Friday, January 31, 2020

Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes by Patricia Sands ~ My Thoughts #LavenderLossAndLoveAtTheVillaDesViolettes

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Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes by Patricia Sands
Series: Villa des Violettes Book #3
220 Pages
Published January 24th 2020

A sizzling heat wave is only part of the drama unfolding on the sun-drenched Côte d’Azur ...

When Kat and Philippe settle into a new season as innkeepers at the Villa des Violettes, extraordinary stories are revealed by guests. Ancestry, intrigue, and lessons in friendship are part of the narrative. As summer draws to a close, an urgent call sends Kat and Philippe back to Sainte-Mathilde where the family gathers to support each other in an emergency situation.

From the splendor of the lavender season through to the changing landscape of autumn and the festivities of the grape harvest, the Love in Provence characters face challenges, make memories and attempt to maintain their usual joie de vivre!

     

My thoughts about Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"Kat leaned her cheek against the cool window of the rail car as the train carried her back to Antibes.

I love my visits to the Villa des Violettes and being able to reconnect once again with Kat and Philippe. The newest installment of this amazing series once again swept me off my feet and landed me in the beautiful country of France.

There is plenty of drama this time around but also great friendships and family togetherness. There is so much love and support within this community and I really felt like I was a part of it. From the beautiful tour of the lavender fields, a relaxing cruise with good friends, and the gracious hospitality of Villa owners, this story felt like a vacation for me. It was a wonderful way to spend my time as I totally became immersed in the land, the culture, and the connections.

Take a trip to the Villa des Violettes. I know you will enjoy your time there as much as I did. 

I received Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes from the author and this is my honest opinion of the book. 

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Read my thoughts about book #1 HERE and book #2 HERE

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Bestselling author Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada, when she isn't somewhere else, and calls the south of France her second home. An admitted travel fanatic, she can pack a bag in a flash and be ready to go anywhere … particularly the south of France. With a focus on travel, women’s issues and aging, her stories celebrate the feminine spirit and the power of friendship.

Her award-winning 2010 debut novel, The Bridge Club, is a book-group favorite, and The Promise of Provence, which launched her three-part Love in Provence series (followed by Promises to Keep and I Promise You This), was a finalist for a 2013 USA Best Book Award and a 2014 National Indie Excellence Award, an Amazon Hot New Release in April 2013, and a 2015 nominee for a #RBRT Golden Rose award in the category of romance. Sands also contributes to such Francophile websites as The Good Life France and Perfectly Provence and appears as a public speaker for women's groups.

Her fifth novel, Drawing Lessons, was released by Lake Union Publishing on October 1, 2017. Her latest release, A Season of Surprises is Book #2 of the Villa de Violettes series. The First Noel at the Villa de Violettes (Book #1) was released November 10, 2018. Patricia is now hard at work on Book #3 of this series.

Find out more at Patricia’s Facebook Author Page, Amazon Author Page or her website. There are links to her books, social media, and a monthly newsletter that has special giveaways, photography from France, and sneak peeks at her next book. She loves hearing from readers. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Patricia


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Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Release Day! Revealing Hope by Julie Cassar #RevealingHope

Happy Release Day!!

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Congrats Julie
on the release today of
Revealing Hope!

Revealing Hope
 by Julie Cassar

Series: Stealing Light #3
Kindle Edition, 176 pages
Published January 28th 2020

As the smoke clears, a line is drawn in the ashes and a tender new chapter begins for CeeCee and Cash, but how long will this truce with evil last? As Azazel’s quest to steal Light rages on, the search for Pim continues. But, will Cash’s new vulnerabilities change Azazel’s deadly game and unlock the door to new threats? The stakes are high and Cash’s determination to stop Azazel leads them on an unexpected journey.

Secrets from CeeCee and Cash’s shrouded past are revealed as they search to end their nightmare with Evil. Their choices become more difficult when their path leads them farther into Darkness. Who will rise in this fierce battle for power? As their notion of truth becomes clouded and hope unravels, will Darkness prevail in altering them forever?


My thoughts about Revealing Hope ~~ 
—Originally posted January 22nd

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"His Angel Essence was only 21 years old."

Whew! What an adventure this book, and in fact, the entire series was. When I got to the end of Revealing Hope, I literally let out a breath. And I had to pause to savor the conclusion of this amazing series. 

Until I started reading Revealing Hope, I didn't realize just how much I missed CeeCee and Cash. I loved being dropped right back into their world as they prepare to fight Azazel. Once again, they are thrown into an epic battle but this book is so much more than that. Revealing Hope is where we learn about their lives, both past and present, and we come to understand how the two of them came to be together. 

As they prepare for battle, they learn something from CeeCee's past that will help them in their quest, an unexpected ally who steps up to help them with the battle. It just goes to show that friends and allies can come from unexpected places, right?

Revealing Hope ended in such a beautiful, satisfying way. Like I said, it took my breath away. Although I'm sad to say goodbye to CeeCee and Cash and all the rest, I loved the time I spent with them and was very pleased with the way it wrapped up. I wish them all the best. 

I highly recommend this series. To be honest this is not my usual genre but I loved it! You really need to give it a try!

I received a copy of Revealing Hope from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

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Read my thoughts about book #1 & book #2

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About the author



Julie Cassar's debut Young Adult Fantasy "Ruby Blue" Series has been met with rave reviews and has spent weeks on Amazon's Fantasy Series Best Seller List as well as its Top Rated list. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art, specializing in Graphic Design, Cassar has also worked as a production artist, designer, painter and photographer. She has been featured in Fitness Magazine, "Outdoor Athlete," and publishes a monthly blog.

Connect with Julie


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Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

Monday, January 27, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 27, 2020


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

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Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

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Lavender, Loss & Love at the Villa des Violettes
(Villa des Violettes #3)
by Patricia Sands
I love this series!

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First Street
by Catherine McKenzie, Jasmine Guillory, Elyssa Friedland, Shawn Klomparens, Randy Susan Meyers, and Kermit Roosevelt III
This is being released weekly thru Serial Box. The first episode is free. Give it a try!

Concealed in Death (In Death, #38)
Concealed in Death
(In Death #38)
by J.D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen 

What I recently finished

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The Sun Down Motel
by Simone St. James
WOW!! Just WOW!
Pub date 2/18

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A Light Last Seen
by Grace Greene
Pub date 2/11

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Dear Future Self: A Starfish Novella
by Lisa Becker
Pub date 2/4

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A Long Way From Ordinary
(Deadwood Undertaker Series Book 2)
by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky
Read my thoughts HERE.

What I am going to read next

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Buried Beneath the Lies: A Pearl Girls Novel
by Gina Heron
Loved book #1 in this series and am excited to read this one.

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Sunday, January 26, 2020

A Long Way From Ordinary by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky ~ My Thoughts #ALongWayFromOrdinary


A Long Way From Ordinary

A Long Way From Ordinary by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky
Series: Deadwood Undertaker Series Book 2
256 pages
Published December 28th 2019 by Ann Charles & Sam Lucky

“There’s gold in them there hills!” … and something deadly, too.

Danger the likes Boone McCreery has never seen is brewing in the Black Hills. Fresh in from Santa Fe, he’s returned to Deadwood to seek justice for his uncle—and maybe to see about a girl. Little did he know his search for justice would have him stumbling into a hornets’ nest beyond his worst nightmare. One thing is for certain, the trouble he and his compadres chance upon deep in the trees is a LONG way from ordinary.

Kick up your spurs and enjoy another rip-roaring, wild ride with Boone, Rabbit, Clementine, and Hank through the pages of the second book in the Deadwood Undertaker series.

* * * * *

From the bestselling, multiple award-winning, humorous Deadwood Mystery series comes a new herd of tales set in the same Deadwood stomping grounds, only back in the days when the Old West town was young.

 

My thoughts about A Long Way From Ordinary ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"'Waves of death were crashing into The Pyre, drowning Clementine Johanssen in corpses."

I love Ann Charles and her Deadwood mystery series! And I love these new wacky characters that she and Sam Lucky have introduced us to in this Undertaker series.

A Long Way From Ordinary takes us back to the old west Deadwood town as we watch Clementine, Boone, Rabbit, and Hank try to figure out what their mission is and how to defeat the 'others'. Get ready for some intense scenes as well as some hilarity as the foursome become better acquainted and as they struggle to take on the the demons.

I love this series and if you are looking for something that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as well as make you laugh out loud, this is the series for you. Give it a try!

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Book #1

Read my thoughts about book #1 HERE.

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About the authors

Ann Charles

Ann lives in the beautiful Northern Arizona mountains with her clever husband, charming kids, and an incredibly sassy cats. After many years and several colleges, she managed to obtain her Bachelor’s Degree in English with an emphasis on creative writing from the University of Washington.

Her books are character-driven, mixed-genre mysteries full of mystery and mayhem, comedy and spice, and whatever else feels right. Sisters in Crime was kind enough to let her join their membership years ago. In addition, she’s a member of Western Writers of America.

Ann has written a bunch of contemporary, award-winning novels in multiple series full of quirky characters with whom she loves to spend time as much as reality allows. Right now, while you’re reading this, she’s probably frolicking around in another story.

While her reading preferences range from adventure to horror to western and mystery, ever since she tried on her first training bra, she has loved a good mix of romance, too.

When she’s not dabbling in fiction, she’s penning writing-themed articles or standing on her workshop soapbox, sharing what she has learned over the years about the writing craft and marketing.

Connect with Ann


Sam Lucky

Sam Lucky likes to build things--from Jeep engines to Old West buildings to fun stories. When he is not writing, feeding his kids, attempting to seduce his wife, or tending the goldurn cats, he is planning food-based booksigning/road trips with his wife and working on one of his many home-improvement projects.

He writes the Deadwood Undertaker Series with Ann Charles. The first book is called Life at the Coffin Joint, available now.

The second book, A Long Way from Ordinary, will be available this summer. ~ Amazon

Connect with Sam


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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Saturday, January 25, 2020

Book Spotlight #Giveaway! The Look of Love by Sarah Jio #TheLookOfLove


I have sooooo many books! The Book Spotlight Giveaway feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. This feature is a way for my to cull my collection and to give someone else the opportunity to enjoy these treasures.

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I absolutely adore this author and her books! I was hooked after I read her very first novel, The Violets of March and have read all of her books since then. I have copies of all of her books on my bookshelves but was able to grab an extra copy of this one. 

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

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The Look of Love

The Look of Love by Sarah Jio
Paperback, 286 pages
Published November 25th 2014 by Plume

Born during a Christmas blizzard, Jane Williams receives a rare gift: the ability to see true love. Jane has emerged from an ailing childhood a lonely, hopeless romantic when, on her twenty-ninth birthday, a mysterious greeting card arrives, specifying that Jane must identify the six types of love before the full moon following her thirtieth birthday, or face grave consequences. When Jane falls for a science writer who doesn’t believe in love, she fears that her fate is sealed.

Inspired by the classic song, The Look of Love is utterly enchanting.


About the author

Sarah Jio

Sarah Jio is the New York Times bestselling author of ALWAYS, published by Random House (Ballantine), as well as seven other novels from Penguin Books, including, THE VIOLETS OF MARCH, THE BUNGALOW, BLACKBERRY WINTER, THE LAST CAMELLIA, MORNING GLORY, GOODNIGHT JUNE, and THE LOOK OF LOVE. Sarah is also a journalist who has contributed to The New York Times, Glamour, O, The Oprah Magazine, Glamour, SELF, Real Simple, Fitness, Marie Claire, and many others. She has appeared as a commentator on NPR’s Morning Edition. Her novels are translated into more than 25 languages. Sarah lives in Seattle with her three young boys. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Sarah

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a Rafflecopter giveaway


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Wednesday, January 22, 2020

Release Day! The Solicitor’s Son by Rachael Anderson ~ #Giveaway!

Happy Release Day!!


The Solicitor’s Son by Rachael Anderson

At the end of her third season, Miss Sophia Gifford is firmly on the shelf, and she’s determined to accept her current suitor—a man she likes but cannot love.

When her sister decides to throw an impromptu summer house party, Sophia reluctantly agrees to help. What she doesn’t realize is that her sister has plans of her own—plans that would bring a certain childhood friend back into Sophia’s life.

It’s been nearly a decade since Sophia has seen Hugh Quinton. He’s grown into a handsome, charming, and successful—yet completely unacceptable—tradesman. Her mother looks down on him, her father detests him, and society would snub him in an instant. Sophia shouldn’t even consider him. But her heart doesn’t listen to reason, and before long, she finds herself wondering how much she is willing to sacrifice for love.





Release Day Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash

Ends 2/2/20

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from Clean Wholesome Romance and is sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



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Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

Revealing Hope by Julie Cassar ~ My Thoughts #RevealingHope

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Revealing Hope

Revealing Hope
 by Julie Cassar

Series: Stealing Light #3
Kindle Edition, 176 pages
Expected publication: January 28th 2020

As the smoke clears, a line is drawn in the ashes and a tender new chapter begins for CeeCee and Cash, but how long will this truce with evil last? As Azazel’s quest to steal Light rages on, the search for Pim continues. But, will Cash’s new vulnerabilities change Azazel’s deadly game and unlock the door to new threats? The stakes are high and Cash’s determination to stop Azazel leads them on an unexpected journey.

Secrets from CeeCee and Cash’s shrouded past are revealed as they search to end their nightmare with Evil. Their choices become more difficult when their path leads them farther into Darkness. Who will rise in this fierce battle for power? As their notion of truth becomes clouded and hope unravels, will Darkness prevail in altering them forever?


My thoughts about Revealing Hope ~~ 

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"His Angel Essence was only 21 years old."

Whew! What an adventure this book, and in fact, the entire series was. When I got to the end of Revealing Hope, I literally let out a breath. And I had to pause to savor the conclusion of this amazing series. 

Until I started reading Revealing Hope, I didn't realize just how much I missed CeeCee and Cash. I loved being dropped right back into their world as they prepare to fight Azazel. Once again, they are thrown into an epic battle but this book is so much more than that. Revealing Hope is where we learn about their lives, both past and present, and we come to understand how the two of them came to be together. 

As they prepare for battle, they learn something from CeeCee's past that will help them in their quest, an unexpected ally who steps up to help them with the battle. It just goes to show that friends and allies can come from unexpected places, right?

Revealing Hope ended in such a beautiful, satisfying way. Like I said, it took my breath away. Although I'm sad to say goodbye to CeeCee and Cash and all the rest, I loved the time I spent with them and was very pleased with the way it wrapped up. I wish them all the best. 

I highly recommend this series. To be honest this is not my usual genre but I loved it! You really need to give it a try!

I received a copy of Revealing Hope from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.

27386698 Chasing Darkness

Read my thoughts about book #1 & book #2

************************

About the author



Julie Cassar's debut Young Adult Fantasy "Ruby Blue" Series has been met with rave reviews and has spent weeks on Amazon's Fantasy Series Best Seller List as well as its Top Rated list. A graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor Degree in Fine Art, specializing in Graphic Design, Cassar has also worked as a production artist, designer, painter and photographer. She has been featured in Fitness Magazine, "Outdoor Athlete," and publishes a monthly blog.

Connect with Julie


*********************

Be sure to check the sidebar for my current giveaways!

Monday, January 20, 2020

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? January 20, 2020


It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!

**************************************

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

49567712. sy475
A Long Way From Ordinary
(Deadwood Undertaker Series Book 2)
by Ann Charles and Sam Lucky

48644372. sx318
First Street
by Catherine McKenzie, Jasmine Guillory, Elyssa Friedland, Shawn Klomparens, Randy Susan Meyers, and Kermit Roosevelt III
This is being released weekly thru Serial Box. The first episode is free. Give it a try!

Concealed in Death (In Death, #38)
Concealed in Death
(In Death #38)
by J.D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen 

What I recently finished

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Revealing Hope
(Stealing Light Trilogy Book 3)
by Julie Cassar
Pub date 1/28

Last Summer
Last Summer
by Kerry Lonsdale
Read my thoughts HERE.

What I am going to read next

49135483. sy475
Dear Future Self: A Starfish Novella
by Lisa Becker
Pub date 2/4

I really love my reading life!

What are you reading this week?

*************************

Be sure to check the sidebar for all of my current giveaways!

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