A Reckless Love

Aurora Daughtry loves to manage projects and people—and clearly takes after her Southern grandmother with a penchant for matchmaking. Between orchestrating successful matches for her two sisters and working on transforming the run-down family mansion, Aurora has had her hands full. But now that the Daughtry House is up and running as a luxurious and lucrative hotel resort, Aurora finds herself in need of a new project—and his name is deputy marshal Zane Sager. Arriving at Daughtry House to collect two key witnesses to a federal judge’s murder, the lawman’s conviction that the world—and God in particular—is out to get him is clear. As determined as Zane is to put the criminal behind bars, Aurora is just as set on freeing Zane of his cynicism. But the threat of danger increases as they get closer to the criminal—and to each other.

My Review:

A Reckless Love was an enjoyable first impression to Beth White’s books. Even though I read the third book first, I am really looking forward to reading the first two books very soon. ( :

Filled with suspense, action, and romance, this was an easy read and one I enjoyed very much. This story follows the youngest Daughtry daughter, Aurora and deputy marshal, Zane Sager. Both characters story’s were well developed and strongly written.

I enjoyed that the author added little bits of historical pieces in her story.

Overall, I recommend this book!

 

This review is written in my own words and is my honest opinion.

I received this book from the Revell Division of the Baker Publishing Group for this review.

The Battle Between…

Well, I originally thought I knew the answer to this question but then I started to see the pros and cons of each one. Yes, this comes from a girl who carried around the 5th Harry Potter book in her purse. Not the best of decisions – my poor purse did not last as long as it should have but I guess the designer did not think that it would be turned into a portable library. ( ;

 

Paper Books:

Pros-

• Easy to identify
• Sharing them is much easier
• Can display them on a bookshelf
• The satisfaction of closing the book once finished
• All you need is a library card or a credit card ( :
• Easier to read in the sun

Cons-

• Heavy to carry
• Can usually only carry one book at a time
• Fonts may be hard to read
• Could be eye straining
• Purchase cost of paper books are pricier

E-Books

Pros-

• Light and easy to carry
• Fonts are adjustable
• Usually more affordable
• Can usually have more than one book with you at all times

Cons-

• Need a device ( Kindle, phone, tablet, etc )
• Battery dies
• Hard to guess what the person is doing (are you reading or are you on social media?)
• Cannot display them
• Eye straining
• Sunlight reflects on the screen-hard to read

I personally (after giving both types a try) still prefer holding a book and being able to turn the pages. I will use both options but if I am able to get a hard copy of the book that is the one I will choose. I love the idea of being able to keep a bunch of books on a small digital device but then I lose the ability to display all the books I have on my bookshelf.

The choice is up to you! Which do you prefer?

The Land Beneath Us

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the U.S. Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers’ betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for—fulfilling the recurring dream of his death. Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family—the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago. After Clay saves Leah’s life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-Day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay’s recurring dream comes true?

My Review:

A great conclusion to the Sunrise in Normandy series by historical author Sarah Sundin.

Overall I was pleased with this book. Sundin does an excellent job with her research into her stories. For those who have followed the series, this book follows the youngest Paxton brother. Clay Paxton is a lieutenant in the Army Rangers and while completing training he meets Leah Jones. Leah is an orphaned girl in search of her younger siblings. She works at the base’s library and there she meets Clay. This is not a story of love at first sight but instead Sundin takes a different turn with a marriage of convenience. This was a little different than the other books I read by Sundin.

Sundin did an excellent job with combing historical facts with her fictitious characters and tale.

The story highlights duty, honor, forgiveness and last but not least true love.

I would recommend this book and series.

 

This review is written in my own words and is my honest opinion.

I received this book from the Revell Division of the Baker Publishing Group for this review.

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Luke 2: 1-20

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

 

Have a very Merry Christmas!

Hidden Treasures

There are many hidden book treasures out there. I have two that come to mind when thinking of books that I would deem a hidden treasure.

They are the Inheritance by Louisa May Alcott and Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte.

  

The Inheritance is Louisa May Alcott first written novel but it never received the attention, unlike Little Women. It is a quick read with a good story plot. For fans of Alcott’s books be sure to check this one out.

Agnes Grey is written by the least known of the Bronte sisters, Anne. I actually loved this book. It was sweet and a great read. Fans of the other Bronte sister’s books and Jane Austen will love this story. I sure did!

The reason I believe that these two stories are “hidden treasures” is because they are both not known to many. This is because they are both tucked behind the more famous books, such as Jane Eyre and Little Women. They definitely have their own special spot on my bookshelves.

Do you have any books that you deem “hidden treasures?”

Recommendation Monday!

Time for a series recommendation!

The Vikings Quest by Lois Walfrid Johnson

This was an all time favorite series for me and my siblings when we were younger. I re-read it this summer and I still found it amazing. As C.S. Lewis said “A children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest,” Which is very true.

Here is the summary of the first book if you are interested in learning more!

In one harrowing day, Viking raiders capture Bree and her brother Devin and take them from their home in Ireland. After the young Viking prince Mikkel sets Devin free on the Irish coast far from home, Bree and Devin embark on separate journeys to courage.
Readers will be captivated by the unfolding drama as Bree sails to Norway on the Viking ship and Devin travels the dangerous road home. They both must trust their all-powerful God in the midst of difficult situations.

 

Do you have a series you remember reading when you were younger?

Exciting August Releases!

Jody Hedlund will be releasing two new stories this month! That’s right, you heard me correctly. Here is a little information for you to look at while you are waiting for them to come out! By the way the covers are gorgeous.

Releasing August 13, 2019!

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save

Novella

three princesses from certain death. On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life. Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help. With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

Releasing August 27, 2019

Book 1

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not. Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia. When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

 

What do you think? Anyone else excited?

Very Exciting News!

Jennifer Nielsen’s third installment in the Traitor’s Game series will be releasing in March 2020! For those who have been dying to hear news of the third book, here it is!

Does contain spoilers for those who have not read book 1 and 2 of the Traitor’s Game series.

 

Simon and Kestra are hurtling down paths ever farther from each other as the battle for control of Antora rages. Simon, newly king of the Halderians, is pressed on all sides by royal duties. Harlyn Mindell is his betrothed and intended queen, but Simon can’t give up hope for a life with Kestra. Kestra, exiled, feels her magic growing — and despite everyone’s warnings, she knows she must embrace it. That power is the key to the kingdom’s future. Both still strive to defeat the evil Lord Endrick, but danger awaits them on the murky road forward. And is a common enemy enough to help them survive — or to carry them back to each other? Jennifer A. Nielsen delivers breathtaking twists and shocking revelations in an epic and action-packed third installment of The Traitor’s Game.

 

Are you excited? Let me know if you have any prediction of what is going to happen by posting them in the comments.

 

Lost in a Good Book!

Do you ever find yourself lost in a good book? I just finished The Printed Letter Bookshop by Katherine Reay and loved it.

Here is the summary of the book before I start talking about it.

“Love, friendship, and family find a home at the Printed Letter Bookshop!
One of Madeline Cullen’s happiest childhood memories is of working with her Aunt Maddie in the quaint and cozy Printed Letter Bookshop. But by the time Madeline inherits the shop nearly twenty years later, family troubles and her own bitter losses have hardened Madeline’s heart toward her once-treasured aunt—and the now struggling bookshop left in her care. While Madeline intends to sell the shop as quickly as possible, the Printed Letter’s two employees have other ideas. Reeling from a recent divorce, Janet finds sanctuary within the books and within the decadent window displays she creates. Claire, though quieter than the acerbic Janet, feels equally drawn to the daily rhythms of the shop and its loyal clientele, finding a renewed purpose within its walls. When Madeline’s professional life takes an unexpected turn, and when a handsome gardener upends all her preconceived notions, she questions her plans and her heart. She begins to envision a new path for herself and for her aunt’s beloved shop—provided the women’s best combined efforts are not too little, too late.”

Let’s begin!

I am going to completely honest with you all. I was drawn to this book by its cover. What do you think of it? Would you be like me and want see what this book is about? I have read Katherine Reay’s Dear Mr. Knightly and enjoyed that one but this book outshines that one by far.

Enjoyable, heart-warming, captivating, and sweet are just a few words that describes this book. I did not want to put this book down and when I finished it, I went to my Goodreads page and recommended it all my sisters and mom. Katherine Reay swept me into her charming story with just a couple words but who would not love a book that has its main setting as a bookstore. If the Printed Letter Bookshop was real, I would be there.

The book follows three different women whose lives are all affected by the little bookshop and the previous owner. Each of their stories are intriguing and I wanted to read about all of them. Each woman had her own story to tell and Reay told them beautifully.

Another thing I loved about the book was all the books that were talked about in the story. Many of the books mentioned were ones I have read which made me smile to see them implemented into the story. If you do read this book, Reay included a list of all the books she talked about in the story in the back. I was so happy she did that!

So overall, this book makes a lovely get away for anyone in need of a good story. I highly recommend it!

 

What makes you get lost in a good book?

Summer Reading!!!

Hey Everyone,

I hope you are having a lovely summer! I cannot believe I have not posted since March 25th! Wow, time has flown by. I hope each of you have found at least a small time this summer to do some reading. I sure have. I have read so many books lately that I want to share them with you all.

But first of all, I want to encourage you all to sign up for summer reading at your local library. This will help you stay on track for reading this summer. Also, what is better than reading to get prizes? Well nothing is better than that. Granted, your library may not do it but there are plenty of ways to make summer reading fun. Such as the Goodreads challenge or creating your own personal set of reading goals.

You might be saying that it is to late to sign up for your library’s summer reading but here is a little secret from a librarian. Just as long as the reading program is still running, you can still sign up. At the library I work at, we encourage everyone to sign up even during the last week. So, if you are able to, go to your library and sign up for Summer Reading!

Have you signed up? Tell me about your library’s summer reading program by commenting. I would love to hear about it!