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Blogging Reprieve
Some of My Favorite Books
Happy Blogging!
*hugs*
7.02.2010
My Favorite Cover
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6.30.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
Thanks to Jill over @ Breaking the Spine, every Wednesday we get to see which books our blogger friends are anxiously waiting to be released. I know I'm waaaaay behind in keeping up with all the fun, weekly memes, but I'm hoping to start participating again, as much as possible.
For this week, my choice is the 2nd book in Vicki Hinze's debut Christian Fiction series, Crossroads Crisis Center. I loved the first book, Forget Me Not (read my review HERE), and am sooooo excited to read Deadly Ties!! Be sure to add them both to your wish list. :)
6.23.2010
*Another* apology + an update
Ever since starting my new job, though it's only part-time, I can't seem to find the time to keep up my "normal" schedule. I hope to be doing a better job by the end of July/first of August. I may only be able to post every other week, but that's definitely better than once a month! ;)
Also, I know some of you have been so nice to give me a couple of awards that I haven't found the time to post yet -- thank you from the bottom of my heart! -- and I'm sorry for the delay in getting them posted. I hope to work on those soon, too.
In case you haven't noticed it yet, I've added a sticky note to the top of my blog. I'll be updating it regularly *fingers crossed* with any new reviews I've posted over on my Book Review blog. This way, those of you who aren't followers over there will still be able to see what I've been reading/reviewing.
I miss y'all, and hope to catch up with everything that's going on over on your blogs soon!
Thank you!
~ Lori
5.20.2010
My Favorite Cover(s)
Childhood friends Mackensie, Parker, Laurel and Emmeline have formed a very successful wedding planning business together but, despite helping thousands of happy couples to organize the biggest day of their lives, all four women are unlucky in love.
Photographer Mackensie Elliott has suffered a tough childhood and has a bad relationship with her mother, which makes her wary of commitment. But when she meets Carter MacGuire, she can't stop herself falling for him, although his ex girlfriend is prepared to play dirty to keep him. Mackensie soon realizes she has to put her past demons to rest in order to find lasting love...
But that's just where Jack Cooke is. He's been best friends with Parker's brother for years, which makes him practically family. But the architect has begun to admit to himself that his feelings for Emma have developed into much more than friendship. And when Emma returns his passion -- kiss for blistering kiss -- things start to get complicated at Vows. Jack has never been big on commitment. Emma yearns for a lifelong love affair. And if the two are to find common ground, they must trust in their history -- and in their hearts.
But some infatuations last longer than others, and Laurel is convinced that the Ivy League lawyer is still out of her reach. Plus, Del is too protective of Laurel to ever cross the line with her, or so she thinks. When Laurel's quicksilver moods get the better of her--leading to an angry, hot, all-together mind-blowing kiss with Del--she'll have to quiet the doubts in her mind to turn a moment of passion into forever?
5.19.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
Happy Ever After
(The Bride Quartet, bk 4)
by Nora Roberts
Contemporary Romance
Berkley Trade
Copyright 2010
ISBN: 978-1594134036
(from Amazon):
I broke down and bought the first 3 books in this series and can't wait to read them! The first 2 arrived in today's mail. It's sooooo hard to ignore them, and keep reading the review books that I have piled up right now. :( Hopefully I'll get a break from them soon, and can give this series a try.
5.16.2010
Check it out!
Here it is:
5.12.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
ISBN: 9780736927611
Wealthy heiress Sara Livingston wants to be married, but her suitors are deemed unsuitable by her unreasonable father. When the opportunity to fill the bill for a mail-order bride comes her way, she grabs onto it with both hands.
Will Sara's deception and Walker's wounded heart keep them from finding what they are looking for? Or are they truly meant for one another?
Formerly titled Marrying Walker McKay
5.07.2010
My Favorite Cover
5.06.2010
Guess What?!?!?
God has answered our prayers about me getting a job! Thank y'all for praying with us on this matter -- your thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated! :o)
I saw an ad in the Classified section of our Daily Newspaper a couple of weeks ago, and submitted my resume via email. They contacted me within a week to set up the first interview (last Wednesday). I was really nervous! I haven't been to an interview in 7-8 years. :) Anyway, it went great and I told my hubby that I would really be disappointed if I didn't get the job because they seemed like great people to work with/for.
I went to the second interview last Friday, and found out that the job was mine, if I was still interested. Hello? Of course I'm interested! Hahahaha
I am now a Part-Time Medical Receptionist for a local podiatrist.
I started working this Monday, and so far, I'm really enjoying it. Right now, my schedule is all jumbled up since I'm currently "in training" -- when I start my 'regular' hours, they will be:
Mondays and Wednesdays - 8:30am - noon
Fridays - 1:00pm - 5:00pm (or whenever the last patient is done - today we left at 6:00pm)
The only down-side is that I will now have even LESS time to read/blog! :( I still haven't completely caught up with my review books (from the delay of my sister's wedding), but I'm working on 'em. I can't really complain though, since I've been trying to find a job for a couple of years now. It's a true blessing that God has seen fit to answer that particular prayer, and we are very thankful! I'll keep working on getting caught up -- that's the best I can do.
Thank you all again for your thoughts and prayers -- they mean SO much! {{hugs}}
4.23.2010
My Favorite Cover
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I have the first book in this series sitting on my huge TBR mountain, just waiting to be read. It's called, The Sweetheart's Knitting Club. Both of these sound like great reads and I hope to get to them soon.
4.21.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
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4.17.2010
My Favorite Cover (a day late)
I did want to share these new covers I just came across on Amazon, but that doesn't mean these are the final designs. I think they look awesome! What do you think?
The Blacksmith's Bravery
(Ladies Shooting Club, bk 3)
by Susan Page Davis
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Barbour Books
ISBN: 9781602607965
Wrangler in Petticoats
(Sophie's Daughters, bk 1)
by Mary Connealy
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Barbour Books
ISBN: 9781602601475
4.04.2010
3.26.2010
My Favorite Cover
by Beth Webb Hart
Christian Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Thomas Nelson
Copyright 2010
Pages: 320
ISBN: 978-1595542014
(from Amazon):
3.24.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
A Matter of Character
(The Sisters of Bethlehem Springs, Bk 3)
by Robin Lee Hatcher
Christian Fiction / Romance / Historical
Release date:
June 2010
Zondervan
Copyright 2010
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9780310258070
(from Amazon):
Product Description:
In A Matter of Character, by award-winning author Robin Lee Hatcher, the year is 1918 and writing gritty dime novels simply isn't done by a woman. So Daphne McKinley---smart, pretty, talented---publishes her rough-and-tumble books under a male pseudonym. But when a newspaperman enlists her aid in restoring his grandfather's good name, Daphne finds herself re-examining the power of her words and reconsidering the direction of her life.
From the back cover:
The other books in this series are:
A Vote of Confidence, Bk 1
Fit to be Ties, Bk 2
3.17.2010
3.04.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
Forget Me Not
by Vicki Hinze
Christian Fiction / Suspense
Waterbrook Multnomah
Publishing Group
Copyright 2010
Pages: 352
ISBN: 9781601422057
Release date: 3/16/10
(from Waterbrook Multnomah):
THEIR ELUSIVE ENEMIES TOOK EVERYTHING. NOW THEY WANT MORE.
Crossroads Crisis Center owner Benjamin Brandt was a content man—in his faith, his work, and his family. Then in a flash, everything he loved was snatched away. His wife and son were murdered, and grief-stricken Ben lost faith. Determination to find their killers keeps him going, but after three years of dead ends and torment, his hope is dying too. Why had he survived? He’d failed to protect his family.
Now, a mysterious woman appears at Crossroads seeking answers and help—a victim who eerily resembles Ben’s deceased wife, Susan. A woman robbed of her identity, her life, of everything except her faith—and Susan’s necklace.
The connections between the two women mount, exceeding coincidence, and to keep the truth hidden, someone is willing to kill. Finding out who and why turns Ben and the mystery woman’s situation from dangerous to deadly. Their only hope for survival is to work together, trust each other, and face whatever they discover head on, no matter how painful. But will that be enough to save their lives and heal their tattered hearts?
“Forget Me Not is edge-of-your-seat suspense. Each page left me breathless with anticipation for the next page. This book is non-put-downable.”
–Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times bestselling author
“Written with equal parts grace and passion, Vicki Hinze’s latest thriller Forget Me Not delves deeply into a the chilling world of twisted loyalties, amnesia, and the struggle of a woman to expose a terrorist plot. Romantic, suspenseful, and ultimately uplifting, this story proves that what is buried in the past never stays buried forever. A great read by a writer who continues to amaze”
–James Rollins, New York Times bestselling author of The Doomsday Key
“I literally couldn’t put down Forget Me Not by Vicki Hinze. The suspense kept me flipping pages until long after midnight and I loved the plot twists. Highly recommended!”
–Colleen Coble, author of The Lightkeeper’s Bride and the Rock Harbor series
“Vicki Hinze is a masterful storyteller who has weaved unique and rich characters into a compelling, thought-provoking novel. Forget Me Not is a fabulous page-turner with incredible plot twists that will keep you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended!”
–Mark Mynheir, homicide detective and author of The Night Watchman
“Vicki Hinze’s Forget Me Not is a novel I couldn’t put down. The fast pace makes for a quick read, the story is full of action and intrigue while the romance flows naturally from the plot. The message of God’s presence in our everyday lives provides an emotional uplifting long after the story ends. I highly recommend Forget Me Not.
–Robin Caroll, author of the bayou series and Deliver Us From Evil
“The always-entertaining Vicki Hinze breaks new ground with this intriguing tale, filled with nail-biting suspense, emotional turmoil and heartfelt redemption. This novel celebrates the sturdiness of the human spirit and the healing power of faith. Don’t miss it!”
–Susan Wiggs, author of Just Breathe
“Forget Me Not took off like a bullet from a shotgun and gripped me all the way to the exciting end. With tight plotting, twists and turns, a sweet romance and lots of action, I’ll be making room on my romantic suspense shelf for more books from Vicki Hinze!”
–Susan May Warren, award-winning author of Nothing But Trouble
“Forget Me Not is a season of the television show 24 in print, with a long list of surprises, a good love story, and a great inspirational uplift. An excellent read!”
–Hannah Alexander, author of A Killing Frost
“One of the best romantic suspense novels I've read this year! The mysterious, intriguing opening hooked me right away, and Vicki's characters made me root for them. I can't recommend this book enough!”
–Camy Tang, author of Deadly Intent and the Sushi series
2.24.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
Without further ado....here it is....
The 1920s are drawing to a close, and feisty Katie O'Connor is the epitome of the new woman--smart and sassy with goals for her future that include the perfect husband and a challenging career in law. Her boyfriend Jake fits all of her criteria for a husband--good-looking, well-connected, wealthy, and head-over-heels in love with her. But when she is forced to spend the summer of 1929 with Luke McGee, the bane of her childhood existence, Katie comes face to face with a choice.
Will she follow her well-laid plans to marry Jake? Or will she fall for the man she swore to despise forever?
A Hope Undaunted is the engrossing first book in the Winds of Change series from popular author Julie Lessman. Readers will thrill at the highly charged romance in this passionate story.
Isn't it just beautiful???
This cover is simply to die for! I'm in love with Chance already! *sigh*
Emily Rose may be in the tiny West Texas town of Callahan Crossing for the moment, but it's just a rung on her ladder to success. Her work at the Callahan Crossing historical society will look good on her ever-growing resume as she attempts to break into the prestigious world of a big city museum curator. Little does she know cowboy and contractor Chance Callahan has decided that he can convince her to stay--both with the town and with him. As he helps Emily restore the town's history after a devastating fire, he also helps her uncover her own hidden worth and the value of love.
The second book in The Callahans of Texas series, Emily's Chance is a heartwarming story of letting love take the lead. Readers will come away wishing they lived in Callahan Crossing.
Oh my! Isn't he just gorgeous?
2.19.2010
My Favorite Cover
She's plotted the course
Car chief Roni Kenway has a plan. She'll save her racing team and (hopefully) convince her crew chief, Judd Timmons, that she's the perfect mix of business and pleasure. But will she coast down Victory Lane…or crash into the wall?
She's in Daytona
Haunted by a sadistic book about last-chance love, Lucy Vanderwal hopes a trip to Daytona will end with love. But when she discovers her "last chance" guy is a lemon, Lucy meets rookie driver Sawyer Patton…and learns even a late starter can be a winner!
And she's behind the wheel!
Driver Megan Carter just got back from a dream vacation—sun, sand and a sizzling fling with Chris Donahue. Now all she needs is to prove herself on the race track. But how can she do that when Chris turns up in her garage—in her real life—and says he's there to stay?
2.14.2010
2.12.2010
My Favorite Cover
2.07.2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY..............
2.04.2010
Waiting on Wednesday (early Thursday)
2.01.2010
1.29.2010
My Favorite Cover
Since there's no Product Description available yet...how about this awesome Book Trailer? *sigh*
They're all so HOT! I just can't decide between Tate and Austin! I broke down and bought Tate at Wal-Mart this week, when it was first released. *wink*
7 yr. old sings National Anthem
1.26.2010
Blog Awards!!
The first one is:
1. Every winner of the Prolific Blogger Award has to pass on this award to at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers. Spread some love!
2. Each Prolific Blogger must link to the blog from which he/she has received the award.
3. Every Prolific Blogger must link back to this post, which explains the origins and motivation for the award.
4. Every Prolific Blogger must visit this post and add his/her name in the Mr. Linky, so that we all can get to know the other winners. (Click here for the Mr. Linky page.)
The rules state that I must pass this award on to "at least seven other deserving prolific bloggers", but I'll be passing it on to a few more than seven:
1 ~ Blanche @ No Such Thing as Too Many Books
2 ~ Choco @ In Which a Girl Reads
3 ~ Verlina @ What You Reading Now?
4 ~ Brande @ Book Junkie
5 ~ Colletta @ Colletta's Kitchen Sink
6 ~ Jennifer @ Crazy-for-Books
7 ~ In the Hammock
8 ~ MJ @ Creative Madness
9 ~ Mimi @ Woven By Words
The second one is:
1.22.2010
~ January Giveaway ~
When his signature intimidation methods don't convince Jane to leave, he pours on the charm to make her spill what she's up to. She's happy to play along, but she's not going to let this hot, hostile cowboy run her off his land when all she needs is a lucky break.
* You must leave a valid email address in your comment, so I can contact you if you're the winner.
(Example: sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com)
This way spammers will be less likely to grab it.
* You must have a valid U.S. mailing address.
* At this time, the giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
* The giveaway will be from Jan. 22nd thru Jan. 31st at 11:59 p.m. (EST)
(Any/all entries entered after this time will not be eligible.)
* I will announce the winner here Feb. 1st ~ you will also be contacted via email. You will then have 48 hours in which to respond with your snail mail address, or another winner will be chosen.
Please include all of your entries in ONE comment...this will make it a lot easier for me to keep up with them!! Thanks! =)
+1 = Just for leaving a comment!
+1 = By becoming a new follower thru
Google Friend Connect, on the right sidebar
+2 = Let me know that you're already a follower
+5 = Post about my giveaway on your blog, or in your sidebar
(don't forget to link it back to this post)
My Favorite Cover
1.21.2010
What's New on My Shelf
Since I can't seem to keep up with my Mailbox Monday posts, I've decided to join another meme that allows us to share any "New Books" we've added to our shelves. I recently came across this meme over at Romance Reader @ heart, and it sounds like it will fit my scattered lifestyle a lot better! LOL
Here's what I've added to my shelf:
1.20.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
So she's hitting the pause button on her life and holing up in a secluded (but totally upgraded, she's not into roughing it) cabin near Virgin River. Erin is looking forward to really getting to know herself...not some shaggy-haired mountain man she meets wandering the woods.
In fact, beneath his faded fatigues and bushy beard, Aiden Riordan is a doctor, recharging for a summer after leaving the Navy. He's intrigued by the pretty, slightly snooty refugee from the rat race -- meditating, journaling and definitely keeping him at arm's length. He'd love to get closer...if his scruffy exterior and crazy ex-wife don't hold him back.
But maybe it's something in the water -- unlikely romances seem to take root in Virgin River...helped along with some well-intentioned meddling, of course.
1.16.2010
1.15.2010
My Favorite Cover
by Patricia Sprinkle
Cozy Mystery / Suspense
NAL Trade
Copyright 2010
Pages: 432
ISBN: 9780451229144
Mamie is facing an overwhelming secret. Margaret has lost her home. Billie can no longer care alone for her disabled daughter. And Maria is living with an untenable choice. When these four women come together to live on a drought-stricken Georgia farm, they must open their hearts, and share their burdens, before they can find the bounty that lies hidden in tough times, and once again see the glorious pattern of meaning in their lives.
This isn't something I would normally choose, but I love the cover! It makes me think of warmer days...that can't get here soon enough! LOL Plus, I noticed that it takes place in Georgia; my hometown. :)
1.13.2010
Waiting on Wednesday
books that they are eagerly anticipating!
by Lori Wilde
Released: November 2009
General Romance / Contemporary
AVON
Copyright 2009
Pages: 400
ISBN: 9780061808890
"Throw a penny in the fountain of the Twilight town square, and you'll be married to your first love . . . "
For ten years, pretty Flynn MacGregor has been turning down the same solid, upright man's marriage proposal. Her friends at the Sweethearts' Knitting Club tell her they're a match made in heaven, but Flynn knows there's only one dangerous reason why she keeps saying no: high school sweetheart Jesse Calloway. She was just sixteen when Jesse was forced out of town under a cloud of suspicion . . . but he's never left her heart.
Now Jesse is back, and every time she turns the corner he's there—gazing at her with his smoldering eyes and tempting her with his kisses. Jesse has never played by the rules, and he's made it clear that he's not going to now. And Flynn, who's always done just what her family, friends, and fellow knitters have told her to do, must finally break free and claim the love that binds Jesse to her heart.
1.12.2010
Teaser Tuesday
- Grab your current read.
- Let the book fall open to a random page.
- Share two teaser sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12.
- Share the title of the book that the “teaser” comes from ~ so people can find the book if they like the teaser.
- And remember – AVOID SPOILERS!!
"Dove placed her hand on Lucinda's arm. 'And what if he doesn't come back?'
The words pierced Lucinda's heart. 'I...don't know. I prefer not to think of that now.' But no matter how hard she tried, the thought was always there in the dark edges of her mind."
(ARC version)
Becoming Lucy
(Winds Across the Prairie series, Bk 1)
by Martha Rogers
Christian Fiction / Historical / Romance
Realms (A Strang Company)
Copyright 2010
Pages: 297
ISBN: 9781599799124