Favorites Giveaway Hop ~ Ends 2/14

  Books, books, books!
So many favorites.  So hard to pick just one.

For this giveaway you have the chance to win a copy of the following book:

"Catch a Falling Star"
 by Beth K. Vogt

To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me something about your favorite book and a way to contact you if you are the winner.

*Extra - Follow my blog and leave a second comment telling me that you do.

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, February 14, 2014.  The winner will be emailed on February 15th.

For more chances to win great bookishness,

check out these other giveaway hoppers :

High Five for Friday ~ 1/31/14

Five things that made me smile this week :)

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1. We're out of the negative degrees!  It is a heat wave :)

2.  Receiving lots of books in the mail!  Thank you, paperbackswap.com :)

3.  Laken counting down the days until her birthday!  My little Groundhog Baby :)

4.  The girls and I got our nails done together!  Mine are silver :)

5.  Date night with the hubby!  Need I say more?  :)

What made you smile this week?

Booking Through Thursday ~ Multi-Tasking ~ 1/30/14

"Do you do other things while you read? Watch TV? Cook? Brush your teeth? Knit?"

When I read, I like to just sit back ( or lay back) and relax and not do much of anything else.  Sometimes I do read while cooking or baking if there is a lull.  I used to watch TV and read at the same time but not anymore.

Waiting on Wednesday ~ 1/29/14

 Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

 spotlights an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

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Dreaming of becoming an actress, Boston socialite Ellis Eaton captures Griff Phillips' attention. But while filling in for a look-alike friend at the telephone exchange, she overhears a call that threatens Griff's safety. With handsome policeman Jack Flanigan investigating - and her heart in a muddle - will she discover what might be the role of a lifetime?

Release Date:  3/4/14

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Waiting Until Next Wednesday,

 

 

Book Review: The Trouble With Being a Duke by Sophie Barnes

Title:  "The Trouble With Being a Duke"
Series:  At the Kingsborough Ball Book #1

Author:  Sophie Barnes
Publisher:  Avon
Publication Date:  8/27/13

Pages:  371

Book Description:

Sometimes happily ever after…

Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over…until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

…needs a little bit of help.

Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she’s found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she’s waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets…for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do…

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book was a little too "fluffy" for my taste.  Love at first sight?  At a masquerade ball?  I think not.  It seemed a bit cheesy and too "Cinderella-y" in the beginning.  It did, however, have some redeeming qualities.

Isabella gives the Duke a run for his money by not throwing everything in the air and running straight into his arms.  Although at times, she did.  She was a bit hot and cold which no doubt was very confusing for the Duke.

I did enjoy the book but I REALLY want to know more about the woman who was shot at the ball!


A Brief Excerpt:

"Why not?" he asked as he cupped her head with his hands, forcing her to look at him.  "I won't tell a soul if you do not wish for me to do so.   Your parents will never discover that you were here, and neither will you intended, but I need to k now who you are...the name of the woman who's captured my interest."

Page 79

The Cover:

The cover is really beautiful.  The dress is gorgeous and I love that it fits the description of the dress in book.  I'm also pleased that it doesn't show too much skin.  I also like that the man is wearing a mask.  Very mysterious.

Other Notes:

~This is a  mainstream romance with adult situations and content.
~I do my best to skip over the above-mentioned scenes.

Rating

3/5  It was OK.

On to the next book,

Teaser Tuesday ~ 1/28/14

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. 

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My teaser for this week is from:

~Under a French gown of emerald silk, Kathleen O'Leary wore homespun bloomers that had seen better days.  She told herself not to worry about what lay beneath her sumptuous costume.  It was what the world saw on the surface that mattered, particularly tonight.~

Page 17

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Happy Teaser Tuesday!

It's Monday! What Am I Reading? ~ 1/27/14

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What I read this past week:

 A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean 
The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd 
One Good Earl Deserves a Lover by Sarah MacLean
The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd 
An Unwilling Conquest by Stephanie Laurens 

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The book I am currently reading is:

Sometimes happily ever after…

Anthony Hurst, Duke of Kingsborough knows the time has come for him to produce an heir. But first he must find a bride. When he meets the most exquisite woman at his masquerade ball, he thinks his search is over…until the breathtaking beauty runs off. With few clues other than her figure, her scent, and the memory of her kiss, Anthony must find his mystery lady.

…needs a little bit of help.

Isabella Chilcott can scarcely believe it: she is finally at the Kingsborough Ball. As a child, she dreamed of dancing a waltz here and now, thanks to a gorgeous gown she’s found in the attic, Isabella is living her fairytale fantasy. And she’s waltzing with the Duke of Kingsborough himself! But she must escape before he discovers her secrets…for she is not who she pretends to be, and falling in love with Prince Charming is the last thing she can allow herself to do…

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Also hoping to read this week:

What are you reading today?

Menu Plan Monday~ 1/17/14

Here is our menu for the week:

Monday:

Steak
Mashed Potatoes
Corn
Apples

~~~~~

Tuesday:

Ham
Fried Potatoes
Broccoli
Oranges

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Wednesday:

Hot Dogs
Mac-n-Cheese

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Thursday:

Pork Chops
Noodles
Corn
Apples

~~~~~

Friday:

Pizza

~~~~

Saturday:

Pancakes
Eggs
Bacon

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Sunday:

(Church Fellowship)

PB&J Crescents



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Have a great Monday!

Spiritual Sunday ~ Believer ~ 1/26/14

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"And all the more believers in the Lord, multitudes of men and women, were constantly added to their number"

Acts 5:14

Have a blessed week!

     

Book Review ~ An Unwilling Conquest by Stephanie Laurens

Title:  "An Unwilling Conquest"
Series:  Regencies Book #7

Author:  Stephanie Laurens
Publisher:  Harlequin
Publication Date:  4/30/13

Pages:  320

Book Description:

A successful horse breeder and self-proclaimed rake, Harry Lester samples women like wines. But after having his heart trampled by someone he actually loved, he has no intention of falling for a woman again, let alone being ensnared by the trap of marriage. Now, with a large inheritance to his name, Harry knows that he'd best start running from London's matchmaking mothers and widows.


Harry heads for the racing town of Newmarket, only to encounter Mrs. Lucinda Babbacombe, a beautiful, independent widow. And before he knows it, Harry vows to protect Lucinda from the town full of lonely gambling men, despite her refusal to accept his countless offers of help. Lucinda is extraordinary,  an intelligent, tender woman but will Harry let himself be taken prisoner in this most passionate of traps?

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I can't say that I loved this book.  I enjoyed it but it didn't leave me wanting more or with that giddy feeling I get when I finish an awesome book.

The characters were charming in their own rights but I felt that so much was left out that could have made the relationship more intriguing.


A Brief Excerpt:

Somewhat later, the lilting strains of another waltz drifted from the musicians' dais at the other end of the room.  Lucinda blinked.  She had already danced with all those of her court she considered safre--she hadn't anticipated another waltz.

Page 111

The Cover:

I really like this cover.  I like the details that are shown and how they match up with the description of Lucinda.  I also like that it doesn't show so much skin that I'd be ashamed to read it in front of my children.

Other Notes:

~This is a  mainstream romance with adult situations and content.

Rating

3/5  It was OK.

On to the next book,

Stacking the Shelves ~ 1/25/14

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

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This week I added the following to my shelf:

Happy Reading!

High Five Friday ~ 1/24/14

Five things that made me smile this week :)

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1. Snow days :)

2.  Reading marathons!  Made possible by snow days :)

3.  My first paycheck from my new job :)

4.  Snuggling with the hubby and girls :)

5.  Picking out my next book :)

What made you smile this week?

Full Plate Thursday ~ Cheesy Potatoes and Smoked Sausage ~ 1/23/14

Miz Helen at Miz Helen's Country Cottage is such a sweetheart! 

She hosts Full Plate Thursday.  You can click the button to go share your recipes :)

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This recipe has been very popular so I decided to feature it again.  It is so delicious!

Cheesy Potatoes and Smoked Sausage
Adapted From:  Angel's Homestead

10 medium potatoes (w or w/o skin)
2 links smoked sausage, chunked
1 package shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 stick butter (I used light butter)
salt
pepper
garlic powder

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Place 2 tablespoons butter into a 9X13 pan andplace into the oven until butter is melted.

Peel or clean the potatoes and cut them into approx 2" chunks.  Place potatoes into pan with melted butter.  Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.  Cube the remaining butter on top of the potatoes and cover with foil.

Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove pan from oven.  Add sausage and stir to coat everything with the melted butter.  Replace foil and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender.

Add the cheese to the potatoes and sausage and place back in oven for 5 minutes to melt cheese.

When cheese is nice and melty, stir gently.

Happy Full Plate Thursday!

Sarah E. Ladd 2 Book Giveaway ~ Ends 2/1/14

I've recently read and loved 2 books by Sarah E. Ladd and gave them both 5/5.  Because I loved them so much, I decided I want to share them with you!

Up for grabs are the following books:

MY REVIEW

MY REVIEW


To enter the giveaway:

*Mandatory-  Leave a comment telling me :  Which book cover do you like better and why?

*Extra-  Follow my blog and leave a second comment telling me that you do :)

The giveaway will run until 11:59pm EST, February 1, 2014.  The winner will be emailed on February 2nd.

Book Review ~ The Headmistress of Rosemere by Sarah E. Ladd ~ 5/5!

Title:  "The Headmistress of Rosemere"
Series:  Whispers on the Moors Book #2

Author:  Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Publication Date:  12/31/13

Pages:  320

My Review of Book #1 can be found HERE.

Book Description:

Patience Creighton will finally find the peace she lost years ago--if she can open her heart and forgive the man who loves her.

Bright, sensible Patience knows what is expected of her. At twenty-five, her opportunity for a family of her own has passed, so she finds contentment teaching at her father's school for girls. When her father dies suddenly and her brother moves away to London, she is determined to keep her father's dream alive.

Confirmed bachelor William Sterling also knows what is expected of him, but mistake after mistake has left him teetering on ruin's edge. As master of Eastmore Hall he owns a great deal of land but possesses little money to manage the upkeep. He is desperate to find a new source of income, including the sacrifice of land connected to Rosemere.

When her brother returns with a new wife to take over management of the school, Patience is heartbroken to no longer be responsible for her beloved school and is forced to reassess God's purpose for her life. After her sister-in-law's matchmaking brings Patience and William together, they both learn new truths about their character and find a common goal in restoring Eastmore's legacy.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

Sarah E. Ladd is fast becoming one of my favorite authors.

I anticipated reading this book after reading Book #1 of the series where William was first introduced.  Even though his character was very less than stellar, I knew that there could be redemption for him.  I was very pleased with how his story plays out.

Patience is a very lovable character.  She dotes on her students and takes care of her Mother during trials and tribulations.

I cannot wait for the third book in the series!

A Brief Excerpt:

Feeling exhausted even before the day was truly under way, Patience carefully closed her mother's door and let the brass handle slip from her fingers.  She sighed.  She would give anything to have her mother back, the mother she remembered.

Page 27

The Cover:

I like the continuity of the theme from Book #1 to Book #2.  Leading lady with her back turned against the backdrop of an architectural feature.  The story does take place in the winter so the snow is appropriate.

My only problem is how the dome of the building almost makes Patience look like she has a nurses hat on!

Other Notes:

~Read this book and the first!

Rating

5/5 ~ Absolutely Loved It!

On to the next book,

Waiting on Wednesday ~ 1/22/14

 Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Breaking the Spine,

 spotlights an up-coming release that I'm eagerly anticipating.

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In the first in Tessa Dare's captivating Castles Ever After series, a mysterious fortress is the setting for an unlikely love . . .

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities.

And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one.

Ugly duckling turned swan?
Abducted by handsome highwayman?
Rescued from drudgery by charming prince?

No, no, and… Heh.

Now Izzy’s given up yearning for romance. She’ll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished twenty-six year-old woman who’s never even been kissed?

This one.

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Waiting Until Next Wednesday,

 

 

Book Review: The Heiress of Winterwood by Sarah E. Ladd ~ 5/5!

Title:  "The Heiress of Winterwood"
Series:  Whispers on the Moors Book #1

Author:  Sarah E. Ladd
Publisher:  Thomas Nelson
Publication Date:  4/9/13

Pages:  320

Book Description:

Darbury, England, 1814

Amelia Barrett, heiress to an ancestral estate nestled in the English moors, defies family expectations and promises to raise her dying friend’s infant baby. She'll risk everything to keep her word—even to the point of proposing to the child’s father, Graham, a sea captain she’s never met.

Tragedy strikes when the child vanishes with little more than a sketchy ransom note hinting to her whereabouts. Fear for the child’s safety drives Amelia and Graham to test the boundaries of their love for this infant.

Amelia’s detailed plans would normally see her through any trial, but now, desperate and shaken, she examines her soul and must face her one weakness: pride.

Graham’s strength and self-control have served him well and earned him much respect, but chasing perfection has kept him a prisoner of his own discipline.

Both must learn to accept God’s sovereignty and relinquish control so they can grasp the future He has for planned for them.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

This book is full of drama and excitement!  From the very first page to the very last, it is non-stop.  From marriage proposals to kidnapping, from dinner parties to dockside brawls.  It kept my attention from beginning to end.

I love Amelia's fierce loyalty and Graham's strong dependability.  Throw in a sweet little baby and this was a wonderful book.

I have Book #2 on my TBR shelf.  It just might be my next read!

A Brief Excerpt:

Amelia's ears flamed, and she tried to swallow.  She wanted to tell them that though Edward appeared amiable, he was actually a treacherous man.

Page 143

The Cover:

Once again, this cover contains a favorite of mine.  I love that we get to see Winterwood.  Also the color of Amelia's dress is simply gorgeous against the gold and green backgrounds.  Beautiful.

Other Notes:

~Read this book!

Rating

5/5 ~ Absolutely Loved It!

On to the next book,

Book Review: A Rogue By Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean ~ 5/5!

Title:  "A Rogue By Any Other Name"
Series:  The Rules of Scoundrels Book #1

Author:  Sarah MacLean
Publisher:  Avon
Publication Date:  2/28/12

Pages:  386

Book Description:

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London’s most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance—including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury.

A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to such unexplored pleasures.

Bourne may be a prince of London’s underworld, but he vows to keep Penelope untouched by its wickedness—a challenge indeed as the lady discovers her own desires, and her willingness to wager anything for them... even her heart.

My Overall Feeling of the Book:

I love books that have childhood friends re-uniting and rediscovering each other.  In this case, Michael, was a completely different person which was very sad but it made reading about his transformation even sweeter.

This is the first book in a very long time that intrigued me enough to read in one "sitting".  I started it in the early evening and finished before bed.  To me that is a great indicator of a great read!

A Brief Excerpt:

The eight of diamonds ruined him.  If it had been the six, he might have saved himself.  If it had been the seven, he would have walked away with triple his holdings.  But it was the eight.

Page 1

The Cover:

The cover is very pretty.  I love the overall color.  But who walks around with that much cleavage showing?

Other Notes:

~This is a  mainstream romance with adult situations.

Rating

5/5

On to the next book,