Saturday, September 17, 2016

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 6



http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html


Day 6

I didn't get any reading done on Saturday, but I did get the review written for A Heart Most Certain, did some sewing at my grandma's house, helped my daughter pick out a birthday gift for her friend, photographed a family, and edited images from another photo session. I plan to start Newton and Polly bright and early Sunday morning in my comfy bed before my girls wake up!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1225
Total Books Finished: 4



Review: A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears


Heidi Reads... A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Lydia King knows what it's like to be in need, so when she joins the Teaville Moral Society, she genuinely hopes to help the town's poor. But with her father's debts increasing by the day and her mother growing sicker by the week, she wonders how long it will be until she ends up in the poor house herself. Her best chance at a financially secure future is to impress the politician courting her, and it certainly doesn't hurt that the moral society's president is her suitor's mother. Her first task as a moral society member—to obtain a donation from Nicholas Lowe, the wealthiest man in town—should be easy . . . except he flat-out refuses.
Despite appearances, Nicholas wants to help others but prefers to do it his own way, keeping his charity private. When Lydia proves persistent, they agree to a bargain, though Nicholas has a few surprises up his sleeve. Neither foresee the harrowing complications that will arise from working together. When town secrets are brought to light, this unlikely pair must decide where their beliefs—and hearts—truly align.


My Review

I really appreciated the compassion of the main characters in this book. Both Lydia and Nicholas have strong ideas of the most effective way to improve society and the circumstances of the poor, and their differences complement each other as they compromise a little and teach each other a lot. The problem of prostitution is addressed head-on, and many attitudes about it are represented in the various community members. I appreciated that Lydia and Nicholas learned from each other's unique way of solving problems while still sharing a common goal of helping those in need. The first half of the book was a bit slow paced for me, but the author did an excellent job of providing a foundation for the events that came later in the plot where there was much more happening and the suspense is heightened. I loved that Lydia is a voracious reader! She uses her love of books to connect not only with Nicholas but other women from different walks of life. Nicholas definitely reminded me of Mr. Thorton from North and South (but more more philanthropic)- a hard, unyielding exterior but a heart of gold inside, just trying his best in the way he knows how. The feelings between Lydia and Nicholas are a slow simmer through most of the book but when they finally express their feelings it is full heat! Their special moment is descriptive with emotion, words, and action, and it made the book for me since I'm one who reads for the romance ;)

(Thank you to Bethany House Publishing and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 5

http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html

Day 5

I finished A Heart Most Certain late last night so I still need to write my review, which I plan to do before starting the next book on my list, Newton and Polly by Jody Hedlund.

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1225
Total Books Finished: 4


Friday, September 16, 2016

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 4

http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html
Day 4

I got 184 pages into A Heart Most Certain by Melissa Jagears. Was hoping to get more read but I dislocated my shoulder for the third time, just by folding laundry! Now I have a great excuse when I don't feel like doing that chore ;) I miraculously was able to maneuver it back in place without going to the hospital, although it really freaked me out!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 1,009
Total Books Finished: 3

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Always You by Ruth Roberts

  Alway You 




 Always You by Ruth Roberts

After tragedy strikes, Diana Mathison finds herself back in her home town of Magnolia Falls, sharing custody of her baby sister with her step sister. Reeling from the death of their parents, the three sisters have to learn how to lean on each other and live life without their two pillars of strength. Diana is full of doubts in her ability to raise a little girl and run her father’s law firm. The last thing she needs is to have Zack Connelly back in her life. The last time she let him in she ended up hurt and broken hearted. Zack has given up on true love. It’s not for him and it’s certainly not with Diana Mathison. He came back to Magnolia Falls to heal after losing his sweet wife and their unborn child at the hands of a drunk driver. Hannah never had a chance at the love and happiness she deserved, therefore neither should he. His life plan is to take care of his sister and niece for as long as they need him, and to be the best veterinarian the town has ever had. That’s enough for him…or is it?

amazon


Always You Excerpts   Excerpt:   She leaned against the counter and began filling them out. “How much do I owe you?” She asked. “Dinner,” he replied. She looked up at him with a raised brow. “Excuse me?” “You owe me the dinner you promised me ten years ago, with interest I’d say you owe me somewhere around one hundred dinners.” He put his elbows on the counter between them and leaned towards her, bringing their faces close together. “I’m free Friday if you want to start chipping away at that debt.” He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. She stood up straight and pushed the completed forms toward him. “That should do it.” She gathered up her purse and keys she had set on the counter. “I’ll thank you now for the puppy because at two in the morning when it has me up with its whining and howling, I will be anything but thankful. In fact, I will probably be cursing you.” She smiled, but it didn’t quite have the same flash as before, and he felt a web of disappointment she hadn’t responded the way he wanted her to. But he wasn’t planning on giving up that easily. “You’re welcome. And if you need any help at two in the morning or just want the satisfaction of knowing I’m not getting any sleep either, call me.” “I just might do that. See you around, Zack.” “Sure thing,” he said as she walked through the door. She stopped, turned around, and leaned against the door jam. A smile touched the corners of her lips. “Dinner’s at seven. Don’t be late.”    

add to goodreads


Always You
     

Ruth RobertsAuthor Ruth Roberts

Romance novelist Ruth Roberts lives in the Big D, where city life abounds but the wide open spaces Texas is famous for are within easy reach. Her books transport readers to the glittering life of high-society, while making the characters normal, fun people we would all like to have as friends. She loves reading, writing and Gilmore Girls. She and her teenage daughter call themselves the real life Gilmore Girls. Her very own romantic hero of twenty years is her greatest inspiration and support.






$25 Blog Tour giveaway


Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/30/16 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. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thursday, September 15, 2016

#TackleTBR Ddaily Update - Day 3

http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html


Day 3

I read The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo and LOVED it! I'm looking forward to reading more by this author!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 825
Total Books Finished: 3

Review: The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo


Heidi Reads... The Thirteenth Chance by Amy Matayo

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttp://www.barnesandnoble.comhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Baseball star Will Vandergriff knows any number of women who would happily pretend to be his girlfriend. In a last-ditch effort to restore his good standing with his team’s higher-ups, he enlists the help of his neurotic, goody-goody neighbor. Schoolteacher Olivia Pratt might be a bit quirky and a bit of a loner, but she’s a lot more inviting than she knows. Will hopes that bringing her to his next game might revamp his reckless reputation and help get his career back on track. The only problem? The plan works a little too well. Not only do the higher-ups love Olivia, but Will plays his best game yet. Suddenly his losing streak is a thing of the past, and Olivia is his new good-luck charm. Will feels anything but lucky.

After years of keeping the world at bay, Olivia Pratt is pulling off the ultimate performance—not only reluctantly posing as Will’s girlfriend but also insisting that she’s oblivious to his major-league appeal. But she can only lie to herself for so long. Being by Will’s side feels good. Really good. Maybe it’s finally time to make a pitch for everything she really wants—and to find out just how exhilarating love can be.


My Review

My favorite thing about this book is how the author brought Olivia's character to life. Her fears, angst, and OCD tendencies are skillfully balanced with her compassion, sense of humor, and independence. She accepts herself as she is, and is unapologetic for her differences, even if they sometimes make her uncomfortable. Will is also a character who accepts himself, gigantic ego and all ;) I was impressed with the subtlety of the two sides of Will, the big shot persona who tells himself he has it all, and the vulnerable side he fights against, the feeling that he is missing something. His posturing for the benefit of Olivia is ironic because he's trying to project his devil-may-care attitude while it's the yearning for her that is the reason he's doing it and reveals his true motivations. I love that she purposely brushes off his attempts at intimidation and doesn't capitulate the way he is used to everyone doing. As they are exposed to each other's softer sides and attraction flares, they both wage an internal battle against the chemistry between them while becoming more reliant on the new dimension of their relationship. The dynamics of their personalities, interactions, and struggles turned what could have been a predicable plot into a journey of growth that kept me glued to the pages! Highly recommend!

(Thank you to the publisher for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 2


 Join the read-a-thon! Bloggers and non-bloggers welcome! Sign-ups are open through Sept 24th here

Day 2

I read Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson and got my review written and posted! I'm so on a roll!!!

Tally:
Total Pages Read: 538
Total Books Finished: 2


Review & Giveaway: Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson


Heidi Reads... Southern Charmed by Melanie Jacobson

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

http://www.amazon.comhttp://www.amazon.comhttps://deseretbook.com/p/southern-charmed?autocomplete=true&variant_id=143441-paperbackhttp://www.goodreads.com

Synopsis

Lila Mae Guidry is a Southern girl through and through. As a fourth-generation Latter-day Saint in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, she’s proud of her heritage as both a Southerner and a Saint—and she doesn’t take kindly to people who disparage either. Ten years ago, Max Archer was just that kind of jerk. As the mission president’s son, Max spent his entire three years mocking the South . . . and teenage Lila. After Max’s family moved away, Lila forgot about her sworn enemy. Almost.

When a new job brings a grown-up Max back to Baton Rouge, Lila is less than thrilled with his reappearance, especially since everyone seems intent on throwing her together with this old adversary. Yet fight as she may, Lila soon realizes resistance is futile—their connection is undeniable. Max embodies everything she wants in a man—except perhaps the most important thing—her life is rooted in the city she loves, but his dreams are bigger than Baton Rouge. With such mismatched visions of the future, Max and Lila are faced with a life-altering decision: jeopardize their aspirations or risk losing love.


My Review

What a fun book with a great sense of setting! Baton Rouge is a huge element in this book and it totally made me want to visit Louisiana and try all the food that the main characters were swooning over ;) Lila Mae is one of those women who is beautiful and independent with an inner strength... and everyone wonders why she isn't married yet. I loved that even though she struggles with difficult feelings when it seems all the young women around her are planning weddings or having babies, she is determined to trust God and be happy with the life she has. The subplot of Lila helping a bright student trapped in poverty reach above her circumstances was inspiring and showed how compassionate and thoughtful Lila is.

Max is a charming leading man, but because the story is told in first person from Lila's perspective and she initially harbors a grudge against him for being a punk as a teen, it was harder for me to move past that, even though Lila seems to pretty quickly. They begin with friendship but since the chemistry is sizzling between them from the start, the romance naturally grows in spite of Lila's misgivings about his temporary stay in Baton Rouge. I love how they relate to each other, it's very real and they don't hide their flaws from each other.  It was refreshing to see them face and work through their differences. The other subplot of Lila's sweet grieving mother touched my heart and even brought a few tears at the end.

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

#TackleTBR Daily Update - Day 1

http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/08/tackle-your-tbr-read-thon-sign-up.html
 You don't have to be a blogger to join the read-a-thon! Sign-ups are open through Sept 24th here


http://amzn.to/2cUWT8wDay 1

Success! I read My Hope Next Door by Tammy L. Gray *and* wrote my review and got it posted (just in time for release day!)

Tally:
Pages Read: 318
Books Finished: 1