Posted in 4 paws, Giveaway, Review, romance, women on June 5, 2019

 

 

Book Title: What We Do for Love by Anne Pfeffer
Category: Adult Fiction, 227 pages
Genre: Contemporary Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Bold Print Press
Release date: May 21, 2019

Synopsis

“If Lorelai Gilmore of Gilmore Girls was dropped into a thriller, it might resemble this appealing novel.” –Kirkus Reviews

Thirty-eight year old Nicole Adams has given up on finding love. Instead, the single mother focuses on the things she cherishes most—her sixteen-year old son Justin, her friends, and her art. When she convinces a prominent Los Angeles museum to feature a piece of her work, a large-scale installation, she thinks her life has finally turned a corner. Then Justin brings a girl, Daniela, home to live with them. Daniela’s angry parents have thrown her out of the house, because she’s pregnant with Justin’s child.

​Shattered, Nicole takes Daniela in and, in so doing, is drawn into the inner circle of Daniela’s family—a frightening world of deceit and violence. Nicole struggles to keep life going as normal. Forced to deal with people she doesn’t trust or like, fearful for the future of both her son and the grandchild they’re expecting, Nicole wonders if she can do what she tells Justin to do: always have faith in yourself and do the right thing. ​

 

Review

The title of this book could not be any more fitting because it portrays Nicole, a single mom, and the lengths she goes to for her family even when those lengths could be dangerous!  But isn’t just Nicole that I think this title fits, but also Viviana, Mike, and even her sister.

This book was a fast read for me and I enjoyed the story and some of the twists and turns that came about as more of the personal stories were revealed.  Nicole is a single mother and I can’t even imagine what it is like to raise a child by yourself.  But Nicole has done a good job and her son Justin is smart and on his way to bigger and better things.  Until the day he brings home his friend Daniela and she is pregnant with his child.  What a bombshell to drop on Nicole but after the initial shock, she starts to adjust to the information and starts to look forward to a grandchild.  But things aren’t always as they seem and what is revealed in the end will be quite a surprise, or at least it was to me.

There were some times where I wondered why Nicole was trying to take everything on herself and not ask for help from those around her.  Was it because she was used to doing most everything herself?  Was it a pride thing?  Whatever her reason, she grows in this book and learns that accepting a helping hand is not the downfall of her independence or anything else.

There is a little bit of suspense in this book, but it really is minor compared to everything else.  There is also romance and a happily ever after ending.

This book is an enjoyable read and we give it 4 paws up.

 

About the Author

Award-winning novelist Anne Pfeffer grew up in Phoenix, Arizona reading prodigiously and riding horses. After working in Chicago and New York, she escaped back to the land of sunshine in Los Angeles.

​She has worked in banking and as a pro bono attorney, representing abandoned children in adoption and guardianship proceedings. Anne has a daughter living in New York and is the author of four books in the YA/New Adult genres.

Website ~ Twitter

 

Giveaway

Prizes: Win a $20 Amazon Gift Card and a copy of What We Do for Love, 4 winners will receive a print copy of the book (5 winners / open to USA only)

(ends June 21, 2019)

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Posted in Book Release, Giveaway, Historical, romance on June 4, 2019

 

 

Synopsis

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

About the Author

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today Bestselling author of witty and charming historical romances, including Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, as well as 2014 Whitney Award winner for “Best Novel of the Year,” Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

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Posted in excerpt, Giveaway, Historical, mystery on June 4, 2019

 

 

The Alchemist of Lost Souls (A Bianca Goddard Mystery)
Historical Mystery
4th in Series
Kensington (April 30, 2019)

Synopsis

A dangerous element discovered by Bianca Goddard’s father falls into the wrong hands . . . leading to a chain of multiple murders.

Spring 1544: Now that she is with child, Bianca is more determined than ever to distance herself from her unstable father. Desperate to win back the favor of King Henry VIII, disgraced alchemist Albern Goddard plans to reveal a powerful new element he’s discovered–one with deadly potential. But when the substance is stolen, he is panicked and expects his daughter to help.

Soon after, a woman’s body is found behind the Dim Dragon Inn, an eerie green vapor rising from her breathless mouth. To her grave concern, Bianca has reason to suspect her own mother may be involved in the theft and the murder. As her husband John is conscripted into King Henry’s army to subdue Scottish resistance, Bianca must navigate a twisted and treacherous path among alchemists, apothecaries, chandlers, and scoundrels–to find out who among them is willing to kill to possess the element known as lapis mortem, the stone of death . . .

 

Excerpt

Spring is a trickster. A stage monkey with churlish disposition. One day she unrolls a carpet of verdant clover laden with buttered poms; then the next she rolls up the carpet like a cartographer and his map; spoiling a glorious display with cloud piss and cold. The weather was not the only thing to succumb to a return of wintry temper. Albern Goddard had too.

His scholarly gown had been replaced with a more practical knee-length version of moth-eaten wool liberally dotted with stains from his chemistries. His beard had lost its length and was trimmed close to his chin. He stared at the ground just beyond his feet, consumed in thought, and turned onto Thames Street. He might have been run over by a wagon and would never have realized it.

No clutch of brats interfered with his stride. This was not a day for loitering or making merry. Business was business and Albern Goddard had serious matters on his mind.

Chief among them was his daughter, Bianca.

He’d never been to her room of “Medicinals and Physickes,” as she preferred to call it. The corner of his mouth turned up. How presumptuous. But in fairness, it would not do for her to label it a room of alchemy. That would land her in a vat of boiling oil, for no woman would dare undertake the dark art without fear of retribution.

So, let her call it this contrived name. It was but the same in his mind.

 

About the Author

Mary Lawrence lives and farms in Maine and worked in the medical field for over twenty-five years before publishing her debut mystery, The Alchemist’s Daughter (Kensington, 2015). The book was named by Suspense Magazine as a “Best Book of 2015” in the historical mystery category. Her articles have appeared in several publications most notably the national news blog, The Daily Beast. The Bianca Goddard Mystery series also includes Death of an Alchemist, Death at St. Vedast, The Alchemist of Lost Souls, and the fifth title for 2020.

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Posted in Adventure, Family, Giveaway, Interview, Texas, Young Adult on June 4, 2019

 

CAPTAIN FIN

by

AMANDA M. THRASHER

based on a screenplay by Kevin James O’Neill

  Genre: Young Adult / Adventure / Family

Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press

Date of Publication: May 1, 2019

Number of Pages: 432

Scroll down for giveaway!

 

 

Hannah Gunner, once a carefree child, is faced with secrets, lies, and betrayal. A life-changing event during her adolescent years forces her to confront a past that she no longer recognizes. Now, questioning everything she thought she knew, Hannah struggles with the person she is supposed to be! With the help of her boyfriend and her closest friend, they discover several clues that may hold the missing links to her life.

A tattered box filled with worn-out letters holds some of the answers that she needs, but not all of them. With an assist from her aunt, and a visitor from her past, Hannah manages to track down the only person in the world who can answer her questions—the Captain! But why did those closest to her lie in the first place? Will Hannah ever find the answers that she needs to bring her peace?

Suspenseful, engaging, and with twists and turns that make it impossible to put down, this is a book filled with surprises.

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How do you write? Any backstory to your choice?

I’m a Plotter now, though in the past have been a Pantser. I prefer to have the entire outline of my story mapped out in my head and on paper before I begin to write. It helps to keep me focused, keep the story, especially if it’s complex, on course, and allows me to keep track of my timeline. I have never used dictation, though to each his own, and write mostly from my laptop. However, I continually carry a notebook to add scenes, dialogue, plot, or character characteristics along the way and refer back to my outline as I work.

 

What was the hardest part of writing this book? 

The most difficult thing about writing this book was feeling Hannah’s pain during the most significant losses of her life. It was heartbreaking for me as the writer/author bringing it to life, and when I read it, it had the same emotional impact. There are a couple of scenes that touched me in such a way, one, in particular, was tragic, and one was so touching I couldn’t hold back my tears as I wrote the scene.

 

What did you enjoy most about writing this book?

Having the liberty to allow Hannah to be whom I thought she would be; that was very generous of Kevin, and I believe demonstrated an enormous amount of trust on his behalf.

 

How did you decide if your main character would be male or female?

I knew immediately it was going to have be written from Hannah’s perspective as a child and then an adolescent. I believe Kevin did as well, and this is why he sought out a YA writer.

 

Are there under-represented groups or ideas featured if your book? 

I think so, subtly, but it could easily give away significant parts of the story if mentioned.

 

Do you now or have you ever considered writing under a pen-name? Why or why not?

I do not write under a pen name and don’t believe I ever would. It’s a lot of work writing these novels. I may as well get credit for my own work.

 

Has your formal education influenced or impacted your writing?

Neither. It has made zero difference.

 

What projects are you working on at the present?

I am currently writing a sequel to CAPTAIN FIN and working on the fourth Mischief book.

 

What do your plans for future projects include?

I think every author, or most authors, have the same goal: ensure their work has the best opportunity possible to gain exposure allowing their audience a chance to read what they’ve written, hopefully write a good review, and help spread the word. I always attend the Texas Library Association Annual Conference, it’s my favorite, and I’ve attended and signed at ALA and BEA as well. TLA is a conference I really believe as an author is worth attending and signing in the featured author area. It is important authors understand how these conference work, but TLA is definitely on my schedule.

 

What does your perfect writing spot look like? Is that what your ACTUAL writing spot looks like?

My perfect writing spot is outside on a spring day, birds chirping, the sound of water, and a cool breeze blowing as I type. This is my spot usually from March through May. After that, my office and silence will work. I’m one of those authors, or maybe it’s just me, I can’t work with noise, music included. I need complete silence to think.

 

Are there any people you credit for being your inspiration for reading and writing?

My parents. They read to us every night. Always bought us books. Taught us to read by the time we were four and bought me a new pen and journal every single birthday.

 

Who would you cast to play your characters in a movie version of your book?

I don’t know her age, but for adolescent Hannah (if she was still a teen), Karley Scott Collins or someone with that look. Young Hannah, Shree Crooks or Alyvia Alyn Lind.

 

Is this book just for teens, as in just YA, because it’s categorized that way? 

My answer? 100% no. This book can honestly appeal to any book lover. The teens will love Hannah and Cash, young romance, but general book lovers will love the unpredictability, the emotional roller-coaster, and all the plot twists.

 

 

 

Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England, moved to Texas, and resides there still. Amanda has authored picture books, middle-grade chapter books, early readers, young adult pieces, and a graphic novel written specifically for the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center.

Amanda is a multiple Gold Recipient of The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA) for YA, General Fiction, and early reader chapter books, a Readers’ Favorite International Book Award winner for YA Social Issues, an NTBF winner for YA and General Fiction, and she was awarded a New Apple Literary Award for YA and general fiction.

As Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, she assists other authors with their work and shares her writing process and publishing experience with them. Her latest release, CAPTAIN FIN, was based on a contract to adapt a screenplay into a novel for the director, actor, and producer Kevin James O’Neill. Her works-in-progress are the sequel to CAPTAIN FIN and the fourth installment of her Mischief Series.

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June 4-14, 2019

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

6/4/19 Author Interview StoreyBook Reviews
6/4/19 Character Interview Hall Ways Blog
6/5/19 Review Momma on the Rocks
6/6/19 Guest Post Texas Book Lover
6/6/19 Deleted Scene The Clueless Gent
6/7/19 Excerpt All the Ups and Downs
6/8/19 Review #Bookish
6/8/19 Review That’s What She’s Reading
6/9/19 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
6/10/19 Scrapbook Page Chapter Break Book Blog
6/10/19 Top Ten Sybrina’s Book Blog
6/11/19 Guest Post Forgotten Winds
6/12/19 Review Missus Gonzo
6/12/19 Review Reading by Moonlight
6/13/19 Review Book Fidelity

 

 

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Posted in Children, Fantasy, Giveaway, Playlist, Texas, Western on June 3, 2019

HITCHIN’ POST

and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

by

JULIE BARKER

illustrated by Carolyn Altman

  Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Western / Fantasy

Publisher: BookBaby

Date of Publication: September 28, 2018

Number of Pages: 50

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Hitchin’ Post, the cowboy jackrabbit, is back with an all new adventure on the 6Bs Ranch. 

Hitch’s brothers come to visit for the annual 4th of July rodeo and dance, but they get much more than a long-awaited visit with their brother. When a giant tornado threatens to cut their Independence Day celebration short, Hitchin’ Post, his brothers, and the rest of the cowboys have to work hard to save the ranch and the celebration. Hitchin’ Post shows that even though he is just a small jackrabbit, he has the courage it takes to bring everyone together to rebuild what the tornado destroyed. Because of old Hitch being a great leader, the 6Bs’ 4th of July celebration will go on!

This is the second book in the Hitchin’ Post series by Julie Barker, where Julie once again collaborates with her mother, artist Carolyn Altman, who provides the illustrations in this romping, stomping cowboy adventure!

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Praise

Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration is a brilliantly woven story with a strong plot that will easily entertain anyone. The illustrations by Carolyn Altman are fun and engaging, complementing the story. I love how Barker has written an interesting story that will teach kids how working together as a team makes the hard work a whole lot lighter and much more rewarding. – Readers’ Favorite, 5 STARS

 

 

Enjoy a little western swing to get you in the mood to read the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series.  You’re in for a twistin’ turnin’ ride!

Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys

  1. San Antonio Rose
  2. Ida Red
  3. Stay All Night
  4. Take Me Back to Tulsa
  5. Corinne, Corrina
  6. The Star Spangled Banner by The Charlie Daniels Band on the album Land That I love (Songs for America)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Julie Barker is the author of Hitchin’ Post, her debut children’s storybook. With inspiration from her West Texas roots and being surrounded by the ranching heritage, Julie is fulfilling her dream of becoming a children’s author. Along with the encouragement and beautiful illustrations from her mother and artist, Carolyn Altman, the story of Hitchin’ Post the cowboy jackrabbit was born and is now officially a series. The second book, Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration, was released September 2018.

Website  ┃  Facebook  ┃  Goodreads

Twitter  ┃  Amazon Author Page

 

 

Carolyn Altman is an artist and the illustrator of the Hitchin’ Post children’s book series, in which she collaborated with her daughter, Julie Barker, the author. Carolyn resides in Vernon, Texas, with her husband Stanley. They have two daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom live nearby. “Touch the Heart with Original Art” is Carolyn’s slogan, which she has used for the past 40 years as she creates lighthearted and inspiring art with subjects such as wildlife, horses, cattle, and cowboys, in hopes of helping to preserve this way of life for many years to come.

The beginning of her art career consisted of using mostly oil and acrylic mediums, then Carolyn began creating baby memory books in which she incorporates her art into each page. Each baby memory book is personalized and truly a work of art in itself. Carolyn believes that her experiences throughout her life are what inspires her art.

She has spent her life in West Texas surrounded by wide open spaces and the beauty of the farming and ranching heritage, and that way of life will always show up in her paintings and illustrations. Her latest creations include a series of angel paintings depicting what she deems most important in her life — her faith.

 

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Author & Illustrator Signed Copy of Hitchin’ Post and the Tornado Twistin’ 4th of July Celebration

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TWO WINNERS:  Signed Copy of the Book.

May 29-June 7, 2019

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Check out the other blogs on this tour

5/29/19 Sneak Peek Texas Book Lover
5/29/19 BONUS Post Hall Ways Blog
5/30/19 Review Reading by Moonlight
5/31/19 Review That’s What She’s Reading
6/1/19 Review All the Ups and Downs
6/2/19 Review Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
6/3/19 Playlist StoreyBook Reviews
6/4/19 Review Missus Gonzo
6/5/19 Review Books and Broomsticks
6/6/19 Review Book Fidelity
6/7/19 Review Chapter Break Book Blog

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Posted in 5 paws, Review, romance on June 2, 2019

 

Synopsis

Addison Murphy is the funny friend, the girl you grab a beer with—the girl voted most likely to start her own sweatshirt line. And now that one of her best guy friends is getting married, she’ll add “groomsman” to that list, too. She’ll get through this wedding if it’s the last thing she does. Just don’t ask her to dive for any bouquet.

When Tucker Crawford returns to his small hometown, he expects to see the same old people, feel comfort in the same old things. He certainly doesn’t expect to see the nice pair of bare legs sticking out from under the hood of a broken-down car. Certainly doesn’t expect to feel his heart beat faster when he realizes they belong to one of his best friends.

If he convinces Addie to give him a chance, they could be electric…or their break-up could split their tight-knit group in two.

Hiding the way he feels from the guys through bachelor parties, cake tastings, and rehearsals is one thing. But just as Tucker realizes that Addie truly could be the perfect woman for him—he was just too stupid to realize it—now she’s leaving to follow her own dreams. He’s going to need to do a lot of compromising if he’s going to convince her to take a shot at forever with him—on her terms this time

Review

I loved this book and could not put it down. In fact, I wasn’t too busy at work and read some of it there (but don’t tell my boss!).

This small town in Alabama has a group of friends, 4 guys and 1 girl, that bonded and became the best of friends. Now one of them is getting married and it has brought back one friend to share in the celebration. Tucker doesn’t know what hits him when he sees Addie’s legs sticking out from under a car. All of a sudden, she is more than just one of the guys. The same holds true for Addie, something happens when she sees Tucker again and she tries to fight it but is losing that battle pretty quickly.

This book moves along very quickly and I loved the interactions between all of the friends and then between Addie and Lexi (Shep’s fiancee) especially when Lexi asks Addie’s help in planning the wedding. Ummm, Addie has no idea about some of those but because Shep is one of her best friends, she will do whatever it takes to help out.

The story is not without its ups and downs, misunderstandings, and crazy antics from all of the characters. It does show us that true friendship will go to any length to keep that sacred.

This is one of my favorite books this year and major props to the author for only including a couple of f* bombs.

We give it 5 paws up.

 

About the Author

Cindi Madsen is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting revising, and falling in love with her characters. Sometimes it makes her a crazy person. Without it, she’d be even crazier. She has way too many shoes, but can always find a reason to buy a new pretty pair, especially if they’re sparkly, colorful, or super tall. She loves music, dancing, and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children.

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Posted in 5 paws, excerpt, Historical, Review, romance, Western on June 2, 2019

 

The Cowboy Meets His Match

By: Margaret Brownley

Publication Date: 5/28/2019

Synopsis

His first mistake was marrying her.

His second was falling in love.

Chase McKnight will do anything to secure his family’s ranch—but marriage to a complete stranger? That’s a hard pill to swallow. Yet the will is clear: Chase needs a wife by his side if he wants to keep his home, so he meets his veiled lady at the courthouse steps and reluctantly says “I do”.

Too bad he married the wrong bride.

When Boston runaway Emily Fields agreed to marry a Texas stranger to escape her family’s scandal, she wasn’t prepared to get hitched to the wrong cowboy! Stuck in a secret compromise, she has one year to learn the ways of the ranch and convince Chase’s family they’re happily married. But when the lie becomes true, the past catches up to them and they must save the love they never expected…

Amazon * B&N * iBooks * IndieBound * BAM

Haywire Brides Series

Cowboy Charm School (Book 1) – Read my review here

The Cowboy Meets His Match (Book 2)

 

What People Are Saying About Margaret Brownley

“A great story by a wonderful author.” —DEBBIE MACOMBER, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, for Left at the Altar

“Delightful, humorous…packed with engaging characters, loads of action, several mysteries — all enough sizzle to satisfy her fans.”—RT Book Reviews for A Match Made in Texas

“A sweet, touching love story.”—Kirkus Reviews for Left at the Altar

“Lively and warm. A welcome addition to a sparse yet popular subgenre.”—Booklist for Left at the Altar

 

Review

Emily was not having a good day when she ended up at the courthouse to get married and is caught up in the craziness of a stampede through the small town and finds herself married to the wrong man!  Needless to say, no one was extremely happy about the turn of events.  But sometimes, fate has other things in mind for you than what you had planned and perhaps everything will be ok after all.

Emily and Chase are a couple to love.  They found themselves in predicaments that they could never have imagined and coming together, even by accident, solved their immediate problems.  They still had issues to work out which they do over the course of months.  It is interesting how quickly Emily takes to dressing like a rancher’s wife with split skirts and cowboy boots.  Emily also has to find her place on the ranch and she manages to make inroads with the ranch hands and a precocious little girl named Ginny.

I enjoyed the love story and the tension between Chase and his brother Royce.  It added just enough friction to the story.  I was a little surprised to find out who was stealing the cattle but it made sense once it was laid out for the reader.  I was also glad to see that the situation didn’t always run smoothly for Chase and Emily.  It added more depth to the story and their unconventional marriage.

I was happy to make the journey back to Haywire and can’t wait to see what happens next in this sleepy little Texas town.  We give this 5 paws up.

 

 

Excerpt

Watching Emily stagger away like a drunken cowhand, Chase kicked himself mentally. Now he’d done it.

All he’d wanted to do was keep a safe distance from her emotionally. It was the only way he could keep from thinking things he had no business thinking. Things like how she’d looked in that blasted towel.

But he’d gone too far, and now it appeared he had pushed her away completely.

He hated thinking that he’d taken out the resentment toward his father on her. She wasn’t to blame for any of this and was as much a victim of circumstances as he was.

Feeling lower than low, he watched her cross the yard for a moment before chasing after her. She might not admit it, but it was clear by the way she limped that she was hurting.

Emily stopped when he caught up to her. “Now what?” she demanded, eyes flashing.

“I just want to make sure you’re okay.”

If she was surprised by his interest in her welfare, it didn’t show. “I’m fine!” she snapped. “No thanks to you.”

Yep, she was hurting all right. He could see the strain in her eyes. She also looked like she’d been through the wringer. She straightened her hat, but not much could be done for the abundance of yellow hair that had sprung free from its bun. The intriguing smudge on her cheek, however, called for a man’s touch. His touch.

When he reached a finger to her smooth, silky skin to rub the spot away, her startled blue eyes met his. “Sorry,” he said, pulling his hand away. “You had somethin’ on your face.”

Her hand flew to her cheek, and her already heated face turned another shade darker.

“It’s gone now,” he said.

Her mouth formed a perfect circle, and she lowered her hand to her side.

He felt bad for giving her a hard time. Lack of sleep had made him start the day out of sorts, and his encounter with Cassie Decker hadn’t helped. Poor woman. She had counted on their marriage for her children’s sakes.

His failure in keeping his promise to Cassie had made him more determined to do right by Emily. Or at least to see to her safety. He’d let one woman down; he sure in blazes didn’t want to fail another.

Horses were dangerous. The land was dangerous. But a part of him knew there was more. A lot more. As long as they were at each other’s throats, he could control his thoughts. Or at least keep from dwelling on such things as Emily’s gold-tipped eyelashes. Or the little indentation on her cheek when she smiled. Or even the way her eyes flashed during their many confrontations.

Looking away, he reminded himself how unsuited she was for ranch life. How unequipped she was to deal with the harsh land. She was much more suited to the city.

“Tomorrow, we’ll go a little easier with your lesson,” he said, hoping to make amends for his bad behavior.

She lifted her chin, her face dark with anger. “There won’t be any more lessons.”

“Come on,” he said gently. “You don’t mean that. Look at you. You’re fine.” More than fine…

“No thanks to you!”

Surprised by the vehemence in her voice, he stepped back “Me? What did I do?”

Her blazing blue eyes met his. “You put me through hell, that’s what!”

“By teachin’ you the proper handlin’ of a hoss?”

“By making me obey your every command like a helpless imbecile!”

He drew in his breath. He’d been rough on her, but he never meant to make her feel bad. “You have to admit your knowledge of hosses leaves much to be desired.” Taking her silence to mean she agreed, he added, “Tomorrow, same time, same place.”

She shot visual daggers at him. “If you expect to have your way with me a second time, you better think again.” With that, she stormed away.

Her words struck a chord that was better left untouched. Still, he couldn’t hold back the words that popped into his head. “Trust me,” he called after. “If I wanted to have my way with you, it wouldn’t be on a hoss!”

***

Excerpted from The Cowboy Meets His Match by Margaret Brownley. © 2019 by Margaret Brownley. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

 

About the Author

New York Times bestselling author MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is also a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award.

Her story, A Pony Express Christmas, will appear this fall in the Old West Christmas Brides collection, and book two of her Haywire Brides series will be published May 2019.  Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English.  Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

◆  Website  ◆  Facebook  ◆  Twitter  ◆

◆  Amazon Author Page  ◆   Goodreads  ◆

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5 Copies of Cowboy Charm School

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Posted in Cookbook, cooking, Review on June 1, 2019

 

Eat Clean, Play Dirty:

Recipes for a Body and Life You Love by the Founders of Sakara Life

by Danielle Duboise & Whitney Tingle

“Food should make you feel sexy,” say Danielle Duboise and Whitney Tingle, founders of the popular organic nutritional program, Sakara Life. 

In their debut book, Eat Clean, Play Dirty, the duo delivers delicious recipes and reinvigorating rituals to achieve nutritional harmony, a way to nourish the body and feed the spirit simultaneously. It’s about saying yes to kale and to dessert; to early-morning asanas and late-night dancing. It’s about prioritizing health without making sacrifices.

Since delivering their first meals by bicycle in 2012, Whitney and Danielle have changed thousands of lives across the country and garnered a long list of celebrity devotees including Gwyneth Paltrow, Jessica Alba, and Oprah. With Eat Clean, Play Dirty, they have gathered the vibrant, delicious dishes that clients and fans crave and make it possible to recreate the Sakara magic in their own kitchens.

Changing the dialogue we have with our bodies and our plates, the cookbook empowers each of us to become our own chef and ultimate healer by using food as medicine. Each delicious recipe, from the Eat-the-Rainbow Wrap, Orgasmic Coconut Yogurt, Red Beet Burger, and the Everything Bagel with Garlic Schmear is designed to:

balance our body
heal our gut
flood our body with ample nutrients
shed excess weight
reduce inflammation
eliminate sugar cravings
balance our hormones and mood
give us the tools to create a body we love living in

Every recipe is backed by Sakara’s roots in nutritional science—honed over years of studying with doctors, scientists and healers of all kinds. Alongside the recipes, readers will learn about superfood ingredients from around the world, discover the phytonutrients needed for true vitality, unearth the secrets of the microbiome, and master tangible lifestyle tricks for balancing lifelong health with ultimate happiness. It’s Sakara’s signature blend of science, sexiness, irreverence, and light-filled intention.

The ultimate wellness cookbook has arrived. Celebrate abundance. Say yes to body love. And don’t forget to break some rules.

Review

I was hesitant on trying anything from this cookbook because it just seemed overwhelming!  If you are Vegan/Vegetarian then this is probably right up your alley.  But I have to admit the gorgeous photos drew me in and I was looking at the recipes to see if it was possible.  If you have seen any of my other reviews on the cookbooks I have received from Abrams Books through their Dinner Party program, you would know I have two massive meat eaters in the house and not many of these would go over with them very well.  However, I do have a friend that this is right up her alley, so after trying one of the recipes I passed the book on to her because this is her type of food.

Before I get into the recipes, the book does go into their 9 pillars of health and I have to agree that good health begins with your gut and the more colorful foods you eat that are clean and not saturated with the bad stuff, the better you will feel.  The book talks about each pillar and what the founders think you should try and achieve.  The pillars are listed below but you can read more details on this page of their website

Pillar 1 – No Calorie Counting

Pillar 2 – Plant Protein

Pillar 3 – Eat your Water

Pillar 4 – Greens

Pillar 5 – Good Fats

Pillar 6 – Eat the Rainbow

Pillar 7 – Nutrient Dense

Pillar 8 – Sulfur-rich Veggies

Pillar 9 – Body Intelligence

For Memorial Day, we met my family at my sister’s house for a cookout.  My sister is a Vegetarian and so I knew I should bring something she could eat as well.  Enter the Tumeric + Meyer Lemon Squares.  These are packed with whole foods and Turmeric which is a natural anti-inflammatory.  You could make these squares year round but they are perfect for summer.  I also decided to jazz them up a little bit and added chopped pistachios across the top.  I learned after the first time to do this right after you put the custard-like topping on the crust so that it firms up with the pistachios already in place.  These were a hit with all of my family and there weren’t many squares to bring home to enjoy later!

Overall, if you are a Vegan/Vegetarian or want to eat more plant-based meals then I suggest giving this cookbook a try.  Perhaps borrow from your library before purchasing to make sure it fits with how you cook.  There are some ingredients that I have not heard of and am not sure where to purchase, but there are plenty of recipes that would fit into our family’s lifestyle.

 

 

Turmeric + Meyer Lemon Squares

 

For the Crust:

1 3/4 c almond meal
1/2 c tapioca flour
1/4 c melted coconut oil
1/4 c maple syrup (I happened to have bourbon barrel maple syrup on hand so that is what I used)

For the Filling:

1/3 c freshly squeeze Meyer lemon juice (or regular lemons if you can’t find Meyer lemons)
2T cornstarch
1 cup full fat coconut milk
1/3 c maple syrup
2T coconut oil
1/2 tsp ground turmeric
1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1/2 Meyer lemon or regular lemon
1/2 Meyer lemon, thinly sliced (I used the pistachios I mentioned)

 

To make the crust:

Preheat the oven to 350° and line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper and set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the almond meal and tapioca flour until combined.  Stir in the oil and syrup and mix until combined.  Press the mixture into the bottom of the pan and bake until the crust is lightly browned around the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. (19 minutes worked in my oven).

To make the filling:

In a medium pot, whisk together the lemon juice and cornstarch until no lumps remain.  Whisk in all the remaining ingredients except the lemon slices.

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the filling thickens, about 8 minutes.  Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

Pour the filling over the crust and refrigerate for 3 hours or until completely set.  Life the bars out of the pan and cut into 16 squares.  Top each with a slice of lemon and serve.

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Posted in Cozy, mystery, Spotlight on June 1, 2019

 

 

Murder, She Uncovered (Murder, She Reported Series)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Alibi (May 28, 2019)
Print Length ~230 Pages

Synopsis

An intrepid 1930s Manhattan socialite uncovers deadly secrets during an assignment to the Hamptons in this riveting historical cozy mystery for readers of Victoria Thompson, Anne Perry, and Rhys Bowen.

Westhampton, 1938. To the dismay of her well-to-do family, Elizabeth “Biz” Adams is quickly establishing herself as a seasoned photographer over at the Daily Trumpet. Growing more confident in her decision to pursue a career, Elizabeth is thrilled when she and her reporter sidekick, Ralph Kaminsky, are sent to Long Island to cover the story of a young maid found dead in one of the glamourous summer homes in the devastating aftermath of the Great New England Hurricane—also known as the Long Island Express.

At first it’s assumed that the young woman was caught in the terrible storm, but when a suspicious wound is found on the side of her head, the police suspect murder. The maid’s death becomes even more tragic when it’s discovered she was pregnant, and with Elizabeth and Kaminsky at the scene of the crime, the Daily Trumpet scoops all the other papers in town.

The young woman’s boyfriend emerges as the likeliest suspect. But as Elizabeth follows the story, she begins to wonder whether someone in the household of the maid’s employers might be responsible—someone who’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth about the baby’s paternity hidden. . . .

 

About the Author

Mystery writing lets Peg indulge her curiosity under the guise of “work” (aka research). As a kid, she read the entire set of children’s encyclopedias her parents gave her and has been known to read the dictionary. She put pen to paper at age seven when she wrote plays and forced her cousins to perform them at Christmas dinner. She switched to mysteries when she discovered the perfect hiding place for a body down the street from her house.

When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading, cooking, spoiling her granddaughter and checking her books’ stats on Amazon.

A former Jersey girl, Peg now resides in Michigan with her husband and Westhighland white terrier, Reg. She is the author of the Sweet Nothings Lingerie series (written as Meg London), the Gourmet De-Lite series, the Lucille series, the Cranberry Cove series,   and the Farmer’s Daughter series.

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Posted in Giveaway, Historical, romance, Spotlight on June 1, 2019

 

RADIOACTIVE

Bonnie and Clyde Series

Book Three

by

CLARK HAYS AND KATHLEEN McFALL

Genre: Historical / Alternative History / Romance

Publisher:  Pumpjack Press on Facebook

Date of Publication: March 23, 2019

Number of Pages: 332

Scroll down for the giveaway!

 

 

Bonnie and Clyde: Defending the working class from a river of greed.

It’s January 1945, the height of World War Two. As the bloody conflict drags on, America has undertaken a massive top-secret effort to unleash the power of the atom and develop the first nuclear bomb. A network of Nazi and Soviet spies is determined to steal the technology, or failing that, sabotage the project.

But first, they have to get past Bonnie and Clyde.

In a heart-pounding adventure spanning the windswept landscapes of eastern Washington to an isolated internment camp in the California mountains, Bonnie and Clyde face deception at every turn.

Can the former outlaws put aside their desire for revenge long enough to help end the war?

As in Resurrection Road and Dam Nation, the story cuts back and forth between 1984 where Royce, a washed-up investigative reporter, teams up with the now-elderly Bonnie Parker to hunt down the truth about their past, and the 1940s undercover exploits of the young Bonnie and Clyde.

And in Radioactive, Royce and Bonnie finally discover the devastating truth: Who Sal — the brains behind forcing Bonnie and Clyde into covert service defending the working class all those years ago — really was.

 

Clark and Kathleen wrote their first book together in 1999 as a test for marriage. They passed.

Radioactive is their seventh co-authored book.

Twitter ║ Facebook ║ Instagram

Clark: Goodreads ║ Amazon

Kathleen: Goodreads ║ Amazon

 

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GRAND PRIZE: Signed copies of the full Bonnie and Clyde series

TWO WINNERS: Choice of print or eBook copy of Radioactive

May 23-June 1, 2019

(U.S. Only)

 

 

 

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Check out the reviews of this book!

 

5/23/19 Review Hall Ways Blog
5/23/19 Review Momma on the Rocks
5/24/19 Review Forgotten Winds
5/24/19 Review Missus Gonzo
5/25/19 Review Reading by Moonlight
5/25/19 Review The Love of a Bibliophile
5/26/19 Review Book Fidelity
5/26/19 Review KayBee’s Book Shelf

 

 

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