#MidsummerFun - Looking Forward to July

Today is the last day of June and we are officially one third of the way into summer.  All month in June we read and reviewed great books to take to the beach or to lounge around and read on those warm summer evenings.  And since June was the month for weddings, we added in some romance and mail-order bride books too.

So what's up for July?  Wow!  It is going to be a GREAT month!

First of all, we will be spotlighting Karen Rose as our featured author for the month of July.   I am so excited about this!  Right now I am in the middle of reading her soon-to-be-released latest novel Monster in the Closet and it is soooo good!  You'll be seeing my review on that very soon.

And do you know what is especially exciting? Karen Rose is one of the Featured Authors at the upcoming #CMCon2018 Coastal Magic Convention in February!  So, if you want to meet her in person (and I know Janna and I will want to!) join us in Daytona Beach on February 22-25.  Janna and I will be there and so will Karen Rose and 49 other fabulous authors.  Registration for the convention begins tomorrow, July 1st, so sign up and we will see you there!  
https://coastalmagicconvention.com/

Also, we will be celebrating Christmas in July with some great books you can read now or put on your "To Be Read" book list for later this year...

Be sure to check out our web page each and every day in July!

#BookReview - Somewhere by the Sea by Verna Clay

Title:  Somewhere by the Sea (Somewhere Series - Book 1)
Author:  Verna Clay
Genre:  Romance, Paranormal
Release Date:  September 29, 2016

About the Book:

WELCOME TO SOMEWHERE, OREGON
Nestled in a cove on Oregon's coastline, the fictional town of Somewhere is charming, picturesque, inhabited by townsfolk who love their community--and teeming with mystery. You are invited to join the heroes and heroines of Somewhere as they solve mysteries, discover romance, experience inexplicable phenomena, and fight injustice--just the usual stuff!

SOMEWHERE BY THE SEA
Faith Bennison suffered a tragedy that changed her life in unimaginable ways and she fears she will die of a broken heart. In an attempt to salvage her life, she uproots herself and travels from the East Coast to the small Oregon town of Somewhere. As she settles into day-to-day life at Hope Bed & Breakfast, she makes friends and even meets a man who jump-starts her battered heart. Strange happenings, however, have her questioning her sanity as she tries to make sense of an unfathomable encounter.

Not intended to be read as a standalone.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

Verna Clay is one of my favorite authors for sweet romance novels. She has an ability to create scenes that come to life and characters you can't help but to love.  

Somewhere by the Sea is Book #1 in a series set in the town of Somewhere, Oregon.  After staring at a picture of this sweet town for years, Faith Bennison decides it is time for her to move on and create a new life for herself after the death of her husband and young son.  In Somewhere, she meets some delightful characters including Gabby, the lady who owns the B&B Faith decides to stay at for the summer, and her handsome son, Baxter.

When Faith starts seeing and talking to Owen, a young boy who died twenty years ago, anger and distrust begin to appear and could ruin Faith's friendship with Vickie and any budding relationship Faith and Baxter may have.

Although some plot lines start to wind up, we are left with that urge to keep reading and desperately looking for Book #2 in this series.  

Not my favorite of Verna's books, but it is a great beginning to a new series and a great summer read.

My Rating:

About the Author:

"2014 Gold Medal Winner: Readers' Favorite International Book Contest/Historical Romance for ABBY: MAIL ORDER BRIDE."

My perfect day: coffee shop; laptop; WiFi availability; java mocha; characters demanding their stories be told; a plot that comes together; and hours to live in an alternate reality.

Seriously, I have always loved reading, and now I love writing. As a preteen, I devoured Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys Mysteries, but when I reached my teen years the romance genre became my favorite, and that has never changed. After years of procrastinating, I tried my hand at writing and I've been doing so with a passion ever since. I have written over twenty-five romance novels and novellas in the genres of contemporary western, historical western, general contemporary, and fantasy. Because I hate saying goodbye to characters who have lived with me for months, I usually create a series so they can be revisited from book to book. I have also written a Young Adult novella titled "Fragile Hearts" using the pen name of Colleen Clay.

#BookReview - Fangirls: The Collection (Boxed Set) by Robbie Cox

Title:  Fangirls: The Collection
Author:  Robbie Cox
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Release Date:  March 14, 2017

About the Book:

Romance is more than just stories between the covers of a book, and many hope the tales spring from the pages and into their lives. For the readers gathered together in historic St. Augustine for the St. Augustine Authors Event their fantasies are about to come true. Some have visions of doing more than just getting a signature from their favorite author or cover model, while even authors arrive hoping for a little spontaneous adventure. Lives change during this weekend event as people take the fantasies, which have kept them warm at night, from the pages of their novels to bring the heat into their lives as well as their sheets. 

Fangirls: The Collection brings together five stories from five different ladies and shares the relationships they are hoping turn out to be more than just fantasies.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

As a book review blogger, I have attended many book signings and author events, so I could really relate to a lot of what Robbie Cox mentioned in this series of short books... NOT that these author events are filled with affairs and wild sex!  No, no, no.  I'm just familiar with the meet & greets, fun and crazy cocktail parties and the way the rooms are set up before the signings.  The affairs and wild sex comes directly from the imagination of Robbie Cox (and wonderfully written I must add).

These five stories are all set during the same Author Event in St. Augustine, but each one focuses on a different Fangirl.  I must say that this was a delightful read on a Sunday afternoon and my husband caught me more than once with a silly grin on my face while I was reading. 

Each story was fun to read on its own but even more delightful that they all were intertwined.  So entertaining!  We start off with Nikki looking for a place to get some work done, ending up at a coffee shop that was too crowded and the only available seat was at a table already occupied by a man.  She asks to sit down and she soon learns that he is an author.  And how things progress from there was definitely worth the read.

Then we have Lily (one of my favorite's from this set).  She was attending the Author Event only to assist her daughter, a published author, during the signing.  An added bonus and the real reason she offered to help is that she wants to meet one of her favorite authors.  Things get hot and heavy.  I loved this one!  

Book #3 is about Cassie, Lily's daughter, and her... um... romantic endeavors.  Enough about that.  You'll have to read that one yourself.

Next we have Olivia, who is at the author event with her boyfriend Patrick, who is also the model on the cover of her books AND the fantasy of her readers.  Should they keep this illusion of him being available?  

And finally we have Willow, super shy and introverted, who has stalked and fantasized about her favorite author for a long time but has been too afraid to talk to him... until Olivia helps her to get over her fears. 

Like I said, this was a fun read.  At the time of this writing, the entire collection (boxed set) is available on Kindle Unlimited.  What could be better?  

My Rating:

About the Author:

For the latest news on Robbie's releases, upcoming events and appearances, and special giveaways, join his newsletter - http://bit.ly/23CFhQQ

Robbie started writing as a way to escape - escape his teachers, escape his fears, even to escape his insecurities and doubts. However, his stories of seduction and adventure, not only allowed him to hide in the lives of his characters, but also captivated those who wanted to escape with him. Now, he enjoys a full-time career as a storyteller and novelist, and invites readers to runaway with him- to escape, getting lost in the seduction of adventure.

When he is not writing, Robbie can be found on his back porch enjoying a cigar, a scotch, and a good story. He derives pleasure from his large family and his crazy group of friends who provide the inspiration for his blog The Mess that Is Me. 

He is the author of the Urban Fantasy series, The Warrior of the Way, along with the paranormal series, The Witches of Savannah. His Contemporary Romance series includes The Rutherford Series, The Harper Twins, and the Fangirls series. 

You can learn more about Robbie at his website - http://www.robbiecox.net
You can also follow Robbie on his social media sites:
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/robbiecoxauthor
Twitter - https://twitter.com/CoxRobbie

You can also be a part of Robbie's Readers Group, Robbie's Rascals, for sneak peeks and special giveaways - http://bit.ly/1LdzaLb

#BookReview - North of the Killing Hand by Joni M. Fisher

Title:  North of the Killing Hand
Author:  Joni M. Fisher
Genre:  International Mystery and Crime, Clean Romance
Release Date:  October 16, 2016

About the Book:

Years after witnessing the murder of her parents, Nefi Jenkins pursues a career in law enforcement, but later must choose between the rule of law and the temptation of revenge.

The second book in the Compass Crimes Series, North of the Killing Hand is a prequel to South of Justice.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I wasn't exactly sure what I expected with this novel.  The author, Joni M. Fisher, was new to me.  But I was hooked from the very first page!  Amazing writing!  This story was so well developed, the characters were multi-dimensional... and the action and intrigue were outstanding!  This was definitely NOT one of those "Oh I've heard that story line before" type of books.

Much to the dismay of her "missionary" parents living in the Amazon, fourteen-year-old Nefi Jenkins enjoyed finding solitude at the top of a thirty-four foot strangler fig tree.  While perched there, looking through her father's binoculars, she witnesses a man forcing her parents to their knees and then shooting them.

Three men were tasked with a privately-funded mission to go to the Brazilian jungle to find the missing Nefi Jenkins and return her to her uncle, a U.S. Senator.  Everything that happens in that jungle will keep you on the edge of your seat, unable to put this book down for even a minute.  And Nefi shows everyone that she is much, much more than a simple young girl.  I absolutely LOVED this character!  

The excitement doesn't end there.  As time passes and Nefi finishes high school and goes on to college, the past comes back to her and she is once again confronted with that same evil man who wants to make sure there are no remaining witnesses to the previous murders.

This book had EVERYTHING!  Criminals, adventure, action, psychic abilities, sweet romance, a touch of humor... everything!  I'm surprised more people have not snatched up this book.  I will definitely be looking into more of Joni M. Fisher's writing, including another book in this Compass Crimes Series, "South of Justice".

Highly recommended!

My Rating:

About the Author:

Joni M. Fisher is a journalist, an instrument-rated private pilot, and an active member of the Florida Writers Association, the Kiss of Death Chapter and the Tampa Area Romance Authors Chapter of RWA, and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. Books in her Compass Crimes Series have garnered attention in Publisher's Weekly and earned recognition in the 2017 National Indie Excellence Awards, the 2016 Royal Palm Literary Awards, the Indiana Golden Opportunity Contest, the Sheila Contest, and earned a Reader's Favorite 5-Star Review. For more information, see www.jonimfisher.com.

#BookReview - Before I Go To Sleep by S. J. Watson

Title: Before I Go To Sleep
Author: S. J. Watson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Suspense, Psychological
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishing
Release Date: June 14, 2011

About the Book:

“The best debut novel I’ve ever read.”—Tess Gerritsen, bestselling author of the Rizzoli & Isles series

“An exceptional thriller. It left my nerves jangling for hours after I finished thelast page.” —Dennis Lehane, New York Times bestselling author of Moonlight Mile

S. J. Watson makes his powerful debut  with this  compelling, fast-paced  psychological thriller, reminiscent of Shutter Island and Memento, in which an amnesiac who, following a mysterious accident, cannot remember her past or form new memories, desperately tries to uncover the truth about who she is—and who she can trust.

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

I stared at my computer screen for what seemed to be hours, although I'm sure it was just minutes, as I tried to think how I felt about this novel.  I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading it.  I knew that it was some kind of psychological thriller, but the premise of the main character having an amnesiatic condition whereby she awoke every morning with no memory of her past made me think of the sweet romantic comedy of Fifty First Dates.  But this was definitely NOT a romantic comedy.  So please don't associate this novel to that movie.

Christine awakes every morning in bed with a man.  She has no idea who this man is.  She goes to the bathroom and sees photographs all over the wall of her with said man.  Her husband?  Hmmm.  As we get into Christine's head we see her go from confusion to submission to paranoia.  What is the truth and what isn't?  A doctor who was seeing Christine without her husband's knowledge (what's with that?) suggests that she keep a journal and write in it every day, but she must hide the journal so that her husband doesn't find it.  Then he calls her each morning and tells her where she has hidden the journal.  What legitimate doctor would do that?

I guess I liked reading Before I Go To Sleep because I continued reading it, although halfway through it seemed to get repetitive and didn't make a lot of sense, but toward the end I had a difficult time putting it down.  Then it ended... and I kind of wished I HAD put it down.  

There were certainly some twists, but it was predictable.  I liked it, but I didn't.  It was definitely not a feel-good book.  But psychological thrillers generally aren't.

I'll finish writing this review and then I'm going back to bed.  Perhaps I'll awake in the morning and forget that I read it.

My Rating:

About the Author:

S. J. Watson lives in London and worked in the National Health Service for a number of years. In 2009 Watson was accepted into the first Faber Academy Writing a Novel course, a rigorous and selective program that covers all aspects of the novel-writing process. Before I Go to Sleep is the result.

#BookReview - Secrets of the Tulip Sisters by Susan Mallery

Title: Secrets of the Tulip Sisters
Author: Susan Mallery
Genre: Women's Fiction, Contemporary Romance
Publisher: HQN Books/Harlequin
Release Date: July 11, 2017

About the Book:

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Daughters of the Bride comes the charming tale about the problem with secrets, the power of love and the unbreakable bond between sisters 

Kelly Murphy's life as a tulip farmer is pretty routine—up at dawn, off to work, lather, rinse, repeat. But everything changes one sun-washed summer with two dramatic homecomings: Griffith Burnett—Tulpen Crossing's prodigal son, who's set his sights on Kelly—and Olivia, her beautiful, wayward and, as far as Kelly is concerned, unwelcome sister. Tempted by Griffith, annoyed by Olivia, Kelly is overwhelmed by the secrets that were so easy to keep when she was alone. 

But Olivia's return isn't as triumphant as she pretends. Her job has no future, and ever since her dad sent her away from the bad boy she loved, she has felt cut off from her past. She's determined to reclaim her man and her place in the family…whether her sister likes it or not. For ten years, she and Kelly have been strangers. Olivia will get by without her approval now. 

While Kelly and Olivia butt heads, their secrets tumble out in a big hot mess, revealing some truths that will change everything they thought they knew. Can they forgive each other—and themselves—and redefine what it means to be sisters? 

Told with Mallery's trademark heart and humor, the Tulip Sisters are in for the most colorful summer of their lives…

Buy Links: Amazon (available for pre-order)
Release Date - July 11, 2017

My Review:

I truly enjoy books written by Susan Mallery.  She is masterful at creating heartwarming characters that are so full of life and are multi-dimensional.  Secrets of the Tulip Sisters is no exception.  The story was sweet and romantic with intense emotions elicited from those charming characters.

Kelly and her father, Jeff, have a good working relationship as well as a home life together.  Things have run smoothly in their tulip growing business.  But that is about to change as the "past" comes head-on with the "now".  First comes the arrival of Griffith, who definitely has the hots for Kelly, especially since she had broken up with her long-time boyfriend Sven six months earlier.  Griffith pursues Kelly but has some rather unrealistic guidelines for their romance.  Then comes the arrival of Olivia, Kelly's sister.  Olivia had been sent away to boarding school when she was younger and had not been back home in many years.  Shortly after that, just as Kelly and Olivia are getting reacquainted, the mother from hell arrives.  This is the mother (and I use that term loosely) who ran around and abandoned Jeff, Kelly and Olivia many years ago.  Add in Kelly's best friend Helen who has secretly been in love with Jeff for a long time, Kelly's hot ex-boyfriend Sven, Olivia's old boyfriend Ryan (the jerk of the century) and we have one delightful small-town powder keg, ready to explode.

This story has secrets unfolding and family ties binding them back together.  Lots of sweetness and lots of romance.  A definite book for summer reading.

Disclosure:  A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.  All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Susan Mallery is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of books about the relationships that define women's lives—romance, friendship, family. With compassion and humor, Susan keenly observes how people think and feel, in stories that take readers on an emotional journey. Sometimes heartbreaking, often funny, and always uplifting, Susan's books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list, thanks to her ever growing legions of fans.

Critics, too, have heaped praise on "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!"

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month, January of 1992. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Seattle with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a tattletale toy poodle. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Animals play a big role in her books, as well, as she believes they're an integral component to a happy life. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

#CoverReveal & #TrailerReveal - SeQuence Entangled by Lorraine M.L.M.

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#BookReview - Mother, Can You NOT? by Kate Siegel

Title: Mother, Can You Not?
Author: Kate Siegel
Publisher: Crown Archetype/Random House, LLC
Release Date: April 5, 2016
Genre: Humor, Parenting & Families, Entertainment

About the Book:

Based on the wildly popular Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom, Kate Siegel's essay collection about life with the woman who redefined the term "helicopter mom"

There is nothing more wonderful than a mother’s love. There is also nothing more annoying. Who else can proudly insist that you’re perfect while simultaneously making you question every career, fashion, and relationship decision you have ever made?

No one understands the delicate mother-daughter dynamic better than Kate Siegel—her own mother drove her so crazy that she decided to broadcast their hilarious conversations on Instagram. Soon, hundreds of thousands of people were following their daily text exchanges, eager to see what outrageous thing Kate’s mom would do next. Now, in Mother, Can You NOT?, Kate pays tribute to the woman who invented the concept of drone parenting.

From embarrassing moments (like crashing Kate's gynecological exams) to outrageous stories (like the time she made Kate steal a cat from the pound) to hilarious celebrations (including but not limited to parties for Kate's menstrual cycles), Mother, Can you NOT? lovingly lampoons the lengths to which our mothers will go to better our lives (even if it feels like they’re ruining them in the process).

Buy Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Audible

Scherry's Review:

Although Janna and I generally reach for different genre's, occasionally we both grab the same book to read and review.  That's what happened here.  Sort of.

My youngest daughter actually bought this book for me.  Was she trying to tell me something?  She and I have a great relationship and talk about things I would have NEVER talked to my own mother about... but I don't think I ever went as far as Kate Siegel's mom did.  At least I never coerced her into stealing a cat for me.  And I never, ever, threw her a "period party"!  I did hover over her as a child, I guess.  Just simple stuff like being the room mother in school and going on every field trip with her and being her girl scout leader because no other girl scout leader could do it right.  We do talk on the phone several times a day, and I do send her an occasional text message... usually telling her about crazy stuff her father is doing.  And perhaps I do comment on her love life from time to time.  And about sex.   And sex toys.  OMG!  I'M JUST LIKE KATE'S MOM! 

All that aside... I really loved this book.  I laughed so hard I had tears streaming down my face.  But I totally get it!  Kim is the kind of mom I could be best friends with!  She just wants to make Kate's life so perfect!  Perhaps she went to extreme measures a few times, but it all seemed to work out.  That's what mom's do!

Loved this book!!

Janna's Review:

I've been a fan of the Instagram Account @CrazyJewishMom for several years. When I found out she'd released a book, I couldn't help myself. I had to pick it up. This book is terrific! I laughed so hard that I cried. I even ended up reading parts of it to my son -- you know, just to remind him that as crazy and neurotic as he thinks I am -- I could be even worse. He got such a kick out of it, he even borrowed it from me so he could finish reading it too.

This is a quick and incredibly fun read. Kate's mom's antics are hilarious and the little screenshots of the instant messages at the end of each chapter will make you want to read more! At the very least, read a sample of this book -- or check out their Instagram account. Trust me, you don't want to miss out on this book.


Our Rating:

About the Author:

KATE SIEGEL is a writer and a social media guru who started the hit Instagram account @CrazyJewishMom. She has been featured on BuzzFeed, Elite Daily, The Huffington Post,Cosmo, Today.com, Vogue.com, in People Magazine, and on Nightline and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She previously served as an associate producer for Condé Nast Entertainment, overseeing digital video for Teen Vogue, Bon Appétit, The New Yorker Festival, Condé Nast Traveler, and Self. Prior to joining Condé Nast, Kate studied English, creative writing, and theater at Princeton University.

Author Links:

   

#BookBlitz & #Giveaway - Gears of Fate (Forgotten Gods, Book 1) by WIlbert Stanton

Gears of Fate
Wilbert Stanton
(Forgotten Gods #1)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: June 20th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Mythology, Young Adult

Centuries have passed since the Fey conquered Earth, forcing mankind and gods alike to flee to the sky city Olympus. Forgotten gods walk amongst man, lost and powerless. Little do they suspect a second Fey war looms, and an unlikely duo will set in motion the gears of fate.
Zak Walker is a fringe rat living in the slums who would do anything to protect his sister, Alice. His neglectful father threatens to consign him to a life away from home on an airship, but he yearns for his life to mean something more than drudgery.
Princess Seneca Rose is the last surviving member of the Seelie royals. They tried to establish peace with mankind, but fell to the forces of Queen Mob and the Unseelie Court. Fleeing for her life, Seneca arrives on Olympus in hopes of uniting the forgotten gods against the oncoming Fey.
Zak couldn’t care less about the fate of Olympus, until faeries kidnap Alice. He doesn’t believe Seneca’s stories of faeries or gods, but soon has no choice but to accept their lives are intertwined. All his life, he’s dreamed of something more. If he cannot face the dangers that await down on Earth, the gods, mankind, and his sister Alice are all doomed.

Goodreads / Amazon

—

EXCERPT:

I watched helplessly as we flew further away. Alana and Gharis, fighting furiously side by side, hadn’t noticed me getting snatched. Seneca still struggled with Francis’s pack. I had to take matters into my own hands. I struggled under my attacker’s iron grip. He had me in a tight bear hug rendering my arms useless. I thrashed about until I broke free. The rust bucket flew away, and for a moment, it felt like I could fly. Gravity had a different plan in mind.
I’m going to die.
Clouds swallowed the world; the white darkness devoured me, the gushing air made my ears pop. I’d never get to kiss Abby; I’d never become a man; Most importantly, I failed to keep Alice safe. Alice, I’m sorry.
I closed my eyes and prepared to die. Until I heard laughing. I’m cogged. The wild laughter of a maniac got closer, closer, and closer still. Seneca burst through the clouds head first, her body straightened with arms pressed tight at her sides. Goggles covered her eyes, and her smile seemed to go for miles. She caught up and wrapped her arms around me, locking her body against mine.

Author Bio:
Wilbert Stanton was born and raised in New York City. From an early age, Wilbert decided he would either write books or take over the world; everything else was just a precursor to his end game.
Along the way, he has studied Psychology, English, and Computer Science. He's held jobs in a wide range of fields and met people from all walks of life. Wilbert is constantly learning and growing as a person, in order to solidify his dreams.
In the end, world domination was a bit tedious, so he decided to focus on writing books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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