Kiss the Girl - Review

I was so pleased to get my hands on this book!

My review for KISS THE GIRL is below, but first, let's get to know the author for a minute. she's written several wonderful books and I'm excited to introduce her to anyone who hasn't had the privilege of meeting her yet:

Melanie Bennett Jacobson is an avid reader, amateur cook, and champion shopper. She lives in Southern California with her husband and children, a series of doomed houseplants, and a naughty miniature schnauzer. She substitutes high school English classes for fun and holds a Masters in Writing for Children and Young Adults from the Vermont College of Fine Arts. She is a USA Today bestseller and a two-time Whitney Award winner for contemporary romance.

The last thing I want is to put my awesome career on pause while I run my dad’s hardware store, but duty calls so what am I supposed to do? I can’t wait to get out of Creekville again, and I’m doing great keeping everyone at arm’s length until my best friend tries to set me up with the hot new high school coach. He’s got me literally tripping over my own feet, but I’m not giving in to those dimples.

I'm burnt out on love, but Grace Winters is the funniest—and most attractive—woman I’ve ever met.

Too bad Creekville is just a detour for her. I get it. But when I recruit her to help me build a Christmas booth for the town’s biggest event of the year, I learn just how irresistible she is. And if that’s not bad enough, when I talk her into fake dating to convince my boss I’m ready for a promotion, we share an unplanned kiss that blurs every line we’ve drawn.

Is Grace and Noah's undeniable chemistry worth risking their friendship when their future is anything but certain? Get ready for small town charm and toe-curling mistletoe kisses!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09JVQY21B

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MY REVIEW

This book grabbed me from the start and didn't let go. I fell in love with the characters and their plight. The way they meet is hilarious and still makes me giggle when I think about it. And the way they avoid each other and refuse to let people push them together is fun. I like that the characters aren't like most who just pretend nothing is happening. They openly discuss everyone trying to set them up and make a pact not to let it happen. And they even confront the people who are trying - so there are no secrets. I found that refreshing. I feel like most conflict comes from secrets that you are dying for them to share. But with this book, I was very pleased with Author Melanie Jacobson's ability to bring in tension, uncertainty, and conflict in some new ways that made things so captivating and kept me glued to the story from the first awkward moment to the very last scene. I would definitely recommend this book as a quick, fun, sweet read. And I have no doubt I will be revisiting it in the future when I need a fabulous pick-me-up read to make me smile and lighten my mood.

Review - Meet me under the Mistletoe

First of all, I must apologize for this delayed post. I finished this books weeks ago and in my head had written the reviews. I had all the ideas, thoughts, favorite parts, etc. laid out in my head ... and somehow they did not get typed onto this blog. For that, I apologize! I was/am so excited to share this book with you

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Meet-Me-Under-Kissing-Bough-ebook/dp/B09DK3M2T2/

Seagull: https://www.seagullbook.com/meet-me-under-the-kissing-bough.html

MY REVIEW

I love Christmas books, and I love romances. So this was a great combination for me and I was so eager to get my hands on it. It did not disappoint. These three stories kept me reading right to the end.

The First novella, a second chance story called Meet me under the Kissing Bough, was sweet and fun to follow. I felt for Deborah and wanted her happiness. I enjoyed watching the Christmas festivities through her eyes and loved seeing her discover her own feelings. It was an enjoyable read with a wonderful ending that I hoped for but also wasn't sure how it was going to come together. As always, Author Josi S. Kilpack brought things around exactly how they should be and delivered a wonderful read.

The Second novella, Healing Hearts for the Holidays, was full of emotion and miracles. I felt for the family that had been torn apart by greed and misunderstandings - not to mention a large amount of pride. Every time Julia secretly visited Ivy I wanted to make it better for them, and also for Julia to not get caught. And the impossibility of the potential love was sweet and frustrating. Author Anneka R. Walker wove a tale that touched my heart and also made me want to ready Ivy's story (is that out there somewhere? The little glimpse we got of how that courtship started definitely fascinated me.). Esmond was charming and sigh-worthy for sure. And I was rooting for him despite prejudices and seemingly endless obstacles. I loved this story, it made my heart happy.

The Third and final novella, A Christmas Correspondence, was possibly my favorite of the three stories. To be fair, it could be because it is based loosely on A Christmas Carol and I adore that story. But Author Sarah L. McConkie made it her own and added in some sweet romance that we know Scrooge never got. The characters were charming, even Caroline. I loved finding out her back story and why she is the way she is, and also I ached for her and wanted her to learn and change. I was also rooting for the man who had to lead her down that path of redemption and learning. Honestly, I didn't realize I was reading a retelling of A Christmas Carol until half way through because I was so engrossed in the story of Caroline. LOL. I know that sounds silly, but its the truth. I was already loving it and then I discovered it was A Christmas Carol and my love of it made it even that much sweeter.  I loved reading this story so much.

Overall I loved all three of these stories and will no doubt be reading this collection again and again. It was a wonderful book full of sweet, loving, miracle filled stories that won my heart. And I highly recommend it!

Review - Brides and Brothers

I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book and review it!

A modern retelling of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

Camille Kelly is in real danger of becoming an old maid—at least by Cherish, Montana, standards. She has all but given up on finding Mr. Right—until her broken laptop leads her to Aiden Peterson, a tall, dark, and handsome computer genius. Camille would never have believed her magic moment was right around the corner, but after two whirlwind weeks, she has a ring on her finger and has happily ever after in sight. However, she soon discovers Aiden is part of a daunting package deal . . .

As the eldest of seven brothers, Aiden has never had a problem living under the same roof as his rambunctious siblings. When he falls for Camille, he is confident she’ll fit right into his family’s already bursting home. He thought wrong. Aiden and Camille’s storybook romance comes to a screeching halt when she discovers her new living situation. Not willing to submit to a life mothering a bunch of grown men, Camille has only one option: she embarks on a campaign to improve her new brothers-in-law and marry them off. And what better candidates for wives than her own best friends?

My Review:
I was so excited to receive a copy of this book to read and review. I admit I was nervous to pick up and read it, considering that I love the movie so much and was hesitant to read a variation. But also excited to read it because . . . I love the movie so much!
A bit of a strange conundrum to be sure.

However, I am so glad I read this book. It is fun to see a variation that keeps a lot of the same aspects and the emotions of the story. It caught me from the start and I couldn't put it down. I loved every moment of it and was very satisfied. Anneka's writing style was engaging, and it took me right into the story. It was like watching a movie of its own as the scenes played out in my head and I felt for each of the characters, rooting for them and wondering how each would reach a potential happy ending.
I highly recommend this book. It's a fantastic read and a fun escape into a beloved story (retold for modern-day readers).

Congratulations, Anneka R. Walker, on the release of your new book.
I know it will bring joy to so many readers now and in the future.

Be sure to grab your copy here:

https://www.amazon.com/Brides-Brothers-Anneka-R-Walker-ebook/dp/B093RDRVK3/

Book Review - The Counselor

 Book Synopsis: 

By a #1 New York Times best-selling writer. Travis Call, a financial counselor and a counselor in a bishopric, faces life in prison when his wife’s body is found in a shallow grave. He pleads his innocence, but many don’t believe him. With his best friend, Ross Keller, he begins the search for the real killer, only to find that true evil may be closer than he suspects. The Counselor establishes a new series in Latter-Day Saint fiction. 

Review:

This review is a little late in coming (Sorry Aspen!) but I'm glad I got the chance to read this book. It was very engaging. When I opened the book - just to read the first part, of course - I couldn't put it down and found myself reading much more than I anticipated in that first sitting. I was finally forced to put it down because the children were demanding my attention. But the book was easy to go back to.

I will say that there are references that might be lost on those outside the LDS culture, but they weren't so specific that it would be offputting to the general public, or be too confusing to the story. They could be easy enough to mostly understand in context and move forward with the story without too many hang-ups.

But overall, the story was great. I was completely engrossed in finding the murderer along with the characters. The book was also very gripping but satisfying as the pieces came together, or fell apart. Tension was high, the deception and involvement and tangled webs of this story were captivating, and the conclusion was all it promised to be. Thanks for letting me read this wonderful book! 

Pages - 401 

Link - https://aspenbookspublishing.com/product/the-counselor-by-curtis-taylor/

Missionary Impossible - The Game

 

Your Mission, Should You Choose To Accept It... Be the first missionary or companionship to complete 100 weeks of missionary service! But standing in your way are Trials ranging from Dog Bite to Dear Johns - while Blessings, Transfers, and Golden Contacts are there to help you along. Missionary: Impossible combines simple strategy and a measure of luck for a fast-paced, easy-to-play card game for 2 to 6 players, ages 8 and up. 

Amazon reviewers agree it's a FUN, CLEAN, game for the ENTIRE family! 

Link - https://www.amazon.com/Missionary-Impossible-Game-Aspen-Books/dp/1952669006/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3FIKF3NDES0JR&dchild=1&keywords=missionary+impossible+game&qid=1611671360&sprefix=missionary+impossible%2Caps%2C200&sr=8-2

This game came out first when I was a teenager. I had siblings who had gone on missions for our church and when my parents brought this home we thought it was hilarious. We played it and had a blast. I remember lots of laughter and fun.

When I got my hands on it again, I was very excited to see if it was as fun as I remember. IT WAS. We laughed and played, talking and remembering our own missions and missionaries who taught us (I served a mission years ago and my husband is a convert. Plus we have friends who served too who we had over for dinner and games).

It was a lot of fun and we highly recommend it. We have even been planning a game night with a few couples and thought this would be a fun one to put out on the table and see how they respond.

We definitely recommend it, and it will be a fun game for us and our family and friends for a long time to come.

Lamb of God Release

New Concert Film LAMB OF GOD Announces Big Screen Release Date

-Film Opens Exclusively in Theaters on Friday, March 12-

Trailer Link: https://youtu.be/89gQnH7w4Uo

Salt Lake City – Writer, Director and Composer Rob Gardner in partnership with Excel Entertainment and Purdie Distribution announced today the release of a new, groundbreaking concert film adaptation of Gardner’s acclaimed oratorio, LAMB OF GOD. The new film opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, March 12, 2021, featuring acclaimed performers, a never-before-heard song and narration. 

Told entirely through music, LAMB OF GOD portrays the final week in the life of Jesus Christ. The story is told from the perspective of those who loved and followed Him, including Peter, John, Thomas, Mary and Martha of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and Christ’s mother, Mary. Filmed in Utah at the Utah Film Studios in Park City, LAMB OF GOD stars acclaimed musical artists Casey Elliott of GENTRI, Oyoyo Bonner, Tyler Hardwick, Katherine Thomas, Emily Moffat, and many more. 

About The Show: This Easter, experience the power of the last week of Jesus Christ's mortal ministry as told through the widely celebrated and sacred oratorio, LAMB OF GOD. This unique concert film brings composer Rob Gardner’s work to the big screen for the first time. Join us for breathtaking performances from new soloists, a new orchestration, and a close-up view of this work that has been compared to Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem.

About Rob Gardner: Rob Gardner began his musical career in high school as a member of and arranger for the a cappella band Two Five Nine. The group recorded 5 albums together and, while in college, toured around the country. From there, Rob began composing original works for film, theater and the concert stage. He is the author of a handful of stage musicals, including Blackbeard, The Price of Freedom, and 12 Princesses. Rob has also composed several sacred music oratorios. Rob is an accomplished producer and conductor and appears regularly on the concert stage conducting his works.

Rob has a bachelor's degree in Management and Entrepreneurship from Brigham Young University. He also attended the University of Southern California, doing graduate studies in the prestigious Scoring for Motion Pictures and Television program. He currently resides in Gilbert, AZ.

“I’ve dreamed and planned for years to create a concert film of ‘Lamb of God’ and I am thrilled to bring this new cinematic, can’t miss experience to long-time fans and newcomers alike,” said creator Rob Gardner. “We brought together a world-class, once-in-a-lifetime cast and crew to create this film. And I am absolutely overjoyed that we are able to release it in theatres in time for Easter, and help bring light and hope so desperately needed at this time.”  

Fans have compared “Lamb of God” to Handel’s Messiah and Mozart’s Requiem and in the past decade, “Lamb of God” has been performed throughout the world by tens of thousands of performers for millions of fans encompassing nearly every Christian faith. In addition, the original recording of “Lamb of God” featuring the London Symphony Orchestra and Spire Chorus has been streamed millions of times. The new big-screen version features a new, original song as well as updated narration. 

“This unique film brings Gardner’s incredible music to the big screen for the first time,” said Brandon Purdie, founder of Purdie Distribution and co-producer of the film. “Audiences will be thrilled to experience this sacred music in a whole new way.” 

For more information, visit www.lambofgodmovie.com.

Christmas Countdown Blitz Day 10

When she was in Paris, Kimberley Montpetit spent all of her souvenir money at the La Patisserie shops with their gorgeous and delicious pastries. 

She grew up in the fabulous city of San Francisco, hides a stash of anything chocolate and caramel when she can get away with it, and now lives in a small town along the banks of the Rio Grande with her engineer husband and three sons. 

  ~ Website ~

~ Amazon ~

  

Can two clashing agents survive gunshots, murderous millionaires, and dangerous covert snooping? Most importantly, will their own hearts betray them in the end?

Our Heroine: Erin Steele, FBI Agent. Alias: Cassandra Fairfax, oil heiress.

Her Partner: Braden Moretti, CIA Special Ops. Alias: Marcus Romero, Erin’s drop-dead gorgeous date with a talent for driving her crazy.

Where: A fancy Christmas party at the mansion of the wealthiest man in San Francisco.

Undercover Assignment: Fake Fabergé jewels selling for ten million bucks. A sting operation to take down the bad guys, of course . . . it’s all in a night’s work. 

Biggest Blunder: An encounter under the mistletoe that goes horribly wrong . . . or perfectly right?

◆ Fall in love with Romantic Suspense that includes intrigue and danger - all wrapped up in a red Christmas bow!

◆ Included in this romance: Agent Erin Steele's special Christmas morning recipe and pictures of a stunning Faberge jewel!

◆ Visit the author at www.KimberleyMontpetit.com for a free gift.  

  

~ Amazon ~ 

  

Author Interview:

What is your favorite Wintertime Activity?

Staying warm and reading! Baking lots of cookies plus lemon tarts from an old-fashioned recipe of my grandmother who emigrated from England. Holiday shopping, singing, and decorating with my kiddos. 

How many unpublished / half-finished books do you have in progress?

Hmm. I tend to finish books I begin (which is fortunate!), but I have lots of ideas and some outlines of book ideas and plots. I wrote a LOT of books which I call my “practice novels” that have never been published. 

 

What was the most surprising thing you learned when creating your book (in research or in yourself?) 

I’ve learned over the years how much I adore research and learning new things and new cultures and new places around the world, including intriguing people and historical events with mysteries. I like to read books about my subject, online articles and watch documentaries. For this new Christmas book it was all about the world of Faberge! The artistry and unique designs and craftsmanship are truly stunning. The man was a genius and craftsman bar none. Pair that with the end of the Victorian Era through WWI and the Russian Royal family and there are lots of stories to tell! 

 

Tell us about the greatest Christmas gift you ever received. 

 My first two sons were born in the fall and they were infants during their first Christmas and that was always so special thinking about Christ as a newborn baby and holding them and trying to imagine what it was like when Mary only had Joseph to help her during the difficult circumstances she was in for delivering her first child. I admire her so much for her faith and pure love. 

Last year I had another great Christmas gift–my own life. I *died* 5 times (5 Code Blues with the defibrillator and went without oxygen for 10 minutes) and was in a coma for a week, but so many miracles happened to preserve my life that it still feels surreal to me that I’m still here. My gratitude is immense for wonderful doctors and the miracle that happened that terrible night, including God’s daily blessing of life and my family!  

 

What inspired you to write this novel?

I’m part of a writer’s group that helps one another and cheers each other on and last year we decided we’d all do a Fake Fiancé Christmas book in a series. I was excited to do one since I hadn’t ever written a fake fiancé romance before and had always wanted to try. We had our beautiful and snazzy covers designed for the series and then my very sudden health issue happened that landed me in the hospital for weeks and in recovery for months afterward which means my Christmas book never got finished or published. 

I actually forgot about the book during my rehab and recovery (no writing happened for about 8 months). When I finally began writing again, I finished another book for a series that just needed the final book – Mostly Perilous, The Women of Ambrose Estate. It was finished in August and it’s one of my all-time favorites. 

A month later, I thought, “Hey, I have a cover for a Christmas romance that I forgot about – I need to write that!” And Her Secret Agent turned out SO much fun to write! I hope everyone has a great time reading it! 

  

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