"Something welled up in me.....I want that!"  -barb wynn
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Have you ever watched someone living their life and it inspired you to want to do the same?!  This stories in this book did this for me!  I would read a few chapters and then I would set the book down, you know...to soak it in.  This book began to stir something inside me, something only God can stir.  It was as if something welled up in me...I WANT THAT!  There is something beautiful in how these people are living a life of giving.  And although I have found this life of generosity personally.  I only wanted to taste more!!!!  That was the impression the book left me with .  NOT how can I give Once and get it off my to do list.  But rather, am I LIVING this life of generoisty moment to moment?!  Where can I grow in the area of giving my life away?!  And now, this is what I keep asking of God.  "GOD! How shall we invest my time and talents today?!  Who have I neglected to see that has a need that I can generously meet?!"  When you go to a romantic movie, you don't leave asking why they didn't give a point by point outline of how to find true love.  NO!  You leave inspired by the love story that has unfolded in front of your very eyes, and you walk away desiring a love you never knew.  This book is LIFE CHANGING if you read it with a heart wide open for inspiration to live out this life of generosity!  barb wynn
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I actually did the unthinkable and wound up watching the movie before reading the book...fortunately though, it didn't taint my expectations. This is my first Diana Wynne Jones book, and I hope that her other works are equally as magnificent because I can't wait to move on to the next one!

In a sense, I'm kind of glad I did things in reverse order because there are little things here and there that are not even mentioned in the Disney adaptation. I like to call them easter eggs; like wonderful little treats that you run into that you're not expecting.

Brilliant. ^__^
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I am blown away by Barbra Streisand.  While some individuals did not appreciate the talking, I found it quite enjoyable.  The theater snippets helped this small-town girl (who has only seen a hand full of Broadway shows) feel as if I was in the live audience.  Great feeling!  "Movie Partners Sing Broadway" is now on my playlist so I can enjoy it no matter where I may be.  Thanks, Barbra and Partners for some truly wonderful music.
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You know, I was beginning to think that it was me. The last couple of books Ive read haven't grabbed me, shook me to the core and left my mind obsessing. I began to doubt myself. Are those books really good and Ive just lost the ability to tell? AND THEN I WAS GIFTED ONE NIGHT: PROMISED and oh no, Ive lost nothing.

My body knows a good book even before my head does. Reading is like a drug to me and I think I get a little bit high when I encounter a good book. [It probably has to do with all the dopamine being released as the words seep in and hit the pleasure enhancers in my brain or some other scientific reason but lets not ruin this, shall we?]. I began reading Promised and I started to feel a familiar warmth enter my veins and travel through my body. I felt my heart start to beat a little faster at the anxiety inducing scenes. my eyes were darting across each page, my breath was hitching. It happened again. I was hooked.

Miller Hart is fantasy inducing. I was glued to the pages of Promised, sneaking in a chapter at time when I could, devouring Miller and Livys love story. I was not at all expecting Millers secret at the end of Promised  hindsights 20/20  I suppose I should have called it, but I didnt. And i LOVED that I didnt.

Miller is all about savoring with Lily. He wants to worship her, take things slow, and snuggle. I swooned every single time he asked her to give him his Thing. When they're alone, they're fine. But its when they head out into reality that their separate worlds try to keep them apart  whether it be friends, coworkers, or *ahem* business associates. You will get sucked in to their world - I certainly was!
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I'm already pulled in!  Your timing for a book couldn't have been better. I find myself kicking rocks and looking down the road and wondering, "What's next?  Perhaps a compass and a positive charge. You have always been spot on and "Soul Rays" is the next best thing to talking with you.
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Title: Where There's A Will

Series:bk Two in The Good Girl Series

Author: Karen Kelley

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Her Fantasies Were Wild But Buried Deep...
Haley Tillman words hard at being a good girl, hiding her rich fantasy life in the pages of her diary. But being good doesn't seem to get her anywhere with men, and her confidence is on a downward spiral. She's ready to try something altogether different, but hasn't a clue where to start. In a moment of desperation, she prays for a miracle...
He Might Take Her Beyond Them...
Ryder is the perfect combination of powerful angel plus normal hot-blooded man. Crossing into the mortal world could cost him his existence. But mortals are like a potent drug to Ryder, and Hayley is quickly becoming his drug of choice...

I adored this book. It touched base with so many issues that women internally battle with every day. The only difference with this is that Haley's prayers were answered by one smoking hot angel who's soul purpose for meeting her was to make her believe she was beautiful and sexy and not the frump that she thinks she is. Can we all get one of those? Because the journey to self love that Ryder took Haley on was just amazing. Beautiful, sexy, erotic, loving, humorous and intense all at the same time. I don't even think I have ever been as animated while reading a book as I was while reading Where There's a Will. I giggled, laughed, got teary eyed, got anxious, wiggled my toes in anticipation, I swear my heart even skipped a beat a few times. There is nothing a woman wants more than having the man of their dreams adore every part of their body, to feel sexy and powerful even with all of those little imperfections.

The journey doesn't go without a few hiccups though, which makes for one exciting roller-coaster ride of drama and emotions.

I loved this book of course what's not to love?

Grade A

Review by: Helen
[...]
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I will now be looking out my window for something wonderful to come my way...more amazing stories like this! And those illustrations, are you kidding me? love!
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"I want someone who really wants me, someone who can't keep his hands off me, someone who'd walk to the ends of the earth for me.  I want the real thing, and that includes fireworks, amazing sex, and eternal love,"  These are the most heartfelt and honest words I have read in a long time.  It's something we all dream about.  I really enjoyed this book.  Winnie is a secretary who works hard and does everything she can for her boss Morgan, who pretty much doesn't even notice her.  Morgan is tired of living the bachelor lifestyle in the limelight and makes a proposition to Winne which she can't refuse.  Or, can she?  This was a fabulous book and one I will enjoy reading again and again.
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I wish I could give this more stars! 5 just doesn't seem like enough. I absolutely fell in love with Wynn. And who wouldn't? He's amazing. And gorgeous. And hilarious. And perfect for Rose. I love how he rescues her and then loses her and has her returned all in one afternoon. The twins were great! They reminded me of the twins from the anime Oroum Academy Host Club. Of our heroine Rosellen I cannot say enough. She is perfect. The perfect mix of Regency miss and minx. Spunky yet sensible, modest yet firm in her opinions. She doesn't back down from anyone especially not Wynn. I wish we had seen a bit more of Susan, Danny, and Stubbins. We saw just the right amount of Buck. Clarice did not get the set down she was begging for, unless she really did join Merigrew on the boat to India. The writing was phenomenal, the period accurate. The characters were spot on. Most of the book was laugh out loud hilarious, nearly every time Wynn was on the page I was rolling on the floor. Such a great book. This one is going on the favorite list for sure! Very highly recommended for all Regency Romance lovers.
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Words. Some words are used to describe how we see, think or feel. Words can make us feel sad, mad, angry, confused. Others bring feelings of happiness, joy and love. Love. It is the one thing we will all fight to the death for when our loved ones are involved. Sometimes words are not enough to express our love.

Janie hasn't seen much love in her life. She and her best friend Lyla haven't had the best luck when it comes to love. Fortunately they found their "family" in the friends they've met at Danny's bar. Thursday Nights is their night to hang out with the owners and employees at Danny's. For months they had their weekly appointment at Danny's and made friendships that were stronger than some family bonds.

Max Delucca is a bartender at Danny's and has been a "friend" to Janie from the beginning. One Thursday night fate steps in and Janie and Max find themselves with the opportunity to take things to a different level.

"Words, Janie, I need words."

I L-O-V-E-D this book! I had found that I was picking books that were alike and not getting the tingly sensation that I love to get when I discover a book that stirs feelings within me. This book was different. The story isn't predictable. It was refreshing to have the sense of anticipation as I devoured each and every word. I found myself saying...

"More, Max, I need more."

So let's go down the checklist for a great book. 1. Hotness: Max is a man's man who I would guess could hang with just about anyone. When he falls, he falls hard. (Ah-h sighs) I love alpha males that fall hard for their lady loves. Their protective nature is so appealing but with that sense of strength there is such tenderness and care. 2. Storyline: Love the unpredictability of the story. It was fresh but familiar all the same. I found myself struggling with screaming at the kindle, "Take a step!" 3. Money well spent: ABSOLUTELY! I would buy this again for its refreshing take on the alpha male style book. 4. Happily Ever After Factor: This is the first book of The Charistown Series. I love a HEA and this one doesn't disappoint. But I don't think Janie and Max's story ends here. By the end of the epilogue I loved how I felt my tension ease about whether or not this was going to give me my HEA. 5. Alpha Male Scale: Max was not a Neanderthal type male but his no nonsense way of communicating his intentions made my panties melt! Possessive, protective and his unique wooing skills all rolled up into one hot-ass man.

I can't wait to read "Storm Front" the second book in this series. I can't wait to hear whose story is going to be told next from the gang from Danny's.
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So much to love in this book. It had me filled with goosebumps throughout. And I particularly loved the natural healing aspect as I have a herbalist certificate.
One of my favorite paragraphs, and I think it has relevance to how people often look outside, instead of within, to their own voice and heart, seeking soothsayers and fortunetellers.

p. 215: "Malcome had an odd look. "I'm sorry. I know this is hard. Magic is not ours to use, my boy. We think it serves us, but that is only magic playing tricks. Magic only makes us hungry for more magic. We need it more, we rely on it more, and thus it has more control over us. Do you understand?"

And the ending was very, very satisfying.
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"I need to kiss you, Montgomery Bell."
"You need to?"
"I don't think I'm going to be able to think straight until I do."

Guys, mad, crazy, intense book love right here. Which is, we can all agree, the best kind of book love.

This is my first read by K.P. Haigh, although I bought her debut, Only Fools Jump based on the cover and blurb when it released. I'm just...slack. But I am slack no longer, because Mr. Sportsball has made a believer out of me.

It was ALL. THE. THINGS. Every single one of them. Smart and funny and sassy and sexy and adorable and... Oops. My fangirl is totally showing, isn't it?

I loved this book from start to finish and was completely compelled by it. It sucked me in. It grabbed by attention, and refused to let go. I loved Baronwho wouldn't? He's all sweetness and fun and creative pinball dates. Oof. My heart. And I loved quirky Montgomery Bellyou'd better believe she and I would be besties IRL if that were at all possible.

I'd happily settle for meeting with Ms. Haigh instead though. Because anyone who can craft a romantic, swoony, playful love story which sets the butterflies to flying, makes my heart pound with good feels and leaves me a little breathless is someone I need in my life.

As long as she can excuse my fangirl. *Sigh*

"You're so g_____ beautiful. I can't get enough of you. I don't ever think I'll be able to get enough of you."

~ FIVE Pinball STARS ~
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Can I just start by saying that it is because of books like this one that I am a book blogger? It is books like this one by Kristin Harmel, who I now love, that bring out my ultimate passion for submerging myself in a story. I opened this book and I might as well have found a buried treasure. I found so many intricate details and stories within the story that I did not expect from my first glance. The words are so fluid and it almost makes me feel like writing something extraordinary myself. Wow! I definitely cannot wait for more from this author!

The story starts us with Hope McKenna-Smith who is a divorced thirty-six year old who owns a quaint little bakery called North Star Bakery and also has a very bratty and somewhat hormonal daughter. Her life has "put her out in the street" so to say, and she has been having a rough time trying to make ends meet as far as paying her bills and maintain a somewhat stable relationship with her daughter, Annie. Little does Hope know that things are about to change for her. She is about to go on possibly the most thrilling adventure of her life. You have already gone to the store to buy a copy of this book right? I knew you would.

My heart constantly went out to Hope. She had recently lost her mother to breast cancer, suffered a rather hideous divorce, her relationship with her daughter is suffering, her grandmother is suffering from dementia, and she does not make enough money to make her loan payments on time. From the start I gathered that Hope was a survivor! And by this I mean that she had survived all this mess that I previously listed, as if that isn't enough, and still pushes through even on her worst day. I know that this character can sometimes be written with a little too much clich, if you get my drift. But Hope's character was only the work of a mastermind. I could sense Hope's fear and her desire to throw the towel in on her life. She had reached a breaking point and I could almost feel her crashing down. But remember Hope is a survivor and she isn't done surviving yet!

A few chapters into the story we meet Rose who is Hope's grandmother. Rose is suffering from a severe case of dementia. Rose has served as a mother figure to Hope for most of her life because Hope remembers her mother as being cold and reserved most of the time. Rose presents a challenge for Hope and basically asks her to uproot her life in order to go to Paris and find some relatives who suffered during the Holocaust. Rose, on a good day, remembers her past and wants some answers as to what ever happened to her family. Hope is faced with a huge struggle. She is about to lose her bakery and her grandmother has just asked her to take off to Paris to find people that may not even have any existing records and no way to know what may of happened to them.

Hope's journey is the best part. Parts of the story are told from the perspective of Rose and they allow you to see more clearly into Rose's life before coming to America. Let me tell you to have your box of Kleenex ready. I was so touched by the testimonies of Rose and by the discoveries that Hope makes. This book takes two generations of women and allows one to help the other to find some closure and peace in her current state of life. I would recommend it to anyone! Such a compelling story that led me to deeper analyze my own life.

***A HUGE thank you to Gallery Books for providing me with my own copy of this book, in which I will cherish forever***
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A SURPRISE NOVELLA for Ella and Micha!  How can you not be excited about that!  I was hoping (fingers crossed) that this story would be drama free and we would get to see a happy and healthy Ella and Micha and where there life is now.  And guess what that is exactly what this story is and I loved it!

"At twenty-five years old, I've been playing for the same record label for a few years now.  I have put out three albums, been on fifteen tours, have written so many songs I've lost track, and sometimes, I miss playing just for me."  ~Micha

Ella and Micha have been married for several years now.  They hate being separated while Micha is off on tour and Ella runs her art gallery.  But Ella would never ask him to give up his dream to be home at night with her.  She knows what this means to him.  Ella has been doing so well, and finally able to stand on her own.  Not that Micha doesn't always want to be that shoulder for her. (I mean really could Micha be any more perfect, the answer is NO)

"In two months, I won't be on the road anymore.  I'll be working my job in San Diego only and be living with you all the damn time, like I dream."  ~Micha

When Ella goes to visit Micha on tour, she can tell he is sad and wants to be there for him like he always is for her.  But is unsure where his head is at.  Micha knows what he wants and to take care of Ella and be home with her so they can maybe someday start a family is where his heart is guiding him.  So a new pact is exactly what he decides is needed, he wants to be home in two months for good, but is that even possible?  He has no idea, only time will tell.

"I honestly wish I couldn't think at all, then maybe I wouldn't have to acknowledge the reality in front of me."

Sometimes though when you least expect it life throws you a bigger curve ball than you were prepared for.  And when Ella receives some surprising news just as Micha is returning from tour, everything she thought she had planned or knew is now a scrambled mess and she has no idea if she is happy or sad.  Now she just has to decide where her head is at and tell Micha this secret.  Will Ella get lost in her thoughts or will her and Micha finally be happy together, infinitely and always?

As sad as I am to see the end of Ella and Micha this was a perfect novella and ending to their epic love story!  What an amazing journey that these two have been on I have enjoyed every moment!
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Favorite Quotes:

In my defense, it wasn't my monster truck.  It was my mothers.  I was currently between automobiles, and shed just upgraded to a newer, bigger, more intimidating model.

Id once overheard my daddy tell my momma that the six Winston boys had inherited their fathers ability to charm snakes, the IRS, and women.

I wanted to label it as incendiary, but as it was the first hot look Id ever been aware of receiving, I decided instead to make his hot look the baseline by which all other hot looks would be measured.

I had no idea where we were and couldn't find my way back if my life and the future of chocolate hung in the balance.

Let me put it this way: have you ever seen someone and thought to yourself, Whoa, hes hot!  Id like to screw his brains out.  And then, you talk to the guy and realize someone already has?

Unless I was misreading his expression, he appeared to be a little lost, like maybe Id stolen his breath and his wallet and his passport and his memories.  Really, he looked stunned.

My Review:

Penny Reid was a rather recent discovery for me, I have now read 5 of her divinely written books and want to stalk her like an avid fan-girl.  I adore her clever humor, vibrant characters, witty banter, and entertaining story lines.  Her superb writing and insightful narratives never fail to totally consume me for a day or two.  Her stories are inventive and engrossing, and even her secondary characters are unique, quirky, and fully fleshed out.  With Truth or Beard, I was cheerfully transported to Tennessee, a place I have never been yet Ms. Reid created a community that I can easily slip into, reside in, and feel comfortable with the inhabitants as I soon felt as if I knew them well.  The Winston brothers were each interesting, original, and unusual with their own unique skills and traits.  I personally I found Cletus to be the most intriguing, despite causing an intense craving for sausage.  I was absolutely thrilled to see there are to be more volumes to this series  I am ecstatic that there are so many more Winstons to investigate.
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Hold On, the second book by Hilary Wynne in the Alexa Reed Series, jumps right into the aftermath of Alexa's revealing secret.  Her startling admission affects all of those around her, and weave into a tangled web of coincidence, confrontation, heartbreak, and self-actualization.

As Alexa deals with moving on from her past into a new job and happy future, we learn more about Julian's emotional past.  He is dealing with serious issues of his own, and that threatens the dreamy life Alexa is finally opening herself up to.  Can she muster the strength to be there for Julian like he is for her, or will their whole world unravel?

The emotions these characters face are masterfully written so you feel everything they go through as if it was your own story.  I became deeply involved with Julian and Alexa as I cheered their triumphs and held my breath with frustration.

Kudos to Hilary Wynne for giving us another spicy, toe-curling, heart-aching, hopeful roller coaster of a ride through Hold On.  I am already in line for the the next one.
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"All moments matter. We just rarely know how important they are until the chance to act on them has already passed."

BOOK HANGOVER ALERT!!

Oh my gee...this book! *praise hands*
I didn't want it to end! I couldn't stop once I started.
The words just poured straight from the pages into my heart.

Rynna left home as a young girl due to horrible circumstances. The one thing that is bringing her back is a tragic event.
But the return is much needed to heal her...in more ways than one.

Rex has lived with guilt, grief, and heartache for far too many years.
The only thing keeping him going is his wonderful daughter, Frankie.
Until the day he meets a woman who has just as much pain in her own eyes.

"What exactly am I supposed to be afraid of, Rex? Because when I'm around you, the last thing I feel is afraid."

"I screw everything up, Rynna, and the only thing I've got to offer you is my mess. I can't do this."

"I'm not afraid."

"You should be. Warned you, my stuff doesn't ever end well."

"Maybe that's a chance I'm willing to take."

My heart was so immersed in their story.
I cried so many times!!
Sometimes I didn't even realize I was getting emotional until the tears were streaming down my face.

A.L. Jackson knows how to weave beautiful words into a fantastic story that pulls heartstrings like no other.

Both Rex and Rynna have truly heartbreaking stories that connect them on very deep levels.
The twists and turns that accompany their lives really bring this whole story together.

"I told you I didn't have anything left to give you. And now, I want to give you everything."

Not only did I love Rex and Rynna, I fell so completely for Frankie.
That little girl is amazing. She's quirky and fun, with so much personality. She has went through heartache too, but her daddy hangs the moon for her and Rynna shows her the love of mother figure she never really had.
Just beautiful!

I could go on forever about my love of this book!
Like I said, it's a complete book hangover for me! I want so much more from them, but I don't know if it could have ended any more perfectly<3

I'm so excited that this was just the first in this series! I loved Kale and Ollie (Rex's best friends) too! I want to know them more!!

Such a wonderful read!!!

"You make me feel again, Rynna. You make me feel like every chance is worth taking. Like you're leading me out of the darkness that's ruled me life.
When I close my eyes, who I see is you.
Show me the way, Rynna."