The Sins of the Mother by Danielle Steel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this - although I listened to it vs reading it. I think I missed out on a little bit doing it this way as my mind wanders, etc.

This was a good book about family. A mom who spent most of her children's younger years working tries to figure out how to make it up to them.

The dynamics of all the children were very different and very relatable.

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Shadow in Serenity by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Can a con be conned?

Logan comes to the small town of Serenty to con the town out of their money.
Carney, who parents are cons and travel with the circus, sees through him day 1 but can's convince the town that he is not who he says he is. The town still gives him all their money.
Can Logan figure out a way to make everyone happy, including himself? Can Carney trust Logan with her feelings?
Carny has a son, Jason, who adds smiles to the book.
There is a dog thrown in and that is how I feel that he was thrown in. I can see why he was introduced but he needed a bigger part or to be left out of the book.

I enjoyed this book, their was less religion in this book than I expected but it didn't take away from the story or how much I enjoyed this book.

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Christmas in Apple Ridge

Three short novellas by Cindy Woodsmall. These are touching stories but I just don't get enough time spent with the characters in the short stories. I want more time with them. I want to hear more about them - it is like a sample. Don't get me wrong they are a good read but I think I am going to stick with the books vs the Novellas.

Dear Deb

Dear Deb is not a book I would normally read. But the concept of this book intrigued me. This was a book of letters that Margaret Terry wrote to her friend Deb who was dying. They started out being letters of encouragement but so many of them seemed to bring new meaning to simple things, stories of the past, understanding, God!

Silent Night by Colleen Coble What a great short story to catch us up with everyone at Rock Harbor. It was great to read about Bree, Sampson, Davy, Kade and the rest of the gang. It was a sweet story one that brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face. My only complaint it that it was too short.

His Love Endures Forever by Beth Wiseman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great book. Good job Beth.

This was book 3 in the Land of Canaan Series, I will be honest it took me a few pages to remember who everyone was but hey I read a lot. I have read over 80 books so far this year.

Danielle, who we know was abused from a previous book, thinks she finds love with Matthew. Danielle finds out she is pregnant and when she tells Matthew he runs. Danielle's best friend Levi belives God has told him to marry Danielle. This is there story.

Spoiler Alert....
Thank you Beth for not having an accident in this book. Thank you for just a honest book about blended families. I really hope we have another and find out what happens to Uncle Noah.

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Kate's Song by Jennifer Beckstrand
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had a like / dislike relationship with this book.

I loved watching Katie grow in her relationship with God, seeing her get angry and question her relationship. Most readers can understand those feelings.

There was one point I was so disappointed in where the book was going that I had to put the book down and walk away.

As with most Amish books I read there was an accident that was a major turning point and also a misunderstanding. I don't understand after spending so much time together there wasn't more trust in that relationship and then how quickly there was a new relationship and how serious it become so quickly.

Also with most Amish books there are a lot of characters brought in and I know that is because there are other books coming in the series but it makes it hard to follow sometimes.

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Stay Close by Harlan Coben
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

For the most part this was a very enjoyable listen. It was interesting enough that I forgot I had a 45 minute commute every day.

There was one scene that was so graphic I couldn't listen. I actually had to skip part of that, I hope I didn't miss too much else.

Otherwise I thought it was ok - some of it you saw coming and a few things I never saw coming and those are things that makes a good book and makes you come back to another.
I am not ready for another by him but I might do another someday.

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Never the Bride: A Novel by Rene Gutteridge
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads writes:

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?

I wanted to like this book more than I did. Now don't get me wrong it was a book I enjoyed enough to read but there were parts of it that just didn't sit well with me. And I am a big fan of closure, I didn't get it with all the characters that became a part of 'my reading family' for a few days. I just feel a little let down when I finished the book.

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Ties That Bind by Marie Bostwick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the latest book in the Cobbled Quilt series. It was Margot's story.

I enjoyed this book - although it got a little long for me. I felt like it dragged in places.
We spent so much time / energy on the Custody battle and then ir seemed to wrap up on a page, some how I felt a little cheated.

A few suprises were thrown in and I always loe books with dogs as characters. This was on exception, the visual I have of Clemetine will stay with me for a long time.

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Found by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Great ending to this series, in this book we finally find out what happens to Perry. I would say for the most part loose ends were tied up but there are stila few things I wonder about. I really came to care for a lot of the characters and hope that somehow they might how up in another book someday.



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Gone Missing by Linda Castillo
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

A little too much language for me.

I liked the story behind this book the amish adult who left and became police chief.
But I think the story could of been told with less language. The story would of been just as good to me. I will never understand why people beleive that adding vulgar language makes a better story.

I have decided not to read the third book at this time.

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Until Forever by Darlene Shortridge
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This books was excellent! It had just a few character and we really started to care for them. God was on every page of this book. The focus was always on God. There wasn't fluff just greaet story telling. One of the coolest things is that although God was on every page you didn't feel like God was being choked upon you. This was a great showing of who God was in the lives of these people.

I read a lot of Christian fiction but this book took that to a whole new level. It made you want to pray for them as they struggled.

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Season of Tending - Cindy Woodsmall

Cindy has hit the ball out of the orchard with this book. This is the first in a new Amish Vines and Orchards Series. You will come to care for these characters and will be sad when this book is done and the second one is not released yet. Rhonda, who has a 'gift' for sensing when bad things are going to happen decides it is easier to be by herself than with others. That is not to be when she finds Leah sleeping in her garden. Samuel King, has a struggling apple orchard after meeting Rhonda and seeing her amazing garden, he asks for help. What happens? You wil have to read the book to find out.

If I'd Never Known Your Love (Center Point Premier Romance by Georgia Bockoven
My rating: 3 of 5 stars



I had read a lot of Georgia's books years ago and just came across this one that I had not read. I enjoyed it. It does a good job of showing true love.
I really was surprised in a few spots and that always makes for a great book.

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Tidewater Inn by Colleen Coble
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Loved that Sampson was back and played a big part (Rock harbor series). The rest kept my interest for the most part but a few things I am still shaking my head about.

Libby learns a lot of lessons in this book - what the term family really means, love, when to (if ever) give up.
The inn is a place I would love to go visit and spend a weekend- great detail to make me fall in love with.

Goodreads writes:

Inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the seaward shore of Hope Island could be a dream come true for Libby. The inn cries out for her restorer's talent and love of history. She's delighted to learn of family she never knew she had. And the handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met there on the island could definitely be the man of her dreams.

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Friends Forever by Danielle Steel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book wad very enjoyable, it follows 5 families who met the first day of kindergarten and finished as the children were adults. Great telling of how life can be. These are friendships that I am afraid don't exsist as much today and that means that the young adults of today are missing out on so much laughter, joy,tears, adventures with forever friends.

Goodreads writes:

Five children meet on the first day of kindergarten. In the years that follow, they become friends and more than friends. Together, they will find strength, meet challenges, face life’s adventures, endure loss, face stark realities, and open their hearts. In this moving novel, #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel traces their unforgettable journey—full of tests and trials—as three boys and two girls discover the vital bonds that will last a lifetime.


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Almost Amish by Kathryn Cushman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Really enjoyed this book. I love Amish fiction and this was a different spin in it.

As part of a TV series a family goes Amish for the summer. They learn what it is like without electricity, a oven, and the on goings of life on a Amish farm - canning, chickens. Now I don't want to give it away but there was a point that was a stretch for me but maybe it is just me and I don't stretch that way.
A book I would suggest to all.

Goodreads writes:

Julie Charlton is at the breaking point. She's overwhelmed and burned out, and in today's unrelenting society, her kids are, too. When her sister-in-law Susan, a Martha Stewart-in-training, lands the chance to participate in a reality TV series promoting simple living, and needs another family to join her, it seems like the perfect opportunity.
The location is an idyllic farm outside an Amish community in Tennessee. Julie, with her two children, joins Susan and her teenage daughter for a summer adventure. Susan needs to succeed in order to become self-sufficient after an ugly divorce, Julie needs to slow down long enough to remember what her priorities are and regain a sense of purpose and meaning. It becomes clear from the start that "living simple" is no simple matter. With the camera watching every move, Susan's drive for perfection feels a lot like what they left behind, while Julie suddenly finds herself needing to stand up for slowing down. With each new challenge, their season of "going Amish" gets more and more complicated, as each woman learns unexpected lessons about herself and her family

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Inescapable by Nancy Mehl
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an enjoyable read.

Elizabeth and her daughter have to leave Kansas City and head back to Elizabeth's home town due to some bad luck.
In this town with bad memories lots of good things start happening.

Although I really liked it - I also had a few issues with it. A few things just thrown in there for dramatic effect maybe.

I don't think this book stood out - it has the same story line of a lot of books that I read but I enjoyed it.

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The Bridge by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

For the first time in a long time I was disappointed in a book by Karen Kingsbury now to be fair I was a huge Baxter fan and maybe because this is different that was part of it but I doubt it. I raed a lot and I either like a book or I don't, I rarely compare them to others by the same author or other books in general.

This book just didn't do it for me. I loved the concept and parts of it were very heartwarming but overall it was just ok.

Who doesn't love a good bookstore and the history of this bookstore is amazing. But it just fals short for me. I suggest you read it and see what you think.


Goodreads writes:
Molly Allen lives alone in Portland, but her heart is back in Franklin, Tennessee, where five years ago she walked away from a man she cannot forget, a rare sort of love she hasn't found since.
Ryan Kelly lives in Franklin and spends plenty of time at The Bridge-the oldest bookstore in historic downtown Franklin-remembering the long hours he and Kelly once spent there.
Now, Ryan and Molly's favorite bookstore is in trouble. For thirty years, Charlie and Donna Barton have run The Bridge, providing the people of middle Tennessee with coffee, conversation, and shelves of good books-even through dismal book sales and the rise of eBooks. Then in May a flood tore through Franklin and destroyed nearly every book in the store. By Christmastime, the bank threatens to pull the lease on The Bridge and is about to take the Bartons' house as well. Despondent, Charlie considers ending his life. And in the face of tragedy, miracles begin to unfold.(

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Come Home by Lisa Scottoline
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I have heard about Lisa for years and thought I would give her a try.

Was not impressed with this book and then saw that it was her 18th so maybe it was just me.

I just have issues with this book - I understand she was trying to solve a mystery but the lack of parenting just rubbed me the wrong way and then the twist of Mega and the boy, the one patient we heard about out of all of her patients, just so many little things that didn't sit well with me.

I think I will stick with Danielle Steele, Nora Roberts, Debbie Macomber.

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Never the Bride: A Novel by Rene Gutteridge
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Goodreads writes:

Since she was just a little girl, Jessie Stone dreamed up hundreds of marriage proposals, doodled the romantic ideas in her journal with her treasured purple pen, and fantasized about wedding dresses and falling in love. She’s been a bridesmaid nearly a dozen times, waved numerous couples off to sunny honeymoons, and shopped in more department stores for half-price fondue pots than she cares to remember.

But shopping for one key component of these countless proposals hasn't been quite as productive–a future husband. The man she thought she would marry cheated on her. The crush she has on her best friend Blake is at very best…well, crushing. And speed dating has only churned out memorable horror stories.

So when God shows up one day, in the flesh, and becomes a walking, talking part of her life, Jessie is skeptical. What will it take to convince her that the Almighty has a better plan than one she’s already cooked up in her journals? Can she turn over her pen and trust someone else to craft a love story beyond her wildest dreams?

I wanted to like this book more than I did. Now don't get me wrong it was a book I enjoyed enough to read but there were parts of it that just didn't sit well with me. And I am a big fan of closure, I didn't get it with all the characters that became a part of 'my reading family' for a few days. I just feel a little let down when I finished the book.

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Her Dark Protector by Carol Stephenson
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Scrolling through my kindle while on vacation I stumbled upon this book. Having nothing to go on but a title (I really wish Kindle books had synopses at the front) I decided to dive in. Not sure what I was expecting here but overall I did enjoy this novel. I need to do some research to see if it is part of a series cause if it's not I am really confused at the ending but it was a nice read.

The story was well developed, though I did feel it to be a bit rushed at times. I liked the fact the heroine was a recovering drug addict, it is so nice to read about people struggling with real problems and not people with perfect lives. I am on a conspiracy theory kick right now so the secret society story line was really nice and I did enjoy that part of it. All in all I enjoyed it, am interested in reading more if it is a series and now on to the next book.


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Hunk for the Holidays by Katie Lane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

With the number of books I load onto my Kindle it's easy to get confused about which book is which, which is why when I opened this novel I thought it was an anthology. I kept looking at my progress bar trying to figure out how much longer I had in this story and if staying up an hour later than I meant to would mean I would get to finish it (the answer sadly was no). So I woke up the next morning (and being on vacation allowed me to do this) and laid in bed for another hour gobbling up more of it in hopes I would reach an marvelous ending.

Well suffice to say at about 50% completed I figured out this was not an anthology as I had presumed but a full novel. At this point I continued to eat this book up. In total it took me less than 24 hours to read the whole thing, and I loved every minute of it. I loved the entire McPherson family, I loved getting the girl's POV with 4 brother running around. I loved James and his wonderful principles. Cassie was a phenomenal klutz and spaz which made her 100% lovable.

I really was not expecting what I got from this novel which was introduced to an author I have not read before and fell in love. In love with Katie Lane for writing, in love with Cassie McPherson for setting a tree on fire, in love with James for being willing to stand up to the family and in love with their love story. Excited to book stalk Katie Lane now.


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Close Enough to Touch by Victoria Dahl
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Victoria Dahl when reading the Donovan Brothers Brewery series and have been dying to read her next set of novels. When I came upon this one in her new series I was a bit skeptical. Mainly due to the fact I am burnt out on cowboys, I mean really what's with all the authors doing stuff on cowboys? So I went into this set believing that it would not be likeable, and as all good self-fulfilling professies do I found myself not a huge fan. But being stuck in an airport and on a plane makes one trudge on and at some point I find myself really liking this story.

I found myself liking Grace, even if she was a bit self-deprecating at times. I was rooting for Cole to finally have a back bone and stand up to all the crap he faced in the past. And i enjoyed being introduced to all the side characters, trying to guess which ones will become couples.

As hard as I tried to dislike this book I guess it just wasn't in the cards for me. I did enjoy it quite a bit (though not as much as the Donovan Brothers) and am looking forward to what is to come in this lovely set of middle of no where novel.


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Run the Risk by Lori Foster
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever read a series by an author and then compared everything else they wrote to that series? That's the problem I am having with Lori Foster. I read her Men who walk the edge of glory series and fell in love with those heroes. Since then I have read most books I can find by her but nothing compares. That's not to say they are not all good books but they are not what I fell in love with.

I enjoyed this book for the most part. I felt like they were trying to hard to create suspense of who's a bad guy, who's a good guy. It was a bit forced for me but overall I did enjoy it. AM looking forward to the next one in the series but I do keep hoping that magic of Dare and Trace reappear.

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Not Quickly Broken - LN Cronk

This was the 7th boook in the Chop Chop series. It took us back in time and shared Jordan's story.

I thought it was well done, answered a few qustions that we still had from book 6 and left an opening for a book 8, which I am grateful for as I like the characters in these books. Reading this one felt like I had come to a family reunion.

We saw Jordon and Charlotte get married in the last book this is their story from the beginning.

Some of my favoites from the book:

It hasn't always been easy but it was as it was suppose to be

You can't left yourself drift from God and blame someone else

Your responsibility is to GOD

Make decisions to what God wants to matter

Love God enough to trust him

Wrestling with God is hard work

Life, In Spite of me

Life, In Spite of Me: Extraordinary Hope After a Fatal Choice by Kristen Jane Anderson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I requested this book because Tricia Goyer was a co-author of it.

It really left me unmoved and that makes me feel bad.

I was shocked for Kristen and what she went through, as before this book I had never heard of her. When she thought committing sucide was the only way out. I love how God worked in her life and brought her where is she today but I feel very unattached to her and her story. There felt like there was little to now emotion in her story telling. Just matter of fact points.

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THE UNEXPECTED HUSBAND by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I know there were older books but they just weren't enough for me even knowing that.

I liked the 2nd one a lot more than the first but there just seemed to be a total lack of communication and if that is how it really is - thank goodness I am unique.

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Promised To Another by Laura V. Hilton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Third (and I guess final) book in this series.

Really enjoyed them all.

This was Annie's story. Annie is the school teacher and wears brown.
One of the men who came in the men swap has his eye on her but told
she is Luke's Annie and to stay away.


A few unexpected surprises in this one.

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Hatteras Girl by Alice J. Wisler
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, I thought it had great potential when I started it but I thought the ending could of been done better. To me it was like we were going day by day in everyone's life and then Poof we were months ahead. I liked what the story line was but I think it could of been done a little better.

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So Not Happening by Jenny B. Jones
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nothing wrong with a good YA book.

This was a very enjoyable read. I felt connected to the character, enjoyed how they evolved and felt for the most part it could happen.

Bella and her mom move from First Class New York to middle class Oklahoma, due to her mom marrying Jake.
This is Bella story of adjusting making mistakes, growing, learning, showing off her spoiledness, acceptance.
As an added bonus a mystery in thrown in revolving the high school football team.




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Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I bought this book to read on my plane trip home. It was a book that made my time go very quickly.
I enjoyed reading abut Harriet's adventures from Pennsylvania to California. The people she ran into all had their own stories, including the ones that didn't talk to her.

Harriet lost a bet and had to move from living alone to living with her son and his wife. They lived in Grass Valley, CA. She decided to travel by bus, etc.
The stations she visits, the people she meets, the places she stays all add to the story.

Is some of it a little unrealistic? Yes
It is a good read? Yes

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Tuesday's Child by Fern Michaels
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fern is one of my favorite authors.

I enjoyed this book - I kept waiting for the other foot to drop in this book. It didn't happen that way. I just wanted something more out of it. It was lacking something.

The book did keep my interest but was just ok - nothing special although I did enjoy reading about Hawaii and books with dogs always make me smile.

I just get tired of books with people with so much money that they can do anything. Maybe I need a new group of authors to read of people struggling financially.


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A Thread So Thin by Marie Bostwick
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I had waited a long time to get a copy of this third book.

After reading it I remembered why I wanted to read it so much. It was great catching up with all these characters.

Great read about friendship, love and making the right decisions for self regardless of others.

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Threading the Needle by Marie Bostwick
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another great Cobble Creek book.

This one although touching on some of the characters in the previous books deals with 2 new main characters.
Maddie moves back to New Bern, a town that she does not have fond memories of. Tessa, her old best friend, is back there now too. This is their story with some quilting thrown in.

This reminds me quite a bit of the Elm Creek Quilt series, that I love.



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A Simple Spring: A Seasons of Lancaster Novel by Rosalind Lauer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was Sadie's story.

Sadie was given the gift to sing -
Does she go to the English world and use this gift or stay Amish and give up the gift except for singing around the house.

Loved to see some of Remy and Adam back in book 2. I can only hope they get married in book 3.



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I'm So Sure by Jenny B. Jones
My rating: 3 of 5 stars


There are some great moments is this book. I love how Bella's relationship with her step brothers have evolved. The humor of where her step father works and what he does with his off time is only something you would read in a YA book.
A few things (as in any book I read) I question but it did not stop me from reading this book in one day or picking up the third one.

If as a high schooler you always wanted to be Nancy Drew this is a book you will greatly enjoy.

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When Beauty Tamed the Beast by Eloisa James
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Loved it! This may be due to the fact Belle has always been my favorite but I still loved this take on the tale as old as time. I loved the combination of House and Beauty and the Beast, it was pretty ingenious. There were less people than in the 1st of this series which made it a much easier read. I really liked it and would recommend it to all who love fairy tales.

Excited to keep on reading!

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Forever and a Day by Jill Shalvis

And completing the Lucky Harbor series for now is Grace's story. It's remarkable how hot friends come in threes, the original 3 sisters who all got together with 3 friends, this set of 3 chocoholics manage to fall in love with 3 friends (and workout partners). Sometimes it just seems a little too meat and tidy for me which is not my favorite. Overall I did enjoy this story, much much more than Amy's for sure. However if Jill Shalvis uses the work "sinew" in anymore of her books I may have to stop reading them because that seems to be the only adjective she knows and it's tiresome after reading a whole bunch of her novels. Any maybe it's just me but I love getting the happy ending epilogues and I would really like to see them a bit longer. Something about reading about them for 200 pages trying to get together makes me want to know what they are like once they are together. See Julia Quinn's 2nd Brigerton epilogues. I enjoyed most of the story, I liked the ready made dysfunctional family for Grace to come into. I liked the humanity in Anna's situation and how Toby just wanted a mom. I think the characters are so real and have such great stories to share with one-another. I did enjoy this novel but I get tired of the same situations over and over again so if there are more Lucky Harbor novels not sure I really want to go back at this point.

At Last by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

After gobbling down Mallory's story I moved right on to Amy's story. The only problem is that I never really related to Amy. I feel this trilogy follows parallel to the original Lucky Harbor trilogy of Maddie, Tara and Chloe and I never found any attachment to Tara. This story followed along the same lines.

I love the underlying story with Facebook and Lucille's clan.

Amy's sob story with Riley was nothing big for me. I just really did not find much enjoyment from this installment. I will continue of with Grace's story though, I am excited to learn more about the leading men. They have truly been the highlight of the entire lucky harbor series for me.

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Lucky in Love by Jill Shalvis
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So recently my life has become really busy and reading was just not on my to do list due to other commitments. I went from reading a book every 4 days to not reading at all in 4 months. When I saw this next set of Jill Shalvis books come along my mindset flipped. I could not wait to get my hands on a book for the first time in forever. So once I got this book I did nothing but read. I was so excited to get back into a series I enjoyed.

I love Mallory, I fell in love with her when I read the first chapter at the end of Chloe's story. Plus Mysterious Cute Guy was all throughout the other novels and it was nice to get his story. I related to Mallory just like I was able to relate to Maddie in the original Lucky Harbor novel. She is so likeable and Ty is just dreamy. The bad girl lessons were hysterical it was just a good story.

I am glad I got back into reading with Lucky Harbor. I recommend this series to everyone. it's got great characters, great heart and a nice escape from the world we live in which is far removed from Lucky Harbor is ridiculous. Thanks Jill for giving me an outlet.

On to Amy's story now.

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Weddings & Wasabi by Camy Tang
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book, since it had been a while since I had read the others, I had a little bit of a hard time remembering everyone. But I love the bond of the cousins.

This is Jenn's story. I was disappointed that it was a short story - only 110 large pages.

Jenn wants to quit her job and open a catering business. But she was afraid due to her mom's past cancer and no health insurance, due to her family using her as a doormat. Can she over come all these and hear what God wants her to do with her life?

Humor comes in the form of Pookie.

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Patchwork Dreams by Laura V. Hilton
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I probably liked this more than 3 stars but not 4 stars worth.

Jacob was sent from Pennsylvania to help out distant amish relatives for the summer, or was it part of a bigger plan?
Right from the beginning you could 'feel' the chemistry between Jacob and Becky. Of course there were many (too many?) obstacles that had to be overcome. I loved how many times they went to Mcdonalds though.

I also felt there were a few things that went unanswered - now I know there is another book in but I am not sure if it talks about these characters, guess I will find out when the book arrives and I start reading it. Annie? Mathew? Naomi's baby? Jacob and his dad? Kent?

Cathy just never sat right with me, it was very odd, the role she ended up playing in this book. I am still shaking my head on that one.


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Covenant Child: A Story of Promises Kept by Terri Blackstock
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Have you ever wanted to read a book for so long and when you read it, it wasn't what you wanted it to be?

That was this book for me.

This is the story of twin girls who after their father dies goes to live with the maternal grandparents. What these girls have to go through is heart breaking. Knowing that their life could of been so much better if they were allowed to stay with their husband's wife. I don't understand he system and how this kind of stuff happens wit no follow up.

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Hard To Handle by Lori Foster
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

So after 3 months I finally found the time to finish this book. I bought it and 2 others at Half Price Books during their sale because it was Lori Foster and I do love her.

I did enjoy this book. This is not the same as the series I first fell in love with, her Men who walk the edge. I did enjoy. I did not read the first two in the series (mainly cause I did not realize there were 2 before this one). There were a lot of characters and sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who and how they all meshed together.

I loved the secondary romance of Barber and Jasmine. I really got attached to Barber and wished I got more of him throughout.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I will continue the series when I have some time. And of course I am looking forward to Lori's new series.

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Saving Gideon: A Clover Ridge Novel by Amy Lillard
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first book by this author.

I enjoyed this book.
We meet Avery right after she has walked in on her finance and another girl. She flees and due to bad weather runs herself off the road. Gideon, a amish man struggling himself, hears the car horn and rescures her.

After recovering (super glue) she decides to hide out there for a while and re evalute her life.

I really came to care for these characters and hope that there might be a follow up to see what happens with some of the extended family that we met.

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Faith, Hope, and Luck: Discover What You Can Expect from God by Andy Stanley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Bible Study by Andy and I can't believe it has taken me this long to do one. I loved it, he talked to me, about things that were going on with me and how I treat God. How people make him a back pocket God or a back pack God.

How God does say No and that is usually so that we will draw closer to him. We can not change Gods mind. We need to lean on Him and live for Him.

Easy short 5 week study with little homework.





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Hope Springs by Kim Cash Tate
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book was another great read for me. Unexpected but great.

It is about family, love, secrets, reunions, GOD and so much more.

Small town North Carolina is the setting for this story of change. Janelle hasn't been 'home' since the death of her husband. But after arriving to spend Christmas and hearing her grandmother has cancer her decides to move her children home for a season and help. Her cousin, Stephanie, also there for the holiday decides to stay while her husband goes on a mission trip.

This is the story of how these small decisions change their lives and the lives of many around them.

The birth of the Soul Sisters, love, lost, faith and growth are just a few things that will touch you in this wonderful book by Kim.
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Coming Home: A Story of Unending Love and Eternal Promise by Karen Kingsbury
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was the 24th book Karen wrote about the Baxter family.

It made me cry more than once but it was so well written and so touching that if you haven't read the rest of the series, read this one and then go back to the beginning.

Karen does an excellent job of allowing people who do not have the full back stories of the Baxter children to be able to read this book and love it and then want to read all the others to get the details of everyone's life.

The Baxter family is reuniting for John's 70th birthday. Each child is to write a letter to John and will read them at his surprise birthday party at Ashley's house (formerly the Baxter house).

There are some very touching moments in this book and a great ending to the Baxters, I still hope that we will hear from them again someday as I feel like they could be my neighbors with all I know about them.



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About That Night by Julie James
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Third (and I guess final book) in this little series. I have been waiting anxiously (and then of course I forgot about it for awhile) for this book. I did make the mistake of reading reviews from Amazon first which really turned me off of this book but I made the decision to go ahead since I really liked the other ones. And I am glad I did. It was a cute read. I liked that there was no huge crisis, no kidnapping, no lies, nothing huge and I liked that. I found I was able to relate to the characters and enjoyed it.

Most sections were short which made for a nice read. I did not really enjoy all the history of Kyle but it was still good. I like that the main main focus was on Kyle and not Rylann which is nice to have a romance novel with a more emphasis on the hero.

Overall it was a cute read and I am glad I read it.

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Everyone is Beautiful by Katherine Center

Everyone Is Beautiful by Katherine Center
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a book club book and I have to say it was my favorite of all the ones we have read, not sure if that's a complement or not as the others were really really not my fave. However, I did find the characters extremely relate-able and the story pretty true to real life. I did get confused a bit as the story seems to be written like a journal at times with comments like "I would find that would later," thrown in there. I totally get the whole just saying you are pregnant thing even if your not (due to weight issues) and I think it's awesome that other people get that. We all want to be better us-es and that's what this book is about.

A fun note with this is that I took this to an event I was going to (lesson from my parents: never leave home without a book) and a woman who is currently fighting breast cancer saw the title of the book and took a picture of me with it since she's coming to grips with being beautiful even while going through chemo and radiation. So there is some inspiration there.

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The Wedding Dress by Rachel Hauck
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book spans 100 years and the 4 women who wore The Wedding Dress.

Charlotte, owns a bridal store, is engages to be married. This engagements falls aparts after she buys a trunk at an auction. Once she opens the trunk and finds a perfect wedding dress that is over 100 years old. This is the dresses story and 2 of the 4 women who wore it.



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Wish You Were Here by Beth K Vogt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a book I could not put done.

If I had thought about it enough I knew how I thought it would end but that dind't stop me from reading it in less than 2 days.

The main character kisses her future brother in law a few days before her wedding, this leads to her leaving her finance at the alter and running away.

The book is what happens to her following this.

Does Seth (her finance) forgive her?
Does she run away?
Are there Llama's in this book?
Are there more than one medical accidents is this book?
Who is Bisquick?

So many good questions and for the most part a great story, would I change a few things? Yes. Will it stop me from reading her next book? NO!

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Missing by Shelley Shepard Gray
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Shelley did a great job on this book of how a murder can effect a small town.

Abby and some 'friends' are out smoking in the woods and find Perry's body. Everyone thought Perry had left town.

The sheriff invites his friend,who is on medical leave to come help investigate the murder, as you would expect no one has much to say.

Then is love in the air for Abby's brother Walker? You will need to read and find out.

A few other twists that I didn't see coming but make you wish the next book was already out.

Great Job Shelley.

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Everyone is Beautiful - Katherine Center

This was my book club book for the month. I probably would of picked it up and read it anyway as it had a cupcake on the cover. I liked the fact that the cast was characters were small and so I could keep track of who everyone was. Peter and Elena move from Houston and start life over without knowing anyone. They have 3 boys and Peter works from home composing music. We learn about the people in their highrise and an old friend of Elana's. Elena learns to carve time out for herself and there are a few funny moments in this book but Katherine just really didn't make the characters come alive to me and therefore I didn't care how it ended. I was hoping for a better read.

Midnight Promises by Sherryl Woods
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this Sweet Magnolia series. I forget how much till the next book comes along and then I can't put it down till I have finished it and then i am sad that I am done.

This is the story of Karen and Elliot and how no matter how much you love each other you must work at marriage.

Karen came into this marriage with 2 children and although their 'real dad' is not in the picture Karen is afraid to let Elliot adopt them. Then there is Elliott and the other 'men' who want to open a men's gym and Elliott being the man keeps things from Karen.

But the best part is catching up with everyone from the last 7 books. Although I think Sherryl did us an injustice by not doing a mini book about the Vegas trip and just kind of throwing it in at the end.

Very excited to hear we have more books coming.

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