To Light the Way Forward by Nancy Naigle GIVEAWAY!

Feeling adrift after the loss of her husband, Rosemary sets out to visit an old friend on Whelk’s Island, undeterred by the threat of a hurricane. Before the storm hits, she finds herself at Tug’s Diner where she quickly connects with the owner, Tug.

But the storm destroys the diner, compounding Tug’s grief from losing his love the previous year. The longer Rosemary stays, the more she sees Tug’s deep sadness and resolves to help him. Together with Tug and friends Amanda and Paul, they all pitch in to help the close-knit community recover and rebuild.

As Amanda and Paul reconnect after losing touch during the storm, their plans to take things slow seem increasingly impractical. While Rosemary and Tug help the young couple navigate their relationship, they also find themselves building a friendship that begins to restore them both. But can that friendship convince them that love is possible for anyone who’s willing to take a risk—even those who never hoped they’d find it again?

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To Light the Way Forward: A Shell Collector Novel: Naigle, Nancy: 9780593601044: Amazon.com: Books

 USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a whole lot of heart. She began writing while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, this Virginia girl devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and spa days with friends.

Several of Nancy's novels have been adapted for television. You can find the complete list of movies and a free downloadable checklist of all of Nancy's books in series order on her website.

My Thoughts...

I loved The Shell Collector is has been a favorite of mine for years. But then Naigle takes us back to Whelk's Island and gives us Tugs story and I could not have been happier. I enjoyed this sweet romance and getting to catch up with the characters from book one was so much fun. I highly recommend this book.

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

The Summer of You and Me by Denise Hunter GIVEAWAY!

 Maggie Reynolds is finally ready for love again—until the past shows up in the form of someone who may or may not be the late husband she thought she'd lost.

Five years after her husband's death, Maggie is finally ready to let go of him and the dreams she had for their future. A summer at Seabrook, where she and Ethan first became childhood sweethearts, seems the perfect time and place to find closure. Plus, she gets to spend time with his family, the Reynoldses, whom she loves like her own.

Unbeknownst to Maggie, her brother-in-law, Josh Reynolds, has been in love with her since they first met all those years ago. But his brother ultimately won Maggie's heart, and Josh's unrequited love has ruined all his relationships. If Maggie is ready to move on, then Josh is ready to lay it all on the line and come clean about his true feelings for her.

But his plans soon get put on hold when, shortly after Maggie returns to Seabrook, she runs into a man who could pass for Ethan's twin. But he disappears into the amusement park crowd before she can confront him.

The event rattles Maggie, stirs up impossible questions, and sends Josh and her on a quest to discover the man's true identity. But their search ends up raising more questions than answers—and soon Maggie isn't sure she wants those answers after all.

Pick up your copy here...

The Summer of You and Me: A Novel: Hunter, Denise: 9781400348558: Amazon.com: Books

Denise Hunter is the internationally-published bestselling author of more than forty novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies. She has appeared on the The 700 Club and been featured in Southern Living and Woman's World.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town love stories, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, inspired by the death of her grandfather, Denise began her first book, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her husband says he inspires all her romantic stories, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

When Denise isn't orchestrating love lives on the written page, she enjoys traveling, drinking chai lattes, hiking, and playing drums. Denise makes her home in Indiana where she and her husband raised three boys and are currently enjoying an empty nest and four beautiful grandchildren.

My Thoughts...

I love a good emotional read, and Hunter delivered a good one this time. Single parenting and some struggles and a little romance Hunter really gave it all to us with this book.
This is one I will be recommending to friends.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Voice of the Ocean by Kelsey Impicciche GIVEAWAY!

 From popular content creator Kelsey Impicciche, Voice of the Ocean follows a daring young siren who defies her people to save a human prince, unearthing ancient magic and igniting a dangerous romance amid treacherous waters.

As the youngest daughter of the siren queen, Celeste's life is tightly controlled. Desperate to prove her worth and escape her destiny--trapped in the palace as a royal figurehead--she intends to join the Chorus, an elite group of siren warriors. With the final test on the horizon, Celeste feels the pressure to finally gain control over her temperamental Song--a magic gifted by the Goddess herself. But when Celeste encounters a seemingly harmless ship in Staria's waters, helmed by the intriguing Prince Raiden Sharp, her path veers toward forbidden waters.

Believing the handsome sailor to be innocent of any wrongdoing, Celeste defies siren law to save Raiden's life--despite knowing he is the son of a king who has murdered many of her kindred. The penalty for Celeste's betrayal should be death, but the queen offers her an alternative: right her wrong by assassinating the prince. Determined to first discover the truth behind the prince's clandestine mission, Celeste agrees to become human.

But the human world is nothing like she expected, nor is the prince the charming and noble man she assumed him to be. Disguised among Raiden's ragtag crew, she searches for the truth. But as Celeste finds her place aboard the ship, friendships--and attraction--begin to grow. Will Celeste be able to do what must be done? Or will her choices unravel a kingdom, devastating sirens and humans alike?

Pick up your copy here...

Amazon.com: Voice of the Ocean: 9798212980906: Kelsey Impicciche: Books

Kelsey Impicciche is a professional YouTuber and Twitch streamer with over a billion minutes viewed across various platforms, which altogether means she plays video games for a living.

When Kelsey isn't making simulated characters fall in love online, she's writing about different characters falling in love in very difficult situations.

Voice of the Ocean is her first novel, with the hopes of this becoming a regular thing. In the meantime, Kelsey can be found sitting beside her dog Chewbacca or making fun videos about books and games online @kelseydangerous.

The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick GIVEAWAY!

 

Margaret Ryan never really meant to start a book club . . . or a feminist revolution in her buttoned-up suburb.

By 1960s standards, Margaret Ryan is living the American woman's dream. She has a husband, three children, a station wagon, and a home in Concordia--one of Northern Virginia's most exclusive and picturesque suburbs. She has a standing invitation to the neighborhood coffee klatch, and now, thanks to her husband, a new subscription to A Woman's Place--a magazine that tells housewives like Margaret exactly who to be and what to buy. On paper, she has it all. So why doesn't that feel like enough?

Margaret is thrown for a loop when she first meets Charlotte Gustafson, Concordia's newest and most intriguing resident. As an excuse to be in the mysterious Charlotte's orbit, Margaret concocts a book club get-together and invites two other neighborhood women--Bitsy and Viv--to the inaugural meeting. As the women share secrets, cocktails, and their honest reactions to the controversial bestseller The Feminine Mystique, they begin to discover that the American dream they'd been sold isn't all roses and sunshine--and that their secret longing for more is something they share. Nicknaming themselves the Bettys, after Betty Friedan, these four friends have no idea their impromptu club and the books they read together will become the glue that helps them hold fast through tears, triumphs, angst, and arguments--and what will prove to be the most consequential and freeing year of their lives.

Pick up your copy here...                                                                                                                                     Amazon.com: The Book Club for Troublesome Women: A Novel: 9781400344741: Bostwick, Marie: Books

Marie Bostwick is the New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than twenty works of uplifting contemporary and historical fiction. Translated into a dozen languages, Marie’s novels are beloved by readers across the globe. Her 2009 book, A Thread of Truth, was an “Indie Next Notable” pick. Three of her books were published as Reader's Digest “Select Editions.” Marie lives in Washington state with her husband and a beautiful but moderately spoiled Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Connect with her online at mariebostwick.com

The Love Fix by Jill Shalvis GIVEAWAY!

 Welcome back to Sunrise Cove for this heartwarming enemies-to-lovers tale where found family, forgiveness, and love may just be the key to finding yourself, from New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis.

Lexi Clark’s life is falling apart around her, so when she’s summoned home to Sunrise Cove, the last thing she wants to do is face all the complications she left behind. Her past, her stepsister Ashley, and especially her infuriatingly gorgeous childhood nemesis-turned-crush Heath Bowman.

Yep, Lexi’s pretty sure being home again just might kill her. She’s an overachieving art appraiser who doesn’t believe in trust, love, or Happily Ever Afters. Free spirit Ashley, on the other hand, is so full of life it hurts to look at her. But Lexi can’t refuse Ashley’s plea to honor their late mother’s final wish to make amends with the people she’d wronged.  So, on behalf of her estranged mother’s estate—and with Heath in tow as the executor—Lexi embarks on a road trip to repay all the people her gambling addicted mother owed money to. 

Complicating everything are the feelings that well up for Lexi: for her mom, for Ashley, and most of all, for Heath. And for the record, she doesn’t like it, or the way he has of scaling the walls she’s built around her heart. The road trip shenanigans that ensue are both funny and heartbreaking, but Lexi finds something shocking along the way. Acceptance. Family. And unbelievably—if you ask Lexi anyway—love.

Pick up your copy here...

The Love Fix: A Heartwarming Novel of Reconciliation, Forgiveness, and Unlikely Love in the Midst of Family Secrets and Life's Unexpected Turns in ... Summer Reading (The Sunrise Cove Series, 8): Shalvis, Jill: 9780063353442: Amazon.com: Books

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).

Facebook @JillShalvis

Instagram @Jillshalvis

I have yet to meet a Shalvis book that I didn't really enjoy. And I loved going back to Sunrise Cove and I devoured The Love Fix in one sitting.  Found family, and finding yourself is the best story to me.

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

Sheet Pan Cookbook by Hungry Girl

 One-Pan Wonders Under 400 Calories! Get sheet smart with this essential recipe collection centered around a kitchen MVP― a simple baking sheet!

With an emphasis on wholesome ingredients like fresh produce and lean proteins, these delicious, easy meals and more make healthy eating a breeze. Get ready for . . .

The Best Breakfasts: Protein-packed “Flattatas,” make-ahead pancake bars, and beyond.
Lunches & Dinners: Meatloaves, chicken entrées, low-carb pizzas & more!
Savory Snacks & Sides: Everything from party foods (bell pepper nachos and pepperoni pizza bites) to flavorful roasted veggies for every meal.
Sweet Desserts: Cool & creamy frozen yogurt bark, decadent yet light brownie crisps . . . even sheet pan apple pie!

Featuring . . . 5-ingredient recipes, 30-minute meals, vegetarian recipes, and loads of gluten-free options!

Bonus! Sheet pan basics, time-saving tips, shopping tricks, ideas for leftovers . . . What can’t this book do for you?

Grab a sheet pan and your appetite― these tasty recipes make eating smart astonishingly easy!

Pick up your copy here...

Hungry Girl Sheet Pan Cookbook: One-Pan Wonders Under 400 Calories: Lillien, Lisa: 9781250881021: Amazon.com: Books

She's not a nutritionist; she's just hungry! Lisa Lillien is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and the creator of the beloved Hungry Girl brand. Millions of fans eagerly await her healthy recipes, smart food finds, and tips & tricks each day, via her free daily emails, podcast, and social media platforms. She is a self-proclaimed "foodologist" and an expert in smart-eating solutions. Sign up for the free daily emails on the Hungry Girl website.

Fast easy recipes that use easy to find ingredients. this is a must in everyone's kitchen.
I love Hungry Girls cookbooks and the make the best gifts too.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.

Bless the Earth by June Cotner

 A beautifully illustrated collection of poems and prayers to help children develop an appreciation for the natural world

WINNER OF THE NORTHERN LIGHTS AWARD

Bless the Earth, our faithful friend,
her mountain range and river bend,
her forest green and canopy,
the hidden world of bended trees.

Bless the Earth shows the miracle of our planet Earth through beautiful imagery and delightful poetry, calling all people, young and old, to care for our wonderful world. This sweet and welcoming anthology for children ages 3-7 knits together our common humanity and the natural world in an engaging way that is simple for young readers to understand.

Bless the Earth contains approximately sixty selections of original as well as classic poems, divided into five chapters each:

• Dreams for My World
• Earth and Sky
• All Creatures, Big and Small
• Seasons
• Caring for Our World

Bless the Earth calls us again and again to understand how important it is to care for our world, respect our neighbors—humans, plants, and animals alike—and reimagine a world that is healthy and whole.

Pick up your copy here....

Bless the Earth: A Collection of Poetry for Children to Celebrate and Care for Our World: Cotner, June, Ling, Nancy Tupper, Song, Keum Jin: 9780593577660: Amazon.com: Books

Nancy Tupper Ling is the winner of the prestigious Writer’s Digest Grand Prize and the Pat Parnell Poetry Award. She draws her inspiration from the multicultural background of her family and the interwoven fabric of familial culture which is, on the surface, seemingly every day. Her latest books are Hearts In My Pocket (Union Square Kids), Bless the Earth with coauthor, June Cotner (Penguin/Convergent) and One Perfect Plan: The Bible's Big Story in Tiny Poems (Penguin/Waterbrook). For Every Little Thing: Poems and Prayers to Celebrate the Day (Eerdmans) was a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection and winner of the Northern Lights Mindfulness Award. Her other books include The Yin-Yang Sisters and the Dragon Frightful (Penguin), Family Celebrations (Andrews McMeel), My Sister, Alicia May (Pleasant Street Press), Double Happiness (Chronicle Books), The Story I’ll Tell (Lee & Low Books). Ling is the founder of Fine Line Poets and she loves to bring poetry into the classroom.

June Cotner is a publishing consultant and the author of 37 books, including the bestselling GRACES and HOUSE BLESSINGS. Collectively, her books have sold more than one million copies and have earned praise in many national publications including USA Today, Better Homes & Gardens, Woman's Day, and Family Circle. June has appeared on national television and radio programs as well as local television including "New Day Northwest" and "AM Northwest." June is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley. Through Book Proposal Services, she evaluates nonfiction book proposals and analyzes concepts for books. See "Consulting" at www.JuneCotner.com. Her books have been published by major houses including Random House, HarperCollins, and Hachette. She has also enjoyed working with mid-size publishers such as Andrews McMeel and Chronicle Books. Her newest book is HEY! IT'S YOUR DAY: Inspirational Quotes and Affirmations to Live By (Jan 2021).

Quotation: "Creativity, for me, involves connections. As an anthologist, I love finding the perfect quote for a specific book. As a publishing consultant, I greatly enjoy helping clients create the best possible proposals to secure excellent advances."

Fun tidbit: June has always loved playing with creative ideas, including starting the first "dormie" powder puff football game at U.C. Berkeley, I ETA PI, that competed against sorority teams and went on to become "a football dynasty," as reported in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Visit her website at www.JuneCotner.com