Book Review - Refuge at Pine Lake: A Pine Haven Novel by Rose Chandler Johnson + Giveaway

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After a fire forces Robin Lancaster and her mother to move out of their condo, they decide to reevaluate their living arrangement. Robin decides to use the family's lake house to rearrange her priorities including finding love. Robin is a former kindergarten teacher but, she decides she wants to focus on her artwork. She hopes to rekindle her romance with Caleb Jackson, who is the area's top hunting and fishing guide. However, all of Robin's plans go awry when she finds out the cabin has been rented to a professor on sabbatical leave. 

Matthew McLaughlin is a widowed university professor and an acclaimed author from California. He comes to Pine Lake to heal after losing his wife in a car accident. He hopes that this sabbatical will help him revitalize his spirits and writing career. However, when he crosses path with Robin and her dog, he wonders if there is more to life.

At first, I wasn't very fond of the main characters. Robin seemed very involved in wanting to have freedom from her mother and to be able to pursue Caleb freely. However, she didn't take into account Matt's feelings and his need for privacy. On the same hand, Matt seemed to be gruff when they first met and then falls for Robin after a few homecooked meals. As the novel progressed, I did warm up a bit more to the characters and was hoping that they get their own happy ending. 

 **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.**

Refuge at Pine Lake
By Rose Chandler Johnson
Christian Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages
March 6th 2019 by Chanson Books

Robin Lancaster, a twenty-six-year-old former kindergarten teacher, has her summer and her life all figured out. She’s ready to be on her own, writing and illustrating her children’s stories at her family’s beloved lake house. Once there, she intends to rekindle a romance with Caleb Jackson, the area’s top hunting and fishing guide, and bag him for herself.

Complications arise from the start when Robin finds out her mother has rented the lake house to a man they know nothing about.

Matthew McLaughlin, forty-year-old widowed university professor and author from California, shows up at Pine Lake in crisis. A sabbatical might be his only hope to save much more than his career. He needs a place of refuge. Sharing the lake house with a lighthearted young woman and her dog is the last thing on his mind.

Caleb Jackson has his own plans. He’s used to things going his way, but a man staying in Robin’s house presents unforeseen challenges. When paths unavoidably tangle for these three, hearts are on the line.

Goodreads│Amazon

About the Author

Rose Chandler Johnson is known for her heartwarming, inspirational writing. In addition to works of sweet contemporary fiction, her devotional journal, God, Me, and Sweet Iced Tea: Experiencing God in the Midst of Everyday Moments won the Georgia Author of the Year Finalist Award in 2014.

In her novels, Rose brings to life fascinating characters with compelling relationships embracing family, community, and faith. In distinctive southern settings, Rose creates memorable stories that will stir your heart. Readers often say her writing warms the soul as it reaffirms belief in love and wholesome goodness. Don’t be surprised if you sigh with pleasure as you savor the final pages of her stories.
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Rose has lived in a suburb of Augusta, GA for thirty plus years. Before retiring from Georgia’s school system, she taught English, French, and ESOL. Currently, she is an English instructor at a community college. In addition to reading and writing, Rose enjoys cooking, sewing, gardening, and spending time with her six children and her beautiful grandchildren.

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Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake plus a $20 Amazon gift card

- One winner will receive a signed print copy of Refuge at Pine Lake

- US only

- Ends July 10, 2019

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Book Review - Theodore Boone: The Accomplice by John Grisham

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Woody Lambert is one of Theo's good friends. Theo has noticed Woody been acting differently lately. Woody has been making poor choices and is failing in school. However, when Woody and his brother is arrested for being an accomplice in armed robbery, Theo knows that Woody is innocent. With Woody sitting in jail surrounded by malice, Theo needs to race against the clock to help his friend. Will Theo be able to help his friend before it is too late?

I have not read a book by John Grisham recently but, I know he is a famed storyteller. I was very excited to read one of his books that is targetted to a younger audience (let's be honest, who has time to read a 500+ page novel some days). I thought that this book would have all the elements that John Grisham is known for such as intrigue, suspense, and thrills. However, I was quite disappointed as I didn't find this novel to be interesting and rather boring. The novel had a very basic premise of an impoverished person being chewed out by the justice system while the rich are given privileges. I felt that this book is geared towards parents who want to "teach the kids" about staying on the right side of the law than providing entertainment for young minds. I felt like some of the dialogue felt far fetched like the author was trying to talk like someone younger or a judge being "afraid" of a lawyer so he bends to the lawyer's wishes. Overall, it was a good read for teaching kids the value of going to school and working hard.

 **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 - The Memory House by Rachel Hauck

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Beck Holiday is still reeling eighteen years later over the death of her beloved father. She and her mother lost him during the attacks on 9/11. She can no longer remember him and lost most of her memories of him. Recently, Beck was suspended for police misconduct with a suspect. She is struggling to get her life back in order especially, with life alternating secret. She is unsure what her next steps in life should be.

When Beck receives a mysterious letter in the main alerting her of an inheritance from a woman she doesn't remember, she is confused but, takes it as a sign. She travels to the northern coast of Florida to view the house she inherited. During her stay in Florida, Beck realizes that there are some things she can't forget forever. Will the trip be able to heal her heart and restore her memories?

I have a few books from Rachel Hauck on my TBR pile. Out of the three, I decided to start with this novel first. Boy, was I sadly disappointed. The book was told from the perspective of four different people who all share a connection with the house. They all had a connection with each other. I was hardly able to build a bond or connection with any of the characters. More than 75% into the book, I lost interest in the book. There was nothing interesting going on that warranted me to waste more time reading this novel.  I think some portion of the book was poorly written and felt choppy in some parts. For example, when Beck experience a flashback of her memories and Beck believes God is speaking to her, she stumbles around into Bruno's childhood home. Then Bruno and his mother were talking about her and the incident like she can't overhear them and it's an everyday occurrence. I am not sure why, but that whole incident just felt weird to me. Overall, the storyline did not grab me enough to want to finish this novel.

 **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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko and Églantine Ceulemans + Giveaway

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Liam knows that fifth grade is not for beginners and being more than one-third nerd is not cool. Liam and his family live in the Bay area in San Franciso with his mom and two sisters. Dakota has a big personality and loves science but, has a hard time making friends. Izzy has Down syndrome, loves giving hugs and can make friends easily. Their dad works in insurance and lives across town but, stops by with food often. And Cupcake is their lovable German shepherd that guards their apartment.

Lately, Cupcake has a problem. She has been peeing all over the apartment. The family wants to take her to the vet before their landlord can find out. Their parents have said if Cupcake doesn't stop, they will have to find her a new home. However, the kids can't give their beloved pet away. Will they be able to save Cupcake in time?

The novel was a fun and quick read. I like how each of the characters had their own well developed and distinct personality. Liam being the caring, protective older brother, Izzy being the intuitive friendly sister and Dakota was caring but a bit brash. I am disheartened to say, that I found Dakota to be a bit too much and I felt her character was a bit over the top, even if she meant well. Overall, it was a fun 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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**   

Title: ONE-THIRD NERD

Author: Gennifer Choldenko, Églantine Ceulemans (Illustrations)

Pub. Date: January 29, 2019

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 224

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

A funny, fast-paced, and heartfelt story from the Newbery Honor-winning author of the Al Capone series.

Fifth grade is not for amateurs, according to Liam. Luckily, he knows that being more than one-third nerd is not cool. Liam lives in the Bay area near San Francisco with his mom and two younger sisters. Dakota is fascinated by science and has a big personality but struggles to make friends; Izzy, a child with Down syndrome, makes friends easily and notices things that go past everyone else. Dad lives across town, but he's over a lot. And then there's Cupcake, their lovable German shepherd, who guards their basement apartment.

Recently, Cupcake has a problem--she's peeing in the house. The kids need to make enough money to take her to the vet before their landlord upstairs finds out. And Mom and Dad have said if Cupcake doesn't stop, they will find her a new home. But the kids will never let Cupcake go. Can they save her? 

About Gennifer:

Choldenko is best known for her Tales from Alcatraz series, which has sold more than 2 million copies. Book #1: Al Capone Does My Shirts was a Newbery Honor Book and the recipient of twenty other awards. Book #4: Al Capone Throws Me a Curve is due out in 2018. BookPage said of her most recent novel, Chasing Secrets: “Choldenko’s ability to research obscure yet intriguing topics is uncanny, and as she did with the popular Al Capone trilogy she turns a tough topic into a high interest read … a compelling work of historical fiction.” Gennifer lives with her loyal husband and naughty dog in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of ONE-THIRD NERD, US Only.

Rafflecopter Link:

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Tour Schedule:

Week Two:

1/28/2019- BookHounds YA- Review

1/28/2019- Ogitchida Kwe's Book Blog- Excerpt

1/29/2019- Feed Your Fiction Addiction- Review

1/29/2019- Wonder Struck- Review

1/30/2019- Nerdophiles- Review

1/30/2019- Texan Holly Reads- Review

1/31/2019- Such A Novel Idea- Review

1/31/2019- For the Love of KidLit- Interview

2/1/2019- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

2/1/2019- Two Points of Interest- Review

Book Review - The Treasure of Granzella Ranch by Joan Bannan

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The Granzella family ranch has been in the family for four generation. Recently, the ranch has been struggling financially. Sherre Granzella is professionally known as "The Fixer". She hopes to return the farm to its former glory. She is happy to be surrounded by friends and family after her marriage failed. Surrounded by loved ones, she tries to formulate a plan to help save the family farm. Will she succeed?

The novel was a fun cozy read. The story was a bit predictable but, it was still a good read. The characters were relatable but, I found myself annoyed a bit with Sherre's character. When reading this novel, I was going through a similar romantic situation, and I know how hard it is to let go but. I was very disappointed when she went back to him. I felt like she is supposed to be a strong female lead but, they make her look weak. Overall, it is a good 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 any extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

Book Review - The Cheerleaders by Kara Thomas + Giveaway

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Sunnybrook used to be home to a top-notch cheerleading squad. Now there are no more cheerleaders.

On a dark rainy night, two girls were involved in a car accident leaving both of them dead. The scene was so gruesome that the paramedic team had trouble identifying which girl was which. Shortly afterward two more girls were murdered by their next-door neighbors. However, the police shot him, so why he murdered the girls will go with him to his grave. The last cheerleader, Monica's sister, committed suicide.  After the death of the five cheerleaders, the squad was disbanded.

On the five year anniversary of the girls' death,  Sunnybrook High faculty and students want to create a memorial for the cheerleaders.  Monica just wants to forget but, once she discovers her sister's cell phone, she is dragged back into the drama that happened five years ago. She meets a strange new friend and discovers sometimes, the past won't stay buried. Who is behind the murders? Are the deaths connected?

I found this to be an addictive and thrilling read. I couldn't put this book down. It was full of suspense and drama. My only qualm about this book is that in the beginning, there were a bit too many characters to keep track off. Overall, it was a thrilling and exciting novel to read.

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

About the Book:

Title: THE CHEERLEADERS

Author: Kara Thomas

Pub. Date: July 31, 2018

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 384

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N, iBooks, TBD

There are no more cheerleaders in the town of Sunnybrook.

First there was the car accident—two girls gone after hitting a tree on a rainy night. Not long after, the murders happened. Those two girls were killed by the man next door. The police shot him, so no one will ever know why he did it. Monica’s sister was the last cheerleader to die. After her suicide, Sunnybrook High disbanded the cheer squad. No one wanted to be reminded of the girls they lost.

That was five years ago. Now the faculty and students at Sunnybrook High want to remember the lost cheerleaders. But for Monica, it’s not that easy. She just wants to forget. Only, Monica’s world is starting to unravel. There are the letters in her stepdad’s desk, an unearthed, years-old cell phone, a strange new friend at school. . . . Whatever happened five years ago isn’t over. Some people in town know more than they’re saying. And somehow Monica is at the center of it all.

There are no more cheerleaders in Sunnybrook, but that doesn’t mean anyone else is safe. 

About Kara:

Kara Thomas is a true crime addict and the author of THE DARKEST CORNERS, LITTLE MONSTERS, and THE CHEERLEADERS, all published by Delacorte Press. You can find her on Twitter (@karatwrites), Instagram (@kara__thomas), or at http://www.kara-thomas.com.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE CHEERLEADERS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter link:

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Tour Schedule:

Week Three:

Week Four:

8/13/2018- The Young Folks- Review

8/14/2018- BookHounds YA- Interview

8/15/2018- Simply Daniel Radcliffe- Review

8/16/2018- Moonlight Rendezvous- Review

8/17/2018- Two points of interest- Review