Thursday, February 9, 2017

Midnight Sisters: A Retelling of the Twelve Dancing Princesses by Sarah E. Boucher


The words rattled around Jonas’s head. What was the punishment again? Death? Dismemberment? Jonas, the newest addition to the gardening staff, couldn’t recall the exact penalty for breaking the rule. What does it matter anyway? He would never dream of meddling with the Earl of Bromhurst’s haughty daughters.

Until he comes face to face with Lady Ariela, the eldest of the Master’s daughters.
Her elusive smile and open manner cause him to question his convictions. In no time, he’s drawn into Lady Ariela’s world of mystery and intrigue, a world where she and her sisters will do anything—including leaving twelve empty beds at midnight—to escape their father’s strict rules.


Only Jonas can uncover the truth and save them from their father’s wrath and their own folly, if he is willing to risk everything he’s ever worked for. 

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

It's always fun to read a fairy tale retelling.  I have to admit that the Twelve Dancing Princesses is probably my least favorite fairy tale and it's been re-done SO many times, I was worried going into this that I might not like it.  BUT.

I love how Sarah Boucher changed this into a real life story instead of a fairy tale with magic.  The story is told through the eyes of Jonas, a groundskeeper, which is also different.  The story fit so much better for me.  Everything felt new and different and I liked it!  The twisty twists were just what I needed to connect on a better level with this story.

There are a lot of characters in this book- we really only get a glimpse of most of the sisters- not enough to really know them at all.  They were just there in a fuzzy sort of way.  The story really only involved a handful of people on a personal level which was fine by me.  

Overall I thought this was a cute story.  It's one that can be enjoyed by all ages- preteen to adult.  

Content:  Clean- no swearing or sexual situations.

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

Enjoy the following excerpt!

“Jonas—”
I could see the words growing in his eyes.
“You know the cardinal rule.”
I wanted to roll my eyes, but kept my expression bland instead. Showing impatience had consequences for an undergardener.
“Do not meddle with the Master’s daughters.”
I had heard the words so many times my ears felt like they would start bleeding. If Higgins knew how pointless it was to fire them at me time and again, he’d save his breath.
“Understood?” Higgins asked with one eyebrow cocked.
The thought of running back to my family became more appealing with every upward slant of that eyebrow. “Yes, sir.”


Sarah E. Boucher is a lover of fairy stories, romance, anything BBC and Marvel, and really, really cute shoes. On weekdays she wears respectable shoes and serves as Miss Boucher, the Queen of Kindergarten. On school holidays she writes stories about romance and adventure. And wears impractical super cute shoes.
Sarah is a graduate of Brigham Young University. She lives and works in northern Utah. Midnight Sisters is her second novel. Visit Sarah at SarahEBoucher.com or connect with her on TwitterFacebookInstagramPinterest, Amazon, or Goodreads.

Wednesday, February 8, 2017

A Cowboy to Keep by Karen Rock + $50 and Book Giveaway!





A Cowboy to Keep
by Karen Rock
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
February 7th 2017 by Harlequin

Can't stop running from the past

Dani Crawford has a secret…and if bounty hunter Jackson Cade finds out, he could ruin everything. The scarred yet handsome cowboy has tracked a dangerous criminal to the dude ranch Dani manages, and to get rid of Jack she'll have to help him catch his man. But the closer they get to cornering their quarry the more Dani wants Jack to stay. Spending time with him is making her long for things she can never have thanks to a past mistake. And if the truth comes out she may be spending her future behind bars rather than safe in her cowboy's arms…



It's no secret that I'm a fan of the Harlequin Heartwarming line and Karen Rock's books in this line.  I'm always so happy to see a new book coming out and I'm especially happy when I get to read and review it!

In addition to romance, this book has a bit of danger, mystery and suspense to liven things up.  Jack and Dani are both a little rough around the edges but for different reasons.  Dani is desperately trying to hide a secret from her past that could change her whole life if found out.  Jack has hardened himself in order to find redemption for himself and his brother.

I liked Dani's spunk.  She doesn't back down from tough situations.  She's loyal and trustworthy despite the great secret.  Jack's interest is peaked from his very first encounter with Dani.  She's really not like most girls and Jack likes that.  I liked it too.  I think I'd like Dani as my friend.

This story was good.  I don't think I loved it as much as some of Karen's other books but I did like it.  Especially the ending.  It's hard to resist a good cowboy story!

About the Author

In a quest to provide her ELA students with quality reading material, educator Karen Rock read everything out there and couldn't wait to add her voice to the genre. In addition to her work as a Young Adult romance novelist, she's now an author for Harlequin's Heartwarming line and thrilled to pen stories that moms can share with their teenage daughters. She's loved Harlequin books since she spent summers going through her grandmother's Presents books that she passed along in paper grocery bags each year. As half of the writing duo J.K. Rock, Karen also pens young adult romance. When she's not busy writing, Karen enjoys scouring estate sales for vintage books, cooking her grandmother's family recipes, reinventing her gardens to suit her moods and occasionally rescuing local wildlife from neighborhood cats. She lives in the Adirondack Mountain region with her husband, her very appreciated beta-reader daughter, and two Cavalier King cocker spaniels, who have yet to understand the concept of "fetch" though they know a lot about love. For more information about Karen's upcoming books, check out her website.

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Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will win the above Prize Pack: 7 Paperbacks & a $50 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will their choice of an ebook of one of Karen's backlisted titles (open internationally)
- Ends February 14th

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Tuesday, February 7, 2017

The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie + $25 and Book Giveaway!



The Outlaw's Secret
by Stacy Henrie
Christian Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 288 pages
February 7th 2017 by Love Inspired Historical

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fine…right?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett.

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There is just something about the old west and rough, strong men with a strong sense of chivalry.  It's pure yummy-ness.  This is a new book in the Harlequin Love Inspired Historical line- which means it's clean!  I love these books.

Tate Beckett is posing as his brother- a known outlaw- to try to capture a notorious gang of bandits.  Tate has taken it upon himself to right the wrongs of his brother and perhaps ease his guilt about why his brother left in the first place.  Tate has a strong sense of right and wrong and he is determined to do his job well.  He surely doesn't count on Miss Essie showing up and worming her way into his well laid plans or his heart.

Essie is full of spunk and joy.  I loved her sense of adventure and drive to succeed.  I also loved her self doubt and insecurities which made her human and real.  

This was such a fun adventure.  The story started off with a bang and took off from there.  I settled right in and enjoyed the ride!  



About the Author



USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids. You can learn more about Stacy and her books by visiting her website at stacyhenrie.com.

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Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive print copies of LADY OUTLAW and THE EXPRESS RIDER'S LADY + $10 Amazon Gift Card (US only)
- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card (open internationally)
- Ends February 18th

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Monday, February 6, 2017

Valentine's Day Collection (A Timeless Romance Anthology Book 19) by Janette Rallison, Heather B. Moore, Jenny Proctor, Annette Lyon, Heather Tullis, Sarah M. Eden


A BRUSH WITH THE LAW by Janette Rallison
Bethany has endured a streak of depressing Valentine’s Days. And this one is turning out no different. Her friend set her up on a blind date—and Bethany can only hope that James will be a decent guy. But it seems the fated day has other plans, and Bethany finds herself in the middle of a comedy of errors that make a blind date with a stranger the least of her problems.

EVERY OCCASION by Heather B. Moore
When Maurie moves back to her hometown to open up her dream shop, she calls a local construction crew for help. Former teenage crush Grant shows up on her front porch, answering the call for the construction job, and Maurie’s memories of her troubled childhood return with full force. When she discovers Grant has a troubled past of his own, Maurie realizes that she might have misjudged him all along.

HOLD YOUR BREATH by Jenny Proctor
As Kayla trains for the Olympic swimming trials, she vows to never let another boyfriend get in her way. When she finds out her younger sister’s new high school swim coach is Nate—the guy Kayla had a huge crush on when they were in school together—Kayla realizes that her resolve is weakening. But Kayla isn’t willing to risk giving up her Olympic dream for anyone, not even charming Nate.

THE ULTIMATE BACHELOR CHALLENGE by Annette Lyon
When Sam’s long-time boyfriend, Steve, texts that he has something important to ask her on Valentine’s Day, she’s sure that he’s going to propose. Determined to look great for the big day, she hits the all-night laundromat to wash her favorite outfit. When her clothes are chugging away in a machine, Steve calls and pops a question—not one she ever would have expected. Reeling with shock, she’s left facing the holiday alone, unless you count the other person at laundromat, a guy leaning against his own washer, intent on his phone.

DEAL BREAKERS by Heather Tullis
The last place Colette wants to be stranded is the snowed-in Denver airport, especially when her sister is enduring chemo treatments and needs Colette’s help back home. When Colette runs into another stranded passenger—none other than former college boyfriend Drew—she can’t believe how much he’s changed . . . and hasn’t changed. Drew is still the same amazing guy that Colette was foolish enough to blow off for someone else. By the time she’d realized her mistake all those years ago, Drew’s heart had been too broken to give her a second chance. Now Colette can only hope that she can work her way back into his heart.

HEY, HELEN! by Sarah M. Eden
On the surface, Helen seems to have her life figured out. Her advice column, Hey, Helen!, is gaining more readers every week. She regularly hangs out with the guy next door, laughing and chatting over pizza and work. But when her feelings for her handsome neighbor begin tiptoeing toward something more than friendship, Helen can’t help hoping Neil might feel the same way. Between her own uncertainties, his friend-zone treatment of her, and a pair of loudly interfering parents, Hey, Helen! could use a little advice in love.

  * Goodreads * Amazon *

I love these Timeless Romance Anthology books.  They are so fun.  What could be better than a collection of romance books by your favorite authors?!  For me, not much.  ðŸ˜€

This collection includes six contemporary romance stories all revolving around Valentine's Day.  These surely are not your typical Valentine's Day romances.  They all have a sort of twisty element to add some smiles and fun.  I think my favorite was A Brush With the Law.  It had me shaking my head and cringing in embarrassment.  (I sure hope the author didn't draw off real life experiences for this story!)  It made me laugh though and I love that!

This is the perfect week to pick up this book.  You can read a story each day leading up to Valentine's Day or you can do a binge read, like me.  Either way is happy.

Content:  A few instances of mild swearing, some kissing but overall clean

- I received a copy of this book for free.  I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.

Thursday, February 2, 2017

Witness In the Dark by Lynne Larson + $25 and Book Giveaway


What began as a picture-perfect summer vacation for college student Jenny Brodie has swiftly become a nightmare. When she left home on the back of her horse one sunny morning, she couldn’t have imagined what awaited her in the Utah desert. Now the darkness is closing in, and there is no way out. The woman saw what he did—she witnessed the shots he fired, the murder he committed. But she’ll never talk. He’s made sure of that. For a man desperate to hide his crimes, the pressure steadily rises as Jenny’s community bands together to find the missing young woman. As the searchers grow ever closer to discovering what he has hidden, so too does his desperation. He will stop at nothing to keep the woman hidden—but he has underestimated the second witness to his evil deeds: a young girl determined to protect Jenny. As the trail runs cold, will help come for Jenny before time runs out?


First off, this is an LDS fiction book.  It has references specific to the Mormon religion- talk of God, going to church and praying.

In this book, there is no mystery for the reader.  We know everything that happened and most of the book is waiting for the characters to figure it out as well.  I'm not sure I loved that approach- there is just something about a mystery/suspense that holds more tension when the reader is trying to figure things out as well.

Jennie was a likable and strong girl.  Her heart and determination was evident from the very beginning of the book.  It was in direct contrast with the evil and and unsteadiness of the "bad guy".  

It took me a good one third to one half of the book to really start enjoying this story.  I wasn't a fan of how the first part of the book played out.  The current situation flopped back and forth with flashbacks.  It was slow going as it set up for the rest of the book.  Once I reached about the halfway point, I was engaged and interested.  The story moved more quickly and I was anxious to know how it would all play out.  I would call this a light suspense novel.  

Content:  Some violence and peril.  Clean.

- I received a copy of this book free from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.



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Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Paige's Turn by Jennifer Peel


With the encouragement of her beloved Aunt Mitzi, plain and overlooked Paige James left her hometown of Bella Port ten years ago and never looked back. But free-spirited Aunt Mitzi had plans for Paige to stop being pushed into the background. Those plans included leaving Paige as sole heir to her fortune and owner of her bookstore, Paige’s Turn. Begrudgingly, Paige returns home to fulfill her aunt’s last wishes, no longer the girl who’d left in baggy jeans and an ill-fitting t-shirt.

Paige discovers, though, that Mitzi’s last wishes include a lot of meddling in her love life. From the grave, and with the help of some friends, Mitzi has set out to make sure Paige and Bella Port’s most eligible bachelor, Sam Kennedy, find true love together. What Mitzi didn’t foresee is the firestorm and gossip she created that paints Paige as a swindler and liar, leaving Sam to wonder about the grown woman Paige has become. It doesn’t help when Paige fires him after their first meeting. But as friendship blossoms between Paige and Sam, they find each other hard to resist.

Was Mitzi right about the two of them? Will Paige finally have her turn?

 * Amazon * Goodreads

Sometimes when I read a book, I just know I'm going to use the word "love" too much when writing a review.  It's inevitable.  So, this is the forewarning for that type of review.

Paige's Turn had me swirling with emotion which comes as no surprise given Jennifer Peel's knack for writing fantastic characters, rich with personality and feeling.  Each character in this book had me feeling something from sympathy and love to I want to wring your neck.  It's such a gift as a reader to be able to feel emotionally connected to characters in a book.

I was immersed in Paige's world- her struggles and her triumphs.  She leaves home a young and insecure girl but returns a woman with more confidence and determination.  I loved seeing Paige overcome the bitter memories and spread her wings instead.  She returned angry for kind and was willing to forgive.  I loved Paige.  And I wanted to be Paige.  Because hello?  She owns a bookstore!  What a fun dream job!  Well, at least I think so.  

I was hit by emotion more than once over Paige's Aunt Mitzi.  Her story and her love for Paige really tugged at my heartstrings.  Sam was more of the love, hate, love kind.  It made for some fun situations!

Ooh, and the cover!  I love it!  This one is probably one of my favorite Jennifer Peel book covers.  And one more side note- my name appears in this book!  That surely made me smile!  I hardly ever see my name in a book because of the spelling.  Fun!

I have never met a Jennifer Peel book I didn't like.  Her writing just settles in my mind and heart and fills me up with yummy.  LOVE.

Content:  kissing

- I received a copy of this book from the author which in no way influenced my opinions of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Rescue Me (Montana Rescue #2) by Susan May Warren


When Deputy Sam Brooks commits to something, nothing can sway him--not just on the job as liaison between the Mercy Falls sheriff's department and PEAK Rescue, but in his private life. He's the one who stuck around to take care of his mother after his father's accidental death. And he's the one--perhaps the only one--who believes Sierra Rose is the perfect girl for him. Safe, practical, and organized, she's nothing like her hippie, impulsive, bleeding heart sister, Willow.

Willow, however, has been in love with Sam Brooks for as long as she can remember. But she wants her sister to have a happy ending. Besides, Willow has other things to focus on--namely, nabbing the job as youth pastor for her small-town church. Best thing for her to do is to purge Sam from her heart.

Neither can predict the events that will bring them together in a fight for their lives in the forbidding wilderness of Glacier National Park. Stranded, injured, and with the winter weather closing in, Sam and Willow will have to work together to save a crew of terrified teenagers. As they fight to survive, they might just discover a new hope for love.


I love this series.  I gobble up these books as soon as they are out and as fast as I can.  This book in particular lends itself to be gobbled.  It's full on, non stop and fast paced from the very beginning.  Seriously- it was like a action/drama on steroids!  It was hard to put down.

Sam and Willow are both such great characters.  Opposite in a lot of ways, but so good for each other.  Sam doesn't get on board with this plan for quite awhile so we have to sit by and watch with frustration as he bumbles up pretty much everything when it comes to Willow.  But, even when bumbling, Sam is a hero, a protector, a larger than life character that steals your heart.  Watching him fight his demons and ultimately win was very satisfying.

Willow is one of my favorites.  She has such enthusiasm and joy, it's hard not to like her.  She wears her heart on her sleeve and I love that.  She genuinely cares about others and wants to help wherever she can.  I want Willow to be my friend.

And, like I said above, this book is full of action packed drama.  I was all sorts of worked up!  I can't wait for the next book!!  (July)

Content:  Christian Fiction so there was talk of God and religious things.  Some peril and mild violence.  Kissing.

- I received a copy of this book from the publisher.  I was under no obligation to review and all opinions expressed are my own.