Saturday, August 15, 2015

Second Sentence Saturday: At Ease


SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

  • Grab the novel/novella your currently reading or previously read
  • Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
  • Share the SECOND sentence from that page
  • Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want



MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"At Ease" by Olivia Brynn (aka Alanna Coca)

Jaycee almost stumbled down the aisle to her seat.



PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

Friday, August 14, 2015

Feasted On: Lancaster Courtships Series, Book 2

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 256; Kindle Edition - File Size: 536 KB | Expected Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Publisher: Harlequin : Love Inspired | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Amish Mother" [Lancaster Courtships Series, Book 2] by Rebecca Kertz

Author's Book Description : Unexpected Love

Amish widow Lizzie Fisher loves her seven stepchildren as though they were her own. But her brother-in-law's unexpected arrival on the farm has her worried. After all, Zachariah Fisher is the true heir of the property. And he could decide to send her away from her family and her home of two years. Lizzie is determined to show the handsome farmer that her physical challenges don't prevent her from being a hard worker or a loving mother. For she finds herself losing her heart to Zack and hopes he'll see they're meant to be a family forever.

Lancaster Courtships: Life and love in Amish country

Collect all 3 book in the series!
  • "The Amish Bride" by Emme Miller
  • "The Amish Mother" by Rebecca Kertz
  • "The Amish Midwife" by Patricia Davids

My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! As a "cripple" life for Elizabeth (Lizzie) has always been tough but at least after she married Abraham she felt useful. Now two months after her husband's deadly accident, his younger brother Zachariah (Zack) comes into her life and changes it all around. Yet, even if her heart wants to move on is that the right choice for herself and her stepchildren?

This touching novel deals with the troubles that faces being a stepparent after their loved one has passed on while being in an Amish setting. I appreciated how Ms. Kertz handled this novel and how she portrayed the characters. Very well written and dynamic! Then to be pleasantly surprised with not one romance but two, it just kept putting a smile on my face.

Zack and Lizzie are an enchanting couple. From their subtle banter to how they "feel one another out" in learning to trust them to their growing relationship, I cannot praise their connection enough! Or should I say I wish I could have read more about them.

The other couple is Zack's older sister Esther and her childhood love David. Their secondary story was inevitable once the reader starts reading from Esther's POV and you see how much she missed him. It was as though they were meant to be no matter what. In addition, I enjoyed reading from Esther's POV mostly because it humanized her and you get to understand Zack and his family more.

Overall, I really liked the flow of this novel and got really entertained along the way. I would recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Amish Christian romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : The Amish Bride (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback, Large Print) : The Amish Bride (Book 1) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3) | IndieBound (Hardcover, Large Print) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Amish Bride (Book 1) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : The Amish Bride (Book 1) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : The Amish Bride (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3) | Amazon.com (Hardcover, Large Print) : The Amish Midwife (Book 3)


IndieBound (Paperback) : The Amish Mother (Book 2)

IndieBound (Paperback, Large Print) : The Amish Mother (Book 2)

Kobo (e-Book) : The Amish Mother (Book 2)

Author's Novel Extras :
Amish Country. One of the photos I took on my trip to Lancaster County. I love it there.
Posted by Rebecca Kertz on Sunday, June 1, 2014

Book Teaser(s) :
Anne grinned and leaned over to hug her. "I love you, Mam."
Lizzie closed her eyes as she held on to her daughter. "I love you. You all are everything a mudder could ask for and more." She released her child to pat her cheek. "Now run off to bed. We've a busy day tomorrow."
Annie nodded vigorously and spun to race out of the room, pausing on the threshold to glance back at Lizzie. "Danki."
Lizzie raised her eyebrows in question.
"For being my mam," Anne explained before she hurried on and shut the door behind her. ~ within Chapter 2

THE AMISH MOTHER by Rebecca Kertz -- Read my #bookreview here:...
Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Friday, August 14, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Rebecca, then please check out her website.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Made the Grade: The Mythical Knights Series, Book 0.5

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Kindle Edition - File Size: 978 KB | Expected Release Date: September 15, 2015 | Publisher: Self-Published | Obtained: Candice Gilmer | Originally Found Out About @ S&W Romance

"Brightest Shadow" [The Mythical Knights Series, Book 0.5] by Candice Gilmer

Author's Book Description : The darkest shadows sometimes have the brightest moments.

Losing a father is always hard,and losing a father who’s the alpha of your werewolf pack is harder, yet that’s exactly where David Drigan finds himself--lost and rudderless after the death of his father.

The loss leaves him and his family wondering, will he ever be strong enough to lead his pack?

Trying to step into his place in society, David meets Kelsey.

Blonde. Curvy. Attitude. And there’s something about her that makes David’s beastly desires surface unlike ever before. The need to take her and protect her, if only from herself, overwhelms him.

Kelsey doesn’t need anyone to take care of her. Never has. An absentee family taught her one thing--take care of yourself, because no one’s going to do it for you.

But there’s just something different about David. One night at her favorite decrepit amusement park, she learns there’s a lot more to David than she ever expected.

There’s a lot hidden in the shadows.

Can they find the light, lost in the dark?

My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars! Ever since she was a girl, Kelsey realized that it was better to look after yourself instead of hoping anyone, let alone family, would do it for you. So, when David, a soon-to-be Alpha werewolf, comes into her life wanting to help her out anyway possible she resists from the beginning. Yet, with an undeniable connection between them, Kelsey will soon learn that being alone is no longer an option that is if she can just give up some control…

This novel was a GREAT start to this series! Filled with intrigue and suspense, leaving the readers curious to see what everything will lead to next. However, while I’m excited for this series and I liked all of this novel’s characters, I had a hard time appreciating Kelsey and David’s relationship. Basically, while I realize that Kelsey’s reaction to everything that happens to her in this novel is completely rational I have a hard time liking/enjoying “wishy-washy” characters and I didn’t like how Kelsey reacted after she found out David was a werewolf. Nevertheless, together David and Kelsey’s relationship was very dynamic and interesting to read about. I just wish what happened to get them to that point was laid out a bit better.

I DO recommend this novel and series to those looking for a unique take on werewolves and fantasy/paranormal romances!!

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : Kobo (e-Book) : Dark Within (Book 1) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : Dark Within (Book 1)


Kobo (e-Book) : Brightest Shadow (Book 0.5)

Author's Novel Extras : Brightest Shadow - Overview

Author's Series Extras : The Mythical Knights Series - Overview | Dark Within - Overview | Bravest Flame - Overview | Darker Cravings - Overview | Boldest Choice - Overview | Darkest Judgment - Overview | Stollen Christmas - Overview

Got some of my new #swag today and it is pretty! Can't wait until next signing! #books #romance #newrelease #paranormal

A photo posted by Candice Gilmer (@candicegilmerauthor) on


Book Teaser(s) :
The smell of bacon and pancakes permeated the air, and her stomach grumbled, which made her smile.
Of course, who wouldn’t smile over bacon.
It’s bacon.
Heading toward the kitchen, she heard male voices laughing and joking, with the occasional mom-ish scolding in between.
It was barely six a.m. and everyone was up and way too chipper. Even the younger brothers who’d gotten her car.
It was such a strange sight to behold--like something out of a Lifetime movie.
It was a family that actually looked like they liked being together. Something she’d never actually witnessed before, and was sure was just a myth.
Huh. Families who like each other do exist... ~ within Chapter 8
“The darkest shadows sometimes have the brightest memories.” ~ within Chapter 12 - titled 'Late Friday night'

BRIGHTEST SHADOW by Candice Gilmer -- Read my #bookreview here:...

Posted by From Me to You - Video, Photography, & Book Reviews on Wednesday, August 12, 2015
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Candice, then please check out her website.

Blog Tour - Finding Their Balance by M. Q. Barber | Spreading the Word & Cover Reveal

Today I'm turning my blog over to M. Q. Barber author of "Finding Their Balance," which happens to be the FIFTH BOOK in her Neighborly Affection Series!!



"Finding Their Balance"
[Neighborly Affection Series, Book 5] by M. Q. Barber

Author's Book Description :
    Three’s the naughtiest kind of crowd.

    Getting to the one-year mark is hard enough in a relationship between two lovers. For three, just getting through the day can be half the battle. Between Alice’s headstrong insistence on pushing her sexual limits and Jay’s need to confront an abusive former lover, Henry has his hands full keeping both his partners safe and happy. But despite all the challenges—and unexpected dangers that lurk in their hedonistic world—the three have formed a union that brings each of them to the edge of something new—something they may not be able to hold onto . . .

This book is available to order on :

Amazon (e-Book) | Barnes and Noble (e-Book) | Kobo (e-Book)

** Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads! **



About the Author :

M.Q. Barber likes to get lost in thought. She writes things down so she can find herself again.

Often found staring off into space or frantically scratching words on post-it notes, M.Q. lives with one very tolerant, easily amused husband and one very tolerant, easily amused puppy.

She has a soft spot for romances that explore the inner workings of the heart and mind alongside all that steamy physical exertion. She loves memorable characters, witty banter, and heartfelt emotion in any genre.

For monthly updates on her books and free flash fiction in the Neighborly Affection series, sign up for her author newsletter at www.mqbarber.com.




Find M. Q. Barber :



Archeolibrarian | Books and Warpaint | Write and Take Flight | From Me to You...Video, Photography, & Book Reviews | Harmonious Publicity | Fabulous and Fun | Literal Exposure | Crystal's Chaotic Confessions | Voodoo Princess | Confessions of a Reader | From Paperback to Leatherbound | The Dark Phantom | The Literary Nook | Bent Over Bookwords | Lover of Literature | All Inclusive Retort | A Taste of My Mind

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Disappointmentville: Ice Mountain Series, Book 1

- This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 353; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1302 KB | Expected Release Date: November 4, 2014 | Publisher: Kensington : Zebra Books | Obtained: NetGalley

"The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain" [Ice Mountain Series, Book 1] by Kelly Long

Author's Book Description : Like most Mountain Amish girls, Mary King has always dreamed of her wedding day. But she never imagined that a sudden, irresistible kiss would result in marriage to the handsome Englischer professor studying her unique community. Or that doing the truly honorable thing means keeping their relationship chaste so both she and Dr. Jude Lyons can someday go their separate ways.

But when Mary accompanies her husband-in-name-only to Atlanta to meet his wealthy, overbearing family, she's tempted more than ever by Jude's kindness, humor--and vulnerability. And when a wrenching misunderstanding causes her to return heartbroken to her remote Appalachian home, she's certain she's lost the real love they have found...and the shared future she's come to want so much. But a crisis of more than faith will work surprising miracles--and show Mary that love is strong enough to make the impossible come true.

My Book Review : 2 out of 5 stars. This was a novel that didn't turn out as I had expected. And while that's fine, the turn of events that happen in this novel were just hard to overcome and appreciate, as I'd have liked too. So, I was able to read this up to Chapter 11 (27% on my Kindle) which is after Jude & Mary got off the mountain and it was her first experience in a hotel. While intriguing at times the plot was too slow for me to stick to it, I kept getting distracted. In addition, I found Jude to be a smart twenty-six year old man yet dumb when it came to his actions and Mary to be a naive nineteen-year-old when it came to anything outside her comfort zone (which was most things).

I was disappointed and wasn’t a fan. I don’t recommend it. But if you’re willing to read about a slightly “racier” take on the Amish world then this might be a book for you.

Purchase This Book and/or The Other Books From It's Series Here : IndieBound (Paperback) : An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (Book 2) | IndieBound (Paperback) : The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain (Book 3) | Kobo (e-Book) : An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (Book 2) | Kobo (e-Book) : The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain (Book 3) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (Book 2) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : An Amish Man of Ice Mountain (Book 2) | Amazon.com (e-Book) : The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain (Book 3) | Amazon.com (Paperback) : The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain (Book 3)


IndieBound (Paperback) : The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain (Book 1)

Kobo (e-Book) : The Amish Bride of Ice Mountain (Book 1)

Author's Novel Extras :
My original models for Jude and Mary...Have you read it yet?
Posted by Fans of Kelly Long on Sunday, August 9, 2015

Author's Series Extras :
Here's to my Bishop Umble of The Amish of Ice Mountain Series!
Posted by Fans of Kelly Long on Sunday, January 18, 2015

An Amish Man of Ice Mountain...Joseph and Priscilla models!

Posted by Fans of Kelly Long on Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Ice Mine Reality--Coudersport, Pa. Inspired the Ice Mountain books!
Posted by Fans of Kelly Long on Monday, June 29, 2015

My models for Sarah and Edward in The Amish Heart of Ice Mountain...Preorder now for November 1st.....!
Posted by Fans of Kelly Long on Monday, August 10, 2015

Book Teaser(s) :
A five-foot-wide boarded gap marked the entrance to the mine, the base of the wood covered by ferns and long grass.
"Would you like to try and transplant some ferns, Professor?" Mary teased.
Jude knew the joke now. He'd discovered in his research that the type of fern that grew outside the mine was peculiar and native only to the mountain, and the many attempts made by science in the past to transplant and grow the ferns elsewhere had failed. It was only one small, intricate mysteries related to the mountain.
"Nee, thank you." He smiled at her. "You forget that I'm transplanting my own mountain flower and I must put every effort into that venture."
He admired the blush that stained her white cheeks at his obvious compliment. ~ within Chapter 8
For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Kelly, then please check out her Facebook Page.
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