Holiday Movie Review: The Christmas Project

Are you looking for a new family film for the holidays?  I've got just the movie for you!  The Christmas Project is full of sibling antics, school bullies, first crushes and of course, an overall message of kindness that will bring the Christmas spirit right into your homes and your hearts.  

I love movies that deliver on the "feel good" and I especially love movies that the whole family can enjoy together- from young to old.  

This movie is perfect for a family fun night.  Pop some popcorn and snuggle in.  Be prepared to smile a lot.  Check out the trailer and links below for more information.

#TheChristmasProjectMovie

 * Facebook * Instagram * Amazon *

Pass Interference by Cami Checketts

Hyde Metcalf, wide receiver for the Denver Storm, is recovering from pneumonia and needs the best personal trainer in Colorado to get him in shape for the season. With his dad missing again and his mom fighting Alzheimer’s, it's crucial he stays close to home.

Lily Udy idolizes Hyde Metcalf and the Denver Storm. Her dream is to be a team trainer someday. When Hyde walks into the gym she’s working at and her boss gives her the opportunity to train him, it’s more than a dream come true.

Hyde thinks he may have found the perfect trainer and maybe more with Lily, until another man who wants Lily for himself, the media, his mom, and a horrible accident come between them. Happily ever after may be a pass that neither of them can jump high enough to reach.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

Today I have a book written by Cami Checketts, who is one of my favorite, trusted authors in the clean romance world.  She has guest authored this book in the Last Play series by Taylor Hart.  (also one of my favorites!)  It's just awesome all the way around.

This Last Play series revolves around professional football players.  I've read every single one of them and enjoyed them all so much.  Occasionally characters from previous books make an appearance and it makes this whole series feel a bit like coming home.

The sparks immediately fly between Hyde and Lily.  Lily may have a bit of fan girl syndrome when it comes to Hyde and because of that she is determined to get him into top shape for his upcoming football season.  As Lily gets to know Hyde, she realizes that he is a great man on and off the field.  I loved how their relationship progressed so naturally from attraction to admiration and friendship to more.  Lily's family was a fun addition to the story and brought a lot of moments of connection for me as a reader.

This was the perfect book for me to read this week.  I needed a good, romantic escape after reading a book that had my heart pounding with anxiety and suspense!  Pass Interference had me smiling and made my heart happy.  

Content:  Clean

- I was given this book for free.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

The Forgotten Carols 25th Anniversary Tour + Enter to Win Four Tickets!

Popular Musical Production ‘The Forgotten Carols’ celebrates 25th Anniversary

The Forgotten Carols, a seasonal concert favorite, celebrates its 25^th anniversary this year.  Michael McLean, a well-known performer, composer, songwriter, author and director staged his first one-man concert in 1991 with the hopes of it becoming a tradition families would enjoy. For those first performances McLean played all the parts to give people a sense of how families could create their own narration at home.

Over the course of the last 25 years, McLean’s modest one-man show has evolved into a huge theatrical production with over 1 million concertgoers enjoying the music that has become a time-honored Christmas tradition and attracts repeat attendance from guests of all ages. The show has been produced all over the world in limited runs, including shows in Ireland, Germany, England and even Ukraine. “One of the great things about touring is seeing the familiar faces that have been coming for years and are part of the Forgotten Carols family,” shares McLean. “New comers and longtime devoted fans of this production keep the magic of the performance alive. We embrace, giggle, and sometimes cry at these reunions.” 

The Forgotten Carols 2016 concert schedule includes performances in four states Utah, Idaho, Nevada, and Arizona. The production has arranged over 20 shows in 12 different cities and showcases an elegant arrangement of special musical choral performances and solos. McLean stars as one of the musical’s primary characters, John, an elderly gentleman who helps Constance, a young nurse who can’t be bothered with Christmas, discover a new love for the season.  

Each year, local community and student choirs are invited to perform alongside the professional Forgotten Carol company members during the concert in their cities. It’s important to McLean and the show's producers to preserve this tradition that keeps the magic alive for an enchanting experience each year.

Performance tickets are on sale now. For a complete listing of concert dates and locations or to purchase tickets visit the website at www.forgottencarols.com.

FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/forgottencarols

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New Books and a Fun Giveaway!

I'm thrilled to announce three fabulous clean romance books being released this week, just in time for the holidays. Also, please enter to win $75 prize money and a gift basket from Suite 716 through the Rafflecopter below.

Happy reading!

When Everly Watson goes on a Hawaiian holiday, she never expects to fall head-over-heels for movie star Christian Ross. But her life is fraught with betrayal and deceit. Will Everly find the courage to love again? Or will her complicated past lead to her undoing?

Buy Love on the Rebound here.

Hyde Metcalf, wide receiver for the Denver Storm, needs a fabulous personal trainer to help him recover from pneumonia. He is more than intrigued by the beautiful Lily Udy, who seems to idolize him … until the media and his competition get involved.  

Buy Pass Interference here.

When billionaire, Nathan Sterling, decides to spend a relaxing week before Christmas in Park City, he never imagined he'd meet a hot ex-Olympian skier and he really never imagined ... she'd be getting married in three days.

Buy The Christmas Groom here. 

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To Win a Lady's Heart by Sian Ann Bessey + $25 and Book Giveaway!

For eighteen years, Lord Gilbert has been tortured over a grievous lapse in judgment. Bitterness has tainted his interactions with the people of Moreland and his relationship with his only daughter, Lady Joanna. With a wolfhound guarding her around the clock and no freedom to leave the castle grounds unattended, the only time Lady Joanna can be alone is when she sneaks out through an old castle tunnel to visit the healer Agnes in her cottage by the sea. One morning as Lady Joanna approaches the cliffs, she discovers an injured man. She immediately goes to Agnes for help. The wounded stranger is Sir Lukas, and while he recovers, he makes plans to identify his attackers and their motive. Upon learning that Moreland’s wool has been stolen, Sir Lukas comes to believe that the crimes are related and point to a much more sinister plot. When Lord Gilbert announces an archery tournament, the prize being Lady Joanna’s hand in marriage, it attracts noblemen from across the land, and suddenly Sir Lukas’s pursuit of the villains takes a different turn. As Lady Joanna’s and Sir Lukas’s feelings for each other grow, the stakes soar, and only Sir Lukas’s skill with a longbow can save them.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

I love books set in medieval times with loyal and brave knights, beautiful ladies, archery tournaments and sinister plots!  This book has it all.  I just loved it!  

The characters were all so vivid in my mind.  Lady Joanna is the perfect picture of kindness and loyalty.  She loves her land and her people and has a desire to help them both thrive.  Her frustration comes from not being allowed to really participate in decisions regarding either one and instead is shoved off to the side as a pretty ornament.  

Sir Lukas is the stuff of every young girl's fantasy.  He is strong, smart and chivalrous.  I loved his determination and his honor.

This story played out like a fantastic movie in my head.  I loved the characters, the setting and the way the writing made me feel enveloped.  Love from beginning to end!

--I received this book for free. A favorable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Nov. 14th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

Nov. 15th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/

Nov. 16th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

Nov. 17th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Nov. 18th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

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A Country Christmas (Timeless Regency Collection) by Josi S. Kilpack, Carla Kelly, Jennifer Moore

SAINTS AND SINNERS by Josi S. Kilpack. When Neville Franklin’s best friend Burke wants to wager who can kiss Eloise first, Neville puts a stop to it. Eloise has been his friend since childhood, and, well, she’s off-limits. Especially to Burke. As Burke pursues Eloise and claims that she has a tendre for him, Neville becomes more and more protective of the girl he grew up with. On the night of the Christmas ball when Eloise appears in a dress that clearly shows that she is no longer a girl, but a beautiful woman, Neville realizes that his protective feelings toward Eloise have turned into something greater. But now, Neville’s best friend stands in his way.

THE CHRISTMAS ANGLE by Carla Kelly. Sailing Master Able Six is on half-pay with the British navy, biding his time during the uneasy Peace of Amiens and the resumption of war. Meanwhile, he’s invited to teach young pupils at the home of a vicar outside of Plymouth. There, he unexpectedly meets Meridee, the spinster sister-in-law of the vicar. From the moment Able sees Meridee, he’s entranced. When she asks him about his past and discovers his remarkable yet troublesome gift, he realizes he’s finally found someone who can care for all of him. Sadly, Able’s low station and half-pay gives him no way to provide for a wife. Meridee’s lack of dowry and dependence on relatives makes their union impossible at best. But isn’t Christmas a season of hope?

THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS by Jennifer Moore. Archie Clawson wants nothing more than to give Jane the perfect Christmas. Since her troubled childhood, she’s not experienced a Christmas with all the trimmings. To top off the perfection, he also plans to ask her to marry him on Christmas Eve. But as he and his friends, including Jane, travel to his country home, they are caught in a snowstorm and discover that notice of their arrival did not get through to the house staff. Worried over the disappointment he must be causing Jane and the complete shift in their planned Christmas, Archie fears that he’s misinterpreted her kindness towards him and lost her favor forever.

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

This book containing three novellas is perfect for the fast approaching Christmas season.  All three of these books are gentle in nature and bring a spirit of hope and love.  

My favorite was the first novella by Josi Kilpack.  It drew me in right away and made me smile.  Neville is a bit dense but he eventually comes around.  His bumbling was quite amusing to me.

Carla Kelly's book wasn't my favorite.  It lacked the emotional connection for me and felt very matter of fact and straight forward.  It didn't quite have that country Christmas feeling that the other two did.

Jennifer Moore's story brings all the feelings of a perfect, classic country Christmas to the front.  It took me a bit to get into the story and the characters but by the end, I loved it.  It reminded me that it really can be the simple things that make things special.  Especially if you are with the people you care about most.

Content:  The Christmas Angle had some mild swearing.  Otherwise the books are clean.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed here are my own.

To Suit a Suitor by Paula Kremser

Julia North is nearing the end of her third London season and has just been jilted. Again! All she wants is to leave London and its eligible gentlemen behind. When the opportunity to leave for two months comes her way, Julia jumps at the chance. But her mother will only let her leave on the condition that she choose Julia's next suitor, and her mother isn't nearly as picky as Julia would like. Against her better judgment, Julia makes the promise and leaves town, only to run into Henry Chamberlain. Julia is warned that his heart is locked up tight, but she doesn't need to be warned away from him; Julia has been jilted enough to know that his flirtatious smiles can't be taken seriously. With time running out, a change of mind and a change of heart is their only chance for the joy that only true love can bring.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I really enjoyed this gentle regency by Paula Kremser.  It was romantic and the characters were vivid and very typical to this regency genre.  The overbearing, pushy and slightly snooty mother, a rich young bachelor sought after by every young girl around, a young woman caught up in the society games and wishing for an escape.  It all played out like a lovely movie in my head.

I wouldn't say there were any surprises waiting for me in this book but I did like the overall theme of being yourself and allowing others to come to know and love you for who you really are.  Don't try to be someone you are not to impress others.

If you love regency romance, you should pick this book up.  It was so sweet!

Content:  Clean

-I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free.  A favorable review was no required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Gratitude Giveaway Hop- Enter to Win a $12 Amazon Giftcard

Welcome to my blog today and thanks for stopping by!

Today I am giving away an Amazon giftcard for $12.  I hope you will buy that book that you've just been dying to get your hands on!  :)  If you win, you will have 48 hours to respond to my email and after that, I choose a new winner.

Happy Hopping!

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Love and Fat-Free Cheese by Crissy Sharp

Fat-free cheese is okay—unless you’ve tasted real cheese. The same holds true with love, as Julia discovers when she meets Owen Denny, the strikingly handsome CEO of The Bradley Corporation where Julia now works. As Julia is forced to decide whether or not to follow her heart, she’s dragged into the mystery of the disappearance of her sister’s fiancé and the pharmaceutical conspiracy he plans to reveal. Can she protect her loved ones without sacrificing her own heart?

* Amazon * Goodreads *

I'm super excited to share this book with you all today!  This is a new author to me and I can tell she is going to be a new favorite!  I do believe this is her debut novel.

The one thing confusing me right now is the blurb.  The main character's name is Juliet.  Not Julia.  ??  She doesn't even go by Julia in the book.  At all.  ??

Other than that, I really loved this book!  It was so easy to settle in with.  I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn't put it down.  There is a bit of suspense and intrigue to the story which slowly unfolds in mostly flashback form at first.  Then, when we are caught up, the past and present collide.  The suspense never felt too heart pounding or overwhelming.  It definitely had a lighter feel to it.

The characters were believable and I really liked them.  Juliet is a smart and witty girl.  I loved how her family was her center.  They rallied and took care of each other.  Juliet's brother, Everett is one of my favorites.  I sure hope he gets a book of his very own.  :)

I'm looking forward to more by this author!  

Content:  Clean, some mild violence

-I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

A Convenient Christmas Wedding (Frontier Bachelors #5) by Regina Scott + Book Giveaway

A Convenient Christmas Wedding

(Frontier Bachelors #5)
by Regina Scott

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

November 8th 2016 by Love Inspired

The Marriage Agreement

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?

Fifth book in the Frontier Bachelors series, following The Bride Ship, Would-Be Wilderness Wife, Frontier Engagement, and Instant Frontier Family. Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged, and bound to be grooms.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

This was such a sweet, gentle romance novel.  It was filled with charming characters and scenes that warmed my heart.  This is the the fifth novel in this series but it can easily stand alone.  I haven't read any of the previous books but I see that a couple of them involve people from the same family as this one.  I'm interested in reading those because their stories were alluded to in this book.  They sound good!

Nora is a gentle and kind soul.  She has been repressed and demeaned for most of her life and is determined to do whatever it takes to remove herself from under her brother's thumb.  Her proposal for marriage comes as quite a shock to Simon but he quickly sees the marriage of convenience as an opportunity to take care of his growing family.  I really loved Nora and her happy outlook on life.  She doesn't let the pain of the past interfere with the joys of today.  She looks for the good and she is the good.  Simon is a good man who works hard and cares so much for his family.  He shoulders a lot of responsibility.  His serious nature was endearing and I love how Nora's joy seeps into the cracks of his heart.  

This was such a charming story.  With the Christmas season fast approaching, this book is perfect to snuggle in with and feel that holiday spirit.

Content:  Clean

-I received a copy of this book free from the author.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

"FIVE STARS! . . . I cannot recommend this novel highly enough." — Huntress Book Reviews

"This is a sweet marriage-of-convenience tale and Scott’s love of history is apparent. Along with the fully fleshed out storyline and characters, the vivid descriptions and balance between the hero and heroine make this an engaging and truly enjoyable read. The drama will keep the reader turning the pages until the end, which comes all too soon." — Leslie L. McKee from RT Book Reviews

Other Books in the Series

The Bride Ship

(Frontier Bachelors #1)
by Regina Scott

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

November 1st 2014 by Love Inspired
SWEETHEART REUNION

What was his brother's widow–his first love–doing on a ship full of prospective brides headed out West? Clay Howard had been tasked with escorting the Boston belle home, but he didn't anticipate Allegra being so strong-willed–or that he'd wind up traveling with her just to keep her from leaving without him!

Allegra Banks Howard isn't going to let Clay interfere with her plans for a new life with her daughter on the frontier. True, Allegra needs his wilderness savvy, but if Clay thinks he can rekindle what they once shared, he had better think again. Because risking her heart for a second chance at being his bride isn't something she'll undertake lightly...

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Would-Be Wilderness Wife

(Frontier Bachelors #2)
by Regina Scott

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

March 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

The Kidnapped Bride

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married—so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions—he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Frontier Engagement

(Frontier Bachelors #3)

by Regina Scott

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

August 1st 2015 by Love Inspired

School Bells and Wedding Bells 

James Wallin's family is depending on him to find a schoolteacher for their frontier town. Alexandrina Fosgrave seems to be exactly what he needs to help fulfill his father's dream of building a new community. If only James could convince her to accept the position. 

Alexandrina has traveled west to seek a fresh start, not to find a groom. But after she's stranded in the wilderness with James, he offers her his hand in marriage to protect her reputation. Both are afraid to fall in love, but maybe an engagement of convenience could make them reconsider… 

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged—and bound to be grooms.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Instant Frontier Family

(Frontier Bachelors #4)

by Regina Scott

Christian Historical Romance

Paperback & ebook, 288 pages

January 5th 2016 by Love Inspired

LITTLE MATCHMAKERS 

Maddie O'Rourke's orphaned half brother and half sister have arrived safely in Seattle—with a man they hope she'll wed! Though Michael Haggerty's not the escort she planned for, Maddie allows him to work off his passage by assisting in her bakery…and helping care for her siblings. But she'll never risk her newfound independence by marrying the strapping Irishman—or anyone else. 

In New York, Michael ran afoul of a notorious gang. Traveling west was a necessity, not a choice. The longshoreman grew fond of his young charges, and now he's quickly becoming partial to their beautiful sister, too. So when danger follows him, threatening Maddie and the children, he'll do anything to protect them—and the future he hopes to build.

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged–and bound to be grooms

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Harlequin

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn't actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and plot. After numerous short stories and articles in magazines and trade journals, she got serious about her novel writing. The Unflappable Miss Fairchild was her first novel to be published (March 1998).

Besides her novels, Regina Scott has had published three Regency novellas ("The June Bride Conspiracy" in His Blushing Bride, "Sweeter Than Candy" in A Match for Mother, and "A Place by the Fire" in Mistletoe Kittens). Two of her novels, A Dangerous Dalliance and The Twelve Days of Christmas, have been translated into German. A Dangerous Dalliance and The Incomparable Miss Compton have been translated into Italian. Starstruck and Perfection have been translated into Dutch.

Regina Scott and her husband are the parents of two sons. They reside in the Tri-Cities of southeast Washington State and are members of the Church of the Nazarene. Born in 1959 and raised in the Seattle area, Regina Scott is a graduate of the University of Washington. She comes by her writing talent naturally--both her parents are excellent writers in their vocations as teacher and electrical technician. Her mother envisioned the plot for "Sweeter Than Candy," the novella which was written as a tribute to her. 

Regina Scott is a devout Christian and a decent fencer; owns a historical, fantasy, and science fiction costume collection that currently takes up over a third of her large closet; and has been known to impersonate an independent consultant specializing in risk communication.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Pinterest

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Tour Schedule

November 6th: Launch

November 7th:

Backing Books

I Am A Reader

Christy's Cozy Corners

November 8th:

Getting Your Read On

Rockin' Book Reviews

Falling Leaves

i blog 4 books

November 9th:

Mel's Shelves

Katie's Clean Book Collection

Reading Is My SuperPower

Wishful Endings

November 10th:

Bookworm Lisa

Bookworm Nation

Heidi Reads...

The Power of Words

November 11th:

Singing Librarian Books

Christian Chick's Thoughts

Tell Tale Book Reviews

November 13th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive: Signed copies of Would-Be Wilderness Wife (which introduced Simon Wallin, the hero of A Convenient Christmas Wedding) and Instant Frontier Family (which introduced Nora Underhill, the heroine of A Convenient Christmas Wedding), and a set of pioneer Christmas ornaments that say "Joy, Peace, Love."
- US only

- Ends November 18th

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Not A Word by Stephanie Black + $25 and Book Giveaway

Psychologist Natalie Marsh is a pro at keeping secrets. She not only guards her clients’ confidences but also expertly hides her own pain after being disinherited by her dying mother. As fresh personal challenges begin heaping on top of professional ones, Natalie’s best friend, Camille, confides that she thinks someone is stalking her. Natalie suspects that stress, not a stalker, is shadowing Camille—but Camille’s fear only continues to grow when the widow of a local businessman starts whispering that her husband was murdered and a new client of Natalie’s seems to be concealing something much more frightening than her inability to stand up for herself. Soon a shattering crime proves the danger is real. But when everyone has something at stake, is there anyone Natalie can trust? Or will she fall victim to a killer who will do anything to keep secrets hidden?

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

If mystery/suspense is a genre you love, you really need to read this book.  Stephanie Black is so good at weaving a mystery where I am constantly trying to guess who and why.  Every chapter has me looking at people and events differently, suspecting everyone, and I love that.  

There were quite a lot of characters in this book.  It took me a good third of the book to feel like I had a good grasp on each character and who they were but it did happen and by the end of the book I felt like I knew each person and I could give a detailed description to the police.  Ha!

I loved the pacing of this book that had me interested and involved in the plot from the beginning.  There was never a dull moment.  The ending was gangbuster and had my heart pounding.  I was reading so fast I had to stop myself and go back to read more slowly so I didn't miss something!  Awesome, right?

Content:  Some violence but otherwise clean.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

*Nov. 7th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 8th:http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/,http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 9th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/,http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 10th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*Nov. 11th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

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Walk of Infamy (Rhea Jensen #6) by Sheralyn Pratt

Rhea always knew she worked for a powerful men, but she didn’t understand the full scope of their influence until she quit her job—or tried to.

The clandestine group that calls themselves The Fours doesn’t accept two-week’s notice from employees. Instead, they’re demanding Rhea perform a final task of their choosing to earn a life free from their demands.

Rhea knows whatever The Fours ask of her will be unlike any challenge she’s ever faced. She’s prepared for the worst, but what she’s about to learn is that groups like The Fours are a secret for a reason.

Because no one gets to walk away from them. Not even Rhea.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First, I have to note that this book is the sixth and final book in the Rhea Jensen series.  Then I need to tell you that I have not read any of the other books in this series.  That really scared me going into this review because I wasn't sure if it would be able to stand on it's own.  I was worried that because I hadn't read the previous books, I wouldn't be able to understand what was happening.  Even though I haven't read this complete series, I have read other books by Sheralyn Pratt and I have LOVED them.  I really, really wanted to love this book as well.

So, I'm happy to report that the author does a fantastic job of giving me plenty of essential backstory so I had a clear idea of what was happening.  There were obvious moments where I knew so much more had happened before and I was only getting a small bite of previous events but I had enough to feel like I still knew what was going on.  

This book is full on from beginning to end.  I was wound up tight and had to consciously make myself relax.  Sometimes I had to set the book down and do something else before coming back to the story.  It was nuts.  My heart was pumping, my eyes were leaking.  I was all over the spectrum of emotions with this one.  What a crazy ride!

I have read Pimpernel by Sheralyn and this book had a carry over to that book.  The ending left me floundering a bit and now I'm all sorts of wishing I had a next book after Pimpernel.  Is there going to be a next book?  There must be.  There has to be.  No pretty little boxes tied up with bows for this book ending.  I'm so glad I read it though!

Content:  violence, a few instances of swearing, flashback to a rape scene with no intimate details

-I received a copy of this book for free.  A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Love's Broken Road by Julie Coulter Bellon + $30 and Book Giveaway!!

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again?

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

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One of my favorite authors is here, trying something a little different than her usual fare.  Julie Coulter Bellon is queen of romantic suspense, usually military style.  I love her books!  This book though, is romance without the suspense.  Can a suspense fantastico write a romance without suspense in it?  Well, I definitely think so!

Victoria and Drew are both broken but in different ways.  Their lives have looked very different so far but they are at the same place now- teaching, surviving and hoping.  I was drawn to both Victoria and Drew.  Victoria is a survivor.  She is strong and determined to move forward and create a safe, happy place for her son and for herself.  Drew is all things gentle and kind.  He is thoughtful and can see other's pain and struggles.  He is the perfect man for Victoria, even if it does take a bit for them both to figure that out.  I loved the addition of Victoria's son in the story.  His antics felt typical for a young boy and brought the feeling of family to the story.

This book was easy to fall into and felt so good around my heart.  I really enjoyed it!

I hope you will check out all of Julie's books if you haven't already.  They are all fantastic!

-I received a copy of this book from the author.  A favorable review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Julie Coulter Bellon is the author of more than a dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense and Pocket Full of Posies won a RONE Honorable Mention for Best Suspense. 

Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Castle, Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. 

Julie offers writing and publishing tips as well as her take on life on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com 

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