North by Northanger by Rebecca H. Jamison

While Eva Morland waits for her first-ever blind date to arrive, she meets Grant Tilney. Not only does flirting come easily with Grant, he also shares her appreciation for black-and-white movies and vintage diners. After he leaves, she notices that he left his phone behind. Setting out to find his office and return the phone, she knocks on a warehouse door. The man who answers mistakes Eva for a government spy, who’s come to investigate his crime ring. He and his partner force Eva into a car and drive her to a secluded trailer in the country.

Eva’s kidnapping sets her down a path of suspense and romance, as she uses all her wits to escape from the bad guys and prove her true identity. Grant comes to her rescue, hiding her in the cab of his semi-truck, but it seems that the criminals are always a step ahead.

Grant is the only one who believes Eva, but as they journey North, Eva starts to question Grant’s identity and motives. She must discover for herself if Grant is one of the good guys or bad guys. Only then will she know whether he’s worth the risk of her own life.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This really is just what it is labeled to be.  A lighthearted romantic suspense.  It was probably more mystery than actual suspense and it really was lighthearted even when crazy things were happening. 

Eva is a bit of a character.  She is super smart one minute and then a bit clueless the next.  She is curious and has definite tastes and ideas about things.  I didn't get a ton of personality from Grant but I could give you a description of him.  The connection and emotion was lacking for me in this book- no goosebumps, heart pounding or tummy tingling-  but the story was interesting and sweet and I enjoyed reading it.

I really love this cover.  It's perfect for the book and so cute!

3.5 stars

Content:  mild peril, kissing 

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Among Sand and Sunrise (An American Heiress #3) by Stacy Henrie

--1909--
After three failed seasons, American heiress Syble Rinecroft is more than ready to move forward in a life of independence and adventure. And what better way to begin than by taking a trip to Egypt with her grandmother and her band of widowed friends to find a hidden tomb? There’s only one catch. The archaeologist the widows insist on employing is none other than the irritating Marcus Brandt whom Syble met years ago on another trip to Egypt. If Syble has any hope of finding the tomb and being known for something other than too vivacious to make anyone a suitable wife, she’ll have to learn to work with Marcus.

British archaeologist Marcus Brandt has only ever wanted one thing—a discovery in Egypt that will bring him the acclaim that has eluded his career. Such a thing will surely be found in the tomb he is presently clearing. So when his wealthy patroness and her friends, including Marcus’s grandmother, seek his help in finding a hidden tomb, he’s reluctant to agree to the new dig. Especially when it involves daily interaction with Syble Rinecroft, the annoying adolescent he met eight years ago.

Compelled to do the dig for different reasons, Syble and Marcus finally agree to work together, in spite of their opposite approaches to life. As the days pass, though, they discover there may be more to each other and their growing friendship than either expected to find. And yet, opening their hearts might just cost them their dreams.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

This is the third book in this American Heiress series by Stacy Henrie.  Each book can stand alone easily so don't worry if you haven't read the others but do add them to your read list as they are both great stories!

I loved the setting for this story.  Egypt is so foreign to me and the excitement of the 1900's when people were discovering all the ancient ruins and tombs makes this book so fascinating.  Can you imagine finding and walking into an undiscovered tomb full of treasures and history?  Wow.  How amazing that would be?  I felt some of that amazement through the eyes and thoughts of the characters in this book and I loved it!

This story is slow and gentle.  There isn't anything heart pounding or climactic about it.  It follows Syble and Marcus as they learn about each other while working together on a dig.  They are both just outside the "norms" of their time which made them even more interesting to me as a reader.  I really enjoyed my time spent with this book.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

 

The Island Patriot: Georgia Patriots Romance (Heathcliff Family Romances Book 8) by Julia Keanini

The Island Patriot. He's arrogant, cocky, one of the nation's greatest football players, and ... Sophie's partner for the TV show Chefs and Celebrities?

But that's fine. So what if her dream to be accepted as more than an internet chef is on the line? So what if the hit TV show can take her new charity from startup to household name? Sophie can work with that. She can work with him. Right?

Sure. As long as she doesn't let him drive her crazy. Or worse...fall in love with him.

The Island Patriot is a stand-alone romance, complete with a happily ever after and the eighth book in the sweet and wholesome Heathcliff Family Romances series.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I am really enjoying this Heathcliff Family Romance series and I am always happy when a new one comes out!  Sophie and Marcus have a bit of a rocky start with some preconceived notions about each other- especially Sophie.  She remembers Marcus from a not so pleasant encounter at her family resort and has determined him to be rude and arrogant  but they have to work together for a TV cooking show so they try to sort things out enough to call a truce.  Sparks are sparks though, and they are flying all over the kitchen!  

Sophie is determined to prove herself as a chef.  I loved that determination.  I also loved how quickly Sophie accepted what she didn't know about Marcus and apologized for her faults.  She is a great character.  Marcus is an all in type of guy in whatever he is doing.  It was fun to see him zero in on Sophie with all that "all in" focus.

How can you beat a love story with cooking and a hot football player?  Good food and good kissing.  Yup, it's a great combo.  :)  I especially loved the ending.  💙

This book is available on Kindle Unlimited!

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Embracing her Ever After: E is for Engineer (ABC's of Love #6) by Brenna Jacobs

Brilliant engineer Tessa Fuller has the opportunity of a lifetime at work, and all she needs to change the world is a little help from her old college friend, Ethan Bedford.

Ethan can give her five weeks before he’s off to chase his own dreams, and when they meet again for the first time in six years, Tessa realizes the gawky guy she graduated with has grown into a super hot tech genius.

Just as she’s on the verge of a fun, short-term fling to discover once and for all what-might-have-been, her wayward sister drops a baby on her doorstep and disappears, leaving Tessa to take care of the kid.

One huge problem: Tessa doesn’t know a thing about babies. And she doesn’t have time to learn while the clock is running out on her dream project at work.

But Tessa’s team is determined to show her that she’s not alone, and while they might be clueless about babies, they know a thing or two about engineering. As their baby “hacks” and inventions get progressively wilder, Tessa is less and less sure she really can have it all. And the first thing she has to give up is Ethan.

Except Ethan isn’t a quitter. And he’s not about to give up on Tessa, not when the flame that flickered between them in college gets fanned back to life.

Can a team of hilarious engineers, one sweet baby, and a handsome blast from her past open Tessa’s heart to new love and second chances?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

If you haven't read any of the books in this series, you really should- especially if you enjoy light, happy romances.  This book is definitely the funniest of the books so far.  I was entertained by the characters in Tessa's workplace.  They fight over who gets to "wear the baby".  It's so funny.  Maybe it's even more funny to me because I am married to an engineer and so many stereotypes are so true.  

Tessa and Ethan have history.  It makes navigating feelings and a new chapter in their relationship tricky because they aren't who they once were but some of the feelings are the same.  Even though neither one of them wants to own up to them.  Tessa is a stubborn girl!  Her childhood history provides a few bumps in her road with Ethan.  Ethan is a champ though- he really steps up (and aside) when needed.  I loved him.  I also loved that he listened to his mother!  What a good boy.

This was a fun addition to this series and I think my favorite so far!

Content: kissing 

I picked this book up on kindle unlimited.

 

Marry Me At Dawn (Romano Family #6) by Lucinda Whitney

To Damian Vaughn, image is everything. As CEO of the family business and heir to a fortune, he lives his life above reproach, not wanting to repeat his father’s mistakes that almost brought the company to ruin.

Gabriela Romano has discovered she’ll never be able to bear children. Distraught and still recovering from surgery, she leaves for an extended vacation in the Azores Islands, far away from her family’s prying eyes and the constant reminders of what she’ll never have.

When social services drop off a baby they say legally belongs to Damian, he knows it’s not true, but the media will be quick to judge if the news leaks. Desperate to avoid a disaster, he takes his lawyer’s drastic suggestion and proposes to Gabriela, a woman he’s just met. She has her own reasons for accepting, and as long as she guards her heart, she’s confident she’ll be fine.

But as sparks start to fly, Gabriela begins to wonder—how can she turn this marriage of convenience into her happily-ever-after?

* Amazon * Goodreads * 

I love this Romano Family series by author Lucinda Whitney.  I think this one might be one of my favorites.  (I also might say that every time.)  I just love marriage of convenience romances and this one was so romantically sweet.

Gabriela has just had a devastating change in her life plans.  Coming to terms with the idea of never having children is hard to say the least.  Why wouldn't she jump at the chance to be a mother to a sweet baby girl when the opportunity is practically placed in her arms?  Gabriela is so classy and so gentle.  I loved her devotion to mothering.  It really connected me to her.

I also loved the sparks between Damian and Gabriela.  They were yummy.  Feeling the attraction was never a problem with this book.  That makes me happy because I want to feel the zingies too.  (yes, I'm aware that zingies isn't a real word but it describes what I want to say.)  The story is more than just Damian and Gabriela, it's about Damian trying to find answers about the baby too.  It all just felt happy around my heart.

I picked this book up on KU!

 

Glass Slippers, Ever After, and Me by Julie Wright

When aspiring author Charlotte Kingsley finally gets published, she thinks all her dreams have come true. But the trouble begins when her publicity firm reinvents her quirky online presence into a perfectly curated dream life. Gone are the days of sweatpant posts and ice cream binges with her best friend, Anders, replaced instead with beautiful clothes, orchestrated selfies, and no boyfriend. Only, that carefully curated fairy tale life is ruining her self-esteem and making her feel like a fraud.

When a bestselling author takes Charlotte under her wing—almost like a fairy godmother—she helps Charlotte see the beautiful person she already is and the worth of being authentic. But is it too late to save her relationship with Anders? The clock is quickly ticking towards midnight, and Charlotte must decide between her fairy tale life and the man she loves, before he's gone forever.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

I've been waiting and waiting to read this book.  It's been taunting me from the TBR pile for a bit, waiting for it's turn.  That's a real thing- the taunting.  Seriously.  I've moved my TBR pile to an end table that has a door so I can close it and not see those taunting books.  It helps me stick to the reading schedule.  True story.  But not the one you came here for.

This book was fun.  Julie Wright incorporates humor and wit in her books that always has me smiling.  Told in first person, Lottie's inner thoughts and desires come through loud and clear.  She is a bit quirky and someone I think I would love to be friends with.  I love the relationship between Lottie and her sister.  Lottie is the best kind of big sister.  I liked that Lettie was an author and that bit of insight into a writers mind and world. 

As for Anders and Lottie, well, that is a different type of story.  It's a bit of a journey with them and while they are great together, it takes work to make a relationship work- especially when lots of life changing things are going on.  Things get a bit bumpy with Anders and Lettie but they sure do learn a lot about themselves and each other.  It was sweet.  I especially enjoyed Lottie's realization that we can add to who we think we are.  We don't have to stay in the confines of one definition.  As we live life and learn new things, we evolve and become more.  I like that.

As always, I am happy to have another book by Julie Wright.  She doesn't disappoint.  Until the next one. . .

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Sugar & Spice: A Destination of Heart Romance Book 4 by Lisa Swinton

She’s sugar. He’s spice. Can the dance of passion bring these two together during a romantic mix-up in Spain?

Sweet and shy Clara takes a leap of faith and lands in Spain to pursue her dream of becoming a travel writer. While there, she runs into a woman who could be her visual twin—and her personality opposite with a fiery persona and penchant for drama. Isabella is a Flamenco dancer for a troop that’s facing financial ruin. When she leaves them high and dry, they beg Clara to take her place. She agrees, believing the experience will make for a great travel article.

Spicy Teyo becomes Clara’s Flamenco mentor, teaching her to embody everything that is passionate about the dance. When things heat up between Clara and Teyo during tourist-filled days and dancing nights, Clara knows her heart’s in trouble. With no sign of Isabella’s return, she feels obligated to continue the switch, even if it means letting the press think Teyo and Isabella are dating.

But when Clara learns that Teyo once held a flame for Isabella, she wonders if he's truly in love with her or the woman she pretends to be—and how will she know the difference? If she can't figure it out before Isabella returns, her whirlwind romance in Spain may leave her head spinning and her heart on the dance floor.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

First, I the couple on the cover of this book.  I love her dress (those swirls make me happy!) and I love how the cover represents the book so well.  💙

Clara is really the sweetest.  A bit naive as well, but I love how Clara's sweetness captures all around her.  People cannot help but be drawn in.  I love how Teyo tries so hard to protect Clara.  They meet under very unusual circumstances but they build a solid foundation of friendship and trust as the book progresses.

The dancing was awesome.  It was my favorite part of the book because that was where the passion and connection came in.  I could envision the dancing in my mind and I loved it!  Teyo and Clara visited many places on their tour and sometimes the descriptions of these places got a little long and drawn out but other than that, I really enjoyed this book!  The ending was dreamy. This is a fun series and I'm always looking forward to the next book.  While this is a series, each book can easily stand on it's own.

This book is just $.99 right now (!!) AND it's also on Kindle Unlimited if you have that.  

Content: kissing, mild peril, mention of intimate relations outside of marriage

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Smarter Than a Monster: A Survival Guide by Brandon Mull, Mike Walton (Illustrations)

Page Count: 32
Juvenile Fiction / Social Themes / Manners & Etiquette
Ages 4 to 8, Grades 1 to 3
Cover Illustration by Mike Walton
Book Design: © Shadow Mountain

No monster wants you to read this book. The more you know about monsters, the more you will know how to defeat them.

Little kids have big fears, which they often imagine to be scary creatures, like monsters. But this book helps explain how knowing "Monster Facts" can help kids outwit them.

Want to avoid monsters?

Fact: Monsters love dirt and grime, so when faced with two kids, the monster will choose the dirty one every time.

And if toys and clothes are all over the floor, you may get ambushed by a mess-loving monster.

Survival Tip: Take baths and keep your room clean.

Smarter Than a Monster will arm young readers with practical advice in this innovative and imaginative parenting tool that teaches common sense and positive and healthy habits.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

This book is the cutest!  I absolutely adore it.  Of course, as a parent, this book encourages kids to do everything you want them to do- brush their teeth, clean their rooms, sleep in their own beds, take a bath, etc..  I can really get behind a book like that!   Yes, this book is filled with monsters, but they are more cute than frightening (as you can tell from the cover of this book).  The illustrations are bright, engaging and fun.  Youngsters will love looking at them.  I love looking at them!  The best kind of book is one that adults and children can enjoy reading together.  This book is perfect because adults will be just as entertained as the children.  I was laughing out loud in a couple places.  I really, really love this book!

-I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author:

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.
www.brandonmull.com
Follow the author on Instagram @writerbrandon and Facebook @authorbrandonmull

About the Illustrator:

Mike Walton has been a professional illustrator for more than twenty years. He earned his B.A. in Illustration from art Center College of Design in Pasadena, CA. He’s worked in animation, comic books, web comics, trading cards, and all manner of media throughout his career. Smarter Than a Monster is his debut children’s book. He currently resides in Southern California and considers himself a nerd who loves visiting Disneyland attending the San Diego Comic Con.  

 

Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson + Win This Book!

 

Hadley Baker can’t believe her boyfriend finally invited her on a fancy hotel dinner date only to break up with her in public. Even more unbelievable is the moment FBI Agent JD Byers finds her crying in the women’s restroom and demands she evacuate. Seconds after JD ushers Hadley outside, an explosion shatters the building. Could her life be any more disastrous?

JD didn’t anticipate seeing Hadley, the beautiful schoolteacher, again after he saved her from the hotel attack. But soon after her ex-boyfriend became a lead suspect of the hotel bombing, the man turned up dead—and now it seems that Hadley herself is a target. Determined to keep her safe, JD shelters Hadley as they join forces to put together the pieces of the perplexing case. When they discover the horrifying truth behind her ex-boyfriend’s nefarious work, Hadley realizes her life is far from the only one being threatened. Countless others are in danger, and she and JD may hold the key to saving them.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

This book was exactly what I was hoping for when I started reading.  Fast paced, exciting and full of wonderful characters.  I have been reading and loving Traci Hunter Abramson's books for a looooooong time now.  Every time I see she has a new book coming out it is cause for celebration!  

The story starts off with a bang.  Literally- because a bomb goes off.  From there the story expands and expands to include more people in many locations.  Once it has stretched out fully, it begins to come back in as all the players in the game start to converge in one place and all the puzzle pieces start to come together.  The story gains momentum and intensity as it goes and I LOVE that.

JD is everything you could want in a lead man.  He is strong, smart and he takes his job as an FBI agent seriously.  He protects people.  I appreciated that he was attentive and kind as well.  Those make for the best kind of heroes in my opinion.  Hadley seemed like a normal, every day kind of gal.  She teaches school, cares about her students and exudes kindness.  I liked her.  While this story focuses on Hadley and JD, there is a whole cast of people from previous books who also play key roles in making everything happen.  I would say that this book and it's characters will mean more to you if you have read previous books by this author. 

I loved this book.  Simple as that.  This is romantic suspense at it's best. 💙

 Content:  some violence, peril, kissing, human trafficking, death, some of the characters are Christian (specifically LDS) so there are some mentions of religious things although nothing preachy.

 

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Secrets and Suitors by Joanna Barker + Book Giveaway!

 

Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.
Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart.

But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

How sweet was this book?!  I really fell in love with both Nora and James (through Nora's eyes).  Nora's family is so important to her and that is the motivating factor for most of her decisions and filled the majority of this story line.  Difficult circumstances and bring out the best and the worst in people and this book does an excellent job of highlighting that.  Nora finds herself on a bumpy road, trying to navigate her family's expectations and desires, her third London season and her conflicting feelings for the different men in her life.  Poor Nora and her tender heart, trying to do the right thing all the time, but getting knocked down repeatedly.  She was so easy to root for and I found myself silently cheering when she spoke up, defended, acted and followed her heart.  I love when I feel invested in a story, it's characters and it's outcome!  I loved this one.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.   www.authorjoannabarker.com

 

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Death Takes a Holiday at Pemberley by Kelly Miller

What will the master of Pemberley do when confronted with the mercurial whims of an all-powerful angel?
Fitzwilliam Darcy’s well-ordered life is about to become a chaotic nightmare. A man of fortune, property, and social prominence, he has everything he could desire. Blissfully married to his wife, Elizabeth, they have a two-year-old son. With so much to live for, Darcy is shaken by a near-fatal riding accident. After a miraculous escape, he is visited by an otherworldly being: an angel of death named Graham. Threatening dire consequences, Graham compels Darcy to guide him on a sojourn in the world of mortals.

Darcy immediately questions the angel’s motives when he demands to be a guest at Pemberley. Can he trust Graham’s assurance that no harm will come to his wife and child? And why does Graham insist on spending time with Elizabeth? How can Darcy possibly protect his family from an angel with power over life and death?

In this romantic fantasy, the beloved couple from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice must contend with both human and unearthly challenges. Are the fates against them? Or will their extraordinary love conquer all?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * 

As I began this book all I could think about was that movie, Meet Joe Black.  Have you seen it?  I re-watched it recently so maybe it's fresh on my mind.  This book seems a LOT like that movie but in a different setting.  I think that kind of put me off in the beginning because I want things to feel original.  The other thing I had a hard time with is really just a personal thing and not about the writing specifically.  I have now learned that I don't really like people re-writing, adding on to, or changing my Austen stories.  Good to know, right?  

This book maybe wasn't a great fit for me personally, but the writing itself was good- it felt in keeping with the time and place.  If you DO love your Austen stories and specifically Pride and Prejudice, added on to, you will probably really enjoy this story.  3/5 stars

Content:  kissing, references to a couple engaging in intimate relations outside of marriage with no details.  Innuendo between a married couple, some references to intimate relations.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

 

Snowflakes and Sparks (Old Pine Cove, #1) by Sophie-Leigh Robbins

One small town. One hot neighbor. One second chance at love.

The best fake snow decorations in L.A.? Done by me.

About to get a promotion? Also me.

Sent to a sleepy small town right before Christmas to save a bookstore? Unfortunately, me again.

Old Pine Cove was the one place on earth I had sworn I’d never return to. Then my boss asked me to manage one of our bookstores there. I wanted to tell her no way, but that would definitely lower my chances of being promoted once I returned to L.A. So I sucked it up. Besides, it was only supposed to be temporary. What could possibly go wrong?

Gosh, how naïve of me.

Alex Denverton opening the door with that smoldering look of his, that’s what went wrong. It had been ten years since I crashed his truck and made a run for it. And now he was back in my life. How was I supposed to focus on work knowing he was right next door? And why did I ever agree to organize the annual Winter Walk with him?

One thing was certain, though. If I wanted to have a magical Christmas, I couldn’t ask Santa to make it happen. It was up to me to decide: go big or go home.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

This is a sweet story of love and second chances.  The classic small town Christmas setting was just as you might imagine it with tradition and busybodies all wrapped up in candy canes and hot chocolate.  Oh!  And don't forget the snow globes!  It's what this town is known for.

I liked Suzie.  She has my dream job of working in a bookstore!  Her worst nightmare comes true when she has to return to the small town she ran from, humiliated, all those years ago.  Poor Suzie.  But, then she gets there and the boy seems to hold no grudges, and only one old lady in the town even cares.  Not so bad after all. 

The story, for me, lacked emotion.  I felt like the characters were likable but nothing really drew me into them.  Alex especially was tepid at best.  The sparks were lacking but the sweetness wasn't.  The story was sweet all the way around.

3/5 stars

Content:  mild swearing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Master of the Phantom Isle (Dragonwatch #3) by Brandon Mull

 

Cursed by the Key of Forgetting, Seth has lost all memory of his past—his relationships, his experiences, and who he really is. For now he will align with his new mentor, Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who takes him to the Phantom Isle, the secret gateway to the Under Realm. Though Seth is not formally a prisoner, Ronodin wants to use him and his shadow charmer powers for his own dark ends.

Kendra is frantic to find her missing brother, but the quest will take her and her companions, including Warren, Tanu, and Vanessa, far from Wyrmroost to Crescent Lagoon—a recently fallen dragon sanctuary made up of many islands and underwater domains. Its caretaker has regained a foothold on one of the islands. If Kendra and her friends can save that sanctuary, they might uncover the answers they need to rescue Seth.

With each sanctuary the dragons overthrow, Celebrant, the Dragon King, comes closer to the dawn of a new Age of Dragons. With the forces of darkness on the march, can Kendra and her allies gather enough power to win the epic dragon war?

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Dragonwatch, Master of the Phantom Isle doesn’t miss a beat, picking up right where the last book left off.  The dragons are still at it, seeking domination, and it’s hard to imagine a greater threat.  Though in this adventure a greater threat does reveals itself.  Can Kendra stand against this dark threat without the help of Seth?

For Seth, life is hard when dealing with memory loss and the choices one makes under those circumstances gets to the heart of the character.  It is fun exploring Seth’s character more in depth when past choices can no longer influence the present ones.  The true desires of Seth’s heart manifest themselves.

The book takes the reader to tropical places with beaches and palm trees but it’s certainly no vacation with peril everywhere ranging from plants that want to eat you, to the undead and a raging triclops.  Yet in the midst of all the trials Kendra is still willing to give her all for her brother.

From underwater adventures, to deep and dark places from your worst nightmares, this book provides another fun read from Brandon Mull.  There are even a few surprise twists! This is a great series and adds another prized addition to the Fablehaven / Dragonwatch series.  I look forward to reading the series again; Master of the Phantom Isle gets an A+.

This is a series you must read in order as each book builds on the previous book.

Content:  peril, mild violence

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

About the Author:

Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.

www.brandonmull.com  Follow the author on Instagram @writerbrandon and Facebook @authorbrandonmull  

Wyatt (The Montana Marshalls #4) by Susan May Warren + Giveaway!

He’s lost her twice…he’s not going to lose her again... 

NHL Hockey Goalie Wyatt Marshall has everything--fame, money and a thriving career. But he’s hiding the two things that matter most...a career-ending injury, and his broken heart. He’s been in love with Coco Stanley since she walked into his life at age fourteen, a foster child for the Marshall family. She stole his heart years later, when, after a secret tryst, she returned to her home country of Russia. But she won’t let him back into her life—and he can’t figure out why.  

She’s harboring a secret that could cost lives... 

Coco Stanley is tired of living her life undercover. Or at least, with an assumed name, always pretending to be someone she’s not. And that’s not the only secret she’s harboring. If Wyatt discovers the real reason she left him, it might just destroy him. She’s resigned herself to loving him from afar... 

But when he discovers she’s in danger... 

Wyatt is horrified when he learns Coco has been shot and left in Russia, her fate unknown. There is nothing—nothing—that will stop him from finding her. So what if he’s not one of his super-heroic brothers, not a Ranger, not a SEAL...Wyatt is a hockey goalie, a special kind of crazy brave. Except, is he brave enough to face the secret Coco is keeping, or will it destroy everything he’s hoped for?  

What will it cost them to save her?  

What Wyatt and Coco don’t know is that revenge is stalking her and bringing her home just might cost them their long-awaited happy ending. 

Continue the breath-taking Montana Marshall series!

 * Amazon * Goodreads *  B&N

Hurray for another book in this Montana Marshall series!!  The story keeps growing in strength and intensity as one book ends and another begins.  I love the fast paced, constant forward momentum that keeps me glued to the pages from beginning to end.  I really had a hard time putting this book down.

Wyatt and Coco have history- most of which has ended badly, repeatedly.  Honestly, I love Wyatt.  He's a bit different than the other boys in his professional decisions and how he grew up mostly outside of the circle of home but he definitely has that Marshall tenacity. Wyatt is persistent and just keeps coming after Coco like he can't live without her and he lays it all on the line.  He is fierce in finding and defending her.  <sigh>

Susan May Warren creates characters that are definable, interesting and imperfect.  These Marshalls make mistakes, they get knocked down, but they get back up again.  Over and over.  They keep trying.  I think that's what I love about them the most.  

The plot has reach a point where all roads have converged.  The family is putting all the pieces together and the story has shifted from Russia back to the United States.  The next book is going to be a doozy!!  I'm so excited for it!

Content:  some violence, mention of intimate relations outside of marriage with no details, death, peril, kissing.  Christian fiction.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award-winning novelist of over sixty-five novels. An eight-time Christy award finalist, a three-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Carol Award.

A seasoned women’s events speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: The Story Equation.

She is also the founder of MyBookTherapy.com, and Novel.Academy, a school for aspiring novelists.

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The Candy Cane Caper (A Culinary Mystery) by Josi S. Kilpack + Book Giveaway!

This Christmas, Sadie Hoffmiller Cunningham is making a list and checking it twice. For the first time since she and Pete married five years ago, their combined families are gathering for the holidays in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a party that would make Santa and Mrs. Claus proud.

She just has to bake the famous Cunningham Candy Cane Cake, make sure the looming snowstorm doesn't derail everyone's travel plans, and oh, yes, solve one teensy-tiny mystery before the big day.

At ninety-four and nearly blind, Mary, Sadie's friend and neighbor, knows this will be her last Christmas. When Sadie learns that someone has stolen antique Christmas ornaments from Mary's tree, she vows to find the thief, no matter what. The ornaments had been appraised at more than $40,000, but they were worth even more to Mary, who had intended to bequeath them to her great-granddaughter, Joy, as a final gift.

With Pete in Arizona wrapping up a case of his own, it's up to Sadie to question the residents of Nicholas House, where Mary lives, and deduce who had the means and the motive to steal heirloom ornaments during what should be the most wonderful time of the year.

When stories of other thefts surface, Sadie feels like she's creating a "naughty" list that could rival Santa's. Identifying the thief, recovering the ornaments, and restoring them to Mary's tree in time will take a Christmas miracle—and maybe a few extra-special cookies.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book * 

It's been awhile since I read a Sadie Hoffmiller culinary mystery!  It was so good to be back in the crazy that is Sadie's life.  She has mellowed a bit since her first books but she is still the same Sadie and I've kind of missed her.

Mysteries are Sadie's thing and when her friend's prized ornaments go missing, Sadie is on the case in an instant.  Her investigations have her talking to lots of people and that's where I find the most satisfaction.  She makes connections with people and learns about them.  Even though I'm always wondering who did it, I am enjoying the growing relationships and how perceptions change as Sadie gets to know people.  There is always guaranteed to be a scene or two that will make you smile because Sadie can't help but get herself into an embarrassing scrape or two.

This is a sweet mystery, cozy, and full of fun recipes, perfect for the holiday season.  There are a couple I'm going to try for sure.  

I have two copies of this book so I'm giving one away!!  The giveaway is for US residents only as it is a physical book and I'll need to ship it.

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- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author:

Josi S. Kilpack is an accomplished and prolific author of nearly two dozen novels including the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery Series. She has won multiple Whitney Awards for Myster/Suspense, Romance, and Novel of the Year as well as the Utah Best of State Fiction Winner. She lives with her family in Utah.

Follow the author on Instagram @authorjosiskilpack