Book Review - Bachelor Remedy by Carol Ross + Giveaway

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Ally Mowak is the most unconventional woman Tag James has ever met. She is a former army medic with a training and a belief in using alternative medicine when possible. Tag James is a handsome transport pilot who is running for Senator with big goals to protect his city. However, the duo has conflicting ideas about medicine and love. Will Ally and Tag be able to put their differences aside?

I enjoyed the fact that this book had a character of Native American descent. However, I found myself rolling my eyes towards the end of the book. At first, I enjoyed that Ally was a confident, independent, and ambitious woman but with a gentle heart but I felt like the story made it seem that she could do no wrong and that she was always right. For example, she was acting forward with Tag during a portion of the book but that was acceptable but her rude behavior was quickly dismissed. I also didn't enjoy the fact that Tag had an issue about her age and her alternative medicine. Their fights seemed petty and didn't make much sense to me. At the end, I didn't like that Tag basically said nothing matters more than being with Ally. She mattered more than his friends and family or his ambitions even though Ally had taken a back seat to his life before. I feel that when a person gives up their entire self and only devotes themselves to one person is setting themselves up for disaster; regardless of how romantic it may sound to have someone be completely devoted to you. I did enjoy Carol's writing style and look forward to reading other books by her.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchanged for an honest opinion**

Bachelor Remedy

(Seasons of Alaska #5)

by Carol Ross

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Superromance

She’s the most unconventional woman he’ll ever meet…

and the cure for a perennial bachelor?

Raised by her healer grandfather, former army medic Ally Mowak knows her alternative approach to traditional medicine puts her at odds with most of her Alaskan town. That includes Tag James, the rugged transport pilot with the sprawling family and political ambitions. Ally couldn’t be more wrong for the aspiring senator. Then why does everything feel so right when they’re together?

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of what is now known as free range parents, she developed a love of the outdoors at a very early age. As a writer, Carol loves to breathe the life she has lived into the characters she creates, grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.

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Book Review - Exhibit Alexandra by Natasha Bell

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Alexandra Southwood has the ideal life, she is married to her devoted husband, Marc and they have two beautiful daughters together. However, all that changes when Alexandra is being held in a room against her will. She is forced to view her family's suffering over her disappearance and how her family is coping with their loss. She is shown press briefings of Marc's appeal to the public for information about his missing wife but she can only think about her courtship and their marriage.

Marc refuses to think that his wife is dead even when they come across her bloody belongings near the river. Marc is desperate to find out what happened to his wife and he takes matters into his own hands. As he begins his search, he starts to uncover secrets about his wife and is confronted with how little he knows about her. 

The thrilling novel was an interesting read and perfect for a rainy day.  I was expecting the story have the clique murder-kidnap plot, but then slowly it became clear what the secret is since the author littered the story with clues. The book is predominately narrated by Alexandra after the events have already taken place and while it was interesting, I found the book to be a bit slow in the beginning but it did pick up towards the middle.  I am iffy on whether or not I like this book mostly because this was the first book  I couldn't really relate to the main character nor did I really care about her. However, I do believe that this book will leave readers with a lot of questions about identity, art, family roles, and self-happiness.

Book Review - Treacherous Trails by Dana Mentink + Giveaway

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Ella Cahill is working hard to support herself and her sister who is living with a disability. The last thing she needs is more drama in her life. When taking care of one her horses, she passes out and wakes up accused of murder. Her brother's best friend and former marine, Owen Thorn believe her but someone is trying to keep them both quiet. Who is trying to hurt Ella and Owen?

This book went right into the drama and the murder aspect. Some readers might prefer being eased into the storyline but I enjoyed that the novel started that way. I liked that the book was action packed but I wish the "murderer" was a bit more of a mystery. However, I enjoyed the book and I look forward to reading more from the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy in exchange for an honest opinion**

About the Book

Title: Treacherous Trails
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspy Romanctic Suspense
Release Date: March, 2018
Falsely accused…
Can she escape the real killer?
In this second installment in the Gold Country Cowboys series, farrier Ella Cahill is accused of murder—and only former marine Owen Thorn, her brother’s best friend, can help clear her name. Now with someone trying to kill Ella, Owen must protect her…despite his promise to her brother to stay away from her. But can they work together to find the true killer before she becomes the next to die?

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award and a Holt Medallion winner. She is a national bestselling author of over thirty five titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Harvest House. Dana was thrilled to be a semi-finalist in the Jeanne Robertson Comedy With Class Competition. Besides writing, she busies herself teaching third grade. Mostly, she loves to be home with Papa Bear, teen bear cubs affectionately nicknamed Yogi and Boo Boo, Junie, the nutty terrier, a chubby box turtle and a feisty parakeet. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away a grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card, Cornbread Mix, and Cowboy Caviar Salsa!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/ca46

Book Review - Everybody, Always: Becoming Love in a World Full of Setbacks and Difficult People by Bob Goff

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This book is the follow-up to Love Does, where Bob Goff takes readers through a journey where they can learn to love unconditionally. It will help readers live without fear, worry, care, and constraint while having a strong foundation in faith and friendships. Bob masterfully reveals lessons he learned and shares what it means to love without constraints and how it affected his life.

I am not usually a fan of "self - help/spirituality" books because they open my mind to different ways of thinking but I struggle with following through with it as time passes. When I first started reading the book, I had a lot of pent-up anger and after reading it I did feel a bit calm. I would have appreciated this book a bit more if they had exercises readers can use on a daily or weekly basis. I did find the "Love Everyone, Always" idea a bit hard especially taking NYC transit during rush hour but it did give me a bit more patience.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

Thompson Amber Oud Candle

I came across this candle while at an outlet store near my apartment and thought it wasn't bad for $10. The musky scented candle smelled exactly like it's name and it is a soy wax blend with 100% cotton wick. It has around 60 - 80 burn time and the container makes a pretty catch up to store my brushes in the bathroom.

Book Review - The Soldier's Homecoming (Home to Covenant Falls #5) by Patricia Potter + Giveaway

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Travis Hammond is an Army Ranger that suffered both physical and emotional wounds. Uncertain what his future holds, he accepts a friend's offer for a job in a little town called Covenant Falls. The job, though temporary, is for helping veterans using equine therapy. Jennifer Talbot is a wartime correspondent and like Travis suffered both physically and emotionally. Jenny takes an interest in equine therapy and travels to Covenant Falls to learn more about it. The two notice a spark between each other but have different goals. Will Jenny and Travis be able to find a middle ground for both of them?

I found the book to be a fun an interesting read. The characters were refreshing and nor were they portrayed as perfect people but as people who are trying to make the most of their circumstances. I like that the story focuses on a therapy that is both beneficial for the animals and humans and they can work together in harmony to help and rely on each other.  My only qualm is that the story was a bit to slow at some parts, but that could be because I am just impatient to see if Jenny and Travis get their happy ever after. It was a good read and I would definitely read other books by the author.

  **Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

The Soldier's Homecoming

(Home to Covenant Falls #5)

by Patricia Potter

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 pages

April 1st 2018 by Harlequin Superromance

He’s looking for roots. She won’t be tied down.

Army ranger Travis Hammond needs to heal physical and emotional wounds. A job in Covenant Falls checking out equine therapy programs for veterans is a start, but it’s only temporary. And he doesn’t need a partner, especially some reporter with the persistence of a terrier and irresistible green eyes. Like Travis, Jenny Talbot’s just passing through town. Unlike Travis, Jenny knows exactly where she’s going next—back to the Middle East, as soon as she recovers from her own war injury. But there’s a bend in the road for both of them.

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Patricia Potter is the USA Today Bestselling Author of more than fifty books. She has received numerous writing awards, including RT Storyteller of the Year, its Career Achievement Award for Western Historical Romance and its Best Hero of the Year Award. She is a seven-time RITA finalist and three-time Maggie Award winner. She has served as president of Romance Writers of America.The Soldier's Homecoming is her fifteenth book for Harlequin.

Prior to writing fiction, she was a reporter for the Atlanta Journal and president of a public relations firm.

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Book Review - Ladybug Girl and the Rescue Dogs by Jacky Davis and David Soman

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Lulu the Ladybug Girl is at the local farmers market when she notices a dog-adoption fair happening. Once Lulu meets all the dogs, she wants to take them all home but her family already has one dog, Bingo which is more than enough for them. Since she is unable to adopt any more dogs, she volunteers to help take care the dogs and help promote the pet-adoption fair since it doesn't receive much foot traffic.

Even though this is the tenth book in the Ladybug Girl series, this was my first time reading a book from the series. The tots I read too enjoyed the book and the fun illustrations and many of them spied toys in the illustration similar to the ones they own. They also like the illustrations with the different ways to take care of a dog, for example, the dog who couldn't play catch. I liked how the book showed how one small change can have a big impact. It is a great read for any animal lovers as well!

Engagement Activities -
1. What is your favorite dog breed?
2. Can you draw your favorite dog?
3. What is your favorite activity to do with your pet?
4. Can you think of other small changes people can do that will make a big difference?
5. What is your favorite thing to do at the farmers market?
6. What traits would your ideal pet have?
7. Can you create an action plan for taking care of a dog?
8. What is one thing you can do to help your community?

**Disclosure - I receieved a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**

Book Review - Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen + Giveaway

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Clod is a magnet for bullies because he is different than his classmates. He is bigger, clumsy and ugly along with having no magic. In a world where magic makes everything possible, Clod has no friends and has trouble getting along with other people.

Clod lives with his mother, Eidy in a small cottage where they barely have enough to survive.  One day after a visit from his teacher, Learned Yugen about an incident at school, Clod is more discouraged than ever. He takes to building a friend out of clay that his mother brings for him every day. One day, the clay girl, Ada comes to life and becomes friends with Clod but her confidence and courage get them both in trouble. Is Ada the friend Clod desperately needs?

The novel was a quick and fun read especially with the dynamics between Ada and Clod. There were portions of the book where I thought the sassy Ada would become another bully for Clod but I was happy when it turns out that they both needed each other. While I did enjoy the book, I wish the author went into a bit more details especially about the dark war and Clod's family. Overall, it was a fun treat to read and I look forward to reading other books by the author.

 **Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**

​
Book Details:

Book Title:  Clod Makes a Friend by David J. Pedersen
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction, 174 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Odysia Press
Release date:  March 2018
Content Rating: PG (There is no bad language, but there is one "boss fight" scene.)

Book Description:

Best Friend Ever?

Bullies love to hate Clod. Not just because he’s bigger, clumsier, and uglier than his classmates - he’s also the only student in his school without magic. In a world where all magic is possible and everyone else is born with great gifts to do amazing things, Clod is alone.

Living with his mum in a broken-down cottage on barely enough, the only thing Clod has to play with is the clay she occasionally brings him. Bleak is an understatement. More than anything, Clod wants a friend. The only way that’s going to happen, is to make one himself.

After an angry visit from the worst of the bullies, his teacher Learned Yugen, Clod’s clay sculpture of a little girl comes to life and introduces herself as Ada. For a clay girl barely the size of his hand, she has more confidence and courage than he knows what to do with. Every adventure she leads him on gets Clod into trouble. She may be the friend he wants, but is she the friend he needs?

After many years, and too many pranks, Yugen becomes convinced that Clod is tainted by the evil slowly infiltrating the Kingdom of Pag. Especially when Ada isn’t the only one Clod can bring to life.

Clod Makes A Friend is a bittersweet fairy tale for all ages from David J. Pedersen, author of the Angst series of fantasy novels.

Meet the Author:

David J. Pedersen is a native of Racine, WI who resides in his home town Kansas City, MO. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. He has worked in sales, management, retail, video and film production, and IT. David has run 2 marathons, climbed several 14,000 foot mountains and marched in Thee University of Wisconsin Marching Band and written 4 fantasy novels. He is a geek and a fanboy that enjoys carousing, picking on his wife and kids, playing video games, and slowly muddling through his next novel.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

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Book Review - High Cotton by Debby Mayne

Photo Credit - Amazon

The Bucklin family has a family reunion almost every few months which is why no one really wants to go but they go to avoid being talked about. Shay Henke has mixed feelings about the next reunion. She is looking forward to meeting her family and spending time with them but she has been single for so long and knows everyone would only focus on her being single. Days leading up to the event, Shay learns a secret her sister-in-law is keeping along with juggling her childish twin cousins. When Shay's high school crush moves back home, will Shay be able to deal with all the drama?

The book is enriched with Southern heritage values with names such as Digger, Puddin', Missy, Southern gentleman values, and sweet tea. When I first read the summary, I assumed the deep, dark secret was going to be something terrible and horrendous. When, the cat was out of the bag, the secret was quite laughable especially since the person already knew. The characters' dynamics were interesting and fun to read especially at the family reunion pieces but I felt some of their values were a bit old fashioned. I also found it disheartening that three people go from being alone to finding love in less than 100 pages at breakneck speed.  Along with many characters thinking their problems would end their world but was solved a few pages in. The story was told by four females' point-of-view, but I think I would have preferred maybe just two, so we would get more details into that person's life.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion**