Archive | December 2023

Clara’s Last Christmas

Dec31

Book Link

From Amazon:

“Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.”

Just a few months ago, life seemed pretty rosy indeed…

With Lianna back in London for good, Clara had been enjoying every second with her best friend.

From blinged-up baby shopping with Eve to wedding planning with a delirious Dawn, Clara and her friends were happier than ever.

Unfortunately, they are brought back to reality when just weeks before Christmas, Oliver and Marc discover that their jobs are in jeopardy.

With Clara helping Eve to prepare for two new arrivals, news that Suave is going into administration rocks her to the core. It may be December, but the prospect of being jobless at Christmas means that not everyone is feeling festive.

Should they give up on Suave and move on, or can the gang work as one to rescue the company that brought them all together?

With so much at stake, can Clara and her friends save Suave in time for Christmas?

Jump into Clara’s world for a heart-warming and hilarious festive ride in Clara’s Last Christmas!

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, Lacey London. This is also a book that is part of a series. I bought it because of the Christmas theme. There is enough back story that made for this book making sense to me. Anything and everything, /yet nothing can or does happen. I rooted for Sadie until the last page. The nuances of life not knowing your father, love ending, people changing, it’s real life yet also contains enough hilarity to equal out the emotions in this book. Not all writers can make that happen.

Redemption

Dec31

Book Link

From Amazon:

REDEMPTION A QUEST: FROM VENGEANCE TO REDEMPTION

A Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy

Book III Of The Breach Chronicles

Amelia

She took on the mighty Peradorian dictator and lost. She loved Noah, but she might never see him again. Now she and Adrian are on the run. To make things worse, her shapeshifting ability has deserted her. What lies ahead for her?

Noah

He accepted that he was a monster to save the girl he loved, even if it meant losing her. The Heichi queen is determined to kill him and protect her throne at all costs. Now a sorceress has predicted great darkness in Amelia’s future. Will he be able to save her?

Adrian

He chose Amelia over his freedom and family. He protected her at all costs. Why does her heart still belong to another?

It’s all coming together in the exciting finale of The Breach Chronicles—Redemption. New enemies will rise, and old friends will rush to the rescue. Secrets will be revealed. Promises will be made. Promises will be broken. The lines will blur between friend and foe. Everyone is in a race against time, fighting for their life. But will they find Redemption?

My Review:

I found this book to be a great fantasy read and brilliant in how the characters were interwoven. Redemption? Is that possible? This is the third book in this series, and it’s woven tightly with complex characters who have tons of feelings and emotions that spill forth. Humans are humans, the supernatural war with each other, and there are hybrids and more realm wise. One sorceress finds out her fate when things go awry. Coexistence. Is that possible? Shifting strong pumas and other creatures with humans and more supernatuals fight for love and power. Love mingles with hate. Strong love is strong hate. Death is part of life, yet certain people come back from death. Magic is just that. Deep love mixes with deep pain. Redemption. That can be attained, but what characters will receive Redemption and those who won’t is for the next reader to find out.

Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen

Dec30

Christmas in Evergreen! New release on New Years Eve!!! Ebook out NYE! Softcover on preorder.

“My husband, Steve, and I have always had a great relationship, married, for the last five years. He’s a private investigator, and I have my artwork. Much of his work involved using a special laptop, one that was rugged and lockable, in his home office and I had my art studio where I could lose myself in painting and creativity. Life was wonderful, until the day I read a completely chilling and startling “Hit List” on his computer screen. Confusion ran supreme in my brain and then it hit me. My name was at the top of that list! Wait! What? No! Never! Yet I read “Kim Daily” plain as day. What would you do if you found out you were the next target on your husband’s hit list? Steve intentionally left his laptop open for me to read. He simply can’t be an assassin! I would know. Or would I? No! That’s impossible! Steve has been the kindest husband for five years and he was a crack ass private investigator; not an assassin. Yet why was my name at the top of his hit list? Why did he even have a hit list? My mind reeling in shock, I had to do something to stay alive! Think, Kim, think! Get your best game on right now as time is running out!”

“Wow thought Kim. Is Dr. Paul Smith tall, dark, and handsome or what? Where did that thought come from? It’s too soon for any romance in my life.”

“Kim is one extra fine woman…where did that idea come from? Love at first sight? Never…yet…maybe…”

“Dr. Paul had a perfect butt, nice and snug, in his scrubs as Kim watched him leave the room. Why does he fill out his scrubs so well? Look at those unbelievable biceps!”

$1.99 ebook. Softcover also on sale!

Christmas Bizarre 

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

It’s the weekend before Christmas and the storyteller tradition at interior designer extraordinaire, Rikkhe St. Claire’s home on the cliffs of Malibu is in full swing. Kick back and gather with Rikkhe and her family and friends for an elegant night under the stars as they share five, holiday tales of mystery and ghostly intrigue from around the world. Which tale will capture your heart…or make your mistletoe twirl?

The cozy magic of Christmas is in the air!

Noel A Versailles
Millicent is a young lady with a mind of her own in 1920s Paris. When she decides to build a replica of Marie Antoinette’s regal playhouse, the Petit Trianon, many think she’s lost the plot. A mysterious Advent calendar brings glamorous gifts of the season, until one fateful night…

Lady H
The ruins of an antebellum home with a heartbreaking past are in need of a major renovation. Will the ghostly inhabitants help or hinder the latest heir of Plum Hill and his architect?

The Ornament
Two cousins are off to celebrate a recent graduation on a European river cruise. As they tour the city ports, they join the quest to find an ornament from an elderly woman’s childhood. The search seems hopeless, until the magic of Christmas lends a helping hand.

The Rocking Horse
A nanny takes her first assignment with an expat family living in an historic home in Stockholm. As Christmas approaches, strange happenings are going bump in the night. Will the ghosts of Christmas past finally get their peace?

Moving Pictures
A holiday gala gets a major boost when a beloved screen star agrees to participate. As she makes her guest appearance, a mysterious man comes to her side. Will heartbreak turn into Christmas joy?

My Review:

I found this short novel quaint and filled with vignettes of times past and Christmas. I don’t have a favorite as they are all nice works, thus, I can’t choose a favorite among favoritism of each story.

Angel Messages Two: songs of the heart

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

The songs of the hearts of Angels guide us, lift us and fill our lives with hope and love. They harmonize with our heartbeats, ask us to trust and remind us that we are precious. They call to us tenderly, helping us find comfort. Encouragement is but a request away. How is this (and more) all possible? Because the songs of the heart are pure love. When our hearts are singing the songs of love, we connect with Angels. Open your heart to connection with Angels, with Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart. Unlike a book that takes a story and divides it into chapters, Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart, is a book of messages (songs) that can be read one right after another or one at a time. From day to day, a different message may speak to you. Open this book to find what is perfect for you (or someone else) at that moment. The pictures in this book, remind you that Angels appear in a variety of forms while the Tanka brings to life, the deeper message each of the photographs. Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart, is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to connect with Angels as much as it is perfect for anyone who already has a relationship with Angels. The messages are presented in poetry that we call Tanka. Tanka is a form of traditional Japanese lyric poetry that uses 31 syllables spread out over 5 lines, to convey its message. The word “tanka” translates to “short song.” The short songs of this book help us to be aware of our deep, abiding connection to energies we might not be able to see but can feel in our hearts. To be in the presence of Angels is soothing, warm; reminiscent of being around the most supportive energy you can imagine. It can also be energizing, electric and indescribably emotional. When an Angel makes its presence known, it will be when you most need the confirmation that you are not alone. You always have a home in an Angel’s heart and they are excited to be at home in your heart.

My Review:

This is a truly angelic read. If you’ve never seen an angel, don’t worry. One will show up in one way or another. The poems ring true and fit the angel images within. The TANKA form is used in this poetry book. The messages are lifting. Thank you, Annette, for the pleasure of your poetry.

Fat Dogs and Welsh Estates

Dec28

Book Link

From Amazon:

Imagine a land protected by craggy mountains, lapped by whispering seas, and guarded by mighty fortresses with bloody histories. This is North Wales, home to the legendary red dragon, and Beth Haslam’s beloved birthplace. Petulant ponies, neurotic sheepdogs and rabbits with razor-sharp teeth shape Beth’s life as she grows up on a farm estate. She’ll tell you tales of sailing the treacherous Menai Strait Swellies, site of many a dark happening. You’ll learn about the stunning region whose slate once roofed the world, and the ghost-filled castle she called home. This is no ordinary upbringing. Croeso i Gymru!

My Review:

This memoir of growing up Welsh is full of adventures, Welsh cuisine, Welsh words, you name it. Indoor and outdoor critters and playing hide and seek in such a large home was rather funny. The Welsh history alone is notable. This is one of those books you get sucked into with total immersion. You won’t want to leave.

This entry was posted on December 28, 2023. 3 Comments

With Love, The Universe

Dec28

Book Link

From Amazon:

A book of affirmations from the Universe for everyone who has ever felt alone, sad, needing encouragement, or needing reminded of how very special they are…

Based on a tradition that began with Morrnah Simeona’s reinterpretation of an ancient Hawaiian problem-solving technique to restore harmony known as Ho’oponopono, and revitalized and shared with the world by the late Dr. Hew Len. Each page offers Ho’oponopono inspired words and photographs by the award-winning authors Derek R. King of handpicked heart-shaped rocks arranged and place by award-winning author Julie L. Kusma, or, as Julie states, the Universe herself.

A treasure to read over and over until authenticity recalled, and beyond, to stay beautifully centered in oneself, the Light, and the Universe.

My Review:

I love this book. Each piece of prose is uplifting and positive. One may have days when they feel down or upset, yet knowing that we are where we are supposed to be is comforting to the soul. Be you. Love yourself. Shine your light upon others. Remain open to the little things in life. They are blessings. YOU are a blessing. YOU matter. Love YOU. Prose to focus on and believe.

(K)no(w)where: Manifestation Made Easy 

Dec26

Book Link

From Amazon:

Unlock ancient wisdom and see how manifestation is made easy as you learn to create the life you desire by discovering the secrets never told to you. KNOW WHERE you’re going so you don’t go NO WHERE!

My Review:

This was an interesting read. Our own realities can be changed by ourselves for a more positive life. Take where you are or what you want to achieve. Look down deep into your soul and brain. Concentrate. Look at your values and norms. What do you want to change? The key to that change lies within. Changes you morals and prior life situations into the belief you can change or obtain. Never stop your belief. Before you know it, little changes happen, you see them, and thus, you are manifesting your life anew.

Split Decision

Dec26

Book Link

From Amazon:

Jefferson Ball, the mightiest female dog in a universe full of them.

Jody Ryder, the mightiest female robot dog in said universe.

When they clash, everyone will hear it….

My Review:

This book is chock full of robotic, two-legged, sporting, and talking dogs as well as a mix of alien creatures, some bad ones, and life, of sorts carries on. The two characters at the beginning are highly competitive, and they are actually in high school. The fantasy takes you up and down. Language can be coarse. It’s probably best for Readers 16 and up. The ending was a surprise.