Synopsis

 

The past never sleeps.
The truth never dies.

Only Harlan MacKenzie can sense the troubled history of the Big Purple House. When he’s hired to restore the historical mansion, he doesn’t foresee the secrets—secrets that entangle his family in deceit and murder.

Phaedra is selling the house that has been in her family for decades. As her friends-to-lovers relationship with Harlan escalates, she puts her values on the line and chances losing him.

After a stranger comes to town, weaving her web of deception, hell-bent on correcting an old grievance connected to the house, dark revelations of the past implode the present. Harlan and Phaedra are thrown on a dangerous path, not only risking love but possibly their lives.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

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Review

 

This mystery/romantic suspense novel intrigued me from the get-go. And as the story progressed, I was engrossed in the mystery of what happened in the 1920s to John Hershey and how did this stranger to town, Nora, fit into the picture? What did Harlan’s spiritual gifts bring to the table? I also loved catching up with some of the characters from the first book, but diving deeper into the lives of Harlan and Phaedra, friends since childhood but could there be more?

Harlan is restoring a home affectionately called the Big Purple House, or as it was originally named, Lilac End. However, he has some strange vibes in various parts of the house and that is part of the mystery to be solved. What happened in this house? And who is this Nora character that has shown up out of the blue expressing interest in this particular house? As the story unfolds, we learn bits and pieces of the history tied to the home and several characters. There were some surprises as more information was parsed out to the reader and it kept me up because I had to know if a certain object was found and how other events spurred the actions of characters in the present.

There is also a budding romance between Harlan and Phaedra; however, they both have different thoughts on what they wanted from a relationship and their differences might tear them apart.

I loved the diary entries mixed into the story because they gave us more history on some of the characters and the motives of others. There were some surprising revelations in the journal at the end and it did bring up a few questions for me that may never be answered since it is tied to the past. The various points of view gave the story depth and I could get into the heads of the characters and see the world through their eyes.

While I enjoyed the first book, Secrets of the Ravine, this one spoke to me and perhaps it is because I am trying to research my family and that is the main focus of this book. Either way, delightful book and you don’t have to read this series in order other than to have a better grasp on the main characters that make appearances in other installments.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Brenda Whiteside is the author of suspenseful, action-adventure stories with a touch of romance. Mostly. After living in six states and two countries—so far—she and her husband have decided they are gypsies at heart, splitting their time between Central Arizona and the RV life. They share their home with a rescue dog named Amigo. While FDW is fishing, Brenda writes.

 

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CROSSHAIRS:

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3

 

by

 

Patricia Bradley

 

 

Genre: Christian / Suspense / Romance

Publisher: Revell

Date of Publication: November 2, 2021

Number of Pages: 384 pages

 

 

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When evil just won’t quit, good must prevail

Investigative Services Branch ranger Ainsley Beaumont wishes the visit to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, was under better circumstances. When she arrived to investigate the murder of a pregnant teenager, she never imagined that she would become the killer’s next target–or that she’d have to work alongside an old flame.

After he almost killed a child, former FBI sniper Lincoln Steele couldn’t bring himself to fire a gun, which had deadly consequences for his best friend. Crushed beneath a load of guilt, Linc is working at Melrose Estate as an interpretive ranger. But as danger closes in on Ainsley during her murder investigation, Linc will have to find the courage to protect her.

The only question is, will it be too little, too late?

 

 

 

 

Patricia Bradley│ Amazon

 

Christianbooks.com │ Revell Affiliates

 

 

 

 

 

 

Series Spotlight on

 

Natchez Trace Park Rangers Series

 

By Patricia Bradley

 

 

 

Standoff by Patricia Bradley

Brooke Danvers wants to learn the truth about her father’s suspicious death, but she’ll need the help of Luke Fereday, a National Park Ranger and her ex-boyfriend. Keeping Brooke safe will take all of Luke’s skills, and falling in love with her will only complicate matters.

ISBN 9780800735739; Ebook ISBN 9781493423170; May 2020; Paper; $15.99

 

 

 

 

Obsession by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735746; Ebook ISBN 9781493428557; February 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, Book #2

A ten-year-old murder case. An obsessed stalker. Can Natchez Trace Ranger Samuel Ryker keep his colleague and one-time love Emma Winters from the clutches of a man determined to make her his own?

 

 

 

Crosshairs by Patricia Bradley

ISBN 9780800735753; Ebook ISBN 9781493431762; November 2, 2021; Paper; $15.99, Natchez Trace Park Rangers, #3 of 4

When ISB Ranger Ainsley Beaumont returns to her hometown of Natchez, Mississippi, to investigate the murder of a teenage girl, she doesn’t suspect she’ll become the murderer’s next target. Can former a FBI sniper—and Ainsley’s former flame—overcome his past mistakes on the job in order to protect her?

 

 

 

The 4^th and final book in the series is scheduled to release in 2022!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This action-packed romantic suspense novel kept me engaged and wondering what could possibly happen next for Ainsley and Lincoln (Linc). This is also a second chance romance due to their romantic past, but will it be enough?

I love when authors create a strong female lead that isn’t simpering in the corner waiting on someone else to rescue her. Ainsley is just such a character especially since she works for the Park Rangers and totes a gun. I am pretty sure she can handle just about anything that comes her way. If not, then she does have a gun that might come in handy should the situation arise.

Normally when I start reading a series, I prefer to start with the first book. I was pleased to note that the first two books in this series are about different characters and this book can be read on its own. You might have an introduction to Ainsley from a previous book, but I don’t think that will detract from reading this series out of order or even this book as a standalone novel.

There are so many storylines that intersect in this novel. There are the diaries and the secrets that they hold and why some people do not want them to come out, someone is after Ainsley but we don’t know why (at first), Linc has his own demons to battle regarding the death of a friend. We even see Ainsley and Linc work on their relationship and get through past events that caused the friction between them.

There are many lovable characters including Gran and Cora, but there are also characters that you may not like such as Sarah and J.P. Sarah is a wannabe reporter trying to make her mark, and like many journalists, doesn’t know when to keep her mouth shut to not impede an investigation. J.P. is Ainsley’s father and on the road to becoming governor and tends to think anything negative will impact his gubernatorial race. Maybe it would, but sometimes the truth shouldn’t be hidden. While I didn’t love these characters, they did add depth to the story.

This book kept me up way too late but it was worth the loss of sleep! There were some twists I didn’t expect that made the book hard to put down until I knew the truth. I will be looking to check out the first two books and can’t wait to see what is in store for the final book due out in 2022.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patricia Bradley is the author of Standoff and Obsession, as well as the Memphis Cold Case novels and Logan Point series. Bradley won an Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award in Romantic Suspense, a Daphne du Maurier Award, and a Touched by Love Award; she was a Carol Award finalist; and three of her books were included in anthologies that debuted on the USA Today bestseller list. She is cofounder of Aiming for Healthy Families, Inc., and she is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Romance Writers of America. Bradley makes her home in Mississippi.

 

 

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11/10/21	Review	It’s Not All Gravy
11/10/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
11/11/21	Guest Post	Forgotten Winds
11/12/21	Review	Chapter Break Book Blog
11/13/21	Deleted Scene	All the Ups and Downs
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11/15/21	Review	The Clueless Gent
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Synopsis

 

An unlikely friendship between a septuagenarian and a younger woman becomes a story of broken trust, lost love, and the unexpected blooming of hope against the longest odds.

“You trying to kill yourself, or are you just stupid?”

Marcie Malone didn’t think she was either, but when she drives from Georgia to the southwestern shore of Florida without a plan and wakes up in a stranger’s home, she doesn’t seem to know anymore. Despondent and heartbroken over an unexpected loss and the man she thought she could count on, Marcie leaves him behind, along with her job and her whole life, and finds she has nowhere to go.

Herman Flint has seen just about everything in his seventy years living in a fading, blue-collar Florida town, but the body collapsed on the beach outside his window is something new. The woman is clearly in some kind of trouble and Flint wants no part of it—he’s learned to live on his own just fine, without the hassle of worrying about others. But against his better judgment he takes Marcie in and lets her stay until she’s on her feet on the condition she keeps out of his way.

As the unlikely pair slowly copes with the damage life has wrought, Marcie and Flint have to decide whether to face up to the past they’ve each been running from, and find a way to move forward with the people they care about most.

 

 

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Review

 

This story was heartwarming, sad, and hopeful. There are so many different emotions that engage the reader and will keep them engrossed in the story.

Marcie takes off driving after an incident that brings her to her knees. She doesn’t know where she is going or where she will end up but she just knows she has to get away from her life to be able to breathe. She ends up in Florida, broken and lost, but perhaps that is exactly where she needed to be to heal and figure out what she wants from life.

Flint is a curmudgeon that lives on the beach who has his own set of issues. We learn more about him as the story develops and considering where his life was heading, maybe it is a good thing that Marcie ends up crashing his life. Actually, they are both good for each other as we discover throughout the book. Each brings out the best, and maybe the worst as well.

These two are unlikely housemates, but Flint takes pity on Marcie and realizes that she could have been taken advantage of in the beginning, and perhaps she needs to sort out her own demons before heading back to her real life. Marcie is a lost soul and this journey is the perfect time for her to reflect on what she wants or needs from life, her husband, and her marriage.

As the story progresses, we see both Flint and Marcie take stock of their life and realize that maybe there is more than what they have right now. I enjoyed watching them grow and become more comfortable in their own skin. There are moments of levity especially when it comes to the company holding Marcie’s car hostage in the impound lot. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the portions with the sea turtles and everything that they did to save the eggs so that they could experience life. I’m not sure a lot of people would go to that much work for turtle eggs.

This was a lovely story and I enjoyed every word. I felt like each character realized their own worth and took measures to ensure that life would only improve from that point. We should all be so lucky to have that sort of time to reflect.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Phoebe Fox is the author of the Breakup Doctor series (The Breakup Doctor, Bedside Manners, Heart Conditions, Out of Practice) and has been a contributor or regular columnist for a number of national, regional, and local publications, including The Huffington Post, Elite Daily, and SheKnows. A former actor on stage and screen, Phoebe has been dangled from wires as a mall fairy; was accidentally concussed by a blank gun, and hosted a short-lived game show. She has been a relationship columnist; a movie, theater, and book reviewer; and a radio personality, and currently lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and two excellent dogs.

 

 

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THE YES DARE

 

A Pies, Books & Jesus Club Novel

 

by

 

KATHLEEN Y’BARBO

 

 

Genre: Romance / Clean Romance

Date of Publication: July 15, 2021

Number of Pages: 246 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Have you ever wished for a second chance to fix something you’ve messed up or for the courage to say yes to something that just may change your life? Sometimes saying yes to the last thing you want can mean saying yes to exactly what you need.

Ryan “The Rocket” Sutton’s winning streak is legendary makes him the undisputed best quarterback in the NFL. However, thanks to one dumb mistake, he’s a failure as a husband to Coco, the only woman he’s ever loved. When a judge’s mistake in divorce paperwork means Coco is still his wife, Ryan makes up his mind to fix what he ruined. Ryan’s game plan doesn’t count on an internationally famous movie director’s camera crew following him as he competes for Coco’s love.

After spending most of her adult life as a football wife and mother to twin sons, fashionista Coco Sutton is learning how to be single and fabulous. Emphasis on Fabulous. The sports trophies, memorabilia, and heavy masculine wood furniture in the home she used to share with Ryan have been banished to the attic, and her home is now a cozy haven of plush candle-scented comfort. She’s got big plans that include owning a boutique or maybe an art gallery, but she never planned to take on the biggest challenge of her life: staying single. Then her best friend gives her a copy of a book called The Yes Dare, and all her plans are turned upside down.

From a Hollywood movie to the local spring event formerly known as the Cow Chip Toss Festival and a country crooner with a crush on Coco, will Ryan dodge the obstacles to win back the only woman he ever loved?

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

What happens when you are dared to say yes to whatever is asked of you?

I had not read any of the previous books in this series, heck I didn’t even realize it was a series, but I do love a good romance to take me away from the grind of daily life. Coco and Ryan are on the cusp of a second chance in their relationship but there are roadblocks that make a happy ending a bit tricky. The upside is that thanks to an error with their divorce paperwork, giving their relationship a second chance is easier than they expected…at least from a legal standpoint. There is trust that needs to be rebuilt and communication lines need to be established to work towards a future together. However, this is made a little easier than expected when the book club reads a book called The Yes Dare. It challenges the reader to say yes to whatever is asked of them. This helps Ryan immensely since it is hard for her to say no if she is going to follow the directions of the book. That doesn’t mean that she won’t try and avoid situations to get away with not saying yes to what is asked.

This story is filled with quirky characters, quick wit, endearing scenes, and a southern spirit that comes through from nearly everyone. The book club cracked me up from the name to the women that were members. I also chuckled at the name of the festival that the town held each year – The Cow Chip Toss Festival. Coco somehow manages to get roped into heading it up (thanks to the Yes Dare book) and the first thing on the agenda is to change the name. I can’t blame her because who wants to go to a festival with that name? But Coco is a take-charge woman and she revamps the festival to something beyond the town’s imagination.

I found myself rooting for this couple to find their way back to one another. It is obvious throughout the book how much they still love each other, it was just a fateful night that ripped apart what they had with each other. The road back is not smooth and there are multiple scenes where you think everything is going to be ok and something happens to tear their relationship back down. Coco and Ryan have a lot of people rooting for them including their grown sons, friends, and family. Eventually, the truth comes out and while I guessed that truth, it was nice to see my suspicions confirmed.

Normally I would recommend reading a series in order, but I feel that this series can be read out of order if necessary. It will give you a better sense of the supporting characters that we meet but is not imperative to enjoying this story.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Publishers Weekly bestselling author Kathleen Y’Barbo is a multiple Carol Award and RITA nominee and bestselling author of more than one hundred books with over two million copies of her books in print in the US and abroad. A tenth-generation Texan and certified paralegal, she is a member of the Texas Bar Association Paralegal Division, Texas A&M Association of Former Students and the Texas A&M Women Former Students (Aggie Women), Texas Historical Society, Sisters in Crime, Faith Hope and Love Christian Writers, and American Christian Fiction Writers. She would also be a member of the Daughters of the American Republic, Daughters of the Republic of Texas and a few others if she would just remember to fill out the paperwork that Great Aunt Mary Beth has sent her more than once.

Kathleen and her hero in combat boots husband have their own surprise love story that unfolded on social media a few years back. They make their home just north of Houston, Texas, and are the parents, grandparents, and in-laws of a blended family of Texans, Okies, and a trio of adorable Londoners.

 

 

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Full PB&J series, autographed by Kathleen Y’Barbo and the real Bonnie Sue.

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11/3/21	Review	The Plain-Spoken Pen
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11/4/21	Review	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
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11/6/21	Review	Carpe Diem Chronicles
11/7/21	Author Interview	The Page Unbound
11/8/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
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GONE TO DALLAS:

 

THE STOREKEEPER

 

1856 – 1861

 

by

 

LAURIE MOORE – MOORE

 

 

Genre: Historical Fiction / Texas Pioneers / Civil War

Publisher: Goat Mountain Press

Date of Publication: October 4, 2021

Number of Pages: 348 pages

 

 

Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Sara’s husband was a disappointment in life, but she had to admit he was a handsome corpse.

Climb aboard an 1856 Dallas-bound wagon train and join a plucky female protagonist for the journey of a lifetime in Laurie Moore-Moore’s richly entertaining new book, Gone to Dallas, The Storekeeper 1856-1861. Far from your average historical novel or western, Gone to Dallas is a compelling tale of migration, betrayal, death, and dreams—peppered with real people, places, and events. With a cast of interesting characters and more bumps and hazards than a wagon trail, Gone to Dallas tells the unforgettable story of a formidable frontier woman in the context of true Texas history.

It had seemed so romantic when Morgan Darnell courted Sara in Tennessee, finally convincing her they should marry and join an 1856 “Gone to Texas” wagon train traveling along the “Trail of Tears,” through Indian territory, and across the Red River into Texas.

In a twist of fate, Sara arrives in Dallas a 19-year-old widow, armed with plenty of pluck, and determined to open a general store in the tiny settlement of log cabins on the Trinity River. Standing in her way as a young woman alone are a host of challenges. Can Sara (with the help of her friends) pull herself up by the bootstraps and overcome uncertainty, vandalism, threats, and even being shot?

Follow Sara as she strives to create her store while living Dallas’ true history — from the beginnings of La Réunion (the European colony across the Trinity) to a mud and muck circus, a grand ball, and the mighty fire that burns Dallas to the ground. Dallas is a challenging place, especially with the Civil War looming.

Even with the friendship of a retired Texas Ranger and Dallas’ most important citizen — another woman — is Sara strong enough to meet the challenge? The risks are high. Failure means being destitute in Dallas!

In Gone to Dallas, The Storekeeper 1856-1861, author Laurie Moore-Moore spins a page-turner of a tale salted with historically accurate Texas events and populated with real characters. It’s Portis’ True Grit meets Texas history.

 

 

 

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Praise

 

“Creative and captivating…five stars!”

“An unforgettable journey…superb writing.”

“I was hooked at the very first sentence.”

“Lovely work of historical fiction…can’t wait for the sequel.”

“Brilliant!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

I enjoy reading historical fiction set around where I live because then I can try and imagine what this area looked like 125+ years ago. This book hit the nail on the head and I was transported to the Dallas area in the mid-1850s and pictured the town just getting started, the Trinity River, and Preston Road.

Sara is an admirable character. She leaves her life behind in Tennessee and ventures to Texas with her husband to start a shop in Dallas. We do know that her husband isn’t going to make it all of the way to Dallas and he dies, but we don’t know how or why. There are many opportunities for him to die along the way, some by his own hand and by pissing off those in the caravan. I won’t spoil how he dies, but let’s just say it could have been avoided if he had been smart. But once he does die, she has to make it on her own, and thankfully there are some men that assist her the rest of the way to Dallas. Don’t get me wrong, she does a lot of the work herself, but sometimes you just need someone with a little more strength for some of the chores.

The journey in those days was neither fast nor comfortable, but they made it work for bigger dreams in the making. Since the first half of the book is the first year, 1856, we learn a lot about life on a wagon train, the issues they encounter, and the friendships (and enemies) that are forged. I have to admit that I am spoiled and I’m not sure I could have made the journey on a wagon train. There is no room for slacking off and I have even greater respect for these pioneers that took a chance in their life for a brighter future. Even crossing plains that were inhabited by Indians could be treacherous if you were not prepared or with an experienced leader.

Once in Dallas, Sara takes charge of starting her shop and encounters resistance from a current shop owner. However, she doesn’t let that stop her and moves forward recognizing where she can fill in the holes of missing items. Sara definitely has a head for marketing and almost immediately draws in the women to her shop; let’s be honest, it is the women that really make the purchases so by catering to them she can capture more of the market for home goods and food items. She even has a coffee mill set up in the shop to grind coffee beans for the shoppers. I admired Sara from the get-go with her gumption and determination.

The last half of the book covers 1857-1861 and Sara’s life with the store, Dallas, new friends, and new love. The story flowed seamlessly and it was hard for me to put down. I was intrigued by all of the events and while actual events were fictionalized, knowing that they were based on fact inspired me to lookup more details. The years weren’t perfect and they had their issues from drought to fires to illicit characters trying to take over the town which just made the story more exciting.

The book is filled with many intriguing characters and it was interesting to read on the author’s website who was actually a part of Dallas’ history. Check out the bonus content but be aware there might be some spoilers…so maybe save it for after you read the book. And this is the second book I have read this year that talks about camels in Texas. Who would have ever guessed?

There is going to be a sequel to this book called Cotton, Cattle and Conflict (per the author’s website) and I cannot wait to see how the story continues.  There are so many other characters that contributed to the success and growth of Dallas and I am eager to learn more about this time.

We give this book 5 paws up and recommend adding it to your list of books to read.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the author: “My husband, Roger, and I have been blessed with many adventures in life—from trekking across India’s Thar desert on a camel (and sleeping in the sand on our camel blankets) to repeating marriage vows in a remote Maasi village in Kenya (my dowery was one cow and one goat). My favorite adventure? As a fifth-generation Texan, it is discovering more and more Texas history and writing about it!

We live in Dallas, Texas but sneak away when possible, to a mountain-top cabin overlooking a lake in former Indian Territory (the Oklahoma Ozark Mountains) The cabin is unique—there is a nine-foot chainsaw bear in our entry hall. The house was built around it. Never thought I’d own a piece of chainsaw art, much less a nine-foot bear. Life is full of surprises. . . just like a good historical novel.”

Laurie Moore-Moore is a retired entrepreneur who has built and sold multiple businesses and served on the Board of Directors of an international corporation.

 

 

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10/26/21	Scrapbook Page	Hall Ways Blog
10/26/21	Review	Sydney Young, Stories
10/27/21	Review	Book Fidelity
10/27/21	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
10/28/21	Excerpt	Chapter Break Book Blog
10/28/21	Review	Jennie Reads
10/29/21	Review	Missus Gonzo
10/30/21	Review	Julia Picks 1
10/31/21	Author Interview	The Page Unbound
11/1/21	Character Spotlight	Book Bustle
11/1/21	Review	Reading by Moonlight
11/2/21	Review	StoreyBook Reviews
11/3/21	Review	Forgotten Winds
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Synopsis

 

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls’ school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian’s brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

 

 

Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | Bookshop

 

 

Praise

 

“What a lovely romance. The historical details, the depth of the authentic characters, and the realistic dialogue all contribute to an immersive story. [A] beautiful and inspirational story about loving people just as they are.”— Katie Jackson, Regency Proofreading

“Phenomenal. This book was phenomenal. The very best in the series.”— Lyssa Armstrong, For Where Your Treasure Is

“This love story was unique and such an uncommon take on a marriage of convenience! [S]weet and well worth the wait!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books

“Beautifully written, sensitive, poignant addition to the Mayfield Family series.”— Susan K., The Flipped Page

 

Review

 

I really enjoyed this historical romance especially since the characters were not perfect. Duncan has characteristics of the Autism spectrum (before they had any idea what it was) and Hazel has a club foot. Both have reservations about where their life will take them and neither believe that they will ever get married, that is until their Uncle Elliott sets up a “dowry” for each of them. However, they come up with the brilliant idea to marry each other (they really aren’t cousins by blood) to collect their “dowry” so that they can each live their life how they see fit. What they don’t expect is to fall in love with each other.

As I was reading this book and many of Duncan’s traits, I knew that he had to be on the spectrum. He wouldn’t look people in the eye, was very orderly, doesn’t like to be touched, and heaven forbid if things are out of sync with how he likes them. But at the same time, he realizes that life with Hazel isn’t so bad. He may not understand what it is like to fall in love, but at the same time, he does.

Hazel believes that she is inferior to her siblings because of her club foot. She is afraid any man that would marry her would just be in it for her dowry, which is a hefty sum. She is brilliant and a teacher and seeks to educate women and girls so that they can find better positions or just be better people all around. I admired that in her. What Hazel thinks that she wants and what she discovers are two different things.

I do love this series and getting to know all of the Mayfield family. While you don’t have to read the books in order, it does help to understand some of the characters, mostly Elliott.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for “Lord Fenton’s Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV–none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.

 

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Synopsis

 

A prank gone wrong …

A case of mistaken identity …

Is this love story doomed before it can begin?

I messed up.

I accidentally told my parents I found love. Don’t judge. You deal with your mom constantly setting you up with models who want to use you for your connections and see how you respond.

Now my parents can’t wait to meet the man. Neither can I.

Internet dating to the rescue. But when my first date turns out to be Mr. Married Farter, I’m done.

Before I can tell my parents I’m a big fat liar I connect with Rafael, a Dutch guy from Amsterdam. And guess who happens to have the opportunity to live in Holland for six months? Things are suddenly looking up.

Except when I arrive in Amsterdam, Rafael isn’t the nice, dependable man I thought he was. He’s a mischief-maker who needs to grow up already.

But what if the immature prankster isn’t who he seems? What if Rafael is the nice, dependable man I thought he was? Should I give him another chance?

Is it possible I can find Dutch love Online?

This romantic comedy features a woman who protects her heart with a heavy dose of cynicism, a man doing his damndest to save his sister, and a whole passel of friends determined to push the two of them together no matter the subterfuge necessary.

Each book in the Love in the Lowlands romantic comedy series can be read as a standalone.

 

 

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Review

 

This is the last book in this series (but I keep hoping for a book about Joke, I think she has a story to tell) and the gang is all here with the addition of a new friend to the group.

I loved being back in the Hague with Abby, Mia, Charlotte, and Avery….and of course, the hunky dutchmen that go with these feisty women. The story is fast-paced, hilarious, sexy, and sweet all at the same time. These women know what it means to have your back, mostly at Abby’s interference, but that is what friends do. They stick their noses in and back you 100% no matter what.

Sofia is a talented photographer but her passion is really her art. Her mom, a famous model, just wants to see her daughter in a happy relationship so sets her up blind dates whenever she can get away with it. So Sofia takes this into her own hands…well actually it is her best friend Zara…and joins a dating app. Men can be lowlifes but enter Rafael. Rafael seems like a loving brother and all-around good guy and their text conversations are fun. When these two meet, it will not be what either of them expected.

I loved how Rafael was protective of his sister and did whatever he had to do to keep her well and happy.  She is living with kidney failure and who knows if a kidney will be found in time. But that overprotective instinct causes him to make some bad decisions, especially where Sofia is concerned. But that is what makes this story feel real, that they make mistakes and bad choices which is what we all do.

Sofia is a no-nonsense kind of woman and will do anything for anyone she cares about. Heck, she is roped into taking photos at a kid’s party when she first arrives in The Hague, but that is just the kind of woman she is.

This series has been so much fun to read. I laugh, I cry a little, and I drool over some hunky dutchmen (just don’t tell my husband). I could even relate to how Sofia and Rafael meet since I also met my husband online. I relish in the girl gang friendship and how they are all there for each other no matter what, even at the whim of Abby who likes to stick her nose in everyone’s business. But that is what makes Abby endearing, the lengths she goes to for her friends.

I love how there is a “wrap up” that is a few years down the road. It is a great way to end the series and not leave us hanging too much as to what this group of friends is up to and if everything was still working in their relationships.

You won’t be sorry if you check out this series. We give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt

 

As I enter, I hear a click above me. I glance up right in time to see a bucketful of water come raining down on me.

“What in the world?”

I dash to the side before my equipment can be soaked and therefore ruined, but I don’t move quick enough to avoid my hair and clothes being doused with water.

“Oh my god, this is classic!” someone says in between guffaws of laughter.

I lift my head to discover a man holding up a phone directed at me.

“Are you filming me? What the hell is going on? Was this some kind of prank?”

I lay my equipment on the sofa in the reception area before surveying the door. Yep, there’s a contraption with string and pulleys all right.

“What in the world is wrong with you? You could have ruined my equipment.”

“If you’d shut the hell up, I’d apologize.”

“Apologize? As if there’s an apology big enough for what you did.”

“Calm down.”

I feel my nostrils flare. I hate it when someone tells me to calm down. As if saying the words will magically make me calm. Not bloody likely.

“I’ll calm down when I’m damn well ready to calm down.”

“Real mature.”

I grab the sides of my head to keep it from exploding. “Are you seriously saying I’m not mature right now? You, who barely five minutes ago, set up a prank in a professional office? I’m the one who’s not mature?”

“You’re the one having a hissy fit in this professional office.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

I grew up reading everything I could get my grubby hands on, from my mom’s Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew, to Little Women. When I wasn’t flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although on the odd occasion I did manage to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic before returning to the law. But practicing law really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out running a B&B wasn’t my thing either. I polished off that manuscript languishing in the attic before following the husband to Istanbul where I decided to give the whole writer-thing a go. But ten years was too many to stay away from my adopted home. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where, in between tennis matches and failing to save the world, I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.

 

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Synopsis

 

Teddy Crutcher has won Teacher of the Year at the esteemed Belmont Academy, home to the best and brightest.

He says his wife couldn’t be more proud—though no one has seen her in a while.

Teddy really can’t be bothered with the death of a school parent that’s looking more and more like murder or the student digging a little too deep into Teddy’s personal life. His main focus is on pushing these kids to their full academic potential.

All he wants is for his colleagues—and the endlessly meddlesome parents—to stay out of his way.

It’s really too bad that sometimes excellence can come at such a high cost.

USA Today bestselling author Samantha Downing is back with her latest sneaky thriller set at a prestigious private school—complete with interfering parents, overeager students, and one teacher who just wants to teach them all a lesson…

 

 

 

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Review

 

This is quite a twisty tale told from multiple POV. Because of the multiple POV, we know for the most part who is doing what and who is involved in the deaths of the teachers, but we don’t always know the why. Plus, there are a few other mysteries floating around such as where is Teddy’s wife? Is she alive? Who is poisoning the students and staff?

This book is filled with many unlikable characters. I’m not sure too many of them had redeeming qualities. The school is filled with privileged students that don’t usually want for anything, faculty that are former students, and helicopter parents. All except for Teddy who feels somewhat snubbed and feels like it is his place to teach the kids a lesson, especially the ones that he thinks are cheaters, whether they truly are or not. As I said, not many likable characters.

The story has a fast pace and engaged me from page one. I was curious how things were going to turn out and as some truths were revealed, it was quite a jaw-dropper for me. We may know the truth, but is it really the whole truth? The characters don’t reveal everything at once, it is handed to us pieces at a time and just when you thought you might like a character, you are broadsided with another piece of evidence that could sway you the other way.

I have enjoyed this author’s books and this one is no exception. If you are looking for a psychological thriller, you won’t be disappointed.

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Samantha Downing currently lives in New Orleans, where she is furiously typing away at her next thrilling novel.

 

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From award-winning chef and Food Network personality Scott Conant, a cookbook of restaurant-quality Italian meals that you can make easily in your home kitchen

Thirty-five years into an illustrious career of restaurant openings across the country, widespread acclaim, and frequent appearances on the Food Network’s Chopped and many other shows, Scott Conant has returned home to create his most personal cookbook yet. Meals cooked from simple, fresh ingredients were staples of Conant’s childhood in a New England family with roots in Southern Italy. From his grandparents’ garden to the dinner table, he learned early on to appreciate the nuances of different flavors and ingredients, and the strong connection between food and family.

Focusing on these foods Conant grew up with and the ones he makes for his loved ones today, Peace, Love, and Pasta compiles simple, fresh, and flavorful Italian recipes for the home cook to bring to their own family’s table. These recipes are built on the art of cooking for love, fascination with flavors and ingredients, and the simple pleasures of taste and conviviality.

 

 

Amazon * Abrams Books

 

 

Review

 

This is my 4th year as part of the Abrams Dinner Party which is great for me as much as I like to cook and try new recipes. Pasta is always a good fallback because there are so many amazing things that can be made and this new book from Scott Conant will delight everyone because it is so much more than just pasta. There are beverages, soups, meat dishes, sweets, and even a Turkish section. It is all about simplicity and I can tell you from the few dishes I have made so far, they are definitely not complex and great for any level of cooking skill you might possess.

When I first opened the book, it opened to the Roasted Garlic, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and EVOO Spread. I happen to LOVE garlic so I knew this was a MUST to make. Now you can put it on crostini or use it as a dip, but I knew it would be delicious spread on some chicken and put under the broiler to finish off the dish. Let me tell you, it was divine!  I didn’t use as much EVOO as it called for since I wasn’t using it as a dip and didn’t need it running out all over the dish. This is definitely a spread that I plan to make multiple times in the future. This is a photo of that spread, my mouth is drooling just looking at it right now.

 

 

 

The second dish I tried was the Sausage and Porcini Ragu. This is another simple dish that I happened to have all of the ingredients on hand. It came together pretty quickly and the taste was outstanding. I am not a mushroom fan but it worked in this dish (plus there were not a lot of mushrooms). This dish is going into our rotation.

 

 

 

I have several other recipes bookmarked including one of the Turkish dishes, Sigara Börek. It is a pasta dough filled with feta cheese and pan-fried. I found the Yufka dough at a Middle Eastern grocery store and plan to try it out very soon.

Overall, this cookbook has a lot to offer everyone from the amateur to the more professional chef. Plus the recipes are great for bringing family together to try new dishes and even cook together.

 

 

Synopsis

 

Jolie Hogan likes coffee black, panties lacy, and tequila neat. She’s a cop, turned journalist, turned private investigator. People say she’s ballsy. Truth is, her courage is a recklessness that stems from her troubled past.

Jolie is currently in a mess of trouble. She’s been set up for murder by a powerful criminal attorney. The murder victims are the attorney’s wife and Jolie’s husband, Lucas. Jolie will do whatever it takes to clear her name. Including selling her soul to the devil. In Jolie’s case, the devil is a wickedly hot detective who brings the past back to haunt her.

 

 

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Review

 

This is not your average Ashley Farley novel that is sweet yet fraught with emotions. No, this is a grittier mystery (romantic suspense) novel with flawed characters and the search for the truth.

As is with all of this author’s novels, I was drawn in immediately. Who wouldn’t be when Jolie is hired to find out who a client’s wife is cheating with and it turns out to be her husband. And then they both end up dead and Jolie is caught in the middle of the situation. This is where her training comes in handy as she ferrets out the truth, which doesn’t come easy.

I really enjoyed this story and there were some twists I didn’t expect but they fit perfectly with the story. There is a wide variety of characters with motives that range from the pure to the extremely devious. Only Joie and those closest to her will be able to figure everything out, but will they do it in time? The action kept me glued to my seat and I think I stayed up just a little too late reading this book.

Pick up this book as soon as it releases and you won’t be sorry!

We give this book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her bestselling Sweeney Sisters series has touched the lives of many.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she’s lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she still calls home. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique.

 

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