Waiting-On-Wednesday: Chasing Secrets by Lynette Eason

So if you've been around for very long at all, you realize that I go through Lynette Eason books like I go through air. I'm sure I've almost driven her crazy tagging her in all my reviews on Twitter. ;) And it was a book in the same series that Chasing Secrets is in, Moving Target, that started it all! Here's my waiting on Wednesday. I have to wait til August! Isn't that awful!

Intensity. Skill. Tenacity.
The bodyguards of Elite Guardians Agency have it all.
When a photo leads investigators in West Ireland to open a twenty-five-year-old cold case, Elite Guardians bodyguard Haley Callaghan's life is suddenly in danger. Haley knows how to take care of herself; after all, she's made a career out of taking care of others. But after she has an uncomfortably close call, Detective Steven Rothwell takes it upon himself to stay with her--and the young client she has taken under her wing. A protector at heart, he's not about to let Haley fight this battle alone.

In a sweeping plot that takes them into long-buried memories--and the depths of the heart--Haley and Steven will have to solve the mystery of Haley's past while dodging bullets, bombs, and bad guys who just won't quit.

Waiting-On-Wednesday is hosted at Breaking the Spine.

Series Review: Striking A Match by Tracie Peterson

I love this series! I'm going to go ahead and say that it's going to be 5 stars. But, back to the stuff. This series, set in Texas, follows mainly the love story of Deborah Vandermark and Christopher Clayton (Kelleher), but also follows a few other romances, including Deborah's mother and brothers. The series is multi-layered, touching on many topics, including women's education during the 1800s, KKK and racial issues, and just the things that were going on in that day. The characters are ones that stand out in my mind, and have since the first time I read this. While Stuart Albright is a truly despicable man, the other characters all have strengths and weaknesses that cause them to be much loved. Throughout the series are multiple discussions about trusting God, and about finding His will. To be honest, while reading this I kept thinking, Why isn't this a movie series? and then I wanna be in that movie! But, I digress! I loved Deborah's relationship with her mother most of all. And, this is going to sound awful, but one reason I love the books so much is the raised lettering, not only on the title but also on the spine and the ribbonny thing across the front! It's super awesome.

I've read these books several times before. Mom saw me get them out this weekend. This is what our conversation went like.

Mom: Why are you reading that again? The story hasn't changed!

Me: That's the whole reason I read them. Because it hasn't changed.

That's the kind of story these books tell. The kind you want to come back to over and over again.

Okay, end of rant. Sorry.

Review: Chicken Does Not Want To Be A Chicken by Elsa Takaoka (And update)

This picture book gets 5 stars from me! I'll let you know soon what my little sister thinks. First off, it was an easy read. I mean for like beginners. The words weren't too hard. A first grader should have little/no problem with this book. Also, it was downright hilarious. Chicken has four steps to become a dog. Cat puts a kink in chicken's plan, and coupled with super cute illustrations, this book had even me laughing. And the overall message is a great one too. Chicken learns that's it's okay to be a chicken. To be yourself. Who you were made to be.

For a while... at least when I'm writing this, I don't know when I'll post, but for a while this is available as a free Kindle eBook.

Alright. So, here's the deal. This whole week, I'm going to be gone. In fact, I'm most likely gone right now. I'm pre-writing this, scheduling ahead. Hopefully, by the time you read this, I'll have a post scheduled for every day. Maybe not. We'll just see. There are going to be a couple more picture book reviews going up, because I'm spending time with 5 and 9 year olds. Also, I'm going to try my very very best to upload pictures of the trip on a blog post. Definitely keep an eye on Twitter though. A list of stops this week include: April the Giraffe, colonial Williamsburg, Crayola experience, and possibly an aquarium with beluga whales. I'll keep you updated through Twitter. And I'll try through Facebook and the blog too. I just can't make any promises. Hope that you enjoy this week though. I really want to share it with all of you.

Review (And CelebrateLit Blog Tour): Love Among the Lilacs by Jenna Victoria

Hey readers! I think you're really going to enjoy the CelebrateLit Blog Tour posts that I do. Instead of just the regular review, it will have the author info, the amazon link, and a lot of other good stuff! It's gonna be a long post though, so hold onto your hats. (That was in case you were wondering what in the world is going on with my posts)

About the Book

Book title: Love Among the Lilacs
Author: Jenna Victoria
Release date: April 4, 2017
Genre: Sweet romance
Bookkeeper Mollie Wright knows about living on the streets, and her purchase of sweet Lilac Cottage is a dream come true. She is determined to stay and fight when a legal error puts her ownership at risk. Attorney Sean Grady never wanted his great-aunts to sell their cottage in Westchester County, New York, so when a paperwork snafu puts the deal on hold, he moves swiftly to evict the pretty, feisty squatter. Mollie finds unexpected allies in Grady Cove neighbors and a member of Sean’s own family but knows the clock is ticking. Will a theft and her past secrets force a showdown to heartache, or will Mollie and Sean discover home is truly where your heart is?


This sweet book gets 4.5 stars!


1: This book will leave you craving a vase-full of Lilacs. The lilacs are a sweet added layer, and they seem to bind the story, and the characters lives, together in a fragrant way. (Anyone who wants to send me some lilacs, just know that I will accept.)

2: Aunt G was probably one of the funniest characters I've read in a while. And even Maria had a moment that caused me to laugh out. But she wasn't as funny as Aunt G. Aunt G does beat all.

3: It was great to see Mollie's and Sean's healing. They both had a lot of baggage to take care of, and by the end of the story, I think their healings were going really well. Well enough for them to be able to be together without the baggage tearing them apart.

4: There was a point where the book got so intense that I had to put the book down, and remind myself to breathe. I was definitely cringing at someone's idiocy (No names, but we're looking at you Mr. Big-Shot Lawyer)

5: The whole ending though! It was perfection through and through. Even more perfect than I had thought I needed. I mean it! Especially after all the crazy twists and turns it took to get them to this place. Everything turned out for good!

I received this book through Celebrate Lit for free. I was not required to write a review. This is all from my own little head.

About the Author

Ever since her grandfather co-created Twinkies, Snowballs & Hostess cupcakes for Intercontinental Baking Company, circa 1955, Jenna has yet to taste a cake she hasn’t liked.
Jenna writes books for readers who enjoy sweet & compelling romances, and also for those who look for her “fiction that feeds your faith” titles – happily-ever-after romance & romantic suspense stories with a Christian world view. Her stories emulate those she enjoys reading…with a heroine who is in grave danger & a hero who is smart enough to get out of her way as she kicks butt & takes down names… and those that feature satisfying fairy-tale-endings.
Her clean romances won’t put you into a diabetic coma, and her faith-based romances aren’t preachy or unrealistic. It is her glad purpose to glorify God and His sacrificial love through His Son, Jesus Christ through books that illustrate hope & peace in unbearable situations. Her first triple negative breast cancer diagnosis in 2012 has led to surgeries, radiation, reoccurrences and incurable metastasis. Still, Jenna continues to praise God and trust His oversight in her life; and continues to write more books.

AND..... A guest post! (What! See how awesome this is guys!)

Guest Post from Jenna Victoria

I am thrilled you will be introducing my newest novel, Love Among the Lilacs, to your readers and visitors through CelebrateLit. I am excited to share this sweet love story with quirky characters who hijacked the plot mid-stream, and took me places I did not anticipate!
So – Why Love Among the Lilacs? I chose the title and a subplot regarding lilacs for one reason – I absolutely adore the scent! The fact that a lilac’s bloom is so fleeting, makes their fragrance that much more memorable and anticipated.

Mollie Wright anticipates something too – finally buying her own home, Lilac Cottage, after a childhood of homelessness. Genevieve Carter, one of the two elderly sellers, leaves her a note of welcome next to a small bouquet of lilacs in Mollie’s new bedroom, after the closing. This helps readers experience Genevieve’s spirit of generosity. Isn’t the bedroom phone antique? The sisters lived in the cottage for more than 50 years, and changed little of its amenities.
How did I choose to write about Mollie? What if a character dreamed and saved and finally bought a house after a childhood of homelessness? Then, due to a real estate closing error and interference by the seller’s great-nephew, her sweet cottage ownership is in real peril. Dare she hope for a positive outcome?

Attorney Sean Grady didn’t want his maternal great-aunts, who lovingly raised him and his younger brother Mark, to sell Lilac Cottage. After a rookie mistake led to a tragedy when he was an associate at his family law firm, Sean decided to concentrate on elder law. He’s seen plenty of abuse of the elderly in his ten year career, and something about Mollie Write doesn’t sit well with him.
Mollie finds support from her neighbors – including long retired Emily Rogers (Genevieve’s BFF) who often visits Lilac Cottage’s back garden through this connecting gate. It’s so beautiful! She reveals her profession which is perfectly suited to Mollie’s needs. We see selfless giving and stalwart friendship in Emily’s character.

Mollie has secrets to hide, and a far away half-brother and Mother who aren’t exactly upstanding members of society.
When her half-brother unexpectedly surfaces, bringing a mountain of trouble with him, the budding love between Sean and Mollie takes a hard tumble.

The theft of an antique necklace, Sean’s renewed lack of trust and Mollie’s shame at her past – not to mention final outcome of legal decisions – pull them further apart.

The intervention of others gives Mollie and Sean a chance at reconciliation – but is it too late? Can they finally unpack and empty baggage from their past?

I hope you enjoy Love Among the Lilacs as much as I did writing it!

Happy Reading!

p.s. my selected giveaway, an authentic Coach Disney X Mickey Mouse accordian zip wallet in glovetanned leather was chosen to represent the transformation of Mollie’s negative childhood experiences into memories of acceptance and joy among the trials.

It GETS BETTER!!! (Yeah, I know, You aren't sure how that's possible,, but it is!)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Jenna is giving away a grand prize of an authentic, new in unopened gift box Coach zipper accordion leather wallet – from their Disney X collection (Value $140.00)!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b673

Want to know what other people think of this book? Well, guess what! You can follow the whole blog tour. I've got them all linked below.

Blog Stops

May 25: Pause for Tales

May 25: Avid Reader Book Review

May 26: Carpe Diem

May 27: Ashley’s Bookshelf

(You are here!)  May 28: Live.Love.Read.

May 29: Lane Hill House

May 29: Christian Bookaholic

May 30: Moments Dipped in Ink

May 30: Karen Sue Hadley

May 31: Josephine-AnneWrites

June 1: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

June 2: Have A Wonderful Day

June 3: Inklings and Notions

June 4: A Baker’s Perspective

June 5: Cafinated Reads

June 6: His Grace is Sufficient

June 7: my site/autism mom

Thanks for reading guys!

And if you want to check out the book for yourself, click here

10 Beach Tips for this Summer. Just In Time For Memorial Day Weekend Too!

What? On a book blog?
Yeah. On a book blog. I mean, you're gonna be reading on the beach, right? Right!

Okay, so here we go. I'm going to try to make sense. Y'all just bear with me now, okay?


1: Bring a book. But also bring a towel/sheet to put the book on to keep it from getting water/sand all in it. And also bring something with a little weight, even if it's just another towel, to put on top of it, so it doesn't blow away in the breeze while you're out in the water.

2: GET RID OF YOUR PART!!!! I'm being serious. It doesn't matter how funny you think you look with your hair slicked straight back. Get rid of the part. There is no pain quite like raking a brush across a sunburned scalp. And when the sunburn starts to peel (I know. GROSS!) it's just worse.

3: If you're using spray on sunscreen, step into a sheltered alcove, or the wind will carry some of it away. And then you burn in really really weird splotches. Been there, done that.

4: Bring an extra swim suit if you have one, because nothing is worse than putting on a wet swimsuit.

5: Ice cream melts really fast on the beach. Just saying. And then you have to wash the chocolate off your hands in the ocean. Just be a little careful. Duh-whee.

6: Don't wear your prescription sunglasses out in the ocean. At least, not far enough out that you could get knocked over and have them snatched off your face before you can catch your breath back. (Yes, that did happen to me. No, my mom was not happy. Yes, she did say "I told you so" a lot.)

7: Reapply the sunscreen sooner than the bottle says if you're in the water.

8: For easing sunburn pain try aloe, coconut oil, vinegar soaked cloths and/or aspirin *I've not had much experience with this but I'm told it works really well*

9: Bring loose-fitting clothing that won't rub your sunburn.

10: Make sure you always have something to wipe the salt or sand out of you eyes.

Okay, there ya go. If you couldn't tell, I get sunburned very easily ;) Hope this was a help.

BookApp of the Week: ThriftBooks

I downloaded this app Wednesday, and I'm not gonna lie, and say that I know all the ins and outs yet. But I will tell you that I LOVE THIS APP! I just started my ThriftBooks account a couple days ago, and I ordered three books for $10, with FREE SHIPPING for the US! It's incredible. One of the books I had picked out was condition-wise classified as Very Good, but they upgraded it to Like New for free, because it was greener that way. And by downloading the app, I got a 15% off coupon. Also, for every $50 you spend on books, you get a $5 coupon. This thing is awesome! I can't believe I only just found this site/app. I just spent like half an hour adding things to my Wish-List. Something that I really like about this app is that when you add a book that is out of stock to your wish list, it shows you how often they get a copy of that book and how many other people are watching the item. I really really want you to check it out! I'll be sharing picture, probably on Twitter, I'm sort of a Twitter-holic, (@3714Bookdragon) of the books when they come. I can't wait to share with all of you.

Review: Home On The Range by Ruth Logan Herne

Nick is a single dad of two girls. Both are feeling the pain of mother-abandonment, especially Cheyenne, the oldest. After being hounded by the kids' principal for 8 months, Nick finally takes them to see a therapist. Elsa hasn't counselled for a while, but Nick and his girls are actually helping her come back into the real world. Sparks are even flying. But then the ex-wife shows up, and once again throws the girls' lives into a whirlwind.


5 of 5 stars!

1: I was there! Especially the scenes of Elsa's "Hobbit-house" I could feel myself being there. The beautiful descriptions in every scene made me quite forget that I was reading.

2: The sarcasm. The eye-rolling. The humor. All of this was right down my alley! I enjoyed it so much. It was a humorous read, but at the same time, a deeply emotional read. Funny, but not light. Not very light, anyway. Elsa is now one of my favorite literary characters ever. The therapist angle to this book was awesome, and I totally love the spiritual approach to counselling! YAY!

3: Quite possibly the sweetest romance I've read in a while. I know I say that more often than I should, but it just keeps getting sweeter! Not. Even. Lying.

4: Always want to say something about the cover if it's as cute as this one! The only thing was that the book was one of those narrower one, so I was worried the whole time about breaking the spine. I also got a few hand cramps. But it was TOTALLY worth it!

5: Okay, so this has less to do with the book, and more to do with the Blogging For Books program. But... The first time they sent me this book it got lost on the way. So I emailed them. They answered really quickly. Then they straightened out the problem, and I got the book really quickly. It's definitely a great service!

The perfect blend of Western cowboy stuff and not cowboy stuff. My ideal Western story!

I received this book free through Blogging For Books. This is my honest review.

Review: Goodnight Numbers by Danica McKellar

Wait.. where have you heard that name before? Danica McKellar writes math books and acts. She's in some of my favorite Hallmark movies, and she's the reason I watched Project MC2 with my siblings. But... that's not why you're reading this is it? Nope, you want to know about Goodnight Numbers. So, I've been hearing about this book everywhere! (Although, more specifically, Twitter is the main culprit here) So I decided to pick up a copy at Barnes & Noble and check it out. The rhyme is adorable. The story is sweet and is a great way to teach kids their numbers. The pictures were beautiful, and they illustrated the story PERFECTLY! It's an absolutely sweet book, the perfect bedtime story to get your kids loving numbers early on. (Am I getting repetitive? I'm sorry!) Oh... I almost forgot the stars. 5 for this cute picture book.
 I can't wait to read it to my little sister!

Review: All Things Hidden by Tracie Peterson and Kimberley Woodhouse

Set in Alaska during Roosevelt's administration, All Things Hidden is the story of the Matanuska Project, (By the way, I already returned the library book, dumb move I know, so I am most likely going to slaughter the spelling in this post. My apologies!) and all that went on there. Gwyn has lived in Alaska for most of her life, and she is unsure about all the changes that FDR's new plan will bring. But when this plan brings a handsome young doctor, she might just change her mind. Unfortunately, Jeremiah has secrets, and he isn't sure he can tell Gwyn or her father, secrets that include a broken engagement with Gwyn's little sister.



5 stars for this book!

1: I've never read an Alaska book set in this time period, so I enjoyed very much getting to learn about this. I honestly never knew, or never realized that I knew, I might have learned in school, about this! It was crazy, but in an kinda cool way.

2: I'm pretty sure that my favorite character in the whole story was Nasnana. She was so sweet and wise and funny and grandmothery and perfectly perfect! Oh my word!!!! I love love loved the spiritual guidance that she gave to Gwyn and Sadzi!

3: I was reading this book and I kept reading things about Gwyn and being.... Oops that's so me! The worry (Although I'm not in the habit of destroying my hankies! She definitely had it worse than I do!) and the hatred of change.......

4: Well, I'm not going to lie... I didn't actually cry over one unexpected death, simply because I didn't believe it happened. I'm serious. I think I went into denial over a book. What?!?!

5: See how pretty the cover is??? Don't you just love this! I wish I owned this book. Argh!

Who Is The Author for the Interview?

So a couple nights ago, I told you I'd had another author willing to do an interview. So here's some more info on that! The author is Beth Durkee. The interview will be on June 13th. Mark your calendars and follow to make sure you don't miss out on this! It's going to be fantastic! I can't wait to share this with you. She had some great answers to the questions (and I couldn't help myself and might or might not have added little italics comments in her answers..... which include links to her social media and blog)

Review: In Good Company by Jen Turano

Millie loves being a nanny, but her mischief loving soul can't seem to hold a job for too long. Everett can't seem to hold a nanny for his three charges, who also seem to love mischief. Although Everett doesn't want to hire Millie, she may be his only hope. But then sparks fly, and Everett has to decide if he is willing to feel an attraction for the woman who is "Just the nanny"


You guys know that every once in a while I just have to ramble and review in a long paragraph and not in my usual, orderly way. Well, today is that day, and this book is the book that is setting me off kilter. I'm giving this 5 stars. The story had a sweet plot. And the style of writing, well, it's one I enjoy immensely. It's light-hearted in nature, having you in stitches 90% of the time, but also can have you in tears before you even realize it. The annoying "other-woman" is of course present, and Caroline might just take the cake. Anyone who can call children such names..... well enough about her, or I might start to get a little preachy. Abigail is one of my favorite characters. She's funny and scheming and adds quite the layer to the story with her mother-henning. Everett realizing his own snobbishness was quite nice, and I liked watching him change, clean up his game. I was so so glad that his mother didn't turn out to be a society snob, although I was afraid for a page or two that she might! and Millie, with her love of big words, but lack of understanding of their definitions, is a character that endears herself to your heart forever! I can't wait to read the next book in this series, and the only thing I wish is that I could have seen a little more of Harriet in this book. I know this wasn't her book it was Millie's but still. So, I know that I can totally look this up, but before I do, just, do any of you know if there's a book about Harriet in England? Because I can just imagine how funny and sweet and awesome that would be. It's a story I'd love to read. But anyway... thanks for sticking with me through my ramble. Here's the adorable cover! Enjoy!

My Favorite Authors

Okay, so here are a few of my favorite authors. I'm going to do my always-go-back-to and a few newer authors that I haven' read but one or two books by. Let me know in the comments if you like any of the same authors or if you have recommended authors!


Okay, so I'm just going to throw out a couple of classical authors first and then get to the others. I love Louisa May Alcott! Beyond explanation! I also love Dickens, and he has written some of my favorite books, Bleak House and Great Expectations. But he's kind of hit and miss for me. I didn't like Hard Times, and I didn't finish A Tale of Two Cities. I also enjoy Elizabeth Gaskell's Wives and Daughters and Cranford.


But enough about dead people. You want to know who I like that's actually still writing! Okay, well... Tracie Peterson is my.... I don't know but I have more of her books than any other author (not counting the Nancy Drew or Hardy Boy books, since I have like the whole set of both of those!) My favorite Tracie Peterson's are... you guessed it... the Alaska ones! I found an Alaska book by her co-authored with Kimberley Woodhouse and found out that I'm a fan of her too! I've read three of her books and can't wait for more! Judith Miller is another favorite of mine, although some of her stories are definitely better than others! My favorite of hers, my all-time favorite, has to be the Postcards from Pullman series! It was the first non-kid section series I read! I've said it before, but I love Patricia H Rushford's mysteries, and I have for years! But recently I discovered Lynette Eason and her books always give me a thrill! Julianna Deering also writes mysteries and hers always make me want to watch British period dramas! Kim Vogel Sawyer has a way with words that have me not moving for 5 straight hours! Lauraine Snelling hardly ever disappoints, although obviously not everyone gets it every time. Cathy Marie Hake is another I love. My favorites of hers are Whirlwind (or maybe That Certain Spark, I can never make up my mind) and Mixed Blessings!

A few authors that I've only read one or two books by, but loved include...

1: Jen Turano- her book had me in stitches
2: Dani Pettrey- Alaska and a mystery? Does it get any better?
3: Roseanna M White- The Lost Heiress and A Lady Unrivaled were incredible!
4: Patrick W Carr- I loved his fantasy book... I'm ready for another anytime!
5: Elizabeth Camden- It takes a couple pages, but once I'm in, I'm in for the long haul!
6: Rhonda Gibson- she writes cowboy stories!
7: Sarah Sundin- WWII at it's best
8: Beverly Lewis- the queen of Amish fiction, am I right?
9: Janette Oak- hit and miss but Love Comes Softly and Canadian West are the way to go!
10: Melanie Dickerson- I've only read The Golden Braid... but it was crazy good!


I hope I've given you some ideas for new authors to check out or if not, I hope you liked getting to know who I enjoy! Can't wait to hear from you!

Yeah. I know it's really late....

...but I have a lot of important things to say, so listen up! First off..... June 13th! It's an author interview and I  am beside myself! More info to come on that later, I don't want to say everything all at once. But make sure you're following the blog so you don't miss out on this. Also, follow my Twitter to get more info on the interview and for daily updates on what I'm reading.

Another thing, in case you haven't heard, I'm going to the beach this weekend, so I'm not sure what's going to be going on with my social media and my blog posts, but I'm going to try and send you pictures. And if you were wondering what books I'm taking on my vacation... Tracie Peterson's Striking a Match series is safely packed in my bag (Yes the whole series, and if I finish that, and I probably will, depending on how much I'm required to interact with people, I'll have to see what's on my Kindle app)

Anyway, that's all for tonight... or I guess this morning since it's past midnight now. Oh well. I just couldn't wait!

Mother's Day Review: Everyone Has a Mother by Sally Huss

This is a kid's book so it will be a short review. But I wanted to point out this book to read on Mother's Day. This book gets 4 stars. The message was golden. I loved that this book placed equal emphasis on birth mothers, adoptive mothers, stepmothers, and foster mothers. This is the kind of message that needs to be in all kids books! I truly does appreciate all kinds of mothers.The pictures were a little weird, but other than that, this book was great! Totally something to read with your kids today! Have a great Mother's Day today guys, and enjoy the book!

Review: A Love So True by Melissa Jagears

Evelyn Wisely loves working at the local orphanage, but her heart can't ignore the women of Teaville who are also in need. Her boss is willing to help build a shelter for them, but only if she gains the cooperation and financial support of other local businessmen.

While David Kingsman plans to stay in Teaville just long enough to get his father's business back on solid ground, he's intrigued by Evelyn's cause and finds himself more invested with each passing day.

Will their plans and partnership fall apart when confronted with all that is stacked against them, or can they trust in God's plan despite it all? (Not my words, as if you couldn't tell already!)


I'm debating with this one.... but  I think I'm going to give this one a 4.5 stars

1: I loved the orphanage storyline! I'm so interested in orphanages and one day I might work at one if I can! The kids were adorable and they added a lot to the story even though they weren't on every page!

2: When I found out what Evelyn's secret was.... well let's just say that it was the most surprising plot twist I think I've ever read, though maybe not. I can't think.... but this one was definitely a top 3 contender at the least!

3: I really was drawn to this book, as far as choosing it, by the orphanage part, not necessarily the women who also needed help, and I'll admit that that part did not appeal to me as much, even though it was a larger part of the story, but that's not because of bad writing it was just personal preference. And I do admire Evelyn and David's wanting to help those women.

4: One thing hat was really cool was that the story started with David's POV (I don't really remember any other books that start with the guy's POV) and at first I was confused, but then it wound up being awesome because the first time we see Evelyn it's not out of her eyes but the eyes of a stranger.

5: You guys know that I'm a sucker for the perfect ending... and I absolutely adore epilogue when done right! And this one was. done. SO. well! I bout burst into tears at the beauty of it. I'm such a wimp about fictional characters. 😂😂😂

                                                 I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Why a lot of my reviews are 5 star!

So if you've been here very long, you'll have noticed that I have a higher end grading scale, as in a ton of 5s. It's not a "don't wanna hurt noone's feelins"  kind of thing. Here's the deal. I get emotionally invested in almost all the books I read. Like way too badly. It's definitely a problem. So unless something happens in the book that

A: Makes me uncomfortable
B: Has language
C: Is super poorly written
D: Doesn't engage me, or make me get emotionally involved

I'm most likely going to give a 5 star rating. Then I'll go down to 4.5 or 4. I'll also grade on how compelled I am to reread it. I'm not sure that I even have a 3.5 on this blog. I know that I have a 3, and that was a book that I did not finish. The only reason that their aren't any 2 or 1 ratings on this blog is because, frankly, if it's going to get that low of a rating, I am not going to read it. I will put it down and not look back, so why even put myself through the struggle of scarring my eyes with bad lit. You feel?

Not that any of you were wondering or anything, but in case you were interested in knowing how my brain works. Also, review coming tomorrow! A Love So True by Melissa Jagears!

Review: No Safe Haven by Kimberley Woodhouse and Kayla Woodhouse

Jenna and her daughter Andie are stranded on the side of Sultana, their plane sabotaged by their pilot, a man they believed to be a friend. Now their only chance of survival is Cole Maddox, but can they even trust him. He says he knew her late husband, but Jenna's not convinced. The problem is, if they trust him they might die, but if they don't, they will die. The three of them work together to survive, but Jenna's still not sure why she and Andie were targeted in the first place. Something to do with Marc, apparently, but Cole isn't talking about it very much. With only God and each other, Jenna has to make a choice, for Andie's sake.




I'm definitely giving this book 5 stars!

1: Alaska! I've said this about a dozen times now, but I love all stories set in Alaska. I told my mom I was reading this and that it was about Alaska, and I was really surprised when she said "Oh, your favorite books are in Alaska!" Apparently she does listen to me ramble about my books ;) Anyway, this was great. I love native Alaskan words, and I love Denali and Sultana's original names. Way better than the other names given to them when it became a national park way back when.

2: I loved how the story went back and forth between third person for Cole and Jenna and Leaper and first person for Zoya and Andie. At first I was confused but then I really started to like it. It's really unique.

3: I liked learning about HSAN. I love a book that teaches you as you read. This was crazy informative. It was really interesting to read about. It genuinely peaked my curiosity in a really good way.

4: The mystery part was so super intense. At the end, I was so super close to tears. And it wasn't because of sadness or something like that. It was just SO intense. One of the best mysteries I've read recently!

5: Cole's conversion was possibly the best thing ever! Andie was so insistent and shared her faith so readily. And then Cole and oh my word it was the best thing ever. Best ending ever! I'm serious, go buy the book and read it! Highly recommend this book to all of y'all!

I was gonna wait and post this tomorrow but that isn't happening. I'm wayyyyyyy tooo excited!

Waiting-on-Wednesday: Beloved Hope by Tracie Peterson

It's been a while since I've done one of these. Sorry bout that...

Here's the plot summary to this sequel to Treasured Grace (Remember that one?) It comes out in July I believe.

About

Shackled by Her Past, One Woman Searches for Healing, Forgiveness, and Love
Hope Flanagan survived the massacre at the Whitman Mission, but at terrible personal cost. Safe now in Oregon City, the gentle rhythm of tending her family's flock of sheep is slowly healing her mind and soul, but her precarious new peace is shattered when Hope is asked to testify against the Cayuse responsible for the massacre. She's not sure she can bear to relive the events of those horrific days, but neither can she risk her attackers being released if she doesn't tell her story.

As Hope struggles to make her choice, an Army lieutenant named Lance Kenner becomes an unexpected ray of light in her life. Perhaps she is still capable of love after all. But will Lance still want her if he learns the whole truth of what happened to her at the mission? Or are the secrets that lie in his own past more troubling?

Review: Submerged by Dani Pettrey

Bailey Craig goes back to her hometown of Yancey, Alaska, for her aunt's funeral, but all she really wants to do is leave. She wants to get away from her past, and all the mistakes she made there, including breaking the heart of Cole McKenna. Unfortunately, Cole won't let her be, and she's starting to feel things for him again. Bailey knows that she could never hope to be Cole's...well, anything. And then, she's surrounded by mystery, death, sabotage. Will she even get out of this one alive?



UMmm... let's go with... 5


1: Alaska is my favorite book setting EVER!!!! This book captured that spirit. It was (Honestly) the main reason the book appealed to me.

2. First time for Dani Pettrey (I've been reading a lot of new authors lately!) and I can't wait to get my hands on the others in this series. I loved the writing style (And as previously stated, the setting!)

3: I loved the characters. I can't wait to read more about them, even if it's just what color their pajamas are. The characters reach out and grab your heart, and pretty soon you're ready to book a ticket to Alaska and meet them. (Wishful thinking)

4: I love how Cole helped Bay see that her past didn't define her future, or even her present. That when Jesus died for her, and she accepted him as Savior, she became a new creature, and all of that was laid to rest.

5: I loved learning all about diving. It's never really interested me that much but this book has rather niggled that hook (I muddled that up, but please understand what I was going for) I also love love love reading about Alaskan history, & I learned something new about that too in this book. Russian-Alaska is really cool, all of it is really!

Review: After A Fashion by Jen Turano

Harriet and Oliver, an unlikely pair, since she's a hairdresser and he's a member of the New York 400, decide that it will be mutually beneficial to have a pretend engagement. But complications arise, some caused by vindictive women, and others by a former employee, and Harriet wants to back out of their deal. Only, the thing is, their hearts might have gotten a little tangled into the mess. And then, when things look their worst, things might actually be at their best.



For a book like this, 5 stars is the only acceptable rating!

1: This is my first Jen Turano book, and I find her style of writing to be both refreshing and enjoyable. I'll definitely be reading more.

2: This book was hilarious! The most ridiculous things happen, and written in any other way they would seem cheesy. However, in this book, everything just adds to the merriment. Between the fights between characters, and Buford's mishaps, this book had me smiling, and often laughing, the whole way through.

3: I love how Harriet just stands up to Oliver, and he honestly just doesn't know what to do. He seems at such a loss, and that was very refreshing. A fellow who seems lost 90% of the time, ahhhh.....

4: I can't wait any longer to say this! At the end, everything suddenly clicked, and I knew that tears were coming, and I just got up and ran out of the room. It was so perfect I think I might start crying again just thinking about it!

5: I enjoyed Abigail's storyline. I was so glad when she took to Lucetta and Millie and Harriet. Lucetta was so funny with her theatrical airs, and Millie with her bad vocabulary and (not)skills with the hair tongs. Awww... So sweet!

Hey, who wants free books?

Here's a link that has great deals and discounts on ebooks. Check it out and tell me which books you saw that you liked. I downloaded a ton of these to my kindle and reviews are coming soon! Currently reading After a Fashion by Jen Turano and can't tell if it's ridiculously funny or just plain ridiculous! I have a feeling it's a mixture of both.

http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/ebookdeals

Enjoy!

Review: Courting Morrow Little by Laura Frantz

Morrow Little is coming home, to the Red River. She's been gone for two years, and she is ready to see her Pa. If only her ma and baby sister were still alive, and if only Jess hadn't been taken captive by the Shawnee. Morrow's fear of the Shawnee is understandable, surely, but Pa doesn't seem to think so as he befriends a Shawnee chief and his handsome son. Facing the dangers of the frontier, Morrow must look to the Lord as her guide in the trying circumstances.


I'm giving this book 4.5 stars.


1: Looking at my shelves, I saw no books set in the Revolutionary War, and I was pleased at the history in this book. Also, this was a book from the frontier, which is altogether different from the east coast. It's an action packed book, covering about 3-4 years, and that makes for a really complete story. Everything that I wanted to happen had time to come out, since the book covered such a long period of time.

2: I was a little shocked to see that Morrow was the only POV in the whole book, cause it's been so long since I've read a book like that. However, I think that it almost made me feel more like Morrow (I'm butchering this wording!) and feel her emotions and everything deeper than if it had been switching. It's like becoming Morrow for 362 pages!

3: The chapters were a little long, but the story was captivating enough that I hardly noticed that. The writing and characters were so wonderful, and, without spoiling anything, the ending made my eyes a little wet. I loved how all the characters interacted with each other, each relationship unique in its sweetness, or lack thereof in some cases.

4: The 1700s dialect! Tis and Twas being used all the time, it was awesome! Goodness! If you're one for written in accents and speech quirks, then this is the book for you. Also good if you want to learn a few Indian words.

5: Seeing the change it took for Morrow to get over her hatred and to learn to forgive, and just to see how free she was from bitterness after she forgave, shoot! It was so beautiful!

May Update

Hey there! It's a new month and I'm so excited to share with you some upcoming posts and other things.

Reviews to look forward to include a few books sent to me by readers and authors who've been reading my blog! Thank you! Also, A Love So True by Melissa Jagears is on my list this month. I've never read anything by her, but leave a comment if you have! I'll probably also be revisiting a few favorites this month, something I haven't done in a while. I can't wait to share reviews, or updated reviews, of my favorite books with you. Also, I'm almost finished with a Laura Frantz book, so be looking for that review either late this evening, or, more likely, tomorrow morning.

In other exciting news, I've been accepted to join both the Celebrate Lit blogging group, and the Lit Fuse blogging groups. My first tour with Celebrate Lit will be at the end of this month/beginning of next. My date is May 28, so be watching! (And yes, I did already finish the book. I couldn't help myself!) I hear back from Lit Fuse on May 8, I think, to see whether I was accepted in the tour I signed up for there. I'll let you know if I do.

Also, at the end of this month, from May 29-June 4, I'll be on vacation, so unless I just schedule posts, I probably won't have any up then. But you never know, I might. I'll be getting to see April the giraffe and baby Tajiri, going to the Crayola experience, colonial Williamsburg, and possibly Mystic Aquarium. I'll be sure to take a ton of pictures, and I will try to post them here. At any rate, I will be posting on Twitter. You can follow my Twitter by hitting the bar on the right.

I can't wait for this month and all that's going to be happening! It's going to be super busy, but so much fun! I hope I get to share a little bit of that fun with you! For now, that's all. Thanks for reading this incredibly long post! A bientot! And Happy May!

(Here's a Snoopy for reading the whole long post!)