Monday, November 26, 2018

I'd Rather Be Reading (review) + Reader's Choice 2018 Christian Fiction Giveaway

GIVEAWAY
I'm reviewing a non-fiction book today and since I'm all about Fiction giveaways, I thought it would be fun to do a last chance at Christian Fiction released in 2018 giveaway. Look below this review for details.

BOGEL, ANNE,
I'D RATHER BE READING

 Reading isn't just a way to pass the time -- it's a lifestyle. Books shape, define, and enchant us. They are part of who we are and we can't imagine life without them. In this collection of charming and relatable reflections, beloved blogger and author Anne Bogel leads you to remember the book that first hooked you, the place where you first fell in love with reading, and all the books and moments afterward that helped make you the reader you are today.

My Review:

Seriously, how can you not love a book with a chapter on Book Twins?! It's really a thing! Who knew? I'd Rather Be Reading is a book for bibliophiles by a bibliophile -- a little book filled with lots of bookish joy! (and would make the perfect stocking stuffer for the reading addict in your life.)

I learned a new bookish term or two while reading this book. Like literary matchmaker. Bwahahaha! That's going to be my new moniker 'cause I sure hope this blog has provided some forever love kind of matchmaking between readers, authors and books!

Each chapter is a short essay on all things bookish. From the magic of picking up the right book at just the right time in your life to a comprehensive list of Bookworm Problems that only a true bookworm can appreciate. :-) And don't get me started on the chapter on  How to Organize Your Book Shelves...lots of tongue-in-cheek advice here. Like point # 4: "...Some people play tennis in their spare time, Others knit or scrapbook. You're a reader; your hobby is organizing your bookshelves." (p 57) It makes me infinitely happier to know that this strange penchant of mine is not so strange after all! Bibliophiles unite in an organizational frenzy!!!!

I'd Rather Be Reading is a potpourri of literay goodness. Fun,quirky, sometimes serious look at our relationship with books. Kinda like reading a bound volume of the best bookish blog posts.

"Books draw us deeply into the lives of others, showing us the world through someone else's eyes, page after page." (p 52)

Book provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.

SECOND CHANCE AT 2018 CHRISTIAN FICTION GIVEAWAY!

If you're like me, you still have a healthy number of books on your 2018 TBR lists that haven't turned up in your TBR pile...yet! Well, here's a chance to change that. Suggest up to 3 titles of any Christian Fiction published in 2018.  Each entry is numbered and if you win the draw, you win the book! Easy Peasy, right?...Well...sort of. Please go over the rules carefully so we're all on the same page.....

YOU suggest any CHRISTIAN FICTION novel
 published in 2018
Up to THREE choices 
BUT
they need to be made in 
three separate comments
(makes it easier to tally)
OPEN TO EMAIL entries this time -- just make sure to
send a separate email for each choice AND
add the title to the subject line. 
(Again, easier to tally)
Open to International Readers
(I'm all about global LITERARY MATCHMAKING!!!)

It's helpful to include your email in a comment -- using AT and DOT instead of @ and . -- but you only need to add it to one of your suggestions. If you choose not to include your email, it will be up to you to contact me if you are a winner.

DRAW WILL BE HELD AND WINNER ANNOUNCED 
ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 2 2018


147 comments:

  1. Lol, "I'd Rather Be Reading" sounds like a book I'd enjoy! I can DEFINITELY relate to the time spent rearranging bookshelves, LOL!
    LOVE these reader's choice days! My #1 choice is "The Raveling" by Tamara Leigh (the last in this series!)
    jcservantslaveATicloudDOTcom

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  2. #2 for me is "Merciless" by Tamara Leigh (so excited about this one!!)

    ReplyDelete
  3. #3 "Sons of Blackbird Mountain" by Joanne Bischof (I think I first heard of this one through one of your reviews, and have been longing to read it ever since!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think we can all relate to rearranging bookshelves! I have the hankering to get started but first I need one more bookcase....Good luck, Elly!

      Delete
  4. I loved this review and yes, you are definitely a literary matchmaker! I think I'm going to gift I'd Rather Be Reading to myself for Christmas. This seems to be my present shopping style, one gift for someone else then one for me, haha.

    This is such an extravagant request because I've already won book 3 but I'd love to win A Song Unheard by Roseanna White, book 2 in this series.

    Merry Christmas to all of us readers for a chance at another book! Thanks Kav!
    tracey14567 at gmail dot com

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  5. The Christmas Heirloom novella collection by Witemeyer, Wade, Hunter and Thomas is still on my list so that my second literary wish :)

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  6. Lastly, something lighthearted and fun, The Lieutenant's Bargain by Regina Jennings. It comes out Dec 4 and has the cutest cover.

    Thanks Kav! Time to face this Monday head on :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I like your method of Christmas shopping, Tracey, especially if it includes book buying! Though I'd probably go three for me me for every one for somebody else. Snicker.

      I only have six books in my December release list and The Lieutenant's Bargain is one of them! Good luck, Tracey!

      Delete
    2. I want to know what the other 5 are!!!

      Delete
    3. Your wish is my command!

      The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
      Searching for You by Jody Hedlund
      Who I Am With You by Robin Lee Hatcher
      Mind Games by Nancy Mehl
      The Liberty Bride : Daughters of the Mayflower

      Delete
  7. Wait for Me
    By Susan May Warren
    The last in her series… I am so anxious to finish the series!
    jacsmi75 at gmail dot com

    Thanks, Kav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I want to read this one too! I have it on hold at my library and should get it soon. Woot! Good luck, Jackie!

      Delete
  8. Bibliophiles unite! Yeah! Before I got on social media I thought I was the only one who loved voraciously reading Christian fiction. Ha! The joke was on me!

    1) Leaving Lavender Tides by Colleen Coble
    (this has been on my wishlist for awhile)

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

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  9. 2) The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

    dianalflowers(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. 3) On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter

    Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and has a Merry bookish Christmas! 😘

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. See? Bibliophiles turn social media into a power for good! :-) I'm super excited about that Julie Klassen book...it better be under the tree in my house! Hope Santa hears that! lol Good luck, Diana.

      Delete
    2. Better write a letter to Santa. Not sure he can hear all the way from the North Pole to your house. After all he's 1,747 yrs old and his hearing ain't what it used to be!

      Delete
    3. This is a sad truth — however it is a well known fact that his elves have little receptor implants in the points of their ears which gives them supersonic hearing and the ability to tune in to requests. It’s my understanding that there’s even a contingency of biblio elves who deal with all the book wishes. I can’t reveal my sources because this is top secret North Pole stuff so you’ll just have to trust me!

      Delete
  11. Oh my goodness, I want this book! You, my dear, are definitely a "literary matchmaker". Claim that title proudly! I'll put this one on my NEED pile. lol
    As for books published that I want? Well, first one is for sure Tamara Leigh's Merciless (I was just looking this one up on all sites today seeing where it was most budget friendly. ;) lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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  12. The Christmas Heirloom collection - Karen Witemeyer, Becky Wade, Kristi Hunter and Sara Loudin Thomas
    lattebooksAThomtailDOTcom

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  13. The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy
    lattebooksAThotmailDOTcom

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    Replies
    1. Bwahahaha -- I think I'll have business cards made -- Kav -- literary matchmaker. Snort!

      Can you believe I haven't read a Tamera Leigh book yet? (hanging head in shame) And everyone is crazy about this series and I'm so far behind...sigh....Good luck, Susan!

      Delete
  14. 1. The Wounded Shadow by Patrick W Carr

    It's funny how much joy there is in reorganizing bookshelves--so satisfying. So rewarding when finished. And so much more enjoyable than tidying up the messy living room . . .

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

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  15. 2. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  16. 3. The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

    rachaeldalquist AT yahoo DOT com

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    Replies
    1. Good point about organizing bookshelves, Rachael! I'd much rather be on bookshelf duty than tidying living room duty! lol And it's past time for me to tackle my bookshelves...I've had to stop shelving them in alphabetical order because I ran out of room and have resorted to piling them on on top of the other...gasp! Good luck!

      Delete
  17. Yes and thank you!!!

    The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright
    dianemestrella at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. I don't normally read non-fiction--actually correction, I read one that Chip and JoAnna Gaines wrote (highly recommended if you love Fixer Upper on HGTV)--BUT I just ran over to my library website and put this on hold! Seriously, a book for bookish nerds worldwide?? I'm a bookshelf organizing queen and I can't wait to read that chapter :-) It makes me immensely happy thinking about it.

    Ok so, for this giveaway...are you crazy!?!? Do you KNOW how many books came out in 2018 and we have to narrow it down to three at the most?? Of course you know because you are in the same boat as us....YOU WANT THEM ALL!!!! Bwwaahhaahhaa!!! (Insert maniacal laughter).

    First choice at the risk of sounding like a broken record:

    If I Live by Terri Blackstock

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  19. #2 Lethal Target by Janice Cantore

    ReplyDelete
  20. #3 The Hearts Appeal by Jennifer Delamere

    teamob4 (at) gmail (dot) com

    Thanks for the opportunity Kav!! 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trixi, you haven’t read If I Live yet?! That’s tragical!!!! Good luck!

      Delete
    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

      Delete
    3. What's even more tragical is I haven't read the SERIES yet....sigh.....

      Delete
    4. Well, honestly, I'm kinda envious that you still get to experience that particular thrill of a ride.

      Delete
  21. The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  22. On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

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  23. All Made Up by Kara Isaac

    colorvibrant at gmail dot com

    Thanks Kav! It was fun to look back through my Goodreads list!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love browsing through my lists too...but it’s so hard to decide what to buy next! I need a North Pole delivery! Good luck, Heidi!

      Delete
  24. I do read nonfiction when I find a good review will be checking to see if the library has this one.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Take a chance by shelley shepard gray. cheetahthecat1986ATgmailDOtcom

    ReplyDelete
  26. An amish Christmas letter by Patricia Davids, Sarah Price and Jennifer beckstrand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I bet every library will get it because it’s about books! Good luck, Kim!

      Delete
  27. On Magnolia Lane by Denise Hunter mauback55 at gmail dot com

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  28. All Made Up by Kara Isaac mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  29. The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen mauback55 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  30. Falling for You by Becky Wade
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  32. A daring venture by Elizabeth Camden
    mindyhoung AT msn DOT com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ohhh...Gossamer Pind!!!!!! Good luck, Mindy!

      Delete
  33. How nice of you to do another of these reader's choice giveaways!
    1. All Made Up by Kara Isaac

    pmkellogg56[at]gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. 2. When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham

    ReplyDelete
  35. 3. The Christmas Heirloom Novella Collection by Witemeyer, Hunter, Thomas, and Wade

    ReplyDelete
  36. These giveaways are so much fun!
    1. The Accidental Guardian, Mary Connealy

    pocoauthorATgmailDOTgom

    ReplyDelete
  37. 2. The Road to Magnolia Glen, Pam Hillman

    pocoauthorATgmailDOTgom

    ReplyDelete
  38. “Love by the Numbers“ by Laura V. Hilton
    Releases Feb 6, 2018
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  39. 3. The Lady of Tarpon Springs, Judith McCoy Miller

    pocoauthorATgmailDOTgom

    ReplyDelete
  40. “Amish Christmas Emergency” by Dana R. Lynn
    Released November 1, 2018
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  41. “The Hope Jar” by Wanda E. Brunstetter
    Released August 7, 2018
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  42. Although I'm not usually one to pick up a non-fiction book, Your review would have me doing so with "I'D RATHER BE READING". Thank you for bringing this book to my attention and I will be looking for it now.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

    ReplyDelete
  43. #1 A Song Unheard (Shadows Over England Book #2) by Roseanna M. White (January 2, 2018)

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  44. #2 When the Heart Sings (Music of Hope Book #2) by Liz Tolsma (October 9, 2018)

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  45. #3 Lady of a Thousand Treasures (the Victorian Ladies Series #1) by Sandra Byrd (October 9, 2018)

    nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks so much, Kav, for another Reader's Choice Giveaway!! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I’m just about to order Lady of a Thousand Treasures. Love Sandra Byrd! Good luck, Alison!

      Delete
  46. 1 This Freedom Journey
    (Timeless Love)
    by Misty M. Beller

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  47. Legacy of Mercy
    (Waves of Mercy #2)
    by Lynn Austin

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  48. Mist O'er the Voyageur
    by Naomi Dawn Musch

    Amada
    amada_chavezATyahooDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I haven’t read anything by your first and third author selections but I’be been hearing great things about them! Good luck, Amada!

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    2. They are new ones to me as well! :) Those books just sounds SO GOOD! :D Thank you!

      Delete
  49. Really had to search and whittle my list down!
    #1 A Rumored Fortune by Joanna Politano
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  50. #2 Justice Betrayed by Patricia Bradley the one with the guitar on the cover.
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
  51. #3 High Treason by DiAnn Mills
    paulams49ATsbcglobalDOTnet

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Making these kind of profound choices can seriously impact a reader's equilibrium! Good luck, Paula!

      Delete
  52. 1. Lethal Licorice by Amanda Flower

    turtle6422 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  53. 2. A Simple Christmas by Charlotte Hubbard

    ReplyDelete
  54. 3. Just Plain Murder by Laura Bradford

    Thanks Kav!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see you have an Amish theme going on here. Good luck, Jana Leah!

      Delete
  55. 2. When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham

    ReplyDelete
  56. 3. Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh

    Thanks for the giveaway! I loved reading this post about bibliophiles and bookish things.

    usedtextbooks5(AT)gmail(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  57. I'd Rather be Reading sounds like such a fun book!

    Here is my first choice
    1) Reason to Breath by Deborah Raney

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  58. 2) A Song Unheard by Roseanna M White

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  59. 3) Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears

    pattymh2000(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gasp! I didn't have Romancing the Bride on my list!!!!! Thanks for the reminder. Good luck, Patty!

      Delete
  60. The Making of Mrs. Hale
    Carolyn Miller ~ November 27, 2018
    Regency Brides: A Promise of Hope, book 3
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  61. A Sparkle of Silver
    Liz Johnson ~ October 16, 2018
    Georgia Coast Romance, book 1
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
  62. The Bride of Ivy Green
    Julie Klassen ~ December 4, 2018
    Tales of Ivy Hill, book 3
    Kathleen ~ Lane Hill House
    lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that Julie Klassen one is a bestseller today! Good luck, Kathleen!

      Delete
  63. 1. Together Forever by Jody Hedlund. May 2018
    leliamae54(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  64. 2. Hidden Among the Stars by Melanie Dobson

    ReplyDelete
  65. 3. Castle on the Rise by Kristy Cambron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just an FYI, Castle on the Rise doesn't release until next year. February.

      Delete
    2. Oooh...thanks for pointing that out Terrill. Lucy, do you mean the fist book in that series -- The Lost Castle?

      Delete
  66. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  67. Amish theme for me like whenever I can pick!
    1. The Road Home by Beverly Lewis
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  68. An Amish Heirloom by Amy Clipson
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  69. An Amish Family by Kathleen Fuller
    pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Can’t go wrong with Amish! Good luck, rubynreba!

      Delete
  70. I'd Rather Be Reading is sitting on my nightstand right now. It's a library book, but I might just have to get my own copy at some point. I'm glad you had fun with it. For my three choices of 2018 releases, I'm going to start with:

    1.) Troubled Waters by Susan May Warren.

    I got to get caught up before her next series starts. It looks so good, too!
    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  71. 2.) Falling For You by Becky Wade

    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  72. And...

    3.) Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears

    tlhcoupon(at)Hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha -- I think there's already a new Susan May Warren series starting up...or maybe it's one I missed? So hard to keep up. Good luck, Terrill!

      Delete
  73. Yay -- Reader's Chocie! :) First choice is Together Forever by Jody Hedlund. Thanks, Kav!

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  74. #2 - The Hidden Side by Heidi Chiavaroli

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  75. #3 - The Solace of Water: A Novel by Elizabeth Byler Younts

    ckbarker at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Read your first two choices and loved them and super excited because I just found out that The Solace of Water has been ordered for my library and I'm #1 on the list! Woot! Good luck, Cheryl!

      Delete
  76. Thanks for the fun giveaway, Kav!
    1. The Bride of Ivy Green by Julie Klassen
    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  77. 2. The Reluctant Warrior by Mary Connealy
    whthomas13 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  78. 3. No One Ever Asked by Katie Ganshert

    ReplyDelete
  79. #1 This is very hard
    Thanks for the chance 😍🍯🐝😍
    Things Left Unsaid by Courtney Walsh
    😘💖😘 iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💖😘💖

    ReplyDelete
  80. #2 If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock
    Dying here LOL This just came out So excited
    Thanks for the chance 😍🍯🐝😍
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💖😘💖

    ReplyDelete
  81. #3 Christmas Heirloom
    by Karen Witemeyer (Author), Kristi Ann Hunter (Author), Sarah Loudin Thomas (Author), Becky Wade (Author)
    Thanks again and As Always
    iamabho AT gmail DOT com 💖😘💖

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh wow -- you haven't read the If I Run series yet? Such an awesome series. Happy sigh. Good luck, Linda!

      Delete
    2. Nope and I'm very excited to see them all together in one 😁
      Thanks

      Delete
  82. Just to let Everyone know that Amazon has a Print Book Coupon expires end of This month
    Save $5.00 on orders $20.00+ Use promo code NOVBOOK18 to save $5.00 when you spend $20.00 or more on Books offered by Amazon.com. Here's how (restrictions apply) Used (Applicable for only once)
    Link to more info. https://www.amazon.com/gp/promotions/details/popup/A25RA13CFWI409

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for sharing that, Linda. I could have used that twic this month already. Argh! lol

      Delete
    2. I know right
      I wish I would have seen it earlier

      Delete
  83. Fabulous review! Makes me want to read the book. I definitely have been a voracious reader since I held my first book. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't read. My bookshelf is double stacked with books and I have boxes of books that need shelves.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Anne. It's a neat little book. I can't bring myself to double stack my books which means they meander all over my house in a somewhat chaotic state. I even press chairs into service as makeshift bookshelves which is fine until company comes...

      Delete
  84. Oath of Honor by Lynette Eason

    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  85. Called to Protect by Lynette Eason

    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  86. Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

    duhpaynes[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have Called to Protect on my TBR pile right now!!!!! I'm so excited!!!!! Good luck, Anne!

      Delete
  87. Oh man, there are SO many that have been published, or are about to be published in 2018 that I want to read! Well, here it goes, in no particular order. I'd love A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden.

    LLWaltz [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  88. #2 The Heart Between Us by Lindsay Harrel

    ReplyDelete
  89. #3 Where Hope Begins by Catherine West

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hear ya, Laura -- no matter what the scenario it's always hard to narrow down those want-to-read titles. Good luck!

      Delete
  90. Romancing the Bride by Melissa Jagears.


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  91. Sons of Blackbird Mountain by Joanne Bischof


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
  92. The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright


    nina4sm/at/gmail/dot/com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That's an impressive list, Sylvia. Good luck!

      Delete
  93. 1. Sons of Blackbird Mountain" by Joanne Bischof

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  94. 2. A Daring Venture by Elizabeth Camden

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete
  95. 3. Formula of Deception by Carrie Stuart Parks

    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

    ReplyDelete