Can't Wait Wednesday: Spiders From Mars (Sylvia Stryker Space Case #4) by Diane Vallere

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Spiders From Mars (Sylvia Stryker Space Case #4) by Diane Vallere releasing May 5.

About the Book

When Sylvia Stryker’s mentor is jailed for a crime Sylvia helped commit, she jumps on a plan to break him out. Her inspired rescue mission attracts attention from a covert branch of federation intelligence who may have their own agenda. But when a high-profile prisoner is murdered inside the jail where Neptune is held, offers of help evaporate like water on a dry planet. Neptune is moved to a penal colony on Mars where he’ll fulfill the duration of his life sentence mining rocks in sub-zero temperature.

There’s only one way out: prove Neptune is innocent. But is he? Sylvia knows better than anyone that Neptune will cross lines other people won’t. Without knowing what transpired in the prison, she can’t know if he’s complicit or not. Sylvia uses her sleuthing skills to solve a locked room mystery . . . while knowing the truth may keep Neptune locked up forever. 

Why I Need It

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. When I saw that a new one was coming out I got super excited. There's nothing quite like a cozy set in space! It's so unique and quite funny too! I can't wait to see what these characters are up to now!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Magic for Nothing (InCryptid #6) by Seanan McGuire

About the Book

Improbable, adjective:
1. Not very likely to happen; not probable.
2. Probably not a very good idea anyway.
3. See also “bad plan.”

As the youngest of the three Price children, Antimony is used to people not expecting much from her. She’s been happy playing roller derby and hanging out with her cousins, leaving the globe-trotting to her older siblings while she stays at home and tries to decide what she wants to do with her life. She always knew that one day, things would have to change. She didn’t think they’d change so fast.

Annie’s expectations keep getting shattered. She didn’t expect Verity to declare war on the Covenant of St. George on live television. She didn’t expect the Covenant to take her sister’s threat seriously. And she definitely didn’t expect to be packed off to London to infiltrate the Covenant from the inside…but as the only Price in her generation without a strong resemblance to the rest of the family, she’s the perfect choice to play spy. They need to know what’s coming. Their lives may depend on it.

But Annie has some secrets of her own, like the fact that she’s started setting things on fire when she touches them, and has no idea how to control it. Now she’s headed halfway around the world, into the den of the enemy, where blowing her cover could get her killed. She’s pretty sure things can’t get much worse.

Antimony Price is about to learn just how wrong it’s possible for one cryptozoologist to be.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Not gonna lie, Antimony has never been my favorite Price sibling, so I wasn't really looking forward to a book from her POV. I actually started Magic for Nothing a few years ago and then set it aside about thirty percent into it because Annie was really getting on my nerves. But I thought I'd give it another chance because it's such a fun and interesting series. And I missed it. Plus, the newest book, number nine in the series, follows Sarah and I'm super curious what it's like inside the mind of a Cuckoo. But to get there, I need to read Annie's books first.

Did Annie still irritate me? Yep. But I just embraced the fact that she's got a prickly personality. That it's just a part of her character and I was able to really enjoy the story a whole lot more. And, I've gotta admit, somewhere along the way she really started to grow on me. By the end, I understood her a lot better and could see where she was coming from. Plus, she had a lot of personal growth.

There's some massive fallout from the stunt Verity pulled at the end of Chaos Choreography and Antimony has to clean up the mess her sister made. Because she doesn't look like the rest of the women in her family, Annie's tasked with infiltrating the Covenant of St. George to find out what they're planning for North America and her family. I'll just say that things get complicated real fast.

The stakes have never been higher. Annie's cover could be blown at any time. The tension was off the charts and I couldn't reach the end fast enough. This was another stellar work from Seanan McGuire. I'm anxious to get my hands on the next book.

NOTE: This book does contain some strong language. 

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Take a Chance on Me by Becky Wade

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Take a Chance on Me, the prequel to Becky Wade's upcoming series.

About the Book

When baker Penelope Quinn steps in to help her brother’s family through a medical crisis, she’s forced into close proximity with charming Air Force fighter pilot Eli Price.

Penelope has one iron-clad dating rule—she does not date airmen. Months ago, she relaxed her rule with Eli and immediately lived to regret it. After a long deployment, he’s now back in Misty River and, to her dismay, she finds him just as tempting as always.

Eli’s spent months thinking about funny, feisty, creative Penelope. He once leveraged his focus and drive to become a pilot, his childhood dream. Now he's set on leveraging that same focus and drive in order to convince Penelope to give him one more chance.

This romantic prequel novella introduces readers to the quaint mountain town of Misty River and a brand-new series from Christy-winning author Becky Wade! 

Book Beginning

The hospital's electronic doors whooshed open as Penelope Quinn rushed toward the emergency room.

Friday 56

Herding cats had to be easier than coaching second grade boys' basketball.

 What have you been reading lately?

Review: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Exotic Pet-Sitter #2) by Heather Day Gilbert

About the Book

Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
 
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.

Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing was another fun addition to the series. It was a quick and fast paced read that flew by.

Belinda's nervous about her new pet-sitting job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve. She has a bad feeling about the whole thing, but she doesn't feel like she can turn it down. She needs the work. She hopes her fears are unfounded. But when she stumbles across a dead body in one of the wolf enclosures, she questions her decision to take the job and stay with it. Did the wolves kill the man or could it have been murder? Belinda's on the hunt to find out the truth.

The mystery was great. There were plenty of viable suspects with strong motives and suspicious attitudes. I had a pretty strong feeling about who the culprit was and was excited when I was correct in my assumptions. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend checking out this series. I'm excited for the next one.

Four Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance #1) by Becky Wade

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Stay with Me (A Misty River Romance #1) by Becky Wade releasing May 5.

About the Book
A mysterious letter alluding to a secret in her parents' past brings Genevieve Woodward back to her Blue Ridge Mountains hometown, but she's also in need of a break from a high-profile career that has left her dangerously burned out and concealing a powerful secret of her own. When she wakes inside an unfamiliar cottage to find the confused owner staring down at her, she can no longer ignore the fact that she needs help.

Sam Turner has embraced his sorrow and his identity as an outsider. The solitary, disciplined life he lives on his historic farm is the life he's chosen for himself. The last thing he wants is to rent his cottage to a woman as troubled as she is talkative. Yet, he can't force himself to turn her away right when she needs him most.

As Genevieve researches her family's history and her and Sam's emotions deepen, they will have to let go of the facades and loneliness they've clung to and allow light to illuminate every hidden truth.  

Why I Need It

Becky Wade is one of my favorite authors. As soon as I heard about Stay with Me, it moved right to the top of my want-to-read list. I didn't even read the synopsis. She's just one of those authors that no matter what she writes, I want it. But now that I have read the synopsis, I want it even more! What's in the mysterious letter? What's Genevieve's secret? I need to know!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Love is in the Air Boxset

I'm so excited to share about the Love is in the Air boxset! Isn't the cover gorgeous?

About the Book

Love is in the Air (5 Contemporary Christian Romances)

All you have to do is look up.

This collection of five brand new romances is sure to send your heart soaring. Journey from Canada to Georgia and Colorado to Paris by way of Michigan as these couples find love is in the air. All they had to do was look up.

First Class Wrong Flight by Laura V. Hilton:
Candi Walker is excited to attend her former college roommate’s wedding. At least it’s a direct flight across the country and the potential of messing up is next to impossible…until she crashes into a handsome pilot. Now it’s a dream-come-true or her worst nightmare.

Alex Kuklewski has one last flight before he attends his stepsister’s wedding. Desperate to escape his tagalong ex-girlfriend’s clutches, Alex prays that his future wife would drop into his path. And she does. Too bad he and Candi aren’t headed to the same destination.

Emotional baggage on both sides exceeds the weight limit, and the flight to happily-ever-after seems grounded. What will it take for them to launch true love into the air?

A Castle in the Clouds by Candee Fick:
Aspiring romance novelist Miranda Scott has her head in the clouds and her nose buried in a book. Raised by a single mother, extravagant trips to castles overseas are only a fairy-tale…until a co-worker’s accident has her boarding a plane to teach creative writing on an all-expenses-paid school-sponsored trip. Family responsibilities kept Joshua Clark close to home, but it’s finally time for the history teacher to spread his wings. Hopefully his time chaperoning an overseas trip and seeing history in person will reveal what the next chapter holds.

However, falling in love surrounded by teenagers was never the plan.

Flying Into Love by Kathleen Rouser:
Unable to say no when others need her, Talia Sampson took on her deceased aunt’s advice column and the care of her special needs niece. Then new veteran, Ben Tanner, shows up unexpected on her doorstep. Hurt many times, he wonders where home is. Talia isn’t happy finding a hot-air balloon with him, but she treasures the old journal with it. Ben hopes restoring her family’s antique will please her, until he discovers a secret that shatters his trust. And Talia hates flying.

Will she trust God—and Ben—enough to go airborne?

To Gain Forever by Tanya Eavenson:

Karianne Bennett, small-town wedding coordinator, has always believed in happily-ever-afters. That is, for everyone but herself. Her fiancé’s alcohol-related death put an end to her own dreams and turned her career into a weekly reminder of all she’s lost. Hope comes when she adopts a retired service dog and a newcomer catches her eye.

Trey Scott has been fascinated with fireworks since he was a boy. If he can land the account for a hot-air balloon festival in an out-of-state town, he’ll be that much closer to achieving his lifelong goal. But his dreams never included a beautiful dog walker who also happens to be the stranger he’s been praying over for years.

Written in the Clouds by Kathleen Friesen:
A mysterious cloud formation, a nerve-wracking introduction for JR and Serena, an unexpected reunion for Jim and Blythe, a few traumatic memories, a pilot for the company plane, and another afraid of flying. Mix them together…and what in the world is God up to? Is it love at first flight?

Can love—for two generations—be written in the clouds?

You can preorder the book now for only 99cents! The price goes up after release so grab your copy now! Here's the link: https://books2read.com/u/3LDxaD

Short Story Review Roundup #1

I've read a few short stories lately and thought I'd share my thoughts on three of them with you today. I don't know if I'll make this a regular feature on the blog, but it's something that might make an appearance every now and then.

Ark by Veronica Roth - 3.5 STARS

Ark by Veronica Roth chronicles the last couple months before the world ends through the eyes of Samantha as she catalogs plant samples. At first this felt like a random collection of disjointed events in Samantha's life, but then when I started thinking about it as a sneak peek, a small snapshot into her past and present, I began to enjoy it a lot more. It was an interesting concept, a poignant read, that I wouldn't mind seeing fleshed out into a full series. It's short, for sure, but enjoyable.

Afterglow by Christy Barritt - 5 STARS

In Lantern Beach for their honeymoon, Grayson finds out that his new wife just might be a murderer. The Rachel he knows would never be capable of murder, but apparently there's secrets she doesn't want shared. As an investigative reporter, he vows to get to the bottom of it all and find out the truth about his wife.

Afterglow is another compelling and impossible to put down story from Christy Barritt. It completely held my attention and even after finishing it, I'm still thinking about it. I can't forget to mention the cameos from a couple of original Lantern Beach characters. Loved seeing them pop up.

The Last Days of Cordelia (A Beaumont and Beasley Story) by Kyle Robert Shultz - 4.5 STARS

Lady Cordelia Beaumont wakes up in an unfamiliar world and is told she's about to die. Shocked to say the least, Cordelia tries to figure out what's going on, but everything's different. Nothing makes sense. There's some similarities to her world, but nothing's right. Her magic is gone, her friend has no idea who she is, and places have different names. (London? What kind of name is that? Come on, it's called Talesend, duh!)

I was wanting a quick and fun read and this story fit the bill perfectly. It was great. An action packed race to find the truth and save Lady Cordelia from dying. It was clever and unique. And the Neverwolves were terrifying creatures. I'm very much looking forward to reading more in this series.

*At the time of posting, all of these stories are available in Kindle Unlimited.

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Exotic Pet-Sitter #2) by Heather Day Gilbert

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a super fun cozy mystery, Belinda Blake and the Wolf in Sheep's Clothing (Exotic Pet-Sitter #2) by Heather Day Gilbert.

About the Book

Exotic pet-sitter Belinda Blake is nervous about her new job at the White Pine Wolf Preserve, but it turns out that the care and feeding of wild carnivores may be the least dangerous part of the gig . . .
 
Pet-sitter Belinda Blake is no stranger to dealing with wild animals, but she’s wary when the owner of the Greenwich, Connecticut, preserve asks her to help out with her “fluffy darlings.” Her caution seems justified on her very first day, when she discovers a tour guide—dead, bloodied, and surrounded by wolves in the enclosure.

Was it death by predator or something more sinister? The body count rises, but something’s not adding up. As she gets to know the rescued wolves and wolf-dog hybrids better, Belinda realizes that her human colleagues are not above suspicion. With help from her own “pack”—her pregnant sister, Red the chauffeur/bodyguard, and hunky farmer Jonas—Belinda is hot on the killer’s tail, but if she doesn’t find him soon, he’ll do more than muzzle her to keep the truth from escaping.

Book Beginning

Rainy weather was an introvert's best friend.

Friday 56

I'd only been in the chicken coop for two minutes when it became clear that some days, the chickens could be an even bigger handful than a pack of wolves.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

If you could add one interactive feature to reading books, what would it be?

I used to want to be able to actually smell all the smells that are described, but I can't handle any kind of perfume or overwhelming scent without getting a migraine and having trouble breathing. So that doesn't sound like such a good idea to me anymore.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy Book 1) by K.M. Shea

About the Book
I'm one scrappy wizard.
As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I've spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren't going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake--the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening my family.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He's also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet. And he's definitely using me as his personal magic detector in his feud against the local fae.

But Killian is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I'm not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I'm about to find out.

Magic Forged is the first book in the Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, which features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It's packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This book was so much fun! A couple of my favorite authors were talking about how excited they were for it so I decided to pick up a copy and give it a try. I'm so glad I did. I hadn't read anything by K.M Shea before, but this book has made me an insta-fan. It's clean urban fantasy, which isn't always easy to find, so I loved that. The world building was fantastic. It was unique, but not so far out there that it was hard to grasp.

Told mostly from wizard Hazel Medeis's point of view, with the exception of one chapter, she was a likable and scrappy narrator. In fear for her life, Hazel makes a hasty deal with Killian Drake, the head vampire of the Midwest. A deal she's hoping doesn't come back and bite her. This book is loaded with lots of great characters, endearing and nefarious alike.

I was glued to the pages and didn't want it to end. I'm glad I don't have to wait too long until the next book is released. If you're a fan of urban fantasy, I definitely recommend it.

4.5 Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Joy of Falling by Lindsay Harrel releasing April 14.

About the Book

Eva and Angela must learn to live again. One step at a time.

It has been fifteen months since Eva and Angela lost their thrill-seeking husbands in a scuba diving accident. Both women are trying to navigate their way through the grief, but neither one is making much progress. Angela is barely making ends meet, angry at her husband for leaving her to raise three children on her own. Meanwhile, Eva is stuck, unable to move forward after losing the love of her life and her source of inspiration.

But then Eva gets a life-changing phone call. Before Brent and Wes died, they had signed up for a race of a lifetime—an ultra-marathon in beautiful New Zealand. Eva begs Angela to run the race with her in their husbands’ place, and Angela finally agrees, hoping to finally understand her husband's choices.

Training is exhausting, and the race is even more demanding. Their journey grows more complicated by the presence of two men—Marc is Brent’s best friend who is running the race with Eva and Angela, and Simon King is a writer who is covering their inspiring story. With every step, Eva and Angela must ask themselves questions that they haven’t had the courage to ask before. As the women literally put one foot in front of the other, they wonder: Is it possible to find their way forward in hope?

Why I Need It
What an intriguing premise! I've read a couple of Lindsay Harrel's books and really enjoyed them, so I'm excited for this new one. Plus, the cover is stunning!

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Safe Harbor (Lantern Beach Blackout #2) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

A JOB AS EASY AS SUNDAY MORNING

Guilt over past mistakes haunt former Navy SEAL Dez Rodriguez. When he’s asked to guard a pop star during a music festival on Lantern Beach, he’s all set for what he hopes is a breezy assignment.

UNTIL HE MEETS BREE JORDAN

Bree hasn’t found fame to be nearly as fulfilling as she dreamed. Instead, she’s more like a carefully crafted character living out a pre-scripted story. When a stalker’s threats become deadly, her life—and career—are turned upside down.

DANGER RISES UP THE CHARTS

From the start, Bree sees her temporary bodyguard as a player, and Dez sees Bree as a spoiled rich girl. But when they’re thrown together in a fight for survival, both must learn to trust. Can Dez protect Bree—and his carefully guarded heart? Or will their safe harbor ultimately become their death trap?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Popstar Bree Jordan has a stalker. She's in Lantern Beach as the headliner for the First Annual Lantern Beach Music Festival when things take a serious turn. Shots are fired during her set. Blackout team member Dez Rodriguez is her bodyguard for the concert and gets her to safety. But with the stalker escalating their attacks, Bree hires him to be her full-time bodyguard. Can he keep her safe or will this stalker get their wish to end the rising starlet's life?

Safe Harbor was so good. It's one of my recent favorites from Christy Barritt. I love books that follow celebrities, so that just added to my enjoyment. The suspense was high and the mystery was great. It was full of twists and turns. I never knew what would happen next and didn't figure out the culprit until the shocking reveal. I'm can't wait to check out Griff's story next!

4.5 Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy Book 1) by K.M. Shea

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring a fun urban fantasy, Magic Forged (Hall of Blood and Mercy Book 1) by K.M. Shea.

About the Book

I'm one scrappy wizard.
As someone with barely a flicker of magic, I've spent my life being mocked and surviving fights with bullies. But when my parents die in an accident, and I find myself responsible for our whole wizard house and family, I know my usual tactics aren't going to cut it.

The situation veers from bad to catastrophic when my backstabbing cousin stages a coup and takes my family hostage.

I barely manage to flee, but the only supernatural willing to help me is Killian Drake--the most feared vampire in the region, and a far more deadly villain than the jerk threatening my family.

Is Killian sexy and charismatic? Heck yeah.

He's also so powerful that my flight or fight instincts kick in every time our eyes meet. And he's definitely using me as his personal magic detector in his feud against the local fae.

But Killian is also the first person to believe I might have more than just a scrap of magic. And if I can convince him to train me, I might get strong enough to free my family and get my house back.

I'm not sure what happens when a scrappy wizard is taught how to fight by a hall of deadly vampires, but I'm about to find out.

Magic Forged is the first book in the Hall of Blood and Mercy trilogy, which features vampires, wizards, fae, and werewolves. It's packed with humor, adventure, and a sweet, slow burn romance between a vertically challenged wizard and the most lethal vampire in town. 

Book Beginning

I crouched behind a rusty blue mail drop off box and held my breath.

Friday 56

Killian sighed and slightly tilted his head back. "It's going to be a pain trying to make you look even half as fierce as you should."

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

Other than book reviews, what do you feature on your blog?

I participate in a few weekly memes, Can't Wait Wednesday, and, of course, Book Beginnings, Friday 56, and Book Blogger Hop. I'll occasionally do Top Ten Tuesday also.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Hidden Current (The Dancing Realms #1) by Sharon Hinck

About the Book

The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movement... but are they steering it toward destruction?

Calara spent her life learning dance patterns and seeking to become the perfect servant to her people. When she discovers the work of the Order is built on lies, she flees with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to encounter a truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.

As she seeks clues to her forgotten family, Calara discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, while her quest awakens a growing but forbidden affection for Brantley. Yet even his support can't fully be trusted, since he'd rather destroy the Order than bring reform.

She is a lone woman facing opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order. Can she restore the dance to its true purpose and bring freedom and hope to her people?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This book left me speechless. I'm sitting here still trying to comprehend the sheer beauty of this novel. It's so hard for me to put into words just how amazing it was.

I've read a lot of fantasy but nothing like this. It's so unique and such a breath of fresh air. I was pulled in and completely absorbed in it from the very first page. I could hardly pull myself away. The world-building was stunning and masterfully done. I was enchanted and held completely captive by it. And the spiritual message? Oh my goodness. It took my breath away so many times. Such powerful and poignant truths!

The characters were fully fleshed out and three-dimensional. Calara was easy to like. She started out very naive and blind to the truth about the Order and the world in general. But when she looked a little deeper and started seeing things for what they really were, the journey to discovering her true self began. And what an awe-inspiring and courageous journey it was! Brantley was a good guy at heart. He was a little gruff, at times, but when given the choice he'd always do the right and noble thing. He was the perfect person to accompany Calara on her journey.

I highly, highly recommend this book. I really can't say enough good things about it. It's earned a spot on my favorites shelf and I know I'll be wanting to reread it over and over again. It was my first time reading anything by Sharon Hinck, but certainly won't be my last. I'm excited to check out more from her.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring The Socialite by J'nell Ciesielski releasing April 14.

About the Book

Glamour, treachery, and espionage collide when an English socialite rushes to save her sister from the Nazis.

As the daughter of Sir Alfred Whitford, Kat has a certain set of responsibilities. But chasing her wayward sister, Ellie, to Nazi-occupied Paris was never supposed to be one of them. Now accustomed to the luxurious lifestyle that her Nazi boyfriend provides, Ellie has no intention of going back to the shackled life their parents dictate for them—but Kat will stop at nothing to bring her sister home.

Arrested for simply trying to defend himself against a drunken bully, Barrett Anderson is given the option of going to jail or serving out his sentence by training Resistance fighters in Paris. A bar owner serves as the perfect disguise to entertain Nazis at night while training fighters right below their jackboots during the day. Being assigned to watch over two English debutantes is the last thing he needs, but a payout from their father is too tempting to resist. Can Barrett and Kat trust each other long enough to survive, or will their hearts prove more traitorous than the dangers waiting around the corner?

Why I Need It
I'm always looking for new and interesting WWII fiction so I was excited when I came across The Socialite. The cover is gorgeous and it sounds so good. I'm really hoping Kat can save her sister and make her see the error of her ways.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Review: Marry Me (Chapel Cove #6) by Autumn Macarthur

About the Book

For her daughter, she'll do anything. Even marry a man she hardly knows.

Widowed Melanie Montana has spent far too many holidays sitting beside hospital beds with people she loves. But not this year. Knowing it could be their last, she's vowed to make it the best ever Christmas for her four-year-old daughter, Alia.

With the support of the Chapel Cove townsfolk, she'll find ways to make all Alia's dreams come true. Lots of books and reading a story together every single night - tick. A sleigh ride in the snow - tick. A steam train ride- tick. Even her own pony - tick. That's the easy part.

The biggest item on Alia's list is more of a challenge - a daddy for Christmas. And not just any daddy. Alia knows exactly who she wants her mommy to marry. The man she calls Dr. Santa, better known as pediatrician Dr. Mark Stewart. When they’ve both been hurt before and closed their hearts to love, only a Christmas miracle can give Melanie and Mark a happy-ever-after.

But when God, as well as the determined child, seems to be pushing them together, how can they possibly resist?

A heartwarming and uplifting story of faith, love, and pancakes.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

What a sweet story! It's not often you find marriage of convenience romances in a contemporary setting, but this one was super cute.

Things did get emotional, at times. Some difficult topics were covered and there were definitely tears. But it was also full of hope and a great spiritual message about trusting God and His timing. And held a wonderful reminder of His love.

Mel, Mark, and Alia were great characters and easy to root for. I became so invested in their lives. I love the town of Chapel Cove. It's such a warm and inviting place.

Marry Me was another lovely romance from Autumn Macarthur. And even though it's book six in the series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. If you're a fan of hallmark movies, this book is sure to delight.

Four Stars

Review: Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar

About the Book

Bestselling and Newbery Medal-winning author Louis Sachar knows how to make readers laugh. And there are laughs galore in perennial favorite Sideways Stories from Wayside School, now available for the first time in ebook format!

Accidentally built sideways and standing thirty stories high (the builder said he was very sorry for the mistake), Wayside School has some of the wackiest classes in town, especially on the thirtieth floor. That’s where you’ll meet Bebe, the fastest draw in art class; John, who only reads upside down; Myron, the best class president, ever; and Sammy, the new kid—he’s a real rat.

More than nine million readers have laughed at the wacky stories of Wayside School. So what are you waiting for? Come visit Wayside School!

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I read this book so many times when I was a kid, so it was great revisiting it. It's crazy, weird, wacky, and full of many laugh-out-loud moments. I thought I'd remember it better than I did because I about wore out my copy of it, but I guess it has been quite a few years. There were a few fairly twisted stories that I had no recollection of. Although, I recently reread the second book in this series and remembered that one a lot better than this one even though I didn't read it nearly as much. Oh well, I guess that's one of the mysteries of life, lol. But, anyway, this book as a whole, was just pure fun and a great way to spend an afternoon. I loved it.

Four Stars

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Hidden Current (The Dancing Realms #1) by Sharon Hinck

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm featuring Hidden Current (The Dancing Realms #1) by Sharon Hinck.

About the Book

The dancers of the Order direct their floating world of Meriel with their movement... but are they steering it toward destruction?

Calara spent her life learning dance patterns and seeking to become the perfect servant to her people. When she discovers the work of the Order is built on lies, she flees with a rough-edged herder, Brantley of Windswell. Pursued by soldiers, her journey through the suffering villages of the rim leads her to encounter a truth that sends ripples through her world—and through her soul.

As she seeks clues to her forgotten family, Calara discovers newfound courage in the face of danger, while her quest awakens a growing but forbidden affection for Brantley. Yet even his support can't fully be trusted, since he'd rather destroy the Order than bring reform.

She is a lone woman facing opposition from rim villages and treachery from the all-powerful Order. Can she restore the dance to its true purpose and bring freedom and hope to her people?

Book Beginning

Destiny is measured in inches.

Friday 56

The subsun set as night covered Windswell more deeply. The bonfire died out, musicians put away their instruments, and tired villagers retreated to their homes.

Hosted by Billy @ Coffee Addicted Writer

When did you first know you’re truly a bookworm? Did you lose sleep over a novel?

I can't remember a time when I haven't been a bookworm. Books have always been a big part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of my parents reading to me. When I was little and we didn't finish a book before bedtime, I'd lose sleep wondering what happened next. It would've been so much simpler just to finish the book, lol.  

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Always You: A Murphy Brothers Story by Jennifer Rodewald

About the Book

They made a pact of friendship. Love was not supposed to be part of the deal.

Lauren is desperate to escape the massive shadow of her father’s and sister’s political careers.

Matt is running from the biggest disappointment of his life.

After a messy meeting in a snowbound airport, they launch a new friendship, founded on a mutual love for the Lord and an agreement of respect. They find themselves working together at the Lake Shore Resort, thankful to have each other as they each carve out a fresh start. But as the winter season wears on, and through a few interesting predicaments, one begins to feel more, and the other...well. Maybe neither knows what they really want. Already wounded from the things they’ve left behind, Matt and Lauren wrestle with what comes next. Afraid to move forward. Not wanting to go back.

Each must face a dilemma that only the hand of the Potter can smooth into a hopeful, promising future. Can they surrender past hurts, as well as their future hopes and plans and trust the good intentions of the God they both love?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

This book was fantastic. It's another winner from Jennifer Rodewald.

The way Lauren and Matt met was kinda mortifying, but, oh my goodness, absolutely hilarious. And Matt was such a good sport about it! I knew he was a keeper from that moment. They're such a fun pair. I loved how they started out as friends and things slowly grew from there. It felt very natural. But my favorite thing about them was how they both relied on and leaned on God. How He was at the center of everything for them.

There were lots of laughs and cute moments, but there was a lot of depth to this story too. I loved pretty much everything about it. Well... except that it ended. I could've just kept reading about this awesome duo. It's my new favorite from Ms. Rodewald.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Can't Wait Wednesday: Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars #2) by Ronie Kendig

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Kings Falling (The Book of the Wars #2) by Ronie Kendig releasing March 31.

About the Book
Leif Metcalfe and his team, dubbed Reaper, need to recover the stolen, ancient Book of the Wars if they hope to stop the Armageddon Coalition and their pursuit of global economic control. But their attention has been diverted by a prophecy in the book that foretells of formidable guardians who will decimate the enemies of ArC. While Iskra Todorova uses her connections in the covert underworld to hunt down the Book of the Wars, Leif and Reaper attempt to neutralize these agents but quickly find themselves outmaneuvered and outgunned.

The more Reaper tries to stop the guardians, the more failure becomes a familiar, antagonistic foe. Friendships are fractured, and the team battles to hold it together long enough to defeat ArC. But as this millennia-old conspiracy creeps closer and closer to home, the implications could tear Leif and the team apart.

Why I Need It

I've loved everything I've read by Ronie Kendig. She's a master at what she does and I can't get enough of her books. They're always epic, action-packed, fast paced thrill rides that are impossible to put down. I'm so excited for this one.

What upcoming release are you eagerly anticipating?

Top Ten Tuesday: Books With Single-Word Titles

Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

This week's topic is Books With Single-Word Titles. I thought it'd be a lot more difficult to find books that fit this topic, but it was so easy. I had no idea there were so many single-word titled books out there. In fact, there were so many good ones that I had a hard time narrowing it down, lol.

Paranormia by Paul Regnier

Spark by Sarah Beth Durst

Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Awakened by Morgan L. Busse

Dominion by Julie Hall

Beast by Chawna Schroeder

Changeling by Molly Harper

Masque by W.R. Gingell

Invitation by Multiple Authors

Singularity by Steven James

Have you read any of these books? What did you think of them?

Review: The Land Beneath Us (Sunrise at Normandy #3) by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

In 1943, Private Clay Paxton trains hard with the US Army Rangers at Camp Forrest, Tennessee, determined to do his best in the upcoming Allied invasion of France. With his future stolen by his brothers' betrayal, Clay has only one thing to live for--fulfilling the recurring dream of his death.

Leah Jones works as a librarian at Camp Forrest, longing to rise above her orphanage upbringing and belong to the community, even as she uses her spare time to search for her real family--the baby sisters she was separated from so long ago.

After Clay saves Leah's life from a brutal attack, he saves her virtue with a marriage of convenience. When he ships out to train in England for D-day, their letters bind them together over the distance. But can a love strong enough to overcome death grow between them before Clay's recurring dream comes true? 

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

The Land Beneath Us was another beautiful and poignant tale from the master of WWII romance, Sarah Sundin. It's the final book in the Sunrise at Normandy series that follows the Paxton brothers. This time the spotlight was on youngest brother Clay and, I've gotta say, it's my favorite of the trilogy.

I loved both Clay and Leah. They were such a good pairing and I liked how they started out as friends first. Leah was infinitely likable from the very start. She had such a sweet demeanor and positive attitude. Her pure joy for books and the Lord really shined. She had endured a lot in life, faced many tragedies and setbacks, but she never let it get her down. I really admired her positivity and her ability to see the bright side in every situation, no matter how bad it was. And Clay! Swoon-alert! He's such a good, honorable, and upstanding guy. I can't say enough good things about him.

I love when an author can transport me back in time and Sundin does that with every one of her books. I know I say this every time, but the historical details are so spot on. I can't even imagine the amount of research she must do. I so appreciate that attention to detail.

The Land Beneath Us was a brilliant conclusion to this series. I highly recommend it to everyone and can't wait to check out whatever Sundin comes out with next.

Five Stars