Monthly Reflections, where we take the time to reflect on the previous month.
How I Did With My January Goals:
Friday, January 31, 2020
Thursday, January 23, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
About the book:
About the book:
Jessamine Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought long dead just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.
Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to help solve the puzzle.
As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to set history right lead to a future together?
Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to help solve the puzzle.
As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to set history right lead to a future together?
My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)
5 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
Wow! Jess's story was such a surprise! We got to know Jess a little bit in the previous two books in the Havon Manor series and I was intrigued to know more...but I didn't expect what was going to be revealed in this book!
I loved the mystery and puzzle-solving aspect in A Pursuit of Home. It added some intensity as they were racing to find the hidden artifact before the enemies did. I loved seeing Jess and Derek interact, as you could tell they had feelings for each other but were fighting them. ;)
The story ended well and I really enjoyed this book. I loved the entire series and recommend them to fans of historical romance. I can't wait to read Hunter's next book. ;)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Wow! Jess's story was such a surprise! We got to know Jess a little bit in the previous two books in the Havon Manor series and I was intrigued to know more...but I didn't expect what was going to be revealed in this book!
I loved the mystery and puzzle-solving aspect in A Pursuit of Home. It added some intensity as they were racing to find the hidden artifact before the enemies did. I loved seeing Jess and Derek interact, as you could tell they had feelings for each other but were fighting them. ;)
The story ended well and I really enjoyed this book. I loved the entire series and recommend them to fans of historical romance. I can't wait to read Hunter's next book. ;)
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Tuesday, January 21, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
About the book:
About the book:
Daphne Blakemoor was content living in her own secluded world for the last twelve years. She had everything she needed--loved ones, a true home, and time to indulge her imagination. But when ownership of the estate where she works as a housekeeper passes to a new marquis with an undeniable connection to her past, everything she's come to rely upon is threatened.
William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?
William, Marquis of Chemsford's main goal in life is to be the exact opposite of his father. Starting a new life in the peace and quiet of the country sounds perfect . . . until his housekeeper turns his life upside down.
Both Daphne and William have spent their lives hiding from the past. Can they find the courage to face their deepest wounds and, perhaps, forge a new path for the future together?
My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)
5 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
A Return of Devotion was an amazing continuation to the Havon Manor series! After getting to know a little bit about Daphne's story in the first book, I was eager to read this and see what happened next. Right away I found myself invested in the characters and what was going on in their life.
I felt for Daphne SO much as she just wanted what was best (she thought) and had to overcome a lot in this story. The hero, William, was great. At first I wasn't sure what I thought about him, but in the end I loved his character. ;)
All in all, if you are a fan of historical romance you must read this...but be sure to read book one first as I think this series needs to be read in order.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
A Return of Devotion was an amazing continuation to the Havon Manor series! After getting to know a little bit about Daphne's story in the first book, I was eager to read this and see what happened next. Right away I found myself invested in the characters and what was going on in their life.
I felt for Daphne SO much as she just wanted what was best (she thought) and had to overcome a lot in this story. The hero, William, was great. At first I wasn't sure what I thought about him, but in the end I loved his character. ;)
All in all, if you are a fan of historical romance you must read this...but be sure to read book one first as I think this series needs to be read in order.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Friday, January 17, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
About the book:
About the book:
Against Every Warning, She's Drawn
Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart"
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.
Ever Closer to the Man Known as "Black Heart"
All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster--a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.
As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed "Black Heart," she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing--and some of her own to do as well.
With Camden's court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope--and to each other--if they want to survive.
Thursday, January 16, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
About the book:
About the book:
When Katherine "Kit" FitzGilbert turned her back on London society more than a decade ago, she determined never to set foot in a ballroom again. But when business takes her to London and she's forced to run for her life, she stumbles upon not only a glamorous ballroom but also Graham, Lord Wharton. What should have been a chance encounter becomes much more as Graham embarks on a search for his friend's missing sister and is convinced Kit knows more about the girl than she's telling.
After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and to raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. But as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, the risk of revealing the truth may come at too high a price for those she loves.
After meeting Graham, Kit finds herself wishing things could have been different for the first time in her life, but what she wants can't matter. Long ago, she dedicated herself to helping women escape the same scorn that drove her from London and to raising the innocent children caught in the crossfire. But as much as she desperately wishes to tell Graham everything, the risk of revealing the truth may come at too high a price for those she loves.
My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)
4 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
A Defense of Honor is the first book in Hunter's Havon Manor series and a wonderful historical read. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but it wasn't long before I grew to love the characters.
I found it fascinating how Kit found herself in the situation she was in...and a little sad, too, that things went the way they did. I loved how she helped so many children, even if some of her actions to help them weren't the best.
All in all, A Defense of Honor was very good and I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
A Defense of Honor is the first book in Hunter's Havon Manor series and a wonderful historical read. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but it wasn't long before I grew to love the characters.
I found it fascinating how Kit found herself in the situation she was in...and a little sad, too, that things went the way they did. I loved how she helped so many children, even if some of her actions to help them weren't the best.
All in all, A Defense of Honor was very good and I recommend it!
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Tuesday, January 14, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
Author Interview:
Sunday, January 12, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
About the book:
About the book:
Analyn Richards likes life the way she likes her wedding planning business—orderly and predictable. All doubts aside, getting engaged to the successful man she’s been dating is the natural next step, right?
But on her wedding day uncertainty makes an unscheduled appearance. She finds herself deciding whether to go along with her wedding as planned or whether to make another choice.
Will this perfectionist find the courage to take a chance on the unpredictable?
But on her wedding day uncertainty makes an unscheduled appearance. She finds herself deciding whether to go along with her wedding as planned or whether to make another choice.
Will this perfectionist find the courage to take a chance on the unpredictable?
My rating:
1 star
(Didn't like)
(View my rating system)
1 star
(Didn't like)
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
I really struggled to review this as it was an incredibly short novella and while the story could have been cute, there were several things in the story of which I wasn't a fan...including some sexual innuendos and curse words. I never connected to the characters and maybe that is because there were too many things in the story that I didn't like, so I couldn't get invested in what was going on. Sorry to say, but this one wasn't a story for me and I don't recommend it based on the content.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
I really struggled to review this as it was an incredibly short novella and while the story could have been cute, there were several things in the story of which I wasn't a fan...including some sexual innuendos and curse words. I never connected to the characters and maybe that is because there were too many things in the story that I didn't like, so I couldn't get invested in what was going on. Sorry to say, but this one wasn't a story for me and I don't recommend it based on the content.
*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Monday, January 6, 2020
This post may contain “affiliate links.” This means if you click on a link with my affiliate code and purchase an item(s), I will receive an affiliate commission. You won't be charged extra, I'll just receive a small percentage of the purchase price. See my disclosure page here.
I read 150 books in 2019; which isn't as much as in previous years, but a lot happened which affected my reading in many ways. Out of those 150 books, I've picked my top 15 reads of the year and you can find them below (in no particular order). Have you read any of them? What were some of YOUR favorite reads of 2019? Please let me know in a comment below.
- Sweet on You by Becky Wade
- Now and Then and Always by Melissa Tagg
- Summer By The Tides by Denise Hunter
- Wooing Cadie McCaffrey by Bethany Turner
- You Belong With Me by Tari Faris
- Bookishly Ever After by Sarah Monzon
- No Ocean Too Wide by Carrie Turansky
- Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst
- More Than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer
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