Weekly Reading Wrap Up (IMWAYR?/SP)

 

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan

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.

*Thanks to HQN/NetGalley for this review copy*

The Christmas Wedding Guest by Susan Mallery

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.

*Thanks to HQN/NetGalley for this review copy*

I'm Only Wicked With You by Julie Ann Long #3

Third book in this series has a new crop of guests staying at the Grand Palace on the Thames.  The Vaughn family is temporarily displaced from their home.  Lillian the oldest daughter is bored and frustrates her parents with her choices.  Hugh is in town searching for a friend daughter that left America and travelled to England on her own. He is eager to find her and get back to build the life he has planned.  Lillian and Hugh intrigue each other, and when their interest gets them caught, they have no choice but to get engaged. As they get to know each other will they discover they have more than an interest in each other, or will they find a way to break the engagement without damaging their reputations?  

A Little Christmas Spirit by Shelia Roberts

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.

*Thanks to MIRA/NetGalley for this review copy*

Stronger Than You Know by Lori Foster #2 (audio)

The McKenzie family has a secret side business of finding vulnerable people who have been trafficked. Reyes owns a gym in a seedy part of town as a means to teach self-defense and gather information.  He meets Kennedy there and is intrigued by her. They form a tentative friendship.  When her past comes back to threaten her she calls Reyes as she knows he is more than he seems.  Their relationship grows slowly as Reyes understands she needs time and space.  As those threatening her get closer the whole family pulls together to help.  Looking forward to Madison's story.  John Lane narrated with just the right amount of tension and suspense.

*Thanks to HarperAudio for this review copy*

The Bone Code by Kathy Reichs #20

Temperance Brennan  gets a call about a medical waste container that washed up after a storm.  When she arrives and find two bodies there are similarities that remind her of a case she couldn't solve 15 years ago.  She goes to Montreal to look at that case again and begin her investigation to see if there is any connection.  What she and Ryan find leads them on a chase that twists and turns and just when they think they've hit a dead end a breakthrough lead them in another direction. A couple of side stories help keep the story moving.  

Up Next:

When Stars Collide by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop

Mistletoe Christmas: An Anthology

It has been a couple of fun weeks reading Christmas themed books.  Helps get into the spirit of the season.  Hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful. We are thankful that we were all able to get together and pray we can do the same for Christmas!

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.

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.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

A Good Day For Chardonnay by Darynda Jones #2

Sunshine is back as her hometown's Sheriff.  She is still on the investigative trail of what happened to her as a teenager, and some of that comes into play in the present.  When a bar fight turn into a murder, missing person and a unsolved case Sunshine's life is all kinds of crazy.  Her teenage daughter is sneaking out, sure she is on the trail of a serial killer that puts her life in danger. Trademark humor abounds plenty plus some surprise emotions.  Look forward to where these characters are taken in the next installment.

*Thanks to St. Martin's Press/Netgalley for this review copy*

Troubles In Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand #3

The final book in the Steel family saga that has them all moving to the US Virgin Islands after the death of their father/husband.  Just when they feel like their lives are settling in, secrets are revealed that are heartbreaking and difficult which makes the future uncertain.  Will staying help then heal or will they need to move on?  The conclusion was not the favorite in the series, but satisfying.

Save Me From Dangerous Men by S.A. Lelchuk

Nikki is a PI with a mission.  Her other job is a bookstore owner with a passion to get others to read.  She is asked by a corporation to follow an employee to find out if she is sharing secrets.  Nikki quickly learns that all is not as it seems and she sets out to make it right.  Twisty with plenty of action makes this first book in a new series a page turner. Looking forward to more of Nikki.

Meant to Be Immortal by Lynsay Sands #32

CJ and Mac's story in this Argeneau series. CJ is in town investigating police misconduct.  She is drawn into a case waiting for the opportunity to interview the officer accused of misconduct.  Mac is new to town and when his house burns down it is believed he is being targeted and needs protection.  CJ is the only one available for this detail.  She doesn't want it and fights against it, but Mac realizes she is his life mate and will do what it takes to make it happen.  A quick, fun read in this long running series.

Instinct by Jason M. Hough (audio)

Mary is new to the town joining the local police department.  She is looking forward to settling in the job, but shortly after arriving a teen suffers a horrible accident falling to his death. After the funeral another accident takes place, a tourist is mauled by a bear.  When other incidents begin to happen Mary questions what is going on. There are a couple of theories that she investigates that lead her on a weird investigative path that could costs her life. Nancy Wu does a great job narrating with interludes from George Newbern.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy*

In A Book Club Far Away by Tif Marcelo

Three women became friends, bonding over book club while their men were deployed. Regina, Sophia and Adelaide remained close until a betrayal cause two of the three to be estranged.  Now almost 10 years later Adelaide needs both of her friends and uses a promise they made years ago to get them both to her side.  Regina and Sophia do not want to be in the same room together, but agree that Adelaide needs them.  They form a tentative truce to be there for her.  Adelaide while preparing for surgery and her recovery talks them both into one more book club book hoping it will help them all heal and reconcile.  Their story is told in past and present chapters with quotes from the books they shared.  A good book of friendships, second chances, rediscovering identity and starting over. 

Up Next:

The Warlord by Gena Showalter

An Extraordinary Lord by Anna Harrington

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

July was an average month of reading despite being busy.  Hope things slow down as we enjoy the last days of summer. 

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.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (IMWAYR?/SP)

No Holding Back by Lori Foster #1

First book in the McKenzies of Ridge Trail.  A family that has banded together to combat trafficking. Cade is a bar owner where he has access to the flow of information.  There he meets Star, a truck driver who has a plan of her own to help woman at risk.  They decide to work together when she has access that the family needs. Fast paced with plenty of suspense.  Narrated by John Lane.  

*Thanks to HarperAudio for this review copy*

A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber #8

Kiera and Gage are attending a Twelfth Night party with friends.  She will also be finishing a portrait of a friend.  On the night they are taking a tour of the castle they stumble upon a body.  The Duke and Duchess, of course, ask them to investigate.  Both of them feel a sense of stress even before the discovery of the body.  The family is not as forthcoming as they need to be for Kiera and Gage to have all the information.   As they dig and uncover clues that get them closer to the truth, Kiera suffers a fall that was not an accident. The mystery draws you in and keeps you glued to the pages.  Looking forward to the next book in this series.

Under the Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey

Amelia lost her marriage and job in the same month.  She had been working on a story about what couples do with their unused frozen embryos.  She discovers that a childhood friend's are slated to be destroyed and wrestles whether or not to tell him.  Parker is three years into widowhood and is shocked to learn of their existence.  He has been in deep grief, and decides to find a surrogate for the embryos.  Both Amelia and Parker are drawn to each other to help them through what they are experiencing, and wonder if a second chance at love, family and healing are available to them.  Narrated by Ceassandra Campbell, Michael Crouch, Rebekkah Ross and Karissa Vacker.  They did an excellent job with their characters and emotions. A perfect summer listen.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster for this audio review copy*

Heiress In Red Silk by Madeline Hunter #2

Kevin is on the cusp of bringing his invention to production.  He is counting on help from his uncle.  When his uncle unexpectedly dies and divides his estate between three total strangers the family is left wondering what will become of them.  Rosamund is surprised to find out she is the recipient of this inheritance as well as a half interest in Kevin's invention business.  She has a small hat shop that has been successful and decides to expand to London.  She is not interested in selling her half of the business for a variety of reasons and wants to be in partnership with Kevin.  He decides they should marry to protect the invention, Rosamund is reluctant to give up any power or control.  As their attraction grows will they find a way to be partners in every way?  A predictable, but enjoyable read. 

The Lady Has A Past by Amanda Quick #5

Lyra is new to Burning Cove and excited to start her apprenticeship as a investigator.  Her first assignment, however, goes horribly wrong and a person ends up dead.  As she is thinking about that case, her boss suddenly goes on a retreat and soon after is missing.  Simon has come to town to do some business with Luther when Raina goes missing.  Luther asks Simon to help Lyra with finding out what happened to her as no ransom has been requested.  Simon and Lyra pose as newlyweds at the health spa to find out what happened to Raina.  Plenty of twists, turns and old buried secrets make this a great addition to the series.

Love For Beginners by Jill Shalvis #7

Emma wakes up from a coma after being hit by a car while jogging.  She has lost her job, fiance and best friend. The fiance and best friend fell in love while sitting at her bedside.  She is determined to get back to her life pre-coma.  Her PT Simon is just as determined to help her realize her goal.  He helps her get an apartment with stairs!  Emma takes a job at a doggy daycare and discovers she loves the job. She has a huge St. Bernard that is supposed to be her support dog, but it s the other way around.   Simon also runs the family business along with his cousin Allison after his father's stroke.  Allison is a business whiz and Simon introduces her to Emma, who needs a partner to buy the doggy daycare.  Little does he know they are high school enemies. Allison has also just lost the love of her life because of her emotional distance. When the attraction grows between Emma and Simon will they take this opportunity for a second chance at love or let their pasts get in the way?  It was great to return to this series and look forward to what comes next.

Up Next:

Troubles in Paradise by Elin Hilderbrand

Instinct by Jason M. Hough

That Summer by Jennifer Weiner

Save Me From Dangerous Men by S. A. Lelchuk

I blinked and it is the middle of July.  This week is one of celebrations again. Two wedding anniversaries (mine and my daughter's) and two son's birthdays. Wish the weather was a bit warmer for these outdoor pool celebrations.  Oh well, it is great to be together. 

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.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (SP/IMWAYR?)

 

The Last Bookshop In London by Madeline Martin (audio)

Grace and her friend Viv are finally moving to London.  They are so excited and will be staying with a friend of her mothers.  They are wondering if the war will be coming to London and begin to practice going to bomb shelters.  Grace is encourage to take a job at the local bookstore.  The owner is a somewhat cranky old man and doesn't want to hire Grace, but does so.  Grace get started right away cleaning and organizing the shop.  She is encourages by a patron to read and given a book.  Grace is taken away and immersed in the book.  When George is called up they write letters to each other and he recommends other books to read.  While in the air raid shelter Grace begins reading to calm everyone down and soon it becomes a pleasant place to pass the time.  As the war progresses Grace is transformed by all that happens both tragic and triumph.  Wonderfully narrated by Saskia Maarleveld.

*Thanks to HarperAudio for this review copy*

Shelter Mountain by Robyn Carr #2 

Book two in the Virgin River series is the story of Paige and Preacher.  Paige is on the run from her abusive husband and finds a place of safety as she decides where to go next.  Jack and Mel from the first book are featured prominently and they are expectant parents in this installment.

The Summer of No Attachments by Lori Foster #2

Veterinarian Ivey has decided she needs a summer of no attachments after recently breaking up with her boyfriend.  Her co-worker vet tech Hope is in agreement for different reasons.  Hope decides she is ready to move into her own home and rents a small cottage on the property of a new to town man and his son.  Corbin has moved to this small town to get to know his 10 year old son whom he never knew about.  When Ivey comes to help Hope move she and Corbin are attracted to each other, but reluctant to begin a relationship.  They decide to be friends.  When Corbin's brother Lang arrives to meet Justin and help out his brother he is intrigued by Hope. Everyone's summer turns out to be totally different than planned or expected in this fun, heartwarming story of friendship and forming families.

*Thanks to HQN/NetGallley for this review copy*

Good Eggs by Rebecca Hardimen (audio)

Three generations of Gogarty's in Dublin are not your typical family, but many can relate to what they are experiencing.  Kevin is unemployed, looking for a job.  Milly his mother is getting herself in trouble and Kevin hires a live in aid.  His twin daughter Aideen is struggling and it leads her to make some bad decisions.  Her parents decide boarding school will be a tremendous help, but don't get much input from Aideen before.  Each chapter is narrated by on of the three characters and is at times funny, heartbreaking but does get a little bogged down.  The narrators Alana Kerr Collins, Gary Furlong and Siobhan Waring redeemed the story for me and kept me listening to this debut book.

*Thanks to Simon and Schuster Audio for this review copy

Up Next:

A Stroke of Malice by Anna Lee Huber

A Good Day For Chardonnay by Darynda Jones

Under A Southern Sky by Kristy Woodson Harvey

I've arrived home just in time to begin our big birthday celebrations for June and July.  We have 2 grandsons born in June, a daughter, my husband, 2 sister-in-laws, brother-in-law and a good friend.  Then comes July with 2 more son's birthdays and 2 wedding anniversaries.  Busy, but so much fun this year as we are gathering and celebrating!!

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.

Weekly Reading Wrap Up (IMWAYR?/SP)

A Stranger in Town by Kelly Armstrong #6

Casey and Eric come across an injured woman in the woods, a lone survivor of an attack.  She is unable to cooperate with the investigation so with little information they begin their investigation.  The further they get they discover there is more going on than first thought and this could mean serious changes for their town.  Looking forward to what happens next in this series.

How To Catch A Duke by Grace Burrowes #6

Abigail, an inquiry agent, asks Lord Stephen for help in "murdering her", specifically in helping it look like she has died.  Abigail thinks this will solve the problem of who is after her and why.  To Lord Stephen this is nonsense, and he wants to know the whole of her story, which she does reveal in bits and pieces as his family protects her.  They decide on a fake engagement as a means to draw out Stapleton's need for what he thinks Abigail has as well as protecting her.  Stephen has been an intriguing character from the beginning of this series, and his story past and present lend itself to his character.  It was fun watching him change through his growing attraction to Abigail and her acceptance of him. Not my favorite in the series, but it is always a pleasure to read this author's books.

*Thanks to Forver/NetGalley for this review copy*

Summertime Guests by Wendy Francis

Several people are at the Seafarer Hotel for a variety of reasons.  They are seemingly unconnected at first, but are all effected by a tragic incident that happens.  Claire is looking up a former boyfriend after her husband has died. Tom and Riley are at a taste testing for their wedding. Jason and Gwen are celebrating with a getaway together.  The hotel manager Jean-Paul deals with a new baby, his marriage and this incident.  As their stories unfold we begin to wonder who, how and what really happened to this person.  Not a fluffy summer read!

*Thanks to Graydon House/Netgalley for this review copy*

Reckless Road by Christine Feehan #5

MC member Gedeon "Player" has special talents which after using them leaves him weak.  While in a weakened state, he makes a wrong assumption about a woman he has just met.  Once he understands what he did and realizes he really wants to get to know Zyah better he sets out to win her back.  Her family is in a little trouble and he and his club set out to help and protect her.  A good installment in this dark, edgy series.

Seven Years by Dannika Dark (audio) #1

It has been seven years since Lexi's brother died.  As she, her mother and younger sister gather for a small remembrance she is shocked to see Austin, her brother's best friend whom they haven't seen since he died.  Austin has a reason that he left and is back to set things straight. His secret involves Lexi.  Will she accept what she is and still protect her mother and sister?   A good beginning to this paranormal series narrated by the talented Nicole Poole

*Thanks to Tantor Audio for this review copy*


Up Next:

The Sentinel by Lee Child and Andrew Child

Wreckless by Katie Golding

Quiet In Her Bones by Nalini Singh

We have a new grand dog in the family.  Fenway joined my daughter's family a few weeks ago. 

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.