tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84896827740427690942024-03-05T03:57:31.037-05:00The power of words . . ."Forgotten Tunes" (Kathy Jennings, photographer)Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.comBlogger1200125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-49883382187295477712024-03-02T16:32:00.002-05:002024-03-02T16:56:57.462-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60324201-where-the-blue-sky-begins" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Where the Blue Sky Begins" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1649653762l/60324201._SX98_.jpg" /></a><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60324201-where-the-blue-sky-begins">Where the Blue Sky Begins</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20019296.Katie_Powner">Katie Powner</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6291835067">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
*2023 Christy Award winner and Selah Award finalist*<br /><br />Sometimes the hardest road of all is the road home.<br /><br />When confident and handsome Eric Larson is sent to a rural Montana town to work in the local branch of his uncle's financial company, he's determined to exceed everyone's expectations, earn a promotion, and be back in Seattle by the end of summer. Yet nothing could prepare him for the lessons this small town has in store.<br /><br />At forty-six years old, eccentric and outspoken Eunice Parker has come to accept her terminal illness and has given herself one final task: seek forgiveness from everyone on her bucket list before her time runs out. But it will take more courage than she can muster on her own.<br /><br />After an accident pushes Eric and Eunice together, the unlikely pair is forced to spend more time with each other than either would like, which challenges their deepest prejudices and beliefs. As summer draws to a close, neither Eric nor Eunice is where they thought they would be, but they both wrestle with the same important question: What matters most when the end is near?<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br />This book goes on my favorites list and I'm eager to read more of Katie's books. It was flawless. It entertains and inspires. I suspect many readers will find it life changing. Everything blended together wonderfully - setting, character depth, prose, faith, humor, animals, and a few surprise twists. Katie Powner is a wordsmith!<br /><br />Anyone reading this book will surely discover much upon which to reflect, but it became very personal for me. For the last three years, I have slipped into the role of caretaker, and now I have to figure out what this new normal looks like. In one scene, Wanda gave Eunice some advice that really spoke to me: "If I were in your shoes, I would want someone to push me to make the most of my time. Not just to fill it with activity, but to put it to good use." I'd like for my remaining time to have purpose, not merely staying busy.<br /><br />The whole theme of this story reminds me of something I once read in a book by Cynthia Ruchti, I believe it was. I can't quote it exactly, but the idea was that we should live in a way that, when someone we love dies, there won't be anything that we wish we had said - that our love would have been expressed many times by words and actions. The importance of that can't be overstated.<br /><br />The story concludes beautifully and in a satisfying way. While I would love to see how Eric continues to grow and spend more time with the people in this Montana town, I appreciate an ending that allows us to imagine what might be. Very highly recommended.<br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Quotes:</span><br />-- "I do know that where I'm going, the sky is bluer than we can imagine. We don't even know what blue is." (Eunice)
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-5746250169080421772024-02-16T02:46:00.002-05:002024-02-16T10:59:31.099-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58564876-a-brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1643942660l/58564876._SX98_.jpg" /></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58564876-a-brilliant-night-of-stars-and-ice" style="font-weight: bold;">A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice</a><b> by </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116935.Rebecca_Connolly" style="font-weight: bold;">Rebecca Connolly</a><br /><b>
My rating: </b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6266607868" style="font-weight: bold;">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><b>
Shortly after midnight on April 15, 1912, the captain of the Carpathia, Arthur Rostron, is awakened by a distress signal from the RMS Titanic, which has struck an iceberg on its maiden voyage. Though information is scarce, Rostron leaps into action, determined to answer the call for help. But the Carpathia is more than four hours away, and there are more questions than answers: Will his ship hold together if pushed to never-before-tested speeds? What if he also strikes an iceberg? And with the freezing temperatures, will there be any survivors by the time the Carpathia arrives?</b><br /><br /><b>Kate Connolly is excited to join her sister in America and proud to be traveling on the grand Titanic. As a third-class passenger, she is among the last to receive instruction and help after Titanic hits an iceberg. Despite the chaos of abandoning ship, Kate is able to reach the upper decks and manages to board a lifeboat, though after seeing the Titanic sink into the abyss and hearing the cries from the hundreds of people still in the water, she wonders if any rescue is even possible.</b><br /><br /><b>Told in alternating chapters from both Captain Rostron on the Carpathia and Kate Connolly on the Titanic, this historical novel is a compelling, heart-pounding account of two eyewitnesses to an epic disaster. Rostron’s heroic and compassionate leadership, his methodical preparations for rescue, and his grit and determination to act honorably and selflessly to save lives and care for the survivors, sets the course for this awe-inspiring story.</b><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc; font-weight: bold;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br /><b>Rebecca Connolly takes what is probably one of the most well-known tragedies in history and gives fresh insight through the perspective of the Carpathia's captain and crew. Instead of the Titanic taking the lead, the Carpathia's captain, crew and passengers are shifted to center stage - both during and in the weeks after the rescue.</b><br /><br /><b>The Carpathia was an older ship, and in the early pages, we see some comparisons between these two... </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">The Titanic offered extravagance and ostentation, but the Carpathia had earned respect and admiration on her merits alone.</i><b> The author also shares a prophetic definition of Titans that was interesting: </b><i style="font-weight: bold;">a race of people vainly striving to overcome the forces of nature. Could anything be more unfortunate than such a name?</i><br /><br /><b>I enjoyed getting to know Captain Rostron - an humble man of profound faith who found fulfillment in his job, earned the respect of those who served under him, and had the ability to bring out the best in people. In the hours it took to reach the Titanic, Rostron's crucial leadership wasn't without risk as the ship's speed was pushed to the limit while sailing through the same ice fields that crippled the larger ship. </b><br /><br /><b>Connolly has skillfully used her research to create a compelling and fascinating story of heartbreak, compassion, and courage. Rostron's faith makes it even more profound... "I can only conclude that there was another hand at the helm than mine." Rostron's thoughts toward the end say it all:</b><br /><br /><i style="font-weight: bold;">They had been tried and tested and emerged with a brilliance and strength that they had never previously known. Therein might have lain the true miracle.</i><br /><br /><b>Highly recommended.
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-4677805365310023252024-02-13T16:42:00.002-05:002024-02-13T16:42:29.694-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180739.The_Yada_Yada_Prayer_Group" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Yada Yada Prayer Group (The Yada Yada Prayer Group #1)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1424209435l/180739._SX98_.jpg" /></a><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180739.The_Yada_Yada_Prayer_Group">The Yada Yada Prayer Group</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6976.Neta_Jackson">Neta Jackson</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/587949619">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
What do an ex-con, a former drug addict, a real estate broker, a college student, and a married mother of two have in common?<br /><br />Nothing, or so I thought. Who would have imagined that God would make a prayer group as mismatched as ours the closest of friends? I almost didn't even go to the Chicago Women's Conference--after all, being thrown together with five hundred strangers wasn't exactly my "comfort zone." But something happened that weekend to make us realize we had to hang together, and the "Yada Yada Prayer Group" was born! When I faced the biggest crisis of my life, God used my newfound Sisters to show me what it means to be just a sinner saved by grace.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br />For me, 5 stars doesn't come close to being enough. I remember reading and loving the first two books in this series many years ago, but never went further at the time. Now I'm starting all over - which is a good thing, because I'm getting more out of the series the second time around.<br /><br />The story features a social and cultural mix of women randomly assigned together as Prayer Group #26 at a two-day Chicago women's conference. There's no way they would have become friends in the normal scheme of things, so all that unfolds as they journey together, both during and after the conference, is fascinating and inspirational. The story speaks to all of us through its themes of friendship, acceptance, tolerance, understanding, repentance and forgiveness.<br /><br />It was interesting that much of the story is told through the voice of Jodi, a character that I wasn't all that fond of until toward the end. Some of the ladies are stronger in faith and much more comfortable praying than others. For instance, Jodi admits that, "Theologically, I knew I'd been saved, but it wasn't something I felt very much." Maybe there was a time in my life where I could relate to Jodi.<br /><br />Personally, I found <i>The Yada Yada Prayer Group</i> not only entertaining, but to be life changing in the area of prayer. I've always been a little uncomfortable praying out loud, and that these ladies found it so easy to talk to God and praise Him - "worshiping Him, being glad to know Him - no strings attached" - was an encouragement to me.<br /><br />Jodi proved herself to be very human, just like the rest of us. While healing both physically and spiritually after a traumatic accident, Jodi dwells on a phrase that I can't get out of my mind either, "If not for grace..." <br /><br />Highly recommended, 5*<br /><br /><br />Quotes:<br />-- Yada definition: "to perceive, understand, acquire knowledge, know, discern." And if spelled Yadah, it means "to acknowledge the nature and work of God."<br />-- "A saint is just a sinner who fell down...and got up."
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-1630875402136035202024-02-06T22:53:00.000-05:002024-02-06T22:53:32.966-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184493681-up-from-dust" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Up from Dust: Martha's Story" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1691901750l/184493681._SX98_.jpg" /></a><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184493681-up-from-dust">Up from Dust: Martha's Story</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14789838.Heather_Kaufman">Heather Kaufman</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6242054239">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
No stranger to adversity, Martha of Bethany is a woman of dust, undone and unseen in her hurt and loss. After her mother's untimely death, the responsibility for raising her siblings—Lazarus and Mary—lies heavily on her shoulders. She finds solace in a new friendship and the beginnings of first love, but her father's disapproval and unforeseen hardship leave Martha broken and guarded.<br /><br />Twelve years later, when her friend's husband contracts a severe disease, they send for the new rabbi, Jesus of Nazareth. Martha recognizes the miraculous Healer from a story she heard many years ago, and the life-changing encounter reawakens Martha's hardened heart, even as she faces an unknown future.<br /><br />With impeccable research and a keen eye for detail, Heather Kaufman delivers a moving narrative of Martha's life in this hopeful story of love, loss, and the promise of redemption.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br /><i>Up from Dust</i> by Heather Kaufman is an evocative novel that becomes one of my favorite books of all time. I was caught up in this story from the first page and highly recommend it.<br /><br />Biblical fiction can be kind of iffy for many people, myself included. But Heather Kaufman has done her homework when it comes to research, which enables her to create a fascinating and compelling backstory for Martha, Mary, and Lazarus. Nowhere does she contradict what Scripture reveals about this family and their relationship with Jesus. Kaufman's blending of fiction with historical background and culture helped me to better understand Martha. And I was literally holding my breath in the scene where Jesus calls for Lazarus to come forth from the tomb.<br /><br />One particular scene that makes me pause and reflect is when Jesus heals a leper in the hillside colony and Mary asks, "Why not the others? When there are so many in need?" And Thomas answers, "The true question, is why the one?"<br /><br /><i>Up from Dust</i> is a relationship drama between parents, siblings, and friends. Kaufman's writing style reminds me of the classic author, Taylor Caldwell, whose biblical fiction in stories like <i>Dear and Glorious Physician</i> and <i>Great Lion of God</i> first gave me a love for this genre. For this reader, Kaufman accomplished her hope that she shares in her author's note at the end ... <i>In all things, dear reader, Scripture is preeminent. My hope is that <i>Up from Dust</i> ignites your love of Jesus and drives you deeper into the Word, where there is endless wealth to be found. In weaving this fictional account, my desire was to remain true to what we do now of these flesh-and-blood people who actually lived and loved the one we call Savior and Lord.</i><br /><br /> Quotes:<br />-- "Some men are so sure of their appearance that they stop tending to the man inside - the soul."<br />-- "Sometimes love engulfs us suddenly, like a consuming fire. Other times it comes over us slowly, like a sunrise."<br />-- "There's truth in his words that it's the sick who most need a physician. He comes to the sinners, and I find it interesting that the righteous do not like it." - Lazarus
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-42724698732780408992024-02-02T21:00:00.001-05:002024-02-02T21:00:44.193-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23127228-raspberries-and-vinegar" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Raspberries and Vinegar (Farm Fresh #1)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1427332836l/23127228._SX98_.jpg" /></a><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23127228-raspberries-and-vinegar">Raspberries and Vinegar</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5342168.Valerie_Comer">Valerie Comer</a><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6227609421">4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Christian fiction</span><br /><br />Josephine Shaw: complex, yet singleminded. A tiny woman with big ideas and, some would say, a mouth to match. But what does she really know about sustainable living as it relates to the real world? After all, she and her two friends are new to farming.<br /><br />Zachary Nemesek is back only until his dad recovers enough to work his own land again. When Zach discovers three helpless females have taken up residence at the old farm next door, he expects trouble. But a mouse invasion proves Jo has everything under control. Is there anything she can’t handle? And surely there’s something sweet beneath all that tart.<br /><br />Raspberries and Vinegar is the first novel in the Farm Fresh Romance series which sees a group of young women purchase an old farm in northern Idaho together with the purpose of growing their own food and proving to those around them that they can make a difference. It is a story of living sustainably on the land and focusing on real, local food from a Christian point-of-view. It doesn't pad the issues nor preach about them, but allows the characters the freedom to grapple with environmentalism as believers.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br />I remembered enjoying one of Valerie Comer's books several years ago, so I decided to start at the beginning of her Farm Fresh series. While <i>Raspberries and Vinegar</i> may be a romance, it's so much more. Emotions range all the way from humor to heartbreak. Faith elements are gently woven throughout - strong faith, loss of faith, and faith struggle in light of tragedy.<br /><br />In light of today's culture, it's interesting to see a book published in 2013 focus on holistic, sustainable living. As the book's description states, it is <i>a story of living sustainably on the land and focusing on real, local food from a Christian point-of-view.</i> I like that. This is something I can get behind. Jo's character initially comes across as outspoken, pushy, my way or the highway. But she gradually changes as the story progresses, which I suspect is what the author intended. The story is neither preachy nor timid; rather, it allows the reader to think. And I learned interesting things along the way, such as <i>"Holistic simply means looking at the whole system and treating it as a unit."</i> <br /><br />I liked Zach and Jo very much, and enjoyed the growth of their relationship. Because of the differences in their faith and worldviews, Jo couldn't see a future for them. The only negative for me is that feeling was stated a little too often. Once or twice and I've got it.<br /><br />One of my favorite quotes is these words from Zach's mother to Jo: <i>"The fate of the entire world isn't on your young shoulders. Relax a bit, and let God be God."</i>
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-44873552737184156162024-01-29T22:11:00.001-05:002024-01-29T22:17:33.804-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57005172-a-christmas-legacy" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Christmas Legacy" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1633466745l/57005172._SX98_.jpg" /></a><h3 style="text-align: left;"><b><span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57005172-a-christmas-legacy">A Christmas Legacy</a> by </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6331.Anne_Perry"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Anne Perry</span></a></span></span></b></h3><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6217512610">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Mainstream fiction</span><br /><br />After leaving her position with Charlotte and Thomas Pitt to get married, Gracie thought her days as a maid were behind her. But when her good friend's daughter, Millie, turns up on her doorstep just before the holidays, frantic because things are going missing from the kitchen in the household she serves, Gracie knows she has to find out what is happening. Millie, whose mother died years before, can't risk being accused of theft and getting thrown out on the street, with no character references for a new position.<br /><br />So Gracie takes on Millie's job herself, claiming Millie is sick and needs a few days to recuperate. At first, it seems that all is normal in the household, even if the couple's elderly granny keeps entirely to her bedroom upstairs. But Gracie begins to realize that Granny is suffering from neglect--and rather than helping her, the husband and wife have decided she isn't dying fast enough.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br />I loved this book so much! <i>A Christmas Legacy</i> is part of Anne Perry's Christmas novella series, but it works beautifully for any time of the year. The main seasonal connection is that Gracie wants to have the mystery solved and be home with her family by Christmas.<br /><br />Although Anne Perry writes murder mysteries, this isn't really a whodunit - other than that two quite unlikeable characters would like to hasten someone's death. It's a contrast of hearts, reflected in actions. Greed, selfishness, and scheming contrasted with kindness, caring, empathy, and a willingness to risk it all in a time when servants could be cast out without references, literally leaving them at the mercy of the streets. <br /><br />Perry knows how to write a story that flows at a steady pace and captures the reader's emotions from the start. The characters are well developed and we can see into their hearts. Gracie was a character in the Thomas & Charlotte Pitt series, but this story stands alone. And the ending is wonderful, guaranteed to leave you smiling.<br /><br />** Mainstream fiction, clean
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-32893353255949449202024-01-28T13:44:00.001-05:002024-01-29T22:16:30.160-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/489435.The_Body_on_the_Beach" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Body on the Beach (Fethering, #1)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1388626609l/489435._SY160_.jpg" /></a><h3 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/489435.The_Body_on_the_Beach">The Body on the Beach</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/51504.Simon_Brett">Simon Brett<br /></a></h3><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #fff2cc;">
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/91445099">4 of 5 stars</a></span></h4><b><div><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;"><br /></span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Mainstream fiction</span></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Very little disturbs the ordered calm of Fethering, a pleasingly self-contained retirement town on England’s southern coast. Which is precisely why Carole Seddon, who has left behind both her husband and her career at the Home Office, has chosen to reside there. So Carole is surprised to encounter a new neighbour with one name and a colourful past. 'Jude' is not really Fethering . . . but even she is not as surprising as the body Carole finds on the beach.<br /><br />A body, it has to be said, that has disappeared by the time the police arrive. Only Jude is ready to believe what Carole says she saw – and from that moment on, the two women resolve to turn detective.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS</span><br /><br />Prolific British whodunit author, Simon Brett, begins a new series set in the coastal town of Fethering. Is it perfect? No. But I loved it and eagerly anticipate reading further in the series.<br /><br />The town of Fethering - with it's lovely beach area, local pub, and housing clusters separated by wealth and social status, or lack of - feels like a major character. Secondary characters are interesting and sometimes quirky, but not over the top. Setting and characters are well established in this first story and will feel welcoming when I return to the next series book.<br /><br />The two protagonists, Carole and Jude, are delightful. Carole's life had been pretty quiet until Jude, her new neighbor, moved in. Opposites in personality, Carole isn't sure what to make of her as they become connected through the discovery of a disappearing body on the beach. I love their humor and slowly growing friendship. Jude remains a little bit of an enigma and it will be interesting to learn more about her. The mystery was well crafted and fun to try and figure out, not that I ever did.</b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">** Mainstream fiction, a little profanity</span><br /><br />
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</div>Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-92143998581329237962024-01-18T21:33:00.002-05:002024-01-18T21:39:24.505-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49440605-dead-wrong" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Dead Wrong (Agatha's Amish B&B #1)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1567338158l/49440605._SX98_SY160_.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/49440605-dead-wrong">Dead Wrong</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3506785.Vannetta_Chapman">Vannetta Chapman</a></span><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6182788946">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
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.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS...</span><br /><br />Delving into the pages of a Vannetta Chapman Amish book is like gently wrapping a warm blanket around you. I knew <i>Dead Wrong</i> would be good; I just didn't know how good it would be! The story moves at a steady pace, without unnecessary words or filler. The chapters were short enough to encourage me to keep reading; in other words, I never wanted to put it down.<br /><br />This book is a perfect blend of setting, characterization, and storyline. A two-story Amish B&B on the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country - how beautiful and peaceful that must be! Agatha used additional cabins to house Englisch visitors, while keeping the main house true to Amish ways. The cultural mixture allowed for creative storytelling.<br /><br />I loved how the main characters were in their mid-fifties. Both Agatha and Tony had tragic losses in their backgrounds. Agatha was a smart, honorable woman, good through and through. Tony Vargas, a retired police detective, had allowed grief to eat away at him. But after Agatha literally comes running into his life, Tony looked "like a man who'd woken abruptly from a long nap and found himself dropped into the river of life."<br /><br />The mystery itself was well crafted and never obvious. There were lots of possible suspects who, if they didn't have obvious motives, it quickly became clear that none were telling the truth. There were moments of gentle humor and spiritual insight. I loved this quote by Bishop Jonas... <i>"Sometimes we have to be remined that the next great thing comes after this life."</i></b><div><b><i><br /></i></b></div><div><b>I can't wait to see how the relationship between these two unlikely friends grows in future stories.<br /><br />
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</div>Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-90809109691665855032024-01-16T23:07:00.001-05:002024-01-17T10:22:20.180-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/425164.Cop_Hater" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Cop Hater (87th Precinct, #1)" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1237947350l/425164._SX98_.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/425164.Cop_Hater">Cop Hater</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21318.Ed_McBain">Ed McBain</a></span><br /><b>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4970212126">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">
Mainstream fiction</span><br /><br />When Detective Reardon is found dead, motive is a big question mark. But when his partner becomes victim number two, it looks like open-and-shut grudge killings. That is, until a third detective buys it.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS...</span><br /><br /><i>Cop Hater</i>, originally published in 1956, begins the popular and long-running police procedural series of over 50 books written by the prolific Ed McBain. I have long been a fan of TV police dramas and recently picked up one of McBain's 87th Precinct mysteries, which was so good that I'm now starting at the very beginning.<br /><br />McBain wrote a fascinating forward to this book in which he describes being approached by Pocket Books about writing a series of mysteries that would replace Erle Stanley Gardner's <i>Perry Mason</i> books as he was nearing the end of his writing career. McBain lived in New York and was influenced by the old <i>Dragnet</i> series, which inspired him to write about big-city cops. But rather than featuring one cop, he decided that something fresh would be to write about "a squadroom full of cops, each with different traits, who-when put together-would form a conglomerate hero." The result was the groundbreaking 87th Precinct series.<br /><br />This is a unique series and I loved <i>Cop Hater</i>. It's realistic </b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">(</span><b>cops get killed), complex, and imaginative. Cops talk like cops. We're given insight into how cops feel about their jobs and families, and how women feel about being in a relationship with man who faces danger every time he walks out the door. There's spots of humor and a surprisingly tender romance between Det. Steve Carella and his deaf fiancé, Teddy.<br /><br />Rather than an outdated book, this should be thought of as groundbreaking for its time. I actually loved the dogged detective work, determination, and intuitiveness used long before the days of modern technology. And the following quote by Lieutenant Byrnes - hard to believe McBain said this back in the 50s - gave me chills when I look around us today... <i>"We can't let a cop be killed because a cop is a symbol of law and order. If you take away the symbol, you get animals in the streets."</i><br /><br />I don't know if I'll get to read all 55 books in the series, but I'm sure going to try. Highly recommended to fans of police drama.<br /><br />** Mainstream fiction with some profanity
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-36133145787921117892024-01-15T19:08:00.003-05:002024-01-17T00:03:38.244-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60614562-a-place-to-heal" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="A Place to Heal" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1652101617l/60614562._SX98_.jpg" /></a><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60614562-a-place-to-heal">A Place to Heal</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/453346.Allie_Pleiter">Allie Pleiter</a></b></h2><b>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6172153526">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Christian fiction</span><br /></b><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Opening a camp for children who've dealt with tragedy is former police detective Dana Preston's goal in life. And she's found the perfect location -- Mason Avery's land. But convincing the widowed dad -- and the town -- to agree might take a little prayer and a lot of hard work...<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS:</span><br /><br />Love Inspired books are often my comfort reads, a lighter read after something more dark. Every once in a while, though, I discover a gem that rises above other books, and <i>A Place to Heal</i> is that book. It's a beautifully written story that deals with a serious topic and captured me emotionally. <br /><br />Dana and Mason are both victims of violence, and Dana wants to use that experience to help other grieving families who suffer from violence. Her vision of a family camp is so very compelling and I loved how her intelligence and enthusiasm helped to break down protective barriers that Mason had built up and win over a town.<br /><br />A renewal of faith also enters in. In one scene, Dana was turning through some old hymnbooks and thought how people of faith must often turn to hymns for inspiration. Not as a substitute for Scripture, but I find such joy in the text of so many hymns!<br /><br />Camp True North Springs... such a meaningful name that reflects the purposes and goals of the camp! Dana's thoughts as she was placing a blue blanket on the last bunk say it all: <i>Blue. It was a brave color. A color of courage and protection. The color of water, of springs nourishing the dry land. If true north had a color...it was blue.</i><br /><br /><i>A Place to Heal</i> is a beautiful, heartfelt story. I look forward to other books in this series.<br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">Quotes:</span><br />--"We wouldn't depend so much on God if we thought we could do it all alone." <br />-- "The thing about faith is that you can <i>know</i> - even when you can't <i>feel</i> - that things will turn out."
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</div>Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-9911072028742495482024-01-15T13:34:00.056-05:002024-01-16T21:26:59.280-05:00<p> </p>
<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34150794-last-christmas-in-paris" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="Last Christmas in Paris" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1503004938l/34150794._SX98_.jpg" /></a><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34150794-last-christmas-in-paris">Last Christmas in Paris</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774172.Hazel_Gaynor">Hazel Gaynor</a></span></b></h4><b>
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2203993287">5 of 5 stars</a></b><br /><div><br /></div><div><b>Mainstream fiction</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>An unforgettably romantic novel that spans four Christmases (1914-1918), Last Christmas in Paris explores the ruins of war, the strength of love, and the enduring hope of the Christmas season.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>August 1914. England is at war. As Evie Elliott watches her brother, Will, and his best friend, Thomas Harding, depart for the front, she believes - as everyone does - that it will be over by Christmas. But as history tells us, it all happened so differently...</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS...</span></b></div><div><b> </b></div><div><b>For me, <i>Last Christmas in Paris</i> is more than a 5-star read. So much more. Less than a third of the way through, I knew this book would leave a lasting imprint in my thoughts. <br /><br />On the surface, it's a WWI novel with romantic elements, and there's where the complexity begins. The writing format is one of correspondence, letters and telegrams among a small circle of friends, family and business workers. I never knew this epistolary style could advance the storyline so smoothly and be so emotionally gripping, keeping me on the edge of my seat at times. <br /><br />Many aspects of war are explored - such as the naivety of solders at the beginning of the war, social mores with regard to women's role, and the government/media propaganda verses reality. <i>The real cowards are those back in England, in charge of the printing presses. The real cowards cover up the truth and shy away from the reality of this 'war to end all wars' before sinking into their warm beds.</i> (from Evie's newspaper column).<br /><br />At the heart is one of the sweetest romances I've ever read, from childhood friendships of Evie and Tom to so much more. I love the part letters play, and how easy it is to communicate from the heart in letter writing. Each section ends with a short current-day narrative in 1968, gently unfolding Evie and Tom's life after the war and concluding with some emotional revelations.</b><div><b><br />Highly recommended.</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>**General fiction, some mild profanity<br /><br />Quotes:<br />-- "As mothers and wives, sisters and friends, how can we help the men who don't return to us with broken limbs, but who return to us with broken minds?" - Evie's newspaper column<br />-- "We led such comfortable privileged lives before all this. Nothing will ever be the same, will it? I hope not. We must be changed by this, or what on earth is it all for." - Letter from Evie to her mother
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</div></div>Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-34731422300647122242024-01-10T21:47:00.040-05:002024-01-17T00:12:43.020-05:00<a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24998729-the-christmas-portrait" style="float: left; padding-right: 20px;"><img alt="The Christmas Portrait" border="0" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1430943799l/24998729._SX98_.jpg" /></a><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24998729-the-christmas-portrait">The Christmas Portrait</a> by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14537316.Phyllis_Clark_Nichols">Phyllis Clark Nichols</a></span><br />
My rating: <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6154481338">5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">
Christian fiction</span><br /><br />When a young patient grieving the death of her sister recognizes the man in a portrait hanging in her office, Dr. Kate Harding, an art therapist, is startled but not entirely surprised. The face in the painting takes her back twenty years to snow-covered Cedar Point, Kentucky, and to her first Christmas without her mother.<br /><br />As Christmas approached, John Harding, his daughter, Kate, and son, Chesler, were struggling to adjust to life’s changes after the September death of his wife and their mother. When a conversation with Granny Grace convinced Kate that there was Christmas in heaven, she was determined to get her mother a present, a special gift that would make her mother happy forever. No one could tell Kate how to get her gift to heaven—not her daddy, not Uncle Luke the medical student, not Aunt Susannah Hope, and not even Pastor Simmons who she was most certain would have the answer. But Kate devises and executes a Christmas Eve plan that changes her life. Kate’s Christmas is filled with surprises—taking in a runaway girl who had no mother, a tender exchange of Christmas presents, a meeting with Mister Josh, and finally, an astonishing family Christmas portrait.<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: #fff2cc;">MY THOUGHTS...</span><br /><br />There's not enough stars to rate this book! Just an incredibly entertaining, inspirational and moving read. A Christmas gem, for sure.<br /><br /><i>A Christmas Portrait</i> is a poignant, coming-of-age story that begins with the passing of 10-year-old Kate's Mama from cancer, then becomes about family love, support, faith, and kindness. I love the realism, for death is a part of life. I'd rather face it and breathe in inspiration than avoid the topic. But for a Christmas-themed read? Yes! Christmas is a joyous time, but Christ was born to die for us. There were times when I smiled through tears, but this story is not a downer. Anything but, in fact! I loved young Kate and her family, her girlfriend Laramie, and the symbolism of a cardinal. And I loved the grown-up Kate, who worked with grieving children, and the mysterious Mr. Josh who appeared when children were in need. There's a wonderfully fulfilling epilogue at the end.<br /><br />Two themes of faith run throughout the story... First, Kate's Mom gives her three stones symbolizing the way to keep her head above water in life.<br /><br /><i>"This rock is your faith. Praying is talking to God. Faith's depending on Him. You just keep doing it, even when you don't feel like it, or you don't want to, or it doesn't make a dab of sense ... The second rock is your family. They'll take good care of you, but you must remember life's going to get rough for them too, and you're one of their rocks. So sometimes, you'll have to be strong for them ... This final rock is for forever. Life as we know it here on this planet is not all there is. There are things we cannot see here, but they are real. So you live and love knowing it's forever."<br />"Faith, family, and forever. I won't forget, Mama."</i><br /><br />Second, living life in a way that reflects kindness...<br /><br /><i> “Granny, why are you kind to everybody?”<br /> “Why, child, I’m building my mansion in heaven, and with every act of kindness, I’m adding another brick.”<br /> Granny’s mansion is gonna be big and tall.</i><br /><br />This story will stay in my heart and be read again.
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-76253937718843319372020-05-17T19:55:00.000-04:002020-05-17T19:55:47.114-04:00Review: Killer Jam by Karen MacInerney<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Killer
Jam</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>By Karen MacInerney</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Dewberry Farm #1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Thomas & Mercer, 2015</b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>When
Houston reporter Lucy Resnick cashes in her retirement to buy her grandmother’s
farm in Buttercup, Texas, she’s looking forward to a simple life as a
homesteader. But Lucy has barely finished putting up her first batch of Killer
Dewberry Jam when an oil exploration truck rolls up to the farm and announces
plans to replace her broccoli patch with an oil derrick. Two days later, Nettie
Kocurek, the woman who ordered the drilling, turns up dead at the Founders’ Day
Festival with a bratwurst skewer through her heart and one of Lucy’s jam jars
beside her…and the sheriff fingers Lucy as the prime suspect.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Horrified,
Lucy begins to talk to Nettie’s neighbors, but the more she gets to know the
townspeople, the more she realizes she’s not the only one who had a beef with
Nettie. Can she clear her name, or will her dream life turn into a nightmare?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U0N5GJM/ref=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_bb_glide_sin-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00U0N5GJM&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2"><span style="color: lime;"><b>Amazon</b></span></a></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Killer Jam</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by Karen MacInerney
beautifully fits into the cozy mystery genre that I enjoy so much. The rural setting
of Buttercup, Texas is vividly conveyed and central to the story. Characters
are created in this first-of-series story that will keep me wanting to come
back. The mystery plot is well crafted, with the murder victim being a
character you love to hate and the number of possible suspects just right. And <i>Killer
Jam</i> is a clean read, which I greatly appreciate.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>A series succeeds or fails based on the main character,
and I found Lucy very appealing. During her years as a Houston crime reporter, Lucy
had dreamed of the simpler life that she had experienced years earlier in
Grandma Vogel’s kitchen, which led to her purchase of Dewberry Farm … “I went
from being Lucy Resnick, reporter, to Lucy Resnick, unemployed homesteader of my
grandparents’ derelict farm.” Lucy doesn’t go over the top in investigating the
murder, but draws on her investigative journalist skills and contacts in order
to defend herself.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>There’s a gentle humor throughout that I loved. A
couple of secondary characters add depth – Tobias, a veterinarian and possible
romantic interest, and Quinn, a good friend with an abusive husband. There’s
Rooster, an uncooperative sheriff who was elected more for his family
connections than skill. We also see local prejudice between the German and
Czech communities, and an unsolved murder going back to 1940.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>And, of course, what would a cozy be without endearing
animals? I fell in love with Chuck, a bald, slightly overweight poodle, and
Blossom, a cow that likes to overturn buckets of milk when they are full and
has hidden talents as an escape artist. I’ve got a feeling that Lucy is going
to increase the animal population on Dewberry Farm in future stories and can’t
wait for these developments.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Going forward, I hope for more character depth and
maybe a little less descriptive passages. But <i>Killer Jam</i> is a great
beginning to what promises to be a delightful cozy series.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i><span style="color: #ffd966;">Note:</span></i> Karen
MacInerney also writes the Gray Whale Inn mysteries, a cozy series set in one
of my very favorite places to visit through fiction – Maine.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">_________________________</span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRTEW1XSfCiiiac4VSMeGb_8KN1AU_-5eh2Wuqlwe52SQnPMN_pteGLrptcDqE0LE6eDI5EWxevBP7S3fHhHG_mrBF295EjkW-GbzS7WYAFuYHQH7urT7TT0ktVWhe4kfllunPPy3YyXO/s1600/Author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="428" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRTEW1XSfCiiiac4VSMeGb_8KN1AU_-5eh2Wuqlwe52SQnPMN_pteGLrptcDqE0LE6eDI5EWxevBP7S3fHhHG_mrBF295EjkW-GbzS7WYAFuYHQH7urT7TT0ktVWhe4kfllunPPy3YyXO/s200/Author.jpg" width="142" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>Karen is the USA Today bestselling author of multiple
cozy mystery series, and her victims number well into the double digits. She
lives in Austin, Texas with her sassy family and a menagerie of animals.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> When she’s not chauffeuring children or coming up with
creative ways to kill people, you can usually find Karen hiding away with a
book, dodging laundry, playing in the kitchen, or attending martial arts
classes. (No fatalities on the last two fronts–at least not yet.)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><a href="https://karenmacinerney.com/about-karen/"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a>
│ <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorKarenMacInerney/"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> │<a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/karen-macinerney"><span style="color: lime;">BookBub</span></a></b></span></div>
<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-53980824590524124352020-05-07T00:37:00.000-04:002020-05-07T00:37:44.156-04:00The National Day of Prayer: We Pray for Children<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKb0VNd4l8Qtqc7ACzXwllUcY1Iu-O5gLf1K8tPVHI47A_GtaAyAAb3EEK06uFdV3xizUB2I1N77byW9CCvOdh5VcAoWN5i2lyEuGELhWRroIGsQl-IdxTFi7FHK3XRvOFLpstEMMKk0y/s1600/Image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1048" data-original-width="1115" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYKb0VNd4l8Qtqc7ACzXwllUcY1Iu-O5gLf1K8tPVHI47A_GtaAyAAb3EEK06uFdV3xizUB2I1N77byW9CCvOdh5VcAoWN5i2lyEuGELhWRroIGsQl-IdxTFi7FHK3XRvOFLpstEMMKk0y/s320/Image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The National Day of Prayer is an annual national
observance, established into public law in 1952 and observed publicly on the first
Thursday in May since 1988. Each year, people gather across our nation in local community events to pray together for America.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Today – May 7, 2020 – is this year’s National Day of
Prayer. Regardless of the unprecedented challenges that our nation is facing
today due to the covid-19 outbreak and resulting economic shutdown, it will not
be canceled nor postponed – but will look very different from years past. The
NDOP website writes that by using the use many digital platforms available, “this
year’s ‘virtual’ observances have the potential to become the largest prayer
gathering in U.S. history – with millions PRAYING TOGETHER, INDIVIDUALLY.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I vividly remember the first time I helped prepare our
church’s worship center for the special day. The focus was not only on America
as a nation, but on individuals, families, and children. Scripture, pictures
and quotes on prayer rotated across the screen with meditative music playing
softly in the background. Prayer guides were placed at the entrance. It was
moving to see people quietly enter throughout the day and into the evening –
coming as individuals, friends, coworkers, and in family groups. This year will look quite
different, but meaningful and effective nonetheless, and maybe with even more
prayers than ever before reaching the Father’s ear.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsyg9Uk6nxaOkqKY44rY5piHuzIg8PgCRsPStdoY7v83y8zMHYIC9B9oEtF4hEY-3dQzEriQDjwuxJcNCCXTJFtluZ0IocjXC_Wq7UXzpIr1rKyaL3plrh9sg3E_QgXjwnesvkcfK8YY8/s1600/Jennifer+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="605" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsyg9Uk6nxaOkqKY44rY5piHuzIg8PgCRsPStdoY7v83y8zMHYIC9B9oEtF4hEY-3dQzEriQDjwuxJcNCCXTJFtluZ0IocjXC_Wq7UXzpIr1rKyaL3plrh9sg3E_QgXjwnesvkcfK8YY8/s200/Jennifer+pm.jpg" width="188" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Jennifer Beckstrand, one of my favorite authors,
posted a poem on her blog in honor of the National Day of Prayer, and you can
read her whole post <a href="http://www.jenniferbeckstrand.com/we-pray-for-children/?fbclid=IwAR25TaOe47Tirrx3PDZC-rKcsCo4TyE3VGGHrr-JjmaobB2m3rCdt30J1Fw"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>.
It’s simply too moving not to share. Jennifer writes: “I can’t remember where I
found this poem, but it holds special meaning for me because I know that all
children are in Jesus’s tender care. I hope that this week on the National Day
of Prayer, you will pray for your loved ones, your enemies, your family, and
the children.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">By Ina Hughes</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">We pray for children</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>who sneak popsicles before supper,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who erase holes in math workbooks,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who can never find their shoes.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>And we pray, for those</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who stare at photographers from behind barbed wire,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who can’t bound down the street in a new pair of
sneakers,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who never “counted potatoes,”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who are born in places where we wouldn’t be caught
dead,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who never go to the circus,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who live in an X-rated world.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">We pray for children</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>who bring us sticky kisses and fistfuls of dandelions,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who sleep with the cat and bury goldfish,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who hug us in a hurry and forget their lunch money,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who squeeze toothpaste all over the sink,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who slurp their soup.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>And we pray for those</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who never get dessert,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who have no safe blanket to drag behind them,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who watch their parents watch them die,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who can’t find any bread to steal,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who don’t have any rooms to clean up,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> whose pictures aren’t on anybody’s dresser,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> whose monsters are real.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">We pray for children</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>who spend all their allowance before Tuesday,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who throw tantrums in the grocery store and pick at
their food,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who like ghost stories,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who shove dirty clothes under the bed,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> and never rinse out the tub,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who get visits from the tooth fairy,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who don’t like to be kissed in front of the carpool,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who squirm in church or temple and scream in the
phone,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> whose tears we sometimes laugh at</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> and whose smiles can make us cry.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>And we pray for those</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> whose nightmares come in the daytime,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who will eat anything,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who have never seen a dentist,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who aren’t spoiled by anybody,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who go to bed hungry and cry themselves to sleep,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> who live and move, but have no being.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">We pray for children</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <b>who want to be carried</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> and for those who must,</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> for those we never give up on</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> and for those who don’t get a second chance.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> for those we smother…</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> and for those who will grab the hand of anybody</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b> kind enough to offer it.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #ffd966;">We pray for children.</span> Amen</b></span><br />
<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-28883745169732576942020-04-18T12:43:00.005-04:002024-01-10T22:18:19.822-05:00Review + GIVEAWAY: The House at the End of the Moor by Michelle Griep<br />
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<h1>
<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">About the Book</span></u></h1>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Book:</span> House at the End of the Moor</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Author:</span> Michelle Griep</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Genre:</span> Christian Historical</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Release Date:</span> April 2020</b><br />
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<strong>An Opulent London Opera Star Escapes to the Rugged Landscape of the English Moors</strong><br />
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Opera star Maggie Lee escapes her opulent lifestyle when threatened by a powerful politician who aims to ruin her life. She runs off to the wilds of the moors to live in anonymity. All that changes the day she discovers a half-dead man near her house. </b><br />
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<b>Escaped convict Oliver Ward is on the run to prove his innocence, until he gets hurt and is taken in by Maggie. He discovers some jewels in her possession—the very same jewels that got him convicted. Together they hatch a plan to return the jewels, clearing Oliver’s name and hopefully maintaining Maggie’s anonymity.</b><br />
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<b>Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://amzn.to/2xvXYCg%E2%80%9D"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> for your copy!</b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">My thoughts</span></u></h1>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Due to family circumstances, my review will be delayed
a few days. I always enjoy Michelle Griep’s writing and eagerly anticipate this
story.</b></span><br />
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">About the Author</span></u></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVXyLFtfx8rAc7lJ-p4wFrWsB3vrZuhOVBGBk2oNqIH3bs9dLekeKIY1Lt0f3g5pT53MuV9T7OKrGu34Pk7RnLKZExFKOCURJmvthpegCU77KTQKpbAxVCl42DNVWw2HIf0UOKfmJXXsX/s1600/3+Author.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYVXyLFtfx8rAc7lJ-p4wFrWsB3vrZuhOVBGBk2oNqIH3bs9dLekeKIY1Lt0f3g5pT53MuV9T7OKrGu34Pk7RnLKZExFKOCURJmvthpegCU77KTQKpbAxVCl42DNVWw2HIf0UOKfmJXXsX/s320/3+Author.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
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<b>Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: <em>A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, </em>and <em>Gallimore,</em> but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery <em>Out of the Frying Pan</em>.</b><b> </b></div><div>
<b> If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.</b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;"> More from Michelle</span></u></h1>
<b>What comes to mind when you hear the word moor? For some, images of <em>Jane Eyre</em> spring to life. For others, <em>The Hound of the Baskervilles </em>starts barking. But for most, it’s a big fat goose egg. The fact is that most Americans don’t have a clue what a moor is, but never fear, my friend…after you read the next few paragraphs, you’ll never again go blank-minded when you hear the word moor.</b><br />
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<b>Last summer I skipped across the pond and tromped around Dartmoor with my daughter and husband. What an awesome experience. I learned first-hand just how windy this vast stretch of land can be, for that’s really what a moor is at heart: a vast stretch of land. Webster’s defines it as an expanse of open rolling infertile land. Sounds rather desolate, eh? Yeah. Kind of. But it’s oh so much more.</b><br />
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<b>In spring and summer, green does abound. Gorse bushes. Scrubby grasses. Lambs and sheep and goats. All these animals roam free so there are trails worn into the dirt that you can hike along. But I hear you…where could you possibly go if there’s nothing besides some farm animals roaming around the place?</b><br />
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<b>You could hike to a tor, which is a “high, craggy hill.” Some of them can be a little treacherous to climb, but sweet mercy, what a view! The earth stretches out like a green and brown quilt. As I hiked that day last spring, whispers in the wind inspired me to wonder a lot of what-ifs, and those what-ifs came together in a story of intrigue and betrayal.</b><br />
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<b>What would you do if you found a half-dead man bleeding in the middle of nowhere? Find out what heroine Maggie Lee does in <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://www.amazon.com/House-at-End-Moor-ebook/dp/B081GGP5GV/%E2%80%9D"><em>The House at the End of the Moor</em></a><em>.</em></b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;"> Giveaway</span></u></h1>
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<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e2/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="789" data-original-width="940" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKSL81ascYH4dSGJu_XPIcSb1mULx7hUPK-_l2G81-hSgtAxtcxff0uN5-YGQv6X-YoxBVFx-aJ-_if-nPW5wyDBd5v0S1gE8dX1Ws2YeqUKIG-MmmI_LpASguOYP4GdfklvOJzMInI1Y4/s320/5+Giveaway+jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a free copy of the book!!</b><br />
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<b>Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e2/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-celebration-tour-giveaway"><b><span style="color: lime;">https://promosimple.com/ps/f8e2/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor-celebration-tour-giveaway</span></b></a></span></div>
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">Blog Stops</span></u></h1>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/">Batya’s Bits</a>, April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://bibliophileandavidreader.blogspot.com/">The Avid Reader</a>, April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://lifeofliterature.wordpress.com/">Life of Literature</a>, April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/">The Power of Words</a>, April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com/">For Him and My Family</a>, April 19<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, April 19<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://confessionsofabookwormweb.wordpress.com/">The Meanderings of a Bookworm</a>, April 19<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://amongthereads.net/">Among the Reads</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/">My Devotional Thoughts</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://asheleadsisjoy.com/">As He Leads is Joy</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://janemouttet.wordpress.com/">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://chautona.com/the-house-at-the-end-of-the-moor">Just the Write Escape</a>, April 21<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.reflectionsfrommybookshelves.com/">Reflections From My Bookshelves</a>, April 21<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.dkstevens.wordpress.com/">D’S QUILTS & BOOKS</a>, April 21<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://kellybridgewater.blogspot.com/">Where Faith and Books Meet</a>, April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/">deb’s Book Review</a>, April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1">Inklings and notions</a>, April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://remembrancy.com/">Remembrancy</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://hookmeinabook.home.blog/">Hookmeinabook</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.christianbookaholic.com/">Christian Bookaholic</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com/">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, April 24<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.com/">Britt Reads Fiction</a>, April 24<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://emily-yager.com/blog">Emily Yager</a>, April 24<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/bettimace/">Betti Mace</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/">Stories By Gina</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/">Adventures of a Traveling Wife</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/">Splashes of Joy</a>, April 26<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://simpleharvestreads.com/">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, April 26 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/book-tours/">Vicky Sluiter</a>, April 26<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, April 26<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://blessedbookish.wordpress.com/">Blessed & Bookish</a>, April 27<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://abbasprayerwarriorprincess.com/">Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess</a>, April 27<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/">Pause for Tales</a>, April 27<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://tabithabouldinauthor.home.blog/">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, April 28<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com/">Hallie Reads</a>, April 28<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://faerytalesarereal.blogspot.com/">Faery Tales Are Real</a>, April 28<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.ihopeyoudanceinlife.com/">To Everything There Is A Season</a>, April 28<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.babblingbeckyl.com/">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://bigreadersite.wordpress.com/">Bigreadersite</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/">Older & Smarter?</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com/">Genesis 5020</a>, April 30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://readreviewrejoice.com/">Read Review Rejoice</a>, April 30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://rbclibrary.wordpress.com/">By The Book</a>, April 30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://sorcharaicheal.booklikes.com/">For the Love of Literature</a>, April 30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="https://allofakindmom.wordpress.com/">All-of-a-kind Mom</a>, May 1<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://bookreviewsbybebelee.blogspot.com/">Bookishly Beverly</a>, May 1<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><a href="http://daysongreflections.com/">Daysong Reflections</a>, May 1<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Artistic Nobody</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">, May 1 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)</span></b></div>
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-49156602955414742702020-04-17T12:24:00.001-04:002020-04-17T12:24:27.327-04:00Spotlight: The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFqpQniBIkhenIbDuZTWdFOK7df51SJGvCp1c7QZBv5Zz9eh79Tn-2P595IdlrKcbnN6FUFzuf2UQ0rxw6s5p44Ud3QKqG07yqHJ3WyLTfUfm0lYdfHa_iceLfka3olTZA_HyTVHPn2u5/s1600/1+Banner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="851" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOFqpQniBIkhenIbDuZTWdFOK7df51SJGvCp1c7QZBv5Zz9eh79Tn-2P595IdlrKcbnN6FUFzuf2UQ0rxw6s5p44Ud3QKqG07yqHJ3WyLTfUfm0lYdfHa_iceLfka3olTZA_HyTVHPn2u5/s400/1+Banner.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<h1>
<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">About the Book</span></u></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE8wlUvZHZpvMFvwAOYiIQoZsZu31q0MD0K9giGosmYoQ1UE1mWHdHhWWyVzArHUOXPkHM6pYmwAPFWoLyxEzYveczMuxk-YQo4cjhGwgal1BBDlak4J4LLiu5OX6lZrVl9NhijEYYAL6/s1600/2+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="672" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWE8wlUvZHZpvMFvwAOYiIQoZsZu31q0MD0K9giGosmYoQ1UE1mWHdHhWWyVzArHUOXPkHM6pYmwAPFWoLyxEzYveczMuxk-YQo4cjhGwgal1BBDlak4J4LLiu5OX6lZrVl9NhijEYYAL6/s320/2+Cover.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Book:</span> The Joy of Falling</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Author:</span> Lindsay Harrel</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Genre:</span> Women’s Fiction</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Release Date:</span> April 14, 2020</b><br />
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<b>Eva and Angela must learn to live again. One step at a time.</b><br />
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<b>It has been fifteen months since Eva and Angela lost their thrill-seeking husbands in a scuba diving accident. Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief, but neither one is making much progress. Angela is barely making ends meet, angry at her husband for leaving her to raise three children on her own. Meanwhile, Eva is stuck, unable to move forward after losing the love of her life and her source of inspiration.</b></div>
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<b>But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime—an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands’ place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband’s choices.</b></div>
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<b>Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men—Marc is Brent’s best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven’t had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they wonder: Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?</b></div>
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<b>Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://amzn.to/39n97Tm%E2%80%9D"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> to get your copy!</b><br />
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">My thoughts</span></u></h1>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Due to family circumstances, my review will be
delayed a few days. I’m already enjoy this story!</b></span><br />
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<h1>
<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">About the Author</span></u></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyYwWfodDEKq4riiBstcaT9J1Rw906MNt-htP36uEnVS7YEo_QGu827HSrp0-_eJ7ySbmQtzK7ul1nh93wUBUYKgBaeIXI9vzSbhwoiQ7TLG01phqLAAqAiRsivwnUPTMi7_GPo6osG5a/s1600/3+Author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="400" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheyYwWfodDEKq4riiBstcaT9J1Rw906MNt-htP36uEnVS7YEo_QGu827HSrp0-_eJ7ySbmQtzK7ul1nh93wUBUYKgBaeIXI9vzSbhwoiQ7TLG01phqLAAqAiRsivwnUPTMi7_GPo6osG5a/s200/3+Author.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
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<b>Lindsay Harrel is a lifelong book nerd who lives in Arizona with her young family and two golden retrievers in serious need of training. She’s held a variety of writing and editing jobs over the years and now juggles stay-at-home mommyhood with writing novels. </b><br />
<b> When she’s not writing or chasing after her children, Lindsay enjoys making a fool of herself at Zumba, curling up with anything by Jane Austen, and savoring sour candy one piece at a time. </b><br />
<b> Connect with her at LindsayHarrel.com.</b><br />
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<h1>
<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">Read an Excerpt</span></u></h1>
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Click </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.tnzfiction.com/the-joy-of-falling/" style="box-shadow: currentcolor 0px 1px 0px 0px; box-sizing: inherit;"><span style="background: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></span></a></span><span style="background: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> to read the first four chapters.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="background: white; color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
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<u><span style="color: #ffd966;">Blog Stops</span></u></h1>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/">The Power of Words</a>, April 17<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://travelingwife4life.wordpress.com/">Adventures of a Travelers Wife</a>,
April 17<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://mydevotionalthoughts.net/">My Devotional Thoughts</a>, April 17<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>,
April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>,
April 18<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://tabithabouldinauthor.home.blog/">Through the Fire Blogs</a>,
April 19<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://remembrancy.com/">Remembrancy</a>, April 19<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://www.5020genesis.wordpress.com/">Genesis 5020</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/">Splashes of Joy</a>, April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</a>,
April 20<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://readreviewrejoice.com/">Read Review Rejoice</a>, April 21<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://hebrews12endurance.com/">Hebrews 12 Endurance</a>, April 21<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/">Older & Smarter?</a>,
April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/">deb’s Book Review</a>, April 22<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://janicesbookreviews.com/">janicesbookreviews</a>, April 23<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1">Inklings and notions</a>, April
24<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://hookmeinabook.home.blog/">Hookmeinabook</a>, April 24<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com/">For Him and My Family</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://justyouraveragereviews.blogspot.com/?m=1">Just a Your Average
reviews</a>, April 25<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews">Tell Tale Book
Reviews</a>, April 26<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com/">Hallie Reads</a>, April 26<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://reflectionsfrommybookshelves.com/">Reflections From My
Bookshelves</a>, April 27<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://www.carpediem.fyi/">CarpeDiem</a>, April 27<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://storiesbygina.wordpress.com/">Stories By Gina</a>, April 28<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace
Homeschool Academy</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="https://thebeccafiles.com/">The Becca Files</a>, April 29<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, April 30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><b><a href="http://bookreviewsbybebelee.blogspot.com/">Bookishly Beverly</a>, April
30<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><a href="https://journeysfromtheheartofawifeandmother.wordpress.com/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Spoken from
the Heart</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">, April 30</span></b></div>
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-50661972632382515572020-04-13T11:50:00.002-04:002020-04-13T11:50:58.315-04:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Desert Willow by Patricia Beal<br />
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<h1>
<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">About the Book</span></h1>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Book:</span> Desert Willow</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Author:</span> Patricia Beal</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Genre:</span> Romance</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Release Date:</span> February 12, 2020</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>After a failed engagement, Captain Andrew Lee James has focused on building a career in the Army he loves. That commitment includes helping a feisty, out-of-work ballerina whose devotion to her grandmother’s dying wish immediately grabs his heart. She’s the one, but will he be able to win the heart of a woman who has vowed to never be involved with a soldier?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>College graduate Clara Malone swore to never love anyone in the military again but when her dying grandmother asks her to deliver a love letter to the general who broke her heart decades ago, she agrees and finds herself escorted by a handsome Army captain whose kindness challenges her beliefs. Surrounded by desert willows that shower her path with pretty pink flowers and sing with the buzzing of hummingbirds, Clara enjoys the wild beauty of El Paso—and her time with Andrew—more than expected.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Can she deliver her grandmother’s last love letter without losing her heart to a man who represents everything she fears?</b><br />
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<b>Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://amzn.to/2PKbGaJ%E2%80%9D"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> to get your copy!</b><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">My thoughts</span></h1>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Desert Willow</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is an entertaining and
emotional story, enriched by character depth, a blending of past and present,
and a strong spiritual theme. Drawing from personal experience, Patricia Beal
writes a heartwarming story straight from the heart. The narrative flows at a
steady pace, holding my attention throughout.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Andrew and Clara are brought together by a story from
the past involving Clara’s grandmother and a general. Clara travels to El Paso,
Texas on a mission from her dying grandmother, that of delivering a letter to a
general who had broken her young heart. In the process, she meets Andrew, a friend
of the general’s family. There’s a vivid sense of place and I was drawn to El
Paso as I was introduced to its sights and culture through Clara’s eyes. The
author’s personal experience in both the military and this town made the story
rich in detail.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Clara and Andrew are appealing characters, easy to
connect with. Andrew, nicknamed “Ginger” by Clara (picture a Prince Harry
without the British accent), is a kind and caring man, with a strong faith that
he unashamedly shares. Clara has just graduated from college with a degree in
dance, emphasis on ballet, and is trying to figure out exactly what can be done
with that degree. Clara has pulled away from God over the years and in her
family, “relationships never lasted long, and <i>forever</i> was a pipe dream.”
Although attracted to Andrew, family history has convinced her that
relationships with military men are destined to fail.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Desert Willow</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is an emotional story of
family relationships and forgiveness, including self-forgiveness. Past events
cast a long shadow, which many readers can identify with. Themes include
serious topics, such as infidelity and the struggle to remain pure until
marriage. I loved the strong faith message skillfully woven throughout,
applicable to our daily walk. I also enjoy how the author brings in the beauty
of music and dance.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I enjoyed <i>Desert Willow</i> very much and look
forward to many more stories by Patricia Beal.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The
opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<h1>
<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">About the Author</span></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxPpKmusQUT8PJmui_TR8gvR9f3ERqf7YFO-0nRvYg-J5p0Bo3iFXGwK84Fa1G-vKTyvURiAW28j6Rl0jar5dgFrJ2ExZjx1miISaPqRmhl49HoTpjcrYqAZrXV95xpRS_rOfq3lzUD-6/s1600/3+Author.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="727" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBxPpKmusQUT8PJmui_TR8gvR9f3ERqf7YFO-0nRvYg-J5p0Bo3iFXGwK84Fa1G-vKTyvURiAW28j6Rl0jar5dgFrJ2ExZjx1miISaPqRmhl49HoTpjcrYqAZrXV95xpRS_rOfq3lzUD-6/s320/3+Author.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
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<strong> Patricia Beal</strong><b> is a 2015 Genesis semi-finalist and First Impressions finalist. <em>A Season to Dance</em> is her debut novel (Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas, May 2017). Her second novel comes out in February of 2020. </b><br />
<b> Patricia graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati in 1998 with a B.A. in English Literature and has worked for the U.S. Army as a writer and editor for many years. </b><br />
<b> Patricia writes from Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband and two children. You can find more info about Patricia on her website <a data-saferedirecturl="”https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.patriciabeal.com/?page_id%3D2%E2%80%B3&source=gmail&ust=1577048012178000&usg=AFQjCNH1ltk9u1-YgijDHFZr8O26WzZ35g”" href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://www.patriciabeal.com/?page_id=2%E2%80%B3%E2%80%B3" noopener="" rel="”nofollow" target="”_blank”"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>.</b><br />
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<h1>
<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">More from Patricia</span></h1>
<strong><em>Desert Willow</em></strong><strong>: A Love Song to the City of El Paso, to Family, and to Prince Harry</strong><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<b>I enjoy this story so much! It’s great to finally get to share it with you.</b><br />
<b><em> Desert Willow</em> started as a NaNoWriMo project in 2015 and has a lot of my grandma’s history in it—life in the German colonies of the south of Brazil, the beginning of the shoe industry there, and the story of the most influential man her town has ever known, my great-grandfather.</b><br />
<b> And what does that have to do with El Paso and Prince Harry?</b><br />
<b> Well, my Prince Harry lookalike, a young Army captain named Andrew Lee James who lives in El Paso, is helping the protagonist deliver her grandmother’s last love letter, a letter she was urged to write all those years ago after what happened in Brazil.</b><br />
<b> The contemporary story of Clara (protagonist) and Andrew was fun to write too because I’ve been around the Army since the nineties. We moved to Fort Bliss/El Paso in 2012 and lived there for six years. I thought I was going to hate it, but I loved it, so I just <em>had</em> to write an El Paso story.</b><br />
<b> Now I think that what I enjoyed the most about writing this novel was making all the connections and showing how the actions of a distant past affect and inform the modern story so deeply.</b><br />
<b> Some of you have journeyed with me for a while and know that my debut, <em>A Season to Dance</em>, was my salvation process. What comes after salvation can be hard. What’s that? Well, looking at past mistakes through God’s eyes and realizing just how wrong we were, for starters.</b><br />
<b> We know how quickly God forgives us, but can we forgive ourselves and each other as quickly?</b><br />
<b><em> Desert Willow</em> deals with all that. And with Prince Harry… </b>😊<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">Giveaway</span></h1>
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<a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/f8de/desert-willow-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1372" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_rHkBQuSo0I4Ov_Iv8IURW-qPY8e_zwyut3k6O2wEySHNJi_a8_jVMFJW0R5JtmZyPK8a2zI1deISr5l45fhcaFU20jvmh5KuNszwZ4nbkvTL-M7qexKRoKmZpUe-42JfcK2XFc5AZg9/s320/4+Giveaway+jpg.jpg" width="274" /></a></div>
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<b>To celebrate her tour, Patricia is giving away the grand prize of a Kindle Fire 7 (https://amzn.to/37TEN21)!!</b><br />
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<b>Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the image above or the link below to enter.</b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/f8de/desert-willow-celebration-tour-giveaway"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;"><span style="color: lime;"><b>https://promosimple.com/ps/f8de/desert-willow-celebration-tour-giveaway</b></span></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline="">Blog Stops</span></h1>
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<b><a href="http://amongthereads.net/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Among the Reads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">,
April 13<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The Power of Words</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 13<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://sorcharaicheal.booklikes.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">For the Love of Literature</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Robin’s Nest</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 14<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://batyasbits.home.blog/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Batya’s Bits</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 15<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://shelivestoread.com/category/book-reviews/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">She Lives to Read</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Older & Smarter?</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 16<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Texas Book-aholic</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://debs-bookreview.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">deb’s Book Review</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 17<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.babblingbeckyl.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://writerwithoutaspace.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Writer Without a Space</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 18<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://christianfictiongirl.blog/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">The Christian Fiction Girl</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 19<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://rebeccatews.blogspot.com/?m=1"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Rebecca Tews</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 19<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://emily-yager.com/blog/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Emily Yager</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 20<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://simpleharvestreads.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Simple Harvest Reads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 20 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://pagebypagebookbybook.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Hallie Reads</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 20<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://amandanicolle.blogspot.com/?m=1"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Inklings and notions</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 21<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://allofakindmom.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">All-of-a-kind Mom</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 21<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.reflectionsfrommybookshelves.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Reflections From My Bookshelves</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 22<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://proverb31titus2godlybookreviews.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Godly Book Reviews</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 22<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.forhimandmyfamily.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">For Him and My Family</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://mypreciousbitsandmusings.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Mypreciousbitsandmusings</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 23<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://asheleadsisjoy.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">As He Leads is Joy</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 24<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://godspeculiartreasurerae.wordpress.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">God’s Peculiar Treasure Rae</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 24<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://areadersbrain.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">A Reader’s Brain</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="https://janicesbookreviews.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">janicesbookreviews</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 25<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Locks, Hooks and Books</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 26<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><a href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">Pause for Tales</span></a><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">, April 26<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://aprilhayman.com/desert-willow-by-patricia-beal"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif;">April Hayman, Author</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;">,
April 26</span></b></div>
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Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-70778876773801707812020-04-09T13:49:00.000-04:002020-04-09T13:49:37.942-04:00Review + GIVEAWAY: All We Buried by Elena Taylor<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All
We Buried</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>By Elena Taylor</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>A Sheriff Bet Rivers Mystery #1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Crooked Lane Books, 2020</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>For
fans of Julia Keller and Sheena Kamal, All We Buried disturbs the long-sleeping
secrets of a small Washington State mountain town.</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Interim
sheriff Elizabeth “Bet” Rivers has always had one repeat nightmare: a shadowy
figure throwing a suspicious object into her hometown lake in Collier,
Washington. For the longest time, she chalked it up to an overactive
imagination as a kid. Then the report arrives. In the woods of the Cascade
mountain range, right in her jurisdiction, a body floats to the surface of Lake
Collier. When the body is extricated and revealed, no one can identify Jane
Doe. But someone must know the woman, so why aren’t they coming forward?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Bet
has been sitting as the interim sheriff of this tiny town in the ill-fitting
shoes of her late father and predecessor. With the nightmare on her heels, Bet
decided to build a life for herself in Los Angeles, but now it’s time to
confront the tragic history of Collier. The more she learns, the more Bet
realizes she doesn’t know the townspeople of Collier as well as she thought,
and nothing can prepare her for what she is about to discover.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://amzn.to/37XgOzv" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a> <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/all-we-buried-elena-taylor/1131898805?ean=9781643852911" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Barnes& Noble</span></a> <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/All-We-Buried/Elena-Taylor/9781643852911?" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Books-A-Million</span></a> <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781643852911" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">IndieBound</span></a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">All We Buried</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by Elena Taylor is a gem
of a novel that immediately goes on my favorites list. It’s a captivating
murder mystery, but like an iceberg, there’s much more underneath than what you
see on the surface. <i>All We Buried</i> is a multifaceted novel, rich in character
depth and complexity of storyline. The writing is tight and flows smoothly
without a single word being wasted. From the very first page, I found this
story hard to put down.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Through vivid setting, background and foreshadowing,
the author envelops readers in the atmospheric feel of Collier, Washington.
Collier was formerly a mining town built around a high-altitude glacial lake,
with a past that refuses to stay in the past. Lake Collier, with its frigid and
dangerously deep waters, is so intricately woven into the threads of this novel
that it literally becomes a major character.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Sheriff Bet Rivers is an appealing and relatable lead
character. The story begins around six months after Bet, having left a
promising career with the LAPD, became Collier’s interim sheriff upon the death
of her father. She comes across as very human in her desire to be accepted, to
prove herself worthy, and in her feelings of inadequacy when it comes to
solving a homicide, all complicated by a deputy who is running against her in
the coming election.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>So many elements combine to make this a riveting story
– decades-old family secrets … underwater rivers and fissures … fascinating
history of the area … a scientist’s discovery of a Jane Doe floating in the
lake that triggers Bet’s recurring nightmares of another body slipping into the
icy waters … legends involving a buried train filled with miners. The story is
well crafted, with layers slowly peeled back. The pacing is pure genius, slow
but steady at first as we get familiar with the people and Lake Collier background,
then picking up steam and riveting suspense as the investigation progresses. The
conclusion is very satisfying, with the promise of much more to come in this
series. <i>All We Buried</i> is an incredible read for mystery lovers
everywhere.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Very highly recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Note:</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> Readers will find a little
mild profanity.</span></b><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>_________________________</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <b>Elena
Taylor</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">spent several years working in theater as a
playwright, director, designer, and educator before turning her storytelling
skills to fiction. Her first series, the Eddie Shoes Mysteries, written under
the name Elena Hartwell, introduced a quirky mother/daughter crime-fighting
duo. With All We Buried, Elena returns to her dramatic roots and brings readers
a much more serious and atmospheric novel. Located in her beloved Washington
State, Elena uses her connection to the environment to produce a forbidding
story of small-town secrets and things that won’t stay buried.</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> Elena
is also a senior editor with Allegory Editing, a developmental editing house,
where she works one-on-one with writers to shape and polish manuscripts, short
stories, and plays. If you’d like to work with Elena, visit</span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.allegoryediting.com/"><span style="color: lime;">www.allegoryediting.com</span></a>.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b> When
she’s not writing or coaching writing, her favorite place to be is at the farm
with her horses, Jasper and Radar, or at her home, on the middle fork of the
Snoqualmie River in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, their dog, Polar,
and their cats, Coal Train and Cocoa. Elena holds a B.A. from the University of
San Diego, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and a Ph.D. from
the University of Georgia.</b></span><br />
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-49863010590803931452020-04-08T14:40:00.000-04:002020-04-08T14:40:52.526-04:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Selah's Stolen Dream by Susan Count<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Selah’s
Stolen Dream</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>By Susan Count</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Dream Horse Adventures #4</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Hastings Creations Group, 2020</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>One
girl’s victory is another’s tragic defeat.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>Thirteen-year-old
Selah’s perfect life unravels when her beloved horse is stolen. Then
ten-year-old Emma buys the dream of a lifetime at a horse auction. When she
learns the horse was stolen, even removing her hearing aid won’t drown out the
voice telling her to make it right.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b>But
two girls can’t divide the horse they both adore. So will life surprise them
with an answered prayer?</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32dcBFS" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The new YA release by Susan Count, <i>Selah’s Stolen
Dream</i>, is a fabulous book for all ages. I have no personal experience with
horses, but love reading about them. <i>Selah’s Stolen Dream</i> continues the adventures
of Selah, now 13 years old, but background is provided so that it easily stands
alone.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I highly recommend this story for many reasons. The
writing is excellent and well-paced, with good character development. I was
caught up from the beginning and loved the emotional pull of this story.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The narrative flows from two young girls’
perspectives, Selah and Emma, and growth is seen in both. In the beginning,
Selah is a little too caught up in her “perfect” life revolving around Sweet Dream,
winning competitions, and a possible film contract – until her precious horse
is stolen. She quickly learns that the horse world has a dark side where greed
is involved.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>What I loved most about <i>Selah’s Stolen Dream</i> is
the invaluable life lessons skillfully woven throughout. 10-year-old Emma is
deaf, yearning to be treated normally in spite of her handicap. Her
determination is an inspiration, and Black Velvet (Sweet Dream) gave her a
new-found confidence and companionship. Although Selah never gave up the hope
of finding Sweet Dream, she learned what life’s most valuable treasures are.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i>It’s the right thing.</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i>What good is love if you don’t
share it?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>- Selah</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>One life lesson resonated greatly with me, that of doing
the right thing. Selah learned empathy as she came to realize how her victory
brought heartbreak to another. The author brings this story to a beautiful
conclusion with far-reaching effects, emotional and heartwarming.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Selah’s Stolen Dream</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> may be written for YA
readers, but I loved everything about this moving story. It would work well for
book club discussion and home school curriculum. And it offers some great
teachable opportunities for families.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Highly recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>_________________________</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"> <b>How
many twists and turns can one person take before they figure out what they were
born to do? Susan Count’s degree is in Applied Science–nothing in that prepared
her to write novels for children. But one day, she began to write with no
preconceived ideas. No one could have been more astounded than she was when it turned
into a middle grade equine series. As a member of Society of Children’s Book
Writers and Illustrators, American Christian Fiction Writers, and Texas
Association of Authors, she takes the craft of writing seriously and considers
revision to be her super-power.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b> She
writes at an antique secretary desk that occupies a glass room with a forest
view. Fittingly, it once belonged to the same wise grandmother who introduced
Susan to the love of reading via Walter Farley’s horse books. That desk has
secret compartments which hold memories, mysteries and story ideas.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><b> Susan
is a lifelong equestrian and is owned by a Rocky Mountain Horse. She is
convinced that the only thing more delightful than riding the forest trails
might be writing horse adventure stories. She invites you to saddle up and ride
along.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.susancount.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/susancount/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SusanCount" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/susancountauthor/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Instagram</span></a></span></b></div>
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-13075359615864214742020-03-30T12:01:00.000-04:002020-03-30T12:01:08.014-04:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Shenanigans by Heather Norman Smith<br />
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<img alt="Shenanigans JustRead Blog Tour" class="aligncenter wp-image-8395 size-large" height="147" src="https://justreadtours.files.wordpress.com/2020/02/banner_shenanigans_blog_jr.jpg?w=825" width="400" /> </div>
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<b>Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for <span style="color: #42d4f4;"><i><span style="color: #ffd966;">Shenanigans</span> </i></span>by Heather Norman Smith, hosted by <a href="http://justreadtours.com/2020/03/30/welcome-to-the-shenanigans-blog-tour-giveaway/"><span style="color: lime;">JustRead Publicity Tours</span></a>!</b><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>ABOUT THE BOOKS</strong></span></h3>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong><br /></strong></span></div>
<strong style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Shenanigans by Heather Norman Smith" class="alignleft wp-image-9055" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/shenanigans.jpeg?w=642" width="251" /></strong>
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Title:</span> Shenanigans</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Author:</span> Heather Norman Smith</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Publisher:</span> Every Season Books</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Release Date:</span> April 1, 2020</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Genre:</span> Inspirational Contemporary Fiction
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<b>You're never too old for fun, faith, or love.</b></div>
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<b>Lavinia Lewis is a wealthy southern widow who enjoys a good prank. But when a resident at her posh retirement community in Southport, North Carolina gets sick at a potluck, Lavinia's reputation as a jokester lands her in big trouble. How can she clear her name when her own daughter doesn't believe she's innocent?</b></div>
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<b>Neville McGrath is a long-in-the-tooth lawyer, afraid of being put out to pasture. Torn between his nephew's offer to move to Maine to live with him and his desire to keep working, Neville discovers other options when he takes Lavinia's case.</b></div>
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<b>The jokes keep her young, but Lavinia remembers the true source of joy as she faces criminal charges. Can she help Neville find his faith for the first time, and can they both find love at eighty-years-old?</b></div>
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<b>A humorous and inspirational story with lovable characters, a beautiful setting, fun mystery, sweet romance, family drama, and an ending that will leave you sighing in satisfaction.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #42d4f4;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">PURCHASE LINKS*:</span> </span><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50644628-shenanigans" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Goodreads</span></a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/39b9hgm" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shenanigans-heather-norman-smith/1136531353?ean=9781734012422" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Barnes & Noble</span></a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Shenanigans-Heather-Norman-Smith/9781734012422?a_aid=faithfullybookish" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Book Depository</span></a></b>
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<b><span style="color: #42d4f4;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">MY THOUGHTS</span></span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Heather Norman Smith is quickly becoming one of my
favorite writers. Her stories are well written, rich in character depth, filled
with gentle romance and spiritual themes applicable to daily living, and always
entertaining.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Smith’s newest release, <i>Shenanigans</i>, is pure
delight. The lead characters may be 80 years old, but the story will appeal to
readers of all ages. The first sentence in the book’s description – <i>You’re
never too old for fun, faith or love</i> – couldn’t be more relevant.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><i>Lavinia had always had at least three things in common
with Scarlett O’Hara, her personal hero. She was sometimes childish, she loved
a good party, and after a brief, cathartic fit of self-pity, she preferred to
put off worrying until another day</i>.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Lavinia is one of my favorite fictional characters –
caring of family, a genteel southern lady to the core, and loves to have good-hearted
fun. Although beloved by many in her North Carolina retirement community, not
all appreciate her pranks. Like a very funny dear friend in real life, Lavinia
had been “relying on things she could control, namely the jokes. The jokes
distracted her from things she couldn’t change.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Neville, a lawyer who doesn’t want to retire and
agrees to represent Lavinia when one of her supposed jokes goes horribly wrong,
is a complete contrast to her and the chemistry between them works beautifully.
I loved this gentle man and enjoyed things about him that were revealed as the
story progressed, such as the reason behind his coldness toward God.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Lavinia comes to realize that she has distanced herself
from God over the years, which leads to one of my favorite scenes as she and
her family visit a church recommended by Neville’s secretary. The church
service, filled with people of varied ages and cultures “reminded her of
flowers, picked from all over the garden, bunched together, and placed in a
crystal vase to make a gorgeous bouquet.”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Shenanigans</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is a heartwarming story to
which every reader can relate and goes on my favorites list. I look forward to
many more stories from the talented hand of Heather Norman Smith.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Highly recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Please click on the title to see my review of Smith’s
previous story, <a href="https://booksmusicandlife.blogspot.com/2019/03/review-tour-giveaway-grace-lavender-by.html"><span style="color: lime;">Grace
& Lavender</span></a>.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through JustRead Tours.
The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</strong></span></h3>
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<img alt="Heather Norman Smith" class="aligncenter wp-image-3341 size-medium" height="200" src="https://justreadtours.files.wordpress.com/2019/03/heather-norman-smith.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></div>
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<b>Heather Norman Smith is a Christian Fiction and devotions author. Her goal is to use the written word to entertain and encourage while illuminating the redemptive love of God. She is proud to be a life-long North Carolinian and also aims to present the beauty of the Tar Heel State in her fiction. Heather's home is just outside Winston-Salem, NC, where she lives with her husband, their four children (currently including a foster son,) and several very spoiled pets. In addition to writing and spending time with her family, Heather enjoys singing about Jesus. Her "day job" is in the Information Technology field, and she is also involved in youth ministry with her husband. Heather's other novels include <em>Grace & Lavender</em> and <em>Where I Was Planted</em>.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #42d4f4;"><span style="color: #ffd966;">CONNECT WITH HEATHER:</span><span style="color: #42d4f4;"> </span></span><a href="https://www.heathernormansmith.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/heathernormansmith" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/HNSblog" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="https://instagram.com/heathernormansmith/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Instagram</span></a>
</b>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><strong>TOUR GIVEAWAY</strong></span></h3>
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<b><br /></b>
<b>(1) winner will receive a print copy of <i>Shenanigans</i> and a story inspired glass ornament! Plus (1) additional winner will receive a print copy of <i>Shenanigans</i>!</b><br />
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<img alt="Shenanigans JustRead Blog Tour Giveaway" class="aligncenter wp-image-9054 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.files.wordpress.com/2020/03/giveaway_shenanigans_blog_jr.jpg?w=300" width="300" /></div>
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<b>Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Giveaway will begin at midnight March 30, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US mailing addresses only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.</b></div>
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<b>Giveaway is subject to the policies found <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>.</b></div>
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<b>Follow along at <a href="http://justreadtours.com/2020/03/30/welcome-to-the-shenanigans-blog-tour-giveaway/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target=" rel="><span style="color: lime;">JustRead Tours</span></a> for a full list of stops!</b></div>
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<b>*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.</b></div>
<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-2682931671717700432020-03-12T11:03:00.001-04:002020-03-12T11:03:08.872-04:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Easter Hair Hunt by Nancy J. Cohen<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Easter
Hair Hunt</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>By Nancy J. Cohen</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Orange Grove Press, 2020</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Hare
today, dead tomorrow… Can a stylish sleuth pull a rabbit out of her hat to
solve an Easter murder in this to-dye-for cozy mystery?</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>When
hairstylist Marla Vail attends an Easter egg hunt at historic Tremayne Manor,
she’s only there to fix hair for a client, Bonnie “Blinky” Morris. But when
she’s asked to comb the grounds for leftover goodies, Marla discovers more than
just a few dyed eggs. The dead body in the bunny costume is definitely not
having a good hare day. And Blinky seems to have disappeared down a rabbit
hole.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>When
trying to solve a murder, everyone needs a friend who’s all ears. For Marla,
that’s her husband, homicide detective Dalton Vail. They make an eggcellent
team. Dalton isn’t the kind to leap to conclusions, but with his wife seven
months pregnant, and knowing Marla finds crime-solving to be irresistible, he
worries about her running off on another hare-raising adventure.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Marla’s
peeps are hoping for a happy ending, but she may have found a basketful of
trouble this time. Can she crack the case before Blinky becomes the next
victim?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Recipes
Included!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NT6pg2" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon Kindle</span></a> – <a href="https://amzn.to/3csEwpT" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon Print</span></a> – <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/easter-hair-hunt-nancy-j-cohen/1136016947?ean=2940162711889" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">B&N</span></a> – <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/easter-hair-hunt" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kobo</span></a> – <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/easter-hair-hunt/id1494917053?ls=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Apple</span></a> – <a href="https://books2read.com/EasterHairHunt" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Books2Read</span></a> –</span></b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780999793275" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">IndieBound</span></a> – <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50494022-easter-hair-hunt" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Goodreads</span></a> –</b> <a href="https://bit.ly/2u7ggIu" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: lime;">BookBub</span></b></a> – <b><a href="https://nancyjcohen.com/easter-hair-hunt/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I greatly enjoyed Nancy J. Cohen’s new release, <i>Easter
Hair Hunt</i>. This cozy mystery beautifully blends together important key
elements – rich characterization, vivid setting, historical tidbits, and a
mystery that keeps you guessing. Although book #16 in a popular series, <i>Easter
Hair Hunt</i> easily stands alone. It would be well worth reading the whole
series, however, for the great character arc throughout.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I enjoy seasonal-themed cozy series, especially ones
that go beyond the popular Christmas and Halloween to incorporate other
holidays as well. Easter’s pastel coloring and events make up the perfect
background for this story – an Easter egg hunt, the theft of a valuable Fabergé
egg, and the victim was discovered clothed in the Easter bunny costume Marla’s
missing friend was supposed to be wearing. I found the Tremayne manor and
grounds fascinating and enjoyed the historical information about Lacey Tremayne’s
collection of Russian objects. There’s plenty of suspects, well defined and
easy to keep up with, all seemingly with something to hide.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>What I loved most about <i>Easter Hair Hunt</i> is the
characterization. Marla, owner of the Cut ‘N Dye Hair Salon in south Florida,
is seven months pregnant. Her husband, Dalton, is a homicide detective with a
teenage daughter, Brianna. Something we don’t often see in mysteries is the
mutual respect that Dalton and Marla have for each other, and Dalton
appreciates how valuable Marla’s people skills and insight can be to his
investigation. Family is a strong feature and the characters are easy to
connect with, literally becoming best friends as the series progresses. I
enjoyed everything about this story and hope for many more to come.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Recommended.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">_________________________</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>Nancy
J. Cohen writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida
hairstylist Marla Vail. Titles in this series have been named Best Cozy Mystery
by <i>Suspense Magazine</i>, won a Readers’ Favorite gold medal and a RONE
Award, earned first place in the Chanticleer International Book Awards and
third place in the Arizona Literary Awards. Nancy’s instructional guide, <i>Writing
the Cozy Mystery</i>, was nominated for an Agatha Award, earned first place in
the Royal Palm Literary Awards and the TopShelf Magazine Book Awards, and won a
gold medal in the President’s Book Awards. </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> A featured speaker at libraries,
conferences, and community events, Nancy is a past president of Florida
Romance Writers and Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. She is listed
in <i>Contemporary Authors, Poets & Writers</i>, and <i>Who’s Who
in U.S. Writers, Editors, & Poets. </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b> When not busy writing, she
enjoys cooking, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-42259090444739198372020-03-06T11:08:00.000-05:002020-03-06T11:08:54.104-05:00Review: An Amish Picnic by Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, & Vannetta Chapman<br />
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<h1>
<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline=""><u>About the Book</u></span></h1>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Book:</span> An Amish Picnic</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Author:</span> Amy Clipston, Kelly Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Genre:</span> Amish; Christian Romance</b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Release Date:</span> March 3, 2020</b><br />
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<b>From bestselling authors in the Amish genre come four sweet stories about picnics and romance.</b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Baskets of Sunshine by Amy Clipston</span></b></div>
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<b> Kevin Weaver has lived with his brother’s family since his parents passed away when he was young, but he craves a home and family to call his own. Freeman Kurtz owns a successful brick mason business, and Kevin takes the job as Freeman’s apprentice to pursue his own financial freedom.</b></div>
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<b> Phoebe Kurtz is helping her sister with her booth at the marketplace when she notices Kevin, her father’s employee. Their friendship grows, but Kevin is convinced that the difference in their ages makes a relationship between them impossible. Amidst summer outings, Kevin and Phoebe must decide if taking a chance on love is worth the risk.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Candlelight Sweethearts by Kelly Irvin</span></b></div>
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<b> Esther Marie Shrock loves her job at Valley Grocery Store where she’s worked for four years. Despite a stutter that has plagued her since childhood, she thrives filling orders from a steady stream of customers. Still, at 25, she and her family wonder if romance is in her future.</b></div>
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<b> Jasper Cotter isn’t good with people, but he’s found himself obligated to take over day-to-day operations of the family owned grocery store—a store he doesn’t have the first clue how to run. Thrown together, Esther Marie and Jasper don’t exactly see eye to eye. One night, the store loses power, and the candles aren’t the only things shooting off sparks. Esther Marie and Jasper are suddenly forced to discover common ground when it matters most, and they might be surprised with </b></div>
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<b>love along the way.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Reeling in Love by Kathleen Fuller</span></b></div>
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<b> Nina Stoll and Ira Yoder are just friends. Just friends and fishing buddies. Every Saturday afternoon, they have a picnic at their favorite fishing hole and see who can out fish the other. Until Nina starts to wonder if there’s more.</b></div>
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<b> Her plans to share her feelings go awry, and circumstances seem destined to keep Nina and Ira apart. With both Nina and Ira confused and hurting, it’s going to take courage, some help from the community matchmakers, and a little bit of divine intervention for Nina and Ira to realize they’re each other’s perfect catch.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">Picnics and Prospects by Vannetta Chapman</span></b></div>
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<b>Faith Troyer is claustrophobic, and David Lapp builds tiny houses. They went on a date years ago with disastrous results. Now that they’re in their late twenties, their families and friends are beginning to wonder if either will ever find that special someone. When a picnic outing is diverted by the discovery of a package of letters dating back to the 1970s, they take it upon themselves to find answers to a mystery that causes them to rethink their past and consider their future.</b><br />
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<b>Click <a href="https://www.blogger.com/%E2%80%9Dhttps://amzn.to/2vkGIyT%E2%80%9D"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a> to get your copy!</b><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline=""><u>My thoughts</u></span></h1>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">An Amish Picnic</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is a delightful novella
collection by four beloved authors of Amish fiction – Amy Clipston, Kelly
Irvin, Kathleen Fuller, and Vannetta Chapman. The romances are sweet,
characters realistic and appealing. Each shows God’s provision and perfect
timing. Some stories are drawn from secondary characters in an author’s
previous series, but each story stands alone.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The stories creatively use various picnic settings and
themes – with swimming and volleyball activities in Clipston’s <i>Baskets of
Sunshine</i>, best friends fishing in Fuller’s <i>Reeling in Love</i>, an
indoor picnic during a thunderstorm in Irvin’s <i>Candlelight Sweethearts</i>,
and the rescue of an injured dog in the midst of thick kudzu vines in Chapman’s
<i>Picnics and Prospects</i>. I especially liked how the characters were so
realistically drawn and human in their flaws. Doubts, lack of self-esteem, and misunderstandings
play a part, as often happens in real life. Lead characters weren’t
picture-perfect models. One character stuttered, another suffered with panic
attacks. One sweet romance was based on best friends becoming something more,
and I thought another romance was going to end before it got started.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>These novellas are very enjoyable, heartwarming, and
easy to read. Novella collections are perfect for busy times – or any time, for
that matter – and I loved every minute spent with these characters.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. The
opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline=""><u>About the Author</u></span></h1>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WpTVCvQ0EdMksr7tn2RPOM8GdNHDXUhDYwYTDPvABFHHFePMLFFGTGM0vInYiswUKbd8PUhFp5HSufcAfJSMr0pFCshcmjSjUJzRlpZCkJdqz4Kpods7cNgvsjbWKvvVd7WeMivykabb/s1600/Author1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2WpTVCvQ0EdMksr7tn2RPOM8GdNHDXUhDYwYTDPvABFHHFePMLFFGTGM0vInYiswUKbd8PUhFp5HSufcAfJSMr0pFCshcmjSjUJzRlpZCkJdqz4Kpods7cNgvsjbWKvvVd7WeMivykabb/s200/Author1.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>Amy Clipston is the award-winning and bestselling author of the Kauffman Amish Bakery, Hearts of Lancaster Grand Hotel, Amish Heirloom, Amish Homestead, and Amish Marketplace series. Her novels have hit multiple bestseller lists including CBD, CBA, and ECPA. </b><br />
<b> Amy holds a degree in communication from Virginia Wesleyan University and works full-time for the City of Charlotte, NC. Amy lives in North Carolina with her husband, two sons, and four spoiled rotten cats. </b><br />
<b> Visit her online at AmyClipston.com; Facebook: AmyClipstonBooks; Twitter: @AmyClipston; Instagram: @amy_clipston.</b><br />
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<b>Kelly Irvin is the bestselling author of the Every Amish Season and Amish of Bee County series. The Beekeeper’s Son received a starred review from Publishers Weekly, who called it a “beautifully woven masterpiece.” </b><br />
<b> The two-time Carol Award finalist is a former newspaper reporter and retired public relations professional. Kelly lives in Texas with her husband, photographer Tim Irvin. They have two children, three grandchildren, and two cats. In her spare time, she likes to read books by her favorite authors. </b><br />
<b> Visit her online at KellyIrvin.com; Instagram: kelly_irvin; Facebook: Kelly.Irvin.Author; Twitter: @Kelly_S_Irvin.</b><br />
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<b>With over a million copies sold, Kathleen Fuller is the author of several bestselling novels, including the Hearts of Middlefield novels, the Middlefield Family novels, the Amish of Birch Creek series, and the Amish Letters series as well as a middle-grade Amish series, the Mysteries of Middlefield. </b><br />
<b> Visit her online at KathleenFuller.com; Instagram: kf_booksandhooks; Facebook: WriterKathleenFuller; Twitter: @TheKatJam.</b><br />
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<b>Vannetta Chapman writes inspirational fiction full of grace. She is the author of sixteen novels, including the Pebble Creek Amish series, The Shipshewana Amish Mystery series, and Anna’s Healing, a 2016 Christy Award finalist. Vannetta is a Carol award winner and has also received more than two dozen awards from Romance Writers of America chapter groups. </b><br />
<b> She was a teacher for fifteen years and currently resides in the Texas hill country. </b><br />
<b> Visit Vannetta online: VannettaChapman.com, Twitter: @VannettaChapman, Facebook: VannettaChapmanBooks.</b><br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966;" underline=""><u>Read an Excerpt</u></span></h1>
<b>Read an excerpt <a href="https://www.tnzfiction.com/an-amish-picnic/" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: lime;">here</span></a>.</b><br />
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-47377727828564441702020-02-28T11:28:00.000-05:002020-02-28T11:28:04.368-05:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Here Comes the Body by Maria DiRico<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here
Comes the Body</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>By Maria DiRico</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>A Catering Hall Mystery #1</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Kensington, 2020</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>After
her philandering husband’s boat went down, newly single Mia Carina went back to
Astoria, the bustling Queens neighborhood of her youth. Living with her Nonna
and her oversized cat, Doorstop, she’s got a whole new life—including some
amateur sleuthing...</b></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Mia
is starting work at Belle View, her father’s catering hall, a popular spot for
weddings, office parties, and more—despite the planes that occasionally roar
overhead on their way to LaGuardia and rattle the crystal chandelier. Soon she’s
planning a bachelor party for a less-than-gentlemanly groom. But it goes awry
when the gigantic cake is wheeled in and a deadly surprise is revealed...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Since
some of her family’s associates are on the shady side, the NYPD wastes no time
in casting suspicion on Mia’s father. Now, Mia’s going to have to use all her
street smarts to keep him out of Rikers Island...</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Italian
recipes included!</b></span><br />
<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2sbQd1Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a> – <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/here-comes-the-body-maria-dirico/1131426996?ean=9781496725370#/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">B&N</span></a> – <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/here-comes-the-body" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kobo</span></a> – <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Maria_DiRico_Here_Comes_the_Body?id=39qVDwAAQBAJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Google Play</span></a> – <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781496725349" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">IndieBound</span></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>It is an honor to review <i>Here Comes the Body</i> by
Maria DiRico because reading it was pure pleasure. Mystery, humor, character
depth, and vivid setting are all woven together in this story which flows
evenly across the page. DiRico is actually the author of a Cajun mystery series
under the name of Ellen Byron, which I also enjoy, so I was eager to read her
new catering hall series. I was caught up from the first page and, although
eager to see how things resolved, enjoyed the characters so much that I hated
to reach the conclusion.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Mia leaves Florida and its unpleasant baggage behind,
returning to her Queens neighborhood to help run her father’s catering
business. Mystery surrounds her, both past and present … suspicion remains
because her husband’s body was never found, and now her father is a person of
interest in the murder of a stripper at a bachelor party. There’s humor, an
adorable cat (appropriately named Doorstop), and even an emotional tug over the
loss of her beloved parakeet while traveling home, Pizzazz. The Queens setting
is vividly conveyed and has an authentic feel, becoming a key part of the
story.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>One strength of this story is Mia’s endearing, quirky
family, who provide interesting secondary themes. Her father may be running a
legit business, but their mob connections still come in handy at times. There’s
visits with Mia’s brother, Posi, in a minimum-security prison. But best of all
is Mia’s grandmother, Elisabetta. I loved Elisabetta and her “Army” of
80-something friends in the Queens neighborhood, who are slowly beginning to
sell out as an unscrupulous real estate agent uses her wiles to convince them they no longer
need to live alone.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>The mystery itself is skillfully interwoven amidst
these themes and delightful Queens setting, reminding us that there is much
more to NYC than Manhattan. <i>Here Comes the Body</i> reaches a very satisfying
conclusion and I hope for many more stories in this new series.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Highly recommended.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</span><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></b></span><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Maria
DiRico</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> was
born in Queens, New York, and raised in Queens and Westchester County. She is a
first-generation Italian-American on her mother’s side. On her father’s side,
her grandfather was a low-level Jewish mobster who disappeared in 1933 under
mysterious circumstances. She also writes the award-winning, bestselling Cajun
Country Mystery series under the name Ellen Byron.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.ellenbyron.com/catering-hall-mysteries" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/CateringHallMysteries/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ellenbyronla" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">GIVEAWAY</span></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-32197948934948742612020-02-26T12:28:00.000-05:002020-02-26T12:28:13.967-05:00Review + GIVEAWAY: No Chance Meeting by Jaye Elliot<br />
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<b>On Tour with <a href="https://www.prismbooktours.com/2020/02/were-launching-book-tour-for-no-chance.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Prism Book Tours</span></a></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgrSaKCbMgpfJyt-yCZKdCzXSJ5gFZOJsNS1xqXi1PXviK-dwXolJiOvfgZTVy9tI8ifQwgvg5U7xxMhS78hs8cVHBiFkqKEEeV9jF040Hpw_wDTOMDwzXJnflBiYCcpYpHbyYvklMnQ/s1600/NCMCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1036" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdgrSaKCbMgpfJyt-yCZKdCzXSJ5gFZOJsNS1xqXi1PXviK-dwXolJiOvfgZTVy9tI8ifQwgvg5U7xxMhS78hs8cVHBiFkqKEEeV9jF040Hpw_wDTOMDwzXJnflBiYCcpYpHbyYvklMnQ/s400/NCMCover.jpg" width="258" /></a><b><i><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;">No Chance Meeting</span></i></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">(No Chance Love #1)</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #ffd966;">By Jaye Elliot</span></b><br />
<b>Christian Contemporary Romance</b><br />
<b>Paperback & ebook, 393 Pages</b><br />
<b>February 11th 2020 by Living Sword Publishing</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Alex Jennings is done with life. After losing her brother in Afghanistan, everything has collapsed around her. Getting laid off from her day job and failing in her art career, she has nowhere left to turn. She once had faith to believe that all things would work together for good, but that faith died with her brother. Now she just wants the pain to end.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Riley Conrad served thirteen years in the military until three bullets sent him home. After a year and a half of physical therapy and scraping together a living, all he wants is to live a simple life and perhaps even open the coffee shop he dreams about. However, the weight of failing his parents’ expectations doesn’t make it easy, and working as a bartender isn’t getting him anywhere fast.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Could a “chance” meeting between Alex and Riley set them both on the path God always intended?</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>(Affiliate link included.)</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/34845058-no-chance-meeting" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Goodreads</span></a> | <a href="https://amzn.to/2wvwiga" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/no-chance-meeting-jaye-elliot/1135473003?ean=9781087863825" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Barnes & Noble</span></a></b><b> | <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1491061419" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">iBooks</span></a></b><b> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/no-chance-meeting" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kobo</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;">My thoughts</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">No Chance Meeting</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> by Jaye Elliot is a
character-driven romance with realistically flawed characters and strong
spiritual themes. I’m a firm believer in the way God is always working behind
the scenes, leaving nothing to chance, so the title is especially meaningful. It’s
refreshing to see a Christian fiction book where God is actually the main
character.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>Riley and Alex are sympathetic and relatable lead
characters. They’re far from perfect and both realize the need for God’s grace
in their lives. The loss of her brother to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan
caused Alex’s life to spiral downward. Riley, a Marine who had tried to save
her brother, deals with memories, past sins before becoming a Christian, and a
strained relationship with his parents. It was no accident that these two met.
Personal tragedy in life can draw us closer to God or cause us to drift away,
as in Alex’s case. I enjoyed the connection between these two from the first
and that it was Riley’s faith that helped to open Alex’s eyes. I loved Riley’s
heart and also thought it was great that he was the proud owner of a tuxedo cat
that he had rescued, appropriately named Tux.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">No Chance Meeting</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> effectively deals with
some darker topics, such as suicidal thoughts and depression. Although emotionally
raw at times, it’s a beautiful story of hope and healing. I appreciated that
the relationship between Riley and Alex was smooth and built gradually, rather
than being filled with the tension of high and lows.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">No Chance Meeting</span></i><span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"> is not a fast-paced story,
rather moving from one day’s activity to another with a lot of inward thoughts
and details that kept things moving slowly. However, the storyline and
characters, both main and secondary, are very appealing. For me, more emphasis
on storyline with less introspection and daily life details would have made a
much stronger story. I still enjoyed <i>No Chance Meeting</i> overall and would
like to read more stories in this series.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Prism Book
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Georgia",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b><br /></b></span>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;">About the Author</span></b><br />
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<b>Jaye Elliot is an award-winning author, country girl, and hopeless romantic at heart. She loves a good hero and will always sigh happily during the lights scene in Tangled. She writes from her home in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, which she shares with three cats she considers her kids. When not writing romance novels, she pens fantasy and adventure stories as <a href="http://www.jayelknight.com/"><span style="color: lime;">Jaye L. Knight</span></a>.</b></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.jayeelliot.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/jayeelliot" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Goodreads</span></a></b><b> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jaye-elliot" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">BookBub</span></a> </b><b>| <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayeelliot" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/jayeelliotbooks" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Twitter</span></a> | <a href="http://www.instagram.com/jayelknight" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Instagram</span></a></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: large;">Tour Schedule</span></b></div>
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8489682774042769094.post-34564340610320312832020-02-24T09:53:00.000-05:002020-02-24T10:10:46.344-05:00Review + GIVEAWAY: Murder Makes Scents by Christin Brecher<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Murder
Makes Scents</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>By Christin Brecher</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Nantucket Candle Maker #2</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Kensington, 2020</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Summary</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Stella
Wright loves creating candles at her Nantucket store—and she also has a burning
passion for justice. Now, after visiting a perfume conference, she must solve a
vial crime . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Stella
and her globe-trotting mom, Millie, have come home from a perfume industry
conference in Paris, where their trip was marred by witnessing the stabbing
death of a young man. It’s a relief for Stella to be back on her picturesque
island, with the comforting company of her cat, Tinker. But lingering danger
may have followed them back across the ocean.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>After
someone breaks into her candle store, the Wick & Flame, Stella starts
feeling spooked. And just as things threaten to ignite, Millie suffers a blow
to the head. Stella receives an anonymous note claiming that her mother
smuggled a secret formula out of France—and threatening her life if it isn’t
returned. Now Stella’s picked up the scent of a cold-hearted criminal and an
intriguing puzzle, and things are about to get wicked . . .</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2EyoMSI" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Amazon</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-makes-scents-christin-brecher/1131427034?ean=9781496721419#/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">B&N</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/murder-makes-scents" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Kobo</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Murder-Makes-Scents/Christin-Brecher/9781496721419?id=7766974277502" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">BAM</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781496721419" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">IndieBound</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">– </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.hudsonbooksellers.com/book/9781496721419" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Hudson
Booksellers</span></a></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">–</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Christin_Brecher_Murder_Makes_Scents?id=0dqVDwAAQBAJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Google Play</span></a></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmKdanJ_gwfNoZrzPcyXYfSyRrSeaTgqk2IUlTTgMrWXi1JY3cFF4xsfvRp52o0ndhAWaiQDWirfs2E8cGCUO7PniDzUT4kfVFH1rVxOa6_OnXgLuV75HLm339LjSy08Sf0pff_NrMo0t/s1600/Jared+Coffin+House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="704" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmKdanJ_gwfNoZrzPcyXYfSyRrSeaTgqk2IUlTTgMrWXi1JY3cFF4xsfvRp52o0ndhAWaiQDWirfs2E8cGCUO7PniDzUT4kfVFH1rVxOa6_OnXgLuV75HLm339LjSy08Sf0pff_NrMo0t/s320/Jared+Coffin+House.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Jared Coffin House</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #ffd966; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My
thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>The combination of a Nantucket setting and the craft
of candle making initially drew me to this series by Christin Brecher and I
enjoyed book two, <i>Murder Makes Scents</i>. Brecher’s knowledge and love for
the island convey the vividness of setting with such places as Brant Point,
jetties beach, the village’s cobblestone streets, and the historical Jared
Coffin House. Stella, owner of the Wick & Flame store, is easy to connect
with.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>The story opens with Stella and her mother, Millie,
attending the World Perfumery Conference in Paris, where Millie is making a
presentation. Stella and her mother share a love for scents – Millie traveling around
the world in search of unique and exotic scents, and Stella perfecting fragrances
into her making of candles. It’s great to see them together in this story and I
enjoyed not only their relationship, but the knowledge I gained about the development
of scents for candles and their extraction from the Amazon jungles.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Murder Makes Scents</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">
is somewhat different from other stories in this genre because it contains </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">elements
of international espionage. The murder that takes place in the opening pages at
the Paris conference, related to an upcoming international Peace Jubilee,
follows Stella and Millie back to Nantucket. While the plot is intriguing, I
did think it was a little over the top and far fetched for a cozy mystery. That
being said, however, the writing is very good and I greatly enjoyed setting and
characters. We are presented with five or six characters who are new to the
island, any one of which could be the murderer, and the author does a great job
at creating varying levels of suspicion for each.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Stella’s cat, Tinker, is precious as he radiates the
endearing behavior of cats, as well as a few actions that are entirely his. I
can’t wait to see if he is eventually successful in cultivating the friendship
with Millie. A secondary theme is Stella’s romance with Peter, which I’m not quite
sure about, because I didn’t sense much chemistry between them and I actually
like her strong friendship with the police officer, Andy.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Murder
Makes Scents</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is an enjoyable cozy
mystery with very little profanity, and I look forward to more stories in the
Nantucket Candle Making series.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>Recommended.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>I received a copy of this book through Great Escapes
Tours. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.</b></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>_________________________</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> <b>Christin
Brecher</b></span><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">was born and raised in NYC, where her family and many
childhood friends still reside. As such, she feels she is as much of a
small-town girl as any. </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> The idea to write the</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nantucket Candle
Maker</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">series sprang from her life-long connection to the
small island off the coast of Massachusetts. Spending summers there as a child,
Christin read from her family’s library of mystery novels, after which she
began to imagine</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">stories inspired by the island’s whaling heyday, its
notoriously foggy nights, and during long bike rides to the beach.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> After many years in
marketing for the publishing industry, followed by years raising her children,</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Murder’s No Votive
Confidence</span></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">is Christin’s debut novel.</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="http://christinbrecher.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Website</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/christinbrecherbooks/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Facebook</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/christinbrecherbooks/" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Instagram</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18483379.Christin_Brecher" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Goodreads</span></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"> │ </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/christin-brecher" target="_blank"><span style="color: lime;">Bookbub</span></a></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>____________________</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><b>GIVEAWAY</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />Carolehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02691366747122379190noreply@blogger.com13