Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire by Jillianne Hamilton ~ My Thoughts #MollyMiranda

Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire

Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire by Jillianne Hamilton

Narrated by Alison Stinnett 

Audible audiobook, 4 hours and 56 minutes

Published December 16, 2020 by Tomfoolery Press

Professional, experienced contract burglar.

It’s not exactly something you can put on a business card.

Molly Miranda has made a successful living from “acquiring” valuables and delivering them to clients who pay buckets of cash for her unique services.

So what if she has to lie about her lavish lifestyle in Manhattan and her frequent trips out of the country? Molly has everything under control.

Things go astray when she knocks boots with her charming roommate right before taking off to Scotland with an untrustworthy wildcard on a job assignment that doesn’t go quite as planned.

It doesn’t help that this new partner-in-crime is super annoying. And attractive…

Join Molly on her hilarious adventures as she dodges bullets, trespasses, wears disguises, and steals her way into trouble.

Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire on Audible

Find the whole series on Goodreads

My thoughts about Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire ~~ 

(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 line.)

First line—"I kept my back to the wall, making sure my whole form was in the shadows. A museum employee switched a light on in the next room and rummaged in a metal locker."

This was such a fun book! It started off strong and immediately drew me in. I listened to this story on audiobook and the narrator was great—very pleasing to my ears. The main character, Molly, seems like she would be a fun person to know and the narrator totally nailed her youth and energy. She is the perfect voice for Molly. I found myself wanting to stay in her world. I think I finished listening to this book in record time. 

The story is awesome too. Molly is just trying to live her life, continuing to be the best thief she can be but obstacles, mainly one charming man thief, keep getting in her way. As her challenging adventures continue to unravel, she's a trooper and just keeps going, always ready for that next job.

Jillianne is a new-to-me author and Molly Miranda is a new character to me. I loved my peek into Molly's world and I will be checking out more about Molly and her fun and entertaining adventures. 

About the author

Jillianne Hamilton is the author of three novels and one non-fiction book. Her debut novel, Molly Miranda: Thief for Hire, was nominated for the 2016 Prince Edward Island Book Award.

Jill's first non-fiction book, The Lazy Historian's Guide to the Wives of Henry VIII, was published in 2018.

Jill lives in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island with her husband and corgi.

Connect with Jillianne

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Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord ~ My Thoughts #SweetHollowWomen

Sweet Hollow Women by Holly Tierney-Bedord

Narrated by Scott Cluthe

Audible Audio

Published June 1st 2020 by Holly Tierney-Bedord

As part of a family where life happens to you, fifteen-year-old Carasine Busey is devastated but not surprised when her family drops everything in Sweet Hollow, Louisiana to follow her dad’s shaky career as a welder. It’s not especially shocking, either, when he abandons them all shortly after they settle into their new home in the city.

Carasine, her mom Rhonda, and the rest of the Busey clan have adapted to roll with the punches. From Rhonda’s secret broken heart to Great-Great-Grandpa Jimbo’s eccentric failed dreams, Carasine and her family are used to disappointment.

It’s not until Carasine gets a second chance with an unlikely pair of long-lost relatives that she realizes her path in life might be up to her to navigate. Being their flesh and blood convinces her that there may be some hope for her after all.

My thoughts about Sweet Hollow Women ~~ 

(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 line.)

First line—"Margaret Haydel would turn ten years old June 23, 1962. It was a birthday she had long dreamt of celebrating." 

I love multi-generational stories. And believe me, this one really delves into the generations. Sweet Hollow Women is story about a family of women—women who all struggle with life but at the same time, they are all strong in their own way. As the story is revealed from each person's perspective, we see that strength over and over again. Life was hard for all of these women, and sometimes they didn't make the best decisions, but that's real life, right? 

Holly has created very memorable characters and the way this story is told—with alternating voices—the reader learns the back story of each person's life. We come to understand how all the generations are tied together, whether they wanted to be or not.  

I loved the slow feel of the southern way of life that is Sweet Hollow and I felt very connected to all of these women. I truly came to care about what happened to each of them. I was sad when I came to the end of this compelling story. I wanted there to be more.  

I listened to the audio-book of Sweet Hollow Women and I just have to mention the narrator, Scott Cluthe. This is the first book by him that I have listened to but he was the absolute most perfect voice for this southern story. I enjoyed listening to him immensely.

So between the intriguing story of these women and the wonderful narrator, Sweet Hollow Women was a heartwarming, emotional story that I thoroughly enjoyed. 

About the author

Holly Tierney-Bedord is the author of over a dozen novels and novellas, including Sweet Hollow Women, Surviving Valencia, Right Under Your Nose, Bellamy's Redemption, and Murder at Mistletoe Manor.

She is also the creator of mid-century dollhouse flipping blog www.flipthisminihouse.com and the author of several dollhouse and miniature how-to books. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.  ~ Goodreads

Connect with Holly

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Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord ~ My Thoughts #MurderAtMistletoeManor

Murder at Mistletoe Manor

Murder at Mistletoe Manor by Holly Tierney-Bedord
Audible Audio, Narrated by Christopher Lane
Print and e-book, 146 pages
Published October 3rd 2019 by Holly Tierney-Bedord

Klarinda Snow is the innkeeper of a beautiful, historic bed and breakfast in Windy Pines, Idaho. Guests come to Mistletoe Manor to escape from their troubles while enjoying the scenic mountain town.

When all seven rooms of the inn get booked on a Tuesday night in December, Klarinda is excited about having so much business, but a little confused as well. After all, her inn normally isn't exactly a destination hotspot.

The guests have barely settled in before strange things begin happening. Is this the most accident prone group of travelers ever, or is someone out for revenge?

     

My thoughts about Murder at Mistletoe Manor ~~

(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—"There were seven guestrooms at Mistletoe Manor, and it was strange for more than one to be booked on a Tuesday in December."

What an unexpected treat it was to listen to this wonderful story! Murder at Mistletoe Manor has everything I love to read at this time of the year—a cast of quirky, interesting characters, humor, revenge, and murder, all centered around a touch of Christmas. Yep, that sounds about right, don't you think?  

And let me give a shout out here to the narrator. I loved listening to his voice and he made this entertaining story even more appealing. 

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the Manor and I really hope I get a chance to visit again. I look forward to getting to know Klarinda better as well as all of the rest of the memorable people of Windy Pines. This was a fun, quick read that will have you clamoring for more! 

Thank you to Holly Tierney-Bedord for a copy of Murder at Mistletoe Manor. This is my honest review. 

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About the author

Holly Tierney-Bedord is the author of over a dozen novels and novellas, including Sweet Hollow Women, Surviving Valencia, Right Under Your Nose, Bellamy's Redemption, and Murder at Mistletoe Manor.

She is also the creator of mid-century dollhouse flipping blog www.flipthisminihouse.com and the author of several dollhouse and miniature how-to books. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Holly

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Excess Baggage by Laura Barnard ~ Audio Book Now Available!

Excess Baggage

by Laura Barnard

Stuck in a dead-end relationship, Erica Bennett finds herself daydreaming of her first holiday romance. She was fifteen, it was exciting, new and full of possibilities…and Jack Lawson was hot as hell. That kind of thing leaves a mark.

So when her friends suggest a girls holiday to Luna Island, it’s exactly what she needs to take her mind off things. What she doesn’t expect is to spot Jack – a much older, hotter version of him – across the hotel lobby.

Their attraction is still there and it isn’t long before sparks fly, but fifteen years is a long time. They aren’t the same people they were back then and besides, it’s only a week, right?

Is it a second chance at something real or will their excess baggage ruin their shot at love after they leave Luna Island?

Audio book lovers!

Excess Baggage, the second chance romantic comedy from Amazon best selling author Laura Barnard, is now available on Audible and soon to be iTunes!  

Get it now!!

US | UK | FR | DE

About the author

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Stealing Light by Julie Cassar and Kelley Ernst ~ My Thoughts

Stealing Light

Stealing Light by Julie Cassar
Narrated by Kelley Ernst
Audible Audio
Published August 2nd 2018 by Julie Cassar

"Tonight, everything could change. I wasn’t ready to let go of anyone just yet."

If you could change what you know is coming, would you? Cecelia Walker discovers an amazing ability deep within herself that gives her the power to change the future. When mysterious outsiders enter her life, she begins to question everything and everyone she once knew. 

Years earlier, CeeCee’s life changed forever the day her parents were killed in a horrific car accident. Suddenly extraordinary people and bizarre events began to seep into her very small world. Surviving for years on her addiction to coffee and running, life suddenly deals her a game-changing wildcard and all bets are off. Her magnificent Gift of Light awakens a tremendous dark power wanting to steal what is hers. 

Will Cecelia be able to change what she’s seen and set a new course? Has she met her otherworldly match against evil and found her true soul mate? Or, is nothing is as it seems as the power of darkness threatens to consume her and those she loves.

   

My thoughts about Stealing Light (audio-book)~ 

I originally read Stealing Light in 2016 and absolutely loved it. I recently listened to the audio-book and fell in love with the story all over again. The narrator, Kelley Ernst, does a fabulous job reading the book and really nailed CeeCee's character. She made CeeCee come to life for me. I've also read book two, Chasing Darkness and I can't wait for the opportunity to listen to it.

Here is my original review that was posted on May 12, 2016.

Oh. My. Gosh! Stealing Light is a unique and very awesome story about love, light, guardian angels, dark evilness, discovering one's true self, and learning about the power within. And I loved every minute of it! I was so sad when it ended. But...... I learned from the author that she is currently working on the sequel! Yay! Yay! Yay!! 

I loved CeeCee and I loved watching as she discovers her Gift of Light and as she comes to terms with the fact that she has had a guardian angel all these years. She and her brother lost their parents in a horrible car accident four years ago and she has felt so lost and alone since then. Discovering all the beautifulness around her is a wonderful thing, but along with all this beauty and love comes darkness and evil. Is she strong enough to survive all that evil?

I love the idea of guardian angels watching over us so I thoroughly enjoyed this story of Julie's, centering around these angels. It was amazing to read how she was able to put human thoughts and emotions into these beings. What a beautiful, intense, and captivating story! Hurry up with book #2, Julie! 

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 it's 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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Destination Wedding by Deanna Lynn Sletten (Audiobook) ~ My Thoughts

Destination Wedding 

Destination Wedding by Deanna Lynn Sletten
Narrator Aundrea Mitchell

Audible Audio, 5 hours and 27 minutes
Published April 20th 2017 by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Life is full of surprises…

Claire Martin's life is perfect, or at least she tells herself it is. She owns a successful clothing boutique, has a steady, dependable boyfriend, and a beautiful grown daughter who is about to be married. Sure, Claire's husband of twenty years left her for a younger woman four years ago, but that is all in the past. Now, Claire is looking forward to her daughter's Bahama wedding and spending a week in paradise. The only thing Claire dreads is her ex-husband and his wife will also be on the island. Claire is determined to make the best of it, though. What Claire doesn't realize is ignoring her ex-husband for the week is going to be impossible.

James Martin's life is a mess. His wife of less than four years has made him the most miserable man on earth and now they are in the middle of a messy divorce. He's happy that he can forget her for a week as he goes off to the Bahamas to attend his lovely daughter's wedding. Jim is embarrassed to admit to his daughter and his ex-wife, Claire, that he made the biggest mistake of his life when he left her for another woman, so he makes up a story as to why his new wife didn't come along. When he and Claire are unexpectedly forced upon each other, Jim soon realizes what he's lost and he begins to wonder if he can find a way back into Claire's heart.

My thoughts about Destination Wedding (audio) ~~

(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 lines—"Clare Martin discreetly glanced at her watch with one eye as she watched her customer with the other turn this way and that in front of the three-way mirror. Clare had to be out of the shop in five minutes or else she'd be late meeting with her daughter, and she didn't want to be late. Today was important."

I just love Deanna's books and I have gradually been 're-reading' them by listening to them on audio. Destination Wedding is a wonderful story about love, lost love, and rekindled love. 

This was the first audiobook that I have listened to by this narrator. It took me a little bit to get used to her intonation and speaking mannerisms, but once I got settled into the story, it was very enjoyable. 

Below, you can read my thoughts about Destination Wedding, which I originally posted on May 7, 2014. 

I am always so excited when Deanna has a new book out. I know I am going to be taken away on a wondrous, emotional journey. In Destination Wedding we get to travel to the Bahamas and experience the sun, sand, and surf. 

'No setting could have been more perfect for a wedding celebration.'

But then, on the flip side, we also get to experience all the drama that goes with a wedding; glitches in the plans, divorced parents trying to be civil to each other, and getting to know the new in-laws. You know the divorced couple is going to have a hard time getting along as they try to put their past hurts behind them. But can they?

'The grass hadn't been greener on the other side. In fact, it had been brown, prickly, and downright nasty.'

I love the settings in all of Deanna's books. She writes so beautifully and with so much description that I feel like I am there with her characters, enjoy the scenery as much as they are. One spot in the book in particular that I loved was when Claire enters her room at the hotel and sees it for the first time. I felt like I was looking at that beautiful room just as Clare was seeing it.

Destination Wedding is the perfect book for reading this time of year. This is the wedding season, is it not? And how can you go wrong with a book set in the Bahamas? Deanna has done it again, writing another fabulous story, with wonderful characters, and a great setting! I loved my little escape to the beach! 

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And be on the lookout for Deanna's newest book, 

One Wrong Turn. 

It releases June 20th and I loved it! 

Stop by her website to enter 

the One Wrong Turn giveaway!

Ends June 20th so hurry!! 

 About the author

Deanna Lynn Sletten writes women's fiction and romance novels that dig deeply into the lives of the characters, giving the reader an in-depth look into their hearts and souls. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime.

Deanna's romance novel, Memories, was a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Books of 2012. Her novel, Sara's Promise, was a semifinalist in The Kindle Book Review's Best Indie Books of 2013 and a finalist in the 2013 National Indie Excellence Book Awards.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her northern Minnesota home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing in the boat on the lake in the summer.

Connect with Deanna

Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Heavy Weather by Normandie Fischer (Audiobook) ~ My Thoughts

Heavy Weather

Heavy Weather by Normandie Fischer

A Carolina Coast Novel

Narrated by Laura Jennings 

Published January 30, 2017 by Normandie Fischer

Death, life, family, domestic abuse--Heavy Weather explores all these themes in a memorable and compelling narrative. When Annie Mac's life explodes like a storm at sea, she is helpless to fight back. Left for dead, her two children targeted by her abuser, her life appears to be over. The people who help her show her how to weather a storm that she cannot control.

It takes a town to save a child. That town is Beaufort, North Carolina. 

Annie Mac’s estranged husband vows that nothing will stop him from getting his baby girl. Not Annie Mac and certainly not that boy of hers. 

Only four blocks away, Hannah Morgan lives in comfort with her husband and dog, making pottery and waiting for her best friend to come home. When she discovers the two children cowering in the bushes and their mama left for dead, it doesn’t take her long to set her coterie of do-gooders to some extra-strength do-gooding. Add in Clay, a lonely police lieutenant yanked out of his comfort zone and into the heart of this small family, and who knows what will happen? 

From the author of Becalmed comes this latest tale of the Carolina coast, introducing some new characters to love--and to loathe. 

Purchase Heavy Weather

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

Heavy Weather was my introduction to Normandie Fisher's books and I am now hooked on her stories. I loved reading this book and I thoroughly enjoyed listening to it just recently. 

The narrator, Laura Jennings, does an excellent job and her soft, soothing voice was a treat to listen to. She does an amazing job with all of the different character's voices and her smooth southern drawl transported me to that time and place. I look forward to listening to more of her work. 

My thoughts about Heavy Weather ~~ 

(originally posted on May 25, 2015)

(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—"Blood oozed between Annie Mac's fingers from the gash in her cheek. She huddled by the refrigerator, shivering, praying Roy's knuckles wouldn't rip up more of her flesh." 

I have kind of been on a Southern fiction reading binge lately so this one caught my eye. I knew I would enjoy it as I have all of the other Southern fiction I have read lately but I didn't realize that I would love it as much as I did. 

The stories starts off with a very intense scene which drew me into the story and made me want to keep reading. Annie Mac has suffered horrible things at the hands of her estranged husband and is left for dead. 

'Evil existed. Real evil, the black-and-white kind without any gray, where a man lost his humanity and acted as if he'd signed on the devil's dotted line. It seemed that Royce Bingham was one of those.'

The community comes together to support Annie and her children while the authorities are trying to track down Roy. I was so engrossed in the story and by the characters that I felt like I was right there along with them. I experienced the joys and sorrow that the characters did. I also felt the anxiety and fear that they felt when that evil person showed his hand. 

I was sometimes so wrapped up in the intensity of the story that I couldn't allow my eyes to wander ahead on the page because I didn't want to know what was going to happen. I had to let the story unfold naturally the way is was supposed to. So ... wow! That was amazing to feel that way and to be so into the story that I was nervous right along with the characters. 

This is the second book that the author has written in her Carolina Coast series. I didn't feel at all confused by not having read the first book but I now want to go back and read the first book, Becalmed, so I can visit this world again and learn more about the wonderful characters. I really hope there will be more stories after this one. 

Becalmed

About the author

A life-long sailor, Normandie has been writing and editing professionally since the seventies. She studied sculpture for several years in Perugia, Italy, before returning stateside to complete her degree with special honors in English. When they’re not visiting grown children who have scattered elsewhere, Normandie and her husband divide their time between their waterfront home in NC (where she takes care of her mama) and their waterborne sailing home, Sea Venture, lately returned from Pacific Mexico. 

She has three women's fiction books now: Becalmed, which was the first Carolina Coast novel; Sailing out of Darkness; and now the second Carolina Coast story, Heavy Weather.

Connect with Normandie

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

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Walking Sam by Deanna Lynn Sletten (Audiobook) ~ My Thoughts

Walking Sam

Walking Sam by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Audible Audio: Narrated by Michael Ahr
Published: January 6, 2017 by Deanna Lynn Sletten

Love isn’t always a walk in the park…

Ryan Collier has lived a quiet life with his golden retriever, Sam, and two orange tabbies since the death of his wife nearly three years ago. His friends and family are encouraging him to move on and find someone to share his life with, but Ryan feels he’ll never find anyone he’ll love as much as his wife. Ryan reluctantly starts going out on weekends, and soon finds that not only have women changed, but also the rules of dating. He’s longing for a fulfilling relationship but everyone he meets only want one-night stands. Then, Kristen moves in next door and he finds they have a lot in common. There’s only one problem—she’s not available.

Kristen Foster craves a peaceful place to call home. With her stressful job as a Pediatric Oncology Nurse and a failed marriage behind her, she doesn’t want any more drama in her life. Then her casual boyfriend—a surgeon—proposes to her. And she finds that the widower next door is a thirty-something, handsome man who seems to have his choice of young women every weekend. His only redeeming quality is his beautiful dog, Sam. But as she gets to know Ryan, Kristen is drawn to him. She finds herself struggling to choose between the dependable surgeon or the man she believes is the neighborhood playboy.

Can Sam’s furry charm bring Ryan and Kristen together?

Walking Sam is a heartwarming story of two people who have to let go of the past in order to see what’s right in front of them.

My thoughts about Walking Sam (audio-book) ~~

(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—"Ryan Collier awoke in the darkened bedroom to feel the warm breath hitting his face."

I first read Walking Sam in March of 2016. I loved it when I read it and it was wonderful to go back to that world and spend time with Ryan, Kristen, and Sam again. This audiobook was great to listen to and the narrator, Michael Ahr, did an amazing job with the characters and I found myself falling in love with them all over again.  

Below, you can read my thoughts about Walking Sam, which I originally posted on March 25, 2016. 

Oh my, I don't know where to start, other than to say that I should have started this book on the weekend. Once I got started reading it, I didn't want to stop! I loved it! I felt so very comfortable with the characters in this wonderful book that I never wanted to leave them. Ryan and Kristen are people that I wish I knew in my life.

They are both such caring, down to earth, loving people but they are both dealing with loss. Ryan's wife passed away very suddenly 3 years ago and he's having a really hard time letting go of her memory. Kristen was divorced 2 years ago and is currently in a relationship ... when it's convenient for him. Kristen moves in next door to Ryan and they forge a very comfortable, easy friendship, largely due to Ryan's dog Sam, who take an immediate liking to Kristen. See, even the dog knows a nice person when she meets one.

Deanna writes very descriptively throughout the book and because of her descriptions of the people, places and events, I was able to feel like I was a part of the story. Their emotions, love, and friendship became just as important to me as they did to Ryan and Kristen themselves.

I have read quite a few of Deanna's books but this one may be right up there as one of my favorites and it's because of Kristen and Ryan. They both are such good people and I felt very comfortable (there's that word again) with them. I really cared about them and I knew I would be happy for them, no matter how things turned out. They were there as good friends to each other and what more can someone want but to have a good friend in your life?

Walking Sam is a beautiful, warm, loving story of two mature adults who discover that true happiness comes when you can find someone who can be yourself with. Read Walking Sam and fall in love with Ryan and Kristen just like I did.

About the author

Deanna Lynn Sletten grew up on the sunny coast of southern California before moving to northern Minnesota as a teenager. Her interest in writing novels was sparked in a college English class and she has been writing in some form or another ever since. In 2011, Deanna discovered the world of self-publishing and published three novels she'd written over the years. After that, she was hooked.

Deanna enjoys writing heartwarming women's fiction and romance novels with unforgettable characters. She has also written one middle-grade novel that takes you on the adventure of a lifetime. She believes in fate, destiny, love at first sight, soulmates, second chances, and happily ever after, and her novels reflect that.

Deanna is married and has two grown children. When not writing, she enjoys walking the wooded trails around her home with her beautiful Australian Shepherd or relaxing in the boat on the lake in the summer.

Connect with Deanna

Website | Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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