Reading aplenty in 2020

2020 is off to a chaotic start as I am moving and with that comes the packing up of my 3000 plus books! My New Years resolutions now consist of:

1. Read at least 52 books per year...75 would be fabulous!
2. Donate 100 books
3. Do not buy any books...so sad. 😭
4. Clean and organize all my books before putting them back onto the shelves.
5. Don’t double stack the shelves...not possible, but one can always hope.

Many more resolutions, like no buying crafting stuff, but you probably don’t need to hear about those!
I hope you all have a great 2020 and get to read a lot and aplenty!

Happy reading in 2020, Christine!

>1 chrirob: I'm not sure how you'll achieve goal 3. ;-)

Welcome back!

I know! Kind of depressing! But when you have 3000 books in a 1 bedroom apartment, the guilt and clutter makes it necessary! :)

Thank you Dr. Neutron! :)

Happy reading to you too FAMeulstee! :)

1. Promise not to Tell by Jennifer McMahon
A murder has been committed and it is strikingly similar to the murder of another child...30 years ago. When Kate returns home to care for her mother, another child is murdered exactly like her best friend Del was so many years ago. While Kate tries to come to terms with her mother's illness and erratic behavior, she is plagued by thoughts that her mother might be confused enough to BE the killer. As events begin to spiral out of control, Kate begins to be a prime suspect and her past is not staying behind her....it is catching up with her.

This was a great book and I believe I read it in just 3 days! Great suspense!

Hello Christine,

I used to have upwards of 2000 books, and then I moved house twice in six years. That really concentrated the mind! I went through all my books asking myself the question, am I going to read this again? If the answer was no, then it had to go. I got rid of a lot of books that way. The other thing I did was relegate the brain candy to an e-reader. I can't read non-fiction or more complicated fiction on an e-reader but it works fine for the brain candy!

Cas

Hi Cas. Thank you for your wise advice! I am going to be mindful of what books I bring from the garage and really look at them and say will I really read this? I have only brought up 3 boxes and am determined to read those books before bringing up more! Also going to donate ones I have read. I do have an E reader and I’m being more mindful of adding books there instead of on my bookshelves. Have a great week!

2. The Covenant by Beverly Lewis
Leah has always been the son that Abram and Ida Ebersol never had. She has always helped her father with running the farm and caring for the livestock. But as she nears 16, she will be allowed to attend social gatherings with the other young members of her Amish community and she begins to yearn for more than farming duties. Sadie is the eldest Ebersol daughter and is already socializing with the boys, perhaps more than she should. But when Sadie begins meeting a young man in the woods, whose identity and existence is kept a secret from her family, she may be in danger of loosing her heart and her home. As Sadie continues along her dangerous path, Leah is discovering hers...but neither of them expects the path to be so rocky and winding.

This is book 1 of the Abraham’s Daughters series. It was very good and I am about to pick up book 2 of 5. It will be interesting to see what is in store for the five Ebersol daughters.

3. The Betrayal by Beverly Lewis
In book 2 of the Abram’s Daughters series, Sadie is still walking a dangerous path with her secret Englisher relationship, while Leah is discovering the joys of young romance. When Sadie’s sins begin to catch up with her, Leah makes a choice that may save her sister but unknowingly bring destruction in its wake.

Just finished this book and am heading straight into #3!

4. The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis
After Leah's engagement to Jonas is delayed, Smithy Gid begins to wonder if he might be able to woo his long-time love. Hannah and Mary Ruth begin to grow into young womanhood and attend social gatherings while catching they eyes of 2 young men. Sadie continues to be banned and shunned by her Amish community, but can her family continue to shun her from their lives? Baby Lydianne is growing like a weed and continuing to bring joy to all. Dat continues to cling and adhere to the "Old Ways" which brings chaos and heartache in its' wake. Momma discovers that she is pregnant again at 45 years old and that this pregnancy and birth will be unlike any other she has experienced...or her family.

This series continues to surprise me! I can't wait to being book 4!

The Prodigal by Beverly Lewis
Time has brought many changes to the Ebersol family and their community. Leah is caring for her younger siblings and is still a maidel living in her father's home. Sadie has returned from Ohio, but is she repentant and disciplined enough to prove herself to her family and the community? Lydiann is a young woman experiencing love and courtship for the first time. Mary Ruth is married and expecting her first child, while her twin Hannah is courting a budding interest in healing. As life goes on on the Ebersol farm, a visitor comes that will shake their foundations of faith, love, and hope.

Book 4 of the Abrahm's Daughters series did not disappoint. Really, this is a great series that is a page turner and always leaves you asking "What is going to happen???"

The Revelation by Beverly Lewis
The final book of the Abrahm's Daughters series finds Leah reunited with Jonah, but will he survive the harsh Proving to be reinstated as a member of the church and be able to finally marry Leah? Sadie has found peace through her faith, but will she ever find love and the family she longs for? Dr. Schwartz continues to struggle with his long buried secret that will effect the entire Ebersol family if revealed. Lydiann continues to struggle with her feelings for Jake, but knows they cannot ever marry. Hannah and Mary Ruth are reunited and allowed to visit freely with one another, but will it be enough to life Hannah out of her troubled state?

A satisfying end to a great series! I don't know why it took me so long to read it!

7. A Lady of High Regard by Tracie Peterson
Mia Stanley has always been a champion of the downtrodden and the hopeless. She is also a tireless matchmaker among her friends and her family. One friend she has not been able to match with a mate is her lifelong friend Garrett. But, Mia will stop at nothing to find his perfect match and help the women of seafaring men that are being tormented by their lot in life. While Mia struggles to better the lives of these women, will she also find the love that has always eluded her and Garret?

This was a very cute story. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

8. A Lady of Hidden Intent by Tracie Peterson
Catherine has always lived a life of privilege, until one night her world is turned upside down. Her father is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit and Catherine must flee to America with 2 of the family servants. As Catherine tries to survive in America as a seamstress, she cannot forget her father in England. When love begins to bloom, Catherine believes that she can never pursue happiness while her father suffers. However, while her identity as an impoverished lady of means has remained a secret, the time may come when she must reveal herself and face the dangerous consequences.

This was the second book in the Ladies of Liberty series and it was really good. I liked the characters very much and look forward to reading book 3...wonder if the previous characters will ever meet???

9. A Lady of Secret Devotion by Tracie Peterson
Cassie and her family have worked very hard to put food on the table and stay together since her father died. However, Cassie can no longer work in the factories and watch the abuse that takes place there. Luck is with her when she is offered a job as a ladies companion to one of the ladies of her church. Never could Cassie have imagined such wealth as that of her mistress, who is very kind to both Cassie & her family, her servants, and her friends. However, her mistress' son does not deserve her kindness, nor does he receive it after all he has put her through. When the evil Sebastian sets his sights on Cassie, she knows he will stop at nothing to maker her his...even resorting to murder. When Cassie is nearly trampled by a handsome stranger's horse, will he save her life in more ways than one?

This was a great book! A great series all together, although I kept wishing for the previous characters from the series to make some sort of entrance...ah, well, one can hope.

10. Sea Swept (Chesapeake Saga #1) by Nora Roberts
Cameron Quinn loves fast cars, racing boats, and beautiful women. While in Europe he receives devastating news that his father has been in an accident and is not likely to survive. Cameron and his 2 brothers gather round Ray Quinn's bedside as he imparts his dying wish to save the boy he has just rescued from an abusive mother. As the Quinn men grieve their father's death, they must now learn how to be "fathers" and brothers to the newest adopted Quinn, Seth DeLauter. But as they learn to welcome Seth, they also battle the spreading gossip that Ray may have committed suicide...and that Seth is his own son.

This was a great book! Can't wait to see what happens to the Quinn brothers in the next book: Rising Tides

11. Rising Tides (Chesapeake Saga #2) by Nora Roberts
Ethan Quinn's life may have started in anger, betrayal, and abuse, but now his life is serene, peaceful, and safe...at least it was. When Ethan's father dies and leaves he and his brothers an orphan to care for, his life is turned upside down. While he helps to take of young Seth, he and his brothers are attempting to build a new boat-building business. Helping the Quinn brothers manage their household is family friend Grace. But Ethan is beginning to think Grace might manage more than their home, she might be managing Ethan's heart.

12. Inner Harbor (Chesapeake Saga #3) by Nora Roberts
Phillip Quinn loves his life in the city...fashionable, trendy, and on the rise in his advertising firm. However, when his father dies and leaves Seth to the Quinn brothers care, he can't help but rise to the occasion and help his brothers get Boats By Quinn off the ground and running. However, he runs right into Sybill...a cool, collected, and very calm author and sociologist. And while Phillip and Sybill both admit they don't want any part of a relationship, they cannot help the sparks that fly. But, will each of them survive the secrets that are destined to come out?

13. Chesapeake Blue (Chesapeake Saga #4) by Nora Roberts
Seth Quinn has worked hard to leave his abusive past behind and embrace his future as one of the Quinn brothers. As his artistic talents begin to soar, an old, recurring nightmare has returned to haunt him...and his beloved family. While Seth struggles with his past demons, he begins to hope for a future with the lovely new florest in town. But, can Seth keep his past from destroying his future, and his family before it is too late?

This really is a great series...highly recommend it!

14. Lady in the Mist by Laurie Alice Eakes
Local midwife and healer Tabitha loves bringing life into the world and is proud to be an American. But, one night her she is called to the bedside of an injured woman she cannot save, nor can she save her unborn child. As Tabitha reals from this devastating event, she comes face to face with an English spy...literally! What was he doing on the beach late at night? Many of the local menfolk have disappeared from their fishing village...presumed to have been kidnapped by the British to help man their Nave warships. Could he have been helping the British to kidnap their men? Could he have been the one to kidnap her fiancee Rawley? As Tabitha begins to suspect this stranger, she also begins to discover herself being drawn towards him and his dashing good looks. Is he the spy helping to kidnap American men or is another game afoot?

This was book one in The Midwives series by Ms. Eakes. I enjoyed it very much and cannot wait to see what book two holds.

I wanted my message this year to be fairly universal in a time we all should be pulling together, whatever our beliefs. Happy Celebration, Happy Sunday, Christine.

Aw thank you so much Paul! Happy Spring to you and your family too!
:)

15. Heart's Safe Passage by Laurie Alice Eakes
Phoebe Lee has known tragedy and heartache in her young life and now she wants the opportunity to help others. She has trained to be a midwife and is trying to begin her practice, but the response from her community has been less than enthusiastic. However, a light appears on the horizon when her friend Belinda Chapman asks her to be her midwife...but at sea? When Phoebe expresses concern for Belinda's and her baby's health if forced to deliver at sea, Phoebe finds herself kidnapped and forced upon Captain Rafe Docherty's ship. As anger rolls through her, fear strikes an even bigger blow as Phoebe must fight for her very life as well as Belinda's and her unborn child amid turbulent storms, dangerous enemies, and war...all to get to England and free Belinda's husband from an English prison. How will she ever escape?

This was book 2 in the The Midwives series and I really liked this one. While linked to the first, it really could be a standalone story.

16. Choices of the Heart by Laurie Alice Eakes
Esther Cherrett has had a pampered upbringing that resulted in a spoiled, self-absorbed young woman...until one night changed her life completely. Afterwards, Esther's life is filled with regret, shame, and self-loathing...so much so, that she decides that she can no longer stay with her parents or even in their hometown. Esther decides to leave in the middle of the night and take a chance on a new life, in which no one knows her or her terrible secrets. When she arrives at the very rustic mountain community she is to teach for, she begins to wonder just what she signed up for. Two families are virtually at war with one another and all sides suffer. Can Esther help to bring peace to this community or will her sins of the past interfere with her future...will love conquer all or fuel the fires of familial war that needs to be extinguished before all are consumed in its' inferno.

This was a good end to The Midwives series my Ms. Eakes. I enjoyed seeing characters from the previous two novels and learning what had happened to them, as well as becoming acquainted with new ones.

17. The Boleyn Curse by Deborah Cohen
Ellie loves history and is embarking on her defense of her Comprehensive History final for her PhD. When she receives her question for her defense she is shocked: "Anne Boleyn: Woman or Witch?" What kind of a question is this for her PhD defense? As Ellie begins to dive into her research of the doomed queen, she begins by focusing on Anne the woman and is intrigued by what she finds. However, as she begins to research about Queen Anne's accusations of being a witch, Ellie is shocked to her core by what she learns...both about Anne Boleyn and Ellie's own family.

This really was a great book! I literally could not put it down! I believe there may be more in this series in the future and boy do I hope so! A great fictional spin on the life of Anne Boleyn and how she may have been handed her fate as Henry VIII's most notorious queen.

18. Adele: Forgotten Sister of Fred Astaire by Nicola Cassidy
Before there was Fred Astaire, there was Adele. This is the story of Adele Astaire and how she and her brother Fred took the dancing world by storm in the early 1900s. From Broadway to Paris to London, this dynamic duo knew both massive success as well as heartbreaking disappointments. Follow Adele as she begins her dancing dreams, becomes a part of a dynamic partnership with her brother, and finds a life outside the theater and love amid the British aristocracy.

This was a wonderful story and at every turn I wanted to Google Adele Astaire and discover more about her...but I made myself wait until I finished reading...and I was not disappointed. She was a very famous dancer and keep right on par with her infamous brother until her retirement. You will not be disappointed in this wonderful novel! Thank you so much LibraryThing for the Early Reviewer's e-book!

19. The Secret of Eveline House by Sheila Forsey
Eveline House is a beautiful country estate in Ireland, that Emily O'Connor falls in love with instantly. She buys Eveline House and plans to turn it into the wedding shop of her dreams. However, the house is more than beautiful, it is eerie and haunting. As Emily begins restorations, she also begins to encounter more of the history of the house...and possible paranormal entities. The house once belonged to the Ward family and they suffered a seemingly domino-effect of tragedies while living in Eveline House. Why did the Ward family drop everything and leave? What happened to the family while living in this house? Why is Emily now feeling "haunted" by those who lived before her in Eveline House?

This was a GREAT book! I could not put it down! I would have loved for this to have been some sort of series regarding Eveline House! Thank you so much LibraryThing for the copy of this wonderful novel to review!

20. The Stand by Stephen King
The world has been hit by a devastating plague with a mortality rate of over 90%. Those who have survived the plague, now fight to survive each other. A gathering is coming. A gathering of good and evil, of light and dark, through the deserts of the American West towards Las Vegas or to the forested natures of the American northwest towards Boulder, Colorado. What they can all feel is an imminent battle between these two groups and a confrontation of the one they all dream of: The Dark Man. Will man survive the devastating effects of the plague only to destroy each other?

This was a really good book and made me think about it differently based on what is transpiring around us with COVID-19. Although written in the 1970s, King updated it in the 90s; However, I feel this is a book that will stand the test of time and be applicable long into the future. I read this because I joined the University of Texas at Arlington's Big Summer Read and was greatly surprised by how much we all enjoyed it and the wonderful conversations that flowed in our weekly meetings!

21. What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles
Worri Dresslar has lived all her life in rural Appalachia. While it is a hard life that requires many sacrifices, it is a beautiful country that speaks to her soul. When Worri's mother passes away, she discovers that her mother has been helping to care for and feed multiple orphans on the mountain. How was she doing this when they barely survived? While Worri is still reeling from her mother's death, her brother Justice is drying up in the local jail and her other brother Calvin declares the homestead his and throws Worri and the orphans out into the street. Why would Calvin do such a thing? What is he looking for in the house? How will Worri and the orphans survive and will they be able to remain together?

This was a really good book and I could not put it down! It is full of twists and turns and kept me very interested in the fates of Worri, her brothers, and the orphans. Thank you LibraryThing for the opportunity to review this ARC!

22. The House on Tradd Street by Karen White
Melanie Middleton is a successful real estate agent selling historical homes in Charleston, South Carolina. While she may be very successful and an expert at selling historical homes...she cannot stand historical homes, setting down roots, and forming close attachments. Gray and muddled do not suite her; she likes sparse, clean, utilitarian, and being in black & white. So when she inherits an old historic home on Tradd Street she cannot believe her misfortune! While her first thought is to sell the home, she cannot due to the stipulations of the inheritance. And, when handsome Jack Trenholm offers to help her renovate the house in exchange for researching the history of its' previous owners, she decides to take on the challenge. What most people don't know, is that Melanie is not all that she seems: she has psychic abilities and can communicate with the dead. It is not an ability that she cherishes, but it has been a part of her since childhood. While Melanie and her friends begin to renovate 55 Tradd Street and Jack digs deeper into the history of the house & family, strange events begin to unfold...and lives begin to be in danger.

This book was AWESOME! I literally could not put it down and finished it the same day at 03:00 in the morning! I cannot wait to see what transpires for the characters in this series! I feel like this is binge-reading of the best kind!

23. The Girl on Legare Street by Karen White
Melanie Middleton is continuing to work on renovations to the historic home on Tradd Street that she inherited and her complicated relationship with Jack Trenholm. Melanie is no longer haunted by spirits who once inhabited her new home, she is about to be haunted by a ghost from her past: her mother. After being removed from her life for 30 years, Ginette Prioleu Middleton has returned to Charleston and wants to begin renewing a relationship with her daughter...if Melanie will even let her in the door! Ginette desires to purchase her family home on Legare Street and asks Melanie to help her buy it. While hesitant, Melanie agrees to help her mother purchase the house so that she can then be out of her life. If only life were that simple. While mother and daughter work our their estranged relationship, another haunting visitor from the past comes calling and puts them both in danger. Ginette and Melanie must put aside their differences and use their psychic similarities to help solve this mystery and prevent another tragedy.

This book picks right up where The House on Tradd Street left off. It was just as fast paced and had all the great twists and turns. Onwards to the next book in the series! The Strangers on Montagu Street.

24. The Strangers on Montagu Street by Karen White (House on Tradd Street #3).

Melanie Middleton has now moved back into her house on Tradd Street, but will an unexpected finding cause her to once again move out? Jack Trenholm is finding that life is full of surprises dropped on your doorstep...literally! This is the surprise of his life and will change him and his tenuous relationship with Melanie forever...and cast them into a dangerous mystery.

Book 3 of The House on Tradd Street is just as interesting as the other 2! Currently engaged in Book 4: Return to Tradd Street.

25. Return to Tradd Street by Karen White
Returning once again to Tradd Street, Melanie Middleton continues to work on her home and her life. While repairing the foundation, a small skeleton dressed in an exquisite christening gown is discovered, bringing with it a new haunting to 55 Tradd Street. As Melanie and Jack try to discover who the infant was, they also try to discover what their own future holds...and if they do indeed have a future together.

This book #4 of the House on Tradd Street series. Another great paranormal mystery with history and romance. Onwards to book #5: The Guests on South Battery.

26. The Guests on South Battery by Karen White
Melanie Trenholm is trying desperately to get her life back together after marrying Jack, having twins, and adopted a new step-daughter. She is convinced that her family and friends are trying to starve her with healthy foods, that her pre-pregnancy clothes have shrunk, and that exercise will be the death of her. Melanie loves her family and believes all she truly needs to complete her life is caffeinated coffee, sugar-laden donuts, and a spreadsheet-organized world and she can live in blissful harmony...but Melanie is learning that life does not progress according to one's spreadsheets and organizers. When Jayne Smith hires Melanie to list and sell her newly inherited historic home on South Battery, she brings with her a stroke of luck as the Trenholm's new nanny. Jayne is beautiful, kind, and great with the children...but she harbors secrets that will shake the Trenholm foundation.

This was book #5 in the House on Tradd Street Series and it did not disappoint! I cannot remember the last series that I devoured like this! Just ordered the sixth book today and cannot wait for it to be delivered tomorrow!

27. The Christmas Spirits on Tradd Street by Karen White
Charleston, South Carolina is awaiting the Christmas season with glee and Melanie Trenholm and her family are no different. As the historic houses on Tradd Street begin their festive (and historically accurate) decorating, Melanie is continuing to find her place as a wife, mother, and sister. Determined to be "the new, more mature Melanie," she is finding that she is having difficulty sweeping away her past insecurities and her independent, take-control nature. As Melanie tries to control her world, she is finding that she also has less control over the lives of her family members, which throws her into panic and a desperate need for order & organization. As if this were not enough...Marc Longo continues to insist on filming his movie in 55 Tradd Street (and owning it), Anthony Longo needs help with a mystery (and a treasure?) at his historic home, and her college friend Veronica direly needs her help to find her sister Adrienne's killer before it ruins her marriage. The ending to this holiday season will leave you in shock!

Book 6 in the Tradd Street series does not disappoint! What an ending! I am so sad that I now have to wait for book 7 to be written! Binge reading is so addictive! Oh well...I await the next Tradd Street series with glee!

28. Till Morning is Nigh by Leisha Kelly
George Hammond and his 10 children have been through a very tough year after his wife died. Many did not think that George would be able to live without his beloved wife and they were very close to being correct a few times. Now that Christmas is approaching, the Hammonds are struggling with the anniversary of Mrs. Hammond's death...and with illness among the children. Julia Wortham and her husband Sam have been doing all they can to help the Hammond children, but will it be enough against this new sickness, the Depression, and the disappearance of George Hammond. Can Julia keep these children healthy while bringing a bit of the Spirit of Christmas back to them?

This was a good little novella. I read it in a few hours and really enjoyed the story.

29. A Rebel Heart by Beth White
Daughtry House Book #1.
Selah Daughtry is determined not to sell her family's plantation and surrounding lands, even thought she cannot afford to run them. After a near fatal accident, she meets a handsome Yankee who not only saves her life, but offers her a way to stay in her family home while returning it to its' former glory, not as a plantation, but as a hotel. As she cautiously begins renovations and the managing of such a massive undertaking, she is learning that all may not be as it seems in this wonderful opportunity. Someone has been sneaking around the grounds and shot at the inhabitants of the house. Will they ever be able to complete the renovations and open Daughtry House or will her dreams be shattered like broken glass?

This was a very good book. It took me a few pages to get into it, but once I did I was hooked!

30. Reluctant Belle by Beth White
Daughtry House Book #2.
Joelle Daughtry has very strong & loud opinions, but a very quiet voice. Some may call her shy, but she has learned to fight her battles in her own way...without the need to speak...at least not verbally. While Joelle may battle shyness, she does not hesitate to battle for causes she believes in by writing under a pseudonym with the local newspaper. While fighting for her causes, she is also battling her childhood nemesis Schuyler Beaumont. But with events unfolding around Daughtry House putting everyone at danger When danger begins to unravel the local community due to the Klu Klux Klan, Joelle has no choice but to work with Schuyler to protect those she loves...and she may love end up loving her enemy in the bargain.

Another great book in the Daughtry House series. On to book 3 which I received from LibraryThing Early Reviewers and led me down this Daughtry House road!

31. A Reckless Love by Beth White
Daughtry House Book #3 (LibraryThing Early Reviewers)
Deputy Marshall Zane Sager wants nothing more than to catch the killer of his mentor and friend. When he runs into fiery Aurora Daughtry, all his plans begin to unravel and he begins to lose his solitary life focus. As the youngest Daughtry daughter, Aurora was brought up in the city with her grandparents. Everyone thinks she is a proper Southern belle without a thought in her head except finding a husband - but that ambition is far from her mind. While Aurora is occupied reforming a local saloon into a boardinghouse, she becomes involved in the attempt to catch a murderer and becomes even closer to Zane Sager. Can she convince him that life cannot be lived in the past so they might have a future together?

This was a nice end to the Daughtry House series. There are some characters I would love to hear more about from the novels...hopefully....
Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy!

32. A Life Once Dreamed by Rachel Fordham
LibraryThing Early Reviewers
Agnes Pratt loves being the local schoolteacher in the Dakota Territory. Miss Aggie is loved by all and is often the attention of town matchmakers. But she is content to be single and a school teacher forever...until Dr. James Harris comes to town. He is not only devastatingly handsome and charming, he is also single...and the town mothers are rushing to his door with their daughters in tow. But Aggie is not going anywhere near Dr. Harris, for he knows who she really is and could expose her reason for being in Penance...to run away, from a scandalous past and her engagement to him.

This was a really good book! I enjoyed it and all the characters.
Thank you LibraryThing Early Reviewers for providing me with a copy. Very pleasing to read.

33. Krista's Escape by Gemma Jackson
LibraryThing Early Reviewer .... in progress.
A young woman is on the run. She is running from her parents and an arranged marriage, running from her violent and abusive brothers, and running from a life of boredom and drudgery. But, when she is arranged to marry the local Nazi sympathizer who relished in abusing her and having his way, Krista knows she must run...as her brother did. Krista must escape not only the marriage and her family, but also the darkness that is surrounding 1940s Europe. Her salvation comes when an English couple stop at their family shop on their way out of town - and she jumps into the trunk of their car. Krista will never imagine where this journey will take her and how dangerous it has now become.

This book was so good!!!! I was so mad when I discovered it is a short story! I wanted to keep reading and find out what happens!!!!! That sequel better hurry up and come out quickly!!!! A great beginning to a riveting story. Hurry please Gemma Jackson! :)

34. The Key on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson
The Quilt Chronicles Book 1
Jane Prescott killed her husband and is now in the Nebraska State Penitentiary. She is content to serve her time in peace, alone. But, the local physician will not leave her in peace...and does not believe she deserved to go to jail. Dr. Max Zimmer will stop at nothing to clear her of murder and set her free. When the new warden and his wife come to work at the prison, Jane will find that her life has a higher calling and a purpose she never dreamed of...and that she may dare to dream again herself.

A really good book and it grabs you from the beginning! This was a great series!

35. The Shadow on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson
The Quilt Chronicles Book 2
Julianna Sutton has all that a married woman could want: money, security, safety...but not the absolute love of her husband. When a tragedy claims Mr. Sutton's life, Julianna is faced with many difficult decisions, one of which is what to do with the monstrosity of a mansion her husband was building. Cass Gregory is the foreman on the building project and has his own challenges: how to help his mother and sister start a new life out of their brothel without compromising their reputation...or his. Can Cass work with Ms. Sutton without her learning his secret? Can Ms. Sutton ever move out of the shadow of her husband's infidelities?

Another great book!

36. The Message on the Quilt by Stephanie Grace Whitson
The Quilt Chronicles Book 3
Emilie Rhodes wants nothing more than to be a journalist and work in her father's newspaper office as a reporter. But her father and mother are determined that their daughter resume the activities of a respectable young woman and leave her "dally" with writing behind. When the 1890 Chautauqua speaker series comes to town, Emilie is determined to write a series of articles that will establish her as a serious journalist. Noah Shaw is coming to the Independence Day event to entertain the guests and the town with his well-renown lectures. He has always been a man on the road, never staying in one place too long - until he runs into Emily. He cannot get her out of his mind and is quickly intrigued by the young woman with such ambition. As they grow closer, events transpire to tear them apart and shake Noah's foundation to the core. Will they ever recover?

Again, another good book in the Quilt Chronicles that was a pleasure to read.

37. Rekindled by Tamera Alexander

38. Revealed by Tamera Alexander

39. Remembered by Tamera Alexander

Rekindled, Revealed, and Remembered are all part of the Fountain Creek Chronicles by Tamera Alexander. They follow the lives of women and men who have either found and lost love, lived without love, or are forsaking love. All follow the adventures and romance of citizens of Fountain Creek and how their lives are intertwined as friends, enemies, and lovers. This was a really good series and I love the realism of the stories and the twists they take. They somehow seem a bit of a departure from traditional and give more of an in-depth realism to the characters lives.

40. The Art Collector's Daughter By Derville Murphy
Sophie has always felt like she never belonged since she was forced to relocate to Ireland and live with her father's friends during the Nazi occupation of France. She did not fit in with her "adoptive" family, with the community, or with the societal expectations of post-war Europe...until she began painting. Art offers Sophie a focus to her life that has been missing since she was a girl in Paris. However, as Sophie finally discovers herself and her passion, she also discovers she may never have known her adoptive family at all. The lies surrounding her life are beginning to unravel as she discovers deceit, lies, and possible murder surrounding her past and her future.

This was a wonderful book and I was very shocked at the ending!
I think we need to see a sequel!!!
Thank you LibraryThing for the Early Reviewers copy of this wonderful novel.

41. Loving & Losing by Marion Reynolds
It is the end of the first World War and one Irish family is trying to put the past behind them. But, in Ireland it is difficult to move ahead when so much of life is steeped in traditions of the church and the people. The Devereaux family is trying to move forward, but are they moving too far ahead of their time for their neighbors, for Ireland, and even for their own family members? Harry wants to move from his military career into politics, but his marriage may not survive the change. Joseph wants to make something of himself as a writer, but ends up on the opposite end of politics as his family while also discovering what life holds for him. Kathleen wants to be a serious actress in Hollywood, not in the small Irish theaters of her hometown. Mary has wanted nothing more than to be a teacher, but love begins to tempt her beyond the safety, security, and comforts of home & family.

This was a really great story and is part of a series. This was book 2 and I would love to read book 3 when it comes out. Thank you LibraryThing for the early reviewers copy! I thoroughly enjoyed the read.

42. Because of Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Miss Billie Bridgerton loves helping her father run their estate, dressing for the occasion (mainly in breeches), and visiting with her dearest neighbors the Rokesby family. However, while she loves all the Rokesby clan as if they were her own family, she cannot abide their eldest son George. His arrogance and predictability are the last thing Billie would consider a "catch" by all the other eligible females of the ton. But, things are not always as they seem...when George steps in to perform a good deed (and possibly save her reputation), Billie begins to see a different side of George. But, old habits and feelings are hard to dismiss and their newfound friendship may just be doomed before it every really begins.

This is the first novel in the Bridgerton Prequel series and it was just as good as its' predecessors! I had forgotten how much I loved Julia Quinn's novels until I read this one - so full of wit, adventure, and just great laughs! I ran out and bought the remaining 3 novels in the series and cannot wait to dive in!

43. The Girl with the Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn
Edward Rokesby is a loyal soldier in his Majesty's military serving in America. When he wakes up in the hospital, he discovers that he he has no memory of the last few months. This is very troubling indeed, as he discovers upon awakening that he has a wife! He has no memory of getting married, but he know the woman who claims to be his wife - even though he has never met her in person. Is Cecilia Harcourt really his wife? What happened in the last few months and will he ever remember?

44. The Other Miss Bridgerton by Julia Quinn
Poppy Bridgerton loves adventure and when she discovers a cave containing mysterious cargo, she is intrigued - and kidnapped! Captain Andrew James loves his life on the sea and the adventures that await him - until he finds Poppy Bridgerton stowed away in his cabin as his prisoner. He cannot release her until his current mission is complete - will they kill each other before they reach Portugal and he can complete his mission?

45. First Comes Scandal by Julia Quinn
Georgiana Bridgerton has accepted that she might live her life unmarried, but she never thought it would be forced upon her by scandal! When she is kidnapped and held overnight, she is suddenly forced with 2 possibilities; she can remain an unmarried pariah - or she can marry the man who kidnapped and ruined her against her will. Or is there another option???

Currently reading...
46. Midnight Sun by Stephanie Meyer
This is the beginning of the Twilight series, but this time, it is from Edward Cullen's point-of-view. One might think this is the same story as Twilight, and yes, you would be right; However, it is very interesting to hear it all from Edward's perspective and also what occurs in his mind as he encounters Bella, her enticing aroma, and his inability to read her thoughts. It has been very humorous and also a bit enlightening to read the backstory behind this modern vampire fairytale.

If you enjoyed the Twilight series, you will find this book worth the money and the time to revisit Forks from the Cullens' point-of-view.