boys as they are more competition.

Like school life as she grows older. More heartache with her mom but she keeps busy and keeps her moms dolls around her. She is now old enough to help the local vet and tends to the office details. Love how she adapts so easily just  grasping for more knowledge.

Very descriptive details, love this book and easy going of the family situations she finds herself in.

Would read more from this author.

  

Book Review: Wings Against the Wind by JoDee Neathery

 

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Wings Against the Wind by JoDee Neathery

This story starts out  out with Rachel and she's overseas in Paris, working at a shop and meets her lover Adam. He is married and ends up celebrating Rachel's 23rd birthday but then going home to a dinner party with his wife and others.  EMT's are not able to revive him and the strange disease he has that nobody knew about surprises me.  Paulina goes on without him, her 4th spouse and finds companionship with his step brother Knox. They travel around the European countries and also have sold the bookshop. Story also follows Rachel who's been sent to Germany to get on with her life and meets a friend that stands by her in times of trouble. So much occurs with she finds out she is pregnant with triplets. She reaches out to Knox but he's had a stroke... She keeps one baby Drew and takes the rest of her money and heads to the USA where she has a lead on where the other two children are. There are so many that help her along the way, she wants all of her children together. She secures a job and meets Hamilton a journalist and they seem to hit things off.

Love where this book goes. Love the different countries, the events that are outlined and focuses on fashion, food and the scenery.  Love hearing the Lindt company and all the famous places 

that I've read about. Such hardships Rachel has to endure and I love how she repays all those who have helped her.  Can't believe that Paulina shows up at the end with secrets from the past. So love them all.  Very descriptive details and so many feelings, down right to the core.

Part I love best is the action of donating bone marrow and what it means to the story and for real life.

Can't wait to read more form this author.

Apr 28 Roy Orbison King of Hearts by Jeff Apter

  

 

Roy Orbison King of Hearts by Jeff Apter

Enjoyed this book and I felt it read like a discography of the artists. Lots of events, who was there and what songs were played. Love the background details and the name dropping of other musical artists. Wish there was more content about his health concerns, especially his eyes.

Love hearing how his life changed with his guitar. Love that he only wanted a harmonica when e was very young. Love reminiscing with all his songs. I listened to this review copy and the book describes the pictures in the book but I did not see pictures, just text.

Love this book because I learned some new things about Roy and his music.

I received this review copy from Kensington Publishing Citadel via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

#RoyOrbison #NetGalley.

 

Apr 28 Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber

 

 

Chasing the Clouds Away by Debbie Macomber

This story follows Chase as he's left Chicago and on his way to Seattle to plan for his mother's funeral. Everything goes wrong and more. He ends up on the plane with a woman who he had seen in the newspaper store and ends up sitting next to her on the plane. He sets the rules before the plane takes off.

Maisey is heading back to her grandmother's in Seattle and she helps Chase get a ride to the funeral home. He offers to pay and he requests his donate it to charity. He finds a place to make a donation and he knows it's not what Maisey would've wanted it used for....

She talks to her grandmother about the encounter and they go to the service and find out so much more about Chases' mom. 

Chase heads back to Chicago for the next days meeting and also to talk to his girlfriend Astrid. He's not feeling the connection any longer...

Chase and Maisey do get together and he promises to never use his money when her family needs it. He gets a call from her calling off their relationship because he used his family money to buy the family business, pay grandmothers health bills, get truck for her older brother, etc.  Chase denies it but she won't hear anymore from him.

Such a misunderstanding and like how it all ends.

Received this review copy from Ballantine  Ballantine Books via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #ChasingtheCloudsAway #NetGalley

 

Apr 28 Book Review: Taming the Wild Cowboy by Jeannie Watt

  

 

Taming the Wild Cowboy by  Jeannie Watt

This story we find Maclyn and she's desperate for any job doing whatever she can. She's been let go from many places in the area. She has her two horses with her and her dog that all need feeding. She is able to stay in her truck at the fairgrounds so the horses have a corral at least. She answers a job ad and it's at the Tree Fork Ranch. Trev is there of course working. He had been engaged to her girl friend Brooke and things didn't go so well. He decides to hire her because she can drive the tractor, fix fences and help with horses. He really needed someone to help with all the cow calving going on...

Things heat up and he's not really sure she is a good fit for the place. He's only there for s short while before another brother will come in and put in his time. 

Lots of struggles for her and she had to clear the air with Brooke. 

Love learning about eh calving process and other issues that arise. Lots of others come to work at the ranch to lighten her load. More books in the series have these characters in them also.

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

Apr 28, 2026 The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

  

 

  The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

This story starts with the womeans' names and you learn a bit about each of them from how they got to the island, to what they are doing today.

Each has their own secrets that come to light over time. Like the island as it's a cool place, something for everyone to do. Sylvia and her spouse own the club house and run the tennis courts also. When she learns what her spouse did she takes things into her own hands to recoup and to be able to stay on the island.

Adele is the new female tennis instructor and she brings so many into the club.  She takes matters into her hands after losing her job at the Ferris wheel amusement park.

Milly is married and has two young children. When her spouse decides he's not coming back to the island every night, and gets an apartment in the city, she takes matters into her own hands and rents out the guest house. 

Love how they each have each others backs and pitch in to help.

Lots of twists and turns in this one, really enjoyed reading this and learning about the island and the womens lives.

Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 

Apr 28 The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

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The Sapphire Sea by Davis Bunn

This story starts with Colin who is being raised by a housekeeper. His father is the sheriff of the small southern town. One day when he first goes to school he is brought into an office and he has to talk to a woman. End result is he leaves home to live at the school for geniuses where room and board and classes are all paid for. He had feared his fathers moods especially when he had been drinking. His mother had passed away but he never went to the funeral. He finds out later why that was. Love how he excels at what they can teach him. By the age of 12 he's ready for some college classes. Love his math professor because he will be teaching him new things. He is just so much more advanced than anybody thought.

Colin still sees his father at meals with his new wife and her two boys. He fears he will have to go live with them soon as he's heading up the political ladder. 

Colin is quite outspoken and he wants to learn how to swim and the school allows that to happen. Dr. Arnold he treats with respect and he can tell him everything.  Colin knows what he really wants to study he just has to hide it from everybody, for now... Hate that he's really a loner, wish he had a family.

Love the thing that interests him so much and he does his research. He's able to help others financially. Amazing where he goes to from there, he's just so determined.

Love how sea draws him closer to his mother...

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion

#TheSapphireSea #NetGalle

Apr 28 The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

  

The Island Club by Nicola Harrison

This story starts with the woman's' names and you learn a bit about each of them from how they got to the island, to what they are doing today.

Each has their own secrets that come to light over time. Like the island as it's a cool place, something for everyone to do. Sylvia and her spouse own the club house and run the tennis courts also. When she learns what her spouse did she takes things into her own hands to recoup and to be able to stay on the island.

Adele is the new female tennis instructor and she brings so many into the club.  She takes matters into her hands after losing her job at the Ferris wheel amusement park.

Milly is married and has two young children. When her spouse decides he's not coming back to the island every night, and gets an apartment in the city, she takes matters into her own hands and rents out the guest house.

Love how they each have each others backs and pitch in to help.

Lots of twists and turns in this one, really enjoyed reading this and learning about the island and the women's lives.

Received this review copy from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Space Baby by Werner Stejskal

  

 

Space Baby by Werner Stejskal 

With the Artemis just returning this book has come to life for me. I can see this happening as we know the group could live in outer space. With the hand picked couple head out to the station and a human being is created with markers of other species in the DNA. Found this a fascinating subject mixed with sci fic, romance, mystery and the unknonw as it unfolds in front of your eyes. Interesting to learn from conception what is really going on with the parents and others involved.

At times I felt I was right there watching it all for myself. Kept me entertained.

 

Book Review: Jumping into Fire by Ellis Summers

  

 

Jumping into Fire by Ellis Summers

Like how this story starts out with Meliisa and her uncle picking her up. THey head back over the WA mountains to his location. He's the pilot for the fire jumpers and knows the area.

They spend  few hours at the local bar, Logan runs it with his mother. There is a spark of interest. Problem is a shooter lets loose on the bar and nobody gets hurt but the group blame Logan for their dead brother. Logan had to let eh guy go from working there. Melissa is getting over her loss of her parents when they went camping and she wasn't able to save them. love the team work during this short story. So very descriptive and details matter. Love how it end with peole determining what this event has done to them to make them gear towards a new career.. Would read more from this author.

 

Bppl Revoew" Snowed in with the Rancher by Mary Sue Jackson

  

Snowed in with the Rancher by Mary Sue Jackson

This story start with Olivia and she's on a cruise. She meets Tate and they spend a lot of time together, adult situations. She has to leave one day after getting a message through the captain , a family emergency.

Next we hear from her she's arrived in Montana for a job that she's qualified for and has worked for years to obtain, as an administrator. She had tried to find Tate but didn't even know his last name nor where he lived.

Tate, after the cruise tried to find her with no luck, so heads back home to attend to the ranch and the services he performs for the town.

 Olivia and her twin daughters are hiking before they head back to town, getting close to moving into their own house when she starts the job. One girl falls down a hill and Olivia falls right after her. Other joins them and they are no getting out by themselves. Lucikly search and rescue finds them a few hours later... It's Tate and she seems familiar to him.

Love how they plays out. How he finds out who the girls are to him, and they are able to talk to get to know one another again as he takes them in for several days. due to the storm.

They are able to iron out their differences and he helps her when it is time for them to move into their new house. Problem is it should be condemned with all the water damage so he takes them back to his house.

They know it won't work so she goes to his parents where they children can be watched while she's working. They start dating and start from day one to learn about one another.

Wonder if they will actually ever get back together again, the town is a gossipy one and everybody knows things before they are spoken.

Interesting read, unpredictable. 

Book Review: The Lightborn Generation Children of the Light and the future of Humanity by Werner Stejskal

  

 

The Lightborn Generation Children of the Light and the future of Humanity

by Werner Stejskal

What I like about this story is that it's not only roman, but has mysteries, sci fic, adventures and so much more.

Starts out with a woman finding herself at a seated area and she has no idea how she got there. She feels a bit different and even had a rape assault investigation at the police station. yes she is pregnant. She does give birth to a daughter and she is sent to a special housing for people like here. Her mind works a lot different than humans minds. They can just look and see what's in the other mind and know everything about them.

This daughter grows up with a lot of others who possess the same attributes as her. She leans towards Ryan and they form a bond that is higher than they could ever image.

They were put on earth to heal humanity and it's explained how it's all done.

It's the only hope the earth has.

Entertaining read, wish there was more length to find out more about this civilization. 

Book Review: Cowboy’s Christmas Past by Mary Sue Jackson

  

Cowboy’s Christmas Past by Mary Sue Jackson

Amelia has returned to the town where Beau grew up. She's the star of the new movie that is filming on his family's property. Beau will have to get her to ride the horse for her role. She is so terrified and he draws it out of her, what had happened in her past.

They also get to talk about their other encounters, at college. One day he had to leave and told her his mother was sick. She then died but he hadn't told her the whole story. He had to stay home and take care of his family, his father was a mess.

Love time they do spend with one another and he knows she will be leaving after the movie is filmed. They take his sister into town to get teen clothes and she notices the old cinema is being demolished. She loves historic places and hopes to renovate it.

Even though they like one another again, they both know she has to leave for her career....

Love all the information about the horses as I'm frightened of them also. Lots of helpful info in this book. Also enjoy the photography side and the light Beau uses. Love opening of the cinema, priceless!

 

Apr 1 Book Review: A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser

  

 

A Real Collusion by Stu Strumwasser 

What I like about this book are the politic details, the how and why in step by step thoughts and events. Also enjoyed the people parts of this  story and how different they all were but were voting for the same person. So many different angles.

Skip meets John who is running under a new party and he's raising eyes on the topics that others have seen and witnessed and want to change the way elections are held. Love hearing of all the events during the book. At times the story goes back in time and then forward again, helping you understand the background of what happened.

Appreciate all the name dropping and I like how Skip even travels to visit the shooter in upstate NY where he finds out even more than he wanted to know and understand about.

After the shooting John just leaves, drops out of the race ... didn't see the ending as it did. Book is unpredictable all around. Learned a few new words and enjoyed the story. Would definitely read other works from this author. I felt at times as if I was standing right beside them during events. So vivid and realistic.

Received this review copy from the author via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #arealcollusion #NetGalley 

Mar 31 The Final Storm by Fern Michaels

   

 

The Final Storm by Fern Michaels

This story starts out with Alex and Charlotte and they are on their way from Costa Rica to FL to get her mother out of the nursing home as the hurricane is about to hit.

Then we go back in time when Charlotte was just graduating from high school and then college. Her life photographing nature was her speciality and she was really good at it. She takes offers sometimes for days, sometimes weeks all over the world. Story also focuses on her time with Grant and life choices they were faced to make.

Very moving, powerful story of decisions and options.

Love hearing how this ended. Descriptions are so very detailed and precise I can picture myself there.

Love author's stories, hope there will be more..

Received this review copy from Kensington Publishing via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

 #TheFinalStorm #NetGalley 

Mar 31 Assassin's Wife By Ethan Jones

 

 

Assassin's Wife  By Ethan Jones

Like this story because it's fast paced action and with the step by step in depth details you get to virtually see and feel what the character is going through, how to land and why.

Cole is on a mission and she's going to trail him because she can't contact him in any means they normally use.  She does have a few clues and she follows up on them, not really knowing the exact location.

Just when things are going wrong she has to stick herself in harms way to sway the way things will end up. She's surprised who's there to help her thinking they had a mole in the group...

So much action, travel, adventure and the mysteries from years gone by.

Love how they help together to get the back guys and save their soul but....

Didn't see it ending as it did, can't wait for the next one! Wish they'd make this into a movie, would be a big hit!  

Book Review: Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum

  

 

Notes from the Brand Stand – Warren Kornblum

This is a self help book that you should handy on your shelf. It explains what to do, who to talk to and who really to pay attention to when it comes to your brand. So many examples of companies that made it big and then closed.  You not only have to pay attention to the customers but also what they are doing and what new trends you will have to incorporate into your brand to keep it selling to others. If you don't your store will close. Love the word of mouth to spread about your products.

Love the examples of the children playing with new toys and not asking them what they think about them, but just by watching how they play with it, for how long or how short of a time before they go find another toy to play with.

They are key notes in each chapter. It's all summarized at the end to make it easier for you to check off the things you've done and which you need to work on.

Great resource book. So much imagination and inspirations and confident structures to base your company on.

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

  

Book Review: Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson

   

 

Eden 2:b By Joseph Anderson

This story starts out with Atom and he's on a special project that takes him and the crew into outer space. They have accomplished two of their missions and have just the last one to complete. Should be an easy one as they land and leave the shuttle to investigate on the planet they have found. So much blue and green they observe from the air. Lots of water and trees. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book but it's very entertaining.

They were only to get samples of water, plants etc and leave. Just when things are going well the shuttle breaks and then more things occur. 

Love how they play at being humans in the water and then  communicate with the others that show up.

Not only is this a sci fic novel but romance at times, political at times and medical at times. When you get bored with one part you can just go ahead into another genre in the same book.

Love how it all comes together and there are more in the series. So imaginative.

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

Book Review: The Real Ones by J Rose Black

   

 

The Real Ones by J Rose Black

First time reading this author and I like the style she uses. Love all the football yardages and strategy. What happens off the field though is another twist to the story line. Ella plays flag football and notices Maddox and they hit it off. A rival team sees what's happening and warn Maddox to keep away from her....Maddox leaves but never forgetting about her. You wonder how they can ever get back together when they both thrown into  flag football game. He had just bailed on her when things were going good, she wants no part of that again.

Lots of adult situations. More twists as she hears about the internal investigation with the football players.  Would definitely read more from this author.

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

 

 

Book Review: The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson

  

 

The Lifer and the Lawyer by George Critchlow, Michael Anderson

Love this book from the start when they mentioned Leonard Cohen.  True story.

This story is about Michael and he's imprisoned. for a handful of life sentences. He remains married and even had conjugal visits where he fathered more children.

He is a strong person and is able to help alleviate tensions and fights at the prison. He gets to talk to a priest and he is sold on the religion. He is given permission to work outside the prison so he can earn money for the family for when he's gone.   Love the quotes at the beginning of every chapter.

George, now a lawyer and stayed in touch and now wants to get him out of the prison. He has to come up with why he deserves to be out. This totally reminds me of Grisham books and the Lincoln Lawyer as they both help other wrongfully accused get out of prison.

Book also speaks of then Michael was younger and didn't have much of a home life so he was able to find trouble wherever he went. Like hearing from the lifer, the lawyer and lifers' wife: Dee. Three different angles of what really happened and their reasoning for why and how.

Love the descriptive details of the scenes as they play before my eyes. Like ending and how Michael was able to leave a note for others he had harmed in his younger years as he was ordered no contact with them.

So much emotion and politics with the prison system these days. Some things need to change as you can legally purchase drugs in some states.

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

Poinsettia Girl By Jennifer Wizbowskiook

 

 

 Poinsettia Girl BY Jennifer Wizbowski

This story starts out with Agata and her grandmother is taking care of her, Guilelma.

Agate's mother has passed away and she was the one to see her lying on the floor in blood. Her dad still lives there also but as a musician in 1700's he's often on the streets so others can hear his music. He tries to teach her the music also and she gets some of it. He's often not at home, weeks at a time. Guilelma is failing in health now and relies on a friend to take Agata to the ladies orphanage and they can raise her. She has lots of money to make sure that happens. The girls are raised to be Catholic and  not much talking. They obey the rules, line up in order and say their prayers. They are given time for the music also. Agata has not shown them what she can do with her voice. They train her ove the years and she did get to glimpse her father once. She also sees the man in the red coat. one she saw at the church funeral service for her mother.

The goal of the girls is to be seen and heard that a man will buy them and the girl must give up her love and doing music any longer. They are able to be called a poinsettia girl as they wear that flower when performing.

The struggles are long and hard for her through the years. No one comes to visit with her. At the time when she's old enough to understand she is handed things from her grandmother and other family truths come to light. Loved hearing about the customs of the Venice community, especially during the funeral and what was frowned upon. Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Hope to read more from this author because they make you feel as if you were there. Like that she did stay in touch with the neighbor boy and his sister.

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

Mar 26 The Love Feud by Janine Amesta

  

 

The Love Feud by Janine Amesta

This story starts out with Hailey and she's helping the family business by calling others to cancel their hot air balloon ride as the pilot is now dead. Others are trying to save the company with the financial parts of it. She's hopes to persuade a man to take over for the pilot. Hailey plans for a big show they will be putting on. Ryland was dating her in years gone by but she broke up with him. Now they are doing this dating thing to gain more social media interest, it's all for show. Called fake hate and I just don't get it.

His father shows up the day of the show and his mother sees them, her daughter is crying... SO many misunderstandings. 

Like hearing how the community is behind the big event.

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

Mar 25 A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

  

 

A Soldier's Promise by Jane Porter

in this story we find Josie has sent Finn to help Savannah with Mick, Noahs dog.

He also takes care of Savannah at his location where he is to install some security items.

Finn didn't go to his familys Christmas reunion because of his father. Tthey just rub each other the wrong way.  Love how the whole community stands together for her. When she's ready to give birth he calls his mother and she comes to them to help because Savannah is just not sure how to be a mother.

She was all set to turn the baby over to another couple to raise her.

Very emotional times during the story that resonate  with me being a mom. Sad to hear she didn't think she'd make a good mother.

Like outings they take in the town during the holidays and what he is able to do  about the house they will be staying in.

Love ending but didn't see it going that way at all, so unpredictable.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Mar 10 Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach

  

 

Wildflower Season Book 4 of The Southern Isles by Laurie Beach

In his story we find Tootie and she's recalling her elementary school days when she got married to her boyfriend under the tree. As the years go by they lose touch with one another...

Present day and we find Tootie in her own home, a gift from her uncle forcolllege graduation on her sisters land. The boathouse is on the march which she loves the nature around her.

They are preparing for her sisters wedding down the road and there are a lot of plans to make. She makes her way to smugglers cove to investigate the cove again and she sees a man up ahead. Mason is a tourist and he didn't know what to do in the area and she has plenty of ideas. They find the cave and it's dark and murky and the tide is coming in. He asks for more things to do and she tells him to meet her at full moon high tide where she will teach him about horseshoe crabs.

Love hearing about all the fun things to explore even the island with the cemetery. Like how she finds Huck and he's become her companion now...

Like the reason why the title was created, so pretty and lovely how she comes by the seeds. Like how she and others in town realize who Mason really is ...

Like this series a lot because it involves a lot of different age groups and their problems and how they are solved. Best to read in order they were published to get the full account of the lives of the family.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Mar 23 A Little Bit Country Book 1 of From the Outback to the Sea by Jacinta Peachey

   

 

A Little Bit Country Book 1 of From the Outback to the Sea by Jacinta Peachey

This story starts out with Jazzie and she's reinventing herself again. Every place she's moved to and gotten a job she's been accused of a crime and she's had to relocate to another area of the country and she starts all over again. Her father had embezzled money so she's got the rep of being the same.

She's just gotten a good job and a promotion because she was able to sell her idea of the eggs to another company with regular deliveries. Problem is she celebrates that night with a man she never met, Ben and she leaves in the morning. When she shows up for work they inform her she did not get that contact.

They get to spend time together and I love hearing about his love of wood as my son has that career now. SO imaginative. Super love hearing of Jazzie's work with yarn as that's right up my alley. I can picture her creations and have made many of my own design as well.

Fire sets the town into action by helping restore everything that was lost, mostly the garden plants and she can't believe how it all happened. Her parents come to a fair where she's showing her crafts along with the ladies and they tell her she will get through it. She finds out she's disqualified from something her father had done. It just never goes well with them.

Love how this all plays out and Ben and Jazzie get to really divulge their secrets to one another. Precious.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Scarlet Odyssey by Brian H. Roberts

  

 

Scarlet Odyssey by Brian H. Roberts

Justin and David grew up as siblings. Oldest is the bully. Years later they both own a place of business. They are now selling high end boats. David makes the deals and Justin's name is on all the sales. Justin finds out later that his name is on the sales and he questions David and they think they should go to the authorities. Justin has traced the LLC to the cartel.  At a gathering the boys and The fiancée attended but Justin has been sold into human trafficking. Ends up in the jungles and working in the mines, and he meets a priest that helps him out but it's a long road home. He has evidence. So many brutal assaults, deaths and gore in this story.

Like how Justin helps others when he can....love the retaliation. So justified for his family members.

Like how this moves into the next book: earth minerals on Mars and how Justin plans to get them for US  companies he owns...

Didn't think I'd enjoy this book as much as I did. Well thought out. Very descriptive details, felt at times I was there in the room. Would like to read more form this author.

 

Book Review: Montana Sanctuary by Josie Jade

   

 

Montana Sanctuary by Josie Jade

This story is about Evelyn and she's on the run. Thought for the past several years she was safe, now she knows he's back again. She has the collection of rings to prove it so she moves on. Like how she tries to protect herself and lands at a sanctuary ranch where others are healing and they all form a nice team working through things. She also has a job in town and she waits on others and the owner bakes. She enjoys it.  Story also follows Lucas who's got problems of his own. He also is a horse whisperer and he has one client that's giving him a hard time. He has hallucinations that wake him up night and he has to put on every light in the house and just walk. He sometimes walks outside where he found Eve and they get to talk and he keeps his distance, telling her in his way that he knows she's hurting.

Nathan from Eve's past thinks he owns her and her body, etc. He's on the trail again and he's found her again. The black rose petals throughout her cabin are the sign along with a piece of jewelry.

She is petrified and Lucas will take her into his cabin from there on. The men ramp up the security around the property as they find out more details about Nathan.

His money can buy anything... Last ditch effect the men leave to get Nathan. Eve's friend at the coffee shop call and needs a jump for her car. The two surrounding Eve all go and things are going ok, the car won't stop they will just drive her home.  Nathan shows up and explosions occur and he's able to kidnap the two women.  Such a scary tale from then til the hospitals scenes. Eve is conscious again and Lucas leaves to get a snack. When he returns there is the black rose petal... So scary for them all. Nathan had bought his way out of jail and state police guarding him to show up at the hospital.

Creepy book for me but i just couldn't put it down. Love the ending. Like hearing how Eve actually was able to help with the animal therapy program as the horse didn't like men. She had grows up knowing what to do with horses. Would read another book in this series. Very super descriptive and chilling to the bone in some instances.

 

Mar 19 Her Guardian’s Salvation by charlee james

  

 

Her Guardian’s Salvation by charlee james

Love this story about Ivy who's a house inspector. When she's on the job she hears others in the house and knows she has to escape from where she is, heads to the woods and gunshots follow her. She falls down a cliff and Jude is the one to find her. He is having his annual cabin in the woods retreat to forget aobut how his family died and he blames himself. He is able to rescue Ivy.

It's only the beginning as she tells her story to him. Investitive cops take over and track down leads to find the men and it gets more involved from there.

What a story!  Adult situations but love the moments she is able to connect with Jude because of her brother Ash who has some of the same ailments that he deals with. Love catching up with the rest of Jude's team and their lives.

Would recommend this story but best if read from the very beginning.

Can't wait to read the next one already.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: Series Preview by Jan Moran

  

 

The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: Series Preview by Jan Moran

This book contains information about the author's works, the series and a preview sample of each of the starting books in the series.

Good collections or light romance books 

Book Review: Bait the Devil Book 2 of A Bounty of Shadows by Winter Austin

  

   

Bait the Devil Book 2 of A Bounty of Shadows by Winter Austin

Story starts out with Dot and she's on a mission to catch the bounty for her and the group.

She's not a PI yet but others are and they get leads on the bounty and who they need to be capturing.

Love the step by step process and how they are able to track the culprits down and get them.

Love the team and what they mean to one another and how well they work as a team.

Lots of action, mystery, and adventure.

Like how the missions go on target then things go haywiere and then it even gets worse. Super love the ending, didn't see that happening! Can't wait to read more form the author.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Book Review: Travel With Style by Anastasia Pash

  

 

Travel With Style by Anastasia Pash

Love this book because it's written by someone who's traveled the world since in her young years. She lists a country and tells you about the clothing you should bring, depending on the time of year: all of the seasons.  Even includes day/night temps to be aware of. The customs and traditions are also mentioned along with rules/laws about illegal things and other things that you might do to put yourself in harms way by dressing provocatively warranting unwanted advances. There are so many locations and countries and so much to do that she also lists and how to dress for a theater vs. a walkthrough town.

It's all about combination clothing, where you can wear a light weight sweater in multiple outfits and how to take a photo of the ensemble so you won't have to hassle with searching through clothes that you brought with you.

LOVE FAQ'S  at  the end where she explains which container/suitcase/backpack to use and when and how to pack them properly. SO much valuable information in this book.

 

Book Review: Sisters in Christ: Defeat the Enemy One Powerful Prayer At a Time (JESUS in the EVERYDAY) by Cheri Swalwell

  

 

Sisters In Christ by Cheri Swalwell

Book starts out with a dedication page then a note from the author about SIC Society

Table of contents is enclosed.

Introduction talks about how the author became a Sister In Christ.

Chapters start out with a title and the theme for that chapter, and the author's story.

Segments also include: What does the Bible say, Real Life, Takeaway for Today,  Prayer to Abba and Your turn where the Q&A and discussions questions are listed.

Like this format throughout the book because I like order and being uniform.

What I learned from this book is a lot-Love how the author takes a thought and relates how it directly effects her and her family and how SIC's can help one another even from different backgrounds and at a different place in their lives.

Like the sections about the Bible-they make the passage come to life, in real life terms.

Even Covid19 is mentioned several times as it relates to some discussions.

Love the part about the Brothers in Christ-that was a surprise to read about, Love Indians and their traditions and customs.

Book is so down to earth and easy to put into your own life situations.

Listened intently to this book as I baked by hand so noise of mixer wouldn't take over what I was hearing and I felt a peace, calm and no upheaval.

Like the conclusion and how to reach out to others. Ends with contact the author and bio of the author.

Love how the author opens up in many cases and I recall going through several in my lifetime as well.

  Also there are questions to ask yourself if the topic is revelent to you, and the 'takeaway' for the section is also super helpful summarizing the whole section.

Author makes this book so easy to follow along and how you can pick out the moments in your own life where the Holy Ghost was actually right there with you the whole time.

Such a blessing to be able to read and review this book. Contents will stick with me for a long time.

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

Book Review: Holy Spirit Anointing: Your Weapon to Walk in Victory by Cheri Swalwell

  

 

Holy Spirit Anointing: Your Weapon to Walk in Victory by Cheri Swalwell 

Love this story because growing up Catholic and then attending Catholic schools we were taught about the Holy Ghost, God and Jesus. Never knoew how others saw it as Uncle Clyde.  When I hear the word ghost I usually see it as an alien. When I know it's about religion I do not see it as an alien but a most treasured high God status.

Love the stories how the author put herself out there and tells you how she overcame so much and still fighting the good battle of her other fears. So very personal and touching, emotional and hits home with me.

Love how she reaches out to others who are very close to her to prayer with her as she is there for them as well. 

So many struggles and sadness at times but she continues on to realize her fears and weaknesses and prays about how to overcome them and she has!

Read a different book tonight and it talked how the man had dropped to the floor and he had his father and dead brother speaking to him, like the Holy Ghost. Couldn't believe it said that exactly in the book. so cool to have this connection while reading, to know he's always there for you. And now I know so much more about the Holy Ghost when I pray that I never knew before. Something just so simple.

Can't wait to read more from this author, she gets right to the point, in easy fashion and style.

 

Book Review: The Diner by Joanne DeMaio

   

The Diner by Joanne DeMaio 

In this story we find Shane and he's back to Maine for work. He hates the pull of Stony Point, CT and what's there for him.

He gets some surprises when he returns for the day and then the phone call about the CT group. People almost died and he wasn't there to help them.

Back at Stony Point Jason walks into the diner after hours and finds a robber holding a gun to Kyle's face. He takes matters into his own hands stating the rest of the guys will be there soon to play cards. 

They are able to escape harm but it eats at their brains the whole week and then some.

Love how they find solace in others and how they are able to just let it all go.

So emotional and touching as things are happening. Jason has an out of body experience and he can't explain it to anybody but Shane.

Love how the group will be celebrating in the next book.

Love the beach scene and all that comes with it Love catching up with the others and Cliff's son is new to the series. Lots of mysteries, secrets and there's a lot more to come.

Love this series and can't wait to read more.

 

Feb 26 Unplanned by Mary Sue Jackson

  

 

Unplanned by Mary Sue Jackson

In this story we find Caitlin has returned to Poplar and she's sitting at a bar after the bridal shower. A man wants her attention but Brian a long lost love steps in and guides him out of the building, saving her. They realize they know one another and will spend time finding out what each have been up to since college days.  Adult situations. 

Love that she wants to return to TX where she and her friend will be getting a tattoo shop and she will have a job then.  Problem is she is staying in town for a bit til she earns some money to get the shop going. Her ex stole all her money and she won't tell the police yet. 

She ends up at Brian's house because she won't go to her parents. They get along just fine each going their own day every day. She meets others in town and they take her for a horse ride where they end up in a flowered field. She loves it and starts taking phoots that she knows she will use in her paintings and tattoo designs.

Brian is so busy with permits and the rodeo is coming to town and his new found brother will be retiring after the show from the rodeo.

Love how most everyone is there to help one another. Some like her parents shun her verbally in public. Brian's mother will throw a celebration for them.

So many twists and turns and she doesn't want to hold Brian back from his devotion to the town. She also wants her tattoo shop......

Love how it all comes together and she wishes her brother was able to be around because he was the lucky one to get away from their parents....

Can't wait to read more form this another. Love the whole series.

Received this review copy from the author via Booksprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Feb 24 The Rodeo Cowboy’s Redemption: A friends-to-lovers cowboy romance (The Miles of Montana Book 3) by Kyra Jacobs

  

 

The Rodeo Cowboy’s Redemption: A friends-to-lovers cowboy romance (The Miles of Montana Book 3) by Kyra Jacobs

This story starts out with Norah and she's a designer and is having the cabins redone. She didn't tell the family but she's won a spot in the renovations to be in the BigSky magazine. This will help her work step up a lot.

She is going to work with Donovon but he gets injured and sends his son to take over.  Rhett's done with the rodeo and is considering on doing repairs for his dads company.  He has to work with Norah  and they once had a history. The past comes to light: he had left a letter for her in her truck. She never got it and he never tells her what he had written. They do pick up where they left off but then Rhett  is told to leave and his dad had packed his bags.

She has no clue as to where he went, his cousins in another state maybe.... Like how this ends, didn't see it ending as such, So unpredictable. Love family interjections. Funny at times.

Lot going on but easy to keep track of it all.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: Corsican Christmas caper a holiday story by dave bartell

 

Corsican Christmas caper a holiday story  by dave bartell

This story starts out as a screenplay with acts. Love the setting of the holidays and the family is putting everything they have into th mix for the big party. The food, fashion, decorations and a special events, an unveiling.

Problem is the item has been borrowed when it was unveiled and now they have to track down who took it and put it  back.  Love the strategy and how they solve the riddles at every clue they find along the way. Sounded so simple to divide into groups and each group to a room.

Short story but well worth the read.

 

Book review: The Organ Broker by Stu Strumwasser

  

 

The Organ Broker by Stu Strumwasser

Didn't think I'd enjoy this story as much as I did.l

Starts with NY Jack who is an organ broker. The story starts with his caree and we learn all about the other side of things. SO very realistic it sounds like today's world. Very detailed descriptions you can see the scene in front of you.

Lots of travel that was fascinating to me and hearing about situations why they were there was another story in itself.   I can picture my relatives who work in the OR being involved in the organs and who gets what.  Some are young kids that he makes a deal with them so he can make a profit  by selling to the billionaires that can afford them. Like hearing about his connection to a client that he has personal ties to.  Like hearing the realization of relationships over the years and how it really effects him.

Emotiona and  thought provoking  

Feb 19 The Cowboy's Least Likely Bride Book 1 of Family Matters of Cowboy Point by Megan Crane

  

The Cowboy's Least Likely Bride Book 1 of Family Matters of Cowboy Point by Megan Crane

This story is a bit sideways for me, LOL  Starts out with one woman calling another woman. One is the wife of Patrick the other has a family with the other but not married.

They talk to one another and see the comparisons. They agree it's time, now that Patrick is dead, to have the whole family meet one another.

Some of the children look like a twin of the other woman's. 

Like how they kids just decide to get along. They are actually able to talk and discuss their private thoughts with one another.  I can truly see this happening but I know of no one it has happened to personally.

Just seems a bit out there but it's a close knit community.

Love how they are able to hold it all together through thick and thin and then some...

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

 

Feb 10 The Lost Sheenan Book 6 of Taming of the Sheenans by Jane Porter

  

 

The Lost Sheenan Book 6 of Taming of the Sheenans by Jane Porter

This is the last of this series but another is in the works using some of the same characters.

Starts out with Jet who's staying at her sisters B&B in Montana while she works at the one room schoohouse taking care of a handful of children from different grades, temporarily.

Once the last teacher gives birth and comes back the district may decide the children need to go to school via the bus to another town so she may be out of work.

Story also follow Shane who's paying to stay at the Sheenan family home while he writes.  His past makes him believe he is one of the Sheenans' but proof is hard to come by, although the DNA proves he is one of them.

They go out as she's fascinated that he's the author of the books she's read and loved them.

He's just there trying to make friends with them but they are not very welcome.  He believes his mother's ghost still resides at the ranch as he investigates more clues about his past life.

The Sheenan members now know Shane is there to write a story of a family murder and they don't want him to investigate.

They post eviction papers on the house so he's only got 30 days left now and not enough time to write the story he's been paid for. 

Jet really likes and feels comfortable and natural with Shane, but many others see them and tell her to stay away from him...

Like this book because you are made welcome with the characters even if you've not read the previous books there's enough information about everybody to understand what's going on.

Like also the detailed descriptions as the author writes to make you feel like you can see what's before you-the scenery, nature, sounds, smells, etc.

Some details of the past murders unfolds. Like the explanations of all the tattoos, so interesting, a story in themselves.  Loved sight seeing tours of Butte, sounds like a treasure to see all the preservation.

Jet knew she might have some important information as she's talked to a woman who lived there at the time of the murders. She knows she should just walk away from it all...

Excerpt from the next book-in the new series but a continuoation of this series as well is included.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion. 

Book Review: A Heart in Bloom by Deanna Lilly

  

 

A Heart in Bloom by Deanna Lilly

In this story we find Grace a florist and she's being kicke out of her apartment and the business, the floral shop that she runs. She has it on good authority to check the town net to them as the same family runs it, just not so strict. Love that she finds the town lovely and how she is welcomed into the community. Everybody does help one another.

She's introduced to Allen, an ex military guy who is now the lead on renovations in the town. Zach the owner wants to keep the town in the same historical decade.

They all help her, even help her get her old things from the previous store and move it there for her.

Danger shows up as an ex fiancée and demands she show up for a wedding picture with him so he can get his inheritance. She refuses while Allen is ther and she is relieved.

Love the events the town puts on and just how festive they really are.

Great story and can't wait to read the rest in the series. 

Children's books read Feb 15

  

 

US Presidents for kids by Scott Davids

Love this book because I learn so much. Each president has their own chapter stating the dates they were president.  They also include wars they fought in, who they married, their pets and other things fascinating about them. Questions and answers at the end.

 

Baby animals by DH Butler 

This book talks about a lot of different common animals and what their babies are called.

So many interesting facts about them also and a picture for each one.

Love last one in this book. Cute love the pictures and facts.

 

Neil and the Best Christmas Ever by Avi Lahiri

Love this story about NEil and how they live in a poor town and his job works about 20 hours a day to provide everything he and his wife will need.

Neil has a friend and her father won the lottery and they will moving out of town to a better location.

She explains how the family won the money with a ticket. and offers him to buy her  old tows for half price off the price they paid.

His father is always telling him to praying to God for his wish to come true. 

He has an idea of how to use the money he's saved up over his lifetime and how to earn a bit more so he can give his father the lottery ticket for Christmas.

Love how this one ends. Can't wait to read more from this author.

 

My daddy might be a wizard by J.J. Hebert

Colorful,  children's book about a little boys special day. He gives magical hugs and he can make things happen.

Cute story.

 

Feb 14 Hearts and Horseshoes: A Sweet by Josie Riviera

  

Hearts and Horseshoes: A Sweet by Josie Riviera 

Love this story so much. love finding out how they both do their career jobs and the other jobs they tackle.

She has arrived back on the family ranch. Her spouse, Mark died and she just couldn't bring herself to go there again. The bank has notified her it will be foreclosing on the property so she just goes there to hopefully make things better. She's reminded of Mark as there are pictures all over the walls. The ranch manager is Cole, Marks best friend and also a vet and he took over the care of the ranch as he promised Mark.  

Grace lands a job remotely and  it will bring her the money she needs to start putting the ranch into order. They discuss the local events and want to participate in the  Valentine party to show others that they are NOT giving up. Many others have approached them to buy it out but she doesn't like what they want to do with it so she's holding off. They get a lot more bad news with the cows and know what they have to do. They are working so hard tending to the births where days and nights they work through together.

Love how the town is there for them through thick and thin and how it all turns out. Love that her sister can be with her.

SO very romantic and imaginative with the holiday.  Recipes included at the end.

Hope to read more from this community.

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

 

Book Review: The Arnolfini Art Mysteries by Rich DiSilvio

  

 

The Arnolfini Art Mysteries by Rich DiSilvio

This book has so many entertaining stories.  There are 12 mysteries surrounding the art and something happens to each of them. They are discovered not to be the original although in some instances they are but hiding behind something else.  It's so fun ot learn the technical side as to how it is all discovered and what they can do about it. The painstaking task of striping off a layer of the  painting.

So fun to learn all this and find out why it was done to begin with.

Very detailed descriptions and I can never guess who did it.

Love how the author writes his own style with these mysteries. Can't wait to read more.

 

Feb 12 Their Patchwork Family Book 11 of With Love, From Kurrajong Crossing by Fiona Marsden

 

 

Their Patchwork Family Book 11 of With Love, From Kurrajong Crossing by Fiona Marsden

This story follows Leo as he arrives back in Australia with his daughter Queenie. It's actually his cousins girl, but he adopted her.   An aunt wants to get custody because she doesn't think a man can raise a girl going through teen years. That make Leo seak out Tamara and they form a bond again. She listens to his idea of getting married with her adopted son and making a family for all of them. She's avoided sex scenes because of her past but she's not told him yet.

You wonder how long this will last...Leo is in a band and they have toured around the world.

Received this review copy from Tule Publishing via BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.