Shadow of Regret

Shadow of Regret: Book 3 of the Shadow Series

Written by: Barbara Goss

Narrated by: Tom Jordan

Length: 3 hrs and 29 mins

Series: The Shadow Series (Goss), Book 3

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-26-17

Publisher: Barbara A. Goss

This book is full of love, hometown values, love of god and country and the true meaning of what a family really means. She writes a delightful Christian story that is not over bearing but leads you to what is important giving life and family meaning. Ms. Goss gives a wonderful answer to why people have to pass on, how it is easy to put your faith in God but turn when you do not get what you want when asking. I loved how she bought Quinn back in to the folds of his church letting him understand why things happen the way they do.

Mr. Jordan has fast become one of my favorite narrators he brings so much to each book in this series. He really puts thought into each character and their emotions bring them to life giving them meaning, showing us how they feel with powerful voices that leave you in no doubt how each one is feeling and what they are going through. You can hear patience in Quinn’s voice when things get out of hand with Rose and she takes matters into her own hands. I really enjoyed each of his character voices you always know who is talking he gives each character power and depth and really brings them to life. There are no background noises, no volume changes and no repeating of words, delivering a delightful smooth clear audio that you get lost in. If any breaks were taken I could not tell. Mr. Jordan’s natural voice is just a wonderful as his character voices. It is a voice you have no trouble listening to as he brings excitement and sorrow to each character that the author writes about. I am really looking forward to the next book in this series and to listen to more of this narrators work.

What I really enjoyed in this story was how the pastor deals with death, the advice that he gave on it. Usually all we hear is it is not up to us to know why they were taken it was God’s will do not question it.  Here the author goes into what if and how things change giving us what we really need. I really loved how she put this into words making it easy to think over, accept and deal with.

Quinn is tricked into marriage taking it on the chin and doing what is right. Then tragedy comes turning him away from God, his family and friends turning him into a wild loose man who finds his pleasure at the end of a bottle and loose women. The family tries to push him back to religion but one wise one decides how best to handle it pushing isn’t the answer. Rose having been so deeply in love with him decides she is the answer to his problem. She sure is one sassy little thing but in a good way. She might not have gone about it the best way but she does get what she wants in a way. Now she must deal with the fall out and try to bring Quinn back to family and God as well as to herself since he won’t consummate the marriage for reasons of his own. The way this all plays out really gives meaning to religion, family and friends. The heartbreak is so really for so many but more so for these two who really want love and a family. It just breaks your heart at all these two go through.

The author gives you excitement, danger and a few touch and go moments that makes you hold your breath. She really put a lot of thought into this plot as she gives each part meaning turning it around with such easy and love. The way it all unfolds will be one story that will stick with you for some time. I know I won’t forget the insight for a while.   This is truly a delightful story that pulls you in giving you a listen you won’t want to put down. So far I believe this is my favorite of this series. I really in looking forward to seeing what is in store next.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Shadow-of-Regret-Audiobook/B0746NXFNW

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Regret-Book-ebook/dp/B01FRJTBH6/ref=cm_cr_if_orig_subj?_encoding=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=audiblecom0f-20

Summary

Bryony Shaw has never before thought of leaving Baltimore and her safe place in service, but things change for her when she is forced to become the nanny of her employer's son, Edwin. Finally finding the courage of her convictions, she confronts them about their lack of care. An orphan herself, she knows the pain of feeling abandoned and cannot bear the thought of such a young boy feeling that way, too. But what follows, nobody would ever have expected.

Cody Jenkins has always taken his chances, never shying away from things when they get too tough. But his determination has led him to put off many things that every man needs. Secretly he longs for a family, and especially a wife to love, and be loved by. He so nearly had it all, all those years ago, but when it all went wrong he ran away and nursed his wounds alone. Will he ever let anyone in close enough again?

Mail Order Bride: Bryony's Destiny:

Mail Order Bride: Bryony's Destiny: Faith Creek Brides, Book 1

Written by: Karla Gracey

Narrated by: Danielle O'Farrell

Length: 1 hr and 46 mins

Series: Faith Creek Brides, Book 1

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:06-07-17

Publisher: KG Publishing

This is a short sweet clean and to the point read that really got to me from the parents to the child that no one wants. To say I was shock is putting it mildly never in my wildest dreams did I see the outcome of her comforting the parents. Bryony has backbone as she makes a stand calling a spade a spade gets her in hot water with an outcome she was not expecting. She will gladly take on this challenge turning her back on a town that never really did anything for her. At first I was shocked when she stood up to the boy’s mother but it wasn’t long before I was saying You GO GIRL tell it like it is. She packs her bags and off she goes to start her new life with her mail order husband.

Ms. O’Farrell’s narration was outstanding with her delightful character voices to the emotion she gives them. I just adored her little boy voice she really puts thought into it with the emotions you can hear in her voice from the pain and anger to his excitement. Bryony character voice was exciting I loved how the anger showed through her voice when she talked to his parents and the love it showed when dealing with the boy and his trying ways. All the characters were a delight to hear as the narrator brought them to life. There are no repeating of words, no volume changes, no background noise just a delightful narration that really comes to life giving you smiles, chuckles and sadness as your heart breaks for one little boy and comes to life when things start going his way. I enjoyed listening to how the narrator brought to life the budding romance and brought it together with the love they had for each other. I thought her performance was outstanding and can’t wait to listen to more of her work.

I really liked Bryony who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Traveling to the unknown marrying a man she knows little about takes a lot but to face him with the fall out of her life from Baltimore really takes some doing. She faces all new challenges head on never backing down. She is a go getter and a woman after my heart.

Cody’s heart got broken years ago but he is ready to start over. When he picks up all the letters of women who want to be his bride he is taken back with how empty headed they all are until he gets to Bryony’s letter which grabs his attention. He decides she is worth a chance he writes and sets up a meeting for her to become his bride. This is one lady he finds out is full of surprises and one that is after his own heart. It was so easy to fall in love with the man he is my hero in so many ways.

I loved this story the author pack a lot into a few pages covering all the important part. You will find no filler here every word, every scene plays a very important part. This is one author that knows how to spin a story full of excitement, adventure that will take your breath away. It was a wonderful, delightful read from start to finish. I can hardly wait for the next one to come out. Each of her stories is better than the last. She keeps her readers invested holding their attention why giving them lots of smiles.

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Romance/Mail-Order-Bride-Bryonys-Destiny-Audiobook/B072JNP7H1

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Mail-Order-Bride-Historical-Inspirational-ebook/dp/B01MY3SHLO/ref=cm_cr_if_orig_subj?_encoding=UTF8&linkCode=xm2&tag=audiblecom0f-20

Summary

Bryony Shaw has never before thought of leaving Baltimore and her safe place in service, but things change for her when she is forced to become the nanny of her employer's son, Edwin. Finally finding the courage of her convictions, she confronts them about their lack of care. An orphan herself, she knows the pain of feeling abandoned and cannot bear the thought of such a young boy feeling that way, too. But what follows, nobody would ever have expected.

Cody Jenkins has always taken his chances, never shying away from things when they get too tough. But his determination has led him to put off many things that every man needs. Secretly he longs for a family, and especially a wife to love, and be loved by. He so nearly had it all, all those years ago, but when it all went wrong he ran away and nursed his wounds alone. Will he ever let anyone in close enough again?

Lucky Charmed (Charmed in Texas #2)

Lucky Charmed (Charmed in Texas #2)

by Sharla Lovelace

Oh my Lord what a hook this author gives this story. There is no way you can read this and not feel sorry for Carmen that is after you get over the fact she hates honey. She is something else with her dry witty sense of humor and her outlook on life you can’t help but laugh your way through turning the pages as fast as you can. As the book takes off the author grabs your attention with Carmen’s charming self complaining about the people in the grocery store and talking about her love or not so love of honey. As she takes a little walk down memory lane who does she run into but the one man she thought she would never see again. Then the story takes off from ex’s to her over bearing mother as friends take her side and others go against her she rides the tide of shame, loneness, heartbreak. Just as you get through one bump another one comes along that is bigger than the last. There are some major twists and turns and a few you won’t see coming as this author drivers you right to laughter.

When Carmen was 18 she had all her hopes on one man who would take her way from her crazy life and give her true adventure with carnival his father owned. She spent her days dreaming of the only man she has ever loved in all of her short 18 years. Oh the life they will have doing this and that seeing the world one town at a time. That is until the day came and wait she did but he never showed. Maybe she made a mistake so she drove to the next town but again she sets and waits for hours all alone as day grew to night she knew he wasn’t coming. Going home with her head hung low listening to all the things her mother had to say she married the guy her mother wanted her to. After many years of more disappointment she divorces. Just as she is about to get her life on track in walks the one man she never forgot or forgiven. From this point on it is one shock after another until she can’t be shocked any more.

Sully is done totally through with the carnival letting his brother takes it over. He has decided he is coming back to the only place that ever felt like home and the women he has always loved. When he starts his project he finds not only does his true love not forgive him but the town has a long memory as well. That is what happens when you mess with the hometown sweetheart. Not only will he have to get her to change how she feels but he has to work on the whole town as well.

I just loved Carmen who stands up and said what she thinks. Her mother is a trip with little class but a good heart. She has some major explaining when the cat gets out of the bag. Carmen has her ideas of just what everyone can do including those dang bees. I laughed and laughed. At one point I was eating ice cream and just about died when something happened and I chocked my way through it. Sully stole my heart with his classy hot self that would turn any women to mush.

The author does a wonderful job showing how the past affect everyone and how everyone deals with it. There is drama at its finest with so much emotion you aren’t sure who you feel for the most. As the author takes you along first your heart breaks for Carmen, than Sully and then Carmen by the time you have read the last page you even feel sorry for her ex husband who was really a piece of work. Stalker comes to mind but you can’t help feeling for a man who is and has always been so in love with her that he is willing to do anything to keep her.

I totally loved this story of second chances filled with romance, learning about yourself, finding how to forgive so many and finally learning that sometimes you have to swallow some crow to make your dreams come true. If you are looking for an outstanding read one that will stay with you leaving you with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart this is the one for you. There is no way this cannot be added to my favorite reads of the year. So far to date I think this book is my favorite of the ones she has written.

Buy Link

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MCX9DWS/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B01MCX9DWS&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lucky-charmed-sharla-lovelace/1124986395?ean=9781516101269

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/lucky-charmed

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sharla_Lovelace_Lucky_Charmed?id=QI1PDQAAQBAJ

Summary

Charmed, Texas, is as warm and welcoming as it sounds. But even in a small town, when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve got to take the bitter with the sweet . . .

Carmen Frost hates honey. And bees. And in her hometown of Charmed, Texas, which practically invented the stuff, that’s a problem. The good news is that the summer Honey Festival is finally over. Even better, so is the annual Lucky Hart carnival, a road show that made off with her dreams years ago—including the boy she loved. Now she’s got a divorce behind her, and a successful law career in front of her, but in a tiny town, big memories die hard. Or they don’t die at all—as Carmen discovers when she runs into an all too familiar pair of eyes—older, wiser, and just as heart-melting as ever . . .

Sully Hart has had enough of the nomad lifestyle. Travelling with his father’s carnival gave him adventures, but it cost him much more. Now he’s home to stay, contracted to create an entertainment complex in Charmed. He wants roots, a house with a yard and all the mundane pleasures that go with it. But the girl he loved has become a woman who still wants freedom. Can she still want him? It seems he and Carmen are at each other’s throats one minute—and on each other’s lips the next. Someone’s gotta give . . .

"Fans of the first installment (A Charmed Little Lie) will enjoy this second one just as much and be clamoring for the third." — Library Journal on Lucky Charmed

The Calling Tree: Book One

The Calling Tree: Book One

Written by: C. F. Waller

Narrated by: Wyatt Baker

Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:07-11-17

Publisher: C. F. WALLER

This is the second book I have listened to of this author it was almost as good as the first one. I have to admit it was a little confusing which most likely had to do with the narration. The author gives lots of twists and turns some are very shocking and surprising. He gives you a story of people who are immortal living thousands of years going into vivid detail of how they live and how they die. Some die from the same things you and I do and others do not. The story moves pretty fast with lots of suspense and action that keeps your attention. When the hunted becomes the hunter and turns the table’s things get very hot.

Mr. Baker’s narration isn’t too bad he does need to slow down and pause, giving the reader time to process what they just heard before moving on to the next sentence. When going from one person or story it isn’t smooth and runs all together. Some of his characters voices are great giving wonderful emotions but others are a little high pitch or flat. It was hard for me to keep the characters apart due to the reading speed and character voice sounding too close together.   There are no background noises, no volume changes, if any breaks where taken I could not tell. There are a few pitch changes but I believe he will get this worked out over time. From what I can tell he is very new at narration but I feel he will grow and learn. Dominick, Bea’s and Shelly’s voice were wonderful. These were given great emotions. They really came to life for me and I grew to love them dearly. His accents were wonderful and I thought Dominick’s and Bea’s dry humor really came through making me chuckle. Mr. Baker’s normal voice is very pleasant to listen to but he does need to work on his female voices. They for the most part sound more male.  I didn’t care for Ronnie’s voice it was to male for me and to high, it just didn’t sound natural.  I did think he put a lot into the action and suspense and this part really pulled me in. I do believe over time his narration will improve and he will be wonderful to listen to.

Mr. Waller really knows how to grab his reader’s attention giving you characters that you enjoy. There wasn’t a character I didn’t like even the evil ones kept me smiling or chuckling. He spins a tale that is interesting, original and makes the reader think. Before you know it you yourself almost believe in immortality. This book is really totally different from the other book I have read of his. It is refreshing, in-depth, spun around a delightful plot which really keeps you spellbound with a story you have trouble putting down. His characters are vivid, charming and delightful with wonderful personalities. At first I thought the story to be a little confusing but in time you will find how each character plays an important part. Some will die and some will live but it is amazing how this comes about giving the reader vivid details that hold your attention keeping you with ears/eyes glued to the outcome. The ending is really a big surprise, that never even cross my mind. It is well setup for the next book in the series which I have bought. I can’t wait to see where the author takes it. You can tell this is one book that was well thought out keeping the reader in suspense with dry humor and delightful wit. You really have to pick this up to know what you are missing.  

Buy Links

Audible

https://www.audible.com/pd/Mysteries-Thrillers/The-Calling-Tree-Audiobook/B073SF2VCB

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/Calling-Tree-Tale-Immortality-BOOK-ebook/dp/B013C3N6S4/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Summary

BOOK ONE of The Calling Tree Trilogy. Dominick Dunn is in people acquisition. When the phone rings he shuffles off to the far corners of the globe to retrieve the captured, then turns them over to his employer. He doesn’t actually believe these people are immortal, but the pay is good and he likes to travel. Despite rumors that his quarry meets an unthinkable fate at the hands of his employer, he’s content with his lot in life.

Aaron Wessker is miserable. His life has not gone according to plan. Trapped in a dead end job bartending in Vegas, he longs for a family he lacks, or at least the possibility of a girlfriend.

Their lives are about to intersect, causing them both to rethink their place in the world. More importantly they will have to change their opinions of the possibility of immortality.

Unfortunately for both of them they will have to do this very quickly. Dunn’s quarry is also being pursued by something much more deadly than his employers.

Dominick Dunn is about to become the hunted and Aaron’s world is about to be turned on its side.

Disclaimer: This novel contains controversial opinions on Greek mythology, genetic mapping, gun pointing, love triangles, murderous redheads, bows and arrows, degenerate gamblers, choosing the correct wine when boiling people in oil, overuse of movie references, hooker tossing and indictments of our educational system.

Any resemblance between real persons and characters depicted in this work is pure coincidence, but really now . . . you know who you are.
The Calling Tree Trilogy . . .
The Calling Tree (Book One Available now
The Conduit (Book Two) Available now
The Agreement (Book Three) Release Date November 2017

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy (Men of Legend #2)

by Linda Broday

There is nothing truer than the saying love it blind. The first few pages of this story just ripped my heart out. Your heart breaks for one, than you hear the whole story which spins you in a 360 for poor Houston and how he was betrayed. A year later two lost hurt souls come together when two fathers make a deal forcing them to marry. One swearing to service and protect his wife and her child the other hoping for the best, can these two help heal the wounds others have given them?

A story full of danger, hope, dreams, action, and adventure with excitement, heartbreak, desire, pain and sorrow as two people build a life together and those who want to bring it down.  The story captivates you as it takes you back in time to a wilder side of Texas where actions speak louder than words. A place where it is kill or be killed, the hunted become the hunter and justice is service with bullets flying. Men had honor, women had souls and children had respect they grow up fast and learn to protect those they love.  The author takes all of the above and captivates the reader in a story that will hold your attention keeping you spellbound with a story you will have trouble putting down. She shows you the best of the best and the worse of the worse taking down one evil man at a time that is if they do not get taken down first.

Houston is a man of his word he holds power but in the west it doesn’t mean much. He is a gentleman until the end always putting his family first standing in the way of danger to keep them safe.  He is forced to marry a woman that most would take one look turn their heads or make fun of.  He takes it all on the chin making her feel beautiful and loving her child that isn’t his. Lara is a broken woman who has been to hell and back facing things we hope to never face. She has lived our worst nightmare taking one day as it come facing life with her chin held high. Life has not been easy and it is about to get worse as the man who attacked her hunts her down to take back what is his.

I love watching these two as their relationships grow both learning so much making a life for them and their child on a trail drive as a gang is hot on the tail making habit over Texas that will bring most to their knees. The story holds you captive keeping you holding your breath and breaking your heart, making you smile and laugh why keeping you on the edge with very vivid details that pulls you in taking you away. I really hated to put this book down. I stayed up very late and picked it up first thing in the morning. I had to see where the author would take it. She surprised me at every turn making my heart beat faster as my eyes grew bigger. The adventure is thrilling and the danger feels real. Ms. Broday puts so much emotion in her stories spinning a tale of romance that keeps you breathless. She makes you smile, laugh and just wanting to cry. Her characters become real leaving you with your hand over your mouth and tears in your eyes. It will be a story that stays with you making you understand how vivid Texas was years ago. These are characters that kept American free they stood up for what is right giving back not only to the land but the people. Fighting for justice the only way they knew how. The supporting characters add so much from their love of the land to their love of one family who is about to lose it all. There is shock and surprises waiting for you between these pages. The author takes you on a story that spins out of control leaving you very sad and then does a 360 making you smile with relief. If you have not read any books from this author you are truly missing a great experience.  She is truly an author that deserves all the awards she has received. Give this book a try and you will know why she is a best seller as she takes you back in time bring Texas alive not only in your mind but in your soul. When the end came I wanted it to go on. I have picked this as one of my favorite reads for the year.

Buy Links

Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1492630209/ref=x_gr_w_glide_bb?ie=UTF8&tag=x_gr_w_glide_bb-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1492630209&SubscriptionId=1MGPYB6YW3HWK55XCGG2

B&N

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/heart-of-a-texas-cowboy-linda-broday/1124234456;jsessionid=8FCA6DB84FBE452D04A2F65455589A39.prodny_store01-atgap07?ean=9781492630203&st=AFF&2sid=Goodreads,%20Inc_2227948_NA&sourceId=AFFGoodreads,%20IncM000004

Kobo

https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-heart-of-a-texas-cowboy

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Linda_Broday_The_Heart_of_a_Texas_Cowboy?id=LpnEDQAAQBAJ

Summary

Three Brothers. One Oath.
No Compromises.
The MEN of LEGEND

The Cowboy
One bullet is all it takes to shatter Houston Legend’s world. He swore he’d never love again, but with the future of the Lone Star Ranch on the line, he finds himself at the altar promising to love and cherish a woman he’s never met—a woman whose vulnerable beauty touches his heart.

All Lara Boone wants is a name for her baby. She never expected to fall in love with her own husband—or any man—after the heartache she’s endured. Yet when her troubled past catches up with them, Houston will move heaven and earth to protect his bride…and discover depths to a marriage of convenience neither realized could be theirs to claim.

Men of Legends Series:
To Love a Texas Ranger (Book 1)
The Heart of a Texas Cowboy (Book 2)

"Linda Broday's books always take me back to a west that feels true. Her love stories run deep with emotion. A delightful read." ―Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Promise Me Texas on Texas Mail Order Bride

Praise for Forever His Texas Bride:
"Broday's Westerns always captivate." -RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars
"One of the best historical western authors." -Fresh Fiction
"Poignant, dramatic and packed with action and mystery." -Addicted to Romance