Monday, July 27, 2020

Life in Daytona Beach, Florida ( Our Dogs) July 27, 2020

This is how I really feel about this place;

1: We have dogs. No, they're really not mine but my friend's. I wish she'd get rid of them truly because in our situation, we really don't need them. Please pray that my friend decides to give them up. Otherwise; I have a feeling we'll be on the streets forever because of them.

2: They're hot and miserable. Being in a cage all the time or most of the time isn't fun that much I know even though we do have food and water for them. Yes, they're are good watch dogs in case someone comes up on us that we don't hear them but other than that well, let's just say they're a hindrance. 
No motel or hotel hardly accepts pets. None. Then when they do, they want to charge for them as people. Can you believe it? I've never heard of such! Dogs are animals not people! Florida is weird.
My friend knows she is sick but she won't go to the hospital. That stubborn Kentucky pride if you ask me. My husband is the same way. He won't go either. He'd rather sit around and complain rather than do something about it. Me I say oh just forget it and go so I can feel better. 
But anyway, back to the dogs. I wish she'd get it in her head to get rid of them. We'd have much  better luck in getting a place and then later on maybe we can get another dog ( but I'd rather not. I'd get attached to that one too.)
Logan and Mazy are two of the friendliest dogs you'd ever want to meet which is why I'd hate to see them go. But in my heart of hearts I know they'd be better off. I just wish my friend would see that. 
Mazy is expecting pups and that we certainly don't need! We just got rid of a bunch! Goodness!
The dogs are min pin. They are so beautiful and well mannered. Oh, they get in their heads not to mind but then aren't dogs like children at times? Of course they are which is why we love them.
Here are Logan and Mazy:



Logan and Mazy

Don't you just love that one ear up and the other one down? It's what makes Logan special in my opinion. Oh and when you sneak up on him he jumps up like a deer. He jumps high too! I've never met a dog like that.

The mother of Mazy was hit and run over about a week ago. The person that did it didn't even stop just kept right on going. I wonder if they even have a conscience? Probably not which is why they didn't stop. Ridgewood Ave here in Daytona is much like Nicholasville Rd. Busy, busy busy. That street never sleeps. 

Here's Allie:



This is Allie the mother of Mazy. She was the best one of the three dogs if you ask me. I miss her very much. How she got lose was that she sat there and chewed through her leash. I  guess my friend wasn't watching her. I'm so sad. Losing a pet isn't easy. 

Being homeless and in the streets we defiantly don't need these dogs but yet when we were in Kentucky I'd see quite a few people that have pets. Here in Florida I've seen only one person with a dog and that was only one dog. Says they got evicted from their home because of asbestos. Not sure if that is true or not. 
I've met quite a few homeless and each has an interesting story to tell. But that is a story for another day lol. 
 
Mazy is a mama's girl. She loves cuddling up to no one but her human mama. I nick named her Snoot dog because in a way she really is snooty. 
Logan takes a while to warm up to you. He's the one that I told you jumps like a reindeer. It's so cute to watch him do it. 
He has no tail. My friend that got him, said " the man I got him from docked his tail." " He also shot bb's at the dogs to make them mind." What kind of person does that? Too bad we couldn't get the man for mistreating the pups. But that was almost two years ago. Logan will be 2 in Nov. 
Logan loves to sleep with you. He's a snuggle bug. It's why he's my favorite of the two that's left. 

Well, that is all for now folks. Will write more later 











Saturday, July 25, 2020

Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard

48814682


ABOUT THE BOOK

When five maidels join forces to turn an abandoned barn into an Amish marketplace, the unmarried women have community in mind. But their fledgling enterprise promises to reap surprising rewards for each in turn, including the gift of unexpected love . . .

For Regina Miller, the new Morning Star Marketplace is a chance to share her secret work with the world--without revealing herself. Old Order Amish forbid the creation of art without purpose, but without a husband, Regina has been free to explore the joy of painting in her attic. Yet when Gabe Flaud's curiosity leads him to speculate that Regina herself is the painter, the full weight of their community's judgement falls on her shoulders.

When Gabe stands up to defend Regina, questioning the Order's restrictions, he reveals his own guilty secret and is shunned along with her. Forced to turn to each other for companionship, the young couple must learn to balance their own needs with their deep faith . . . and a love that will show them all things are possible.


MY REVIEW

I think I’m going to open up my review with a favorite quote from the book.
I like this particular one because it is true.
“God is good All the Time.” Yes He is for sure!
I love this particular story because Hubbard shows us that Faith holds strong throughout this beautiful story of very real struggles in our daily lives and that God is with us all the time. Even when we think He is far away when He’s really not. It’s us who chose to go our own way whether we should or not. For that choice we sometimes suffer the consequences just like the preachers say.
I wish all the Amish bishops could be like Bishop Jeremiah! He’s such a kind, caring man and he really does love his flock so to speak. He never lets his responsibilities go to his head like some do. In that way I admire him.
Gabe is the coolest guy ever! Even though I don’t really like the nick name Red. I like Honey-girl much better!
Regina is the bravest of the bravest. She definitely has backbone that’s for sure! I think I would have an absolute meltdown.
I sure didn’t like Saul and Ammon! They’ve shown me a side of the Amish that I think I would be ashamed of. But, I feel that this is the author’s way of showing us that the Amish are not perfect in anyway like we seem to think they are.
This said , I adored this book! I didn’t want it to end because it left my heart feeling full and satisfied. Amish stories do tend to do that to me you know?
I found myself snickering at this quote that Gabe and Regina referred to “ I could treat you to a pizza before we make our entrance which will likely cause a stir, most likely.” “ Are you up for that?”
“A stir?” “ I can be the spoon - as long as you’re the hand that’s holding it.”
I love this! I’ve never heard this before and that’s what made me smile/crack up. I thought it was adorable! I’m sure my parents or grandparents have never heard this either.
I didn’t want this story to end but there is a surprise at the end so I will eagerly look forward to reading the next installment!
Hubbard writes the best stories!
I highly recommend this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.


About THE AUTHOR


Charlotte Hubbard



Drawing upon her experiences in Jamesport, the largest Old Order Amish community west of the Mississippi, longtime Missourian Charlotte Hubbard (a.k.a. Naomi King) writes of simpler times and a faith-based lifestyle in her new Seasons of the Heart series. Like her heroine, Miriam Lantz, Charlotte considers it her personal mission to feed people—to share hearth and home. Faith and family, farming and food preservation are hallmarks of her lifestyle, and the foundation of her earlier Angels of Mercy series. She’s a deacon, a dedicated church musician and choir member, and when she’s not writing, she loves to try new recipes, crochet, and sew. Charlotte now lives in Minnesota with her husband and their border collie.

My Experience in Daytona Beach, Florida from JunI'e 6, to July 25th

I've wanted to keep track of my journey here in Florida but since my journal is in storage at the moment and I don't know where to find it this will have to do. 
Let me begin by saying it's never easy moving to a new state. I don't care who you are or how well thought out you may have or think you may have laid your plans carefully because let me be the first to explain that it DOES NOT always go the way you think it should.  I'm living proof of this. 
Second, I'm not even sure we're supposed to be here. PERIOD! I don't even know why I tried. 
The car accident I had back in May should have been living proof that God didn't want us here. We should have kept ourselves at home in Kentucky.  But ya'll should know me by now that I'm hard headed and want to do things my own way so I'm guessing God is letting me experience this disaster of a move. 
No, I'm not mad at God. This whole thing is entirely my fault alone. 
One dreadful thing has happened right after even before we left Kentucky. That should have told me something but as usual I didn't listen. 
I can't remember if bad things happened or not when I made the move from Ohio to Kentucky in 1982 with my parents. It all seemed so easy then. NOT! 
We had a rental car from where we had our car accident but that was a disaster too. Another bad thing. The man who let us  bring it here to Florida decided he wanted to be a butthole. He said that if we didn't get the car back to him he was going to report it stolen. And he did. 
The car wasn't due back until June 15 but he started calling us on June 10 five days early. I even had a contract but I guess that kind of thing doesn't matter anymore. 
Well, I was going down Ridgewood Ave and about 10 police cars pull us over. I'm like what the heck? Scared me half to death. I didn't do anything wrong but I guess all they had to do was scan the plate to the car. I almost had a heart attack. That's how scared I was. 
Fortunately for me the police were very nice. That eased my anxiety some. He made us get everything out of the car we were in and towed the car away leaving us on the streets. That was the beginning of our troubles. How we ever got out that mess I'll never remember. I was in too much shock to think.
Of course, the first thing my dumb ass husband asked where was the car? Duh they took it and I almost went to jail because of you. I couldn't believe it. Well, yes I can. That's the way most men are him included. Made me so mad! This mess was all his fault! 
We've lived in one hotel after another since we've gotten here. My the owners of them were extremely rude! DO NOT EVER COME TO THE HERITAGE INN! They have bedbugs galore and the owners are very very rude! Because of them, I ended up at Halifax Hospital here in Daytona Beach, Fl. I didn't come here to live in Florida only to end up in the hospital. I had enough of that in Lexington, Ky. 
But, anyway we ended up in the streets down here for 6 days and nights. Not a very good experience. It's how we lost one of our dogs.
I was in the hospital when it happened. 
According to my friend and son, Ally chewed through her leash and escaped. She ran across Ridgewood Ave and got run over. The man who ran over her killed her. I was so upset. So now, we're down to two watchdogs. I really miss Alley. She was my favorite of the three. Now, we only have Logan and Maizey left. Since we're on the streets now I'm mighty glad we have them. No one can walk up on us without the dogs letting us know they're there. Guard dogs is what I call them. 
Here's Logan and Maizey:


Motel 6 was the same way. Rude. We stayed there for 14 days and all the owner did was complain complain complain. I've never heard such! Don't you think that other people leave their hotel rooms just as dirty and towels everywhere, sheets messed up after they sleep in them? Of course they do. But it seemed like they zeroed in on us and we even left the room clean so they wouldn't have to do much after we left. I was glad to go but we still ended up in the streets here and are still on the streets. Now, I know how the homeless feel but the one thing I don't do is drugs or alcohol. Nasty stuff. I have enough problems of my own without adding this to it.  
Yes, let me tell you about what happened yesterday as well. We were sitting at an abandoned gas station on International Speedway and this man comes up and starts laying stuff on the ground in front of us. One of those items was a whole big thing of pot. Me and my friend Carrie looked at each other and she told me not to touch it. Duh, I wasn't going to touch it. I don't even like it or smoke it so why would I do that? I"m not going to get myself in trouble. NO WAY! 
So after the man left, Carrie gathered up the stuff using an old sock and put the items in the bag, tied it up and threw them away. I couldn't believe it. No one has ever approached me like that. Shows me Satan is at work here guys. I'm clean all the way. I don't do none of those evil things to myself. I reckon we passed the test because he never came back Thank God! He surely was watching out for us women. Of course, our dogs wouldn't let him get close either. We think it was a set up.
There have been some really nice people too. Extremely few and far between but awesome. Some have even given us money. For which we were grateful for. Some even bought stuff from Speedway for us. Shows me that there are still some good people out there. I think they are God's angels. 
It's been a weird experience on that end too. No one wants to help here.  All the important people at the resource center wants to do is talk down to you and treat you like poop. I'm referring to the lady at the Salvation Army. Really nasty. It's like she doesn't want to do the job she's hired to do. Especially helping people to relocate. Jeez!! There's really no sense in treating people like that. If you don't want to be there then why are you? Surely there's someone better that can do the job? Hmmm? 
There are no feeding places to help with the homeless, no cooling centers at all due to this stupid Covid 19 shit. I couldn't believe it. 
Even the Salvation Army for women and children are closed but the men's is open. To me, that doesn't make sense. Men there you have it. It was the same crap in Lexington. All anyone wants to focus on is the men. Stupid men. Nothing but lots of trouble if you ask me. So really, there is no where to go down here at all. Not even a hot meal to be had because of this crap going on. I hate this Covid and it just got worse! That's all I ever hear is Covid Covid Covid. 
Which is why I'm glad that Kevin and Michael are working at day labor. They pay daily so we have some money to either stay at motels, have food to eat etc. Might not be what we want but it's something. They don't work weekends. Maybe some Sat but few and far between. 
We're just waiting on their SS cards so they can get real jobs. This is just to hold us over until something better comes along. 
Now, we have had several dust clouds covering Florida. I've seen them come over us. Makes the sky look really weird and it's hard to breathe outside. Big fluffy orange looking clouds. I'm sitting here, thinking to myself can 2020 get any worse? So far, it's proven to me it can. 
The only beautiful thing worth looking at is the ocean. When the sun shines down on it oh my! It's stunning! 
Here's a photo of Daytona Beach:





At night, with the full moon over the ocean I think of God and the amazing things He has created for us to admire like this ocean. The sound of the waves is just so comforting. They put me to sleep one time. The stars come out and just wow! 
I found some beautiful shells along Florida's beaches. Most of them came from Flagler Beach. Big huge shells too! Not just the bitty ones that are here at Daytona. Those are so small that they're disappointing. 







AT FLAGLER BEACH, Florida June 2020






Daytona is disappointing. I thought it'd be different with so many thins to do but there's not. Social distancing yuck! At least they social distance on the beaches here. I've seen that with my own eyes. 
But as my granny and mom said " I've made my bed now I have to lie in it." So I will try to make the best of it. I'm the one who wanted to come here. 
Oh, let me tell you about the buses before I close out for the time being. Talk about an interesting experience! 
These buses don't just run in Daytona. They go everywhere to the surrounding cities too! Deland, Port Orange, New Smyrna, etc. are just some of the examples. A couple of times I got lost and ended up riding the whole route! Which I didn't mind of course. But when you're tired at the end of the long day that's a different story! I have had several anxiety attacks. Not fun! Now Kevin is good for that. I'm glad he was there those times. 
Here's a photo of our buses:


Votran is not like Lextran. Lextran only serves Lexington. I miss my children especially my 782. and my favorite driver Brian Durham. 
Here's the kicker and this has nothing to do with the buses. It's the cabs. These cab drivers charge $15 extra dollars for " moving fee" they say. I've never heard of that. But at least they know where we're going unlike the bus drivers down here. Most Votran drivers are rude. Whenever you ask them something and instead of anwsering you they say " I don't know" wow why are you a bus driver then? How do you know where you are going if you can't answer my question? Jeez on that one too! 😛

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Beck Fordham.

52536770


ABOUT THE BOOK

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.

When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.

In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?

Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going. 


MY REVIEW

Once again Fordham has brought us a heartwarming story that I'm sure all readers will love! I know I did!
I love her stories! 
This story is special to me because certain events in Aggie's life has reminded me of my own. I felt Aggie's pain because I understood her. I felt like she was me. I feel like we're kindred spirits.
What I really liked was the love and support the town had for each other. I often think what would happen if we had that for our towns in today's world what that would be like. In some ways, small towns are special.
I grew up in two small towns and it was ok. One was mostly family. And the other, well I sort of miss it. It was all I knew until I moved to Winchester, Ky.
I like Fordham's writing style. Her ability to tell a story that sends us back in time is amazing! I didn't want to return.
Each character brought their own special gift to the story. 
My heart went out to Hannah and Joshua. I cried with them as Hannah told her story. Hannah and Joshua in my opinion are a special couple with lots of love to give.
Sam, I felt was my friend. We all need a Sam in our lives. I hope that he finds happiness. He deserves it. I will be rooting for him.
Another character that made me smile was Old McHenry lol! His stories reminded me of the ones my grandfather would tell me as I was growing up.
One character that particularly got on my nerves was Minnie. Oh, she meant well but well you know how it is with people like that.
The book was so good that I finished it in one afternoon. It is a book that I hope will continue on because I love being with the characters.  They are my friends and I would love to visit them again. 
This was such a good story that I highly recommend it.
My thanks for a complimentary copy of this book. It was a real pleasure to read it.
I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own. 


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rachel Fordham


Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”. Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com






Sunday, July 19, 2020

The Trustworthy One by Shelly Shepard Gray

49931330



ABOUT THE BOOK


New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray returns to the charming and evocative Walnut Creek Series with an unforgettable novel following one broken young woman whose search for peace leads her back to her hometown, where she rediscovers her faith and reconnects with those she loves most.

Kendra Troyer always knew she would leave Walnut Creek the first chance she got. When she was accepted into design school, she tried her best not to look back at the four siblings she was abandoning, but ahead to Columbus, where she was determined to stay—far away from her abusive home and far away from Nate Miller, the boy she vowed to despise for the rest of her life.

Though she suffered through dark times in Columbus, Kendra found her faith in the Lord again, and years later, when she learned one of her good friends had died, she realized it was time to go home to those she left behind.

Back in Walnut Creek, Kendra has a life she never could have imagined: her own design shop, a pretty little house, and a tight-knit group of friends. After she settles down, though, unexpected visitors come knocking and dark memories begin to resurface. Complicating things even further is the ever-present Nate Miller, who now owns the hardware store two doors down and whose very presence stirs in Kendra a fierce need to turn away and hide from her past. But Nate is persistent in setting things right between them.

As Kendra tries to come to terms with the anger she holds from her childhood, will she be able to open her heart to forgiveness and find the comfort she has always longed for in Walnut Creek?



MY REVIEW

Gray gives a different outlook from the Amish and Mennonite world where some of these subjects just aren't talked about. I like how she shows us the Amish and Mennonites aren't that different from everyone else and she doesn't beat around the bush about it.
I have enjoyed this series because it shows true friendship among the 8 and how they keep it going after one of their own does something so horrific that you never hear about from this particular group,
A lot of life's lessons are learned here and lots of over comings as well.
I've loved Grays stories from the beginning. I think what I like best about her stories is that her characters seem realistic and believable and at times lovable just simply from the things that life manages to throw at them. And of course, they always come out for the better than they started out with.
I know one thing, I couldn't put this book down until I finished it. Just wonderful and at the same time perfect!
Forgiveness and Love are the main theme in this story along with abuse, drugs etc.
Forgiveness is important. It's what Jesus would want us to do. Plus, it would give ourselves some peace knowing that we tried even if the other person didn't want to.
I do want to add that I admire Kendra very much. She's my favorite besides Marie. Kendra is very brave young woman who has overcome much in her life and has come out much stronger. I found myself rooting for her throughout the whole book. She didn't disappoint me. Way to go Kendra! 
I highly recommend this book. Gray is an awesome author!
My thanks to Gallery books and Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review for this book and all opinions are my own. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR


Shelley Shepard Gray


Shelley Shepard Gray has published over seventy novels. She currently writes Amish romances for Harper Collins, Kensington, and Simon & Schuster and contemporary women’s fiction for Blackstone Publishing.

Her novels have been Holt Medallion winners and Inspirational Readers Choice and Carol finalists. Shelley’s novels have appeared on both the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists.

Her novels have been highlighted in the Philadelphia Enquirer, Washington Post, Time Magazine, and USA Today. She has also been interviewed on NPR as well as numerous regional radio stations.
Before writing romances, Shelley lived in Texas and Colorado, where she taught school and earned both her bachelor’s degree in English literature and elementary education and later obtained her master’s degree in educational administration. She currently lives in Colorado Springs and writes full time. Shelley is married, the mother of two young adults, and always has a dachshund by her side. She is an active member of her church, on Facebook and on Twitter. She also has a website, www.shelleyshepardgray.com.

Sunday, July 12, 2020

My favorite 2020 reads so far as follows

THE CRUSHING DEPTHS BY DANI PETTERY


53163130



My feelings for this book are just wow! 
Fast action that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I liked the idea of team work in this book. Team work sure gets a lot done instead of working against each other. I learned some different things from reading this book too. A Wonderful read one I can highly recommend. 



DON'T KEEP SILENT BY ELIZABETH GODDARD


53125343


My thought on this book is that I love it because it has a little bit of everything mixed in it. I love guessing the whodunit because it kept me on the edge of my seat. The Inspiration from has left my heart feeling full. I highly recommend.


THE SECRETS OF SAFFRON HALL BY CLARE
MARCHANT


The Secrets of Saffron Hall



This book is like two books in one. But it's so well written that you won't hardly notice it. 1538 is my favorite because of the Tudors. I love anything that is written about them. They are a fascinating family. I did enjoy Eleanor's story too. 
I highly recommend this one also. Especially if you love time travel. 


STAY WITH ME BY BECKY WADE


53139892. sx318 sy475


I loved this book because it talks about issues that involve our everyday life.  This author has done her research well and has made her character's feelings come to life through the pages of this book. 
She doesn't beat around the bush about certain things this book portrays. It's also filled with Inspirational thoughts that isn't too preachy.  


IF I WERE YOU BY LYNN AUSTIN

48678863


I think the other has given us a wonderful insight on how it might be to be the other person.  Of what life is like for them.  Even though I wanted to cry in some places and others I had to snicker. I feel that Lynn has told a wonderful story one that I couldn't put down until I finished. This is one that will leave you thinking about it long after the book is finished. This is one of my favorite authors and I felt honored to be on her street team this year. I hope I did this book justice with my review because there just isn't any words to express I how feel. Blessed very Blessed. 

THE BOOK OF LOST FRIENDS BY LISA WINGATE

53025903. sx318 sy475


This book! This book is amazing! I mean every time I tried to put it down to sleep the voices in this book kept calling me to read it because they had a story to tell me. When I was finished I was blubbering because the character' struggles and pain were so realistic that I felt as I were in the story with them. Ya'll just have to read this amazing book to see what I'm talking about! 


PRETENDING TO BE WED ( FRONTIER VOWS)


53186152. sy475 t


When you read a book like this you know you're getting a treat because this author only puts out a book every so often. I love how she add humor in her books to make the reader enjoy the story that much more! I loved this couple very much. They were certainly very interesting and fun loving! This book ya'll! I highly recommend it! You'll love this couple just as much as I did!


STORIES THAT BIND US BY SUSIE FINKBEINER


53174389. sx318 sy475


I enjoy anything by this author and I feel that this is her best one yet! Ms. Betty is a wonderful character of her time. Hugo is a sweet little boy and I thought the two of them together was awesome. I loved Ms. Betty's story telling. I found myself imaging sitting by her side and mesmerized by her stories. I especially loved the places Betty and Hugo visited. I didn't want to say goodbye.


WHAT MOMMA LEFT BEHIND


53154863


I enjoyed this book about the people of the Appalachia's. Such beautiful people and the language even reminds me of Kentucky at times. Worrie is an amazing character. She's stout, determined, strong and I could name a few other words that I liked about her but that will do for now. 
The struggles are very real and dealing with the influenza on top of it all. 
I didn't like her greedy brother at all! All he thought about was himself. 
This was a great read and another one I highly recommend! 










Saturday, July 11, 2020

A Dream Within A Dream by Mike Nappa; Melissa Kosci

53158088


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

When a troubled young man who goes by Dream tries to kidnap private investigator Trudi Coffey, she discovers he may be the key to solving one of the greatest unsolved art heists in history.


MY REVIEW

An excellent book that will keep you engaged and on the edge of your seat plot. Lots of surprises along the way that you definitely won't see coming. To me, this is what's so exciting about the book. You never know what's coming around the corner!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved each of the characters.
I savored this book because I didn't want it to end and like my friend has suggested I'd like to go back and read the others. Even though you don't need to. You can pretty much pick up from here.
The characters oh my each was a delight in their own special way. They truly made me believe that they were real as the author has brought their feelings out to me from across the pages of this book.
So buckle up for the roller coaster ride of your life! This is a thriller for sure!
I give these authors five stars. And they are new to me. I will be looking for more by them.
I highly recommend this book.
My thanks to Netgalley and Revell for a complimentary copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mike Nappa


Mike Nappa is an entertainment journalist at PopFam.com, as well as a bestselling and award-winning author with more than one million books sold worldwide. When he was a kid, the stories of Edgar Allen Poe scared him silly. Today he owns everything Poe ever wrote. A former fiction acquisitions editor, Mike earned his MA in English literature and now writes full-time. He is the author of Annabel Lee and The Raven.

Melissa Kosci is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of Songahm Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. She and Corey, her husband of twenty years, live in Florida, where they do their best not to melt in the sun.

Friday, July 10, 2020

A Father's Promise by Mindy Obenhaus


A Father's Promise Blog Tour 
Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for A Father's Promise by Mindy Obenhaus, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

A Father's Promise by Mindy Obenhaus
Title: A Father's Promise 
Author: Mindy Obenhaus 
Publisher: Love Inspired  
Release Date: June 16, 2020 
Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance

He doesn't think he deserves a family... 
but now he has a daughter.

Stunned to discover he has a child, Wes Bishop isn't sure he's father material. But his adorable daughter needs him, and he can't help feeling drawn to her mother, Laurel Donovan -- a woman he's finally getting to know.

But can this sudden dad overcome a past tragedy that has him convinced he's not meant to be a husband or a father...and make a promise of forever?


     

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mindy Obenhaus 
Award-winning author Mindy Obenhaus is passionate about touching readers with Biblical truths in an entertaining and sometimes adventurous manner. She lives on a ranch in Texas with her husband, two sassy pups, countless cattle, deer, and the occasional coyote, mountain lion, or snake. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, cooking, and watching copious amounts of the Hallmark Channel.

CONNECT WITH MINDY: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Bookbub 


EXCERPT



   The realization made him wince. Laurel was alone. A single mom. That couldn’t have been easy, and it was his fault. He’d been weak, and Laurel had been forced to live with the consequences.

The café was empty when they reached the bottom step, something he was more than a little grateful for. Rae held the child—his child, he reminded himself—in her arms and was dancing among the tables, swaying

to and fro.

She stopped when she saw them. “Aw, who’s that, Sarah-Jane?”

The beautiful little girl with hair the color of honey and the same blue eyes as his smiled as her mother approached. A moment later, that smile shifted to him, flipping his insides and his entire world upside down.

Mesmerized, he continued across the wooden floor, not knowing what to do or say.

When he stopped beside the pair, Sarah-Jane reached out her hand and offered him her cookie. How could he refuse? He pretended to nibble. “Yummy, thank you.”

The grinning child seemed pleased with herself. Or him. And for some reason, that mattered. Because despite having just met her, he was smitten with this pint-size charmer. Sarah-Jane was everything good in this world—innocence, pure and simple. Her only expectation was that he would accept the cookie she’d offered. In exchange, he’d offered up his heart, and she’d snatched it without question.

And in that moment, Wes knew his life had been changed forever.





 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of A Father's Promise, a $20 Amazon gift card, and a James 1:17 mug!

A Father's Promise JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 6, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on July 13, 2020. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.


 
Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
cropped-justread-logo.png
*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

Thursday, July 9, 2020

Under Scottish Stars by Carla Laureano

27409677


ABOUT THE BOOK

Recently widowed Serena MacDonald Stewart focuses solely on her children—to the exclusion of career, artistic pursuits, and her sanity. When her brothers ask her to use her long-ignored business skills to oversee the family guest house on the Isle of Skye, she thinks it might be a chance for a new start. But her hopes for a smooth transition are dashed when, the current hotel manager, Malcolm Blake, turns out to be irritating, condescending ... and incredibly attractive.


MY REVIEW

Well, since everyone has pretty much read my thoughts on this book and I agree with ya'll this book was a delight to read! However; I didn't know that it took four long years to wait for it but, since it did it was well worth the read!
I loved the scenery and the way that Laureano wrote, I felt like I was there with the MacDonald family and I loved every minute of it! I didn't want to leave Scotland.
Faith is easy to accept and yes it's very hard to hold on to. Even I have trouble with that. I wonder if God understands that I try so hard sometimes and other times I fail so miserably. I think each of us is that way,
I appreciate that Laureano shows imperfect characters and offers hope in such a way that it's realistic and believable.
A wonderful story and one I enjoyed very much.
I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to read the first books in this series to know what was going on.
I highly recommend this book. I love this author's writing style very much.
My thanks to Netgalley and Tyndale for letting me read and review this beautiful story. I was NOT required to write a positive review and all opinions are my own.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carla Laureano

Carla Laureano is the RITA® Award-winning author of contemporary inspirational romance and Celtic fantasy (asC.E. Laureano). A graduate of Pepperdine University, she worked as a sales and marketing executive for nearly a decade before leaving corporate life behind to write fiction full-time. She currently lives in Denver with her husband and two sons, where she writes during the day and cooks things at night.


A Foreign Crown by Jen Geigle Johnson

53491447. sx318



ABOUT THE BOOK

A ROYAL REGENCY ROMANCE

Following a devastating series of misfortunes, Lady Aribella Bardsley has bravely shouldered the responsibilities of her household. But just as the bleakness of her situation threatens to overwhelm her, a summons arrives from the Queen with a providential offer: Aribella’s presence is requested as a lady-in-waiting at the palace.

Prince Layton Wilhelm’s family has clung to their neutrality in the war for far too long. As the youngest of the King of Oldenburg’s eight sons, Layton is determined to prove his worth and is unwilling to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s encroaching privateers. When Layton embarks on a journey to England, it is for one purpose: to petition the British navy for aid. But when he becomes acquainted with the lovely Lady Aribella, he cannot deny their powerful connection. Amid the intrigues and schemes within the walls of the palace, Layton and Aribella know a future together is impossible—but torn between loyalty and love, will they risk everything to follow their hearts? 


MY REVIEW

Once again Johnson gives us another wonderful clean romance read with a beautiful cover! Isn't it amazing?!
I got to look at the life of a lady in waiting. I've always wondered what they really do and Johnson has done a wonderful job in her research for this book
Johnson has a cool writing style all her own and I like how she makes her character"s feelings come out to us across time and the pages of the book.
This book kept me entertained and I had fun imaging what it must have been like to live in the Georgian/Regency era. All the beautiful dresses that the ladies wore.
King George was certainly an interesting character wasn't he? I felt like I got to know him more and more as I read this book, Even Kings have their problems just like we do.
I highly recommend this book. It's a wonderful read and one I believe you'll love just as much as I did!
My thanks to Netgalley for a complimentary copy of this book and I was NOT required to write a positive review, All opinions are my own.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall 

The Songs that could have been by Amanda Wen

ABOUT THE BOOK Two couples in love. Two sets of impossible circumstances. One powerful God of grace. After a tailspin in her late teens, Lau...