Monday, December 31, 2018

My Top Ten Books of 2018

Happy New Year everyone!  As we look ahead to 2019, I hope that you had a wonderful 2018.  For me, this year progressed at a moderate pace, and as with any year, joy and heartache are intertwined.  Thankfully, this year marks continuing miracles for me--stay tuned for an update on that--but this year also gave me challenges--moments to overcome.  And I am so grateful to know that whatever may come with each day, the Lord is by my side, and He gives me the strength to endure and welcome another morning. 

Each breath we have is precious, and alongside my family and friends, I thank the Lord for each of you.  Thank you for taking the time to join me on this literary journey.  Thank you for reading my posts on my blog and for leaving encouraging comments.  I wish you the best days in the upcoming year!  Happy reading my friends! 


People are Good 
by AnnaMarie McHargue 

In today’s world, it is easy to focus on what is going wrong instead of what is good and going right. Small acts of kindness are really the big things that change our outlook and ultimately change the way we live in the world. 

People Are Good is a collection of stories that unites us all. This global movement is sure to restore your faith in the human spirit and remind us that little things are a big deal. 

The news media and blogosphere flourish with examples of the human capacity for power and poverty, life and death, success and sadness. The mission of People Are Good is to inspire each of us to want to take small moments in life to act, rather than react. It’s more than random acts of kindness but a lifestyle of noticing others, sharing a smile and ultimately changing someone’s worldview for the rest of their life. 





A Most Noble Heir 
by Susan Anne Mason 

When stable hand Nolan Price learns from his dying mother that he is actually the son of the Earl of Stainsby, his plans for a future with kitchen maid Hannah Burnham are shattered. Once he is officially acknowledged as the earl's heir, Nolan will be forbidden to marry beneath his station.

Unwilling to give up the girl he loves, he devises a plan to elope--believing that once their marriage is sanctioned by God, Lord Stainsby will be forced to accept their union. However, as Nolan struggles to learn the ways of the aristocracy, he finds himself caught between his dreams for tomorrow and his father's demanding expectations.

Forces work to keep the couple apart at every turn, and a solution to remain together seems further and further away. With Nolan's new life pulling him irrevocably away from Hannah, it seems only a miracle will bring them back together.




The Writing Desk 
by Rachel Hauck 

Tenley Roth’s first book was a runaway bestseller. Now that her second book is due, she’s locked in fear. Can she repeat her earlier success or is she a fraud who has run out of inspiration?

With pressure mounting from her publisher, Tenley is weighted with writer’s block. But when her estranged mother calls asking Tenley to help her through chemotherapy, she packs up for Florida where she meets handsome furniture designer Jonas Sullivan and discovers the story her heart’s been missing.

A century earlier, another woman wrote at the same desk with hopes and fears of her own. Born during the Gilded Age, Birdie Shehorn is the daughter of the old money Knickerbockers. Under the strict control of her mother, her every move is decided ahead of time, even whom she’ll marry. But Birdie has dreams she doesn’t know how to realize. She wants to tell stories, write novels, make an impact on the world. When she discovers her mother has taken extreme measures to manipulate her future, she must choose between submission and security or forging a brand new way all on her own.

Tenley and Birdie are from two very different worlds, but fate has bound them together in a way time cannot erase.
 

A Duel for Christmas 
by Rosanne E. Lortz 

After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.

The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington's affections, only to be foiled by the lady's own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

This novel takes the medieval events surrounding the sinking of the White Ship and transposes them to Regency London. It is the third book in the Pevensey series, but can be read as a standalone.
 


Swell Time for a Swing Dance 
by Cindy Vincent 

December 31, 1941. Young Houston socialite Tracy Truworth, Apprentice P.I., can’t imagine a better way to send off the old year and ring in the new than by dancing through the night with her fella, Pete Stalwart. But a swell evening soon takes a terrible turn when a fellow dancer with moves like Fred Astaire ends up dead on the dance floor. And before the hands on the clock can point to midnight, a finger is pointed at Pete, accusing him of murdering the young man.

Then after Pete is hauled away in handcuffs, the night goes from bad to worse . . . and Tracy’s sweet grandmother is accused of stealing an ancient artifact from the museum. Now Tracy must team up with her boss and mentor, Sammy Falcone, in order to find the stolen statuette, unmask the real murderer, and restore the reputations of those she loves the most.

Yet as America becomes embroiled in another world war, the risks and sacrifices intensify—even on the homefront. And Tracy soon finds her own home invaded by a near parade of questionable characters, while unsavory suspects lurk in the shadows, and a ruthless reporter makes her life miserable. With time ticking against her, Tracy must be willing to swing past the setbacks and hop through the hazards if she hopes to solve a mystery that involves a lot of dancing . . . and a lot more danger.

The Secret of Haversham House 
by Julie Matern 

Francesca Haversham is eighteen years old and about to step into a glittering future--all she has to do is secure her wealth with an advantageous marriage. Then she learns the truth: her entire identity is a lie. Now Francesca faces a horrible choice. 

Will she give up all she knows or continue to lie about her past and risk everything, including her heart?












The Keeper of Her Heart 
by Stacy Henrie 

Even at a young age, Ada Thorne knew that she would marry only for love, never money. So when she finds herself irrevocably drawn to Ned Henley, the lowly gamekeeper on a neighboring estate, she defies her parents and society by eloping with him to London to build a new life.

Without her family’s support, life in the city is far more difficult than the one of ease and privilege Ada has always known. She’ll find herself relentlessly tested in ways she never imagined—especially when Ned, answering the call of duty, enlists to serve his country in World War One.

Alone and near poverty with a child to raise, Ada’s resolve will be strained at every turn. And as she struggles to remain true to her convictions and live life on her own terms, Ada will embark on a journey of courage, faith, and love that will surpass even her own humble dreams . . .





My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls, New York: Adele's Journey 
by Amanda Barratt 

Outwardly, Adele Linley’s trip to visit her American cousins is nothing more than a summer vacation. In reality, she’s the daughter of an English aristocrat with barely a penny to her name seeking a rich American husband. 

Having grown up in an overcrowded orphanage, Drew Dawson is determined to make a name for himself. He’ll take any honest job to provide for his sister—even crossing Niagara Falls by tightrope.
 
On a sightseeing trip to the Falls, Adele meets several eligible suitors. Incredibly wealthy and pompous, Franklin Conway takes an immediate fancy to her. But Adele would truly like to marry for love.  When she encounters the mysterious Drew in the garden, Adele is confused by her feelings for someone who is everything she is NOT looking for. Will they both stay the course they have chosen for themselves?




Finding Christmas Joy 
by Amanda Tero 

Melonie Brown just wants to get away from all of the pain and heartache that this year has brought upon her, and Starlight Lodge seems like the perfect place to do so. With no plans beyond a Christmas escape, she drives out to the lodge. 

Can she bottle up the peace and joy that she finds in this special place to help her face the challenges she may have in the upcoming year?













North and South 
by Elizabeth Gaskell 

When her father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience, Margaret Hale is uprooted from her comfortable home in Hampshire to move with her family to the north of England. Initially repulsed by the ugliness of her new surroundings in the industrial town of Milton, Margaret becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill-workers and develops a passionate sense of social justice. This is intensified by her tempestuous relationship with the mill-owner and self-made man John Thornton, as their fierce opposition over his treatment of his employees masks a deeper attraction. In North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell skillfully fused individual feeling with social concern, and in Margaret Hale created one of the most original heroines of Victorian literature.

In her introduction, Patricia Ingham examines geographical, economic and class differences, and male and female roles in North and South. This edition also includes a list for further reading, notes and a glossary.
 





Here are the links to my previous Top Ten List of Books:  


Happy reading!  






Friday, December 28, 2018

First Line Fridays


I wanted to highlight one more Christmas book this month; however, it is very possible that I will talk about other Christmas stories throughout the year.  :)  Sometimes it is just lovely to read an uplifting Christmas tale in March.  I hope that all of you had a lovely Christmas!  Happy reading and Happy New Year! 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  Thomas KinKades' Cape Light: A Christmas Secret 
by Katherine Spencer 



And the first line is...

Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, 2018

"Martin heard the siren coming up behind his car well before he saw the flashing lights."

Happy reading and happy Friday!   

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 









Saturday, December 22, 2018

Oreo Truffles


Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) package OREO Chocolate Sandwich Cookies, divided
  • 1 (8 ounce) package PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened

  • 2 (8 ounce) packages BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Baking Chocolate, melted

Directions


  1. 1. Crush 9 of the cookies to fine crumbs in food processor; reserve for later use. (Cookies can also be finely crushed in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin.) Crush remaining 36 cookies to fine crumbs; place in medium bowl. Add cream cheese; mix until well blended. Roll cookie mixture into 42 balls, about 1-inch in diameter.
  2. 2. Dip balls in chocolate; place on wax paper-covered baking sheet. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature for another use.) Sprinkle with reserved cookie crumbs.
  3. 3. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Store leftover truffles, covered, in refrigerator.


From Allrecipes.com 



Friday, December 21, 2018

A Murdered Peace - Book Blast





A Murdered Peace by Candace Robb

Publication Date: December 11, 2018
Pegasus Books
Paperback & eBook; 304 Pages
Series: Kate Clifford, Book 3
Genre: Historical Mystery


It is deep winter in York, 1400, the ground frozen, the short days dimmed with the smoke from countless fires, the sun, when it shines, low in the sky. It is rumored that the Epiphany Uprising, meant to relieve the realm of the Henry the usurper and return King Richard to the throne has, instead, spelled his doom. As long as Richard lives, he is a threat to Henry. So, too, the nobles behind the plot. The ringleaders have been caught, some slaughtered as they fled west by folk loyal to Henry, and the king’s men now search the towns for survivors.

A perilous time, made worse for Kate Clifford by the disappearance of Berend, her cook and confidante, shortly after Christmas. Her niece saw his departure in a dream—he said he was honor bound to leave. Honor bound—to a former lord? One of the nobles who led the uprising? Is he alive? She is hardly consoled when Berend reappears, wounded, secretive, denying any connection to the uprising, but refusing to explain himself. When he is accused of brutally murdering a spice seller in the city, Kate discovers a chest of jewels in his possession. Some of the jewels belong to her old friend Lady Margery, wanted by the king for her husband’s part in the uprising.

For the sake of their long friendship, and the love she and her wards bear for him, Kate wants to believe his innocence. So, too, does Sir Elric. And he has the powerful backing of the Earl of Westmoreland. All she need do is confide in him. If only she trusted her heart.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters | IndieBound | Kobo


Praise for A Murdered Peace


“Those who meddle in the affairs of kings live to regret it. A...tale of love and murder set in a turbulent period when death and betrayal lurk around every corner.” -Kirkus Reviews “Superior. Robb effortlessly integrates the era’s intrigues into a whodunit framework and peoples the plot with a wide array of characters readers will come to care about.” -Publishers Weekly (starred) “A fine flowing narrative and a genuine sense of mystery and peril.” -Writers & Readers



Candace Robb is the bestselling author of sixteen crime novels set in fourteenth century England, Wales, and Scotland, including the acclaimed Owen Archer series and the Margaret Kerr trilogy. Candace lives in Seattle, Washington.


Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads







During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed set of Candace Robb's Kate Clifford series! 

To enter, please use the Gleam form below. 
  Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. 


A Murdered Peace






First Line Fridays


Merry Christmas!  I know this is the last Friday before Christmas, so I wanted to wish you and your families that happiest of holidays.  And I hope Santa leaves you lots of books under the tree.  :)

What books are you looking forward to reading in 2019?  There are so many wonderful stories coming out, and I am so excited to read the next text in several of the series I have read.  Happy reading everyone!

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  The White Christmas Inn: A Novel 
by Colleen Wright 



And the first line is...

"As the inn appeared on the crest at the end of the snowy drive, nestled in the folds of the gently rolling Vermont foothills, Molly Winslow actually laughed aloud."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!   

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 








Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Peppermint Cookies



  • Ingredients

    1 cup butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 cup crushed peppermint candy canes
  • 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
  • 5 teaspoons warm water
  • 2 tablespoons crushed peppermint candy canes, or to taste (optional)

Directions


  1. 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. 2. Beat the butter and white sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Beat egg into butter mixture until completely incorporated. Mix flour and salt into the butter mixture until just incorporated. Fold crushed candy canes into the batter, mixing just enough to evenly combine. Roll dough into balls 1 tablespoon at a time; arrange on baking sheets.
  3. 3. Bake in the preheated oven until firm, 8 to 10 minutes. Allow cookies to cool on the baking sheet for 1 minute before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.
  4. 4. Whisk confectioners' sugar and warm water together in a small bowl until you have a smooth icing. Dip top of each cookie in the icing, Top with additional crushed candy cane, if desired. Set aside to let the icing dry, at least 5 minutes.


From Allrecipes.com 


Monday, December 17, 2018

Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations Cover Reveal




   Genre - Inspirational Romantic                         Comedy

   Release Date - February 14th, 2019

   Publisher - WhiteFire Publishing 

   Series InfoWeddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations is based off of characters introduced in my first book (Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations), but it is a standalone novel.

Seventeen years after being orphaned, Apryl Burns and her twin sister Courtney have their own expectations for life. While Courtney continues to shine at everything, Apryl holds fast to the mantra that as long as her potato chip stash remains intact, then she'll be fine.

But when their beloved grandmother ends up injured and unable to manage her struggling antique store, Courtney makes it their mission to revamp the business and save what's left of their family's legacy. Despite rampant doubts in her abilities, Apryl finds herself trapped under the weight of family loyalty as they transition to a wedding venue decorating service. Soon she's forced to ask (translation: blackmail) their grandmother's renter/handyman, Chance McFarland, for help, an arrangement that is made even worse by the fact that Chance is her former (ahem, and current) crush.
Chance knows a few dozen things about family loyalty, which is why he begrudgingly agrees to Apryl's insane plan. While Apryl claims they're archenemies, the girl Chance only glimpsed in their teens starts to emerge, stealing what remains of his heart.
But expectations are a powerful thing. Amidst the glamorous weddings and swaying willows, can those old expectations be revised into something new?




V. Joy Palmer is the author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is also an avid blogger and co-founder of Snack Time Devotions. In her spare time, Joy is an unprofessional chocolate connoisseur/binger, and she loves acting crazy and drinking coffee with the teens she mentors. When Joy isn’t urging the elves that live in her computer to write, she’s hanging out with her husband, their adorable baby girl, and their socially awkward pets.







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Friday, December 14, 2018

First Line Fridays


After reading the opening lines for this week's book, here are my thoughts.  There are no opening comments I need to make, because the beginning statements of this book make the perfect start for First Line Fridays this December.  Happy reading and Merry Christmas friends! 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  Three Christmas Novellas  
by Mary Connealy



And the first line is...

"And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David)...And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord...The shepherds said to one another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.  And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger...The star, which they say in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was." 

Luke 2:4, 2:10-11, 2:15b-16; Matthew 2:9b


Longhorn Christmas 

Big Bend Region, Texas 
November 1865
"The trouble with lassoing a Texas cyclone was--now you had a cyclone on the end of your rope.  Then what was she going to do with it?"  

Happy reading and happy Friday!   

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating!