Tuesday, December 5, 2017

THE GENTLEMAN'S DECEPTION by Karen Tuft

THE GENTLEMAN'S DECEPTION by Karen Tuft. This was a delightful book to read. Just as one deception seemed to iron itself out, another one was added to the mix. It kept me on my toes and turning the pages to see how many deceptions would happen and when they were going to be exposed. I would recommend this to anyone who loves a good, clean read.

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Renowned actress Ruby Chadwick, the Darling of Drury Lane, has long planned and prepared for her final performance. With exceptional beauty comes the unwanted attention of men, and after years of fending off odious suitors, Ruby is ready to leave it all behind in a favor of a quiet life. The first step is to reclaim a piece of her past: her true identity as Lavinia Fernley. But leaving town unnoticed proves impossible, and in one desperate moment, Lavinia embarks on the greatest act of her life when she throws herself into the arms of a stranger to avoid recognition.
Lucas Jennings is shocked to find the stunning redhead in his arms, but something moves him to play along with her ruse when she calls him her husband. This charade marks the start of an unpredictable journey as he escorts the lovely Lavinia and her traveling companions to Primrose Farm, far from the glaring lights of London. Soon, the tables are turned when Lucas introduces Lavinia to his family—as his fiancee. Before long, their mutual deception begins to feel all too real. But when the truth of her past is revealed, will Lavinia's dream of a happy ending slip through her fingers?

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Friday, November 10, 2017

LIES JANE AUSTEN TOLD ME by Julie Wright

LIES JANE AUSTEN TOLD ME by Julie Wright. I love Julie not only as a person but as an author. She has such a fun way of writing that wraps you up in the story. This book is no exception. And I loved how she pulled in Jane Austen and Emma had to "break up" with her. I think we so often look for things to be exactly a certain way because of something we've seen or read, that it was good to see how someone moved past it. I loved Emma and Lucas journey and then when another player entered the field . . . it left me struggling for who I wanted Emma to end up with. Both guys were fantastic for her. It is a great read from cover to cover. I would highly recommend it.

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Ever since Emma read Pride and Prejudice, she's been in love with Mr. Darcy and has regarded Jane Austen as the expert on all things romantic. So when it turns out that what her boyfriend Blake wants is more of a hook-up than a honeymoon, Emma is hurt, betrayed, and furious. She throws herself deeper into her work as CMO of Kinetics, only to find her job threatened when her boss brings in a consultant to help her expand the business to the East Coast. Her frustration turns to shock when that consultant turns out to be Blake's younger brother, Lucas.
Emma is determined not to fall for Lucas, but as she gets to know him, she realizes that Lucas is nothing like his brother. He is kind and attentive and spends his time and money caring for the less fortunate. But as perfect as Lucas seems, he clearly has his secrets. After all, there's an angry woman demanding money from him and a little girl who Lucas feels responsible for. 
Realizing that her love life is as complicated as anything Jane Austen could have dreamed up, Emma must figure out the truth—and soon—if she wants any hope of writing her own "happily ever after" ending.



Wednesday, November 8, 2017

THE NOBLEMAN'S DAUGHTER by Jen Geigle Johnson

THE NOBLEMAN'S DAUGHTER by Jen Geigle Johnson. This was a really good read. It was a reminder of the sacrafices people are willing to make for things they truly believe it. It shows what how one person can make a difference. The relationship between Lady Amanda and Lord Nathaniel is fun to see develop and how they learn to trust each other. It's an amazing story that anyone would love.


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While British high society primps and plays, the impoverished citizens of London languish. But there are those fighting for the freedom of common citizens—including two members of the aristocracy who secretly champion revolution. In the drawing rooms of the upper class, Lady Amanda and Lord Nathaniel flirt and tease with the best of them as she pretends to win every heart in London for sport, and he, to conquer them. But in truth, their flirtation is merely a facade designed to keep their clandestine actions hidden from the ton—and from each other. When Nathaniel presents himself as a potential suitor, the attraction between the two is undeniable—but the faces they portray to the world are not enough to win each other's hearts.
While their crusade for London's poor unites them more deeply than they could imagine, Amanda and Nathaniel struggle to trust one another with their true ideals and identities. But when the call to action leads Amanda into the path of danger, she can only hope that Nathaniel will see through her frivolous pretense. Because now, only the aid of the suitor she loves most—but trusts least—can save her.


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Thursday, October 19, 2017

SUPREME POWER: 7 PIVOTAL SUPREME COURT DECISIONS THAT HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON AMERICA by Ted Stewart

SUPREME POWER: 7 PIVOTAL SUPREME COURT DECISIONS THAT HAD A MAJOR IMPACT ON AMERICA by Ted Stewart. I have enjoyed the insight given in Stewart's other books so I'm looking forward to reading this one as well. Let me know what you think!


Bestselling author Ted Stewart explains how the Supreme Court and its nine appointed members now stand at a crucial point in their power to hand down momentous and far-ranging decisions. Today's Court affects every major area of American life, from health care to civil rights, from abortion to marriage.
This fascinating book reveals the complex history of the Court as told through seven pivotal decisions. These cases originally seemed narrow in scope, but they vastly expanded the interpretation of law. Such is the power of judicial review to make sweeping, often unforeseen, changes in American society by revising the meaning of our Constitution.
Each chapter presents an easy-to-read brief on the case and explains what the decisions mean and how the Court ruling, often a 5-4 split, had long-term impact. For example, in Lochner v. New York, a widely accepted turn-of-the-twentieth-century New York State law limited excessive overtime for bakery workers. That law was overturned by the Court based on the due process clause of the Constitution. The very same precedents, Stewart points out, were used by the Court seventy years later and expanded to a new right to privacy in Roe vs. Wade. making abortion legal in the nation. 
Filled with insight, commentary, and compelling stories of ordinary citizens coming to the judiciary for remedy for the problems of their day, Supreme Power illustrates the magnitude of the Court's power to interpret the Constitution and decide the law of the land.



Wednesday, October 18, 2017

SAFE HOUSE by Traci Hunter Abramson

SAFE HOUSE by Traci Hunter Abramson. I devoured this book. I loved how it wove together the Guardian novels with the Saints Squad novels. It was so much fun to see the two working together. Normally, I like to try to solve the problem to see if I'm correct. With this novel, I enjoyed sitting back and watching the story unfold. The ride was more fun for me than solving the who-is-behind-it question. I would highly recommend this book to any and everyone who loves a great novel. Check out what other people thought with the links to the blog tour here.

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The guardians, the shadowy heroes of the top-secret program designed to protect members of the most elite government organizations, are being hunted down one by one. There is a single explanation: a traitor must be embedded somewhere in their midst. But if they themselves are the target, who will protect them?
CIA operative Renee Niezen has heard tales of the guardians, though she's never really believed in their existence—until she is approached by Charlotte, an old friend who desperately needs her help to stop the systematic destruction of the guardian program. Renee accepts the plea for assistance, but not everyone is thrilled to have her on the team. Kade—one of the last guardians standing—is unimpressed with Renee's qualifications and turns instead to the legendary Saint Squad for help. But when Renee is caught in the crosshairs, Kade must set aside his antagonism for the woman in order to protect her. Their grudging alliance soon develops into much more—but before the pair can examine their feelings, their investigation takes a dramatic twist. With lives on the line, Renee and Kade must use their spy training at every turn as they draw dangerously close to the shocking truth.

Tuesday, October 17, 2017

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M. L. Forman

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M L Forman. This is a series I have thoroughly enjoyed. Each book is definitely a fantastic adventure. I enjoyed being back with Whalen and Alex. It did take several chapters for me to get into the story, but once I was invested, I didn't want to put it down. In trying to figure out why it took me awhile to get into the story, the only thing I can think of is I had been out of that world for to long. I think if I had read all five books back-to-back it would have flowed better for me. I thought there was a very powerful lesson taught toward the end of the book about success and failures. Too often kids want to get up and the world judges us based on our successes. Alex learned a great lesson about the two. I would recommend this book and series to any fantasy lover.

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Whalen Vankin is a great an honorable wizard, and he has only ever personally trained two other wizards. One is Alexander Taylor, a young man who has earned a reputation as a brave adventurer, a warrior, and a man of honor. The other is Jabez, Vankin's nephew—a man whose choices have led him down a different, darker path.
Dark magic has covered Westland, and evil is stirring. Whalen and Alex must journey together into the heart of danger, confronting a sea serpent, and facing down more than one dragon. Alex must find the legendary Axe of Sundering—the one weapon that offers a chance to defeat Jabez—and protect the land from the dark wizard's plans. But finding it will be an adventure of its own as the only pathway to the Axe leads through the underground tunnels and secret passages of the Castle of Conmar.
But Jabez has a final weapon at his disposal: the powerful Orion stones, which could spell the end to Whalen and Alex both.



Monday, October 9, 2017

SAFE HOUSE by Traci Hunter Abramson

SAFE HOUSE by Traci Hunter Abramson. I am really excited to read this novel. Be sure to check it out. Stay tuned for my review to be posted soon.


The guardians, the shadowy heroes of the top-secret program designed to protect members of the most elite government organizations, are being hunted down one by one. There is a single explanation: a traitor must be embedded somewhere in their midst. But if they themselves are the target, who will protect them?
CIA operative Renee Niezen has heard tales of the guardians, though she's never really believed in their existence—until she is approached by Charlotte, an old friend who desperately needs her help to stop the systematic destruction of the guardian program. Renee accepts the plea for assistance, but not everyone is thrilled to have her on the team. Kade—one of the last guardians standing—is unimpressed with Renee's qualifications and turns instead to the legendary Saint Squad for help. But when Renee is caught in the crosshairs, Kade must set aside his antagonism for the woman in order to protect her. Their grudging alliance soon develops into much more—but before the pair can examine their feelings, their investigation takes a dramatic twist. With lives on the line, Renee and Kade must use their spy training at every turn as they draw dangerously close to the shocking truth.



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Tuesday, October 3, 2017

FOR LOVE OR HONOR by Sarah M. Eden

FOR LOVE OR HONOR by Sarah M. Eden. I love the Jonquil brothers and really enjoyed being back with them. This was a tougher one emotionally to read because of the nature of Captain Stanley and his experience. As things were learned and his real struggles were brought to light, I found myself thinking of all those military men and women, past and present. How grateful I am for their service and there were moments that brought tears to my eyes as my heart hurt for both Stanley and his family. I wasn't sure how it was going to work out, but being a romance you know it has to. I would have never thought of the ending, but it was perfect. This is a fantastic read that I highly recommend. 

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From the moment they met, Marjie's heart has belonged to handsome Captain Stanley Jonquil, younger brother of the Earl of Lampton. But six long months ago, when Stanley's sense of honor required that he do as he had sworn and return to the Continent to fight in defense of King and country, neither Stanley nor Marjie could have dreamed what the cost of his service would be.
It has been ages since Stanley last wrote, and Marjie and the Jonquil family are plagued by his unknown fate—until the day he unexpectedly reappears. Marjie's joy, however, is quickly shadowed by confusion—the aloof, battle-worn soldier before her is not the man he once was. In the wake of Stanley's blatant disinterest in renewing their acquaintance, Marjie's devastation turns to determination as she vows to help him find peace. But his scars run far deeper than anyone realizes. Despite his feelings for her, Stanley believes Marjie deserves a man whose hands are not stained with the violence of battlefields and whose mind and heart are not haunted by the horrors he has seen.
Honor requires Stanley to return once more to the life he has grown to despise, one he knows will destroy him in the end, even as his heart beckons him to stay with Marjie, the only woman he could ever love, and the promise, at last, of redemption.
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Saturday, September 30, 2017

MYSTERIES OF COVE: EMBERS OF DESTRUCTION by J. Scott Savage

MYSTERIES OF COVE: EMBERS OF DESTRUCTION by J. Scott Savage. This is an amazing ending to a great series. I have loved them (although I swore I read the second and upon reading the third I realized I hadn't, but I will!). I loved how everyone learned to work and depend on each other to figure out how to solve the dragon issue and then to execute the plan. They didn't give up when a plan failed. It was the try, try again that we so often forget to do in life. There are hard life lessons that are touched on, and the outcome was the way it needed to be. I highly recommend this book to anyone. 

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It's time to take the battle to the dragons.
In the third and final volume of the bestselling Mysteries of Cove series, Trenton and Kallista—along with their friends, Plucky, Simoni, Angus, and Clyde—fly their mechanical dragons south toward San Francisco, looking to rescue any survivors from the battle of Seattle.
Arriving in San Francisco and investigating the area in secret, the young riders are reunited with Kallista's father, Leo Babbage, who reveals that the humans in the city are working as slaves to the dragons, but that they don't want to be rescued—himself included. He says they are being protected by their new master: a huge, powerful white dragon who lives in an impenetrable tower fortress overlooking the city. Kallista is stunned by the news. Why would her father ever willingly want to work for dragons?
Trenton and his friends are confronted by the guards and their mechanical dragons are seized. Evading capture, the young riders escape and begin looking for a way to break the white dragon's hold over the city—and over Leo. Working with the kids from the city, the young riders track down the source of the dragon's power to an underground chamber that is accessible only through an underwater passageway below the tower fortress.
With the white dragon watching their every move, Trenton and Kallista will need every bit of creativity and ingenuity they can manage to find a way to retrieve their stolen dragons, enter the tower fortress, and take down the dragons once and for all.



Friday, September 29, 2017

MUSTACHES FOR MADDIE by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown

MUSTACHES FOR MADDIE by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown. Wow. This book is amazing. It touches on things that are personal for the authors yet shares a very strong message on how to help kids deal with scary things. The humor had me laughing throughout and getting teary at the same time. Life has lots of scary things, though not everyone deals with a brain tumor, most kids deal with bullying of some type. There are many powerful lessons throughout. This is a must read to anyone who has children, associates with children, has influence with children, really everyone. I highly suggest this book for everyone of all ages. It is a great read for book clubs and to read with little ones. I cannot say enough good about this book. Please check it out.

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Twelve-year-old Maddie has a quirky sense of humor and loves making her classmates laugh by slapping on fake mustaches every chance she gets. Being funny gets her noticed by class queen Cassie, and things are looking up when Maddie is cast as Juliet in the school play. Maybe Juliet could wear a mustache?
When Maddie starts tripping when she walks and her hand starts curling up at her side, her mom takes her to the doctor, who confirms Maddie has a brain tumor. In an instant, her world is turned upside down.
Maddie doesn't want anyone else to know. Especially Cassie, whose jealousy has turned to bullying. What about Maddie's chance to play Juliet opposite the cutest boy in the sixth grade? What if the doctors can't get the ugly tumor monster out of her brain?
As Maddie's surgery approaches, she wonders if her illness is giving her super powers because her imagination is bigger than ever, her courage is stronger than ever, and her compassion is about to be felt by more people than she ever imagined.



Thursday, September 21, 2017

WISH ME LOVE by Michele Ashman Bell

WISH ME LOVE by Michele Ashman Bell. This book was such a fun read. There were times I questioned why Charlotte and Jack didn't figure things out sooner, but I understood the reasons why. Then when Charlotte met Max . . . I was thrilled even though a part of me kept saying, "But he's not Jack." It is a darling story that anyone who loves a good, clean romance will love. I highly recommend it.

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Charlotte Wells does not date. After surviving a broken engagement, she's taken a leave of absence from the social scene. So when her best friend and coworker, Jack, challenges her to get back in the game, she's not so sure she's ready to play. But ultimately, curiosity gets the best of her, and Charlotte accepts the daunting challenge: she will attempt to have fifty first dates in her effort to find "the one." Unfortunately, she quickly realizes that the dating pool mostly holds clown fish as she goes on one lousy outing after another. Without a good man in sight as summer ends, Charlotte cuts her losses and sets her sights on a fun-filled trip to her cousin's destination wedding in Brazil.
Brazil is a land of beautiful sights and delicious offerings—including Max, the charming brother of her cousin's new husband. Max has all the makings of a Prince Charming in soccer cleats, and Charlotte's happily ever after seems to be within reach. But love is a funny things, and soon charlotte finds herself wondering: could it be that her true soul mate has been right in front of her all along?

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Monday, September 11, 2017

MIND GAMES by Stephanie Black

MIND GAMES by Stephanie Black. This was a very interesting book. The last phrase is very true. Nothing is as it seems. I have to admit that I found my mind questioning everything I read as the story went on. I knew I had part of it figured out but the rest of it was not as it seemed. It was a fascinating book that I will read again just to piece everything together. I would recommend it to anyone who loves a good thriller and likes to really have to think about how the story will end.

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Psychologist Natalie Marsh's dream is now reality: her mental health services clinic has opened and is houses in an elegant, newly renovated nineteenth-century building. Unfortunately, not everyone is happy with the clinic's presence, including Heather Osbourne, a troubled young woman who wholly objects to the occupation of the building. Heather has spent years wandering the halls of the abandoned structure, convinced she's communing with her ancestor's ghost. When Natalie thwarts Heather's attempt to leap from a window, the shaken psychologist soon realizes Heather's failed jump is merely one piece of a disturbing puzzle. Greed and deceit are weaving a web around Natalie, and someone will stop at nothing?—not even murder—to get what they want. Stretched to her breaking point, Natalie struggles to learn the truth, but only one thing is clear: nothing is as it seems.


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Thursday, September 7, 2017

ALL THAT MAKES LIFE BRIGHT by Josi S Kilpack

ALL THAT MAKES LIFE BRIGHT by Josi S. Kilpack. In a way, this book was hard to get through. I have felt all of the overwhelming feelings and sense of losing ones self that Harriet talks about. It was hard to read about someone else going through almost exactly what I feel. However, it was comforting to see that things were worked out and to see how they worked out for her and Calvin. It was interesting to learn what added to and helped Harriet become the great writer she was known for. I would recommend this book to anyone.

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When Harriet Beecher marries Calvin Stowe on January 6, 1836, she is sure her future will be filled romance, eventually a family, and continued opportunities to develop as a writer. Her husband Calvin is completely supportive and said she must be a literary woman. Harriet's sister, Catharine, worries she will lose her identity in marriage, but she is determined to preserve her independent spirit. Deeply religious, she strongly believes God has called her to fulfill the roles of wife and writer and will help her accomplish everything she was born to do.
Two months after her wedding Harriet discovers she is pregnant just as Calvin prepares to leave for a European business trip. Alone, Harriet is overwhelmed—being a wife has been harder than she thought and being an expectant mother feels like living another woman's life. Knowing that part of Calvin still cherishes the memory of his first wife, Harriet begins to question her place in her husband's heart and yearns for his return; his letters are no substitute for having him home. When Calvin returns, however, nothing seems to have turned out as planned.
Struggling to balance the demands of motherhood with her passion for writing and her desire to be a part of the social change in Ohio, Harriet works to build a life with her beloved Calvin despite differing temperaments and expectations.
Can their love endure, especially after "I do"? Can she recapture the first blush of new love and find the true beauty in her marriage?



Wednesday, September 6, 2017

MISS LESLIE'S SECRET by Jennifer Moore

MISS LESLIE'S SECRET by Jennifer Moore. This book was so much fun. We actually just took a trip to Scotland and I was very excited to read a story set in the Scottish Highlands. It did not disappoint. I knew of many of the places that were talked about, so visualizing the characters at home was easy to do. I loved the personalities of Conall, Aileen, and Jaime. Watching the characters grow together was done so well. Then the when the secret comes out, the tension rises and the ending was perfect. I would highly recommend this book to any and everyone.


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Decorated war hero Conall Stewart has spent ten years envisioning his return to his beloved Scottish Highlands. But now, with the days of battle finally behind him, it seems that his dreams of home have been in vain: the land of his youth lies in ruins, and his family is gone. Though he will never stop searching for his kin, Conall knows he must begin again. But when he takes on a rented farm in a nearby town, he finds far more than the fresh start he was looking for.
After catching a mischievous local lad stealing, Conall returns young Jamie to his mother, Aileen Leslie—and finds the woman’s coddling of the child maddening. What Conall does not realize is that Aileen hides a frightening secret: her devoted protection of Jamie is all that shelters them from discovery by a dangerous man from their past. Drawn together by circumstance, Conall soon develops a fatherly relationship with Jamie—as well as romantic feelings for Aileen. But even as the couple accepts their growing affection for one another, time runs out for Aileen and her son: after years of hiding, they have been found. Conall lost his family once—he will do all in his power not to let history repeat itself.

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