Texas Book-aholic

Monday, December 12, 2016

The Timberton Hotel has always provided a perfect Christmas retreat for regular guests, as well as newcomers. But the small town of Timberton, Montana, hasn't been the same since resident chef and artist, Mist, arrived, bringing a unique new age flavor to the old western town.

When guests check in for the holidays, they bring along worries, fears and broken hearts, unaware that Mist has a way of working magic in people's lives. Old-fashioned time spent together, exquisite food, conversation and a snowball or two offer guests a chance to trade sadness for hope. One thing is certain: no matter how cold winter's grip is on each guest, no one leaves Timberton without a warmer heart.

Available to buy from....
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"Christmas at the Timberton Hotel is special. The beauty and peace people find there is magic. Strangers come to escape their pain and find solace and strength. I loved this story. It gave me a sense of hope. The characters are amazing."

"Deborah weaves a beautiful mosaic of Christmas sights, sounds and smells and introduces us to memorable characters. From the grieving widow to the five-year-old child who lost his brother to a reclusive scholar who only wants to sit in front of the fireplace and read, each are treated with genuine emotion and care which adds to this uplifting story."

"Deborah did it again. What a great christmas story. I love christmas stories and this will be one that I will read year after year."

Above reviews from Amazon.com

NEW RELEASE also available..
Silver Bells at Moonglow

Christmas at the Timberton Hotel arrives each year with a unique set of guests, some returning, some new. When this holiday brings a celebrity seeking reprieve, sisters who are distant yet closer to each other than they think, a widow approaching a new horizon, and an eclectic smattering of local townsfolk and visiting relatives, the season is certain to be eventful. Add in a hint of romance and there's more than snow in the air around the small Montana town.

Elegant decor and exquisite cuisine from resident artist and chef, Mist, form a backdrop to much needed camaraderie, bringing strangers and friends together. When the last note of Christmas carols has faded away, the soft whisper of silver bells from the front door's wreath will usher guests and townsfolk alike back into the world with hope for the coming year.

Available to buy from....

Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk

About the author

Deborah Garner is an accomplished travel writer with a passion for back roads and secret hideaways. Born and raised in California, she studied in France before returning to the U.S. to attend UCLA. After stints in graduate school and teaching, she attempted to clone herself for decades by founding and running a dance and performing arts center, designing and manufacturing clothing and accessories, and tackling both spreadsheets and display racks for corporate retail management. Her passions include photography, hiking and animal rescue. She speaks five languages, some substantially better than others. She now divides her time between California and Wyoming, dragging one human and two canines along whenever possible.

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I received this book through Beck Valley Books Book Tours, I have volunteered to share my review and all the opinions are 100% my own.

The first thing I decided to do after reading this book, was check myself into the Timberton Hotel. I want Mist to cook for me and be her friend. I know what you are thinking. This is a fiction book and there is no Timberton Hotel. But the author did such an amazing job of making the hotel sound inviting, I wish it were a real place. It is nestled in a beautiful town in Montana with a breathtaking view. I could picture the hotel as guests walked in. The smells of fresh flowers and pine cones filled the air. The aroma of fresh baked cookies billowed thought the hotel welcoming guests as they entered.

Mist is unique character that reminds me of a friend you have known forever. . She seems to know what guests need before they even ask. Her presence makes people feel calm and welcomed as she goes about her day. As the guests check in they each bring their share of sadness, grief or worry. Will they find a new sense of happiness when they leave? There is nothing worse than feeling lonely or sad during the holidays. You feel like the world is moving forward but you are stuck in your own pity. Maybe this year will be different for the guests staying at the hotel.

The author gives us great characters that at times left me with tears rolling down my face slowly as I felt their pain. The book is emotional, happy and hopeful wrapped in a story full of surprises. The special gift Mist gives to each guest is priceless. The memories will linger on for years to come with the help of a very special person who has a heart that loves unconditionally. I didn't want the book to end because I truly felt like I was a guest at the hotel and wanted to savor each moment. The ending is beautifully written with a feeling of contentment. Don't miss this enduring story that will brighten your holiday with love, hope , family and the kindness of a special young woman.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book from Beck Valley Books Tours. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Saturday, December 10, 2016

FATAL FICTION
by Kym Roberts

Fatal Fiction by Kym Roberts is a fun new cozy mystery with a sassy southern flair, a most unique pet, very likable (and diverse) characters…
~Reading is my SuperPower

Kym Roberts debut book brings fresh new characters with southern charm and witty fun.
~Shelley’s Book Case

The pace was perfect, the twists are sharp, the hint of romance was just right and the humor was blended throughout the entire story with skilled precision.
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book

What a great start to a new series! I always love books set in small towns in Texas especially if the author gets the feel of the characters/town right, and Kym does that in this book.
~Storeybook Reviews

Fatal Fiction
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Lyrical Underground (December 6, 2016)
ISBN-13: 978-1601837325
E-Book ASIN: B01CWYTJVC

Synopsis

When kindergarten teacher Charli Rae Warren hightailed it out of Hazel Rock, Texas, as a teen, she vowed to leave her hometown in the dust. A decade later, she’s braving the frontier of big hair and bigger gossip once again . . . but this time, she’s saddled with murder!

Charli agrees to sell off the family bookstore, housed in a barn, and settle her estranged dad’s debt—if only so she can ride into the sunset and cut ties with Hazel Rock forever. But the trip is extended when Charli finds her realtor dead in the store, strangled by a bedazzled belt. And with daddy suspiciously MIA, father and daughter are topping the most wanted list . . .

Forging an unlikely alliance with the town beauty queen, the old beau who tore her family apart, and one ugly armadillo, Charli’s intent on protecting what’s left of her past . . . and wrangling the lone killer who’s fixin’ to destroy her future . . .

About The Author

Three career paths resonated for Kym Roberts during her early childhood: detective, investigative reporter, and . . .nun. Being a nun, however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys—they were the spice of life she couldn’t deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. From that point on there was no stopping Kym’s pursuit of a career in law enforcement. Kym followed her dream and became a detective who fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk—a badge. Promoted to sergeant, Kym spent the majority of her career in SVU. She retired from the job reluctantly when her husband dragged her kicking and screaming to another state, but writing continued to call her name, at least in her head. Visit her on the web at kymroberts.com.

http://www.kymroberts.com/

https://twitter.com/kymroberts911

http://www.ekensingtonbooks.com/author.aspx/31810

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What a hoot this book turned out to be. The characters are over the top funny and kept me laughing throughout the book. The story is set in a little town called Hazel Rock, Texas. The description of the town was like going back to the old days of a town like Mayberry. I remember that show so well. The town gathered at the barbershop to gossip and there was always cooky characters to keep the show interesting. In Hazel Rock ,we have the local beauty parlor where all the latest news can be found. I especially liked the Texas twang that was used such as "fuzz buckets."

Charli has been gone from her hometown for a long time. She is hoping to sign papers on the bookstore her dad wants to sell and head back to her nice life as quickly as possible. The store is called The Book Barn Princess and I could visualize how different it looked compared to the other stores in the town. As Charli arrives at the store she finds a dead body. Who is the person found dead in the store? It sure isn't a great welcome home for Charli.

The story has many diverse characters and plenty of suspects. The town at first seems to blame Charli for the murder. Will anyone come to Charli's defense? After leaving town for so long Charli senses that she is not quite welcomed back like she thought she would be. The high school rumors about her seem to stick in people's minds. As she walks into the diner you could hear a pin drop. The big question is where is her dad? Why is he suddenly missing? There are some great characters you meet throughout the story and I had a hard time figuring out who the killer was. I don't want to give anything away, but there are many surprises in this funny cozy mystery. I loved the banter between Charli or as people know her "The princess" and her old high school boyfriend.

Grab yourself a glass of sweet tea and enjoy this funny and sometimes quirky mystery. Some of the characters were a bit over the top and I especially loved the pet in the story. I think the pet was one of the most creative additions to the story. Will the killer be caught before the bookstore gets destroyed? I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Great Escapes Book Tour. The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

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Friday, December 9, 2016


Book info
About the book: Pursuing Gold (Elk Lake, October 2016) With his father dead and his business partner incapacitated, Peter Chandler inherits the leadership of a bank in economic crisis. With only a newly-minted college degree and little experience, Peter joins his partner's daughter, Mary Beth Roper, in a struggle to keep C&R Bank afloat while the Civil War rages around Chattanooga. Political pressure for unsecured loans of gold to the government stirs up trouble as tempers and prices rise. Their problems multiply when Mary Beth discovers counterfeit money with Peter's forged signature. Can they find the forger before the bank fails? The two friends must pursue gold on behalf of their business, as they learn to pursue their heavenly Father to find hope and peace. Purchase a copy: http://bit.ly/2gCb1pb About the author: Cynthia L Simmons and her husband, Ray, have five children and reside in Atlanta. She has taught for over thirty years as a homeschool mother and Bible teacher. She's a columnist forLeading Hearts Magazine and she directs Atlanta Christian Writing Conference. Cyndi has a heart for encouraging women in today's crazy, upside-down world. She loves history and peppers her speaking and teaching with fascinating vignettes from the past. Her first book, Struggles and Triumphs, was nominated for 2008 Georgia Author of the Year. She co-founded Homeschool Answers and hosts Heart of the Matter Radio.

This was a new author to me, so I was interested in how the story would be. I have found myself liking historical books more than I thought possible. In school, history was my least favorite subject. It's funny as I have gotten older, I have realized how valuable history is. It is part of our heritage and I love to learn new things about past wars. The historical facts were good and kept the story interesting. I appreciate the authors diligence in putting historical facts in the storyline which I could vividly see with the smooth stroke of words.

Mary Beth and Peter are the main characters in the book. They are very well developed characters and I found myself intrigued with them. The story is rooted during the Civil War. Slavery was intense but there were some who didn't want to be part of that. I wonder how hard it was during that time to be against something that most supported? Peter and Mary Beth had to be careful of their feelings about slavery . It was difficult at times not to let their beliefs be known. I did enjoy the budding romance between them and was anxious to see if they would become a couple.

The story is a good portrayal of the Civil War and the struggles that many faced during that time. The author did a good job of adding mystery and intrigue to the story to keep readers glued to the book. Did Peter have a difficult time running a bank during the time of uncertainty in the world? It seemed like he had a lot of responsibilities and a heavy burden to carry at times. I especially liked the relationship growth that both characters experienced with their faith. During hard times do you find yourself pursuing your faith more?

Overall the book was well written and I enjoyed the historical aspect of it. Be sure you get a copy and enjoy the story filled with challenges, a little romance, mystery and faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from LitFuse . The review is my own opinion and I was not compensated for it.

Landing page:

http://litfusegroup.com/author/csimmons

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Wednesday, December 7, 2016

GOD/RUNNER by WILL HART

I really liked the openness of the author as he shared examples from his life. We are always saying ,"God I'm ready. Use me .Pick me. " What happens when you get the call? Are you ready to jump in with both feet? Many of us have had words spoken over us that we are called to do this or that . We get discouraged when it doesn't manifest. Did we miss our calling? What happens is sometimes we may be called to a ministry but if our heart isn't right He will show you what needs to change. It's all in God's timing not ours.

I had to laugh when the author talked about his mother after she got saved. I remember when I was younger visiting a very small church my dad was asked to preach at. During the service a lady jumped up and started jumping around and speaking weird . My eyes grew so big as I stared at her. What in the world was that lady doing? I later learned that she was filled with the Holy Spirit and wasn't ashamed to express how she was feeling. I learned from that day on to never be afraid to express your joy for God.

The author does a good job of explaining how God can use you anywhere . He does talk about some subjects that for me at one time in my life were uncomfortable. I had always been a bit uncertain about "Laying on of Hands." I attended a Charismatic church as I got older and there was a particular speaker that would often come and speak. He loved to lay hands on people and watch the Holy Spirit take over. The first time I saw it, I was ready to run out the door. What in the world was going on and why were people falling to the ground ? I loved how the author gracefully explained it by saying, " The laying on of hands is a foundational thing. It's understood that we're supposed to use it as a tool. It was important for the early church and it is just as important for us today."

The book is well written and I loved his compassion for others. He encourages us to use the gifts God has given us and go out in the world . Some of us get so comfy sitting in the service week after week, then going home to wait till next Sunday to meet with "Jesus." God wants us outside the four walls reaching out to the lost, sick and hurting . The biggest thing that holds Christians back is getting out of their comfort zone. Take that first step, leap with your faith and God will be there to guide you. Thank you so much for a book that reminds us to be His hands and feet.

" It's not about you and me; it's about Him."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network. This is my honest opinion.

WAR ON FEAR by JOHN MORGAN

I knew this would be the perfect book for me to read so I was excited when it arrived in the mail. I know all about fear, because it has lived with me all my life. Every doctor visit I have I feel my heart racing thinking what will they find this time? Yes my mind loves to have me stay in fear, so I'm trapped into believing I can't do anything. I loved when the author said,"Fear wants to kill you deader than a one-star movie!" Such profound words and yet we allow fear to run our lives everyday. Fear wants to take away anything that would hinder us from following our destiny. How many of us have turned down promotions because we were unsure we could do the job?

So what can we do to overcome our fear? The best way is when you feel fear coming on, deal with it then. Don't allow it to get a foothold on you. I think of it like an annoying mosquito that won't give up. It keeps coming back over and over,until finally we have had enough and swat at it. Let's be forceful in ridding ourselves of fear. There is no time like now to stop it and remove it for good. I can't tell you how many days I have stayed in my house because I allowed fear to keep me locked in. This book has really opened my eyes and given me a renewed strength to take my life back. I don't want to live in fear and watch life pass me by.

The author touches on subjects like terrorism, insecurity, and missing out on opportunities. I loved how he gives great examples of how to overcome fear with confidence. God does not want us to be tied down with worry and fear. He wants us strong , confident and bold. Are you ready to win the "War on Fear?"

"God isn't finished with you. It's not over. You can make it over the goal line. There's more for you to do."

I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network. This is my honest opinion.

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