Wednesday, February 18, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Love Is Patient

 Good afternoon, readers.

We went after the end tables  yesterday, requiring pretty much an all day trip. When most everything you do is at least an hour in either direction, to take care of as many things as you can while you're out. Bob treated me to dinner at Big Whiskey's. We've never been before. I'm more a Chinese Buffet kind of girl, but something different now and then isn't a bad thing either.



LOVE IS PATIENT is Book 1 in the Prairie Promise trilogy by K. P. Dawson.

Here's a bit about the book:

Promise...

"In her heart, Kathryn knew this was the place she was meant to be. And she couldn’t wait to prove it to her father, herself, and anyone else who might doubt it."

All her life, Kathryn has known she didn't belong in the city where she was raised. So when she is offered a teaching position in the small, frontier town of Promise, in the Dakota Territory, she doesn't hesitate to accept. When she arrives, she knows she's found the place she belongs.

However, she is faced with many obstacles as she proves to her family, and herself, that she is cut out for life out here. The biggest problem she comes up against is in the form of a man who is determined to prove she won't make it until snowfall.

"Miss Kathryn Reeves wouldn’t be here come the winter.

He guaranteed it."

Colt Hammond has no desire to deal with another spoiled city girl who thinks living on the frontier will be a fun little adventure. He did that once, and he won't make that mistake ever again.

Just because she's living on his property, and teaching at the little schoolhouse where his children will be going, doesn't mean he has time to look after her until she's ready to admit defeat and head back home.

What neither of them counts on though, is how strong the promise of love can be between two people who are destined to be together.


This story had a lot of things to love. For starters, the story is very well written with little things you might not notice that make a big impact.

For instance, Katherine standing up to her father and following her heart. Not for a man but for a dream she's held since a very young age. That takes a lot of courage. Remember, this was a time when women were supposed to get married and raise a family, not buck the 'system' and do something on their own. 

Then there's the nuance of giving the reader a sense of place by giving a character we are all familiar with a walk on part. The man most of us know from our own literary and television childhood is only there for a paragraph, but that small part gives us a clear picture of the time and place Promise exits in the vast Dakota Territory in history. 

I'm going to be reading the remaining 2 books in the series, and I hope you'll click on the Amazon link to read them as well.
I'm giving Love Is Patient:


You can find out more about K. P. Dawson and her books by following any of the links below:

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   BOOK BUB   NEWSLETTER

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela


Tuesday, February 17, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - K. P. Dawson

 Good morning, readers!


This week I'm shining the spotlight on K. P. Dawson. She writes sweet contemporary romance, just my kind of stories. 

Here's a bit about, K. P.:

USA Today Bestselling Author, Kay P. Dawson writes sweet western romance - the kind that leaves out all of the juicy details and immerses you in a true, heartfelt love story. Growing up pretending she was Laura Ingalls, she’s always had a love for the old west and pioneer times. She believes in true love, and finding your happy ever after.

Happily married mom of two girls, Kay has always taught her children to follow their dreams. And, after a breast cancer diagnosis at the age of 39, she realized it was time to take her own advice. She had always wanted to write a book, and she decided that the someday she was waiting for was now.

She writes western historical, contemporary and time travel romance that all transport the reader to a time or place where true love always finds a way.

Tomorrow, I'll be reviewing Book 1 in a 3-book Prairie Promise series.

In the mean time, please pop by her links below to learn more about this author.

WEBSITE   FACEBOOK   BOOK BUB   NEWSLETTER

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela



Monday, February 16, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning!


All my best!
~ Angela


Friday, February 13, 2026

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning!

Okay, maybe afternoon. Still taking things slow with these ribs but will have an inspirational post next Thursday. In the mean time...

Since my Christmas curtains are still up, because they have gingerbread people and hearts with a Christmas theme, I thought I'd share this photo in honor of Valentine's Day tomorrow.


I love you all!
All my best!
~ Angela


Wednesday, February 11, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Main Street Bakery Ledger

 Good morning, readers!



BLURB:

In Maplewick, forty-eight-year-old widow Susan Howarth inherits a bakery that is one bad week away from closing for good.

The ovens cut out at random, the inspection is overdue, and the landlord has made it clear the lease can be pulled if the doors do not reopen fast. Susan is determined to start over, but she has a deadline she cannot afford to miss.

The only contractor who can get the shop ready in time is John Barrow, fifty two, the high school sweetheart Susan never truly forgot. John is calm, steady, and back in Maplewick for reasons he keeps to himself. Working side by side before sunrise, they fall into old rhythms that feel dangerous and familiar.

An ex-developer wants the building empty, and he is pushing for the bakery to fail.

If Susan can reopen on time, she keeps her fresh start and the place her town loves. If she cannot, she loses the bakery and the last piece of family she has left. 

A clean, closed door, later in life second chance romance novella with a clear happily ever after.

I loved the setting for this story and the fact that the author created 'later in life' characters. While most contemporary adult romances feature characters in their mid-to-late twenties, reading about the pitfalls and promise for the senior generation is a nice respite. As I say this, I now my characters fall into the twenty-somethings. Maybe something for me to think about. 

Overall, The Main Street Bakery Ledger was a comfortable read. I found a couple of editing problems that would have been easy to fix. My biggest thing was the 'ledger'. While the story opens with the ledger, there isn't anything further about the book. No secrets left by Aunt Margaret to be revealed every time Susan checked the ledger. In fact, she never looked in it again. I think from that aspect, the book could have been better titled. 

For those reasons, I'm giving The Main Street Bakery Ledger:

You can find out more about Anna Hart and her books by following the links below:

GOOD READS   AUDIBLE

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela



Tuesday, February 10, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Anna Hart

 Good morning, readers!

Well, I think I'm finally on the mend and able to do more around the house. Thus, I've been slacking on blog duties across the board but should get caught up this week.

This week, we're getting to know Anna Hart, aka Tess Oliver. 

Here's a bit about Anna:

I’m Anna Hart, and I typically write romance stories touching on emotion, connection, and happily-ever-afters. I love exploring the sparks that bring people together, whether it’s a slow burn, an unexpected attraction, or two hearts finding their way back to each other. I just love to write about these kind of things.

When I’m not writing, I’m usually reading romance, dreaming up new characters, or enjoying a quiet moment with my small Dog and a good cup of coffee. My goal is to create love stories that offer a little escape, a few butterflies, and an ending readers can sink into and hopefully smile about.

Thank goodness for her Amazon bio because I couldn't find a website, blog nor Facebook for Anna. The links I did find I'll share below.

Tomorrow, I'll be sharing my review of her novella, The Main Street Bakery Ledger - a later in life story.

GOOD READS   AUDIBLE

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela


Monday, February 9, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

Due to limited time on the computer and wanting to make sure these posts go up on time, I am scheduling all Monday and Friday posts for the month.


All my best!
~ Angela


Thursday, February 5, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY (on Thursday) - Valentine Bride

 Good morning, readers!

Thank you for your patience yesterday.



BLURB:

Two unlikely matchmakers set the stage for love

Fynlee Dale returns to Holiday to take care of her wacky grandmother. Although it means giving up her dreams of a career and husband, she needs to be there for Grams.

Carson Ford vows to take care of his elderly aunt after buying her ranch. Comfortable with all aspects of his life, his world turns upside down when he meets a woman who's impossible to forget. 

They find themselves in the midst of a plot by two scheming old women determined to make them fall in love.

I don't know about you, but when I find an author whose books I thoroughly enjoy, I want to read them all. Normally, I wouldn't repeat an author in the same month (usually, not in the same year) but when I saw Valentine Bride, I knew I needed to kick off the 'season of love' books with this one my Shanna Hatfield.

Shanna has a unique way of giving us sexual tension through the character points of view when the couple aren't together. We feel their struggling with their independent feelings for the other, not just when they share the same air space. 

Along with great characters in Carson and Fenley, she also gives us quirky characters. I loved Aunt Ruthe and Grams Matilda in this book. I couldn't even dislike Hillary. Every character Shanna creates brings something to the table, not just items tossed out there. 

If you want a fun read for Valentine's Day then I highly recommend VALENTINE BRIDE by Shanna Hatfield. Valentine Bride is Book 1 in the Holiday Brides series and I'll be reading the rest of them.

I'm giving Valentine Bride:

You can get your copy by clicking the Amazon link below the cover image above. Also, check out all of Shanna Hatfield's links. Be sure to sign up for her newsletter!

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   X-TWITTER   GOODREADS   BOOK BUB

AUDIBLE   APPLE   B & N   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~Angela





Wednesday, February 4, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Valentine Bride - Postponed

 Good morning, friends!

The review for The Valentine Bride by Shanna Hatfield will post tomorrow.

Still nursing the ribs and didn't get to read yesterday.

Thank you for your patience.

All my best!

~ Angela

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Shanna Hatfield (yes, again)

  Good morning, readers.

Due to limited time on the computer, (the ribs are slowly healing) I'm bringing Shanna back to the front of the line, but with a different book.


I showcased Shanna Hatfield in 2017 and again in 2021. When Book 1 in her Winter Wishes series showed up in my 'winter' search, I knew I needed to read it as well as share her with you.

A bit about Shanna Hatfield:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America

I'll be reviewing The Snowman's Sweetheart tomorrow. In the mean time, click on any of the links below to learn more about this talented author.

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   X-TWITTER   GOODREADS   BOOK BUB

AUDIBLE   APPLE   B & N   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE


All my best!
~ Angela

Monday, February 2, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!

After three weeks of nursing bruised/ cracked ribs I'm back in the office for abbreviated blocks of time. I hope to be back in full swing by March. Thank you in advance for your patience.


All my best!
~ Angela


Friday, January 30, 2026

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends!

As we close out the first month of 2026, I have one more 'winter' photo to share. Valentine's Day will soon be here. Have you seen The Valentine with Betty White? Great movie.


All my best!
~ Angela


 




Monday, January 26, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends.


All my best!
~ Angela


Friday, January 23, 2026

FRIDAY PHOTO

 Good morning, friends.

While the weather doesn't feel like winter in the Ozarks, that's my theme for this month.


All my best!
~ Angela


Wednesday, January 21, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - The Snowman's Sweetheart

 Good morning, readers!

I truly have a winter story for you today. 



BLURB:

After a Christmas Eve catastrophe that left her heart encased in ice, Sierra Goodwin detests anything to do with winter and the holiday season. To take her mind off her troubles, her best friend talks her into a weekend spa getaway to a town she’s never heard of. Her bestie’s boyfriend tags along like a bumpy third wheel, and things go from bad to worse when they arrive in town to find a winter fest in full swing. Then Sierra runs into a handsome stranger, a man everyone calls Mr. Snowman, and discovers her heart might not be a frozen fortress after all.

Kylan Snow loves his life, his Christmas tree farm, and the town of Pinehill where he was raised. There’s nothing he enjoys more than a beautiful winter afternoon spent outside in the crisp, fresh air, or time spent with friends and family. When he unexpectedly encounters a dimple-cheeked woman in need of a little hope, he has no idea one weekend with her with completely alter his world.

Will their winter wishes for a forever sweetheart come true? Find out in this sweet romance brimming with laughter, snowmen, small-town charm, and love.


Published in 2022, The Snowman's Sweetheart is Book 1 of the Winter Wishes trilogy and takes place in January, after 'most' places are past the Christmas holiday; stretching the season through January. 

This story is carries the familiar trope of one hates Christmas for whatever reason while the other loves all things festive. But as usual, the heart doesn't understand that. 

Mr. Snowman and Miss Frosty are made for one another. Shanna Hatfield brings them together in a simple way, and keeps putting them together until they finally figure things out. That's what a great romance author does. 

I loved every nuance of this story. I have to wonder if Bo finds a love in one of the other two books.  I'll have to read to find out.  I will be reviewing another book from this author in February. If you look at her Amazon page, I bet you can guess which one. 

In the mean time, I'm giving The Snowman's Sweetheart ...


All my best!
~ Angela


Tuesday, January 20, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Shanna Hatfield

 Good morning, readers.

I have a returning guest in the spotlight this week:


I showcased Shanna Hatfield in 2017 and again in 2021. When Book 1 in her Winter Wishes series showed un in my 'winter' search, I knew I needed to read it as well as share her with you.

A bit about Shanna Hatfield:

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America

I'll be reviewing The Snowman's Sweetheart tomorrow. In the mean time, click on any of the links below to learn more about this talented author.

WEBSITE   BLOG   FACEBOOK   X-TWITTER   GOODREADS   BOOK BUB

AUDIBLE   APPLE   B & N   PINTEREST

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE


All my best!
~ Angela


Monday, January 19, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

 Good morning, friends!


All my best!
~Angela


Friday, January 16, 2026

Friday Photo

 Good morning, friends.



All my best!
~ Angela


Wednesday, January 14, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Southern Snow

 Good morning, friends!

One of the joys of doing these weekly reviews is that I take time for me, time to curl up with a book and chill. 

Speaking of chill, have you seen the cozy reading shed on Instagram? I love that space. Check her out on Instagram - bookish.w.jess If I ever get this office finished, I'll have a cozy place to read rather than where ever I can find a spot without being interrupted. 

This week, we're reading SOUTHERN SNOW by B.R. Goodwin



Southern Snow is Book one of four in the Sugartree Winter Romance series.

Blurb:

For the last three years, Georgia has called the quirky southern town of Sugartree home, dutifully moving back to manage her parent’s coffee shop after her father suffered a heart attack and finding contentment in her busy schedule and the occasional shenanigans of her three younger siblings.

When Lakeland Lovett, troubled son of the local pastor, wafts through the door of Good Start Coffee like a tantalizing cup of hot chocolate, Georgia promises herself she won’t fall prey to his charms and annoyingly perfect face again. She’s not the girl she was in high school who foolishly put her trust and heart in his careless hands. She knows better now, and more importantly, she knows Lake… at least she thinks she does.

But with Lake strutting around Sugartree, driving Georgia crazy all over again with his pesky nicknames, dumb dimples, and swoon-worthy attention laser focused on her, she starts to find any promises to maintain her distance from Lakeland Lovett harder to preserve, and Georgia begins to see him, and her life in Sugartree, in a whole new way.

I just could not get into this book. I understand that every author has their own 'voice', their way of presenting a story. For Ms Goodwin, her voice reminds me a bit like Pulp Fiction. She starts with THEN when Georgia is a teenager going to her first dance, then she jumps to the NOW when Georgia is all grown up and back home. Next thing you know, we're back to THEN. 

She is great in staying in point of view and her description. 

I'm giving SOUTHERN SNOW...

.5

You'll find the book by clicking the Amazon link posted below the book cover above.

Until next week...

All my best!

~ Angela






Tuesday, January 13, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - B. R. Goodwin

 Good morning, readers!

I'm slowly getting back into the work flow. After last week, I'm taking things slow and giving myself grace to heal.


B. R. Goodwin is another 'new-to-me' author. I found her books while searching for wintry reads.
Here's a bit about B. R. Goodwin:

B.R. Goodwin is a Georgia native, married to her college sweetheart, and the mother of three wild animal children she adores.

When she isn’t writing Christian Fiction, she’s reading, hiking, bee-keeping, soccer mom-ing, or planning her family’s next big adventure while drinking copious amounts of tea & coffee. Above all else, the heartbeat of everything she does in life, friendship, and writing is with an eye to sharing the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ with everyone she meets.

She looks like she'd be a fun mom.

I'll be reviewing SOUTHERN SNOW tomorrow. In the mean time, I hope you'll check out her links below.

FACEBOOK   INSTAGRAM   GOODREADS   AUDIBLE

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

All my best!

~ Angela



Monday, January 12, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

Good morning, friends!

I'm trying to kick things in to gear but this week is slow going. How are you doing?


All my best!
~ Angela

 

Friday, January 9, 2026

FRIDAY PHOTO

Good morning, friends.

Is with a heavy heart, I post today's photo.

In March of 2016 this sweet boy showed up in a yard. A ball of energy that said "I'm home! Did you miss me?" Our lives have not been the same. HoneyB has been a treasure I will miss every day.

Seen here with his 'stogie', looking every bit the gangster LOL


By the time you read this, Dr. Mike from Barn Hollow Veterinary will sit with me while HoneyB crosses the rainbow bridge. I'm pretty sure his best friend, Bear the Pyrenees/ Chow will be there to greet him. 

May this inspire you to write a pet story, or include one you've loved into your book. I featured Bear in Somewhere Down the Line. HoneyB will have his place in a book soon.

All my best!
~ Angela



Wednesday, January 7, 2026

REVIEW WEDNESDAY - Love In A Christmas Storm

 Hi Everyone!

We are back with our first review of 2026. I'm so excited!!



Loved In A Snowstorm is the first book in the box set.

BLURB:

After losing his parents in a tragic accident, Gideon struggles to care for his younger sisters and manage the family farm alone. As a fierce Christmas storm approaches, his friendship with Miriam deepens, forcing them to confront the possibility of a love that could change everything.

I love how the author brought the two together. They build a friendship over a period of time, which we know is the best basis for a solid relationship. 

My only issue with the story was missing words in sentences.  There were multiple places, too many in a short (100 pages maybe?). I will read the other five books in the set before I send them back. The box set is available on Kindle Unlimited.  

I'm giving Love In A Snow Storm

All my best!

~ Angela

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - Ruth Troyer

 Good morning, friends!

I hope everyone had a great holiday season. Was nice having Bob home, knowing he's home for good.

I'm stretching the holiday season just a week because I thought this was the perfect read to kick off 2026. I was looking for winter-themed books for January but I guess winter is synonymous with Christmas.

I have a six-book box set from author, Ruth Troyer. I'll be reviewing the first book in the collection tomorrow, then leave you to read the rest while you wait to see what is in store for next week.

There is no picture for Ruth Troyer but here's a bit about her:

Ruth has always loved writing and being able to publish her own stories has been like a dream come true.

Having always enjoyed reading about and watching programs and movies about the simple lives of the Amish, it seemed the perfect fit to bring those two things together. Writing stories about the Amish, their lives and their loves as they make their way through the world with God guiding them is such a joy. 

Ruth loves being able to share these stories with her readers and feels blessed that she has been given this opportunity.

Ruth is mum to adult children and 3 demanding cats. An avid gardener and crafter. She likes walking through the countryside, where she gets most of her inspiration and would rather be out in nature, amongst God’s creation than inside whatever the weather.

Ruth and I have a lot in common. While I'm not a total homebody (I get my wandering feet from my dad), I do focus on making our home a sustainable place. For example, I'm spending January as a CANUARY participant. I'll be canning and dehydrating lots of goodies while I wait for weather to shift just enough to let me get in the greenhouse.

I invite you to check out Ruth's links below. I'll be back tomorrow for my review of the first book in the collection, Love In A Christmas Storm.

FACEBOOK  GOODREADS

All my best!

~ Angela


Monday, January 5, 2026

THOUGHTFUL MONDAY

Good morning, friends!

I hope you've moved into 2026 on positive wheels. This is going to be your year!


All my best!
~ Angela