Tag Archives: Buzzing About Books

Friday Freebie: One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

2 Dec

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One Enchanted Christmas by Melissa Tagg

Download your FREE copy here: http://amzn.to/2gsNSow

Last December, mystery author Maren Grant had the most perfect night of her life. On a glimmering winter evening, she got to watch the photo shoot for her very first book and ended up on a magical date with the cover model himself—Colin Renwycke.

Fast forward one year. This December, with a looming deadline, restless spirit and her creative spark long since gone, Maren is desperate to get unstuck. And she can’t get Colin out of her head…or his year-old open invitation to spend a couple weeks writing at his family’s farm.

Drew Renwycke never planned to come home and take over the Renwycke family farm. But he’s spent too many years watching his siblings unravel, including his brother, Colin, after one terrible family mistake. If moving to Maple Valley, Iowa, renovating an old farmhouse and switching careers is what it takes to put the Renwycke family back together, he’ll do it.

But his simple plan upends when a scrappy author lands on his doorstep. And she just might be the key to coaxing his brother home. But what if he wants her all to himself? Drew will have to choose between his Christmas wish and the enchantment of a holiday romance that just might be the happy ending they all long for.

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#BookReview: Season of Miracles by Alexa Verde

1 Dec

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Season of Miracles by Alexa Verde

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2gMsfCY

Nurse Lana Smith gives herself a gift for Christmas, a fresh start in a small town. After escaping a dead-end relationship with a celebrity, she avoids her patient’s grandson, a pro football player. When Arturo gradually thaws her frozen heart, can her Christmas wish for family and affection come true?
Football is Arturo De La Vega’s life, but he returns to his hometown to help his ailing grandfather. Lana challenges Arturo to reach for stars of faith and love. Is Arturo’s quest for glory worth crushing Lana’s dreams and sacrificing his heart’s true desire?

 

My thoughts:

Season of Miracles is a heartwarming holiday tale! I have enjoyed each of Alexa Verde’s Rios Azules suspense stories, and it was a pleasure to revisit this south Texas town for a little Christmas romance. Each of the characters embodies their own particular charm, and I enjoyed their interactions and the development of their relationships. Lana and Arturo’s story is delightful and a recommended Christmas read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit

30 Nov

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A Primary Decision by Dr. Kevin Leman and Jeff Nesbit

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2ggUg4K

The road to power and position is fraught with perils, even for a Worthington.  But Sarah does not intend to lose.

Sarah Worthington never expected to become the US attorney general–at least not this early in her career. Plunged into the vicious vetting process, with all sides digging for secrets in her family closet, she steels herself for the path forward. Nothing will deter her from making her mark on the world in the biggest way possible–even if that means prosecuting the current president of the United States.

Yet powerful forces conspire behind the scenes to take the Worthington family down, and the president orders her to close the investigation. Will she comply? Or turn the tables to pursue her ultimate dream–the US presidency?

 

My thoughts:

The Worthingtons are back and better than ever! Leman and Nesbit masterfully capture the dynamics of this powerful, political family and drama ensues as their long-buried secrets begin to surface. Rife with themes that are relevant and conceivably ripped from the headlines, I loved the intrigue and excitement of this compelling story. A Primary Decision is a page-turning conclusion to The Worthington Destiny series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

29 Nov

choosing-real

Choosing Real by Bekah Jane Pogue

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gCxCR8

Are you ready to release your control of needing to be everything for everyone? . . . The invitation is yours. In Choosing REAL, author Bekah Pogue walks with you into life’s unplanned circumstances–specifically frantic schedules, pain and transition, feelings of unworthiness, loneliness, and tension. . . And she’ll remind you that it is in these very moments that God invites you to notice, respond, and even celebrate how He shows up in every little detail.

 

My thoughts:

Reading Choosing Real is like experiencing a heartfelt conversation with a friend. Author Bekah Pogue openly and honestly shares her own feelings and struggles, letting readers know they are not alone in their circumstances. “You matter, and how you respond to what goes on in your day-to-day life matters. And celebrating your trust in God, regardless of how large or small your plans are, matters.” Uplifting and encouraging, Choosing Real is a great reminder to embrace and celebrate life’s moments, both planned and unplanned.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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$0.99 Sale- One Enchanted Eve

22 Nov

All the ingredients for an enchanting happily ever after!

one-enchanted-eve-sale

Melissa Tagg’s One Enchanted Eve is out today, and it’s only 99¢ for a limited time!  Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2eUjNfW

 

After years of mistakes and regret, Colin Renwycke finally has a plan: Hone his baking talent at the Denver Culinary Institute and embark on a new career as a pastry chef. If he’s lucky, he might even manage to earn back his family’s respect. But despite his skills in the kitchen, Colin’s a mess in the classroom and his ongoing disasters are proving too much for his prickly instructor. If he loses his spot at the school, he’s out of backup plans.

Culinary school instructor Rylan Jefferson has the chance to reclaim her dream of running her own bakery. But she only has until Christmas Eve to come up with the perfect recipe to impress an eccentric investor. She has no time for holiday parties or family plans . . . and especially not for the unruly student baker who couldn’t follow a recipe if his life depended on it.

But Colin has the one ingredient Rylan needs most—talent. Lots of it. And when he makes a proposal that just might solve both their problems, Rylan can’t say no—even if it does mean traveling all the way to Iowa. It just might be that the snow-covered plains and a charming small town full of postcard Christmas cheer are exactly what her hungry heart needs . . . along with a man who is much more than he seems.

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#BookReview: Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

21 Nov

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Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce by Shellie Rushing Tomlinson

Purchase a copy: http://amzn.to/2eOj0Nu

Shellie Rushing Tomlinson, the Belle of All Things Southern, is serving up down-home southern dishes with a healthy side of laugh-out-loud entertainment in Hungry Is a Mighty Fine Sauce. Featuring dozens of tried-and-true recipes complemented by entertaining stories, your hunger–and your craving for humor–are sure to be satisfied! Uncomplicated, delicious recipes including Bodacious Black Bean Salad and Spicy Sausage and Crawfish Spread (125 recipes, to be exact!) fall into categories including Feeding the Funny Farm, Carnivores Are Us, Holidays in Dixie, and Watching the Curves. Eye-catching photos, guaranteed to make your mouth water, are included throughout. . .sure to be a much-appreciated gift or centerpiece on your very own kitchen countertop.

 

My thoughts:

I love cookbooks, and Hungry is a Mighty Fine Sauce is one I’ll be reaching for and recommending again and again! Dubbed as “Recipes and Ramblings from The Belle of All Things Southern”, this spiral-bound storytelling cookbook is brimming with sumptuous southern fare, laugh-out-loud stories, and beautiful photographs.

Believing “the best meals come with a story”, Shellie Rushing Tomlinson has compiled a wonderful collection of recipes and served them up with heaping helpings of humor and heart. My family and I have certainly enjoyed adding some of these delicious dishes to our menu and are eager to try more. They are tried and true and plate licking good, but you’ll have to grab a copy of the book to find out more about that!  😉

 

A wonderful recipe card from the publisher!

chocolate-caramel-cookies

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#BookReview: Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne

17 Nov

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Home on the Range by Ruth Logan Herne 

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2dGI1wW

Can the brother left behind and a woman without hope work together for the good of two precious children?

Nick Stafford stayed in central Washington, working his family’s large ranch after his brothers left to pursue other passions—but his toughest job is being a single dad. As a child he watched his father fail at marriage and parenting, so Nick was determined to show him up. He’d be a better husband, father, and ranch manager than Sam Stafford ever was. Despite that commitment, three years after Nick’s wife left him, he has a daughter in trouble at school and both of his girls are facing issues that force him to rethink his stubborn plans.

For Dr. Elsa Andreas, life fell apart when tragedy caused her to abandon her family therapy practice and retreat to the backwoods of Gray’s Glen. Her school principal sister believes Elsa can guide the Stafford girls and that working with kids will draw Elsa out of her protective bubble.

Summer on the Double S teems with life and adventure. Amid the bounty of God and land, will Nick and Elsa find the courage to build futures based on faith rather than fear?

 

My thoughts:

Ruth Logan Herne welcomes readers back to the Double S Ranch, once again capturing the intricacies of ranching and family life. I quickly became immersed in the lives of Nick and his girls; the angst and emotion they felt was palpable. Experiencing their journey was both heart-wrenching and heartwarming, and I delighted in their happiness and healing. Home on the Range is an engaging story and a wonderful addition to this dramatic series. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Stafford family!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott

15 Nov

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A Convenient Christmas Wedding by Regina Scott

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fHJgLl

Proposing a marriage of convenience to a rugged logger is the boldest move of Nora Underhill’s sheltered life. In return for Simon Wallin’s protection from her overbearing family, the unassuming seamstress offers prime frontier farmland. But their paper marriage changes when Nora’s greedy brother tries to draw her back into a life of drudgery. Her only option: move to Simon’s farm, and into the center of his loving, unruly family.

Years of shouldering responsibility have left Simon cynical and reserved. But little by little, Nora’s warmth opens his shuttered heart to joy. With their marriage claim under threat, can this practical arrangement blossom over the holidays…and become a love for all seasons?

 

My thoughts:

Regina Scott is a wonderful storyteller, and I reveled in her delightful twist on the marriage of convenience trope! Simon and Nora’s story is engaging, entertaining, and sure to make you smile. I love the Wallins and especially enjoyed the humor and heart Nora brought to their family. I also loved the animals she brought, too!  😉  A Convenient Christmas Wedding is a lovely story and a cozy Christmas read!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl

14 Nov

fatal-frost

Fatal Frost by Nancy Mehl

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2f3TLHZ

Mercy Brennan followed in her father’s footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she’s assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis’s most powerful gang.

When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent–a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy’s ex-boyfriend–to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.

Initially unaware of the danger she’s in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy’s frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn’t until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out of contact with the district office, that the full severity of their situation becomes clear. As the storm worsens, the forces of nature combine with a deadly enemy closing in to put their lives at imminent risk. Can they survive long enough for help to arrive–if help is even coming at all?

 

My thoughts:

Nancy Mehl begins her Defenders of Justice series with a chilling tale of action and suspense! When U.S. Marshal Mercy Brennan unknowingly accepts possession of incriminating information, she becomes the target of a very powerful gang. As danger escalates, the twists and turns through this story will keep you guessing, unable to discern the good guys from the bad. I enjoyed Fatal Frost and look forward to continuing this intriguing new series!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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#BookReview: Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

10 Nov

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Waves of Mercy by Lynn Austin

Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2fDFHIz

Geesje de Jonge crossed the ocean at age seventeen with her parents and a small group of immigrants from the Netherlands to settle in the Michigan wilderness. Fifty years later, in 1897, she’s asked to write a memoir of her early experiences as the town celebrates its anniversary. Reluctant at first, she soon uncovers memories and emotions hidden all these years, including the story of her one true love.

At the nearby Hotel Ottawa Resort on the shore of Lake Michigan, twenty-three-year-old Anna Nicholson is trying to ease the pain of a broken engagement to a wealthy Chicago banker. But her time of introspection is disturbed after a violent storm aboard a steamship stirs up memories of a childhood nightmare. As more memories and dreams surface, Anna begins to question who she is and whether she wants to return to her wealthy life in Chicago. When she befriends a young seminary student who is working at the hotel for the summer, she finds herself asking him all the questions that have been troubling her.

Neither Geesje nor Anna, who are different in every possible way, can foresee the life-altering surprises awaiting them before the summer ends.

 

My thoughts:

Richly layered and steeped in history, Waves of Mercy captivated me from beginning to end! The characterization is excellent, and I quickly became immersed in the lives of Geesje and Anna. I loved the memories and emotions Geesje shared while writing about her life experiences; the immigration from the Netherlands to Michigan was fascinating. I was also delighted by Anna and her determination to discover more about her family and her faith. Geesje and Anna’s journeys are beautifully intertwined, and I would love to continue their stories. If you are a fan of historical fiction, especially multi-generational stories, Waves of Mercy is a novel I highly recommend.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. No review was required, and all thoughts expressed are my own.

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