Your Heart's Desire by Melody Carlson

Book Description:
Bestselling author Melody Carlson captures hearts with a beautifully written romance set just after World War II. 

It's almost New Year's 1946, a perfect time for Caroline Marshall to start a new chapter in her life. Widowed three years ago when she lost her husband in the war, she has decided to move with her nine-year-old son to join her sister's family in sunny California. Her sister's new house has a basement apartment for Caroline to rent, and though jobs for women are scarce with so many veterans returning from the war, it seems the local chocolate factory is hiring. The apartment turns out to be rather dingy, and the job may be working the assembly line--a step down from Caroline's office job as a secretary back in Minnesota. But Caroline is determined to make a great new life for herself and her son. As she goes about making that happen, she keeps running into a handsome stranger--at the diner, at church, and he even works for M.G. Chocolates. With a New Year, a new home, and a new job, is Caroline ready to find new love? 

My Thoughts:
This was a sweet book.  Caroline is a widow because of the war.  Her husband was killed in duty and she works to support her and her son.  She moves across the country to live with her sister and find a job in California.  She lands a job on her first day out at the chocolate factory, but it is only temporary.  A handsome man she had been seeing around town works at the factory as well.  While she makes several good friends, she also makes some enemies, but perhaps she will find love again!I liked Caroline.  She was a strong woman working hard in what is considered a man's world.  I felt bad for her raising her son all alone, but I loved her son.  He was so thoughtful and caring!  I loved his manners and how good he was with his little cousin.  'Terry' is a good guy and I really liked him, though he had his dense moments, he was a great catch!
This was a sweet romance.  4/5 Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of the book.  I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Newsmakers by Lis Wiehl

Book Description:
What if it turns out that the newsmakers are actually making the news happen?

Television reporter Erica Sparks has just landed her dream job at Global News Network. Beautiful, talented, and ambitious, Erica grew up dirt poor, worked her way through Yale, and is carrying a terrible secret. She moves to Manhattan to join GNN, leaving Jenny, her adored 7-year-old daughter, in the custody of her ex-husband. Erica’s producer at the network, Greg Underwood, is handsome and compelling. Scarred by her divorce, Erica is wary of romance, but there’s no denying the mutual attraction.

On one of her first assignments, Erica witnesses a horrific Staten Island ferry crash. Then she lands a coveted interview with presumptive presidential nominee Kay Barrish. During the interview Barrish collapses. Erica valiantly tries to save her with CPR. The footage rivets the world—GNN’s ratings soar and Erica is now a household name.

But she’s troubled. What a strange coincidence that both events should happen on her watch. It’s almost as if they were engineered. Is that possible?

Erica’s relentless pursuit of the truth puts her life and that of her daughter in danger. Her investigation leads her into the heart of darkness—where the future of our democracy is at stake. 

My Thoughts:
This was a book with big potential.  Erica Sparks goes from an unknown to a household name overnight!  Her past has left her needing a boost and she gets it with her new job.  She is the new reporter for GNN and just happens to be at the right place at the right time.  This happens more than once and she begins to question if there is something more than coincidence going on and causing these incidents.I thought this book had a huge potential for suspense.  My biggest problem with it was the suspense wasn't there for me.  You knew who the bad guy was and what was going on.  There was no real twist or 'ah-ha!' moment.  That being said, it is a good book.  The story is solid and the author obviously knows about the news world.  There is plenty of detail and information to make scenes realistic and I felt bad about Erica's past.  The romance was mixed in and intriguing. 
Overall, it was a 3/5 for me.

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Coins in the Fountain Promo!!!

Title: Coins in the Fountain

Author: Judith Works

Genre: Memoir

Publisher: Booktrope Editions

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Innocents Abroad collide with La Dolce Vita when the author and her husband arrive in the ancient city of Rome fresh from the depths of Oregon.  While the author endeavored to learn the folkways of the United Nations, her husband tangled with unfamiliar vege weddings, enjoyed a close-up with the pope, tried their hands at grape harvesting, and savored country weekends where the ancient Etruscans still seemed to be lurking.  Along the way they made many unforgettable friends including the countess with a butt-reducing machine and a count who served as a model for naked statues of horsemen in his youth.

But not everything was wine and wonders.  Dogs in the doctor’s exam room, neighbors in the apartment in the middle of the nights, an auto accident with the military police, a dangerous fall in the subway, too many interactions with an excitable landlord, snakes and unexploded bombs on a golf course, and a sinking sailboat, all added more seasoning to the spaghetti sauce of their life.

Their story begins with a month trying to sleep on a cold marble floor wondering why they came to Rome.  It ends with a hopeful toss of coins in the Trevi Fountain to ensure their return to the Eternal City for visits.  Ten years of pasta, vino, and the sweet life weren’t enough.

Part memoir, part travelogue, Coins in the Fountain will amuse and intrigue you with the stories of food, friends, and the adventures of a couple who ran away to join the circus (the Circus Maximus, that is).

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Amazon US | Amazon UK

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Life was routine until the author decided to get a law degree. Then a chance meeting led her to run away to the Circus (Maximus) – actually to the United Nations office next door - where she worked as an attorney in the HR department and entered the world of expat life in Rome. After four years she and her husband returned to the U.S. - this time to Washington, D.C. But they missed life in Italy with its great food and wine, endless history, and the many friends we made. The gods smiled and another opportunity came along. Six more years in Rome, again working for the UN, followed. The many happy and sometimes fraught experiences are the subject of her memoir, Coins in the Fountain. She is also the author of a novel about expats in Rome, City of Illusions, and flash fiction has been published in literary reviews. She continues to travel in her spare time, having visited over 100 countries. And when she is in Rome, she always tosses a coin in the Trevi Fountain to ensure another visit.

Follow Her on Social Media:

Twitter | website | blog

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The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba: A New Life Begins!

Book Discussion:
The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba A New Life Begins Book 1 Series 1 A very special welcome to a beautiful, baby girl bright-eyed, little seal pup, that is! When adorable, little Zealy is born, Whubba couldn t be more excited! The latest in his line of powerful orcas, he s the protector around here and now, he s also going to keep Zealy safe in her new marine environment, and doing so with tender, loving care! With its bright and cheery illustrations, The Adventures of Zealy and Whubba, a New Life Begins, the first in a series, is appropriate for infants through age five. As Zealy grows up under Whubba s watchful gaze, the two adventurous babies teach readers that growing with love, caring and sharing are the most important parts of family life, as they melt your heart with their precious innocence. Roe De Pinto is a graduate of a three-year program in children s literature from the Institute of Children s Literature. Though she started working on the Zealy and Whubba series as a legacy for her children and grandchildren, sharing the characters infectious smiles with children all around the world is her ultimate goal! Experience the fun and educate your children through their little escapades!"

My Thoughts:
This was a cute little book.  It tells the story about Zealy and how she comes into the world and what the world is like.  Also it tells of Whubba and how protective he is of Zealy.  A very short and cute introduction to these two that made me smile.  I read this to my 1 year old and he really liked the colorful pictures!
I would rate it a 4/5.  Really I would say more for much smaller children and not over the age of 3 or 4.  

Thank you to the publisher/author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The Faery Hunt by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
This is a short story by the author of Reign of Blood and A Dark Faerie Tale series. Includes the acclaimed poem 'Dark Light'

Supernatural hunters and siblings Amy, Craig and Jay meet their match in the dark woods as they hunt clans of Faeries. Their job is to keep humanity safe, but when things take an unexpected turn, magic takes all.

My Thoughts:
This is a great short story.  Amy and her two brothers are Faery hunters.  They are the line of protection humans have from the faery world.  When they go on a hunt one night, something goes horribly different.
I really got into this story and thought it was way short, I loved the characters.  Amy is a loving, kick butt chick.  Her brothers are hardcore and protective.  I wasn't sure what way I really expected it to go, but it wasn't the way it went.  
Solid 5/5 for me and I want to know what happens next.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

The hobgoblin Queen (Tales of Dovewood Book 1) by Anna B. Madrise

Book Description:
Mundane Bergamot is just a simple Kitchen Witch from Whistlestoppe Village who thinks that there is more to life than gardening and cooking up spells with her Aunt Dovie. While traveling to Bettelburghal she meets Javen, a mysterious Book Mage from Nettlespire, who gifts to her a most unusual magic book which triggers a visit from two very extraordinary adventurers. She learns from her newfound friends that they need her help to save them and their kind from a terrible fate. Through Javen’s gift, clues begin to reveal themselves that sets them on their quest.
But the evil King Vezzen of New Taleggia has plans of his own for the elusive creatures that inhabit the mountains beyond Dovewood Forest. Where previous kings have failed, King Vezzen is determined to succeed and impatient for a new war that could elevate his name above all others. Now Mundane must see if she has what it takes to out-smart the wicked king, save her friends from the brink of extinction, and quite possibly lift the curse that binds them all to Dovewood Island.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book.  Mundane is a simple Kitchen Witch, except she isn't.  She loves to travel and her Aunt Dovie dotes on her.  While traveling, she meets a Book Mage, Javen and her adventure begins.  She meets up with two of the people she is to save and they take her journey with her.  While she takes her own path, leaving the life she knew behind, she is racing against time to complete her mission.  There are those on both sides ready for a war and she has to hurry if she is going to save anyone.
I adore Munane.  She is faced with this huge task and while she isn't ready for it, she jumps in with both feet.  She is fierce and loyal.  Javen quickly became a favorite character as well!  He is quite mysterious and cunning.  Dovie is wonderful as are several of the inhabitants of Dovewood Island.  I was so excited with some of the twists, and distraught by others.  The prince and king both have me wondering what their next move will be and who they will each use next.  I cannot believe the ending and am impatiently waiting for the next book to come out!
This is a 5/5 for me.  I absolutely can't wait to see what is going to happen to these characters in the next book.

Thank you to the author for the review copy of this book.  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Murder Under the Mistletoe by Terri Reed

Description

AGENT UNDERCOVER

DEA agent Tyler Griffin must stop a drug cartel that's using an Idaho Christmas tree farm to smuggle narcotics across the Canadian border. But to do his job, Tyler needs the cooperation of farm owner and widowed mother Heather Larson-Randall—whose informant brother died on Tyler's watch. Tyler knows a crucial piece of evidence is hidden somewhere on the property. But getting the protective mother to trust him is the hardest part of his mission. As threats against Heather mount, he vows to keep her and her child safe…and clear the farm of danger before Christmas.

Northern Border Patrol: Keeping the US-Canadian border safe..

My Thoughts:
Good book.  Tyler is a DEA agent and is determined to figure out who is smuggling drugs using the tree farm as a cover and stop them.  Problem is, Heather and her son have recently moved onto the farm after her brother died.  Tyler has to tell Heather that her brother was helping him with the investigation and was murdered because of it.  Now he has vowed to keep Heather and her son safe and it is a good thing since there seem to be a lot of 'accidents' happening.
I felt so sorry for Heather at the start of the book.  She had lost her only brother to what she believed was suicide.  Then found out it wasn't suicide but that he was murdered.  It was just heartbreaking.  I did like how she and Tyler met though.  That made me laugh.  Her little boy was adorable and I loved getting to know him.  Tyler's friends/colleagues were interesting and I'm looking forward to learning more about them hopefully in future books.  The story was good, the characters well developed and believable.  Overall it was a good book.
This was a 4/5 for me.  I really enjoyed the book and it is a good, quick read.

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Kill Without Mercy by Alexandra Ivy

Description

From the hellhole of a Taliban prison to sweet freedom, five brave military heroes have made it home--and they're ready to take on the civilian missions no one else can. Individually they're intimidating. Together they're invincible. They're the men of ARES Security.

Rafe Vargas is only in Newton, Iowa, to clear out his late grandfather's small house. As the covert ops specialist for ARES Security, he's eager to get back to his new life in Texas. But when he crosses paths with Annie White, a haunted beauty with skeletons in her closet, he can't just walk away--not when she's clearly in danger. . .

There's a mysterious serial killer on the loose with a link to Annie's dark past. And the closer he gets, the deeper Rafe's instinct to protect kicks in. But even with his considerable skill, Annie's courage, and his ARES buddies behind him, the slaying won't stop. Now it's only a matter of time before Annie's next--unless they can unravel a history of deadly lies that won't be buried.


My Thoughts:
Such a good book!  ARES security is made up of 5 men who are closer than brothers.  Rafe is one of those men and he is dealing with some family issues.  His grandfather died and he has to go and clean out his house so it can be sold.  While he is there, he meets Annie.  She intrigues him and something inside pushes for him to protect her.  She has a past and is trying to stop horrible things from happening in the present but a killer has his sights set on her.
I absolutely love the 5 guys that annoy the heck out of each other because they won't let one of their own go into danger without backup.  Rafe doesn't want to go clean out his grandfather's house but it is something he has to do.  While there, he meets Annie and there is an instant attraction.  I like how Annie didn't just fall for him immediately but walked away the first time.  Their chemistry was great and I love how the other 4 ARES didn't wait for him to ask for help but showed up even when he didn't want them there.
It is a 5/5 for me.  A great start to a promising new series!!

Thank you to the publisher for the review copy of this book (via netgalley).  I received this book in exchange for an honest review and the opinions stated above are 100% mine.

Enmity by Alexia Purdy

Book Description:
The City of Temple harbors all kinds of supernaturals, even those whose destinies have been petrified in stone.
Ephrem’s on a desperate search for his love, Princess Lilliana, who’s disappeared along with an ancient gargoyle shifter who claims she’s the answer to his family’s legacy. Time is not on Ephrem’s side, and he must race to find the city’s long-forgotten catacombs in order to save its inhabitants before an ancient and malevolent gargoyle army is awoken.
At odds for years, the ArcKnight and MarkTier packs of Temple must work together against this new threat before all is lost, and everything they’ve built falls to ruin.

Books in this series:
Ardent
MarkTier
Enmity

My Thoughts:
LOVE this series.  Lily is not where she wants to be.  She wants Ephrem.  He is searching for her, but must go to her sister for help.  Lily is said to be the 'savior' of the pack she discovered.  Only thing is, she didn't 'discover' them, they were looking for her.  She is the reincarnation of their princess who is said to be able to bring the gargoyle shifters back and stronger than ever.
Still love these characters.  Glad some of them got what they deserved.  I'm starting to think this author loves to torture her readers with what is coming next! Lily is strong but confused.  Ephrem will find her no matter what he has to do.  There is a lot of sadness and anger but hope too.  I cant wait for the 4th in this series to come out!!!
Another 5/5 for this series.  Read the first 2 and then this one for it to make sense!

Deceive by Michelle Irwin Promo!!!

Deceive (Book Two in the Declan Reede: The Untold Story Series)
Author: Michelle Irwin

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Published: Dec 17th, 2015

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Straighten up, pull it around, and get back on the track. 

Declan Reede's life is in a tailspin. Although he knows what he wants, he can't see the road that will take him there. Wherever he turns, new secrets, lies, and half-truths threaten to send him crashing off-course. To deserve his family, he must fight his past mistakes and prove himself worthy. 

But can someone out to deceive cost him the life he now craves? 

**Due to strong language and sexual content not intended for anyone under age of 18**

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Amazon -

US: http://amzn.to/1WbJbfE

UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B015YBJCU8/

AU: http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B015YBJCU8/

B&N:

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1044948363

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/deceive-declan-reede-the-untold-story-2

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Other Books in the Series

Decide (0.5)  

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1ISSjoN

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0121AKHZY/

AU - http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0121AKHZY/

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1022895410

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/decide-michelle-irwin/1122387292

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/decide-3

Decline (1)

Amazon US - http://amzn.to/1OutlZE

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B014AS2ARI/

AU - http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B014AS2ARI/

iTunes - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1033068230

Barnes & Noble - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940152255270

Kobo - https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/decline-1

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Michelle Irwin has been many things: a hobbit taking a precious item to a fiery mountain; a young child stepping through the back of a wardrobe into another land; the last human stranded not-quite-alone in space three million years in the future; and a time-traveling madman in a box. All of these feats and many more were achieved through her voracious reading. Eventually, the cast inside her mind took over and spilled onto the page.

Michelle lives in sunny Queensland in the land down under. A lover of love and overcoming the odds, she primarily writes paranormal and fantasy romance.

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