Top Ten Books I've Read So Far in 2015

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Normally I have an incredibly hard time putting these posts together but this was actually much easier. This is due mostly to the fact that I now have two jobs and I also have several TV shows I'm trying to keep up with, so my reading time has taken a dive. Therefore I had less books to decide between and these ten immediately jumped out as the best!

#1. Three Little Words & From the Start by Melissa Tagg

#2. Always On My Mind by Susan May Warren

#3. A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

#4. Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

#5. Hawk & Falcon by Ronie Kendig

#6. Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey

#7. A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

#8. Buried Secrets by Irene Hannon

#9. Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman

#10. A Sparrow in Terezin by Kristy Cambron

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #179

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

Loved this book so much!!!

What I am currently reading:

This book is really good so far!

What I hope to read this week:

I am actually on vacation in California the rest of this week and we are keeping rather busy so reading time is at a minimum but I do need to get these two read for review!

Blog Posts
My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics
Waiting on Wednesday #167: In Good Company

Friday Memes

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Friday Memes 6/25

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do others come to you for book recommendations?

My Answer:

Yes quite frequently! Especially my siblings!

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

The thwack of the train door jolted Eliza Cantrell upright. Acrid coal smoke whooshed through the muggy passenger car.
"Now, don't nobody get any ideas," a menacing voice growled.
A Bride in Store by Melissa Jagears

My Thoughts
Love all the vivid descriptions!

Waiting on Wednesday #167: In Good Company

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

In Good Company by Jen Turano
Bethany House-July 7, 2015

About the Book

After growing up as an orphan, Millie Longfellow is determined to become the best nanny the East Coast has ever seen. Unfortunately, her playfulness and enthusiasm aren't always well-received and she finds herself dismissed from yet another position. 

Everett Mulberry has quite unexpectedly become guardian to three children that scare off every nanny he hires. About to depart for Newport, Rhode Island, for the summer, he's desperate for competent childcare.

At wit's end with both Millie and Everett, the employment agency gives them one last chance--with each other. As Millie falls in love with her mischievous charges, Everett focuses on achieving the coveted societal status of the upper echelons. But as he investigates the suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the children's parents, will it take the loss of those he loves to learn whose company he truly wants for the rest of his life?

Why I Want It

I have loved every book I've read of this author's and I can't wait for this one!

My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

"In honor of 5 years of Top Ten Tuesday ( our first Top Ten Tuesday debuted June 21, 2010) -- My Ten Favorite Top Ten Topics We've Ever Done In The Past 5 Years"

There are so many fun topics that we have done that it was really hard to narrow it down to just ten but I went with the ten that I had the most fun putting together!
Note: These are listed in the order that I posted them

Favorite Characters in Books
Books for People Who Like X Author
Most Unfortunate Character Names
Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book
Character Names I Love
Books That Will Make You Swoon
Things On My Bookish Bucket List
Book Cover Elements I Like
Characters I Wish Would Get Their Own Book
Things I Like When It Comes to Romances in Books

Friday Memes 6/19

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

How many posts do you publish per week? And how many of them are reviews?

My Answer:

Always at least four but usually five or six. The first four are my meme posts and the other one to two are reviews

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

"I'm closing the school, Miss Atherton, and that's my final word on the subject." Dr. Keith Sullivan shut the attendance ledger on his desk with an ominous snap and pushed to his feet, forcing Charlotte to stand as well.
A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer
  My Thoughts
Great beginning!

Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

About the Book
The gunman had nothing to lose, and therefore, the lives of everyone in the emergency room were at risk. Dr. Mark Baker and nurse Kelly Atkinson were on duty during the standoff, but despite their efforts, at the end of the evening, three men were dead—one police officer and two members of the feared Zeta drug cartel. But the killing is not over, because when the drug cartel loses its members, revenge is not far behind. Mark’s life continues to be in danger, but to make matters worse he finds he is under suspicion as a killer! He turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, while Kelly helplessly looks on, hiding her feelings for the good doctor. The characters in Fatal Trauma face life and death situations that cause them to question their faith, their priorities, and the meaning of their lives, while learning that God can use everyone— even people who’ve failed—because doesn’t that include all of us?

My Thoughts
After enjoying a few of this author's previous novels I was looking forward to reading this book. Sadly I couldn't finish it. I read a chunk of it but wasn't getting into the story at all and I have so many books to read that I can't spend time on ones I'm not enjoying. The writing was a bit choppy, there were too many details about insignificant things, and I wasn't really liking any of the characters but the premise was interesting and I'm sure others will enjoy it, it just wasn't for me. I hate writing negative reviews but I was asked to give my honest thoughts and that's what I have done. I really hope you check out other reviews and don't just take my opinion.

Meet the Author
A retired physician, Dr. Richard Mabry is the author of seven critically acclaimed novels of medical suspense. His previous works have been finalists for the Carol Award and Romantic Times Reader’s Choice Award, and have won the Selah Award. He is a past Vice-President of American Christian Fiction Writers and a member of the International Thriller Writers. He and his wife live in North Texas.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.


Can Mark find out who the shooter is before he becomes the next victim? You won't want to miss the suspense in Richard Mabry's new book, Fatal Trauma. Facing an adversary whose desires are dark and efforts are ruthless, Mark finds himself under suspicion as a killer, yet still a potential victim. When he turns to his high school sweetheart, attorney Gwen Woodruff, for help, Kelly helplessly looks on, as she hides her own feelings for the good doctor.

Richard is celebrating the release of Fatal Trauma by giving away The Perfect Prescription Prize Pack!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A $25 cash card
• A copy of Fatal Trauma
• A bag of coffee (because caffeine can cure a lot)
• A medical-inspired coffee mug
• Syringe pens
• A box of medical-inspired cookies (because sugar can cure what caffeine doesn't)

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 20th. The winner will be announced June 22nd on Richard's blog.

Hearts Made Whole by Jody Hedlund

About the Book
1865
Windmill Point, Michigan
Can She Forgive the Hurting Man Who Costs Her the Role She Loves?
After her father's death, Caroline Taylor has grown confident running the Windmill Point Lighthouse. But in 1865 Michigan, women aren't supposed to have such roles, so it's only a matter of time before the lighthouse inspector appoints a new keeper--even though Caroline has nowhere else to go and no other job available to her.
Ryan Chambers is a Civil War veteran still haunted by the horrors of battle. He's secured the position of lighthouse keeper mostly for the isolation--the chance to hide from his past is appealing. He's not expecting the current keeper to be a feisty and beautiful woman who's angry with him for taking her job and for his inability to properly run the light. When his failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he's in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he's unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Caroline feels drawn to this wounded soul, but with both of them relying on that single position, can they look past their loss to a future filled with hope...and possibly love?

My Thoughts
Oh how I loved this book! I had to read the first thirty pages in brief snatches but then thankfully I had a day where I was free to devour the rest of this wonderful story! This author absolutely never fails to impress me and I have loved every single one of her novels.
Ryan and Caroline were amazing and their romance made me melt! Jody did such an amazing job with Ryan's character. He had several faults that normally would make you disgusted with a character but the author skillfully showed the pain that brought him to the place where he made the wrong choices. While at the same time revealing the true man he was underneath all of his problems, the man he longed to be once more. Thus my heart broke for him and I was cheering him on the whole way. As for Caroline, she was such an amazingly selfless person! Every choice she made and everything she did was out of love for those around her. She had endured so much pain and was faced with many burdens that most would consider too hard to bear, but she trusted God through it all and never stopped loving Him and others.
The author also did a fantastic job with the other characters either making me love them, hate them, or want to shake them till they came to their senses!
And the ending!! Ahhhh I loved it so much! I had a dopey smile on my face for quite awhile after I finished! I won't say any more in order to avoid spoilers but you should definitely read this book and discover it's awesomeness for yourself!

Meet the Author
Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of seven novels, including Captured by Love, A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for Historical Fiction, and The Preacher's Bride, winner of the 2011 Award of Excellence. She received a bachelor's degree from Taylor University and a master's from the University of Wisconsin, both in social work. She lives in Midland, Michigan, with her husband and five busy children. She can be found online at www.jodyhedlund.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Don't miss Jody Hedlund's new book, Hearts Made Whole, a story of loss, forgiveness, hope, and true love set in 1865 Michigan. When Ryan's failings endanger others, he and Caroline realize he’s in no shape to run the lighthouse, but he’s unwilling to let anyone close enough to help. Can Caroline forgive the hurting man who costs her the role she loves?

Celebrate the release of Hearts Made Whole by entering to win an Afternoon at the Beach prize pack and RSVPing to Jody's June 23rd author chat party!

 

One grand prize winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A picnic basket set
• A beach bag
• Flip flops
• A beach towel

One second-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse journal

One third-place winner will receive:

• A copy of Hearts Made Whole
• A lighthouse necklace

 

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway ends on June 23rd.Winner will be announced June 23rd at Jody's Facebook party. RSVP here!

Waiting on Wednesday #166: A Bride at Last

Hosted by Breaking the Spine.

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event that spotlights upcoming releases that we're
eagerly anticipating.

This week's pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears
Bethany House-July 7, 2015

About the Book

Abandoned by his mail-order bride, Silas Jonesey has fought an uphill battle to recover from a pattern of poor choices. Now his prayers for reconciliation have finally come true and his estranged wife has contacted him with her whereabouts.

Kate Dawson was supposed to be a mail-order bride, but upon realizing she'd been deceived about her intended groom, she's now settled into life as a schoolteacher. When the mother of a student passes away, Kate assumes she'll take on care of nine-year-old Anthony--until two men suddenly show up in town, claiming to be the boy's father.

Silas can see Anthony loves Kate, so he enlists her help in reaching out to the boy and attempting to prove his paternity to the court. When a common interest in Anthony leads to an interest in each other and Silas and Kate begin to think they can overcome their rocky start, neither is prepared for the secrets and past hurts that have yet to come to light. Can Silas, Kate, and Anthony's wounded souls bind them together or will all that stands between them leave them lonely forever?

Why I Want It

I loved Melissa's first book and I cannot wait to read the second and then this one!

Top Ten Books on My Summer TBR

Top Ten Tuesday is a meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Well I read seven out of the ten books on my Spring TBR so we'll see how well I do this summer!

#1. Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

#2. The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

#3. A Worthy Pursuit by Karen Witemeyer

#4. After a Fashion and In Good Company by Jen Turano

#5. Not by Sight by Kate Breslin

#6. A Bride in Store and A Bride at Last by Melissa Jagears

#7. Shades of Doon by Carey Corp & Lorie Langdon

#8. Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter

#9. Gone Without a Trace by Patricia Bradley

#10. Siren's Fury by Mary Weber

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #178

 Hosted By: Book Journey

Here is what I finished last week:

I loved Hearts Made Whole and I enjoyed the other two!

What I am currently reading:
I don't have any books currently started since I just finished one late last night!

What I hope to read this week:

My next three review/review-related books!

Blog Posts
It's (Not) Monday! What Are You Reading? #177
Top Ten Most Anticipated Releases for the Rest of 2015
Waiting on Wednesday #165: The Wonder of You

Friday Memes 6/12

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

Hope you have a great reading week, thanks for taking the time to check out mine!

Leave your link below and I'll be sure to stop by!

Once Upon a Summertime by Melody Carlson

About the Book
Managing the Value Lodge in her hometown was not what Anna Gordon had in mind when she set out in the hospitality industry. But it's a safe choice for a woman whose childhood was anything but stable. Out of the blue, she gets a once-in-a-lifetime chance to reinvent herself by moving to New York City, where she hopes for a management position at a stylish new boutique hotel. The big city is full of surprises--not the least of which is Sean O'Neil. Her childhood crush has applied for the very same position!

Sweet, romantic, and endlessly entertaining, this romp through the storied streets of New York City will enchant readers. Melody Carlson has created characters so charming that readers will long to meet them in the lobby of the stunning Rothsberg Hotel.

My Thoughts
This was a light read that I enjoyed and finished in a afternoon. Sean and Anna were great characters and though their romance moved a bit fast it was sweet. And it helped that they had known each other when they were younger. It was fun to get a look into the inner workings of getting a hotel up and running. I also loved experiencing New York through the characters eyes. The ending was a bit abrupt and things worked out a little too conveniently but all in all it was quick, fun summer read that I had fun reading!

Meet the Author
Melody Carlson is the award-winning author of over two hundred books with sales of more than 6.5 million. She received a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award in the inspirational market for her many books, including Finding Alice. She and her husband live in central Oregon. Learn more at www.melodycarlson.com.

I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Friday Memes 6/12

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you pre-schedule your posts?

My Answer:

Not as a general rule but if I know that I won't have a chance to post then I will schedule posts! Also if I'm going to be crazy busy I'll occasionally schedule the week's posts.

Hosted by: Rose City Reader

"Please join me every Friday to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you are reading, along with your initial thoughts about the sentence, impressions of the book, or anything else the opener inspires. Please remember to include the title of the book and the author's name."

Dr. Mark Baker swept his straw-colored hair away from his eyes, then wiped his forearm across his brow. He wished the air-conditioning in the emergency room was better.
Fatal Trauma by Richard L. Mabry, M.D.

My Thoughts
Kinda of a meh beginning but not awful. Doesn't really raise any questions or pique my interest but also doesn't deter me from reading further.