Short Review ~ The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Cape Cod Creamery, #2)

 

The Secret to Happiness by Suzanne Woods Fisher
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I listened to the audio of this book. It's good, with several pov's, which I really liked. Fisher always delivers a solid and captivating story. The narrator did a great job.
If you like contemporary women's fiction without an overabundance of angst, this is the one!

View all my reviews

Review ~ The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club (The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club, #1) by Wanda E. Brunstetter / AND A Personal Note

The Half-Stitched Amish Quilting Club by Wanda E. Brunstetter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I very much enjoyed listening to the audio of this book! Brunstetter presents a fabulous cast of characters, some that you'll be quite fond of and others...not so much. LOL
I'd say this is one of my favorite inspirational fiction stories I've listened to in a while.

View all my reviews

Note: I'm not reviewing much at all anymore in a professional reader capacity because in Nov 2024 I was diagnosed with Macular Degeneration, and reading an actual paperback book is a bit difficult for me. But I fully intend to share the good books I listen to. I'll be posting a few of those in the next few days. :-)

Short Review ~ Bride by Beguilement (Moonlight and Magnolia Series Book 2) by Debbie Lynne Costello

Kirsten Macleod is in a bind. Her father’s last will and testament stipulates that she must either marry, lead the plantation into a first year profit, or forfeit it to her uncle. But marriage is proving no easy option. Every suitor seems more enamored with the land than with her. Until her handsome neighbor sweeps into her stable to the rescue… of her beloved horse.

Silas Westbrook’s last year at veterinary school ends abruptly when he is called home to care for his young orphaned sisters. Troubles compound when he finds an insurmountable lien on the only home they’ve ever known, and the unscrupulous banker is calling in the loan. The neighbor’s kind-hearted and beautiful stable girl, Krissy, provides the feminine influence the girls desperately need. If only he had a future to offer her. But to save his sisters from poverty, he should set his sights on Krissy’s wealthy relative Kirsten Macleod, the elusive new heiress. Surely this hard-working and unassuming young lady and the landowner could not be one and the same?

 

My Short Review ~ 4 STARS

The characters brought out all kinds of emotions for me which made the story engaging. Costello is an excellent wordsmith and brings a unique dynamic to her historical novels. Pick one up today!

 

Short Review ~ Dear Henry, Love Edith by Becca Kinzer

 

About the Book

After a short and difficult marriage, recently widowed Edith Sherman has learned her lesson. Forget love. Forget marriage. She plans to fill her thirties with adventure. As she awaits the final paperwork for a humanitarian trip to South Africa, she accepts a short-term nursing position in a small Midwestern town. The last thing she needs is a handsome local catching her eye. How inconvenient is that?

Henry Hobbes isn't exactly thrilled to have Edith, who he assumes is an elderly widow, dumped on him as a houseguest for the summer. But he'd do almost anything for his niece, who is practically like a sister to him given how close they are in age. Especially since Edith will be working nights and Henry works most days. When he and Edith keep missing each other in person, they begin exchanging notes--short messages at first, then longer letters, sharing increasingly personal parts of their lives.

By the time Henry realizes his mistake--that Edith is actually the brown-eyed beauty he keeps bumping into around town--their hearts are so intertwined he hopes they never unravel. But with her departure date rapidly approaching, and Henry's roots firmly planted at home, Edith must ultimately decide if the adventure of her dreams is the one right in front of her.

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My Review 4 STARS!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed binging on this contemporary rom-com!! Lots of fun to read with engaging characters, captivating plot twists, and amusing dialogue. Complete delight in this debut novel!!! 

A friend loaned me the book. I was under no obligation to write a review.

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Has anyone else read this one? If so, let me know in the comment section. And offer a recommendation if you've read a good book this spring!

New Release from Mimi Matthews!!!

Tomorrow is the DAY!!!

Return to Satterthwaite Court 

releases from highly acclaimed author Mimi Matthews.

I pre-ordered my copy from Audible because narrator Alex Wyndham is one of my favorite narrators.

Do you enjoy audio books? I had to train myself to listen to them during the "year no one wants to remember" took place and we were all told to stay shut up in our homes. No library access, and publishers weren't mailing books for such a long time that it was excruciating for this avid reader. So I signed up for Audible and I think one of the first books I bought was by Mimi Matthews. I was hooked right then and went through every one of her books she had published at the time. Long days of sitting on porch with a sewing project in my lap and a historical novel in my ear was just about perfect in spite of the chaos going on in the world.



If you haven't read any of Matthews' books, I highly recommend them. They are considered clean Victorian Romances and quite intriguing, especially her Parish Orphans of Devon series. I've listened to the third book, A Convenient Fiction, about 5 or 6 times. 


My Review on Goodreads:


"Excellently done!!!
A Convenient Fiction is a beautifully romantic story with fabulous narration!! It was a pleasure to listen to. I loved it."






But if you aren't an audio book fan, that's ok! They're published in traditional print and e-book as well. 


I don't get any revenue from you using any links on this blog. I'm just sharing because it's easy and quick to get to Matthews' profile on Goodreads. And from there, you can decide for yourself! 
 
I sincerely hope your spring is off to a good start! I've been very busy tending to my chickens, grandbaby and family.




I love the color variations from light cream to reddish brown to blue to green to olive. Life is better with chickens!! 

.

Review ~ Honor Bound (Love and Honor #1) by Hallee Bridgeman

Paperback, 384 pages

Published September 6th 2022 by Fleming H. Revell Company

It may seem odd to seek peace by moving to a war-torn African country, but for medical missionary Dr. Cynthia Myers, it provided a way to escape a shallow life of unearned wealth, a philandering fiancé, and a father now square in the public eye as vice president of the United States. At least here she knows her work and life have meaning. But all that is thrown into chaos when she fails to save the life of a local warlord's mortally wounded son.
As part of the Army Special Forces "A-Team" on a mission to capture and subdue the warlord, Captain Rick Norton is compelled to use deadly force to save Cynthia's life. Enraged at the violence she witnessed and riddled with guilt that men died because of her, Cynthia tries to hold on to her anger--but an unwanted attraction is taking hold.
With two members of his team badly injured and rebels in hot pursuit, Rick will have to draw upon all his strength and cunning to get her out alive . . . because he's beginning to think they just might overcome their differences and be able to make a life together.

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My Review 3 STARS

This is the first book in a new series by this author but I still felt like I was missing some ties to earlier characters. The military aspect of this story was fast-paced and seemed realistic. Captain Norton's team is one that I can imagine being filled with real life heroes. I liked how strong and outspoken of a Christian Norton is and would like to read more about him beyond his relationship with Cynthia. She is a character that I didn't connect with and was often irritated with because of her pacifist views being vocalized to an elite member of the military.

 It's a common trope in military fiction now, saving a 'damsel in distress' in a foreign country. I'm sure this is a story that many will enjoy even though I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. I received an electronic copy from the publisher through Netgalley and was under no obligation to post a review.

Review ~ The Little Women Devotional by Rachel Dodge

Devotional Inspiration from the Lives of Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy
 
The Little Women Devotional offers lovely inspiration that explores the themes of faith, family, contentment, wisdom, and joy in the classic Louisa May Alcott novel, cherished by generations of readers.
Each reading corresponds with a chapter from the book and invites you to embrace God’s guiding hand in your life as His cherished daughter. This beautiful chapter-by-chapter devotional includes original artwork throughout, and each reading includes examples from the novel, scripture, life application, and prayers perfect for groups, book clubs, or personal reflection.

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My Review 4 STARS
Dodge has written a darling companion devotional based on one of my most favorite classic novels, Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. One of the sweetest things about this devotional is the lovely art work! Faith and family are integral in this devotional, making it one I recommend whether you are a fan of the classic novel or not.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review.

Review ~ Once Upon a Christmas (Book 3 of the Christmas Card Series) by Amanda Tru

 

If I only see you once...

When her flight home is canceled a few days before Christmas, Moe Scott spontaneously agrees to spend a few hours sight-seeing with a fellow passenger. At the time, she doesn't know the moments with James will change her life, nor does she know that before her plane takes off the next morning, she will turn around to find James gone.

With no way to contact him, Moe returns home only to lose everything before the new year dawns. Completely alone, jobless, and faced with the news that she is going blind, Moe remembers her time with James and clings to the idea of embracing the moments of vision she has left.

When opportunities for love and friendship come in the most unexpected places, Moe faces the choice of whether to continue to wait for the man who changed her life.

Will Moe and James ever find each other again? Can she learn to appreciate the beauty in each moment God provides and inspire those beyond her own darkness, even if she never sees again?

A once upon a Christmas inspires her story. Her ever after changes the world.

Author website - https://amandatru.com/

Purchase: Amazon

My Review 5 STARS!!!

Oh. My. Goodness. A friend of mine shared some highlights from this book on Goodreads that intrigued me. I borrowed a copy on KU and started reading it immediately. I had trouble putting it down and would have stayed up all night to read it, if possible. The story certainly wasn't what I expected. I was thinking it would be a fairly lighthearted, sweet Christmas romance but it was so much more!!! 

If you're looking for an inspirational story that will leave you contemplating and perhaps re-evaluating your "once" moments, this is the one. Amanda Tru will be an author added to my must-read list. This book is a stand-alone, as are all the books in this series.

Let me know if you read it and what you think of it!

Have a blessed day in the Lord,

Review ~ The Blizzard Bride (Daughters of the Mayflower #11) by Susanne Dietze

A Blizzard Changes Everything

Abigail Bracey arrives in Nebraska in January 1888 to teach school…and to execute a task for the government: to identify a student as the hidden son of a murderous counterfeiter—the man who killed her father.

Agent Dashiell Lassiter doesn’t want his childhood sweetheart Abby on this dangerous job, especially when he learns the counterfeiter is now searching for his son, too, and he’ll destroy anyone in his way. Now Dash must follow Abby to Nebraska to protect her…if she’ll let him within two feet of her. She’s still angry he didn’t fight to marry her six years ago, and he never told her the real reason he left her.

All Dash wants is to protect Abby, but when a horrifying blizzard sweeps over them, can Abby and Dash set aside the pain from their pasts and work together to catch a counterfeiter and protect his son—if they survive the storm?


Purchase:
Amazon
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Isn't that just the most beautiful cover??? 

Barbour Publishing has produced some exquisite covers for this series 

and I have to say this is my favorite, by far!!

My Review

4 STARS!!!

The Blizzard Bride is a winsome historical novel in The Daughters of the Mayflower series. I loved Dash! He's a great guy and has a super protective streak that I found romantic. His sense of humor was something I especially enjoyed too. Abigail tended to be a bit obstinate but that just made Dash shine all the more in my book. :-)

Dietze's fans are sure to find lots to like in this story filled with intrigue, mystery, romance and faith. I received a copy from the author and publisher. All views are my own. 

Leave a comment and let me know if you've read any of the books in this series. I've read several and Susie's book is definitely one of my favs.

Review ~ Once Upon a Dickens Christmas: 3 Charming Christmas Tales Set in Victorian England by Michelle Griep

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep

Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:

12 Days a Bleakly Manor: Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.

A Tale of Two Hearts: Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?

The Old Lace Shop: Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

Purchase:
CBD

I am in no way affiliated with any vendors. Links are provided as a courtesy only.

My Review

4 STARS!!!

"I may be uneducated in the ways of business, but there is one thing I know. Either your faith will move mountains, or your doubt will create them." 

~Bella, The Old Lace Shop

Griep does a good job depicting Victorian era locales; homes, businesses, countryside. I could 'see' the finery and manners, or lack thereof, of each character. Scruffy and dirty and/or neat and tidy, they all came alive in my mind. Each story is full of drama, mystery, romance, and human condition. Grab a copy of this illuminating trio and settle in for a few hours of Dickensian delight!

I received a copy from the publisher and author. No review was required. No compensation received.

Three Quick Reads I Enjoyed

Good day to all!! My husband was out of town last week and I had some extra time on my hands in the evenings. I thought I would share three books I read while he was gone. Two are definitely Christmas themed and any of the three can be read in just a couple of hours or less.

My Thoughts

5 STARS!!!

Up on the Housetop is a fast-paced contemporary novella (or really short novel) that has just the right amount of fun, drama, and romance. I got it free on Kindle and I'm glad I did. It's my first Liz Isaacson book but won't be my last. I like her writing style.

My Thoughts

4.5 STARS!!!

 

Crandall sure knows how to write a spellbinding romance. I devoured this novella in just a couple of hours. I don't think readers will have trouble sorting out the characters from the previous books. If you haven't read them, I would highly encourage starting with The Hesitant Heiress, which introduces the Everstone family. I read that one when it debuted and really liked it. My only hesitation continuing the series was the fact they are written in first person POV and I struggle with that form. Hence, I now need to go back and read the other books because it didn't take me long to get my bearings with Enchanting Nicholette, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I was gifted a copy of the book from the author and publisher. No review was required. No compensation was received.

My Thoughts

5 STARS!!!

I loved it!!!

 Mistletoe Kiss is a cute and witty Christmas story for under a buck on Kindle!

For Advent, I've been reading a chapter a day from the book of Luke. With 24 chapters, when I finish the book on Christmas Eve, I will have read Jesus' life story. Doing it this way has given me time to meditate on God's Word and I find myself having quite a few ah-ha moments. 

  

Do you have any recommended reads for Christmas? Or how about for Advent?

Review ~ My Heart Belongs in Galveston, Texas, Madeline's Search by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Paperback, 256 pages

Published July 2018 by Barbour Books

Journey now to Galveston, Texas, of 1880...
Where is Mrs. Smith’s granddaughter?  Who is the mysterious Mrs. Smith?

Pinkerton agent Jonah Cahill is hired by the mysterious widow to find her lost granddaughter, rumored to be living in Galveston, Texas. Though Jonah prefers to travel alone, Mrs. Smith insists that she and her companion accompany him. Madeline Latour, investigative reporter, has been acting as Mrs. Smith’s assistant for several months, and Madeline will not allow anyone—even a Pinkerton agent—to ruin the story of a lifetime. The pair forges an uneasy truce as the investigation grows dangerous.

Is there a bigger story beyond a missing girl to be revealed?

About the Author

 

Bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee of more than eighty novels with almost two million copies in print in the US and abroad.

A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she has been nominated for a Career Achievement Award as well a Reader’s Choice Award and is the winner of the Inspirational Romance of the Year by Romantic Times magazine.

*Purchase Links - Paperback
Amazon

CBD

My Review

4 STARS!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading My Heart Belongs in Galveston TX, Madeline’s Search. The history of the area was fascinating and I appreciated Y’Barbo including detailed author notes in the back of the book. 

Jonah Cahill, Pinkerton agent, and Madeline Latour, an investigat

ive reporter who has an interest in finding lost treasure—not necessarily of the human kind—team up to find a widow’s long lost granddaughter.  The two have a history causing a lack of trust between them but find themselves still drawn emotionally to the other despite giving it their best effort to tamp it down. Their interactions are humorous and at times keen, exhibiting a snappy rhythm throughout the story, along with several other mysterious elements that add to the intrigue of the missing granddaughter. 

Needless to say, Y’Barbo is an highly acclaimed author who never fails to provide me a few hours of lighthearted entertainment through accomplished wit, savory characters, sweet romance, and a gentle faith theme. Fans of Christian historical fiction will especially enjoy this story

 I was provided a paperback copy of the book from the publisher. I was not required to write a review. No compensation has been received.

~Happy Reading~

  * I am not affiliated with any online retailers and make no money if you use the links provided to purchase. They are provided only as a courtesy. 

Short Review ~ Then Came You by Becky Wade

Then Came You by Becky Wade
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wade has written an engaging novella through journal entries, texts, and phone messages. I couldn't put this book down! My heart was tugged more than once and I do believe this will be one I will read again. Strong romantic elements and a powerful redemption theme. I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. The novella was free on Kindle.

View all my reviews   Always be sure and check the price first but it is FREE right now for the e-book. Amazon  Goodreads for other Retailers   ~Happy Reading~ 

Giveaway ~ A Stray Drop of Blood (Kindle Edition)

I read this book when it first came out in 2010, and was completely captivated by the story. Truly, it is a powerful, raw and redemptive tale that swept me along from the first page to the last. The author took my breath away with her prose. I remember thinking this book rivaled the masterful storytelling in A Voice in the Wind by Francine Rivers. And that is the best biblical fiction book I have ever read! A Stray Drop of Blood is second. There is nothing easy in Abigail's story, as you can see from reading the synopsis below.  

But God never promised easy, did he?

Beautiful is a dangerous thing to be when one is unprotected. That is a lesson Abigail learns well when her master's son, Jason, takes her to his bed. Jason's mother, Ester, may have educated her as a daughter instead of a slave, his father, Cleopas, may have obeyed Hebrew law rather than Roman in the running of his household, but none of that matters to their son. At least, it doesn't until he has a child of his own on the way.

Over her seven years in the Visibullis household, Abigail has gotten accustomed to being a slave. She loves her fellow servants, she adores her mistress, and she respects her master. She does not welcome change, neither when Jason decides she is better fit for a lover than a handmaid nor when he discovers he loves her too much to leave her as anything but a wife. But she carries his child, so she can hardly argue. And maybe, given time, she could come to love him too....

Israel s unrest finds a home in her bosom, but their rebellion tears apart her world. Death descends with Barabbas s sword, and Abigail is determined to be there when he is handed the penalty for the crimes that destroyed her family. But when she ventures to the trial, heavy with child and heavier still with hatred, it is not Barabbas that the crowd demands be crucified. Instead, it is the teacher Cleopas and Jason had begun to follow, the man from Nazareth that some call the Son of God....

She was born free, made a slave, married out of her bonds. But she never really knew freedom until she felt the fire of a stray drop of blood from a Jewish carpenter. She was disowned by Israel, despised by Rome, desired by all. Yet she never knew love until she received the smile of a stoic Roman noble.

GIVEAWAY IS FOR A KINDLE COPY ONLY!!!

Be sure and leave me an email address (someone[at]someplace[dot]com) so I can send you a gift certificate that you can redeem at Amazon, if you win!

If you don't own a Kindle, Amazon has FREE Kindle App's! 

Just click here to find the one you need.

Giveaway Ends 

August  24^that midnight  (EST)