Finders Keepers - A Carrington Family Novel - Sarah Monzon

Both Trent and Summer have been searching for fulfillment their whole lives. Will they continue to fill the hole in their hearts with material things? Or will they let God fill every them to overflowing?

"Who would have thought her reality would far outreach any of her fantasies?"

-Finders Keepers, Sarah Monzon 

About the Book

Three lives. Three hundred years. One ship that ties them together. 

Spain, 1689

The same evil that stole her mother’s life stalks Isabella Castellano. Afraid for her safety, Isabella disguises herself as a cabin boy and hires on to one of His Majesty’s treasure fleet vessels. But has her flight from a known threat only led her to be ensnared in a sea of dangers? 

Florida, Present Day 

First Line Fridays - Week Nine

Happy Friday and Happy Summer!

Summer really isn't my favorite season however, Fall is. Crisp Autumn air, leaves turning colors, hot spiced cider, bonfires...Ok, back to reality...This summer will be very busy and exciting for us though. I have started planning my older son's birthday which will be "Neverland" themed. And while costumes are not 'required' they will be HIGHLY encouraged. I played Peter Pan my senior year of high school (nine years ago) and have been in love with all things Peter and Neverland my whole life. I did in fact think that I could fly as a kid...But who didn't right? SO when Judah asked for a "Jake and the Neverland Pirates" birthday...I couldn't refuse. That is not until August, but I have been in the Neverland spirit, hence my choice of book today.

I am happy to join again with Reading is my SuperPower and Singing Librarian Books today to bring you a little fun to start your weekend! 

 

"All children, except one, grow up."

I also have this book on my list for my reading challenge this year as a book I have not read since high school.

What is your first line today? Comment below and make sure to head over to Reading is my SuperPower and Singing Librarian Books and comment your line there as well. Keep an eye out, we are switching things up from week to week. Also, if you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, message Carrie!

Stay cool and use sunscreen!!!

The Bound Heart - The Everstone Chronicles Book Two - Dawn Crandall

Bound to her past, will Meredyth be chained to a man she doesn't love and forever barred from the one her heart desires above all others?

From the Back of the Book

One accidental kiss from Lawry Hampton. That was all it took to throw Meredyth Summercourt's world upside-down. Determined to marry the ever-elusive Vance Everstone, she simply doesn't have the time or the desire to fall for her best friend. But with Vance out of the country, and with Lawry at her side nearly every day, teaching her what the world is like through the eyes of a little orphan girl named Wynn--Meredyth can't deny that what's holding her to Vance is nothing more than a desire to redeem herself from her past. 

Will she marry Vance once he returns from Europe? Or will she be strong enough to break free from the tangled web she's convinced she deserves, and accept that God's plan for her life includes redemption...and, quite possibly, Lawry Hampton?

First Line Fridays - Week Eight

We have added to our troops of First Line Fridays! Singing Librarian has joined in our Friday Fun! A huge "Thank you" to Carrie from Reading is my SuperPower for coming up with this idea. Simply brilliant! If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, send Carrie an email.

Ezra and myself in the waiting room.

Last week I shared a little bit about our son's bone marrow transplant and upcoming two-year post transplant appointments. I am VERY happy to report that everything went smoothly! Everyone was thrilled with his progress. We have a few lab tests that are pending, and if they look good we will begin immunizations! Yay! He is on minimal medications and growing and progressing like crazy! It was a long week, but we had a great time visiting with family and friends along the way. Thank you all for your prayers and support! If you are curious to learn a little more about Ezra's journey, my favorite article can be found HERE. 

Now...On to First Line Friday...Since we are celebrating Ezra's TWO year post transplant...I thought we could share the First Line from CHAPTER TWO! I decided to let my hubby pick up the closest book to HIM this week and he grabbed "As You Like It"(My house is FULL of old books). This one is very special to me though. I found this particular copy at a yard sale with my dad YEARS ago...and so began my love of Shakespeare. The copyright is 1903 and it is pretty beat up, but one of my most treasured books.

Since there are no actual "Chapters" in this book, I went with Act I, Scene II.

"I pray thee, Rosalind, sweet my coz, be merry."

In case you are curious about the name "Shakspere" you can learn more HERE.

I saw the movie As You LIke It  a few years ago and fell in love! It is the 2006 version, learn more at IMDb.

Now, how about you? What is the first line from chapter two...or scene two...From the book nearest to YOU? 

Make sure you jump over to Reading is my SuperPower and Singing Librarian as well to join in the discussion on their blogs!

The Crown - The Selection Book Five - Kiera Cass

With Illéa in a vulnerable position, Eadlyn has a decision to make. Not only for her country, but for herself as well.

**Please be aware of possible spoilers if you have not read the first four books in The Selection Series**

About the Book

When Eadlyn became the first princess of Illéa to hold her own Selection, she didn’t think she would fall in love with any of her thirty-five suitors. She spent the first few weeks of the competition counting down the days until she could send them all home. But as events at the palace force Eadlyn even further into the spotlight, she realizes that she might not be content remaining alone.

SuperMom VoxBox - Influenster - Product Review

I was so SO excited to receive my very first VoxBox from Influenster! #SuperMomVoxBox was filled with lovely products both for myself and the kiddos! Check out my individual reviews for each item below.

First Line Fridays - Week Seven

This week has been a flurry of activities. Doctor appointments, Facebook parties, lots of laundry and dishes...and HEAT...oh the HEAT!!! On days that it hits 95°F I just want it to be winter again! Thankfully it has cooled down again. However this coming week will not be any slower...We are celebrating our 2 year old's Two Year Post Bone Marrow Transplant "Birthday"! June 11, 2014 - 20 month old Judah saved his brother Ezra's life. At 9 weeks old Ezra underwent chemo and transplant. And I am SO happy to report that he is doing so SO well! However, for the foreseeable future we will be having annual follow up appointments...7 hour drive away from home. So it will be an interesting week. I will hopefully have a good report to bring back next Friday. Prayers are greatly appreciated. That all will go smoothly and that Ezra's immune system is building and starting to function. 

Ok...NOW...on to our First Line! If you are new to First Line Fridays, I have joined forces with Carrie from Reading is my SuperPower to provide a bit of fun to kickstart the weekend. Singing Librarian has joined us this week as well!  I just started reading Dawn Crandall's books...And OH....MY.....So SO happy I have the whole series and can just keep reading! Read my review for Book One - The Hesitant Heiress HERE.

And FINALlY...I know...I'm a bit long winded today...

First line of Chapter One is... 

"No matter how well practiced I was, I couldn't help but stare."

Now, post YOUR first line below! And make sure you head over to Carrie's blog, Reading is my SuperPower, AND Singing Librarian to post your first line there! 

Cover Reveal for Jen Turano - Behind the Scenes - Apart from the Crowd - Book One

If you don't know by now, Jen Turano is in my top THREE favorite authors! And I am SO excited to share with you....The cover reveal for her next book. 

So, without further ado.....

Gorgeous! Isn't it? The only problem...waiting till 2017 to read it!

About the Book

Of Dubious & Questionable Memory - A Herringford & Watts Novella - Rachel McMillan

About the Book
Herringford & Watts, the notorious female detectives of Toronto, have been hired to solve a kidnapping in America! Travel with Merinda and Jem to Boston and the historic sites of Wright's Tavern and Orchard House in Concord. There are many references to Little Women, Sherlock Holmes, and of course mystery and danger around every corner. 

My Thoughts

Waiting for a book to release in a series that I LOVE...is pure agony. However, the wait is made sweeter when we get special novellas in between! Of Dubious & Questionable Memory is the second novella in the Herringford & Watts series. Highly recommended to read AFTER The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder...NOT before! Otherwise you will receive some major spoilers. I enjoyed this story just as much as the previous books and loved the new setting in America. Rachel McMillan is a brilliant author and I can't wait for the next installment of Herringford & Watts releasing September 1st. 

Forever Safe - Beacons of Hope Book 4 - Jody Hedlund

After yet another attempted kidnapping, Victoria Cole is sent into hiding. With her bodyguard, Tom Cushman as her sole protector, they flee to Race Point Lighthouse on Cape Cod. What lies in store for them both may be more than their hearts can bear. Will they allow their fears to force them apart? Or will they be able to face the fears of the past...and the future together, forever? 

My Thoughts

In Forever Safe we travel away from the lighthouses of Michigan and we find ourselves in Newport and beautiful Cape Cod on the Eastern shores of America.

The very first chapter had me giggling, holding my breath, and very near to tears. If anyone knows how to write a compelling opening, it is Jody Hedlund. I LOVE that this book brings the story around full circle from the Novella - Out of the Storm. I enjoyed the new setting. It was fun to "revisit" Newport and I laughed out loud at the mention of the bathing machine, remembering Jen Turano's book In Good Company. My eyes always skip ahead

First Line Fridays - Week Six

Not gonna lie...I am SOOOOO happy to see Friday is finally here! It has been a LONG week! 

I am so excited for this week's First Line! As you know, I have joined forces with Carrie over on Reading is my SuperPower for "First Line Fridays"...What a fun way to kick off the weekend! 

After you have posted your first line in the comments below...Visit Carrie HERE to see what her first line is this week! 

"It all could have been avoided had we not accused Henry Tipton, Chief of Police, of stealing his neighbor's rooster."

Amazon

This is the second novella in the Herringford & Watts Series by Rachel McMillan. Read my review for the first novella and book HERE. This series definitely ranks among my favorites of all time!

Happy Friday!!!

The Ringmaster's Wife - Kristy Cambron

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

When that which that Lady Rosamund loves most is threatened to be taken away from her, she stepped on a train and changed the course of her life forever.

"You could never fit in, Rose.
You were made to stand out."

The Ringmaster's Wife
(Location 1403)

About the Book
With the family estate in financial difficulties, Lady Rosamund's father saw fit to sell that which was closest to her heart, Ingénue, her beautiful Arabian mare. Colin Keary set out to acquire the Arabian for the Ringling circus. Little did he know that he would find an incredible talent in the owner. Colin persuades Lady Rosamund to join them in America, to see Ingénue safely settled. With dreams as vast as the ocean, she agrees. Will Lady Rosamund give up a