Still Missing by Chevy Stevens - my review

 Still Missing by Chevy Stevens

This was a book I set up and read late into the night until finished.

Annie tells her story of being kidnapped, held captive in a cabin, and raped almost nightly for a year. We are reading her story and what took place as she tells it to her therapist.  The Freak is someone you will easily grow to despise.

Luke the perfect boyfriend, who everyone wishes for. Gary the cop, she grows a little to close to.

Then finding out in the end who was behind this abduction, how shocking and heartbreaking for Annie. The boyfriend, Luke, best friend Christina, Mom, step-dad, an Uncle who has spent a lot of his lifetime in prison. Could it be one of them, if so which one would be so cruel?

I enjoyed this book tremendously.

#StillMissingSMP #ChevyStevens

June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore - my review

June by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore was such a joy to read and get lost in the old love stories as Cassie Danvers tries to find out her grandmother's secrets. June, Cassie's grandmother has passed away leaving Cassie with a crumbling old mansion Twin Oaks,  full of ghosts that visit with Cassie nightly. Are they trying to tell their story?

The story takes us between now and the year 1955 and what took place when several movie stars, including Jack Montgomery were in St. Jude, Ohio filming a movie. Did Cassie's Grandmother really have a secret affair with the famous Jack Montgomery? If so why was everything kept so secret?

A story of love, and family secrets, full of suspense and passion.
I highly recommend this book full of twist that will keep you guessing throughout.
I received a FREE copy from NetGallery and the Publisher in exchange for my honest review .

Renovating The Richardsons by Virginia Smith - my review

Renovating The Richardsons by Virginia Smith is a fun enjoyable read. 
I haven't read any other books in this series but still totally enjoyed this fun book. I will be reading the other books in the series now, as I have fell in love with these characters! 

Set in a small town in Kentucky with quirky characters a fun enjoyable book. Millie and Al are renovating their bed and breakfast. Everything that can go wrong does. Lots of fun and humor in this story. 

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from NetGallery in exchange for my review.

A Girl's Guide To Moving On by Debbie Macomber - my review

A Girl's Guide to Moving On by Debbie Macomber is not your usual Mother-in-law/daughter-in-law story. I enjoyed reading Nichole and Leanne's stories as they move on from their cheating husbands (father and son) to start new lives. I had met Nichole when reading Last One Home, but A Girl's Guide To Moving On, is a great stand-alone book as well.

I enjoyed the story of how Nichole and Leanne deal with their exes, Jake and Sean, and their cheating ways. Also both still trying to control their lives even after divorce.  The new men, Rocco and Nicolai, that come into their lives, showing them how women should be treated.

I am a HUGE Debbie Macomber fan, and this one didn't disappoint me in the least. I highly recommend it to all Macomber fans or anyone wanting to read one of her books for the 1st time.
Look for this book on the bookshelves in February 2016

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from NetGallery in exchange for my honest review.

Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams - my review

I found myself laughing all the way through Accept This Dandelion by Brooke Williams. Renee Lockhart, longing for a better position on the radio allows her friend to sign her up for the local TV version of "The Bachelor". From setting herself on fire, dancing a jig, wearing cut-offs to a pool party, even slapping a monkey, she has so many funny antics she would be hard to forget. And the "playboy" bachelor himself Ben McConnell who proves to be a much deeper and caring person than everyone first thought of him. Another finalist finds who finds out some "dirt" on Renee and passes it on to Ben in the hopes of helping her own chances of being the winner of his love. Who will he choose to give the dandelion and his heart too?

I enjoyed this book tremendously and highly recommend it!  I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from the author in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you for allowing me the chance to read this.

Look for this book on February 4th 2015

Steadfast Heart by Tracie Peterson - my review

I enjoyed the friendship between Lenore and Abrianna in Steadfast Heart (Brides of Seattle, #1) by Tracie Peterson. Together they made a beautiful team. Abrianna with a lovely heart that wants to help all the less fortunate and Lenore who has the means to do so.

I loved the ladies that run the Bridal School! Everything about them makes me want to meet them.

With the lawyer Kolbein, coming to Seattle, looking for his sister Greta, who he thinks is at the Bridal School, and falling for the beautiful Lenore. Wade always looking out for Abrianna, I expected him to also announce that he was in love with her.

I was left wanting to know more at the end of the book though, like what happened with Priam Welby? A very unlikable man from the beginning. And who committed the murders of the three men close to the Bridal School? Perhaps there will be another follow-up book with the answer to these questions in it. I would just like to know if I have figured it out right.


I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber - my review

Starry Night by Debbie Macomber is an awesome book that will leave you wanting to see an Alaskan star-filled sky with the love of your life. I am a big fan of Debbie Macomber novels and nothing beats a great Christmas story.

Carrie is bored writing the same stories about the same social events and wants the chance to write something different. She jumps at the chance to find the author of the book Alone, Finn Dalton. The catch is, that no-one has been able to find him or get an interview with him.
Carrie takes on the challenge and finds herself in Alaska, meeting a dog by the name of Hennessy, as well as the elusive Finn. Two people as different as night and day, a fun-filled story is sure to follow.

A heart-warming Christmas story to get you into the mood. The perfect Christmas book to curl up with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book from LibraryThing in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.    

The 20th Christmas by Andrea Rodgers - my review

I just finished reading The 20th Christmas by Andrea Rodgers and have to tell you about it!
WOW! What a heartwarming inspirational story. I cried my way through this book as I could easily feel the emotions that Arianna felt when her son, Chase 22 months old, was first kidnapped right before Christmas. She keeps her faith that he is alive somewhere, that God is watching out for him, as she keeps praying to see him again. The author does a fabulous job with this story making you feel the emotions of each and everyone involved. As I tried to put myself in the position of each of these three ladies, Arianna, Lydia, and yes even Lacey the kidnapper, who has for years been homeless, suffering from mental illness, and has a substance abuse problem, my heart broke for all of them. And of course Chase and everyone else that was close to him in anyway.  Andrea Rodgers shows how God can make something beautiful come from something so tragic in this awesome story of faith, love, and forgiveness. An inspirational touching book that grabbed me from the first page.

I  highly recommend this book, stock up on kleenix, and allow plenty of time because it is one of those you want to finish in one sitting!

I received a free copy of this book from Ambassador International in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Mr Miracle by Debbie Macomber - my review

Mr Miracle by Debbie Macomber is a warmhearted Christmas book that  introduces Harry Mills, an angel that is sent to earth to help Addie straighten out her life and find love. Harry is so sure that he can handle everything on his own and he doesn't want to ask for help. Not even from his mentor, Celeste, another angel.  Little does he know he will be experiencing feelings, as humans do, for the first time.

Harry is teaching a literature class at college, with some interesting students, one of which is Addie who has returned home after 6 years. She volunteers to help out Erich, who has broken both wrists in a accident, so his mother who is a widow can go on a pre-planned cruise with Addie's mother who is also recently widowed. Addie and Erich have a past where she was heartbroken, how can she ever stand to be around him to help him out?  Then there is Andrew the war vet with his service dog Tommy, the ex-con Danny who is trying to make a new life after getting out of prison, Michelle the french teacher, along with some more colorful characters. This book is a short heart-warming feel-good Christmas story about making changes in life, finding love, happiness, and friendship.

I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book from Random House and NetGallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Look for this on October 7, 2014

Elvis Sightings by Ricardo Sanchez - my review

Elvis Sightings (An Elvis Sightings Mystery)  by Ricardo Sanchez is about a private investigator named Floyd, who is a Lifestyle Elvis, not an Elvis impersonator. Yes he dresses in sequined jumpsuits like Elvis wore and is often mistaken for an impersonator, but is quick to let you know the difference. He has spent a great amount of time in the past searching for Elvis, as a close friend is a big Elvis fan also who doesn't believe that Elvis is dead. After another tip that Elvis may be alive and living under an assumed name in Kresge, Wyoming, he is off on the hunt again. What he finds there, is a sidekick who wants to help him with the search, and who has a very strange story to tell himself. Leaving Floyd wondering what kind of place is this town, especially after meeting some of the occupants. The author has created a great group of characters who live in Kresge. One of my favorites is Goliath, a small person, who runs the bar. As you visit Kresge with Floyd, you will also be wandering what are the secrets this town is trying to hide, and what kind of place is this. There is a lot of Elvis trivia throughout the book for Elvis fans, you might learn something about Elvis that you didn't know.

I received an ARC (advanced readers copy) of this book from NetGallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Look for this book on September 29,  2014

Beyond the Rapture by Jennette Green - my review

Beyond the Rapture by Jennette Green was a very thought provoking book which I enjoyed tremendously. It starts out in the future with Isola scared and trying to find a place to hide. As she tries to find what is left of Kay's house to see if she can find the answers to what is going on. Kay had known the truth all along, before she disappeared with all of the others, her life had proven it. She finds her diary and bible.

The story goes back and forth between now (in the reading of the diary) and the future (beyond the rapture). The author uses a lot of bible scripture in this book which is about the end times. It is not a preachy type book but does relay a great story of love, gangs, persecution, etc. I couldn't put this down as I anxiously turned the pages to see what each day would bring.

I highly recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book from Net Gallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

 

Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand - my review

Huckleberry Christmas by Jennifer Beckstrand

What a joyful book, as Mammi Anna sets in for her latest matchmaking schemes. Beth a widow, who was married to an emotionally abusive man, is now determined to make a life for herself and her little redheaded cutie son Toby on her own. She doesn't want to take a chance on love again.  Tyler is in love with her, he makes bacon pancakes for her and purposes, but she turns him down but offers to help him find a good wife. I laughed my way through this book as Beth learns to trust God and to love again. Mammi Anna and Dawdi Felty are grandparents that everyone would love to have. I could almost hear Felty singing as I turned the pages of this book and had the feeling that I was also there on Huckleberry Hill.

I received a free copy of this book from Kensington Books and Net Gallery in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

Look for this on October 7 2014

Abraham and Sarah by Roberta Kells Dorr - my review

I enjoyed Abraham and Sarah by Roberta Kells Dorr it is fiction based on the biblical story. Reading the old bible story written in novel form really brings this old story to life in ways I haven't read it before. I was able to get a picture of how things might have been.

The work the women would have done. How extremely hard it must have been for Sarah to tell her husband to be with another woman so he could have a son. How heartbreaking it must have been for Hagar to watch this son calling Sarah his mother. I found myself feeling sad for both of these women.

I have to say I wasn't fond of Sarah being rescued from the pagan temple or that Hagar was the daughter of Pharaoh as I have never read that anywhere in the Bible. But do understand that the author used some liberties to write her story.

It is is a remarkable story all the same, which I do recommend just keep in mind if you choose to read that it is fiction based on biblical history.

I received a free copy of this book from Moody Publishers in exchange for my honest review rather it be good or bad. Thank you.

 

Healing Stone by Brock Booher - my review

I enjoyed reading Healing Stone by Brock Booher, set in 1955 Cumberland County, Kentucky. The author brought the picture of this time and place to life in the pages of this book.

 Ezekiel Stone Molony, abandoned in a graveyard as a baby. Found by the sheriff, crying with with a note to give him to the family of Billy & Ada Molony. He doesn't know any more about his birth parents.

 Stone, a 17 year old boy finds he has the gift to heal after he runs over his his dog Rusty with the mowing machine on the tractor.

As he digs into his past, trying to learn who his birth parents are and where does the gift of healing come from, he witnesses corruption, racism, and violence. Leading a somewhat sheltered life up to this point he learns a lot about the these things.   Full of suspense, mystery, some spirituality, fiction with some history thrown in. I cried at some parts, made me really think at other parts, as to how I would handle such a situation.

This was a book I didn't want to put down until finished, then was disappointed that I had came to the end.

I highly recommend this book to all my family and friends looking for an interesting suspenseful read.

The Twisted Truth - my review

I read The Twisted Truth by Erin Armstrong in one day as I could not put it down. I figured it out early on, and wanted to keep reading to see how long it would take for Michelle (the heroine) to figure things out that were right in front of her. There is such a fine line between love and hate as this story shows. Also in her case love was blind, as she she couldn't see what so many were giving her hints about. The author does a good job with the twists and turns this book takes. This had a different ending than I was expecting.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.

Seashells, Gator Bones, and the Church of Everlasting Liability by Susan Adger - my review

I just finished reading Seashells, Gator Bones, and the Church of Everlasting Liability by Susan Adger and let me tell you it is a book I will read again! Seashells takes you back to another place and time in the south through scraps of papers and other's memories.  A preacher with a questionable past, sewing circles, gator farming, raising strawberries & oranges, a beauty parlor in the kitchen, friends & enemies, and more. I laughed and cried as I read the stories of these characters. I was disappointed when I reached the end of the book because I wanted more, I hope to see a sequel to this book by Susan.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.

My review of Hitter by Daryn R Guarino

I finished reading Hitter by Daryn R Guarino. This is a well written book. Although fiction it is written as a biography of a hitman. Very gruesome, with torture, beating people up, and murdering people for money. Very detailed, not the type of book for everyone, took me a while to read it because it is so graphic and puts you inside the head of a hitman.  It follows him from his childhood to tell how he ended up with this lifestyle.  At points though out the book I despised the man at other times I found myself feeling sorry for him.  This is not a book I will easily forget.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.


You will be able to find this book  August 2013
http://www.decemberhouse.net/books.php

Paranormal Short Stories

The Waiting Room by H. L. Baker is a short book of three short paranormal stories. I enjoyed each one of these. A good read for an afternoon or evening.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.

Short and Shorter Stories

The Ice Cream Vendor's Song by Laura McHale Holland is a book of short and shorter stories.  Some I  liked more than others, but all of them will make you think. I enjoyed reading each and every and one. A good book for an afternoon or evening read.


I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.

A Look at the Darker Seedy Side of Life

Dirty Little Angels by Chris Tusa is a look at the darker, seedy, side of life

about a 16 year-old girl named Hailey,
her brother, Cyrus, who tries to look out for her, and has gotten involved with some shady characters
her mother, Lena, who is depressed after a miscarriage,
her father, Jules, who is unemployed and spends most of his time drinking, gambling, and having an affair.

 Hailey finds herself attracted to her best friend's boyfriend.
Cyrus introduces her to Moses an ex-con who is planning to change a bank into a drive-thru church.

 A dysfunctional family, drugs, sex, violence, cancer, mental illness, Tusa manages to bring it all together in this book, as in real-life, which does not always mean a happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review, rather it be good or bad.