Good morning, friends!
Can you believe we have come to the end of the first half of the year? Where does the time go?
All my best!
~ Angela
Monday, June 30, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
FRIDAY PHOTO
Good morning, friends.
I do apologize for no photos this month (except for today). I just couldn't get everything done before I left for conference. When I came home, I promptly re-injured a couple of ribs.
I'm not fully healed but I am here to work. We'll finish off this month with a Patriotic photo then kick in to our Christmas in July series across the board next week!
Thank you for your patience!
All my best!
~Angela
Thursday, June 26, 2025
CONFERENCE - AuthorTube Writing Conference!
Good morning, everyone!
If you are strapped for cash, don't want to travel but looking for a quality conference then I have just the conference for you!
All videos are on YouTube. Replays will be available. Totally FREE!!! Come join us this Friday - Sunday June 27-29th, 2025.
While this conference is free, I hope you'll take a moment to shop the Merch tab.
Also, fill out the survey's after each session for chances at multiple prices to be given away!
I hope to see you there!
You'll find all of the information by following THIS LINK.
All my best!
~ Angela
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Falling For Her Bachelor
Good morning, readers.
I'm sharing the first of two books I'm reading by USA Today Best Selling Author, Robin Bielman.
BLURB:
She’s always been the
girl he had to protect. Now she’s the woman he can’t resist…
When Navy firefighter Nick Palotay returns to Marietta to go on the bachelor auction block for a good cause, he expects it to be risk free. But when he needs someone safe to bid on him and his sister's best friend is coaxed into stepping up, Nick isn’t prepared for the effect Cassidy has on him. She sends his mind to all kinds of dirty places…places his battered heart can’t afford.
Cassidy Ware is in waaay over her head. She’s always been Nick’s other little sister, but she’s all grown up now and just a glance from him leaves her hot and bothered. Still, she can stay immune to his charms and keep him at an emotional distance because she’s got an agenda, too. She’ll help the too-handsome Nick with his charitable deed, and, in return, he’ll help her keep an unwelcome suitor at bay.
A deal’s a deal, but when their “business transaction” turns into more pleasure than duty, can they walk away from each other without losing what matters most?
Seriously? 'Convenience' or 'business agreement' tropes are two of the best to write and Robin Bielman does them so well. She's a flirty, fun kind of author and she brings those characteristics out in her characters.
FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR is a great way to ring in the upcoming 4th of July. Sparks of all kinds fly between Nick and Cassidy in this fun read.
I'm giving FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR ...
.8Next week, Robin Bielman's book, ONCE UPON A ROYAL CHRISTMAS kicks off our #ChristmasInJuly series. You won't want to miss a minute!
In the mean time, you can catch up with Robin via the follow links:
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Robin Bielman
Good morning, readers.
This week I'm shining the spotlight on author, Robin Bielman. Actually, I'll be showcasing her both this week and next. Robin has a Christmas book that will kick off our #ChristmasInJuly series.
When I feature a Christmas book by an author over the course of this month, I'll also link you to their most recent book (usually non-Christmas) so you can have more great books to read.
Let's get started!
About Robin Bielman:
USA Today bestselling
author Robin Bielman lives in Southern California with her awesome family and
her very cute dog, Harry. She writes fun, flirty romantic fiction with one goal
in mind: to leave you with a smile on your face. When not attached to her laptop,
she loves to read, go to the beach, and frequent coffee shops with friends. She
also dreams of traveling to faraway places and loves to connect with readers.
Keep in touch on social! Xoxo
I'll be reviewing FALLING FOR HER BACHELOR tomorrow then next week, ONCE UPON A ROYAL CHRISTMAS
All my best!
~ Angela
Monday, June 23, 2025
Thursday, June 19, 2025
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Noelle Adams
Good morning, friends!
I've checked all three of my blogs to see if I might have posted Tuesday's Author Spotlight somewhere else. I can't find the post anywhere.
So here we are introducing you to Noelle Adams.
Here's a bit about Noelle Adams:
Noelle handwrote her
first romance novel in a spiral-bound notebook when she was twelve, and she
hasn't stopped writing since. She has lived in eight different states and
currently resides in Virginia, where she reads any book she can get her hands
on and offers tribute to a very spoiled cocker spaniel.
She loves travel, art, history, and ice cream. After spending far too many years of her life in graduate school, she has decided to reorient her priorities and focus on writing contemporary romances
To find out more about Noelle Adams, click on any of the links below. You'll also find my review of Part Time Husband on my 6-18-25 post. (just back to yesterday).
All My Best!
~ Angela
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Part-Time Husband
Hello, Readers!
I noticed that the Author Spotlight post did not post this morning as scheduled. I will repost and link for tomorrow.
One thing about cracked ribs. Plenty of time to read. We'll get into my review of A PART-TIME HUSBAND in just a moment. In the mean time, here's the info:
On a Wednesday afternoon,
I ask Trevor Bentley to marry me. He might be the most arrogant, obnoxious man
I know, but I need him to be my husband for a year.
There are reasons.
He's not going to be a real husband. Just part-time. Yes, I have to live with him. And, okay, I also have to share his bed. And, sure, he's the hottest and most exciting thing to ever happen to my controlled, organized life. But still... It's only a part-time marriage. I'm not going to give him my heart. I know what I'm doing, and I'm too smart to fall for my husband.
I hope.
I really enjoyed this book. At first, I wasn't sure because I don't normally read books told from a first person point of view. Sometimes, you do what the story calls for and this was Melissa's story. The characters were well defined and allowed to grow throughout the story; peeling back the layers until you see who they really are underneath, at their core
I really liked Trevor's character. A guy from the wrong side of the tracks. At first he tried to make everyone believe he was something different; giving everyone the misconception he was an arrogant jerk. Melissa chose her 'part-time' husband well. My only problem was his title. Trevor was not a 'part-time' husband. That led me to believe he was only around when convenient or necessary for Melissa to get Pop's off her back. He wasn't really a 'make believe' or 'pretend' husband either. You'll see.
This is Book 1 in the Trophy Husbands series. We'll get her sister, Sam's story in Book 2. I look forward to finding out if all the books (there are 4 in all) in this series are told in first person.
Pleases leave a comment below. How would you have titled this book, based on their arrangement.
I'm giving PART-TIME HUSBAND...
. 8
You'll find out more about Noelle Adams by clicking on the links below.
All My Best!
~ Angela
Monday, June 16, 2025
THOUGHTFUL MONDAY
Good morning, friends!
May your week be full of sunshine and productive.
All my best!
~ Angela
Thursday, June 12, 2025
CONFERENCES - Between The Pages Conference Recap
Good morning, friends!
I'm in the office and back to work after an amazing six days in Springfield, Missouri; primarily for the BetweenThePages Writer's Conference.
Since diving hard back in to Book 2 of my series I decided to take a couple extra days on either side of the conference while at my favorite hotel in Springfield (Comfort Inn South) to work on the book.
I packed up and headed in on Wednesday, checking in around two p.m. and just spent the rest of the day settling in, getting the writing area and coffee bar set up then kicking back with lasagna and garlic biscuit I'd brought from home.
BACK HATCH
folding table for coffee bar behind the bags
L to R - extra cooler, computer bag, story bag, coffee bag, cold items, 2 cases of water
BACK SEAT
From Front to back - personals bag on bottom, iPad, desk decor on top
Far back - suitcase on floorboard, dry food bag tote on seat
TIP: Save yourself money by bringing leftovers or quick foods that can be heated in the microwave. I also packed my Copper Chef 5-minute cooker. HOWEVER - Check to make sure your hotel HAS A MICROWAVE. I'd thought about staying at the conference hotel next year but they don't have microwaves in the rooms and the refrigerators are half the size of the one at Comfort Suites. Unless you want to spend money eating all of your meals out, do your research.
Registration opened up on Friday afternoon. We also had a speaker, who was excellent!
Colin Conway is the author of the Cozy Up series and is the creator of the 509 Crime Series
He covered a total of three sessions on Indie Publishing including developing the mind set of an indie author as well as running an Indie business and marketing. Lots of great information. Once I heard him speak, I traded off a couple of breakout sessions to hear everything he had to say. The other two breakout sessions were, Running An Author-Indie Business and Marketing Your Books.One important thing he brough up was to make sure YOU BENEFICIARY has access to your business.
Jeniffer Thompson was our keynote to kick things off on Saturday. She is one of my favorite people. I've learned so much from just hearing her speak. She is an absolute beautiful person. She likes to help and is patient with your questions. This is the second year I've had the pleasure of listening to her. She also offers assistance in many forms of author branding through her Monkey C Media, The Premise Podcast, and the San Diego Writers Festival Podcast. You'll find Jeniffer by clicking on any of the links included in this paragraph.
Sherry Roberts was the session I chose in the first round of break-out sessions. An award-winning children's book author, she spoke about the responsibilities we have once our book is available. One of the most valuable pieces of information I received from her presentation was how to get into B & N!
Xavier Kane was the speaker I was most interested in hearing, then didn't LOL. Xavier spoke on the difference between writing general characters and Veterans. Since An Ozarks Homecoming features a Veteran Army officer, I wanted to hear how his take. See if I was honoring our heroes correctly. However, he was dropped into the same session as Colin Conway and after reading his topic I realized he was talking more about current Veterans and not deceased. Understanding, Xavier was kind enough to do a one-on-one with me to help me see if I am on the right track. According to him, I appear to be doing everything right.
Those were my picks for the conference. We also were able to do a Q & A with a panel discussion with all of the speakers including the following:
Topic: Owning Your Creativity
His covers are GORGEOUS! Be sure to check them out on AMAZON
Paul McSorley
He is an audio book performer
Topic: Took the first 5 submissions and make them into an audio file so you can see what your work will sound like as an audio book.
AMY LILLARD
Topic: Back to the Basics of Romance
Christian & Clean Are All The Rage In Romance.
NOTE: I will be spotlighting Amy in an upcoming post as well as reviewing her latest Amish Romance release so stay tuned!
Jeanne Devlin from Roadrunner Press also took pitches. Check out her publishing house by clicking on her name.
Miss Nancy closed out our session Sunday morning and this home-town girl BROUGHT IT! She was entertaining as she talked about her journey from being an attorney to co-writing with James. (that would be THE James Patterson but they're on Book 5 together so she can call him by his first name... she said so. LOL) If you get the opportunity to hear her speak, RUN to the first row and enjoy the ride!
That's going to do it for me today. I managed to pop a couple of ribs this morning as I washed up the conference laundry so I might be out of commission for a day or two but I'm not going far.
All my best!
~Angela
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Lucy's Hearth
Good morning, friends!
Popping in a bit late. I failed to take my author media flash drive with me to conference last weekend.
Today, we're taking a look at LUCY'S HEARTH by M. Lee Prescott.
Lucy's Hearth is Book 1 in Book 9 of Morgan's Fire series.
BLURB:
Heart in pieces post-divorce, Lucy Winthrop visits Saguaro Valley, home of her mother's friends, Ben and Leonora Morgan. While staying at their ranch, Morgan's Run, she meets Ben's younger brother, Richard. Her new neighbor back east, Richard is a self-made billionaire who goes after what he wants, and he wants Lucy. Back home in New England, they begin a white hot love affair. As the heat pumps up, Lucy tries to step back, scared she is in too deep, too fast. Will this gorgeous Morgan man let her go? And, in pulling away, is she giving up a dream of happiness she never thought possible? As Lucy and Richard's love story unfolds, join another branch of the Morgan family in this first book of Morgan's Fire!
I really wanted to love this book. I love a good romance, but when you bring in main characters that are closer to my age, then I'm all for living vicariously through them. However, in my opinion, there are just too many characters introduced in the first quarter of the story; seven in the first chapter!
That aside, I realize she's introducing Richard's children. Additional confusion came in to play having Richard vs. his son, Rich. Multiple times there were names beginning with the same sound or letter. One of the cardinal rules of fiction is never to have characters that have either of those issues. I say issues, because they are a problem for readers to follow.
My second issue with this book was Lucy going from 'I don't want to rush things' to dropping her jeans and panties in the bushes for a quickie with Richard.. and her divorce not yet final.
The 'too many names' was my biggest problem. I felt like I needed a family tree for Richard alone. Trying to keep everyone straight pulled me away from the story the author was trying to tell.
For these reasons, I'm giving LUCY'S HEART...
.5
You can find out more about M. Lee Prescott by clicking any of her links below.
WEBSITE FACEBOOK LINKTR.EE INSTAGRAM TIK TOK
All my best!
~ Angela
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - M. Lee Prescott
Good morning, friends!
As you read this blog I am being very lazy with my husband. I got home late yesterday afternoon and am just ready to chill.
Today, I'm shinning the spotlight on M. Lee Prescott.
Here's a bit about, M. Lee Prescott:
M. Lee Prescott is the
award-winning author of contemporary romances and mysteries. Her romance series
include Morgan’s Run and Morgan’s Fire and her mystery series are the Ricky
Steele mysteries and the Roger and Bess mysteries. Her books – including many
stand-alone titles -- have sold more than a million copies worldwide.
Always present to and mindful of joyful, precious time with dear family and friends, Lee intends to keep writing as long as her mind cooperates – so many stories to tell and so many readers to please (you know who you are!). She is grateful for an amazing life and hopes never to stop dreaming of new adventures – in her backyard, on the river and around the globe!
I'll be back tomorrow to share my thoughts on LUCY'S HEARTH - Morgan's Fire series Book 1
In the meantime, you can learn more about M. Lee Prescott by clicking on any of the links below.
WEBSITE FACEBOOK LINKTR.EE INSTAGRAM TIK TOK
All my best!
~ Angela
Monday, June 9, 2025
THOUGHTFUL MONDAY
Good morning, friends!
A new month, a new start, and as I type this a week in advance, hopefully an end to the copious amount of rain and severe weather.
All my best!
~ Angela
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Forgotten Child
Good morning, friends!
Today, I'm sharing a great read from Lorhainne Eckhart called, THE FORGOTTEN CHILD.
BLURB:
She didn’t plan on
falling in love with a broken man. And he never expected to need her…
When Emily Nelson answers
a help-wanted ad for a live-in caregiver on a remote ranch in Washington, she’s
just trying to piece her life back together for herself and her young daughter.
But nothing prepares her for Brad Friessen—a rugged, brooding cattleman and
single father whose silence speaks louder than words.
Brad’s world has been turned upside down by his ex-wife’s abandonment of their non-verbal young son, Trevor. Resentful and angry, Brad doesn’t have time for complications—or the quiet woman who challenges him in ways he never expected. But Emily’s fierce compassion, strength, and unwavering dedication to Trevor begin to tear down the walls Brad has spent years building.
As Emily discovers the heartbreaking truth about the woman who walked away from her child, she finds herself caught in a web of secrets, betrayal, and emotional wounds that run deeper than she imagined. Just as Brad and Emily begin to heal and trust in each other, his past resurfaces—demanding everything they’ve fought for.
In a town where gossip
travels faster than wildfire and forgiveness doesn’t come easy, can two strong,
stubborn hearts find their way back to love—and build the kind of family they
both deserve?
I really enjoyed this book. Crystal was the perfect villain in the story, though I didn't see a villainous twist coming towards the end of the book; a testament to great plotting. I fell in love with Trevor. The call it the 'spectrum' for a reason. Every child is different. But then again, aren't all children.
My only issue with the story, was the ending. Without giving spoilers, I thought the change in Emily and Brad's relationship, granted for the better, was very abrupt. I think an Epilogue would have been more appropriate as opposed to jumping from one context to the next.
For that reason, I'm giving THE FORGOTTEN CHILD...
.5You can learn more about Lorhainne Eckart and the rest of her books by following the links below.
WEBSITE BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE
All my best!
~ Angela
Tuesday, June 3, 2025
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Lorhainne Eckhart
Good morning, readers!
Sliding in a bit late as I'm packing to leave for the Between The Pages writing conference and some hotel retreat time to work on my book.
I'm shinning the spotlight on Lorhainne Eckart.
Here's a bit about, Lorhainne:
Lorhainne Eckhart is the
New York Times & USA Today bestselling author behind over 145 emotionally
charged novels that blend raw, real romance with gripping family drama and
heart-pounding suspense. Known as the “Queen of the Family Saga,” Lorhainne
crafts unforgettable stories where love is fierce, family comes first, and
characters face real-world struggles that hit close to home.
Her books are for readers who crave stories about second chances, moral dilemmas, loyalty, and redemption—told through strong, relatable characters navigating the complexities of modern life. Whether it’s a tense custody battle, a broken marriage on the mend, or the return of a lost child, Lorhainne’s novels explore what it truly means to fight for the ones you love.
With millions of books sold worldwide, Lorhainne’s novels have been translated into Italian, Spanish, French, and German, earning her loyal fans across the globe and multiple Readers' Favorite Awards for both suspense and romance.
Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing THE FORGOTTEN CHILD - Book 1 in the 'Finding Love - The Outsider' series.
While you wait, I invite you to click on any of the links below to learn more about Lorhainne Eckhart.
WEBSITE BLOG FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM YOUTUBE
All my best!
~ Angela
Monday, June 2, 2025
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