Bookish Thoughts: Hadley Beckett's Next Dish

Description:

Celebrity chef Maxwell Cavanagh is known for many things: his multiple Michelin stars, his top-rated Culinary Channel show To the Max, and most of all his horrible temper. Hadley Beckett, host of the Culinary Channel's other top-rated show, At Home with Hadley, is beloved for her Southern charm and for making her viewers feel like family.

When Max experiences a very public temper tantrum, he's sent packing to get his life in order. When he returns, career in shambles, his only chance to get back on TV and in the public's good graces is to work alongside Hadley.

As these polar-opposite celeb chefs begin to peel away the layers of public persona and reputation, they will not only discover the key ingredients for getting along, but also learn the secret recipe for unexpected forgiveness . . . and maybe even love. In the meantime, hide the knives.

About the Author:

Bethany Turner is the award-winning author of The Secret Life of Sarah Hollenbeck and Wooing Cadie McCaffrey and the director of administration for Rock Springs Church in Southwest Colorado. A former bank executive and a three-time cancer survivor (all before she turned 35), Bethany knows that when God has plans for your life, it doesn't matter what anyone else has to say. Because of that, she's chosen to follow his call to write. She lives with her husband and their two sons in Colorado, where she writes for a new generation of readers who crave fiction that tackles the thorny issues of life with humor and insight.

My Thoughts:

This is the first book I’ve read from this new-to-me author and I have to say that I greatly enjoyed it!  I had no idea what to expect, but I knew it was going to be good when she had me laughing in the prologue.  From then on, I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next and how many pages would be between bouts of laughter.

I honestly wasn't sure what to think of this book when I started it. I loved watching the cooking channels as a teenager and I'd never read a book set around celebrity chefs. So I was curious, but also a little cautious. Though that caution was thrown to the wind within the first few pages. I loved Hadley, with her wry sense of humor, sarcasm, kindness, and awkwardness. She's sweet, but also sassy - even if only to herself. And I found myself surprised that I genuinely liked Max! I know, it's a rom-com, you're supposed to fall in love with the hero. But I wasn't too sure about him. That being said, he started losing a couple of the rough edges and I really enjoyed how the author wrote from his perspective. He's funny, with a dry wit and a bit of the curmudgeon thrown in. And I laughed so much at the dialogue between him and Hadley! 

My only slight disappointment is that we didn't get to see as much of Max's transformation as I would have liked. He was asking a lot of questions, but then it seemed as though he found the answers off page and they weren't really mentioned again. That said, I did really enjoy the ending! And I immediately went looking for Ms. Turner's other books, which I shall hopefully have in my hands, soon. 

*My thanks to Revell 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. 

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope everyone is doing well, especially with all of the craziness in the world! Seriously! But thankfully, we still have books, and video calls are becoming a big thing, which is better than nothing. I've just been hibernating at home, enjoying having time off work to spend with my Tiny Girl. 

As always, if you'd like to learn more about this book, links are below!

Have a lovely day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs

Description:
Parents are always looking out for the perfect bedtime book to create a sense of well-being before a night of rest. Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs explores a child's curiosity about how love is shown between parent and child, with the reassurance that Mama and Papa will always love their little one. And like Lisa Tawn Bergren's young protagonist asks his mother, this question is pressing on the minds of many children:

"Mama, how does God kiss us?"

Mama smiled. "He kisses us a hundred times a day; although if you don't pay attention, you might miss it."

"At night he kisses us with a shooting star. In the morning, he kisses us with sunlight, crawling across the fields and into our windows. On a hot summer afternoon, he kisses us with a gentle breeze. But most of all, he kisses us through our family. That's how God made us. That's why I give you Mama kisses."

About the Authors:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is a best-selling author of nearly forty books, including the beloved God Gave Us children's book series. Her work spans many genres, from adult fiction to devotionals. She and her husband, Tim, live in Colorado Springs with their family.

From early childhood, Aleksandar Zolotić used his vivid imagination to create amazing drawings, making everyday moments in his life look special. Years later, he studied at the Faculty of Applied Arts in Belgrade, and he's gone on to win numerous awards for his work. When not creating imaginative illustrations, he spends time drinking iced coffee and eating homemade muffins with his wife and reading picture books to his daughter, while preventing his baby son from eating them.

My thoughts:

This is my first time reviewing a children`s book, so please bear with me.  That being said, I was super excited to receive this book and my husband and I sat and read it to my pregnant belly the day it came.  I had no idea what to expect from a children’s book, but we loved this one!  The way it’s written, it encourages parents to take turns reading the mommy and daddy sections, making funny voices, or showing how a polar bear “kisses,” which was really fun.  I can easily imagine us cuddling up with our little one, when they’re older, and reading this to them together.  I also really enjoyed how the story lead into how God is our Father and seeing how He “hugs” and “kisses” us every day.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book and can’t wait to get to read it to our little one someday soon!

*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.    

Sorry for the short review - I'm still learning to do this on a tablet while our new baby naps.  

Thank you so much for stopping by!  If you're interested in learning more about the book, some links are below.

Have a lovely day!

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Bookish Thoughts: Collateral Damage

This post is going to be very simplifed.  The dinosaur of a laptop isn't wanting to work, so I'm trying to do everything from my tablet.  First world problems, right?

Description:
Honorably discharged from the Army after an explosion nearly killed her, former military psychiatrist Brooke Adams has set up shop to help others--but her days of helping military personnel are over. She's got her own battles to fight from her time overseas, and she's not equipped to take on more. Former Army Special Ops Sergeant First Class Asher James could handle anything that war sent his way--terrorists, bombs, bullets. The only thing that scares him now is sleep. As the shadows close in, the nightmares begin.

Finally convinced that he needs help, Asher makes an appointment with a counselor, and Brooke is pressed by her boss to take him on. When he arrives at her office she isn't there--but a dead body is. Brooke is devastated when she walks in, and Asher is a conveniently strong shoulder to cry on. But she can't take him on as a client after sharing such an intimate and unprofessional moment, can she? And he's not sure he can handle sharing his deepest fears with such a beautiful woman.

When it becomes clear that Brooke was the real target of the attack--and that her secrets go even deeper than his own--Asher vows to protect her no matter what.

About the Author:
Lynette Eason is the bestselling author of Protecting Tanner Hollow, as well as the 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 and two children. Learn more at www.lynetteeason.com.

My Thoughts:

I'm not sure what to say about this book. I think anything I seek to write will just sound like a repeat of my reviews for Ms. Eason's previous books. Not that this book was just like her others - the premise and mystery were different - but like all of her other books, it was action packed and definitely kept me turning pages as quickly as I could read!

As always, she did an excellent job with the suspense and mystery! Though parts of it honestly made my heart hurt - the things humanity does to one another - I couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next! Plus, I also desperately wanted to see justice for the victims. Even just rereading a bit of it, in preparation to write this, I was angry again. You know it's a great book when you're almost crying, or super angry with the villain, but still cheering on the good guys.

I also really enjoyed getting to know Brooke and Asher, along with Gavin, Sarah, and Caden. The military focus and camaraderie was interesting and a bit different from the author’s previous books. I wasn’t quite sure what to think of that change, at first, but overall I thought she did a great job with it! I’ve heard rumors that the next book will have Gavin and Sarah as the main characters, so I’m really excited for that! And I so appreciated how the author focused on the importance of every life. It wasn't "preachy," but definitely noticeable and a welcome reminder, especially in the midst of war and the case they are seeking to solve.

And I think that's about all I can say, without possibly spoiling something. So overall, I greatly enjoyed this story and would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys suspense and mystery!

*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.

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Bookish Thoughts: On Wings of Devotion

"You'll either be a hero or a villain, Phil.  Try to pick the right one, will you?"

Description:

Against Every Warning, She’s Drawn Ever Closer to the Man Known as “Black Heart”

All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well.

With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the cross hairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive.


About the Author:
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated 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:
This is the second book in The Codebreakers series and I’ve been anxiously awaiting it! As soon as I learned Major Phillip “Black Heart” Camden was to have the starring role, I just couldn’t resist! I met him in the first book, The Number of Love, and was curious to see where the author would take this sourpuss of a character. And I can happily say that this book will definitely be going on my favorites shelf, as soon as I make space for it!

As always, I loved Ms. White’s writing! I’ve yet to read a book of hers that I didn’t enjoy, and this one is certainly not the exception. I’m not even sure where to start . . . She has such a beautiful way of bringing the characters and time period to life. I could almost hear the clipped English accents, feel the chill in the air, and the stress of war looming so close to home. I enjoyed the cameos from characters from some previous books and how she’s tying the various series together. Though this book is able to stand alone quite well, I immensely enjoyed the first book as well, and would highly recommend it.

"He does not ask everyone to give all they have.

But if He does, are we willing?  Truly willing? . . .

Whatever He asks of us, whether it be a fortune or a pittance

or our time or our devotion, we can be sure it will be painful.

Cutting out what stands between us and God always is.

But we can also trust that in the giving, we'll gain something far more precious."

Frankly, I wasn’t quite sure what to think of Arabelle Denler, at first. She seemed almost too kind to be true. But I soon learned her flaws and couldn’t help but love her character, too. She was someone I easily connected with and could see being a friend, were she real. And she was perfect for Phillip! I didn’t know how the story with them could possibly play out, but the author did an excellent job of making their relationship believable. I laughed out loud more than once at their banter, making my husband glance over and just shake his head, and I’m sure I was found smiling into my book on multiple occasions. I also enjoyed the banter amongst the crew of Room 40 and how the author wove the code breaking element into this story, as well. It wasn’t as front and center as it was in the first, but still played a role, staying with the theme of the series.

I will also say, it’s not often that someone can create a “villain” that I both hate what they’re doing and sympathize with their decisions. I’m not going to spoil anything, but I do want to note that I thought Ms. White did an excellent job of finding the balance with that character.

Overall, I greatly enjoyed this book! From the time period, to the suspense that kept me rushing to turn the next page, to the romance that made me smile, I would have read it in one sitting, given the opportunity.

*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.

As always, thanks for stopping by!  I'm sorry if this review seems choppier than usual - I loaned my laptop to my sister, so this was done half on an old dinosaur of a laptop (it's 11 years old!) and half on my tablet, when the old geezer decided to rebel and froze up on me.  So hopefully it makes sense!  As always, purchase links are below!
I'm going to go, before old lappy decides it's officially done with working.
Have a lovely day!

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My Most Anticipated Books of 2020!

Happy New Year!!  Is anyone else still in shock that it's 2020?  Seriously, this past year went by so fast!  I know, I know.  Everyone always says that.  And people keep telling me that feeling only gets worse as you get older.  But, still.  What happened to 2019??
That aside, there are some awesome books coming out this new year that I'm super excited for!  How many of them I'll actually get to read after March?  Eh, that's definitely questionable.  But I'm looking forward to at least cheering on "my" authors as their new books release, regardless of whether or not I'll actually have time to read them right then.  So, without further ado . . . .
(Oh, and click the titles to learn more)

1) Collateral Damage by Lynette Eason - Jan. 7th

I actually already have this book in my TBR pile - and I can't wait to get started on my next free day!

2) On Wings of Devotion by Roseanna M. White - Jan. 7th

I just got this one in the mail a couple days ago!  And let me say, it's even more beautiful in person!  It's going to be a challenge to decide between this one and Collateral Damage - I don't know which one to read first! 

3) Daughter of Rome by Tessa Afshar - Feb. 4th

I've read all of Tessa's books to date and have yet to find one that I didn't immensely enjoy - so needless to say, I'm looking forward to this one.  :)

4) Cry of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse - Feb. 4th

This is the final book in The Ravenwood Saga and I can't wait!  When I found out it releases in February, I told my husband I knew exactly what I wanted for my birthday.  I have to know how it ends!

5) The Solid Grounds Coffee Company by Carla Laureano - Feb. 4th

I read the first two books in this series last year (they'd been waiting on my Kindle for I don't know how long) and am super excited for this one!  Though I'm not a coffee person and I'm sure there will be a lot of the stuff poured and drank throughout. :)

6) Kings Falling by Ronie Kendig - March 31st

Again, Leif Metcalfe.  And Iskra Todorova.  And the Book of Wars.

I can't wait!!!

7) Storing Up Trouble by Jen Turano - May 5th

Beatrix's book!  I can't wait!  Even from the little bit I know of her from the previous books, I know this one will be excellent!   Plus, she just looks so mischevious on the cover. 

8) The Best We've Been by Beth K. Vogt - May 5th

Honestly, I wasn't sure what to think of this series, when I first started it.  I read the other two books while I was on vacation this past summer and I almost didn't finish the first one.  I started it, stopped, read something else, then tried it again.  By the time I finished it, though, I knew I'd have to finish the series.  There are just too many unanswered questions and I really want to see Johanna redeemed.  And if she isn't, I just might chuck the book at wall . . . .

9) Stay with Me by Becky Wade - May 5th

To be honest, I don't even remember what this book is about right now.  But it's by Becky Wade, so it automatically gets a place on the list.  Plus, this cover is just too pretty.

10) The Crushing Depths by Dani Pettrey - June 30th

Again with the trippy cover!  It's really cool, just a little weird, too.  And she basically set up the first book so that I couldn't not want to read this one, too . . . So many questions!

11) Vying for the Viscount by Kristi Ann Hunter - Aug. 4th

Looking back over the other books on the list, this one is a little bit like the odd one out.  But that's okay, too.  It's by Kristi Ann Hunter, so obviously, I want to read it.  Any dichotomy with the rest of the books is entirely irrelevant to me.   

So, there's my list.  It's definitely not complete, but it'll do, for now.  Maybe I need to start doing a bi-annual list.  One for the first half of the year, one for the second half . . . . It sounds like a nice idea, but if I'm being honest, it'll probably never happen. 

Anyway, I want to know - what books are you most looking forward to?  Are there any you think I missed?  Please share in the comments below!

And have a happy new year! 

Favorite Books of 2019!

Early Happy New Year!  As usual, I'm doing this at the last possible moment and just hoping I put the numbers in the correct order.  Haha!  Gotta love pregnancy brain.  
Anyway.  So, this is my yearly "favorite books" post - although this year is a little different.  I usually try to have a nice even/normal number of books for the list.  This year there are 11.  I know, it's weird.  But my "most anticipated books" list for 2020 (posting tomorrow) has 11 on it as well.  I don't know how or why, but they both worked out that way and my brain is too scattered to try to "fix" either of those.  And this time, not all of the books on my list were published in 2019.  Some of them I've just discovered this year and greatly enjoyed (and am disappointed I missed out on them for so long!).  Regardless, I hope you enjoy wandering through some of my favorite reads for this past year.  Please comment and let me know if you've read any of them, or if any of them catch your fancy, or tell me about some of your favorite books that I've maybe been missing out on! 
(Side note: these are in alphabetical order, which means I don't have to try to figure out which one was my most favorite. )  
Oh, and you should be able to click on any of the titles to learn more about the book.  :) 

1) The Lady and the Lionheart by Joanne Bischof

This book is so beautifully written!  I'd actually had it sitting in my TBR pile for almost a year before reading it and once I started, I couldn't believe it had taken me that long!  I had a book hangover for days after this one!

2) Flight of the Raven by Morgan L. Busse

This is the second in The Ravenwood Saga and I'm still anxiously awaiting the third!  I loved seeing the characters continue to grow and learn - though I didn't necessarily love the cliffhanger at the end . . . . Such is the price the impatient pay for an epic series that isn't quite all finished. 

3) The Spice King by Elizabeth Camden

This book really surprised me!  And I adored all of the history Ms. Camden included. 

4) One Thing I Know by Kara Isaac

Okay, this cover sucked me in immediately.  But one of my favorite things about this book was the fact that it didn't fall into all of the usual molds for Christian Fiction.  It was very honest and at times, heart-wrenching.  But it was real.

5) A Pursuit of Home by Kristi Ann Hunter

I was SO excited for Jess's book!  And it was very different from anything I could have imagined!  Definitely worth the wait, though.

6) Storm Rising by Ronie Kendig

Leif Metcalfe.  Book of Wars.  Intense.  Need I say more?

7) Now, Then, and Always by Melissa Tagg

I'm always up for a return to Maple Valley, but this one . . . I cried.   I laughed too.  And I really didn't want to turn that final page.

8) Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

I read this book during the worst of my morning sickness and it was a fantastic distraction from the fact that I was laying on the couch, unable to sleep, as I tried to hold down dinner.  I laughed so hard.  It was great! 

9) Sweet on You by Becky Wade

Three words: Zander and Britt.  And a mystery.  And chocolate.

10) Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

This book had sat on my Kindle for months, if not longer, patiently waiting for me to finally pick it.  And a couple weeks ago, I did.  I couldn't remember what it was about, just that a friend had recommended it and it was supposed to be really good.  It was way better than that!  In a crying-for-fictional-people-and-wishing-I-could-hug-them kind of way.

11) The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White

Honestly, this book was hard for me to read at times.  It resonated deeply with several things I was struggling with and I'm thankful for how the author handled some sensitive subjects.  And the second book in the series releases next week!  I can't wait to read it, too! 

   

Bookish Thoughts: A Pursuit of Home

"Daphne might not have all the typical feminine graces of an aristocratic wife, but if trouble came knocking, she'd tuck herself behind her husband's coattails.  Jess would climb out the window in order to circle around and stab it in the back.  No man wanted that in a wife, not really." 

Description:
In early 1800s England, Jess Beauchene has spent most of her life in hiding and always on the move in an effort to leave her past far behind her. But when she learns the family she thought had died just might be alive and in danger, she knows her secrets can only stay buried for so long.

Derek Thornbury loves the past, which has led him to become an expert in history and artifacts. He knows Jess has never liked him, but when she requests his help deciphering the clues laid out in an old family diary, he can't resist the urge to solve the puzzle.

As Jess and Derek race to find the hidden artifact before her family's enemies, they learn as much about each other as they do about the past. But can their search to uncover the truth and set history right lead to a future together?

About the Author:
Kristi Ann Hunter graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in computer science but always knew she wanted to write. Kristi is a RITA Award and a Georgia Romance Writers Maggie Award for Excellence winner. She lives with her husband and three children in Georgia. Find her online at www.kristiannhunter.com.






My Thoughts:
Kristi Ann Hunter is one of my very favorite historical fiction authors so, of course, I was super excited for this book!  Add in the fact that this is Jess’ story and you would find me stalking the mailbox for days, awaiting its arrival.  I’ve been looking forward to her book since discovering she would be more than simply a quirky character in “A Noble Masquerade” and was most definitely not disappointed with what I found between the beautiful covers. 

Along with being a favorite author, Ms. Hunter is also one of the only authors of Regency novels whose works I will excitedly read again and again.  I have nothing against stories set in that time period, they just aren’t typically to my liking.  But apparently, if you add in some especially quirky characters (one of them being a valet with a couple missing fingers), sarcasm, intrigue, a treasure hunt, and some knife throwing, I’ll stay up quite late trying to read “just one more chapter.”  I found all of those things and much more in this story.  

I absolutely loved the new characters I got to meet, but also I had to grin at being reunited with some old friends.  While you don’t have to read the books in order (though I would highly recommend all of Ms. Hunter’s books!), as the author does an excellent job of allowing each story to stand alone, I do think keeping up with the number of characters/titles/names may be slightly confusing if you haven’t read the others.  If you have read the previous books in the series, then you’ll already be acquainted with Derek Thornbury and Jess Beauchene.  Jess with her sharp tongue and equally sharp knives; Derek with his quirkiness, affinity for all things art and history related, and penchant for spouting random facts.  Though I knew them a bit from the other books, I couldn’t resist falling in love with them in this one.  Who can resist a hero that maybe isn’t the most dashing man in the room, but who is loyal, stubborn, somewhat socially awkward, kind, and determined to do the right thing, regardless of the cost?  And Jess was something of a surprise for me.  I already knew her as this very blunt, somewhat hardened spy-turned-cook, but learning her history and background brought her to vivid life.  She is loyal, determined to protect those she loves, and is searching for a light in the shadows that she’s lived in for so long.   

Two more things I greatly enjoyed:  The dialogue, sarcasm, and just the interesting way the characters viewed things had me cracking up more than once (and my husband looking at me, awaiting an explanation) !  And the way the author chose to define more so what real love looks and acts like.  Faith isn’t a deep, long, theological discussion here, but rather is woven throughout the story and shown in a myriad of ways.  
Overall, I can’t think of a single page of this book that I didn’t enjoy.  I would indubitably recommend it!

Random question:
Are there any genres or time periods that you don't typically read, but make will an exception for certain authors? 

As always, thank you so much for stopping by!  If you'd like to learn more about this book, or any of the others in the series, links are below!  

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