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Today's book hangover is... The Saturday Night Supper Club by Carla Lareano.  This book is one of my most anticipated reads for 2018. It has been several years since Carla realeased a novel and I could hardly wait to get my hands on a copy of this book. And, just as I had hoped, it did not disappoint. It was everything I hoped, delightful and romantic! Check out my review and the current giveaway HERE.
 Today's book hangover is... A Dangerous Affection by Wanda Luce.  The first book I read by Wanda Luce was In the Wilds of Devon. It was a fabulous historical, regency romance novel that I thoroghly enjoyed and could not put down. A Dangerous Affection is no different. This historical regency romance is filled with adventure and romance that will keep you on the edge of your toes; wanting more and not wanting to put the book down until the very end!
 Today's book hangover is...The Last Summer by Brandy Bruce with guest blogger Trisha Robertson.  A snippet from the book...They all exchanged looks around the table. I felt like they were having this private conversation and hoped the conclusion would be that they wanted me. Because there was something special about the people at this table. The way they kidded and joked and touched each other and moved like one breathing organism. The way they did seem like a family. Six people connected to each other. I wanted to be the seventh. “I have a feeling, Sara Witherspoon,” Addison said, tilting her head to the side and studying me as though she could see all the way to my heart, “you belong too.” I don’t know how she knew, but she did. Like I said, Addison is the leader. She’s the glue. Once she said those words, all tension melted away, and I was included. If Addison said I belonged, I did. She reminded me of Melanie Wilkes in Gone with the Wind. If Mrs. Wilkes was the cool-headed voice of reason that could settle the chaos around her, Addison was that same strong, trusted constant amid these six friends. Her word was law. And from that day forward, the six people around that table at Isabella’s became like six extensions of myself. We were a circle. Within a month, Jason asked me to go out to dinner with him. Luke hadn’t shown any romantic interest in me, and there was Jason, with that thick, dark hair and playful personality and handful of tattoos on his olive skin—how could I say no? We started dating. A year after that, we broke up. As much as I truly liked Jason and couldn’t help feeling attracted to him, I hadn’t fallen in love. I couldn’t picture us married and having babies. We were better as friends. I know Jason didn’t agree, but he and I both refused to let our break up damage the circle. Eventually, things between us returned to normal. During my dating-Jason phase, Sam and Lily got married, which didn’t really change anything since they were already such a unit. I realized early on that Luke and Debra were never an item. I’d mistaken Debra’s warm and friendly demeanor and Luke’s tendency to be protective and kind as the traits of a dating couple, but those endearing qualities of both of them extended to all of us. My crush on Luke diminished as Jason and I dated and then shifted to ‘just friends.’ Sort of. And somewhere along the way, painfully, Luke and I became best friends About Trisha Robertson Trisha discovered a love of books at a young age. Growing up in Appalachia, stories have always played a central role. As a devourer of historical Christian fiction, Christian Romance, and Cozy Mysteries, she finds joy in sharing the love of the stories she reads with others. She loves her family and spending quiet time with God. When she’s not busy taking care of her family, or at work, you can find Trisha curled up with a hot beverage and a good book, traveling to historic locations, and making new friends. Trisha enjoys connecting with authors and readers alike and aspires to one-day publish her own stories. A few questions about the blogger and blogging... 1. How long have you been blogging? I began blogging in February 2017
2. What got you started blogging? I have been reviewing books for quite a few years actually. Leaving reviews on first Amazon, and then on Goodreads. I started following favorite authors and making connections. I was on the launch team for “Forest Child” by Heather Day Gilbert. She had let us know that she had written a short story in the soon-to-be-released compilation book “Message in a Bottle Romance Collection” and that it was up on NetGalley if anyone was interested. I quickly went to NetGalley and created an account and was approved. This lead me to apply for other books, but often I was not approved, and it was stated that I needed a blog. After visiting several blogs of friends I’d made from the various review teams, I started my blog Joy Of Reading in February 2017. 3. Who are some new authors you have discovered since you started blogging? Brandy Vallance, Carrie Fancett Pagels, Laurie Tomlinson, Stephenia H. McGee, Becky Wade, Susanne Dietze, Naomi Rawlings, Karen Barnett, Kate Breslin, Renee, Rawlings, Suzanne Woods Fisher, Heidi Chiavaroli, Pam Hillman, Carly McAdoo, Andrea Boeshar, Brandy Bruce, Angie Dicken, Janell Butler Wojtowicz, Debra E. Marvin, 4. What author and/or blog tour group have you been blogging for the longest? For tour groups: I think it’s been equal. I have joined a tour with LitFuse & Singing Librarian. For street teams: I didn’t have a blog when I joined Dawn Crandall’s team back in 2014 for her debut release of The Hesitant Heiress. I have remained on Dawn’s team ever since. Dawn introduced me to Pepper Basham, back before The Thorn Bearer was to release in 2015, and I joined her team at that time, and have remained on Pepper’s team. 5. What is your favorite thing about being a blogger? If I had to narrow it down to only one thing, It’s the relationships I’ve made with authors and fellow bloggers, as well as knowing that I’ve helped bring a smile to someone’s face. Recently, I came across a fellow bloggers’ post that touched my heart, and I just knew that the author needed to see this review. I was so very happy that I was able to help make the connection between this blogger and the author and to know that so many were touched by her blog. I feel it’s important to build each other up. Not just build up authors, but build up fellow bloggers and even fellow readers. We all have something we can learn from one another.  Today's book hangover is... A Name Unknown by Roseanna M. White. About the Book About the Author Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna’s novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. A Snippet from the Book...London May 1914 Rosemary Gresham may have been a thief, but she was a thief who preferred to work in broad daylight. Pulling her coat more tightly around her middle, she stopped in once circle of streetlight outside the park and looked toward the next. Perhaps it was that she knew all too well what could hide in the darkness. Perhaps it was because she had spent too many nights overwhelmed by it as a child, huddling in a dark alley and praying to a deaf God that her parents would live again. She ought to have protested when Mr. V designated this meeting place at such an hour. Ought to have…but hadn’t been quite that brave. She had completed two successful small jobs for the man before, but she still knew nothing about him. Nothing but that he paid promptly, in pounds sterling. That he was of average height, average build. That he spoke with the careful cadence of a man who had worked hard to obliterate his natural accent. What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover?  Today's book hangover is... Hold the Light by April McGowan with guest blogger Nicole Santana.  A snippet from the book... "Unremarkable. Amber glanced out the streaming windowpane at the cityscape below her. The rain washed all the color from the sky, trees, and buildings, covering the world in grayscale brushstrokes. She traced a raindrop with her finger as she'd done as a child, watching it gather speed, collecting friends as it went, only to splat useless on the sill, pool, and drizzle away." Check out Nicole's review and interviw with the author HERE. About Nicole Santana I have been an avid reader since birth. When life gets messy, and even when it doesn’t, I go to books! Books are the perfect place to retreat to when life is too overwhelming or when I need a fun escape. I wear a lot of hats: I am a wife, a mother, a sister to four brothers and one sister, a daughter, an aunt, and a teacher. Reading is one way to center myself so all these hats don’t weigh heavy on me. While it can get overwhelming, I do love all that God has put into my life! I am a very blessed lady. A few questions about the blogger and blogging... 1. How long have you been blogging?
I am brand new to blogging. I just started in May! But, I've been interested in blogging and reviewing novels for awhile. I really have no idea what I'm doing, but I've found an amazing community of authors and bloggers who are helping me out along the way. It's been a real blessing from God! 2. What got you started blogging? I've been wanting to start my own blog for a while, but I've been a bit intimidated. I mean, who cares what I think? But, one day this past May the feeling to create my own blog was strong. I prayed to God for about a day, and felt He was wanting me to begin this new journey. So, after praying, I took the plunge and bought my first blog site. I truly couldn't be more pleased. The community I've found myself a part of is priceless! I'm digitally surrounded by women who love Jesus and love fiction. It's wonderful!!! 3. Who are some new authors you have discovered since you started blogging?
4. What author and/or blog tour group have you been blogging for the longest? Since I'm brand new, it's about the same. I am a Litfuse reader and a Netgalley reader. I also do First-line Fridays with you guys. I have also been a part of many book launch teams: Tamera Alexander's, Katie Ganshert's, Roseanna White's, Randy Singer's, Cindy Woodsmall's, and Sarah Ladd's. It's been an amazing few months! 5. What is your favorite thing about being a blogger? Being a part of a community of readers and authors is the best part of being a blogger. I absolutely love "meeting" all of the new bloggers and authors. And, everyone has been so nice and accepting of me. I truly feel blessed by God in this new endeavor! 
Today's book hangover is...
Letters & Lies by Ashtyn Newbold From the cover and the book genre, from the beginning, I thought I would absolutely love this book. And then I opened it and read the first chapter and then I wasn't so sure any more. The characters were dreadful! Or so I thought. Charlotte is whiny, annoying, and selfish, while Clara is wimpy and let’s herself get pushed around. But, after a turn of events, I came to love the characters and enjoy the story!! And so will you!! Check out my review HERE. About the Book
After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy Earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.
About the Author
Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family.
A Snippet from the Book...
Canterbury, England, 1818
The scratching of a quill did little to settle my nerves. Neither did the patter of rain, nor the abrupt plinking of the pianoforte from downstairs. In fact, all of these sounds produced quite the opposite effect. Slamming my quill down on my writing desk, I jumped from my chair, striking my knee on the underside of the desk. The ink well tipped, splattering my gown. I froze, staring at the teardrops of black. Propelled by a new bout of anger, I rushed at the door and threw it open. I knew it was Clara at the pianoforte, rehearsing for a dinner party at which she was bound to humiliate us all. And as if the rain wasn't enough to upset me, my sister carried on with her horrifying display while I was trying to write a letter to my dearest friend, Alice. It had been two long months since I had visited her at Kellaway Manor, and I was itching to know if her eldest brother was still unattached. Giveaway
What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover? Thank you for following my blog! At this time I will be taking a break from Book Hangover Wednesdays and First Line Fridays.
I will return in August. Until then, happy reading!  Today's book hangover is... True to You by Becky Wade This is book one in the Bradford Sisters Series. This is a fantastic contemporary romance novel. It is about a red headed, bookworm, geneology librarian. So I can totally relate and I totally LOVED Nora the main character. And of course there is plenty of swoon worthy romance going on! Check out the other books in the series HERE. Check out my review HERE (and enter the the LitFuse giveaway). About the Book After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford has decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now. Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL and Medal of Honor recipient John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. But when he’s diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his past and his adoption as an infant, enlisting Nora to help him uncover the identity of his birth mother. The more time they spend together, the more this pair of opposites suspects they just might be a perfect match. However, John’s already dating someone and Nora’s not sure she’s ready to trade her crushes on fictional heroes for the risks of a real relationship. Finding the answers they’re seeking will test the limits of their identity, their faith, and their devotion to one another. About the Author Becky Wade is a native of California who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and moved to Dallas. She published historical romances for the general market, took time off to raise her children, then felt God nudging her to pursue contemporary Christian fiction. Becky is the Carol Award-, INSPY Award-, and International Reader’s Choice Award-winning author of the Porter Family Novels. A Snippet from the Book...Finding oneself at the mercy of a crazed gunman isn't all fun and games. Nope, thought Nora Bradford. Not at all. Not even when said gunman was an actor toting a fake gun and you'd volunteered your time to play the role of hostage for noble reasons. What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover?  Today's book hangover is... No Way Up by Mary Connealy This is book one in the Cimarron Legacy Series. It was my first read my Mary Connealy and I absolutely LOVED it!!! It is a great historical western romance read! Check out the other books in the series HERE. About the Book When Cimarron ranch patriarch Chance Boden is caught in an avalanche, the quick actions of hired hand Heath Kincaid save him. Badly injured, Chance demands that his will be read and its conditions be enforced immediately. Without anyone else to serve as a witness, Heath is pressed into reading the will. If Justin, Sadie, and Cole Boden don't live and work at home for the entire year, the ranch will go to their low-down cousin Mike. Then Heath discovers the avalanche was a murder attempt, and more danger might follow. Deeply involved with the family, Heath's desire to protect Sadie goes far beyond friendship. The danger keeps them close together, and their feelings grow until being apart is the last thing on their minds. About the Author Mary Connealy writes romantic comedy with cowboys always with a strong suspense thread. She is a two time Carol Award winner, and a Rita, Christy and Inspirational Reader's Choice finalist. She is the bestselling author of 48 books and novellas. Her most recent three book series are: Cimarron Legacy, Wild at Heart, Trouble in Texas, Kincaid Bride for Bethany House Publishing. She’s also written four other series for Barbour Publishing and many novellas and several stand-alone books for multiple publishers. Mary will be a published author for ten years in 2017 with nearly a million books in print. She has a degree in broadcast communications with an emphasis in journalism and has worked at her local newspaper. A Snippet from the Book...Skull Gulch, New Mexico Territory November 1880 The steep sides of the pass into the canyon pressed down on Heath Kincaid until he could hardly breathe. Though it was a blustery November day, a sheem of sweat broke out on his forehead. It surprised him because Heath knew mountains, and he knew tight places. He rode behind Chance Boden, the owner of this vast land grant, and John Hightree, the foreman of the Cimarron Ranch, and two other men brought up the rear riding single file, their aim to fetch the cattle that had gone in here. They passed the busted-down gate Chance had put up to keep cattle out of the rugged, grassless canyon. "That fence was stronger than the backbone of the Rockies." Chance looked in disgust at the gateposts that just yesterday blocked the entrance. "That cantankerous bull shouldn't've been able to knock it down." What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover?  Today's book hangover is... Forever Safe by Jody Hedlund This is book four in the Beacons of Hope series. I LOVED this series and was so sad when it came to an end. I thoroughly enjoyed all the books in this series, but for some reason Forever Safe just resonated with me. Check out the other books in the series HERE. About the Book Race Point, Massachusetts, 1876 Will she ever be able to stop running, even when she believes she’s finally safe? Heiress to a vast fortune, Victoria Cole has everything she wants, including the perfect fiancé. Having left two other men at the altar, Victoria is sure that now she’s found her true love and will finally live happily ever after. As her wedding draws near, however, Victoria’s life is threatened. To keep her safe, Victoria’s father hires a bodyguard. Tom Cushman’s number one priority is protecting his clients, which means no personal entanglements. But he’s never guarded someone as beautiful and winsome as Victoria. After a near-kidnapping, the wedding is cancelled, and Tom hides Victoria at Cape Cod’s Race Point Lighthouse until her attacker can be found. Appointed as assistant light keeper with Victoria posing as his wife, Tom believes the isolation of the lighthouse will keep her safe. As Victoria struggles to live without familiar luxuries, her heart betrays her with growing feelings for her protector. Determined to help Tom stop fleeing from his haunted past, can the runaway bride learn to face her own fears? With the attacker closing in, will both of them ever be able to stop running and find the safety they long for? About the Author Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults. As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories. She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.  A Snippet from the Book...May, 1876 New York City "I still can't belive that in less than six weeks I'll become Mrs. Nathaniel Winthrop III." Victoria Cole exhaled a blissful sigh and lifted her face to the glorious spring sunshine as she rounded a bend on the park pathway. The bright rays warmed the cherry blossoms overhead so that the sweet scent mingled with that of the tulips and forsythia to create a fragrant potpourri. What are you currently reading? What is your most recent book hangover? |
