Bookish Thoughts: Countdown

 

Description:

A stalker who wants to finish what he started. A US Marshal who's vowed to protect his charge. And one woman who is determined to put the past in the past.

Flight paramedic Raina Price has been running so long it's hard to stop. To escape a dangerous stalker, she changed her name and disappeared, building a new life with the help of a friend from her time in juvie. It feels good to put her energies into saving people's lives, but because her stalker was never found, she's never stopped looking over her shoulder. And one can only run so far before the past finally catches up.

US Marshal Vincent Corelli's job is to hunt down fugitives and protect those who are assigned to him. When Raina is almost killed right in front of him, he vows to protect her at all costs--whether it's his job or not. Together they work to solve the mystery of Raina's past. But someone is out to make sure Raina doesn't live long enough to do it.

About the Author:
Lynette Eason is the USA Today bestselling author of Life Flight, Crossfire, and Critical Threat, as well as the Danger Never Sleeps, Blue Justice, Women of Justice, Deadly Reunions, Hidden Identity, and Elite Guardians series. She is the winner of three ACFW Carol Awards, the Selah Award, and the Inspirational Reader's Choice Award, among others. She is a graduate of the University of South Carolina and has a master's degree in education from Converse College. Eason lives in South Carolina with her husband. They have two adult children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

My Thoughts:

Do you want to know how engrossed I was in this book?  I have the paperback, but I didn’t want to disturb my toddler’s nap by turning on the lamp, so I downloaded the ebook from my library so I could keep reading on my phone while she slept.  That’s how addicting I found this story.  You have been warned.  If you choose to read this book, you may find late nights and “just one more chapter” appearing before you know it!  Or, you know, having both the ebook and paperback available, so you can keep reading, even when the light would bother a family member. 

Countdown is the fourth (and I believe final) book in the Extreme Measures series.  You don’t have to read the previous books in the series, though I found it made the relationships between the friends more meaningful.  Plus, you get to know Raina just a bit from the other books, so I was very curious to read her story.

Obviously, I found this story to be very fast-paced, with a lot of moving pieces, some that kept me guessing and some that seemed a little obvious, but still useful for the plot.  I quite enjoyed the suspense and I really liked Raina and Vincent. I will say that because a bit of their relationship happened off page (they’ve known each other since book 1), I did sometimes find that the romance seemed a little rushed, though the timeline for this story happens very quickly, as well.  Despite that, I did enjoy the romance side of the story. 

Overall, if you’re a fan of fast-paced romantic suspense, then I would definitely highly recommend this book (and the rest of the series)!

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

I'll probably only have a couple more reviews to publish before baby #3 arrives! How crazy is that?! I'm honestly not sure how much reviewing I'll be doing after November, especially with 3 sweet girls to love on. We shall see! As always, if you found yourself curious about this book, links for more info are below!

Have a lovely day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

GoodReads

The Story Graph

Bookish Thoughts: A Beautiful Disguise and GIVEAWAY!

 

Happy Release Day to Roseanna M. White! Join her in celebration of A Beautiful Disguise! Enter the giveaway and join the fun here: https://bit.ly/3NS24t1

Description:

1909

Left with an estate on the bring of bankruptcy after their father's death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm for the elite to spy on the elite.  Dubbed the Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the creme of society who want answers delivered surreptitiously.  But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend's father as potential traitor. 

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the field, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they're creating a new secret intelligence branch, he's intent on showing his worth.  He suspects an aristocrat of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but he needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to the Imposters, Ltd.  No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend's sake, and she's more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can't possibly be as noble as he seems. 

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

My Thoughts:

I fear I'm just becoming a broken record when it comes to reviews for Ms. White's books.  She is definitely one of my "must have" authors and I regularly (at least a couple times a year) reread one or more of her books.  So when she announces a new book or series, I just wait impatiently for it to be available, no questions asked.  I don't even have to know what the storyline is - I just know I'm going to fall in love with it.

That said, I was super intrigued with the premise behind this new series.  I adore anything to do with mysteries or investigations and this one was so well done!  I was left guessing throughout the story, and even by the end, I was as surprised as the characters when the plot was revealed!

Speaking of the characters, I adored Marigold Fairfax, her brother, and the others of their eclectic team/household.  I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that the lion was definitely a favorite addition.  And I can't wait for Graham and Gemma's book!

"Maybe we'd all be wiser, maybe fewer people would be hurt if we questioned more.

If we didn't think that closing our eyes to darkness meant it didn't exist.

As if by closing them, we didn't just create more darkness. . . .

The truth isn't always pretty. But I like to think it's always beautiful."

- Yates Fairfax

Marigold has spent so long working to be seen without actually being known or noticed, so when Sir Merritt actually sees her, I couldn't help but cheer for him. I had to smile at Sir Merritt proving Marigold wrong again, and again, and again, in her opinion of people in general, but of himself in particular.

Goodness, this review is ridiculously hard to write! I don't want to add any spoilers, but sharing any of my favorite parts of the story would involve potentially sharing one. So I suppose I'll surrender, before I get myself in trouble and just say - "read this book! It was amazing and beautiful and suspenseful and intriguing and . . . you might love it as much as I did! So go forth and read it!"

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book! I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.

Goodness, book friends! The summer entirely got away from me! Chasing 2 toddlers and managing the exhaustion of pregnancy (praise the Lord!) has left me with a very neglected blog. And once sweet girl #3 is here, it will quite possibly be entirely forgotten for a while. So thank you for your patience now and for your forgiveness later, when I fall off the face of the blog-verse again.

If you haven't already clicked the link at the top to enter the giveaway please don't forget to do that! And happy reading, my friends!

Purchase links:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Christian Book

Roseanna's Shop (signed)

Bookish Thoughts: The Shifting Current

 

Description:

An elusive killer. A false identity. A deadly maze of lies.

When Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent LOGAN PERRY’s beloved grandfather is murdered, Logan races to his hometown of Cauldron Creek, New Mexico to investigate the murder. His teammate and friend, EMMY THORTON, insists on joining him. Not a good idea—not when he loves her, but carries a secret that he knows will tear them apart.

Emmy knows Logan will pursue the investigation no matter the cost, and she won’t let the man she loves plunge into a dangerous situation alone. She needs to be at his side, even if he believes friendship is her only reason for joining him.

What looks like a robbery gone wrong rapidly shifts, drawing Emmy and Logan into a dizzying maze where nothing is as it appears. Every lead slips through their fingers as threats against them grow deadlier at each turn. Having only each other to rely on, their love for one another deepens, but will they live long enough to admit their attraction to each other?

They’re in the killer’s sights. One wrong move puts their future together and their lives on the line.

About the Author:

Publishers Weekly and #1 Amazon bestselling author, Dani Pettrey has sold nearly 800,000 copies of her novels to readers eagerly awaiting the next release. Dani combines the page-turning adrenaline of a thriller with the chemistry and happy-ever-after of a romance. Her novels stand out for their "wicked pace, snappy dialogue, and likable characters" (Publishers Weekly), "gripping storyline[s]," (RT Book Reviews), and "sizzling undercurrent of romance" (USA Today).She researches murder and mayhem from her home in Maryland. For more information about her novels, visit danipettrey.com 

My Thoughts:

I have been waiting for Emmy and Logan’s book for 4 years!  Ever since reading the first book in the series.  I. Have. Been. Waiting.  And I confess, I was pretty bummed when I saw it was “just” a novella.  But after reading it, I stand corrected.  A novella was perfect for them!  

So if you’ve read the other books in the series, you’ve probably been following these characters as long as I have.  If you haven’t, then stop, go get those books, read them, wait 4 years, and then come back.  Just kidding.  But seriously, go get the other books.  So after following them through the prior books, their relationship and how it all plays out, works perfectly.  It didn’t seem unnatural or rushed.  And given that, I honestly probably would have been frustrated with them, had they been given a full-length novel to finally figure it out.  So, well done, Ms. Pettrey!

Though I hated seeing the end of the series, it ended well.  And I’m excited to see what comes next!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my advanced copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Though I'll always prefer paper books to e-books, I do want to point out that the e-book is only $2.99 right now! So if you're wanting to finish the series, but a paperback is out of your budget range right now, that may be an option!

As always, thanks for stopping by! Have a lovely Mother's Day weekend!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

GoodReads

The Story Graph

Bookish Thoughts: A Match in the Making

 

Description:

Miss Gwendolyn Brinley accepted a temporary paid companion position for the Newport summer season, believing it would be a lark to spend the summer in America's most exclusive town. She suddenly finds her summer turning anything but amusing when her employer expects her to take over responsibilities as an assistant matchmaker. Tasked with the daunting prospect of attaining advantageous matches for her clients, Gwendolyn soon finds herself in the employ of Mr. Walter Townsend, the catch of the Season, but a gentleman Gwendolyn finds beyond irritating.

Walter Townsend is reluctantly in search of a wife for the sake of his unruly motherless children who cannot keep a governess for long. What he wasn't expecting was Miss Brinley, an amateur matchmaker who turns his quest for a new wife into a complete and utter debacle. Constantly besieged by society ladies on a mission to win his affection, Walter must find a way to overcome their inundating attention--and his unexpected attraction toward Gwendolyn.

The more time they spend together throughout the Newport Season, the harder it is for Gwendolyn to find Walter a wife when she realizes his perfect match might be . . . her.

About the Author:

 Jen Turano is a USA Today bestselling author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publishers Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She's been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers' Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. She and her family live outside of Denver, Colorado. Readers can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, and at jenturano.com

My Thoughts:

A new Jen Turano book!  Exactly what my tired heart was needing.  Ms. Turano is without a doubt one of my very favorite authors and I love to read (or re-read) her books, especially when a good laugh is in order.  Her stories always bring a smile to my face and I love being able to reply to the question “what’s so funny?” with the words, “oh, this book!  Let me tell you about it!”

So, in the interest of continuing to answer that question, allow me to expound a bit:  Matchmaking -  Always great for escapades.  Newport - a place I know little about, but was suddenly very interested in.  Three small children -  Perfect for mischief and stealing hearts.  A pony.  A cat lady (I absolutely adored Adelaide!  I can’t wait for her story in November!).  And Gwendolyn who is very no-nonsense, especially with the schemes and craziness found in Society.  I think she and I would get along wonderfully, if she wasn’t simply a fictional character.  And Walter, who isn’t the typical completely oblivious hero (though he does have a couple moments).  I loved seeing the two of them go from annoyance to tolerance to comradery to love.  

Also, did I mention there’s a shark? 

What is a humorous book you've read recently? Please leave a comment and let me know! I can always use more suggestions (as my bookcases groan)!

Have a lovely day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

GoodReads

The Story Graph

Bookish Thoughts: The Maid of Ballymacool

 

Description:

Brianna Kelly was abandoned at Ballymacool House and Boarding School as an infant. She has worked there since she was a wee girl and will likely die there. Despite a sense that she was made for something more, Brianna feels powerless to change her situation, so she consoles herself by exploring the Ballymacool grounds, looking for hidden treasures to add to the secret trove beneath the floorboards of her room.

When Michael Wray, the son of local gentry, is sent to Ballymacool to deal with his unruly cousin, he finds himself drawn to Brianna, immediately and inescapably. There is something about her that feels so . . . familiar. When Brianna finds a piece of silver in the woods, she commits to learning its origins, with the help of Michael. What they discover may change everything.

Fan favorite Jennifer Deibel invites you back to the Emerald Isle in the 1930s for this fresh take on the Cinderella story, complete with a tantalizing mystery, a budding romance, and a chance at redemption.

About the Author:

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at www.jenniferdeibel.com. 

My Thoughts:

I had the pleasure of reading Ms. Deibel’s prior novel, “The Lady of Galway Manor” and so enjoyed it.  So, when I saw she had a new book, I didn’t even think twice about grabbing it.  I’m not entirely sure, but I may have enjoyed this one even more than the former!

Ms. Deibel does a beautiful job of bringing Ireland in 1935 to vivid life.  Her descriptions paint pictures so vibrant,I often felt as though I was walking the halls of Ballymacool or wandering the woods alongside the characters.  It’s apparent from the beginning how much the author loves the people, history, and culture of Ireland.  I loved “seeing” it through a lens of understanding and love.  

As always, the characters are what makes or breaks a story for me, and I adored Brianna, Michael, Batty, and Finnuala.  Brianna and Michael both have such kind hearts, and the contrast between how Michael cares for Brianna versus how she’s treated by the mistress of Ballymacool broke my heart for her.  I loved getting to see her from Michael’s perspective and how he slowly fell in love with the young woman who was so often overlooked.  Their relationship builds slowly and is so sweet.  And who doesn’t love someone named “Batty” or the supposedly “crazy” woman from the woods (Finnuala)?  I also really appreciated how the dialogue is written as it would be heard/said - as opposed to proper English.  I could almost “hear” the lovely accent as I read.  

I also really appreciated the message of belonging and hope, especially for those who may find themselves feeling isolated or alone.  This story sought to offer hope, something the world often seems to be sorely lacking.  My only mildly negative comment is that I thought the ending was a little rushed.  Brianna spends a few pages trying to understand and accept things (I don’t want to spoil anything), but within a paragraph or two, everything is mostly okay, again.  But maybe that’s just me. 

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book!  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and is looking for a trip to Ireland, lived vicariously. 

*My thanks to the publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a review, positive or otherwise, and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own. 

If you couldn't tell from my review, I greatly enjoyed this trip to Ireland! What is your favorite place to "visit" via stories? Please leave a comment and let me know!

As always, links are below!

Have a ducky day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

GoodReads

The Story Graph

Bookish Thoughts: Yesterday's Tides

 

Description:

In 1942, Evie Farrow is used to life on Ocracoke Island, where every day is the same–until the German U-boats haunting their waters begin to wreak havoc. And when special agent Sterling Bertrand is washed ashore at Evie’s inn, her life is turned upside down. While Sterling’s injuries keep him inn-bound for weeks, making him even more anxious about the man he’s tracking, he becomes increasingly intrigued by Evie, who seems to be hiding secrets of her own.

Decades earlier, in 1914, Englishman Remington Culbreth arrives at the Ocracoke Inn for the summer, but he doesn’t count on falling in love with Louisa Adair, the innkeeper’s daughter. When war breaks out in Europe, and their relationship is put in jeopardy, will their love survive?

As Evie and Sterling work to track down an elusive German agent, they unravel mysteries that go back a generation. The ripples from the Great War are still rocking their lives, and it seems yesterday’s tides may sweep them all into danger again today.

Bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White whisks you away to two periods fraught with peril in this sweeping and romantic dual-time tale.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White (www.roseannamwhite.com) is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she's homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.roseannamwhite.com

My Thoughts:

If we could sit down for tea, I would ramble on about this book.  I would excitedly hold it out for you to see the cover, read the description.  I would happily wait for you to be enticed to start this beautiful story of life, loss, war, peace, love, faith, and family . . . . Since we can’t do that, I suppose I’ll go ahead and ramble and maybe you’ll see if this is a story that could find a space in your heart, like it did mine. 

While this book stands entirely on its own, if you’ve had the pleasure of reading Ms. White’s prior series, you’ll find many familiar names and faces.  I so enjoyed finally getting to learn Rem’s story (from the Codebreakers Series) and I loved all of the cameos - they made me want to start at the beginning (The Culper Ring series) and read them all over again!  That said, if this is your first foray into her books, I don’t believe you’d feel as though you were missing anything by starting here.  And, you would have all of her other fabulous books to look forward to finding! 

As always, I loved the characters!  They, as I’ve come to expect from this author’s stories, had become dear friends by the time I turned the final page.  I had to whisper to them a quiet farewell and promise to read their book again, soon.  And the setting!  I have vague memories of visiting Ocracoke Island a decade ago and so enjoyed getting to revisit it through Evie and Louisa’s stories.  I thoroughly enjoyed how Ms. White brought the dual time-lines to life, though I did occasionally want to groan with frustration when we left one to go back to the other, because I just wanted to know what was going to happen!  The suspense definitely wasn’t lacking!  All in all, I would say that though the year is just beginning, this book will definitely be one of my favorites for the year! 

I would love to tell you so much more, but I don’t want to spoil anything.  I also know most people won’t read this far, or if you did make it here, you wouldn’t read much further.  So thank you for spending time on my ramblings!

*My thanks to the author and publisher for my copy of this book!  I was not required to write a positive review and have not been compensated for it in any way.  All opinions expressed are my own.  

As always, thank you for taking the time to stop by and see what I've been reading! I hope I maybe sparked your interest in this book that I so enjoyed. If so, links are below!

My munchkins are calling, so until next time -

Have a beautiful day!

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Books-A-Million

Goodreads

The Story Graph

Most Anticipated books for 2023!

 Happy New Year!!  I was looking at the books coming out in 2023 and I am so excited!  I'm also excited because I've decided to do something a little different this year.  I'm hoping to catch up on some of my Kindle books that have been languishing as they await my attention, as well as reading (and rereading) some books I own in paper that keep coming to mind.  So for this list, the new books will in at the top, in release date order and then the books already available will be in some sort of order below.

Critical Threat by Lynette Eason - 1/3/2023

So this one I have mixed emotions about this one. I didn't finish the first book in the series,

but I so enjoyed the second one.  So I'm very curious about this one! 

Hearts of Steel by Elizabeth Camden - 1/17/2023

The Final book in the series!  I'm excited for Liam's story!

Yesterday's Tides by Roseanna M. White - 1/23/2023

I'm excited for a new dual-time novel from one of my favorite authors! 

Brooke by Ronie Kendig - 2/6/2023

I've been waiting for Brooke's story and have already pre-ordered it!

A Match in the Making by Jen Turano - 2/21/2023

A new series!!!!! 

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin - 2/23/2023

I'm always up for Sarah Sundin's books!

Love Makes Way by Hallee Bridgeman - 3/7/2023

I so enjoyed the other books in this series and am looking forward to this one!

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White - 8/22/2023

As previously mentioned, I always love Roseanna's books, so her books 

are always on the list!

The Hidden Prince by Tessa Afshar 

I missed this one in 2022 and I'm hoping to acquire it sometime this year. 

When The Day Comes  by Gabrielle Meyer

I had the pleasure of receiving this book for Christmas and

am excited to have a moment to dive in!  Also, dual-timeline. :)

The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano 

I found this one at my library!  I've so enjoyed all of Joanna's books so far

and am hoping to borrow it whenever it becomes available again.

The Book of Wars Series by Ronie Kendig

I confess, I read the first book when it released and my sweet husband

bought me the second and I haven't ever finished the series.  Hopefully that will 

change in 2023! 

Abiassa's Fire series by Ronie Kendig

This is another of those, I read the first and by the time the second one came out, I forgot

about it.  But we bought this box set, so I can finally know how it ends!

Prophet by R. J. Larson

I read this one shortly after it came out and I remember it was 

so good and it's been on my mind to read the series again. 

So what about you?  What books are on your list?