The Wonder of You by Susan May Warren

About the Book
Mortified after her semester abroad is cut short, Amelia Christiansen returns to Deep Haven, certain she isn’t brave enough for the adventures she’s dreamed of. The last thing she expects is for the man who broke her heart to cross the Atlantic and beg forgiveness.
Heir to a European hotel dynasty, Roark St. John has trekked from one exotic locale to another, haunted by tragedy and the expectations that accompany his last name. Amelia is the first woman to give him a reason to stop running. He’ll do anything for a second chance―even contend with Amelia’s old flame, who is intent on sending Roark packing.

While one surprise after another leaves Amelia reeling, Roark’s continued presence only highlights the questions pursuing her. Like him, is she running from the life God has called her to? Could finding her new place mean leaving home behind?

My Thoughts 
It goes without saying that I loved this book! Susan May Warren's books never fail to exceed my expectations and this series has been one of her absolute best!
I feel like in most of the previous books Amelia's character was more on the sidelines but now it was her time to shine, and shine she did! Though at times I wanted to yell at her because, duh Roark was a thousand times better than Seth and a guy not telling you that he's filthy rich is no reason to get mad, I did genuinely love her character! As the youngest child of a large family everyone had always tried to protect her and fight her battles for her, and while she loved her family she wanted some independence which I totally understood! Roark was a wonderful mix of suave European guy and wild adventurer. I loved how hard he was willing to fight for Amelia, but also how he knew not to push too hard. It was amusing how he worked his way into the hearts of all of the Christiansens! It was obvious from the start that Roark and Amelia were made to be together, and despite some rough patches their romance was beautiful!
I also really enjoyed Grace and Max's side story, it was sweet, amusing, and a little heartbreaking at times and I loved it!
So yes we have another Christiansen family hit on our hands and excuse me while I go bury my head in the sixth and final installment in this series!

Meet the Author
With over 1 million books sold, critically acclaimed novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over forty-five novels with Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.
With books translated into eight languages, many of her novels have been ECPA and CBA bestsellers, were chosen as Top Picks by Romantic Times, and have won the RWA's Inspirational Reader's Choice contest and the American Christian Fiction Writers Book of the Year award. She's a three time RITA finalist and an eight time Christy Finalist.

Susan is also a nationally acclaimed writing coach, teaching at conferences around the nation and winner of the 2009 American Christian Fiction Writers Mentor of the Year award. She loves to help people launch their writing careers and is the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com and www.LearnHowtoWriteaNovel.com, a writing website that helps authors get published and stay published. She's also the author of the popular writing method, The Story Equation.

Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander

About the Book
Shelby Kincaid is ready to move on from her grief. With high hopes for the future, she longs to purchase her family's ancestral homestead so she can raise her young daughters in the only place she ever truly belonged. She plans to transform the abandoned house into the perfect home of her memories. But she'll have her work cut out for her.
AJ Sullivan never wanted the homestead. Inherited as a punishment from his grandfather, it has sat empty for fifteen years and fallen into ruin. He's glad to finally unload it. But a clean break isn't possible when he can't get the young widow Shelby off his mind.

Welcome to Misty Willow, a place that will have as great a hold over the reader as it does over its inhabitants. With writing that evokes a strong sense of place and personal history, Johnnie Alexander deftly explores the ties that bind us to home--and the irresistible forces that draw us to each other.

My Thoughts
I have had this author's previous novel on my TBR list pretty much since it first came out but I just haven't gotten around to reading it. So when I had the opportunity to review this book I jumped at the chance (even though the plot didn't sound like my typical read) because I knew if I ended up loving her other book I would be kicking myself for passing up on this one.
Shelby and AJ where both great characters and despite a slightly rocky beginning they really fit well together. I really liked how AJ didn't let money change who he was or keep him from doing what he loved. And I loved how he was always trying to help and care for those around him. Also it was so cute how he interacted with Shelby's daughters. Shelby fiercely loved her girls and was determined to give them the happy memories she'd had from her childhood. She was a little stuck in the past but with good intentions and even though she was a little irrational at the very beginning she turned out to be pretty great and I loved watching her and AJ's relationship unfold.
Shelby's neighbors were all very kind and welcoming and I really liked their characters. AJ's cousins on the other hand where a different story. I didn't like Brett and Amy at all from the get go, though Brett did start to redeem himself as the book went on. I'm very interested to see how his story will play out in book two.
The plot was well done and kept me engaged the whole time. There was a slight mystery deeply hidden that really intrigued me and though it could have been woven throughout the book a little more the end was satisfying.
So all that to say, I enjoyed this book, I'm looking forward to book two, and if this sounds like your cup of tea then I highly suggest you check it out!

Meet the Author
Johnnie Alexander is the award-winning author of Where Treasure Hides. Johnnie is an accomplished essayist and poet whose work has appeared in the Guideposts anthology A Cup of Christmas Cheer. In addition to writing, she enjoys reading, spending time with her grandchildren, and taking road trips. She lives near Memphis, Tennessee.

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 1/29

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Can you pass by a book store without stopping in? 

My Answer:

Yes, though used bookstores are harder to resist!

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."

In an upstairs room as neglected as all the others, AJ Sullivan flicked the grime from a broad fireplace mantel, then rubbed his fingers on his jeans. Mahogany. Whoever built this place had used the best materials. But more than 150 years later, no one cared.
Where She Belongs by Johnnie Alexander 

My Thoughts
An okay beginning. Not exactly attention grabbing but it does make you wonder why the house is so neglected.

Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

About the Book
After losing her parents in a car accident and her sister to a house fire, Christy Reed has been mired in grief. Life is finally starting to feel normal again when an envelope arrives in the mail--addressed in her sister's handwriting. And the note inside claims she is still alive.
FBI Special Agent Lance McGregor, a former Delta Force operator, is assigned to reopen the case, but he's coming up with more questions than answers. If Ginny Reed is still alive--who is the woman buried in her grave? Where is Ginny? And is Christy a pawn in a twisted cat-and-mouse game--or the target of a sinister plot? As he digs deeper, one thing becomes clear: whoever is behind the bizarre ruse has a deadly agenda.

Bestselling author and two-time Christy Award finalist Irene Hannon warms readers' hearts as they root for a romance between Lance and Christy, but she pulls out all the stops as this high-stakes thriller chills to the bone in a race to the finish.

My Thoughts
Since I first read the description of her debut novel I have been an Irene Hannon fan, and her suspense series are by far my favorites! The first book in this series was absolutely amazing and after the bit we saw of Lance in that one I knew I was going to love his story! And of course I did!
Lance and Christy were both great characters and I loved watching them interact. Even though they have to wait till the case is over to pursue a relationship there were definitely blossoms of romance and they were well on their way to falling in love.
I loved that we not only got to catch up with the characters from Buried Secrets but a character from this author's first series was a pretty main secondary character! I love when authors do that!
The suspense in this book had me constantly wanting to know what would happen next! The author did a great job of revealing a lot about the villain while at the same time keeping enough hidden that you couldn't quite figure out the connection!
In short I loved this book and I can't wait to read Finn's story in book three!

Meet the Author
Irene Hannon is the bestselling author of more than forty-five novels, including the Heroes of Quantico, Guardians of Justice, and Private Justice series. Her books have been honored with two coveted RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, a Carol Award, two HOLT Medallions, a Daphne du Maurier Award, two Reviewers' Choice Awards from RT Book Reviews magazine, a Retailers' Choice Award, and a National Readers' Choice Award. In addition, she is a Christy Award finalist, and Booklist included one of her novels in its "Top 10 Inspirational Fiction" list for 2011. She lives in Missouri. Learn more at www.irenehannon.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.

Waiting on Wednesday #197: The Reluctant Duchess

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:

The Reluctant Duchess by Roseanna M. White
Bethany House-March 29, 2016

About the Book

Lady Rowena Kinnaird may be the heiress to a Highland earldom, but she has never felt good enough--not for her father, not for the man she thought she'd marry, not for God. But after a shocking attack, she's willing to be forever an outcast if it means escaping Loch Morar.
Brice Myerston, the Duke of Nottingham, has found himself in possession of a rare treasure his enemies are prepared to kill for. While Brice has never been one to shy away from manor-born ladies, the last thing he needs is the distraction of Lady Rowena, who finds herself in a desperate situation. But when Rowena's father tries to trap Brice into marrying his daughter, Brice makes a surprising decision.
Rowena wanted to escape the Highlands, but she's reluctant to marry a notorious flirt. And when she learns that Brice is mixed up in questionable business with a stolen treasure, she fears she's about to end up directly in the path of everything she was trying to avoid.

Why I Want It

I love this author's books and the first book in this series was amazing! I cannot wait for this story!

Top Ten Books I Like to Read to Kids

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

I spend a lot of time watching children between my full-time nanny job and several (at least 3 a week) babysitting jobs so I thought I'd share some of my favorite books to read to the kiddos (heads up, I like rhyming books)!

#1. A Porcupine Named Fluffy

#2. Pete, Feet, and Fish to Eat & I Love Ruthie

#3. I Met a Moose in Maine One Day

#4. Old Noah's Elephants

#5. Who's Hiding?

#6. Anywhere and Everywhere

#7.  The Lady With the Alligator Purse

#8. The Day the Crayons Quit

#9. Oh My Darling Porcupine

#10. A Million Chameleons

Undaunted Hope by Jody Hedlund

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.

My Thoughts
Even though Tessa wasn't exactly the most lovable character in Hearts Made Whole she began to redeem herself at the end and I was excited to see what the author had in store for her. From the very first page I was swept up in Tessa and Alex's story and couldn't wait to figured out how they would overcome the many obstacles standing in the way of them being together. I loved how selfless Alex was! Time and time again he sacrificed to help those he cared about without much or any thought to how it would affect him. As for Tessa, she had grown quite a lot since we last saw her and I admired how she was always looking for ways to help those around her. They really were a well suited pair and I loved watching their relationship play out! Alex's brother, niece, and nephew were all great characters as well and while Alex and Michael's both vying for Tessa's attention was a bit painful at times it also provided some amusing moments that made me laugh and I loved the bond that the brothers had through it all.
I loved the setting of this book and greatly appreciate all the research the author did to make it as authentic as possible. It has been fun getting to learn about the inner workings of lighthouses throughout this series!
This book made me laugh, brought tears to my eyes, had me on the edge of my seat wondering how things were going to play out, and left me sighing with happiness! I definitely recommend this series and really any of this author's books!

Meet the Author
Jody Hedlund is the author of over a dozen novels, including Love Unexpected, Captured by Love, Unending Devotion, The Preacher's Bride, and A Noble Groom, winner of the 2014 Carol Award for historical romance. 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 Michigan with her husband and five children. She loves hearing from readers on Facebook and on her blog 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.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #208

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

I absolutely loved both of these!

What I am currently reading:

Enjoying this one so far!

What I hope to read this week:

The first two are my next two review books and my copy of You're the One That I Want should arrive this week and I'm sure I'll cave and read it!

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!

Fire and Ice by Mary Connealy

About the Book

Bailey Wilde is one of the best new ranchers in the West. She's been living disguised as a man for a while, but when Gage Coulter comes to drive her off her homestead, he quickly realizes he's dealing with a woman--a very tough, very intriguing woman at that.
Gage is an honest man, but he didn't make his fortune being weak. He won't break the law, but he'll push as hard as he can within it. Five thousand acres of his best range land is lost to him because Bailey's homestead is located right across the only suitable entrance to a canyon full of lush grass. Gage has to regain access to his land--and he's got to go through Bailey to do it.
Spending a winter alone has a way of making a person crave some human contact. In a moment of weakness, Bailey agrees to a wild plan Gage concocts. Can these two independent, life-toughened homesteaders loosen up enough to earn each other's respect--and maybe find love in
the process?

My Thoughts
Another classic Mary Connealy story! The bits of Bailey and Gage that we got to see in the first two books in this series made me quite interested to see how their romance would play out. Thankfully it didn't disappoint!
While at first the reasoning behind Greg and Bailey getting married didn't seem entirely logical to me the author made it work and I enjoyed watching their relationship! I loved their exchanges when they fought over the canyon, and the moment that Gage discovered Bailey wasn't the man she had pretended to be was quite funny! There were several more laugh-worthy moments as well as some sweet ones and a bit of adventure that all added up to one enjoyable conclusion to a great series!

Meet the Author
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy...with cowboys.
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series, The Touble in Texas Series, and The Wild at Heeart Series. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. And Novella collections; A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas, Hope for the Holidas Contemporary Collection, Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection, With this Kiss Contemporary Collection, With this Kiss Historical Collection and many more books.
Under the pen name Mary Nealy, she also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries.
Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.
http://www.maryconnealy.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 1/22

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Can you recall a time in your life when you were not reading? 

My Answer:

I remember when I was really little, I would take chapter books and run my fingers across the words, pretending to read them. I would even take books in the car with me! So I suppose the answer to the questions is yes I remember a time when I wasn't reading but I don't remember a time when I haven't wanted to be reading!

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."

Quiet, she had to be quiet. It was the darkest hour of the night. She had a while before the sun came up and Mother would start fussing at her, needing a cool cloth for her fevered brow. Then Carrie would need to cook breakfast. With one maid coming in weekly, all the daily chores fell to her.
Runaway Bride by Mary Conneally
(From the novella collection With This Ring?)

My Thoughts
I immediately wondered what she was doing that needed to be done quietly and at night.

2015 End of the Year Book Survey

READING STATS:
Number Of Books You Read: 88
Number of Re-Reads: 0
Genre You Read The Most From: Historical Romance

BEST IN BOOKS:
1. Best Book You Read In 2015? Normally this is a hard question for me to answer but this year I'd have to say Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman and From the Start by Melissa Tagg

2. Book You Were Excited About & Thought You Were Going To Love More But Didn’t? Together With You by Victoria Bylin

 3. Most surprising (in a good way or bad way) book you read? The Methuselah Project by Rick Barry

 4. Book You “Pushed” The Most People To Read (And They Did)? From the Start by Melissa Tagg

 5. Best series you started in 2015? Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman, The Walker Family by Melissa Tagg, Valiant Hearts by Dina L. Sleiman, Waves of Freedom by Sarah Sundin, The Hawthorne House by Kristi Ann Hunter, and Men of Valor by Irene Hannon
Best Sequel of 2015? Chivalrous by Dina L. Sleiman
Best Series Ender of 2015? Sabotaged by Dani Pettrey and Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones

 6. Favorite new author you discovered in 2015? Dina L. Sleiman and Kristi Ann Hunter

7. Best book from a genre you don’t typically read/was out of your comfort zone? The only book I read that was really out of my comfort zone was Warm Bodies by Issac Marion but I didn't love it all that much.

 8. Most action-packed/thrilling/unputdownable book of the year?
Suspense-wise I'd say Hawk and Falcon by Ronie Kendig, but the book that I devoured the fastest was From the Start by Melissa Tagg!

 9. Book You Read In 2015 That You Are Most Likely To Re-Read Next Year? If I was to reread one it would be From the Start by Melissa Tagg.

10. Favorite cover of a book you read in 2015?




















11. Most memorable character of 2015? Colton Greene from From the Start by Melissa Tagg, Jack O'Bryen from Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman, Jim Avery from Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin, Casper Christiansen from Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren, and Jake Porter from A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

12. Most beautifully written book read in 2015? Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

13. Most Thought-Provoking/ Life-Changing Book of 2015? Glory Days by Max Lucado

14. Book you can’t believe you waited UNTIL 2015 to finally read? The Harry Potter Series

15. Favorite Passage/Quote From A Book You Read In 2015? I rarely remember book quotes but one that I snapped a pic of was "Love is always a miracle. Especially in this world."  from The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White.

16. Shortest & Longest Book You Read In 2015? Shortest: The Proposal by Becky Wade
Longest: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.

 17. Book That Shocked You The Most Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman is the first that came to mind! The twists on the end had me on the edge of my seat!

18. OTP OF THE YEAR Colton and Kate from From the Start by Melissa Tagg, Jack and Lacey from Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman, and Jake and Lyndie from A Love Like Ours by Becky Wade

19. Favorite Non-Romantic Relationship Of The Year I love family sagas and sibling relationships so these are some of my favorite families! The O'Bryen's, the Christiansens, the McKennas, the Walkers, the McKinleys, the McGregors, the Porters, and the Hawthornes.

20. Favorite Book You Read in 2015 From An Author You’ve Read Previously This is getting really redundant so I'm not typing it again, see my answer to #1!

21. Best Book You Read In 2015That You Read Based SOLELY On A Recommendation From Somebody Else/Peer Pressure: There really weren't any!

22. Newest fictional crush from a book you read in 2015? Colton Greene from From the Start and Jim Avery from Through Waters Deep by Sarah Sundin

23. Best 2015 debut you read? Dauntless by Dina L. Sleiman and A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter.

24. Best Worldbuilding/Most Vivid Setting You Read This Year? Doon from the Doon series by Carey Corp and Lorie Langdon

25. Book That Put A Smile On Your Face/Was The Most FUN To Read? Three Little Words and From the Start by Melissa Tagg and Can't Let You Go by Jenny B. Jones

26. Book That Made You Cry Or Nearly Cry in 2015? Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

27. Hidden Gem Of The Year? Worth the Time by Laura Jackson

28. Book That Crushed Your Soul? My soul is still intact!

29. Most Unique Book You Read In 2015? A Singular and Whimsical Problem by Rachel McMillan

30. Book That Made You The Most Mad (doesn’t necessarily mean you didn’t like it)? Among the Fair Magnolias Novella Collection though I did enjoy one of the stories!

YOU'RE BLOGGING/BOOKISH LIFE:
1. New favorite book blog you discovered in 2015? Can't really think of any new ones I discovered.

2. Favorite review that you wrote in 2015? Isle of Hope and From the Start

3. Best discussion/non-review post you had on your blog? I don't really have any discussion posts this year.

4. Best event that you participated in (author signings, festivals, virtual events, memes, etc.)? I love the Top Ten Tuesday meme!

5. Best moment of bookish/blogging life in 2015? Getting to interact with authors and fellow bloggers.

6. Most challenging thing about blogging or your reading life this year? Keeping up with reviews-I had a busy year!

7. Most Popular Post This Year On Your Blog (whether it be by comments or views)? The post that had the most views was Top Ten Books I've Added to My TBR Recently

8. Post You Wished Got A Little More Love? Not really any I can think of

9. Best bookish discover (book related sites, book stores, etc.)? The Libib app for cataloging my books! It's amazing!

10.  Did you complete any reading challenges or goals that you had set for yourself at the beginning of this year? I met my goal of finally reading the Harry Potter books!

LOOKING AHEAD:
1. One Book You Didn’t Get To In 2015 But Will Be Your Number 1 Priority in 2016? Married til Monday by Denise Hunter

2. Book You Are Most Anticipating For 2016 (non-debut)? Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg, You're the One That I Want by Susan May Warren, Her One and Only by Becky Wade, Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey, and Anchor in the Storm by Sarah Sundin

3. 2016 Debut You Are Most Anticipating? The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder

4. Series Ending/A Sequel You Are Most Anticipating in 2016? Series ending would be the Christiansen family series!

5. One Thing You Hope To Accomplish Or Do In Your Reading/Blogging Life In 2016? Make my goal of reading over 100 books!

6. A 2016 Release You’ve Already Read & Recommend To Everyone: I've only read a few but I'd say Thin Ice by Irene Hannon

Now and Forever by Mary Connealy

About the Book
Shannon Wilde is the middle sister--and the one who loves animals. She's established her own homestead and is raising sheep for their wool. Things are going fine...until Shannon gets swept over a cliff by Matthew Tucker!
Tucker seizes every opportunity to get away from civilization, but one particular walk in the woods ends with him sprinting away from an angry grizzly and plunging into a raging river, accidentally taking Shannon Wilde with him. Their adventure in the wilderness results in the solitary mountain man finding himself hitched to a young woman with a passel of relatives, a homestead, and a flock of sheep to care for.
As Tucker and Shannon learn to live with each other, strange things begin to happen on Shannon's land. Someone clearly wants to drive her off, but whoever it is apparently didn't count on Tucker. Trying to scare Matthew Tucker just makes him mad--and trying to hurt the woman he's falling in love with sets off something even he never expected.

My Thoughts
As is always the case with a Mary Connealy novel, this was a fun quick read! After getting to know Shannon and Tucker in the first book of this series I knew their story would provide quite a few humorous situations and I am happy to say that I was right! I loved how they took care of each other as they fought for their lives at the beginning and the protectiveness they both had for one another. I also really enjoyed their banter as a rough mountain man learned to live with the gentle sheep loving woman who is much tougher than she looks! And while this book was mainly light-hearted there were also moments of suspense and tender moments as well, all of which were well done! In short I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and recommend this series!

Meet the Author
Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy...with cowboys.
She is a Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist.
She is the author of bestselling Kincaid Brides Series, The Touble in Texas Series, and The Wild at Heeart Series. Her work also includes Lassoed in Texas Trilogy, Montana Marriages Trilogy and Sophie's Daughters Trilogy. And Novella collections; A Bride for All Seasons, Four Weddings and a Kiss, A Match Made in Texas, Hope for the Holidas Contemporary Collection, Hope for the Holidays Historical Collection, With this Kiss Contemporary Collection, With this Kiss Historical Collection and many more books.
Under the pen name Mary Nealy, she also wrote Ten Plagues--a romantic thriller, and The Historical Society Murders--three cozy mysteries.
Mary is married to a Nebraska rancher and has four grown daughters and a small bevy of spectacular grandchildren.
http://www.maryconnealy.com

Waiting on Wednesday #196: Like Never Before

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:

Like Never Before by Melissa Tagg
Bethany House-April 5, 2016

About the Book

Maple Valley became Amelia Bentley's haven after her heart and her dreams of a family were shattered. But her new life as a newspaper editor is shaken when the small-town paper is in danger of closing. Her one hope: A lead on an intriguing story that just might impress the new publisher...if only she new who he was.
After his biggest campaign success yet, widowed speechwriter Logan Walker now has the chance of a lifetime--a spot on a presidential campaign. But his plans are interrupted when he finds out he's inherited his hometown newspaper. He travels home intent on selling the paper and spending some much-needed time with his young daughter before making the leap into national politics.
But instead of a quick sale and peaceful break from his hectic career, Logan finds himself helping Amelia chase her story. She's scrappy, but wounded. He's dependable, but lost. They may butt heads more than expected, but a series of leads on Maple Valley's quirky unsolved mystery is just the start of the sparks that fly in the office and in their hearts.

Why I Want It

Because it's Melissa Tagg, for pity's sake!!! Really no other explanation is necessary but since I'm obsessed more explanations are coming! This author is pretty freaking amazing and I literally love everything she has ever written. I am already in love with the Walker family and I am so excited for Logan's story. Add to that the fact that Maple Valley is basically the greatest fictional town ever and you have a little glimpse at why I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on this novel!

Top Ten Books I've Recently Added to My TBR

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

This was actually a hard list for me to put together! I keep a close watch on new releases from my favorite authors so I usually know well in advance about their new books. Thus it makes it rather hard to know which books are the most recent additions to my list! So I decided to make a list of secular books that I've recently decided I kinda want to check out!

#1. All Fall Down by Ally Carter

#2. The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord

#3. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith

#4. The Runaway Princess by Hester Browne

#5. Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

#6. The 5th Wave by Rick Yancey

#7. My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick 

#8. Amy & Rogers Epic Detour by Morgan Matson

#9. On the Fence by Kasie West

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #207

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:

I really enjoyed this book! I've learned a bunch about Martin Luther through the course of my homeschooling years but it was cool to see a different side of him!

What I am currently reading:

Finally getting around to this and so far it's great!

What I hope to read this week:

Looking forward to both of these!

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 1/15

Hosted by: Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer

The Question:

Do you think you will ever get tired of blogging? 

My Answer:

I don't know, probably at some point in the future I'll get too busy to keep up with it but I'm hoping to keep blogging for a long time! 

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."

Time to jump. With trembling legs tangling in her scapular, Katharina crouched on the stone ledge of the window and peered down at the matted grass, still hard and untouched by spring. She blinked back a wave of dizziness and hoped the two-story drop wasn't as far as it looked.
Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

My Thoughts
Great beginning! Love how it immediately makes you want to know what's going on!

Waiting on Wednesday #195: Always Watching

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:

Always Watching by Lynette Eason
Revell-February 2, 2016

About the Book

The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have more than just skill and prowess in common--they're also all women. When it becomes clear that popular psychiatrist and radio personality Wade Savage has a stalker, his father secretly hires Elite Guardians in order to protect his son.
But when Wade's bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, agency owner Olivia Edwards must step in and fill the gap. Olivia's skills are about to be tested to the limit as Wade's stalker moves from leaving innocent gifts at his door to threatening those closest to him. Olivia has the feeling that she's next on the list. And to complicate things even further, she realizes that her heart may be in as much danger as her client.
Bestselling author and fan favorite Lynette Eason drops readers right into the action in this fast-paced new series with a unique twist. Readers will love these strong female characters who put it all on the line to save lives.

Why I Want It

I love this author's books and I'm looking forward to this new series!

Monthly Reflections #46: November & December 2015

Hosted by: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

These months were rather busy for me with the holidays, family and friends visiting from out of state, sickness, work, and various other things! So during both months I only managed to read a dismal total of 9 books (and some of those were novellas) and only posted 8 reviews!

Books I Read

All enjoyable reads though Melissa's was probably my favorite!

Reviews I Wrote:

Isle of Hope by Julie Lessman

Vendetta by Lisa Harris

A Lady of Esteem by Kristi Ann Hunter

A Noble Masquerade by Kristi Ann Hunter

Every Girl Gets Confused by Janice Thompson

The Golden Braid by Melanie Dickerson

At Love's Bidding by Regina Jennings

One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

In January I Hope To:

Read at least 10 books
Post at least 7 reviews

Top Ten 2015 Releases I Meant To Get To But Didn't

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

#1. Married 'til Monday by Denise Hunter
#2. Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter
#3. The Bronte Plot by Katherine Reay
#4. Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

#5. The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen
#6. The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker
#7. Tiffany Girl by Deeanne Gist

#8. Siren's Fury by Mary Weber
#9. Chance of Loving You by Terri Blackstock, Candace Calvert, & Susan May Warren

#10. Like a Flower in Bloom by Siri Mitchell