You all know we were not very Merry this Christmas but leave it to a little bundle of fur to make our day/
Sunday, December 27, 2020
Friday, December 18, 2020
Happy Holidays from my house to yours
This has been a challenging year for us all and an especially somber one for mine having just lost our oldest daughter to cancer on December 9th. She was an bright spirit and would want us to keep the spirit of the season alive. I'm trying.
I hope you all have a
Merry Christmas Happy Kwanzaa Happy Chanukah
Wednesday, December 16, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Showcase The Museum of Forgotten Memories by Anstey Harris a Simon&Schuster release
Today I'm so excited to bring you this showcase of The Museum of Forgotten Memories, my apologies that my review isn't ready yet but those who know me know that I just lost my oldest daughter to cancer so my life was turned upside down. But let me assure you all that from what I've read so far this needs to be on every literary fiction lovers list. Simon & Schuster is also sponsoring a #Giveaway, details below.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978198216896
Publisher: Gallery Books
Release Date: 11-3-2020
Length: 336 pp
Buy It: Amazon/ B&N/IndieBound
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview:
“Moving.” —Booklist (starred review)At Hatters Museum of the Wide Wide World, where the animals never age but time takes its toll, one woman must find the courage to overcome the greatest loss of her life.
Four years after her husband Richard’s death, Cate Morris is let go from her teaching job and unable to pay rent on the London flat she shares with her son, Leo. With nowhere else to turn, they pack up and venture to Richard’s ancestral Victorian museum in the small town of Crouch-on-Sea.
Despite growing pains and a grouchy caretaker, Cate begins to fall in love with the quirky taxidermy exhibits and sprawling grounds, and she makes it her mission to revive them. But threats from both inside and outside the museum derail her plans and send her spiraling into self-doubt.
As Cate becomes more invested in Hatters, she must finally confront the reality of Richard’s death—and the role she played in it—in order to reimagine her future. Perfect for fans of Katherine Center and Evvie Drake Starts Over.
Giveaway is for one print copy of
The Museum of Forgotten Memories
US ONLY
Please use Rafflecopter to enter
Good Luck!
Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Showcase Secret Nights with a Cowboy Interview with Caitlin Crews
Today I'm so happy to be featuring my old pal Caitlin Crews with an interview about her new novel, debut in a new series Secret Nights With a Cowboy.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 9781250625496
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 12-01-2020
Length: 400pp
Kittredge Ranch #1
Buy It: Amazon/ B&N/ IndieBound
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview:
USA Today bestseller Caitlin Crews returns to Cold River, CO, and cowboys, with an emotional second chance romance in Secret Nights with a Cowboy, the stunning first installment in her new Kittredge Ranch series.
A man holding on...
Riley Kittredge has always known exactly what he wanted. His land, his horses. His woman. He met and married Rae Trujillo far too young, and their young love combusted right after they said their vows. But their passion has never managed to burn itself out. Yet when Rae shows this time, it's not a night of pleasure she demands, but a divorce.
A woman letting go...
Rae should have moved on a long time ago. She knows she and Riley just don't work. They might make great lovers, but that doesn't make a marriage. And now Rae wants a new life, complete with a baby. But when her husband offers to be a father, to give her the family she's always secretly desired, she and Riley will both have to face demons from their past—and choose love over fear at last.
“Loaded with charming characters [and] wit….will win the heart of any romance fan.”—
Monday, December 14, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Meet Isabel Puddles Interview with author M.V. Byrne Kensington Publishing
Today I'm so excited to be featuring M.V. Byrne today on the blog, this talented tv writer decided to try his hand at fiction and he shared some inside info about the book, the series and himself. And I'm happy to say that his publisher Kensington is sponsoring a #Giveaway Details below. I can't wait to read this and I know after you read all about it you'll want it too!
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 9781496728326
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: 11-24-2020
Length: 336pp
Mitten State Mystery #1
Buy It: Kensington
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview:
The only thing widow Isabel Puddles loves as much as her hometown of Gull Harbor on the shores of Lake Michigan is cozying up to a good mystery—but she never expected to be caught in the middle of one . . .To the tourists and summer residents, Kentwater County is a picturesque community of small-town charm, fruitful farmland, and gorgeous freshwater beaches. To middle-aged widow Isabel Puddles, it’s where she enjoys breakfast every morning at a local cafĂ© with her childhood best friend and spends her evenings cozying up with a good book and her devoted Jack Terrier, Jackpot. In between, Isabel makes ends meet through a variety of trades—preserving pickles, baking pies, working the counter at her cousin’s hardware shop, and occasionally helping “fix-up” the hair of corpses at the local funeral parlor.
When Isabel discovers a two-inch nail embedded in the skull of Earl Jonasson, it seems the octogenarian may not have died of a stroke. His son is quickly arrested when his alibi doesn’t check out. But Isabel has known Earl Jr. since they were kids and can’t believe he’d murder his own father, regardless of his financial difficulties. As gossip about Earl Sr.’s land and insurance policy money starts to spread around the county, Isabel finds herself conducting her own investigation to clear her friend’s name. But real detective work isn’t like what she sees on TV, and she’s meeting dangerous suspects who don’t like Isabel poking around in their business . . .
Giveaway is for one print copy ofMeet Isabel PuddlesUS ONLYPlease Use Rafflecopter form to enterGood Luck!
Friday, December 11, 2020
#GIVEAWAY #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza Until Next Year
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, December 10, 2020
Wednesday, December 9, 2020
Thank you for your prayers and thoughts
To all of my friends in the blogosphere thank you for all of your thoughts and your prayers for my stepdaughter who was battling cancer. She passed away today peacefully surrounded by her husband and her two sons. It's been such a fight for her and she fought long and hard but she's with the angels now and no longer in pain.
#GIVEAWAY Review: Something About the Season by Allison Leigh #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza
Today's Ho Ho Ho features Allison Leigh's Christmas Story, Something About the Season part of her Return to the Double C series. I'm also including her Christmas Storybook cookie recipe from her 2019 post.
Don't forget to enter the #Giveaway!
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978-1335894892
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 10-27-2020
Length: 288pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin
Overview:
New York Times Bestselling Author
She’ll give him the benefit of the doubt—in the spirit of Christmas.
Her Christmas guest is too good to be true!
When wealthy investor Gage Stanton arrives at Rory McAdams’s struggling guest ranch, she’s suspicious. Is he just there to learn the ranching ropes or to get her to give up the property? One thing she quickly gives up is her heart… Until Gage’s jealous brother—and Gage’s own shocking secret—threaten to derail a holiday fling that was beginning to feel like anything but.
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Return to the Double C
Tuesday, December 8, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review: His Christmas Cinderella by Christy Jeffries #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza
Don't forget to enter the #Giveaway.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978-1335894885
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 10-27-2020
Length: 288 pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin
Overview:
An enchanted evening with a stranger leaves him wanting more…
A gift money can’t buy…
Super-rich rancher Jordan Taylor has it all—except someone to share his life with. What he really wants for Christmas is to win the heart of Camilla Sanchez, the hardworking waitress he met at a charity ball. Camilla thinks they are too different to make it work, but Jordan is determined to prove her wrong. She grants him his wish: three weeks to convince her he is worthy of her love. Perhaps this will be the holiday that changes everything…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Monday, December 7, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review: A Temporary Christmas Arrangement by Christine Rimmer #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza
ISBN-13: 978-1335894953
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12-01-2020
Length: 288 pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin
Overview:
It’s just supposed to be business in New York Times bestselling author Christine Rimmer’s lastest romance!
They’re about to go their separate ways come the New Year…
Neither Harper Bravo nor Lincoln Stryker are planning to stay in Valentine Bay. She’s got big-city career plans, and he’s trying to figure out how to balance work and caring for his orphaned niece and nephew. But when Lincoln moves in next door and needs a hand, a cash-strapped Harper can’t help but step in. They make a deal: just during the holiday season, she’ll nanny the kids while he works, and then they’ll each leave town. But when they can’t deny the spark between them, will love be enough to have them both changing their plans?
Saturday, December 5, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Showcase A Warm Heart in Winter: A Caldwell Christmas by JR Ward blog tour #Simon&Schuster
Today I'm taking a break from my Ho Ho Ho holiday fest to spotlight the Warden's latest in her BDB world, A Warm Heart in Winter: A Caldwell Christmas. Read all about it and then enter to win a copy for yourself. Details below. This is at the very top of my shelf and I know when you're a fan of the Black Dagger Brotherhood it will be high on your list too.
Enjoy!
ASIN: B085P31H2Y
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Release Date: 12-01-2020
Length: 495pp
Buy It: Amazon
Overview:
#1 New York Times bestselling author J.R. Ward is heating things up this winter with a holiday novel featuring some of her most iconic Black Dagger Brothers.Featuring one of the Black Dagger Brotherhood’s most iconic couples, Blay and Qhuinn find themselves looking forward to their official mating ceremony. When tragedy strikes just before the happy event, all hope seems lost—and everyone in the Black Dagger Brotherhood rallies around the two of them. Will a freak winter storm bring the unthinkable, or will a warm heart in winter ensure that true love is not lost?
Giveaway is forOne print copy ofA Warm Heart in WinterUS ONLYPlease Use Rafflecopter Form to EnterGood Luck!
Friday, December 4, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review For This Christmas Only by Caro Carson #Harlequin #hohohoharlequinholidayextravaganza
For today's Ho Ho Ho post I'm reviewing Caro Carson's Special Edition holiday novel, For This Christmas Only and I'm including a recipe from her from my very first holiday blog blast from 2014.
And I want to say a special thank you to Caro for her service and share a picture of her in her West Pointe Cadet uniform.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 9781335894977
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12-01-2020
Length: 288pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin
Overview:
He was successful in business but not in love in this great romance by USA TODAY bestselling author Caro Carson
His book inspired her to return to school
But he no longer believes his own advice.
After nearly dying in a plane crash, financial guru Eli Taylor wants to find meaning in his life. A chance encounter at a small town’s Yule log lighting leads to an evening spent as the fake boyfriend of his superfan Mallory Ames. When she finds herself homeless for the holidays, he invites her to stay with him as his fake girlfriend so he can show his siblings what a loving partnership should look like. The arrangement will end when the new year begins…or will it?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Thursday, December 3, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review His Last Chance Christmas Family Michelle Major #hohohoharlequinholidayextravaganza #Harlequin
Today's Ho Ho Ho post features Michelle Major's latest Special Edition holiday tale, His Last Chance Christmas Family and I've included her guest post from 2018 about her favorite kind of tradition. Don't forget to enter the Harlequin #Giveaway too.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 9781488070273
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12-01-2020
Length: 288 pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin
Overview:
A perfect Starlight ChristmasIs this Christmas the perfect time for their last chance?
Widowed after an unhappy marriage, single mom Brynn Hale has finally returned home to Starlight. She’s ready for a fresh start for her son, and what better time for it than Christmas? Still, Nick Dunlap is the one connection to her past she can’t let go of. Nick let his status-conscious parents talk him out of pursuing Brynn in high school and he’s not sure he deserves a chance with her now. But the magic of the season might make forgiveness—and love—a little bit easier for them both…
Wednesday, December 2, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review A Cowboy's Christmas Carol by Brenda Harlen #hohohoharlequinholidayextravaganza
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978-1335894946
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12-1-2020
Length: 288pp
Source: Publisher for review
Buy It: Harlequin/Amazon
Overview:
It’s the holiday season in Bronco, but for tour operator Evan Cruise, Ă”tis only the season for making money. Haunted by his past, he refuses to celebrate the festivities around him—until he meets Daphne Taylor. As the owner of the local animal sanctuary challenges Evan’s resistance to yuletide spirit, their attraction grows into something deeper. But when Daphne uncovers Evan’s shocking family secret, it threatens to tear them apart. Will a little Christmas magic change everything?
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Montana Mavericks: What Happened to Beatrix?
Tuesday, December 1, 2020
#GIVEAWAY Review One More For Christmas by Sarah Morgan #HoHoHoHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza
I've been loving Sarah Morgan's writing for a long time and her Christmas stories are always exceptional and this year's is no different. One More for Christmas is fabulous. Sit back read my review enjoy a personal note from one of Sarah's past guest posts and don't forget to enter the #Giveaway, which includes Sarah's new book.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 9781335013804
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 10-06-2020
Length: 416pp
Source: Publisher/Netgalley for review
Buy It: Amazon/B&N/IndieBound
Overview:
For sisters Samantha and Ella Mitchell, Christmas is their most precious time of the year. But this year, they’ll be buying presents for the most unexpected guest of all—their mother. It’s been five years since they last saw each other. But when their mom calls out of the blue, Samantha and Ella cautiously agree to spend Christmas all together in the beautiful Scottish Highlands…Gayle Mitchell is at the top of her career, but her success has come at a price—her relationship with her daughters. Her tough-love approach to parenting was designed to make them stronger, but instead managed to push them away…until a brush with her own mortality forces Gayle to make amends.
As the snowflakes fall on their first family celebration in years, the Mitchell women must learn that sometimes facing up to the past is all you need to heal your heart…
Monday, November 30, 2020
#GIVEAWAY 8th Annual #HoHOHOHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza- Intro post
Welcome to The Reading Frenzy’s 8th
Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza
just like everything else in this challenging year the 2020 version of this
holiday blog festival will be a bit different. Because of some non-Covid health
issues plaguing my family I wasn’t able to plan this year’s holiday event like
in the past. So instead of having guest posts from the lovely and talented
Special Edition authors I’ll be showcasing and reviewing some of Harlequin’s
2020 Holiday novels. And like a real hero Harlequin has once again stepped in
and is sponsoring a fabulous #Giveaway for this year’s holiday blog fest. You
can enter once a day all during the holiday blog fest and it’s open to US and
Canada.
So for the next couple of weeks sit back with a cup of hot chocolate enjoy the
show and enter this year’s #Giveaway.
This year's giveaway is for
12 HQN holiday titles (see photo below)
Open to US and Canada only
Please Use Rafflecopter form
enter once per day
Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Friday, November 27, 2020
Sophia Rose Reviews: Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak, narrated by Melanie Rehak
Today Sophia Rose is reviewing a non-fiction digging into the facts behind the creation of Nancy Drew.
Enjoy!
Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by
Melanie Rehak, narrated by Melanie Rehak
Non-Fiction, Biography, Pop Culture
Publisher: Brilliance
Audio
Published: 9.8.20
ISBN: 1713525437
Time: 9 hours 31
minutes
Rating: 4
Format: MP3
Source: Brilliance
Audio
Sellers: Amazon - Audible - Barnesand Noble - Kobo
Add To: GoodReads
GoodReads Blurb:
The true story behind the iconic fictional detective is
“a fascinating chapter in the history of publishing” (The Seattle Times).
An Edgar Award Winner for Best Biography and a Chicago Tribune Best Book
of the Year
The plucky “titian-haired” sleuth solved her first mystery in 1930—and eighty
million books later, Nancy Drew has survived the Depression, World War II, and
the sixties (when she was taken up with a vengeance by women’s libbers) to
enter the pantheon of American culture. As beloved by girls today as she was by
their grandmothers, Nancy Drew has both inspired and reflected the changes in
her readers’ lives. Here, in a narrative with all the page-turning pace of
Nancy’s adventures, Melanie Rehak solves an enduring literary mystery: Who
created Nancy Drew? And how did she go from pulp heroine to icon?
The brainchild of children’s book mogul Edward Stratemeyer, Nancy was brought
to life by two women: Mildred Wirt Benson, a pioneering journalist from Iowa,
and Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, a well-bred wife and mother who took over her
father’s business empire as CEO. In this century-spanning, “absorbing and
delightful” story, the author traces their roles—and Nancy’s—in forging the
modern American woman (The Wall Street Journal).
Thursday, November 26, 2020
Happy Thanksgiving
I know this year has been a challenge in many ways but we all have something to be thankful for so from my home to yours I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 25, 2020
Sophia Rose Reviews: A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams
Today on this Thanksgiving eve in the US Sophia Rose is here to review A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams.
Enjoy!
A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine
Williams
#6 Widow’s Island
Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Brilliance
Audio
Published: 11.3.20
Time: 2 hours and 42
minutes
ISBN: 179972705X
Rating: 5
Format: MP3
Source: Brilliance
Audio
Add To: GoodReads
GoodReads Blurb:
The mysterious death of a local teen leads to a hunt for
a killer in the sixth Widow’s Island novella by #1 Wall Street Journal
bestselling author Melinda Leigh.
On Widow’s Island, the secrets are dark…and everybody has one. So when Deputy
Tessa Black responds to a call about an explosion in a quiet neighborhood, she
gets more than she bargained for: the body of a teen who went missing weeks
ago.
Until recently, Gavin was living in a reputable foster home. But now that he is
found dead—Tessa can’t help but wonder if sinister forces are at play. Who
would want to hurt him, and why?
With the help of her partner, Park Ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa tries desperately
to decipher what happened to Gavin before another life is cut short. Someone on
Widow’s Island knows the explosive truth. Will Tessa find the answers she needs
before someone else turns up dead?
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
#MacmillanAudio Review of Stories From Suffregette City MJ Rose Fiona Davis & Kristin Hannah
It's very timely to review the Macmillan Audio edition of Stories From Suffregette City, not only is it the 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment but it's also election year an election where it's very possible that women decided the outcome because it's a fact that they outnumber men in the US and have since 2013. I have also included some actual footage of that day.
Enjoy!
ASIN: B0876HQ2NY
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: 10-27-2020
Length: 8hrs-55mins
Source: Macmillan Audio for review
Buy It: Audible
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview
A collection of short stories from a chorus of bestselling writers all set on the same day, October 23, 1915, in which over a million women marched for the right to vote in New York City with an introduction by Kristin Hannah.Stories From Suffragette City is a collection of short stories from the leading voices in historical fiction that all take place on a single day. The day one million women marched for the right to vote in New York City in 1915. A day filled with a million different stories, and a million different voices longing to be heard. Taken together, these stories from writers at the top of their bestselling game become a chorus, stitching together a portrait of a country looking for a fight, and echo into a resounding force strong enough to break even the most stubborn of glass ceilings.
Monday, November 23, 2020
#GIVEAWAY interview Author J.L. Lora author showcase
A Few weeks ago I was part of the Caffeinated PR release day tour to celebrate J.L. Lora's The Autumn You Became Mine. Well today I have a real treat for my readers an interview with Ms. Lora and a fab #Giveaway too. Details below.
Enjoy!
Giveaway is for one ecopy of
The Summer I Loved You
Open Internationally
Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!
Thursday, November 19, 2020
Cover Reveal - Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham
Those of you who know me know I love historical fiction and know that my favorite author is this genre is Genevieve Graham who always tells a bit of Canadian history in all of her incredible novels. Well she's got a brand new WWII era novel coming out in March of 2021 and I'm excited to share with all my friends her US cover reveal and an excerpt. I can't wait to get my hands on this book and I know many of you feel the same way.
Enjoy!
Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Review Alone With You by Lisa Ann Verge
Enjoy!
AISN: B08JZ6DT61
Publisher: Bay Street Press LLC; 2nd edition
Release Date: 9-30-2020
Length: 133 pp
Source: Author for review
Buy It: Amazon
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview:
Jenny believes the rented cabin is hers alone—until she steps out of the shower to find a brawny man in her bedroom. No way is she taking on a roommate, especially a six-foot stud with a slow-fuse grin. Yet the brooding Logan has his charms, and his secrets. They'll be stuck together for two weeks. Not long enough for him to seduce her…or melt her frozen heart.Monday, November 16, 2020
Sophia Rose Reviews- Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve
Thanks for all the well wishes my hubby is home and recovering from surgery.
Today I once again turn the blog over to Sophia Rose who's reviewing #6 in the Inspectors Hannaslyde and Hemmingway series, Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve.
Enjoy!
Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve
#6 Inspectors Hannaslyde and Hemingway
Historical Mystery, Holiday
Publisher: Bolinda
Published: 5.1.15
ISBN: 1486231365
Time: 11 hours 36
minutes
Rating: 4
Narrator: 5
Format: Audiobook
Source: Purchase
Add To: GoodReads
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
Bear With Me
Hubby had an emergency appendectomy yesterday, he's doing good but it's been a bit of a whirlwind few days. I'll be back soon!!!
xo
Monday, November 9, 2020
Review Dead After Midnight Interview with author CP Daly
A while ago this debut author reached out to see if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her novel. While I'm always happy to help promote a book especially a debut I don't often have time to read those offered novels. Well I'm happy that this time I did and Cynthia also was gracious enough to let me pick her brain.
Enjoy!
ISBN-13: 978-1999134518
Publisher: Twister Publishing
Release Date: 9-16-2020
Length: 227pp
Source: Author for review
Buy It: Amazon- (free on KindleUnlimited)
ADD TO: GOODREADS
Overview:
Suzie Q is a prostitute and determined to get out of her current line of work and excited for a fresh start with best friend Lucy by her side. Her dreams come to an abrupt halt, when, during a night of turning tricks, she stumbles upon Lucy's brutally murdered body. Fearing for her life, Suzie runs to her neighbor, Luke's, to regroup, where she discovers he's not just a creepy client, but an undercover FBI agent. He blindsides her when he reveals that she's mixed up in an FBI investigation, and that she's been unknowingly working for Johnny Stone, New York's notorious crime boss. Suzie flees from New York, hiding in a quaint seaside town in Maine. She changes her identity and her life. Now she has to survive, to keep the life she has come to love.This is the first novel in the Kelsey Woods thriller series.