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TOP TEN TUESDAY

TOP TEN TUESDAY

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at That Artsy Reader Girl. This week’s topic is books I meant to get to in 2023. These are all books publishing in 2023 or before. Do you see any books here that you’ve read or can recommend I zip up to the top of my list?

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BOOKS I MEANT TO GET TO LAST YEAR BUT HAVEN’T ……… YET

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

Few writers evoke the complexities of the heart and the gritty fascination of the American South as vividly as Donna Everhart, whose lyrical new novel, set against the background of the Great Depression, is a powerful story of courage, survival, and friendship…

Lady Sophia Huntington Villiers is no stranger to intrigue, as her work with Alan Turing’s Bombe Machines at Bletchley Park during the war attests. Now, as part of Simon Barre’s covert team in post-war Vienna, she uses her inimitable charm and code name Starling to infiltrate the world of relics: uncovering vital information that could tilt the stakes of the mounting Cold War. When several influential men charge her with finding the death mask of Mozart, Sophie wonders if there is more than the composer’s legacy at stake and finds herself drawn to potential answers in Prague.

The scent of roses is in the air while romance blooms in this gorgeously escapist Scottish-set love story, about finding your way back to the one you’ve never forgotten… Sure to capture the hearts of readers who love Debbie Macomber, Carolyn Brown and Fern Michaels.

In the spirit of Lisa Jewell and Kate Morton, an emotional mystery set in the rugged remote landscape of north Cornwall full of dark secrets and twists, about three unusual sisters forced to confront the past.

In a deeply emotional novel of family, cultural heritage, and forgiveness, estranged sisters wrestle with the choices they’ve made and confront circumstances beyond their control.

Mad Honey is a riveting novel of suspense, an unforgettable love story, and a moving and powerful exploration of the secrets we keep and the risks we take in order to become ourselves.

AN EARTH SHATTERING SECRET. A LIFE-CHANGING LOVE STORY.

A propulsive retelling inspired by the Greek myth of Medea

Calcutta, 1757.

Bengal is on the brink of war. The East India Company, led by the fearsome Sir Peter Chilcott, are advancing and nobody is safe. Meena, the Nawab’s neglected and abused daughter, finds herself falling under the spell of James Chilcott, nephew of Sir Peter, who claims he wants to betray the company . . . for a price.

Victoria Benton Frank, daughter of the beloved late writer Dorothea Benton Frank, spirits us away to summer in the South Carolina Lowcountry with a tale of family bonds that is spicy and heartfelt.

Readers of Eve Chase, Kate Morton, and Anita Frank will devour this bewitchingly atmospheric, melancholy modern ghost story set in the lush hills of England’s Lake District. There, a solitary women’s quiet life spent in her crumbling ancestral manor house with the company of a child’s ghost is dramatically interrupted when her estranged sister returns to share a horrific story of cruelty and desperation from decades earlier…

Mexican Gothic meets Outlander in this spellbinding, atmospheric timeslip debut novel, as a woman struggling with her mental health spends the winter with her cruel in-laws in their eerie, haunting manor that sweeps her back through time and into the arms of her fiancé’s mysterious, alluring 19th century ancestor.

More than 10 but who’s counting, right? Which should I move up on my list? Any you wouldn’t recommend? Thanks for stopping in. Have a wonderful day.

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Blog Tour for Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock by Hannah Lynn

ABOUT THE BOOK

Coffee and Cake at Wildflower Lock

Home is where the coffee is…

Daisy May is embarking on a new chapter of her life as a permanent resident at the idyllic Wildflower Lock. Determined to seize this second chance she’s been granted, Daisy is putting her all into making her new business venture a success. As her friendship with Theo grows ever stronger, her happily ever after seems within reach.

However, life isn’t always smooth sailing. When a string of unfortunate mishaps and an unruly stag party leaves Daisy’s finances in dire straits, she starts to question her decision to launch a coffee shop. But just when she’s nearly lost hope, the mysterious and generous Christian enters her life. Astute and eager to assist Daisy, he proposes a solution that could be the answer to all her problems… or will it be the beginning of even more challenges.

Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/coffeewildflowersocial

MY THOUGHTS

This is my first read by Hannah Lynn and I also see it’s the second book in the series. Despite being the second book in the series, I enjoyed it a lot and don’t feel like I’ve missed any understanding of the story.

Our main character Daisy lives on a houseboat she has inherited on a canal. She has a startup business, a coffee shop and she’s gung-ho to get started serving customers and learning how to make these specialty drinks that make these coffee shops so popular. She also enjoys art a lot and has sold a few paintings but nothing serious minded, she just dabbles in it and doesn’t expect to make a lot of money doing this.

Without the funds to run the coffee shop she feels her dreams slipping away then she has the perfect opportunity to showcase her art at a fundraiser and she jumps at the chance never expecting to be half as popular as it was. The houseboat dwellers aren’t really friendly, but she meets another houseboat dweller named Theo and they have a friendship and feel very comfortable around each other.

Theo is down to earth and always encouraging of Daisy. When she meets the man who will help her with the fundraiser her head is turned. He’s a flashy dresser, handsome and seems to have an endless supply of cash. He seems to also have Daisy’s best interest. When both men are vying for her attention, she feels confused and not sure who to choose in this dramatic love triangle.

I wasn’t sure who she would choose because she seemed to be enjoying the attention of both men before one gives her an ultimatum. I am so glad she chose who she did because I saw red flags in the one gentleman’s behavior. A fun and energetic book that leaves me wanting to read more by this author. I also enjoyed the setting of the story taking place on a houseboat. A floating coffeeshop, how neat is that!

Pub Date 22 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

Author Bio –

Hannah Lynn is the author of over twenty books spanning several genres. As well as signing a new romantic fiction series, Boldwood will be republishing the first of her bestselling Sweet Shop series, inspired by her Cotswolds childhood, The Sweet Shop of Second Chances in April 2023.

Social Media Links –  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HannahLynnAuthor

Twitter https://twitter.com/HMLynnauthor

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

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

Bookbub profile: Hannah Lynn Books – BookBub

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The Forgotten Life of Arthur Pettinger: absolutely heartbreaking World War 2 historical fiction 

425 pages Aria publisher March 4, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The secrets of the past won’t remain hidden forever…

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?

France Forests Waterfalls Jura Franche Comte Rays Of Light Stream Nature 

MY THOUGHTS

I added this to my list in 2021 and haven’t read it until now because I knew it would be a heartbreaker. Turns out I was correct. Some things in life you can never actually prepare yourself for properly despite having an inkling of what they’re about. This is one of those things.

My grandmother had dementia and passed away in 2004, we were very close. Our main character Arthur who is in his nineties also has this dreaded disease.
This is a time slip novel and we visit the 1940’s during Arthur’s time in the war and also modern times with Arthur now being in his nineties.


Arthur’s granddaughter has taken care of him for six months and the stress of it is too much for her and she is no longer willing to be his caretaker. She calls his other granddaughter who is divorced and has an 11-year-old daughter. The daughter plays a prominent role in the story but more in a bit about this. His new caretaker is compassionate and caring towards the old man.

Still times are rough with his confusion, forgetting what things are called and forgetting how to do basic things. Evenings are the worse as “sundowners” appears, he is confused, wanders the house and is agitated. Arthur has a scrapbook of his wartime memories including lots of photographs. The young girl and her great grandfather bond over the scrapbook and she sees pictures of a beautiful woman who turns out to be his war time love. Unfortunately, he was sent home away from his love. He may have forgotten many things but not her.

This child tries with the help of others to find this woman from many years ago for her grandfather to make him happy. Along the way we get another surprise. Told in alternating viewpoints, we easily see the anguish Arthur experiences as he has to leave his love in France and return to England and the lifelong effect it has had on him.
My heart was broken reading this but by the time I done reading it, it was healed again. Beautiful, and highly recommended.

Publication date 04 Mar 2021.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Suzanne writes historical fiction, predominantly dual timeline and set in France. Her books feature courageous women in extraordinary circumstances with love and family at the heart of all the stories.

Suzanne also writes mystery and suspense as Sue Fortin where she is a USA Today bestseller and Amazon UK #1 and Amazon US #3 bestseller. She has sold over a million copies of her books and been translated into multiple languages.

Is this a book you would read? Thank you for stopping in. I hope your day is blessed with all good things.

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The Sunday Post and Sunday Salon

THE SUNDAY SALON AND SUNDAY POST

The Sunday Salon is a place to link up and share what we have been doing during the week plus it’s a great way to visit other blogs and join in the conversations going on there. 

The Sunday Post is a blog news meme hosted at Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on your blog for the week ahead. Join in weekly, bi-weekly or for a monthly wrap up. 

Thank you again for all your kind words, well wishes and prayers. Some days I feel energetic and positive about things and other days are not as easy. Today is two weeks in out of six when I should be healed. I am walking and doing ankle exercises every day and it’s not always easy but do them I must. I am tired of being in bed but if I sit in a chair or on the couch it’s very painful to get up because I need to use both feet to balance myself to get up. As I write this, I am on the couch downstairs, hopefully it’s not too much getting up. The weather is so cold and windy, and we’ve had snow every so often and expect more Wednesday. I’ve been out four times since getting hurt, 3 times to the dr and once to go in a grocery store. It wasn’t too bad as I was pushing the cart, so it supported me. I just haven’t felt up to going out more than that. I hope all is well with you and I enjoy reading all your comments.

READ LAST WEEK

CURRENTLY READING

I’ll continue to do the Daily Prompt for the rest of the month and then decide if I’ll continue it into February. I’m not sure what memes I’ll do on the blog next week. I have 2 blog tours to post next week: one on the 22 and one of the 25th.

I hope you all have a great week. Thanks for stopping in and let me know if you’ve read any of these books.

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Stacking the Shelves

STACKING THE SHELVES

Stacking the Shelves is hosted at Reading Reality and is a place to show off the new books we’ve received in the past week.

NETGALLEY GRABS THIS WEEK

MAILBOX GOODIES

LIBRARY CHECKOUTS

None. With my injured ankle it’s too much to attempt for now.

What new have you stacked on your shelves this week?

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A Season of Harvest (Leah’s Garden Book #4): (A Christian Historical Romance Fiction Family Saga Set in Late 1860’s Nebraska) 

336 pages Bethany House Publishers January 30,2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Can her dreams for the future–and a budding romance–survive the trouble that comes calling?

Larkspur Nielsen is determined to keep her family homestead running and to fulfill their dream of starting a seed catalog, with or without her siblings’ help. With Isaac McTavish back in town, Lark finds herself at odds with her own heart and her determination to shoulder the burden of carrying her responsibilities alone. But Isaac is set on convincing her that he’s here to stay and she doesn’t have to carry everything by herself.

As a new romance blossoms between Lilac and an old schoolmate and the other Nielsen sisters are busy caring for their families, Lark bears more and more responsibility on the farm. When a long-feared threat returns and Lark approaches the breaking point, the life she has always dreamed of is in danger of disappearing forever.

MY THOUGHTS

A Season of Harvest is the fourth book in the Leah’s Garden series. The series is about 4 sisters, all named after flowers.
The sisters have really faced some hardships in life and despite them not always agreeing with each on everything, when in a bind they are always there for each other.
The author has a flair for writing historical fiction that feels real. I could picture many of the things taking place in my mind during this time period. The books and situations are not fancy or full of pretense, in one situation a woman’s dress drags in the dirt. Very realistic for this time period.
We can feel the tension in many of the scenes but despite this the sisters keep their strong faith.
It’s so easy to get lost in the long-ago times written here centering around family, faith and unconditional love.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House through Interviews & Reviews for my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Award-winning and best selling author Lauraine Snelling began living her dream to be a writer with her first published book for young adult readers, Tragedy on the Toutle, in 1982. She has since continued writing more horse books for young girls, adding historical and contemporary fiction and nonfiction for adults and young readers to her repertoire. All told, she has over eighty books published with more than 4 million copies in print.

Shown in her contemporary romances and women’s fiction, a hallmark of Lauraine’s style is writing about real issues of forgiveness, loss, domestic violence, and cancer within a compelling story. Her work has been translated into Norwegian, Danish, and German, and she has won the Romantic Times Career Achievement award for Inspirational Fiction, the Silver Angel Award for An Untamed Land and a Romance Writers of America Golden Heart for Song of Laughter.

As a sought after speaker, Lauraine encourages others to find their gifts and live their lives with humor and joy. Her readers clamor for more books more often, and Lauraine would like to comply … if only her paintbrushes and easel didn’t call quite so loudly.

Lauraine and her husband, Wayne, have two grown sons, and live in the Tehachapi Mountains with a watchdog Basset named Winston. They love to travel, most especially in their forty-foot motor coach, which they affectionately deem “a work in progress”.

Have you read this author yet, or would you?

Enjoy your weekend. Thanks for stopping in.

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 Blog Tour for The Secret Pianist by Andie Newton

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Secret Pianist

Sisters. Traitors. Spies.

When a British RAF Whitley plane comes under fire over the French coast and is forced to drop their cargo, a spy messenger pigeon finds its way into unlikely hands…

The occupation has taken much from the Cotillard sisters, and as the Germans increase their forces in the seaside town of Boulogne-sur-Mer, Gabriella, Martine and Simone can’t escape the feeling that the walls are closing in.

Yet, just as they should be trying to stay under the radar, Martine’s discovery of a British messenger pigeon leads them down a new and dangerous path. Gaby would do anything to protect her sisters but when the pianist is forced to teach the step-daughter of a German Commandant, and the town accuses the Cotillards of becoming ‘Bad French’ and in allegiance with the enemy, she realizes they have to take the opportunity to fight back that has been handed to them.

Now, as the sisters’ secrets wing their way to an unknown contact in London, Gaby, Martine and Simone have to wonder – have they opened a lifeline, or sealed their fate?

Readers can’t get enough of USA Today bestselling author Andie Newton:

‘A brilliant tale of resistance, sisterhood and dangerous secrets. Andie Newton is a master storyteller!’ Sara Ackerman, USA Today bestselling author of The Codebreaker’s Secret

‘If you believe every WW2 story has already been told, think again. This one is special.’ Paulette Kennedy, bestselling author of The Witch of Tin Mountain

MY THOUGHTS

The Secret Pianist is historical fiction at its finest. Sisters Gaby, Martine and Simone Cotillard live in northern France. After their aunt passed away, they continue to live in her house and run her seamstress shop as they are accomplished seamstresses themselves.

When we think of war animals we think of horses and dogs, this one involves carrier spy pigeons. A common enough thing used during the war; the pigeons were trained to carry secret messages to a set destination. One of the sisters finds a British messenger pigeon that had dropped from a plane involved in Operation Columbia. She and her sisters decide the keep the pigeon and use it to send messages back to London.

The book had so many twists and turns I hadn’t seen coming. When there is a terrific hardship such as this neighbors turn on neighbors. Who can you trust, who is ready to turn you in to the Germans.

Each sister has a backstory and plays an important role in the story Gabriella is an accomplished pianist and has been made to give piano lessons to the Commandant’s stepdaughter, which of course gets the neighbor’s tongues wagging.

The book is so detailed, I could vividly picture all that was going on. Some surprising things happened that I wouldn’t have expected. Well-developed characters, I could feel my heart beating faster as I read. Tension, tenacity, suspense and a slight bit of romance. Based on true occurrences and well researched.

Excellent book, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. I’m on the hunt for more books by this author.

Pub Date 12 Jan 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Purchase Links

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/47WCr2t

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3SEGjzL

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3Esf2Iy

VISIT OTHER BLOGS ON THE TOUR

Author Bio –

Author Bio: Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of A Child for the Reich, The Girls from the Beach, The Girl from Vichy, and The Girl I Left Behind. She lives in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family. When she’s not writing gritty war stories about women, you can usually find her trail-running in the desert and stopping to pet every Yellow Lab or Golden Retriever that crosses her path. Andie is actively involved with the reading and writing community on social media. You can follow her on X (Twitter) @andienewton and Instagram, or check out her author page on Facebook.

Social Media Links –

(Twitter) @andienewton, Instagram, Facebook.

Publisher links:

One More Chapter:

TwitterX

Instagram

HarperCollinsUK:

Twitter

Instagram

HarperCollins360 US:

TwitterX

Instagram

Thanks for stopping in. Enjoy your day.

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Some fun and festive holidays reviews for you: Christmas at the Little Knitting Box (New York Ever After Book 1) and The Best Christmas Ever

296 pages Headline Accent publisher October 7, 2021 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

Lexi Forde adores Christmas. She’s especially looking forward to it this year as it’s the first Christmas with her boyfriend Ben and her older brother is visiting from Canada with his family. They’ll all be spending Christmas at her parents’ house in Devon.

But when Lexi surprises Ben at work, she sees him kissing someone else and discovers he’s been having an affair. Devastated, she travels to Devon alone.

She’s determined not to let her break-up spoil her family Christmas. But when she arrives, Lexi discovers the council won’t allow the Christmas tree on the green to be decorated this year; it’s too dangerous and has to come down. Lexi is desperate to save their favourite family tradition and make this Christmas extra special.

Can she save the tree and mend her broken heart in time for Christmas?

MY THOUGHTS

Our December wasn’t overly cold, and we had no snow. Reading this now in January with our frigid temperatures and snow feels more like Christmas book reading time.
I liked Lexi Forde’s character, she’s fun, loves Christmas, animals and is outgoing.
After a surprise visit to her boyfriend Ben’s workplace reveals he’s been cheating on her she decides to visit her family living two hours away for Christmas earlier than originally planned.
Her family is fun and quirky. I really enjoyed grandma, but more about her in a bit. Her parents own a bakery in Devon. Grandma has a better social life than most of the young people, is a rebel and Lexi is worried grandma is going to get arrested. In the story we have a town tradition where the town council decorates a huge tree in town and everyone sings carols, this year the town’s people are in an uproar as the tree is slated to be torn down after being deemed unsafe. A dogsitter living close by has the sweetest dog he’s watching for his sister. He’s caring for her dog, and he may just be the one to heal her broken heart. Though predictable the story is cute, fun and I could imagine in my mind the hilarious antics taking place. It’s a hug in a book and just what I needed to read now.

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

296 pages Boldwood Books May 31, 2022 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Little Knitting Box has been in Cleo’s family for nearly four decades, and Cleo’s to manage for four years – ever since she arrived in New York, fresh off the plane from the Cotswolds. But instead of an early Christmas card in the mail this year, she gets a letter that tips her world on its axis. New York was supposed to be her second chance, do people get third chances?

Dylan has had a tumultuous few years. His marriage broke down, his mother passed away and he’s been trying to pick up the pieces as a stay-at-home dad. All he wants this Christmas is to give his kids the home and stability they need. But when he meets Cleo, he begins to see it’s not always so easy to move on, especially when his ex seems determined to win him back.

When the snow starts to fall, both Cleo and Dylan realise life is rarely black and white, and both have choices to make. Will Dylan follow his heart or his head? And will Cleo ever allow herself to be a part of another family when her own fell apart at the seams?

Full of snow, love and the true meaning of Christmas, this novel will have you hooked until the final page.

*Please note this is a re-release of Christmas at the Little Knitting Box, previously published by Helen J Rolfe*

MY THOUGHTS

My grandmother tried to teach me crocheting and knitting when I was younger, but I never got the hang of it. Now I wish I had as it would have been more of a way to feel connected to her, but I have plenty of other wonderful memories.
I think this is only the second book or so that I’ve read of that takes place in a yarn shop. The descriptions of the varieties of yarns, the patterns, types of needles, haberdashery and the encouraging customers was a soothing balm. The book was a comfort to read.
An unexpected letter is what Cleo receives at the yarn shop that’s been passed down through various family members for 40 years. The lease is up, and she’ll have to relocate. New York’s rents are outrageous and she’s not even sure she can find an accessible shop not too far away from all her customers. New York is nothing like Cotswold where Cleo is from but it’s home now that she’s managing her family’s Little Knitting Box yarn shop. How can she ever leave it?
Dylan, divorced father of two, a young boy and girl, has recently had his mother pass away and is enjoying working from home rather than at the corporate office. His wife is regretting the divorce and wants a second chance at their marriage.
All Dylan wants is to be the best father for his children he can and possibly a chance with Cleo from the Little Knitting Box. The author beautifully takes us through the ups and downs of the emotions involved in the various relationships. Cleo has a secret she’s hiding from him. Will this relationship be able to progress with the controlling ex-wife seemingly dominating his time? I really liked Cleo’s employee Kaisha; she has a great, fun personality. Fun, festive, warm and welcoming this was a read I’ll be reading again at some time.

Pub Date 31 May 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you for popping in today. I wish you all the best.

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FIRST LINE FRIDAY

FIRST LINE FRIDAY

Happy Friday & welcome to the First Line Friday! I hope your week has been great, 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 8 Down (Alaskan Cyber Hunters, 2). I’ve read plenty of historical fiction books by  Kimberley Woodhouse but none of her suspense books yet, so I look forward to getting into it. Hosted at Reading Is My Super Power.

The first lines are:

Nothing could have prepared her for the dead body at the crime scene. None of her training, classes, or visits to the morgue could have accomplished that feat.

ABOUT THE BOOK

8 more lives at stake.
Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there’s no easing into the job. It’s sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country–always in the same 8 DOWN position.
Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it’s time to admit she needs help.
Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move–until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.
But with a killer who is determined to prove that he’s smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other . . .

Publication March 5, 2024 here

Let me know the first line of the book closest to you. Would you read this book?

I went to the orthopedic dr yesterday about my ankle injury. I have a grade 2 sprain which means there is tearing of the ligaments in my ankle, but it’s not completely torn through. It’s been 13 days now and he’s pleased I am able to bear a bit of weight on it. I will be starting physical therapy as soon as they call me. He wants me to do tiptoe raises and use a stationary bike. I have 4 more weeks of recovery he’s saying. It sounds like a long time but I’m glad I can finally start to see a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and positivity. This means so much especially when I’m having a bad day with this. Some days the pain is worse than others. My husband and kids have been so helpful through this all.

Enjoy your weekend all and thanks for stopping in.

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Review of two sweet Love Inspired books by Angie Dicken: His Sweet Surprise and Her Chance at Family

224 pages Published May 1, 2023 LoveInspired.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

All he wants is a fresh start but the past has other ideas…
After leaving city life and heartbreak behind, Lance Hudson’s come home to his family’s apple orchard. And ex-girlfriend Piper Gray is there for the same reason. But the spirited single mum has her own secrets…including that Lance is the father of her sweet-faced little girl. But can Piper spill the truth without upsetting the applecart? Mills & Boon Love Inspired — Heartfelt stories that show that faith, forgiveness and hope have the power to lift spirits and change lives.

MY THOUGHTS

His Sweet Surprise is the first book in the Heartland Sweethearts book series. The second book in the series is Her Chance at Family which I have also read and loved.
Taking place in the heartland of Iowa in fictional Rapid Falls. My daughter lives in Iowa so it was so nice to see this series takes place there.


Lance Hudson and Piper Gray were previously in a relationship when they were teens and haven’t seen each other in several years. Big city life wasn’t all it was cracked up to be for them and they both somehow end up back at his family’s apple orchard never expecting to see each other there.


As they spend more time together and enjoy it, Piper knows she must reveal a big secret to Lance she has kept from him. Will this reveal cause this second chance at love to sour? Sweet romance filled with faith, hope, understanding and forgiveness. Loved it.

Published May 1, 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

226 pages Expected publication January 23, 2024 LoveInspired.com

ABOUT THE BOOK

She needs all the help she can get. Will she accept it from him? Getting left at the altar wasn’t in Elisa Hartley’s planner—but neither was gaining custody of her two orphaned nieces. Determined to be the best guardian possible, Elisa moves them into a newly renovated house. When landscape architect Sean Peters arrives to fix up her yard, he might just be able to heal her heart, too. Except Sean’s got a secret…and revealing it could throw a wrench in their happily-ever-after.From Love Uplifting stories of faith, forgiveness and hope.[HEARTLAND SWEETHEARTS] Book 1: His Sweet SurpriseBook 2: Her Chance at Family

MY THOUGHTS

Her Chance at Family is the second book in the Heartland Sweethearts book series. The first book in the series is His Sweet Surprise which I have also read and loved.
Taking place in the heartland of Iowa in fictional Rapid Falls. My daughter lives in Iowa so it was so nice to see this series takes place there.


This is the lovely story of Elisa Hartley, getting left at the alter wasn’t exactly in her plans. Life must move forward she think to herself as she receives custody of her two orphaned nieces.


Adjusting to a new home isn’t easy but she must do the best she can when she has her nieces to think about. Helping her to make the adjustment is landscape architect Sean Peters, who helps her with odd chores needing done. He’s afraid to get too close to her though as he has something he’s hiding. Uplifting and encouraging story filled with hope, faith and love.

Expected publication January 23, 2024
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I am hoping the author will continue the series.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angie Dicken credits her love of story to reading British literature during life as a military kid in Cambridgeshire, England. Now living in the U.S., she’s an ACFW member, a blog contributor to the Writer’s Alley, a baseball mom, and a self-proclaimed foodie. You can connect with her
on social media and learn about upcoming releases at www.angiedicken.com.

I thank you for stopping in today.