THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

I hope this post finds you on track with whatever you are choosing to do. Keep moving forward!

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Culinary Confections

 Good morning, friends

I'm on a short leash today so this will be a brief review. Bob is on his way home and the house is a disaster LOL.

AMAZON

Blurb:

Madelyn Jones has always wanted to take over her aunt's bakery. For her dream to finally come true, she has to bake a wedding cake for a customer and nail it to perfection. Luckily for her, her best friend, Justin, is in town, after finishing culinary school. He decides to help Maddie out and the pair start working on the most perfect wedding cake they can muster.

But between sugar flowers and tasty fillings, the two best friends slowly understand that there is more than friendship lingering in the air. As they spend their days alone in a small kitchen, how long can they deny their ever-growing chemistry?

I loved the premise, and the growth between Madelyn and Justin as they worked together on what could be a make or break commission for Madelyn's bakery. I don't usually read books with college-aged characters so I was a bit out of my element but I did enjoy the story. 

I loved the premise and I think J.K. Lambo was on the right track. That said, the story seems to get lost in repetitive and passive word usage. I have no doubt with some tightening as well as another round or two of edits this would be a great book, 

I'm giving CULINARY CONFESSIONS:

. 8

Click on any of the links below to learn more about Joanne Lambo and give her all the loves & follows.

WEBSITE   PUBLISHING COMPANY   LINKEDIN   FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM   TWITTER-X    IG     YOUTUBE   KO-FI   TIK TOK   GOOD READS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Joanne Lambo

 Good morning, friends!

Little late today. Instead of writing this up last night, I watched Courtroom Insider with Nate Eaton from East Idaho News as he recapped the day's proceedings from the Chad Daybell trial. 

Today, we're shining the spotlight on Joanne Lambo aka J. K. Lambo

I met Joanne through Sarra Cannon's 'Hearties' group (Sarra's author stuff is all under Heartbreathings - thus her followers are Hearties)

Let me introduce you to Joanne:

Joanne Lambo is the author of her debut new adult novella, Culinary Confessions, and loves to sketch in her spare time. She has spent the last few years writing short stories that are perfect for anyone who enjoys a cozy read with a good cup of tea, or readers who like books with relatable characters. Joanne particularly loves the rush that comes with crafting a new story.

When she isn’t writing, you can find her watching her favorite T.V. series, Person of Interest, or baking decadent desserts. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to catch up with the latest news about her works in progress.

During one of our many writing sprints, Joanne mentioned she was writing a book involving a bakery. Hey, so am I!  While I know our books are totally different, was nice to hear someone playing with sweets. We both love to bake (though I've left the competition world behind and just write about them)

I'll be reviewing her book, Culinary Confections. 

In the mean time, click on any of the links below to learn more about Joanne Lambo and give her all the loves & follows.

WEBSITE   PUBLISHING COMPANY   LINKEDIN   FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM   TWITTER-X    IG     YOUTUBE   KO-FI   TIK TOK   GOOD READS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Bob comes home Wednesday. So much to do, so little time. 

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Kindled Hearts

 Good morning, friends!

I love Spring in the Ozarks. The weather yesterday provided the perfect backdrop for sitting on the deck reading this week's book by Abbey Easton - KINDLED HEARTS.

Here's a bit about Kindled Hearts:

There’s a serial killer in Ember Hollow. Lark Meadows survived him once, but he’ll burn it all down to get her back.

​After my best friend was murdered in her bed, I ran from Ember Hollow and never looked back. But nine years later, I’m forced to return to my small town and run into the last person I expected, Reid Ramsey. He’s a local Private Investigator now…and my best friend’s big brother.

​Reid has always been a protector, watching out for the ones he loves. As we grow closer, it’s clear how broken he is. He couldn’t save his little sister all those years ago and the guilt crushed him.

​Bonded through tragedy, an unexpected spark ignites between us. The burn is slow, but bright and consuming. As we lead each other on the path toward healing, disaster strikes again when a girl goes missing.

​Desperate to find her before it’s too late, Reid and I will stop at nothing to discover the truth. The closer we come to solving the case, and the danger escalates, dark shadows from my past finally catch up to me. This time…I don’t know if I’ll make it out of this town alive.

I loved this book. Abbey created rich characters and is masterful at showing their growth while maintaining who they are at the core. 

One point I really appreciate is she provides trigger warnings, allowing her readers to choose what they can handle.

In this Kindled Hearts, Lark Meadows struggles with the nightmares of the last night we all saw her best friend alive. Her best friend's brother, Reid, is determined to protector, just as he had both of their girls when they were younger. As we follow the two of them on their journey to rid their memories, and those of Ember Hollow, from the Shadow Stalker, a new victim surfaces. The twist at the end will leave you anxious for Book two. 

There are five brothers so I'm pretty sure there will be five books. The one I'm most looking forward to is Roman's story. He's seen tragedy and I want him to find love again for him and his impish daughter. 

I'm giving KINDLED HEARTS:

As an Indie Author, Abbey Easton is doing everything right. Her covers are beautiful, her story lines flawless, and well edited.  You'll find all the purchase links on Abbey's website HERE or by clicking on any of the following:

AMAZON   B & N   APPLE   GOOGLE PLAY  KOBO

Catch up with Abbey Easton through her social media links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   TIK TOK   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Abbey Easton

Good morning, friends!

This week I'm curled up with a 'new to me' author. I think I found her through the Heartbreathings FB group, but can't remember for sure. 

Here's a bit about Abbey:

Abbey Easton is a lover of many things, many of which involve love itself. She has always enjoyed a good romance story and has found immense satisfaction out of crafting her own swoony heros and strong, brave heroines. If you love small towns and deep love stories that inspire hope, with just enough suspense to keep you on your toes, then you'll enjoy her books.

Abbey lives in Ohio with her husband, two small children and the sweetest puppers. She knits sweaters and baby things in what spare time she has and lives for cozy, rainy days.

I'll be reviewing her book, KINDLED HEARTS, which appears to be Book 1 in the Ember Hollow Romance series.  I love that name! 

You'll find Abbey Easton through the following links:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   TIK TOK   GOODREADS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

I'll see you tomorrow for my review of Kindled Hearts!

All my best!

~ Angela

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

With Bob on the boat for another two weeks, I'm bent on catching up - and getting a little ahead. 

All my best!

~ Angela

WEDNESDAY REVIEW - Strawberry Lane

 Good morning, friends!

The weather in my part of the Ozarks yesterday wobbled between clouds with a hint of rain and spurts of sun. I spent most of my day in bed with a good book. We all need to do that once in awhile.

Author Jodi Thomas ALWAYS delivers a great read. Her stories about the folks in Honey Creek, Texas are like visiting family and friends. You get to meet old acquaintances and make new friends. STRAWBERRY LANE definitely delivered!

AMAZON

Here's a bit about the book:

Set in Someday Valley, surrounding the charming small town of Honey Creek, Texas, New York Times bestselling author Jodi Thomas’s latest novel tells the heartwarming, tenderly romantic tale of a man who drives his car off a cliff—straight into a life he never imagined . . .

Starri Knight is a big believer in fate. How else to explain the compelling connection she feels to the stranger she pulls out of a wrecked car on the very same road where her parents died twenty years earlier? Alongside Auntie Ona-May, the only mother she’s ever known, Starri saves Rusty O’Sullivan’s life—just as Ona-May once did when Starri was an orphaned babe. But convincing Rusty he has something to live for is going to take all of Starri’s faith in miracles . . .

Like a wish he hadn’t even known to make, Starri landed in Rusty’s life, filling him with a longing for a family. . . . Then Jackson Landry, a new lawyer, turns up to present a surprise that will change the direction of his life: An inheritance from the father Rusty never knew—and the promise of the family he’d never had. It’s a lot for the hard-bitten loner to accept as love from an unexpected direction rushes into his life . . .

A sense of duty has Rusty heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father’s estate—and find his lost siblings. But having family is one thing, learning to love them is another. Good thing new friends are by his side to help him along the way.

I did find one mis-step in the blurb. Rusty was not heading to Honey Creek to deal with his father's estate. I don't want to give anything away but you'll understand when you read the book.

STRAWBERRY LANE is more about what you'll find at the end of the story, and that's okay. Jodi drops you right into getting to know the people, each with their own point of view. 

the story opens with a young lawyer at the bedside of his first client. From a criptic note after the man's death, Jackson learns he must find four children the man never knew personally so he can settle the estate. We meet two of the 'children' in this book. I foresee the remaining two appearing as main characters in Book 2 - The Lavender Bookshop because Jodi always ties up any loose ends before taking us on another series ride.  

Jodi's writing style gives the reader the opportunity to get to know the characters so that you feel right along with them on the 270 - plus page ride. There were times I giggled, right out laughed, and shed a few tears - just like I would for any of my family and friends. 

Jodi writes stories with heart, about what the characters are feeling and creates an atmosphere for you to feel right along with them. 

The book is in the Amazon link below the book cover (above). 

STRAWBERRY LANE is Book 1 in a two-book series (so far). You can pre-order The Lavender Bookshop releasing April 23rd. I'm giving Strawberry Lane:

If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:

Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. 

You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    INSTAGRAM    PINTEREST   BOOKBUB

AMAZON

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Jodi Thomas

 

I am pleased to Shine the Author Spotlight on Jodi Thomas again on my blog. Jodi and I've gotten to know one another over the past several years. I am a big fan of her writing style and she has graciously autographed her books for me. (over a period of years, of course lol)

AMAZON

Tomorrow, I will be reviewing her most recent book, Strawberry Lane - Book 1 in the 2 book Someday Valley series. Book 2, The Wild Lavender Bookshop releases April 23rd and is available for PRE-ORDER 

If you're new to Jodi Thomas, here's a bit of info:

Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA Award winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. 

You'll find Jodi at the following Social Media streams:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK    TWITTER    INSTAGRAM    PINTEREST   BOOKBUB

AMAZON

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

You are not a fool to follow your dreams! Go for them!

All my best!

~ Angela