Interception ~ Review

Interception
Javin Pierce Spy Thriller #5
By Ethan Jones

Javin Pierce is back in action and about to get back into the good graces of CIS if he manages to complete his current mission - a mission that finds he and Claudia working with the Chinese intelligence agency. There is potentially a traitor in their midsts and he or she has managed to take out two of China's agents. China wants answers and justice for their murdered agents.

To bring the truth to light Javin and Claudia must bring a Chinese hacker into their fold - they can't trust him but they need him and his cyberbending skills if they are to bring their unknown target down.

But a traitor isn't Javin's only concern - he has managed to make an enemy (which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who has read the previous 4 books). And now Javin's got a target on his back that threatens his current mission. And this mission is about to take him from China to Mongolia to France and finally Monaco. And there is an interesting scene involving a priest and a very expensive sports car that you'll just have to read to fully appreciate!

Interception is one thriller that will keep you reading from the first word until the last...


About the Book:

They’re tracking you… 

Back into service after going rogue, Javin Pierce and his partner Claudia are working with the Chinese intelligence agency to discover a traitor among their ranks. Paired with a team they can’t trust, the agents are facing a crafty hacker that moves in the darkest shadows of cyberspace. As Javin and Claudia get closer to discovering the traitor’s identity, they realize this is only the beginning…

As they now go head-to-head against a man determined to sacrifice all others to save himself, how will Javin and Claudia outwit the hacker and bring down the traitor posing as a patriot?

Her Colorado Cowboy

Her Colorado Cowboy
Rocky Mountain Heroes #3
By Mindy Obenhaus

Lily Davis is determined to give her kids the summer that they deserve while hopefully giving her son a reset on his attitude and behavioral issues. Issues that can be squarely placed on her ex-husband's lack of interest in their kids. And his betrayal has her level of trust in others, especially men at a fairly low level. Ouray Colorado seems the perfect place to get away from their normal and where they won't be known.

When Lily's children Colton and Piper talk her into letting them go horseback riding at Blessed Assurance Ranch their summer is about to change for the better. When Colton attempts to steal something from the ranch and then lies about it Noah Stephens isn't about to let this pass but he is sure Lily Davis is going to be like most well-to-do parents and try to buy her son a free pass on the consequences of his actions. Surprisingly Lily is all for Colton having to work off his punishment at the ranch.

The only issue Lily has with having to spend more time at the ranch is her fear of horses. A fear that Noah thinks he can help her overcome but there is just this little issue of trust involved and Lily just doesn't know Noah well enough to trust him. As summer progresses Noah needs the assistance that Lily's life in Denver has afforded her experience in - event planning is what he needs for the grand opening of his rodeo school. The rodeo school is his dream - a chance to help kids who need an outlet that instills responsibility and confidence.

Though neither Lily or Noah wants a second chance at love this summer just might give them the chance to find it. But Noah's heart still belongs to the wife he lost more than a decade ago. And Lily doesn't want to end up in another marriage in which she is merely an accessory until something better comes along. But there is something about Ouray Colorado that just makes those who visit want to call it home.

This is the third book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and another enjoyable visit with the Stephens family in Ouray, Colorado. Find a cozy corner and visit for awhile you too just might want to stay.

The book can be read on its own and you won't miss too much by not reading the other two books first as this book focuses mainly on Noah and not the rest of the Stephens family. But I'm sure after reading this one you'll want to backtrack and catch up with all the doings in Ouray and the Stephens clan.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Lassoing the single mom’s heart… 

Socialite Lily Davis agrees to take her children riding…despite her fear of horses. But now widowed cowboy Noah Stephens is determined to help her get comfortable in the saddle. And, at her children’s insistence, Lily finds herself promoting his rodeo school. As Noah and Lily work together, will Noah continue to shield his heart…or can they discover a love that conquers both their fears?

Author: Mindy Obenhaus 

Genre: Contemporary Romance 

Publisher: Love Inspired 

Release Date: April 1, 2019 

ISBN: 9781335539137

Romancing Lord Ramsbury ~ Review

Romancing Lord Rambury
Brides of Brighton #3
By Ashtyn Newbold

Grace Weston has a vast knowledge of courtship and romance and she has determined that her elder sister Harriett is the perfect match for Mr. William Harrison. But Harriett has determined that her happiness is dependent upon marrying a gentleman with a title and a large estate of which Mr. Harrison has neither.

But her sister's reluctance is not a deterrent to Grace who agrees to Harriett's challenge that she romance Lord Ramsbury with her acquired book knowledge. If Grace could secure a proposal of marriage then she would agree to three meetings with Mr. Harrison.

Lord Ramsbury, Edward Beaumont, the future Earl of Coventry, is considered by all to be the most sought after bachelor in Brighton and the trail of broken hearts in his wake showed he was not one to be easily ensnared by marriage-hungry misses and their social climbing mothers. His disreputable ways have brought him an ultimatum from his father - marry and before his father's death and his position as heir to the Coventry title and estate would be restored. But his father's quickly failing health leaves him little time to court, propose and have his offer be accepted.

Three years prior Lord Ramsbury broke Grace's heart and earned him her eternal scorn. Now, Grace finds herself in a position she never expected - playing the simpering fool to Lord Ramsbury's attentions. But she has determined to break his heart by securing his offer of marriage and then refusing him in an attempt to show him that he can't toy with a heart without consequences.

But Lord Ramsbury isn't about to no for an answer and determines to convince Grace that he is more than the scoundrel who broke her heart three years ago. And as his title and wealth weren't an inducement for Grace to accept his offer he is determined that she accept him as himself instead. But can he win Grace's heart in time to satisfy his father's requirements or will his title be lost before Grace agrees to be his wife?  And would a lord without a title or lands be enough to win any lady's heart? Only time will tell.

I've absolutely been waiting for this book. In A Convenient Engagement, Lord Ramsbury's proposal of marriage to Amelia was turned down and when he offered courtship advice to Philip Honeyfield in Marrying Miss Milton I wanted to know Lord Ramsbury's story as one could tell underneath his showy facade there was a caring hurting person hidden away. And this book was well worth the wait - loved it!

About the Book:

Miss Grace Weston has read countless books involving courtship and romance. Putting her knowledge into practice, she offers her assistance in finding a match for her sister, declaring herself an expert in romance. She is well-read on the subject, after all. 

When a bargain between sisters is struck, Grace is unable to resist a challenge. She must prove her expertise by gaining a proposal, one she plans to reject, from the man whose fleeting flirtation left her heart in ruin years before: Lord Ramsbury, the next Earl of Coventry. 

But Lord Ramsbury's pride does not take well to rejection, especially when he learns he must marry to keep his inheritance. And so he undertakes a challenge of his own: He will change Grace’s mind. In a battle of pride and proposals, his heart becomes more involved than he ever thought possible. To win the battle and Grace’s heart, he must employ his most harmful weapon. 

But what is so harmful about a bit of romance? 

The Deputy's Holiday Family ~ Review

The Deputy's Holiday Family
Rocky Mountain Heroes #2
By Mindy Obenhaus

Lacie Collier's life has once again been upended. Since her sister's death, she has been caring for her 5-year-old niece Kenzie. And now she finds herself in search of a new job - not that it should difficult to find a new one with her experience in interior design. But first, she needs to give Kenzie the best Christmas she can but with her mother's ban on all things Christmas Lacie has a problem if she plans on spending Christmas in Ouray.

Matt Stephens is surprised when Lacie Collier arrives in Ouray with her young niece in tow. But he's even more surprised when he discovers that she's going to be in the play that he's just agreed to direct. And her experience is just what he needs if he doesn't want to fail or further prove his father's less than positive assessment of him as true.

When Matt meets Kenzie there is something about her that is familiar and it's not that she looks like her mother Marissa. But when he stumbles upon the truth he and Lacie will have to work past the tension and past hurts to provide Kenzie with a Christmas she'll never forget. But Lacie's sure of one thing she's not about to lose her heart once again to Matt Stephens and maybe if she keeps telling herself that she'll succeed. But how do you tell your heart to stop caring?

Matt's determined to be in Kenzie's life after missing out on the first 5 years. But with Lacie searching for a job on the other side of the state he has some serious thinking to do. Could he convince Lacie that Ouray has everything she could ever need or want, with him at the top of the list? It may take a Christmas miracle to bring these holiday wishes true.

This is the second book in the Rocky Mountain Heroes series and it is just as enjoyable as the first book Their Ranch Reunion. Matt is living with the pressure of just never quite measuring up to his father's standards and he wants more than anything to earn his father's respect and pride. Lacie is determined to be the best mother she can for her niece but doing it all on her own comes with its own issues and she's just not sure how to do it all on her own. This is a second chance for two people who took a wrong turn along the way. I liked how this book seems to pick up fairly close to where the first book ends. For those who are wondering this is a clean gentle read.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A Family for Christmas

Lacie Collier is determined to give her niece, Kenzie, the best Christmas! But Lacie’s got her work cut out for her when they spend the holidays at her Christmas-averse mother’s home. With his focus on keeping his own mother’s holiday traditions alive, sheriff’s deputy Matt Stephens is surprised to see his old friend Lacie back in Ouray. He’s always regretted that their friendship became strained after he started dating her sister in high school. But it’s pure shock he experiences when he sees Kenzie, whose uncanny resemblance to Matt is undeniable. This Christmas will bring new memories for Lacie and Matt…if they can open themselves to the possibility of love,

Author: Mindy Obenhaus Genre: Contemporary Romance Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: December 1, 2017 ISBN: ​9780373623198

Dumbo Thoughts and Musings

DUMBO has to be everyone's favorite elephant. After all, he is so cute and those big ears what's not to love. Well, Dumbo is about to again get the big screen treatment in an all-new movie set to release on March 29, 2019.

Have you ever thought about joining the circus? If so what would you be or do? If I'd ever join a circus I would work with the animals. Most likely the horses and dogs. Brushing them so their coats would gleam beneath the lights as they went through their choreographed dances. The horses would have their hooves polished and would flash as they trotted beneath the tent.

The dogs would prance and jump - excited to hear the crowds cheer them on.  The littlest one would have no fears dancing around the ring and in a moment of exuberance leap upon ever climbing mounting block until she could lightly leap upon the backs of one of the horses.

The excitement of the show would slowly ebb away as the night came in and then the norma; quiet of crowd-less seats would fill the night. The animals would need a soothing hand to once again brush them down allowing them to relax for the next few hours. The horses would be offered water and feed (hay). The dogs would run around chasing one another as if a show had never taken place or as if they were children released from the confines of a schoolroom. And when my tasks of care would be done I'd visit with the other caregivers discussing our four-legged friends and the amusing events or exasperating events that filled our day.

What would you do? Give your imagination wings and let it take you away to the circus of your dreams. Who knows maybe there is a Dumbo waiting for your loving attention.

About The Movie (Synopsis)

From Disney and visionary director Tim Burton, “Dumbo” expands on the beloved classic story where differences are celebrated, family is cherished, and dreams take flight.   Circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito) enlists former star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus. But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.  

“Dumbo” soars into theaters on March 29.

Website: https://disney.com/dumbo

DUMBO Trailer

Their Ranch Reunion ~ Review

Their Ranch Reunion
Rocky Mountain Heroes #1
By Mindy Obenhaus

Carly Wagner loves her life in Ouray, Colorado. Though at times she has a few regrets in regard to her late husband. She has a delightful young daughter Megan. She owns and runs a successful B and B which she has hopes of expanding into the next house over. She just needs to buy out the half share that belongs to Andrew Stephens.

Andrew Stephens has just sold his company at a good profit and is in the process of purchasing another. Since leaving for college he's hardly been back to Ouray and he has some regrets especially as he was too late to say goodbye to his mother. But he's back and looking to give his grandmother's home a remodel so it can become a rental property.

With 8 weeks to get his grandmother's house into shape Andrew is more than a little surprised when Carly demands that he stop destroying her house. Hurt that his grandmother did this and never informed him of this change. And how could she give anything to the woman who broke his heart all those years ago? 

But when Carly's very livelihood is threatened Andrew does what he can to help out. He puts his skills to use to help Carly restore her inn and home. And he is about to lose his heart once again to the only woman that he's ever loved. But Carly loves her smalltown life and Andrew seems destined to be forever tied to Denver with his new business about to become a reality in just weeks. Can these two hearts find a home together or they be driven further apart than they were just months ago?

If you are looking for a staycation gentle read this would make a good choice. The story has a steady pace and is neither frantic nor draggy. The characters are relatable and not cliche as the story unfolds. If you are looking for a read that leaves you with a feel-good-feeling when you reach the conclusion this is one you'll want to add to your to-be-read pile.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The Rancher Next Door...

Single mom Carly Wagner is surprised to learn she'll have to share ownership of the home she's inherited with her first love--and first heartbreak--Andrew Stephens. The man who fled their tiny Western town is back and standing in the way of her dreams to expand her B and B. Now a successful businessman, Andrew has eight weeks to buy Carly out. But Carly's too stubborn to persuade--and too beautiful to ignore. When fire ravages her inn and she and her daughter move into their shared property, Andrew's in over his head. Time is running out and Andrew must decide: leave and chase another deal...or stay and chase Carly's heart.

Author: Mindy Obenhaus Genre: Contemporary Romance Publisher: Love Inspired Release Date: August 1, 2017 ISBN: ​9780373622955

Almost Home ~ Review

Almost Home
By Valerie Fraser Luesse

Anna and Jesse Wiliams are looking for a fresh start after losing almost everything - between the Depression, the war, and the poor weather over the last few years everything has been in a downward spiral. But a chance for Jesse to find employment in a government munitions plant finds them leaving Illinois behind (hopefully temporarily) for Blackberry Springs, Alabama. Anna and Jesse find themselves renting a room from Dolly and Si Chandler. The home was once a grand showplace and has been in Dolly's family for several generations but times and taxes have taken a toll on the home.

Dolly has turned her home into a boarding house to make the annual tax bill and she has an array of people calling her home theirs for the time being. There are Evelyn and Harry Hastings (professors from Chicago), Joe Dolphus (from Missippi), and the Clanahans (a most disagreeable couple from Reno).  When a young man from Dolly's past needs a place to recover from the trauma of war she offers a room to Reed Ingram.

Blackberry Springs is a tight-knit community that welcomes all the newcomers who are happy to call it home. And Dolly's home sits on something known locally as "the loop" and it is here that Anna finds new friends, especially Daisy Dupree who left what she knew behind falling the death of her beloved Charlie in the war. Daisy is almost as scarred by her pain as Reed and this pain seems to draw the two together in a mutual "I get your pain" sort of way.

Almost Home is a more than just a WW2 era book that focuses on those who find themselves left behind. Rather this a book that focuses on forging on in the face of pain and loss. Looking for a chance to continue on. And there is a mystery one that focuses on the past of Dolly's house before her family came to call it home. The mystery centers on a young bride Catherine O'Dwyer and the man she married Andrew Sinclair. Following their wedding, the two disappeared with evidence pointing towards their deaths. But Anna isn't satisfied with this story and is determined to discover the truth behind their disappearance and if there is indeed pirate treasure hidden in Dolly's home.

I highly recommend this book it is on a whole an enjoyable read. It is historical fiction but it also an examination of life and what makes us or breaks and how we can rise above that which pulls us into a dark place. This book is yet another example of Valerie Fraser Luesse's literary skills.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The things that tear us apart can also bring us together

With America's entrance into World War II, the town of Blackberry Springs, Alabama, has exploded virtually overnight. Workers from all over are coming south for jobs in Uncle Sam's munitions plants--and they're bringing their pasts with them, right into Dolly Chandler's grand but fading family home turned boardinghouse.

A struggling young couple from the Midwest, unemployed professors from Chicago, a widower from Mississippi, and a shattered young veteran struggling to heal from the war are all hoping Dolly's house will help them find their way back to the lives they left behind. But the house has a past of its own.

When tragedy strikes, Dolly's only hope will be the circle of friends under her roof and their ability to discover the truth about what happened to a young bride who lived there a century before.