Review: Ruby Jane by Susan May Warren

I loved this one! Which will come as no surprise because I only gushed about how much I loved RJ and York in my Ford review way back when. I was so excited that I only waited long enough to download the book before diving in and not coming up for air until I closed the final page. :) And it was so worth it! I think you'll think so too.

For one, there's the obvious. It's about RJ and York and goodness do those two have chemistry. Even when York can't remember anything about himself or anyone else! These two just fit so perfectly together and everyone around them can see it. Then there's the nonstop action. Barely do any of the characters get a small breather before they're full speed ahead into the next mysterious and life-threatening adventure! I don't think my heart rate ever had a moment to come down until I finally reached the end. What a wild ride! I loved how each of the other family members show up and we get time with the other Marshalls that we've grown to know and love. Although I do have to admit that there was one moment I wanted to hug RJ extra hard and slap every single one of her brothers upside the head. But only for a moment. They wised up soon enough.

There really is so much going on in this book. From the constant tension of just who is actually out to hurt our good guys to each of the family members getting their small bits of time intertwined among the larger story of RJ and York figuring out where life is going to take them and what to do about each other. I truly don't know how Ms. Warren keeps every thread so intricately woven so that nothing feels chaotic or too much. It all fits together so seamlessly. This is a wonderful conclusion to the series and I am definitely looking forward to rereads of this one!

**I received a complimentary copy via JustRead Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Ford by Susan May Warren

Seriously, I don't know how Ms. Warren does it. She is incredibly gifted at writing edge-of-your-seat tension, both romantically and otherwise! I was pulled into this story pretty much from the first page and then was only further hooked as I got to know RJ better. Because I have to admit that I came for Ford and Scarlett, but I stayed for RJ and York. (And now I have to wait so long for their story! Humph. ;)

Let's begin with the fact that most of this book takes place in Russia. What a harsh and fascinating landscape to have as a backdrop. The uncertainty and fierceness felt by our characters is only enhanced by this country. I confess that I really want to visit just to experience it for myself! :) Ms. Warren's descriptions of the area create an atmospheric-feel to the story. All the (practically) non-stop action is fueled on by this feeling, which means I spent most my time anxiously turning each page, wondering what was on the horizon.

Then there are the characters. Watching Ford be confronted with so much of what he fears and how those who love him and know him so well help move him into growth and courageous-living (as if he wasn't already courageous! But he did need a little more of a push in a certain direction...) is wonderful to witness. Scarlett has some growth and courage to learn as well. These two are one of those couples that understand and fit each other so perfectly. Enough so they can also preach some good truth to one another when needed. And then there's RJ...and York. Oh my heart, I was utterly captivated by those two! *happy sigh* They face a scary situation, yet each has a fierce determination that captures the other's notice. There's simply something so vivid and pivotal between them. I cannot wait to find out more of their story.

The plot turns and twists all over the place and you never know just where you'll end up next. There is really such a great lot of things all going on at once and somehow Ms. Warren pulls all the threads just so, perfectly timed, and the picture becomes a whole lot clearer. With still a lot of threads yet to be pulled! So yes. I am now officially onboard the Montana Marshalls train and will (sort of) happily wait for more! (It's a good thing there are two previous stories to help me through the waiting period....)

**I received a complimentary copy via Just Read Publicity Tours. All opinions expressed are my own.

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"For a second she saw the brother she’d known better than herself. Proud, strong, faithful, determined, and yes, just reckless enough to save them all."

Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Thirty-Nine

Hello, my lovelies!

So I had a free Saturday (which are incredibly precious these days! Most of my time is CRAMMED with stuff to get done.) and remembered that I needed to get several reviews up. So here I am! With a whole bunch for your reading enjoyment... :)

On to the good stuff!

Once Upon a Laugh by Pepper Basham, Christina Coryell, Mikal Dawn, Heather Gray, Jessica R. Patch, Krista Phillips, Betsy St. Amant, Laurie Tomlinson
Ms. Basham's Titus is definitely a favorite character in this collection of stories! He's quite a terrific fellow. :) But all the stories made me giggle a great deal and swoon a great deal more. Super cute! And super fun.

The Winner's Kiss by Marie Rutkoski
It's terrible to read a series out of order, I know. But I've been so curious about this series and when I found only this one at the library, I grabbed it anyway! It's quite an epically drawn storyline that Ms. Rutkoski has created. I was very impressed with the details and intensity of the plot. And intrigued enough to want to go back and read the first two books someday!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
I LOVED THIS STORY!!!! I have been hearing for years about how special this book is, yet somehow I never got around to picking it up until now. I can't believe I waited so long! Because this story is absolutely delightful from beginning to end. Every character was practically my favorite and now I am ready to go back and reread it for the fourth time since I finished originally... READ IT. You know you should, so just go do it. ;)

Wait For Me by Susan May Warren
I have very much been waiting for Pete and Jess' story! And it was worth it because Pete? And Jess? And Pete and Jess together?? Ah, my heart! I was so ready for them to both be honest and real with each other. Of course, it takes a bit for them to do so and we have lots of mystery and side plots to keep things rolling. An excellent ending to this series! I highly recommend it. And then you should go back and read all the other stories in the series if you haven't yet! (But you might actually want to begin with the first one because it's worth the build up of Jess and Pete...)

**I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

Turtles in the Road by Rhonda Rhea and Kaley Rhea
This story made me giggle quite obnoxiously, I admit. And I was reading at night and having to be conscious of how loud I was! Terrible combination! (Except not really. ;) Super cute! Super fun! Worthy of a couple hours entertainment to make you grin and swoon quite a bit at the adorable romance between Piper and Jay. Definitely worth checking this one out, friends!

Review: Royally in Trouble by Jenny B. Jones

How is it I forget just how much fun it is to read a Jenny B. Jones book until I read another one? The lady has such talent for making me laugh! I admit I was a bit concerned that having not read the first book of the series I wouldn't get as caught up into the story right away. I should never have doubted! Ms. Jones is amazing, y'all. :)

From the crazy-awesome chemistry between our main couple to every unforgettable side character, there is pretty much something for everyone here. At least for those who love a good laugh! And a good mystery. Kudos to Ms. Jones for keeping me hooked on trying to figure out whodunnit! I am becoming a bigger fan of these cozy mysteries that are getting more popular these days and this is an excellent addition to the genre.

Oh, and the ex-CIA grandmother? And the book club? And witty banter everyone's got going on? Seriously. How does Ms. Jones do it? Every time I stopped giggling and got serious, there I'd go all over again! Have I mentioned this book is just a lot of fun? I loved Paisley! I loved getting inside her head and completely understood all the crazy going on in there. She's a woman after my own heart! I just got all the worry and doubt she had to push through. But what's so amazing about her is that she pushes through no matter how hard it is! She's determined to keep moving forward and figure out this life she's been given. And the Renaissance Faire she's heading up is just the icing on the cake!

Okay, so all I've done is gush a bunch of exclamation points. Sorry folks, but that's pretty much all I've got today. I just really loved this little story! Even if mystery or romance isn't really your thing, I feel very confident that Ms. Jones is able to change your mind. Trust me. It's a ride worth taking, my friends! :)

**I received a copy via the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Dead Drift by Dani Pettrey

It has been much too long since I've read a Dani Pettry story! I'd forgotten just how amazingly good she is at keeping me on the edge of my seat. From each nail-biting moment to the next, I was anxious for the good guys to win. Which I was in no doubt of! But still. With my heart in my throat, I'd push on to the next chapter full of anxiety and hope. Because that's what so much of this story is full of! No matter what terror may be happening on the page, hope permeates every paragraph.

Even having not read every book in the series prior to reading this final one, I found myself fascinated with the frienships that make up the story. This is undoubtedly Luke and Kate's journey, yes, but all the characters get to have their moment. Character relationships is where Ms. Pettrey's writing truly shines, in my opinion. I love the way they all take care of each other and the love that flows through every interaction (both frustrating or not, because goodness knows they can frustrate each other! ;). More than friends, they've become a family of sorts. Whip-smart, always-willing-to-go-into-danger-for-each-other-no-matter-what type of family!

The intriguing push and pull of the romance in this one is, naturally, a favorite of mine. Luke and Kate's fractured history makes for disappointment, irritation, and constant chemistry-laden interaction! Forced to deal with all the secrets and the unsaid things hovering under the surface of their conversations, they both struggle to work through their emotions. At times I wanted to shake them, at others I wanted to hug them! The way they clearly love each other, but deny it for all their worth, just made me all the more anxious for their eventual reconciliation. Yet I could understand all the hurt that they had to let go of, which wasn't easy. I loved watching them slowly open up to one another again! So that by the time the real sweetness between them arrived...ah my heart!

With just enough tension to keep her readers on their toes, yet enough hope for the future, Ms. Pettrey pens a story like no other! I was completely invested from the first pages until the last and quite happy to get my just reward (especially the chance to finally relax! ;). I'm now planning to go back and read the rest of the series. And soon, I hope! Because after seeing where so many of the characters end up, I quite want to find out how they got there. It's a keeper, friends! As any Dani Pettrey book always is.

**I received a complimentary copy via Bethany House. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Katie was a starlit night filled with the bursts of fireflies. She was the pummel and front of a waterfall booming in his ears, the surge of a plane netting into the bright blue sky, pressing him back against the seat, his chest tightening with excitement.

To Luke, home had become far more than a physical dwelling. To him a home was where his heart resided, and she was sitting three inches to his right. 

"I didn't know.... You've been gone so long, I didn't know-"
"If I still had a relationship with Christ?"
"I knew you did. To what extent is what I wondered."
He raked a hand through his hair on an exhale. "I'm not going to sugarcoat it. It's not where it should be on my end, but God has held on tight and never let go."

My Favorite 2017 Reads

Well now, here I am again. With one more list! This particular one is always a bit of a doozy to choose. Because I love stories and choosing just a few top favorites is HARD! (Also, with the way that my reading moods were so persnickety this year, I started and stopped so many books simply because I just couldn't get into them. That's not the books' fault, for the record! Totally me.) So if it made this list, you can bet that I LOVED the story enough to get swept up in the storyline and forget real life for a bit. :)

(Also, these are in the order that I read them, NOT listed as most favorite to least favorite or anything of that nature. It was easier for me to pick them as I went down my list from the beginning of the year until now...)

Life After

by Katie Ganshert

I have gushed SO many times about this story, so I won't bore you with more of the same. Suffice it to say that I LOVED this book. It hit at a moment when I needed the beautiful reminder to hope.

When Death Draws Near

by Carrie Stuart Parks

When a mystery captures my attention this thoroughly, it's worth a notice! Because I'm not a big mystery fan in general. It takes a special story in that genre to keep me reading. So this one? The synopsis sounds exactly like NOT my cup of tea, but somehow Ms. Parks drew me in and my poor heart was on pins and needles until the very end. And I loved it! :)

True to You

by Becky Wade

Because it's by Becky Wade, of course! Do you need any other reason to read this one? No! But if you insist, then just know that Nora is an avid reader herself and her romance with John is just...*swoon* PLUS Nora is a huge fan of period dramas! Seriously, this girl and I are kindred spirits. I just know it! ;)

Then There Was You

by Kara Isaac

Because Kara Isaac is now on my list of favorite authors ever! And this one is super cute and adorable. Enough said. Go read it!

The Night Circus

by Erin Morgenstern

I was blown away by the sheer vividness of the descriptions in this story. Ms. Morgenstern clearly has a gift for detailing a world so intricately that the reader can smell the popcorn, venture inside each circus tent, and simply immerse themselves completely! And now just thinking back on my lovely reading experience makes me immediately ready to listen to the audiobook again.

Hometown Girl

by Courtney Walsh

"I especially loved that Drew was this quiet, taciturn type of hero. His inability to express his thoughts would make him seem like not a very romantic sort, but oh let me tell you!! He knows how to make a girl swoon! And poor Beth never even stood a chance. ;) Yet more than just the swooniness of their romance charmed me, it was the way they innately understood each other and how they became such safe places for the other. I absolutely LOVED that all the parts of themselves that they struggled to accept and love were so very easily accepted, loved, and make perfectly imperfect in the other. They complement each other so beautifully! So how could I do anything but love the two of them like crazy in response?" 

(from my review)

The Esther Paradigm

by Sarah Monzon

This one is different than anything else I've ever read. But in the BEST way possible! It needs to be read to be experienced. So go read it!

Speak Easy, Speak Love

by McKelle George

Oh readers friends, this book is SO, SO GOOD AND AMAZING. I haven't yet written an official review of it, but rest assured it's not because I didn't like it. I struggle to find the words to describe the sheer awesomeness of a retelling of Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing set in the Roaring 20s! All I can say is this: read it, read it, read it!! Leave everything else and just go read it right now. Immediately!

The Austen Escape

by Katherine Reay

You knew this one was coming, right? Because I will always read a Katherine Reay story! She seems to only get better and better with each new book she writes and this one is almost perfection. Of course, it does help that I'm a huge fan of Jane Austen, so I loved all the nods to her stories naturally! But it's not just the Austen aspect, it's the story as a whole, and especially Mary herself. "One of the most fascinating things about Ms. Reay's writing is her innate understanding of people. I always seem to relate to her characters, even when we have completely different tastes and opinions! .... I can say nothing else but that you should read it immediately! Don't wait, don't hesitate, just read it. I can't imagine you being disappointed." :)

Sense and Sensibility

by Jane Austen

It's a Jane Austen, so it's guaranteed to be on my list of favorites! You shouldn't need any other reason than that one. :D

Review: Distorted by Christy Barritt

What is it about Christy Barritt's stories that keep me coming back to them again and again? I'm not normally a fan of mysteries! But Ms. Barritt continues to hook me in every single time and I can never say no to one of her books. :) Per my usual, this one is no different. I was a goner from the first chapter until the last, every pulse-pounding minute of it!

First, let's talk about Mallory. I cannot even imagine going through a tenth of what this girl has endured! The sheer terror of her life before the story begins permeates everything in her present day. Which is only to be expected, because I don't think one just "gets over" that sort of thing. Human trafficking is a terrible and awful evil, but I absolutely loved her determination to survive despite it all. She is so fiercely driven to live, as well as make sure no one else experiences what she did. To face all the emotions and "stuff" she has to in order to become hope for someone else? That takes a tremendous lot of strength, of which Mallory has in spades. Can you tell I liked her? I really, really wanted to jump in her story (at the very end, of course, after all the action, because hello, I'm a wimp! ;), hug her tight, and give her someone else to lean on. Not that Tennyson isn't enough for her though. Because wow, that man!

Tennyson is certainly hero material. I loved how he knew just the right amount of caring and encouragement that Mallory needed. Plus he's just really good at keeping an eye on her. For more reasons than one. He's not perfect, but goodness is he ever perfect for her! For all the tension due to the constant threats, Ms. Barritt also created some serious chemistry between these two people, I swooned fairly often as they grew closer. Her ability to keep both the romantic tension and the whodunit balanced is so well done! Definitely a big reason I'm a fan of her writing. :)

There's simply no way to sit down with this story and not devour it all in one sitting. I read much too late in the night (jumping at all the creaking noises in my house, so....not recommended for late night reads if you're a scaredy-cat like me! ;), and closed the final pages with a happy sigh. A thrill ride from start to finish, I remain a huge fan of Ms. Barritt's after this story! And happily anticipate her next one, whenever it comes out...

**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Like water, love had the power to sustain life or to devastate it.

Darkness can blind you, but one flicker of light drives away the night and changes everything. The smallest flame can help us see what we couldn't see before.

Someone once told me you can't be a victor and a victim at the same time. I choose to be a victor.

No matter how painful, it's only after you face the truth that you can find healing.

Review: Disillusioned by Christy Barritt

I've been a fan of Ms. Barritt's for several years now and she's one of the few mystery writers that can get me to read her stories. I'm not usually a fan of mysteries, but somehow she's convinced me otherwise with her books! :) It's always the characters that draw me in. As well as the edge-of-your-seat tension going on. I've found that it's usually wiser for me to read her books during the day rather than at night because otherwise I'll never get to sleep. And this one is no exception to that rule! We jump right into the action on page one and things never really slow down.

The characters and their relationships and interactions with one another is where Ms. Barritt's writing shines. Her ability to keep the tension building, while Nikki and Bobby navigate who they are and how life's circumstances have changed their brother-sister relationship, not to mention Kade and Nikki balancing their attraction with their desire to protect themselves from each other and the bad guys, comes together to create just enough edginess to keep you off-balance and turning pages. Learning to trust again, falling in love, protecting those we love, all these emotions came into play, as they do in real life, and I loved it! Forced into situations not of their own making, each of the three have to make choices that aren't easy and sometimes have to think pretty fast. Together, though, they are so much stronger and I loved it when they each began to realize that. We need our friends and family around us when things are hard, so I especially appreciated how Nikki strove to do all she could for her brother. No matter what.

The romance was, of course, a very enjoyable part of the story for me. :) There were several very sweet and tender moments that helped break a bit of the tension (which I appreciated, believe me!). And while there were bits that didn't flow as well for me, I was overall quite happy I read this! Ms. Barritt will definitely remain a mystery writer that will always keep me coming back for more. Which is an excellent accomplishment, if I do say so for myself! :D

**I received a complimentary copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

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In an instant, Bobby's elbow snapped back and slammed the rib cage of the man beside him. The man dropped to the ground holding his stomach. Bobby grabbed his gun and, in one fluid motion, pulled the trigger. The man cried out in pain and clutched his knee.
Then Bobby turned toward Nikki.
He pointed the gun at her.
The air left her lungs.
No...She started to say something, but the words lodged in her throat. Beg for your life. Talk some sense into your brother. Buy some time.
Before she could say any of those things, Bobby fired.

Bite-Sized Reviews :: Edition Twenty-Two

More reviews! Yay! (I hope.) Anyhoo, still doing a bit of catch up, so here goes. :)

All Who Dream by Nicole Deese

This was just a really fun story! Although the beginning took a little bit to smooth out for me, I'm glad I hung in there. Angie and Jackson have pretty great chemistry and the two of them just have this heightened awareness of the other at all times. I loved all their banter and the way they affected each other. But I especially loved the way Jackson befriended Angie's son, Cody. He knew how important Cody is to her and is so very gentle and wonderful. Plus they both have things from their pasts that must be dealt with. All this combined made for a sweet story that made me smile. :)

Secrets of Sunbeams by Valerie Comer
The romance moves a tad bit quick in this one, but that doesn't mean it's not still pretty adorable. Because it is! Eden and Jacob rub each other the wrong way when they first meet, but it's not long before they're unable to deny their attraction. Both tend to be pretty stubborn though, so they find their way together through trial and error. And apologies. I did love Pansy the goat a great deal! She certainly added some adventure and humor to the story. Overall a cute and fluffy read for when you just need something short and sweet.

From Winter's Ashes by Amy Leigh Simpson

I vacillated between really enjoying this book and skimming really quickly through other parts. I loved the romance bits! While it moved a bit quick, it helped tremendously that Joss and Finn had a past and had known one another for several years. There was definite undeniable chemistry going on whenever those two were in close proximity! Much to my delight. :) But the rest of the story kind of lagged for me. The mystery is sufficiently mysterious and does have several edge-of-your-seat moments, but somehow it never pulled me in completely. Not really sure why. Still, I did enjoy reading this one overall.

Gentle Like the Rain by JoAnn Durgin
I loved this! Isabella and Sidney completely captivated me from their first encounter and I laughed my way through each subsequent debate. They click immediately, even though they try and deny it, and their witticisms just flew around constantly when they were near the other. But I also really appreciated the gentle way they treated each other once they realized their attraction was mutual. They were kind in the face of both of their pasts and gave each other the space to make the right choices for themselves. Plus they were just hilarious, did I mention that? ;) Definitely one I'm glad to have on my shelf for rereading purposes!

Finders Keepers by Sarah Monzon

Adventure and romance on the high seas! What more could a reader ask for, right? ;) This is simply a fun story. Taking place both in history and in modern times, Ms. Monzon handles the transitions pretty well (although we always seemed to change POV right after a major cliffhanger! Humph. ;) Both storylines are pretty engrossing, but I have to say I was more invested in Summer and Trent than I was in Isabella. Although Summer and Trent's romance moves rather rapidly, so I was glad that certain parts were handled carefully, yet not swept under the rug. Also Isabella and Summer, both, have a lot to learn, and as the story progressed I thoroughly enjoyed watching as they stumbled around making mistakes, yet always willing to grow from them. I really enjoyed this and look forward to seeing what Ms. Monzon will write next.

Review: All is Calm, All is Bright by Colleen Coble

Ms. Coble has long been an author that I've enjoyed. I haven't read near all of her books yet, but her skill at keeping you on the edge of your seat is excellent. These novellas showcase that so well! A bit of mystery and intrigue is all it takes for your heartbeat to rise and your page-turning to quicken. Not to mention a couple sweet romances.

I will say that Brendan and Lauren's romance does have a bit of insta-love involved, which is inevitable within a novella format. But that does not mean they aren't cute. And then there's Tom and Delilah! I enjoyed their story the best, I loved that they both had been dancing around their attraction for a while. So once they acknowledged it openly, then cue the sweetness!

These two Christmas novellas are perfect for a cozy evening spent by the fireplace, with a hot beverage and a blanket to snuggle with. Doesn't that just sound perfect? :)

**I received a complimentary copy from Thomas Nelson Publishing in exchange for my honest review.

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She gritted her teeth and started to swim, but a big wave grabbed her and shoved her under again. Then a hard hand yanked on her arm. The dark figure pulled her toward the top, and her head broke the surface.
She blinked water out of her eyes and saw Amy swimming toward her too. Curtis had hold of one arm, and Amy took the other as they headed for the shore without speaking. Delilah couldn't have told them what happened if her life depended on it. Moments later, she lay gasping and shuddering on the shore.
Some had tried to kill her.

Bite-Sized Reviews :: The 2015 INSPYs Edition

As some of you may or may not know, I had the privilege of being a part of the INSPY Awards earlier this year. It was such a fun opportunity and I got the chance to read a couple authors that I hadn't yet! Ultimately my fellow judges and I chose Meant To Be Mine by Becky Wade for our category, but the other four books were very wonderful. I am long past due writing these reviews since those awards were given back in June. June! I know! Still, better late than never, right? :) So! On with the reviews!

A Broken Kind of Beautiful by Katie Ganshert
It's not every single book title that aptly fits the story within, but this one certainly does! It is a heartbreaking, yet ultimately beautiful kind of story. Ivy is one of those characters that has to grow on you. At least she did for me. But it doesn't take that many chapters for you to realize how broken she truly is and once she, herself, realizes that? Once she begins to see the beauty that is found even in the things that the world says is ugly? That's when I knew I was beginning to like her. As she struggled to see beyond her hurt and pain, as those around her strove for the same, they grew closer together and soon became a part of me as well. I don't think you could read this story without feeling each character's emotions and being right there with each of them as they slowly opened up to one another and most especially to God. Sort of like how sunflowers open up to the sun! A beautiful story indeed. And it convinced me that I need to read more of Ms. Ganshert's books! :)

Somebody Like You by Beth K. Vogt
The idea that this story is based around could so easily have become quite a different story than it did. But Ms. Vogt took such care with her characters and her storyline that I never doubted the gentle way she led them around to each other. Instead of huge dramatics and constant angst, it felt real. Both Haley and Stephen grappled with understanding themselves, how their pasts had shaped them, and where they wanted to go in the future. And as I journeyed along with them, I could appreciate the confusion of emotions they both felt, yet their connection was undeniable. It made me grin and sigh happily once they were finally able to be on the same page! Such a sweet story. (On an extremely shallow note though, I just have to mention that the more I looked at the cover, the more I wanted to push her hair out of her face! Or at least make her turn around so the wind could blow it away from her eyes. :)

A Table By the Window by Hillary Manton Lodge
I confess that while I read this one, I got very, very hungry! Ms. Lodge's descriptions of the food made them sound delicious. :D It's a quiet story that begins slowly and works its way into your heart (and stomach! ;) until you're salivating to know what's going to happen next. And can I just say that I loved Jules' family? The siblings interactions were fun and felt very real. And the love and care they have for one another is wonderful. Even as they sometimes frustrated each other. And the romance? Oh my, there's just something awfully romantic about a man who writes letters! The gentle way Neil and Jules interact with each other is so sweet. With yummy food, an interesting mystery, and cute romance, this story is mix of things that somehow flow together into a wonderful story! My only complaint is that it ends with a teensy bit of a cliffhanger and I have to wait for the next book to find out where Jules goes from here. At least it's already published though, right? :)

Beowulf: Explosives Detection Dog by Ronie Kendig
Every single thing I've ever read about Ms. Kendig's books is true! She is an amazing writer, my friends. With great characters (especially Beowulf! :) and edge-of-your-seat climaxes, this is one book that had to be read in one sitting. No other possibility, because there was no way I was going to be able to sleep without finding out what was going to happen! And if you like dogs, then I can guarantee Beowulf will make you fall in love with him with no trouble at all. He's awesome! And made me laugh so many times, especially during a few moments of tension. Timbrel caused me some frustration at times, I will admit, but once she got over her stubbornness I could forgive her. She and Tony were awfully cute together! :) If you haven't read one of Ms. Kendig's books yet, then may I suggest that you remedy that? This was a wonderful story and I plan to read more of her books in the future! So should you.

My 2014 Favorites List

I mentioned this post would be coming and here it is! My favorite reads from 2014. Looking back over the 44 books I read this year I anticipated struggling to limit my list of absolute favorites. But I surprised myself! I guess it turns out that I read several enjoyable-but-not-fabulous-beyond-reason books this year. I still read some pretty amazing stories though. So the criteria I used to pick this list was pretty simple: the book had to draw me in right from the beginning and keep me anticipating turning the pages, as well as had to be a story that I didn't forget once I closed the final chapter. Some books are fun, but once I finish I kind of forget a lot of the details. The books I've listed are unforgettable! They made me *happy sigh* many, many times and left me wishing the stories would continue forever. The authors all had the knack for sweeping me off my feet and depositing me inside their worlds for a few hundred pages, letting me forget reality even existed. Which is happiness indeed! :)

Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson - I absolutely fell in love with Edenbrooke, so my anticipation for this book was very great. I was so happy when it met my (admittedly high) expectations!


Tap & Gown by Diana Peterfreund - After having heard so many good things about this series, I was beyond thrilled to devour all four books. This one is my favorite though because everything comes to their expected yet hard-won happy ending. I DO love my happy endings! ;)


The Pursuit of Mary Bennet by Pamela Mingle - I have been searching high and low for a sequel that would do justice for my inexplicable love of Mary Bennet from Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice and I'm quite happy to say that this one snuck up on me. I wasn't expecting much, mainly because I'd been disappointed time and again. But this Mary is sweet and feisty and finding her way, just as I'd imagined her. And her romance is cute, which is a definite plus!


It Had to be You by Susan May Warren - My heart, it swoons! Eden and Jace's story is so wonderful and lovely and swoonworthy. These two had me at hello and refuse still to let me forget them. I just now realized that I never reviewed this one, but suffice it to say that it is definitely worth reading! Which you totally need to do, if you haven't yet.


When I Fall in Love by Susan May Warren - The same could be said about this one too! Grace and Max's friendship is one of my favorite relationships of this year.


Random Acts of Murder by Christy Barritt - I don't read many mysteries, so when one catches my attention and keeps me up half the night I know I've found a keeper (either that or I need to stop reading murder mysteries late at night ;). I am decidedly a big fan of Ms. Barritt's!


The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd - Ms. Ladd's first novel was fun, but it didn't quite meet all the expectations I'd had. So I was a little leery of trying this one. Oh how happy I am that I gave it a chance! And now I am eagerly anticipating book three. :) I love when books surprise me like that.


The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien - An epic and sweeping adventure which left me longing for more! What else could a reader ask for?


A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd - Of course you knew this one would be here, right? I've only raved over it a few hundred times. And my happiness with the story is only intensified by the wonderfulness of getting to meet Ms. Lloyd in person! :)


The Near Witch by Victoria Schwab - To quote my review "Resonating with sounds and tastes and feelings, it is wonderfully expressive.....It's such a curious mix of so many different things. And it does them all well! When I closed the last page, I immediately turned the book over and started reading my favorite parts again." I absolutely love Ms. Schwab's writing!


Lizzy & Jane by Kathine Reay - This book! So full of relationships and emotions and all the messy chaos that comes with that. And SO wonderful a read. Ms. Reay has risen straight to the top of my list of authors who I'll read anything they write. Which is kind of crazy as this is only her second book! But what a story. I mean, who else could combine food, Jane Austen, and classic literature so well? This one is a must read!!!


Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge - Saved the best for last! This story swept me away and refused to let me go for days after I read it. I couldn't stop thinking about it. I'd rush home right after work and devour my favorite scenes all over again. And I did this for at least a week or more! I have no words to tell you how phenomenal this book is. All I can tell you is READ IT!


Honorable Mentions: How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes and The Pursuit of Tamsen Littlejohn by Lori Benton - Both are wonderfully written stories!


12 favorites out of 44 possibles is pretty great, I must say. I tried to scratch two so I could get the perfect 10, but I just couldn't figure out which two to leave off. So 12 it is! Now tell me. What were some of your favorites from this year?