BLOG TOUR FOR CEDAR FORT - AND REVIEW FOR - MISCHIEF AND MANORS - BY ASHTYN NEWBOLD

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

When Annette Downing and her mischievous little brothers are sent to Kellaway Manor for the summer, she hopes for a relaxing escape. But Annette finds her closeted heart in jeopardy when reunited with the handsome Owen Kellaway, a childhood acquaintance and respected gentlemen. When Owen is enlisted to help the boys with their behavior, Annette wonders if he has just as much mischief up his sleeve as her brothers. Bound by a promise she made to her late parents, and amid a frightening mystery, Annette faces a difficult decision when she finds herself falling for Owen's charm… 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This was such a fun book to read.  I picked it up one night and was not able to go to bed until I finished.  I loved it so much.

When Annette and her brothers were left with their aunt when their parents passed away, Annette had to take care of her brothers, and protect them from their Aunt.  

The boys always seem to be getting into to trouble, and Annette is always taking the blame to protect them.  One day it became too much for the Aunt and she sent Annette and her siblings away to the Kellaway Manor.  She told them they couldn't return until the boys were better behaved, and if they weren't they would be sent to an orphanage.

Kellaway Manor was like a dream come true for Annette.  The Kellaway's were dear friends of Annette's parents and welcomed Annette and the boys with open arms.  All of them were happy to be with the Kellaways, and then the story begins.

There is mischief, friends, family, and new romances happening.  This story was so beautiful.  The writing was so beautiful, I was engaged from the very first words.  The characters were so fun, and entertaining.  I love the world that Newbold built and once you start reading, you will not want to quit.

This story had all the feels for me.  It had humor, romance, friendships, a beautiful historical setting and love.  What can be better than that?  Pick this book up for yourself, you won't be disappointed.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic taken from Goodreads

bio taken from Cedar Fort Publishing

Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah, with her family.

A SPECIAL THANKS TO CEDAR FORT PUBLISHING 

for the opportunity to read this book!

BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW FOR - WINTER SKY - BY CHRIS STEWART

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

In a bombed-out Polish village during World War II a young resistance fighter finds that he is suddenly alone and trapped between two opposing armies. He is one of Poland's "Devil's Rebels" fighting desperately to save his homeland, but an injury has erased his memory and his only possession is a torn photograph of a couple he assumes are his parents. The woman appears to be holding the hand of a young child whose image has been ripped off. Could the child be him?

Caught in the crosshairs of the retreating German army and the advancing Russian forces, the village holds nothing but destruction and despair until a mysterious young woman offers a small glimmer of hope that may represent his last chance - news of a refuge train departing from a nearby town headed for American installations at the border. But complications arise when the resistance fighter is betrayed by his own countryman and hunted by German SS Officers who are determined to kill him before they retreat. Desperately searching for a home and family he can't remember he is persuaded to rescue two children who are doomed to die without his help.

As time runs out the former rebel is faced with an impossible choice. Standing at the crossroads of saving himself or risking his life for strangers, what would motivate a young man at the brink of salvation to make one more sacrifice?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

World War II books are hard for me to read.  I cannot stomach the thought of the level of hatred during that time in history.  I don't understand hate just for the reason to hate.  It makes no sense.  Plus they usually make me cry like a little girl.

This one didn't have as much fighting as most World War II books so it was much easier to read.  Plus, it was really good.  It's a short, intense, and sweet all at the same time. :)

Lucas is a rebel soldier, now.  He was forced to fight for the Germans, and then forced to fight for the Russians.  He finally was able to join a band of rebels that fought against the Russians and the Germans.  They caused havoc on them for years.  Unfortunately, the rebels don't have many men left and know that the war might be coming to an end.  They are disbanding and trying to return to their homes.  

Lucas had been injured saving a fellow rebel, and on their way home they drop their fellow rebel off in a little town in Poland.  Lucas finds himself at a train station without any memory of how he got there or who he is.  

Slowly the memories come back, and he starts to search for his family.  During this time a German general was gunning for this particular rebel.  He had a spy in the Polish town Lucas was in and reports to his Commander where he is.

Lucas finds a church to hide in and regain some strength.  He meets a young lady there and she finds out that he is searching for his family.  When Lucas decides to move on Malina decides to make him take two little kids with him when he goes.  Lucas is very against it but ends up taking the children any way knowing it is their only hope at living.

What comes next is unexpected!  It's scary, sad, and wonderful all at the same time.  For such a short book it packs a punch at the heart strings.  

If you like World War II books, pick  this one up.  It doesn't end horrible with every one dead!  It wraps up in a nice bow, that is beautiful.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour.  I was not compensated in any way for my review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Clean and Wonderful!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Chris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries. He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

for the opportunity to read this book!

REVIEW FOR - LIFE AND DEATH - BY STEPHENIE MEYER

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Celebrate the tenth anniversary of Twilight! This special double-feature book includes the classic novel, Twilight, and a bold and surprising reimagining, Life and Death, by Stephenie Meyer.

Packaged as an oversize, jacketed hardcover “flip book,” this edition features nearly 400 pages of new content as well as exquisite new back cover art. Readers will relish experiencing the deeply romantic and extraordinarily suspenseful love story of Bella and Edward through fresh eyes.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

Let me start by saying that Twilight has and will always be one of my all time favorite book series.  My daughter and all my nieces (that enjoy reading) have read this book and loved it so much so I knew going into it, I would love it.    This did not happen.  I didn't love it, but it's okay.

This book messed with my head something fierce.  I kept wanting to change the characters back to their original gender.  I didn't love that Beau was constantly being "rescued" by Edyth (aka Edward).  It just seemed so funny to me.  Beau is the biggest pansy on the earth, but when it was a girl it was alright.  I know that's a total double standard, but it is what it is.

I loved that the book followed the story until the end.  The end made up for the rest of the book.  I really enjoyed the ending of this book.  I almost wish it was how Twilight ended.  ALMOST.  

I only wish I could say I loved the whole book.  I liked it because I LOVE Stephenie Meyer.  I love her writing.  I love her 'original' Twilight series!  AND I loved the ending.  

Maybe this book won't mess with other peoples heads like it did me.  I just couldn't handle Bella as a man.  It didn't work for me.

Source:  I borrowed this book from a family member.  I was not compensated in any way for my review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Clean!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

(who is by far one of my all time favorites)

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

I was born in Connecticut in 1973, during a brief blip in my family's otherwise western U.S. existence. We were settled in Phoenix by the time I was four, and I think of myself as a native. The unusual spelling of my name was a gift from my father, Stephen (+ ie = me). Though I have had my name spelled wrong on pretty much everything my entire life long, I must admit that it makes it easier to google myself now.
I filled the "Jan Brady" spot in my family-the second of three girls. Unlike the Brady's, none of my three brothers are steps, and all of them are younger than all the girls. I went to high school in Scottsdale, Arizona, the kind of place where every fall a few girls would come back to school with new noses and there were Porsches in the student lot (for the record, I have my original nose, and never had a car until after I was in my twenties). I was awarded a National Merit Scholarship, and I used it to pay my way to Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah. I majored in English, but concentrated on literature rather than creative writing, mostly because I didn't consider reading books "work" (as long as I was going to be doing something anyway, I might as well get course credit for it, right?).
I met my husband, Pancho (his real name is Christiaan), when I was four, but we were never anywhere close to being childhood sweethearts. In fact, though we saw each other at least weekly through church activities, I can't recall a single instance when we so much as greeted each other with a friendly wave, let alone exchanged actual words. This may have been for the best, because when we did eventually get around to exchanging words, sixteen years after our first meeting, it only took nine months from the first "hello" to the wedding. Of course, we were able to skip over a lot of the getting to know you parts (many of our conversations would go something like this: "This one time, when I was ten, I broke my hand at a party when-" "Yeah, I know what happened. I was there, remember?") We've been married for ten and a half years now, and have three beautiful, brilliant, wonderful boys who often remind me chimpanzees on crack. I can't write without music, and my biggest muse is, ironically enough, the band Muse. My other favorite sources of inspiration are Linkin Park, My Chemical Romance, Coldplay, The All American Rejects, Travis, The Strokes, Brand New, U2, Kasabian, Jimmy Eat World, and Weezer, to mention a few.

AM I THE ONLY ONE????

Every time I post one of these I feel like I am getting too personal on my book blog, and I don't know if that's a good thing..hehe  Letting people into my head could be dangerous..hehe

I feel like I am the only one that seems to disappear from the blogging world on a regular basis.  I have to admit it's not usually on purpose.  Life gets in the way and sometimes it's just not the priority.

Then I seem to get back into the blogosphere and I am reading books and posting posts, but they are all scheduled.....so, it seems as though I have disappeared again.

I need a personal assistant to handle all my responsibilities so that I can just do what I want and read.  Doesn't that sound like heaven?

I don't seem to be able to balance life..hehe

Am I the only one????

BOOK REVIEW FOR - RIP VAN WINKLE AND THE PUMPKIN LANTERN - BY SETH ADAM SMITH

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Chased by a vengeful witch, hunted by an undead corpse, and guided by a secretive preacher, a boy must protect a magical lantern that can either save Boston . . . or destroy it.

In October of 1730, young Rip Van Winkle sneaks into a graveyard and comes face-to-face with the ghost of William Blaxton, the first settler of Boston. Warning Rip that the city is in danger, Blaxton gives him a mysterious gift: a pumpkin lantern with power over life and death. Before fading into midnight, the ghost tells Rip to take the lantern to Feathertop, a mythical pumpkin-headed scarecrow.

Pursued by Mistress Hibbins, a witch of terrifying power, and hunted by the nightmarish Midnight Minister, young Rip must rely on the aid of Jonathan Edwards, a stern and secretive preacher, and Nathaniel, a talkative, know-it-all raven. Guided by the magical light of the lantern, Rip races across New England to find Feathertop, save Boston, and become a most unlikely hero!

From the bestselling, award-winning author Seth Adam Smith comes The Pumpkin Lantern--a fantasy novel influenced by the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Lloyd Alexander, and C. S. Lewis. Loaded with humor, action, suspense, and fascinating American history, The Pumpkin Lantern is also a poignant fable about faith, family, and the power of life over death.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I don't quite know how to put my thoughts into words.  I still don't quite know for sure how I feel about it.  It was an interesting read.  Lets start with that :).

I have to admit I love how this story begins.  Abagail has a dream about a baby in the grave yard in an open grave.  She doesn't hesitate she wakes her husband and they head to the grave yard.  In that open grave they find a baby that is barley clinging to life.  Abagail and her husband make the baby warm and bring him back to life.  They decide to call him Rip.  (which I thought was kind of creepy because it's Rip as in rest in peace).  

Rip, was a special kid from the beginning.  He could speak to the plants, and the earth.  His parents told him it was something he had to keep to himself.  That is until Rip meets a little girl in the woods.  They seem to connect and get a long.  Rip's father finds him there and when he sees the little girl he knows exactly who she is.  Her name is Charity, and her father is a horrible human.  When he finds his daughter talking to the Judge Winkle and his son, he reprimands her. Judge Winkle threatens to take his daughter and while doing so, Rip raises a rose bush between Charity and her father.  It catches him, and while he is tangled in the bush he admits to doing something to his wife.

Judge Winkle and his family take Charity in.  That is just the beginning of the Winkle family.  Suddenly their home becomes the safe haven for all children with no place to go.  A "belonging" place.

I love this family.  They love, the take care of each other, and they fight for those who don't have anyone else.

This is a story of faith, hope, and becoming the person you are.  Fighting off the dark times, and always looking to the light to make things better.

I enjoyed the book.  I think I probably didn't totally understand everything the author wanted me to, but I enjoyed the book anyway.  I love reading inspirational books.  It made me feel good.  Made me want to do more for those around me.  It's just an interesting book.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Source:  Clean

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Seth Adam Smith is a best-selling, award-winning author and blogger whose writings have been translated into over thirty languages and featured on the Huffington Post, Good Morning America, Fox News, CNN, the Today show, Forbes, and many other news outlets around the world. In 2015, his book "Your Life Isn’t for You" was awarded a gold medal for inspirational memoir. 

A survivor of a suicide attempt in 2006, Seth is an advocate for resources and understanding concerning depression and suicide prevention, and he regularly writes about these topics in his books and on his blog. He and his wife, Kim, currently live in Arizona but have “belonging places” throughout the United States. He recently published "Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern," and is currently working on a series of historical novels set in Colonial America. Learn more atwww.SethAdamSmith.com

BOOK REVIEW FOR - ONE WAS LOST - BY NATALIE D. RICHARDS

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

Damaged. Deceptive. Dangerous. Darling. Are they labels or a warning? The answer could cost Sera everything.

Murder, justice, and revenge were so not a part of the plan when Sera set out on her senior camping trip. After all, hiking through the woods is supposed to be safe and uneventful.

Then one morning the group wakes up groggy, confused, and with words scrawled on their wrists: Damaged. Deceptive. Dangerous. Darling. Their supplies? Destroyed. Half their group? Gone. Their chaperone? Unconscious. Worst of all, they find four dolls acting out a murder—dolls dressed just like them.

Suddenly it's clear; they're being hunted. And with the only positive word on her wrist, Sera falls under suspicion…

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I have really enjoyed reading Natalie Richards books.  When I saw this one I automatically added it to my "wish" list.  Thankfully my niece bought it before me and let me read it first :).

I never went on a senior trip when I was in school, but if I did I would not want it to be camping!  That is for sure.  Not only because I don't like camping, but the woods scare me.  I love them during the day, but when night time hits it's time for a hotel :).

Anyhow - that is what Sera's senior trip is.  Backpacking in the woods.  I knew right away it was going to be creepy.  Nothing good ever happens in the woods in books.  hehe.  That is what drew me in.  

One day during their trip it rained and rained, and when they tried to cross the river, lake (whatever it was) they knew right away everyone wasn't going to make it because the water was rising too fast.  So, the group separates and they decide to wait until morning to do anything.  Everyone sets up camp, but Sera and her group wake up all groggy with their teacher out like a light and words written on all of their arms.  Everyone has a "damaging" word except Sera.  Sera has "Darling" written on her arm.  The boys and her friend have Deceptive, Damaged, and Dangerous written on them.

Immediately everyone thinks that Sera might have something to do with what happened.  When they group is unable to arouse their teacher, they try and go see if the other group is still alive and waiting on them.  What they find is horrifying.

The story only gets creepier and creepier.  I loved it.  I was 100% sure I had "the bad guy" down, and then a curve ball was sent in.  It was fantastic.

If you like creepy, backpack toting, relationship weirdness, scary woods, and bad juju...you will enjoy this book.  I really enjoy Richard's writing style.  I love how to life she brings her books and her characters.  Especially in this book.  She always surprises me with her endings which I love, love, love.  

October is the month for creepy books, so do yourself a favor and read this one :).

Source:  I borrowed this book from my niece.  I was not compensated in any way for my review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Some language, and creepy happenings, but not unbearable.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Amazon

Natalie D. Richards won her first writing competition in the second grade with her short story about Barbara Frances Bizzlefishes (who wouldn't dare do the dishes.) She later misplaced her writing dreams in a maze of cubicles and general office drudgery. Natalie never forgot about Barbara or those dishes, and eventually she found her way back to storytelling, following the genre of her heart, teen fiction. When she's not writing or shopping her manuscripts, you can probably find her wading through the towers of dog-eared paperbacks that have taken over her bedroom. Natalie lives in Ohio with her amazing husband and their three children, who inspire her every day to stick with her dreams.

BOOK REVIEW FOR - FRONTIER GRIT - BY MARIANNE MONSON

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

These are the stories of twelve women who "heard the call" to settle the west and who came from all points of the globe to begin their journey: the East Coast, Europe, and as far away as New Zealand. They endured unimaginable hardships just to get to their destination and then the next phase of the story begins. These are gripping miniature dramas of good-hearted women, selfless providers, courageous immigrants and migrants, and women with skills too innumerable to list. All the women in this book did extraordinary things. One became a stagecoach driver, disguised as a man. One became a frontier doctor. One was a Gold Rush hotel and restaurant entrepreneur. Many were crusaders for social justice and women's rights. All endured hardships, overcame obstacles, broke barriers, and changed the world, for which there are inspiring lessons to be learned for the modern woman.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I often tell my husband that there is a reason I was born at this time.  I don't think I would have had the faith, or endurance to do what these women did.  Mostly, I don't think I would have been able to live in a time when women were mere accessories, and not "real" people.  BUT,  I LOVE, love, love reading about women who decided to take their fate into their own hands and paved a way for women today.

There are 12 wonderful women to learn about in these pages.  All of them forged a path for women today.  

Each story is so wonderful.  I am blown away at what these women accomplished in their life times.  I am only going to share a few of the ones I loved the most.

Mother Jones, born Mary Harris Jones was born in Country Cork, Ireland in 1837.   She spent her life speaking on behalf of child workers, steelworkers, etc.  Some of my favorite quotes from her story are:

"I am not a suffragist nor do I believe in 'careers' for women, especially a 'career' in factory and mill where most working women have their 'careers.  A great responsibility rests upon women - the training of the children.  This is her most beautiful task."  

and 

"I have never had a vote, and I have raised hell all over this country!  You don't need a vote to raise hell!  You need convictions and a voice!"

Next, was Martha Hughes Cannon.  She was a doctor, a scholar, and the first woman to ever hold the office of a state senator.  She ran against her own husband and won.  Amazing.  

Some of my favorite quotes from her story are:

"Woman can, when allowed to do so become a most powerful and most potent factor in the affairs of the government.  Women suffrage is no longer an experiment, but it is a practical reality, tending to the well-being of the State."

and

The Chicago Record stated "Mrs. Doctor Martha Hughes Cannon...is on of the brightest exponents of the women's cause in the United States"

There are so many more wonderful stories.  Some of the things said about these women make me even more proud to be a woman.  Although many of the things said about them will never be said about me, it makes me feel like I could change the world if I tried.  These women never, ever, let things get in their way.

Source:  I was given this book by the publisher in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Marianne Monson has worked with books her whole life, as an editor, a passionate reader, and an author. She is the author of nine books and counting, including historical fiction, children's books, and young adult novels. She teaches at Portland Community College, and her two children love writing almost as much as she does.

A BIG THANK YOU TO:

AUDIO BOOK REVIEW FOR - FEED - BY MIRA GRANT

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

The year was 2014. We had cured cancer. We had beaten the common cold. But in doing so we created something new, something terrible that no one could stop.

The infection spread, virus blocks taking over bodies and minds with one, unstoppable command: FEED. Now, twenty years after the Rising, bloggers Georgia and Shaun Mason are on the trail of the biggest story of their lives—the dark conspiracy behind the infected.

The truth will get out, even if it kills them. 

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

SO, SO, Good!  That is what I have to say ;).  Okay, I might have more than that, but I needed to start with that!  This is such a great zombie book.  I think this was a unique zombie book.  It wasn't like end of the world, no one lives, kind of book.  It was so much more than that!

Georgia and her brother Shaun along with their friend Buffy apply to follow one of the Presidential Candidates as newsies.  When they got the job they were ecstatic.  Georgia has always been known as someone who always tells the truth.  Her brother Shaun is known for playing with the dead, and making news out of it.  Buffy is the mastermind behind cameras, recording devices, and live stream videos.

The trio packs up their lives and begin to follow their candidate.  He is a good guy, and has such a great platform for running.  What the team didn't know is that someone is plotting against their candidate and Georgia and her team are part of that target.

A stream of bad situations follows this crew and it doesn't get easier.  People are lost, facts are found, and plots exposed.  This book keeps you on your toes the whole time. 

This book is so well written, and the narrator did a good job bringing this book to life for me.  I love how this book had people living in communities, having jobs, and living life even though there had been an outbreak of a zombie virus.

I like the angle the book takes on zombies.  They are scary, and more real life than any other zombie book I have read.  I cannot wait until I start the next book.  This series is going to be fantastic!

Source:  I bought this audio book for myself.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Lots of language including the "f" word several times.  Some talk of sex, but nothing explicit.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

    

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Mira also writes as Seanan McGuire.

Born and raised in Northern California, Mira Grant has made a lifelong study of horror movies, horrible viruses, and the inevitable threat of the living dead. In college, she was voted Most Likely to Summon Something Horrible in the Cornfield, and was a founding member of the Horror Movie Sleep-Away Survival Camp, where her record for time survived in the Swamp Cannibals scenario remains unchallenged.

Mira lives in a crumbling farmhouse with an assortment of cats, horror movies, comics, and books about horrible diseases. When not writing, she splits her time between travel, auditing college virology courses, and watching more horror movies than is strictly good for you. Favorite vacation spots include Seattle, London, and a large haunted corn maze just outside of Huntsville, Alabama.

Mira sleeps with a machete under her bed, and highly suggests that you do the same.

BOOK TOUR AND REVIEW FOR - FOR SALE BY OWNER - BY MARLENE BATEMAN

Welcome to my stop for For Sale by Owner.  I am so excited to be part of this tour!

pic and description from Author

DESCRIPTION:

Stressed by a year of intense, ongoing problems, McKenzie Forsberg decides to quit her high-powered job and move back to her hometown. Determined to rebuild her life, Kenzie desperately needs the peace and security she is sure will come from buying the home she grew up in. But when she arrives in town, Kenzie discovers that a handsome widower, Jared Rawlins, has already put an offer on the house.  However, he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve.  

When Kenzie unexpectedly runs into a couple who are considering buying Jared’s house, she unthinkingly gives them information that changes their mind. Jared, who had been more than a little interested in Kenzie, has second thoughts when he begins to believe Kenzie may have deliberately tried to sabotage the sale of his home. Feeling bad, Kenzie apologizes but the damage may be too much for their relationship to overcome.

Despite his misgivings, and Kenzie’s own concerns, sparks of attraction between Jared and Kenzie grow into something more. Then, Kenzie makes a stunning discovery about her past. In that moment, everything changes. Will the power of love be enough to bring Jared and Kenzie together and allow them to find their happily ever after?

EXCERPT:

“What made you decide to move to Lake Forest?” Kenzie asked.

“I’ve always loved it here,” Jared said. “It’s a beautiful area, and there’s a special atmosphere here. People are so friendly. I guess part of the reason I came is because I needed to go someplace new and kind of start over, you know?”

            Kenzie did know. That was exactly what she was doing now. She’d gotten over Larry, but she needed to go someplace new and reinvent herself and her life.

“Now let me ask you,” Jared said. “What made you decide to come back?”

            “A lot of reasons. I need a fresh start too. I’m tired of the hectic pace in Chicago.” Impulsively she added, “Also, I had to get away from my job at Midwest. A guy was causing some real problems for me—” She stopped. Their eyes met and lingered. Jared’s compassion was evident and the expression on his face kind. She felt so comfortable talking with him—as if they were kindred spirits. Something in her heart softened into a spreading pool, and she smiled at him.

Tearing open his packet of Oreo cookies., Jared took one and dunked it in his hot chocolate.

Kenzie frowned. “Figures. You’re a dunker.”

“And I bet you’re a twister.”

Snatching up a cookie, Kenzie twisted it open and took a bite of the creamy middle. “Ummm.”

Jared shuddered. “That’s wrong in so many ways.”

Picking up her mug and warming her fingers, Kenzie sipped her hot chocolate. “This is wonderful!”

“It’s a secret recipe—been in my family for generations.”

            “Really?”

            “No, but it sounds good, doesn’t it?”

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I needed this book.  I have been reading a lot of sad and kind of scary books, so this one came just at the right time.  It's so sweet, and just gives you that "feel good" felling.

First, I love the setting of this book.  I love how the author made me want to sit on a porch in this quaint little town of Lake Forest, with a good book and a blanket.  I am not much for small towns, but this one was beautiful.  

Second, the characters were awesome.  Kenzie seemed to be a bit beat down when she goes home for Christmas, but is determined to make her life better.  Quite some time had passed before Kenzie and her daughter Sarah had been to Kenzies hometown.  She had stayed away for some time trying to avoid her father. The past year had seemed to overwhelm Kenzie so she has decided to go home and has a surprise to share with her family.     Jared is a swoon worthy man.  He is a single father to his son Corey.  He is trying to find a place for him and his son to call home that might be a little bigger than where they are living now.  Jared has always loved this little town, and is excited to be back.

This story is such a sweet, sweet story.  Kenzie decided it was time to return to her home of Lake Forest.  She has had a hard year, and finally decided to leave her well paying job,  get a new one just out side of her home town where she grew up.  She has plans to buy her childhood home and cannot wait to get to town to tell her brother about her plans. 

When she gets to town things don't quite go as she had planned.  She finds out that someone else has put an offer on her house.   She is determined to do anything she can to make sure that offer doesn't go through.

Then walks in Jared.  Jared is handsome and kind, and worst of all is planning on buying Kenzie's childhood home.  Kenzie likes Jared but all is fair in love and buying houses.  

What happens after is such a fun story, of friendship, mistakes, Christmas time miracles, and love.  If you are in need of a cozy, heart warming read, pick this book up.  You will not be disappointed.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

Content:  Clean and wonderful!

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

        

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic from Goodreads bio from author

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and grew up in Sandy, Utah.  She graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor's degree in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they live in North Salt Lake, Utah with their two dogs and four cats. Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and wrote the best-selling romance/suspense novel, Light on Fire Island. She has written three other mysteries; Motive for Murder, A Death in the Family, and Crooked House.

Marlene has also written a number of LDS, non-fiction books:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s from Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, Brigham’s Boys, Heroes of Faith, Gaze into Heaven; Near-death Experiences in Early Church History, and The Magnificent World of Spirits; Eyewitness Accounts of Where We Go When We Die.

Author's web page:  www.marlenebateman.info

A SPECIAL THANKS TO:

Marlene Bateman for allowing me to review this book

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