Monday, November 30, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #201

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:
Loved this one!

What I am currently reading:
Fun read!

What I hope to read this week:
Looking forward to this book!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #200
Top Ten Bookish Things I'm Thankful For
Waiting on Wednesday #189: Cold Shot
Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

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!

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

About the Book
Katie Fisher and Brady James may be a match made in heaven, but that doesn't seem to guarantee them a happily ever after accompanied by angelic choirs. In fact, the sounds being heard at the bridal shop where she works are on the contentious side lately, as a bride- and groom-to-be try to mediate the growing rivalry between their basketball-obsessed families in the middle of play-off season. On top of that, Katie's parents are nagging her to get out of Dallas and come home to tiny Fairfield where her former boyfriend Casey is waiting for her, ready to rekindle their relationship. Oy vey! What's a girl to do? And will she ever be able to wear that gorgeous wedding dress she won?
The breezy fun continues as Janice Thompson throws everyone's favorite small-town girl into big-city bridal chaos--and makes her choose between the love she thought she lost and the love she stumbled upon in the aftermath.

My Thoughts
Though this author's books have become a bit of a cookie cutter they almost always provide an enjoyable read and this one was no different. It was fun to catch up with Katie and Brady as well as all of the unique people in their lives. The crazy situations they all got themselves into provided a few laughs and kept me entertained. I'm looking forward to what the author has in store for these characters next.

Meet the Author
Janice Thompson is a seasoned romance author and screenwriter. An expert at pulling the humor from the situations we get ourselves into, Thompson offers an inside look at the wedding business, drawing on her own experiences as a wedding planner. She is the author of the hugely popular Weddings by Bella series, the Backstage Pass series, and the Weddings by Design series, as well as Every Bride Needs a Groom. She lives in Texas. Learn more at www.janiceathompson.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.

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #189: Cold Shot

"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:

Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey
Bethany House-February 2, 2016

About the Book
In college, Griffin McCray and his four best friends had their lives planned out. Griffin and Luke Gallagher would join the Baltimore PD. Declan Gray would head to the FBI and Parker Mitchell would go on to graduate school as a crime scene analyst. But then Luke vanished before graduation and their world--and friendships--crumbled.
Now Griffin is a park ranger at Gettysburg, having left life as a SWAT-team sniper when a case went bad. The job is mostly quiet--until the day he captures two relic hunters uncovering skeletal remains near Little Round Top. Griffin just wants the case to go away, but charming forensic anthropologist Finley Scott determines that the body is modern--a young social justice lawyer missing since spring--and all evidence points to the work of an expert sniper. When FBI agent Declan Gray takes over the case, past and present collide. Griffin soon realizes he'll need to confront some of the darkest days of his life if he--and those he cares about--are going to escape a downward spiral of murder that crosses continents.

Why I Want It
I adore Dani's Pettrey's novels and I cannot wait to meet these new characters!

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Top Ten Bookish Things I'm Thankful For

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


#1. Authors that take the time to really connect with their readers

#2. Books that make me laugh

#3. Authors who keep writing about characters we love or who write stories about awesome secondary characters.

#4. Family sagas

#5. Pretty book covers

#6. Book reviewing programs

#7. Novellas from my favorite authors (This goes along with #3)

#8. My blogging friends

#9. Free kindle books

#10. Books :)

Monday, November 23, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #200

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:
Nothing. I really didn't get much reading in this week and I'm blaming the fact that I discovered the show Constantine and watch the whole one season show!

What I am currently reading:
Almost done with this! Definitely an enjoyable read!

What I hope to read this week:
My next two review books!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #199
Top Ten Christmas Novellas
Waiting on Wednesday #188: Undaunted Hope
Friday Memes 11/20

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, November 20, 2015

Friday Memes 11/20

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Do you read every day? If so, do you have a "page goal?" 

My Answer:
I don't always have time to read every day but I try to read a bit whenever I can. I have on occasion set daily page goals, especially when I have a review deadline!


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."

If anyone had told this small-town, freckle-faced girl that she'd end up gracing the cover of a big-city bridal magazine wearing the world's most beautiful wedding gown, she would've said they were crazy. But that was just what happened.
Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

My Thoughts
Informative beginning for a second book in a series! Catches you up on the story so far in a humorous way!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #188: Undaunted Hope

"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:

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund
Bethany House-January 5, 2016

About the Book
Tessa Taylor arrives in 1870s Upper Peninsula, Michigan, planning to serve as a new teacher to the town. Much to her dismay, however, she immediately learns that there was a mistake, that the town had requested a male teacher. Percival Updegraff, superintendent and chief mine clerk, says she can stay through winter since they won't be able to locate a new teacher before then, and Tessa can't help but say she is in his debt. Little does she know that Percival will indeed keep track of all that she owes him.
Determined to become indispensable, Tessa throws herself into teaching, and soon the children of the widowed lighthouse keeper have decided she's the right match for their grieving father. Their uncle and assistant light keeper, Alex Bjorklund, has his own feelings for Tessa. As the two brothers begin competing for her hand, Tessa increasingly feels that someone is tracking her every move, and she may not be able to escape the trap that has been laid for her.

Why I Want It
I absolutely adore this authors books and this one sounds like it will be another hit!

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Top Ten Christmas Novellas

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

This week's topic is technically book quotes but since I never remember quotes from books I decided to highlight Christmas novellas that I've loved!

Cowboy Christmas by Catherine Palmer, Lisa Harris, & Linda Goodnight

A Victorian Christmas Keepsake by Catharine Palmer, Kristin Billerbeck, & Ginny Aiken

One December Night by Melissa Tagg

A December Bride by Denise Hunter

A Home for Christmas by Robin Lee Hatcher & Mary Connealy

Where Treetops Glisten by Tricia Goyer, Cara Putman, & Sarah Sundin

A Sugar Creek Christmas by Jenny B. Jones

Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection by Mary Connealy, Ruth Logan Herne, Myra Johnson, & Julie Lessman

Candlelight Christmas by Linda Goodnight & Mary Connealy

The Great Christmas Bowl by Susan May Warren


And Two That I Am Looking Forward to Reading This Christmas!

Home for Christmas Historical Collection by Ruth Logan Herne, Pam Hillman, Julie Lessman, & Janet Dean

One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg


Monday, November 16, 2015

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #199

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:
Loved this book!

What I am currently reading:
Enjoying this book, though so far it's not as good as her others.

What I hope to read this week:
This author always provides an entertaining read!

Blog Posts
It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #198
Top Ten Book to Movie Adaptations I'm Excited to Watch
Waiting on Wednesday #187: With This Ring?
Vendetta by Lisa Harris
A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter
A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter
Friday Memes 11/13

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, November 13, 2015

Friday Memes 11/13

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
How long does it normally take you to read a book? 

My Answer:
Really depends on my schedule. I can read a little over 100 pages per hour so if I'm reading a book in one sitting it will usually take around 3 hours but since that rarely happens I typically read a book over the course of a few days. But it really does depend on what I have going on, sometimes I finish a book the same day I start it and other times it takes over a week.


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."

"Rapunzel, I wish to marry you."
At that moment, Mother revealed herself from behind the well in the center of the village, her lips pressed tightly together. The look Mother fixed on Wendel Gotekens was the one that always made Rapunzel's stomach churn.
The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

My Thoughts
Good beginning! Definitely raises questions.

Thursday, November 12, 2015

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

About the Book
Lady Miranda Hawthorne acts every inch the lady, but inside she longs to be bold and carefree. Entering her fourth Season and approaching spinsterhood in the eyes of society, she pours her innermost feelings out not in a diary but in letters to her brother's old school friend, a duke--with no intention of ever sending these private thoughts to a man she's heard stories about but never met. Meanwhile, she also finds herself intrigued by Marlow, her brother's new valet, and although she may wish to break free of the strictures that bind her, falling in love with a servant is more of a rebellion than she planned.
When Marlow accidentally discovers and mails one of the letters to her unwitting confidant, Miranda is beyond mortified. And even more shocked when the duke returns her note with one of his own that initiates a courtship-by-mail. Insecurity about her lack of suitors shifts into confusion at her growing feelings for two men--one she's never met but whose words deeply resonate with her heart, and one she has come to depend on but whose behavior is more and more suspicious. When it becomes apparent state secrets are at risk and Marlow is right in the thick of the conflict, one thing is certain: Miranda's heart is far from all that's at risk for the Hawthornes and those they love.

My Thoughts
I'm in love. This author is worming her way onto my favorites list and this is only her debut! After loving the prequel A Lady of Esteem I couldn't wait to read this book, which turned out to be amazing! The author did a fantastic job of mixing the beauty of the time period, with splashes of humor, and rounding it out with a mystery that kept me guessing. I loved Miranda's character, a strong and free-minded woman, she had been forced to keep it all locked away in order to be the perfect lady her mother wanted her to be. It was such fun to see her start being herself and opening up. Ryland was a brilliant hero, I loved how protective he was and how he did whatever needed to be done. It was adorable how hard he fought to win Miranda over and I loved how perfect they were together. I enjoyed getting to know the rest of the Hawthorne family and I can't wait to read each of their stories. Also Ryland's staff was fantastic, their unconventionality and relationships with Ryland were quite amusing. The bit of mystery kept me intrigued until the very end and it was very well done. Everything about this book was amazing and I loved it! Even after I finished I kept wanting to go back and read more only to have to remind myself that it was done. Needless to say I am anxiously awaiting the release of book two! Please do yourself a favor and get your hands on this book!

Meet the Author
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.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.

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter

About the Book
Miss Amelia Stalwood may live in London at her absent guardian's townhouse, but she's never actually met any nobility, and instead of aristocrats, her closest friends are servants. Quite by happenstance, she's introduced to the Hawthorne family and their close family friend, Anthony, the reformed Marquis of Raebourne . They welcome her into their world, but just as she's beginning to gain some confidence and even suspect she may have caught Anthony's eye, she's blindsided by an unexpected twist in her situation accompanied by nasty rumors. Will she lose her reputation when the world that has only just accepted her turns its back on her, or will she rest in the support of the friends who've become like family and the man who's shared his faith and captured her heart?
A Lady of Esteem is an e-only novella that gives an exciting introduction to Kristi Ann Hunter's new Regency romance series about the aristocratic Hawthorne family! Includes an extended excerpt of Kristi's debut full-length novel, A Noble Masquerade.

My Thoughts
Such a fun novella! I absolutely loved Amelia and Anthony! Amelia had such a kind heart and she cared deeply about those around her regardless of their station in life. And Anthony was that awesome reformed bad boy that you could help admiring. I loved how he was committed to following God and staying away from the things that had caused him to stumble in the past. Their relationship was both entertaining and sweet, and their first meetings were quite amusing. It was also fun to meet the Hawthorne family, I can't wait to read all of there stories because I loved them! I definitely recommend checking out this free novella!

Meet the Author
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in Computer Science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is an RWA Golden Heart contest winner, an ACFW Genesis contest winner, and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She is a founding member and the coordinator of the Regency Reflections blog and lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.

Vendetta by Lisa Harris

About the Book
No one needs to push Nikki Boyd to excel on the Tennessee Missing Person Task Force. The case of her own missing sister, still unsolved after ten years, is the driving force in her work. When a Polaroid photo of a missing girl shows up at a crime scene, Nikki quickly recognizes similarities to the past. The closer she gets to the abductor, the more she feels that this case is getting personal, and that she is not the hunter at all--but actually the one being hunted.
With this explosive first book in the new Nikki Boyd Files, Lisa Harris takes readers on a fast-paced pursuit of justice that will have them holding their breath until the heart-stopping finish.

My Thoughts
After loving this authors last series I jumped at the chance to review this first book in her brand new series. And I loved every action-packed page! The story takes place over a very short time period but this author absolutely made it work and it never felt rushed or like there was too much crammed in. From the very first page I was sucked in and I just wanted to keep reading. Nikki is a great heroine! Her determination to get justice is matched by her compassion for those around her and it was a fantastic combination. I also loved Tyler, he was an amazing match for Nikki and even though there are several things they'll have to work through I can't wait to see how their relationship plays out! The mystery kept me guessing until the very end and was wonderfully paced. In short this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more of Nikki and Tyler's story in the next books!

Meet the Author
Lisa Harris is a Christy Award winner and the winner of the Best Inspirational Suspense Novel for 2011 from Romantic Times. The author of nearly thirty books, including Dangerous Passage, Fatal Exchange, and Hidden Agenda, Harris and her family have spent twelve years living as missionaries in southern Africa. They currently live in Mozambique, where Lisa leads a women's ministry and runs a nonprofit organization that works alongside their church-planting ministry. Learn more at www.lisaharriswrites.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.

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #187: With This Ring?

"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:

With This Ring? by Karen Witemeyer, Regina Jennings, Mary Connealy & Melissa Jagears
Bethany House-January 5, 2016

About the Book
Four top historical romance novelists team up in this new collection to offer stories of love and romance with a twist of humor.
In Karen Witemeyer's "The Husband Maneuver," Marietta Hawkins decides to grab the reins when the ranch foreman she loves seems to be leaving forever.
Regina Jennings offers "Her Dearly Unintended," where friends stranded by a rising river pretend to be newlyweds when a dangerous stranger arrives.
Mary Connealy's "Runaway Bride" finds a Texas ranger getting more than he expected when he rescues a young woman fleeing a dangerous arranged marriage.
And Melissa Jagears' "Engaging the Competition" finds a young woman forced to assist the man she's often sparred with after an accident leaves him helpless. Each tale is a fun blend of history and romance that will delight readers.

Why I Want It
I absolutely love all four of these authors and I can't wait to read these novellas!

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Top Ten Book to Movie Adaptations I'm Excited to Watch

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

#1. Mockingjay: Part 2

#2. The Scorch Trials 

#3. Warm Bodies

#4. Harry Potter Movies 5-8


#5. Paper Towns

#6. The Longest Ride

#7. The Book Thief

#8. If I Stay

#9. Allegiant

#10. The Death Cure