Review: The Sheriffs of Savage Wells by Sarah M. Eden

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.

So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.

Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.

Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.

Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.

My Review

What a fun western romp! I was hooked on the characters from the beginning, and could feel Paisley's frustration and Cade's as well as they work towards the same goal of becoming the sheriff of a sleepy western town. Paisley has proven to herself that she's competent, but unfortunately the community can't see past her gender. Cade has real respect for her which develops into affection, then something stronger, but he still feels that his reputation will act as a deterrent to criminals who would come testing the mettle of a female sheriff. There is plenty of humor and the plot develops an element of suspense as the mystery behind disappearing bank funds is solved by Cade and Paisley with the help of several new friends. Paisley's struggles with her father add a deeper level to the story and her character. I enjoyed the themes that were explored in the book, and the fun banter between Cade and Paisley. Fans of Mary Connealy and Karen Witemeyer will definitely enjoy this book!

(Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: A Sister's Wish by Shelley Shepard Gray

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

In Shelley Shepard Gray’s third book in her Charmed Amish Life series, a respectable young woman finds herself falling for an Amish man from the wrong side of the tracks.

Amelia Kinsinger is the perfect Amish woman—at least according to her neighbors. And while Amelia takes pride in her role as homemaker, she’s also harboring a secret: She’s been in love with bad boy Simon Hochstetler for as long as she can remember. Too bad he’s about as far from “perfect” as an Amish man could get… but that’s exactly why she’s so drawn to him.

Life hasn’t been kind to Simon. He ran away from an abusive home at fifteen and things went downhill from there. Eventually, Simon landed in prison. But the experience changed him. Now back in Charm as a grown man, he’s determined to make a new life for himself and not think too much about his wild past…unless it pertains to Amelia.

He’s loved Amelia for years. To him, she represents everything good and kind in the world. When he realizes that she returns his affections, he starts calling on her in secret, even though her older brother Lukas—who just happens to be Simon’s best friend—has made it perfectly clear that Amelia deserves better. Simon disagrees and believes he’s the only one who can truly make her happy.

But when Amelia gets hurt, it sets off a chain of events that forces them to consider their future together—and face their past mistakes. There’s a chance for love… but only if Simon dares to trust Amelia with the secrets of his past.

My Review

I would definitely consider this to be a family saga series. There is a focus on how siblings relate to and affect each other, in positive and negative ways. Amelia is the main character in this book, but Lukas and Rebecca from the previous books play integral roles with their "support" aka meddling. Amelia and Simon have a sweet romance blossoming, so I missed that their relationship often took a backseat to the emotions caused by the sibling dynamic. I loved the message of redemption, repentance, and forgiveness. Each character, including Simon, had to work through accepting his past and moving beyond it to the man he is now- which was easier for Amelia than her brother and sister. Simon's reunion with his own estranged sister was heartwarming and added another layer to his character arc and the plot. Looking forward to the next and last book in the Charmed Amish Life series!

(Thank you to Litfuse Publicity for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Click the image to go to the giveaway from the author!

Review: Beck and Call by Jennifer Peel

*All three books in the Pianos and Promises series are FREE for Kindle Unlimited subscribers!*

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

What happens when a dashing Englishman and an almost famous pianist collide? Sparks. And lots of them.

Call’s life always seems to be on the cusp of working out, only to unravel at the last moment. For instance, when she meets the guy. The man she’s been fantasizing about from afar. The one who walks his beautiful Siberian husky around her neighborhood. Their first meeting is nothing like she hoped; in fact, she wishes she never met him.

Charles Beckett is in need of a good dog-sitter, but he gets more than he bargained for when a cheeky American bartender shows up at his house fifteen minutes late. The job interview quickly turns into a sparring match and Call leaves vowing to run him over with her truck the next time she sees him.

It’s up to their dogs now to bring the pair together.

Will Call finally have one of her dreams come true? Or will the Englishman be another check mark in her long list of unrealized promises?

My Review

Oh. My. Cuteness. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of this book! It's definitely lighter on the angst-factor than the first book in the Pianos and Promises series, and the banter is priceless. Call is a super talented musician, but after her mother passes away she's just trying to stay afloat while taking care of her teenage brother. Her first meeting with Beck is a hilarious disaster- I loved how she held her own and left a memorable impression. He is undeniably intrigued by her despite his assumptions, and the attraction between them grows quickly even as they learn more about each other and their personal struggles. I appreciate that the story has deeper layers while still keeping a fun  dialogue going throughout. Even though it is technically a novella it reads like a full-length book with a complete story and character arc. Highly recommend to fans of clean contemporary romance!

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Review & Giveaway: The Sacrament Is for Me by Jessica B. Ellingson, illustrated by Chase Jensen

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

The sacrament is the most important part of the Sabbath day—and our week. Teach your little ones about the sacred sacrament and how they can apply it in their everyday lives, from the playground to piano lessons. Help your children start each week right and understand the reason behind the reverence of Jesus’s eternal sacrifice, love, and example.

My Review

My daughters and I love this great LDS children's book with a meaningful message and dynamic illustrations to portray it. I just taught a lesson on the sacrament in my senior Primary class and it focused on helping the kids understand the power of the sacrament and how they can receive blessings from it. The Sacrament Is for Me is a great resource for younger children to understand this symbolic ordinance and how following Jesus brings happiness. Highly recommend!

(Thank you to Cedar Fort Publishing for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

About the author

Jessica Ellingson grew up in the small town of Blanding, Utah. She moved to Utah Valley to attend school — BYU and UVU — and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English. Jessica and her cave-dweller husband, Tyler, currently live in Lehi, Utah, near the Jordan River.

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GIVEAWAY!

 Click here to enter to win a copy of The Sacrament Is for Me at Jessica Ellingson's Facebook page! (ends Nov 1st)

Blog Tour Schedule

October 14: My Book Addiction
October 15: Inklings and Notions
October 16: Share. Love. Serve.
October 17: Brooklyn Jolley
October 18: Heidi Reads...
October 19: Mel’s Shelves
October 20: My Book a Day
October 21: Eccentric Eclectic Woman
October 22: Singing Librarian Books
October 23: Reidhead Random-ness
October 24: My Little Sunshines
October 26: Rockin’ Book Reviews
October 27: Sweetly Made
October 28: A.L. Sowards

Review: No Way Up by Mary Connealy

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately.
 
Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike.
 
Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds.

My Review

I'm always excited to start a new series by Mary Connealy! I prepared by reading the free prequel novella ( The Biden Birthright) which gives the background of the legacy and the quick romance between the parents of the children who are featured in this book. I felt like much of the history was retold in No Way Up, but I think it was necessary for those who didn't read the prequel. The violent history of the ranch will definitely come into play with the future books of the series, so I was impressed that this one felt like it was wrapped up nicely while still enticing readers to continue with the next book. Sadie is a great heroine, strong-willed enough to keep her brothers from riding roughshod over her and determined to not be left out of any of the action. I loved that Heath didn't have a problem with that, but encouraged her independent spirit while also helping her understand the overprotectiveness of her family. Heath does some growing in the book, but we only hear him tell of the difference between who he was before, living under the thumb of his brothers, and now, out on his own working as a ranch hand. He and Sadie share a bond and both come to appreciate the love of their families and older brothers in particular. There is plenty of humor of course, especially in the banter, and I love that Heath always seems to have a twinkle in his eye. There are sparks between Sadie and Heath from the beginning, and all the action and trials they endure give them insight into each other's strengths. I can't wait to read the next book in the Cimarron Legacy series!

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Don't miss the FREE prequel novella to The Cimarron Legacy series, The Boden Birthright!

Synopsis

After the death of his wife, prosperous businessman Chance Boden heads west along the Santa Fe Trail with his son to escape the powerful, controlling hands of his in-laws. He has plans to establish his own ranch, but instead he finds work with Frank Chastain, owner of a vast amount of land.

Chance doesn't want to work for anyone, but Frank's beautiful daughter gives him reason to delay buying his own holdings. With winter coming, no home in which to live, and Veronica's offer to care for young Cole while Chance learns the ways of successful ranching in the desert, Chance has little choice but to accept the Chastains' offer to stay on.

When Frank is attacked, his dying wish is that Chance marry his daughter, but after dealing with his in-laws, Chance isn't going to let anyone come between him and his son. Then Frank's precarious hold on the land he received as part of an old Spanish Land Grant forces Frank to make a desperate choice to save Veronica's inheritance--and also gives the men who attacked Frank reason to come after him.

 

Review: A Family for the Holidays by Sherri Shackelford

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Paid to accompany two orphaned siblings to their grandfather in Nebraska, Lily Winter is dismayed to discover the old man has gone missing. And when the children's inheritance makes them a target, buying protection is Lily's only option. Until a handsome gun-for-hire suggests another solution: marriage.

Undercover US Marshal Jake Elder can't reveal his true identity without blowing his mission. Nor can he leave the town's pretty new arrival unguarded. But while uncovering a plot against her charges is difficult and risky, falling for Lily is all too easy. Especially once their marriage in name only gives Jake a glimpse of how wonderful Christmas—and their future as a family—could be.

My Review

The quick pace of this book kept me turning the pages in anticipation! Lily quickly becomes devoted and protective of her charges, especially when it becomes apparent that others want to take advantage of them. I admired her tenacity and problem solving instead of falling into the traps being set for her. Jake doesn't appear to be trustworthy, but Lily's shrewd judge of character leads her to believe in him and the group together goes on the hunt while also being hunted. Their growing attraction turns into a sweet romance and I was glad that they didn't fight their feelings and the author allowed the conflict in the plot come from external sources.

(Thank you to the author for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)

Spotlight & Giveaway: Love in an Elevator by Aven Ellis, Beth Labonte, Whitney Dineen, Becky Monson, Rich Amooi, Geralyn Corcillo, Lindy Dale, Dee Ernst

   

Love in an Elevator: A Romantic Comedy Anthology

Laugh, swoon, and escape with this romantic comedy anthology!

Will an elevator ride change her life? In HOLD THE LIFT by Aven Ellis, Sierra Crawford ends up meeting sexy British hockey player Jude Parker after their elevator sticks. Sierra finds herself getting to know Jude—and she likes what she sees. But he wouldn’t be interested in a food-obsessed assistant editor right? Sierra knows she’s quirky—her fondness of Magic 8 Balls is proof of that—so there’s no way he could look her way. Or can he?

In DOWN, THEN UP by Beth Labonte, Lauren Oswald never expected to see her college love, Jamie, again. Not after the way things ended. She certainly doesn’t expect to see him ten years later at a bachelorette party in Vegas, waiting inside a hotel elevator. Slightly older. Different haircut. No wedding ring. Same eyes. As the pair embark on a late night errand, Lauren is flooded with memories of how Jamie became the one that got away—and she realizes that this one night could be their last chance to make things right.

In GOING UP? by Whitney Dineen, Fiona Kitchen had a dream when she moved to New York and it wasn’t taking a job as an elevator operator in a posh, West Side, apartment building. She also didn’t expect to meet a hot handyman, a Columbian drug lord and a notorious mob boss and then fall for one of them in a big way. Life in the Big Apple isn’t quite turning out the way she planned, but who said that was a bad thing?

In Becky Monson’s TAKING A CHANCE, Liza Parker has a fear of heights, crowds and small spaces. So what’s a girl like her doing on a crowded elevator going to the top of the Empire State Building? Freaking out, that’s what she’s doing. Enter Jay Sanders, a tourist who thinks he might be able to help Liza face her fears, but she has to be willing to spend the day with a complete stranger. Maybe taking a chance on Jay is just what Liza needs.

In HAPPY TO BE STUCK WITH YOU by Rich Amooi, Becca has had an office crush on Daniel—Mr. Delicious—for over a year. Getting stuck in an elevator with him was the last thing she expected. If only she can control her claustrophobia. To make matters worse, they're also stuck with an eighty-year-old man who has a weak bladder, and a penchant for playing cupid. But life is unpredictable. Sometimes, getting stuck is the best thing that can happen.

Computer genius Maisy Potter crosses an ocean to take her dream vacation at an English country estate … where the winsome Mark Prebys works below stairs. With him, Maisy discovers a carefree happiness she's never known. But will the troubles dogging her from back home, a secret or two whispered behind the parlour curtains, and misunderstandings to beat the band extinguish the magic they think they've found in each other? And if not, what happens when Maisy's enchanting holiday ends? Find out in UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS … AND THE LIFT IN BETWEEN by Geralyn Corcillo.

In THE ONLY WAY IS UP by Lindy Dale, Meet Bailey Burns: hottest thing on the literary circuit. And the most reluctant. After fainting in a lift and regaining consciousness to find herself kissing a stranger, Bailey thinks her week can’t get much worse. But it can. Much worse. Bailey is about to be proposed to by a crazed fan wearing a vampire costume. She’s about to discover she’s in relationship with the guy she kissed. Not only that, but said guy happens to be her new PR manager. Oh dear!

In OUT OF ORDER, by Dee Ernst, Grace has sworn off good-looking men. As soon as she starts dating one of them, she transforms from a mature, confident woman to a needy teen-aged girl. So when she meets Seth, the best-looking man she’s ever seen, she makes the right choice — forget all about him. But a neurotic golden retriever and a broken elevator keep bringing them together. Is the world working against her… or maybe the gods are finally smiling?

 

 Amazon * Barnes & Noble * iTunes

Praise for the Book

"...fun, easy, and highly entertaining reads, perfect for when you have a night in and need a little hit of frivolity and a happily ever after."-Author Jennifer Collin

"Touching, funny, and--true to the elevator theme--an uplifting and wonderful ride." -Author Jo Perry

Grab a copy of Love in an Elevator for just 99 cents this week only!

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/2/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Book Blast: Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson by William Hazelgrove

   

Madam President: The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson by William Hazelgrove

After President Woodrow Wilson suffered a paralyzing stroke in the fall of 1919, his wife, First Lady Edith Wilson, began to handle the day-to-day responsibilities of the Executive Office. Mrs. Wilson had had little formal education and had only been married to President Wilson for four years; yet, in the tenuous peace following the end of World War I, Mrs. Wilson dedicated herself to managing the office of the President, reading all correspondence intended for her bedridden husband. Though her Oval Office authority was acknowledged in Washington, D.C. circles at the time--one senator called her "the Presidentress who had fulfilled the dream of suffragettes by changing her title from First Lady to Acting First Man"--her legacy as "First Woman President" is now largely forgotten. William Hazelgrove's Madam President is a vivid, engaging portrait of the woman who became the acting President of the United States in 1919, months before women officially won the right to vote.


Praise

William Hazelgrove's riveting style lets us into the backrooms of the White House to see how a woman who had only two years formal education was able to pull it off and do it for two years! A great read and ride! ~Robin Hutton New York Times Bestselling Author of Sgt Reckless

 

Excerpt - Chapter One

The Cover-Up President Woodrow Wilson lay with his mouth drooping, unconscious, having suffered a thrombosis on October 2, 1919, that left him paralyzed on his left side and barely able to speak. The doctors believed the president’s best chance for survival was in the only known remedy for a stroke at the time: a rest cure consisting of total isolation from the world. His wife of four years, Edith Bolling Wilson, asked how a country could function with no chief executive. Dr. Dercum, the attending physician, leaned over and gave Edith her charge: “Madam, it is a grave situation, but I think you can solve it. Have everything come to you; weigh the importance of each matter: and see if it is possible by consultation with the respective heads of the Departments to solve them without the guidance of your husband.” From there, Edith Wilson would act as the president’s proxy and run the White House and, by extension, the country, by controlling access to the president, signing documents, pushing bills through Congress, issuing vetoes, isolating advisors, crafting State of the Union addresses, disposing of or censoring correspondence, and filling positions. She would analyze every problem and decide which ones to bring to the president’s attention and which to solve on her own through her own devices. All the while she had to keep the fact that the country was no longer being run by President Woodrow Wilson a guarded secret.  

Author William Hazelgove

William Elliott Hazelgrove is the best-selling author of thirteen novels, Ripples, Tobacco Sticks, Mica Highways, Rocket Man, The Pitcher, Real Santa, Jackpine and The Pitcher 2. His books have received starred reviews in Publisher Weekly and Booklist, Book of the Month Selections, Junior Library Guild Selections, ALA Editors Choice Awards and optioned for the movies. He was the Ernest Hemingway Writer in Residence where he wrote in the attic of Ernest Hemingway's birthplace. He has written articles and reviews for USA Today and other publications. He has been the subject of interviews in NPR's All Things Considered along with features in The New York Times, LA Times, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun Times, Richmond Times Dispatch, USA Today, People, Channel 11, NBC, WBEZ, WGN. The Pitcher is a Junior Library Guild Selection and was chosen Book of the Year by Books and Authors. net. His next book Jackpine will be out Spring 2014 with Koehler Books. A follow up novel Real Santa will be out fall of 2014. Madam President The Secret Presidency of Edith Wilson will be out Fall 2016. Storyline optioned the movie rights. Forging a President How the West Created Teddy Roosevelt will be out May 2017.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 11/8/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  

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