What a sweet uplifting story to remind us how much God loves and wants us to trust in his plan for us. Poor Isla has given up hope on ever having a faWhat a sweet uplifting story to remind us how much God loves and wants us to trust in his plan for us. Poor Isla has given up hope on ever having a family. Raised in the foster system she's just about to "age out" and she's been paired with a foster mom who seems to be everything a girl could want. Isla finds herself continually pushing her away and refusing to accept the love that she so genuinely seems to want to share. Well, they say God works in mysterious ways and that's exactly what he does for Isla. One minute she's looking at a painting and the next minute she's fallen through it back in time. Isla needed a sign that she should let go of the guilt of her parent's death and to learn to trust again and God gave her that sign in an undeniable way.
The author is very clear on not reading The Hope of Christmas Past as an opinion of God using time travel to carry out his plan. She states that you should read this book for the fanciful notion of time travel that has a beautiful Christian message and I for one loved it!
Merged review:
What a sweet uplifting story to remind us how much God loves and wants us to trust in his plan for us. Poor Isla has given up hope on ever having a family. Raised in the foster system she's just about to "age out" and she's been paired with a foster mom who seems to be everything a girl could want. Isla finds herself continually pushing her away and refusing to accept the love that she so genuinely seems to want to share. Well, they say God works in mysterious ways and that's exactly what he does for Isla. One minute she's looking at a painting and the next minute she's fallen through it back in time. Isla needed a sign that she should let go of the guilt of her parent's death and to learn to trust again and God gave her that sign in an undeniable way.
The author is very clear on not reading The Hope of Christmas Past as an opinion of God using time travel to carry out his plan. She states that you should read this book for the fanciful notion of time travel that has a beautiful Christian message and I for one loved it!...more
She did it, again! Jagged is the 5th book in the Colorado Mountain series by Kristen Ashley and it is abso-freaking-4 out of 5 Hotness Rating 4.5 Stars
She did it, again! Jagged is the 5th book in the Colorado Mountain series by Kristen Ashley and it is abso-freaking-lutely amazing! I honestly don't believe Ms. Ashley can write a bad book, but some are better than others. Jagged is on of her best!
Zara Cinders knew the score when it came to Ham Reece. He wasn't one to settle down with anyone. Late night calls and drop by's when he was in the area is what she would make do with. This doesn't seem like much and she would never allow this out of just anyone, but Ham is different and well worth it. At least, that's what she told herself until came the time she was ready to settle down and have a family of her own. She dreaded the call that would end things with Ham for good, but he deserved to hear it from her. Even though, deep down she prayed that Ham would tell her that he could give her something permanent.
"She's not your wife", Ham grunted. "She'll always be my wife." "Well shit." His words were sarcastic, but that didn't mean they weren't dripping icicles. "See I'm in a position to apologize since I fucked your wife against the wall before we left to come here."
Graham "Ham" Reece didn't have the settling down gene that most men had. He cared about Zara, probably more than any other woman that he's ever met, but she knew the score. So, when she told him that she was getting married and he gave her what she needed and walked away. He would always care and watch over her, but would do as she asked and stay away. Now, all bets are off. He had almost been killed by a serial killer and Zara called him to see if he was okay. He knew she was recently divorced and had intended to respect her wishes, but now that she called all bets are off. Now, Ham just has to find a way to show Zara that things have changed. She can count on him for the long term and make a permanent life with him.
In true, Kristen Ashley style this book was overflowing with hot, macho, alpha-male attitude and the love that only these men can offer. I can not get enough of the men in Kristen Ashley's world and the women who love them.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
She did it, again! Jagged is the 5th book in the Colorado Mountain series by Kristen Ashley and it is abso-freaking-lutely amazing! I honestly don't believe Ms. Ashley can write a bad book, but some are better than others. Jagged is on of her best!
Zara Cinders knew the score when it came to Ham Reece. He wasn't one to settle down with anyone. Late night calls and drop by's when he was in the area is what she would make do with. This doesn't seem like much and she would never allow this out of just anyone, but Ham is different and well worth it. At least, that's what she told herself until came the time she was ready to settle down and have a family of her own. She dreaded the call that would end things with Ham for good, but he deserved to hear it from her. Even though, deep down she prayed that Ham would tell her that he could give her something permanent.
"She's not your wife", Ham grunted. "She'll always be my wife." "Well shit." His words were sarcastic, but that didn't mean they weren't dripping icicles. "See I'm in a position to apologize since I fucked your wife against the wall before we left to come here."
Graham "Ham" Reece didn't have the settling down gene that most men had. He cared about Zara, probably more than any other woman that he's ever met, but she knew the score. So, when she told him that she was getting married and he gave her what she needed and walked away. He would always care and watch over her, but would do as she asked and stay away. Now, all bets are off. He had almost been killed by a serial killer and Zara called him to see if he was okay. He knew she was recently divorced and had intended to respect her wishes, but now that she called all bets are off. Now, Ham just has to find a way to show Zara that things have changed. She can count on him for the long term and make a permanent life with him.
In true, Kristen Ashley style this book was overflowing with hot, macho, alpha-male attitude and the love that only these men can offer. I can not get enough of the men in Kristen Ashley's world and the women who love them.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
Rin struggled a bit getting the lay of the land at the museum. Her mishaps often made me giggle but don't let that fool What a fun lighthearted read.
Rin struggled a bit getting the lay of the land at the museum. Her mishaps often made me giggle but don't let that fool you. She is a tough as nails professional woman that will get things done and let nothing get in her way.
Court had an ego a mile high and was really convinced that his way was the only way. But, it didn't take him long to fall for the spunky Rin. He had a lot to prove and was so afraid of messing up. This made him much more staid than he actually was.
The supporting cast of characters really helped this book along. Some were grumpy and not to be trusted, some were instant allies and some were snooty but they all had their quirks and it lent a lighthearted flare to this read....more
Oh my goodness I loved this book! The characters were so much fun. I just couldn't read fast enough. The story itself had it all - hot romance, fun quOh my goodness I loved this book! The characters were so much fun. I just couldn't read fast enough. The story itself had it all - hot romance, fun quirky characters, a great plot, flowed perfectly and did I say hot romance?
Sienna is the biggest A-list actress right now. That she writes the movies too makes her even more appealing. Everyone wants a piece of her it seems and she is just about ready to go into hiding. She loves what she does but she is just over working non-stop. Meeting Jethro at her latest shooting location couldn't have come at a better time.
Jethro's past is not something he's proud of at all. As a matter of fact he has spent the majority of his adult years trying to atone for the mistakes that he's made. He even put himself on a self-imposed 5 year woman drought because that's the only way he can be sure to not hurt anyone else. He's really a good man but he just doesn't see it. When he looks in the mirror he sees the same screw up that hurt his family, stole cars and slept around way too much.
I loved them together. They were so cute. The banter between them was off the charts. But I honestly think Cletus stole the show. He is hilarious and I can't wait to read more of his story. ...more
The first book in this series I liked. This one I loved!!!! Molly and Tim are the modern day Romeo and Juliet. Well sorta. Technically Molly and Tim aThe first book in this series I liked. This one I loved!!!! Molly and Tim are the modern day Romeo and Juliet. Well sorta. Technically Molly and Tim aren't in love they are just telling their families they are so they can end the feud between them. As far as lies go it's starts out they are dating and then it snowballs to they are engaged and then snowballs even further into they are married. This story made me laugh out loud and groan in equal measure. The author even threw in some tense moments to add substance.
Tim and Molly were the perfect couple from day 1. She was a bit uptight and very career driven. Her family owned one of the local newspapers and she worked hard to get the story to keep her family's paper on top above the competition. Tim was more laid back and preferred to physically work hard rather than give up his life to career and chasing the next story. Even though his family owned the other local publication he just couldn't stomach the whole hounding people during their worst moments aspect of journalism. Being a fireman was his calling. They balanced each other so well. They were adorable together.
I can't wait to read further into this series since thus far it just keeps getting better and better....more
Make Believe Fiance' is a good start to the series I believe. The characters were enjoyable, the story was fun and even the supporting characters wereMake Believe Fiance' is a good start to the series I believe. The characters were enjoyable, the story was fun and even the supporting characters were entertaining. I've read the "have to be settled down to show you're mature enough to run a company" trope many times. This is the first that I've read it in clean romance form. Ms. Holt did a great job at conveying the emotions and feelings between the characters without losing the underlying mutual attraction. I really felt like the characters were made for one another and would make a great couple. It felt real. I love the Christian aspect to the story. It never felt contrived or thrown in just to fit the sub-genre of Christian romance.
Heath has no time for a relationship with all of the work he's been doing to get ready to one day run the family company. Once his Dad decides he can trust Heath and give up the reins Heath is in and he wants to be prepared to make his dad proud. Knowing all of that it makes Heath crazy that he disappoints his dad at every turn just because he hasn't settled down and gotten serious with a woman. And Heath has finally come to the conclusion that his father will never retire if Heath doesn't come up with a relationship to show he's on his way to stable and settled.
Gwen is feeling the crunch of finishing college, working part time jobs until she starts her career and trying to make ends meet. None of that is easy and it's getting to the point that Gwen is going to be homeless if she doesn't come up with something. That's why when she meets Heath while waitressing one night and he offers to pay first month's rent for her to get settled she decides she'll go for it and pretend to be his fiance' at his cousin's wedding. What she doesn't count on is falling for his family as much as she falls for him.
Such a sweet romance with a great family angle. Definitely recommend....more
This is my second book by Mesu Andrews. While I enjoyed it a lot Love Amid the Ashes definitely takes poetic license with Job's story. Don't get me wrThis is my second book by Mesu Andrews. While I enjoyed it a lot Love Amid the Ashes definitely takes poetic license with Job's story. Don't get me wrong it may have happened but the fiction description is definitely accentuated. Please understand this is in no way a negative critique of the story itself. Ms. Andrews even says it herself that this is fiction and not to be taken as bible fact - that is me paraphrasing by the way.
I have found Job's story very hard to read while reading through my bible. It's just so filled with pain and agony. Knowing how hard it is to read I can't imagine being Job himself. Taking all of that into consideration I was really drawn to this book curious how it could be made into an actual story. What a great job Ms. Andrews did. I loved the inclusion of Dinah and how she learned of God and his life and began her faith filled journey. I definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for another side of what the whole story may have been....more
Cheeky King is the continuation of Cheeky Royal (The 1st book in the Royals Undercover series). I found this 2nd installment to be just as entertaininCheeky King is the continuation of Cheeky Royal (The 1st book in the Royals Undercover series). I found this 2nd installment to be just as entertaining as the 1st book. Although, this book definitely has a lot more feels. The emotions are everywhere.
Sebastian received life changing news at the end of the last book and is now back home to deal with the details and all that entails becoming the new King. He broke my heart so many times. Not only did he have to deal with his new lot in life, but the intrigue and mystery surrounding him as well as his feelings about Penny. His emotions go from understanding why she did it and hurting over the betrayal.
Penny has so much guilt for hiding her true identity from Sebastian. She is actually finding it hard to do her job. It doesn't help that word has spread fast how she saved his life when they were in the states so she is no longer the palace guard screw up in their eyes but the palace guard hero. She understands Sebastian's hurt and anger but knows that she can't go on as she is. You can only let someone emotionally punish you for so long before you have to protect yourself.
So much more emotion in this story but no less a great read. The air still sizzles when this couple gets close to one another and they still can't keep their hands to themselves. They just now fight the feelings afterward. I am still looking forward to learning more of the other characters and what their story has to tell....more
There are few people that can write romcom like Avery Flynn. Her books are engaging, laugh out loud funny, sexy and filled with great characters that There are few people that can write romcom like Avery Flynn. Her books are engaging, laugh out loud funny, sexy and filled with great characters that make you want to call them your friends.
Parental Guidance had a different spin on the whole dating app thing. Caleb screwed up big time. Instead of being the talk of the sports world for his hockey skills he was being talked about because of his bad behavior that has gone viral. The Ice Knights publicist has decided to get Caleb's name out there but with a better spin - a dating experiment. You see there's this new app that requires your parent to choose your date. You then have to commit to 5 dates with your parent's pick. Of course with Caleb being a public figure it goes one step further and he has to publicly share his experience.
Zara wants no part of the limelight but her father who always has a get rich scheme up his sleeve at any given time has decided he wants to be on tv. What better way to do it than to get his baby girl hooked up with Caleb since he has to make regular appearances with his date and detail his progress. Of course the parent that did the choosing would also get some tv time. And Zara loves her father just enough to go through with it. It also helps that her best friend has agreed if Zara would give the 5 dates a chance she would get Zara a one-on-one meet with a woman that could really boost her career in the miniature art field.
I really enjoyed Zara and Caleb. They were adorable together. Right off you could tell they were perfect for each other. They got along great and had an instant connection. They were too busy being annoyed by their meddling parents and bonding over it that they didn't realize they were falling in love. Definitely a fun read. I'll be reading on for sure. ...more
I am going to read this book every year at Christmas time. I can't imagine reading it and not being filled with the Christmas spirit immediately. ThisI am going to read this book every year at Christmas time. I can't imagine reading it and not being filled with the Christmas spirit immediately. This book is a compilation of several short stories sharing the true meaning of Christmas. Some of the stories start in one place and show how each character connects with the next to fulfill a Christmas wish. It's really interesting to see how the domino effect of good deeds goes down.
If you want to read a story to make you believe the good in people and remind you what Christmas is truly about these are the stories for you. ...more
Westward Bound made me laugh a whole lot more than the first 2 books. Marcus and Claire were hilarious in how they interacted with one another. Both wWestward Bound made me laugh a whole lot more than the first 2 books. Marcus and Claire were hilarious in how they interacted with one another. Both were wickedly smart and could use their wit as a weapon against the other. Actually, at first it really annoyed me but once the couple came to the understanding that they truly cared for each other and that their debating wasn't out of anger but almost a form of foreplay they became adorable in their arguing.
Marcus was different than his brothers in so many ways actually more ways than even his brothers knew. But, when his daughter is dropped off at his door step he knows he has to open up to the family about everything. I loved how Claire stepped right in and assumed the role as Marcus's other half (she would surely say superior half).
I will definitely read on in this series. Kudos Ms. Bridey!...more
This series just keeps getting better and better. In Westward Winds the oldest sister Tessa finds a husband in Montana and is settling into her new liThis series just keeps getting better and better. In Westward Winds the oldest sister Tessa finds a husband in Montana and is settling into her new life nicely. However, the middle sister Madelyn is perfectly comfortable in her privileged Pittsburgh life. Until everything changes. Madelyn gets assaulted by a man that she thought of as her dearest friend. It's pretty brutal and she's left a shadow of her former vivacious self.
Seth, Tess's new brother in law, had a pretty bad accident leaving him laid up and doing all he can to ensure his leg heals so that he can keep it. Tessa being the schemer that she is talks Seth into writing to her sister thinking it could help them both through a tough time.
I loved this story. After writing back and forth for quite some time Madelyn decides that she should make the trip to Montana. You could feel the immediate connection and bond between Seth and Madelyn but they had so much to overcome. Even though Madelyn fell in love with Seth she can't imagine ever leaving Pittsburgh and Seth could never trade his ranching for a big city lifestyle. Watching this couple work out their relationship was endearing and heartbreaking all at the same time....more
I can honestly say I'm typically hit or miss on historical romance so I always go in with low expectations. This first book of the Montana Mail Order I can honestly say I'm typically hit or miss on historical romance so I always go in with low expectations. This first book of the Montana Mail Order Brides series was in a free boxed set and it was available on the audible escape package so I decided what the heck. All of that being said I fell in love with this family and this series. I literally listened to the first 3 books one right after the other.
Dean is a single dad raising 2 children and running a ranch after losing his beloved wife during childbirth. He's not looking for a new wife when his brother suggests that he needs to find one. Dean knows he could never love again, but his brother insists he needs the help and companionship. After some discussion his brother puts an ad in the paper for a wife.
Tessa was born of significant means and in society but she feels so stifled. Her father is actually quite progressive when it comes to women but not enough that she feels in control of her own life. What better way to have adventure and take control of her life than to answer a wife wanted ad and see if there is any connection with a man out west.
I loved Tessa and Dean. Their chemistry was real and they both were likable characters. They just seemed to ease into things and it was a really nice transition. Often times with this lack of overt drama the story can lose something and become monotonous, but I didn't get that feeling at all while reading this story. The sub characters helped a lot and their was just so much going on all the time. ...more
What a great conclusion to the Only series (novel in parts). Grayson and Emma find themselves getting to know one another. He's making amends to the fWhat a great conclusion to the Only series (novel in parts). Grayson and Emma find themselves getting to know one another. He's making amends to the family that helped raise him and he's establishing a relationship with his precious little girl. That alone is daunting but he's also getting settled in with his new teammates. He's found a job with other bad*ss guys that fills the void that has been lost since he lost his military brothers. Throw in human trafficking and powerful bad guys and you've got an exciting story that you can't finish fast enough....more
I am loving this novel in parts. So much fun to read it broken up like this.
In Only for Us Grayson has found his way back to Emma and is twisting himsI am loving this novel in parts. So much fun to read it broken up like this.
In Only for Us Grayson has found his way back to Emma and is twisting himself into a pretzel to make up for past hurts and lost time. He knows he has made mistakes and is not afraid to put himself out there to gain the forgiveness that he desires. Emma isn't his only relationship that needs mended. Her whole family is hurting over his disappearing from their lives without a look back. Not to mention they've seen how much Emma has struggled and they can't help but hold Grayson responsible. Grayson knows how hard it's been to Emma but he's just now really seeing how far she's had to go to give their daughter a good life....more
This story just keeps getting better and better. Only for Her is the 2nd of 4 in the Only series. It's basically a novel in parts so don't try startinThis story just keeps getting better and better. Only for Her is the 2nd of 4 in the Only series. It's basically a novel in parts so don't try starting with this book and think you won't be lost.
In this installment Grayson finds himself alone in a hospital recovering from a war injury. He's lost his team and life seems hopeless when it comes to him that this is his second chance. He can find Emma and make things up to her. He knows she may have moved on but he's willing to take that chance. After all there is nothing in his life that he has ever been more sure about than knowing that Emma Kingsley is his.
Emma has moved on with her life but not in the ways that Grayson thinks. She's been forced to keep moving on but she's never stopped loving the boy that she knew even if he did just walk out of her life without looking back taking her heart with him. ...more
Christmas in Silver Bell Falls is like reading a Hallmark movie - predictable, yet warm, fuzzy and comfortable.
Melanie hates Christmas. Everything thChristmas in Silver Bell Falls is like reading a Hallmark movie - predictable, yet warm, fuzzy and comfortable.
Melanie hates Christmas. Everything that has gone wrong in her life happened during the holidays. Through tacit agreement her and her Dad just completely gave up on the holiday completely. No one seems to understand the Christmas ban when she tries to explain it least of all her editor who is insisting she write a Christmas romance. When she finds out that her grandmother has passed away it doesn't cause her great pain since she didn't really know the woman and what she did know of her was not good. But, she left her a cabin in Silver Bell Falls and Melanie's dad is pressing her to go check it out. He tells her to think of it as a writing retreat and she definitely needs that right now.
Josiah has lived in Silver Bell Falls most of his life. He loves the holidays and all that comes with his over Chistmassy town. When he notices a strange woman taking up residence in one of the townspeople's home as the sheriff it's his job to check it out. Little does he know that he's about to have a life changing experience.
I really enjoyed Josiah and Melanie. They slipped right into their Christmas romance and it just leaves you feeling good. Don't expect any life altering dialogue or a action packed story line and you'll enjoy this book. The characters are likable and the story flows nicely....more
Oh my goodness this book was a whirlwind of hurt, lies, deceit and just everything underhanded that you can imagine. It's not often that I can find noOh my goodness this book was a whirlwind of hurt, lies, deceit and just everything underhanded that you can imagine. It's not often that I can find nothing to like about a character but that's exactly how I felt about the twin's dad. He was evil and manipulative. He took so much joy in controlling others and seeing them struggle as they tried to act out his evil machinations.
Julian and Bridge were as close as twins could be all the way up until middle school when their parents divorced. They were forced apart each going to live with a parent and not getting to see each other. After a while all communication pretty much stopped between them. Bridge grew up to be a strong man that cared for his dying mother while Julian had a life of luxury and by all appearances turned into a carbon copy of dear old Dad.
Not having seen each other in years one day Bridge's dad shows up at his door step telling him that Julian is in a coma after a serious car accident and they need Bridge to step in and pretend to be Julian as most of the world has no idea there exists a brother. Bridge only does it because his bastard of a father dangles money in front of him insuring his mom will finally get the medical care she needs.
After making a deal with the devil what follows is crazy. Julian has a fiance that is to be kept in the dark and Bridge has to carry on a life with her as if he's Julian making a miraculous recovery from his accident. Of course Izzy is kind and loving nothing like the rest of the monsters in that family. She deserves so much more than Julian has given her over the years and Bridge wants to be the man to show her that, but it's all so screwed up. He loves his brother and would love the chance to reconcile if he would just wake up from the coma, but he's so ashamed of the man that his brother appears to have become.
Izzy is completely thrown by all that is happening around her. She was just about to leave Julian and then he's in a terrible accident. His recovery seems to be more than the physical. He's like a completely different man. More like the Julian she fell in love with and not like the Julian she's engaged to.
When I say get ready for a roller coaster of what the heck is going on and how in the world can one man be so horrible. Definitely a must read....more
Puck Buddies really got me thinking and poor Bree is all I have to say. Wow! This book was funny and honest.
Let me start by saying I love Shane. He dPuck Buddies really got me thinking and poor Bree is all I have to say. Wow! This book was funny and honest.
Let me start by saying I love Shane. He deserves the man of the year award for the next 10 years at least. First he has this huge crush on Bree. She doesn't feel the same but that doesn't stop him from becoming her best friend and spending pretty much all his free time with her. He fesses up and tells her that this is his last year playing for the Portland Badgers hockey team. He asked for a trade so he could go to a team to really make a name for himself. Immediately Bree panics because she's losing her best friend. And as a result of some drinking decides it's a great idea to ask him to take her V card before he goes. Oh yeah and before you make your decision on that I should probably tell you I have a life threatening allergy to semen and can't come in contact with it at all. Yikes! This is terrible for Bree and heartbreaking really. Also a real allergy (I googled it). But, poor Shane. He's secretly in love with her, leaving her and now has the opportunity to be her first, but it could kill her if they slip up even the tiniest bit.
Of course like the awesome Hockey stud that he is Shane is all in. He researches the best condoms and does a ton of research and is ready to give his girl a first time that she'll never forget. But, then he is expected to just walk away??? Nope! Can't be done!
The friendship and interactions between Shane and Bree are fantastic. They have really good banter and you can almost feel how much they enjoy one another. I loved that they worked the whole romance thing out and got their happy ever after, but honestly I can't imagine having to deal with that the rest of my life. My heart goes out to anyone with an allergy like that....more
Tina "IRead2Escape"
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