Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Christmas in the Alps: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

 

 Book Description:  After a time of heartache and loss, Simone Winthrop discovers a tantalizing letter from her French great-grandmother, which seems to suggest that she is heir to a family treasure. Ever practical, Simone assumes the claim is baseless, but her best friend encourages her to find out for sure. Despite her deep-rooted fear of flying, Simone boards a jet to travel to Paris at Christmastime to uncover the truth.

During the long flight, Simone meets the charming Kyle Larsson, who's on his way to France to become an apprentice clockmaker. Though they abruptly part ways, an unexpected rendezvous in the French Alps at Simone's family's clock factory may lead to the discovery of the family treasure . . . and so much more.

My Thoughts:  It's never too early for Christmas reads.  And this story penned by Melody Carlson is one of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit, especially after the last year we all endured.

Simone is feeling weak, weary and discouraged.  She finds a letter from her great-grandma.  A letter that seems to suggest that Simone may be the heir family treasure.  But in order to find out what this family treasure is she must conquer her fear of flying and get on a plane bound for Paris at Christmas.

She makes it on the plane and then she meets a charming man, Kyle Larsson, who is going to France to be an apprentice in clock making.  Unfortunately, Kyle and Simone have to part ways rather quickly but as life would have it they meet again on the French Alps.

This isn't just a "regular"  Christmas read and definitely not your everyday romantic read.  If you know Melody Carlson then you know this is going to be a fun quirky story with a not so normal ending.  

The fun is in the reading of this adventure!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 176 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800739337
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800739331
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.3 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.6 x 0.8 x 8.6 inches

The Healing Jar (The Prayer Jars, Book 3) by Wanda Brunstetter

 

Book Description:  Lenore Lapp is an Amish schoolteacher in her late twenties still living at home with her parents and grandparents. She thought love had passed her by until she meets Jesse Smucker, a widower with a baby daughter. She quickly falls in love with them both and accepts Jesse’s proposal of marriage, but Jesse breaks off their engagement when he realizes he can’t marry only for convenience.

Resigned to living single, Lenore throws herself into caring for her elders. While working in her grandmother’s garden, she digs up an old jar. Will Lenore find healing for her broken heart and solve long-buried family secrets by reading the note contained inside?

My Thoughts:  This third novel in The Prayer Jars by Wanda Brunstetter is my most favorite out of the three.  Probably because it's about a school teacher and healing.  Isn't God good to give us healing?

Lenora Lapp is a loving. sensitive young lady who has much to offer.  So when Jesse Smucker asks her to marry him, even though he is a widower with a baby daughter, Lenora know that she loves Jesse and his sweet little daughter.  So when Jesse breaks their engagement, he breaks Lenora's heart as well.

Lenora decides to forget about love and help her aging grandparents.  Whole working in their garden one day she digs up a jar filled with slips of paper.

This is the beginning of the Healing Jar.  Oh, what a read!  O, What hope and healing!

Mrs. Brunstetter writes with such emotion that the reader feels as if she might be Lenora.

Loved this story!

• Series: The Prayer Jars (Book 3)
• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Shiloh Run Press
• ISBN-10: 1624167497
• ISBN-13: 978-1624167492

Fun Friday

 

Dog Days of Summer (Gone to the Dogs, 2) by Kathleen Y'Barbo

Book Description:  Mishaps Abound as Second Chance Ranch Struggles to Get Its Start;Grab a kitty to cuddle and relax into a fun small-town mystery as a new animal rescue project turns into a three-ring-circus of calamities in book 2 of the Gone to the Dogs series. Trina Potter, Nashville country music star, buys a ranch near her hometown in Brenham, Texas, to help her niece open an animal rescue facility. Her presence in town stirs up some old high school rivalries and romance. Finding property to buy is a challenge, convincing her mother to move there with her is daunting, and navigating a string of strange accidents is perplexing. Sometimes Trina feels like she's purchased her own three-ring-circus instead of a beautiful piece of land. But her first priority will be figuring out who wants Second Chance Ranch shut down before they even have the grand opening.

My Thoughts:  This is the second book in the Gone to the Dogs Mysteries.  Every book is about dogs and a mystery but by a different author.  

These are stand alone reads.

The setting for the the Dog Days of Summer is in Brenham, Texas.  Home of Blue Bell ice cream.  The best ice cream, ever! or that's what all Texans will tell you.

In this book, Trina Potter, a country music star, buys a ranch in Brenham, Texas.  She hopes to help her niece in the animal rescue facility.

Oh.my!  What a fiasco!  What a hilarious read!  Dogs and their escapades, people and their troubles.  Does Second Chance Ranch have a chance?

This is a fun and lighthearted story.  Great for those first days of fall as the dog days of summer linger.

I loved this book and thought the author did a fantastic job describing Trina and all the fiasco that happens to her and the dogs.

It's a great read and you just might laugh at all the things that go on.

* This book was provided for review by Barbour Publishing *

An Amish Proposal for Christmas by Vannetta Chapman

Book Description:  The one thing Becca Yoder loves more than Christmas is her dream of leaving her Amish community and traveling the world. Becca has her father’s reluctant permission to leave—if she trains Gideon Fisher to run the family’s enormous outdoor market. But Gideon is homesick for Texas. Can Becca make him fall in love with her hometown…without falling for the handsome bachelor herself?

My Thoughts:  Another great story by Vannetta Chapman.  This an Amish story that's a bit of a twist.  For, you see, Becca Yoder wants to be a missionary.  A highly unusual task for an Amish young woman.

Becca has obtained her dad's permission to become a missionary.  He isn't happy about it but he doesn't want to stand in the way of her dreams.

Becca has always wanted to see the world and help people too.

Then Gideon comes from Texas to help run her family's gigantic outdoor market.

Becca doesn't mean to but she likes Gideon.  Gideon is homesick for Texas and Becca decides she doesn't want him to leave.

Such a  sweet and delightful story.  

So many emotions, so many tender moments and so many decisions.

A fantastic story to begin your Christmas reading!  You're going to love it!

*This book was provided for review by the author*

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

A Quilt for Christmas: A Christmas Novella by Melody Carlson

Book Description:  Christmas should be celebrated with family. But for Vera Swanson, that's not an option this year. Widowed and recently relocated, she is lonely in her condo-for-one--until little Fiona Albright knocks on her door needing help. With her mother seriously ill and her father out of town, Fiona enlists Vera's help, and when she finds out her new neighbor is a quilter, she has a special request--a Christmas quilt for Mama.

My Thoughts:  This is a short story, hence the word novella.  Of course, it's all about Christmas and the most important part of Christmas is giving.

We meet Vera, a recent widow, who lives in a condo for one.  And Vera is quite a quilter.  It helps her artistic side and keeps her busy.

Then one day her next door neighbor little Fiona knocks on her door.  Fiona is worried about her mother who is gravelly ill. And she wants Vera to make a Christmas quilt for her mama.

Vera ends up with a ragtag quilting group.  Tasha, Beverly and Eleanor.  They all bring a special skill to the table and begin a quilt for a very sick woman whose daughter has the utmost hope in them.

Even though this is a short story it is packed full of fun, love and all things Christmas.

I loved Vera.  She goes on despite her feelings and she reaches out to people.

As it turns out all these women need each other and Fiona. The Christmas quilt turns out to be so much more than thread and material.

Such a warm cozy read to begin your Christmas season!

This book was provided for review by Revell*

 

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

The Yellow Lantern: True Colors: Historical Stories of American Crime by Angie Dicken

 Book Description:  In 1824, Josephine Clayton is considered dead by everyone in her Massachusetts village—especially the doctor she gas assisted for several months. Yet, she is still very much alive.

After the doctor’s illegal dealing with his body snatcher to obtain her body, Josephine awakens, positioned as the next corpse for his research. To cover up his crime, the doctor tries to kill her, but Josephine begs to be spared. They strike a deal—Josephine will leave her village and work at a distant cotton mill. All the while, she’ll await her true mission—posing as a mourner to help the body snatcher procure her replacement.

At the mill though, Josephine is praised for her medical remedies among the other female workers, gaining attention from the handsome factory manager, Braham Taylor. Yet, when Braham’s own loved one becomes the prey for the next grave robbing, Josie must make a choice that could put her dark past behind her or steal away the promise of any future at all.

My Thoughts:  This is an incredible story.  One that begs to be read.  The reader tries to put the book down but keeps wondering what happened?!?

the Yellow Lantern is not astray for the faint of heart.  Oh, no!  This story is about dead/living people and one young woman's mission to live.

Grave robbing?  When one hears those two words together one van't help but wonder shy would anyone want to see old bones.  Well, it turns out that there is profit to be made from old bones and body snatchers are a breed all their own.

This is the third book in the True Colors "series."  These books don't have to be read in order...they are stand alone mystery/suspense.  And.O.So.Good!

Angie Dickens writes with a scary pen bringing up things that happen in the dark but are brought to light.

I loved this story!

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books 
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1643520830
• ISBN-13: 978-1643520834

Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B)

 

Book Description:  When Agatha Lapp’s brother and sister-in-law are tragically killed in a buggy accident, Agatha relocates to the new Amish community in Hunt Texas, nestled in the Texas Hill Country.  She’s there to make a success of her brother’s dream--an Amish B&B. Agatha is friendly, efficient, and capable. She's also a fifty-five year old widow who has learned to be independent. When she discovers Russell Dixon’s lifeless body in Cabin 3, she runs next door where retired detective Tony Vargas lives. The police determine that her guest died of natural causes, but as Agatha and Tony put together the events of the previous two days they become convinced that the police are Dead Wrong.

My Thoughts:  I love books penned by Vannetta Chapman.  I also love cozy mysteries so this book is a win-win for me.

And THIS book cover!  It speaks of simplicity but, yet, there's that red color all throughout the cover.  Do you see the little red Amish buggy to the right of the house?  And that house!  It's so big and elegant.  What a nice B&B!

Then there's the name of the B&B-Agatha's Amish B&B.  A reference to Agatha Christie maybe? 

Agatha Lapp is one fiesta Amish woman and ever.so.efficient.  If I were half as efficient as Agatha I'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to get it all done.  And she does it all with ease and grace not to mention solving a mystery.

And the setting of the story takes place in the Texas hill country.  Such a beautiful area.

This is a fun read.  Even though it's a cozy mystery the lightheartedness of the story brings the reader to a happy place of all.is.right.in.the.world.

I loved, loved this story!  

• Series: Agatha's Amish B&B (Book 1)
• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Vannetta Chapman 
• ISBN-10: 1734046007
• ISBN-13: 978-1734046007

Fun Friday

 

WOW {Warm Oven Wednesday}

 

Hostile Intent (Danger Never Sleeps, #4) by Lynette Eason

 

 Book Description:  Ava Jackson entered the military shortly after high school, but her mother's illness has forced her to request an early discharge. She already lost her father while deployed, and there's no way she's going to let her mother die alone. But after a visit to the nursing facility where her mother lives, Ava is attacked walking back to her car. Fortunately, FBI Special Agent Caden Denning arrives in time to help fight off her attacker.

Caden reveals to Ava that she may hold the key to the murders of three families, and he needs her help before anyone else is harmed. The hits show a pattern, and clearly the killer has an agenda. But if Caden and Ava can't discover what it is, Ava may be next on the hit list.

My Thoughts: This is the fourth book in the Danger Never Sleeps series.  By  Favorite suspense author and probably my favorite so far in this series.

I like Ava because she's gutsy and tough with a soft side too.  But even tough people need an ally.

Ava is discharged from the military in an early release so that she can be with her dying mom.  There's no one else to be with her mom at this stage in life so Ava deems it her responsibility.  However, on the way to her vehicle she is attacked.  the attacker got as good as he gave.  but the whole thing shook Ava up.  She doesn't understand the why of it all.

Then FBI Special Agent Caden Denning shows up and helps her fight off the attacker.

What Caden says later really has Ava in turmoil.  Caden mentions that Ava may be the key to the murders happening in the area.  this is where the story really begins.

A fast paced story with a twist of romance.  I loved it and you may too!

*This book was provided for review by Revell*

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Revell 
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0800729374
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0800729370

Deeper Than Red (Red Burning) by Sue Duffy

  

Book Description:  Twenty-year-old Tally Greyson isn’t consumed with her own education, social life, or career goals like most young women her age. Instead, she’s trying to save her mother from the grasp of a seductive cult. What Tally doesn’t realize is that in this community, there’s a far greater danger than any she can imagine—and she and her mother aren’t the only ones in its sights. There are plots brewing here that will threaten the fate of the world.

Concert pianist Liesl Bower has put her own dangerous past behind her, and in her Charleston family home, surrounded by those who love her, she’s preparing for a world concert tour with her dear friend, violinist Max Morozov. She thinks she’s safe; the man who tried to kill her is dead, his coconspirators have been rounded up, and no one knows she had anything to do with saving the world from a new revolution.

That is, until a world leader is assassinated on the other side of the globe, setting events into motion that could kill the U.S. president, destroy Washington—and take everything and everyone Liesl loves with it. A madman is at the controls now. Even with the backup of the CIA and the dubious protection of a former KGB agent, this time they may all be too late.

My Thoughts:  I truly enjoy stories penned by Sue Duffy.  I enjoyed reading the first two books in this Red Burning trilogy.  

Deeper Than Red is the third book in this trilogy and probably my favorite of all three reds (reads, *punny)!

All three Red Burning books are inter-related.  So, yes, it would be recommended to read them all in order.  But, yet, there are three different ladies with three different  issues/problems to be solved.

In Deeper Than Red, a cult that seems to good to be true, a young lady with only her mother's well being at heart, and a world leader who somehow seems connected to it all. Also, we meet Tally Greyson whom is trying to tie this all together.  I like Tally for she is tough and spunky with enough guts to know when to be afraid and when to ask for help.

And then concert pianist, Liesl Bower, from the previous story is back as she prepares for an upcoming piano concert with violinist, Max Morozov.  It's interesting how Ms. Duffy takes one story and ties it into the next.  Related and mysterious!

I love the action, suspense and mystery with a biblical basis that is written into these fantastic christian suspense reads!  The romance is low key and does not over shadow the suspense/mystery of all that is happening.

If you love a good, clean suspense read with christian values and light romance then this is the read for you!

(Books 1 & 2 in the Red Trilogy)

Fun Friday

 

Misery Loves Company by Rene Gutteridge

 

Book Description:  Don’t tell me it’s terrifying. Terrify me.

Filled with grief, Jules Belleno rarely leaves the house since her husband’s death while on duty as a police officer. Other than the reviews Jules writes on her blog, she has little contact with the outside world. But one day when she ventures out to the local grocery store, Jules bumps into a fellow customer . . . and recognizes him as her favorite author, Patrick Reagan. Jules gushes and thoroughly embarrasses herself before Regan graciously talks with her. And that’s the last thing she remembers—until she wakes up in a strange room with a splitting headache. She’s been kidnapped. And what she discovers will change everything she believed about her husband’s death . . . her career . . . and her faith.

My Thoughts:  I love to read books authored by Rene Gutteridge because I never know what is really going to happen.

I began reading Misery Loves Company and thought well, it's pretty much going to be about a grieving widow who blogs and she enjoys reading.

Not so!  Wow!  

It seems that sometimes we think we know people, especially our spouses, but in reality we are just living side-by-side without any real knowledge of their true lives.

This read had more twists and turns than an Arizona mountain road on a rainy day!  

What a fantastically written novel! I loved it! 

List Price:     12.99 

ISBN:

978-1-4143-4933-6 

Trim Size:

5 1/2 x 8 1/4 

Binding:

Softcover