Almost Just Friends By Jill Shalvis GIVEAWAY!

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis returns to Wildstone with the touching story of finding your place in the world—and the people who make it home.

Piper Manning’s about as tough as they come, she’s had to be. She raised her siblings and they’ve thankfully flown the coop. All she has to do is finish fixing up the lake house her grandparents left her, sell it, and then she’s free.

When a massive storm hits, she runs into a tall, dark and brooding stranger, Camden Reid. There’s a spark there, one that shocks her. Surprising her further, her sister and brother return, each of them holding their own secrets. The smart move would be for Piper to ignore them all but Cam unleashes emotions deep inside of her that she can’t deny, making her yearn for something she doesn’t understand. And her siblings…well, they need each other.

Only when the secrets come out, it changes everything Piper thinks she knows about her family, herself…and Cam. Can she find a way to outrun the demons? The answer is closer than she thinks—just as the new life she craves may have already begun.

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Almost-Just-Friends-Jill-Shalvis/dp/0062897802/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579444791&sr=8-1

New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis lives in a small town in the Sierras full of quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
www.facebook.com/jillshalvis
www.twitter.com/jillshalvis
www.instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://jillshalvis.tumblr.com/
or email her at contact@jillshalvis.com 

My Thoughts...
I read this book right though to the very end in one sitting. Family and all that entails is the heart of this book. The good the bad and the ugly. Secrets and all. The romance was so good Cam was swoon worthy. Cam is every women's dream man. I HIGHLY recommend this 4.5 star book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.


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The World Come to Us By Molly Campbell

Tommy Poole and her mother Meg have decided to become recluses together. Not forever; only for a year. And not at night when the dog needs to be walked. But in the midst of their grief over the loss of Tommy's other mother, Sam, shutting themselves off from the outside world seems like the only viable path to recovery.

However, while they have decided to step away from the world, the world has not made the same decision. Soon, Tommy's best friend is living with them. And the crotchety neighbor is making his presence felt far more than anyone appreciates. And when a teenaged girl with a troubled past and an indignant future enters their orbit, life might be as full for Tommy and Meg as it has been in years.

And that was before the wedding . . .

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/World-Came-US-Molly-Campbell/dp/1611882818/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579445918&sr=8-1

Molly D. Campbell is a two-time Erma Bombeck Writing Award winner and the author of two previous novels, Keep the Ends Loose and Crossing the Street. Molly blogs at http:// mollydcampbell.com. Also an artist, Molly's work can be found at http://www.cafepress.com/notexactlypicasso. She lives in Dayton with her accordionist husband and four cats.

My Thoughts...
A sad book that I could understand very well. Loss is a big deal, grief is different for all of us. I loved how Campbell dealt with this and I hope that everyone who reads this book understands how hard it really is.
You are going to find this book one you want to keep on your shelf after you read it, its just that kind of heartwarming read.
I gave this book 4 stars. I recommend it if you can overcome the grief in the book.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Nancy Naigle has some news...

Small-town baker, Kelly, gets a big surprise when she is invited to compete on a Valentine's Day baking show in New York City - and an even bigger surprise when she runs into her ex-fiance.

Starring Erin Cahill and Brendan Penny.

PREMIERING Saturday February 15 9:00 PM/8c

Wednesday February 19 10:00 PM/9c

Saturday February 22 7:00 PM/6c

Sunday February 23 2:00 PM/1c

Tuesday February 25 4:00 PM/3c

Honey Almond Cake with Berries and Mascarpone Crème Fraiche

Almond Cake:

• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. buttermilk
• 2¼ cups granulated sugar
• 6 large eggs
• 1 tbsp. vanilla extract
• 1½ tsp. almond extract
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup almond meal flour
• 1½ tbsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. kosher salt
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp. canola oil

Vanilla Honey Glaze:

• 1 tbsp. honey
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tsp. lemon zest, fresh
• ½ cup confectioner’s sugar
• 4 tbsp. half and half cream

Mascarpone Crème Fraiche:

• 3 (8-oz.) packages mascarpone, room temperature
• 1¼ cups crème fraiche
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
• 1½ tsp. vanilla extract

• As needed, sliced toasted almonds
• As needed, fresh mint sprigs
• As needed  whole Starwberries 

Directions:
Yield: 1 Three-Layer Cake
Prep Time: 60 minutes
Bake Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes

1. To prepare cakes: preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat three 8-inch cake pans with nonstick cooking spray. Place a round of parchment paper on the bottom of each pan; spray with cooking spray.

2. Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine buttermilk, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract and almond extract in bowl and mix until fully blended. With a rubber spatula, scrape down sides of bowl.

3. In a large bowl, combine flour, almond flour, baking powder and salt. Add to buttermilk mixture and beat on low until fully blended. Scrape down sides of bowl.

4. Slowly add oil to buttermilk/flour mixture and beat on medium-low until fully blended.

5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; invert on wire rack to release cakes.

6. To prepare glaze: combine honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, confectioner’s sugar and half and half in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Brush tops and sides of warm cakes evenly with glaze. Cool cakes completely. (If making cakes ahead, wrap tightly and freeze.)

7. To prepare mascarpone crème fraiche: combine mascarpone, crème fraiche, confectioner’s sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl and whisk until smooth.

8. To assemble cake: place first cake on cake pedestal or serving plate. Spread about ¼ of mascarpone crème fraiche over top of cake. Top with second cake layer. Spread about ¼ of mascarpone crème fraiche over top of cake. Top with third cake layer. Spread about ¼ of mascarpone crème fraiche over top of cake. Spread remaining ¼ of mascarpone crème fraiche on sides of cake to make a light crumb coating. Using a bench scraper or cake spatula, lightly scrape top and sides of cake to remove excess mascarpone crème fraiche forming a smooth surface.

Get ready to fall in love with Bailey's Fork all over again. I've seen the early cut of the movie and it is so wonderful!

The settings are perfect and Erin Cahill and Brendan Penny make the perfect Kelly and Andrew.

You're going to love all the back stage scenes and Maneet Chauhan, who has been a judge on Chopped! on the Food Network, is the host of the Four Square show in this movie. Re-read the book so you'll recognize the changes. 

Mark the dates on your calendar right now, and tell your friends!

Let's make the cake and get together to watch this movie together. Shout out to my sweet friend Nancy. How many Hallmark books and Hallmark movies does this make?

PREMIERING Saturday February 15 9:00 PM/8c

Wednesday February 19 10:00 PM/9c

Saturday February 22 7:00 PM/6c

Sunday February 23 2:00 PM/1c

Tuesday February 25 4:00 PM/3c

Relational Intelligence By Dharius Daniels

Considering Jesus's relational model for choosing the twelve disciples, Relational Intelligence will walk you through how to assess your relationships, define them, discern them, align them, and finally activate your relationships to unlock your greatest potential.

Years of ministry leadership experience and personal experience have convinced Dr. Dharius Daniels: there's no such thing as a casual relationship. All relationships are catalytic - either pushing us forward into our God-given purposes or holding us back. Our spiritual, physical, financial, emotional, and professional progress is greatly impacted by who we allow to be a part of our lives and what part we allow them to play. With our destiny on the line, relationships are too consequential to nonchalantly roll the dice in managing them.

Relational Intelligence is your action plan for getting smart about your purpose partners. Relationships were God's idea, writes Daniels, and when we understand and apply what God has to say about them we end up avoiding unnecessary relational turmoil, advancing in all areas of our life, and accomplishing our God-given purpose.

When your purpose is on the line, the cost of relational unintelligence is too great to pay. In this book, you will explore and learn how to activate the relational intelligence you need for the life of purpose you want. 

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Relational-Intelligence-People-Skills-Purpose/dp/0310357829/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1578772354&sr=8-1

Dr. Dharius Daniels is the founder and lead pastor of Change Church, a vibrant, diverse congregation. With a doctorate of ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary, Dr. Daniels speaks to national audiences and sits on the board of the National Association of Evangelicals. He lives with his wife, Shameka, and their two sons in New Jersey, and you can follow him at www.dhariusdaniels.com.

My Thoughts...
What kind of friend are you? Friend we'd like to be, the friend others want us to be or last the friend God needs us to be? Which one are you? You can't be all three. Do you want to love unconditionally? You really need to read this book.
Add it to you book stack today, pick it up today and read it with your husband, wife or best friend.
I found so many pieces of sound advice to help with many of my relationships.
I want to gift this book to everyone I know.
So with that being said, come on followers and grab your copy. I great 5 star nonfiction book that I want you all to read.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ME! Guess who I spent the evening with?

I got to go spend the evening with Diane Chamberlain. I have met many authors and worked with many authors but Chamberlain is a true angel very down to earth and so talented. I loved hearing talk about her new book Big Lies In A Small Town. Her books are all redemption stories and books that you can't put down.
If you are looking for a book to read this weekend grab a copy of this book you won't be sorry.

From New York Times bestselling author Diane Chamberlain comes an irresistible new novel in Big Lies in a Small Town.

North Carolina, 2018: Morgan Christopher's life has been derailed. Taking the fall for a crime she did not commit, she finds herself serving a three-year stint in the North Carolina Women's Correctional Center. Her dream of a career in art is put on hold―until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer that will see her released immediately. Her assignment: restore an old post office mural in a sleepy southern town. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration, but desperate to leave prison, she accepts. What she finds under the layers of grime is a painting that tells the story of madness, violence, and a conspiracy of small town secrets.

If you were not with me last night to get your signed copy you can order your copy here: https://www.amazon.com/Big-Lies-Small-Town-Novel/dp/1250087333/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1579140544&sr=8-2

The Wife and the Widow By Christian White

The second standalone thriller from the award-winning author of The Nowhere Child, Christian White.

Set against the backdrop of an eerie island town in the dead of winter, The Wife and The Widow is an unsettling thriller told from two perspectives: Kate, a widow whose grief is compounded by what she learns about her dead husband’s secret life; and Abby, an island local whose world is turned upside when she’s forced to confront the evidence of her husband’s guilt. But nothing on this island is quite as it seems, and only when these women come together can they discover the whole story about the men in their lives.

Brilliant and beguiling, The Wife and The Widow takes you to a cliff edge and asks the question: how well do we really know the people we love?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Wife-Widow-Christian-White/dp/1250194377/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1578781728&sr=8-1

Christian White is an internationally bestselling and award-winning Australian author and screenwriter whose debut novel, The Nowhere Child, won the 2017 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award. His films have been showcased around the world. He lives in Melbourne with his wife and their greyhound. 

My Thoughts...

This book was my second read by  White. I read it so fast, I was intrigued by the storyline. I was right on the who done it part. But somethings were not as they seemed so I really was back and forth. I loved the story being told from the Wife and the Widows point of view.

I did find the story to short, I hate for a book to end to soon when I am enjoying it so much.

You are going to want to get your hands on this 4 star read. I recommend it.

The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.

Big Lies in a Small Town By Diane Chamberlain

From New York Times bestselling author Diane Chamberlain comes an irresistible new novel in Big Lies in a Small Town.

North Carolina, 2018: Morgan Christopher's life has been derailed. Taking the fall for a crime she did not commit, she finds herself serving a three-year stint in the North Carolina Women's Correctional Center. Her dream of a career in art is put on hold―until a mysterious visitor makes her an offer that will see her released immediately. Her assignment: restore an old post office mural in a sleepy southern town. Morgan knows nothing about art restoration, but desperate to leave prison, she accepts. What she finds under the layers of grime is a painting that tells the story of madness, violence, and a conspiracy of small town secrets.

North Carolina, 1940: Anna Dale, an artist from New Jersey, wins a national contest to paint a mural for the post office in Edenton, North Carolina. Alone in the world and desperate for work, she accepts. But what she doesn't expect is to find herself immersed in a town where prejudices run deep, where people are hiding secrets behind closed doors, and where the price of being different might just end in murder.

What happened to Anna Dale? Are the clues hidden in the decrepit mural? Can Morgan overcome her own demons to discover what exists beneath the layers of lies?

Pick up your copy here...
https://www.amazon.com/Big-Lies-Small-Town-Novel/dp/1250087333/ref=tmm_hrd_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1578770525&sr=8-2

Diane Chamberlain is the New York Times, USA Today and (London) Sunday Times best-selling author of 27 novels. The daughter of a school principal who supplied her with a new book almost daily, Diane quickly learned the emotional power of story. Although she wrote many small “books” as a child, she didn’t seriously turn to writing fiction until her early thirties when she was waiting for a delayed doctor’s appointment with nothing more than a pad, a pen, and an idea. She was instantly hooked.

Diane was born and raised in Plainfield, New Jersey and lived for many years in both San Diego and northern Virginia. She received her master’s degree in clinical social work from San Diego State University. Prior to her writing career, she was a hospital social worker in both San Diego and Washington, D.C, and a psychotherapist in private practice in Alexandria, Virginia, working primarily with adolescents.

More than two decades ago, Diane was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which changed the way she works: She wrote two novels using voice recognition software before new medication allowed her to get back to typing. She feels fortunate that her arthritis is not more severe and that she’s able to enjoy everyday activities as well as keep up with a busy travel schedule.

Diane lives in North Carolina with her significant other, photographer John Pagliuca, and their odd but lovable Shetland Sheepdog, Cole.

Please visit Diane's website at www.dianechamberlain.com for her event schedule and for more information on her newest novel, Big Lies in a Small Town, as well as a complete list of her books. 

My Thoughts...
Hello, My name is Mary, I am an addict. I am addicted to Diane Chamberlain's books. I devoured Big Lies In A Small Town in one night and it  left me wanting more. Chamberlain did not disappoint and she describes Edenton just the way I see it when I close my eyes.
I love that Chamberlain writes about this small town and the  emotions that are on each page had me in awe. I could not turn the pages fast enough. The ending left me wanting answers but I can speculate at them, I guess. Hurry Run and preorder you copy right away.
5 Stars two times and I HIGHLY recommend this book. Time slip novels are so hard to write well and Chamberlain did a fabulous job.
The Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are our own.