CDC

If you have any concerns or questions about COVID-19, please, please for the love, go to the CDC website. They will have the most accurate information you need.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Jessica Pack HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!



Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. And a new chapter of her own life must begin. She has spent four years as her son's only support, desperately trying to understand the actions that landed him on death row and to change his fate. Now Amanda faces an even more difficult task--finding a way, and a reason, to move forward with her own life.












 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.

The book opens with Amanda waking up and wondering about her son and his death. I was immediately pulled in and wanted to know why he was dead and why the chapter started with a sort of count down. The more I read the more I understood that Amanda's son, Robbie, had committed a heinous crime for which he got the death penalty and was given a lethal injection that morning.
But that's not what makes up the book.
The book is a lot about introspection and making the right choices and coming to terms with those choices and it's consequences. A mother can only do so much with the influence she has over her children. They grow up and make their own choices, good or bad.
But what if your child killed another? Amanda goes through so many memories and emotions as she tries to not only grapple with her sons death, but the deaths he created.
There are other characters too, affected by the tragedy, that get their own chapters. I loved how Ms. Pack wove all their stories together.

Thanks to netgalley for the early read!

Sunday, July 29, 2018

Update post #2 ~ SUMMER TBR WIPEOUT 2018


I CANNOT believe July is almost over. Say it isn't so! I feel like I haven't played enough. How about you? How has your summer been so far??

Here is what I've read since my last posted update:




I hope to read these books before the next post:




Tuesday, July 24, 2018

LOVING LIEUTENANT LANCASTER (The Lancaster Family #4) by Sarah M. Eden

For the first time since returning to life on land, Linus Lancaster has something challenging to look forward to: the seemingly impossible task of preventing his infamous brother-in-law from wreaking havoc on a house party he is being forced to attend against his will. But Linus's sisters have something far more dangerous in mind... matchmaking!



 Opening line:
"Only a fool would ignore an edict from the Dike of Kielder, and though Linus Lancaster was many things, he was not a fool."

Hooray! The Lancaster's and Jonquil's are together in one book. There were a lot of laughs and sighs going on while I read this book of Sarah Eden's. Once again, her writing had me gripped from beginning to end with humor and a slow building romance.
Linus is back from his work as a Naval officer. He is suppose to take over the running of his estate that he feels he is not skilled enough to.
Arabella has become a companion to Mater and is not really sure of her place in the household. She is neither servant nor family. But one thing she does know is that she is happy to be living away from her abusive aunt and uncle and near to a family she has greatly admired.
Linus and Arabella slowly become acquainted with each other at Mater's weeks long house party. They are both shy but both seemed drawn to each other. As the story moves along we see that they are good for each other because they understand the pain of loneliness and the healing of kindness of others.
It was fun to read about so many other beloved characters in the families.
I would suggest reading the other books before this one to really get all the nuances and backstories of the characters.

Thanks to netgalley for the read!

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

Update post #1 ~ Summer TBR Wipeoout 2018!



I can't believe it's time for an update already! How is everyone doing with their summer reading goals??

How's your summer? We've been busy some weeks and other weeks it's been nice and slow. The heat turned up here in Utah and our AC is having a hard time keeping up. Those days we hunker down and read and watch TV and drink lots of water and eats lots of ice cream. LOL

So far, I'm on track for my summer reading goals. BUT I've been distracted with other books so I've added a few to my list. That's not a bad thing...right?

This is what I've read so far:







SOOOOO...I got only THREE off my TBR list but FIVE others. LOL

This is what I hope to read:












VEINS OF GOLD by Charlie H. Holmberg Happy Book Birthday!

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.




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.
This latest story is set in the Gold Rush Era. Gentry lives in Dry Creek, Utah with her brother, sister and father. In the opening chapter, her dad announces he is going to join a company in California to mine for gold. He lives his three children to figure out how to live on a meager living of a few dollars, a horse and a garden.
While Gentry tries to keep her siblings fed, she meets an interesting fella, Winn, and sees many interesting things: magical creatures, geysers and seagulls...lots of seagulls.
There are many and varied disasters that set Gentry on journey to learn about the magic in the earth and around her. Magic that centered around gold and the earth.
I loved the story. I was a little surprised to find the setting in Utah County, but it was fun too! Charliet writes a good alternate history story!

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

THE QUEEN'S POISONER by Jeff Wheeler

King Severn Argentine’s fearsome reputation precedes him: usurper of the throne, killer of rightful heirs, ruthless punisher of traitors. Attempting to depose him, the Duke of Kiskaddon gambles…and loses. Now the duke must atone by handing over his young son, Owen, as the king’s hostage. And should his loyalty falter again, the boy will pay with his life.

Seeking allies and eluding Severn’s spies, Owen learns to survive in the court of Kingfountain. But when new evidence of his father’s betrayal threatens to seal his fate, Owen must win the vengeful king’s favor by proving his worth—through extraordinary means. And only one person can aid his desperate cause: a mysterious woman, dwelling in secrecy, who truly wields power over life, death, and destiny.




Opening line:
"Lady Eleanor sat at the window seat of her chambers, gently stroking her son's head in her lap."

Why haven't I read this series yet?? Why hasn't anyone told me to read it?? I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Owen and how he grew up into the person he became. Taken from his family to be used as a pawn to force his father to do as the king bids, Owen grows up as a prisoner within the castle. He makes a few friends: the cook and her husband, the king's niece and the queen's poisoner. The poisoner turns out to be a caring woman who teaches Own how to master her abilities--both fountain blessed and natural --so he will not only survive the king and his rages but also to become a tool to prevent wars and other castle intrigue.




Saturday, July 7, 2018

THE ROAD TO GRETNA GREEN by Lucinda Brant, Heather Moore, Julie Daines

SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant
When widow Helen, Lady Dysart, returns to the English border town of Carlisle for a family wedding, she decides to confront local physician Royston Meredith, the man who broke her heart. Royston has loved Helen since they were teenagers. He thought the feeling mutual until she up and married the local MP. While everyone around them hopes this reunion will see Helen and Royston sort out their differences, of more immediate concern is Royston’s youngest sister Grace, when she elopes with the steward’s son. Helen and Royston dash after her, determined to save her from scandal and an imprudent match. But in saving Grace the couple may very well be saving themselves.

FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines
Richard Arden needs a wife in order to collect his inheritance. Eliza Barnes needs to escape an arranged marriage to the odious Mr. Barrington. When Richard overhears Eliza’s plight at the coaching inn, he does the most reckless thing he’s ever done—he proposes to a woman he’s never met before. What begins as an easy solution leads Richard and Eliza on a journey across the country with Mr. Barrington at their heels, complicated even more when their fake engagement leads to feelings that are very real.

A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore
Unfortunately, Bridget’s marriage is over in four hours due to her husband’s tragic death. Fortunately, Bridget is now free from her distasteful marriage of convenience. When her year of mourning passes, and she meets her former husband’s cousin, Bridget discovers that her difficulties are far from over. Lord Hugh Wilde blames Bridget for his cousin’s death. But when Bridget’s sister elopes to Gretna Green with a man of questionable reputation, Lord Wilde is the only one who can help, and they both have to set aside their pride to rescue the errant sister. 

 A fantastic collection of regency romances by fantastic authors!

SAVING GRACE by Lucinda Brant
""My dear, was it necessary to extend an invitation to the entire population of Carlisile?""
Ah! Cousin Helen and Cousin Royston! I love this duo.

FOOLS RUSH IN by Julie Daines
"Richard poured himself another glass of wine from the bottle, then pushed it away."
A marriage of convenience or escape or both? Maybe a little of both for Richard and Eliza.

A LADY OF SCANDAL by Heather B. Moore
"Lady Bridget Wilde's marriage lasted four hours."
And boy was she relieved! But now the cousin of her tragically departed husband has made an unwelcome appearance into her life.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

Summer TBR Wipeout! Here are the books I hope to wipeout!

 
 What are you reading this summer??

In no particular order (because who am I kidding?? I have to be in the mooooood):




ACE OF SHADES by Amanda Foody

Welcome to the City of Sin, where casino families reign, gangs infest the streets…
and secrets hide in every shadow.



VEINS OF GOLD by Charlie N. 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.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐



THE ROMANOV EMPRESS by C.W. Gortner


Even from behind the throne, a woman can rule.



SPELL & SPINDLE by Michelle Schusterman


Doll Bones meets Splendors and Glooms as a boy trades bodies with a wooden marionette.




 GRACE AND FURY by Tracy Banghart


In a world where women have no rights, sisters Serina and Nomi Tessaro face two very different fates: one in the palace, the other in prison.



 LOVING LIEUTENANT LANCASTER by Sarah M. Eden


 For the first time since returning to life on land, Linus Lancaster has something challenging to look forward to: the seemingly impossible task of preventing his infamous brother-in-law from wreaking havoc on a house party he is being forced to attend against his will. But Linus's sisters have something far more dangerous in mind... matchmaking!


⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


 WARCROSS by Marie Lu

...when a game called Warcross takes the world by storm, one girl hacks her way into its dangerous depths.




WILDCARD by Marie Lu


Caught in a web of betrayal, with the future of free will at risk, just how far will Emika go to take down the man she loves?




AS WIDE AS THE SKY by Jessica Pack

Five a.m.: Amanda Mallorie wakes to the knowledge that her son Robbie is gone. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

WAITING FOR YOU (Pine valley #4) Heather B. Moore


 WAITING FOR YOU is Gwen & Seth's story.

Gwen Robbins loves her job waitressing at the Pine Valley resort restaurant, and as a single woman, she has no trouble turning down any offers of dates from the restaurant patrons. Even when her boss, Seth Owens, shows interest in her, she’s not tempted in the least, no matter how strong their attraction.

But when Seth helps her through a crisis, she begins to see him in a different light. He’s not the rich and privileged business owner she first makes him out to be, but a man who’s making huge sacrifices to follow his own dreams. As Seth encourages Gwen to mend her own divide with her family, she realizes her heart is slowly opening toward a better future.





Opening line:
""Fourth of July isn't until Thursday,' Alicia told Gwen."

First of all, the cover of this story is delicious, I mean, gorgeous. I want to back cupcakes now! But they will never be as good as Seth's. He bakes and cooks and is really good at it. unfortunately, his dad is not supportive of this 'hobby' even though Seth is a pro.
Second, I love the characters and the romantic tension that builds between Seth and Gwen. She works in the restaurant that he owns. He helps her make cupcakes at the last minute and she says yes to working his parents Fourth of July BBQ. Gwen gets to also meet the ex-girlfriend. The tension ratchets up.
Third, this book is a perfect summer read on a road trip or on the beach or by the pool. It's a quick, fun, clean romance  with great kissing scenes (the word 'kiss' is in the book at least 60 times; I'm not saying there is that much kissing though...).
Fourth, I can't wait for more of Heather Moore's books. She's one of the authors who's books I know I'll enjoy every. single. time I read her stories.

Disclaimer: I may or may not have gained weight reading this book...



Tuesday, July 3, 2018

KISS OF THE SPINDLE by Nancy Campbell Allen HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY!

 A steampunk Sleeping Beauty story from the author of Beauty and the Clockwork Beast.

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date—after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette—the witch who cursed her—Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.



 Opening line:
"Isla Elizabeth Cooper extended her hand toward the airship ticket agent."

Isla has had a spell, or rather, a curse placed on her, where every night at midnight she falls into a deep sleep and doesn't awake until 6 am. She jokes she sleeps like the dead and she almost does; her breath is shallow and her skin is tinged with blue. She's on a deadline to find the cure before the curse becomes permanent.
She bullies her way on to an airship, much to the dismay of the captain, Daniel Pickett who does not want any more passengers on his ship but somehow cannot resist Isla. For on Daniel's ship are three shape shifters who Daniel is smuggling away from London and persecution.
Before Daniel can get off the ground, another unwanted person bullies his way onto the airship: Nigel Crowe. Notorious for sending shape shifters off to the dungeon or to be hanged. His work is in total contrast to what Isla does, so the tension between the two and then the whole ship's passengers begins right from the start.
The author does a fantastic job of fleshing out her characters where the reader comes to love and cheer for them. Even the villain is easy to hate! And the 'ton Samson was easily a favorite of mine.
I enjoyed the storyline of Sleeping Beauty and the mix of steampunk and a twist of the plot.
The romance was perfectly paced in that it wasn't overly dramatic or love at first sight It was a sweet build up until the...well, I can't tell you. You just need to read this book!
I would recommend this book to any reader who loves a well-written adventure with enough romance and kissing to keep reading.

Thanks to netgalley for the read!