THROWBACK THURSDAY

Throwback Thursday meme was hosted by Renee@It’s Book Talk and is a way to share some of your old favorites as well as sharing books that you’re FINALLY getting around to reading that were published over a year ago. You know, the ones waiting patiently on your TBR list while you continue to pile more titles on top of them 😁! These older books are usually much easier than new releases to get a hold of at libraries and elsewhere. If you have your own Throwback Thursday recommendation feel free to jump on board.

This week I’m picking a book I read a few years ago and loved!

MY REVIEW

Wow! What an emotional read PEYTON’S CHOICE was for me. Peyton is seventeen, has received a full scholarship to UCLA and is about to graduate from high school. She doesn’t have a date to her senior prom, but she isn’t freaked out about it. She is concentrating n her studies and getting to college to begin her next chapter in her life. While on a camping trip with her friend’s family she meets Brad Davis. Her whole world is about to change only Peyton doesn’t know it yet.

There is an instant attraction between Peyton and Brad and during the camping trip they get to know each other and spend all their time together. It sure looks like Peyton has a date to her prom after all. They both decide to take it slow with no pressure from anyone. PEYTON’S CHOICE is a quick read, only 199 pages but it sure teaches us a powerful lesson. We should never judge someone by their actions. We have no idea why they made the choices they made and who are we to judge?

PEYTON’S CHOICE was an emotional ride for me. It left me wondering about a lot of “what ifs” and mostly, if made me face the fact that I have an almost fifteen year old daughter. How would I react to her if she found herself in the same situation as Peyton was in? Would I scream and yell at her? Would I take her in my arms and comfort her? Before I read PEYTON’S CHOICE I probably would have screamed and yelled but now, I’d like to think I’m a different mom. My heart was certainly breaking for Peyton and all the grown up decisions she had to make. Overall, a wonderful story that is going to stay with you long after you finish reading it.

FROM GOODREADS

17 year-old Peyton Andrews seems like the girl who has it all. With a 4.0 grade average and a full scholarship to UCLA, she has a promising future ahead of her. She’s tall, blonde and beautiful: the ultimate California girl. But she’s always felt like an outsider when it comes to dating. While all of her friends are out with their boyfriends on Saturday night, she’s at home watching television with her mother. Now her senior prom is on the horizon and the prospect of going alone is depressing.

20 year-old Brad Davis is everything she ever dreamed of – and more. Tall, dark and handsome, Brad is intelligent, focused and more importantly, he is as attracted to her as she is to him. Finally, Peyton discovers what it’s like to be in a committed relationship, the positives as well as the negatives, as she enjoys her summer by the sea with good friends and a caring boyfriend.

Knowing Brad has been sexually active and feeling ready to take that step, Peyton sees her doctor and obtains a prescription for birth control. On prom night, she and Brad take their relationship to the next level.

Then, the unexpected happens and Peyton finds that she is pregnant. How could this happen? What is she going to do? Faced with a decision that will affect not only her and her family but Brad as well, Peyton considers her options and comes to the conclusion that she is not ready to give up her future and become a teenage mother. Should she tell Brad? Will he understand or will he demand that she keep the baby? How will her friends react? What about her parents? Will she ultimately regret her decision to terminate the pregnancy? There are no easy answers and the answers Peyton seeks are to be found in her own heart.

Have a great day and thanks for reading!💜🍓💜

☕GOOD MORNING! ☕

Good morning! ☕ Its 60 here, going up to 81 with mostly Carolina blue skies.  Have a terrific Thursday my friends!💜🌞💜

CAN’T – WAIT WEDNESDAY

Can’t-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted at Wishful Endings, to spotlight and discuss the books we’re excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they’re books that have yet to be released. It’s based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by the fabulous Jill at Breaking the Spine. If you’re continuing with WOW, feel free to link those up as well! Find out more here.

This week, I’m waiting for…

RELEASE DATE: OCTOBER 3, 2023

FROM GOODREADS:

In this gripping novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a top Hollywood executive seeks a new beginning when his career takes an unplanned turn.

As the head of a prestigious movie studio for nearly two decades, Andy Westfield has had every conceivable professional a stunning office on the forty-fourth floor, a loyal assistant who can all but read his mind, access to a private jet and company cars. The son of Hollywood royalty, Andy always put his career before his marriage, and now, besides his daughter and young grandchildren, it’s the only thing he truly loves.

But then Andy’s world is upended. The studio is sold, and the buyer’s son demands the top seat. Out of a job and humiliated, Andy spirals. When his head clears, he decides to get as far away from Los Angeles as possible until the dust settles and he can find a new way forward.

Andy signs a six-month rental agreement for a luxurious home in a tiny, forgotten coastal town two hours from London. When he arrives, he hires a local woman to help get his affairs in order. A former journalist, Violet Smith is at a crossroads as well, and this temporary job is exactly what she needs to tide her over. But when Violet leaves the manuscript of her unfinished novel behind after work one day, Andy lets his curiosity get the best of him and is captivated by a story that begs to be adapted for the big screen. Could this be the miracle they’ve both been looking for? 

In Second Act, Danielle Steel presents a heartening tale of how challenging times give way to opportunities and an original outline does not always contain the perfect ending.

Thanks for stopping by and have a wonderful day!🌻📚🌻

GOOD MORNING!☕☕

Good morning!  Oops……I slept in this morning🤦‍♀️..Its 62 here, going up to 77.  Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!💜☕💜

 

 

 

REVIEW: COURAGE IN THE STORM BY LAUREL BLOUNT

MY REVIEW:

COURAGE IN THE STORM by Laurel Blount is not the first book I’ve ever read by Ms. Blount and it certainly won’t be the last! The Two main characters, Miriam Hochstedler and Reuben Brenneman stole my heart and gained my respect. Miriam was witness to her parents dying by violence and it has shaken her to her core. She struggles with meeting strangers and is basically a prisoner on her family farm. After a bit of time, she can actually leave the house and go to the chicken coop and the barn. In the barn is a horse named Breeze. He was involved in a buggy accident and is now almost wild. Miriam does not wish the horse to be put down and convinces her brother to hire the horse whisperer.

Reuben used to be Amish but is now English and has a special gift working and caring for horses. When Reuben comes to work on the farm, both of their lives are going to change drastically. I really enjoyed the authors writing style and her ability to draw me into the story. Most of the chapters ended in a way that peaked my interest and left me eager to start reading the next one. You won’t be sorry you picked up COURAGE IN THE STORM….your only decision will be which of the author’s other books you want to read next. 

Tragedy, forgiveness, love, and other spiritual elements are scattered throughout COURAGE IN THE STORM. Laurel Blount is an amazing writer, conveying every emotion into her characters. Laurel gives her readers a wonderful story of letting go of the past and leaning into the people who are standing by, waiting to help even if when you don’t realize they’ve been there all the time. This story can be read as a stand alone, but I will recommend reading the first two books so you can get to know all of the beautiful and faithful characters. COURAGE IN THE STORM is not like most Amish stories. It is more like watching the evening news, and then having your heart break for everything this family is going through. I am eager to see what will come next!

COURAGE IN THE STORM is a quick read and unputdownable! There were quite a few times when reading it that I wanted to reach into the pages and hug a few of these people with what they were feeling and what they were going through. I found myself laughing one second and then tearing up the next. If you are looking for a beautiful emotional story to pull you out of your book slump, you can’t go wrong with COURAGE IN THE STORM.

Laurel Blount is now an author I want to read more of. I loved Miriam and Reuben, the primary characters, but I also fell in love with all of the secondary characters as well. Every one of them has an important part to play in this heart tugging story and even though I wanted to reach in and shake one or two of them every now and then, they all weaseled their way into my heart. My emotions were all over the place and I was even reaching for the tissues quite a few times.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.

FROM GOODREADS:

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch . Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.

A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.

Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carol award-winning author Laurel Blount writes captivating romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart. She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals. Connect with her at www.laurelblountbooks.com

CONNECT WITH LAUREL:Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Thank you for stopping by and have a terrific Tuesday!🌻📚🌻

🌞GOOD MORNING!🌞

Good morning! ☕ Happy New Book Tuesday everyone!  It is 63, going up to 77!  Have an awesome day!💜📚

 

IT’S MONDAY! WHAT ARE YOU READING?

Good Morning!

It’s the start of another week. It’s Monday! What are you Reading is hosted by Kathryn from Book Date , this is a weekly event to share what we’ve read in the past week and what we hope to read, plus whatever else comes to mind. I’m hoping to squeeze in some of my books that I own but remain unread! 

LAST WEEKS READS:

Jenna Fossey’s life is about to change. An unexpected inheritance and the chance to meet relatives she never knew existed has her heading to the charming little town of Magnolia Harbor. But as soon as she arrives, long-buried family secrets lead to even more questions, and the only person who can help her find the answers is her sexy-as-sin sailing instructor.

Nothing makes Jude St. Pierre feel more alive than racing on the open sea – at least, not until Jenna comes strolling down his dock asking for sailing lessons. But it feels wrong to be attracted to her – especially when he learns why she came to town. Jude knows she deserves the truth but can he help her discover it without losing her and the family he’s come to think of as his own?

Includes the bonus story “A Wedding on Lavender Hill” by Annie Rains!
When an event planner is asked to create the perfect wedding in just three days, she must turn to the last person she wants to ask for help – the infuriating owner of the house on the hilltop.

In this powerful Amish romance, an isolated woman and a compassionate man learn that love can build a bridge between their two worlds.

Since witnessing the murder of her beloved parents, Miriam Hochstedler suffers from paralyzing anxiety and a deep-seated fear of the Englisch . Unwilling to venture beyond her family’s Tennessee farm, she forms a close bond with a badly injured gelding. Like Miriam herself, the traumatized animal seems unlikely to recover—until skilled horse whisperer Reuben Brenneman arrives.

A survivor of an abusive childhood, Reuben understands fear better than most. He’ll do whatever it takes to help a terrified animal, but his compassion doesn’t extend to the church that turned a blind eye to his family’s suffering. Once he finishes this job, he’ll return to the Englisch world, putting his Amish heritage behind him forever.

As Miriam works alongside Reuben, battling the horse’s fear—and her own—an unexpected friendship blooms and deepens into romance. But the Amish faith that sustains her inspires only distrust in Reuben, and the Englisch world he’s chosen has already broken her heart once.

Falling in love was easy. But staying together will take all the courage they have.

CURRENT READS:

Everyone has one moment that will change their lives forever…

A completely heart-warming, emotional page-turner about finding your place in the world, the importance of family and the joy of discovering love when you least expect it. Perfect for fans of RaeAnne Thayne, Elin Hilderbrand and Susan Mallery.

Morgan Jo Coyle hasn’t been back to the small town of Brambleberry Creek or seen any of her family for years. But when she receives the heartbreaking news that her Memaw Essie is on her deathbed, Morgan knows she has to go home to face Essie—and her complicated past—before it’s too late.

Stepping through the door of her family’s charming old farmhouse, Morgan is reminded of all the happy times she spent baking and talking with Essie. And it’s not long before her childhood sweetheart, Emmett Dawson, with his sparkling blue eyes and teasing smile, comes to find her.

Soon Morgan and Emmett are spending long summer evenings together in the pretty orchards and eating fruit by the water. It almost feels like old times, but being in the sprawling Kentucky countryside also brings memories of the fateful day that changed Morgan’s life and drove her away from the people she loved. The day she’s trying hard to forgive Essie for…

With Essie in hospital, Morgan tries to heal past hurts. But it’s only when she discovers an ink-stained letter written in her memaw’s distinctive hand that she finally starts to understand the truth behind the moment that tore the two women apart.

Will the unraveling of a shocking family secret help Morgan to find a future with Emmett in Brambleberry Creek? Or will she leave the rolling hills of Kentucky for good?

READING NEXT:

A heartwarming novel of complicated families, new neighbors, and fresh hope from a New York Times bestselling author who writes “Southern comfort in a book.” —Sheila Roberts 
 
Allie Logan has her hands full with a bad breakup, a struggling renovation business, a sister who won’t stop flaunting her engagement ring, and a grandmother who keeps wandering off at the most inopportune times. In fact, Granny Irene’s latest habit is sneaking out to the ranch next door, where’s she’s convinced a lost love awaits. But when Allie goes to collect her, she finds instead a new neighbor—six‑foot‑plus of tall, dark, and charming.
          Blake Dawson is one more thing Allie can’t deal with right now. But since he’s hired her to help repair his rundown ranch, they’re suddenly spending an awful lot of time together. And as family secrets—past and present—start to come to light, Allie finds that opening her heart might just be the fresh start her life needs.

Jenn, fifty-something and empty-nesting, feels like a donut: whole on the outside but missing the middle. The deafening sound of silence in the picture-perfect, oversized home she shares with a husband who does not see her makes the voices arguing in her head hard to ignore. One voice tells her to stay because safe and simple is good; another says leave so you can be the version of yourself not defined by others. The thought of ever after without happily feels like purgatory.

The chance discovery of her long-forgotten diaries unearths memories of a first love long buried, reminders that the most beautiful love is sometimes wasted on the young. Her words become a very real reminder of everything first love had been when she reconnects with Tripp in unexpected ways.

Long Enough to Love You by Kirsten Pursell follows Jenn – a courageous yet vulnerable protagonist – as she dissects and unpacks her marriage in an emotional journey to stay true to herself despite societal norms and middle-age stereotypes that would suggest otherwise.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!🍨📚🍨

💜MEMORIAL DAY MONDAY!💜

Good morning! I’m still sleepy and I think that calls for extra coffee today!☕  Its 56 here, going to 73.  Both races were rained out this weekend so they are both running today! If the rain holds off🤷🤦‍♀️ We are making baby back ribs on the grill if it doesn’t rain. I plan on spending the day reading, relaxing, and remembering. Have a marvelous Monday my friends!!💜💜🙋

MEMORIAL DAY – NEVER FORGET

Good morning! Here in the United States it is Memorial Day. A day of  honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military……..we will never forget!  Have a  Blessed Memorial Day!     While enjoying nice weather (hopefully), family, good friends, and good food, please remember the reason for this special day!

Some sacrificed a great deal and many sacrificed everything.  Please keep all those who sacrificed so much in  thought and prayer this Memorial Day!

They gave their lives for our freedom and that’s a precious gift.  Let us never forget them.  Flying a flag, taking a moment of reflection or speaking to a veteran about their experiences are simple ways to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

Memorial Day is an American holiday, observed on the last Monday of May, honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Memorial Day 2023 will occur on Monday, May 29.

Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971. Many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season.