Linda's Sunflower

2019-07-18T22:01:00.000-05:00

CHRISTMAS ANGELS
by NANCY NAIGLE
5 STARS
Published by St. Martin's Griffin
Expected release date: October 15, 2019

Oh my, what a sweet book!

Liz Westmoreland, who always dreamed of taking over her grandparents inn in Angels Creek, was overwhelmed when she stumbled upon a listing for the inn, which is going up for auction. Her grandparents had sold it many years ago, much to Liz’s disappointment. She decided to bid on the inn, even though the auction is right away and she doesn’t have time to see it beforehand. To her surprise, she wins the auction and heads to Angels Creek to fulfill her dream. But when she arrives, she is heartbroken to find the property in really bad shape. Matt Hardy had also bid on the property and was surprised to find out Liz was the new owner. He remembers her from his childhood. Together they make plans to restore the inn. But after Liz has an accident, she’s rethinking her original plan and wonders if she’ll ever be able to make her dream a reality. Matt, and the people of Angels Creek, show her what restoring the inn would mean to them.

I found this book so heartwarming. I love Christmas stories and this was one of the best I’ve read in recent years. 5 hearty stars!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.

Charming Book!

2019-07-09T22:17:00.004-05:00

SUMMER SEASON ON THE SEAFRONT
by Katie Ginger
Published June 10, 2019
by HQ Digital
4 STARS

I enjoyed this book immensely. Sarah has had rotten luck with boyfriends. She yearns for Finn, the doctor she works for, to notice her. And she loves performing with the Greenley Players, where she's playing the lead in The Tempest. She's having a hard time getting into the character. There is a lot more to Sarah than meets the eye. She is estranged from her dad. He was in prison when her dear mother died, and she can't forgive him for that.

Nate, an actor who is in hiding, ends up in Greenley-on-Sea. He agrees to help the cast with their production to take his mind off his worries. He works one-on-one with Sarah to help her understand the character, as well as figure out why she's struggling with it.

Will Finn finally make a move on Sarah, or will Sarah begin to have feelings for Nate?

I won't go into a lot of detail, but this was a charming book. I must thank NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of the book in return for an honest review.

2019-06-30T23:15:00.000-05:00

GOOD GIRLS LIE

by J.T. Ellison

Expected publication date: December 30th, 2019 by MIRA

The story takes place at a private women’s school, Goode Academy. Many of the students are children of Washington’s elite, senators, etc. Ash recently lost both of her parents, and is attending on a scholarship. But the school has secret societies, some who condone rigorous hazing. Dean Ford ignores what is happening around her, and things get crazy very fast. Then, a student dies in a mysterious way. Was it suicide, or did someone murder her? There are a lot of crazy twists and turns. This is a book you’ll find hard to put down. It keeps you guessing until the very last page. Highly recommend!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a free ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

REVIEW: The Other Woman by Sandie Jones

2018-08-21T09:49:00.003-05:00

THE OTHER WOMAN
by SANDIE JONES
St. Martin's Press
Release Date: 8/21/2018

5 STARS

Wow, there's not much I can say about this book without spoiling it for everyone else!

Emily is a successful woman, and meets Adam, who she falls for. Adam is very close to his mother, Pammie. He and his brother were raised by her after she was widowed. But things aren't as they seem. Emily soon realizes she is going to have to share Adam with his mom. How devious is Pammie? You have to read the book to find out.

I read this in one day, it was that good!

Thanks to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the advanced copy. This is my honest review.

REVIEW: Dear Santa by Nancy Naigle

2018-08-20T11:31:00.000-05:00

DEAR SANTA
by NANCY NAIGLE
St. Martin's Griffin
Expected Publish Date: Oct. 16, 2018

4 STARS

Cute story about running a year-round family Christmas store. Angela Carson has been running the family store for a long time, but business has been steadily declining. When a big chain store, Christmas Galore, moves to town it may put her out of business. Her niece encourages her to send a letter to Santa asking for his help. Little does she know that the owner of the big new store, Geoff, is answering the Santa letters due to his mother’s illness. She assumes the response was auto-generated from a computer. When she gets another reply, she realizes that Santa really is communicating with her.

Will Angela be able to let go of her anger about the possibility of closing her store? Will she find out that Geoff is her Santa?

Enjoyed this sweet romance provided to me by NetGalley and St. Martin’s in return for an honest review.

REVIEW - Set the Night on Fire (Cottonbloom #6) by Laura Trentham

2018-07-31T09:17:00.001-05:00

SET THE NIGHT ON FIRE
by LAURA TRENTHAM
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
7/31/2018

I haven’t read the first 5 books in this series, but I will definitely be doing that, and soon! LOVED this book, and everything about it. First, you have Ella Boudreaux, who is just out of a disastrous marriage and has invested in the Abbott brother’s garage. She has fond memories of the garage, and Ford Abbott sold his share of the garage to her. His brother, Mack, was very unhappy about the deal. What happens when Ella and Mack cross paths? Will they be able to work together? And what happens when sparks start to fly?

Very enjoyable book, the first I’ve read from this author. It won’t be the last!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

REVIEW - The President is Missing by James Patterson and Bill Clinton

2018-06-26T22:27:00.004-05:00

The President is Missing
James Patterson and Bill Clinton
June 4, 2018
Little, Brown and Company

5 STARS

WOW! What a book. It took me about 100 pages to get in to it - so much being set up; but from then on it was hard to put down. And the last chapter before the epilogue? Every American should read it. Democrat. Republican. Independent. Everyone! It was that powerful. Scary book and unfortunately something that is all too real. Must read!

REVIEW - Before and Again by Barbara Delinsky

2018-06-26T09:56:00.000-05:00

4 Stars
St. Martin's Press
Release date: June 26, 2018

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've been reading Delinksy's books for years, and she's always an author I can count on for a good read. This book is no exception. I did find it a little harder to get into than previous books, it seemed a bit disjointed at first. Thus 4 stars instead of 5.

The book is about Mackenzie Cooper, who moved to a small town to lose herself and get away from a tragic occurrence in her life. It delves deeply into the despair of losing a child (this happens at the very beginning so it's not a spoiler) and what happens between the spouses who are having trouble communicating their pain. It also deals with Mackenzie's mother and brother, and their estrangement.

Suddenly, Mackenzie's ex-husband appears, in HER town, HER haven. Can they find their way back together, or is the past too painful to forget?

REVIEW - Need to Know by Karen Cleveland

2017-11-26T23:13:00.003-05:00

5 STARS
Need to Know
Karen Cleveland
Ballantine Books
RELEASE DATE: 1/23/2018

Thanks to NetGalley for the chance to read this book by Karen Cleveland.

Do books about the possibility of Russian sleeper cells in the US interest you? How about a CIA analyst who gets herself involved in a major "situation"?

Need to Know kept me on the edge of my seat, from the first paragraph to the very last. I didn't want to put it down, but when I had to, all I did was think about it. I explained what was going on to my husband, who is not a reader. Even he was intrigued. If you like fast-paced, punch-you-in-the-face kind of action, this book is for you.

Very highly recommend!

Busy Saturday!

2017-08-12T21:12:00.003-05:00

Crazy, busy Saturday!

Started the day out with a pedicure with my daughter, son's girlfriend and some friends. Had breakfast at Panera afterwards. Took a drive to find the location of the interview I have on Wednesday, then ran by my nephew's for a few minutes. Hubby worked this morning, so he was home by the time I got there. We did our grocery shopping, and then drove to Kansas Star Casino for a little fun (and no, neither of us won big, but at least we didn't lose big either!).

Son and his girlfriend asked us to let their dogs out and feed them since they aren't getting back from KC until later tonight.

So basically, I left home at 9am this morning, and got home at 7pm tonight.

Time for a margarita!

REVIEW - Turned Up by Erin Nicholas

2017-08-11T17:53:00.003-05:00

TURNED UP (Taking Chances #3)
Erin Nicholas
Montlake Romance
August 29, 2017

4 STARS!

Kit Derby and Dillon Alexander have been fighting, and loving, each other since they were young. Dillon, an emergency room physician has returned to Chance, Nebraska, and right back into fighting with Kit, who is a psychiatrist. But the sparks fly every time they are together. They are both strong people. Will they be able to find a middle ground and love?

If you like a book with a pretty good helping of steamy sex in it, this book is for you. It's the third in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read the first two books, and I had no trouble getting into or following the story.

Thanks to NetGalley for a preview copy to read, and this is my honest review.

Life Goes On

2017-08-07T20:40:00.000-05:00

Life changed for me on July 17, 2017. I was laid off from the place I worked for almost 41 years.

I wasn't totally surprised. After all, layoffs have become the norm at newspapers. I was hoping I could make it at least another year.

But...alas...I didn't.

The Wichita Eagle has been my home and my life for so long. I started just after I turned 20 years old. Back in the good old days. What have I done over the years?

Job 1 - Classified Ad Taker
Job 2 - Classified Ad Support Staff
Job 3 - Ad Services Head Typist
Job 4 - Newspaper Layout Assistant
Job 5 - Production Director Secretary
Job 6 - VP/Operations Administrative Assistant
Job 7 - Executive Administrative Assistant and Layout Coordinator
Job 8 - Page Layout Manager
Job 9 - Prepress Manager
Job 10 - Advertising Customer Service Manager

There are other job duties in between all of these milestones. I dedicated my heart and soul to the Eagle. I started when I was so young. I met my husband while I worked there. I had all three of my children while I worked there. Our three kids made it through college while I worked there.

But now...life goes on. As it always does. As Gloria Gaynor sang: I am woman, I will survive!

2017-05-22T18:54:00.002-05:00

Me, You and Tiramisu
Charlotte Butterfield
Feb. 23, 2017
HarperImpulse

I wasn't sure about this book until I was about a third of the way into it. Oh my gosh, I loved Jayne and Will's story. Jayne, and her twin sister, Rachel, survived a less-than-ideal childhood. Jayne is a teacher, and when she meets back up with Will, who she knew as a teenager, it was so sweet. But what happens when Will becomes a You Tube sensation with his cooking show? One can only imagine how that changes your life. Loved this book!

2017-05-22T18:52:00.002-05:00

No One But You
Brenda Novak
June 1st
Mira Publishing

Dawson Reed has been released from prison, ultimately not charged with the murder of his adopted parents. Sadie Harris, in the midst of a contentious divorce from her slime-ball husband, Sly, agrees to work for Dawson. She's helping to clean up the house Dawson inherited so he can bring his mentally-disabled sister home.

I won't post any spoilers, but suffice it to say, Sadie and Dawson have a hard road ahead of them. Novak continues to write books with interesting characters. Can't wait for her next Silver Springs novel!

2017-05-22T18:50:00.002-05:00

Man Overboard
J.A. Jance
March 21, 2017
Touchstone

I'm a big fan of J.A. Jance, and this Ali Reynolds book is another winner. Stuart Ramey, an employee of Ali's business, High Noon, takes front and center. His childhood friend, Roger McGeary, supposedly commits suicide on a cruise. Stuart, Ali and Roger's therapist investigate on their own, and what they find is astounding. Someone, fueled by his father's own suicide, is committing murder.

2017-05-22T18:47:00.002-05:00

The Nanny Arrangement
by Rachel Harris
May 22, 2017
Entangled Publishing

Hannah has been best friends with Deacon for years, ever since she befriended him and he became her protector. Now she's been asked to be the nanny for Deacon's son, while he's embarking on a tour with a famous country band. Hannah has loved him for years, and she's determined to make him see her as more than a best friend. Do her tactics work? Does Deacon's upbringing (absent dad, alcoholic mother) prevent him from being able to maintain a relationship?

I loved the interaction that Hannah had with Deacon, as well as his band-mates wives and girlfriends. First book I've read by Harris, and I enjoyed it so much that I need to go back and read You're Still The One, the first book in the series.

REVIEW: The Idea of You by Amanda Prowse

2017-04-24T11:24:00.003-05:00

The Idea of You
by Amanda Prowse
Lake Union Publishing
Release date: March 21, 2017

5 STARS

I was provided a copy of The Idea of You through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the story of Lucy and Jonah. Jonah has been married before and has a teen-age daughter. Lucy is nearing 40 and wants to have a child with Jonah. The book is about the struggles they endure trying to have a child, as well as having Jonah's daughter, Camille, come and stay with them for a while. Where does Lucy fit in the dynamic between her husband and his daughter? What secret is buried and threatens to destroy Lucy and Jonah's marriage? I really enjoyed this book!

This is the first time I've read this author. It won't be the last.

REVIEW: The Lost Girls by Allison Brennan

2017-03-13T18:23:00.001-05:00

THE LOST GIRLS
by ALLISON BRENNAN
St. Martin's Press
November 1, 2016
5 STARS

Love Brennan's Lucy Kincaid series!

Siobhan Walsh has been looking for two sisters who disappeared 2 years ago. She feels responsible, so when she gets a phone call from a Texas priest, who has found an abandoned newborn with a locket nearby that she'd given one of the girls; she goes to Texas in hopes of finding them. She calls in her FBI friends, including Lucy Kincaid, and the search is on. Meanwhile, Lucy's fiance, Sean, has an unexpected visit from a former girlfriend. Her husband, and the 12 year old son he never knew he had, have disappeared in Mexico. So it's time for the Rogan family to find out what's going on.

This is a suspenseful, hard-to-put-down book, so hang on for the ride! Be prepared for a human trafficking story that is hard to stomach, and more than likely, all too true in this day and age. Mexican cartels, murder and mayhem. This book has it all.

REVIEW: A Million Little Things by Susan Mallery

2017-03-04T19:07:00.003-05:00

A Million Little Things
Susan Mallery
February 28, 2017
Mira Books

This is a story of friendship, family and things that happens to good people. Zoe's friend, Jen is a new mother, overly worried about why her 18 month old son won't talk. (By the way, this isn't unusual for boys). Jen's mom, Pam, is also Zoe's friend, until she begins dating Pam's son. Pam originally thought that Zoe would be good for Steven, but things happen and she changes her mind. (No spoilers here). Mallery always weaves strong characters in her books, and this was one of my favorites!

REVIEW - Size Matters by Alison Bliss

2017-02-22T19:42:00.003-05:00

Size Matters
Alison Bliss
Hachette Book Group
November 29, 2016

4.5 out of 5 stars!

Even though parts of this book were frustrating, I still enjoyed it. Leah Martin owns a bakery, and, let's put it this way, she's not a skinny little thing. She meets Sam Cooper in a bar, but he's got his own issues. Past relationships didn't go so well, and even though he's ready to settle down, he's not sure what he's looking for. Leah's mom is judgmental about her weight - always trying to tell her to lose weight, eat better, etc. But when Sam meets her family, he can't stand how her mother treats her, so he says he's her fiance! Wildness ensues.

I enjoyed almost all of Leah's family, but especially her dad and grandparents. Sam has to get past his previous relationships, and decide if Leah is the one for him.

I'll be reading more books by Allison Bliss!

REVIEW - Finding our Forever by Brenda Novak

2017-02-20T19:40:00.003-05:00

FINDING OUR FOREVER
by BRENDA NOVAK
Harlequin Special Edition
Expected release date: April 1, 2017

If the first book in Brenda Novak's new Silver Springs series is any indication, it will be a GREAT series!

Cora, who was adopted, finds her birth mother at the New Horizon Boys Ranch. She gets a job teaching art there, but can't decide whether to confide that she is the ranch owner, Aiyana's daughter. Elijah is one of Aiyana's adopted children, and Cora finds herself caring for him. He had an abusive childhood, and is determined not to have a relationship. But he finds himself caring very deeply for Cora. Will Cora tell Aiyana that she is her daughter? Why did Aiyana give her up for adoption? And how do Cora's adoptive parents feel? All these questions are answered.

I loved the characters in Finding our Forever, and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in the series! Highly recommend this book!

REVIEW - At First Light

2017-02-14T15:07:00.003-05:00

At First Light
Mari Madison
Publish Date: March 7, 2017
Berkley Publishing Group

Troy Young and Sarah Martin were lovers 5 years ago. But Troy broke Sarah's trust, then left for a reporting gig in war-ravaged Syria. After being kidnapped and tortured, he is finally released. When he comes home, he suffers from PTSD. Sarah is working for a TV station as their entertainment reporter. When Troy is hired at the same station, they end up doing "fluffy" entertainment reviews together. The chemistry is still there, but can they overcome what happened in the past? Will Troy get help for his PTSD? And who is trying to harm Sarah?

I loved this book. I won't post any spoilers, but it was hard to put down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book to me. This is an honest review.

2017-02-06T17:03:00.004-05:00

Staying for Good
Catherine Bybee
January 24, 2017
Montlake Romance
5 Stars

What a book! Zoe Brown left River Bend right out of high school, determined to make something of her life. She left behind her high-school sweetheart, Luke; and her dysfunctional family, all abused at the hands of her father, who is now in prison. Zoe goes on to make her name as a chef, winning a TV competition and continuing to star in cooking specials. But can she continue to stay away from River Bend, or will her love for Luke bring her home, finally? And what happens when her father gets out of prison after 17 years and returns home like nothing has changed?

I absolutely loved this book, even though it had a dark side. The underlying abusive relationship between Zoe's father and mother may seem hard to understand, but I've known women in this position and it is tough to break that cycle of abuse. And the ending leaves us to believe the next story is going to be about Zoe's friend, Jo.

2017-02-06T13:01:00.002-05:00

Little Girl Lost
Carol Wyer
January 19, 2017
Bookouture
4 Stars

This book features Detective Robyn Carter, who has recently suffered a horrible loss. A teacher disappears. A millionaire is murdered. What part does Abigail, mother to little Izzy, play in the puzzle? Is there a serial killer loose?

It took me a little while to get into this book because it was confusing with the amount of characters and going back and forth from the past to present; but once you get a little further into it, you see where the story is headed, and the pace picks up. There are a lot of twists and turns, and just when you think you have it figured out, something else comes up and changes your mind. Enjoyed it a lot!

Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read and review.

The Girl Before by JP Delaney

2017-01-22T17:54:00.001-05:00

The Girl Before
JP Delaney
Ballantine Books
On Sale 1/24/17

This was one of those books that was hard to put down. We had Emma, from the past, and Jane, from the present moving into 1 Folgate Street. The house was designed by an "out-there" architect, Edward, and it's definitely like no other house. And the contract to rent the house is very involved. What possessions can you live without? Are you willing to move into a house that seems cold and sterile? What does that do to your mind? Definitely a psychological thriller.

Thanks to Netgalley for a copy in return for an honest review.