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Monday, December 31, 2018

My top 10 favorite reads from 2018 (in no particular order)


2018 Reading Challenge

2018
READING
CHALLENGE
Congrats!
You have read 123 books of your goal of 65!
123/65 (189%)
 
 
 
 DREAD NATION by Justina Ireland
Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever.
 
 Opening line:
"The day I came squealing and squalling into the world was the first time someone tried to kill me."

I loved this story!
And I LOVED listening to it! Bahni Turpin has the best voice for this story!

There is swearing and fighting and zombies.
 
 
 
 
 
AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN by Susan Meissner
 As Bright as Heaven is the compelling story of a mother and her daughters who find themselves in a harsh world, not of their making, which will either crush their resolve to survive or purify it.
 
 Opening line:
"Morning light shimmers on the apricot horizon as I stand at the place where my baby boy rests."

AS BRIGHT AS HEAVEN is a story of family, love and death set during WWI. I became fascinated by WWI and the Spanish Flu a few years ago and I will be adding this book to my growing WWI shelf.
Told from the different perspectives of the Bright women, we get a unique view from different ages and personalities into their lives and what it was like to live through the worse pandemic in history.
 
 
SKY IN THE DEEP by Adrienne Young
Part Wonder Woman, part Vikings—and all heart.

Raised to be a warrior, seventeen-year-old Eelyn fights alongside her Aska clansmen in an ancient rivalry against the Riki clan. Her life is brutal but simple: fight and survive. 
 
Opening line:
""They're coming.""

Eelyn is the kick butt heroine of the story; she's strong, smart and loyal to her family and clan. But her character isn't in your face with how awesome she is. She fights because this is all she knows, because she is protecting her family and because this fight, or death, will bring honor. 
 
 
 
 
THE POET X by Elizabeth Acevedo
A young girl in Harlem discovers slam poetry as a way to understand her mother’s religion and her own relationship to the world. Debut novel of renowned slam poet Elizabeth Acevedo.
 
 Opening line:
"The summer is made for stoop-sitting
and since it's the last week before school starts,
Harlem is opening its eyes to September."

What a great opening to a coming of age story told in VERSE.

Here are a couple of stanzas i LOVED:

...but she took all of the stereotypes
and put them in a chokehold
until they breathed out the truth.

but most importantly,
she should be remembered
as always working to become
the warrior she wanted to be
 
WARCROSS by Marie Lu
 For the millions who log in every day, Warcross isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life.
 
 
 
 Opening line:
"It's too damn cold of a day to be out on a hunt."

Emika is a hacker and a hunter and so will become a player...in Warcross that is. Her biggest hack catches the eye of billionaire, Hideo, inventor of the Warcross game. He's concerned about someone who has been messing up his game and he wants Emika to find out who it is.
I enjoyed this story more than I thought I would I started reading it. After about 20% of the way in, I was hooked. I can't wait for the next book, Wildcard.
I'm trying to get my son to read this book because I think he would LOVE it!


SHADOW OF THE FOX by Julie Kagawa
One thousand years ago, the great Kami Dragon was summoned to grant a single terrible wish—and the land of Iwagoto was plunged into an age of darkness and chaos.
 
 Opening line:
"It was raining the day Suki came to the Palace of the Sun, and it was raining the night that she died."

That's a fantastic beginning though I didn't know or appreciate it when I started reading. As a matter of fact, I almost quit reading because I could not figure out what or who or why this book was happening.
I'm glad I stuck it out.
I WILL read the next book to see what happens to our little clan.
 
 
 
 
 
FINDING US (Pine Valley #5) by Heather Moore
 
Opening line:
"Felicity Miner balanced the steaming cup of hot chocolate and the blueberry muffin with on hand as she unlocked the door to the bookshop."

Heather has a great way of writing romantic tension in her books! This is another great story in the Pine Valley series.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Jessica Pack
Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone.
 
 Opening line:
"Two hours, forty-three minutes."

AS WIDE AS THE SKY is a heavy, enlightening, hopeful book about a mother and the ramifications of a single act of her son.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 VEINS OF GOLD by Charlie Holmberg
Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it. 
 
 Opening line:
"To the ears of Gentry's father, gold cried louder than his children did."

Charlie is an exceptionally talented writer. She can write about ANYTHING and it will be amazing and unique.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 FROM ASH AND STONE by Julie Daines
 Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed.
 
Opening line:
"Margaret laid on the ground with her eyes closed."


Margaret lives in the time of King Henry VIII and she lives in the path of men, on both sides of the border of Scotland and England, who raid homes with no thought to the people's lives they destroy except to take what they want.

Tuesday, December 25, 2018

Have a super Christmas!


A CHRISTMAS COURTING by Jennifer Moore, Chalon Linton, Jen Geigle Johnson, Heidi Kimball



I'm a sucker for a good Christmas holiday romance! But FOUR! Yes and thank you!!

In LOVE AND JOY COME TO YOU by Jennifer Moore we meet Grahman Montagu, who planned on spending a quiet time at home over the holidays. But thanks to Cassie and her siblings, those quiet times are dashed. But maybe Grahman needed happiness as much as peace.

A CHRISTMAS COURTING by Chalon Linton Keturah would much rather be in the country for the holidays but she is stuck in London. She knows she will miss the festivities greatly as will as her best friend Christopher. Her luck may be changing when she learns he is planning to spend the time in London with her family. Then why does she feel so down about the prospect of him being in London to court some other woman?

MISTLETOE MEMORIES by Jen Geigle Johnson Patrick and Alice have been long time friends, like, since babyhood and Patrick soon finds his feelings for Alice are more than being friends. Alice feels the same, but he hasn't shown any particular interest in her. So what is she to do? Especially when Patrick leaves her for a tour and she is stuck home.

SECOND-CHANCE CHRISTMAS by Heidi Kimball Ah! Love unrequited. Or love spurned. Or love...you get the point. Frances once rejected Gerard's proposal of marriage. She thought she was doing the right thing. But when she watches him with other ladies, her heart tells her she was wrong and will now have to fight for him.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

Thursday, December 20, 2018

2018 Clean Wholesome Romance Reader's Choice Awards



Clean Wholesome Romance blog is doing a reader's choice awards! YOU. CAN. CHOOSE. Go to this LINK and vote for your favorite books and authors! And while you're there, sign up for their newsletter. There is always a heads up on free ebooks plus sales!




Wednesday, December 19, 2018

FROM ASH AND STONE by Julie Daines

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.


 Opening line:
"Margaret laid on the ground with her eyes closed."

Margaret lives in the time of King Henry VIII and she lives in the path of men, on both sides of the border of Scotland and England, who raid homes with no thought to the people's lives they destroy except to take what they want.

Margaret's family died at the hands of such a band of reivers, and she has come home for revenge. Her plan is simple: find the man responsible for leading the attack on her family and kill him. Then, maybe, she will find the peace she desires for her family and herself.

Of course, Ms. Daines throws in the perfect guy to distract Margaret from her goals. Meet Angus Robson. Poor fool practically fell in love with "Meg" as he likes to call her. But Meg constantly pushes him away. She has a secret, a curse, that keeps her from any contact with skin. When she touches bare skin, she "hears" the thoughts and desires of those whom she touches. This is another reason she wants to kill the person responsible for her family's death: she hopes it wipes out the curse.

In the meantime, Angus is always trying to rescue her, which Meg can do on her own. She's quick, smart and knows how to use a crossbow. But sometimes, we need someone who loves us to save us from ourselves. And sometimes, we need to show mercy to those we hate.

Ms. Daines does a marvelous job of building her characters and the slow burn of the romance. Because of her, I was late to work! I couldn't put the book down!

FIVE STARS!

Friday, December 14, 2018

A SONG FOR THE STARS by Iliama Todd

 Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in HawaiÊ»i, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him die, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook’s translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with her homeland and her people—and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John’s guilt over the death he caused, and Maile’s guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle—a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.


Opening line:
"I fear we've overstayed our welcome."
First off: That cover! It's gorgeous!
Second: The writing! Gorgeous!
Third: Ms. Todd is a beautiful writer with a beautiful talent of the written word.

I LOVE that Ms. Todd was able to write this story about her fourth-great-grandparents, John and Papapaunauapu (or Maile for short). The story takes the reader on a historic journey with James Cook, John Harbottle and the royal Hawaiian family.
Maile is in love and soon to be married but ships on the horizon mar that dream as white men descend on her village. Misunderstandings and language barriers lead to distrust and fighting. People are killed, love is lost and there looks like no happiness will ever find Maile again.
But happiness does find her in an unusual way.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018

ANNA the PROPHETESS by H.B. Moore

Anna the Prophetess is the dramatic chronicle of the only woman to be called a prophetess in the Gospels. When Anna’s great-niece Julia is exiled to Jerusalem as punishment for her refusal to marry a man old enough to be her father, Anna shares the story of her early days of courtship with her husband. Although Julia’s parents admonished her to observe firsthand how lonely Anna’s life is, Julia instead discovers that her great-aunt’s life is far from lonely. Instead, Anna’s story is one of love, peace, and incredible faith.

As Anna shares her unwavering testimony of the coming Messiah with her great-niece, these two faithful women are changed forever as they seek the Lord’s will in their lives and joyfully witness the long-awaited sign of Christ’s birth.

Other Biblical Novels by H.B. Moore:
Esther the Queen
The Moses Chronicles
Ruth
Eve: In the Beginning
Anna the Prophetess



 Opening line:
"Dry wind tugged at Anna's embroidered robe as she moved to the side of the road to allow a cart to pass."

I loved the opening of this story and the story of Anna and Julia. Scriptural and historical detail are woven throughout the story without taking away from the storytelling. Moore's ability to tell a good, sweet, intriguing story kept me reading long after I should have been in bed.

The story of Anna, Elizabeth, John, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus come to life through this ability to write a story that flows and envelopes. I got teary-eyed as I read of Simeon and Anna's reactions. What a wonderful event to see the babe!

I hope Moore keeps writing Biblical stories, especially ones about the women in the Bible. She has a grasp of the culture, history and people from those eras and knows how to use them to build her stories on their backgrounds.

Wednesday, November 21, 2018

DREAD NATION by Justina Ireland

Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.

But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems.


 Opening line:
"The day I came squealing and squalling into the world was the first time someone tried to kill me."

I loved this story!

I loved the alternate reality of the Civil War.  How the blacks weren't neccassairly slaves but were used to fight the zombies, or "shamblers" as they were called. The blacks were also used as bait to bring out the shamblers so they could be killed. 
Jane is tough and sassy and funny and smart. She doesn't take crap from anyone, but knows when to keep her head down until she can escape.
And I LOVED listening to it! Bahni Turpin has the best voice for this story!

There is swearing and fighting and zombies.


DISCLAIMER: I would not recommend this book to everyone. 

Wednesday, November 14, 2018

THE SHIPBUILDER'S WIFE by Jennifer Moore

The day of her parents' garden party dawns bright as Lydia Prescott eagerly anticipates a marriage proposal from a handsome and wealthy plantation owner. The lovely debutante plans to steal a moment away with her beau, but her plans go terribly awry. Instead of her intended, she is joined by a stranger the largest man she's ever laid eyes on. And it is clear Jacob Steele is there for reasons far more sober than the party. With British raids erupting all around them, it is his job to reassure plantation owners of their safety. In reality, however, Jacob is an espionage agent, and the truth is dire: America is on the verge of invasion by the British.
Blissfully unaware of the danger surrounding her, Lydia basks in the glow of her recent engagement. But her joy is short-lived—a surprise British attack results in a devastating wound, and her plans for the future are shattered. Lost in her devastation, Lydia could never dream that Jacob, that giant of a man she met so briefly, would prove to be her saving grace. And with a war raging around them, she may be called upon to save him too.


Opening line:
"Lydia Prescott peeked around the corner of the house then drew back, keeping olut of sight of the carriageway."

I fell in Love with Lydia and Jacob! What a beautiful love story. And that beautiful love story is set in the midst of a British invasion. I learn a lot of history through Ms. Moore's stories. They are well-researched and set as the backdrop of her stories so that the reader can enjoy the characters and their lives without the reader being banged over the head with history. 
Lydia is a beautiful debutante with her eye set on who she believes is an equal. But after a freak accident, he no longer wants her. In comes Jacob Steele, rescuer and suddenly, Lydia's husband. Did he marry her out of pity? Pride?
There is a steady flow of plot, character and romance. I loved reading how the two main characters had to learn not only to trust each other, but trust each other as well. And of course, the romance! 
Ms. Moore does an excellent job of pulling the reader in and holding them to the very end. 

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!



 
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Thursday, November 8, 2018

Awesome Historical Fiction reads

Do you like to read historical fiction? 
I feel like sometimes I learn more history through the fictional weaving of the tale. 
What about you? 

Do you have a favorite era you like to read?










Wednesday, November 7, 2018

THE QUEEN'S BALL (Timeless Victorian Collection) Anthea Lawson, Rebecca Connolly, Jennifer Moore

Cute, Sweet, Fun, Romantic collection from excellent writers!

Waltzed by Anthea Lawson
Opening line:
"The soft gray drizzle of an English spring coated the half-open buds of the rhododendron flowres in the garden and glazed the windows of the late Viscount Tremont's townhouse."

A Love to Claim by Rebecca Connolly
Opening line:
"Was there ever anything more tedious than a ball?"

Coming Home by Jennifer Moore
Opening line:
"Grant Mason frowned, pulling away as his mother's elbow poked into his arm."


Friday, November 2, 2018

A YULETIDE REGENCY ~ A Timeless Romance Anthology

Ready for Christmas??? This book will get you started! I love the romance and the season in all of these stories!!

ALWAYS A KISS by Regina Scott
Opening line:
"If she couldn't win an offer at Christmas, there was no justice in the world."

A YULETIDE MATCH by Sarah M. Eden
Opening line:
"If Adelaide Northrop ever found herself short of funds, she fully intended to ply her trade composing a very detailed and, at times, scathing accounting of the traveling inns of England."

THE FORBIDDEN DUKE by Jen Geigle Johnson
Opening line:
"The new Duke of Salsbury hardly noticed the guests as he took each hand, welcoming them into his London townhome."

MISLETOE AT WILLOWSMEADE by Annette Lyon
Opening line:
""Do you think we'll have snow for Christmas?" Suzanne asked, loking up from her book in the nursery."

FOLLOW THE RIVER by Krista Lynne Jensen
Opening line:
"Mr. Forbes sat across from Arabelle in the drawing room of Hybrigge House, studying the painting above the fireplace, running his hand along the carved arm of the settee, and patting the upholstery as if assessing the value of a racehorse he wasn't quite impressed with."

THE NEW EARL by Heather Moore
Opening line:
"Celia Thompson read the horrible words of the letter in her hands."

Monday, October 29, 2018

My favorite books about friends

I think this is the cutest picture of best friends! I got it off Pinterest but can find the artist to give credit where credit is certainly due! If anyone knows...let me know.

Do you have a best friend?

My BFF in high school was exactly who I needed at the time. She didn't let me get away with any crap, downheartedness, stupidty, or anything that might ruin my life. She made me laugh so hard that I literally spewed milk out. my. nose. On multiple occasions. I loved her!



I LOVE books that show a healthy BFF relationship. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE BFF BOOK?
I love to see the relationship strengthen and mature, too. Whenever there is a #bookstagram prompt on Instagram about best friends, there are a few books I think about. Here is a list of my top favs:

Young Adult

JELLICOE ROAD 
by Melina Marchetta

First line:

"My father took one hundred and thirty-two minutes to die."

Three things I liked about this book:
1. Relationships
2. Jonah Griggs
3. Ending











SIX OF CROWS 
by Leigh Bardugo

Opening line:

"Joost had two problems: the moon and his moustache."

Misfits and friendships. Loved it.









Middle Grade


SKY JUMPERS 
by Peggy Eddleman


First line:

"You would think I'd never jumped off a cliff before, based on how long I stood there."




STARGIRL
by Jerry Spinelli

Opening line:
"When I was little, my uncle Pete had a necktie with porcupines painted on it."



Adult




FRIED GREEN TOMATOES AT THE WHISTLE STOP CAFE
by Fannie Flagg

"The Whistle Stop Cafe opened up last week, right next door to me at the post office, and owners Idgie Threadgoode and Ruth Jamison said business has been good ever since."

ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
by L.M. Montgomery

I'm not sure if this is YA or adult? But I love Anne and Diana's friendship, plus all the other friendships in just this book.














Series




HARRY POTTER
by J.K. Rowling

I have to include these books on this list. I lovelovelove the friendships that develop and deepen throughout all seven books.



THE HOBBIT AND THE LORD OF THE RINGS
by J.R.R. Tolkien

لجزء الثالث من ملحمة جيه أر أر تولكين الرائعة سيد الخواتم


Saturday, October 27, 2018

BREAKING JESS by H.B. Moore

What do a crooked detective, an upstanding psychiatrist, and a teenager who can’t remember killing her parents all have in common? Nine years of lies.

He hid her away from society so she couldn’t turn him in. But, in the end, he couldn’t hide her forever.


 Opening line:
"The moment a patient walks through my office door, I an usually assess him right away."

You might already know H.B. Moore is an amazing writer. I've probably read ALL of her romances and anthologies. I already love her writing. BUT THEN SHE GOES AND WRITES THIS BOOK! I couldn't put it down!
Told between two points of view (Jess and Logan), this story is full of suspense and twists and a hint of romance. I loved it!

About 5 swear words, kissing, sexual tense.

Thursday, October 25, 2018

BEFORE THE BROKEN STAR Cover reveal!!!!


Before the Broken Star
Series: The Evermore Chronicles
Author: Emily R. King
Publishing Date: June 1, 2019
Genres: YA Fantasy
Goodreads
Preorder: Amazon

SYNOPSIS
Everley Donovan is living on borrowed time. The lone survivor of her family’s unexplained assassination, she was saved by an ingeniously crafted clockwork heart. But the time she was given won’t last forever. Now, every tick-tock reminds her how fragile her existence is and hastens her quest to expose Killian Markham, the navy admiral who shattered her world and left her for dead. But Everley’s hunt for justice will be a long and hard-won voyage.
Her journey takes her to a penal colony on a cursed isle, where she will be married off and charged to build the new world. It is here, and beyond, that hidden realms hide, treasures are unearthed, her family secrets are buried, and young love will test the strength of her makeshift heart. When Everley discovers Markham may not be who he seems, her pursuit for truth is bound to his redemption, her tragic history, and her astonishing destiny.

Emily R. King
Emily R. King is a reader of everything and a writer of fantasy. Born in Canada and raised in the USA, she has perfected the use of “eh” and “y’all” and uses both interchangeably. Shark advocate, consumer of gummy bears, and islander at heart, Emily’s greatest interests are her four children. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and an active participant in her local writers’ community. She lives in Northern Utah with her family and their cantankerous cat.