A Proper Scandal

A PROPER SCANDAL

by Esther Hatch

Grace Sinclair has been callously cast out of her home. And though taken in as an orphaned child by the vicar and his wife, her unsurpassed beauty makes it impossible for her to remain in the vicar’s household—with two daughters of their own about to enter Society, the vicar and his wife see Grace as nothing but competition. Thankfully, Grace’s estranged Aunt Bell has agreed to take her in to her home in London. But Grace soon learns her situation has just gotten much worse.

It takes only a moment’s acquaintance for Grace to ascertain that her aunt has married a detestable rake. And Aunt Bell, recognizing the danger of having her lovely niece too near her husband, gives Grace an ultimatum: the young woman has two weeks to find a man to marry, after which she will be turned out. With no experience in the art of attracting a husband, Grace quickly realizes that a worthy suitor might not be so easy to ensnare.

My Thoughts

For all the books I have read where the characters were trying to stay out of a scandalous situation, this story line of a woman trying to achieve a scandalous situation was delightfully fun! The story line will keep you entertained for hours. LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. it!

Purchase Link

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The Redgrave Murders

THE REDGRAVE MURDERS

by A. L. Sowards

When her father is murdered, Evie must prove her boyfriend innocent and find the real criminal before he kills again.

Loss is inevitable, as Evie Hampton knows all too well. But despite losing her mother to cancer and her older brother to a war, she knows she's one of the lucky ones. After all, she still has her father, a distinguished professor of medieval history. And she has Gary Redhawk, the man she loves despite the emotional scars he carries from the Second World War--and despite her father's opposition to their relationship.

When Evie's car suddenly careens off the road, she chalks it up to poor maintenance or sheer bad luck making another appearance in her life. Little does she know a host of hardships is just beginning--the car was her father's, and the brake lines were deliberately cut. Someone wants them dead--but why? All fingers point to Gary, a man with a troubled past and no solid alibi, but Evie is unwilling to believe he's involved. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins to piece together a startling picture of deception and vice. But as she closes in on the truth, it is clear that someone is determined to silence her--and the next attempt on her life may be a deadly success.

My Thoughts
This book is SO INTRIGUING! Multiple story lines intertwine with each other to bring a rich reading experience. You will read about cut brake lines, falling bookcases, letters from the front line of war, post traumatic stress disorder, and interracial relationships, just to name a few; all while trying to solve a murder mystery. SO. GOOD! 

Purchase Link
Amazon

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The Redgrave Cover Game

COME PLAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN 

A $25 AMAZON GIFT CARD

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Author will notify winner
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Next Tuesday I will be posting my review of The Redgrave Murders by A. L. Sowards. The book is FANTASTIC and is a murder mystery with a twist.

In the meantime play along-- The game is inspired by the book cover and the game Clue.

To enter, just snap a picture with a suspect, a murder weapon, and a location. Then post it on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter with the hashtag#RedgraveCoverGame and a caption explaining the who, with what, and where.

Entries can be silly or serious, and people can enter as often as they like.

You can add it to my Facebook post at:  

https://www.facebook.com/460789570609362/photos/a.460790553942597/2432037820151184/?type=3&theater

Undercover Honeymoon

UNDERCOVER HONEYMOON

by Kari Iroz

Wedding bells are finally ringing for Jacklyn “Jack” Wyatt and her FBI-agent fiancé, Damon Wade. After their adventurous beginning, the happy couple finds the relative calm leading up to their big day a huge relief.

Unfortunately, it seems the peace and quiet were too good to last. As they embark on their honeymoon, a week-long cruise, Jack can’t shake the feeling that something is off with her new husband. When she stumbles upon a secret plot—one in which her husband is a key player—she realizes this getaway will be anything but smooth sailing. 

When she delves into the shady happenings aboard the ship, Jack realizes Damon’s involvement is just the tip of the iceberg—she has become an unwitting player in a deadly conspiracy, and in such close quarters, there is no escape. 

Now, Jack has no choice but to work with her new husband to unravel the truth before their happily ever after—and their lives—are ended all too soon.

My Thoughts
LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. this book! The perfect balance of romance and suspense with a dash of humor. So many great moments in the book! This will keep you reading long into the night with no thoughts of wanting to do anything else. You will be on the edge of each page anxious to know what happens next. Take a vacation from life for a few hours and dive into this book~

Purchase Link
Amazon

Summer Book Trek 2019

IT'S SUMMER BOOK TREK TIME :)
It's super easy and super fun!

Book I am reading right now to earn points

Click on the image to read more about the book

Books I have read to earn points

  

Books I have won just by reading books

Come join the fun!

Miss Adeline's Match

MISS ADELINE'S MATCH

by Joanna Barker

Miss Adeline Hayes is the perfect lady's companion: pleasant, conversational, and unceasingly proper. But when her closest friend, Charity Edgeworth, breaks off her arranged marriage without explanation, even Adeline's superior skills are put to the test.

Charity's father banishes the two young women to the country, sending Adeline with a charge to find Charity a husband—or suffer dire consequences. 

As Adeline takes on the role of reluctant matchmaker, she discovers more than one obstacle in her path. Not only does Charity prefer escaping in books to socializing, but Adeline soon finds her own attentions distracted by the standoffish—and irritatingly handsome—Mr. Evan Whitfield. 

Amidst an eventful foxhunt and the unexpected arrival of Charity's former betrothed, Adeline simply doesn't have time for a battle of wits with Evan. But the two are continually drawn together until Adeline begins to question her tightly guarded convictions about love and marriage.

However, when secrets are revealed and truths made known, Adeline must face her most fearsome obstacle yet: herself.

My Thoughts

I absolutely adored this book! Such an enjoyable story. There were a few unexpected twists that made the story extremely fun. I am quickly becoming a Joanna Barker fan. This book is definitely worth reading!

 

Wrong Place, Wrong Time

WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME

by E. James Harrison

The first idyllic hours of Greg and Marena Walker’s Caribbean vacation are filled with turquoise water, sand as soft and white as powdered sugar, and gentle ocean breezes. But all too soon the Walkers find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. Now they are running for their lives . .

Scott Vaughn has made a lucrative career of secretly transporting illegal materials. Pay him enough, and he’ll move whatever you want from anywhere to anywhere. And though he has never met the Walkers, he needs them dead. His future depends on making certain they don’t have one..

Wayne Hovey desperately wants Scott Vaughn—alive is best; dead is acceptable. And luck has handed him the perfect bait: Greg and Marena Walker..

In a heart-pounding game of cat and mouse, each player is driven to succeed, never realizing they are all pawns in something much larger—and more dangerous—than any of them knows.

My Thoughts

I so love a good suspense story! While I would hate being in a situation like this, I do love reading about someone else being in a situation like this! I especially love reading how it all comes together and how it all plays out. Such a GREAT BOOK! Grab a copy for some fun summer reading!

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About the Author

I grew up on the west side of Salt Lake City in a pretty typical family. My dad worked most of his life in a factory, my mom was a homemaker and my three sisters were...sisters! The two older ones were always bossing me around and I always had to give in to my younger sister. (They may not remember it exactly like that, but it's true--really!) A mom and three sisters means a lot of estrogen in a house, so during my preteen years my dad and I would escape whenever we could to the quiet of the mountains and deserts of Utah pursuing my dad's favorite hobby--rockhounding. Saturday's meant trapsing over desolate ground and blasting old cans full of holes with a .22 rifle.

My early teen years were filled with pimples and the clumsy awkwardness of getting to know girls and for the most part, those are years to be forgotten. It was during my high school years that two great things happened in my life. First, I discovered airplanes and boats--two things I thoroughly enjoy to this day. But second, and by far the most important and best thing that's every happened to me, was I met my wife, Debbie. (That's a picture of her over on the right.) I met her in a geometry class. The teacher sat us alphabetically and I ended up in the desk behind her. Had there still been ink wells in the desks, I'm sure I would have dipped the tips of her long dark hair in the ink in an effort to attract her attention. With no ink I had to satisfy myself with untying the bows made from ribbons that she used to tie back her hair. I succeeded in getting her attention, and ultimately convincing her to marry me, but not for several more years.

After high school there was a year of college (University of Utah) and then two years as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Returning from my missionary responsibilities I shocked everyone--including myself--by being accepted to Brigham Young University. And that's when I first discovered writing. I had no idea what I wanted to be when I "grew up," but the fiancée of one of Debbie's roommates was majoring in public relations. I had no idea what that was, but it sounded fun so from then on I told everyone I was a public relations major. I thought it would be a bunch of back slapping and socializing. Little did I know that English and writing are at the heart of public relations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I ultimately got an Associate degree in public relations and a Bachelor degree in creative writing.

Love in Disguise

LOVE IN DISGUISE

by Anneka R. Walker

Marion Watt is set to embark on her first London Season, and her parents have spared no expense to help her secure a suitable husband. Unlike most of the social-climbing young women in her position, Marion has no desire to marry hastily or for anything less than love. But when she learns of her mother’s declining health, she knows she must keep an open mind and allow herself to be courted. What she does not anticipate, however, is that the attentions of the insufferable Lord William Everton will be placed squarely on her. He might be the most sought-after bachelor of the Season, but she sees in him nothing but a frivolous cad.

Until William inherits his father’s title and seat in parliament, he must rely on his own devices to change the world. Dressing like a ridiculous dandy serves its purposes, but he is certain his newest disguise will help him find a wife to please his parents and further his own agenda. From among the glittering group of debutantes, William finds only one woman who passes his test. Unfortunately, the perfect choice is the only woman in all of London who despises him.

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I so adored this book!
The title is very fitting as there are some very fun, very intriguing, and very subtle disguises in the story line.

So well written you will want to read every single word.
I would love to read more from this author-
I highly recommend this book!

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The Trial of Porter Rockwell

THE TRIAL OF PORTER ROCKWELL

Actors: James Gaisford, Mason D. Davis, Joshua Michael French

Directors: John Lyde

Based on the True Story

When former Missouri Governor Lilburn Boggs is shot by an unknown assailant, rumors quickly spread that the Mormons are responsible for the attempted assassination of the controversial politician. Never a friend of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Boggs had four years earlier issued the infamous extermination order that pronounced, "Mormons must be treated as enemies, and must be exterminated or driven from the State."

Rumors gain new momentum when recently excommunicated member John C. Bennett implicates the Prophet Joseph Smith and Porter Rockwell in the crime. Though these accusations are vehemently denied by Joseph and his supporters, arrest warrants are issued for the Prophet and his protector. Joseph's warrant is dismissed; however, Porter Rockwell, not yet thirty, is arrested. After spending nine months in jail, Porter is finally brought to court for a grand-jury hearing to determine if there is sufficient evidence to indict him—a hurdle the state of Missouri must clear to proceed with a full criminal trial. This taut courtroom drama brings to life the friendship of Joseph and Porter and the original story behind the larger-than-life, legendary Porter Rockwell.

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I would SO LOVE to see this movie--

How about YOU?

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Movie trailer

The Heart of a Vicar

THE HEART OF A VICAR

by Sarah M. Eden

Young love is all too fleeting, as Harold Jonquil painfully discovered years ago when Sarah Sarvol, the niece of a neighboring landowner, captured his heart. After an idyllic few weeks in the throes of blossoming love, reality intervened. They could have no future. Following their disastrous parting, Harold attempted to push aside thoughts of love and regret, but Sarah has never left his heart. Now, years later, he has achieved his lifelong aspiration of becoming the local vicar. However, the role proves more difficult than he imagined. He feels hollow and uninspired—until the most important person in his past returns, challenging him as no one ever has.

When Sarah’s ailing uncle summons her back to the family estate in England, there is only one person from her past she is reluctant to see again: Harold Jonquil, the only man who has ever claimed her heart. But when she comes face-to-face with her former beau, she hardly recognizes the aloof and dull man before her. She is determined to help Harold rediscover the passion he once felt toward his chosen profession. Soon, despite their exasperation with each other, they cannot deny the stirring of feelings long buried—but is it too late for second chances?

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LOVE. LOVE. LOVE. stories of the Jonquil brothers!
So fun to read "Holy Harry's" story! 
(that's what his brothers call him-fitting as he does become a Vicar)

I loved ever bit of this story and wanted more! 
 This book is SO. GOOD! 
I highly recommend the entire series!

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Draw Your Way Through the Book of Mormon

DRAW YOUR WAY THROUGH 

THE BOOK OF MORMON

by Annie Poon

Everyone can be an illustrator with well-known artist Annie Poon in Draw Your Way through the Book of Mormon, an innovative art adventure for people of all ages who want to delve into the Book of Mormon as they never have before. Featuring engaging illustrations, ideas, and step-by-step instructions, this doodle book invites budding artists to bring scriptural scenes to life—with no limit on what can be imagined!

What do you think the Liahona looked like? Draw it!

Draw yourself sneaking past the sleeping Lamanite guards.

Captain Moroni carried the title of liberty into battle—
draw what you would fight for.

Packed with dozens of creative prompts, this delightful activity book will provide hours of entertainment and thought, offering students of the gospel an opportunity to express their personal impressions of the Book of Mormon through art.

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While I am SO NOT an artist-- this book intrigues me!

It looks AMAZING!

Take a peek at some of the fun pages-- 

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Living the Parables

LIVING THE PARABLES

by Hank Smith and Kathryn Jenkins

As the world's greatest teacher, Jesus Christ used His skills as a storyteller to teach and inspire His followers. The parables of Christ contain a wealth of guidance, but the deeper meaning of His words can sometimes be difficult to decipher.

Now, best-selling authors Hank Smith and Kathryn Jenkins—known and loved for their ability to approach gospel topics in a clear, light, and understandable way—take a careful look at the finer points of the Savior's stories. 

They uncover the profound spiritual lessons hidden within and illustrate practical and accessible application for our day. 

In Living the Parables: Applying Christ's Teachings to Our Lives, readers are presented with commentary from generations of Church leaders and religious scholars, as well as modern-day interpretations of the underlying significance of each account. 

This volume will inspire followers of Christ to draw on the power of His Atonement by embracing a deeper understanding of His parables.

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This book is AMAZING!

The authors take a look at each of the parables and then explain how they can be applied to our lives right now. Truly inspiring!

I love this quote from the Introduction:

"Your problems are real. Your tears are real. Your heartache is real. You face things that nobody on the earth can truly understand. The parables of Jesus Christ will help you with your problems. They can bring the solutions and the peace you are seeking. The Savior never did anything on a whim or by accident. His use of parables was intentional and reasoned."

Grab a copy of this book and study the parables. Through them the Savior can help heal all your troubles, heartaches, and pain.

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The Candy Cane Caper

THE CANDY CANE CAPER

by Josi S. Kilpack

Sadie is back...

The theft of a friend’s priceless, family-legacy Christmas ornaments brings amateur detective and culinary expert, Sadie Hoffmiller, back on the case in a new standalone cozy mystery.

In the latest chapter to the Culinary Mystery series, amateur detective Sadie Hoffmiller continues combining her sleuthing with her cooking and baking to connect with people and gain information she might otherwise not have access to. Moreover, now that Sadie is married to Detective Pete Cunningham, she has a street-savvy husband to test out her crime-solving theories.

With Christmas approaching, Sadie is preparing for a large blended-family gathering including many new grandchildren--in their home in Fort Collins, Colorado. Even with the festive chaos, Sadie drops everything when word gets out that her friend, Mary, is the victim of a holiday robbery.

At ninety-four years old, and nearly blind, Mary knows this is may be her last Christmas and the last year to enjoy her family heirloom Christmas tree ornaments. She wants just one more holiday to display her ornaments and following Christmas Eve Mass, she’ll pass them on to her great-granddaughter, Joy. Though priceless to the family, the collection has been valued at $40,000, and the Christmas tree in the care facility has never looked so good. But before the ornaments can be retrieved by Mary, eleven of the most expensive ornaments are stolen.

A holiday Christmas caper might be new to Sadie, but she’s ready to mix in her seasoned crime-solving skills with a pinch of new holiday recipes.

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SADIE IS BACK and I could not stop reading!

The story setting is wonderful-

The crime is perfect-- until Sadie solves it :)

The recipes are calling my name-

And the ending is heart-melting.

LOVED. LOVED. LOVED. IT!

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Joyful: Piano Duets of Gérald Caussé and Nicolas Giusti

Joyful: Piano Duets 

of Gérald Caussé and Nicolas Giusti

Nicolas Giusti (an acclaimed Italian composer and opera conductor from Rome) met Gérald Caussé (an accomplished pianist, native of Bordeaux, France, and Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) ten years ago.

They became fast friends and bonded over their love of playing the piano and their shared faith. For this album, Nicolas composed five piano duet arrangements of classic hymns with the purpose of sharing the joy of the gospel. He turns the traditionally somber meditation "Where Can I Turn for Peace?" into a surprisingly joyful celebration, and his treatment of classic hymns like "I Need Thee Every Hour" and "God Be with You Till We Meet Again" are unforgettable beautiful exchanges between two incredibly talented pianists.

The album is rounded out with a virtuosic solo rendition of "Because I Have Been Given Much" by Nicolas Giusti. The level of talent on this album is truly magnificent, but what stands out most is the overwhelming feeling of joy that pours out from every note.

Track List
• When Can I Turn for Peace?
• I Need Thee Every Hour
• You Can Make the Pathway Bright
• God Be with You Till We Meet Again
• Because I Have Been Given Much
• Abide with Me, 'Tis Eventide

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Allow the beauty of this music to enter your home and your heart.
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A Song for the Stars

A SONG FOR THE STARS

by Ilima Todd

Inspired by a true story

Hawaiian Islands, 1779

As the second daughter of a royal chief, Maile will be permitted to marry for love. Her fiancé is the best navigator in Hawaii, and he taught her everything he knows—how to feel the ocean, observe the winds, read the stars, and how to love.

But when sailors from a strange place called England arrive on her island, a misunderstanding ends in battle, and Maile is suddenly widowed before she is wed.

Finding herself in the middle of the battle and fearing for her life, Maile takes John Harbottle, the wounded man who killed her fiancé, prisoner, and though originally intending to let him dies, she reluctantly heals him. And in the process, she discovers the man she thought was her enemy might be her ally instead.

John has been Captain James Cook’s translator for three voyages across the Pacific. He is kind and clearly fascinated with Maile’s homeland and her people—and Maile herself. But guilt continues to drive a wedge between them: John's guilt over the death he caused, and Maile’s guilt over the truth about what triggered the deadly battle—a secret she’s kept hidden from everyone on the island.

When Maile is tasked with teaching John how to navigate using the stars so he can sail back to England, they must also navigate the challenges of being from very different cultures. In doing so, they might also find the peace that comes when two hearts become one.

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What a FANTASTIC story! I love that it is based on true facts!
It was so well written and keeps you engaged the entire book.
I highly recommend this one!
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Celebrating Motherhood With the Prophets

CELEBRATING MOTHERHOOD 

WITH THE PROPHETS

by Shelly Locke

Brigham Young once called mothers "the moving instruments in the hands of Providence to guide the destinies of nations."

Reverencing the role of mother, we can learn much from modern-day prophets' eternal perspectives on motherhood.

This inspiring collection of beautifully designed quotes reminds mothers of the divine nobility of their eternal callings.

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This book is GORGEOUS!

Beautiful artwork adorns inspiring quotes from the prophets.

Each prophet is included from Joseph Smith to Thomas S. Monson. 

These messages need to be heard today more than ever.

Motherhood needs to be honored and celebrated.

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