Book Recommendation: Time for Love by Melinda Curtis

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and I'm sharing a book recommendation with you today. As I've mentioned previously, life has been crazy for me lately, so I haven't gotten a chance to read the way I would like. So, I'm recommending a book from last summer: Time for Love by Melinda Curtis.

About the Book:
A fresh start—for both of them 
As a kid from a shattered family, Kathy Harris couldn't wait to get out of Harmony Valley. Yet here she is, back home, determined to rebuild her life and regain her young son's trust. But she doesn't expect to work miracles—unlike Dylan O'Brien, the enigmatic cowboy rumored to be a healer of misfit horses.
As they work to save an injured colt, Kathy starts to believe in a future with Dylan that she never thought possible. But one of Kathy's new rules is no more secrets…and Dylan has a big one. One that could destroy the life he and Kathy are building together.

What I loved about this book:
I'll admit that I can be really judgemental about parents who aren't there for their kids. I was pretty sure I wasn't going to like Kathy, because even though she'd turned her life around, I was really angry that she would leave her kid. But, as I read the book and saw her trying, it made me realize that she'd made her decision thinking she was doing the best she could for him. It also gave me insight into what it's like to live with addiction and try to overcome it. I realized that her son was her motivation for overcoming her addiction. It was such an interesting look into people living with addiction and how they handle it.

All that sounds like it was a deep read, but there were so many light and touching moments that it ended up being a very easy read, and it wasn't until afterward that I realized just how it shifted some of my thoughts and perceptions.


What have you been reading this summer? 

Feeling a little nostalgic over the holidays

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and the holiday has me feeling a bit nostalgic. We spent the Fourth in a nearby mountain community, and I loved how they had a parade with floats and a lot of family-oriented fun. They also did fireworks over the lake, which was nice. We also took the long road home, and meandered through some small towns, did a little shopping, and soaked in the slower pace of life.

My daughter and I have been reading Nancy Drew books together at night before bed, and as much as I love some of the things we have in modern times, even just fifty years ago, life seems like it was simpler. Maybe that's why I love writing historicals. Even though we don't have the modern conveniences, I love how they lived such simpler lives. Over the holiday, our family toured a couple of historical museums, and even the wealthy people didn't have as much stuff as the middle class of today has. We're cleaning out my daughter's room, and I made a deal with her: If she could get rid of 50-100 things (to donate, not throw away), we'd give her the rest of the money she needs for the iPod she's been saving up for. Hubby thought it would be hard to find that many things, and that I was being unreasonable, but guess what? We found that many things, and we're still not all the way through her stuff!

Kind of a rambling post today, but it all fits into the nostalgia that I'm feeling right now. Loving the life I have, but hoping to simplify. Because I think I will end up loving it more.

What do you think? Does the fast pace of today drive you crazy? Have you found ways of slowing down and simplifying?

About Danica:

A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado.  Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.

You can connect with Danica at the following places:

Website: http://www.danicafavorite.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danicafavorite
Instagram: https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor

Summer Fun Reading!

Love my reading girls!

Danica Favorite here, and my kids just got out of school for the summer! Part of me is very excited because it will be fun having them home, and part of me is saying, "YIKES!!" It's amazing how quickly the kids decide they're bored, and since I work from home, they always seem to think it's my job to keep them occupied.

Well, I DO have ways to keep them occupied, and let's just say that there's the nice mommy way, and the mean mommy way. :) Part of the nice mommy way involves taking advantage of our local library's summer reading program. I love that they offer incentives for the kids to read. Some of the incentives include passes to fun activities for the summer, so I always encourage the kids to read enough to win. Not only does it keep them busy reading, but we also end up doing a lot of fun things. If there's a library near you, take a look and see what kind of summer programs they offer. Even if you don't have kids, you might find a fun adult reading program as well!

The other fun reading activity we do is that every year, we pick out a series to listen to on audio book. I don't know why, but it seems like we spend more time in the car during summer months than we do any other time of the year. So I like to find engaging stories to listen to while we drive. I'm not sure why we don't do it the rest of the year, since we can listen to audio books year-round, but it feels like a fun treat when it comes to summer and we get to visit the library for new things to listen to.

So what happens when we have to do things the mean mommy way? Mean mommy has a list of chores, and when they complain about being bored, they get to pick one. Yup, time to insert a sad face. Usually I just say, "do you have something to read, or do I need to find something for you to do?" I'm amazed at how quickly they think of something, anything, to do other than chores.

How do you keep your kids (or grandkids, or neighbor kids, or any child) occupied when boredom sets in?

Do you have fun summer audio book (suitable for 12 year olds-adults) recommendations? 

Answer one (or both!) questions for a chance to win your choice of either The Lawman's Redemption or Shotgun Marriage.

About Danica:

A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado.  Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.

You can connect with Danica at the following places:

Website: http://www.danicafavorite.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danicafavorite
Instagram: https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor

When reading experiments fail

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and I'm just going to admit right now that I have nothing to recommend to you all. Well, okay, that's not entirely true. A few months ago, as I was reading a magazine in the dentist's office (I know, I lead such a glamorous life!), I stumbled across a section listing "must-read" books. At first, I was indignant because they had no ROMANCE books listed. And then, I realized something. I've been reading romance almost exclusively for so long that I don't even know what kinds of other books are out there.

I decided to experiment and try new books. New genres. I promptly put myself on the waiting list at the library for the books in the article, and since I'm so strapped for time, those are the only books I've been reading.

Can I make a confession? They are total snoozers!! GAH!! Unlike some people (I'm looking at you, Camy Tang!), I can't not finish a novel. I have a compulsion to finish. Part of me hopes it will get better, and part of me needs to know how it ends. And so, I, Danica Favorite, romance lover, read a bunch of super boring literary books that I can only recommend if you're suffering from insomnia or have a deep burning need to know what it's like to be thoroughly depressed because the boring book you just read was so hopeless and dark that you probably should have stabbed out your eyeballs instead of reading. Seriously, they were that bad.

I probably should have sprinkled in some happy books between the "other" books, but I wanted to return them to the library on time. I'm just glad I didn't buy them, because I almost did, but then I saw how much I was spending, and decided to borrow them instead. Wow. I would have really been mad had I paid money for those books! Point being, I just had to get through them all as fast as possible, and with everything else I had going on, I had no time to read a good romance. Which means, I have nothing to recommend to you.



So... I have decided to turn the tables. Friends, readers, people who understand the need to read a book that is happy and uplifting, I am begging you... help me expand my reading horizons. Help me get over this horrible depression from having read a bunch of downers. What have YOU read that's been a GREAT read?

And, because I do have a new release out (and I promise it is a HAPPY book!), I'm going to give away a copy of Shotgun Marriage to someone who shares a recommendation for a good book. 

Here's a little about my book, Shotgun Marriage:

Conveniently Wed 
Forced to wed to protect their reputations after being trapped overnight in a mine, Emma Jane and Jasper Jackson's marriage is one in name only. Resenting the choices taken from him, Jasper's determined not to lose his heart. But it's not so easy to stay distanced from his new bride when a gang of bandits abducts them both.

Other young women might be ecstatic to land Leadville's wealthiest bachelor. But Emma Jane would rather have Jasper's love than his family's money. A true bond with her handsome husband seems impossible…until their ordeal leaves Emma Jane caring for an orphaned baby. In reach now is the one thing neither expected—the chance to turn a convenient marriage into a forever family.

Coming Soon! Shotgun Marriage!

Hey Everyone! Danica Favorite here, and I have been a busy little bee lately. My next book, Shotgun Marriage, releases next month, and life has been crazy! Not only am I gearing up for the book to come out, but I am working on edits for my September book, The Nanny's Little Matchmakers. Oh, and I have to finish writing a book that will be out in early 2017. But busy is good, especially because it means I get to write lots of books. I really do have the best job in the world.

I have lots of other good stuff in the pipeline, so I hope you'll stay tuned to this blog for more info. And, if you're in the Denver area, I've got some fun signings and events coming up, so be sure to drop me a line at danica@danicafavorite.com if you want to come see me. Or just keep on eye on my website, www.danicafavorite.com, which will be updated as soon as I have final details. There, you can sign up for my newsletter, and then you won't miss a thing!

And, because I have some books I need to get sent out, I'm going to offer a copy of Shotgun Marriage to someone who comments on the blog today. Be sure to leave a way for me to get in touch with you so I can let you know if you've won. 

 Here's a little about my book:

Conveniently Wed 
Forced to wed to protect their reputations after being trapped overnight in a mine, Emma Jane and Jasper Jackson's marriage is one in name only. Resenting the choices taken from him, Jasper's determined not to lose his heart. But it's not so easy to stay distanced from his new bride when a gang of bandits abducts them both.

Other young women might be ecstatic to land Leadville's wealthiest bachelor. But Emma Jane would rather have Jasper's love than his family's money. A true bond with her handsome husband seems impossible…until their ordeal leaves Emma Jane caring for an orphaned baby. In reach now is the one thing neither expected—the chance to turn a convenient marriage into a forever family.

Book Recommendation: Shelter From the Storm by Kristen Ethridge

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and I'm sharing a book recommendation today. And I'll admit, I kind of struggled with that one because I've been reading like a fiend lately, but nothing that fits into "clean romance reads." I'm judging a few contests, and even though I know I could review the book and just not say it was a book I'm judging, that felt a little weird. And then, there's all the research reading I've been doing lately. Crazy! Books I find fascinating, but you all might find a little boring. Can I just admit right now that I'm a nerd of the highest degree?

So I scrolled through my Kindle to see what I've read lately and what I could say was pure pleasure. I'm not a big Kindle reader, except that I have the app on my phone and when I'm playing chauffeur to my kids, it is the best thing ever for keeping me occupied while I wait for them. After scrolling through a few research books, I found it! The last book I read purely for pleasure. Which made me realize that I actually ended up reading the whole series. I was waiting for my kiddo to get out of her robotics club meeting (which ran late, as usual), so I scrolled through the gazillion books on my Kindle app on my phone, and decided to read SHELTER FROM THE STORM by Kristen Ethridge. And then I kept reading. I got home and devoured the entire series. My name is Danica Favorite, and I am a binge reader. If you hook me on one book, I will not stop until I have read ALL of your books.



About the book:
SOMETIMES THE PERSON STANDING IN YOUR WAY IS YOUR ONLY HOPE

As the director of the Port Provident Animal Shelter, Becca Collins had devoted her life to helping the furriest residents of Port Provident. When a special Labrador retriever, Polly, needs her help on the eve of Hurricane Hope, Becca can’t say no—even if it means she’ll have to ride out the hurricane on Provident Island. When she shows up on the doorstep of local veterinarian and Army veteran Dr. Ross Reeder, Becca throws a wrench into Ross’ plans to evacuate himself and his combat-weary former service dog, Cookie.

Ross and Becca are used to disagreeing with one another, but they soon realize the only way they’re going to survive the wrath of Hurricane Hope is to put their differences aside and work for the good of the animals who depend totally on them. As they discover they have more in common than they thought and work to rebuild the Texas beach town where they’ve both put down roots, Becca learns secrets about her past that threaten to change the whole direction of her life.

As Becca struggles with love, faith, and lies, will she still need the shelter she’s found in Ross’ arms or will the aftermath of the storm take away everything they’ve worked to build?

HURRICANE HOPE: ONE STORM CHANGES PORT PROVIDENT FOREVER…AND FOR GOOD. 

My review:
I very much loved the sense of community and belonging conveyed in the story. The characters drew me in and I really cared about them, and how things turned out. It's rare for me to be so engrossed in a story that I feel like I'm reading about real people, but SHELTER FROM THE STORM did that for me. I think that's why I had to read the rest of the series right away.

If you love stories with a strong sense of community, then you're going to love this series. SHELTER FROM THE STORM is the first book, but be sure to get them all. You're going to want to read them when you're done. They all stand alone, but each book had me never wanting to leave that wonderful community.

Your turn:
What do you think makes a strong community?
Bonus question:  Are you interested in hearing about the books I read for research?

Finding things to love in ourselves

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and I wanted to share something that's been on my heart for a while. I recently read an article that said yesterday was the day most people give up on their New Year's resolutions. Wow! It's hard to imagine that when people make all these resolutions, they give up on day 17 of 365 (or 366, as this year has!). And yet, I kind of think it's okay.

So many people's resolutions are about changing things about themselves, and even though I think we all have room to grow, I also wonder, how many of us have learned to love ourselves as we are? A few years ago, I was praying about my weight loss journey, and how, no matter what I did, those 20 pounds the doctor insists I need to lose weren't coming off. As I was praying, I felt God asking me if I could love the body He gave me. I started working on loving myself, loving my body, and being grateful for what I have. A funny thing happened in that process. I lost weight. I didn't become model-thin, or have one of those bodies that people envy, but my clothes started fitting better, and I started to feel better.

When I stopped complaining about everything that was wrong with my body, the changes I'd been hoping for came about all by themselves! 

I've read in several different places that our subconscious mind doesn't know the difference between the truth and a lie, and it doesn't understand negatives. So when you keep telling yourself, "I am so fat," or "I won't overeat this time," your subconscious mind directs your body to make it true. You get fatter, because that's what you've been telling yourself. You overeat because your subconscious mind doesn't hear the won't. I'm fascinated by the mind because so many of the battles we face are mental. Yet so many of those mental battles come from a spiritual issue.

Can you love the body God gave you, even if it's not the body you want? Can you find a way to be grateful for the flaws within you that you desperately want you to change? 

Lately I've been depressed by some minor health issues that have forced some lifestyle changes that I don't like. As I was yet again mentally grumbling about it, I remembered the lesson I learned with my weight loss. How can I still love myself, love my body, and be grateful for what I have, even in the midst of a lot of things I don't want? I spend so much time focused on what I don't want, that my brain is going into overdrive making those bad things continue to happen, and all the while, God is asking me, "Can you just be satisfied with what you have?"

So today I am thanking God. I am grateful for my body. I am grateful for the intelligence He put into my body. I am grateful for all the things my body CAN do. I am grateful for all the ways I feel good. Most importantly, I am grateful for the way God uses these setbacks as an invitation for more intimacy with Him.

Are there things in me that need to change? Absolutely! But instead of making resolutions I'm not going to keep or focusing on all the bad things in me, I'm choosing to love myself- the good, the bad, the ugly, and even those extra pounds- and spend time thanking God for all the wonderful things He has created in me.

About Danica:

A self-professed crazy chicken lady, Danica Favorite loves the adventure of living a creative life. She and her family recently moved in to their dream home in the mountains above Denver, Colorado.  Danica loves to explore the depths of human nature and follow people on the journey to happily ever after. Though the journey is often bumpy, those bumps are what refine imperfect characters as they live the life God created them for. Oops, that just spoiled the ending of all of Danica’s stories. Then again, getting there is all the fun.

You can connect with Danica at the following places:

Website: http://www.danicafavorite.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danicafavorite
Instagram: https://instagram.com/danicafavorite/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanicaFavoriteAuthor

Where do you need to love yourself, instead of beating yourself up?