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? 

What Camy's reading: Library Wars

I’ve been into manga lately, maybe because there’s so much emotion and storytelling that can be conveyed in a visual medium. Some of my favorite manga authors (called mangaka) are like great movie directors, setting up the scenes visually for greatest emotional impact while also writing powerful dialogue.

I recently finished reading the series, Library Wars by Kiiro Yumi (mangaka) and based off of the Japanese novels by Hiro Arikawa. I really enjoyed the series—it has action, humor, and lots of romance. The setting is slightly science fiction—it’s an alternate present day Japan—but it wasn’t futuristic or anything like that. Here’s the blurb for volume 1 in the 15 book series:

In the near future, the federal government creates a committee to rid society of books it deems unsuitable. The libraries vow to protect their collections, and with the help of local governments, form a military group to defend themselves---the Library Forces! Iku Kasahara has dreamed of joining the Library Defense Force ever since one of its soldiers stepped in to protect her favorite book from being confiscated in a bookstore when she was younger. But now that she’s finally a recruit, she’s finding her dream job to be a bit of a nightmare. Especially since her hard-hearted drill instructor seems to have it out for her!

As someone who loves books and reading, the series really struck a chord with me, and for people who love their local libraries, this series will also make them appreciate them even more. As a romance reader, this series had plenty of that with a lot of great romantic tension.

You can borrow Library Wars from you local library :) or buy it from Amazon, iBooks, Kobo, or Barnes and Noble.

From the Shelves of MaryLu Tyndall - Book Recommendation

Hi Everyone! 

Looking for a great Historical Romance that is also adventurous and suspenseful? Look no further than Shattered Memories by Debbie Lynne Costello!  Charleston, South Carolina is one of my favorite cities in the country. Five of my novels are either set there or have some scenes set there.  For my daughter's college graduation, I treated us both to a week's vacation in historic Charleston, right down by the water's edge. Fun, fun times! 

Anyway, when I saw that my friend and fabulous author, Debbie Lynne Costello had placed her recent historical romance in my favorite city, I had to read it! And I was not disappointed. Most people don't realize that Charleston suffered a massive earthquake in 1886 in which over 60 people died and property damage was in the millions.  This is the backdrop for Shattered Memories.

Olivia Macqueen wakes in a makeshift hospital, recovering from a head injury. With amnesia stealing a year of her memories, she has trouble discerning between lies and truth. When her memories start returning in bits and pieces, she must keep up the charade of amnesia until she can find out the truth behind the embezzlement of her family’s business while evading the danger lurking around her.

Doctor Drew Warwick frantically searches through the rubble left by the Charleston earthquake for the lady who owns his heart. He finds her injured and lifeless. When she regains consciousness, the doctor’s hopes are dashed as he realizes she doesn’t remember him. But things only get worse after he discovers she believes she’s still engaged to the abusive scoundrel, Lloyd Pratt. Now Drew is on a race with the wedding clock to either help her remember or win her heart again before she marries the wrong man.



 
Sound good? Yea... I thought so too. Believe me, it is quite the romantic adventure.  You won't want to miss this one.  Right now, it's only $3.99 on Amazon Kindle or $11.50 for the Paperback.

Buy from Amazon    You won't be sorry.

Have a wonderful day!

What Camy's reading: A COUSINLY CONNEXION by Sheila Simonson

Sheila Simonson didn’t write a lot of books, but the ones I’ve read from her have been absolutely wonderful. There’s something about her characters and writing style that just really appeals to me.

This Regency romance is one of my favorites from her, and it’s now available as an ebook on Kindle, iBooks, Kobo, and Nook. You can read the blurb from the ebook version online, but here’s the back cover blurb from the hardcover version that I own:

"HE IS NOT...ROMANTICAL."

Miss Jane Ash ran her fingers through her lovely brown ringlets, and pondered her situation. She had come to the country to help her recently widowed aunt, only to find the hen-wilted woman and her boisterous brood in utter turmoil over the arrival of the new Lord Meriden. Aunt Louisa was certain that her handsome stepson, now sole heir to the estate, was an ogre; Maria and Drusilla complained that he was not "romantical." No one counted on his being gallant and knowing--or that he would capture Jane's heart. Poor Jane assumed that any man who addressed her as "cousin" needed help from Cupid, but never dreamed that Cupid's mischievous helpers were all about... and drawing bows!

Camy here: I thought this book had very elegant writing and likable characters. I tend to like characters who are sensible and have a good sense of humor. I’ve read and re-read this book and always enjoy it.

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.

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?

Tamara Leigh's Book Recommendation ~ The Friends We Keep by Sarah Zacharias Davis

Years ago, I read and was moved by Sarah Zacharias Davis's The Friends We Keep: A Woman's Quest for the Soul of Friendship (yes, all right, "friendship" is a recurring theme of mine). Author Zacharias provides what has been called a "primer on women's friendships"--the beauty of making friends and (oh my!) the challenges of keeping them. I hope you'll take a peek at this lovely, eye-opening read that includes thought-provoking discussion questions perfect for a book club or women's Bible study.

Here's the back cover blurb:

Why are women’s friendships so tricky?
During a particularly painful time in her life, Sarah Zacharias Davis learned how delightful–and wounding–women can be in friendship. She saw how some friendships end badly, others die slow deaths, and how a chance acquaintance can become that enduring friend you need.

The Friends We Keep is Sarah’s thoughtful account of her own story and the stories of other women about navigating friendship. Her revealing discoveries tackle the questions every woman asks:

• Why do we long so for women friends? 
• Do we need friends like we need air or food or water?
• What causes cattiness, competition, and co-dependency in too many friendships?
• Why do some friendships last forever and others only a season?
• How do I foster friendship?
• When is it time to let a friend go, and how do I do so?

With heartfelt, intelligent writing, Sarah explores these questions and more with personal stories, cultural references and history, faith, and grace. In the process, she delivers wisdom for navigating the challenges, mysteries, and delights of friendship: why we need friendships with other women, what it means to be safe in relationship, and how to embrace what a friend has to offer, whether meager or generous.

What I'm reading: A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger

A Loyal Companion by Barbara Metzger

Camy here! This is one of the more entertaining Regency romances I’ve read from Barbara Metzger (although I haven’t read all her books yet by any means). Ms. Metzger’s novels are always funny and a little wacky, but this one was hilarious to me. I like books with dogs in them, so if you’re a dog lover, you’ll definitely enjoy this one.

Here’s the back cover blurb:

SPOILED AND UNGOVERNED, FITZ WAS NOT A SUITABLE COMPANION FOR A LADY OF FASHION....

And certainly no proper chaperon. Fitz begged to disagree--after all, a dog was a true Incomparable as far as friendship, loyalty, and protection--and soon lovely Miss Sonia was plucked by her rusticated roots and packed off, dog and all, to London. Perhaps there she would find a husband to tame her free-spirited ways--and keep her out of trouble.

Sonia, however, always had a soft spot for the underdog, and Darius Conover was such a fellow. Scorned by society for a scandalous deed, Conover was not redeemed even by his heroics in battle. Until he met Sonia and Fitz, two passionate souls undaunted by even the most odious circumstances--and decidedly determined to undo the shackles binding his heart.

Camy here: Doesn’t that sound like an adorable story premise? Anyway, if you pick this one up, let me know how you enjoy it! If you buy the Kindle version, you can also buy the audiobook version at the same time for only $1.99.

Revisiting Old Favorites

My childhood favorites bookcase

Hi Everyone, Danica Favorite here, and I'm supposed to be giving some book recommendations today. Can I be honest with you all? I've really been struggling with what to post. You see, I've been on deadline for a book (and turned in on time, YAY!!) and had a really big work project, so I've had almost no reading time. In truth, I've been feeling really guilty about it because how does a self proclaimed book nerd justify not reading?

At first, I thought I'd grab a book real quick, read it fast, then tell you about it, but as has been happening a lot in my life lately, stuff intervened. On top of everything else in my life, we recently adopted two puppies, and while I'm so happy to have them, it's been a ton of work! Trust me when I say they are all puppy! Whew!

But then, in my book nerd shame, I realized something. I HAVE been reading! I may not be reading books for me, but I haven't given up reading with my kids! My eleven year old daughter has struggled with reading so I started reading with her, and it's really helped her not only improve, but really love to read. And so, in our car, we listen to books on tape. We just finished E.D. Baker's Tales of a Frog Princess series. In addition, when I tuck her in at night, we read a few chapters of whatever book she's reading. A week or so ago, she was frustrated at having nothing to read, so she asked me what to do. I brought her to the bookcase containing my childhood favorites, and we pulled out Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary.

I'll admit, I was really hoping to convince her to give Anne of Green Gables a try, but she wasn't into it. She likes the diary-type books, so Dear Mr. Henshaw it was. And even though I really would like to revisit my beloved Anne again, I'm glad we went with this one. I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed that story!

So here is my book recommendation for you: revisit an old childhood favorite. I'm amazed at how many wonderful memories it brings up, and it also reminds me of all the things that made me fall in love with books in the first place! The other thing that happens for me when I read books from my childhood is that it reminds me what it's like to look at the world through a child's eyes. Sometimes we're so caught up in being grown ups that we forget what matters in the world of our children.

My second recommendation is that whatever children are in your life, ask them what they're reading, and read those books with them. The last book my daughter read was, in my opinion, terrible, and I won't mention it here, but it gave me a lot of insight into what she enjoys and what her internal world is like. I also didn't like some of the themes in that story and felt they were presented inappropriately. But since I read it with her, we could talk about them, and I could explain why those things were wrong. I could have made her read my beloved Anne, but knowing the books she likes, I don't think she's ready to embrace Anne the way I do. And then, there are the books we enjoy together. I really did love the E.D. Baker series (and shhh... I bought her the start of another one for Christmas), and I can't wait to read more with my daughter.

Do you read with the children in your life? Which old favorites from your childhood would you like to revisit?

TAMARA LEIGH'S KEEPER SHELF: Fictionalized Non-Fiction

So many awesome reads, so little time. Among my favorite reads are what I call fictionalized non-fiction--specifically, history presented in a fun, interesting way. As you may or may not know, the middle ages is my favorite setting. And the 12th century... Sigh. So, no surprise that I adore Sharon Kay Penman's amazingly well-researched, beautifully-written fictionalized accounts of King Henry II and his sons. For a peek at what inspires my own writing, check out: When Christ and His Saints Slept, Time and Chance, Devil's Brood, Lionheart, and A King's Ransom.

Now if only Ms. Penman would continue the series with the life of that nasty-nasty King John.

What Camy's reading: The Unflappable Miss Fairchild by Regina Scott

The Unflappable Miss Fairchild by Regina Scott

Camy here! I really enjoy Regina Scott’s Regency romances, and while I haven’t read all her books, this has one of my favorite heroines from this author. Miss Fairchild is one of those calm, sensible heroines that I tend to like a lot.

The book was originally published by Zebra Regency Romances, but it is now self-published by the author herself. However, I find that I prefer the original Zebra back cover blurb for the story:

A Wild Gentleman

From outrageous wagers to somersaults in the Park, Chas Prestwick delighted in shocking the ton. After all, as the younger brother of an earl, he had nothing to lose. Only Miss Anne Fairchild, whom fate seemed bent on thrusting in his path, was unruffled by his escapades--even when a chance encounter made her his passenger in a wild carriage race to Kew Gardens. But Chas, entranced by her beauty, was far from complaining! Except that this angel, whose good sense rescued him from scrape after scrape, might be on the hunt for a titled bridegroom--which made him no catch at all...

A Level-Headed Lady

From pompous to vain, the most unsuitable suitors courted Anne Fairchild. Tolerant of all foibles, unschooled in flirtation, she was the despair of her family. Worst of all, only Chas Prestwick's dazzling smile could bring a blush to her demure cheek--and Anne's match-making aunts soon made clear their preference for a more lordly and less dashing husband.

But beneath Anne's polite exterior, her heart beat only for the handsome rakehell who made her long to trade in a life of propriety--for one that promised to a love filled with unpredictable delight...

Camy here: Right now it’s on sale for only $0.99 on Amazon Kindle. It’s also available on iBooks, Nook, and Kobo.