Hiya! Thanks for joining me in the shade of the willow tree. I love to write, but part of the reason for that is my love for reading. I don't get much time to read since I'm a full-time student and home~schooling mom of 3, but I have the summer off! W00T! I have made a list of my summer picks for me as well as my teenagers, so please take the time to look through them as there are multiple genres. Most of them are available in eBook form at very reasonable prices too, so support Indie authors! Happy reading!
Marriott Cole contacted me through my website and offered me this wonderful book. How do I know it's wonderful? I have read most of it. It's first on this list because I started it during my spring break and had to put it down due to school starting back. I picked it back up yesterday after my mom returned it to me. She enjoyed it too, by the way. Expect a review on this soon because it has already blown me away. I only have about 40 pages left. Here is the blurb:
Marriott Cole knows that sometimes it is difficult to trust God, especially during the most challenging moments. In her memoir, Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate, Cole chronicles a life with more than its share of difficulties while demonstrating how she overcame tragedy through the miracle of prayer, laughter, and the grace of God's love. Cole shares poignant anecdotes with accompanying Scripture, tracing her life journey beginning with the details of her first conversation with her birth mother. Despite the horrifying details of her conception, Cole describes how she was eventually led to forgiveness and to accept a second family into her heart. As she retraces her complex life and reveals her unique problem solving strategies, Cole details how she learned to rely on not only her faith, but also her inner strength as she bravely faced widowhood and the terrifying thought of raising seven children on her own. Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate challenges spiritual seekers everywhere to either develop or rekindle a relationship with Jesus Christ and to always remember that He is with us-no matter what comes our way in life. "This is an amazing story of God's faithfulness, love and incredible miracles in the life of His faithful child. . . . Marriott is a real woman with real heartaches and triumphs. Her life story will touch many, many hearts . . . " - Amy McGuire, author of The Heart's Discovery
Marriott Cole knows that sometimes it is difficult to trust God, especially during the most challenging moments. In her memoir, Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate, Cole chronicles a life with more than its share of difficulties while demonstrating how she overcame tragedy through the miracle of prayer, laughter, and the grace of God's love. Cole shares poignant anecdotes with accompanying Scripture, tracing her life journey beginning with the details of her first conversation with her birth mother. Despite the horrifying details of her conception, Cole describes how she was eventually led to forgiveness and to accept a second family into her heart. As she retraces her complex life and reveals her unique problem solving strategies, Cole details how she learned to rely on not only her faith, but also her inner strength as she bravely faced widowhood and the terrifying thought of raising seven children on her own. Grace, Miracles, and Chocolate challenges spiritual seekers everywhere to either develop or rekindle a relationship with Jesus Christ and to always remember that He is with us-no matter what comes our way in life. "This is an amazing story of God's faithfulness, love and incredible miracles in the life of His faithful child. . . . Marriott is a real woman with real heartaches and triumphs. Her life story will touch many, many hearts . . . " - Amy McGuire, author of The Heart's Discovery
Samantha Fury writes what she likes to call "Life Fiction." I'm not a big romance reader, but as you can see on the cover, this is also a cop story. I happen to love cop stories. I have started this book (yes, I'm a multi-tasker) and am really enjoying it. I have a daughter named Charlee (different spelling), so I thought that was a neat coincidence. Of course you wouldn't care about that, but I'm a mom, so humor me. Anyway, this is a series, so WARNING, you might get hooked on the first one and wind up reading all of Fury's books. Don't say I didn't warn you. Here is the blurb:
Christian Mystery Romance Series
Charlie's Angel Book 1
Charlie's life in Northern Ohio is ordinary and consistent. When her dad loses his job, fighting becomes an every day event. Moving in with her sister only makes matters worse. Her life is turned upside down. In a desperate attempt to find a safe haven,she ends up on the streets of Chicago.
Here she's introduced to a different kind of world. A place where crime lords and women of the night come out to play. Charlie finds herself at the mercy of Rico DeLusa, a local crime lord. When she begins having feelings for one of Rico's employees, Angel Blackwell, she wonders if she's out of her element. Is she being drawn into their world, instead of being a light in a dark place?
Blackmail, prostitution and drugs were never a part of her life, but they are now. Charlie finds herself in the middle of a fight between good and evil. She needs the strength to overcome, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the insight to follow what is right Instead of listening to her heart.
Angel Blackwell is an undercover cop, trying to find some incrementing evidence on Rico Delusa. Charlie Anderson stumbles into the middle of his investigation, distracting him.
Can he manage to get the goods on Rico, while keeping his mind on the business at hand, instead of the pretty red head that keeps getting in his way.
Will he be able to keep Charlie safe and keep his cover intact at the same time. His temper and jealous nature could end up causing him to lose his focus.
Christian Mystery Romance Series
Charlie's Angel Book 1
Charlie's life in Northern Ohio is ordinary and consistent. When her dad loses his job, fighting becomes an every day event. Moving in with her sister only makes matters worse. Her life is turned upside down. In a desperate attempt to find a safe haven,she ends up on the streets of Chicago.
Here she's introduced to a different kind of world. A place where crime lords and women of the night come out to play. Charlie finds herself at the mercy of Rico DeLusa, a local crime lord. When she begins having feelings for one of Rico's employees, Angel Blackwell, she wonders if she's out of her element. Is she being drawn into their world, instead of being a light in a dark place?
Blackmail, prostitution and drugs were never a part of her life, but they are now. Charlie finds herself in the middle of a fight between good and evil. She needs the strength to overcome, the wisdom to make the right choices, and the insight to follow what is right Instead of listening to her heart.
Angel Blackwell is an undercover cop, trying to find some incrementing evidence on Rico Delusa. Charlie Anderson stumbles into the middle of his investigation, distracting him.
Can he manage to get the goods on Rico, while keeping his mind on the business at hand, instead of the pretty red head that keeps getting in his way.
Will he be able to keep Charlie safe and keep his cover intact at the same time. His temper and jealous nature could end up causing him to lose his focus.
Oh boy, am I excited about this one! This is the sequel to "A Dodge, A Twist, and A Tobacconist" which I loved! This is a small genre that a lot of people haven't heard of called Steampunk. I really have nothing to compare Sophronia Belle Lyon's books to since I'm one of the people who had never even heard of Steampunk till recently, but I think this series would be among the best. You can read my review of the first book here. Get them both. I think you'll love them. Here is the blurb for this book:
Oliver Twist takes up the tale of the company's adventures after "the Battle of the Bronze Cascade". Can he trust Spring-heeled Jack when so many strange things happen each time he comes around? Costume balls conceal more than the faces of the wealthy and powerful. Trevor Newsome disappears just days before the election but they can't search for him from the London Lockup. When the trip to Switzerland finally becomes a reality, it's for a funeral, not for a wedding.
They begin to learn about quests for power and immortality. In Switzerland they see different kinds of worship of very different kinds of men with terrifying and tragic consequences. And when Long John Silver arrives, Oliver has to do some fast thinking to protect more than just his own life from the pirate who says he only cares about rescuing his daughter.Facebook fan comment:
"Finished the Pprentices! Loved it! Such fun...It's really wonderful. I know how hard it is to keep the pace and the sense of fun in a sequel. And you did! Perfectly!"
"Twist! Look out!" I spun and swung wildly as the crack of a Colt revolver split the air. Sluefoot Sue had both her firearms out and was shooting at something below me. To my astonishment tentacles rose out of the Thames and wrapped themselves around the Catfish. Each time one of Sue's bullets struck them they disappeared under the water again, but when she paused to reload they re-emerged and began to reach for me, climbing the Catfish sub. I hastily winched myself over toward the dock but a tentacle grabbed hold of my leg just as I started to set myself down. It flung me down on the dock and started dragging me to the edge.
"Hey, boss lady!" Dobbs, Sue's assistant, hollered out from inside the workshop. I was just able to see a pump-action shotgun cartwheel through the air and land in Sue's gloved hands. Just before it began to blast me deaf, I realized that it was in fact no ordinary shotgun, rather had some sort of gattling action, and a bit more. I hoped I would get a better look at it rather than end up 20,000 leagues under in some sea monster's maw.
Oliver Twist takes up the tale of the company's adventures after "the Battle of the Bronze Cascade". Can he trust Spring-heeled Jack when so many strange things happen each time he comes around? Costume balls conceal more than the faces of the wealthy and powerful. Trevor Newsome disappears just days before the election but they can't search for him from the London Lockup. When the trip to Switzerland finally becomes a reality, it's for a funeral, not for a wedding.
They begin to learn about quests for power and immortality. In Switzerland they see different kinds of worship of very different kinds of men with terrifying and tragic consequences. And when Long John Silver arrives, Oliver has to do some fast thinking to protect more than just his own life from the pirate who says he only cares about rescuing his daughter.Facebook fan comment:
"Finished the Pprentices! Loved it! Such fun...It's really wonderful. I know how hard it is to keep the pace and the sense of fun in a sequel. And you did! Perfectly!"
"Twist! Look out!" I spun and swung wildly as the crack of a Colt revolver split the air. Sluefoot Sue had both her firearms out and was shooting at something below me. To my astonishment tentacles rose out of the Thames and wrapped themselves around the Catfish. Each time one of Sue's bullets struck them they disappeared under the water again, but when she paused to reload they re-emerged and began to reach for me, climbing the Catfish sub. I hastily winched myself over toward the dock but a tentacle grabbed hold of my leg just as I started to set myself down. It flung me down on the dock and started dragging me to the edge.
"Hey, boss lady!" Dobbs, Sue's assistant, hollered out from inside the workshop. I was just able to see a pump-action shotgun cartwheel through the air and land in Sue's gloved hands. Just before it began to blast me deaf, I realized that it was in fact no ordinary shotgun, rather had some sort of gattling action, and a bit more. I hoped I would get a better look at it rather than end up 20,000 leagues under in some sea monster's maw.
This is the first in a SciFi / Fantasy series by Krystine Kercher. I haven't read any of her works as of yet, but I'm looking forward to this one. It's got good reviews. Here is the blurb:
In the far north of Altesse, amid giants’ ruins and simmering volcanos, a shadow lies over the imperiled kingdom of Astarkand.
Carrying ancient relics, a blue-cloaked dragon knight has arrived in town. The minstrels give him a bigger swagger than he knows he deserves. The crown prince is furiously jealous of his fame and respect. The king secretly plots to bring him down while welcoming him at court. Does the dragon knight, Bjorn Horsa have what it takes to outwit the king, or did he just get lucky with the dragon?
Wary of the mysterious tenders of lake and stream, terrified of the immortal prince Vodan’s plagues and storms, and alienated from the Dreamsender by their efforts to appease Vodan, Kandians seek a deliverer. A five hundred year-old prophecy brought Bjorn Horsa north over steep, mountain passes to confront Vodan. Before he can be anyone's deliverer, he must first take up the mantle of Eiathan's Heir, and ascend the throne of Astarkand.
Just one little problem: Olaf is king. Has he ever got it in for one Bjorn Horsa...
In the far north of Altesse, amid giants’ ruins and simmering volcanos, a shadow lies over the imperiled kingdom of Astarkand.
Carrying ancient relics, a blue-cloaked dragon knight has arrived in town. The minstrels give him a bigger swagger than he knows he deserves. The crown prince is furiously jealous of his fame and respect. The king secretly plots to bring him down while welcoming him at court. Does the dragon knight, Bjorn Horsa have what it takes to outwit the king, or did he just get lucky with the dragon?
Wary of the mysterious tenders of lake and stream, terrified of the immortal prince Vodan’s plagues and storms, and alienated from the Dreamsender by their efforts to appease Vodan, Kandians seek a deliverer. A five hundred year-old prophecy brought Bjorn Horsa north over steep, mountain passes to confront Vodan. Before he can be anyone's deliverer, he must first take up the mantle of Eiathan's Heir, and ascend the throne of Astarkand.
Just one little problem: Olaf is king. Has he ever got it in for one Bjorn Horsa...
Okay, I know I said I don't like romance, and I really don't. But, who wouldn't love this cover? And it's short, so I'm going to give it a try. I might add that this book and its sequel (not sure if it's a sequel or just very similar) have been high on the Amazon top sellers list for a while, so Suzanne D. Williams must be doing something right. This book is a YA Christian romance, so if you like hot and steamy, take your clothes off, lustful books about werewolves and vampires, don't read this and then complain that it's too clean or preachy. That's kind of pet peeve of mine as a Christian author. Just thought I'd throw that in there. Okay, here's the blurb:
Seventeen-year-old Taylor Lawton has a crush on Timothy Cooper, a boy at her school, and as crushes go, things are normal. He ignores her. She doesn't speak to him. Until their English teacher, Mrs. Walker puts them on a project together.
A turn of fate then throws them both for a loop. For an entire week, they will stay beneath the same roof. Will this be too much togetherness? What will Taylor do with Timothy's painful secret?
A light novella with a touching storyline, this tale is enjoyable for both young adults and grown-ups alike.
Seventeen-year-old Taylor Lawton has a crush on Timothy Cooper, a boy at her school, and as crushes go, things are normal. He ignores her. She doesn't speak to him. Until their English teacher, Mrs. Walker puts them on a project together.
A turn of fate then throws them both for a loop. For an entire week, they will stay beneath the same roof. Will this be too much togetherness? What will Taylor do with Timothy's painful secret?
A light novella with a touching storyline, this tale is enjoyable for both young adults and grown-ups alike.
Before I became such a huge fantasy fan, I always read murder mysteries. So here's one I've had on my Kindle for a while that I'm finally going to get to. Yes, it has some romance in it, but that's okay. There's also murder and mystery, so that makes it okay. I must tell you that before I downloaded this one as a freebie a while back, I made use of the "Look Inside" feature. I was hooked from the first couple of pages. Susette Williams writes multi-genres. I have to add that she recently released a children's book that looks cute too. So visit her author page to find out more if you have little ones. Here's the blurb:
Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.
When Bailey catches the culprits arranging to dispose of another body, she's out to help the two of them dig their own grave and if she’s lucky, Detective Max Wellington will keep them from arranging her funeral.
Maid for Murder is a trilogy that begins with Deadly Business. The story continues throughout the trilogy as Bailey uncovers deception, corruption and a few secrets that may forever change her life. As the threads of deceit unravel, the murders begin to break out like a case of Bubonic Plague.
Bailey is a Christian, struggling to keep on the path she knows is right, fighting the temptation of the hunky Detective Max Wellington who would like nothing more than to take her into protective custody, for more than just interfering in police business.
I hope that you will enjoy the inspirational, humorous trilogy as it continues with Deadly Confessions...someone has some secrets they want kept quiet; and Deadly Deception...who can you really trust?
Bailey inherits her grandfather’s business, Maid For You, but cleaning up dead body parts wasn’t part of the job description. Bailey hopes to wipe out crime with the help of Nate, her computer hacker assistant, despite protests of their involvement in the case from Detective Max Wellington.
When Bailey catches the culprits arranging to dispose of another body, she's out to help the two of them dig their own grave and if she’s lucky, Detective Max Wellington will keep them from arranging her funeral.
Maid for Murder is a trilogy that begins with Deadly Business. The story continues throughout the trilogy as Bailey uncovers deception, corruption and a few secrets that may forever change her life. As the threads of deceit unravel, the murders begin to break out like a case of Bubonic Plague.
Bailey is a Christian, struggling to keep on the path she knows is right, fighting the temptation of the hunky Detective Max Wellington who would like nothing more than to take her into protective custody, for more than just interfering in police business.
I hope that you will enjoy the inspirational, humorous trilogy as it continues with Deadly Confessions...someone has some secrets they want kept quiet; and Deadly Deception...who can you really trust?
Hey, here's another suspenseful mystery! And it's a short story. I enjoy short stories. They're great for moms with babies who are into everything and demand a lot of attention. This one can be read during your little one's nap, so grab it for under a buck and read it! Read about Christian author Laura J. Marshall on her author page if you would like to see her other titles. She has some devotionals as well. Here's the blurb:
Christian Romantic Suspense Novella set in 1685, England.
Fear has been Tara's constant companion since age nine when she witnessed her mother's murder. Tara's father moves his family to the ancient castle of Raven's Cliff, far from the ships that could carry her back to India and the answers she believes lie there. Andrew offers her friendship and guides her gently to the One who will give her peace. Will she find hope for something other than revenge?
Christian Romantic Suspense Novella set in 1685, England.
Fear has been Tara's constant companion since age nine when she witnessed her mother's murder. Tara's father moves his family to the ancient castle of Raven's Cliff, far from the ships that could carry her back to India and the answers she believes lie there. Andrew offers her friendship and guides her gently to the One who will give her peace. Will she find hope for something other than revenge?
My 13-year-old daughter plans to read this one over the summer. We home~school, and I require my kids to continue their reading even when school is out. She has dyslexia, but her reading level is now where it should be, praise God! I think she will like this book. It's the first in a series, and it's only 99 cents! The genre is historical and it's for young teens. See more titles by Sheila Hollinghead here. Here is the blurb:
Depression Era teen, Sarah Jane, struggles with a controlling mother on a south Alabama farm. Troubles accumulate when a freak thunder-snow strikes. Yet, the storm also brings peace and refuge, if Sarah Jane will only seek it . . . in the shadow of the cedar.
Depression Era teen, Sarah Jane, struggles with a controlling mother on a south Alabama farm. Troubles accumulate when a freak thunder-snow strikes. Yet, the storm also brings peace and refuge, if Sarah Jane will only seek it . . . in the shadow of the cedar.
My 15-year-old son and I are both fans of William Woodall. Please check him out. He's a wonderful YA author, but adults will enjoy his work too. Anyway, my son is on his 4th book right now by Woodall, and it is a part of this series. It's Christian, so don't expect gore or horror, but that doesn't make it boring either. I assign 2 chapters per day for required reading, but my son reads more when it's something from this author. Kudos! Here is the blurb:
Zach Trewick always thought he'd become a writer someday, or maybe play baseball for the Texas Rangers. What he never imagined in his craziest dreams was that he'd find himself dodging bullets and crashing cars off mountainsides, let alone that he'd ever be expected to break the ancient werewolf curse which hangs over his family.
Even worse, his parents are determined to fight him tooth and nail to keep the Curse intact, his friends are not much help, and he's not quite sure his girlfriend isn't secretly trying to kill him.
And that's just for starters.
But Zach is the last of the werewolf hunters, the long-foretold Curse-Breaker who can wipe out the wolves forever, and he's not the type to give up just because of a few minor setbacks. . .
No matter what the cost, Zach must somehow find the courage and the faith in God to make an end.
Zach Trewick always thought he'd become a writer someday, or maybe play baseball for the Texas Rangers. What he never imagined in his craziest dreams was that he'd find himself dodging bullets and crashing cars off mountainsides, let alone that he'd ever be expected to break the ancient werewolf curse which hangs over his family.
Even worse, his parents are determined to fight him tooth and nail to keep the Curse intact, his friends are not much help, and he's not quite sure his girlfriend isn't secretly trying to kill him.
And that's just for starters.
But Zach is the last of the werewolf hunters, the long-foretold Curse-Breaker who can wipe out the wolves forever, and he's not the type to give up just because of a few minor setbacks. . .
No matter what the cost, Zach must somehow find the courage and the faith in God to make an end.
This is the 3rd book in the "Land of Betrovia" fantasy trilogy by Dave King. My son has read the first two and is anxious to read the conclusion. I have read one of King's short stories and thought it was wonderful. Check it out if you love parables. Here is the blurb for Ahnak:
Ahnak, the ancient city of the Dark Lords ...
Great Desert Muads and Haarigoian plainsmen have long savaged Betrovian forests, being controlled from that gray stone fortress. Now, General Demirain of Lycentia intends to make Ahnak his platform for imperial incursions into the Plains of Dreut and the Great Desert.
Patrik and his daughter Galena survived the brutal late-night attack in Lycentia but the priest Teophelus was not so fortunate. He implores Patrik to deliver Harrak's scrolls to the Netherene High Priest.
Galena, enraged about losing Teophelus, knows she cannot bring him back but wishes there was something she could do to prevent her father from suffering a similar fate. How might a trip back to Noran solve her problem?
Edelin approaches the Dark Lords' former bastion. Fates still smiles on him, the stolen priestly medallion assures him. As Edelin nears Ahnak’s gates, tainted with deception, intrigue and thievery, he anticipates a profitable future if, once more, people fall for his false charms. It worked with that old fool Patrik, back when he kept The Lonely Fox Inn.
Ahnak: Edelin's Revelation – book three of The Land of Betrovia trilogy
Ahnak, the ancient city of the Dark Lords ...
Great Desert Muads and Haarigoian plainsmen have long savaged Betrovian forests, being controlled from that gray stone fortress. Now, General Demirain of Lycentia intends to make Ahnak his platform for imperial incursions into the Plains of Dreut and the Great Desert.
Patrik and his daughter Galena survived the brutal late-night attack in Lycentia but the priest Teophelus was not so fortunate. He implores Patrik to deliver Harrak's scrolls to the Netherene High Priest.
Galena, enraged about losing Teophelus, knows she cannot bring him back but wishes there was something she could do to prevent her father from suffering a similar fate. How might a trip back to Noran solve her problem?
Edelin approaches the Dark Lords' former bastion. Fates still smiles on him, the stolen priestly medallion assures him. As Edelin nears Ahnak’s gates, tainted with deception, intrigue and thievery, he anticipates a profitable future if, once more, people fall for his false charms. It worked with that old fool Patrik, back when he kept The Lonely Fox Inn.
Ahnak: Edelin's Revelation – book three of The Land of Betrovia trilogy
Okay, so now comes the horror genre. My son loves this series by Cynthia Melton. We are huge zombie fans, so this series is a perfect summer read for your teen. This is the latest book in the series, so go ahead and pick up the first two before reading this one. Here is the blurb:
Chalice's and Colton's group of survivors is growing, but their stock of supplies aren't. When they find a place to settle for a while, it seems other survivors want what they have and send the largest horde of undead their way Chalice has seen yet, not to mention Colton brings a woman back from the dead. The road to a safe place is long and Chalice begins to fear they'll never find a place safe from the dead who now rule the world. Will they find their haven? Will they ever be able to forge a new "normal" life?
Chalice's and Colton's group of survivors is growing, but their stock of supplies aren't. When they find a place to settle for a while, it seems other survivors want what they have and send the largest horde of undead their way Chalice has seen yet, not to mention Colton brings a woman back from the dead. The road to a safe place is long and Chalice begins to fear they'll never find a place safe from the dead who now rule the world. Will they find their haven? Will they ever be able to forge a new "normal" life?
So my son has this YA book on his reading list for 2 reasons: he has read some of Adam Bolander's fanfiction that can be found here and loved it, AND because of this wonderful interview by author Brad Francis. Seriously, take the time to read this interview; it's great. Just in case you decide not to read the interview, here is the blurb:
Porter Collins is a Slayer with no mercy. Sarah Heisen is a sphinx with no freedom. Brought together in a life altering accident, they find themselves hopelessly lost in the wilderness. Once mortal enemies, they must now rely on each other if they wish to survive. Going against everything they've ever known, they travel together, beginning a journey that is destined to change the world.
Porter Collins is a Slayer with no mercy. Sarah Heisen is a sphinx with no freedom. Brought together in a life altering accident, they find themselves hopelessly lost in the wilderness. Once mortal enemies, they must now rely on each other if they wish to survive. Going against everything they've ever known, they travel together, beginning a journey that is destined to change the world.
Thank you for joining me under the willow tree. Enjoy your summer! God bless!
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