Amazon is refunding up to $70M in-app purchases made by kids

Amazon is refunding up to $70M in-app purchases made by kids

BOOK REVIEW- PHYSICAL FORES by D.D. Ayres (A K-9 Rescue Novel)

Macayla Burkett is no ordinary private eye. She’s a pet detective, dedicated to tracking down missing dogs and cats. When two famous racing greyhounds disappear and turn up dead, Macayla finds herself in the midst of a much more serious case. And when the thieves target her and threaten her life, she realizes she’s in grave danger—until a ridiculously handsome stranger enters the picture …

Oliver Kelly may look like a male stripper, but his muscles aren’t just for show. The gorgeous Australian is co-owner of a K-9 Search and Rescue service dedicated to saving those in danger. When he and his K-9 partner, an Australian shepherd named Jackeroo, rescue the fiery detective from trouble, the sparks begin to fly. And when they join forces to stop a widespread case of animal theft, it unleashes a torrent of passion that’s impossible to tame…AMAZON 3.5  STARS

The book started out with a  great" grab you" kind of start to the book.  Good main characters with a few surprises especially with the dramatic happenings at the end.  
Wow, the trauma that this woman worked through, and there were several.  And the hits just kept coming.  Her first meeting with her new Aussie "friend" was unexpected and somewhat humorous.  He wasn't all gorgeous, talented and sexy although the writing showed he was all that.  He also had a few unexpected surprises hidden.  Some of the conversations between  Mac and Oliver were smile-worthy.
Yes, there will be sex in this book and sexual talk.  Prepare to hear the word, "Dick" quite a bit.
Jackeroo was a really good addition to the story. 

Although I liked this book, it also had lulls that I didn't enjoy as much. Just felt like it could have been a bit deeper.  

An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley.  And this is my honest opinion of it. 

Ep. 63 Online Exclusive! Prayer Activation Weight Loss Episode

Ep. 61 - Packing On The Pounds!

Ep. 58 Let's Get Rid of Bitterness

DOUBLE PISTACHIO CAKE

Please ignore the picture on the recipe page.  It is not the right picture. It is from an older recipe page and the first picture at the top is the right one.

WONDER live in Israel - Hillsong UNITED

BOOK REVIEW- THE BRIDAL QUEST by Candace Camp

Lady Irene Wyngate swore she'd never marry, keeping suitors at bay with her caustic tongue. But there was one man she couldn't scare: Gideon, long-lost heir to the Earl of Radbourne. He had been kidnapped as a child and grew up tough on the London streets. And though he had been restored to his family, he was still more at home in gambling dens than stately ballrooms.

Irene isn't attracted to Gideon, or so she says when matchmaker Francesca Haughston asks for her help to civilize him for marriage. After all, he is a true rogue with a dubious past. A handsome rogue, she has to admit, but as she reluctantly begins to yield to love, wicked family secrets come to light…with devastating consequences for the reluctant lovers.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

I liked the main characters; they both were unique in their personalities and what they had gone through.  Even the way they first met years previously was unusual and unconventional.

There were several really good secondary people too.  Francesca turns out to be one of those and I ended up liking her a lot.

There are mysteries and surprises that will be uncovered.

Earlier on in the story I asked myself the question of why it was so easy for Gideon to be found now after all these years and it was a no-go so many years ago when it happened.  I was relieved to find that Gideon also asks that very question himself and it causes Gideon to search to find out the truth of what really happened.  There will be lots of secrets and lies that need to be uncovered. 

The main reason I gave it a lower rating was because the "I won't ever get married/ I won't marry you" rant by Irene felt like it went on a bit too long.  And after awhile, I got tired of it.  Oh, I understood her reasons, she had them but still it mired down the book for me.  

Things do speed up after awhile and things do come to a good conclusion with many questions answered and a good Epilogue. 

BOOK REVIEW-TEXAS WOMAN by Joan Johnston BOOK 3 of Sisters of the Lone Star

Cruz Guerrero wanted Sloan Stewart from the first moment he laid eyes on the headstrong beauty. But Sloan, eldest daughter of a wealthy cotton planter, belonged to another man—until the day she came to him, a woman in trouble on the lawless frontier …and he made her an offer she could not refuse. Now he is ready to claim what is rightfully his—even as a long-ago betrayal threatens to tear her from his arms forever.

Sloan swore never to be used by a man again. Only sheer desperation made her strike a bargain with the aristocratic nobleman. Now he has come to collect on the vow they made together, seducing her with tender words, determined to make her want him as he wants her. Caught in the bitter cross fire of a traitorous enemy and an embattled republic, a man bound by honor and a woman wounded by passion must dare to trust in a love that’s strong and wild and true…AMAZON 4.5 STARS



Gritty, emotional with great main characters and secondary ones too.  
Cruz was such a really good man who put up with a lot from Sloan.  He also helped her quite a bit too.  And that was some bargain he struck with her some years ago.  Sloan was also quite the interesting woman, she had to scrap like a man most of her life.  She was a hard worker and loved Three Oaks, the place she was promised to inherit.  Her father Rip Stewart was one HARD man and he was hard on all three of his daughters.  Still, he was the hardest on his older daughter Sloan.  As unfair as that was, it did end up helping her endure the things that she had and what was to come.  She had loved one man with her heart wide open and he had betrayed her in several huge, painful ways.  It also made her afraid to ever love again, even her own son, Cisco.  That love she had for Tonio (the boy's father) turned to hate and she couldn't hardly bear to look at the boy although he looked more like his Uncle Cruz. 

 Some of the secondary people in the story include Sloan's sisters, Cricket and Bay.  I had read Bay's story earlier ( Comanche Woman).  It was good to see them show up in this book. It was still easy to read this story without having read the others.  But I did enjoy the fact that I had read the previous book. 

There is plenty of action and problems going on. There were several different "plots" that are going on and  watch out for Cruz's mother.  She is one selfish witch and often refers to Sloan as "that woman."  


All of the story does come to  satisfying conclusions with no cliffhangers.

BOOK REVIEW- ISSUED TO THE BRIDE ONE NAVY SEAL ( Brides of Chance Creek) by Cora Seton

Marry—or else.

Navy SEAL Brian Lake is out of luck. Going rogue on his last mission landed him on a fast track out of the Navy—years too soon to have saved up enough money to buy the ranch he’s always wanted. Without a career—or the cash to start over—Brian’s options are few, until Army general Augustus Reed steps in with an intriguing new mission—a permanent one.

Ignored by her absentee father, duped by thief he appointed to oversee her family’s ranch, Cass Reed is done with men for good. From now on she’s determined to run Two Willows herself, so when her father sends a Navy SEAL to fix up her house, she vows to run him off her land as soon as possible. But Brian’s just as determined to stay, and he’s in a far different league than the men she’s met before.

Brian’s ready to do anything that will earn him a share of a prosperous ranch—even take a chance on marrying the General’s daughter. And he soon realizes it won’t be a hardship to marry Cass. She’s everything he’s ever dreamed of in a woman—and Two Willows is everything he wanted in a ranch.

But he’s not the only one who wants Two Willows—and Cass. 

Will falling in love be the most dangerous mission of all?  AMAZON 4 STARS

A good story with good main characters.  I really liked both Brian and Cass.  
The General was something else and really tried to keep a tight control over his daughters.  I dislike bullies so this was a harder part for me to like; he kept hanging their love and possible loss of their home over their heads.  Kept them in fear, I didn't like that about him either.  I know he had redeeming qualities but they were kind of hard to see.  
He even managed to manipulate some men in the service .  Ones that had gotten in some sort of trouble and he had sent to a Special Unit.  The set-up in their headquarters there was odd to say the least.  Each man had a picture on the wall of a specific daughter of his near them.  There were other family pictures of course.  But it looks like he's handpicked the men for each daughter.  That was a little hard to swallow.  Especially when things looked like they were going to work out EVENTUALLY with the first "selected" couple.  Other than that oddity, it was a pretty  good story.  It was amazing how many things Brian had to help sort out for Cass personally and each of her sisters.  They were hip deep in the wrong kind of men and trouble.  It had lots of action as well as romance.  

BOOK REVIEW- THE EAGLE & THE CHILD by S. Khubiar

Shahla is two women: the American who works as a Research Specialist at a Federal prison, and the Israeli asset whose clandestine work is concealed by her American job. She tries to disengage from two governments that are ripping holes in her soul, but the unfinished business of her hidden life comes between her and the man she’d hoped could heal the wounds of her past. A mixed marriage is only the beginning of their problems as Persian Jewish and American Protestant cultures clash. Three nations’ intelligence services and one man’s dream of personal revenge draw Shahla into a war begun in a previous generation. Who are the Eagle and the Child?   AMAZON 5 STARS

The story starts out slower but not in a bad way.  This story gets INTENSE!  It's also Fabulous!
It also shows the intricate ways of one of the main characters, Shahla (Shah).  And how she meets the other main character, Philip and how their relationship develops over time.  It's not going to be an easy one.  Shah is complicated and intriguing mix of a kick-butt fighting woman when needed, skilled and ruthless.  But that has been trained deeply into her and isn't who she really is.  It's almost like she never really had a chance to be a normal child let alone a normal woman.  She was called a woman-child which turned out to be a good way to put it.
She had also lived under so much control, it was crazy.  It made for a crazy mix of skill in some areas and being so naive in others.  She was also a deeply religious  Jewish woman that often felt conflicted by what she was forced to do as a spook.  When I say the word religious here, it has a deeper meaning that just a rigid following of rules, its a heartfelt love of God,  and as a scholar she believes that Jesus is the Messiah that has already come.  We get to see where that clashes if the more rigid sects, which several of her family members are part of.   It was a great addition to see both of the Jewish cultures and I really enjoyed that.  It didn't feel hard to follow or too heavy.  I appreciated having the definitions of some of the Hebrew words.  It was also written in a way that some of the words were easy to guess pretty close what they meant.

Philip, Philip, Philip.   Now there is another very interesting, deep character.  Handsome, skilled as a surgeon and also skilled as a lover of women.  He has been a "hound dog" when it comes to women.   They seem to fall in line after him, chasing him and so often catching him.  He's spoiled and selfish and even his own mother told him so..to his face!  Now don't get the wrong idea because she loves him but she also tells him its time for him to grow up!  He's not all bad, it's not that simple.  He's also good to Shah except he's  kind of scary when that volcanic temper of his gets loose.  When it does, he's a jerk.  And he messes up big time more than once.  It's a serious flaw that he battles.  On the other hand, he is also a good guy too.

So many really great people in this book.  And there is a depth to them.  Every character was so much deeper than you realize at first.  Uzi was a good case in point.  Hated D.J. though.  Even though he's probably not ALL bad, he was easy to hate.
There is going to be violence, I hope you understand that.  The book blurb should have been a tip off.  But its such a great story and it's a trilogy, so remember it doesn't end with this book.  Still, it was worth it.

I received a copy of this book and I fell in love with it.  Edge of my seat reading.

If you can't hear God, try this- Graham Cooke

Link to Brilliant Perspectives

Grace To Grace - Hillsong Worship

BOOK REVIEW- DEVIL IN SPRING by Lisa Kleypas

An eccentric wallflower  . . .

Most debutantes dream of finding a husband. Lady Pandora Ravenel has different plans. The ambitious young beauty would much rather stay at home and plot out her new board game business than take part in the London Season. But one night at a glittering society ball, she’s ensnared in a scandal with a wickedly handsome stranger.

A cynical rake  . . .

After years of evading marital traps with ease, Gabriel, Lord St. Vincent, has finally been caught by a rebellious girl who couldn’t be less suitable. In fact, she wants nothing to do with him. But Gabriel finds the high-spirited Pandora irresistible. He’ll do whatever it takes to possess her, even if their marriage of convenience turns out to be the devil’s own bargain.

A perilous plot  . . .

After succumbing to Gabriel’s skilled and sensuous persuasion, Pandora agrees to become his bride. But soon she discovers that her entrepreneurial endeavors have accidentally involved her in a dangerous conspiracy—and only her husband can keep her safe. As Gabriel protects her from their unknown adversaries, they realize their devil’s bargain may just turn out to be a match made in heaven

 AMAZON 5 STARS

I LOVED this one. Pandora was charming in her outspoken, unconventional way.  Gabriel was a charming rake of sorts who comes from an unconventional family.  I loved them both on their own as as an attempted couple.  The more Gabriel gets to know Pandora, the more he wants her.  And she fights giving up her independence most of the way.  I can't even begin to tell you how many times I laughed out loud at some of the conversations between the two of them.  That doesn't even begin to count the times when it just made me grin.  I loved how Pandora's mind was always working and that she was intelligent and had fun making up words.  They just seemed to flow out of her naturally.

Even additional characters were a lot of fun.  You can see where Gabriel got some of his seductive ways once you are introduced to his father.  That's not a bad thing though because his father is a reformed rake wildly in love with his own wife.   He had a great sense of humor too which he passed onto his son.  Just listening to him was funny too.  Families on both side were a great addition to the story and I really enjoyed them too. 

There is more to the story than just the fight to win Pandora to marriage, and the adjustments after they marry. Although that was fun in itself.  There are some plots, action, some surprises and also some "liberties" taken before marriage.  There is also several scenes of marital sex too, so if that makes you uncomfortable, skim over those parts and enjoy the rest of the story.

For me I think this was a character driven story and it won me over.

BOOK REVIEW- THE DANGEROUS THIEF by Mallory Crowe

James Weston hasn't given a damn about anything or anyone ever since the first time he took a life. Except now the hired killer is on a very different type of job: Babysitting.

Willa Belli has trouble following her. She is used to partying and trips to the most exotic parts of the world, but her glamorous lifestyle has taken a heavy blow. Now that she knows exactly where her father's money comes from, she's determined to finally do something right and put a stop to it. That is if she can stay alive long enough.

But the stakes are high as her father's men comb the country for her and she's forced to put her trust in a stranger who seems torn between ignoring her and staring with a lust from her deepest fantasies. But she needs to be careful. Because James Weston is deadly, greedy and sexy as hell. AMAZON 4.5

The opening chapter starts out really good and I really enjoyed this story.  Although I have read some of the prior books, this one was written in a way that I think it could be read as a stand-alone.  For me it was like revisiting friends and meeting new ones.  Willa was a really good main character, a "richy" rich woman with no real goals in life except partying and shopping with her Daddy footing the bill.  You'd think that she would be someone with very little character when you read that, but don't count her out.  She does draw the line on quite a few more things than you would think.   One flaw though is that when she is nervous she prattles on and on.  James is a no nonsense get it done kind of man and he is not impressed when he first takes off with Willa.  He's kind of disgusted with his "babysitting" job but he will do it and his attitude is that she will just have to fall in line with how he does things.    Yeah, in his dreams.
There is plenty of action and some surprises as the story unfolds.  I think this is a book that I will be adding on the list of one of my favorites of the series.

I received an  advanced copy of  this book, and this is my honest opinion of it.

BAILEYS IRISH CREAM BUNDT CAKE

Wonder // Hillsong United // New Song Cafe

BOOK REVIEW- COMANCHE WOMAN by Joan Johnston

In this dazzling prequel to the New York Times bestsellers The Cowboy and The Texan, Joan Johnston takes us back to a time when Texas was a young and wild republic, and three strong-willed sisters carved out a destiny that would spawn two legendary dynasties. Here is the spellbinding tale of a woman captured by Comanches—and of the proud warrior who vows to make her love him.

Born to a white father and his Indian bride, Long Quiet believed his destiny lay with his Comanche brothers. But his heart secretly belonged to Bayleigh Stewart, daughter of the richest cotton planter in Texas, who’d been abducted by a marauding brave and sold to the highest bidder. For years he’d searched for the violet-eyed beauty, and now a strange twist of fate led him to her. 

Called Shadow by her captors, Bay had almost given up hope of rescue, when a rugged stranger in buckskins appeared, risking his life to bring her home...and awakening a passion that burned hot and true. Bay knew her place was with her family. But Long Quiet hadn’t found her only to lose her again. He had to convince this woman—his woman—that her true home was with him... as together they would fight for a love strong enough to bridge two worlds....AMAZON  4.5 STARS

Good characters and plenty of drama and misunderstandings.  Long Quiet and Bayleigh/Shadow were both interesting people and you get to see their P.O.V.'s, making it easy to be drawn into what they are going through, who they are and their hopes and some of their dreams.  Long Quiet has his work cut out for him when it comes to Bay.  He's searched for her for so long and was almost about to give up when things began to align in his favor. It's quite the different slant in the story about where she has been and the how of why she was so hard to find.  That was a story in itself.
We get to see manipulations that have gone on and are still going on and it's not just limited to one race.  It is happening in both the Indian and White community, including Rip, Bay's father, and the Indian medicine man and another white man that I won't name because that would kind of spoil it for new readers.  There is also a couple of women that get into the act with their own agenda also.  Now, don't get the wrong idea, it's not all evil.  There are good people and tender moments as well. 
Long Quiet does woo Bay but as you can expect not without difficulties. For a while, its like one step forward and then two steps back.  But it doesn't come across as tiresome to me.  They do get their H.E.A. and the sense of families beginning to heal continues. 

BOOK REVIEW- WHEN YOU DARE by Lori Foster

The tougher they are, the harder they fall… 

Professional mercenary Dare Macintosh lives by one hard-and-fast rule: business should never be personal. If a cause appeals to him and the price is right, he'll take the mission he's offered. But then the lovely Molly Alexander asks him to help her track down the men who'd had her kidnapped—and for the first time, Dare's tempted to combine work with pleasure. 

Fiercely independent, Molly vows to trust no one until she's uncovered the truth. Could the enemy be her powerful estranged father? The ex-fiancé who still holds a grudge?   Or the not-so-shy fan of her bestselling novels? As the danger heats up around them, the only anchor Molly has is Dare himself. But what she feels for him just might be the most frightening thing of all…AMAZON 4.5 STARS

A really good story.  Something to remember is that it has adult content, has some sensitive issues which would probably be better for 18+ readers.  Great main characters; Dare and Molly were both strong just in some different ways.  I liked them both and as the story unfolds you get to see some things that they have in common too.  Molly is a straight shooter, who doesn't play games and often caught people off guard with it with her words and her ways Her father and stepmother were always uncomfortable with her style . Dare found her honest approach refreshing and even though he doesn't show it at first, he's really drawn to her.  Dare is a straight shooter too, he is a man of integrity.  But his straight shooting often had to do with the physical protection of the innocent and helpless. Gun, knife, fighting skills were something he had perfected and he wasn't afraid to kill if he had to.  It wasn't his first choice, but it was on the list.  So you can see not only is he skilled but he's also lethal at times.  
 The secondary characters were really good too; Chris and Dane's girls, "Sargie and Tai".  Nice addition.
Something that I appreciated was the unusual choice of occupation for Molly.  That also was a nice touch I thought.   Here I am reading a book (by an author of course) and one of the main characters is an author writing a book.  Made things kind of interesting. 
There is plenty of action, twists, turns, surprises and yes, romance.   The book kept me interested all the way through. 

I loved her first - Heartland

Little Boy On His Knees Aka Cameron's Song

Kenneth Copeland Ministries - Does God allow tragedy to teach us?

Kenneth Copeland Ministries - Does God allow tragedy to teach us?

Let’s get this clear from the start. Tragedy, troubles and terror are direct attacks of Satan, whose total focus is to steal, kill, and destroy any way he can (John 10:10). Getting us to question these things and question the love of God is just part of Satan’s plan to discourage, defeat and torment. When troubles and tragedies happen, it is not a judgment of God permitted in order to correct or teach us something.

Isaiah 54:14-15 states, “In righteousness you shall be established; You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; And from terror, for it shall not come near you. Indeed they [oppression, fear and terror] shall surely assemble, but not because of Me. Whoever assembles against you shall fall for your sake.”

Yes, oppression, fear and terror will try to come upon us. God’s Word is clear about that. But it is just as clear these things are not from God; they are not part of His plan or His will. God is neither terrorist nor tormentor.

In fact, the very thought that God allows trouble to correct or punish us is contrary to the basic principle of redemption. God put our sin, sickness, disease, sorrow, grief and poverty on Jesus in order to redeem us. Jesus was sent to carry our sorrow and grief—not to give it to us. The things the devil brings were put on Jesus so we wouldn’t have to suffer them. God does not need the devil to correct His children!

So how does God teach and correct us? He uses His Word and the Holy Spirit to deal with us. You only need to read 2 Timothy 3:16, John 16:13 and 1 Corinthians 2:9-10 to see this. God has appointed the Holy Spirit to be the teacher of His children (John 14:26).

God’s attitude is characterized in Acts 10:38. Jesus “went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.” And He made clear it was the Father in Him who did those good works (John 14:9-10). No one can imagine Jesus hurting people. How then can we imagine this of our heavenly Father who sent Jesus to represent Him to us?

Certainly there are Bible references to the wrath of God. But read those references in context. God is not using His wrath to teach His people. He’s directing it against those who’ve let themselves become His enemies. (See Nahum 1:2 and Romans 1:18). But toward His children, Jesus compared Him to a human father who only gives good gifts—not evil ones—to those who ask for them (Matthew 7:9-11).
 

We encourage you to meditate on and let the following scriptures comfort and establish you in God’s heart toward you: Deuteronomy 28:7; Psalms 34:17, 61:1-4; Proverbs 3:3-6; Matthew 6:9-13; John 14:27; and 1 Timothy 2:1-2.

- See more at: http://www.kcm.org/read/questions/does-god-allow-tragedy-teach-us#sthash.kX0wGf0P.dpuf

BOOK REVIEW- MERRY CHRISTMAS BABY by Marie Cole

When hotel event planner Carrie Abbott comes to the rescue and steps in to help at the front desk, the last person she expects to see is her high school sweetheart. Shawn Jeffries is now a famous rock star, and he's not alone. The woman on his arm is a star in her own right. Carrie knows he's out of her league, but that does't stop the memories of their youthful infatuation from melting her heart again.

But when Shawn shows an interest in rekindling their old flame, Carrie faces a tough decision. To keep him in her life, she must tell the truth. How will Shawn react when he finds out that she's been keeping a big secret for the past six years?   AMAZON  3 STARS

A likable short book with romantic struggles that come to a good outcome.  I think it would have been even better if it had been a bit deeper, maybe even a full length book. But still it was a nice, quick read.  

I liked the main characters but I also just have to add this.  Please forgive me for just one snarky comment.  I thought it as I was reading the book. " Didn't these two ever hear of birth control?"  

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- NEVER REFUSE A SHEIKH by Jackie Ashenden

Altair is a man perfectly in control both of himself and the power he wields as regent of Al Harah. Yet in order to retain his stronghold on the country he loves, he must wed a princess wilder than the Bedouin tribe she was raised in. A princess who only has one word for him: no.

Princess Safira knows what freedom means and it isn’t a palace or a crown. Neither does it mean being told what to do by a man with more ice in his veins than blood. Safira is innocent in the ways of men, but the heat in Altair’s gaze calls to a deep, unclaimed part of her soul she cannot deny. Altair seems hellbent on civilizing her, but she’s not so easily tamed. Especially not when she can sense the wildness that lives in him….AMAZON   4 STARS


I enjoyed this story.  Good main characters and plenty of spunk on Safira's part.  She was NOT going to go quietly into the night! The way the story starts out is interesting in itself as is the subtle warning that the desert chief gives Altair.   It made me smile and it didn't take long to see that he had a tiger by the tail.  She has become a Warrior princess during her time of protective exile.  Altair just comes in and arrogantly expects things to fall into place.  No one ever tells him no, but of course that is to be expected because of his position.   He has such cold iron control but he also has a secret and its a whopper.  It also explains a lot.  He often confuses Safira with his mixed signals.  No matter what their differences they both have one thing in common, they are  lonely people.  
There is no cliffhanger and it does have a H.E.A.
There is also a quick peek into another book that is an offshoot of this one and it sounded pretty good too.   It's called, " Never Resist A Sheikh".

Workout with Miranda Esmonde-White, AGING BACKWARDS author

BOOK REVIEW- THE COWGIRL TAKES HER MAN by Barbara Catlin

Readers are instantly drawn to the small-town charm of her authentic, pulse-pounding novels. On top of that, fans glory in her sweet yet sensual stories that are praised for their “cleaner than usual” language—and old-fashioned values galore.

Could she live with Cameron...but without his love?Struggling to operate her ranch, Terra Lee Bradford realizes the full extent of the Glory B’s dire financial straits. Cameron Stoner’s neighboring ranch, on the other hand, is thriving. Yet he’s overwhelmed with problems trying to tame his three motherless children—not to mention his libido.
...Concocted as an instant solution to everyone's woes, their marriage of convenience soon turns into a lusty battle of wills. He'll be damned if he'll give her his heart, and she refuses to settle for less!  AMAZON 3 STARS

I wanted to like it more.  It was pretty clean, family focused and had 2 really good main characters.   It had a lot of potential but I just felt like it ended being somewhat disappointing.  Probably because it was for the most part pretty predictable, with very few surprises.  Oh, it started out good but for me it kind of fizzled after that.   

Hearing God Through Your Dreams Mark Virkler & Charity Kayembe Friday,...

Here I Am - Shawn McDonald

Shawn McDonald - Open Me

BOOK REVIEW- INSTANT DADDY by Carol Voss

A grateful mother...
Jessie Chandler is used to heartbreak. But she’s also used to blessings. Before her sister died, she gave Jessie the gift of a lifetime, her baby son, and Jessie is joyfully dedicating her life to raising little Jake. It isn’t until she meets Dr. Peter Sheridan, her sister’s colleague, that Jessie begins to fear heartbreak might win out.

An overwhelmed father...
Dr. Peter Sheridan never wanted to be a father. Finding a cure for neurological disease demands his full focus, and he has no room in his life for anything else. But when he sees Jake’s little face, the spitting image of his own, Peter realizes he can’t turn his back on his responsibility to his child even when he has no earthly idea how to be the daddy his son needs.

The gift of love…
Wanting the best for Jake, Jessie agrees to help Peter learn to take care of his son, even though losing the toddler she loves will destroy her. But in the shadow of her sacrifice, can  Jessie and Peter discover another of God’s blessings… that through sharing comes the greatest love?  AMAZON 4 STARS

A nice, clean story that I enjoyed.  Good main characters each with their own challenges.  Lots of family on Jessie's side and a town where at least half was probably a relative.  Now compare that to Peter's lifestyle of almost no one.  Yes, he had a mother and father but they were so busy with their professional lives and always had been.   He had grown up with nannies and boarding school and work. Imagine his surprise when he meets Jake?  He has almost nothing to go on about being a father. 
And mess up he does, which makes the story more real. 
He did have two close friends Scott and his wife, Karen.  Those two added another element to the story on their own.  
Jessie is a good woman with such a compassionate heart and is an exceptional mother.  Her son, Jake is one happy little boy.  I enjoyed his "conversations" with people.  Smile-worthy and believable. 
Jessie is holding an unhappy secret from others;  the emotions were well written.  
There were good, likable secondary characters in the book.  That included Jessie's parents, her spunky best friend Maggie to name a few.  

I also liked how God was woven into the book; not preachy but there none the less.  Even when people were having a crisis of belief at times.  

BOOK REVIEW- LOVE LETTERS FROM GOD- Bible Stories for a Girl's Heart

In this heart-warming picture book designed for girls, author Glenys Nellist tells the inspiring stories of incredible women in the Bible. With beautiful illustrations by Rachel Clowes and sweet lift-the-flap envelopes, each story delivers a special message for children to open as they read their own personal love letters from God. Full of warmth and love, this picture book will fill girls' hearts with the wonder of the Lord. The stories of Eve, Miriam, Hannah, Mary, and many more will delight children and remind them of the bond they can share with God, just like the women of the Bible.AMAZON  5 STARS


What a lovely, lovely book.  Such a tender attitude that comes through.  The illustrations are beautiful and feminine; pleasing to the eye.   Each Bible story has a personal note attached where you can add the girl's name to make it even more personal.    All done in a quality kind of way, no cheap feel to it at all.  
Now I have to be honest, it did give me a bit of a hesitation when I read some of the stories and they weren't 100% accurate according to scripture. But what a good starting point if you want to start a conversation about the Bible.  Why not use it as a jumping off point to go deeper into the Bible itself?  Why not say to the reader, " You know this is great but there is more to the story.  Why don't we look it up  together in the Bible and see more about it.?"   Or if you know your Bible, you could add more truth about each story.  Just a thought. 

On a side note this is a really big sized book, in case you didn't notice in the description. 


I received a complimentary copy of this book via Handlebar and my reviews did not have to be positive. 

(But what a delight that it is a positive review.  I am now trying to think of who to gift this book to.)  

BOOK REVIEW- HER WICKED PROPOSAL by Lauren Smith

Fans of Julia Quinn’s Bridgerton Series and Johanna Lindsey’s Malory Series will love the passionate romances and gripping adventures of the League of Rogues.

He doesn’t need his eyes to uncover her true beauty.

Cedric, Viscount Sheridan, is cursed. Once the ton’s golden boy, the loss of his sight has left him a reclusive shell of man. His days of womanizing, horse racing and pistol shooting lost forever.

Offered the chance to recapture a small part of his old life, he can’t refuse—even if it means accepting the shocking proposal of the infamous ice maiden, Anne Chessley.

Still reeling from her father’s death, Anne’s deepest wish is to avoid the hordes of fortune hunters who will soon be beating down her door. Proposing marriage to Cedric is an act of desperation, his unexpected acceptance a strange and wonderful dream.

His only stipulation: she must respond passionately and wantonly in his bed. Her agreement barely crosses her lips before he begins a sensual assault on the icy walls bitter secrets have built around her heart.

Yet even as they catch a glimpse of true happiness, betrayal is poised to sweep them away on opposing tides of danger.

Warning: Contains an outwardly aloof heroine with a secretly tender heart, a once-notorious rake who isn’t quite as rusty at seduction as he feared, and a band of rogues who join together to make sure happily-ever-afters do come true.  AMAZON




This book had good main characters; charming and challenged all in their own ways.  I thought the portrayal of Cedric's life as a blind man was easy to relate to and believable.  You could almost feel the agony at the loss of his eyesight.  Also the grief of his other losses as well.  He had moments of joy as well so it wasn't all a downer.  Anne is also totally relate-able with her joys and her losses too.  I thought the author did a good job of showing the emotions and thoughts of each person in their own sharing of the story (P.O.V.'s) 
Other friends including members of the League of Rogues show up and play a good part in this book.  Enemies of the League show up and come against Cedric in particular.  And he;s made a few personally.  But at times he is his own worst enemy and that shows up in his dealings with Anne.  Of course Anne, managed to mess things up a bit on her own too.

There will be a Happy Ending for Cedric and Anne of sorts.  Why do I say that?  Because there is still one evil, powerful, cunning enemy of the League still out there.  I don't consider it a cliff-hanger exactly because you could stop at this story if you want to and be satisfied (I think)
The reason I gave it a slightly lower rating is because several times it slowed down so much that I wasn't sure I was going to be able to finish it.  The only thing that kept me going was that I wanted some answers to some questions.  I did want to see how it all was going to work out.. 

BOOK REVIEW- STAR PRINCESS (The Star Series #3)

An alien crown prince with a deadline to marry...
A working-class bachelorette from Earth with an allergy to long-term commitment...

Ché Vedla is less than thrilled about his family choosing the perfect princess bride for him, but as the crown prince it is his duty to comply. With an arranged marriage looming, he escapes to Earth to sow some wild oats. Falling head over royal heels with his friend Ilana Hamilton may not have been in his plans, but he is determined to convince her of their happily ever after.  AMAZON  4.5 stars


I really liked this book.  It is the first one that I have read in the Series but I had no problem keeping up.  So I guess in other words, it's a good standalone story.

 I liked both of the main characters, a lot. There was some pretty good word building when it came to the differences of the other outer space worlds.  There was a clash of personalities and a clash of cultures but they also had a strong underlining attraction also.  Others recognized that attraction long before they did.  All that they saw at first was the fact that they hadn't forgotten each other after their first meetings. Ché also saw her as totally unsuitable in everything that he wanted in a woman and  Ilana saw him as the enemy of everything that she believed in and some things that she feared.  It got really amusing when they often went toe to toe and when Che tries to learn the customs and slang of Earth. 
There are some good secondary people in the story and an interesting unexpected turn of events towards the end of the book.  Che's brother, Klark also plays an important part of the story as well.  
No cliffhangers, a good Epilogue and a H.E.A. What's not to like about that? 

BOOK REVIEW- PLAYING WITH FIRE by Alix Nichols

He was supposed to look after her, not kiss her senseless...
Au pair Uma is all kinds of wrong for single dad Zach. Raised in a conservative Hindu family, Uma is his son's nanny, a twenty-three-year-old virgin, and a guileless ingenue to boot. Zach knows all of that.
Then why can't he rein in his lust for her?
If there is one man Uma should not be attracted to, it's the father of the adorable five-year-old in her charge. Once burned twice shy, Zach is the captain of a pro water polo team and a wealthy entrepreneur who can have any woman he wants. No strings attached. 
Small wonder he goes all out to shun Uma!
But when, with the help of a bottle of fine wine, Zach confesses all the dirty things he'd like to do to her, Uma astounds him by saying she wants that, too.
What's a man to do but oblige?
Besides, it's not like it's the end of the world. They're both sensible, level-headed adults. They'll just have a bit of fun and then go back to normal, as if nothing happened.
As if feelings weren't already getting in the way.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

This book was kind of hard for me to rate because I had mixed feelings about it.  Let me say right off the bat that I have read other books by this author and liked them.  This one was a quick read but not my favorite of all of them. I did like both Uma and Zach and his friend Noah when he showed up. The friendship between Uma and Zach was definitely there, as was the closeness and caring that Uma had with Sam.  So was the challenge of their "forbidden" attraction;  they really liked each other first of all.  But for me, it felt like some of the spark was missing.

Another thing that might have thrown it off kilter for me was the unusual element of Zach and his water polo career.   I wasn't all that into that part (but that's probably just me) but I have to admit it was different.  And I did learn what the Eggbeater Kick was, something I hadn't heard before.


So I guess " A Mixed Bag" is the best way I can put it.
Oh but let me say I really liked the cover for this book and the title too.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.

BOOK REVIEW- UNDER PRESSURE by Lori Foster

He can protect anything except his heart 

Leese Phelps's road hasn't been an easy one, but it's brought him to the perfect job—working for the elite Body Armor security agency. And what his newest assignment lacks in size, she makes up for in fire and backbone. But being drawn to Catalina Nicholson is a dangerous complication, especially since it could be the very man who hired Leese who's threatening her. 

What Catalina knows could get her killed. But who'd believe the sordid truth about her powerful stepfather? Beyond Leese's ripped body and brooding gaze is a man of impeccable honor. He's the last person she expects to trust—and the first who's ever made her feel safe. And he's the only one who can help her expose a deadly secret, if they can just stay alive long enough…AMAZON 4.5 STARS

I really liked this story.  Great people, great action and great backup people.  

I like the way Leese described Justice (another bodyguard, in training).."Justice was like a big teddy bear..if teddy bears ate steel for breakfast." He also had good instincts when it came to Catalina.  She had a delicate look but he had a feeling that she was made of pure steel.  And it turned out that in some cases that is exactly who she is.  She also has a strong compassionate streak, she hates to see other people hurt.  Especially those trying to protect her.  She also marched to the beat of a different drummer when it came to her rich family. It made her feel odd; but she was more of an artistic woman than a party goer.  Her honest approach to life, her honest speech often got her in trouble but is one of the things that Leese finds endearing.  She was the most infuriating and the most amusing woman he ever met.  She is also smart and inventive although her step-father thought she was too naive to make it on her own.  Not realistic enough.  But she was smart enough to get away from several men with really evil plans for her.  And she did it for several months, surprising many people. 

It was amusing the differences between Cat and Leese.  He's neat-nick and she is a bit of a slob.  He is a healthy eater and she likes her junk food.  That made for some interesting scenes and conversations. I think their bantering and conversations were some of my favorite things. 

At some point Cat begins to meet some of Leese's close friends and the general thought is that she is nice and as hilarious as well.  It was nice to see the owner of the agency.  She was a nice addition and 

Sahara Silver was smart, tough, inventive and good to her agents.  

There will be sex along the way although Leese is trying so hard to not take advantage of Cat's vulnerability.  She on the other hand has been very verbal and a bit pushy about her attraction to him.  

Everything gets taken care of with no cliffhangers and there is a H.E.A. with plenty of action and a few surprises along the way.  

There is also a short Bonus story included which I really enjoyed as well.

  

Contractor Jesse Baker knows all about knocking down walls—but chipping away at Tonya Bloom's defenses has been tougher than he expected. The gorgeous blonde has made it clear she doesn't have room in her life for romance…so what is it about her that makes Jesse determined to prove her wrong?

Realtor Tonya is an expert on houses, but building a home—and family—for her newly orphaned nephew, Kevin, is a challenge she never expected. And while Jesse might be a shoulder to lean on, he's also a distraction she can't afford. But with Jesse set on winning her heart, will she realize once and for all that the perfect love doesn't always happen at the perfect time

~~~~~

"Built For Love" was sweet, short story that was  funny, and even heart -wrenching at times.  Part of the bitter-sweetness came from Tonya's nephew Kevin and all that he went through and without.  How afraid of rejection he was and so afraid that he is in the way.  Another winner with 4.5 STARS.  I enjoyed seeing the closeness that develops and how everything worked out. 

BOOK REVIEW- RUN THE RISK by Lori Foster

When Detective Logan Riske goes undercover to find Pepper Yates, a potential link to his best friend's unsolved murder, he vows to gain her cooperation by any means necessary. But the elusive beauty is more suspicious—and in far more danger—than he expected. And the last thing Logan needs is to start caring for her….

Pepper has spent years dodging the corrupt club owner who will stop at nothing to keep her silenced. She can trust no one, not even the handsome new "construction worker" who's moved in next door. The heat between them is undeniable. But will surrendering to passion bring her the safety she so desires—or will her feelings for Logan draw them both into a killer's crosshairs?  AMAZON 4 STARS

A really good story, with great characters. I enjoyed it.  I also felt towards the end that it had gone a little bit too long.  Another reviewer on Amazon had mentioned it and I remembered having some of that same feeling but overall a pretty good story.  There were plenty of twists and turns, which I loved.  Of course I read the series out of order again.  *Sigh.  BUT, even though I knew a few things going in, it didn't really ruin the book for me. Which was a surprise for me.  It just gave me a different insight into the book.  It made me even appreciate the author's writing even more.  I could see how well the story was woven together.

BOOK REVIEW- CASSIE (Brides of the Rockies) by Carre White

Nathanial Carroll has been a thorn in Cassie Bjorn’s side ever since they were children. He has tormented her by dipping her blonde hair in ink, pouring honey into her school bag, and teasing her relentlessly. Now, grown up and more handsome than a man ought to be, Nathanial is determined to make Cassie his wife, although she loathes him with a passion. The task before him is formidable, and Nate will have to make amends for past behavior and court Cassie properly.

Cassie knows Nathanial as a womanizer and drunkard with appalling manners. Any well-bred young lady would give this man a wide berth, as she has done for years. But Cassie’s mother and Nate’s mother are the best of friends, and they see fit to broker an engagement. To compound matters, an accidental kiss during a shootout sends the town’s gossips into a furor, and Cassie finds her reputation in tatters. There’s only one man to blame for this predicament—Nathanial Carroll.   AMAZON  3 Stars


For the most part I liked it although it was not all that deep.  It was a quick read.  One of the things that I didn't like was all the manipulation that  Cassie's parents, especially her mother did.  And for a woman with spunk Cassie was quicker to let it go than I thought was possible.  Sure at one point she refused to talk to them for a week, but then all of a sudden it was as if all was forgiven.  That was a bit hard to believe.  Even Nathanial's parents get into the act too. And why would her parents want her to marry a boozing, womanizing man?   Lifelong friendships between the two mother just isn't a good enough reason.    I know everyone thought that a strong woman (Cassie) could bring him to change but really? That's a dangerous idea in general.  
Sure, towards the end of the book there were more moments of sweetness so that helped the story.  
  

BOOK REVIEW- THE BAD LUCK BRIDE

All were shocked at the announcement of the “cursed” Lady Claire Cavensham to Lord Alexander Hallworth, the Marquess of Pembrooke, especially since she is already engaged to another unfortunate Lord. Perhaps she will make it to the altar this time with one of these fine gentlemen! Could her run of bad luck finally be at an end? It’s highly doubtful in this writer’s humble opinion. —Midnight Cryer

No one is left breathless at the imperious pronouncement of her engagement to Lord Pembrooke more than Claire. She hardly knows the dangerously outrageous man! But after three engagements gone awry and a fourth going up in glorious flames, she isn’t in a position to refuse...especially once she realizes that Lord Pembrooke makes her want to believe she’s not a bad luck bride anymore...

Alexander requires the hand of his enemy’s fiancée in marriage in order to complete his plans for revenge. It’s his good fortune that the “cursed” woman is desperate. However, what begins as a sham turns into something scandalously deeper. The beguiling lady has no business laying claim to his heart. But as a mission of revenge turns into fiery passion, Alexander wants nothing more than to break Claire’s curse...and lead them both to their hearts’ desire.  AMAZON   4 STARS

Good main characters, plenty of good emotional drama.  While I liked this book, I can't say that it is on my list of favorites.  

Lord Pembrooke has always been a calm, logical, good guy.  However, when his sister commits suicide all bets are off.  Alex had always been a voice of reason but now his very best friend, Somerton has taken up that role but is often unheeded by Alex.  He ends up regretting that fact, because boy does he make a mess of things, more than once.  I include Somerton in the evaluation that he was a good character in the book because he did add to the story. 

Claire went through some incredible traumas and that was well portrayed I think.  Her terror was easy to understand and it IS a wonder that she didn't lose her mind from what she went through at 10 years old.  Claire had a great family, who loved her dearly and showed it.   They also enriched the story.  

What about Lord Paul Barstowe?  Is he as evil as he appears?  Or is he a misjudged good guy?  Or a little of both?  You will have to read the book to figure that out. 

There is a H.E.A. and a good Epilogue.  

I received a copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.