Tag: book blogging

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FIRST LINE FRIDAY

FIRST LINE FRIDAY

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday hosted at Reading is my Super Power! It’s time to grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today I’m delighted to feature the first line of While the City Sleeps By Elizabeth Camden. She is one of my absolute go to authors for historical fiction.

And the first line is:

New York City April 1913

People were rarely in a good mood while in a dentist’s chair by Dr. Katherine Schneider’s patient was singing.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.

Katherine Schneider’s life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.

Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs.

Pub Date 13 Feb 2024

What do you think of my choice this week? Will you be reading this one?

Thank you for stopping in. I hope your day is great.

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Books from the Backlog

BOOKS FROM THE BACKLOG

Books from the Backlog hosted at Carole’s Random Life is a fun way to feature some of those neglected books sitting on your bookshelf unread.  If you are anything like me, you might be surprised by some of the unread books hiding in your stacks.

This week’s neglected book:

Pub Date 04 Mar 2021

ABOUT THE BOOK

Description

Sometimes the past won’t stay hidden, it demands to be uncovered…

Arthur Pettinger’s memory isn’t what it used to be. He can’t always remember the names of his grandchildren, where he lives or which way round his slippers go. He does remember Maryse though, a woman he hasn’t seen for decades, but whose face he will never forget.

When Arthur’s granddaughter, Maddy moves in along with her daughter Esther, it’s her first step towards pulling her life back together. But when Esther makes a video with Arthur, the hunt for the mysterious Maryse goes viral.

There’s only one person who can help Maddy track down this woman – the one that got away, Joe. Their quest takes them to France, and into the heart of the French Resistance.

When the only way to move forwards is to look back, will this family finally be able to?

Why did I add The Forgotten life of Arthur Pettinger to my shelf?

Historical fiction has always fascinated me, and I very much enjoy learning about past history. Besides this one I have many historical fiction books to read. This is another book from my 2021 NetGalley shelf which I am making a big effort to get ALL of them read this year.

Does this book sound like one you would read?

Thank you for stopping in today. Enjoy your day.

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WWW WEDNESDAY

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WWW WEDNESDAY

The Three Ws are:

What are you currently reading?
What did you recently finish reading?
What do you think you’ll read next?

Note: For users of Blogspot blogs, I’m unable to comment on your posts as a WordPress blogger unless you’ve enabled Name/URL comments. This is a known WordPress/Blogspot issue. Please consider enabling this to participate.

 Hosted on Taking on a World of Words. Just answer the three questions below and leave a link to your post in the comments for others to look at. No blog? No problem! Just leave a comment with your responses. 

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING

WHAT DID YOU RECENTLY FINISH READING

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’LL READ NEXT

What I’m reading next is always subject to change and these many not even be what I read next. It all depends on what challenges I’m doing and which books I need to read next for authors.

What do you think of my selections? Will you be reading any of these?

Have a great day thanks for stopping in today.

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A BREATH OF FRESH AIR BLOG TOUR By Jessica Redland

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Breath of Fresh Air

Rosie feels like there’s something missing in her life.She loves her job as the manager of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, caring for the horses and teaching children to ride, and she loves the home she shares with her mother in the beautiful Lake District. But she can’t help wondering how her life might look if things had been different. What if her father had been around to help care for her mother? And what if she’d found someone special herself?

When Hubert Cranleigh – the owner of Willowdale Hall – is taken ill, his son Oliver steps into the breach. Brooding and distant, Rosie is furious when he claims not to know who she is. Especially when they have a history.

Rosie’s life is about to be turned upside down, but with the New Year comes new opportunities. What Rosie feels is missing from her life might be closer than she thinks, and with more significant consequences than she could ever have imagined…

Take a breath of fresh air and escape to the Lake District with million-copy bestseller Jessica Redland, for an uplifting story of family, friendship and love.

Purchase Links – https://mybook.to/freshairsocial

MY THOUGHTS

This is the second book in the Escape to the Lakes series by Jessica Redland. The author writes such brilliant books, I especially loved her hedgehog series. Another animal series would be most welcome. Recently I read her cat Christmas book, recommended.

As you can probably see by my words, I really enjoy this author’s writing. The author’s books are uplifting, full of energy, love, and community. I really enjoyed the setting of Willowdale Hall Riding Stables, the horses all sounded so lovely. Riding anyone? I want to visit Willowdale Hall, the lovely estate along with Willowdale Hall Riding Stables on the property Rosie and her mom live on.

I liked the characters a lot in this book, except for one, not too nice person. This is Rosie and her moms’ story but also Rosie and Oliver’s story. This is about how Rosie and Oliver meet again after some years. There book has such a connection between past and present, it’s evident right away. Some mistakes and misunderstandings in the past are still influencing present happenings.

The story is full of love, compassion, understandings, helping others in their time of need and you know the characters will continue to be there in the future for each other when help is needed. Some big secrets are revealed, and I think that’s good, it explains a lot and helps the characters to progress in life.

There is a cliff hanger at the very end, and I can’t wait to read the next book to see how this is revolved.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

AUTHOR BIO

Jessica Redland writes emotional but uplifting stories of love, friendship, family and community. Her Whitsborough Bay books transport readers to the stunning North Yorkshire Coast where she lives with her husband, daughter and sprocker spaniel. Her Hedgehog Hollow series, set in a hedgehog rescue centre, takes readers into the beautiful rolling countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

Social Media Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004465368404

Twitter https://twitter.com/JessicaRedland

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jessicaredlandauthor/

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/JessicaRedlandNews

Bookbub profile: Jessica Redland Books – BookBub

Thanks for visiting the blog today and your kind words. Enjoy your day.

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It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? a place to meet up and share what you have been, and are about to be reading over the week. It’s a great post to organise yourself. It’s an opportunity to visit and comment and er… add to your groaning TBR pile! 

WHAT I READ LAST WEEK

CURRENTLY READING

upcoming blog tour

upcoming blog tour

NEXT UP ON THE READING LIST

My ankle still hurts like anything when I try to hobble to the bathroom. I’m to follow up with my family dr in 3-5 days. It doesn’t hurt as much when I am stationary though. I am getting some reading done though, when I can stay awake. What’s your reading list looking like this week? Have you read any of these titles?

Thanks for stopping in. Be true to yourself. be strong

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Blog Tour for Love Letters on Hazel Lane

ABOUT THE BOOK

Scrabble fan Jo always seems to pick the wrong guys. Now she’s moved to the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick, and decided to give dating one last chance. This time, there’s a catch: she will only date men whose names would score highly in her beloved word game.

After Tarquin (16 points) proves just as disappointing as the rest, she meets low-scoring local doctor Ras (3 points). Her rules mean she can’t date him – but when he asks her to organise a Scrabble festival with him, she can’t say no.

As the event draws nearer and Jo and Ras grow closer, will Jo ignore her rule and let true love blossom over the triple letter scores

Purchase Link – https://amzn.eu/d/buZJ9yb

MY THOUGHTS

After reading A Little Board Game Cafe I was delighted to see another board game-based book by the author. And so quickly as well. The board game cafe idea is fresh and bright, not a subject that has been rehashed many times over in books.


From the author’s writing I’m going to make the deduction she loves writing
because her books are so fun and original, she loves board games and loves to see others happy in their romance when they find the right person for themselves.


You’ve got to admit the cover is really cute and the font used to spell out ‘Love Letters’ in the title is a perfect match for a book loosely based on scrabble games.


After escaping a controlling man in her marriage Jo is ready to make a new start in the Yorkshire village of Hebbleswick and possibly give dating one last chance. She enjoys playing Scrabble, but to say that may be an understatement. She enjoys Scrabble so much she only dates guys that have names that score highly in her favorite game, Scrabble. When she becomes interested in a man with a name that scores low, she couldn’t possibly date him. Asking her to organize a Scrabble festival with him she figures, sure, what will it hurt?


I loved seeing the character growth, especially Jo, she becomes self-assured, willing to try new things and stand up for herself.
Ras is such a positive influence in Jo’s life. His character is warm, compassionate and he goes the extra mile with Jo helping her to become the best person she can be.


The many Scrabble games were so fun to read about, and the town loved coming together to play. I loved seeing the fellowship the game created and how the lonely characters were no longer lonely. It was a lovely way to bond.
Loved this book and all its characters and greatly look forward to more board game books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Author Bio – Jennifer Page wrote her first novel – a book about ponies – when she was eight. These days she prefers to write romance. When she isn’t writing, Jennifer can usually be found playing board games which are the inspiration for her first novel. She has worked as a television producer, a music teacher and has even run a children’s opera company. She now lives near Hebden Bridge in West Yorkshire with her husband and his large collection of games.

Social Media Links –

Home

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferPagewrites/

https://www.instagram.com/jenniferpagewrites/

Have a splendid day. Thanks for visiting.

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The Women of Pearl Island 

350 pages Harlequin Trade Publishing Park Row December 7, 2021 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Set on a secluded island off the British coast, The Women of Pearl Island is a moving and evocative story of family secrets, natural wonders and a mystery spanning decades.

When Tartelin answers an ad for a personal assistant, she doesn’t know what to expect from her new employer, Marianne, an eccentric elderly woman. Marianne lives on a remote island that her family has owned for generations, and for decades her only companions have been butterflies and tightly held memories of her family.

But there are some memories Marianne would rather forget, such as when the island was commandeered by the British government during WWII. Now, if Marianne can trust Tartelin with her family’s story, she might finally be able to face the long-buried secrets of her past that have kept her isolated for far too long.

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MY THOUGHTS

I’ve had The Women of Pearl Island on my shelf for over 2 years and now that I’ve read it, I regret waiting so long.

This is a different read, an ending I couldn’t possibly have seen coming. A story that is a time slip, taking place in two time periods, 2018 and 1955. Set on a secluded island off the British coast, there are secrets, lots of secrets. You really feel locked in while reading this as it’s so hard to put down.

A young woman is hired as a personal assistant to an elderly woman who’s lived on this secluded island all of her life. There were family members at one time, now she lives with memories of the past and butterflies.


As we slide back and forth in the time periods the book takes on a surreal and mystical quality during the old lady’s musings when the past comes to life. The atmosphere changes as the book progresses but there is a foreboding feeling hovering over the book. The cover will fool you into thinking the book is one way, but the inside is different than you could imagine.


The author is very talented, and the presentation is excellent. You can vividly imagine the two time periods. A compelling read that will have more searching for more by this author.

Pub Date 07 Dec 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Polly Crosby grew up on the Suffolk coast, and now lives with her husband and son in the heart of Norfolk.

Polly’s third novel, Vita & the Birds, came out in May this year. Her first novel for young adults, This Tale is Forbidden – a dystopian fractured fairytale with hints of the Brother’s Grimm and The Handmaid’s Tale – is out in January next year with Scholastic.

In 2018, Polly won Curtis Brown Creative’s Yesterday Scholarship, which enabled her to finish her debut novel, The Illustrated Child. Later the same year, she was awarded runner-up in the Bridport Prize’s Peggy Chapman Andrews Award for a First Novel. Polly received the Annabel Abbs Creative Writing Scholarship at the University of East Anglia.

Polly can be found on Twitter, Instagram & Tiktok as @WriterPolly

Website: pollycrosby.com

Have a wonderful weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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Christmas Wishes at Pudding Hall: A gorgeous Christmas romance to sweep you off of your feet!

281 pages Aria publisher September 2,2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Wrap yourself in the taste of Christmas with this fantastic festive romance!

Christa Playfoot is looking for a fresh start after her divorce. Having lost her Michelin-starred restaurant, she hadn’t expected to be job hunting and single just before Christmas, so when her best friend says she’s recommended her for a gig as a private chef over the Christmas period, she can’t think of a reason to say no…

Christa has no idea what to expect but it’s certainly not grumpy billionaire divorcee Marc Ferrier and his rambunctious twin sons, or the beautiful but cheerless country estate, Pudding Hall, that they inhabit.

With her knack for pouring love into her cooking, Christa is determined to make this Christmas sparkle for the Ferrier family and maybe get her life back on track in the process…

Winter cookies recipe

MY THOUGHTS

Christmas Wishes at Pudding Hall by Kate Forster is a warm, wonderful and festive book.
I enjoyed all the feelings of a warm holiday get together with characters that cared about each other. Out of a job and single isn’t the way anyone wants to spend the holidays but that’s a former Michelin-starred restaurant owner’s reality. Then her best friend recommended her for position of private chef over the Christmas period. This is for grumpy rich divorcee Marc Ferrier and his rambunctious twin sons at their prestigious country estate, Pudding Hall. The descriptions of Pudding Hall, it’s lovely decorations and the landscape sound exquisite. Filled with delicious sounding recipes. Christa succeeds at her private chef’s job, but can she bring the holiday spirit to the grump and his twin boys? Enjoyed reading about the delicious sounding foods being made because you can’t have the holidays without trying new foods and recipes. The twins were adorable and so lively.
Another book from an author that guarantees a nice feel-good read and I’ll be looking for more reads by this author.

Pub Date 02 Sep 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kate lives in Melbourne, Australia with her husband, two children and two dogs, and can be found nursing a laptop, surrounded by magazines and watching trash TV or French films. Kate is the author of the adult novels; The Perfect Location, The Perfect Retreat, Seduction, Close Up, Picture Perfect and For the Love of Christmas. She has also written five young adult romance books including; Unlucky Break, Head over High Heels, Beauty and the Beat, Piece of Cake and Twice Upon a Time.

Thanks for stopping in. May your day be blessed with goodness.

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When Hattie Finds Love: Heartwarming Amish romance set in Missouri (Paradise Valley Book 4)

286 pages Zebra Books November 28,2023 publish date grab a copy here

ABOUT THE BOOK

Hattie Schrock’s lively optimism makes her the Widows Club’s most outgoing member. The circle has helped her through widowhood—and in building a thriving popcorn shop with her cousin. So when Elsie bets Hattie that she can’t help Paradise Valley’s most cantankerous man learn to be happier, Hattie tackles the challenge head-on. But what can she do when she finds Christian Beachy is far more complicated—and appealing—than she thought?
 
Christian lives his faith through hard work, supporting his overbearing sister, and growing the Valley’s best vegetables. After all, a good Amish man should be dedicated to duty. Yet suddenly, Hattie’s warm-hearted attentions and knack for unexpected adventures is showing him life can be so much more—especially if Hattie can share it with him. But when he discovers her wager, can she and the Widows Club ever convince him that her growing love is the real thing—and that risking together forever will be the sweetest, most fulfilling chance of all?

MY THOUGHTS

The Paradise Valley series by Amy Lillard is one of my favorite Amish series. This is the fourth one in the series and I’ve read them all. There is just something about the author’s books, the characters are fun and realistic, the charming setting makes you want to visit, and the foods all sound so delicious. This one has me carving buttered popcorn, which I’m going to make myself some right now.

I enjoy having the character carry over from other books in the series. It’s always nice to read about characters we are already familiar with and get an update. This one had a mention of the boy in the wheelchair, and I was glad to see an update on him.


Paradise Valley, Missouri continues on as the setting for the Paradise Valley series as we see a return of the ladies from the Whoopie Pie Widows Club. The ladies are widows who help each other through their grieving the loss of a spouse with friendship, spending time together and baking together and great encouragement.


Member Hattie is an optimistic person, seemingly always cheerful and when she gets challenged, she meets it head on. Her challenge is to get cankerous Christian Beachy, a widow to smile. Upon further inspection, she thinks this may not have been her smartest move agreeing to the challenge. As their time together increases, will his smiles also start to blossom with her outgoing personality?


Looking forward to more heartwarming stories by the author.

November 28,2023 publication date.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

FREE AMY BOOK

published

December 10, 2023 grab here

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family…and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are definitely high on the list.

Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, two spoiled cats, and one very lazy beagle. Oh, and don’t forget the stray kitty that has taken up residence on her front porch. ^..^

When she’s not creating quirky characters and happy endings, she’s chauffeuring her prodigy to guitar lessons, orchestra concerts and baseball practice. She has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework.

Amy also writes contemporary romances under the pen name Amie Louellen.

An award winning author, Amy is a member of RWA and ACFW. She loves to hear from readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram, Google+, Twitter, Goodreads, and Pinterest. For links to the various sites, check her website: http://www.amylillardbooks.com.

Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping in.

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Stalking Around the Christmas Tree (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery Book 4)

282 pages Crooked Lane Books October 17, 2023 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Tis the season to solve a murder—and innkeeper Holly White knows she’ll have to make her list and check it twice if she wants to catch the killer in the 4th Christmas Tree Farm mystery from bestselling author Jacqueline Frost.

For inn keeper Holly White, Christmas time in Mistletoe, Maine, is the ultimate holiday gift. Business at the Reindeer Games Inn is booming, her wedding to Sheriff Evan Gray is nearly here, and the annual parade is about to begin. The town is lucky to have another gift this year with the state’s ballet company staying for several performances of The Nutcracker. But disaster strikes when Tiffany, the lead ballerina, shows up dead on a float during the parade, the Rat King’s mask nearby. Holly will have to spruce up her sleuthing skills if she wants to catch the killer before Christmas—and her wedding day.

Immediately, Holly discovers that Tiffany had more than a few secrets. She finds out that the star of the show had a super fan that no one knows anything about. And the show’s understudy slips some other intriguing information Holly’s way: not only was Tiffany secretly seeing someone romantically, but there seems to be more than one rat in this company. When Holly discovers a secret passage leading to Tiffany’s dressing room, with footprints leading out; she wonders if this is evidence of a secret lover—or a stalking killer.

MY THOUGHTS

The Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series is one of my favorites.
I just love this series, in one of the previous books it focused on the Christmas tree farm, it was such a wonderful book.

Now there is a gift shop/bakery and its totally Christmas related. How can you go wrong with a town named Mistletoe. Mistletoe is in Maine, with lots of snow there’s no worries about the town’s folks getting into the holiday spirit.


Inn keeper Holly White is one busy lady, the ladies from the Nutcracker ballet are staying at Holly’s Reindeer Games Inn while practicing for their big show and on top of that she’s planning a wedding this Christmas. When a ballet dancer is discovered dead the investigation starts.


When it’s discovered that the ballet dancer is hiding more than a few things could those secrets have led to her death? I remember Sheriff Evan Gray in the other books, now he’s about to be a married man with his Christmas wedding.

With a terrible murder to investigate right before their wedding will Evan and Holly’s wedding plans go on as planned or will they blow away in the freezing cold wind?
I’ll be on the lookout for more books in this intriguing holiday mystery series.

Pub Date 17 Oct 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jacqueline Frost is a mystery-loving pet enthusiast who hopes to make readers smile. She lives in rural Ohio with her husband and three spunky children. Jacqueline is a member of the International Thriller Writers (ITW) and Sisters in Crime (SinC).

I hope your day is going well. Thank you for stopping in.