Hello Bookish Friends!!
Can you believe June is over? I feel like the months are just flying by! Granted for our family June is a super busy month so it always goes fast but I feel like this year it flew. Another month begins and new books await us! In this week's Top Ten Tuesday hosted by the Artsy Reader the topic is Most Anticipated Reads for the Second Half of 2020! And boy are there some good ones coming out!
Here are some that are on my TBR List and I CANNOT wait to read them!!!!
I am sure there are others but these are at the top of my list for sure!! What about you? Any upcoming books that you have to read before the year is up? Let me know in the comments!!
Happy Reading!💖
Hello Friends!! Happy Monday!!
It has been a very busy day today and my brain is somewhat mush but I wanted to hop in on the Book Blogger Hop since I was so busy with reviews last week I wasn't able to do it! The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer re-launched the hop on February 15th, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There is a weekly prompt featuring book related questions.
This week's question is:
When you run out of bookshelf space what do you do?
Hmm... interesting since I am running into this problem at the moment... lol! When we moved a year ago to our current house I purged A LOT of books and I told myself that I would not put anything in my bookshelves unless I knew I would read it again, it was a classic, a series that I must have or lend to someone. So I have kept pretty close to this, although its very hard because I LOVE books! I do need to get another bookshelf for my downstairs "library" area. SO when I go to my favorite bookstore and I get new books I tend to lend them out to my mother-in-love after I read them and when she is done if its not a book that I want to keep I resell them and keep stocking up on my TBR pile (which has its separate section on my shelves!) If its a book a fall in love with it goes on the shelf!
Happy Friday Reader Friends!
I hope everyone had a wonderful week and enjoying the fact that it is Friday and the beginning of the weekend! Its another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books. I finally was able to read a book from my TBR list so today's first line is coming from The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden.
My First Line:
The stately houses of Winslow Street looked utterly safe and respectable in the hot summer evening. Mikhail knew all that was about to change.
(Affiliate Links)
(Also available to read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited)
Your turn! What is your first line?
Grab the closest book to you and drop the first line in the comments 😁
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On Tour with Prism Book Tours
A Cowgirl's Dream
(Barrels & Hearts, #1)
By Edith MacKenzie
Contemporary Romance, Western
Paperback & ebook, 154 Pages
June 24, 2020
An Aussie cowgirl far from home. A handsome Brazilian bull rider. Can they have a rodeo love story of their dreams?
Frankie dreams of being a champion barrel racer. When the opportunity of a lifetime knocks on her door, she moves halfway across the globe to chase it. After having her heart broken, she’s determined to focus on her ambitions. That means no time for cowboys, even if he is bloody cute.
Luciano is well on his way to getting everything he has ever dreamed of. That is, until an Aussie cowgirl crashes into his world, setting his soul on fire. He knows what it takes to get to the top and Frankie has it in spades. Now, all he has to do is convince her to see beyond the suave exterior and give him a chance.
Finally, Frankie has a shot at the championship buckle, but when photos appear of Luciano on the internet, she has to decide whether to stay or walk away. Is she kidding herself, can she have it all? Can Frankie find her courage to trust in love and still chase her Cowgirl’s dream?
Other Books Coming in the Series
(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
About the Author
Edith MacKenzie or Eddie Mac to her friends is an Australian author of sweet and wholesome contemporary cowboy romance. They say in literary circles to write what you know and Eddie has certainly taken that to heart. Before embarking on a writing career she trained horses professionally and brings that wealth of knowledge to her writing.
Now a mum to a boy and girl, as well as wife, she delights with her tales of strong cowgirls and their adventures in finding love. When not weaving the love stories of her characters, she enjoys hanging out with her family and animals, as well as reading, fishing and camping
Just remember once a cowgirl, always a cowgirl.
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
One winner will receive a $20 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally to those eligible to use one of Amazon's branches
Ends July 5, 2020
Excerpt:
Why was it
that she only owned jeans and T-shirts? Most girls have at least one dress!
Giving up, Frankie dramatically flopped face-first onto her bed, deciding she
would just spend the entire BBQ in that position. Honestly, there was nothing
else she could do.
“Do I even
want to know?” Deb popped her head into the room.
“Doff weeve
muy loon,” she mumbled into the bedspread.
“Duff’s a
loon? Do we even know a Duff? Hey, Megan, do you know a Duff?” Deb called down
the hall.
“No, why?”
came the reply from the kitchen.
“Ha-ha, you’re
so funny,” Frankie grumbled, raising her head off the bed. Her hair now closely
resembled a bird’s nest freshly fallen from a tree. In a storm. A bad one.
Maybe cyclonic. “I said Leave. Me. Alone.” She theatrically dropped her head
back down.
“I’m not sure
I can, in clear conscience, remove myself from the room. What sort of friend
would I be if I weren’t here in your time of”—she helplessly waved her hands in
the air—“whatever this is?”
Frankie
sighed. “Fine, since you seem to be enjoying this so much, I have nothing to
wear.”
Deb’s mouth
twitched a little. “I had noticed you running around naked a lot. I just
thought you were trying to even out your tan. Apparently not. Whoa!!” Deb
ducked quickly to dodge the pillow Frankie launched at her head. Finding a
white shirt Frankie had earlier, she waved it above her head in surrender. “I
come in peace. Please, no shoot.”
Frankie,
despite her peevish mood, couldn’t help but laugh. “Fine, but I think I am
beyond help.”
“My, you are
committing to drama today, aren’t you? Is it because the farrier stud muffin is
coming over?”
Frankie
snorted in an unladylike manner. “Dare you to call him that to his face.”
“I would, but
I want him to be able to fit his hat back on his head at some point,” Deb
deadpanned. “Okay, let’s have a look at what we’re working with here.” She
headed confidently to Frankie’s closet.
In the end,
Frankie did find something to wear, and it was jeans and a shirt. But hey, Deb
had to work with what she had. Her long blonde hair hung sleekly from a high
ponytail and her jeans hugged her slender curves, the lean muscles shaped from
long hours in the saddle. The merle-grey V-neck T-shirt clung just enough in
the right places. Deb didn’t care what Frankie thought. She was pretty sure there
wasn’t going to be any complaints.
Not a Fine Gentleman
(Rogue Hearts, #5)
By Donna Hatch
Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 448 Pages
June 18, 2020 by Mirror Lake Press LLC
Lady Margaret secretly yearns for love, but fate has exchanged wedded bliss for a lie. When she is caught hovering over her cheating husband’s dead body, she is instantly doomed to hang for his murder. Without hope for justice, Margaret flees into the night alone.
A cynical Bow Street Constable, Connor Jackson, vows to bring the fugitive Lady Margaret to face the law—but, he doesn’t expect sparks to fly between them. Could the strong yet tender lady truly be a killer?
As more suspects—and even more condemning evidence—surface, the less certain Connor is of his duty. He must choose between his growing feelings for Lady Margaret and the demands of justice. Will the truth tear them apart or set them free to find love?
(Affiliate link included.)
Other Books in the Series
(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)
About the Author
Multi-award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each book she writes is filled with wit and heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and loves to ballroom dance. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the US. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.
Tour Schedule
Tour Giveaway
- One winner will receive ebooks of the first four books in the Rogue Hearts series, The Stranger She Married, The Guise of a Gentleman, A Perfect Secret and The Suspect's Daughter
- Four winners will each receive an ebook of the first book in the Rogue Hearts series, The Stranger She Married
- Open internationally
- Ends July 1, 2020
My Thoughts ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was my first book by Donna Hatch and my first in the Rogue Hearts series. I must say I do enjoy a good Regency/Victorian era type story and this one did not dissappoint! I was thoroughly engaged from the first page.
If you have been following the Amesbury family then you know this story is about one of the sisters, Margaret. She is married to this absolute jerk (and I mean class-A jerk!) who gets murdered and Lady Margaret is the one who finds him. Because of the animosity between them the staff believes that she is the one who has murdered him. So she does what every lady would do when wrongfully accused?! She flees the scene!! Her brothers want her found so they hire Bow Street Runner, Conner Jackson. He starts hunting her down to bring her to justice but through the process falls in love with her. There is a catch... he is by no means a gentleman!
The chemistry between Connor and Lady Margaret at the beginning is very comical. When he "captures" her it doesn't go so well but its great for us as the reader as you start seeing how they fall for each other. Connor struggles with believing Margaret and her retelling of her husbands death. But the more time they spend with each other he comes to realize not only is she telling the truth but he's falling in love with her.
Throughout this whole ordeal Lady Margaret or Meg as Connor calls her finds out that the life of being a Lady is not something she wants anymore. She wants to be able to marry whomever and do whatever. Now that she is an outcast in her society she decides to leave especially after Connor tells her that he can't be with her. Not only because he's not a gentleman but because his job is one that would difficult in keeping a marriage.
Connor is wrestling with the fact that he his father who was a noble gentleman fathered him but was never a true father. He believed all these things that his mother had told him but later finds out they were all false.
So the story is not just about the love between Connor and Margaret. There is suspense and intrigue as Connor and Grant Amesbury work together in proving who Lord Hennesy true killer is.
Alright, this is not my typical read. I do enjoy Regency/Victorian era books but this is not a Christian Fiction book that I am used to however this is a very wholesome clean read and I am definitely not opposed to those. There is a slight innuendo to something more when they are kissing but it doesn't result to anything and there was no graphic descriptions of anything.
If you like this genre then I definitely recommend this book. I suggest starting from the beginning too if you want to know the story between this whole family.
FTC Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from Prism Book Tours. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
The Key to Everything
by Valerie Fraser Luesse
Publisher: Revell
Genre: Fiction
About the Book
Peyton Cabot's fifteenth year will be a painful and transformative one. His father, the heroic but reluctant head of a moneyed Savahhah family, has come home from WWII a troubled vet, drowning his demons in bourbon and distancing himself from his son. A tragic accident shows Peyton the depths of his parents' devotion to each other but interrupts his own budding romance with the girl of his dreams.
Struggling to cope with a young life upended, Peyton makes a daring decision: He will retrace a journey his father took at fifteen, riding his bicycle all the way to Key West, Florida. Part declaration of independence, part search for self, Peyton's journey will bring him more than he ever could have imagined -- namely, the key to his unknowable father, a longed-for reunion, and a calling that will shape the rest of his life.
My Thoughts
What an amazing story by Valerie Fraser Luesse. The way she writes just completely brings the book to life. You definitely feel transported to that time frame and location. The cover of this book completely captivated me and the fact that it was mostly set in in my home state of Florida sold me on it. This story is absolutely beautiful.
The bulk of the story although mainly about Peyton and his journey to adulthood but it also interweaves the story of his mother Kate. This was done flawlessly. There are other characters we meet and they are great in shaping the story as well but I will keep those for you to find them as you are reading and focus on mainly Peyton.
Since Peyton was young he has heard the story of his father riding his bike from St. Augustine to Key West and he tells his cousins that one day he would like to do the same. So the whole time he has this wild idea on the back of his mind. His dad has a tragic freak accident and after having surgery, he wakes up and lets Kate knows that its time for Peyton to have an actual summer and head to St. Augustine to stay with Aunt Gert. There he learns a lot more about his father's past and how his mother and dad fell in love. He learns to drive a boat, get his boating license and all the time feeling this tug of taking that bike route his dad did years ago. Unfortunately Kate (Peyton's mom) comes to St. Augustine with the news that his dad has passed on so begins the bike journey for young Peyton.
First of all it was refreshing to see a young man of almost sixteen show such maturity in everything he does. I know this something that comes with that generation and its sad we don't see it more often in this day and age so I loved that because its the way we are raising our boys to be so focused on themselves but to learn from others. Peyton does that. Every person he encounters on his trek, he learns something from them. Every challenge he faces, he learns something from it as well. He builds this incredible network of people as he travels. He also sees what his father must have seen when he was on the journey and feels like he is starting to understand him a little more. I love this part from the book when he realizes what the purpose of the trip was:
" I don't think it makes sense to spend a lotta time worryin' about what other people think as long as you do what you believe is right. Everybody has a true them that they're meant to be."
While Peyton is traveling down to Key West, his mom is coming to terms of losing the love of her life. It is heartbreaking and you feel her loss. I think the author did a great job at describing the feeling of loss.
This story is more than just his journey there is also a love interest in this story. Lisa is the girl of Peyton dreams. It was beautiful to see how their love story unfolds and how it mimics the love story between Peyton's parents. If you are like me (a greedy reader) this story has a lovely epilogue that gives you a complete ending.
The story is definitely a clean read and in no way is it overly preachy or full of faith filled moments. I am a little disappointed in that just because its a book from a Christian publishing company so you would think it would have some aspect of Christianity in it but it did not. That being said it was an excellent book and I highly recommend it!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book as part of the Revell Reads Program. I was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Christian Book Affiliates program.
My Rating: 5 stars / loved it
(Affiliate Links)
About the Author
Valerie Fraser Luesse is an award-winning magazine writer best known for her feature stories and essays in Southern Living, where she is currently a senior travel editor. Her work has been anthologized in the audio collection Southern Voices and in A Glimpse of Heaven, an essay collection featuring works by C. S. Lewis, Randy Alcorn, John Wesley, and others. As a freelance writer and editor, she was the lead writer for Southern Living 50 Years: A Celebration of People, Places, and Culture. Specializing in stories about unique pockets of Southern culture, Luesse has published major pieces on the Gulf Coast, the Mississippi Delta, Louisiana's Acadian Prairie, and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Her editorial section on Hurricane Katrina recovery in Mississippi and Louisiana won the 2009 Writer of the Year award from the Southeast Tourism Society. Luesse earned her bachelor's degree in English at Auburn University in Auburn, Alabama, and her master's degree in English at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. She grew up in Harpersville, Alabama, a rural community in Shelby County, and now lives in Birmingham. To know more information on her books visit her website: https://www.valeriefraserluesse.com/
One Chance at Forever
by T.K. Chapin
Genre: Realistic Christian Fiction
Faithful Love Series, Book 2
About the Book
With a life marred by painful experiences, Abigail Walsh is just a good single mom trying her best. Though she has made her share of mistakes along the way, she trusts that God has a plan for her life and with the broken pieces of her heart. When she meets a man who stirs the depths of her soul, Abby hopes that he’s a gift from God, and not just another heartbreak waiting to happen.
For Wyatt Fuller, the last five years in Lincoln City has been a game of hiding from the heartache endured by losing the only woman he had ever loved. When he is not hiding, he longs to understand the real meaning of life. He longs to discover lasting beauty in a world that is passing away. A chance encounter with a man on a beach leads to meeting a woman who would challenge him to the core of who he is and what he knows to be true.
My Thoughts ⭐⭐⭐⭐
"The question everyone wants to ask shouldn't be, "Why do bad things happen? but instead, 'Why do good things happen to us, who are wicked sinners?' That's the real question"
Wowza!! That dialogue right there drew me even deeper into this book and I had to finish it as soon as possible. This story is well written and makes its point across flawlessly. The characters are personable and immediately you feel drawn to them.
Wyatt is a writer still reeling from the loss of his wife but mainly wrestling with these feelings of there being something more to life. That perhaps the God his wife talked about could be real. He wrestles with these thoughts for a while and meets Mac a homeless man on the beach. Mac is a believer and basically leads Wyatt on a path to find who God truly is. While on this path he meets Abigail who also is a believer and has had her shares of mistakes (aren't we thankful we serve a God of mercy and forgiveness?) but she helps Wyatt dig even deeper into the Word and helps him see that God is a God of mercy, grace, forgiveness and love. He lets things happen for a reason.
I love Mac in this story and tissues were needed at some points with him. I felt like he was the person that just put everything in motion for Wyatt. I truly believe that God puts people in our lives for that reason. To guide us to see Him clearer and truly understand things a little better. I remember when I started my walk with God and the people placed in my life so it was beautiful to see that in Mac.
The love story between Wyatt and Abigail is beautiful because it started as a solid friendship. Although she was very attracted to him she knew that nothing could happen between them unless he was equally yoked; meaning that He wholeheartedly believed in God. She didn't want to make the mistakes she made when she was younger.
This was wonderful, beautifully written book and I highly recommend it. Not only is this a great book for that friend who has approached you with questions about God's goodness amidst the world we are living in right now but it is a perfect reminder to us seasoned Christians as well who start to doubt especially in the times we are living at the moment.
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
About the Author
HHello Friends!
Congratulations to The Artsy Reader for celebrating the 10th Anniversary of Top Ten Tuesday! This week the topic is a freebie or a throwback to one of the 500 topics that have been covered in this past year and so I chose my Top Favorite Bookmarks! Granted that when I am reading I am combination of having an actual bookmark or grabbing the nearest piece of paper and using it as a bookmark. NEVER do I dog-ear a page... feels so wrong to do that! 😊 I do love looking at pretty bookmarks and I have found a few that I just need in my life like...
I love the shop AFineQuotation She has several bookmarks that I have on my wish list. She hand paints them! Isn't that cool? She also has some other items in her shop! You should check her out!
Being a Gilmore Girls I feel like this should be in my arsenal of bookmarks! So I definitely have this on my wishlist. This one is from the shop AliciaMarksIt
This one just caught my eye as I was looking through Etsy one day! I love this because most of the time the reason I need a bookmark is because I am feeling sleepy and I just can't go on! This one is from SilverLiningStamping and they have other items that are very cool
I love this one from the shop LaurenNaylorDesignCo I mean having a bookmark with the Classics Book Stack is amazing!
I don't gain anything from these shops if you visit them, I just love them. You should visit though and shop small business!
Forever Home
by Amy Grochowski
Publisher: Ambassador International
Amish of Prince Edward Island, Book 1
Summary ~
A Canadian Amish farmer
A Lancaster Amish businesswoman
A Prince Edward Island foster child
Providence brings together a mismatched family, giving all three a second chance for love. Only love may never have had such a tough job.
Lydia Miller is an anomaly among her Amish people-a single woman in her 30s, running her own store, determined to forge a life on her own. But when Joel Yoder comes into town to sell his property, Lydia suddenly finds all of her hopes and dreams crumbling around her and a new opportunity placed in her lap.
Joel has his own problems. Recently jilted by his fiancée, Joel has seen his own dreams of moving to a newly established Amish community begin to falter. The new community welcomes married couples only. With his dreams quickly slipping from his fingers, Joel suddenly sees the only option he thinks he has-a marriage of convenience for both of them.
As the new couple begins life in a new settlement, they are even more surprised when a foster child in need of a home finds her way to them. Yet what will happen when the English world and the Amish world collide?
A Lancaster Amish businesswoman
A Prince Edward Island foster child
Providence brings together a mismatched family, giving all three a second chance for love. Only love may never have had such a tough job.
Lydia Miller is an anomaly among her Amish people-a single woman in her 30s, running her own store, determined to forge a life on her own. But when Joel Yoder comes into town to sell his property, Lydia suddenly finds all of her hopes and dreams crumbling around her and a new opportunity placed in her lap.
Joel has his own problems. Recently jilted by his fiancée, Joel has seen his own dreams of moving to a newly established Amish community begin to falter. The new community welcomes married couples only. With his dreams quickly slipping from his fingers, Joel suddenly sees the only option he thinks he has-a marriage of convenience for both of them.
As the new couple begins life in a new settlement, they are even more surprised when a foster child in need of a home finds her way to them. Yet what will happen when the English world and the Amish world collide?
My Thoughts ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I absolutely loved this book!! From the first line it had me hooked!
"A sensible Amish woman aspired to marry, as Lydia Miller was reminded daily."
When I first started reading Christian fiction all I read was the Amish genre. I was obsessed with it but then I started discovering other genres in the Christian Fiction realm and stopped reading it so when I got the chance to review this book I was excited! Amy Grochowski made me fall in love with this genre all over again and I want more!
The genre is not the only thing that attracted me to this story. The setting of the story did as well! I mean Prince Edward Island is where me and the hubby honeymooned and it obviously holds a special place in my heart so when books are set there (which I haven't found many) I gravitate to them. (If you haven't been its a beautiful place plus its the setting of Anne of Green Gables and home of Lucy Maud Montgomery.)
Okay you don't want to hear all that....so let's go back to the story, The characters are very relatable. Lydia is considered the spinster by Amish standards, she has her own mind and runs her own business, all things that the Amish order she is part of somewhat frowns upon. She carries a huge burden with her and can't forgive herself for what has happened in her past because she doesn't truly know that God is the one that gives you that.
Joel is recently jilted and sees his plans for the future come to a standstill until he meets Lydia. He sees how wonderful, kind-hearted she is and feels bad that he has come to town to sell the house where she houses her business. He comes up with a marriage of convenience plan which both agree to and set out to Prince Edward Island.
The love story between Lydia and Joel is simply dreamy! I love the struggle they have within each other to actually realize that they are in love with each other. Grochowski almost makes it a bit comical on them figuring things out.
Two subjects that Grochowski really did well on and I think really outdid herself in was the topic of Autism and fostering. I know this is not a subject that the Amish really talk about and this story gives you an insight and an understanding that the Amish are real people.
God's redemption is throughout this story as well. The reminder that we are not bound by our past and that our life is completely in God's hands and not people or things that happen in this world is very evident in this story.
Amy Grochowski definitely has become one of my favorites and I will be looking for more of her writing! I cannot wait for the next book and see where these characters go. At least I hope that she brings them back!
FTC Disclosure: I received this book from author through the Just Read Tours program. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
About the Author ~
Amy's deep appreciation for the Amish faith and way of life stems from six years of living and working with a Beachy Amish family, as well as her own Anabaptist roots. Her debut novel, Forever Home, was a pre-published winner of Romance Writers of America's Maggie Award and a semi-finalist in ACFW's Genesis Contest. She is a member of Word Weavers Int'l and a published author of award-winning historical short fiction.
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of more than twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream career as an author of inspirational romance. She is also a full-time homeschool mom for her two boys, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder and lives with her family in the bustling foothills of North Carolina.
Amy spent her childhood in Melbourne, Australia, where her parents worked as church planters. After returning to the States, the Blue Ridge Mountains of Southwest Virginia became home. Her real life romance began on a travel nursing assignment to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she met her husband, David.
After a nursing career of more than twenty years, Amy is now fulfilling her long-awaited dream career as an author of inspirational romance. She is also a full-time homeschool mom for her two boys, one of whom has Autism Spectrum Disorder and lives with her family in the bustling foothills of North Carolina.
To learn more about Amy Grochowski, her books and receive a prequel of her one her stories visit her website: https://www.amygrochowski.com/
The Book Blogger Hop was originally created by Jennifer @Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer re-launched the hop on February 15th, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There is a weekly prompt featuring book related questions.
This week's question is:
Do you visit indie and or used bookstores? Also have you worked in any?
I do visit used and indie book stores! It is a thrill for me to be in a bookstore that's not a big box company, although those serve its purposes and I do shop in them, there is something so quaint about an independent used bookstore and the personal service they provide! We have several here in NC but one of my favorites that I frequent quite often is Dog Eared Books in Raleigh, NC. All their books are $1 and its always fun looking through their shelves! I have yet to leave there empty handed and my kids love that place as well!
I have never worked at a bookstore but that would be amazing! I know the bookstore I just mentioned does take in volunteers and hopefully once the craziness in our world comes to a somewhat normalcy they will resume the volunteer program.
What about you? Any good Indie Bookstores where you live? Let me know so I can jot them down so when I travel we can visit them!
Hello Friends and Happy Friday!!
It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books! I am in the midst of reading The Key of Everything by Valerie Frasier Luesse. Be on the lookout for the review on this book soon!
I'm on Chapter 12 so I am sharing the first line
from that chapter 😊!
My First Line:
Sometime during the night, it had begun to rain, a steady downpour pelting the tin roof of Aunt Gert's bungalow and lightly misting Peyton's face.
Your turn! What is your first line?
Grab the closest book to you and post the first line in the comments!
Hello friends!!
It's another Wondering Wednesday hosted by A Baker's Perspective ! Today we get to chat about music and go back to my teenage years! Oy!!
This weeks question is:
What did you listen to as a teenager? Do you still listen to it today?
Hmm... I like to think that we had amazing music back when I was a teenager but I am sure every generation thinks their music is best. I think I was in the band boy/Pop Era. I did listen to NKOTB, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, Mariah, Brittney, Spice Girls...the list goes on. I mean anything that was on the radio I would listen to and most of the time you will find me singing along when I am in the supermarket or shopping. (Yes, I've had a lot of people stare or even join a long as I can't help myself to sing along! 😀)
But if I am truly honest, I am an old soul...so even as a teenager I was listening to the Beach Boys, Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Lesley Gore etc... and to this day besides Christian Music that is the music you will find playing on my Amazon Music.
I would love to know what the answer to this question is for you! Drop it down in the comments!
Hello friends!!
You know I enjoy exploring different blogs and doing different types of challenges so today I am joining the Book Blogger Hop! It as originally created by Jennifer @Crazy-For-Books in March 2010 and ended on December 31, 2012. With Jennifer's permission, Billy @ Ramblings of a Coffee Addicted Writer re-launched the hop on February 15th, 2013. Each week the hop will start on a Friday and end the following Thursday. There is a weekly prompt featuring book related questions. I don't know if I will join in every week but when I can I will definitely give it a go! This also gives you chance to get to know me a little more! Since this hop runs from Monday- Thursday I may not always post on Mondays but I thought was a good day to introduce it to you guys!
This week's question is:
How do you keep track of books you will be reviewing or reading?
Depending on what type of book it is I keep track in different ways...
I use a digital planner, I love planners and when I taught school I was strictly pen and paper but now not so much so I went with a digital planner, called Artful Agenda, that somewhat lets me do the things I like to do in a paper planner such as stickers and stuff like that. *(If you are interested in getting the Artful Agenda make sure you use my referral code: RK31683)
I color code all my book reviews the same color or book tours I am participating in so that I remember when blog posts or Instagram posts are due. I check this daily just to make sure I am not lagging behind and I don't miss a post. That would be tragic!
If I am getting a hard copy of the book I have a special section of my book shelf in my room that I place those in so I am not looking all over the house for it when I am supposed to be reading it.
I keep track of what I am reading through Goodreads. I find this app very useful and handy when it comes to keeping track of what I am reading plus I enjoy doing the yearly book challenge!
My personal books I scan and use the app and website LibraryThing. It helps me not purchase multiples of copies I already own! Comes in very handy when I am at the bookstore or thrift store!
There you have it! A little insight on how I keep track of books!
Until Next Time! Happy Reading!💗
Happy Friday Friends!!
It's another First Line Friday hosted by Hoarding Books! I just started The Mayflower Bride by Kimberley Woodhouse. I typically read series in order and I am a stickler for doing so but I had gotten a few of the books in a book sale and started reading those and fell in love with the series. This is one of those series that you can read out of order although historically you may want to read them in order! I've only gotten the first chapter read on this one but I have a positive outlook that I will enjoy it!
My First Line
A splinter of wood pierced Mary Elizabeth Chapman's thumb as she crept behind her lifelong friend Dorothy Raynsford.
You're turn!! What is your first line?
Grab the book closest to you and post the first line in the comments!
by Jennifer Delamere
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Love Along the Wire Series, Book 1
Genre: Christian Historical Fiction
Releasing June 30th, 2020
Summary ~
Since she was young, Alice McNeil has seen success as a telegrapher as the best use for her keen and curious mind. Years later, she has yet to regret her freedom and foregoing love and marriage, especially when she acquires a coveted position at an important trading firm. But when the company’s ambitious junior director returns to London, things begin to change in ways Alice could never have imagined.
For Douglas Shaw, years of hard work and ingenuity enabled him to escape a life of grinding poverty. He’s also determined to marry into high society—a step that will ensure he never returns to the conditions of his past.
He immediately earns Alice’s respect by judging her based on her skills and not her gender, and a fast camaraderie forms. However, when Alice accidentally angers a jealous coworker and his revenge threatens both their reputations, Alice and Douglas are forced to confront what is truly important in their lives. Will their growing bond give them the courage to see the future in a different light?
My Thoughts ~ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
What a great book!! This is my first book by Jennifer Delamere and definitely did not disappoint!! II will definitely be adding her to my to-be-read authors list!! I absolutely loved this story. It was thoroughly engaging and had all those elements you look for in a story; love, a somewhat villainous character, comedy, disappointment and more love! Right away you can tell that the author has done extensive research to make this book come alive! It was interesting to relive that moment in history when technological improvements were just beginning.
The characters are very relatable and endearing. Both main characters Douglas and Alice are determined to make their own way into the world and be successful in what they do. For Alice that means being an independent woman, not focused on marriage or starting a family but rather focus on making herself a successful telegrapher. Douglas on the other hand has come from poverty so he is determined to make a name for himself in the business world and climb that corporate ladder in whatever way that may be even the possibility into marrying into a what most consider a noble family. That is until he meets Alice!
Oh my stars! Their love story is so good! It really all starts with a friendship and a bookstore! (How can you go wrong with a book that includes a book store?!) And seriously it all starts with a book she picks up from the bookstore called "The Spinster's Guide to Love and Romance". (which who knew that it s an actual book that Myrtle Reed wrote in 1901). I don't want to give you any spoilers but by picking up this book it causes Alice to come across many comical problems. They moments she encounters truly have you shaking your head and smirking!
There are some sweet moments as well with Douglas and Alice that are swoon worthy! Especially on one scene where Douglas taps out Thank You in Morse Code after Alice helps him to feel more confident with dancing! Gah!! You definitely fall in love with Douglas and are pulling for him the entire time!
Although the love element is great in this story, it's only part of it. Douglas and Alice are both on a journey. They are both learning what they truly want out of life. When Douglas meets with Mr. Carnegie (yes the Carnegie from our history books) he definitely has an eye-opening experience. He not only learns that Carnegie is a business minded person but that his outlook on wealth is not to accumulate it but rather help others with it. I love how he says this " No idol is more debasing than the worship of money. If a person is going to spend so much of their life's blood and sweat on something, it should be something that is elevating in character." Wow! That is a teaching moment not only for Douglas but I think of all of us as human beings as well!
Alice also goes through an eye opening experience of her own after she gets dismissed from her telegraphy job (this is where that somewhat villainous character comes in) and heads out to her parents wedding anniversary celebration where she hears her dad say "You have been my best life's work." All this time she has been thinking that her sole purpose was to stay unmarried and focus on her independence. She has never wanted to have that independent spirit to be taken away. She realizes after speaking with her mentor as well that all this time she has wanted "a man to whom she could safely entrust her heard and her hard-earned independence."
It was lovely to see these characters grow and learn about themselves throughout the story. Jennifer Delamere definitely left the story open for continuation as we were introduced to two of Alice's friends; Rose and Emma and I for one cannot wait to read their stories in hopes to also catch glimpses of Douglas and Alice!
FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
About the Author ~
A history fan, travel lover, and outdoor enthusiast, Jennifer Delamere writes tales of the past...and of new beginnings. Her debut novel An Heiress at Heart was an RWA RITA® award finalist, and her follow-up, A Lady Most Lovely, earned a starred review from Publishers Weekly and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned her B.A. in English from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, where she also gained fluency in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. An avid reader of both classic novels and historical fiction, she also enjoys biographies and histories, which she mines for the vivid details to bring to life the characters and places in her books. For more information on her books visit her website: https://jenniferdelamere.com/
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