Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Last Review of the Year

The Country Guesthouse (Sullivan's Crossing, #5)The Country Guesthouse by Robyn Carr
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

We are back in Sullivan's Crossing with book five. Two new characters, a lovable dog, and a very cute kid. What else would you need for a very good story. I loved watching Owen and Hannah work through their attraction. Noah (Cute Kid) just adds to the spice. There has to be a problem so watch out for the grandmother. She is not what she seems. Great story and I loved seeing the characters from the previous books.

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Sunday, December 29, 2019

New Review

Starbreaker (Endeavor, #2)Starbreaker by Amanda Bouchet
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Tess Bailey and Shade Ganavan are in it deep again. Both have secrets in their past and both want forgiveness for thing done and gone. This is a middle book and it has all the hallmarks. Several problems, a lot of tension and danger, some romance, a secret from the past revealed and nothing permanent solved. A good read but should be more to come.

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Thursday, December 26, 2019

Final in Series

The Rise of Magicks (Chronicles of The One, #3)The Rise of Magicks by Nora Roberts
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been an interesting series. The Doom took so many and magic came back into the world. Magic both light and dark. A old theme put in a new setting. I loved the characters and enjoyed their journey as the world changed and had to be put back together. A good series for any who love post-apocalyptic stories.

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Saturday, December 21, 2019

Different

To Be Taught, If FortunateTo Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting but different. LIke Chamber's trilogy this is very different. It is told from a single view point and is the story of explorers who change to fit the planet. While they are doing their job something happens on Earth and how the group reacts is the heart of the story. Different cast and different ending. Don't really know how I feel about the whole thing.

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Friday, December 20, 2019

New Review

Stars Beyond (Stars Uncharted, #2)Stars Beyond by S.K. Dunstall
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As I read this just kept getting better and better. Josune, Roystan, and Nika as well as the other characters kept the action going and the plot thickening. I loved the first book and Stars Beyond lived up to my expectations. S.K. Dunstall is on a roll with first the Linesman books and now the Stars Uncharted. This could be the last book in this series but I am hoping for one more. I love the crew and would love to see how they carry on after all the danger and tension in this book.

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Monday, December 16, 2019

Review

Risk It All (Rocky Mountain Bounty Hunters #2)Risk It All by Katie Ruggle
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cara is the one who does research so why was she picking the lock on a motel room. Why was Henry Kavenski more amused than upset when he catching her. That is the start of a very dangerous journey for both. I loved both of the main characters. I could tell that they belonged together. I did get tired of the long deceptive section as they were on the run. I also thought Cara was a little slow on the uptake about who Henry really was. All in all a good second book in the series.

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Friday, December 13, 2019

Another Short and Sweet Review

Cold Nose, Warm HeartCold Nose, Warm Heart by Mara Wells
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Caleb runs right up against Riley and her best friend LouLou the poodle. Even though you know how this has to end it is fun watching the two try to resist and then give in to attrition. Caleb is an OK guy who is trying to overcome his family's background. Riley is a hard working woman who is taking care of everyone. She has to learn to accept help. A really fun story with some wonderful dogs as side characters.

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Once Again a Review

Crisis at Validor (Ptorix Empire, #4)Crisis at Validor by Greta van der Rol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read the first book in the Iron Admiral series and really liked it but for some reason never continued the seres. Crisis at Validor is a spin off from that series. It has great world building and backstory. I did not ever feel lost as the story progressed. While it is book #4 it does a very good job of standing alone. I loved the main characters and the side ones were also great. One of the aliens was a big surprise and I wonder if we will see her again.


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Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Short Review

Fallen (Deep Ops, #2)Fallen by Rebecca Zanetti
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is just book two in the Deep Ops series. Their was a lot of backstory in book one and there is more about this misfit group in Fallen. Featuring the hacker Brigid Banaghan and the ultra cool Raider Tanaka we learn more about Bridid and her secrets. Raider has some two. The two have to work together and ignore the attraction that is building. There is romance, tension, danger and forgiveness. before Fallen is over. Great second book in an exciting series.

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Sunday, December 8, 2019

Another Short and Sweet Review

Daegan (Sectors New Allies, #10)Daegan by Veronica Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love how Veronica Scott keeps the Sectors New Allies series fresh and new. This is book 10 and the story is the same. Daegan and Flo have just met and are mates. OK that sounds dull but it is anything but. The setting, the conflict, the tension and the romance are all different from previous stories. Great addition to the story line and I see a lot of new possibilities with the action of Daegan and his pack.

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Saturday, November 30, 2019

More Short and Sweet

Christmas in Silver Springs (Silver Springs, #6)Christmas in Silver Springs by Brenda Novak
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Harper and Tobias are at best a mis-matched couple. Tobias is an ex-con and Harper the soon to be ex-wife of a rock star. That part range true. Rock stars often make very bad marriage partners. The romance was sweet but I just kept waiting for the next shoe to fall. Seems Tobias has not revealed his past. At time it seemed I was reading just to find out when it would happen.

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Friday, November 29, 2019

Sweet

Christmas in Winter Valley (Ransom Canyon, #8)Christmas in Winter Valley by Jodi Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a great mix of characters. A young boy who needs a home, three silly cousins, all of the Holloway's, a cook and an old worn out cowboy. Each is woven into a great romance - no wait woven into many great romances. Ransom Canyon has seen a lot and this just adds to the mystique. Great story and a hard to put down read.

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Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Short

Coming Home for Christmas (Haven Point, #10)Coming Home for Christmas by RaeAnne Thayne
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth has a secret and it is about to explode. That secret is her husband Luke. This has a lot of interesting backstory as we learn what really happened to Elizabeth seven years ago. A nice look at what it takes to survive and how the people around you react. There is a lot to forgive in this story and it takes a lot for it to happen.

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Monday, November 25, 2019

Short and Sweet

Chilling Effect (Chilling Effect, #1)Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Eva Innocente is certainly busy. She goes from danger to danger. While there was a lot of action in Chilling Effect I kept wondering where the plot was going. It is the first in a series and character development, world building and backstory are adequate. Still I would have liked to see more of what the central theme was instead of just more and more danger.

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Sunday, November 17, 2019

Surprise A Short and Sweet Book Review

Forever and a Duke (Rogues to Riches, #3)Forever and a Duke by Grace Burrowes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eleanora Hatfield has secrets in her past. Wrexham, Duke of Elsmore, has more family to take care of than he wants. He also has someone stealing from him. Enter Eleanora who understands figures and is tasked to help him find out where the money is going. The two should have nothing in common but of course the more time they spend together the more the attraction. This has it all. Some mystery, interesting side characters, romance and tension all wrapped up in a great story. Nice addition to the Rogues to Riches series.

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Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Another Short and Sweet Book Review

A Texas Kind of ChristmasA Texas Kind of Christmas by Jodi Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The real St Nicholas Hotel is the setting for this group of Texas Christmas romances. Look for some misdirection as three couples find what they were looking for at the annual Christmas Ball. I enjoyed hearing about the very real St Nicholas Hotel and its owner. Dallas at the time was more a small town than the city it became. That made it a great choice for this group of stories.

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Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Short and Sweet Book Reviews

A Longer Fall (Gunnie Rose, #2)A Longer Fall by Charlaine Harris
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Gunnie Rose has taken a job that is not what it seems and when it all goes bad Eli returns to be a part of the solution. This is great world building and the world is filled with interesting characters. As the characters drive the plot Gunnie faces more trouble and danger. I love how she and Eli work together. Of course as all seems to be settled the last actions leave a lot open ended. Great action and tension.

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Sunday, November 10, 2019

Short and Sweet Book Review

City of Scoundrels (Counterfeit Lady, #3)City of Scoundrels by Victoria Thompson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It was good to see Elizabeth and Gideon again. They are such oil and water but still make a great pair. This time it is the widow Rose who needs help and of course they have to put together a con to right a wrong. Both are taking on traits that belong to the other. Elizabeth a little more honest, Gideon a little less honest. This is a great story with danger, tension, and edge of your seat action. The widow Rose is a great new character and I hope she shows up in future stories. With book three Counterfeit Lady is on track as a must follow mystery series. I love the historical events the author weaves into the story. Be sure to read the afterward to see what events really happened.

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Wednesday, November 6, 2019

Short and Sweet Book Review

The Art of Theft (Lady Sherlock, #4)The Art of Theft by Sherry Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This just keeps getting better and better. I loved how the group worked together as they faced danger and surprises. The characters just keep developing and changing slowly but surely. While the problem is solved the surprises kept coming. The cliff hanger at the end or the two at the end are a sure fire lead into the next book in the series.

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Thursday, May 23, 2019

Discussion of a Decent Dream by E. Curtis - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway



Discussion of a Decent Dream
by E. Curtis 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
GENRE: Dark Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

In the fall of 1789, on the western edge of the Yorkshire Dales, a dense, persistent fog enshrouds the village of Ingleton. Shadowed spirits hide in the mist and bedevil the townsfolk, heralding a tragedy that has befallen one of their own.

Edmond continues to search for Alexandra, his fiancée, who disappeared the same night that the mist set upon their town. Presumed dead by all others, he visits Alexandra's empty grave, desperate for any hint of what has become of her. Weary from the sleepless nights on his quest, no longer able to stay awake, Edmond falls into a dream before her headstone and there obtains clues from Alexandra as to her whereabouts.

Haunted all the while by a malevolent spirit, Edmond follows the trail that Alexandra left for him and enters the underworld, only to learn that he has been there before, and in fact, quite often. But more, he discovers how he is to blame for Alexandra's disappearance.

A dark literary novel rich in imagery, Discussion of a Decent Dream unearths the consequences of a child's decision to surrender his heart in exchange for unholy power and transcendent knowledge.

Discussion of a Decent Dream is a Finalist in Britain's Wishing Self Book Awards in the Adult category.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPT

We ignored the portent that crept into the countryside the day she disappeared. But in the weeks that followed, with no answers as to what had befallen her, with no assurance that she still lived, we came to understand, and most saw the worst in the blanket of mist that stopped time and shut us out from the rest of the world.

I had just turned twenty-one the summer of 1789 when Alexandra went missing. And after all our fruitless searching, in need of some direction, I snuck, under the cover of night, into the yard where her parents had laid their sorrow to rest. Falling to my knees before the stone of her empty grave I spoke with reverence, not for the hallowed ground, but for the call that brought me, as though somehow she could hear me.

To Find Out More about E. Curtis read the interview below: 


What group did you hang out with in high school?

I was an everyman, accepted into and adapted to a variety of groups, from the jocks to the nerds, from artsy groups to the goths.


What are you passionate about these days?

Food, drink, tobaccos, music, and what is revealed in the ether.


If you had to do your journey to publication all over again, what would you do differently?

Get the first draft to an editor more quickly rather than try to fix it on my own.


E-book or print? And why?

I prefer print for the tactile sensual experience of reading. An e-book is cold, lifeless. However, there is great joy in the convenience of taking many books in a small package wherever you want to go. I often use my tablet for final editing, seeing the novel in its final form, looking for typos and the like.


What is your favorite scene in this book?

All of Chapter Five, as it was my own inciting incident, the dream I had from which the chapter is drawn. Chapter Five started it all. In the hall of paintings, Edmond learns more of Alexandra’s fate. Alice in Wonderland blended with Dante’s Inferno. Chapter Eight is also a favorite, for the mood and experience, the first conversation/battle with Edmond’s demon the Figure, it is wicked and mind-bendy.

My favorite line, though, is: Rather I raced through odd fashions of knowing, posed in scratched and discolored celluloid frames, formed in fixed positions, and I remembered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:

E. Curtis draws on personal experiences of the otherworldly for his writing. Through dreams, visions, and waking encounters, his exposure to darkness has motivated him to detail what he has come to know of the preternatural. While a few short pieces have been published on an online literary magazine, Discussion of a Decent Dream is his first novel.

Website: http://discussthedream.com/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ECurtisBooks/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/discussthedream
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discussthedream/

The book is on sale for $0.99 during the tour.



 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION


One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 4, 2019

Taking a Break

For those of you who follow my blog you may have noticed that there have been very few posts lately.  I am moving and being very ruthless in cleaning out, giving away and throwing away.  My blogging has stopped for now.

My Science Fiction Book collection is one of the big things I had to decide what to do with as I would to have room for them where I am moving.   I did not realize how attached I was to the books until they were gone.  Seems that after living in 10 different locations in four states when I moved here to number eleven I felt I would not move again.   I did what I had always wanted but had not because I knew I would not stay.  I had book shelves built in and I unpacked all my books.  Now I am moving to a smaller place closer to my children.  (I am 76 and realizing some hard truths.  I need to be closer to family.  I could put it off but decided to do this when I was in control.)

The books left yesterday.  I asked the Friends of the Library if they would like some of the books and they said they would like them all.  I pulled out a few and watched as 5 very nice people came and packed the rest up.  I managed not to cry until they left.  Now I can't seem to stop.  Even though I know it was the right thing to do and that they are going to a very good place I am still very sad.  (See photos of before and after.)

I don't know if I will re-start the blog after I move.  However the Goodreads post on the side bar will still be keeping up with what I am reading.





Thursday, May 2, 2019

The Soul Mate Tree Series by Addie Jo Ryleigh - Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway


SOUL MATE TREE SERIES

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

GENRE: Fantasy

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

BLURB:

An ancient legend spanning eras, continents, and worlds.
To some, it’s nothing more than a dream.
To others, a pretty fairy tale handed down through the generations.
For those in critical need of their own happy ending, a gift.


THE LEGEND OF THE SOUL MATE TREE

I am old, I am ancient, my purpose is clear
To give those who are needy a treasure so dear.
They who come to my roots, touch my bark, stroke my leaves
Find the soul of their lives if they but believe.
When I call and you listen, your prize will be great
If your heart remains open and you don’t hesitate.
Do you yearn? Be you lonely? Is your time yet at hand?
Reach for me and I’ll give to you. I’m yours to command.
For your trust, for your faith, keep my secrets untold
And I’ll gift you forever, to have and to hold.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~
If you’ve ever seen my posts on social media, there are some things about myself that are very transparent. Such as, I’m a Regency romance author. I’m a hockey mom to three amazing boys. And, I drink coffee…a lot. But some things are not as obvious and here are a few.

1.    I’ve been married to my high school sweetheart for 15 years. I’m still trying to figure out where the years have gone.
2.    I grew up on a farm in central Minnesota where we raised first pigs and then calves. My parents still operate the same farm, which is about 10 miles from where I currently live. Yes, I’m a small town girl at heart.
3.    I wanted to be a movie director when I wasn’t thinking of being a marine biologist. But even then, I was “writing” movie scripts so it has always been writing for me.
4.    Before I had kids, I owed a ferret, two sugar gliders, five hedgehogs, and too many chinchillas to count. I’ve since replaced them with three monkeys, also known as my children.
5.    I’ve become rather handy over the years. I’ve remodeled my kitchen, built an outside chicken run, a quail cage, and a desk…hopefully soon a coffee bar for my writing nook. I’ve also fixed the AC in my van and our 4-wheeler a time or two.
6.    I graduated collage with a major in accounting and a minor in computer science and worked in public accounting for 7 years.
7.    I have a day job as a financial coordinator for an orthodontist office.
8.    I haven’t traveled outside of Minnesota much, but other than surrounding states, I’ve visited California twice, Germany once and would love to see to England and Italy.
9.    I paralyzed my vocal cord when I was twelve. While I’ve regained use of my voice by my other vocal cord overcompensating, the nerve never fully healed and is still paralyzed.
10.  Thanks to my middle son, I’ve become a fish hobbyist. We just recently set up a 72 gallon tank after getting a 60 gallon tank last year. We now have a green severum (Serenity), a gold severum (Goldberg), a green terror cichlid (Trout), albino rainbow shark (Whitey), three plecos (Piper, Penelope, Phillip ), a pictus catfish (Whiskers), three gourami fish (Greta, Gilbert, Sunny), and a spotted Raphael catfish (I think his official name is Rafe but we call him Fatty because he is one chunky little guy who is rarely seen). There are also no-named black kuhli loaches, zipper loaches, and a couple danios. I’m rather hooked and would really love to have a flowerhorn cichlid someday.

So, when I’m not creating a new story, reading a book, or drinking coffee, you’ll most likely find me at a hockey rink or a soccer field but there is also a good chance I’ll be building something or cleaning a fish tank.

Addie Jo Ryleigh Bio:
Addie Jo Ryleigh writes historical romances featuring rakish heroes and strong feisty heroines.

Her love and passion for romance books started young and she became hooked on historical romance (particularly Regency) after graduating from Lurlene McDaniel’s young adult books. 

Currently, Addie Jo reads any genre that keeps her reading into the early hours of the morning.
Addie Jo lives in the same cold-winter-hot-summer area of Minnesota she discovered as a child. Sharing in the raising of her three high-energy boys is her very understanding husband who graciously endured being dubbed “The Duke” by his co-workers. Keeping Addie Jo company while she writes is her young at heart yorkipoo, Bella. Meanwhile, her other four-legged family members (a black lab, Max, and a red lab puppy, Cozmo) are usually in cahoots with her children to create endless distractions.

When not playing chauffeur for her hockey-playing boys (and being a soccer mom in the offseason) or writing her next story, you’ll find Addie Jo with an ever-present cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

Social Links:

BLURB:

Respectable Lady Katherine Baxton, striving to meet the requirements of her station, has become the ultimate dutiful daughter. And now, the Duke of Blackthorn’s betrothed. Far from a love match, Kate is nevertheless determined to do as expected and marry.


That all changes the night she panics at her impending future and runs, stumbling upon a private grove, a mysterious tree . . . and a half-naked man.


The youngest son of a viscount widely thought to have purchased his title, Jackson Cooper demonstrates his disdain for the aristocracy by affording himself every luxury available—drinking, wenching, and gambling—while eschewing anything representing the ton. Jackson has little care for his reputation and no desire to marry. His escape from London is all but complete.


Until fate—in the form of a beautiful, mysterious lady—interrupts his plans, enticing him with the very thing he never wanted.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EXCERPTS 

 “Aren’t sprites confined to the trees?” His deep voice washed over her.

She didn’t turn to acknowledge him. “How nice to see you properly dressed for once.”

His chuckle warmed her. “Are you following me?”

An unladylike snort refused to be repressed. “Hardly. You are rather difficult to overlook, being the only unknown face here.”

“That’s not true. You’ve seen my face . . . as well as other, more interesting parts.”

Kate wished she’d listened to her sister and worn a bonnet. Anything to mask the heat flaring in her cheeks.

Thankfully he remained at her side and hadn’t a clear view of her face. “We have not been introduced. I can’t be seen speaking to you.”

“Then let us go where we can't be seen.”

Her heart raced at his boldness. Why was this man so tempting? She was spoken for, though still unofficially. Proper ladies didn’t follow strange men to private locations, regardless of their marital status. “Absolutely not.”

“Even if I have something of yours?”

Blast! Her ring. Given her luck lately, she would have lost it in the grove of all places. Her aunt would toss in her grave knowing Kate had misplaced her gift.

“A true gentleman would return it.”
            
His deep laugh caused her pulse to flutter. “I'm no gentleman. Or haven't you heard?”


GIVEAWAY INFORMATION 

One randomly drawn commenter will receive a $50 Amazon/BN GC. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway