FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

Photo courtesy of Pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - An Orphan For Christmas

 Good morning, readers.

I don't know about you but I'm enjoying short reads this month. This one is only ninety-one pages. You could almost read this from start to finish while dinner is in the oven.

AMAZON

BLURB:

When a desperate young mother leaves her newborn on Anna Stoltzfus’s doorstep, the quiet Amish woman’s carefully ordered life begins to unravel. The note she finds reveals a truth she never expected to face—the baby is the son of Samuel Miller, the man who once broke her heart and left their community behind.

Every time Anna looks at the child, she sees Samuel’s face. Keeping him would mean living with a reminder of the love she lost. But when Samuel’s brother, Jacob, steps in to help, the reminders multiply. Jacob has his brother’s eyes, his voice, even his smile—but where Samuel was restless, Jacob is steadfast and kind. And soon Anna begins to wonder if her heart can tell the difference.

As Christmas draws near and English authorities threaten to take the baby away, Anna faces an impossible choice. What if keeping him means opening her heart to love again—and risking the pain she’s fought so hard to forget?

I think it's safe to say that many of us have been hurt at some point in our life, making trusting again can be a difficult step to take. Anna was destroyed when Samuel didn't come back from his Rumspringa. Side-eyes and whispers in her beloved Amish community didn't help. Daniel did. Who can resist baby blue eyes in the face of a tiny, innocent bundle. Eyes that look upon you with such trust like no other. I loved how Jacob stepped up to help Anna, whatever she needed. Unmarried and no children of his own, he was a natural caregiver and helpmate. Deadlines can force people to step out of their comfort zone and make critical decisions. Sometimes they get it right.

I'll be reading more from this author and am giving AN ORPHAN FOR CHRISTMAS...

All my best!

~Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT Mary Lantz

 Good morning, readers!

Today, I'm introducing you to author, Mary Lantz. Sadly, there really isn't a headshot, or a  bio. She has no followers on Facebook (unless they just aren't showing on her page without me logging in)  but a lot of what appears to be really great reads on Amazon and on her Goodreads page. 

In lieu of that, I'll share that I'll be reviewing An Orphan For Christmas. Her catalog seems to be mostly Amish romances. I'll share the review tomorrow. In the mean time, here are the minimal links I have for this author:

FACEBOOK   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I'll be back tomorrow with the review.

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

We're to have a bit warmer temperatures this week. I am so ready. How's the weather where you are?

A bit of reminder for the holidays. Rather than being a scrooge, smile at people. You'll brighten their day.

All my best!

~Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Inheritance For Christmas

 Good morning, readers!

I'm back on track with this week's book. My husband put a space heater in the office to pick up the slack of the split unit and I'm finally able to work with warmer fingers.

This week's book is a novella, only ninety-seven pages. Definitely a quick read during the busiest time of year. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

Inheriting my grandparents’ beloved Christmas tree farm was supposed to be a dream come true. But when I arrive in the charming small town of Holly Ridge, I quickly discover the farm is in serious trouble, and it’s up to me to save it.

Enter Blake Markham—the rugged handyman who’s been helping my family for years. He’s the strong, silent type, but behind those blue eyes and flannel shirts is a heart as weathered as the farm itself. As we work side by side to bring Holly Forest Christmas Tree Farm back to life, sparks fly in ways I didn’t expect.

But can I trust my bruised heart to someone like Blake? With the pressure of keeping my grandparents’ legacy alive, and my growing feelings for Blake, I’m torn between staying safe or risking it all for love.

I loved this story. A couple of typos aside, the book was a pleasant read. I curled up with the fireplace on the TV for background, a cup of mulled cider, a cozy blanket, and a cat to keep me company set the stage for a relaxing afternoon. 

My heart went out to Avery. with parents having gone through a bitter divorce years prior,  her grandfather and Holly Ridge held her happiest memories. She was going to keep the tree farm at all costs.  Then there's Blake. He'd had his own financial issues, thanks to his father and he wanted to protect Avery

There's a surprise secondary character in this story I think you'll like. With the quick read, I'll be picking up the remaining ten books in this series.

I'm giving INHERITANCE FOR CHRISTMAS...

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Technical Issues

 Good morning, readers!

I'm dealing with a couple of technical issues this morning.

1 - It's cold in my office. The heat just isn't keeping up. As a result, my laptop is not cooperating

2 - In a blind moment on my part, I read NEXT WEEK'S book last night instead of this week. So I'll be curling up someplace warm today and reading this week's book.  

AMAZON

Review for INHERITANCE FOR CHRISTMAS will run tomorrow.  

Thank you for your patience

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Ruby Hill

 Good morning, readers!

Thank you for your patience. I enjoyed my holiday last week and I hope you did too.

Lets get to know Ruby:

Ruby Hill loves writing heartwarming small-town romances. Her stories often revolve around the magic of Christmas, capturing the essence of community, love, and holiday cheer. With a talent for creating charming characters and cozy settings, Ruby invites readers to escape into worlds where romance blossoms amid twinkling lights and falling snow.

She sounds like my kind of author. We just experienced our first 'dusting' of snow this season. I'm ready for more so I can curl up with a cup of bouchée hot chocolate and the rest of her series. You'll see why tomorrow.  Hint:  11 books of Christmas!

In the mean time, check out Ruby Hill's links below:

FACEBOOK  AUDIBLE   GOOD READS   BOOK BUB

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Let the Christmas season begin!

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

Did you get enough to eat yesterday? One of my traditions is to watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Sadly, the presentation has changed a lot in recent years and doesn't have the same attraction but I watch anyway... because it's tradition.  Do you have a Thanksgiving tradition? Maybe just curling up with a warm toddy.

Courtesy of Ylanite on Pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

via GIPHY

All my best! ~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT & REVIEW WEDNESDAY POSTPONED

Good  morning, everyone!

This is Bob's first full holiday season home. He retired one year ago Christmas Day. 

In light of that, I'm taking those two posts off this week. You will still see the Friday Photo. I'll be back next week with our regular scheduled posts.

Next week I'll be introducing you to author Ruby Hill and reviewing her novella, Inheritance for Christmas.

I hope you enjoy your holiday and maybe grab some great Black Friday deals.

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends.

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I hope you're finding these quotes inspiring. Maybe share around your family gathering. 

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

Good morning, friends!

We had a heat wave last week and the leaves are still falling here in the Ozarks. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I could see a bakery story with these.

Courtesy of JillWellington (Pixabay)

All my best!

~ Angela

 

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Billionaire's Christmas Wish

 Good morning, readers.

I have a great read for you this week. There is a caveat I'll share later in the review. Overall, tempting em to read the next book in the series.

AMAZON

BLURB:

A grumpy billionaire. A determined single mom. And a little boy who believes in Christmas magic....

All Marley wants is to give her five-year-old son Cooper the perfect Christmas at Snow Fox Lodge. But when she arrives at the snow-covered mountain retreat, she discovers they'll be sharing a cabin with Preston Wells—the notoriously cold-hearted CEO who hates everything about the holidays.

Preston didn't get to where he is by believing in fairy tales. He's at the lodge for one reason: to close the biggest deal of his career. He doesn't have time for Christmas cookies, face painting, or the way his heart warms every time Cooper calls his name.

But there's magic in the mountain air at Snow Fox Lodge. As cookie-baking sessions turn into snowball fights and bedtime stories, Preston finds himself falling for both mother and son. When a dangerous blizzard forces him to face his deepest fears to save them, Preston discovers that the greatest acquisition of his life might not be a business deal after all.

Legend says that whoever spots the mythical Snow Fox will have their Christmas wish come true. But sometimes the greatest Christmas magic isn't what you wish for—it's what your heart needed all along...

As I said earlier, I really enjoyed this story. Cooper is such a delight and Marley is a great mom. She's a parent when she needs to be but also her son's best friend. She finds her footing in this story as she navigates trying to trust a man again.

Preston may be rich and handsome but he's really out of touch with people on a common basis. He's a get in, get the job done, then move on to the next challenge. Forced to attend a corporate Christmas retreat, organized by his brother who has to stay behind, Preston finds himself in an unprecedented situation. He doesn't count on a five-year-old with pointed questions and a matter-of-fact attitude beyond his years, or the woman who mesmerizes him at every turn. I will be honest. I shed a few tears near the end. Happy Ever After tears. 

This is Book 1 in a 5-book series. Marley's sister, Charlotte, gets her chance with her boss, Pierce (Preston's brother). The only issue I had were several word/ typo mistakes that would have been easily corrected. As they say, it's all in the details. For what I viewed as attention to detail in the editing process, I'm giving THE BILLIONAIRE'S CHRISTMAS WISH...

You will find more about Nala Henkel-Aisllinn and her books by clicking on any of the links below. 

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Nala Henkel-Aislinn

 Good morning, readers!

I'm shining the spotlight on Nala Henkel-Aislinn, today.

Let's get to know, Nala:

Nala Henkel-Aislinn fell hard for love stories and mysteries back in school, when she read her first Harlequin Romance and the entire Encyclopedia Brown series in a month. Now she writes warm, emotional happily ever afters and hilarious whodunits in cozy, quirky small town settings. She lives in the Pacific Northwest, where finding the perfect cinnamon bun is a legitimate life goal!

She is the author of the contemporary sweet romance series Cranberry Hill and the Maple Cove Dog Lovers' Society, as well as the Christmas-themed series, Magic at Snow Fox Lodge. Her cozy crime comedies are written in The Hitman's Daughter series.

I'll be reviewing her Christmas book, The Billionaire's Christmas Wish, which is Book 1 of 5 in the Snow Fox Lodge series.

You can find out more about Nala Henkel-Aislinn by following any of the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Bob should be home later today after a trip to our niece's wedding. I've been pouring out the words for Book 2 during the Rough Draft Challenge, with Sarra Cannon. I'm determined to finish the book this month so I can start edits in January.  What are you working on?

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

I thought in light of a few of you seeing at least a dusting of snow last week, I'd share this one to get your mind creating.

Courtesy of Michell_Pitzel (Pixabay)

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Christmas Lullabies

 Good morning, readers!

Don't you just love Christmas carols? I do. Even when my husband is whistling them in June! 

AMAZON

CHRISTMAS LULLABIES is Book 1 of two in the Mustang Valley series by Annabeth Avery.

BLURB:

Taylor and Sam's plans were simple: graduate from college, find good paying jobs, and eventually get married and start a family. But when Fate intervenes, things in Mustang Valley get a lot more interesting.

Not only does Taylor have to tell Sam that she's pregnant, but she also has to break the news to her parents. The same conservative parents who live in a small town and are about as Southern Baptist as they come. To say the train has derailed from the tracks would be an understatement.

Sam has wanted a family of his own for as long as he could remember. He knew in grade school that Taylor was his soul mate and would be the one he'd marry. Now, he just needs to convince her that this had always been their destiny.

Fortunately, things aren't always what they seem. Secrets come to light and faith will be tested. But with the help of a few good friends and a little holiday magic, Taylor and Sam will once again find the spirit of Christmas in Mustang Valley.

I loved this story overall, though I did hit a couple of bumps along the way. 

In the prelude, we are introduced to Sam's parents as they're trying to beat a bad Christmas eve snow storm to make it from the city back to the small town of Mustang Valley to spend Christmas with their son, Sam. I was confused as to Sam's age.  When you get into the story you'll learn Sam is five at the time of the prelude. So my question was, what were they doing in the city a couple of days before Christmas and why wasn't Sam, given his age, with them? We aren't privy to that information (unless I missed something. If I did, please come back and leave your thoughts in the comments).

Annabeth's voice was the other. Once I realized this was her voice, I was able to adjust. She has a tendency to drop a secondary character's POV between two other POVs. Keep in mind, her POV switches work great for just two people but dropping in the third in a brief paragraph took a little adjustment on my part. 

Overall, I think Annabeth has done a beautiful job of giving us a story that if it weren't for a pre-marital conception this would make a beautiful Hallmark movie. I'm giving Christmas Lullabies...

You'll find all of Annabeth's links below. You'll find links to Book 2 in this series as well as all of her books. 

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   Twitter - X   GOODREADS   AUDIO

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Annabeth Avery

 Good morning, friends!

Another great Christmas read by a new-to-me author. Meet Annabeth Avery.

About Annabeth Avery:

After years of reading romance novels and getting lost in characters’ worlds, Annabeth Avery finally decided to try her hand at writing. Inspired by Lucy Kevin’s Four Weddings and a Fiasco, she summoned her courage, got to writing, and submitted her first novel. Now she’s been bitten by the writing bug and hopes to make a career of it. Annabeth encourages you to join her on this amazing and exciting journey as the characters in her head come to life.

In addition to her creative side, she’s a geek who loves being whisked away into alternate realities, whether it be contemporary, new adult, young adult, historical, paranormal, or real life. Everyone has a story, so be sure to drop by often and see which stories are keeping Annabeth up at night, as she pounds away on the keys writing her next book.

Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to Book 1 in the Mustang Valley series. In the mean time, please check out the following links to follow and learn more about Annabeth Avery:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   Twitter - X   GOODREADS   AUDIO

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

 

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends. 

Feeling like fall in the Ozarks. What's your weather like?

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends.

The weather the past week has been beautiful, but I hear that's about to change. They're talking snow flurries for Sunday in the Ozarks. I am NOT ready for that. 

courtesy of azazelok

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - The Christmas Fib

Good morning, readers!

Every one of Beth Carter's books is a fun read so when she asked if I could give a quick review of The Christmas Fib, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to kick off our December Christmas reads with this one. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

A tiny fib. A snowy holiday. A shocking twist. 

A tiny fib at Christmastime won’t be an issue, right? Executive recruiter Brooke Hamilton decides she must stop being such a workhorse and enjoy the holidays…alone. Well, alone except for complete strangers at an inn. Brooke changes up the festivities by traveling to the snow-capped mountains of Colorado to soothe her grief after her beloved dad passed. Excited to create new memories in Breckenridge, Brooke hopes reliving sentimental moments will bring back her spark, and maybe she’ll actually learn to ski this time. 

Brooke reserves a snowy getaway at The Snowflake Inn where the guests are eclectic, the innkeeper is delightful, and the food is delectable. After smoothing over her absence with her mother, she is shocked to learn her mom has met someone. What? So soon? Will this discovery, not to mention their mutual white lies, eventually lead to healing?

And who is the handsome lumberjack-type guy who blows into town like a blizzard? Naturally, the newcomer decides to stay at the inn, but is Hudson Prescott really who he says he is? When a mysterious woman enters the picture, will Brooke and Hudson be torn apart before they have a chance? Oh, and Brooke’s boss didn’t get the memo that he shouldn’t contact her while she’s on vacation. Rude.

I loved this story. Being born in Colorado and having family in Breckenridge, Beth took me home to the mountains I miss. While I've never had any desire to get on skis, put me in the lodge by a crackling fire and a cup of hot cocoa and I'm a happy woman. 

The Christmas Fib is a well-crafted holiday story with characters you will love, and maybe even relate with them. Whether you work from home or have a boss always wanting more from you, I think most everyone can identify with Brooke. She just needed to get away for some peace and quiet, even if it did mean fibbing to her mom. Little did she know she wasn't the only one holding a secret.

While all the characters are well written, Tate was my favorite. I think teen characters can be tough to write into contemporary romance. Most authors bring in the 'tots' but Beth kept everyone real and relatable.

If you're looking for a quick holiday read amongst the hustle and bustle of the busiest time of year, THE CHRISTMAS FIB is perfect!

I look forward to more entertaining reads from this author.

I'm giving The Christmas Fib...

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Beth Carter

 Good morning, friends!

I have someone special to share with you today. I am so happy to introduce you to our author this week. Beth Carter creates fabulous reads through both stand alone and series romance. I've known Beth for years. She's worn many hats but I think author is her best yet. However, those other hats brought something to her current career as an established contemporary romance author. If you like your reads with a bit of laughter, then her books need to be on your list. 

BIO:

Formerly a bank VP and hospital marketer, Beth Carter reinvented herself at mid-life to pen novels and children's picture books. She doesn't miss the 8 o'clock meetings, nor heels, whatsoever and prefers yoga pants to corporate suits. Carter is a bestselling, award-winning author of the popular six-book COCONUTS series, as well as standalone novels: BRIDE SWAP, BRIDE GAMES, THE CHRISTMAS FIB, MIRACLE ON AISLE TWO, and SLEEPING WITH ELVIS. She penned THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK for charity, as well as four children's picture books, and a nonfiction book: I WROTE A BOOK. NOW WHAT?

The author splits her time between Missouri and Florida. Fueled by coffee, nature, stories from being a single mom, plus her wild imagination, Carter writes hilarious, heartwarming novels. She loves board games, reading, boating, dancing, pickleball, chardonnay, and the beach. Connect with Beth Carter through the links below.

Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing her latest book, The Christmas Fib. If you're looking for a quick holiday read after a long day of Christmas shopping, this is the book for you!

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS   BLOG

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I'll be back tomorrow to share more about The Christmas Fib. 

All my best!

~Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Another new month of quotes. This time we'll focus on gratitude.

Courtesy of Country Living Magazine

All my best!

~ Angela

FRIDAY PHOTO!

 Good  morning, friends!

Trick or Treat!!

photo courtesy of JillWellington on pixabay

All my best!

~ Angela

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Halloween With A Vampire

 Good morning, readers!

We have reached our final October read and this was a good one. Good enough that I want to read Book 2 of the Holiday Romance series. 

AMAZON

BLURB:

He’s a vampire haunted by his past. She’s a cursed black cat shifter. This Halloween, will love finally set these two tortured souls free from the shadows of their past?

Joe Evensen has never been a fan of Halloween. However, as the owner of Last Drop bar, each year he hosts a Halloween Bash for Crescent Creek. It’s a business decision, but it also serves as a distraction from the ghosts of his past who torment him while the veil between the living and the dead is thin. Joe doesn’t expect this Halloween to be any different, but it is. 

Ivy Pendle has been cursed since her eighteenth birthday. She’s spent years only allowed to walk in her human form on Halloween in search of her mate and never finding him. Doubting she ever will, she decides to spend her last Halloween allotted as a human enjoying herself instead of stressing about being stuck in her shifter form forever.

When the two meet by chance, there’s a spark of something between them. But is it simply a case of misery loving company, or something more?

I've never been one to read shape shifters but this one was really good... like high number of quills good. Wait, I won't get ahead of myself.

I loved Ivy. Took me a minute when she talked about her cat after she'd shifted to human she was talking about her 'inner' cat. See, I told you I was new to this shape-shifter thing. I really got in tune when Ivy went to the Last Drop bar and felt something for Joe. Ivy's inner cat was not shy about voicing an opinion on the hunky bar owner. 

I also loved how Ivy felt at home the minute she was behind the bar. Like she'd found not only her soulmate but a true home where she felt comfortable. I won't give any spoiler alerts but I suggest when you pick up Book 1, go ahead and check out Book 2, New Years With A Dragon. It is also not lost on me that the word BOB is in the link for Book 2 - my husband's name and he collects dragon figures. LOL

I hope there will be more stories from this community. Crescent Creek kind of reminds me of Halloweentown before the evil mayor did his thing. 

If all the gore of the season is not your thing, then this cozy Halloween romance is the perfect quick read between trips to the door to pass out cand - if you can put the book down long enough to answer the door.

I'm giving HALLOWEEN WITH A VAMPIRE...

All my best!

~ Angela