Monday, February 29, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #213

Hosted by: The Book Date

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

What I am currently reading:
Enjoying this so far!

What I hope to read this week:
Hoping that I love The Choosing and then can love this one!

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!

Saturday, February 27, 2016

With This Ring? Novella Collection

About the Book
Humorous Historical Romance Novella Collection Offers Love and Laughs
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.

My Thoughts
Since I absolutely love all four of these author's books I could not wait to get my hands on this collection! And to make things even better each of these books is connected one of it's author's other works! I love getting to catch up with secondary characters from other stories!

The Husband Maneuver-After getting to meet Dan and Marietta in A Worthy Pursuit I was very curious to see how their story would play out so I was ecstatic when I discovered they were getting a novella! Marietta and Dan were the perfect match for each other and it was amusing to watch as Marietta did her best to get Dan to admit he was in love with her while he was doing everything in his power to resist her and deny his feelings in order to keep a promise made long ago. This story was filled with sweet moments and funny ones and I absolutely loved it!

Her Dearly Unintended-I still haven't read the first book in the Ozark Mountain Romance series but I did read the second book and I got to meet Josiah and we were given hints of a relationship blossoming between him and Katie Ellen. As this novella starts though, they're on the outs due to a misunderstanding. It was hysterical watching them sparring with each other one minute then having to pretend to be in love the next! I loved how much Josiah wanted to protect Katie Ellen despite the fact that she repeatedly told him she didn't want it. There were also a couple of really cute scenes that I loved! All in all this was a super fun novella to read!

Runaway Bride-Big John's story, finally! The last of the Regulators to find a wife! In the Trouble in Texas series we got to meet the Regulators, five men who had banded together in Andersonville (a Civil War prison camp) to provide some sort of justice and protection. They became closer than brothers and one by one they fell in love, all but Big John. I kept waiting for Mary to write his story and now she finally has! John and Carrie's romance was a bit of a quick one but it was good nonetheless. I loved how Carrie never once complained about the hardships she faced and how protective John was of her. They were  well suited pair. It was really fun to catch up with the lives of the other four men, their wives, and their children.

Engaging the Competition-This was the only one in the collection not connected to the author's previous books but rather was a sort of prequel to the series that will start to release later this year. It was a bit amusing how the roles were reversed from the typical western romance, having a female ranch owner and a male teacher, but it worked for the story. I found Harrison's obsession with besting Charlie slightly ridiculous but I could also see where he was coming from. They were a fun couple and I enjoyed watching them overcome their differences to work together and realize their feelings for each other.

Meet the Authors
Karen Witemeyer is a winner of the Carol Award and has been a finalist for the RITA Award and National Readers' Choice Award. She lives with her husband and three children in Abilene, Texas. www.karenwitemeyer.com
Mary Connealy is well-known for her award-winning, bestselling historical romantic comedies. She lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her husband and has four grown daughters. www.maryconnealy.com
Regina Jennings is the author of five acclaimed historical romances. She lives outside Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with her husband and four children. www.reginajennings.com
Melissa Jagears, author of the Unexpected Brides series, is a homeschooling mother of three little ones on a tiny Kansas farm with a fixer-upper house. Her first novella, Love by the Letter, won the 2014 Carol Award for Best Novella. www.melissajagears.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, February 26, 2016

Friday Memes 2/26

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Do your children, siblings, or other family members enjoy reading as much as you do? 

My Answer:
I don't have kids but I do have 8 siblings. My oldest sister used to be the biggest reader in the fam and was the one who fostered my love of reading. But she barely reads anymore and I've become the most avid reader of the group! One of my other sisters is almost as obsessed as I am and a few of them enjoy the occasional read. 


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."

Carrington felt as though she'd collided with a moving train. The room around her echoed with sweet laughter and flirtation. Handsome men softly led blushing young ladies around the dance floor while other girls looked on from corners, smiling with gleeful exuberance, all of them too consumed with their personal victories to notice the dread filling Carrington's face.
The Choosing by Rachelle Dekker

My Thoughts
Great beginning! That first sentence sucks you right in!

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason

About the Book
1911, Long Island, New York 
Faced With an Uncertain Future, Sometimes All You Have Left Is the Courage to Dream
Brianna and Colleen O'Leary know their Irish immigrant father expects them to marry well. Recently he's put even more pressure on them, insinuating that the very future of their Long Island horse farm, Irish Meadows, rests in their ability to land prosperous husbands. Both girls, however, have different visions for their futures.
Brianna, a quiet girl with a quick mind, dreams of attending college. Vivacious Colleen, meanwhile, is happy to marry--as long as her father's choice meets her exacting standards of the ideal groom. When former stable hand Gilbert Whelan returns from business school and distant relative Rylan Montgomery visits Long Island during his seminary training, the two men quickly complicate everyone's plans.
As the farm slips ever closer to ruin, James O'Leary grows more desperate. It will take every ounce of courage for both sisters to avoid being pawns in their father's machinations and instead follow their hearts. And even if they do, will they inevitably find their dreams too distant to reach?

My Thoughts
When this book first released I was interested in it but when I wasn't able to get a copy for review it kind of slipped my mind. So when I had the opportunity to receive the second book in this series I went out and purchased this one, and I am quite glad that I did! I absolutely adore family sagas and after Julie Lessman's books Irish families have a special place in my heart, so it was pretty obvious from the get go that this was a book I would love. I did find it interesting that the author chose to feature two couples in one book instead of giving them each their own but she made it work and I never felt that either story was lacking.
The O'Learys weren't the typical close-knit family you find in family sagas, with a domineering father, a angry absent son, and sisters who rarely if ever get along. As the book progressed the characters did change and become much closer, and it was cool to see how God worked in their lives.
It was clear from the very first page that Gil and Brianna were meant to be together but between their and James O'Leary's hardheadedness it took quite awhile for everything to work out. There were many tender moments between the two and then many times when I wanted to smack them for doing the stupid things they did. All in all it worked out though and it came to a very satisfying conclusion.
Where Gil and Bree made sense from the beginning Coleen and Rylan were a much less obvious couple. At first Coleen was barely even likable, she liked to manipulate people to get her way and had no use for God, and Rylan was training to be a priest and was often sacrificing to help those around him. But as the book progressed God worked through circumstances to change Coleen's heart and in the end she truly was a different woman. Though the biggest obstacle to this relationship wasn't Coleen but rather the fact that Rylan was on his way to becoming a priest, and priests aren't allowed to marry. I won't spoil anything by saying more but I really liked the way they handled things.
So in conclusion, I loved this book and I absolutely can't wait to read Adam's story. There really was no explanation offered (or maybe I just missed it) as to why he was so angry and ended up leaving, and I can't wait to have the mystery solved!

Meet the Author
Susan Anne Mason's debut historical novel, Irish Meadows, won the Fiction from the Heartland contest from the Mid-American Romance Authors Chapter of RWA. A member of ACFW, as well, she lives outside of Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two children. She can be found online at www.susanannemason.com.

Wednesday, February 24, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #201: Close to You

"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:

Close to You by Kara Issac
Howard Books-April 26, 2016

About the Book
A disgraced scholar running from her past and an entrepreneur chasing his future find themselves thrown together—and fall in love—on a Tolkien tour of New Zealand.
Allison Shire (yes, like where the Hobbits live) is a disgraced academic who is done with love. Her belief in “happily ever after” ended the day she discovered her husband was still married to a wife she knew nothing about. She finally finds a use for her English degree by guiding tours through the famous sites featured in the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit movies. By living life on the road and traveling New Zealand as a luxury tour guide, Allison manages to outrun the pain of her past she can’t face.
Jackson Gregory was on the cusp of making it big. Then suddenly his girlfriend left him—for his biggest business competitor—and took his most guarded commercial secrets with her. To make matters worse, the Iowa farm that has been in his family for generations is facing foreclosure. Determined to save his parents from financial ruin, he’ll do whatever it takes to convince his wealthy great-uncle to invest in his next scheme, which means accompanying him to the bottom of the world to spend three weeks pretending to be a die-hard Lord of the Rings fan, even though he knows nothing about the stories. The one thing that stands between him and his goal is a know-it-all tour guide who can’t stand him and pegged him as a fake the moment he walked off the plane.
When Allison leads the group through the famous sites of the Tolkien movies, she and Jackson start to see each other differently, and as they keep getting thrown together on the tour, they find themselves drawn to each other. Neither expected to fall in love again, but can they find a way beyond their regrets to take a chance on the one thing they’re not looking for?

Why I Want It
This story sounds absolutely amazing! Cute romance, New Zealand, and Tolkien, what's not to love?! Plus, how cute is that cover?!

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Top Ten Non-Fiction Books

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

Today's topic is technically books that you've read recently that weren't your typical reads or out of your comfort zone. But I actually have a rather wide comfort zone and I've gotten pretty good at knowing whether or not I'll like a book. So I had no luck trying to put a list together and decided to feature ten of my favorite inspirational non-fiction reads! They aren't in any particular order!

#1. Glory Days by Max Lucado


#2. I Would Die For You by Brent and Deanna Higgins

#3. i am not but i know I AM by Louie Giglio

#4. Grace for the Good Girl by Emily P. Freeman

#5. Beloved Dust by Jamin Groggin and Kyle Strobel

#6. Sex and the Single Christian Girls by Marian Jordan Ellis

#7. Outlive Your Life by Max Lucado

#8. In A Pit With a Lion On A Snowy Day by Mark Batterson

#9. Shine by Newsboys

#10. Being a Girl Who Serves & Being a Girl Who Loves by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio


Monday, February 22, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #212

Hosted by: The Book Date

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

What I am currently reading:
Really liking this one so far!

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

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, February 19, 2016

Friday Memes 2/19

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Do you have a favorite place to read? 

My Answer:
I'll read just about anywhere but one of my favorite spots to read is on the deck of the home I nanny at! In the warm months they have a lounge chair out and the deck which overlooks the river!


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."

"There she is! The Statue of Liberty!"
The eager cry of a child caused a ripple of excitement among the crush of passengers as the steamship inched its way into the New York Harbor. Maggie Montgomery craned her neck to get her first glimpse of the famous landmark.
A Worthy Heart by Susan Anne Mason 

My Thoughts
Great beginning! You can feel the excitement!

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Always Watching by Lynette Eason

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.

My Thoughts
I've come to expect fast paced action when I pick up a Lynette Eason book and this one was definitely that! I found it interesting how the typical roles were reversed and the woman was was the protector while the man was the one needing protection, though to be honest I prefer it the other way. This has absolutely nothing to do with woman being able to whatever men can, I just like the hero in books to be, well, the hero. That being said I still thoroughly enjoyed this book! Olivia was a take charge woman with a thick wall around her heart but she was still a caring person. Wade had a much gentler personality which was necessary for his chosen professions and he seemed to know just how to get through Olivia's defenses. I enjoyed the rest of the characters too and I look forward to getting the other team members's stories in the future books!
The action kept me turning pages and while I guessed some of the outcome there were still things that surprised me!

In short this was a great read that I'd recommend to any fans of romantic suspense!

Meet the Author
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of the Women of Justice, the Deadly Reunions, and the Hidden Identity series. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. She lives in South Carolina. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.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, February 17, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #200: A Flight of Arrows

"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 Flight of Arrows by Lori Benton
WaterBrook Press-April 19, 2016

About the Book
Hearts are Divided 
Loyalties Will Be Tested
The Fates of Two Families Hang in the Balance
Twenty years past, in 1757, a young Redcoat, Reginald Aubrey stole a newborn boy—the lighter-skinned of Oneida twins— during the devastating fall of Fort William Henry and raised him as his own.
No one connected to Reginald escaped unscathed from this crime. Not his adopted daughter Anna. Not Stone Thrower, the Native American father determined to get his son back. Not Two Hawks, William’s twin brother separated since birth, living in the shadow of his absence and hoping to build a future with Anna. Nor Lydia, who longs for Reginald to be free from his self-imposed emotional prison and embrace God’s forgiveness— and her love.
Now William, whose identity has been shattered after discovering the truth of his birth, hides in the ranks of an increasingly aggressive British army. The Redcoats prepare to attack frontier New York and the Continentals, aided by Oneida warriors including Two Hawks, rally to defend it. As the Revolutionary War penetrates the Mohawk Valley, two families separated by culture, united by love and faith, must find a way to reclaim the son marching toward them in the ranks of their enemies.

Why I Want It
This author writes beautiful stories and I have loved the books of her's that I have read including the first in this series!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Top Ten Songs I Wish Were Books

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

My mind is a bit too literal so I feel the need to clarify that not every part of these songs would make great books but I think the general gist of them would!

His Favorite Christmas Story by Capitol Lights

Ellsworth by Rascal Flatts


Walking Her Home by Mark Schultz


Time of My Life by Mark Schultz


Heads Carolina Tails California by Jo Dee Messina (Danielle Bradbery version)


Mary's Song (Oh My My My) by Taylor Swift


Mine by Taylor Swift


Travelin Soldier by The Dixie Chicks


Angel by Casting Crowns


Write My Number on Your Hand by Scotty McCreery



Monday, February 15, 2016

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? #211

Hosted by: The Book Date

Here is what I finished last week:
Great book!

What I am currently reading:
Loving this!

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

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, February 12, 2016

Friday Memes 2/12

Book Blogger Hop

The Question:
Are you able to read in the car? 

My Answer:
I go back and forth. Growing up I had no trouble reading in the car then in my late teens I started getting car sick on occasion. But it's hit or miss!


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."

Fog wafted over the silent hilltop, dancing in eerie waves amidst the centuries-old trees, the weathered trunks the sole markers of the lost graves littering the grounds surrounding them.
Cold Shot by Dani Pettrey

My Thoughts
Love the imagery of this beginning! 

Thursday, February 11, 2016

The Painter's Daughter by Julie Klassen

About the Book
Sophie Dupont, daughter of a portrait painter, assists her father in his studio, keeping her own artwork out of sight. She often walks the cliffside path along the north Devon coast, popular with artists and poets. It's where she met the handsome Wesley Overtree, the first man to tell her she's beautiful.
Captain Stephen Overtree is accustomed to taking on his brother's neglected duties. Home on leave, he's sent to find Wesley. Knowing his brother rented a cottage from a fellow painter, he travels to Devonshire and meets Miss Dupont, the painter's daughter. He's startled to recognize her from a miniature portrait he carries with him--one of Wesley's discarded works. But his happiness plummets when he realizes Wesley has left her with child and sailed away to Italy in search of a new muse.
Wanting to do something worthwhile with his life, Stephen proposes to Sophie. He does not offer love, or even a future together, but he can save her from scandal. If he dies in battle, as he believes he will, she'll be a respectable widow with the protection of his family.
Desperate for a way to escape her predicament, Sophie agrees to marry a stranger and travel to his family's estate. But at Overtree Hall, her problems are just beginning. Will she regret marrying Captain Overtree when a repentant Wesley returns? Or will she find herself torn between the father of her child and her growing affection for the husband she barely knows?

My Thoughts
As a fan of Julie Klassen and marriage of convenience stories I knew from the get go that I would love this book, and love it I did.
Stephen was the quintessential strong but quiet hero, and I loved his character. He was military so he had a bit of a fierce side but it was tempered by his kind heart. His first instinct was to solve any problems that presented themselves and he wanted what was best for those around him without much thought to his own happiness. Sophie was a sweet heroine and she handled the difficult circumstances she found herself in with grace. I admired how she was determined to do whatever was necessary to protect and provide for her child. I loved the romance between Stephen and Sophie, it wasn't flashy or dramatic but rather it was a quiet love that slowly blossomed and it was beautiful.
There was a large cast of brilliantly written secondary characters and they each added their unique flair to enhance the story. Julie's beautiful storytelling was once again showcased in this novel as she wove this tale in such a way that I hated putting it down! All in all it was another Julie Klassen masterpiece and I highly recommend it to anyone who has enjoyed her previous novels and to those who are fans of Jane Austen, Jane Eyre, and the regency era in general!

Meet the Author
Bestselling, award-winning author Julie Klassen loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota. Learn more at www.julieklassen.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, February 10, 2016

Waiting on Wednesday #199: Silence in the Dark

"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:

Silence in the Dark by Patricia Bradley
Revell-April 19, 2016

About the Book
Two years ago, Bailey Adams broke off her engagement to Danny Maxwell and fled Logan Point for the mission field in Chihuahua, Mexico. Now she's about to return home to the States, but there's just one problem. After Bailey meets with the uncle of one of the mission children in the city, she barely escapes a sudden danger. Now she's on the run--she just doesn't know from whom. To make matters worse, people who help her along the way find themselves in danger too--including Danny. Who is after her? Will they ever let up? And in the midst of the chaos, can Bailey keep herself from falling in love with her rescuer all over again?
With lean, fast-paced prose that keeps readers turning the pages, Patricia Bradley pens a superb story of suspense and second chances.

Why I Want It
I have really enjoyed the other books in this series and I'm looking forward to this one!

Tuesday, February 09, 2016

A Lady Unrivaled by Roseanna M. White: Cover Reveal

About the Series
The Ladies of the Manor Series take readers back in time to Edwardian England, when automobiles and electric lights were all the rage, but the old way of life still ruling the land. Lords and ladies, maids and valets…and in this case, a dose of danger and mystery to take them.

And without further ado here is the gorgeous cover for A Lady Unrivaled!


About the Book
White Is Quickly Becoming the Top Name in Edwardian Romance
Lady Ella Myerston can always find a reason to smile--even if it's just in hope that tomorrow will be better than today. All her life everyone has tried to protect her from the realities of the world, but Ella knows very well the danger that has haunted her brother and their friend, and she won't wait for it to strike again. She intends to take action . . . and if that happens to involve an adventurous trip to the Cotswolds, then so much the better. Lord Cayton has already broken two hearts, including that of his first wife, who died before he could convince himself to love her. Now he's determined to live a better life. But that proves complicated when old friends arrive on the scene and try to threaten him into a life of crime. He does his best to remove the intriguing Lady Ella from danger, but the stubborn girl won't budge. How else can he redeem himself, though, but by saving her--and his daughter--from those dangerous people who seem ready to destroy them all?

Meet the Author
Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna’s novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com

The whole series together! So pretty!


Top Ten Fictional Crushes

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

Cinema Crushes

#1. Steve Rogers from Captain America

#2. Steve McGarrett from Hawaii Five-0

#3. Dean Winchester from Supernatural

#4. Auggie Anderson from Covert Affairs

#5. Walter Sherman from The Finder


Book Crushes

#1. Luca Forelli from The River of Time Series by Lisa T. Bergren

#2. John Brady from A Passion Denied by Julie Lessman

#3. Sean O'Conner from A Heart Revealed by Julie Lessman

#4. Blake Hunziker from Here to Stay by Melissa Tagg

#5. Casper Christiansen from Always on My Mind by Susan May Warren