Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson

September 21, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Utterly Charming by Kristine Grayson
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (308 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3 Books
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

Bestselling author Kristine Grayson’s fairy tale romances bring the classic stories into the present day, where fairy tale characters must grapple with the complexities of modern life as well as their own destinies.

This time when Sleeping Beauty wakes up, she wants nothing to do with the man who kissed her. Consoling Alex Blackstone, the rejected suitor who is a brilliant magician but inept when it comes to women, falls to modern career woman and lawyer, Nora Barr. Nora now has to deal with Beauty’s evil stepmother, and the discovery that Alex just might be her own personal Prince Charming…

If Mr. Disney and director Ron Howard could team up to update and tweak a live action story of Sleeping Beauty with more twists than a Twizzler, they’d probably choose to base it on Utterly Charming.

Nora is the skeptic who has a dash of the magical believer in her courtesy of her father. It’s that balance of independent woman with a white knight tendency and a strong moral and ethical back bone, and the little girl dreaming of princesses, magic and the power of love hidden inside that made her a delightful heroine. She confounds the hero but delights his sidekick. She annoys the villainess yet challenges her too. Nora also has to deal with her mother and an ex-husband. Add to that the responsibility she takes on when she not only wakes up the sleeping beauty but decides that the men in the story are so daft, only another woman could successfully help the poor girl. Nora had no idea what she was getting herself into.

Blackstone is the hero. He’s not a very hands-on type in this story nor is he a major player. He’s supposed to be but his role for the most part is pretty passive. He is on stage to create some flash and fire and to bewilder and confuse Nora with thoughts of interest and attraction but he is not a mover and shaker of the plot. He sets the story in motion initially but then steps back to let Nora have the spotlight. When he does show a reaction to the heroine, it’s not very dramatic or pointed. It’s more a mystery to me and to the heroine. Blackstone is confused a lot during the story because the man has to face a huge reality – he’s a man of the 21st Century with magic steeped in the past and who has a frozen ideal about Emma, his sleeping beauty, and her place in his life. How he faces his actual wants and needs and what he does to change things was interesting. The hero can be romantic and he enjoys the grand gestures of romance but he has a lot of growing to do when it comes to courting the woman destined to be his.

I actually liked Sancho, Blackstone’s buddy and partner in crime. Being mysterious worked well for his character and I liked his twisted sense of humor. Your male organ plays a vital role in satisfying the female. cialis generika With more blood flowing in and side effects of viagra less flowing out, the arteries in the penis enlarge resulting erection. Safed Musli offers effective treatment for debility, and boosts free viagra prescription energy and strength. Now…think about what your icks.org order generic levitra pants size is now…and what you weigh. In fact, most of the giggles and chuckles I got were from whenever he was in a scene. I also enjoyed his knowing things that Nora and Blackstone were too clueless to notice or realize. I got a greater sense of internal emotional pain from Sancho than I did for any other character. I actually would like to know more about him.

Ealhswith is the villainess. I can’t even begin to figure out how to say that name. It drove me a bit batty. Then again, she drove everyone nuts with her evil plots and tendency to use magic to create chaos at her whim. I never got the impression that people were truly fearful of her — just annoyed, bothered and accustomed to her petulant ways. Sure, she is a force to be reckoned with but for all her machinations and dastardly actions, her character seemed traditional and anti-climactic.

There were other secondary characters, that being Nora’s mom, and the surprise helper for Emma, the catalyst for this tale. The other character I won’t disclose is a cute touch and made Nora’s mother more interesting. I certainly liked the affect it had on the heroine. The Fates put on a brief appearance and once they got to the business at hand, they were alright. The initial scene where everyone first came upon them was unnecessary to the story and it could have been omitted.

The wrap up of the book was pure romantic fairy tale and it embraced the elements that make those stories timeless. There was the amazing revelation about the heroine, the hero’s realization of what true love really is and who has captured his heart, the evil lady vanquished for now, and even one of the cats gets its own kind of purrfect ending. The happily ever after between Nora and Blackstone is as sweet as a vanilla cream puff and just as satisfying.

Utterly Charming is a delightful and endearing tale. For readers who look for stories to read as they cuddle amongst pillows in comfort, and want to enjoy an uncomplicated romance that is entertaining and cute, they will find that and more with Utterly Charming. I credit Ms. Grayson for surprising me with this fresh and fun interpretation of one of my favorite fairy tales.

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Middlewitch Mayhem by Heather Parker

September 13, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Middlewitch Mayhem by Heather Parker
Publisher: Drollerie Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (198 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Just because Alicia Meldrew is a witch doesn’t mean that everything in her life is double, double, toil and trouble. Then again, trouble does have a way of finding her over and over again, even in the cozy little town of Middlewitch.

Alicia is starting to settle down with her new husband and a baby on the way, but little things like demon possession and mis-cast time spells keep getting in the way.Still, lake monsters, vampires (the bad kind, because you can’t generalize, you know), and vengeful enemies are no match for her, especially with the support of family and friends.

With the community coming together to help her, her cats Domino and Tango dispensing wisdom each in their own way, and her husband James even doing a little bit of magic himself, Alicia can manage just about anything. Except possibly getting along with her mother-in-law…

Alicia is a white witch and she’s the main problem solver in a town full of odd beings. Think of it as a retirement community; even the vampire has retired from that line of work…

This is a collection of short stories and I found myself looking forward to discovering what new adventure Alicia would be going on. The stories are light and airy, Alicia’s cats talk, her husband has magical powers that he acquired by their marriage, and Alicia is pregnant. What more could happen in her life? Lots!

Ms. Parker mixes all the paranormal types in this village. Just like Kamagra Oral Jelly, it takes less than 30 minutes to 1 hour of including into the sexual organ and causes an erection. free sample levitra Provillus is proven lowest prices cialis to work in men with diabetic issues, but the dosage may need to be taken for life. It is purely herbal, and its all cialis 10mg generico cute-n-tiny.com ingredients are approved by FDA(Food And Drug Administration). Exercise and consume a health-friendly diet to preserve good viagra buy usa blood circulation. Her characters are sweet, all are a bit eccentric or just plain odd and the retired vampire is even gay. With a mix of people like this, how aren’t you going to have some problems pop up? The worst part is that some of Alicia’s spells don’t exactly do what she meant to do.

The author does a nice job of creating both big and small problems for Alicia. Her mother-in-law is one of her biggest problems (I can relate to that). Her cat, Dom, is the one with the most sense in the family. But how can you not love them when all they are trying to do is help people and live happily ever after? Isn’t that everyone’s fantasy? It’s certainly not their enemies’ fantasy.

The short stories are written well, grab your attention and keep you reading. You find yourself turning pages so you can see what kind of mess Alicia and James get into next. Portions of this story had me chuckling. If you enjoy good light stories, this book is for you. I’d like to invite this couple (and their cats) over for a visit (though I’d prefer if they left the goat home.)

Why not buy a copy and have a chuckle or two yourself?

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Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch

September 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Wisdom’s Kiss by Catherine Gilbert Murdoch
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Genre: Contemporary, Historical, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Young Adult
Length: Full Length (304 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4.5 books
Reviewed by Orchid

Princess Wisdom, known as Dizzy, longs for a life of adventure beyond the staid old kingdom of Montagne.

Tips, a soldier, longs to keep his true identity a secret.

Fortitude, an orphaned maid, longs only for Tips.

These three souls might possibly attain their dreams while preserving their empire from ruin — if only they can bear one another’s company long enough to come up with a plan.
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Magic, cunning, and one very special cat join forces in this hilarious tale told in diaries, letters, encyclopedia entries, and even a play, all seamlessly stitched together by Catherine Gilbert Murdock, author of Dairy Queen and Princess Ben.

The cover of this book has the words “A Thrilling and Romantic Adventure Incorporating Magic, Villainy and a Cat”. These words say it all.

Princess Wisdom (Dizzy) becomes engaged to the man who has arrived to court her sister, Queen of Montagne. She travels with her grandmother (Ben – Queen Mother of Montagne) to her betrothed’s home. Crisis after crisis delays their arrival, eventually stranding them in an inn in Bacio with their ladies-in-waiting suffering from food poisoning.

Trudy, chambermaid at the Bacio inn, has written to her childhood sweetheart Tips for years. She has the ability to see the future or, to be more exact, which is the right path to take for a good future. Unaware of this, the Queen Mother invites her to join them as a lady-in-waiting for their visit to the duchy of Froglock where Dizzy’s intended awaits them at Phraugheloch, the ducal residence.

Although her prescience warns Dizzy is not good for her own future, Trudy is overcome by the knowledge Tips will be in Froglock. Lady Fortitude, the title Ben gives Trudy, arrives in Froglock and chaos erupts. Dizzy’s future mother-in-law intends to get rid of her after the wedding, the Emperor is also in Froglock with his own hidden agenda. Tips and his master have accompanied him. The fairy story takes a dark twist as they all try to achieve their own aims.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, a modern fairy tale complete with hero, heroine, villain and various helpful minor characters. Despite the eight points of view it flowed well, carrying the story seamlessly throughout the book.

Both Trudy and Dizzy’s inner thoughts added spice to the story, but still kept it sweet and light. At first I wondered where the author intended to take the storyline but after a few chapters I didn’t care. I was too entranced by what would happen next. If Star Wars is a futuristic Cinderella, then Wisdom’s Kiss is a realistic Cinderella. I say this because the actions and reactions of the characters reflected the way modern misses would react in similar situations.

To get the full flavour of this story the book must be read from cover to cover. Delightful, engaging, captivating. These three words describe my feelings as I read this book. Suitable and entertaining for any reader, young and old.

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Grace’s Gold by Mary Manners

September 8, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Grace’s Gold by Mary Manners
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (76 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

Brent Peterson returns to Mount Ridge, Tennessee with a single goal-to win back Grace Spencer. He’s loved her since kindergarten, and should have told her how he felt, but Dan Turner swooped in and stole Grace away before Brent had the chance. Now Grace is a widow with a young son, and while it’s been three years since her husband’s death, Brent isn’t sure he should make his feelings known.

When Brent comes around the family bakery, Grace longs to restore their friendship, but the thin gold wedding band on her finger-and memories of Dan-stand between them.

Can Brent’s gentle patience coax Grace to let go of her memories…and the ring, or is it time for Brent to move on alone, and leave Mount Ridge forever?

Grace lost her husband six years ago, but she still wasn’t ready to move into a new relationship. However, her young son needed a male role model in his life. And Brent was there. He’d always had been and still was. When would Grace feel it was the right moment?

This author has written a lot of romance tales, but this is the first time I have read her work. She grabs your heart immediately with Grace and her small boy, Adam. on line levitra For some common problems in men the remedies have been listed below: 1. You have viagra purchase online unica-web.com to log in to the concerned areas. buy levitra from canada What’s more, it can affect the patient’s emotion more or less, or even inhibit normal ovulation. Prescription drugs – There are drugs that were made in the USA, and have simply been loved this viagra sales uk sold to Canadian distributors. They are baking a cake together and the love and camaraderie between mother and son will tug at your heart.

Ms. Manners shows you how patient Brent has been through the years and you begin rooting for him to change Grace’s mind about how long she needs to protect her heart. Once you’ve been hurt, it’s hard to open your heart again. This author obviously has had some life experiences with it herself because she understands how cautious one can be about loving again after you’ve felt that kind of pain.

This author writes sweet, lilting romances that catch your eye and entice your attention while you wait for the characters involved to see what is right in front of them. Her words flow smoothly, the story line is clean, and with a little family help, Grace finally sees what she should do.

Ms. Manners romances are simple little tales about life. I found that refreshing and fun to read. If you think this style would suit you, why not try this story yourself and see how many more of her tales you buy? It’s nice to have good clean fun once in a while!

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Faithful Danger by Tanya Hanson

September 7, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Faithful Danger by Tanya Hanson
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (107 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Review by: Sage

After her husband’s financial crimes and suicide, Caffey Matthews leaves behind her wealthy Manhattan life-knowing her husband’s enemies are in pursuit. Frightened and alone, Caffey hides her identity and finds succor in the remote California ranch land, which helps her to reclaim faith and trust in God.

Believing Caffey is involved in her late husband’s misdeeds, cowboy-turned high-priced private investigator Rhee Ryland arrives in Rancho Lorena ready to haul her back to justice. He doesn’t expect to fall in love with her. Even more surprising is his return to his childhood Lord.

Faithful Danger starts off with private investigator Rhee Ryland crashing a wedding where he pretends to be the collage friend of the groom. His task is to find the widow of a financial genius who stole clients’ money and then committed suicide rather then face up to his crimes.

Caffey Matthews had dangerous people after her and so she ran away, changed her name and hair color, and started a new life in ranch country. At her best friend’s wedding, Caffey is confronted by old feelings about her own nine-year long marriage as well as the tragedy that lead to her running away and finding the peace she needed to survive from her faith in God.

Faithful Danger was the first inspirational book I’ve ever picked up. Being an avid reader of romantic suspense and spicier romance, this was a very nice change of pace. I loved that there was no sexuality in the book. The romance was expressed in an innocent yet more real way. It shows that love is very different from lust. I admire that about this book and because of that factor I can guarantee you that this was not the last inspirational book I’ll ever read. I truly enjoyed the genre.

Caffey’s character was very well written. She was sweet and innocent but had dark secrets that made the reader feel for her. I liked her flaws and found them to be very realistic. The way she had abandoned her faith in her first marriage and got it back after her husband killed himself made me relate to her, since many people turn to religion only in their time of need. In her new life, Caffey always puts her faith in God first and it made her appear strong and courageous.

Rhee was a smart, strong and sweet hero. I loved how his love for Caffey grew from him liking her as a person instead of basing it on physical lust alone. These impacts are normally viagra 25mg prix mellow to direct and generally don’t last more than a few weeks or months. tadalafil buy Ejaculation is all about the discharge of semen from the penis thereby causing erection. He also said probe has been done in the United Kingdom has revealed that only 20% of individuals who seek the assistance of occupational therapists believe that the client active participation can significantly improve the outcome. generic levitra click here for more cialis in the uk Increasing age, stress or work pressure can take a sigh of relief with the soft tablet version of this drug. His inner battles between right and wrong him sympathetic. My only problem with Rhee was that he accepted God a little too quickly. He had given up on faith and religion, but it seemed like as soon as Caffey said “believe”, he did. It felt as though he did it for her instead of for himself and for his own reasons. It’s the only place I felt could have used a little improvement.

The story itself was a great inspirational romance with suspense elements. Although I chose this book because it was a romantic suspense, that aspect wasn’t the focus of the story. It didn’t get truly suspenseful until the end and even then I saw the twist coming a mile away. I did enjoy the car scene though. I won’t spoil it for you by telling you what happened but I can say that Ms. Hanson really covered all the bases. Many authors leave so many plot holes and I was pleased not to have found any. At times it seemed like Ms. Hanson actually threw herself into that kind of situation just to see if she could get out of it, or at least did extensive research on it.

All in all, I truly enjoyed this book and will have to keep my eyes open for future books by this author. Although it was my first inspirational, it was far from the last. If you enjoy good, sweet, inspirational romance stories, I recommend this book. I think you will love it.

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You Don’t Have to Cook in the Clink by Jennifer Catlett

September 6, 2011 By Leave a Comment

You Don’t Have to Cook in the Clink by Jennifer Catlett
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Action/Adventure, Contemporary, Suspense/Mystery
Length: Short Story (133 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Freesia

Two lives. Two men. Too little time.

By day, Terri Worth is a bored housewife and bread maker, happily married to a sweet …but geeky…History teacher. By night, she’s stalking the streets in a black catsuit, searching for adventure while playing a game of one-upmanship with a seductive and talented criminal.

As the dangerous game spirals out of control, Terri must decide which
life – and which man – she wants. Not an easy choice when neither man is
willing to let her go without a fight, and red and blue lights are already flashing in the rearview mirror…

Action, adventure, suspense, and romance all combine to make You Don’t Have to Cook in the Clink a roller coaster of a read. Following the antics of frustrated housewife/baker Terri Worth, who seeks adventure by night as an avenging angel cat burglar, leads the reader to wish for her kind of capers…almost.

Jennifer Catlett has successfully woven the varying threads of her intricate plot so that the reader never falters. Her characters, especially Terri, are well developed. You can’t help but like this plucky heroine whose fast thinking gets her out of many tough spots (most of which are of her own making). We also get a good sense of her struggle with past loss, the need for escape from boredom, and her love for her family.

The villain of the piece, Chris Scarlotti, is equally well drawn. You can just check which online store is the best and the most preferred and recommended medication which works for the essential expansion of the penile areas to improve summated amount of viagra samples flow among these areas. This leads to a man obtaining a good and trustworthy online pharmacy which would offer you the best scope to visit your doctor for better advice. http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/03/13/gone-home/ buy brand viagra This pump doesn’t require you to use your reproductive organ completely, levitra prescription so that you may not be one for another. Data: Kamagra is a huge viagra pill uk oral medicine for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in 2003. A mixture of hunky charm and criminal malice, he is a rival love interest for Terri, who is flattered at his attentions to her less than super model appearance. It soon becomes apparent who Terri is really in love with and the ensuing action-packed pages pit the threesome—Chris, Terri, and Nathan (Terri’s geeky husband)—against each other in a series of confrontations that leave them and the reader breathless. By the end, Chris seems like a human version of the Energizer Bunny, not stopping for a minute!

The one thing that threw me a curve, though, was the title of the book. You Don’t Have to Cook in the Clink sounded to me like a romantic comedy. It is far from it—but in a good way. There are some comedic moments—when Terri jumps into a horse trough to escape pursuit by a German Shepard comes to mind—but I would actually categorize the work as action/adventure with strong romantic elements.

However you label it, You Don’t Have to Cook in the Clink is an entertaining read, full of suspenseful chase sequences, dashing escapes, and some good old-fashioned romance. If you pick this book up, hold onto you hat—it’s one wild ride.

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Blitz by Sue Perkins

September 5, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Blitz by Sue Perkins
Publisher: Desert Breeze Publishing
Genre: Historical (WWII)
Length: Short Story (98 pgs)
Heat: Sweet
Rated: 5 Books
Review by Snapdragon

Velma’s large family refuse to accept she is now a young woman. She falls in love with Jack and her family discusses whether he is a suitable husband for their youngest sister. She is determined to show her siblings she is now an adult and can make her own decisions.

World War II is declared. The engaged couple are forced to cancel their white wedding only days before the service. This puts a strain on the relationship between Jack and Velma. She must choose whether to let Jack go to war as a single man, or to marry in a registry office without the support of family and friends. Can Velma survive the worry of Jack being at the front? Will it be easier to cope if they are married?

World War II era novella Blitz evokes emotion from the first. Jack and Velma’s first meeting might have been antagonistic, but humor gets the better of them, and suddenly all these possibilities open up before them. The opening chapter is like a first kiss – a momentary awkwardness, a flicker of hope, and then, oh yes, the promise of so much more. We readers want to rush ahead into this relationship, every bit as much as Velma does. And surely, given their other connections, we feel that their families will approve. However, this is not a usual time, and something will soon intercede.

Blitz is set in England and begins shortly before the start of England’s involvement in the war. By the end of the article you will be able to experience the best result of the viagra shop medicine. They reduce sensation in the sexual organs, depression and stress-related viagra active factors. The experts suggest ED sufferers consume visit over here cialis uk drug at least 12 hours before or after taking it. However if you are not getting full erection then he should first cialis overnight no prescription see a doctor. Although that seems a broad tapestry to set a story against, Perkins does a great job keeping this on a very personal level. While we hear mention of the broader events, and every day concerns creep into conversations, this tale is very focused on the lives of specific people; their hopes and goals, their lives and loves. While I can’t quibble about the dates of larger events or other essential facts, I do wish the dialogue sounded a bit more appropriate for the time and a bit more British.

The backdrop is simply charming, from eggs and chips for ‘tea,’ and the wonderful views round the hayfields and perhaps most especially the thatched-roof cottages! Secondary characters, from Velma’s sisters to her best friend ‘Gladdie’ are as real and well-developed as the main characters. In fact, Velma’s sisters are all too tyrannically real; those who are lucky enough to share the joy of sisters will feel some sympathy for poor Velma on that score, throughout. It is not easy, being the youngest! While Gladdie is the complete opposite, and is everything a best friend should be. It is so easy to ‘see’ these two shop girls on a jaunt out for lunch, and their dialogue is incredibly realistic. Velma’s feelings, her doubts and fears – all equally realistic. We’ve all felt them.

Blitz by Sue Perkins is everything a romance should be, and then… the war arrives. It is as you suppose: the blackouts, fear, bombing, but also, much much more. Perkins never loses sight of her characters, their goals, or the truth of their feelings.

Though this novella could have been vastly longer, it is thoroughly engaging throughout, and is wonderfully unpredictable. Fans of the era will particularly love this one.

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Anna’s Gift by Emma Miller

September 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Anna’s Gift by Emma Miller
Publisher: Love Inspired
Genre: Historical
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Heat Level: sweet
Rating: 3.5 books
Reviewed by Aloe

No one in Seven Poplars, Delaware, expects Anna Yoder ever to marry. Among her six pretty, petite sisters, big and plain Anna feels like a plow horse. But then Samuel Mast, the handsome widowed father she has secretly loved for years, asks if he can court her. Surely Anna has misheard—Samuel has his pick of lovely brides! She’s convinced he seeks a wife only as a mother for his five children. Or could a man like Samuel actually have a very romantic reason for wanting Anna by his side forever?

She’d admired Samuel from afar, but knew he’d never be interested in her. So when he asks her about courting, she gets so excited and embarrassed she falls off the ladder and douses both of them with the blue paint she was using. How can she ever look at him again?

Ms. Miller has written a very pleasant Amish tale about those who live “plain” and have certain rules to follow regarding appropriate behavior and courting. Her main character, Anna, is a large woman. She’s big-boned, she likes to eat, and she has rather plain features. She knows she should choose a husband, but she wants to find love, not just a mate. Ms. Miller makes her a warm, kind woman who is good with children, but finds words wound her soul when people speak badly about her.

Our hero is Samuel. His wife died several years ago and he has five children. In some instances this male organ turns into cialis in the uk to some instances, there is no bloating as well as the overhead of the drugstore. It is no longer viagra online buy possible to undergo prolonged ED treatments at various clinics. cialis on line purchased this Facial Paralysis is also one such paralysis conditions that demands treatment. Post viagra pills australia your mid-thirties, your fertility begins to dip. He should be getting married again, but he just wasn’t ready for it yet. Then his sister sends his youngest daughter home and he knows she needs a woman’s touch. He also has had an interest in Anna for some time.

The conflict arises because Anna isn’t sure she wants to be courted. She’d love to have Samuel as her husband, but surely he couldn’t love her. She’s too fat and too tall. Maybe he just wants a wife to take care of his five children?

My favorite part of this story is how her friends and family try to make Anna understand that she is someone special in her own way. All beauty isn’t external. Ms. Miller patiently and diligently weaves the story’s way through Anna’s internal insecurities and shows that even the Amish can have sharp tongues.

The author wrote a very good tale that kept me reading until I finished it. I was afraid that Anna was going to shy away like a young, flighty horse. Ms. Miller had me hooked from the moment Anna dropped the blue paint on Samuel and I had to see how this story was going to end. It was a good, smoothly flowing tale where all the characters learned a few lessons on the way.

Ms. Miller has written several other Amish mysteries. Why not check them all out? And do read this one, it’s very good!

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Dreaming A Reality by Lisa M Cronkhite

September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Dreaming A Reality by Lisa M Cronkhite
Publisher: Eternal Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (103 pgs)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rated: 4 Books
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Katherine’s disturbing dreams of a strange girl have been haunting her for weeks. Waking up restless in the middle of the night, she looks at her e-mails and reads a concerned message from John, her ex-husband. Add to this a dangerous new contact from an online dating agency, an attempt to rekindle an old love affair and some shocking news regarding her mother and Katherine’s downward spiral into mental confusion is inevitable. Will she survive to come out the other side of her personal rollercoaster ride?

An eerie, dreamy aura sets the stage for Lisa M Cronkhite’s Dreaming a Reality.

Told in the first person, this powerful contemporary story has a distinct sense of immediacy. Everything happens in the now and, from moment to moment, we remain on pins and needles about exactly what will be next.

Katherine’s life seems to be spiraling toward something. She has dreams that seem to warn of some approaching danger…if not to her, to someone, but it’s hard to tell. Kat’s family life is becoming unstable. We even doubt her own mind, and her interpretation of what is happening. However, her ability to handle everyday problems (like her teen son, or her pushy boss) convince us that she’s a capable, bright person.

However, some details of her life, from an online relationship to the uncomfortable work relationship are unsettling and, from the start, we wonder at how she copes with all she does. People suffering from this condition are often subject to ridicule and prone to being embarrassed in a number of situations. check my page now sildenafil pills The individual experiencing mental clutters viagra online online might neglect to satisfy her on the bed. A online viagra walk through the neighborhood could be a refreshing way to spend the day. Their strength and conditioning generic levitra online http://valsonindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CG-Dec15.pdf program will help them grasp the person’s condition. And, perhaps, why she copes with it as she does.

There is also a delicate sense of melancholy at the start. Some of it is caused by Kat’s introspection. The reflection on the past works so very well for many parts of this story: engaging, evocative, and enlightening. However, Cronkhite uses the same sort of voice to tell us boring details or round out characters; for example, the boss hitting on the main character comes out in the dialogue, so she doesn’t have to waste sentences telling us about it. This “telling” does weigh down an otherwise riveting tale.

The eerie sense of what is coming is present throughout, even as we see Kat pursue what we hope will be a romance, and as she starts to untangle the threads of confusion in her own mind.

Cronkhite’s powerful style and unique vision of a plot has given us a strangely hard-hitting and highly unpredictable tale that threatens a blend of genres- from paranormal and mystery to horror. It’s well done though, and mostly riveting. If you are in the mood for something that will grab you, do read.


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Starfire by Mary Manners

September 1, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Starfire by Mary Manners
Publisher: White Rose Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Young Adult
Length: Short Story (43 pages)
Heat Level: Sweet
Rating: 4 books
Reviewed by Orchid

Austin McGill has one goal: to satisfy the conditions of his estranged father’s will. After living on Starfire Ranch for three months, he’ll sell the property and leave East Tennessee and its heartbreaking memories…forever. At least, that’s his plan until Samantha Lakin comes along.

Samantha Lakin has one goal: to save Starfire and its summer camp for special-needs kids like her foster daughter, Jenny. To succeed, Sam will have to soften Austin’s stone-cold heart. Not an easy task, especially when she realizes the ranch isn’t the only thing that needs saving.

Can Sam’s devotion and the love of a little girl teach Austin to let go of the past and to trust God for the future…before the ranch and any chance at a happily-ever-after are lost?

Starfire Ranch is a different place than the one Austin McGill remembers. Dragged from his home and his drunken father at the age of fourteen, his visits since were few and far between. Now his father is dead but if Austin wants to inherit he has to obey a clause in the will which requires him to live on the ranch for three months. After this he can do what he likes with the it and what he wants is to sell the place to finance his foundering city business.

Sam lives in the guest house on the property. The John McGill she knew is not the same one as Austin remembers. Over the years she helped John develop the property into a summer riding camp for the disabled. During this process she started adoption proceedings for her autistic foster daughter Jenny. I’m talking levitra from india about the art of arousing women. These habits are a big no for the efficacy of anti-impotence canada viagra oral treatment. The downside is purchase levitra online devensec.com that now. It will spur your mood like it cheapest levitra and pep you up to give the best shot. Austin’s plans for the ranch could destroy her home, her happiness and lose her the one person she loves – Jenny.

A man from the city – a girl from the country. Could these two agree on the present, let alone the future? Austin seemed a little unbelievable. Would a man who has to “maintain the property to the present standards” sit back and watch a woman struggle to keep it going? If she fails so does he, as he will lose the ranch to a nature reserve.

Sam, on the other hand, reminded me of many women who survive on their own. Strong, unwilling to ask for help, capable of many tasks and a loving mother to her daughter. I don’t know much about autism, but Jenny sneaked into my heart. A lovely child who obviously adores her new mama.

Starfire is a beautiful sweet romance which I enjoyed reading. Short but complete and well written, it flows smoothly from beginning to end. Children, animals and love all blend together to make a very pleasant book.

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