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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Up To I DoSamantha March will be on tour September 21-October 5 with her novel Up To I Do Emerson Sinclair, twenty-seven year old hotel heiress, has said yes. With just over a year to plan her extravagant, over the top nuptials to Logan Worthington, it’s all hands on deck with the wedding plans. A Sinclair marrying into the Worthington family is the talk of their small New Hampshire town, and ideas include filming the wedding for a TV segment. But as the items get checked off the list, plans start to go ... not as planned. From not getting a designer dress to a selfish bridesmaid and unaccountable best man, Emerson is afraid her wedding will be more a joke than anything. When both her mother and sister seemingly begin to lose interest in her wedding plans in favor of their own personal lives, Emerson fears her big day will turn into the forgotten wedding. With the pressure to pull off a beautiful and elegant event that everyone expects from their respectable families, Emerson starts to forget the reason why she is saying I Do in the first place. Please visit CLP Blog Tours for all the tour stops! CLP Blog Tours
samanthamarchsummerAbout Samantha March Samantha March is an author, editor, publisher, blogger, and all around book lover. She runs the popular book/women's lifestyle blog ChickLitPlus, which keeps her bookshelf stocked with the latest reads and up to date on all things health, fitness, fashion, and celebrity related. In 2011 she launched her independent publishing company Marching Ink and has three published novels - Destined to Fail, The Green Ticket and A Questionable Friendship. When she isn't reading, writing, or blogging, you can find her cheering for the Green Bay Packers. Samantha lives in Iowa with her husband and Vizsla puppy. Keep In Touch https://instagram.com/marchbooksbeauty/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDnb5YAcjk7pnu25YckVL6g https://www.facebook.com/samanthamarchauthor https://twitter.com/BySamanthaMarch Book Links http://amzn.to/1QECZvH http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/up-to-i-do-samantha-march/1122377630?ean=2940150767386 https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/up-to-i-do   https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26007111-up-to-i-do a Rafflecopter giveaway

UP TO I DO by SAMANTHA MARCH

The question has been asked. The bride to be has said yes, now what? Emerson is so excited that she is getting married. She wants the wedding to be spectacular and  over the top. There is a problem, though . Emerson finds herself on the edge as she tries to plan the perfect wedding. Don't we all know there is no such thing as a perfect wedding? Someone needs to clue Emerson in on that.

Everyone has probably heard the term, "Bridezilla", but someone needs to clue Emerson in . At times her character started to irritate me, then she gets a grip and soon realizes that maybe the wedding is becoming more important than the actual marriage.   Emerson is very likeable and I started to really want to jump in and help her with the wedding. As you read the story, you find little updates as you start to dig into the next chapter. The author writes an inspiring story of love and what marriage is really about.

Overall the story was sweet and had  fun little parts that kept the characters interesting. I loved the surprise at the end and was happy to see that Emerson realized that what was important was marrying the person of her dreams and not how elaborate a wedding should be.

I received a copy of this book for an honest review

Tuesday, September 29, 2015









Desire and despise. Two insanely contradicting emotions that the dark haired, well-built, irrefutably handsome musician Riley evokes in simple but attractive, fashion savvy, Austinite Brooke. Initially unequivocally turned-off by the brash but striking Riley she develops a fascination for his seductive charms as Riley reels Brooke into a world of ravenous love she never knew existed. What they create together is oh-so-much more than beautiful music. It's a roller coaster ride of awe-inspiring and heartbreaking emotion, passion, hidden secrets and an ending that will leave you utterly breathless. The way they become eternally bound sets the heart afire when fate unleashes the ultimate betrayal.





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Beth Ann is a wife, mother, blogger and book lover from Texas. Her passion is writing stories that draw a reader into a world where they can become the characters and experience a gamut of emotions. When she's not writing, she love's to be home with my family and two yellow labs. In addition she's a sucker for super sappy romance movies, loves trying out Texas wines, is an avid hot tea drinker and enjoys checking items off of her ever-growing bucket list.














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CYBER ATTACK by BOBBY AKART

Like a well oiled machine , the next installment in the Boston Brahmin series is precise in its rise to the top of its genre. The story delivers a heartpounding ride as an aircraft is overtaken. The captain and his crew are at a loss as to how someone could intercept their fireproof state of the art computer system. Beware people, the hackers are back and more daring than ever. Finally as the captain retains control of the aircraft, a message pops up on the computer screen. It says, "Thank you for flying with Zero Day Gamers Airways." That's about the time I would gather my family , run like hell and bunker down. The attacks become more frequent, more powerful and more realistic.  The government is doing underhanded deals while trying to stay in control. Sounds like a page ripped from the latest breaking story in America right now. Bobby has stepped up his game and added new dimensions to characters with more urgency and survival. The book is a first class thriller with twists that has your heart beating fast as America prepares for the ultimate cyber attack. Bobby's technical knowledge is outstanding and makes the story so believable that an urgency to find shelter should be sounded . America you have been warned. Are you prepared?

Monday, September 28, 2015


BLESSED, BLESSED, BLESSED, by MISSY ROBERTSON

Missy and Jase  came from different backgrounds, but God had a plan to join them together one day and start a family. Little did Missy know what a rude she was in store for. Being  from a big family, Jase was often surrounded by brothers, cousins, parents and whoever else just happened to be around. Missy's life was a little quieter until the day she became Mrs. Jase Robertson. Through the very successful television show, "Duck Dynasty" their privates lives were a thing of the past.

 They had two sons named, Reed and Cole and a daughter named Mia. When Jase and Missy heard the news that their daughter was born with a cleft palate, they wondered where was God . The journey they were about to start was one they weren't sure they were equipped to handle. The seriousness of their daughter's condition would test their faith , bring tears to their eyes  , but be determined to get the best care they could for their daughter.

The surgeries Mia has endured is one that would find her drawing strength from her own faith and from her family and church that prayed diligently for her. Missy describes in details the many surgeries Mia has gone through and the aftercare that brought her to tears at times. It is hard to watch your child as she is wheeled to surgery and you are left standing there feeling helpless. The care Mia required after each surgery was hard but Missy and Jase did it with a sense of hope that each surgery  would bring Mia closer to a total healing.

As Missy explains in the book, it is "crucial to have a support system." Their family has stood strong and held them up when they felt at their weakest. Mia is a young lady filled with joy and a testimony that she shares which   has people standing to their feet as she bravely talks about her condition . She has never let anything stop her and is an encouragement to many.  The book is a powerful testimony of a young girl who has overcome many obstacles with a smile that lights up a room and a heart filled with love. Her faith is unshakeable and her parents have grown stronger as a family during the many surgeries Mia has had.

Jase defines blessed as "reflecting joy that comes from a divine origin." They know they are blessed and speak at events to encourage other parents who have a child experiencing a difficult condition. Their words bring hope, peace and assurance that   they are not alone . Missy said the most important lesson she learned was the truth of Deuteronomy 31:8, " Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you."

I received a copy of this book from Tyndale House Publishers for an honest review

Sunday, September 27, 2015


CENTER OF GRAVITY by LAURA MCNEILL

The book is not your typical feel good , perfect life kind of book. What it is though, is a story of a husband and wife and their unraveling marriage. It starts out with Ava , Mitchell, Sam and Jack. They seem to be a normal family with a nice house. The husband  works hard and the wife who utterly adores her family. But lurking, deep in the dark hole of Mitchell, the husband , is a man who craves control.  He is eerily chilling in his diabolical ways and explosive in his need to have the upper hand . As the story begins to explore their life, we find Mitchell start to become this meanicing , scary person who thrives on power.

The story is told from several characters perspectives . It was a great way to envision what each person perceived as the author wrote the story through their eyes. As I began to get further into the story, I felt a sense of tension and chills run through my body. The book has many layers to it, but as you peel away the layers sheer terror abounds. Mitchell is a devious , unstable person who seems to believe that no woman can be trusted. Out of nowhere one day, he decides to take the children , leave Ava and file for divorce.

As Ava starts to fight for custody of her sons, Mitchell begins his plan of complete destruction of Ava . The author gives us chilling glimpses into an evil, heartless man  who will do anything to keep his kids. It's like a cat and mouse game, where only the strong survive. It's a thriller at the top of its game, with graphic almost unthinkable acts of terror aimed at those who get in Mitchell's way.

There are a couple of really great words spoken by characters in the book. . The first was from Dr.Bennett , who is trying to determine who is best suited to have the children. As she is talking to Ava she says, " Everyone has a center of gravity. Every family too. It's the tangible things that make us feel grounded and whole. "
All of us want a stable life, to feel secure and not to have to walk on egg shells around your spouse.  We want the hero to come in and save the day. As Jack say, " Some heroes are made, not born. They don't wear costumes or special amulets. They are mothers , men, kids, and regular people. They might get bruised , broken , or beaten down. But they don't give up."
I received a copy of this book from Chicklit Plus for an honest review

Saturday, September 26, 2015


GOODBYE, HELLO by ALLYSON R. ABBOTT

Linda has lost her husband and now must face being alone. As she contemplates her life, she comes to a realization that even from the grave, her deceased husband is still in control. Linda is an unhappy person and has. Been for many years.  She is use to having her deceased husband direct her every move. How did she allow this to happen? What will she do to be her own person? Seems that things need to change or she will become a lonely widow with nothing to look forward to. Linda makes a plan and on her list is a much needed trip to a place she has never been. She jets off to Fiji and soon meets a man that shows Linda how a gentleman treats a lady. Will she find love ? Are there answers waiting for her to take control of her life?

The story is not just about romance but of finding yourself in the murkiness of your own life. It is not easy to break old habits.   The author does an excellent job of writing Linda's struggles as she transforms into a new person. I'm glad the author slowly developed Linda's many stages of grief. She goes through anger, guilt, denial and a sense of loss in a mature way. The emotions were raw and exposed a side that many of us go through when facing new challenges. The book is a short  read, but it is packed with laughter, tears and gives the readers a look at life and what their purpose may be. The theme was one of becoming strong, and overcoming the feeling of having no future. Perhaps after reading the book, readers may take a look at their own life and say hello to a brighter and happier future and goodbye to unhappiness and the thoughts that keep them  from living a life of fulfillment .

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.

FINAL SENTENCE by DARYL WOOD GERBER

What a great way to start a new series with funny characters, a lovely new cookbook shop and a very famous celebrity chef.

Jenna has lost her husband in a tragic boating accident and decides she needs a fresh start. She finds herself at her hometown where she feels content with family and friends around her. The story focuses on Jenna  and her aunt opening a cookbook shop. The author does a superb job of using real cookbooks in her story which helps readers connect to the storyline.  After reading the vivid description of the new shop, it seemed to be a very inviting place to shop and get to know the locals of the town. For their grand opening, Jenna has lined up a very famous celebrity chef from the Food Network to make a grand appearance at the opening.

Desiree , the celebrity chef has it all. She is gorgeous, a fabulous chef and fame that others  envy. The town is all abuzz about her appearance . But alas, there seems to be an untimely muder about to take place. Who will be the victim? Why do certain people point accusing fingers at Jenna as the suspect? The character development is good and introduces readers to a quirky assortment of townspeople who will have you intrigued.

The author's choice to have the setting in a small town is a welcome treat . She describes the town and the people much like those from Mayberry. It gives the reader a sense of peace and tranquility. If you are looking for a light hearted book with fun characters, gossipy noisy townspeople and  a great murder mystery, this book is for you. I loved the banter between the characters and the drama surrounding who really committed the unthinkable crime. At the end of the book , the author has graciously included recipes and a snipet  of her next book in the series, "Inherit the Word." I look  forward to reading more cozy mysteries from this author.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review

Friday, September 25, 2015


REFUGE AT HIGHLAND HALL by CARRIE TURANSKY

Every once in awhile a reader will  come across a book that sweeps them  away to another era. They are so immersed in the story that they can't stop reading. This is one of those few books that captivates you from the beginning. This is the third installment of a breathtaking series called The Edwardian Brides series.

The story is set during WWI and we find one of the main characters, Penny coming to live with her sister and brother-in-law. She has her hands full with helping her sister with orphan children they have graciously opened their home to. At one point in the story we are introduced to Alex. He is a pilot for the British and is set to return to battle very soon. They become smitten with each other and they find it hard to say goodbye when he has to leave. Is true love awaiting them? Can their feelings stay strong even though they are miles apart from each other?


The descriptive details of Alex at war is so vivid you feel like you are in the fighter plane with him. You can almost hear the bombs as they explode around the plane and pierce your ears with the loud rumble the plane makes.
Even though Penny and Alex exchange letters during his time at war, she worries for his safety and the emotions are real and heartfelt . There are many dimensions to the story that keep the reader so intensely involved as the words flow effortlessly across the pages.

The author does  an amazing job of writing about the struggles  the characters deal with.  She  shares their true emotions  that come to life on the pages. I recommend this moving story to anyone that  loves a gripping storyline filled with conflict , hope , faith,  unforgettable characters and a book you will remember long after the last word has been read. This is one book that I will always cherish as it gave me a story that will forever be in my heart.

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review

Thursday, September 24, 2015



Reflections on a Plainswoman's Life
by 
Sandra Scofield




Frieda Harms was born into a farming family in Indian Territory in 1906. Widowed at thirty and left with three children in the midst of the Great Depression, she worked as a farmer, a railroad cook, a mill worker, and a nurse in four states. She died in 1983.
Sandra Scofield spent most of her childhood with her grandmother Frieda and remained close to her in adulthood. When Frieda died, Sandra received her Bible and boxes of her photographs, letters, and notes. For thirty years, Sandra dipped into that cache.

Sandra always sensed an undercurrent of hard feelings within her grandmother, but it was not until she sifted through Frieda’s belongings that she began to understand how much her life had demanded, and how much she had given. At the same time, questions in Sandra’s own history began to be answered, especially about the tug-of-war between her mother and grandmother. At last, in Mysteries of Love and Grief, Scofield wrestles with the meaning of her grandmother’s saga of labor and loss, trying to balance her need to understand with respect for Frieda’s mystery.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON ~ Texas Tech Press ~ B&N


Praise for MYSTERIES OF LOVE AND GRIEF

Throughout her depiction of her own family, Scofield kept me surprised—a moment of generosity when I didn't expect it or of anger when I didn't expect that. Mysteries remain as they must, but I trusted the insights as well as the mysteries. I thought it was a very beautiful book, smart and sharp.
Karen Joy Fowler, author of We Are All Completely Beside Ourselves and The Jane Austen Book Club

Largely ungoverned by chronology, Scofield’s journey of discovery unfolds organically, true to the way memory works. Seeking to know her grandmother, she honors the lives and artistic bent of many women marginalized by gender and poverty in the early to mid-twentieth century. This is a unique and necessary work.
Lorraine M. López, author of Homicide Survivors Picnic and Other Stories and The Darling








A native Texan, Sandra Scofield divides her time between Missoula, Montana, and Portland, Oregon. 



She has written seven novels, a memoir, and a craft book for writers. An excerpt from Mysteries of Love and Grief won first place in Narrative magazine’s 2014 Spring Story Contest. She is an avid landscape painter.




The book is about a woman named Sandra  who struggles with the loss of her grandmother who she was very close to. She discovers secrets that were kept from her and realized how hard her grandmother worked . Sandra had to endure many days where she was not allowed to see her grandmother because of family  arguments. As she tries to write her grandmother's story, you sense the hurt and grief she goes through. They shared a very strong bond and after her death, Sandra tries to put pieces of her grandmother's life into an order that would make more sense to her. The story is hard to read without feeling her sorrow and pain.




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THE POTTER'S LADY by JUDITH McCOY MILLER

I love books that take me back to another era. Judith has written a masterful story about a young woman named Rose during the late 1800's. She is excited to have  graduated from design school and has chosen to return home to be with her brother Ewan and his family . Rose discovers on their travel that Ewan has decided to buy a business. Once the decision is made to purchase the pottery place, the family is excited and is convinced that Rose will be a great asset to the company. With her design skills they know the will succeed.

But alas, the best laid plan don't always turn out the way we hope. The story is filled with   struggles, trying to start up a thriving company and betrayal from people who they thought were trustworthy. Some people get Freddy and try to destroy their business.   As it feels like the company is going under an opportunity arises that could save everything. They must stand strong and fight for their right to have a business that prospers.  The characters are well developed . Rose will find herself having to work very closely with someone in order for this opportunity to be successful. Will there be a spark  of romance between her and the employee she must work beside?

The story flows at a nice pace with life lessons for some. Is money the way to happiness? Will Rose find her true calling? Can God fulfill their needs and  help them  find  contentment ? The author does  an amazing job of taking readers back to a simpler life as she  breathes the freshness of a time period of long ago through descriptive words. She captures the era with an easy flow of words that paint a picture of a relaxed time and a story that captures the heart of a young woman who believes in herself. I enjoyed the story and I was sad it ended. It was such a heartfelt story thst I felt a peace surround me as the last word was read.

I received a copy of this book from Bethany House for an honest review.

TOILS AND SNARES by ROBERT L. SLATER

This is a short  read, but does  a superior job of  telling  a gripping story of a family trying to survive an epedimic that is killing people everywhere. They decide to flee and hope to reach a place where they can survive . Sam loads up his pregnant wife and two children and head out for a place they once were familiar with. His oldest daughter Maria and her boyfriend follow in a vehicle behind them. The story moved at a fast pace and is well written.

The author does  a great job of showing the animosity from Anna, Samuel's wife to   Maria, his daughter from another marriage. Their conflict is a great addition to the story. This is not just a story of trying to survive , but of rebuilding relationships and forgetting about the past. As you read the book, you immerse yourself in the family's fight for survival as well as trying to rebuild a place to  feel safe. I loved the trials they faced as the author keeps you glued to the story with realism. Although the book ended rather abruptly, I am hoping for another book that follows these well developed characters.

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015


THE QUEST FOR WELLNESS by MARK SHERWOOD


This book is filled with insightful tools to a better life. The book touches on all areas of your life and encourages you as you strive for wellness. There are many books out there about how to eat healthy, but this books gives details of how to make changes in your diet and overall health. It is time to   take back your life. As the book describes  if there is one area in your life that is suffering, it will cause everything else to suffer as well. One thing I learned was how to overcome stress and take charge over that area.

The keys may sound simple, but can completely change your entire lifestyle. You can start with moving around more, become more active and to do these simple things on a daily basis. This book also encourages you to read your bible ten minutes a day. What a great idea to enrich your body , mind and soul with the Word of God. I loved this quote from the book, " Health is not simply a matter of physical health. A person cannot be truly healthy unless he or she is healthy in emotions, intellect, and spirit."

The goal is to use your physical, emotional ,  intelligence  and your spirit to achieve success. The book helps you as it provides a journal so you are able to keep track of your achievements. Simple tools like eating better and getting at least seven hours of sleep are keys to help you in your Quest. The book is filled with many steps and I'm encouraged as I start this journey as I "Quest for Wellness."

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review .

Tuesday, September 22, 2015


HOLLYWOOD HOMICIDES by RILEY LUCAS

I received a copy of this boo from Librarything for an honest review

The book talks about  ten famous deaths from David Carradine to John Lennon to name a few. Each section of the book is a small synopsis  of the famous person , their accomplishments and a description of their death. Some were ruled  as homicide, while others were ruled as suicide. The details were a bit brief as well as the way each of them died. It would have made a better book if more indepth details were given of each person's untimely death. The background on each famous person was short but gave you a quick look into their rise to stardom or the impact their death had on many.

There are still unanswered questions of the deaths of some the author talks about in the book.  Perhaps the background of some of the people or person responsible for  the famous people's death could have been examined a bit more. Overall it is a good but brief look at ten  famous people who died unexpectedly  and who will always be remembered.   It doesn't matter if you are famous or not, death can knock on a door at anytime.

MILLION DOLLAR MIRACLE by JENNIFER SZEWCZUK

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review.

Sam is a typical high school girl but has a bit of trouble following rules. She finds herself in detention more than her parents like. As she sat outside the principles office, she had a feeling this visit was not going to be a good one. After looking sternly at Sam, the principle decides that he needs to try a new tactic to get her attention. He assigns her to a hospital as candy stripper. To stay that she was less than thrilled would be an understatement .

The story moves fairly quickly and has a great theme of forgiveness and building friendships mixed throughout the story. The young man  named Christopher that Sam  encounters in the hospital,  is a mix of anger and hope at the same time. There is an urgency for Christopher  as he faces a life or death situation. He has been estranged from his brother for  over a year and perhaps the health issues Christopher is facing will bring them  back together.

The author does a good job of showing the dynamics and distance in Christopher's family as they come to terms with the diagnosis. Sam and Chris become fast friends and their relationship is a good , clean , healthy distraction for Christopher. It is a great story about teens who support each other as they learn to be more compassionate.
The story also shows us how the teens come together in a crisis and stand together to help Christopher as he fights to live.

Monday, September 21, 2015


DEAN CORLL: THE TRUE STORIES OF THE HOUSTON MASS MURDERS

I received a copy of this book from Librarything for an honest review

 I rember seeing news reports about this heinous crime but never realized to what extent the victims suffered.  The book is very graphic in details of the torture of what  the young men were put through. It is hard to believe that anyone would be capable of such violent acts. As Dean was growing up, he didn't have a stable family life and seemed to be on his own a lot.  The more he was own his on, the more he was able to become a very vicious, but persuasive young man. He was known around the neighborhood as the "Candy Man." He passed out candy to young boys and lured them to his house. This started taking place in the 1970's , when some referred to that generation as the hippie generation. It didn't seem to strike the police department as strange that teenage boys were suddenly disappearing.

It always unnerves me to think that anyone would be capable of controlling someone else. Dean was a master at it. He was able to manipulate two young men to help him lure young boys to their eventual torture and death. Dean was good at controlling his little accomplishes with promises of cars and money. As the killings continued, the author talks about how the bizarre behavior and torture soon took on a thrill for the accomplishes .

Where were the police during this unexplainable event of missing teens? Some figured they had run away and didn't seem overly concerned about their safety. That must have been devastating to the families when they realized not much was being done to find their sons. I don't think we will truely know the depth of torture these young boys endured, but the author does a tremendous job in capturing those moments with precise details .

It seemed to all come to an end when one of the accomplishes , Wayne Henley, shot and killed Corll. He told the authorities it had been in self-defense. During his reign of terror , Dean  Corll tortured and killed at least 28 young men. It is possible that there were other victims. As the news spread, Houston was gaining attention as having the most grisly mass muder Texas history and the worst in U. S. history.

The book is well written and you can tell much research went into this book. It is a story that will not be forgotten. For the victim's families their nightmare will never end. As the police began to uncover bodies buried in the boat shed and other areas, it shows that there was no remorse or even feelings for these victims . I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys true crime. It is one of the best written, most precise account of a crime that is almost to hard to comprehend.

Saturday, September 19, 2015

AMONGST THE FLAMES by T. K. CHAPIN

I received a copy of this book from Goodreads for an honest review The story is centered around Cole and Megan who are married and have two children. He is a firefighter and she is a stay at home mom. Cole love his job, but it is dangerous and keeps him away from his family a lot. The author does a great job of describing the inner workings of a fire station and the tight brotherhood at the station. It is a dangerous job, but very rewarding . I loved when the author said, "It's a story that will inspire you to look at life differently and challenge you to believe that with God even the worst fire you face is nothing in comparison with His power, grace and mercy." We all will face trails in our life and this book does an amazing job of showing how Cole and Megan deal with a troubled marriage. Sometimes we don't realize anything is wrong until it is almost to late. The book is encouraging as it reinforces how important God is in the marriage. Megan decides one day, that she can't take anymore and leaves Cole. He is devastated and seems to be surprised at her departure. One of the keys to restoration is forgiveness and trust. The book eloquently takes the characters through their pain and shows through scripture and prayer that nothing is impossible with God. This may be a fictional book, but as I read it I felt like I was reading my own story. Many parts of the story hit home and I am glad I could receive without condemnation , the full forgiveness that He gave me when I walked this familiar path that Cole and Megan did. "Loving a flawed person is never easy, but if we marry someone, we are called to love them like Christ loved the church."

Friday, September 18, 2015


RULES OF THE GAME by LORI WILDE

How can you not like a book that has witty , sarcastic banter between two people? Jodie , who was dumped at the altar over a year ago  decides to be reckless one day. She dresses herself up, bling and all and off she goes to do something crazy . What a great idea she has by crashing a wedding , or so she thinks . To her rescue is the dashing yummy Jake Coronado, who helps her get into the wedding. Oh my Jodie, what have you gotten yourself into?

The story moves at a great pace with characters who are  attracted to each other with a chemistry that sends sparks flying. I always love reading Lori's books because they are so funny and utterly charming . There are lots of surprises in the book and both characters have let's say "baggage"  they need to work on. It's a love story at its best with strong characters, laughter and even a mysterious magical  hope chest .  Will Jodie and Jake have a lasting relationship? Can they overcome their past hurts and find love? It's another great story from one of the best romance authors around .

Hidden Identity by Carol Post

I received a copy of this book from the author for an honest review

There was a time when it appeared that Meagan was in a loving, committed relationship with her fiancé Edmond. Behind closed doors, Edmond was a person to reckon with. He was fiercely controlling and abusive to Meagan, which made her desperate to leave him. 
In a tragic turn of events Meagan finds a way to leave Edmond and hopefully keep her sister and mom safe from his threats. A murder has occurred and in order to escape the domineering Edmond, Meagan fakes her death and flees. Will Meagan be accused of a murder she did not commit? Will her family finally be safe when everyone believes she is dead?

Meagan reinvents herself in another town and is living a quiet life with little contact from anyone in the quaint town she now calls home. Afer being so cautious about hiding her identity from the town , she gets involved in saving a person' s life and thus begins the curiosity of who Meagan is. 

Hunter Kingston is a police officer in the town where Meagan now resides. After several attempts on Meagan's life, Hubter realizes she has been hiding deep secrets from him. Will Meagan learn to trust him? Can she continue to survive the threat on her life? 

The author has written a very brave but untrusting character that seems to desperately need a protector . Meagan has sacrificed everything to keep her family safe, but at some point will her sacrifice cost her a new relationship or her her own life?

Hunter is a likeable character with an almost no nonsense kind of attitude. He wants to help Meagan but as she hold him at arms length , he will need to decide whether he can do his job without his feelings hampering the investigation.

The story reminds me of a cat and mouse chase where one is just a step ahead of the other. I love the suspense in the book which keeps you on your toes and holds your attention throughout the book. It is a very well written story with each character dealing with trust issues and hurt. Will Meagan and Hunter find happiness with each other. Will Meagan ever feel safe? The answers await you in "Hidden Identity."

Linger by Edward Fallon and Robert Gregory Browne

As Kate Messenger is investigating a muder of a family , she is disturbed by what she sees. It is a violent , bloody vicious and unnerving scene that sends chills up your spine as the brutal display of vengeance is evident by the state of the bodies of the family. Kate notices that there is something out of place as she is searching through the house. A young boy, named Christopher and his guardian are trespassing on the murder scene. Why would these unlikely people be doing here at a muder scene ? Have they come back to gawk at the scene or do they know something that could help the investigation?

Kate will soon realize that Christopher has a unique gift that she will discover to be  useful in her need to find the killer of the Brandford family. Kate asks Christopher. "Who are you. Where did you come from? His words were eerie as he answered , "The only thing that matters is where we're going ."

This is a psychological story that will have you on the edge of your seat looking over your shoulder. It is so brilliantly written with a dark, menacing unknown power that you are thrust into the deep reaches of the supernatural. Kate's character is so well written as a strong  woman with a fierce determination for the truth . Chris has an ability to see things others can't.  What does  Chris see and hear that others can't? Is it dangerous to try to go after this beast he sees?

When Kate, Chris and Noah return to the Brandford house , something so sinister and evil will be revealed that it will have you shaking with anticipation. What was  " the sound that was both horrifying and heartbreaking and sent a chill straight through Kate's central nervous system?" Were did that evil sound come from? What will happen when Kate touches  Chris's fingers?

This book is filled with twists and turns that will make readers gasp as they continue to delve into the unknown world that Kate has entered.  The scenes come alive as the words are so vivid and real. I have not read a book this intense and filled with intrigue in a long time. I could not put this book down . When I finished I knew I had read one of the scariest ,  most intense , well written books ever published.

Friction by Sandra Brown

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review
This a good story about Crawford Hunt, a Texas Ranger who is desperately trying to get his daughter Georgia  back. After his wife dies in a tragic accident, Crawford starts to drink and his life begins to unravel .

The custody of his daughter is given to the grandparents who feel Crawford can't take care of himself and certainly not his daughter. The custody disputes come to a head one morning in court. Crawford is determined to show the court he has changed and wants full custody .

Just as Judge Holly Spencer is about to render a decision, chaos breaks out in the courtroom. A lone gunman starts shooting. Who is the gunman's target? The story zips along at a face pace with action and a mystery of who the gunman is. Will Crawford discover the true identity of the gunman?

I liked the character development , but it did seem that the relationship between the Judge and Crawford was a little rushed. Overall the book was well written and had just the right amount of action to keep fans of Sandra Brown satisfied with another great book that holds  your attention.

Sins of Omission by Ian Graham

This may be a short story, but it packs a powerful punch that leaves you breathless in anticipation of what is to come next. We are introduced to Declan McIver in a fast paced explosive read. Declan is asked or shall we say pushed strongly into a mission that will have him reunited with his ex -girlfriend. The mission is to travel to a small Caribbean island and stop a bombing on the Queen's birthday. Declan has been expertly trained to handle dangerous and under the radar missions. But what will happen when he meets up with his ex-girlfriend?

The author's writing style flows with a precise direction. He gives readers a little history of the IRA and the Struggles time period in Northern Ireland in a brilliantly fluent knowledge that intrigues you. Declan is a man to be reckoned with as he heads full force into the dangers that he encounters.

This is a story of high caliber writing with intense scenes that will play out with a volatile and energy filled excitement of intrigue at its best. The author has given us a character that we will want to follow with eagerness .
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Thursday, September 17, 2015


The Healing Handbook by Kynan Bridges

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review

I found this book to be a refreshing read on healing not only physically but spiritually . Satan  loves  to burden us with sickness in order to distract us . But as this book explains, we have the power to overcome sickness.  As the author says so powerfully, "The church holds the answers to the problem of sickness in the world-Jesus Christ."

As I was reading this book, I received a text from a friend that has been having health issues. I started sharing with her about this book and gave her scriptures to pray over herself. I don't believe in coincidence , but I do believe in divine appointments. This book inspired me to reach out to my friend and agree with her for healing. It was not by accident that I requested to read this book. God knew long before I even knew about this book, that a divine appointment was coming and He would supply scriptures and an undeniable desire to speak into my friend's life.

The author tells us , "that healing is the will of God." He explains that our words can be powerful by saying I am healed instead of saying I have cancer or whatever the illness may be. We need to proclaim that we are headed not that we are suffering from an illness. I love that the author is straightforward and doesn't sugarcoat anything. Our healing is there, and we need to proclaim it. I have been dealing with an illness for awhile and this book has given me much needed tools to overcome my fear and speak life into me. "God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power , and love , and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7

Releasing the Divine Healer by Dennis and Dr. Jen Clark

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review

This book packs a powerful overflowing insight into the healing of our body, mind and soul. The author starts with our salvation, and says,"God's ultimate purpose is for us to be fully transformed and to fully gain the heavenly life." He wants us to experience healing from inside and to not walk around with pain and suffering. In order to receive spiritual blessings from God we have a choice to make. We must believe and receive these blessings from God. If we don't operate in faith , it becomes hard to believe we can actually be healed.

I love all the scripture references in the book which directs you to what the Word says about healing. When we think of healing, most of us think of healing from sickness. But there is more than just physical healing. We need our thoughts to be healed so we can speak life over ourselves. The author reminds us of the fruits of the spirit and the unconditional love that God has for us. As I read the book, I began to understand more of how healing really operates.

I'm glad I had a chance to read this book, because it has shown me a clearer way to receive healing by letting go of  unforgiveness , be joyful , and trust God. i was encouraged by the testimonies that were shared in the book by people who used the tools to experience healing. "When believing God for healing, we shouldn't give up. We can only receive what we are open to."

Wednesday, September 16, 2015


Blessing by Lyn Cote

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review


This story centers around several characters , one which is  Blessing Brightman a widow. When her husband died, she became wealthy and very independent . Gerard Ramsey runs into the fiercely independent Blessing at of all places, a women' s suffrage meeting. This was not a pleasant encounter at all.  Gerald happens to be the son of a wealthy gentleman from Boston.  For some reason, Gerard takes it upon himself to get involved in his cousin's personal life. They both move to Cincinnati where Stoddard, the cousin has come to court Blessing's friend, Tippy.

When Gerard moves, his father cuts him off and leaves him having to fend for himself. What type of business venture will Gerard get involved in? As he begins to run more frequently into Blessing, will  there be an attraction to each other? Grace who is a Quaker has become involved in some movements that could be very dangerous. Will he help her or turn his back on the determined woman?

The author does an amazing job of two history making incidents, which were the anti-slavery movement and women's suffrage. The historical facts are precise and very detailed.  As I read the book, the author drew me back to a time that was hard for people and the struggles they went through. The story flows with  excitement and an appreciation for an era that was an important historical value to many. I learned while reading the book that Cincinnati was a valuable place for runaway slaves. The author did such an intense research of this historical era, that I was amazed at the facts that made the story so powerful. She goes a step further in adding Historical notes at the end of the book.

I enjoyed the effort that was given in making sure that historical facts were correct , while writing an intense well thought provoking book. I look forward to reading more of her books.

Not By Sight by Kate Breslin

I received a copy of this book from book fun.org for an honest review.

I love historical fiction. They sweep you away to another era as you learn about how the culture was during that time. This book is set in 1917 when WWl was being fought. We are introduced to Jack Bennington , who happens to be heir to Earl of Stonebrooke. It seems he has quite a reputation as being a bit wild but since he is an heir,  his status in society is upstanding. Now the plot thickens. If you want to be a spy, what better cover then a high society man with a flare for being wild?   Who would suspect someone like Jack as a spy? Jack is secretly working for the Crown tracking German spies who are operating on British soil.

Grace is a wealthy suffragette who is willing to do anything to help her country.  She gets all dressed up in a fancy gown and enters a well to do London Masquerade  ball. What is her mission there? Will her presence set off a wave of danger for Jack? Why does she assume he is a coward?

I love a book with great character development and this books does not disappoint. The story has intrigue, deception, overcoming obstacles and did I mention a patriotic theme? There is evil in the world, and this book touches on that with characters that have a strong belief in faith.

Jack will experience a life changing event that will have him angry at times, and despondent at other times. Will Grace become the person to reach him? I love reading about strong  women and Grace is definitely a strong fiercely driven young woman. I was captivated by the story as it weaved through history and drew readers to a powerful ending.


Title: SCHOOLED FOR MURDER
Author: Cindy Muir
Genre: Mystery (cozy)
# of Pages: 200
Pub Date: July 11, 2014
Publisher:  Black Rose Writing



Laurel Franks is a dedicated mom, volunteer extraordinaire and active on the PTA Board. She is also, however, a enthusiastic Jimmy Buffet fan and wanna-be Trop Rock singer. Laurel finds out through the local grapevine that the despicable local School Superintendent has been murdered and the sheriff’s office seems to be unusually mum about the investigation.

With her best friend and sidekick Sherry Sharp, Laurel decides to hone her investigative skills and search out suspect possibilities she comes up with in her volunteer and community world. Her husband, obsolete in the thought processes of a modern woman, wants her to devote her time and energy to her volunteer work and family only, but Laurel is spurred on with her investigation.

Laurel and Sherry traverse the Hill Country north of San Antonio, Texas and meet some wacky characters, many of whom seem to have a motive for rubbing out the School Superintendent. Fueled by Trop Rock music and inspired by Jimmy Buffett lyrics, Laurel finally solves the crime, but at the near cost of her own life.









I’m one of those who has always loved music. My earliest performance memory was at age four at church and by age 8, I was studying piano. The choral and solo road continued and I wound up with two music degrees from Baylor University. I’m a former elementary music teacher and directed church children’s choirs for 32 years.
Somewhere along the way, I expanded my musical horizons and was listening to

Jimmy Buffett by the early 90s. When I attended my first concert back in 1991, I was hooked. After several years of Buffett concerts, reading his books and learning about him, I finally joined the San Antonio Parrot Head Club. It was through the club that I began to learn about Trop Rock and the singers/ songwriters who make the music.
A couple of years ago, I started writing a column about Parrot Heads and Trop Rock for a now-defunct magazine. And I truly became hooked on meeting and interviewing the musicians. One of my favorite parts of going to MOTM, Pardi Gras, or other Trop Rock music events is to forge new musical relationships. I also began to weave a story about an amateur sleuth who also dreams of being a Trop Rock singer. After years of writing and re-writing, "Schooled For Murder" is my first cozy mystery novel. Black Rose Writing was extremely gracious to take the chance of being the book's publisher.
I have a beautiful daughter, Lauren Bates, who lives in Dallas and is an artist. And I’m newly married to wonderful Don Muir, whom I’ve known for years through the San Antonio Parrot Head Club. Jerry Diaz was gracious to let us be married on the stage erected for the Pardi Gras Street Party and after the ceremony, a second line jazz band paraded us up to the top of the Tropical Isle, where we had cake for whomever joined us.
I’m also caretaker for the “Jimmy Buffett Museum of Port Aransas, TX,” which is my second home. Come see me if you’re ever on that part of the Gulf Coast. We’ll share a cold libation and listen to… what else? Trop Rock!


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