Author: Frances
I think it’s safe to say that 100% of us have made something up at one point in our lives or another. It could have been an “innocent” tiny fib, a downright lie or something in between. Maybe you wanted to have a friend so you made one up. Maybe you didn’t want to cause a fight so you gave a response that was dishonest. Either way, we’ve all done it!
Enter in “Her Imaginary Husband” by Lia London. Continue reading “Have You Ever Made Something Up?”
Before anyone gets any preconceived ideas about the title of this blog, let me throw out these possibilities:
Dark Day Dreams is actually a novel comprised of many short stories by James Hawthorne. What kind of stories? I’m glad you asked! They are some of the most unique, thought-provoking stories out there. Let me tell you more…
In Dark Day Dreams, James Hawthorne creates crazy, imaginative worlds where at times you get a bit of sci-fi, and at other times, completely fantasy. You’ll get a glimpse into his speculative views of a future world OR Continue reading “Dark Day Dreams”
A Heart’s Salvation is the debut novel from Dana Christy. What is so unique about it is that it reminded me of “Safe Haven” by Nicholas Sparks (who just so happens to be one of my favorite authors)! In A Heart’s Salvation you have a girl running from her past of abuse and ending up in the arms of the man who will save her. And of course they fall in love.
After a year free from pain and anguish, Madison is once again jolted back into reality as her past catches up to her. On the run for years, she is forced to return home desperate for help. As despair grips her mind, she encounters a handsome young actor, Jackson Hunter, who is determined to get to know the complicated beauty, Madison Skye. Feeling an immediate connection to her, Jackson refuses to accept her emotional disconnect and offers her a way to escape her past. Although fearful of her attraction to him, Madison accepts his help with intentions on leaving him before her past finds her once more. Unable to fight their growing bond, she is forced to decide between running, or finally allowing herself to feel true love before her past and present collide. Fated to meet, and destined to be together, can their love endure the dark turmoil of Madison’s tortured past?
As a word of caution, this is NOT a clean novel. Please use your best discretion as to whether you’d want to read this or not. Without further ado, let’s get down to what I loved, and what I really didn’t like so much…. Continue reading “A Heart’s Salvation”
It may not be around the holidays anymore (unless you consider Valentine’s Day a holiday), but the book I am about to share with you is worth reading any time of year. It’s full of romance, some comedy, reality and even dogs! Before I tell you what it is, read this summary:
This novel jumps right in to a dilemma between the two main characters: they just found out they will be working together. To them, this is NOT a good thing. Why? The author explains in the following chapters.
In chapter two we are immediately brought back two years to when the main characters met. Haley and Gavin are in college, and the only relationship they have is a competitive one as they are both vying for top of the class. On Christmas break back home, both meet up for the first time outside of class, but not in the best of circumstances: Haley lost control on the ski slopes and the only one there to rescue her is Gavin. Convenient, right?
The two characters share clean, witty banter and by day’s end they decide to try dating. We see them fall in love and Gavin about to propose when Haley cuts him off with no explanation. However, the reader comes to find out that it was because Haley was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She knew if Gavin found out, he’d put his life on halt for her. Something she couldn’t allow to happen.
Back to where the book started, after many misunderstandings and short encounters, we now see the two working together. Gavin can’t stop thinking of her, but is still hurt by Haley shutting him out of her life. Haley still has feelings for Gavin, but the only thing she can think of at the moment is the fact her cancer may be back.
Eventually the story must come to an end. All the wrongs have been acknowledged and cleared up. The two love birds decide to try their relationship again.
Where do the dogs fit in, you ask? Well, on more than one occasion a dog brings Haley and Gavin together in a very cool way.
Sounds like a good book, right? Because I know you’ll say “yes”, here is the info you need to pick it up for yourself!
(Doesn’t that dog look the cutest?)
I’ve gotten to “know” Tamie Dearen through Facebook and Twitter over the last year or so. Her writing is truly inspiring so it stands to reason I must say something on at least one of her novels. And if you can’t tell already that I love Haley’s Hangdog Holiday, you’ve got to see the review I made:
Tamie Dearen used her amazing writing skills to bring descriptive scenes and well-developed characters to Haley’s Hangdog Holiday. I could visualize myself in this novel, and found myself hooked from page one until the end. The love story was sweet and I loved the many faith lessons thrown in. At the end we’re left hanging about whether or not Haley’s cancer has returned, BUT that isn’t the focus of the story anyway. It ends romantically.
In fact, I have to say something about Gavin in regards to his love for Haley. He is so persistent and extremely committed – something more of us should be like. And when he finally realized Haley had cancer and might have it back, it didn’t scare him. True man right there! He wants to be with Haley every moment for who she is today, not worry about what might happen in her future. So, so sweet, you guys!!!
One last thing I want to mention. The faith lessons that were thrown in touched me as I could totally relate to some of the things the characters faced. One of them being anxiety. I thought the picture of keeping our eyes on Jesus in the storm when the waves and wind are all around us was spot on!
Enough said. You’ve got to know I gave this 5 stars!!!!!!
Now, without further ado, here is the link so you can get your own copy. You won’t regret it!
Do you like cats? If you’re like me, then Yes, Yes, a billion times YES! Those who know me know I grew up with cats and, except the year I lived in an apartment with my then newly wed husband, I have always had at least one cat. So I think it’s safe to say that to read about a cat would be up my alley.
Not too long ago I came across a book by Lisa Shea called The Lucky Cat. It’s part of the Salem Massachusetts Mini Mystery series that Lisa has, which if you like the history of that city, these books would be just the thing for you. I didn’t have a lot of time to read so The Lucky Cat was the perfect fix! AND, I do need to share that I kind of know Lisa Shea is a big name so I was excited to pick this one up and see what her writing was like!
First, let me give you the rundown on The Lucky Cat:
Kathy Taylor, a black female police officer turned private investigator, moved to Salem, Massachusetts; a town surrounded by wiccans, herbalists and the like.
Her first client comes in looking for a stolen cat. This black cat had the power to help the client’s daughter get well from cancer. Now the cat is gone and the client’s daughter is getting sick again.
Kathy takes on the case and quickly figures out what happened and why. The cat may be closer than you think and may have been taken for a very meaningful purpose.
This is the purr-fect (see what I did there?) short read! The mystery aspect was great as the author did a great job putting the pieces together. I think things were described well, and that this magical cat was sweet. I already have one black cat, but this nice mini mystery makes me want to get another! I rated this 5 out of 5 stars!
I had a little bit of time to read something quick so I was happy to see a short story by Liwen Ho available that sounded fun. I “know” Liwen Ho from a Facebook group. I figured it must be good…and boy was it good! Let me tell you about it!
Josh Pepper wants to be the next manager of the IT department – achievable until a new recruit, Cin Thomas, comes along. It’s his job to keep other men from getting distracted by her presence. Easy? He thought it would be until he got a whiff of her piercing green eyes, knowledge of IT and positive attitude.
With their weekly games, growing friendship and cute banter, Josh isn’t sure he wants to be the next manager anymore as that would make it wrong for him to date Cin. A short trip down an elevator may get them literally stuck, but it helps them figuratively realize the best way to move forward.
I gave A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story by Liwen Ho 5 stars! Here’s why: Liwen did a great job describing the scenes in such a way that you felt like you were in them. All of the IT information was believable, and I feel Liwen wrote on that field well. A nice thing about this short story is the blend of spices! Josh Pepper is the male lead character and Cin (short for Cinnamon) Thomas is the female lead character. On top of that, Liwen adds in fall beverages that just make you want welcome fall all over again, or try your best to run out and get a fall-flavored coffee! The ending is excellent, and I believe it was achieved in a believable way. I totally recommend this for anyone looking for a quick read.
If you want to read A Spoonful of Spice: A Short Story, please click on the following link:
I have a series I want to eventually write where all four novels are going to be psychological thrillers, and what better way to learn about this genre than read books in this genre! When searching for some popular stories, I came across The Last Safe Place by Ninie Hammon.
-The Last Safe Place: A Psychological Thriller is a clean, standalone novel
-As of January 14, 2017, it has 924 reviews with an average 4.4 stars!
-It is 325 pages long so took quite a while to read
-It’s #2 in Inspirational Literature & Fiction
-It’s #3 in Religious Contemporary Fiction
-I’d say it’s safe for anyone 18 and older (maybe mature 16 year olds and up), and this is only because of the violence and disturbing image descriptions
-It’s FREE!
Author, Gabriella Carmichael, finds herself getting caught up in a horror movie; one that she wrote herself. In her novel, Beast of Babylon, Gabriella creates a fictional world where Continue reading “The Last Safe Place”
We all like a reward, don’t we? But, not all rewards are what they appear. That’s the case in the latest installment of Rachel Rossano’s Theodoric Saga. Rachel created an intriguing Historical-like Christian Fantasy as she tells the tale of Jayne and Liam. Find out more and be sure to check out the giveaway!
She couldn’t hide forever.
A hard life taught Jayne to avoid men, powerful men most of all. When a new nobleman arrives to take over the vargar, she takes her family and hides. But the new baron seeks her out and makes her an offer she can’t refuse: protection. However, once they were sheltered behind the dark stone walls of the vargar, who would protect her from the new master?
His reward isn’t what it seems. Continue reading “The Reward of Anavrea”
Now that Christmas is over with, you may find yourself with a brand spanking new kindle that you have no idea what to load on it! Or you may find yourself with Amazon gift cards that you have no idea what to buy with them!
My debut novel, Growing Up Neighbors, is the perfect solution. Not only can you purchase eBooks with your Amazon gift cards, but you can also put this eBook on your kindle! If you got both gifts for Christmas, you’d be killing two birds with one stone so to speak!
The best part about this deal is that from Monday, December 26, 2016, through Friday, December 30, 2016, Growing Up Neighbors is just $0.99! You can find it HERE on Amazon!
Growing Up Neighbors is a general fiction, coming of age story that is suitable for young teens and “older” folks alike. Those who have read this novel already enjoy the believable, sweet love story that is woven within its pages. This is a clean read that is suitable for anyone and everyone to read AND share without feeling guilty.
Here is the back cover blurb:
Little Deborah Harrington stared across the street the day the Michaels family moved in. Who was this family? Would she even like them?
Nicholas Michaels hated the fact he had to move away from everything and everyone in his life, but his feelings change when he meets the Harringtons.
Deborah and Nicholas become the best of friends, and as the children grow up, their friendship deepens. But when tragedy strikes, will this cause them to part ways? Or will it perhaps make them realize they may have stronger feelings for one another before it’s too late?
Growing Up Neighbors is the first in my Neighbors series. All are clean and all focus on a love connection between neighbors. Each novel can also be read as a standalone. Next Door Neighbors can be found HERE and Long Lost Neighbors can be found HERE
All books are available in paperback if that is your cup of tea, and all eBooks are FREE with Kindle Unlimited!