Love Finds You ... in Lonesome Prairie, Montana, book #22

 

This takes us back to the pioneers & indians and it was a really good read.  The description below doesn't really do it justice, just trust me it's a good one.

In 1890, Julia Cavanaugh travels west from New York City to unite orphans in her care with new families.  Imagine her horror when she discovers that she’s to be “delivered,” too–as bride to an uncouth miner! But with no return fare, Julia’s options are bleak.  What does God have planned for her on the lonesome prairies of Montana? (picture and description at Amazon)

Not sure the next book I've already started will be as good, but we shall see.  

In other news, these two lovebirds got married last weekend! 😊I've never in my life seen two people so happy at the their wedding and laughing with joy all day long.

Keep Reading!

Melissa

The Wedding Machine, book #21

 

If I've said it once this year, I've said it a million times.  Don't judge a book by it's cover!  This one looked like a fun read ~ perfect since Leah's wedding is coming up in just one week! - and it even sounded cute too.  

But alas .... not a BAD book, just not as silly and funny as I thought it would be.  Much deeper than I imagined.  

Welcome to Jasper, South Carolina. A place where Southern hospitality thrives. Where social occasions are done right. And where, for generations, the four most upstanding ladies of this community ensure that the daughters of Jasper are married in the proper manner.  Friends from school days, "the gals" have long pooled their silver, china, and know-how to pull off beautiful events. They're a force of nature, a well-oiled machine. But the wedding machine's gears start to stick during the summer their own daughters line up to tie the knot. In the lowcountry heat and humidity, tempers flare, old secrets leak out . . . and both love and gardenias bloom in unlikely places. (picture and description at Amazon)

Next up I'm back out west, with orphans and maybe a bride?

Happy summer reading!

Melissa

A Bride for a Bit, book #20

Remember me telling you to just keep reading?  Well, this one was another absolutely amazing book!  Even though I read a few I didn't particularly care of so far this year, the last book and this one are quickly making up for it!  

I knew this book was going to be super fun and I was not entirely disappointed.  It is a "series" book of sorts ~ there are stories about four different sisters and there were four different authors.  It is always interesting to read a continuing story, where one author picks up where another ends.  The last story was not my favorite, I just felt like the characters were not fleshed out enough and the action was really short.  But all in all I would recommend it!

Misreading an order for bridles, a New England farmer sends his four sisters-in-law as mail-order brides to Lickwind, Wyoming. When the four women step off the train, astonishment turns to mayhem as the men of the town suddenly spruce up and make time for courting. Since James Collingswood - still without tack for his horses - can't afford train tickets to send the women back, they'll have to stay. But what future is there in Lickwind for: Matty, the sociable sister who irritates James' very soul with her unending friendliness to the eager men of Lickwind. Corrine, the mom-to-be still so pained over her young husband's death that she barely knows Luke Collingswood is alive. Bess, who insists that the town must have a church, reform the brothel women, and straighten up the saloon keeper, Gideon Rikers. Bertie, who can outperform any man she ever meets...until the mysterious Thomas Hardin becomes her personal protection agency. Under such absurd circumstances, the sisters will certainly find laughter in Lickwind...but will they also find love? One thing's for sure - the town will never be the same again! (picture and description at Amazon)

Not sure yet what I'm reading next, there is a nonfiction that has caught my eye, but with the next two weeks being a blur of finishing school and final wedding planning, I might just need to pick up a fun, light fiction.  

What's on your summer reading list?

Melissa

 

Secret Agent Father, book #19

 

Ok yes, I full on expected cheesy with this book.  It's a small book, only 216 pages and the description sounded so-so.  BUT AGAIN, let's not judge a book by that!!  I was pleasantly surprised that this was a really, really good book!  I'd higly recommend it if you can find it.

Although he’s never met the boy who arrives on his doorstep, undercover DEA agent Alex McCade can’t deny the truth. The four-year-old is his child, and—like father, like son—little Cody has landed himself in the middle of a dangerous situation.  Cody is the only one who can identify his mother’s killer. And the boy’s beautiful aunt, Shelby Jacobson, is hoping that Alex can help uncover the truth. Now, with a killer after his newfound family, Alex will do anything to keep Cody and Shelby safely by his side.  (picture and description at Amazon)

I've already started another one from the stack of my mother in law's books and it is a HOOT!  I'm only part was through and am loving every bit of it!

Happy Reading!

Melissa

Home Sweet Tiny Home, book #17

 

A little cheesy, a little predictable, but a quick, fun read none the less.

Kate Burrows has a life many would envy—a good job at a design firm, a huge house, beautiful memories of the late husband who gave her everything, and two grown kids doing well for themselves. But it’s all begun to ring hollow as she wanders around a house that’s too big for her. So when she gets caught up in binge watching a show all about tiny homes, something clicks—something that soon has Kate embarking on a whole new life.  Though some people call her crazy, she decides to quit her job and relocate to the small tourist town she and her husband always wanted to retire to, and to buy a tiny home of her own. The Lord seems to be paving the way, and she soon meets just the person she needs to help her get her dream going—and even growing! Hank Branson, architect and gentleman farmer, is quick to jump on board her dream to parcel some land off for tiny homes, and soon they have a community in the works.  But is Kate in over her head? How can she possibly uproot her whole life and chase dreams long dormant? Can Hank and his beautiful farm be as perfect as they seem? And what about their competition—the gregarious, confident Glen who won’t take no for an answer?  Kate may be moving into a tiny house…but it soon becomes clear she’s in for a big adventure. (picture and description at Amazon)

Can't wait till Book Club this week!

Keep reading ...

Melissa

Divine, book #16

 

Wow wow wow.  I've been suffering through books lately and not enjoying them, but this has made up for it!  In fact, I read all 350 pages in TWO DAYS!!!  It almost reminded me of reading Redeeming Love ~ you LITERALLY can not put it down!!  Go find this book and read it NOW!!

Mary Madison is educated and redeemed, a powerful voice in Washington, D.C. But she also has a past that shamed polite society. A survivor of unspeakable horror, Mary has battled paralyzing fear, faithlessness, addiction, and promiscuity. Yet even in her darkest valley, Mary was sustained from afar, prayed over by a grandmother who clung to the belief that God had special plans for Mary. Now a divine power has set Mary free to bring life-changing hope and love to battered women living in the shadow of the nation’s capital―women like Emma Johnson. A single mother fleeing an abusive relationship, Emma wonders whether there is hope for her and her young daughters. She is desperate, broken, and unloved . . . and tempted to commit the unthinkable. Then Mary introduces Emma to the greatest love of all, greater than any either of them has ever imagined. (Picture and description from Amazon)

We are in the process of cleaning out my MIL's house and she has A LOT of books.  I brought home about 2 bags full, so that should keep my busy with "real books" -- my goal for this year.

See what I say ... just keep reading, you'll get to a good one again!

Melissa

The Orchard, book #15

 

Not my favorite book by a long shot.  This could have been half as long without all the unnecessary details in every sentence.   

For generations, Ellie Hostetler's family has tended their Lancaster County orchard, a tradition her twin brother, Evan, will someday continue. Yet when Evan's draft number is called up in the lottery for the Vietnam War, the family is shocked to learn he has not sought conscientious objector status, despite their Old Order Amish belief in non-resistance. The faraway war that has caused so much turmoil and grief among their Englisher neighbors threatens too close to home.  As Evan departs for boot camp, Ellie confides her disappointment toSol Bontrager, the brother of her best friend and cousin to her new beau, Menno. In contrast to Evan, Sol is a conscientious objector. Despite Ellie's attraction to Menno, she finds herself drawn to Sol's steady presence as they work together in the orchard. Suddenly, it feels as if everything in Ellie's world is shifting, and the plans she held so dear seem increasingly uncertain. Can she and her family find the courage to face a future unlike any they could have imagined?  (Picture and description at Amazon)

Keep Reading!

Melissa