Thursday, August 31, 2017

Day Moon (Tomorrow's Edge #1) by Brett Armstrong


In A.D. 2039, a prodigious seventeen year old, Elliott, is assigned to work on a global soft-ware initiative his deceased grandfather helped found. Project Alexandria is intended to provide the entire world secure and equal access to all accumulated human knowledge. All forms of print are destroyed in good faith, to ensure everyone has equal footing, and Elliott knows he must soon part with his final treasure: a book of Shakespeare’s complete works gifted him by his grandfather. Before it is destroyed, Elliott notices something is amiss with the book, or rather Project Alexandria. The two do not match, including an extra sonnet titled “Day Moon”. When Elliott investigates, he uncovers far more than he bargained for. There are sinister forces backing Project Alexandria who have no intention of using it for its public purpose. Elliott soon finds himself on the run from federal authorities and facing betrayals and deceit from those closest to him. Following clues left by his grandfather, with agents close at hand, Elliott desperately hopes to find a way to stop Project Alexandria. All of history past and yet to be depend on it.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Day Moon is a futuristic Christian fiction novel.  The premise of the book is interesting and I really liked how the author incorporated classic works into his story as a focal point in the plot like something to be treasured.  I love books and I love reading.  I can't imagine a world that would take away the books I treasure most.  It would definitely be something worth fighting for.

While I liked the premise of this book, the story itself lacked quite a lot for me.  It was very wordy and the plot seemed to move forward at a snail's pace.  It lacked urgency and the forward momentum that captures you and keeps you wanting to know more which is especially important in a story like this one.  I had a hard time staying with it and I will admit to skimming a lot without losing track of what was happening.  

The characters were okay but didn't inspire me.  I didn't feel that emotional connection to them or the story that I look for as a reader.  The main character is supposed to be seventeen but didn't act or talk that way at all.  He came across as an adult most of the time.  I had to keep reminding myself that he was just seventeen.

I see a lot of potential here but unfortunately this story just fell a bit flat for me.  I can tell that the author is well versed in the English language and proficient in the technical aspects of writing which is impressive.  I really appreciated that this book was clean- no swearing, profanity or sexual content.  

You can pick this book up on Amazon for under a dollar so if you are intrigued by the blurb and love this kind of book, give it a shot.  I'm only one girl with one opinion not shared by all.  :)

Content:  This is a Christian fiction book so you will find talk of God and Jesus Christ.  There were a few instances of mild peril and mild violence.

- I received a free copy of this book from the author.  All opinions expressed are my own.
 

Wednesday, August 30, 2017

Awesome Giveaway! $300 and Books!

From Cami Checketts:  I teamed up with a few of my favorite authors to bring you a chance to win $300 ... Just in time for back to school! Plus, you'll receive these six books free when you sign up for our newsletters! You can sign up for the newsletters through the rafflecopter.

There are lots of ways to enter (no purchase necessary). The more things you do, the more chances you'll have to win! Enter by clicking on the rafflecopter link below.

You can get points by sharing the giveaway on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook, or following your favorite sweet romance authors on social media. Below are sample posts to share on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also use the graphic above or post yourself reading one of our books.
Thanks and happy reading!

Instagram: $300 giveaway just in time for #backtoschool from your favorite #mysweetromance writers @taylorfaithhart @authorjennniferyoungblood @jeanettelewis @camicheckettsbooks #giveaway #romancenovels http://www.camichecketts.com/2017/08/300-giveaway.html

Facebook: Win $300 just in time for back to school with your favorite sweet romance writers - Taylor Hart, Lucy McConnell, Jeanette Lewis, Jennifer Youngblood, and Cami Checketts. Post a picture of yourself or share this one and enter to win on the rafflecopter here

Twitter: $300 cash #mysweetromance @camichecketts @taylorfaithhart @authorjennniferyoungblood @jeanettelewis www.camichecketts.com


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Tuesday, August 29, 2017

12 Days at Bleakly Manor (Once Upon a Dickens Christmas #1) by Michelle Griep


When CLARA CHAPMAN receives an intriguing invitation to spend Christmas at an English manor home, she is hesitant yet compelled to attend—for if she remains the duration of the twelve-day celebration, she is promised a sum of one thousand pounds. That’s enough money to bring her brother back from America and reinstate their stolen family fortune. But is she walking into danger? It appears so, especially when she comes face to face with one of the other guests—her former fiancĂ©, BENJAMIN LANE.

Imprisoned unjustly, Ben wants revenge on whoever stole his honor. When he’s given the chance to gain his freedom, he jumps at it—and is faced with the anger of the woman he stood up at the altar.

Brought together under mysterious circumstances for the Twelve Days of Christmas, Clara and Ben discover that what they've been striving for isn't what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.


I know it's not the Christmas season, but this book sure put me in the mind for it!  I love the cover for this book and I'm so excited to see that this is the beginning of a new series from Michelle Griep.  She is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

This book had a bit of everything.  It's a cozy mystery with romance and a dash of danger.  I loved how the characters came alive for me- jumping out from the pages like a movie in my head.  This book should be a movie!!  I'm envisioning hot chocolate and a cozy blanket with my girls.  :)

Yes, this book is set during Christmas but don't let that stop you from reading it at any time of the year.  I loved that as a reader, I didn't have a clue as to what was going on.  I was right there with the characters, wondering and trying to figure things out.  It made me feel like I was a part of the book in some way.

This was such a fun story!  I can't wait for the next one!

Content:  mild violence, kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Monday, August 28, 2017

$75 Book Blast for The Pursuit of Lady Harriett by Rachael Anderson

 

When wills clash and hearts collide, who will reign victorious?

 Termed an Incomparable during her first London season, Lady Harriett Cavendish is beautiful, spirited, and confident, capturing the attention of a great many suitors. Unfortunately, they all failed to capture her attention, and she concluded the season as unattached as she’d begun it. Only weeks prior to her second season, Harriett encounters Lieutenant Christopher Jamison while visiting Tanglewood Manor. Recently returned from war, the lieutenant is everything that Harriett's previous suitors were not. He’s arrogant, ungentlemanly, irritating, and challenges her at every opportunity. When he goes too far, Harriett decides that it’s time to turn the tables on him. But as she sets out to put the lieutenant in his place once and for all, she discovers there is more to him than meets the eye, and when it comes to matters of the heart, she has no control whatsoever.

 

Excerpt:
The corners of the man’s eyes crinkled in a mild show of amusement. “Lady Harriett, I presume?” Rather than look at her with appreciation as most men did, he appeared amused. At her nod, he tucked his hands behind his back, remaining a few steps above her. “I am Lieutenant Christopher Jamison, an old friend of Jonathan’s.” “I was expecting you days ago,” she answered. “Lord Jonathan charged me with the unhappy task of informing you he and his new bride are currently away on their wedding trip. He is sorry he cannot be here to meet with you and has asked that I relay his apologies.” “May I inquire as to how long they will be away?” he asked. No, you may not, she wanted to say. Her neck was beginning to ache from looking up at him, but she forced her gaze to remain steady. “They expected to be gone a fortnight, sir.” “And they have been gone how long, exactly?” She felt an unaccountable hesitancy to tell him. “A week.” “Ah.” He sounded disappointed but seemed to take the news in stride, glancing at Charlie as though wondering whether he ought to retrieve his horse or not. Harriett prayed that he would. When his gaze strayed back to her, he took the unwelcome, and ungentlemanly, liberty of perusing her figure. When his eyes met hers again, his lips twitched into a slight smile. “Forgive me, my lady, but you appear to have had a run-in with a mud puddle and lost.” How kind of him to point that out. Harriett kept her hands at her side rather than attempt to brush the dirt from her face and pelisse yet again. The damage was done, and no amount of brushing or shaking would remove the muck. What she needed was a hot bath and a change of clothes. “Actually, sir, I was merely an innocent bystander.” “Indeed?” She picked up her skirts and ascended the steps, stopping on the stair above him so that she was eye level with him. “Are you always such a reckless rider, sir? Do you not pay heed to your surroundings?” “Of course I do.” “If you had, you would have seen me standing at the side of the road and, I would hope, thought to slow your animal down so as to not splash mud all over my pelisse.” Her chilly set down did not have the desired effect. He did not appear the least bit repentant. Rather, he looked ready to burst into laughter. “And your face, apparently.” He leaned forward and squinted. “If I’m not mistaken, there is a splash or two of mud on your bonnet as well.” Harriett glared at him. “How observant you are, Lieutenant Jamison. One can only wonder why you didn’t put that skill to good use earlier. If you had, perhaps my pelisse, face, and bonnet would still be clean.” “I am always observant, my lady,” he said. “But might I suggest that if you would like to be noticed at the side of the road, you should wear a color that does not blend so perfectly with your surroundings. That particular shade of green looks quite lovely on you, but only someone with the eyes of an eagle would have spotted you in front of a landscape of evergreens.” Harriett opened her mouth to respond, but no words were forthcoming. The man did not even attempt to behave like a gentleman. How could he be so . . . so . . . “Have you no apology to offer, sir?” she finally spluttered. “Oh, did I not apologize? Forgive me.” “For what? Forgetting to apologize or for not doing so in the first place?”





   Rachael

Author Rachael Anderson A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.

  amazon or paypal

  $75 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 9/22/17 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Giveaway Time! Enter to Win The Sheriff's of Savage Wells or The Vicar's Daughter!


Hey everyone!  It is 


Today is National Just Because Day and I am celebrating with my friends at Shadow Mountain Publishers in this Romance Awareness Month!  



They have so generously donated two books for me to give away today!  Awesome, right?!

Here are the books:


You can see my review for this book HERE.


You can see my review for this book HERE.

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only as this giveaway is for physical copies of these books and I have to mail them.  There will be two winners, one for each book.


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Saturday, August 26, 2017

Safe House by Shannon Symonds + Enter to Win This Book


As a victim’s advocate, Grace James is used to rushing into trouble to save her victims from abuse or assault. And with a handsome officer like Joe Hart at her side, Grace is sure there’s nothing she can’t do. But an ominous storm brewing on the Oregon horizon is about to change everything—and bring with it dangers and revelations Grace and Joe never expected.




I first have to say that I think the information and overall message of this book is so important.  I haven't had a lot of experience with domestic violence and knowing there are so many women and children (and men) in the world suffering through this is heartbreaking.  The author of this book works as a victim's advocate so her personal, first hand knowledge and experience go a long way in making this novel valid and real.  And honestly?  Thank goodness for Shannon and people like her to help, support and love to people when they need it the most.

As for the book itself, I had a hard time settling into it.  The scenes jump around a lot and it made it hard for me to connect on an emotional level to the characters.  Just when I would start getting a feel for a person and their situation, their personality, I would be shifted to a different person in a different place.  It just made it hard to keep people straight in the beginning and connect to them.  By the end I had all the characters down but the emotional connection to them was still missing.  

I did feel the build of intensity in the story though.  Things escalate steadily to provide an end to this book that is dramatic and intense.  I loved the feeling of community and faith among the characters.  This book gave me insight to the lives of those who suffer from domestic abuse and I'm always grateful when I read a book and walk away feeling like I know more than I did before.

Content:  Some violence, domestic abuse.  Mentions of pornography, infidelity and a hint of an attempted rape.  Characters are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints so there is talk about religion, God and praying.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Cedar Fort.  All opinions expressed are my own.


Shannon Symonds currently works as an Advocate serving victims of intimate partner or family violence. Shannon responds with law enforcement to the scene of domestic or sexual assaults, works with victims, accompanies them to the hospital and provides follow-up care. She is a trained trauma and recovery specialist, has completed the Oregon Coalition training as a professional advocate, has completed training as a parent educator, Head Start Teacher, early childhood education certification and one year program, an Associates Degree with an emphasis in Social Services, has worked and trained as an advocate for over 15 years total. She is the recipient of the Oregon Trial Lawyers award for her work to change housing for victims of domestic violence. She is a confident trainer and speaker, and is comfortable working with the public.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Safe House by Shannon Symonds

Safe House by Shannon Symonds

Giveaway ends September 7, 2017.See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

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Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Courting the Country Miss by Donna Hatch + Win This Book!





Courting the Country Miss
(Courting #2)
by Donna Hatch
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 312 pages
August 4th 2017 by The Wild Rose Press. Inc.

Cynical and broken-hearted, Leticia banishes dreams of marriage. When her childhood friend, Tristan, wagers he can find her the perfect husband, she hopes the challenge will coax him to forgo his devil-may-care lifestyle. Meanwhile, Leticia throws herself into forming her charity school but meets opposition—even from the people she’s helping.

Guilt-ridden that his past mistakes robbed Leticia of true love, Tristan vows to set it right, but match-making has its pitfalls for a repentant scoundrel. When he finds two ‘perfect’ gentlemen to court her, he discovers his own deep feelings for the lady.

Though Tristan seems to reform, Leticia doesn’t dare risk heartbreak with a notorious rake. When opposition for the school takes a deadly turn, can Tristan protect her from a madman bent on destroying their dreams and their lives?

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleThe Wild Rose Press


I can't even begin to tell you how much I love Donna Hatch's books.  Every single time.  She has such a way of making me love her characters- imperfections and all.  

Tristan is a notorious rake.  It's hard to shake a label like that even when you want to.  Tristan and Leticia have been friends all their lives so they know each other well.  I love that they both had that relationship to draw upon throughout the rough waters of this book.  It helped them and it helped me to see Tristan through Leticia's eyes as she remembered Tristan from his childhood.  I fell in love with these characters.  I wanted so badly for them to figure things out.  I loved the swoony moments (and there were quite a few) that had me reaching for a fan to cool my flushed face.  :)

This book is set in a series but can stand alone.  You will love this book more though if you read Courting the Countess first.  Just a suggestion because I'm all about loving these books.  If you have never read a book by Donna Hatch this is an awesome place to start.  She really is one of my favorite authors in the Regency Romance genre.

Other Books in the Series

Courting the Countess by [Hatch, Donna]
Courting the Countess
(Courting #1)
by Donna Hatch
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 388 pages
October 5th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

When charming rake Tristan Barrett sweeps Lady Elizabeth off her feet, stealing both her heart and a kiss in a secluded garden, her brother challenges Tristan to a duel. The only way to save her brother and Tristan from harm—not to mention preserve her reputation—is to get married. But her father, the Duke of Pemberton, refuses to allow his daughter to marry anyone but a titled lord. The duke demands that Elizabeth marry Tristan’s older brother, Richard, the Earl of Averston. Now Elizabeth must give up Tristan to marry a man who despises her, a man who loves another, a man she’ll never love.

Richard fears Elizabeth is as untrustworthy as his mother, who ran off with another man. However, to protect his brother from a duel and their family name from further scandal, he agrees to the wedding, certain his new bride will betray him. Yet when Elizabeth turns his house upside down and worms her way into his reluctant heart, Richard suspects he can’t live without his new countess. Will she stay with him or is it too little, too late?


About the Author


Donna Hatch is the author of the best-selling “Rogue Hearts Series,” and a winner of writing awards such as The Golden Quill and the International Digital Award. A hopeless romantic and adventurer at heart, she discovered her writing passion at the tender age of 8 and has been listening to those voices ever since. She has become a sought-after workshop presenter, and also juggles freelance editing, multiple volunteer positions, and most of all, her six children (seven, counting her husband). A native of Arizona who recently transplanted to the Pacific Northwest, she and her husband of over twenty five years are living proof that there really is a happily ever after.

Tour Giveaway

1 winner will receive an ebook of Courting the Countess
Open internationally
Ends August 29th

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Monday, August 21, 2017

$.99 Sale for Wrong Brother, Right Match by Jennifer Shirk!

Two brothers. One Christmas. One matchmaker's mistake…


Wrong Brother, Right Match
Anyone But You #3
Jennifer Shirk
Entangled Bliss

Matchmaking guru Kennedy Pepperdine’s life is perfect. Perfect job. Perfect friends. Perfect boyfriend. Except...when she gets trapped in an elevator with a handsome stranger, she accidentally confesses a secret: maybe her perfect boyfriend, Justin, isn’t so perfect for her after all. But a matchmaker should be able to successfully match herself, right? Thankfully, she’ll never see the handsome stranger again. Until she heads home with Justin for the holidays and learns that the sexy stranger is none other than Justin’s older brother, Matt.
Matt Ellis is trying to be on his best behavior for his mother—it is Christmas, after all. But when he recognizes the beautiful woman from the elevator—the one he hasn’t been able to stop thinking about for months—his best behavior is being held by a thread. Matt’s always sacrificed for his family, and nothing is more important than their happiness, but the more time he spends around Kennedy, the more he wonders if her supposed "right match" might just be the wrong brother.
Here is the review I posted when this book was first released:
Love, love, love, love! Here I give you my biggest dreamy, happy sigh.  I inhaled this book. It was so fun to read. I kind of want to go back and read it again. If I had time, I totally would.

Kennedy has a growing business and the perfect boyfriend. After all, he was her perfect match and Kennedy is in the business of knowing such things. Then Kennedy finds herself stuck in an elevator with a handsome stranger and what happens? A kiss of course. A zingy, heart stopping kiss that neither participant can forget.

Matt is so swoon worthy. Even when he is being ornery to Kennedy upon first seeing her at his family's house for Christmas, he is swoony. I just LOVED Matt. He is so good to his family and he is so good to Kennedy. Well, after said ornery business is over. Matt was so easy to like and so easy to root for.

Jennifer Shirk is one of my favorite authors in the clean romance world. Her characters have great personality and I'm always drawn to them. I follow Jennifer Shirk and I'm always watching for new books by her. I think this one is my new favorite!

Content: mild swearing, kissing, casual drinking


Praise for Wrong Brother, Right Match
"Wrong Brother, Right Match is basically a Hallmark Christmas Movie in book form and I love it!" - Stephanie's Book Reviews
If you want to be swept away into a sweet read that will keep you glued to the page then this is the book for you. There was just something about this storyline that was the right amount of sweet, romance and fun that made it unputdownable."- The Sub Club Books
 Wrong Brother, Right Match WON the 2017 ©Desert Rose RWA® Golden Quill Contest- Sweet Traditional Category 

99 CENTS FOR A LIMITED TIME

 * Amazon * B&N * Kobo * IBooks *


Jennifer Shirk is the award-winning author of sweet (and sometimes even funny) romances for Montlake Romance and Entangled Publishing. Her novel SUNNY DAYS FOR SAM won the 2013 Golden Quill Published Authors Contest for Best Traditional Romance. Recently, her novel, FIANCE BY FATE—a 2015 Readers' Crown Finalist—became an Amazon #1 best seller for Series Romance. And recently, WRONG BROTHER, RIGHT MATCH won the
Sweet Traditional category of the 2017 Golden Quill Contest.
She resides in a beach resort in NJ, so when she's not writing or working on her tan, she's taking care of her most treasured possessions: her husband, daughter and puppy (Sox).

Check out her website for News and Links: www.jennifershirk.com

Feel free to friend her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JenniferShirkBooks

And don't forget to join her mailing list for a chance to win free ARCs: eepurl.com/Q6TH1

Tuesday, August 15, 2017

The Alaskan Catch by Beth Carpenter + Alaskan Prize Pack & $25 Giveaway!




The Alaskan Catch
(Northern Lights #1)
by Beth Carpenter
Adult Contemporary Romance
Mass Market Paperback & ebook, 368 pages
August 1st 2017 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Where life's currents take you…

Dana Raynott just traveled 3,600 miles to reunite with the brother who changed his name and fled to Alaska nineteen years ago. It's impossible not to be moved by this wild, breathtaking state, even if Dana's no closer to finding the answers she came here for.

Her brother's best friend, Anchorage engineer Sam MacKettrick, might be able to help her. He's strong and kind—a six-foot, irresistible blend of diverse cultures. He's also haunted by a tragic family history with a startling connection to Dana's past…

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & NobleHarlequinKoboGoogle PlayiTunes


I really enjoyed this new Harlequin Heartwarming book by Beth Carpenter!  It had a bit of everything in it- adventure, mystery and romance.  I loved the Alaskan setting with so much of the story taking place outdoors with the beauties of nature on full display.  It almost made me want to visit Alaska.  In the summer.  On the hottest day.  ha.

Dana sets out to find her brother and finds so much more in the process.  She discovers a side to her she never knew existed- the adventurous side!  I loved Dana's excitement and courage in trying new things.  Dana felt like a person I'd like to know in real life.

This is the first book I've read by Beth Carpenter but it won't be the last.  I'll be on the lookout for the next book in this series!

About the Author


Once upon a time ...

when Beth Carpenter was a little girl, she read everything she could get her hands on, and entertained herself on the school bus by making up stories in her head. Not a lot has changed. She's still consuming books like M&Ms, and spends her days creating happily-ever-afters for her imaginary friends.

She lives in Alaska and Arizona with her husband and an aggressively affectionate fifty-pound lap dog. She loves to hear from readers.

Taste of Alaska Prize Pack (US only), which includes:
  • Alaska cross-body bag
  • Wild Smoked Alaska Salmon for Dip
  • Alaska Wild Berry Company Bering Sea Salt Caramels
  • Gold Nugget Chocolate Chunks
  • Raspberry Herbal Tea
  • Salmon Jerky – Teriyaki and Original
  • Three Bears Postcard
  • Alaska Sourdough Starter
  • Moose Notecards by Alaskan Artist Vonnie Gaither

$25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)

Ends August 22nd

Monday, August 14, 2017

The Search by Clair Poulson + $25 and Book Giveaway!


Young private investigator Jayden Spaulding has cracked his share of tough cases, but nothing like this. When stunning professional basketball player Nadia Fairchild walks through his door, her story seems simple enough: two days ago, her mother disappeared along with a member of the women’s college basketball team she coached. Jayden and Nadia delve into a baffling maze of motive and opportunity with a lengthy list of possible suspects. As they work together amid their growing attraction to one another, the unlikely duo seems no closer to discovering the truth. Then the threats begin. Soon, the pair begins to suspect that this case is much more complicated than a simple disappearance—they have unwittingly stumbled on a conspiracy of corruption, greed, and murder far more deadly than they ever imagined. Others are also searching for the missing women, and they will eliminate anyone who stands in their way . . .



I've been reading Clair Poulson books for a long time.  He is great at writing light mystery/suspense stories that capture the essence of the genre without going overboard on the gruesome or violent details which I appreciate.

Clair Poulson is know for writing tell it like it is, no nonsense kind of characters and this story is no different.  I did appreciate the attempt at light humor from the main character, Jayden.  It helped give him a bit more personality which is something I sometimes struggle with in Poulaon's books.  The plot is always excellent and moves forward at a fantastic pace, but it's the emotional connection with the characters that I am usually missing.

The relationship between Jayden and Nadia is almost instant.  The attraction is definitely there and it progresses to a familiarity within hours.  I'm not sure I buy how quickly that moved, but I guess when you are adults in perilous circumstances, emotions are heightened and connections can be made more quickly.  I wish I had Jayden's dog.  He sort of stole the show a few times!

Overall, another good book from Clair Poulson.  I enjoyed the pacing and the constant feeling I had of wondering how all the "bad" guys came into play and connected to what was going on.  It was a fun story!

Content:  mild violence, LDS fiction so some mention of religious things although nothing overly preachy.

- I received a copy of this book for free.  All opinions expressed are my own.



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Saturday, August 12, 2017

Summer Holiday (Timeless Victorian Collection) by Nancy Campbell Allen, Annette Lyon, Sarah M. Eden


BREAKFAST AT SOMMERPOOL’S by Nancy Campbell Allen:
As Tessa Baker competes for the supervisor promotion at Sommerpool Department and Mercantile, she’s faced with a ridiculous list of tasks to complete in order to “win” the job. Tessa would love to be the first female supervisor ever to work at the Sommerpool, but her competitor is cheating at every turn. Discouraged, Tessa agrees to let David Bellini, a family friend and Italian Conte who is new in town, help her. When she discovers that he’s the new owner of Sommerpool’s, but wants to evaluate the employees unobserved, Tessa has mixed feelings. She soon realizes that she’s falling for David, but what chance does a working-class woman like her have with an Italian Conte?

HOWEVER LONG THE WAIT by Sarah M. Eden:
Carina Herrick says goodbye to the man she hopes to marry, knowing their separation will be temporary. Grant Ambrose is off to follow his dream and become established in business so that he can provide for Carina and a life together. He promises to write; she promises to return his letters. Yet, only a few months pass and already their letters become shorter and fewer. Finally, Carina is forced to give up on Grant if only to protect her breaking heart. Her parents are dead set against her becoming a spinster and insist she accept the proposal of the odious Mr. Baskon. With no hope of another marriage proposal, Carina is forced to make a difficult decision, one that can lead her either to happiness or misery.

THE LAST SUMMER AT IVY HOUSE by Annette Lyon:
Every summer Sarah travels to Ivy House in London as one of the household servants to the Millington family. This summer, she’s particularly looking forward to seeing Jacob, a servant who lives at Ivy House year-round. They’ve been exchanging letters since the previous summer when their friendship deepened. But when Sarah arrives at Ivy House, Jacob seems more reserved around her and less forthcoming. Has she put greater meaning in their budding relationship than she should? When Sarah discovers that Jacob has a dark secret and wants her to give up her dreams in exchange for helping him, she’s not sure if she’s willing to make the sacrifice.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

Three fantastic authors have come together in this book to provide three sweet, romantic stories.  I love these collections because you get a taste of different authors and their different writing styles.  If you haven't read anything by one or more of these authors, this is a great introduction but if you are like me and have read books by all of these authors, then it is simply an awesome treat and one I devoured from beginning to end.  

This was an awesome era where women were courageously stepping out of some of the confines of society and learning to go after their own dreams.  Tessa really exemplifies this in Breakfast at Sommerpool's.  I loved Tessa's pluck and determination.  She was a fantastic character.  This was probably my favorite story of the three but they were, all three, so great.  It's such a treat to pick up one of these Timeless series books (and there are a lot to choose from if you haven't read any yet!) and be swept away into the sweet romance of it all.  What a fantastic diversion!

Content:  Clean, mild romance

- I received a copy of this book for free.  All opinions expressed are my own.