Monthly Recap: August 2024

 

 I first saw this monthly reflections idea on: Christian bookshelf reviews

I did not got to everything I wanted to read with more family time over the summer holiday period. I am still happy with the amount of books I managed to read.

 

What I've read:

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Kindle:

Audio:

Paperback:

Still in progress

What I would like to read in September:

Currently reading:

Upcoming reads (hopeful):

Will be happy to read these few books this month:

Did I buy any new books?

Bought:

Freebies: 

Did I read everything I wanted too?

The following I had to carry over - a bit behind again on my 24 books in 24 challenge:

(crosses I've read this month),

This is a main challenge I want to focus on this year:

Looking at 2024, 24 books I would like to read which I had forever!

I have 12 left for the rest of the year 😇

ARC/Netgalley update:

ARC/Netgalley books downloaded this month:

A bit heavy this month with the ARCs:

ARC/Netgalley books read and reviewed:

Send feedback on the following:

How was your month?

Review: A Life Once Dreamed

A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

When I started this book I wondered why I waited so long to read a Rachel Fordham book. Her writing and stories are beautiful and the reader can easily connect with the characters and pulled into the story.

I loved getting to know Agnus and what the possible secret could be which made her run. I did have a feeling which was proven right. I enjoyed her interactions with the children and her fight for Freddy.

Both James and Sam were strong male leads with both strong points and some growth areas. I found myself loving both and wanting a happy ending for both of them. At the end of the story I was left wanting more to see what happened to one of the characters - please can we have a novella or story or just a visit to see where the character ended up.

I was loving every moment I spend in this story and bumped up my Rachel Fordham books to the top of my TBR.

View all my reviews

About the book:

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.

About the author:

Rachel Fordham has long been fascinated by all things historical or in the words of her children “old stuff”.

Often the historical trivia she discovers is woven into her children's bedtime tales. Despite her love for good stories she didn’t attempt writing a novel until her husband challenged her to do so (and now she’s so glad he did). Since that time she’s often been found typing or researching while her youngest child naps or frantically writing plot twists while she waits in the school pick-up line. In addition to her passion for storytelling she enjoys reading, being outdoors and seeing new places. Rachel lives with her husband and children on an island in Washington state.

Learn more about current projects at rachelfordham.com

Review: At Your Request

At Your Request by Jen Turano
My rating: 💛💛💛

This was a fun but silly novella with loads of banter. Even the surnames of the characters sounded a bit silly. But enjoyable and recommended if you want a escape from real life for a bit.

View all my reviews

About the book:

After Miss Wilhelmina Radcliff’s father lost the family fortune in a poor investment decision, she finds herself banished from the fashionable set within New York society and directly into the wallflower section. Taking on work as a social secretary in order to help with family expenses, she spends her time penning out invitations to all the most sought-after events, wondering if her life will ever improve.

While languishing one evening at a ball given by one of the esteemed New York patriarchs, Wilhelmina is appalled to discover that Mr. Edgar Wanamaker, her oldest and dearest friend, and the first gentleman to offer her a marriage proposal, has shown up at the ball unexpectedly, having been absent from New York ever since she rejected his offer years before.

About the author:

Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. Her books have earned Publisher Weekly and Booklist starred reviews, top picks from Romantic Times, and praise from Library Journal. She’s been a finalist twice for the RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards and had two of her books listed in the top 100 romances of the past decade from Booklist. When she’s not writing, she spends her time outside of Denver, CO. Readers may find her at www.jenturano.com - https://www.facebook.com/jenturanoaut... , https://www.instagram.com/jenturanoau... or on Twitter at JenTurano@JenTurano.

Book Spotlight Friday! Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

This Christmas novella is coming September.

Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor

About the book:

As the beloved stepdaughter of the Earl of Castleton, Lady Mariah Lyons cherishes her home at Plumford Manor, but her idyllic world will be threatened when the estate passes to Cyril Lightbourne, a childhood friend she hasn't seen or heard from in years. Once, Mariah dreamed their old friendship would kindle into something more--but that was before she heard that Cyril was courting the cruelhearted Lady Pearl. Now Mariah is willing to welcome him as a friend and pray he will finally be the heir her stepfather needs, but she'll keep her heart locked safely away from anyone with such poor taste.

Due to misunderstandings, Cyril Lightbourne has long avoided returning to Plumford Manor, yet he reluctantly arrives in time for Christmas. When his friendship with Lady Mariah reignites, he finds himself torn between his affection for her and her family's distance toward him because of Lady Pearl, a woman he'd rather forget. Then, more trouble arrives in the form of a Danish lord on a mission to win Mariah's hand by Christmas . . . and to disgrace Cyril in the process.

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this Edwardian-era historical romance is a tale of holiday spirit, love, and the power of family and friendship from bestselling and award-winning author Roseanna M. White.

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Book Beginnings

Feeling ever so sneaky, Lady Mariah Lyons eased into the bustle of the kitchen, a smile barely contained by her lips

 

Friday 56

The sweet taste of revenge more than made up for any lack in Mariah's beauty or sense.

My thoughts so far

I enjoyed this one - for a novella there was a lot of character growth, repentance and forgiveness.

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COVER REVEAL: Squire of Truth

 A new genre releasing soon by Sunrise Media Group. Squire of Truth is the first fantasy book to be published in an exciting new series: 

Title: Squire of Truth

Series: Blood of Kings: Legends, Book 1

Author: Jill Williamson

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $4.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: January 7, 2025

Available in ebook, print, & audiobook

Pre-order here: 

Sunrise Shop: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/blood-of-kings-legends

Other retailers: https://books2read.com/squireoftruth

SYNOPSIS

Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on thebattlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

Blood of Kings: Legends

Book 1: Squire of Truth

Book 2: Lord of Winter

Book 3: Lady of Shadows

Book:4: Heir of Light

About the Author:

Jill Williamson is a multi-passionate creative who loves the arts. She’s written over two dozen books for readers of all ages and is best known for her Blood of Kings fantasy series, two of which won Christy Awards and made VOYA magazine’s Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror list. She produces films with her husband and teaches about writing at conferences. Visit her at www.jillwilliamson.com.

Can't Wait Wednesday! Before We Were Us

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This looks like a good story.

About the book: Before We Were Us

She can't remember. He can't forget.

Seven months ago, after graduating with a hospitality degree, city girl Lauren Wentworth travelled to rural New Hampshire to become temporary manager of Pinehaven Lodges, a rustic family-owned resort. What started as just a springboard to her dream job became so much more when she fell in love with the owner's son Jonah, the Landry family, and her simple but rewarding position at the resort. Now she's reaching toward a different kind of future than she'd imagined for herself--and happier than she's ever been. But then she falls from a ladder.

When Lauren wakes up in the hospital, she only recalls her first couple months at the resort. She remembers her adversarial relationship with Jonah and her major crush on small-town doctor, Carson, who also has big-city ambitions--but is, unfortunately, taken. However, according to everyone around her, she's now madly love with Jonah and has forfeited the dream job awaiting her in Boston. It seems impossible to believe she could've made such drastic changes in a matter of months!

Jonah is heartbroken at her memory loss and determined to help Lauren remember the deep feelings they've developed for one another. But Lauren isn't sure she wants to remember falling in love with someone she doesn't even like or giving up her dream career for a rustic resort in Podunk, New Hampshire.

Especially when Dr. Carson is now available. . .

What are you waiting on this week?

Review: Sweetbriar Cottage

Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

Sweetbriar cottage is an edgy raw Christian story about how life can sometime go wrong and the long-lasting effects of certain events.

This story flowed beautifully between the present time, the past when Noah and Josie first met and fell in love and how everything fell apart and the past when Josie was young so that readers could see what has driven her as an adult. Some of these events were not easy to read and might be difficult for younger/sensitive readers.

It was easy to connect with Noah and Josie, so be behind each characters’ feelings as more detail of their relationship and past was revealed. And it was easy to wish for a beautiful reconnection and reconciliation ending.

This story is more than just a love story that has gone wrong. It is about God’s grace and forgiveness and how when He has hold of your life, He truly delivers you and heals you, though it might take time and some heartfelt raw emotional conversations.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

About the book:

When Noah and Josephine Mitchell discover their divorce was never actually finalized, their lives are turned upside down.

Following his divorce, Noah gave up his dream job, settling at a remote horse ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains of northern Georgia, putting much-needed distance between himself and the former love of his life. But then Noah gets a letter from the IRS claiming he and Josephine are still married. When he confronts Josephine for the first time in months, they discover that she missed the final step in filing the paperwork and they are, in fact, still married.

Josephine is no happier about the news than Noah. Maybe the failed marriage—and okay, the botched divorce—was her fault, but her heart was shattered right alongside his, more than he would ever believe. The sooner they put this marriage behind them, the better for both of their sakes.

But when Josephine delivers the final paperwork to his ranch, the two become stranded in his cottage during the worst spring snowstorm in a decade. Being trapped with Josephine is a test of Noah’s endurance. He wrestles with resentment and an unmistakable pull to his wife—still beautiful, still brave, and still more intriguing than any woman he’s ever known.

As they find themselves confronted with each other and their shared past, old wounds surface and tempers flare. But when they are forced out into the storm, they must rely on each other in a way they never have before. Josephine finally opens up about her tragic past, and Noah realizes she’s never been loved unconditionally by anyone—including him. Will Noah accept the challenge to pursue Josephine’s heart? And can she finally find the courage to trust Noah?

About the author:

Denise Hunter is the award-winning author of more than 40 novels, three of which have been adapted into Hallmark movies.

Denise writes heartwarming, small-town romances, peopled with layered characters who have real-life issues. Her readers enjoy the vicarious thrill of falling in love and the promise of a happily-ever-after sigh as they savor the final pages of her books.

In 1996, Denise began her first novel, writing while her children napped. Two years later it was published, and she's been writing ever since. Her books contain a strong romantic element, and her husband says he provides all her romantic material, but Denise insists a good imagination helps too!

Denise and her husband live in Indiana, where they raised three sons, and are currently enjoying an empty nest.

Weekend Wrap-up: August 25th

  

It’s Monday! What are you reading? is hosted by Book Date.

A better week of reading, wrapping up some books I was busy with for a while. Hope to get a few more books in before the end of August.

Finished

(Reviews can be found under Book Review tag)

Currently reading

Next up:

What are you reading this week?

Blog Posts Recap:

Here is my past week's Blog Posts.

Top Ten Tuesday

Can't Wait Wednesday

Book Spotlight Fridays!

Saturday Series Discovery

Adding to the Bookshelf:

Which Avid Reader do not add to their shelves! I try to limit mine to review books since I have so many owned on my TBR to read.  So did I add to my shelf this week? 

None this week.

Bought: one

Review: Disillusioned

Disillusioned by Christy Barritt
My rating: 💛💛💛💛

This was a fast pacing suspense which included a lot of danger, intrigue and mind games.

I listened to the audiobook on one afternoon, trying to figure out what is going on and who is mind everything.

*I listened to the audiobook on Everand.*

View all my reviews

1. Dubiosity

About the book:

Nikki Wright is desperate to help her brother, Bobby, who hasn’t been the same since escaping from a detainment camp run by terrorists in Colombia. Rumor has it that he betrayed his navy brothers and conspired with those who held him hostage, and both the press and the military are hounding him for answers. All Nikki wants is to shield her brother so he has time to recover and heal.

But soon they realize the paparazzi are the least of their worries. When a group of men try to abduct Nikki and her brother, Bobby insists that Kade Wheaton, another former SEAL, can keep them out of harm’s way. But can Nikki trust Kade? After all, the man who broke her heart eight years ago is anything but safe…

Hiding out in a farmhouse on the Chesapeake Bay, Nikki finds her loyalties—and the remnants of her long-held faith—tested as she and Kade put aside their differences to keep Bobby’s increasingly erratic behavior under wraps. But when Bobby disappears, Nikki will have to trust Kade completely if she wants to uncover the truth about a rumored conspiracy. Nikki’s life—and the fate of the nation—depends on it.

About the author:

Christy Barritt is an author, freelance writer and speaker who lives in Virginia. She’s married to her Prince Charming, a man who thinks she’s hilarious—but only when she’s not trying to be. Christy’s a self-proclaimed klutz, an avid music lover who’s known for spontaneously bursting into song, and a road trip aficionado. She’s only won one contest in her life—and her prize was kissing a pig (okay, okay… actually she did win the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Suspense and Mystery also). Her current claim to fame is showing off her mother, who looks just like former First Lady Barbara Bush
When she’s not working or spending time with her family, she enjoys singing, playing the guitar, and exploring small, unsuspecting towns where people have no idea how accident prone she is.

Book Spotlight Friday! Target Acquired and A Life Once Dreamed

Book Beginnings and Friday56

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by My Head is Full of Books and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your e-reader and share a non-spoiler sentence or two.  First Line Friday is a weekly meme hosted by Reading is my Superpower that asks you to share the first sentence of the book you're reading.

Loving this book - it is different to the author's previous books with the glimpses to the past.

Target Acquired

About the book:

Tough-as-nails Kenzie King has finally earned her place as a tactical medic on a SWAT team. But not everyone on the all-male team accepts her. Rumor is, she didn't get the position because of what she could do but because of who she knew. Which means she has to work harder and longer than anyone else to prove herself.  Cole Garrison is a man with deep faith who is finally ready to settle down and build a family of his own--if he can find the right person, that is. Kenzie sure has set off his interest meter, but trouble seems to follow in her wake. Since she joined the team, someone has begun to ambush and pick off team members, one by one.  It's all hands on deck to discover the culprit and end the killing. Can Kenzie and Cole put aside their differences and work together as a team? Or will their budding attraction be snuffed out by a sniper's bullet?  As you've come to expect from bestselling author Lynette Eason's stories, this tightly wound plot unfurls at breakneck speed and will leave you breathless.

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Book Beginnings

"Is she coming today?"

 

Friday 56

She asked me one time if I'd found the journal.

My thoughts so far

This one is a bit different with the glimpses to the past, but just as nail-biting as expected from the author.

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I do not know why I waited so long to read this Rachel Fordham book:

A Life Once Dreamed

About the book:

Six years ago, a shocking secret sent Agnes Pratt running in search of a new start. She found it in Penance, a rugged town of miners and lumberjacks in the Dakota Territory, where she became Miss Aggie, respected schoolteacher and confirmed old maid. But the past has a way of catching up with people.When childhood friend and former sweetheart James Harris accepts a position as the town doctor, Aggie's pleasantly predictable days suddenly become anything but. James wants to know why Agnes left behind the life they had dreamed of creating for themselves--but he is the one person who can never know.In the shadows of the Black Hills, can a healing light be shed on the past? Or will the secret Agnes can't seem to outrun destroy her chance at happiness?Fan-favorite Rachel Fordham brings to life the dusty streets of an 1880s frontier town in this story that affirms where you come from matters far less than where you're going.

*************************************************************

Book Beginnings

Fearful, timid, reserved.

 

Friday 56

Agnes fought the urge to lie, but many people knew the truth.

My thoughts so far

The writing and story flows easily. I am enjoying this one.

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COVER REVEAL: Betsy St. Amant's Magnolia Bay series

Another series coming soon from Sunrise Media Group. These covers just screams fun.

Series Synopsis:

Welcome to Magnolia Bay, where Southern charm and romance intertwine...

Our captivating Magnolia Bay contemporary romance series will sweep you off your feet and make you believe in the power of love. Meet endearing characters, explore enchanting landmarks, and fall in love with this vibrant Louisiana town as Betsy St. Amant weaves stories filled with heart, humor, and hope.

Where to pre-order:

Sunrise Shop: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/magnolia-bay 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDSZY9SG

Here is more about each book in the series:

Title: Where I Found You

Series: Magnolia Bay, Book 1

Author: Betsy St. Amant

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $5.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: February 4, 2025

Available in ebook and print

SYNOPSIS

Noah Hebert recently inherited the Blue Pirogue Inn—along with all its problems. He needs money to keep his beloved childhood home from being shut down by his family’s longtime nemesis, Isaac Bergeron. So when Noah’s lawyer approaches him about an additional segment of his late grandfather’s will, it’s just in the nick of time. But even from beyond the grave, his grandfather is up to his usual games. In order to receive the last portion of inheritance, Noah must follow the clues. But there's one condition...

Magnolia Blossom Cafe owner Elisa Bergeron is shocked to discover an acquaintance from the local Puzzlers Club left her something in his will—and even more surprised to discover they are clues to a portion of his estate. When she learns she must work with introverted inn-owner Noah Hebert to solve the puzzle, she’s torn. Growing up in the middle of a multi-generational feud between their families, she’s been taught by her father Isaac that Heberts can’t be trusted.

Title: No Place Like Home

Series: Magnolia Bay, Book 2

Author: Betsy St. Amant

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $5.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: May 20, 2025

Available in ebook and print

SYNOPSIS

Magnolia Bay’s development director, Cade Landry, would do anything for his town— and his family. So when the mayor—who also happens to be his father—decides to retire, he talks Cade into running for his seat. But Cade is already up to his dimpled cheeks in the town’s post-hurricane revitalization fundraiser—Magnolia Days, featuring a flashy Cajun Circus. If Cade can’t put the bay back on the map as a tourist town, he’ll let the whole community down...and worse yet, his father.

Rosalyn Dupree is a famous aerialist with a secret—actually, quite a few of them. Muchto Cade’s relief, she agrees to return to Magnolia Bay for the first time in years as a headliner for the Cajun Circus. But neither her charming former school rival Cade nor her parents know she’s broke, in debt, and nursing a back injury...among other things.

She’d love to move back to the bay for good, but the beloved sport that used to let her fly has become her cage.

Despite her best efforts at resisting, sparks fly between Cade and Rosalyn as they work together on the circus fundraiser. But when everyone's secrets are revealed and worlds collide, will Rosalyn find forgiveness and restoration in a town being rebuilt? Or will there never be anywhere to truly call home?

Title: Meant for Me

Series: Magnolia Bay, Book 3

Author: Betsy St. Amant

Publisher: Sunrise Publishing

Pre-order sale price: $5.99 (ebook)

Retail price after release: $7.99 (ebook)

Release date: August 12, 2025

Available in ebook and print

SYNOPSIS

Lincoln “Linc” Fontenot enjoys working out, running his crawfish business, and the company of approximately three people. Zoey Lakewood has been at the top of that short list for years, the only bit of sunshine he ever allows to part his comfortably cloudy sky. But when Linc’s steady, quiet world is rocked by the unexpected guardianship of a teen girl, his friendship with Zoey becomes even more crucial. He needs help, bad...but maybe not as bad as Zoey.

Zoey’s never had a problem manifesting joy. But having just lost her home and her beignet business to an uninsured fire, for once she struggles to find the silver lining. She and Linc arrange to help each other out—as just friends, of course. She’ll provide teen-parenting assistance while he provides a place for her to get back on her feet. But one thing her friendship with Linc has never had to navigate is close proximity.

Tension—and chemistry—mount as they attempt to manage this sudden insta-family.

But Zoey just lost everything, and she can’t risk losing her best friend, too. Will her friendship with Linc go up in flames like her beignet shop? Or will Linc and Zoey finally realize they were meant for each other?

About the Author:

Betsy St. Amant Haddox is the author of over twenty romance novels and novellas. She resides in north Louisiana with her hubby, two daughters, an impressive stash of coffee mugs, and one furry Schnauzer-toddler. Betsy has a B.A. in Communications and a deep-rooted passion for seeing women restored to truth. When she’s not composing her next book or trying to prove unicorns are real, Betsy can be found somewhere in the vicinity of an iced coffee. She writes frequently for www.ibelieve.com, a devotional site for women.

Learn more about Betsy at www.bestsystamant.com.