Monday, September 30, 2024
The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz Little Free Library Drop Off
Let’s
shout out a huge “Thank you” to Celadon for this generous gift of not
one but two copies of The Sequel by Jean Hanff Korelitz for the Little
Free Library drop off. I can’t wait to see who comes and gets an early
copy today. This book releases October 1, 2024, but you can find a copy
in your nearest #LFL today maybe.
Friday, September 27, 2024
Finding You by Amy Clipston
Both of them want a relationship—but is beginning it a big mistake?
On the outside, twenty-seven-year-old Darcy Larsen is a pretty, put-together professional—but inside she’s falling apart. Eighteen months ago, she lost her fiancé in an accident she still blames herself for. After a successful transplant, her kidney disease seems to be in check, but she worries that her future children—if she has any—will also suffer from the same condition. And she’s overcome with indecision about finding her birth mother, discovering potentially devastating information, and hurting her adoptive parents.
Mechanic Carter Donovan seems to have everything going for him at first glance. Stunning good looks. A wicked sense of humor. And a heart of gold. But Carter’s seemingly perfect exterior hides a host of secrets. After a rough breakup and mounting medical bills from a medical emergency that left him drowning in debt, he doesn’t feel like the catch everyone says he is. Plus, he’s about to turn thirty—with no romantic prospects on the horizon.
When Darcy’s Lexus breaks down in her doctor’s parking lot, Carter appears on the scene to try to jump-start her car—and her heart. But despite their immediate connection right from the start, the two have perhaps too many obstacles to overcome. Carter questions if getting involved with Darcy will be his next big mistake. And Darcy wonders if she can ever move past her grief and guilt to embrace the gift of Happily Ever After that’s dangling in front of her.
Pick up your copy here..... Amazon.com: Finding You: A Sweet Contemporary Romance: 9780840708984: Clipston, Amy: Books
Amy Clipston has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her fiction writing "career" began in elementary school when she and a close friend wrote and shared silly stories. She has a degree in communications from Virginia Wesleyan College and is a member of the Authors Guild, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Romance Writers of America. She is the author of the bestselling Kauffman Amish Bakery series with Zondervan, which is part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. An advocate for organ and blood donation, Amy donated a kidney in 2011 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Through her donation, her husband received a second kidney transplant. Amy and her husband matched another couple and swapped kidneys with them. Amy's memoir, A Gift of Love, will be available in early 2014. She hopes her story inspires others to become organ and blood donors. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, mother, and four spoiled rotten cats. You can find her on the web at www.AmyClipston.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmyClipstonBooks.
My Thoughts...
I have not read a book by Clipston in a very long time, but she has found her niche; Womens fiction. This book hit home for me being a kidney disease patient myself. I loved Carter and Darcy and there could be no better ending.
I highly recommend this one.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
I highly recommend this one.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Where Trees Touch the Sky by Karen Barnett
In the early 1920s, the accelerating destruction of the California redwoods is more than nature-loving Marion Baker can bear. Throwing herself headlong into the work of the Save the Redwoods League, she is shocked to learn that Frank Duncan, a man she's grown to love, is the son of one of the area's worst timber barons. Though devastated by the betrayal, she realizes this could also be an opportunity--if only she can convince him to help preserve her favorite grove from his father's greedy grasp. Is her love strong enough to persuade him to save these precious trees? Or will Marion choose to sacrifice her beliefs to keep Frank by her side?
Nearly fifty years later, in 1972, polio survivor June Turner is deeply proud of the legacy her great aunt Marion has left as a redwood warrior. And despite her disability, June is determined to prove herself capable as a ranger at the recently established Redwood National Park, even if it means taking to the trails with her crutch in hand. What better way to carry on the family tradition of preserving God’s magnificent creation?
When aspiring film student Adam Garner approaches June to help make a documentary about Marion's life, she swiftly grabs the opportunity to spread her aunt's worthy reputation. That is, until they unearth a secret that might shatter the family legacy. In the scramble for answers, June may lose not only her family pride but also her own dreams.
Karen Barnett's beautifully crafted split-time novel, set against the majestic backdrop of a beloved national park, immerses the reader in history that feels as fresh as if it happened yesterday.
Pick up your copy here..
KAREN BARNETT, the award-winning author of eight novels, writes historical romance that sweeps readers into the beauty and adventure of our national parks. A former park ranger and naturalist, she worked at Mount Rainier National Park, Oregon's Silver Falls State Park, and Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two kids, and three mischievous dachshunds. When not writing, Karen enjoys photography, hiking, public speaking, and decorating crazy birthday cakes. In 2016, she was named Writer of the Year by the prestigious Mount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. Oregon Christian Writers (OCW) honored her with the Writer of Promise Award in 2013 and a 2014 Cascade Award for her debut novel, Mistaken.
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie
Beautiful Caroline Crale was convicted of poisoning her husband, but just like the nursery rhyme, there were five other “little pigs” who could have done it: Philip Blake (the stockbroker), who went to market; Meredith Blake (the amateur herbalist), who stayed at home; Elsa Greer (the three-time divorcée), who had her roast beef; Cecilia Williams (the devoted governess), who had none; and Angela Warren (the disfigured sister), who cried all the way home.
Sixteen years later, Caroline’s daughter is determined to prove her mother’s innocence, and Poirot just can’t get that nursery rhyme out of his mind.
Pick up your copy here...
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Counting Miracles by Nicholas Sparks
From the acclaimed author of The Longest Ride and The Notebook comes an emotional, powerful novel about wondering if we can change—or even make our peace with—the path we’ve taken.
Tanner Hughes was raised by his grandparents, following in his grandfather’s military footsteps to become an Army Ranger. His whole life has been spent abroad, and he is the proverbial rolling stone: happiest when off on his next adventure, zero desire to settle down. But when his grandmother passes away, her last words to him are find where you belong. She also drops a bombshell, telling him the name of the father he never knew—and where to find him.
Tanner is due at his next posting soon, but his curiosity is piqued, and he sets out for Asheboro, North Carolina, to ask around. He’s been in town less than twenty-four hours when he meets Kaitlyn Cooper, a doctor and single mom. They both feel an immediate connection; Tanner knows Kaitlyn has a story to tell, and he wants to hear it. To Kaitlyn, Tanner is mysterious, exciting—and possibly leaving in just a few weeks.
Meanwhile, nearby, eighty-three-year-old Jasper lives alone in a cabin bordering a national forest. With only his old dog, Arlo, for company, he lives quietly, haunted by a tragic accident that took place decades before. When he hears rumors that a white deer has been spotted in the forest—a creature of legend that inspired his father and grandfather—he becomes obsessed with protecting the deer from poachers.
As these characters’ fates orbit closer together, none of them is expecting a miracle . . . but that may be exactly what is about to alter their futures forever.
Pick up your copy here...
Nicholas Sparks is one of the world’s most beloved storytellers. All of his books have been New York Times bestsellers, with over 130 million copies sold worldwide, in more than 50 languages, including over 92 million copies in the United States alone.
Eleven of Nicholas Sparks's novels—The Choice, The Longest Ride, The Best of Me, Safe Haven, The Lucky One, The Last Song, Dear John, Nights in Rodanthe, The Notebook, A Walk to Remember, and Message in a Bottle—have been adapted into major motion pictures. The Notebook has also been adapted into a Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.
My Thoughts...
I'm always up for a good emotional read from Sparks. One book a year is what you get from Sparks so you know it will be a good one.
I really enjoyed Jaspers character. Very well done. This one was one I will be thinking about for a little bit.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Monday, September 23, 2024
The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing by Wanda Brunstetter
Inspired by New York Times bestselling author Wanda E. Brunstetter's The Prayer Jars series. . . The Prayer Jar Devotional: Healing delivers the same life-changing inspiration as Wanda E. Brunstetter's unforgettable stories. Every reading will help you draw closer to your heavenly Father. Your prayer life will be transformed as you read through these dozens of encouraging devotional readings centered around the theme of healing. With each turn of the page, you'll discover unchanging truths of God's Word alongside meaningful prompts that guide you to write and add your personal prayers or favorite, hope-filled Bible verses to your very own prayer jar. (Simple instructions are included in the introduction.) Once you've finished reading the last page, you'll have a full prayer jar of your very own. Use it to infuse your heart with inspiration and encouragement when you need it--or share it with a friend who could use some faith restoration of her very own!
Pick up your copy here...
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Wanda E. Brunstetter is one of the founders of the Amish fiction genre. She has written more than 100 books translated in four languages. With over 12 million copies sold, Wanda's stories consistently earn spots on the nation's most prestigious bestseller lists and have received numerous awards.
Wanda’s ancestors were part of the Anabaptist faith, and her novels are based on personal research intended to accurately portray the Amish way of life. Her books are well-read and trusted by many Amish, who credit her for giving readers a deeper understanding of the people and their customs.
My Thoughts.... I have all three of these devotionals and they are great. They are not long they are great do first thing in the morning. But this lasted devotional of the three is focused on Healing and it is much needed right now. This would make the perfect gift, and I plan on giving it to many friends this year. Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Friday, September 20, 2024
Wildly Loved by Jena Holliday GIVEAWAY!
A coloring book to inspire and encourage you with the truth that you are wildly loved, based on the beautiful art and empowering words of artist Jena Holliday, creator ofSpoonful of Faith.
The world is brighter with you.
Love who you are becoming.
With beautiful illustrations and inspirational quotes from celebrated artist Jena Holliday, Wildly Loved Coloring Book invites you to remember God’s love that holds you close and knows you fully as you spend time with her unique imagery. The empowering coloring pages include original designs and quotes from Jena.
Features include:
- Large format 9.75" x 9.75" (25x25cm) perforated pages
- 45 single-sided coloring pages
- A mix of imagery and quotes specially designed by Jena Holliday
The words and art in this coloring book will take you on a journey toward loving every piece of you that God created. Pick up your favorite art supplies and color your way to a new appreciation of who God made you to be—fully and wildly loved.
Pick up your copy here...
Jena Holliday is a full-time artist, writer, entrepreneur and storyteller. She is the creator and owner of Spoonful of Faith illustration and design studio. With just a bit of faith, she walked away from her mainstream marketing job to embrace her passion for art. What started as a hobby eventually evolved into a full-time commitment of spreading kindness and hope through her artwork and words. That commitment blossomed into a blog and shop, aptly named Spoonful of Faith, and has become a successful business.
Holliday wants her journey and her illustrations to motivate others, especially women to think big, hope and create in this world. She and her husband Adrian love finding pockets of joy in the everyday and are grateful parents to their two children.
Wild Wonder by Stephen Proctor GIVEAWAY!
The Earth is the first tangible gift we were given. Yet when did you last pause to appreciate the immensity of the ocean, wander in silence through an ancient forest, or behold the grandeur of a mountain? How long has it been since you’ve felt grass beneath your feet?
Accompanied by awe-inspiring full-color photography from landscape cinematographer and visual artist Stephen Proctor, Wild Wonder: What Nature Teaches Us About Slowing Down and Living Well combines pastoral observations about creation with an explorationof how it can provide healing to our minds and bodies. Divided into five parts that are each devoted to a unique aspect of nature—oceans, forests, rivers, ice, and mountains—Proctor encourages readers to recognize how being outside restores us and offers us a renewed sense of awe and wonder for the Creator.
In each of the thirty brief essays, he points to some of the deep lessons nature can teach us. We can appreciate the gift of silence while observing a glacier, gain a new perspective on top of a mountain, learn the skill of slowing down from a river, and experience a metaphor of redemptive life after death through nurse logs. Each part includes an interview from an artist whose inspiration has been drawn from nature and ends with a “Time to Fly!” section that features reflection questions, simple action prompts, and sources for further exploration.
Whether outdoor enthusiasts or armchair adventurers, readers of this book will be drawn into a more holistic and contemplative way of life and a deeper awareness of the beautiful world around them.
Stephen Proctor is a visual artist who specializes in landscape cinematography and aerial photography to curate calming, imaginative experiences. Many of his current collaborations are with film composers, ambient artists, and modern classical musicians. For the past twenty years, he has toured with various bands and authors as a VJ and projection artist, producing visually immersive experiences for live concerts and conferences all around the world. Stephen lives in a small cabin in the Columbia River Gorge just outside Portland, Oregon.
What the Wife Knew by Darby Kane
Dr. Richmond Dougherty is a renowned pediatric surgeon, an infamous tragedy survivor, and a national hero. He’s also very dead—thanks to a fall down the stairs. His neighbors angrily point a finger at the newest Ms. Dougherty, Addison. The sudden marriage to the mysterious young woman only lasted ninety-seven days, and he’d had two suspicious “accidents” during that time. Now Addison is a very rich widow.
As law enforcement starts to circle in on Addison and people in town become increasingly hostile, sides are chosen with Kathryn, Richmond’s high school sweetheart, wife number one, and the mother of his children, leading the fray. Despite rising tensions, Addison is even more driven to forge ahead on the path she charted years ago…
Determined at all costs to unravel Richmond’s legacy, she soon becomes a target—with a shocking note left on her bedroom wall: You will pay. But it will take a lot more than faceless threats to stop Addison. Her plan to marry Richmond then ruin him may have been derailed by his unexpected death, but she’s not done with him yet.
Pick up your copy here...
Darby Kane is a former divorce lawyer with a dual writing personality. Her debut thriller, Pretty Little Wife, was a Book of the Month pick, #1 international bestseller, and has been optioned by Amazon for a television series, starring Gabrielle Union. She’s written romantic suspense as HelenKay Dimon and currently writes stories centered on family hijinks with a mix of suspense and romance. The first, Moorewood Family Rules, has been optioned for television.
My Thoughts...
All the family drama and all the twists this book left me with whiplash shaking my head. It was so entertaining. It's a one sit read. It's one I recommend.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Wonderfully, Marvelously, Brown by Xochitl Dixon
Everywhere that I go
I’m searching to see
something wonderfully, marvelously
brown—just like me!
From new school desks to freckles and moles, from fresh pastries to cedar canoes, brown is everywhere around us. It's a color that describes the giant California redwoods and the Grand Canyon walls, busy beavers building dams and great horned owls hoo-hooing.
Illustrated by Pura Belpré Honor Award artist Sara Palacios, Wonderfully, Marvelously Brown takes kids on a tour of the U.S. to seek and find all the brilliant and beautiful shades of brown—from ivory to ebony—that God used in creation, including humans! Through the rhythmic text and repeating refrain, children of all races, ages, and abilities will be encouraged to love the skin they're in as they observe how it's reflected in their communities and the world around them.
Pick up your copy here...
Xochitl (So-Cheel) E. Dixon is a disabled, Mexican Christian author, speaker, wife, mom, and grandma, who loves Jesus and people. She celebrates diversity, advocating for inclusion and disability awareness with her service dog, Callie.
As a regular contributor to Our Daily Bread (www.odb.org) and God Hears Her (www.godhearsher.org), and in her first devotional, Waiting for God: Trusting Daily in God’s Plan and Pace (2019), Xochitl crosses international, cultural, and generational lines with hope-filled, biblical encouragement and Scripture-based prayers that inspire spiritual growth through authentic community.
Her first picture book, Different Like Me (2020), also available in Spanish (Diferente como yo, 2022), is a 2021 Evangelical Christian Publishing Association Christian Book Award Finalist. Her second picture book, What Color is God’s Love? (WaterBrook & Multnomah, 2024), is available for pre-order now!
Connect with Xochitl here, on Facebook and Instagram, and at www.xedixon.com.
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Lethal Standoff by Diann Mills
Hostage negotiator Carrington Reed is called to the scene when reports come in that fifteen hostages are being held by the Kendrix brothers in an abandoned house in south Texas. When she arrives on site, Carrington quickly learns that the brothers are armed and refuse to release their victims, a group of undocumented immigrants, until the local police identify their father’s murderer.
Working closely with Levi Ehrlich, a handsome investigative reporter who has covered some of Carrington’s negotiations in the past, she finds herself being undeniably drawn to him. Carrington digs deeper into the death of the Kendrixes’ father and begins to notice that some details surrounding his death aren’t adding up.
As Carrington investigates the brothers’ claims and tries to piece together their motive for taking innocent people captive, it soon becomes clear that they are trying to hide something and that revenge for their father’s death may not be what they’re really bargaining for after all. To protect the hostages and ensure the brothers don’t carry out the rest of their sinister plot, Carrington must get to the bottom of one family’s secret and the truth they’re trying so hard to hide before time runs out.
Award winning author DiAnn Mills delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense about secrets, betrayal, and finding a path to forgiveness.
Pick up your copy here...
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She weaves memorable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?
Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards, the Golden Scroll, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests.
DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, an active member of the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers, Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. DiAnn continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country.
DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.
Learn about all of DiAnn’s books and connect with DiAnn @ diannmills dot com.
My Thoughts...
I love books with strong characters that address real life issues. Even better when you have a strong women character. Easy to connect with characters are the best. This is definitely not your typical FBI agent.
I really loved this book had a Messianic Jew character. You have to check him out.
All in all, I have to say Mills never disappoints. I recommend this one.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
I really loved this book had a Messianic Jew character. You have to check him out.
All in all, I have to say Mills never disappoints. I recommend this one.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
The Colony Club by Shelley Noble
When young Gilded Age society matron Daisy Harriman is refused a room at the Waldorf because they don’t cater to unaccompanied females, she takes matters into her own hands. She establishes the Colony Club, the first women’s club in Manhattan, where visiting women can stay overnight and dine with their friends; where they can discuss new ideas, take on social issues, and make their voices heard. She hires the most sought-after architect in New York, Stanford White, to design the clubhouse.
As “the best dressed actress on the Rialto” Elsie de Wolfe has an eye for décor, but her career is stagnating. So when White asks her to design the clubhouse interiors, she jumps at the chance and the opportunity to add a woman’s touch. He promises to send her an assistant, a young woman he’s hired as a draftsman.
Raised in the Lower East Side tenements, Nora Bromely is determined to become an architect in spite of hostility and sabotage from her male colleagues. She is disappointed and angry when White “foists” her off on this new women’s club project.
But when White is murdered and the ensuing Trial of the Century discloses the architect’s scandalous personal life, fearful backers begin to withdraw their support. It’s questionable whether the club will survive long enough to open.
Daisy, Elsie, and Nora have nothing in common but their determination to carry on. But to do so, they must overcome not only society’s mores but their own prejudices about women, wealth, and each other. Together they strive to transform Daisy’s dream of the Colony Club into a reality, a place that will nurture social justice and ensure the work of the women who earned the nickname “Mink Brigade” far into the future.
Pick up your copy here..
SHELLEY NOBLE is the NEW YORK TIMES Bestselling Author of historical fiction, THE TIFFANY GIRLS, and women's contemporary fiction, BEACH COLORS, STARGAZEY POINT, BREAKWATER BAY, WHISPER BEACH, PICTURE PERFECT AUTUMN among others.
As SHELLEY FREYDONT she is the author of the CELEBRATION BAY FESTIVAL MYSTERIES,The Gilded Age Newport Mystery series and the Lady Dunbridge, Gilded Age Manhattan mysteries.
A former professional dancer and choreographer, she most recently worked on the films, Mona Lisa Smile and The Game Plan. Shelley lives near the New Jersey shore where she loves to discover new beaches and indulge her passion for lighthouses and vintage carousels.
I read where this book was based on facts. It was such an interesting read. I love the whole storyline. All the historical fiction readers are sure to enjoy this one as much as I did.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
Monday, September 16, 2024
Who Loves You Best by Marilyn Rothstein
For Jodi Wexler, a Florida doctor with a flourishing practice, only one thing’s missing: the chance to spend more time getting to know her eight-year-old granddaughter, Macallan.
When Jodi’s restauranteur daughter asks her to watch Macallan in the Berkshires while she takes care of some business out of town, Jodi can’t say yes fast enough. Neither Jodi’s podiatric patients nor her just-fired, suddenly retired husband can keep her away. But when Jodi arrives, she discovers she’s not the only grandma at Lisa’s house. Lisa’s mother-in-law, Di―a hard-nosed real estate agent―has moved into the house. What’s more, there’s Grannie Annie, the twenty-seven-year-old girlfriend of Lisa’s oddball father-in-law. They’re not the only surprises. Lisa’s marriage is faltering even as her new restaurant is taking off.
As the competition for Macallan’s attention among the three “grandmas” increases, Lisa drops a bomb about her life that changes everything. Under pressure, and determined to help her daughter, Jodi must choose her next step. Her decision surprises everyone―Jodi, most of all.
Pick up your copy here...
Marilyn Simon Rothstein is the author of four novels: Who Loves You Best, Crazy to Leave You, Husbands And Other Sharp Objects and Lift and Separate. She grew up in New York City, earned a degree in journalism from New York University, began her writing career at Seventeen magazine, married a man she met in an elevator, and owned an advertising agency for twenty-five years.
My Thoughts...
Family with a capital F. This book was charming and had me thinking about my grandma who has long since passed. But the characters were so real. I really enjoyed it. This one is not to be missed.
Mary Reader received this book from the publisher for review. A favorable review was not required, and all views expressed are our own.
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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