Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.” —Groucho Marx

Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Down Solo by Earl Javorsky--A Review

It's way too late to recommend this book as your New Year's Eve read, but in case you're one of the folks who New Year's Eve is another quiet night at home, maybe next year.    I think we may be playing cards New Year's Eve.    It's our favorite thing to do, at least for the women, it is after all only a game.    Right Guys?

Well, if I didn't say it before, Happy New Year's to all....may it be kind, gentle and prosperous....a blessing for all.


SYNOPSIS:

Things haven't been going well for Charlie Miner. His work as a private investigator involves him with an endless roster of shady characters. His ex-wife is borderline crazy. And he hasn't been getting to spend anywhere near enough time with his teenage daughter Mindy, the one person in his life who truly matters to him.

When he wakes up on a slab in the morgue with a hole in his head, though, things get even worse.

Just before the shooting, Charlie was investigating a case involving fraud, gold, religious zealots, and a gorgeous woman who seemed to be at the center of everything. Even with a fatal bullet wound, Charlie can connect the dots from the case to his attack. And when his daughter is abducted by someone involved, the stakes get exponentially higher. Charlie needs to find Mindy before the criminals do the same thing to her that they did to him.

After that, maybe he'll try to figure out how he's walking around dead.

Irreverent, circuitous, and surprisingly touching, Down Solo introduces a crisp new voice to suspense fiction.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

Yes, this story was suspenseful.   The main character went from one hot scene to another and it can be said, he can blame it all on a woman.   He is a dead man walking but he is trying to solve his last case and save his lovely daughter from the fate that has befallen him.   There was one scene in particular that was rather corny, but the story did hold my attention and I was anxious to see how it resolved.And I was somewhat mystified with the ending.    Truly it is unique and a little unbelievable, yet enjoyable.    I rated this a three wink read.









Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Crank by Shauna Allen---Cover Reveal



Coming January 30th.......Crank by Shauna Allen


BLURB:

It feels like I’ve loved him forever.
He’s ingrained in my DNA.
Torn, I’ve watched him slip away in torturous bits and pieces.
Even in our deepest grief.
He’s my true love. My only love.
But I’ve lost him.
~~~~~
I think I’ve loved her since the moment I laid eyes on her.
That will never change.
But I’m haunted by the demons of my past. Unworthy of her love.
And yet, she loved me anyway.

We spoke those sacred vows . . . til death do us part. 
And we’re dying. Someone’s murdering us.
Me.


Look at that cover folks!     Man eye candy for those with a pulse, rapidly pulsing out of control!   My review of this book will be posted at a later date....meanwhile, enjoy the eye candy!


Monday, December 29, 2014

The Two Towers by J R R Tolkein--a challenge review

I am so excited!    I was able to finish book two of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy AND I finished before Noah did.     He was so close to finishing first, but he told me he doesn't read while on break......
SAY WHAT?    Well that just spurned this ole Grandma on to new heights of glory.     I finshed first, I finished first.     And don't think I am too great to brow beat...now we need to watch the movie, but we can't, cause he hasn't finished!    Lol!!!

I love my Noah!

SYNOPSIS:

The Fellowship was scattered. Some were bracing hopelessly for war against the ancient evil of Sauron. Some were contending with the treachery of the wizard Saruman. Only Frodo and Sam were left to take the accursed Ring of Power to be destroyed in Mordor–the dark Kingdom where Sauron was supreme. Their guide was Gollum, deceitful and lust-filled, slave to the corruption of the Ring. Thus continues the magnificent, bestselling tale of adventure begun in The Fellowship of the Ring, which reaches its soul-stirring climax in The Return of the King.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I have enjoyed this action packed fantasy adventure in oh so many ways...Noah's reaction and our discussions have topped the list of my enjoyment, but also how one man can have so much imagination as to create this world of middle earth and the characters and races that inhabit it.   Wish I could harness my imagination in such a way.
I have trembled at the encounter of orcs and shuddered as the characters walked into cities left barren my overtaxing the fruits of the earth.    I delighted in reading of oliphants and I'm sure my nose turned up at descriptions of Gollum, although I do tend to love animals.    I also smiled at the relationship between Frodo and Sam as they journeyed, with only themselves for comfort.

Part one of this book focused on the remaining companions as they journeyed with the white wizard and part two was focused on Frodo and Sam's journey.   It is excellent fantasy--the best fantasy, although for me, it is is not a book I can pick up and expect to finish quickly.     I rated this a 4 wink read!


    

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Third Grade Elation/Rapid Deflation by Beth Cutwright

Mom Went to work at an office when I was eight years old.  With Dad being a farmer, we five kids, were able to stay home under his watchful care.   For the most part, we would be in school most of the time.

School, where you bond with all the other munchkins in the land.  A child learns their social skills and the natural pecking order of things by being introduced to and integrated into the school system.    Aaah yes, a wonderful place.

My third grade Christmas was really special.   Although I was a tomboy and as previously mentioned, I did not have a natural passion for dollys, I received for my third grade Christmas the best doll I ever owned.   It was a wonder.   I do not remember if I asked for this doll.   I assume I must have asked for her...knowing me, probably begged for her.


Anyway, I received a beautiful blonde, blue eyed Chatty Cathy, and she could talk!!!  She wore a beautiful turquoise pinafore with a crisp white eyelet top and for the first time, I really liked this doll!  For two years she held the top doll award in my life!

When it was time to go back to school, I was so proud to tell my friends I had received a Chatty Cathy for Christmas,,,that is, I was proud until my friend said, "my five year old sister got a chatty Cathy doll too...That's for little kids.   I got a Barbie!"

I immediately wanted a Barbie.

However, Chatty and I had great fun on the farm.   We claimed an abandoned hog house for our doll house and we had empty cake mix boxes and cereal boxes in there for our groceries.   We had dishes and a stroller of some sort.   She was very much played with!

I always wondered whatever happened to Chatty.   I figured I had been a careless mother and left her in the converted doll house or the barn.   I never suspected the evil that had  befallen her.

Years later I was to learn from (W.H.O.) that poor Chatty had been missiled from the hay loft at the merciless hands of those four brothers of mine.   Hmmm...

I guess it could have been worse.   If not Chatty it could have been the baby brother.

Hope your Christmas was great!

Miss Beth!

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Mom's Not so Favorite Christmas Story by Beth Cutwright

Children learn by imitation.  What you do is what they will do.  My mother learned this the hard way.

I remember a long time ago, we lived in an old farmhouse.  My mom had five kids ages five and under and it was Christmas time when everybody got wonderful presents from Santa Claus...AKA, mom and dad.

We were not well to do.   Money was very tight and hard to come by.   Especially if you were farm people.   So, my mom at some point that year, began a qwest to save her gold bond stamps.  She saved those stamps for what seemed an eternity to her.  Finally she had enough stamps saved that she could redeem them for  a very special Christmas present.

My poor mom!  She tried so hard and so often went so unappreciated.   I was only five for goodness sake, but looking back at her noble actions in saving those stamps, let's just say she was not rewarded in like measure.

She redeemed those wonderful gold bond stamps for the most beautiful bride doll.   This would be my Christmas present that year.   This doll was gorgeous, I remember.   She had long blonde curls and dark red lips and a lovely crispy white wedding gown.   She was breathtaking.   As much as I could, I loved that doll.

Then one day my mom came into the house from outside.   I was sitting on the lowest steps of the staircase, with my beautiful doll and a pair of scissors.  This is the first memory I have of my mother coming unglued.   Likewise, I imagine this was her first inkling that her precious daughter was spawned by evil.   All around me were long blonde golden locks of hair.


My defense:  "It'll grow back Mommy.  It'll grow back.  (She always said my trimmed hair would grow back).   Go figure.







Merry Christmas Everyone!

Miss Beth
child of the fifties!

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Christmas Beyond the Box by Josh Lancaster--A Review

Cute Christmas cover, don't you think?

SYNOPSIS:

The holidays mean many things to many people. "Christmas Beyond the Box" takes that notion a little farther, and provides some enchanting looks at the season from some very interesting perspectives. Suitable for all ages, there's sure to be a tale worth re-telling in this collection for many Christmases to come.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

This book with the sweet cover is a compilation of Short stories.   There are six in total and they are not the usual Christmas stories you would expect.   The book is approximately 94 pages long and reads quickly if you sit still enough to read it.

A Time For Giving:    This short story was sort of fun.  The Binderburgs were honored to have sold their huge pine tree but then had second thoughts as the tree was deemed haunted by the folks hired to put it up and decorate it.    Mischief and mayhem ensued as folks were injured.  And the Binderburgs came to visit their tree where it stood and escorted the mischief makers back home.  It was an odd little story, but I did like it.

The List:  Must be nice to have a scientist of sorts for a dad!  This one had a science fantasy theme and the son of the scientist, uses his dad's invention to space and time travel, to the North Pole, where he finds Santa's headquarters.   What he seeks is to know whether he is on the good or naughty list.   Time as always runs out and the boy is safely returned home.    I liked this one as well.   Odd, but what kid wouldn't take advantage of a machine like that?

Love Story at Gate 6B:  This one was perhaps the shortest of the stories.  Christmas time at an airport was described quite nicely as an unnamed couple are to meet there.   His reactions to the Christmas hustle and bustle is told precisely as I would imagine the older gent carried away by the sea of people who inhabit air terminals during the holidays.   Finally, the last passenger to disembark is her and the story ends with them leaving together.

Behavior Modification:  This was a story of dark magic set before Christmas.   That was the only thing it had to do with Christmas however.   Kids would probably enjoy this story although they might feel the scare that I felt.   Casey's teacher unexpectedly leaves and the replacement teacher is odd to say the least.    She has total control of the class and if they dared to misbehave.....they disappeared.
Casey knows they are missing and no one believes him as he tries to reveal the happenings in their classroom.  With a little help from his best friend, Casey determines what needs to be done.   A bizarre story if ever there was one, sure to thrill any reader.

Vanishing Skills:  This was a very short story as well.   A little girl has a school assignment to interview the elderly about skills that they once had that are vanishing with age.   So she visits the retirement home and meets Malachi.   He thinks he's a perfect person to interview as he used to make magical lamps.   But the girl is too worldly to find him a suitable interviewee.   I was slightly disappointed in this one, it didn't relate to Christmas in any way that I could determine.

No Marbles This Year:  This was my favorite of all the stories included.  Jedidiah I was an old man who loved his family and gathered them together for Christmas, but this, his last Christmas with them,
was different from all others.   Past Christmases he had given each family member a marble, with a riddle that led to their gift,    This last year, they all received a snow globe.   Three months later, he passed away and his will was as odd a the marble/riddle game they played at Christmas.   Jedidiah IV
was just a boy when he received his snow globe, but he kept it and when he became an adult, he found the hidden message inside his globe.    After years of the family going their separate ways, he is commissioned to bring them back together for Christmas and Christmases to come.   This was a heartwarming tale of the bond between young and old and the far reaching wisdom of a dearly departed soul.

I found the title to be most appropriate for this collection of short stories.  The writing itself was fluent and easy to read and at approximately 94 pages, it read fast.   However, if you don't like short stories or are looking for that warm and fuzzy Christmas tale, don't be fooled.  This collection is from other perspectives, way outside the Christmas norm/box.

I rated this a 3 Wink read,but could be a four if given credit for being unique and different.



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this for my personal Christmas Kindle Collection.  


Monday, December 22, 2014

In the Spirit of Christmas by Linda Goodnight--A Review

Only three days left until Christmas!   Woo Hoo!   We've almost made it.   And I am so happy.    This year I am trying to accumulate nicer gifts for my grandkids than just a gaming card!   I got a lot of my shopping done earlier in the year, so I am feeling no pain right now.

Today's review is the second book included in The Gift of Christmas.   I couldn't tell you which book I enjoyed more, Macomber's The Gift of Christmas or Linda Goodnight's, In the Spirit of Christmas.   As much as I love Debbie Macomber's feel good stories, I might say I enjoyed Goodnight's story the best.

Here's the SYNOPSIS:

Since leaving her troubled past behind, Lindsey Mitchell relished living in the small Christian community of Winding Stair, Oklahoma. But as December approached, she knew she'd need help to run her tree farm. So she hired new arrival Jesse Slater. The widower and his little girl fit right in...except when it came to celebrating the spirit of the season. As the town banded together and introduced the newcomers to the local festivities, Lindsey sensed there were deeply rooted reasons for Jesse's lack of faith. Could she help him find his way back home and teach him and his adorable daughter the true meaning of Christmas?

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

This was definitely a Christian Christmas Romance read and it was beautiful.    There were scriptural references but they were indeed pertinent to the basics of the story.

Lindsey Mitchell was a strong christian woman living alone in the mountains and operating a Christmas tree farm.    Jesse Slater was a widowed father to a six year old girl.   He had no use for Christmas and although he believed in a God, he sure didn't know Him.   And he had determined that once cheated out of his inheritance, he was going to fight for it and claim it for himself and his daughter.   It was easy to love all three main characters and to enjoy their road to becoming a real family.

And even when the story reached the point where Lindsey would be shell shocked to learn of Jesse's real intent, I was glad to see there weren't pages of smoldering anger and misunderstandings to straighten out.   In this story, both Jesse and Lindsey, loved the other and wanted what was best for the other.   Forgiveness and understanding followed and made this one of the best Christmas stories I read this year.

I rated this well plotted story a 5 Wink read.



Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this two in one read for my personal library.  



Sunday, December 21, 2014

The Christmas Contract by Jan Ramos--A Review




SYNOPSIS:

Millionaire Dax Dawson is a world-class philanthropist and grandfather. While he's generous with his money, he also makes the community work for it. He's the same with his family. No free handouts. What he gives has strings attached. Dax decides it's time for his fiercely independent, almost-thirty year old granddaughters to settle down. He wants them to find love and give him great-grandchildren before his lights go out. And he knows how to make it happen. 

Prompted by love, guilt and a desire to own their own business, the Dawson triplets -- Joy, Noelle and Christi -- enter into a Christmas contract that will change their lives forever. 

Finding true love is a unique adventure, so each girl has their own story. The outcome for all three, however, funnels into one giant happily-ever-after.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

This read was 146 pages long and as with Christmas romance stories...it was a sweet romantic read.    What a premise for a story...triplets, contracting to find their true love and be married by Christmas Day in order to obtain the money needed to buy Uncle Mick's restaurant.

This was a fast moving story, told basically in three parts...one section for each of the tripletts, Joy, Noelle, and Christi Dawson.   Each story was cleverly different from the other sisters stories of how they found their man!   Each of the three men were hunky, endearing in their own rite and very appealing.   In this fun  and romantic read,  opposites did attract and not one of the sisters ended up with their Granddad's selection for them!

I rated this a four (4) wink read.    Fun and entertaining!




Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this e-book for my personal Kindle collection.  



Saturday, December 20, 2014

All I Want for Christmas is a Cowboy by Jennifer Ryan--A Review


SYNOPSIS:

From Emma Cane, Jennifer Ryan, and Katie Lane come three wildly romantic holiday stories featuring snowstorms, proposals, a sleigh ride … and, yes, cowboys.

The Christmas Cabin by Emma Cane

 Sandy and her young son, Nate, are Christmas tree–hunting when a snowstorm strikes and an old ranch hand points them to an abandoned cabin. Little does Sandy know he sent cowboy Doug Thalberg to the same place. It's a Christmas all of Valentine Valley will remember.

Can't Wait by Jennifer Ryan

 Before The Hunted Series began …

Though she is the woman of his dreams, Caleb Bowden knows his best friend's sister, Summer Turner, is off limits. He won't cross that line, which means Summer will just have to take the reins if she wants her cowboy for Christmas.

Baby It's Cold Outside by Katie Lane

Alana Hale hits the internet dating jackpot when she finds Clint McCormick. He's sensitive and responsible—not to mention wealthy. When he invites her to spend the holidays on his family's ranch, she readily accepts. But on the way there, a blizzard strands her with a womanizing rodeo cowboy who could change everything … 

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:


What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon.  I read the first of three stories on a Saturday night and read the remaining stories Sunday afternoon, and I sported a grin from ear to ear with the sweetness of each read.   All three stories were set during the Christmas season.    All three were romantic, some spicier than others and all three provided hunky Christmas cowboys!    Yumm!


The Christmas Cabin was a sweet tale of how the family elders met.   It was really sweet, heart warming and romantic.


Can't Wait was a fun and sexy read.   Two people who were instantly  drawn to one another after meeting.   One who refused to cross the line, believing you don't date your best friends baby sister.   Great theme!


But my favorite was the last story in the book, Baby It's Cold Outside.  Talk about the proverbial twist in the plotline!  I thoroughly enjoyed that surprising read!    


These three combined authors painted a picture of Christmas and warm romance.    I feel like shouting, Winter, Bring it on!    I'm ready for fireplace, home baked cookies and spending time with loved ones!


I rated this happy Christmas read 4 Winks!





Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased this book for my personal Kindle collection.





Friday, December 19, 2014

The Unfinished Gift by Dan Walsh--A Review

SYNOPSIS:

Dan Walsh is the senior pastor of Sovereign Grace Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, a church he helped found 23 years ago. Walsh lives with his family in the Daytona Beach area. This is his first novel.

Can a gift from the past mend a broken heart?

Ian Collins is an old man without his son. Patrick Collins is a young boy without his father. On his Christmas list are only three items. He wants the army to find his father. He wants to leave his grandfather's house. And he wants the dusty wooden soldier in Grandfather's attic--the one he is forbidden to touch.

Set in December of 1943, The Unfinished Gift is the engaging story of a family in need of forgiveness. With simple grace, it reminds us of the small things that affect powerful change in our hearts--a young boy's prayers, a shoe box of love letters, and even a half-carved soldier, long forgotten. This nostalgic story of reconciliation will touch your heart.


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE: 

Dan Walsh never disappoints with his writing or his stories.   He deveoped a family of strong characters with Ian Collins being the heartless grandfather who experienced a heart wrenching change and finally became what every little boy dreamed his grandfather would be....loving.   Patrick coming to live with his grandfather was the catalyst which lit the fire to melt the ice in Ian's heart.   Patrick had a sad story and his story touched the hearts of not only his social worker, Miss Katherine Townsend and the next door neighbor, Mrs Fortini, as well.   All of these characters were so very real and so very well developed.   Each was easy to perceive in my mind's eye.

This was a sweet story about reunion and forgiveness.    It was about love at it's worst and it's best.  It was frightening as a blizzard swallowed young Patrick and hid him from the ones who cared most for him.  Fortunately he was rescued by ansuspecting hero Ezra Jeffries, the epitome of doing the right thing.

I thoroughly loved this tale of love from an author I truly admire and respect.  And what better time than Christmas to forgive one another and begin  anew!

I rated this a 5 Wink read.

 

Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.  I purchased a  copy of this book for my personal collection.

 

Thursday, December 18, 2014

Gooseberry Island Campaign--Pay it Forward--Promo

Hello,




I'm excited to announce that my publisher and I will be 'paying it forward' with Gooseberry Island this holiday season (details below).

Our hope is to give away as many copies of Gooseberry Island as possible!




Thanks so much!



Steve Manchester



 
Exciting updates from authors of The Story Plant
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New from The Story Plant

A special request

 

Let's get viral.


Steven Manchester's next book will be out on January 6, 2015. Voted one of the Must Read Books of 2015 by Cyrus Webb PresentsGooseberry Island is sure to be the next hit from one of our #1 bestselling authors. The book looks at the budding relationship between Lindsay and David, who have to deal with David's deployment overseas and his recovery from the trauma he witnessed in the service of his country.

PTSD is one of the biggest problems facing soldiers as they return from war. As an experienced veteran himself, Steven Manchester understands that. That's why, during the promotion of this book, Steven and The Story Plant are going to be working toward helping returning veterans. And we need your help to do that.

From now until January 31, 2015, we will donate $1 to the Wounded Warrior Project for every copy of Gooseberry Island that is pre-ordered and sold. All you have to do is email us a copy of your receipt and we will make the donation. In addition to that, we will also donate a copy of the e-book to returning soldiers, one donation for each copy sold.

Here's the really important part - we need your help to spread the word about this campaign! Tell your neighbors, tell your family members, tell the person working the checkout line in the grocery story. Just tell as many people as you can and ask them to help spread the word too. We want this campaign to go viral! Let's do something good this holiday season and celebrate those who protect and serve our country!

You can read more about Gooseberry Island at our website. It is available for sale atAmazonBarnes & NobleiBooksKobo, and IndieBound.

Curious about Wounded Warrior or want to make your own donation? Visit their websitehere.
 

Book Review

Gooseberry Island: "Mr. Manchester handles [PTSD] with great compassion.  He brings to life the hardships that are suffered by our returning servicemen.  His characters have depth and the story is compelling.  It is not only a novel, it helps to inform the reader of the difficulties experienced and the silent life and death struggle that goes on every day around us." -From Book Bug Blog
 

Book Review

Gooseberry Island: "I’ve said it before – Steven Manchester has a very definite style of his own. His books all display beautiful descriptive writing, poignancy, and include an inspirational message, and this one will simply warm your heart." -From And The Story Unfolds
 

Book Review

Gooseberry Island: "This author did a wonderful job with this novel showing how war can change a person and how so many of these military people die of suicide and bringing to life the many hardships along with disorders(PTSD) that are suffered by many of our returning military men and women." -FromArlena, Goodreads member
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My review for this wonderful story will be posted on January 2, 2015.   And please help us pay it forward!

The Christmas Boquet by Sheryl Woods--A Review

Ho! Ho! Ho!   Only seven more days til the little round guy in red makes his appearance!    My grandkids are getting so excited!   As Christmas has evolved into this big commercial thing, I am grateful for the true meaning of Christmas and truly seek the goodwill between men.

SYNOPSIS:

When it comes to family and Christmas, #1 New York Times bestselling author Sherryl Woods always looks to the O'Briens for a little holiday magic... 

For the very driven medical student Caitlyn Winters, catching the bridal bouquet at a Christmas wedding has set off a chain reaction that she's sure is more curse than blessing. Not only has she fallen in love with family medicine resident Noah McIlroy, but an unexpected pregnancy threatens her well-laid plans for the future. It doesn't help that Noah—with a whole lot of help from her O'Brien relatives—is completely on board with the prospect of marriage and happily-ever-after. 

It takes a whole lot of patience, love and family persuasion to help Caitlyn realize that she can still have everything she ever wanted, including a home in her beloved Chesapeake Shores and a man who understands all of her dreams.


FROM MY PERSPECTIVE with Spoiler Alert:

Everyone knows I love a good Christmas story.    Why Else would I be so into writing a Christmas Blog for 25 or 26 days of December?

I was so excited to read Sheryl Woods's The Christmas Boquet.  I thought it would never be released, but finally the day came, and I held the hardback in my hand and I turned to the first page.    Unfortunately, it took me days to read a book that I thought could be read non stop in one.    Why would that happen?    Was I too hyped on anticipation?   Had I built it up in my mind that there was no way it could live up to my expectations?   Well, I don't think that is what happened.    Here's the deal, the female protagonist, Caitlyn Winters, was a character, I just could not connect with.

Now I liked the male protagonist, Noah McIlroy.   He was patient and sweet and really loved Cait.    When she shared her unexpected pregnancy with him, he showed all the signs of true caring and happiness.   Cait on the other hand, did not want to accept this new reality.    Throughout the book, I just wanted Noah or one of her O'Brien relatives to beat some sense into her head.    Yes, she had a well planned future and having a baby didn't really work into her perceived timeline at all.   She wanted to help children in Africa, that was her dream.    But her own little bundle of joy didn't seem to matter til near the end of the book.   It was painful for me to support this line of reasoning from a main character.

Naturally, all's well that ends well, so eventually Cait overcame her doubts and the grip she held on her life plan and she saw the benefits of marriage to Noah, her true love and the birth of their baby in wedlock.  I was glad I had continued to read the story through to the end, but I was never anything but annoyed with Cait Winters.   Noah however, should have been inducted for sainthood!

I rated this book a 3 WINK read.   It just wasn't a slam dunk for me.




Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   I borrowed this book from my mother's personal collection.  


Wednesday, December 17, 2014

December Kiss byKatie Mettner--A review

It is with great joy I bring to you today's review of December Kiss by Katie Mettner.


Synopsis:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 

It’s nearly Christmas in Snowberry Minnesota, but Jay Alexander is feeling anything but jolly. Stuck in the middle of town square with a flat tire on his worn out wheelchair leaves him feeling grinchy. 

December Kiss has only been in Snowberry for a few months when she happens upon this broken down boy next door. His sandy brown hair and quirky smile has her hoisting his wheelchair into the back of her four horse Cherokee. 
When a December romance blooms Jay wants to give December just one thing for Christmas, her brother. Will Jay get his December Kiss under the mistletoe Christmas Eve?

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:

I hadn't planned to read another of Katie's books for this year's December blog, but she offered a copy and I could hardly resist with this one last date open.   What an enjoyable afternoon I spent with this Christmas read!

Jay Alexander was the youngest of the Alexander brood, Dully's youngest brother.   He had special circumstances as he was born with spina bifada and spent his days in a wheelchair.....a very old and dilapidated untrustworthy wheel chair.   December Kiss was an RN at Providence Hospital in Snowberry Minnesota.   Their chance meeting and the romance that followed was a delight.

Katie Mettner writes spicy Christian romance stories about individuals who may endure special circumstances, but rise above all of it in their dreams and desires.   This story slowly revealed the painful truths in both Jay and Decembers pasts.  Although, they could have been driven forever apart, they strengthened their friendship and a budding romance began to build.    There was just one occurence of intimacy, that was not too explicit and I appreciated that.   The storyline was realistic and two people who had been wounded by their pasts, found peace with one another, strength together and joy.

This was the kind of Christmas story I could enjoy wholeheartedly.   It was not rushed and flowed smoothly from start to finish.    I gave a rating of 5 winks to this read.


Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like. I received a complimentary copy from the author or the author’s representatives in exchange for an honest review.

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Christmas Cottage by Mignon Ballard--A Review



SYNOPSIS:

Christmas has always been a special time for Meredith Enright. Born on Christmas Eve, she celebrates the holiday with joy, filling her home with seasonal music and the fragrance of fir and pine. But this year, her jam cake is still warm from the oven when Meredith receives the shocking news of her husband's sudden illness while on a business trip to Atlanta. Alone and frightened in the ICU waiting room of an unfamiliar hospital, Meredith is befriended by a kind volunteer who accompanies her to the facility's chapel where they wait together through the long night. During her vigil, Meredith remembers a Christmas from her childhood when her mother was seriously injured in an automobile accident. In her despair, she relives the memory of that long-ago Christmas when she was sent to spend the holidays with her childless Aunt Martha. Aunt Martha worked for a large department store in Knoxville, but lived in a remote area outside the city. Because she was gone during the day, she asked bland Mrs. Boggs to stay with Meredith. Worried about her mother and missing her family, eight-year-old Meredith has only a stuffed bear and her brother's much-loved clown doll for company until she meets Lucinda and the loving family who live in the Christmas Cottage deep in the woods behind Aunt Martha's house. The memory of that Christmas brings to Meredith a renewal of hope and joy as she faces the outcome of her husband's illness.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE:


Do angels walk among us?   The synopsis pretty well tells the story without clarifying who the kind volunteer in gray is.  The story is sweet and well told.  It is about the fear of losing someone you are forever connected to and about the people  or 'angels' who help you through those times.


This story had me invested in it and the outcome immediately and I really enjoyed reading of Meredith's earlier trauma with her mother's accident and then later her concerns about losing her husband.   It was definitely a heart-wrenching story with a lovely ending.


I rated this read 4 Winks!




Disclaimer:  I read for my pleasure.   I may receive ARC copies for review purposes, but I am not compensated for my reviews .  I like to read and I like to share my reviews.   I post my thoughts without prejudice or bias.  The words are mine and I write reviews based on my humble opinion.  I will admit, I seldom meet a book I don't like.   I purchased this E-Book for my personal Kindle collection.