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Thursday, December 30, 2021

Review: Three Missing Days by Colleen Coble

Posted by Melanie on Thursday, December 30, 2021 with No comments
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:
Police Chief Jane Hardy’s teenage son has been accused of a horrific crime—and three days of Jane’s memories have been stolen from her. In the gripping third installment of the Pelican Harbor series, the truth is finally coming out.

Chief of Police Jane Hardy plunges into the investigation of a house fire that claimed the life of a local woman as well as one of the firefighters. It’s clear the woman was murdered. But why? The unraveling of Jane’s personal life makes answers for the case even more difficult to find.

Then Jane’s fifteen-year-old son is accused of a terrible crime, and she has to decide if she can trust her ex, Reid, to help her prove Will’s innocence—and if she can trust Reid with her heart.

Three days of Jane’s past are missing from her memory, and that’s not all that’s been stolen from her. As she struggles to find the murderer and clear her son’s name, finding out what happened in those three days could change everything.

It all started with one little lie . . . but the truth is finally coming out.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:

Three Missing Days was a good conclusion to the Pelican Harbor series. I enjoyed following along the journey with these characters. 

This book had quite a few intense moments and I liked how it wasn't easy to figure out what was really going on. The story was written very well and I felt like I flew through the story. 

As with the previous books, I really liked the characters and the romance. It was a great second chance romance story and the ending was wonderful.

All in all, Three Missing Days was a very good read and one I recommend. I think you should read the series in order, though. :)

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Monday, December 27, 2021

Best Books I Read In 2021 (Top Ten Tuesday)

Posted by Melanie on Monday, December 27, 2021 with 12 comments

~Best Books I Read In 2021~

I haven't read as much this year as I usually do. My reading has been slow for the most part, with some reading sprint days mixed in. I've only read 45 books this year (hoping to finish 1-2 more before the new year).

With that being said, I still read some amazing books and these are the best of the best for me in 2021. :)

(in no particular order)


This post contains “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.



What are some of your favorite reads of 2021? 
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Review: Shiloh by Lori Benton

Posted by Melanie on Monday, December 27, 2021 with No comments
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:
December 1795
A year has passed since Ian Cameron reluctantly sent his uncle’s former slave Seona and their son, Gabriel, north to his kin in Boston. Determined to fully release them, Ian strives to make a life at Mountain Laurel, his inherited plantation, along with Judith, the wife he’s vowed to love and cherish. But when tragedy leaves him alone with his daughter, Mandy, and his three remaining slaves, he decides to return north. An act of kindness on the journey provides Ian the chance to obtain land near the frontier settlement of Shiloh, New York. Perhaps even the hope for a new life with those he still holds dear.

In Boston, Seona has taken her first tentative steps as a free woman, while trying to banish Ian from her heart. The Cameron family thinks she and Gabriel should remain under their protection. Seona’s mother, Lily, thinks it’s time they strike out on their own. Then Ian arrives, offering a second chance Seona hadn’t dared imagine. But the wide-open frontier of Shiloh feels as boundless and terrifying as her newfound freedom―a place of new friends and new enemies, where deep bonds are renewed but old hurts stand ready to rear their heads. It will take every ounce of faith and courage Ian and Seona can muster to fight for their family and their future . . . together.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:

Shiloh was a great sequel to Mountain Laurel. The first book was such a complicated story and didn't really leave you with a "happily ever after", so I was hopeful this one would have a happy ending.

This story yet again pulled on the emotions. I felt like the characters were real and enjoyed following them along on their journey. The story has some really intense moments where I didn't know if something bad was going to happen - and I enjoyed that element of suspense.

All in all, Shiloh was a very good read and I thought the ending was good. I do look forward to reading the next book when it releases.

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

Thursday, December 23, 2021

Review: In A Far-Off Land by Stephanie Landsem

Posted by Melanie on Thursday, December 23, 2021 with No comments
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:
It’s 1931 in Hollywood, and Minerva Sinclaire is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.

As the Great Depression hits the Midwest, Minerva Sinclaire runs away to Hollywood, determined to make it big and save the family farm. But beauty and moxie don’t pay the bills in Tinseltown, and she’s caught in a downward spiral of poverty, desperation, and compromise. Finally, she’s about to sign with a major studio and make up for it all. Instead, she wakes up next to a dead film star and is on the run for a murder she didn’t commit.

Only two unwilling men―Oscar, a Mexican gardener in danger of deportation, and Max, a too-handsome agent battling his own demons―can help Mina escape corrupt police on the take and the studio big shots trying to frame her. But even her quick thinking and grit can't protect her from herself. Alone, penniless, and carrying a shameful secret, Mina faces the consequences of the heartbreaking choices that brought her to ruin . . . and just might bring her back to where she belongs.

My rating:
3 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:

In a Far-Off Land was a unique read. I enjoyed reading it, although some elements of the story weren't favorites of mine. I think it was probably true to the storyline, but it was just not my cup of tea.

I think the first half or so of the book was a slower read and not that gripping. The last portion was really good and it bumped up my rating. 

All in all, In a Far-Off Land was a nice read, although not a favorite. It had some more mature elements, so I don't recommend it to younger readers.

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Tuesday, December 21, 2021

Books On My Christmas Wishlist (Top Ten Tuesday)

Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 with 4 comments
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.

~Top Ten (or more ;)) Books On My (Christmas) Wishlist~

 

The first book is You and Me by Becky Wade. I've been a fan of Wade's books for years and this novella is definitely something I want to read. :)


I loved the Christiansen family series and am so excited about this new story. I hope to read it someday. :)


I just recently read Shiloh, the second book in this series, so I'm intrigued by this novella.


I read the first book this year and it was great. I'm eager to continue the series, whenever I'm able to get the books.


After loving the first two books, I definitely hope to get this book soon. I want to finish the series. <3


This series has been on my wishlist for a while. I've enjoyed other books by this author and have seen good reviews for this series.


I love Melissa Tagg's stories and this is her latest. The cover is amazing. :)

What are some books on your Christmas wishlist??
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Monday, December 20, 2021

Review: Lights Out by Natalie Walters

Posted by Melanie on Monday, December 20, 2021 with 2 comments
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:
IA analyst Brynn Taylor developed a new program to combat terrorism, and she invited members of foreign intelligence agencies to America to foster cooperation between countries. Now one of them, Egyptian spy Remon Riad, is missing.

Jack Hudson has been working for the Strategic Neutralization and Protection Agency for almost nine years and takes the lead in hunting down the missing spy. But he isn't at all pleased to find out Brynn is involved. It's hard to trust a woman who's already betrayed you.

Every lead they follow draws them dangerously deeper into an international plot. Kidnapping, murder, explosions, poisoning--the terrorists will do anything to accomplish their goal of causing a digital blackout that will blind a strategic US military communications center and throw the world into chaos.

Can Brynn surrender control to a man who doesn't trust her? And can Jack ever get over what she did to him? The fate of the world--and their hearts--hangs in the balance.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
Lights Out was an action-packed read! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know these new characters and loved the banter between the SNAP team. 

The suspense was great. I enjoyed following along as the team tried to figure out what was going on and there were some moments that I didn't know what was going to happen. The characters definitely had some SUPER close calls.

All in all, Lights Out was a great read and I recommend to fans of this genre.

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Thursday, December 16, 2021

Review: The Wish Book Christmas by Lynn Austin

Posted by Melanie on Thursday, December 16, 2021 with No comments
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:
From the bestselling author of If I Were You comes a nostalgic and endearing holiday story that reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful gifts are the ones we least expect and don’t deserve.

Best friends Audrey Barrett and Eve Dawson are looking forward to celebrating Christmas in postwar America, thrilled at the prospect of starting new traditions with their five-year-old sons. But when the 1951 Sears Christmas Wish Book arrives and the boys start obsessing over every toy in it, Audrey and Eve realize they must first teach them the true significance of the holiday. They begin by helping Bobby and Harry plan gifts of encouragement and service for those in their community, starting by walking an elderly neighbor’s yellow Lab―since a dog topped the boys’ wish list for Santa. In the charming tale that follows, Audrey and Eve are surprised to find their own hearts healing from the tragedies of war and opening to the possibility of forgiveness and new love.

My rating:
4 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
The Wish Book Christmas was a sweet Christmas story with a great message. I really enjoyed getting to revisit the characters from If I Were You, a book I absolutely loved. 

I enjoyed seeing how the boys learned the true meaning of Christmas and that it isn't about the gifts. I also liked the little bit of romance, even though that wasn't the main focus of the story. 

All in all, The Wish Book Christmas was a fun read and I recommend it. I think you should definitely read If I Were You first, though, as that makes this read even more special.

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Tuesday, December 14, 2021

Books on My Winter 2021 To-read List (Top Ten Tuesday)

Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, December 14, 2021 with 6 comments
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Monday, December 13, 2021

Review: Luther and Katharina by Jody Hedlund

Posted by Melanie on Monday, December 13, 2021 with No comments
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:
A Christy Award-winning novel chronicling the forbidden romance between Martin Luther and his wife, Katharina von Bora, set against the Protestant Reformation of the sixteenth century.

She was a nun of noble birth. He was a heretic, a reformer, and an outlaw of the Holy Roman Empire.  

In the 16th century, nun Katharina von Bora’s fate fell no further than the Abbey. Until she read the writings of Martin Luther. His sweeping Catholic church reformation—condemning a cloistered life and promoting the goodness of marriage—awakened her desire for everything she’d been forbidden. Including Martin Luther himself.
 
Despite the fact that the attraction and tension between them is undeniable, Luther holds fast to his convictions and remains isolated, refusing to risk anyone’s life but his own. And Katharina longs for love, but is strong-willed. She clings proudly to her class distinction, pining for nobility over the heart of a reformer. They couldn’t be more different.
 
But as the world comes tumbling down around them, and with Luther’s threatened life a constant strain, these unlikely allies forge an unexpected bond of understanding, support and love. Together, they will alter the religious landscape forever. 

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
Luther and Katharina was such an amazing story. I loved learning more about Luther and Katharina through this story and was pleased to find out how accurate it was in the telling.

The story had romance, danger, and believability. I felt like I was really there observing what was happening and it was a stellar read. 

All in all, I highly recommend this book. I can see myself rereading it someday. 

*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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Thursday, December 9, 2021

Review: Safe in His Arms by Colleen Coble

Posted by Melanie on Thursday, December 09, 2021 with No comments
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:
Sometimes it takes a stranger to see you as you really are.

Born and raised on sprawling Texas land, Margaret O’Brien prides herself on her competence as a rancher. But her father believes she’s made for more than just dawn-to-dusk work. He wants her to have the love of a good man, to raise children, to build a life. But Margaret gave up such dreams years ago. She’s convinced no man would have her, that the ranch is her life now.

So when Margaret’s father hires Daniel Cutler as a new foreman, she’s frustrated and suspicious. Then an overheard conversation links him with a gang of bank robbers, and she’s downright worried. Daniel swears he’s not involved, but Margaret’s not convinced. She knows the man still has secrets. But would a criminal be so kind and talk so convincingly of his faith? As a series of tragic “accidents” threatens all she holds dear, Margaret must decide what to trust: her own ears, her best judgment . . . or what her heart keeps telling her.

My rating:
5 stars
(View my rating system)
My thoughts:
Safe in His Arms was such a great read! I loved the characters...especially Margaret as I felt like I could see some of myself in her. I felt like Daniel could have prevented some problems if he would have just been honest with Margaret sooner; but other than that, I liked his character as well.

The story was written very well and I felt like there was always danger just a page away. The ending was intense and I had a difficult time reading fast enough - I just needed to know what was going to happen next. 

All in all, Safe in His Arms was definitely worth the read 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.*

Find the book on:
Amazon (aff link), Goodreads

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Tuesday, December 7, 2021

Books I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time (Top Ten Tuesday)

Posted by Melanie on Tuesday, December 07, 2021 with 5 comments
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.

~Top Ten Books/Series I Wish I Could Read Again for the First Time~
1. The Patrick Bowers series (11 amazing books so far) by Steven James

2. The River of Time series by Lisa T. Bergren

3. The Christiansen Family by Susan May Warren

4. The Alaskan Courage series by Dani Pettrey


6. The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins



7. Corridor by Robin Parrish



8. The Porter Family series by Becky Wade

9. The Ladies of the Manor series by Roseanna M. White

10. Chapel Springs series by Denise Hunter

What are some books you wish you could read again for the first time?
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