Showing posts with label 2021. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2021. Show all posts

Monday, January 3, 2022

December Wrap Up

 






Titles Read:

A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Gabaldon (audio)
Fallen by Linda Castillo
Mistletoe Christmas (audio anthology)
To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne (audio)
Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

•Total Read: 6
•Adult: 6
•YA: 0
•Audios: 4
•New to me authors: 3
•Debut authors: 0
•Series Books: 3
•Women Authors: 6
•Men Authors: 0
•Shortest: 413
•Longest: 493

•YTD - 131

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: Fallen and A Breath of Snow and Ashes

Where I've Read This Month:  California, Chicago, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, London

Genres read: Fantasy, Historical, Romance, Suspense/Thriller

December was a slower reading month, but I did meet my goal for the year..











Sunday, December 19, 2021

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)






To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne (audio)

Gracie is working hard to keep the family business open and thriving as she promised her father she would.  Things are getting difficult and there is a large corporation wanting to buy the business.  When she doesn't respond to their letters, they send one of their representatives.   Sebastian is not just their representative, he is the owner.  Gracie has met someone on a blind dating app where they don't immediately meet up or share pictures.  He is supportive, understanding and helps her realize what she needs to do going forward.  Meanwhile she keeps bumping into Sebastian and fights her anger and resentment towards him. When she finally makes the decision to sell the business she begins to see Sebastian in a different light. She is falling for both men, but has only met one, who will she choose.  A fun, heartwarming story narrated by Rachanee Lumayo and Shaun Taylor-Corbett.
*Thanks to Simon & Schuster Audio for this review copy*





Mistletoe Christmas:  An Anthology (audio)

Four authors (Eloisa James, Christi Caldwell, Janna McGregor and Erica Ridley) team up to tell the story of four couples that attend a famous, sought after, Christmas Revelry annually held at the Duke of Greystoke's home. Each author did a great job with their couple that seamlessly carried from one story to the next narrated by the fantastic Susan Duerden. 
*Thanks to HarperAudio for this review copy*



When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips #9

 Two superstars in their respective careers work together as spokespersons for an exclusive watch brand.  As expected, they don't like each other and hope to just get through the assignment.  As they get to know each other they discover their preconceived ideas are totally wrong and things begin to change. Thad is a quarterback and Oliva is an opera diva. There is a bit of suspense added as Olivia has a stalker. This book, in a long running series, can be read as a standalone. 





Fallen by Linda Castillo #13

Chief Kate investigates a former Amish member's murder.  Rachel left the community as a teenager and never looked back.  Why did she return and who wanted her dead? As Kate and Tomasetti investigate it becomes clear that Rachel has led an interesting life that someone wants to keep a secret.  Another great installment in this series that kept me turning the pages.



Up Next:
Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop
Wicked All Night by Jeaniene Frost
Hidden Creed by Alex Kava

May your celebrations be filled with family, fun and plenty of blessings.  Merry Christmas!


                                                          The Grandkids!


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.






Thursday, December 16, 2021

November Wrap Up

 





Titles Read:

A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins
A Little Christmas Spirit by Sheryl Woods
Game On by Janet Evanovich
I’m Only Wicked With You by Julie Ann Long
Stronger Than You Know by Lori Foster (audio)
The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs
The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan
The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery


•Total Read: 8
•Adult: 8
•YA: 0
•Audios: 1
•New to me authors: 0
•Debut authors: 0
•Series Books: 5
•Women Authors: 8
•Men Authors: 0
•Shortest: 320
•Longest: 432

•YTD - 125

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: The Christmas Wedding Guest

Where I've Read This Month:   California, Colorado, North Carolina, New York, South Carolina, England and Lapland

Genres read: Contemporary (5), Historical, Romantic Suspense, Suspense/Thriller

What I Am Looking Forward to next month: 


Fallen by Linda Castillo




Wednesday, December 8, 2021

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan


 It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas getaway—a trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband. Her solution? Alix can take Christy’s little daughter to Lapland, and they will reunite there for Christmas Day. It’s a big ask, but what else are friends for?


There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy. But Christy’s request to save Christmas is giving Alix sleepless nights. She knows something is wrong, but for the first time ever, Christy isn’t talking. And even the Arctic temperatures in Lapland aren’t enough to dampen the seriously inconvenient sizzle Alix is developing for Zac, a fellow guest and nemesis from her past.

As secrets unravel and unexpected romance shines under the northern lights, can Christy and Alix’s Christmas escape give them the courage to fight for the relationships they really want, and save the precious gift of each other’s friendship?


Christy and Alix became friends as young girls and are now family.  A planned holiday trip to a magical place causes all sorts of unneeded suffering because of not communicating and assumptions.  A bit of drama ensues that is repetitive, but ends up an overall good holiday read.




Author Bio:
 


USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes contemporary romance and women's fiction. Her trademark humour and warmth have gained her fans across the globe and three RITA® Awards from the Romance Writers of America. Sarah lives with her family near London, England, where the rain frequently keeps her trapped in her office.




Thanks to Harlequin/NetGalley for this review copy

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

A Little Christmas Spirit by Shelia Roberts




The best Christmas gifts—family, friendship, and second chances—are all waiting to be unwrapped in this sparkling new novel from USA Today bestselling author Sheila Roberts.

Single mom Lexie Bell hopes to make this first Christmas in their new home special for her six-year-old son, Brock. Festive lights and homemade fudge, check. Friendly neighbors? Uh, no. The reclusive widower next door is more grinchy than nice. But maybe he just needs a reminder of what matters most. At least sharing some holiday cheer with him will distract her from her own lack of romance…

Stanley Mann lost his Christmas spirit when he lost his wife and he sees no point in looking for it. Until she shows up in his dreams and informs him it’s time to ditch his Scroogey attitude. Stanley digs in his heels but she’s determined to haunt him until he wakes up and rediscovers the joys of the season. He can start by being a little more neighborly to the single mom next door. In spite of his protests he’s soon making snowmen and decorating Christmas trees. How will it all end?

Merrily, of course. A certain Christmas ghost is going to make sure of that!



Lexi and her son Brock are settling into their neighborhood despite Stanley the grumpy old guy next door.  Stanley has been grieving his wife by avoiding everyone.  He gets help to begin to live again in an unexpected way. Events happen where Lexi and her son need Stanley's help.  He beings to open up to new things. When his help goes a bit too far and causes Lexi some pain, will their tentative friendship end?  A new family in the neighborhood could also be a new beginning for Lexi, will she take a chance?  A fun, heartwarming holiday story.


Sheila Roberts lives on a lake in Washington State, where most of her novels are set. Her books have been published in several languages. On Strike for Christmas, was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network and her novel, The Nine Lives of Christmas, was made into a movie for Hallmark.

Author Website

Goodreads

 Excerpt

*Thanks to Harlequin/NetGalley for this review copy*

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery

 


The last thing Reggie Sommerville wants is to come back home for Christmas. It's only been a year and a half since her boyfriend, Jake, proposed and then broke up with her, all in one weekend, and the prospect of facing the entire town is humiliating. But when her parents reveal that they're renewing their vows in the lavish wedding they always wanted and her mother asks her to be a bridesmaid, Reggie knows she can't say no. No matter how much she wants to. She expected the town would be gossiping about her relationship with Jake, but she never expected to run into Toby, her first love that broke her heart all those years ago, living in town and raising his son. She always thought things between them were long over…but this Christmas is full of surprises.

Dena Sommerville has only ever wanted one thing: to have a child. But motherhood has been alluding her because she never met the right man…until she took the bull by the horns and decided to have a baby as a single mom. She knew it would be difficult and the morning sickness alone is knocking her down for the count, but she’s determined to do this on her own. So when a handsome musician checks into the inn where she works, Dena is surprised when a friendship develops. He has his own issues to work through—that much is clear. But she can’t deny there’s something between them.



A great small town holiday story. The Sommerville family has a lot going on this holiday season. Reggie reluctantly returned to town to help out with her parent's vow renewal ceremony. Last year she was engaged and dumped in a spectacular way over a weekend. Dena is juggling early pregnancy, teaching and running her B & B.  Both are not looking for romance and are surprised when things take that turn. Great characters with plenty of humor and a fantastic dog! Looking forward to visiting the town of Wishing Tree again.




Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. Library Journal says, “Mallery is the master of blending emotionally believable characters in realistic situations," and readers seem to agree—40 million copies of her books have sold worldwide. Her warm, humorous stories make the world a happier place to live.


Susan grew up in California and now lives in Seattle with her husband. She's passionate about animal welfare, especially that of the two ragdoll cats and adorable poodle who think of her as mom.


Social Links:

Author Website

Goodreads

Thanks to Harlequin/NetGalley for this review copy

Wednesday, November 17, 2021

October Wrap Up





Titles Read:
A Wicked Conceit by Anne Lee Huber
Afterlife by Dannika Dark (audio)
Bombshell by Sarah MacLean
Burning Bright by Nick Petrie
Legacy by Nora Roberts
The Break Up Book Club by Wendy Wax
The Duke Goes Down by Sophie Jordan
The Runaway Heiress by Meg Tilly

•Total Read: 8
•Adult: 8
•YA: 0
•Audios: 1
•New to me authors: 1
•Debut authors: 0
•Series Books: 5
•Women Authors: 7
•Men Authors: 1
•Shortest: 340
•Longest: 434

•YTD - 117

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: A Wicked Conceit

Where I've Read This Month:  Atlanta, California (2), Maryland, New York, Texas, England, London, Scotland

Genres read: Contemporary, Historical, Mystery, Paranormal, Romantic suspense, Suspense/thriller

What I Am Looking Forward to next month: 


The Christmas Wedding Guest By Susan Mallery

Monday, November 8, 2021

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

 






Game on By Janet Evanovich #28

Stephanie is on the trail of a skip who has become violent in his determination to stay out of jail. He is an international hacker on a mission and will do whatever it takes to complete it.   This time around she has the help of mysterious Diesel as he is looking for this guy as well.  Typical fun and entertaining story.  It is easier to enjoy by not expecting anything different. 
*Thanks to Atria Books/NetGalley for this review copy*





A Cup of Silver Linings by Karen Hawkins #2

A wonderful return to Dove Pond.  Kristin's grandmother Ellen has come to town to take her away from Dove Pond after the death of her mother.  Kristin does not want to go and tries to make her grandmother change her mind by searching for her father. Ava is close to opening her tea shop.  She has always had a gift with plants and creating teas that help the townspeople with their issues.  When her latest batch goes wrong and people begin to fear and avoid her brews, Ava know it is because of the secret she has been keeping.  When Sarah, her sister, learns this secret it causes a rift between the sisters.  The townspeople take Sarah's side and Ava's business is at risk. Heartwarming story of forgiveness and reconciliation. Look forward to returning to this wonderful town. The story is told in the POVs of Kristin, Ellen, Ave and Sarah.  The four narrators did a great job with their character, but when narrating the each other's characters, it was hard to figure out who was speaking.  It was such a distraction that I switched to print.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

Enjoying the beautiful colors of the leaves changing.  Thank a Veteran for their service this Thursday!  Thank you, Dad, Grandpa, Scot, Jennifer, Thomas, Bruce.


Up Next:
I'm Only Wicked With You by Julie Ann Long
Golden Girl by Elin Hilderbrand
Stronger Than You Know by Lori Foster


Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.






Sunday, October 3, 2021

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (IMWAYR?/SP)

 






That Summer by Jenifer Weiner

The story of how two women named Diana are connected.  Daisy is a working mom with a teenage daughter. Beatrice is a free spirt who isn't fitting where her dad wants her to, but agrees to go to boarding school. Hal is content that his life is going the way he planned. Diana is a successful single business owner.  Somehow Daisy receives Diana's misdirected emails, or does she?  How they are connected is told back and forth in time in alternating chapters of the characters.  Sutton Foster narrated the characters very well in a story that is about more than expected.
*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*





Claimed by J.R. Ward #1

Lydia works at a wolf reserve and is working hard to preserve the land from a hotel chain that wants to move in and develop.  When her boss doesn't show up, a wolf is seriously hurt and a new hire shows up things begin to get strange.  A good beginning to this new series.




Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas #4 (audio)

The fourth wallflower Daisy gets her happy ending.  Daisy's father has determined that she will marry his protegee Matthew.  He is the last person she wants to marry!  She is surprised when he shows up and has changed from the young gangly boy that has been around their family for years. Matthew has always had a soft spot for Daisy, but can't let his feeling get in the way of protecting a secret he has kept for years.  When Daisy decides he is the man she wants, nothing will get in her way.This reissue is narrated by Mary Jane Wells who does a good job with all of the character's voices. 
* Thanks to HarperAudio for this review copy*




Liar's Legacy by Taylor Stevens #2

Twins Jack and Jill are on the search for their biological father after learning of his identity. They are trained assassins and are on the radar of some unsavory people who either want to stop them or use their talents.  They play a game of cat and mouse that has you wondering who is an ally and who can be trusted.  Fast paced and full of action.  I look forward to what happens next for these two.





Forgiving What You Can't Forgive by Lisa Terkeurst

A faith based book on forgiveness. How to move on and make peace with the hard things that have happened in your life.  I appreciated her vulnerability in sharing her story and not sugar coating how hard this process can be.  A good tool to refer to again and again.





Up Next:
The Break Up Book Club by Wendy Was
Legacy by Nora Roberts
Afterlife by Dannika Dark

 How is it October?  We have been enjoying an extension of summer with our wonderful weather. 

Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.






Saturday, October 2, 2021

September Wrap Up





Titles Read:
Claimed by J.R. Ward 
Devil In Disguise by Lisa Kleypas
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lisa TerKeurst (NF) 
Heartless by Dannika Dark (audio)
Liar’s Legacy by Taylor Stevens
Scandal in Spring by Lisa Kleypas (audio)
Someone To Cherish by Mary Balogh
That Summer by Jennifer Weiner (audio)
The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (audio)
The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish


•Total Read: 10
•Adult: 10
•YA: 0
•Audios: 4
•New to me authors: 1
•Debut authors: 0
•Series Books: 5
•Women Authors: 9
•Men Authors: 0
•Shortest: 220
•Longest: 509

•YTD - 109

•Favorite Book(s) of the Month: The Last Thing He Told Me

Where I've Read This Month:  New York, Pennsylvania, Texas (2), Washington, England (3), Europe

Genres read: contemporary, historical romance (3), mystery, non-fiction, paranormal (2), suspense/thriller (2)

What I Am Looking Forward to next month: 


A Wicked Conceit by Anna Lee Huber






Linking up with Nicole at Feed Your Fiction Addiction Month In Review


Sunday, September 19, 2021

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (IMWAYR?/SP)






Buried by Lynda LaPlante #1

DCI Jack has taken a new job after moving for Maggie's job.  He seems to be going through the motions even though he is a talented investigator.  His father has just been diagnosed as terminal and that contributes to his drifting. A case of a burned body in a cottage is assigned to him.  When money is found in the home that could connect to a 25 year old robbery things begin to get interesting.  Jack, while talented, is flawed which makes him more intriguing.  The secondary characters lend so much to the story as well.  A great start to a new series.



The Judas Horse by Lynda LaPlante #2
Jack is back after successfully solving his last case.  He is called to a neighboring town to help in an investigation of home invasions that turn deadly.  His reputation precedes him which works both to his disadvantage and advantage. Jack's birth origins are fleshed out a bit more in this second installment, especially as he become a new father. Looking forward to more with this character.




A Duke In Time by Janna MacGregor #1

Katherine's husband had recently died.  While she is in the solicitor's office for the settling of his estate, she learns that he has two other wives.  One of whom is pregnant!  To avoid a scandal as this mess is sorted out the other women come to live with Katherine.  She doesn't want the scandal to touch her thriving business. Her husband's half-brother is called upon to help and can't help his attraction to Katherine.  Got off to a good start, but had a hard time holding my attention to the end.




Bone Canyon by Lee Goldberg #2

Eve is one of the youngest detective in her department and used her fifteen minutes of fame to get this job, which has her on the defense to prove herself. She investigates bones being found in the hills after a fire of a woman that disappeared years ago.  When she discovers the backstory of the missing woman the investigation heats up with those that want her to move on.  Eve is tenacious in her probing and it causes trouble. Plenty of twist and suspense keep the pages turning.  Looking forward to what Eve gets into next.





The Other Passenger by Louise Candlish

Jamie commutes to work on a ferry.  He meets a younger man Kit, who along with his girlfriend become friends of Jamie and his wife. When Kit goes missing, Jamie is suspected as he was last seen arguing with Kit.  The story is told in flashbacks, I had it figured out with a couple of surprises but overall a good read.





Heartless by Dannika Dark  #9(audio)

Raven takes an undercover assignment to find out what is happening to missing women.  Is it related to an underground fighting ring? She gets in deep and puts herself at risk, much to Christian's frustration.  It was great to get back to this world that was brilliantly narrated by Nicole Pool. 




Devil In Disguise by Lisa Kleypas #7 

Merritt is a widow and running a business.  She meets Keir when there is a problem with his shipment of whisky.  There is an attraction between them, but he wants to return to Scotland and figures there is no future.  When an attempt on his life goes wrong it becomes clear something else is going on here.  The story takes a frustrating turn, but gets back on track.  Loved the connection these two have to the Wallflowers. 




Someone to Cherish by Mary Balogh #8.

Harry finally feeling like he is recovered after returning from the war decides that, because his family has found happiness after the "great disaster" years ago, maybe he can be happy too.  Recently widowed Lydia has decided to stay in town instead of moving closer to her family.  She wants independence and the ability to decide things for herself.  They are neighbors and begin a friendship.  Harry's family decides to play matchmaker, but an incident throws a wrench into their plans.  As Harry and Lydia navigate their friendship and families will they become more than friends?  A great installment in this series. 




The Last Thing He Told Me by Laura Dave (audio)

Hannah receives a note from her husband saying "protect her".  She has no idea what he means even when it appears that he is missing after the company he works for is being suspected of illegal practices. She soon figures out the note pertains to her step-daughter Bailey.  Bailey receives a duffle bag of money left by her father.  As the evidence piles up against Owen, Hannah is determine to figure out what is happening.  With a snippet of memory from Bailey they set off on a quest to get to the truth.  Hannah's remembering of her and Owen's courtship/relationship plays into where they go and what is uncovered.  Rebecca Lowman does a great job narrating this fast paced, intriguing novel.
  *Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*



The Russian by James Patterson & James O Born #13

Michael Bennett is on the trail of a killer and figuring out his signature ramps up the investigation with a couple of twists.  Meanwhile it is getting close to his wedding to Mary.  Will he wrap up this case or will it interfere with the plans?  A satisfying installment in this series.

Up Next:
Claimed by J.R. Ward
To Sir With Love by Lauren Layne
Liar's Legacy by Taylor Stevens



Linking to these memes:

Kathryn at Book Date hosts IMWAYR?, a place to  meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great opportunity to organize yourself, visit, comment, and add to that every growing TBR pile.


The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba @Caffeinated Book Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received.






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