Book Review - Always the One: Meet Me at the Altar by Tara Randel + Giveaway

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Years ago, FBI agent Derrick Matthews's childhood sweetheart and the love of his life disappeared in the middle of the night. He receives a mysterious envelope with a clue leading to her. However,  Hannah Rawlings isn't happy they cross paths again and wants the past to stay buried between them.

Hannah and her family disappeared overnight and went on the run during the middle of the night. She blames Derrick for not keeping a secret between them. Hannah is intent on moving on and thinks he should move on too. However, Derrick believes Hannah is still in danger and intends to protect her even if it means betraying her trust again.

The characters in the novel were both likable and believable people. However, I found some parts of the story didn't belong. Derrick, his father, and three brothers are all in law enforcement but, he didn't realize that Hannah and her family went into witness protection. His neighbor said that "They left in the middle of the night with some official-looking people" right after he told his law enforcement dad a secret. That screams witness protection even to me, who isn't in law enforcement. Then Derrick kept bringing up that he didn't get along with his father for keeping what happened to Hannah a secret. Each time Derrick bought it up, it felt like it was the first time he was mentioning it to Hannah because of her reaction to his story. While the novel was an interesting read, I felt like the reason why Hannah ran away in the middle of the night played a minor part. I didn't feel like there was any danger to Hannah and her family. I wish this part of the story took center stage. I like that the author included how Hannah felt disconnected from her community and the struggles she faced as being a part of the Witness Protection program. Overall, I thought the novel was a nice cozy romantic read.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Always the One

(Meet Me at the Altar #4)
By Tara Randel

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages

February 4th 2020 by Harlequin Heartwarming

From USA TODAY bestselling author Tara Randel

She’s the love of his life… but is he still hers?

FBI agent Derrick Matthews has finally found his childhood sweetheart and the love of his life—but she isn’t exactly happy about it! Years ago, Hannah Rawlings disappeared overnight when her family went on the run, and she blames Derrick. She tells him she’s moved on and he should, too, but Derrick fears Hannah’s still in danger. He vows to protect her—even if that means betraying her trust…again.

Affiliate link included.

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Other Books in the Series

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Tara Randel has enjoyed a lifelong love of books, especially romance and mystery genres, so it didn't come as a surprise when she began writing with the dream of becoming published. Family values, mystery and, of course, love and romance are her favorite themes, because she believes love is the greatest gift of all. Tara lives on the West Coast of Florida, where gorgeous sunsets inspire the creation of heartwarming stories, filled with love, laughter and the occasional mystery.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

Prize #1: Signed print copies of The Bridal Bouquet, The Lawman’s Secret Vow, tote bag and a $25 Amazon Gift Card. (Open to US only)

Prize #2: $25 Amazon e-Gift Card (Open Internationally)

Ends February 19, 2020

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Book Review - Love Lettering by Kate Clayborn

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Meg Mackworth is known for her famous hand-lettering. She is known as the Planner of Park Slope as she designs custom journals for her clients. Meg has another hidden skill; she can read signs that other people miss. When Meg was hired to create the invites for Reid Sutherland and his fiancee, Avery, she knew that their marriage was doomed to fail. She wove a secret warning message into their wedding program. Meg thought no one would be able to spot it and especially not, the groom to be!

Reid is unable to come to terms with how Meg knew that his marriage to Avery was going to end badly. He decides to track her down a year later and ask her. Meg doesn't have time to deal with Reid and his questions when she has a deadline and she is suffering from creative block. However, as they begin to spend time together, they notice a connection between them.

The novel was a fun and entertaining read. Meg was very down to earth and relatable character. I wish the author spent more time on developing the plot than giving and explanation on some of the fonts. I felt my eyes glaze over after reading about it. I felt like Reid was a mystery until much later in the novel. I wish we could find out more about how he felt about Meg and what he was thinking. Overall, it was a fun read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Until the Dawn by Elizabeth Camden

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Sophie van Rijn is a volunteer for the Weather Bureau and she needs access to the highest point in her village for the most accurate readings.  Dierenpark an abandoned mansion that is on top of a cliff in the Hudson River Valley. Sophie knows this is the best option even though she doesn't have permission from the owners.

Quentin is the first Vandermark to return to the area in nearly sixty years. He intends to tear down the mansion in hopes to end the dark rumors surrounding his family. However, upon his return to the mansion, he is infuriated that someone has been trespassing on his property during his family's absence. The pair is at odds at each other but, Sophie seems to be able to reach his son. Will two be able to put their differences aside and help each other?

I was quite disappointed in this book and found both characters to be insufferable.  Quentin is in pain and seems to be taking out his cruelty on others and then is baffled when his son doesn't like him. Sophie is this "light"  that can do no wrong and because she is nice everything works out for her in the end. I was annoyed that one character was insulting other religions and I understand that they don't believe in religion but, I think that part was not needed. I thought the history of the Vandermark would have a more prominent role but instead, they spent more time going into detail on Sophie's love-filled cooking. I find that Sophie was all for doing the right thing when it benefits her and her needs. When her father was doing an illegal search in Vandermark's claim on the mansion or using the roof without permission she made no Biblical references to those behaviors. I am still baffled on how the two characters end up liking each other especially when Sophie seems hesitant until the end.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler

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After the Civil War, Alva Smith and her southern family find themselves destitute. She arranges herself to marry into the Vanderbilt family who is wealthy but, socially outcasts. Alva is determined to win respect after being ignored by the socialites from old money. She designed and help builds nine mansions, hosts grand balls attended by a duchess, and her daughter marries a duke. Alva also disrupts the norm for her time by asserting power in her marriage and becoming a leader in the women's suffrage movement.

It was interesting to read about Alva Vanderbilt who is a very complex person. I loved, hated, and loved to hate her while reading this book. I felt like the novel was a bit slow-moving and then in some parts, significant events were mentioned in passing.  I wish more time was spent on developing characters than describing the mansions she built.

 **Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - Real Pigeons Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald + Giveaway

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 Ever passed by a gaggle of pigeons and wonder what they are doing?  Why do the pigeons act so weird? It's because they are secretly fighting crime. The park and its visitors are protected by a group of pigeons that fight evildoers. They help solve mysteries and ensure everyone is safe.

The illustrated book was a fun and delightful read. The book had three mini-stories with a conclusion but, each story was tied to each other. I found the illustrations to be fun especially, seeing the antics of each pigeon. Overall, a fun read for any young reader.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

About The Book:

Title: REAL PIGEONS FIGHT CRIME

Author: Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: January 7, 2020

Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 208

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

Ever wonder why pigeons act so weird? Because they are secretly chasing bad guys and flying around saving your butt! This hilarious illustrated series is perfect for fans of BAD GUYS and DOG MAN.

What do REAL PIGEONS do? They fight crime, of course! Wait, what? You didn't know your town is protected by a secret squad of crime-fighting feathered friends? Well, you are about to get schooled. REAL PIGEONS solve mysteries! REAL PIGEONS fight bad guys! And REAL PIGEONS won't stop until your neighborhood is safe and the questions are all answered: Like, why have all the breadcrumbs disappeared? And which food truck smells the best?

About Andrew:

Andrew McDonald is a reader and writer of books for young readers.

His brand new series REAL PIGEONS debuts in 2018, with hilarious illustrations by Ben Wood.

His first children’s novel, The Greatest Blogger in the World featured the story of Charlie Ridge, a young blogger navigating family, friends and the perils of internet life. His second novel Son of Death, a black comedy about a family of modern grim reapers, was named by The Age as one of the ‘best books of the year’ in 2015.

He is also the creator of a blog post about ‘camera loss’ that somehow went viral and he wasn’t embarrassed enough to decline an invitation to be a Cleo Bachelor in 2011.

Andrew is an avid reader of children’s and YA literature. He has worked for Readings bookshop in Melbourne and at the flagship Foyles bookshop on Charing Cross Road in London, where he was thrilled to put his knowledge to work as a children’s bookseller. He has previously judged the Young Adult category of the Victorian Premier’s Literary Awards and the Centre for Youth Literature’s Inky Awards.

Andrew is a graduate of RMIT’s Professional Writing and Editing diploma and his writing has taken him around the world. He completed an artist residency at Caldera Arts in Oregon, USA and a May Gibbs Children’s Literature Trust fellowship in Adelaide.

He is a regular presenter on the schools circuit in Australia, conducting writing workshops; talking about his writing life; and sharing the stories and experiences behind his books. Enquire about booking Andrew for your school here.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Tumblr | YouTube | Goodreads

About Ben:

Ben Wood is a children’s illustrator based in Victoria, Australia. He has been commissioned to work with clients such as Hardie Grant Egmont, Penguin Random House, and Scholastic Australia.

Ben is able to offer clients a wealth of illustration styles and techniques in both digital and traditional mediums. Recent publications include ‘Blast Off!‘ by Shelly Unwin and the Squishy Taylor series, by Ailsa Wild. He is currently illustrating the Real Pigeons series by Andrew McDonald. “It’s super coo!”

Ben also runs presentations or workshops in schools, public libraries and bookstores. His sessions can vary from small to large groups, depending on what suits best. He is more than happy to work with Prep-Year 9 students, and adults too. Please contact Booked Out Speakers Agency to enquire about a booking.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of REAL PIGEONS FIGHT CRIME, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21036/?  

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/6/2020	BookHounds	Interview
1/7/2020	Abellafairytale	Review
1/8/2020	onemused	Review
1/9/2020	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
1/10/2020	Fazila's Book Review Corner	Excerpt

Week Two:

1/13/2020	Popthebutterfly Reads	Review
1/14/2020	Twirling Book Princess	Excerpt
1/15/2020	Fictitiouswonderland	Review
1/16/2020	Not In Jersey	Review
1/17/2020	She Just Loves Books	Review

Week Three:

1/20/2020	DJREADSBOOKS	Excerpt
1/21/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
1/22/2020	Eli to the nth	Review
1/23/2020	Little Red Reads	Review
1/24/2020	fictitious.fox	Review

Week Four:

1/27/2020	Cuz I’m a Nerd	Review
1/28/2020	Nerdophiless	Review
1/29/2020	Wonder Struck	Review
1/30/2020	Lori Murray	Review
1/31/2020	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt

Week Five:

2/3/2020	Nay's Pink Bookshelf	Review
2/4/2020	wordsandruin	Review
2/5/2020	Books_andPoetrii	Excerpt
2/6/2020	History from a Woman’s Perspective	Review
2/7/2020	Two Points of Interest	Review