I haven’t turned my blog into a photography blog I promise you. With being sick then traveling I haven’t had much reading time at all. I promise to have some reviews up soon.
Today I am sharing the majestic White Mountains in New Hampshire.
This is a tram line where you can ride it across the mountain. No thank you. I have a fear of heights. What about you, would you do it?
We are on to Vermont today to see the Green Mountains.
I apologize for posting late for my stop on this blog tour. Illness held me back from reading and posting on time. Deanne
About the Book:
Welcome to Christmas Resort, the festive retreat where the scent of cinnamon is in the air and chocolate yule log is eaten all year round! But with the resort in trouble, can Holliday Harrison save Christmas and find true love along the way?
Thirty-year-old Holliday Harrison is throwing herself into the festive season to give her life some purpose after losing her fiancé three years ago. Working at Christmas Resort, an all-year-round holiday village, with its sparkling lights and community of quirky characters, is the warm environment she needs right now. But everything is about to change…
When handsome, blue-eyed businessman Damon MacAndrew arrives to stay in one of the cute log cabins, at first Holly is intrigued. Why has this serious stranger come to such a jolly place? But then he makes his plan clear: Damon wants to buy the resort and change everything about it.
Determined to put Damon off Christmas Resort, Holly is soon engineering cold showers and setting him up to get lost in the maze. But with freshly baked cookies and delicious hot chocolate available on tap in such a magical setting, it’s hard to find ways to make the resort seem unappealing… Holliday tries her hardest to fight for the resort but the romance of Christmas seems to have other ideas.
As they take sleigh rides together and spend long evenings in front of the log fire she can’t deny the sizzling attraction between them. But has Damon really fallen in love with the magic of Christmas, or is he still a cold-hearted businessman? And will this this turn out to be the best Christmas ever… or will it end in heartbreak?
This sparkling, festive read featuring an enemies-to-lovers romance is completely addictive and moreish! A gorgeous winter romance that will have you glued to the pages. Fans of Cathy Bramley, Trisha Ashley and Debbie Macomber will love this delicious Christmas romance.
My Thoughts
Oh this series!
I just love it. The setting of the Scottish Highlands sounds like just the place for me. I would really love to visit there. This series is so warm and welcoming, one I’ve been really enjoying. I’ve read several books by the author, and they are all wonderful. They keep getting better and better. I am hoping this series will continue. A Christmas themed resort in the Scottish Highlands evokes different feelings about Christmas in two people. One loves it and is surrounded by it year-round at this resort, one tries to avoid it at all costs because of past memories. We all know a little Christmas magic has a way of thawing the chilliest of hearts though with the spirit of Christmas. From hot cocoa to sleigh rides to tender talks and long walks this magical feeling Christmas book is just what you need for a wonderful holiday read. I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Donna Ashcroft was born in London, England and grew up in Buckinghamshire. She went to university in Lancashire and, among other things, worked as a copywriter, buyer, waitress, secretary and marketing manager.
Donna was shortlisted for the RNA Debut Romantic Novel of the Year in 2019. She lives in Hertfordshire, with her own romantic hero, two grown up kids (who aren’t always home) and two very grumpy cats. She loves a happy ending and is never happier than when she’s escaping into a romance novel or movie.
On my GoodReads Reading challenge I am 25 books ahead of schedule. I am at 212 of 250 which is 85%.
September my reading amount was down because of illness I had. 3 weeks ago I had occasional left ear pain. You know the kind I’m talking about, ignore it and it’ll go away in a day or 3, plus it wasn’t every day. Then it became daily, multiple times a day. Then it turned into a nonstop headache I had for 10 days. Friday last week, I went to the dr, he told me to take Zyrtec and Flonase, I did and still had it this past Monday. Back to the dr I went and he gave me an antibiotic. I felt fine the next day, every day after my head is killing me. I go back to the dr Friday, see a different dr, she says how are you with shots? I say fine, dr leaves and nurse practitioner comes in and says, okay you’re getting the shot in your —. Yeah, the dr left that little tid bit of info out. It did me no good anyways, but she prescribed a stronger medicine it finally has helped me. Apparently, my sinuses were packed, pretty gross I know but I was needing any relief I could get. My headache pain kept me from reading as much as I wanted to last month and I had to delay a blog tour post because I couldn’t read the book, but I will post it when I’m able to.
READ IN SEPTEMBER
Halloween background with scarecrow and empty space for your text.
My reading amount is way down this month. I apologize if I haven’t replied to a comment you’ve left. Because of my head pain it’s been all I could do most days to even post anything on the blog. Here’s to feeling better and staying well!
Happy Friday & welcome to 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 featuring the first line of The Wings of Poppy Pendleton by Melanie Dobson.
the first lines are……..
“Are you cold, madame?”
Her hands shook like the tremors from the ships bell, clattering against the shreds of wet fabric that hung at her sides, but she didn’t answer his question.
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this compelling new time-slip mystery, a little girl goes missing from her family’s castle in the Thousand Islands of New York. Eighty-five years later, a journalist teams up with a woman living on Koster Isle to find out what happened to Poppy, once and for all.
1907. On the eve of her fifth birthday, Poppy Pendleton is tucked safely in her bed, listening to her parents entertain New York’s gilded society in their Thousand Islands castle; the next morning, she is gone, and her father is found dead in his smoking room.
1992. Though Chloe Ridell lives in the shadows of Poppy’s castle, now in ruins, she has little interest in the mystery that still captivates tourists and locals alike. She is focused on preserving the island she inherited from her grandparents and reviving their vintage candy shop. Until the day a girl named Emma shows up on Chloe’s doorstep, with few possessions, save a tattered scrapbook that connects her to the Pendleton family. When a reporter arrives at Chloe’s store, asking questions about her grandfather, Chloe decides to help him dig into a past she’d thought best left buried. The haunting truth about Poppy, they soon discover, could save Emma’s life, so Chloe and Logan must work together to investigate exactly what happened long ago on Koster Isle.
Forty-eight hours to find her passion. Seven days to find his way back on stage. One chance to take a risk on love.
If Fran doesn’t nail this audition for a major TV role, she’s officially done as an actress. She just needs to tap into her inner seductress… who doesn’t seem to exist.
Enter stage right: Jae-seung.
To Fran, he’s just her landlord’s ridiculously hot nephew, helping her rehearse. To the rest of the world, Jae-seung is lead singer of global sensation, JYNKS – and he’s missing in action.
Together, they embark on an international journey of discovery: Fran, to track down her estranged mother and unlock her tightly guarded heart; Jae-seung, to continue (reluctantly) with his tour rehearsals. The chemistry between them is off the charts. But Jae-seung’s life is in South Korea, under strict contracts and constant scrutiny. Would a fling unleash Fran’s passion, or break the heart she’s learning to open?
A fast-paced, forbidden romance for fans of Helen Hoang, Lindsey Kelk and Ali Hazelwood.
Since none of us have enough books, including myself I did a little browsing on Amazon and thought I’d share my findings with you. If you’re interested, I’d download as soon as possible since we never know how long these will last. Hope you enjoy.
The first in a new romantic comedy series from CP Ward, author of Christmas at Marshmallow Café and Summer at Blue Sands Cove.
Having fled a relationship and a previous life she would rather forget, young teacher Jennifer Stevens throws herself into a demanding new job at Brentwell Primary. Charged with marshalling a group of unruly eight-year-olds to the autumn harvest festival, her only solace is the peace of nearby Sycamore Park.
As the evenings draw in and the leaves begin to fall, will new friends, delicious autumn treats, and a possible new man on the orange-tinted horizon help Jennifer finally come to terms with her past and begin to look forward into the future?
Autumn at Sycamore Park is another delightful romantic comedy from CP Ward, author of several popular seasonally themed novels. Set against a backdrop of warm autumn days, it offers everything fans of CP Ward’s other books have come to love: laughter, friendship, good times, and a hint of newly discovered love.
The first book in the sparkling Glorious Summer series from CP Ward, author of Christmas at the Marshmallow Cafe and Autumn in Sycamore Park.
Tired of the city, Grace Clelland returns to Blue Sands, the quiet Cornish seaside village where she grew up. There she will meet old flames and old friends, rekindle old loves and ignite new ones in a novel that will have you dreaming of the soft crash of the waves on the shore, the feel of sand between your toes, overloaded ice-creams and smoky beach barbeques.
Not to be missed – the debut summer novel from CP Ward – the author whose Delightful Christmas and Warm Days of Autumn series have captivated thousands of readers worldwide with their warmth, humour, and just a little hint of romance…
I’m glad I found you this Christmas – an uplifting sweet romance set against the magical backdrop of Christmas.
Maggie Coates is frustrated. Her longterm boyfriend, Dirk, recently moved to London to take a job she fears puts him out of her league. Despite the assurances of her best friend Renee, Maggie is convinced Dirk is slowly drifting away. All Maggie wants is to get married and settle down, but maybe Dirk has other ideas.
Convinced by Renee to make one last throw of the dice, Maggie books a romantic holiday for two in the quaint Scottish village of Hollydell. But will Dirk show up?
And if he doesn’t, what if there is a perfect man waiting for her among the Christmas magic of Hollydell’s snow-laden streets? What if Henry, the humble reindeer farmer with the kind smile, turns out to be the man of Maggie’s dreams?
I’m glad I found you this Christmas is a glowing sweet romance which will leave you feeling warm inside and buzzing with Christmas spirit.
Love is on the menu in this sweet romantic comedy set in Italy.
Ginny’s Italian cooking course was supposed to be a peaceful escape from her troubles. But when she meets Preston, an infuriating know-it-all history professor, she quickly realizes her past has come back to haunt her.
The last thing Ginny needs is for Preston to find out who she really is. Her plan seems foolproof—assume a fake identity and keep her distance from the pretentious jerk.
But when they’re forced to work together, Ginny starts to see a different side of Preston. She’s torn between her desire to reveal who she really is and her fear that she’ll lose everything in the process.
Will Ginny be able to trust Preston with her heart, or will love turn out to be the ultimate recipe for disaster?
If you like quirky characters, happily ever afters, and the occasional drooling cat, you’ll love Ginny and Preston’s story.
What would you do if your husband got you the worst anniversary present ever?
Mollie McGhie is hoping for diamonds for her tenth wedding anniversary. Instead, her clueless hubby presents her with a rundown boat. She’s not impressed.
When she discovers someone murdered on board, things get even worse. Mollie hopes it will convince her husband to rethink his hare-brained scheme of sailing off into the sunset. Instead, he’s more determined than ever to fix the boat up and set off to sea.
Poking her nose in where it doesn’t belong, Mollie finds herself drawn into the tight-knit community living at Palm Tree Marina in Coconut Cove, a small town on the Florida coast. She uncovers a crime ring dealing in stolen marine equipment, eats way too much chocolate, adopts a cat, and learns far more about sailing than she ever wanted to.
Will Mollie be able to discover who the murderer is before her nosiness gets her killed?
Murder at the Marina is the first book in the Mollie McGhie Cozy Sailing Mystery series. If you like quirky characters, adorable cats, and loads of chocolate, you’ll love this cozy mystery. Spoiler alert: You’ll be craving brownies by the time you finish this book!
What happens when you travel across the country for your dream job and end up sharing a bed with an older man who volunteers you to be his fake girlfriend? You hope you don’t fall in love when it’s time to say goodbye.
The Fall of Us is an age gap, fake dating, grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity romance.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had to hide who I am. What I am. They had me play the sheep. They had me blend in. They marked me and sealed my power. Now I have my freedom, because everyone who’s ever wanted me confined is dead. I could have changed it. I could have altered the course of fate. I could have saved the unseelie queen. I didn’t.
Vlari has always known her place: as far away from court as the unseelie queen can send her. The youngest royal, born in an impoverished household, she endeavored to earn her keep as an assistant and stay out of trouble. Dark, striking, and with a hidden agenda, Drusk definitely qualifies as trouble, but he refuses to leave her alone, clashing with her at every corner. Then the world implodes around her. With friends and foe by her side, she can fade with rest of the unseelie kingdom, or protect a court that has never cared for her.
wo sisters. One enchanted forest. And a hidden destiny that could doom them both…
Swept away to the castle beside the Darkwood, Rose Valrois finds herself in a world full of secrets and forbidden magic. There she meets her new stepsister, the enigmatic Princess Neeve, who will either become her best friend – or her worst enemy.
When Rose follows her stepsister into the enchanted shadows beneath the trees, she is beset by dangerous creatures and rescued by Thorne, the Dark Elf guardian of the forest, who binds her to the Darkwood and forbids her to speak of its mysteries.
Yet despite the danger surrounding her, Rose continues to risk everything in her quest for answers, until the day she steals into the depths of the forest and discovers the most perilous secret of all…
From USA Today bestselling author Anthea Sharp, a fantasy fairy-tale weaving elements of Snow White & Rose Red with romance, magic, and dangerous secrets that will destroy a kingdom. Will appeal to fans of Sylvia Mercedes, Naomi Novik, Holly Black, and anyone who loves a fairytale beautifully retold~
The melancholy, brilliance, passionate lyricism, and torment of Edgar Allen Poe are all well represented in this collection. Here, in one volume, are his masterpieces of mystery, terror, humor, and adventure, including stories such as The Tell-Tale Heart, The Cask of Amontillado, The Black Cat, The Masque of the Red Death, The Murders in the Rue Morgue, and The Pit and the Pendulum, to name just a few, that defined American romanticism and secured Poe as one of the most enduring literary voices of the nineteenth century.
Jason ‘Jase’ Rascal is just an ordinary twelve-year-old boy. His daydreams, however, are quite another story – for whenever Jase dozes off he enters bizarre parallel worlds where he often seems to find himself in very real danger …
Season Three: ‘Autumn Nightmare’ (or ‘The Hallowe’en Horrors on Hexhill Common’)
Jase couldn’t have picked a worse time to enter one of his all-too-real dreamworlds: the evening of Hallowe’en! Whilst on his way to a costume party, he dozes off – and finds himself lost on Hexhill Common: a spooky place with a grim reaper raven, giant grasshoppers, man-eating mantids, deathwish beetles and monster moths … It’s Jase against the magic of the Pumpkin King! Stuck in this surreal nightmare, Jase has to find a way to break the curse of Hexhill Common – before he meets a grisly demise at the hands of countless Hallowe’en horrors!
Darkly comical, spooky fun from the author of ‘Lydia’s Tin Lid Drum’.
Thanks for stopping in. I hope you find some choices you like here.
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! Hosted by The Book Date.
I’m happy to say I was able to get an antibiotic for my ear pain today. It’s been going on for several weeks and I’ve also developed a sinus infection too. It should be gone by the time we start traveling again in a week. The rain has finally stopped. We are off to Lowe’s later today to replace our washer which wouldn’t start the first cycle after having it only 21 months. Is anything made to last anymore? Thank goodness it’s still under warranty and they gave us a gift card. Hopefully it’ll cover the cost of most of the new machine minus the new warranty.
LAST WEEK’S READS
READING NOW
READING NEXT
Of course, my reading list is always subject to change. What about you, what will I find you reading this week?
I am so pleased to welcome you onto my blog today for the blog tour of The Locket by Natalie Meg Evans.
ABOUT THE BOOK
England, 1942. ‘It has to stay secret,’ he whispers, placing the locket around her neck. ‘If they find it, they’ll send me away.’ As she holds the locket, glinting in the moonlight, she can’t hold back the tears. ‘I just wish we didn’t have to hide…’ When farmer’s daughter Irene meets Theodore at a village dance, sparks fly instantly. The war has brought him all the way from Louisiana to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields, but as they sway together, there is nothing else in the world. Only his gentle touch and his deep brown eyes. But being together comes at a price. As Theodore is Black, the might of the US Air Force is against them, and all the members of the little village community disapprove of their relationship. And they will all go to terrible lengths to tear the two young lovers apart… Decades later, heartbroken Ruby is back at her family’s crumbling farmhouse for the first time in years, after the loss of her beloved grandmother Irene. The roof has fallen in, family photographs are damaged – and her grandmother’s jewellery is nowhere to be found. When Ruby uncovers her grandmother’s waterlogged diaries, she discovers that Irene treasured one piece of lost jewellery above all. A locket from a man called Theodore. And the missing locket holds the key to unravelling a heartbreaking secret that changed her grandmother’s life… Is someone in the village hiding the locket to keep the truth about Irene and Theodore buried? And can Ruby find a way to honour her grandmother’s memory –or in digging up the pain of the war, will she tear her family apart? An absolutely breathtaking World War Two story about the power of love in the face of adversity, and how the tragic consequences of war can echo through generations. Fans of Fiona Valpy, The Nightingale and All the Light We Cannot See will be addicted to this incredible read.
MY THOUGHTS
My heart about broke reading such an emotional story.
A time slip taking place in England 1942 and modern times. Each features a romantic couple, the one in 1942 is Irene, a 17-year-old farmer’s daughter, Irene, and Theo a service man stationed far from Louisiana, now proudly serving in the US Air Force and there to build a US airbase just across her father’s fields.
The modern times story features Irene’s granddaughter Ruby and her romantic partner. I will admit my favorite part of the story was the historical time period.
Irene falls fast when she meets Theo at a town dance, but Theo warns her they must keep their romance a secret, see Theo is black and a romance such as this is just not accepted in this time period.
The descriptions of the prejudice people and the treatment of Theo including beatings just for a romance with a white woman disgusted me. What business is it of anyone who someone dates or socializes with, nobody’s affair but the two it involves. And this includes the church minister involved in bigotry.
There was just no combatting prejudice and bigotry at this time and Theo was beaten, sent away and jailed. Before this though, when their romance was fresh and new, they were engaged, and he gave her a beautiful engagement ring hidden in a locket. My heart breaks for the injustice and ruined lives here.
Many years later Irene’s granddaughter, Ruby comes to the farm where Irene lived and finds her grandmother’s diary.
She is determined to find out her grandmother’s secrets, she had no idea about her grandmother’s past or where the locket is located. Will digging up the past cause pain to her family, especially and older generation member or will they hold the key to unlocking the past?
Brilliantly written, I had such a hard time putting this down. The perseverance the past generation showed in the face of adversity is amazing and must be commended! Five stars but I wish I could give it more!
Natalie is a RITA nominated, USA Today Bestselling author of six novels: The Dress Thief, The Milliner’s Secret (re-titled “The Girl who Dreamed of Paris”), The Wardrobe Mistress, Summer in the Vineyards, The Secret Vow and The Paris Girl that feature sisters, Katya and Tatiana. Since then, Natalie has released Into the Burning Dawn and The Italian Girl’s Secret, books set in the lucious Bay of Naples during the second world war. Now, the latest novel is available and it is called The Girl with the Yellow Star. The story takes place in Cornwall on the glorious north coast, and is a heart-wrenching story of loss, love and challenging choices.
80 pages reading age 6-10 years grades 1-4 Andrews McMeet publishing 26 September 2023 publish date Pre-order here
ABOUT THE BOOK
There’s a mysterious new cat, Taro, in Peaches’s neighborhood, and Peaches wants to be her friend!Pocket Peaches is an adorable, colorful graphic novel that is a perfect cozy tale with heartwarming laugh-out-loud moments.
Peaches and her pals Mango and Pogi all live in a cozy town called Pocketon. When a new cat, Taro, moves in, Peaches is on a mission to befriend her. The only thing is, Taro loves all things spooky and Peaches does not. Can Peaches find a way to become friends despite their differences?
Join Peaches and pals as they navigate friendships, debate over the perfect amount of frosting, and learn the value of being yourself. This full-color graphic novel is great for young readers beginning their graphic novel journey and graphic novel enthusiasts alike. It also features a Dyslexia-friendly font.
MY THOUGHTS
I don’t really read many graphic novels but when I saw this one, I simply couldn’t resist.
Peaches is a sweet little rabbit who has plenty of friends but feels bad for the new kid (cat) in town.
This is a compassionate lesson for children. Though someone may be different than you, it’s okay to be different after all that’s what makes us interesting and teaches others to find a common interest with you.
Peaches sees the cat as different but yet tries so hard to be friends with her through a shared interest but almost messes things up royally. The cat though seeming at first to be indifferent to Peach’s friendship attempts is impressed because no one has ever made such an effort to be her friend.
The book shows you don’t have to pretend to be a certain way just to impress someone, just be yourself and friendships will come naturally.
Of course, like in the story it doesn’t hurt to have frosted cupcakes and popcorn on hand while making these friendships.
Very sweet drawings in soothing colors are perfect for helping little ones relax before bedtime.
Pub Date 26 Sep 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dora Wang is a life-long doodler and writer. She is the creator of the graphic novel series, Pocket Peaches, based on her comics which can be found on Instagram @pocket.peaches.
Her favorite stories to tell are the ones that are a bit silly and sweet.
When not drawing or writing, she’s probably searching for a café to sketch in with a nice cup of matcha.
I am delighted you are here today for the publication day blog tour of IN FROM THE COLD By Sarah Bennett.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Amelia Riley and Ben Lawson have something in common – fathers who have kept secrets.
On the day of his father’s funeral, Ben’s life changes forever when a woman he’s never met shows up claiming to be his sister. As he investigates the past, Ben is shaken to discover that much of his life has been built on a carefully constructed foundation of his father’s lies. Needing answers, he agrees to visit Juniper Meadows, the ancestral estate owned and run by his long-lost relatives, the Travers family.
Arriving in the pretty Cotswolds countryside, the first person Ben meets is Amelia Riley. They are immediately drawn to one another, but Amelia has her own complicated ties to the Travers family. Her only goal is to set the past to rights so she can move on with a clean conscience.
As Ben starts to see the events of his childhood more clearly, he allows the warmth and fun he finds at Juniper Meadows to draw him in from the cold. But just as he’s contemplating setting down roots, Amelia is making plans to leave…
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Publication September 21, 2023
MY THOUGHTS
After having a visit to Juniper Meadows in, Where we Belong, the first book in the series, I was excited to dive into In From the Cold the second book.
Taking place in the beautiful Cotswold’s it’s a joy to return again as we see how the characters are faring. At times it takes a great sadness to bring people together, such as in this case in the form of a funeral.
We are treated to a charming and caring cast of characters. While this may be read as a standalone, I do suggest reading the books in order because there is a bit of a backstory.
As a secret becomes revealed there is a brilliant and supportive group behind them. A new family is waiting to welcome with open arms, a family he hadn’t even known about. Before you can move forward you must be at peace with the past. He is able to move forward with the support of his new family.
Heartwarming, this book is a warm welcome hug! I can’t wait to see what the author has out next!
Publication September 21, 2023 I was given a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sarah Bennett is the bestselling author of several romantic fiction trilogies including those set in Butterfly Cove and Lavender Bay. Born and raised in a military family she is happily married to her own Officer and when not reading or writing enjoys sailing the high seas.