A Precious Jewel by Mary Balogh

Title: A Precious Jewel (Stapleton-Downes #2)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: 1993

Genre: Romance

Pages: 338

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Monthly Key Word - Jewel; Finishing the Series

She was unlike any woman he’d ever met in the ton or the demimonde. But Sir Gerald Stapleton frequented Mrs. Blyth’s euphemistically dubbed “finishing school” for pure, uncomplicated pleasure–and nothing else. So why was this confirmed bachelor so thoroughly captivated by one woman in particular? Why did he find himself wondering how such a rare jewel of grace, beauty, and refinement as Priss had ended up a courtesan? And when she needed protection, why did Gerald, who’d sworn he’d never get entangled in affairs of the heart, hasten to set her up as his own pampered mistress to ensure her safety–and have her all to himself?

For Priscilla Wentworth, the path leading to Sir Gerald’s bed had been as filled with misfortune as it suddenly seemed charmed. But Priss couldn’t allow herself to believe she’d ever be more to a man like Sir Gerald than a well-cared-for object of pleasure. Now, despite Gerald’s deep distrust of marriage, neither scandal nor society’s censure can keep them apart–only the fear of trusting their hearts.

Another disappointing read. January is really ending up to be a very mixed bag when it comes to books. But anyway… I was not a fan of either of the main characters in this book. Priss was extremely wooden throughout every encounter with other people. I really wanted her to have some kind of personality. And Gerald was a bit of a naive yet pompous ass. For all of Priss’s talk of the worth of Gerald, I just couldn’t really see it. I just really wanted better characters. The previous book, The Ideal Wife, was such a delight. This was the opposite.

Stapleton-Downes:

#1 The Ideal Wife
#2 A Precious Jewel

Dark Angel:

#1 Dark Angel
#2 Lord Carew’s Bride
#3 The Famous Heroine
#4 The Plumed Bonnet
#5 The Ideal Wife
#6 A Precious Jewel
#7 A Christmas Bride
#8 Christmas Beau

Next up on the TBR pile:

Christmas Past by Jodi Taylor

Title: Christmas Past (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.6)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 47

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

Max, Leon and Matthew - together at last for Christmas at St Mary's - a time of conspicuous consumption, riotous misbehaviour and the traditional illegal Christmas jump. And this time, it's inter-generational.

Donning her unfamiliar mother hat, Max takes Matthew back to 19th century London, where they plan to deliver a parcel of Christmas cheer to his former friends, but find themselves confronting the terrifying Old Ma Scrope in the process.

'Tis the season to be jolly.

It's also the season of goodwill towards all mankind.

Pity no one told Max.

Oh my! This short story brought me to tears. I loved that this story focused on Max and Matthew. I loved that we got to see more personality from him. And we get to visit a new time period for the historians. Loved this one so much! Plus the ending was priceless.

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now For Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Title: The Wife Between Us

Author: Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen

Publisher: St. Martin’s Press 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 352

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Popsugar - Two Female Authors

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous ex-wife.
You will assume she is obsessed with her replacement – a beautiful, younger woman who is about to marry the man they both love.
You will assume you know the anatomy of this tangled love triangle.
Assume nothing.

Twisted and deliciously chilling, Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen's The Wife Between Us exposes the secret complexities of an enviable marriage - and the dangerous truths we ignore in the name of love.

Read between the lies.

One of the book club selections for January. This one definitely kept my attention in terms of wanting to find out what happened. I sped through to the ending. Immediately I was interested in Vanessa’s story as well as Nellie’s story. I had sympathetic thoughts towards each women through the first half of the book.. And the twist happened and I was slightly disappointed, but stuck with it. I still wanted to see how the story played out. And then the coincidences and twists kept coming and I started to lose interest. I don’t mind a twist, but there were just too many in this book. And the whole reveal from Emma and her origin family just made me want to put the book down. No thank you. Too much.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Winter Storms by Elin Hilderbrand

Title: Winter Storms (Winter #3)

Author: Elin Hilderbrand

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 246

Stars: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Finishing the Series; Seasonal Series - Series Completely Published

Some of the stormy weather of the past few seasons seems to have finally lifted for the Quinns. After a year apart, and an ill-fated affair with the Winter Street Inn's old Santa Claus, Mitzi has returned to rule the roost; Patrick is about to be released from prison; Kevin has a successful new business and is finally ready to tie the knot with Isabelle; and best of all, there's hopeful news about Bart, who has been captured by enemy forces in Afghanistan.

That doesn't mean there aren't a few dark clouds on the horizon. Kelley has recently survived a health scare; Jennifer can't quite shake her addiction to the drugs she used as a crutch while Patrick was in jail; and Ava still can't decide between the two lovers that she's been juggling with limited success. However, if there's one holiday that brings the Quinn family together to give thanks for the good times, it's Christmas. And this year promises to be a celebration unlike any other as the Quinns prepare to host Kevin and Isabelle's wedding at the inn. But as the special day approaches, a historic once-in-a-century blizzard bears down on Nantucket, threatening to keep the Quinns away from the place--and the people--they love most. Before the snow clears, the Quinns will have to survive enough upheavals to send anyone running for the spiked eggnog, in this touching novel that proves that when the holidays roll around, you can always go home again.

Still enjoying this series a lot. I loved checking back in with the Quinns after the tumultuous events of the last volume. We finally get more of Bart’s story and even a bit more of Norah (turns out she’s actually an interesting character). I loved the big events of this book and seeing the happy moments. I’m still annoyed with Ava, or I should say that I was very annoyed with her until about halfway through the book. Finally, we get to see some growth from her! I can’t wait to dive into the final book in the series.

P.S. It was very weird for Hilderbrand to namedrop herself and another of her books during the scene of Isabelle’s bridal shower. I seriously had to reread the paragraph, but yep it was there…

Winter:

#1 Winter Street
#2 Winter Stroll
#3 Winter Storms
#4 Winter Solstice

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Ideal Wife by Mary Balogh

Title: The Ideal Wife (Stapleton-Downes #1; Dark Angel #5)

Author: Mary Balogh

Publisher: 1991

Genre: Romance

Pages: 339

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Finishing the Series; Romance

When Abigail Gardiner knocks at the door of Miles Ripley, Earl of Severn, the last thing she expects is a marriage proposal. Desperate, she’d come to this charismatic stranger’s home to plead for her future. Instead she shocks them both by saying yes. Her impulsive decision will have consequences neither she nor her new husband can foresee. For Miles has his own reasons for marrying her. And Abigail is harboring a secret of her own. As distrust gives way to desire . . . as, together, they give in to the pleasures of the marriage bed, a devastating scandal threatens their future. Now these two wary hearts will risk ruin and disgrace for a love that has changed them both forever—the kind all seek, but few ever find

I might be reading the Dark Angel series out of order, but this was written first, so I’m starting here… Also, it’s been on my book shelves for a few years now. Time to read and get rid of it.

I loved this story! Abby and Miles are such great characters. The plot uses a common trope in Regency romances, but I loved how the story evolved from there. We get to know the two main characters very well in just a short amount of time. I loved see how Abby and Miles grew both in their own person and within their marriage. Seriously loved it!

Stapleton-Downes:

#1 The Ideal Wife
#2 A Precious Jewel

Dark Angel:

#1 Dark Angel
#2 Lord Carew’s Bride
#3 The Famous Heroine
#4 The Plumed Bonnet
#5 The Ideal Wife
#6 A Precious Jewel
#7 A Christmas Bride
#8 Christmas Beau

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Perfect Storm by Jodi Taylor

Title: A Perfect Storm (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8.5)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 54

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series

For Max, what starts off as a perfectly normal week is about to degenerate into a quagmire of egotistical film producers, monumental pub crawls, unsigned contracts, exploding rocks, Professor Rapson and his megaphone, the world’s biggest bacon butty – and Angus – the third component of the most notorious love triangle since Menelaus, Paris and Whatshername – the one with the face they launched ships off.

Oh another great short story from the crew at St. Mary’s. I loved that was get more from Markham and the antics of the R&D department. But of course things get out of hand and something blows up. Loved it so much!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now for Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

And the Rest is History by Jodi Taylor

Title: And the Rest is History (The Chronicles of St. Mary’s #8)

Author: Jodi Taylor

Publisher: Accent Press 2017

Genre: Science Fiction

Pages: 376

Stars: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Finishing the Series; Ebook; Seasonal Series - Gifted to Me

No one knows quite how, but Max and her baby are safe at last. No one knows quite how, but Peterson has persuaded Dr Foster to marry him. No one knows quite how, but Markham's marital status remains unknown. Certainly no one knows quite how a twelve-foot-high teapot has mysteriously materialised on the South Lawn, but it has. But they do know that Clive Ronan is back. They do know that he hates them and that this time he has good cause. And they do know that he will bring death and destruction in his wake. Follow the disaster magnets of St Mary's from the Egyptian desert to the Battle of Stamford Bridge, and from Hastings to the Sack of Constantinople...

Oh my. This volume killed me, seriously killed me. I was devastated in the middle of the book and then even more devastated by the end. But don’t let that statement make you think that I didn’t like this book. I loved every single page of it. I have come to really feel like the characters of St. Mary’s are part of my friend circle. Plus this volume sees the historians finally visiting Hastings in 1066. Woohoo!

P.S. I also read the super short (i.e. 4 page) short story Desiccated Water featuring a science experiment gone wrong. And I read the other super short (i.e. 7 page) short story Markham and the Anal Probing right after reading this book. Oh so much fun!

The Chronicles of St. Mary’s:

#0.5 The Very First Damned Thing
#1 Just One Damned Thing After Another
#2 A Symphony of Echoes
#2.5 When A Child is Born
#3 A Second Chance
#3.5 Roman Holiday
#4 A Trail Through Time
#4.5 Christmas Present
#5 No Time Like the Past
#6 What Could Possibly Go Wrong
#6.5 Ships and Stings and Wedding Rings
#7 Lies, Damned Lies, and History
#7.5 The Great St. Mary’s Day Out
#7.6 My Name is Markham
#8 And the Rest is History
#8.5 A Perfect Storm
#8.6 Christmas Past
#9 An Argumentation of Historians
#9.5 Battersea Barricades
#9.6 The Steam-Pump Jump
#9.7 And Now for Something Completely Different
#10 Hope is for the Best

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Walking Dead Vol. 30

Title: The Walking Dead Vol. 30: New Order World

Author: Robert Kirkman; Charlie Adlard; Stefano Guadiano; Cliff Rathburn; Dave Stewart

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Comics

Pages: 136

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

NEW FRIENDS. NEW ENEMIES. NEW THREATS. IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD. Collects THE WALKING DEAD #175-180

Hmmm… while I really enjoyed this volume and will continue to read this series, I do wonder where it’s going. Now we have a whole new community of people run by some not-so-great-people. Not really new material, just a new geographic setting. I hope this particular storyline gets wrapped up in the next trade.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Saga Volume 9

Title: Saga Volume 9

Author: Brian K. Vaughan, Fiona Staples

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Get ready for the most shocking, most impactful SAGA storyline yet, an action-packed adventure about fake news and genuine terror. Collects SAGA #49-54

I am at a loss of what to say about this volume. I was in tears and angry by the end, but it was amazing! The story has taken quite a turn in the last few issues and I’m truly afraid at where it’s going to end up. I am very sad that the creators are taking a long hiatus, but hopeful that they will come back and complete this story with an amazing ending!

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Exile by Diana Gabaldon

Title: The Exile: An Outlander Graphic Novel

Author: Diana Gabaldon, Hoang Nguyen

Publisher: Del Rey 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 224

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Diana Gabaldon’s brilliant storytelling has captivated millions of readers in her bestselling and award-winning Outlander saga. Now, in her first-ever graphic novel, Gabaldon gives readers a fresh look at the events of the original Outlander: Jamie Fraser’s side of the story, gorgeously rendered by artist Hoang Nguyen.

A bit of a disappointing read for me. I loved the first Outlander book and hoped this prequel comic would add to the series. Unfortunately I wasn’t a huge fan of the art style or how they portrayed some of the characters. I read it, but wasn’t really a favorite.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Rat Queens Vol. 5

Title: Rat Queens Vol. 5: The Colossal Magic Nothing

Author: Kurtis Wiebe; Owen Gieni

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

Palisade has a new resident: a strange wizard who wants to end the suffering of others. As the Queens disappear one by one, Betty uncovers a terrifying truth that finally reveals the events following Hannah’s imprisonment in a magical void. Collects RAT QUEENS, VOL. 2 #6-10 and RAT QUEENS: ORC DAVE SPECIAL #1

Another great, if slightly confusing, volume of Rat Queens. The alternate timeline is fascinating. I’m wondering where the series will go next…

Next up on the TBR pile:

Coffee Talk by Morton Satin

Title: Coffee Talk: The Stimulating Story of the World’s Most Popular Brew

Author: Morton Satin

Publisher: Prometheus Books 2011

Genre: Nonfiction

Pages: 368

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Library Love; Nonfiction Bingo

This entertaining yet comprehensive book describes how, in recent times, coffee has become the magnet that draws people together for spirited interchanges of information and ideas. In the intellectual capitals of the world, coffeehouses have been and continue to be the venues where the great minds flock to discuss the latest developments in the arts, sciences, and social philosophies. The author also traces the rich and intriguing history of coffee and even goes on to reveal the best techniques for home brewing. Moreover, he enlivens his narrative with stories of the fine art of the barista, which includes the World Barista Championship where rival barmen from around the globe display the highest artistry of coffee brewing. Lavishly illustrated, this delightful and informative book is the perfect complement for your next coffee break.

I had high hopes for this book. I had heard good things. Unfortunately the chapters in this book were a mixed bag. I loved learning about the history of coffee and the science behind the plant. My favorite part was following coffee around the world. A wonderful history. And then the chapters start to go down hill. There’s interesting content, but I didn’t particularly need an entire glossary of terms or a chapter detailing different ways to brew coffee. I start skimming the second half of the book until I got to the end. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Wicked + The Divine Volume 7

Title: The Wicked + The Divine Vol. 7: Mothering Invention

Author: Kieron Gillen; Jamie McKelvie; Matt Wilson

Publisher: Image 2018

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 208

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel

In the past: awful stuff. In the present: awful stuff. But, increasingly: answers. Collects THE WICKED + THE DIVINE #34-39

Seriously love this series! The twists and turns in this trade took me for a ride. I didn’t know what was going on and had to reread a few issues. But seriously in a good way. It was such a great volume. The two years are almost up and I’m waiting on pins and needles to find out how it’s going to end.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Clockmaker's Daughter by Kate Morton

Title: The Clockmaker’s Daughter

Author: Kate Morton

Publisher: Atria 2018

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 485

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: UnRead Shelf; Women Authors; Dancing with SciFi and Fantasy - Ghosts

In the summer of 1862, a group of young artists led by the passionate and talented Edward Radcliffe descends upon Birchwood Manor on the banks of the Upper Thames. Their plan: to spend a secluded summer month in a haze of inspiration and creativity. But by the time their stay is over, one woman has been shot dead while another has disappeared; a priceless heirloom is missing; and Edward Radcliffe's life is in ruins.

Over one hundred and fifty years later, Elodie Winslow, a young archivist in London, uncovers a leather satchel containing two seemingly unrelated items: a sepia photograph of an arresting-looking woman in Victorian clothing, and an artist's sketchbook containing the drawing of a twin-gabled house on the bend of a river.

Why does Birchwood Manor feel so familiar to Elodie? And who is the beautiful woman in the photograph? Will she ever give up her secrets?

I’ve enjoyed a few of Morton’s previous works, so I had to have this one when it came up for Book of the Month last October. I finally picked it up to dive in last week and immediately fell into another world. I love how Morton creates an entire atmosphere surrounding her setting. The house is just fantastic and beautiful and mysterious and enchanting. I love how Morton connects all the different characters and ad time periods to create one epic story. The murder mystery was actually one fo the least interesting aspects. I really wanted to hear more about many of the other characters like Ada and Leonard. In fact, I think Ada was my favorite character. Overall, I took my time with this book and loved every page of it.

Next up on the TBR pile:

The Night Before Christmas

Title: The Night Before Christmas

Author: Lori Foster, Jill Shalvis, Katherine Garbera, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Kylie Adams

Publisher: Kensington 2005

Genre: Romance

Pages: 304

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Six sexy Christmas tales--by Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Kathy Love, Jill Shalvis, Kylie Adams, and Katherine Garbera--come together in a seductive collection that will thaw the icicles off the eave, with stories of office romance, infatuation, lust, and fantasy

A very uneven collection of stories. I get that these are to be short stories, but most of them were too short. I wanted just a bit more substance before we got to the “I love you” stage of the story. I just wasn’t a huge fan of this collection. Oh well.

Next up on the TBR pile:

That Mistletoe Moment

Title: That Mistletoe Moment

Author: Cat Johnson, Kate Angell, Allyson Charles

Publisher: Kensington Books 2016

Genre: Romance

Pages: 265

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

MADE UP
Like a Christmas miracle, the Build a Boyfriend App lets you simply input the stats of your dream man, and witty texts, passionate emails, and hot Instagram pics start flooding in. No more awkward questions or pitying looks as you face the holidays alone!

MIXED UP
But even the best technology has its glitches. When real-life emotions come into play, this trio of twenty-somethings find themselves in a tangle of crossed signals, flying wrapping paper, disastrous Christmas parties…and surprising kisses.

MATCHED UP
Yet despite the confusion of their mistletoe misadventures, when the New Year dawns, these very satisfied women just may find themselves waking up with true love beside them.

“A Boyfriend by Christmas” by Cat Johnson — Such a cute story. I really loved Noelle and her joy at Christmas. And the entire plot line, while predictable, was just the right amount of sweetness and meet-cute. Loved it!

“All I Want for Christmas is…” by Kate Angell — Another fun and cute story. I loved Riley and Daniel. The ending was a bit much for me, but I still enjoyed the story.

“Her Favorite Present” by Allyson Charles — My least favorite of the three stories, but it was still really good. Loved Rachel even if Gabe wasn’t the best male protagonist.

Next up on the TBR pile:

Mistletoe and Mischief

Title: Mistletoe and Mischief

Author: Melanie Karsak, Margo Bond Collins, Erin Hayes, Blaire Edens, Pauline Creeden, Jayne Fury, Katie Hayoz, S.K> Gregory, Evan Winters, Carrie L. Wells, Bokerah Brumley, Anna Albergucci, T.K. Bradley, Angelique Archer, J. Mills, Deb Christie, Ella Malone

Publisher: 2017

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 392

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit Readathon

Sixteen magical holiday stories from NY Times and USA Today bestsellers and award-winning authors are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. This collection will whisk you from Christmas season in steampunk London to Yule celebrations with the coven to Hanukkah celebrations with a supernatural twist. Battle Krampus, ghosts, vampires, demons, and a hell of an eggnog hangover in this special collection of paranormal, horror, urban fantasy, and steampunk holiday tales.

This collection was such a mixed bag. There were a few good stories, but many of them were clearly part of a series and presented with limited background info. I just didn’t understand the worlds I was being thrown into. Those stories really brought my star rating down. My favorite story was actually the very first one. Loved the alternate London full of monsters and interested characters. Loved that one!

Next up on the TBR pile:

Strange Weather by Joe Hill

Title: Strange Weather

Author: Joe Hill

Publisher: William Morrow 2017

Genre: Horror

Pages: 448

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Reading Assignment; Popsugar - Weather

A collection of four chilling novels, ingeniously wrought gems of terror from the brilliantly imaginative, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fireman, Joe Hill.

"Snapshot" is the disturbing story of a Silicon Valley adolescent who finds himself threatened by "The Phoenician," a tattooed thug who possesses a Polaroid Instant Camera that erases memories, snap by snap.

Thoroughly creepy story. I loved the fantastic imagery, especially the scene with the lightning storm. This story reminds a lot of NOS4A2. I definitely had a few disturbing dreams after readying this one.

A young man takes to the skies to experience his first parachute jump. . . and winds up a castaway on an impossibly solid cloud, a Prospero’s island of roiling vapor that seems animated by a mind of its own in "Aloft."

An interesting character study of a sorts. I really loved the concept of an alien entity creating Aubry’s heart’s desires. The reveal on the cloud was perfect. And the ending was lots of fun.

On a seemingly ordinary day in Boulder, Colorado, the clouds open up in a downpour of nails—splinters of bright crystal that shred the skin of anyone not safely under cover. "Rain" explores this escalating apocalyptic event, as the deluge of nails spreads out across the country and around the world.

My absolute favorite story from the volume. Very creepy, very suspenseful, great characters. I sped through this story not being able to wait to see what happened to Honeysuckle and assorted company.

In "Loaded," a mall security guard in a coastal Florida town courageously stops a mass shooting and becomes a hero to the modern gun rights movement. But under the glare of the spotlights, his story begins to unravel, taking his sanity with it. When an out-of-control summer blaze approaches the town, he will reach for the gun again and embark on one last day of reckoning.

My least favorite of the bunch. I just really didn’t love the storyline or any of the characters. There have been too many mass shootings and general gun violence for me to enjoy reading this story.

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Town Called Christmas by Stella Wilkinson

Title: A Town Called Christmas

Author: Stella Wilkinson

Publisher: Amazon 2017

Genre: Romance

Pages: 68

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Returning home for the festivities isn’t high on Dulcie’s wish list. But it soon becomes obvious that she's needed, mainly to sort out the love lives of the boys she grew up with. They all seem to be involved with exactly the wrong person. Can Dulcie untangle them in time for Christmas, and maybe even find love herself?

Very cute little Christmas story. I loved the all the characters and the plotline. It was a little week on really fleshing out the characters, but it is a short story. Still an enjoyable read!

Next up on the TBR pile:

A Christmas Gift by Stella Wilkinson

Title: A Christmas Gift

Author: Stella Wilkinson

Publisher: Amazon 2014

Genre: Romance

Pages: 32

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Christmas Spirit

Holly and Caleb had been best friends as children, growing up on the same street, but as teenagers they couldn't be further apart. When Caleb unexpectedly asked Holly to help him pick out a Christmas gift for his girlfriend, neither of them anticipated where it would lead.

Such a cute little short story. I love these short Christmas themed romances in December. I picked this one up for free on Kindle, but I would definitely continue reading these sweet stories from Wilkinson.

Next up on the TBR pile: