Hard Luck, Nevada is true to its name in more ways than one. The old mining town is struggling and Patience has the great idea to create a Christmas festival. They have all the requirements a retro motel, a bakery to die for, and a coffee shop to keep you warm. As Patience works with the town businesses she runs into bad boy Kanon at the motel. He has returned to run his portion of the motel and to get to know his stepsister. Kanon had the hard luck of an abusive alcoholic dad and growing up angry at world. Patience had the hard luck of being a young married teenage mom and when her marriage ended she had to watch her best friend take over her life. As Kanon and Patience works on the festival together they find themselves growing in ways that even they never dreamed possible.

A sweet feel good Christmas romance that will have you yearning for a Christmas festival of your own to attend. Reach for the decorated Christmas cookies and a warm cuppa and settle in for a few blissful hours of joyous reading.

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I finally finished The Lost Bride trilogy. I enjoyed it very much even with the ghosts/spirits communicating with the present. Those aren’t my favorite stories but Nora Roberts always does them so well.

The entire series centers around Lost Bride Manor in Maine. Sonya inherited from an uncle she didn’t know. While settling in she learns of an unhappy bride of the past that has killed the other brides who came after her. Sonya must travel through a mirror to break the curse.

I recommend reading the trilogy in order and back to back.

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Books, quilts, and coffee what more can you ask for?

Emma, the oldest sister, of Sydney and Delaney has been experiencing vivid dreams that feel like déjà vu. Her most recent dream is one of death by a picturesque lake. Is it a result of the previous murder in the shopping the bookstore side or a premonition? Unfortunately, while working through her dream another murder occurs in the shop. This time on the quilting side. Why would someone want the state’s top quilter dead? As the sisters work on the clues they also find themselves opening their homes and hearts to the local homeless veteran. Can the sisters solve the murder and convince, Burt, he is worthy of love and friendship?

I am not a quilter but my mamaw was and I love all things quilting. The art form is truly one of the most beautiful mediums. Give me a book about quilting, books, and coffee and I’m in heaven. As I was reading I kept wishing my mamaw was still here as she would have loved this book. A cozy small town mystery with a hint of romance, family, and friends. A perfect set up for a cozy read by a fall fire under your favorite quilt with a warm drink in hand.

The coasters you see in the picture were made by the author, @vannettachapman herself. Many years ago I won a giveaway hosted by her. They are a perfect addition to my living room.

Murder Unstitched is book two but can be read as a standalone. The print book is available now and the digital book will be released on November 19th.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author and BookSirens with no requirement to leave a positive review. The above review is in my own words from my experience reading the book.

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A good visit with Miss Marple in a snowbound hotel in the Alps.

I have looked forward to this book for months and it did not disappoint. Full of mystery and elderly smarts.

Miss Marple goes on holiday with her friend, Mrs. Bantry and her companion, Diana. While there a politician finds himself on the wrong side of poison. As Miss Marple sits quietly knitting away she sees people for more than what they appear and learns little tidbits to lead her to the killer. Unfortunately, Miss Marple is finding she may not be able to trust anyone.

Cleverly written but you know it is not full Agatha Christie. No one can write as she did but Lucy Foley has made Agatha proud.

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November Book Club pick for library book club (historical fiction)

Daughters of the Deer by Danielle Daniel pulled me in quickly and kept me riveted until the last page. A moving story mainly from the viewpoint of an Algonkin woman who marries a French settler.

Marie lost her first family during a raid by a neighboring tribe. She finds herself promised to a white man, Pierre, who promises to love her always. He convinces her the family should be raised in the Catholic faith and taught French as their first language. Their oldest daughter, Jeanne, is of marrying age but her heart belongs to a forbidden love. As we follow Jeanne through her heartbreaking journey we see her parents love grow in ways neither expected.

This book will rip your heart out and the ending will require tissues. It’s sad to think in some ways we as a species have not advanced as much as we think. Love is love. Grace and kindness cost you nothing.

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Have you read the Daniel’s Daughters series from Mindy Steele yet? If not, grab your copy of Chasing Daniel’s Daughter today. It is book three but can easily be read as a standalone.

Quiet, sweet MJ finally gets her chance at love. It’s just not with the man she expected. Sam has found way into her heart and she doesn’t expect it. What should she do?

A story filled with friendship, love, and faith. It will remind you that our pasts are in the past and our future deserves its time to shine. Don’t let your past hold you back as you may miss the best to come.

MJ has always been by favorite daughter and I’m so happy her story was chosen to finish the series.

If you’re looking for faith driven romance books Mindy Steele is your new favorite author. Request her books for your Christmas reading.

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October Wrap Up 🎃👻💀🍁🍂

10 books total, 0 DNF

0 books donated/given to others

5 books (kindle/physical) of my own read

Reviews of most books on my blog. www.kentuckybooklover.com

B Borrowed from friend/family

L  Library

KO  Kindle Owned

O  Physical Owned

EL  E-library (Libby/Overdrive/Hoopla)

AB  Audiobook 

KU  Kindle Unlimited 

NG NetGalley

ARC Advanced Reader Copy 

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The perfect read for October. I have never been one fascinated with the Salem Witch trials but after reading The Witch I’m more interested.

This read a bit different than FM’s other novels but in a good way. It was refreshing (if one can say that about psychological thrillers).

I enjoyed the jumping back and forth from the 1600s to present day. The flow was flawless.

I was completely shocked about one revelation and the other was a shock but made sense in an instant light bulb moment.

My only complaint was Alistair Dixon, the ghost hunter, he was so secondary he almost seemed useless.

A perfect read in a rainy night.

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Wow, what a thrilling read! Just when I was sure I had the who and why figured out, 💥, I was slapped with another shock. In fact, my mind is still trying to figure out how I missed the clues.

I have followed @hankpryan for several years but have never read a book of hers until now. I have always been fascinated by her career of investigative journalism. She always seems so tough while dressed impeccably beautiful. Skills I will never have, LOL.

Mother Daughter Sister Stranger opens with Eliza waiting for Bea to come collect her daughter, Piper, from a week stay. When she doesn’t show that night or the next day for Remembrance Day Eliza starts questioning little details. As Eliza and Piper work their way through the questions, the answers only lead to more questions. Three days of terror have you questioning who would you trust in a situation like this.

I didn’t want to put this book down. I loved it was a kindle read for me as I would walk around the house and read as I cooked and did laundry. (Sorry sweetheart if the clothes aren’t the neatest of foldings.)

Thank you to @authorbrendanovak for picking this as September’s monthly book club read. I will now be checking my library for HPR’s backlist.

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A beautiful story set around Christmas that reminds us sometimes you need to take a second look to see the blessings right in front of you. 

Millie was kicked by a horse and has amnesia. Jonah, her best friend, feels responsible since it was his horse. Millie’s family hopes spending time with Jonah will bring her memory back along with a love for Jonah. As her memories start to return so does a secret. A secret that may change Millie’s future. 

I have never had amnesia but it sounds absolutely terrifying. No matter how controlled an environment you are in. A simple walk can turn into a panic inducing experience.

Jonah’s character was a new type of Amish character. The young Amish men are always portrayed as thin hardworking farmers but Jonah is a larger man. Tall, strong, and a little pudgy since he loves food, especially Millie’s chocolates. I loved Jonah. He wore his heart for Millie on his sleeve. 

Her Amish Christmas memories is a perfect sweet read. May I suggest your favorite box of chocolates to accompany your book? Grab both on release day, Tuesday, October 27th. 

I received a complimentary copy from the author without any requirement to leave a positive review. All thoughts above are my own. 

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