Check out the amazing books that won a RITA award at RWA by Kristian Wilson. Here is the link to the page in Bustle https://www.bustle.com/p/the-2019-rita-award-winners-are-the-best-romance-novels-of-the-last-year-18364361
Goodreads Blurb
Here are the 110 rules which George Washington copied into his early notebooks and lived by all his life–from such rules as Spit not in the fire to Sleep not when others speak.
My Review
This was a very interesting book filled with different morals and behavior from a long time passed. Some of the 110 rules we still follow today, but Washington would be very disappointed to see that our society has changed for the worst in manners. They were plenty of the rules that are not in use to today’s world and others we all have learned from a very young age. It’s a book that everyone should take the time to read, so we all could remember what life was back in the days and to remember we should all have manners towards family, friends and colleagues.
Author Biography
Born in 1732 into a Virginia planter family, he learned the morals, manners, and body of knowledge requisite for an 18th century Virginia gentleman.
He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him.
From 1759 to the outbreak of the American Revolution, Washington managed his lands around Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses. Married to a widow, Martha Dandridge Custis, he devoted himself to a busy and happy life. But like his fellow planters, Washington felt himself exploited by British merchants and hampered by British regulations. As the quarrel with the mother country grew acute, he moderately but firmly voiced his resistance to the restrictions.
When the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia in May 1775, Washington, one of the Virginia delegates, was elected Commander in Chief of the Continental Army. On July 3, 1775, at Cambridge, Massachusetts, he took command of his ill-trained troops and embarked upon a war that was to last six grueling years.
He realized early that the best strategy was to harass the British. He reported to Congress, “we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn.” Ensuing battles saw him fall back slowly, then strike unexpectedly. Finally in 1781 with the aid of French allies–he forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown.
Washington longed to retire to his fields at Mount Vernon. But he soon realized that the Nation under its Articles of Confederation was not functioning well, so he became a prime mover in the steps leading to the Constitutional Convention at Philadelphia in 1787. When the new Constitution was ratified, the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington President
He did not infringe upon the policy making powers that he felt the Constitution gave Congress. But the determination of foreign policy became preponderantly a Presidential concern. When the French Revolution led to a major war between France and England, Washington refused to accept entirely the recommendations of either his Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson, who was pro-French, or his Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton, who was pro-British. Rather, he insisted upon a neutral course until the United States could grow stronger.
To his disappointment, two parties were developing by the end of his first term. Wearied of politics, feeling old, he retired at the end of his second. In his Farewell Address, he urged his countrymen to forswear excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions. In foreign affairs, he warned against long-term alliances.
Washington enjoyed less than three years of retirement at Mount Vernon, for he died of a throat infection December 14, 1799. For months the Nation mourned him
Goodreads Blurb
She’s not the country nanny he advertised for
But she could be perfect for him…
Jon Blackwell needs a woman ready to tackle the duties of a cattle ranch and two lively, take-no-prisoners twin girls. But ever since Lydia Newbury showed up at his six-generation Montana spread, the frazzled single father is rethinking, well, everything. The Philadelphia dazzler is a marvel. What he doesn’t know is the secret that has Lydia on the run…
My Review
| A wonderful story with a great plot and amazing characters. Lydia has a past she is running from. In hopes of staying hidden, she becomes a nanny for two twins. She falls in love with the girls. Jon is a hot single cowboy. What more can you ask for? This was a fun story because it has romance, secrets and a surprise solution to Lydia’s troubles. Lydia is truly a hero. She did what she thought was right without thinking of the consequences. She loves to be helpful, caring and loving. Jon and Lydia are made for each other. A great heartwarming story. I rated 4 out of 5 stars. |
Author Biography
USA Today and national bestselling author Carol Ross grew up in small-town America right between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains, in a place where you can go deep sea fishing in the morning and then hit the ski slopes the same afternoon. The daughter of free-range parents, she developed a love of adventure and the outdoors at a very early age. She’s grateful for the “research material” that every questionable decision, adrenaline-charged misstep, and near-death experience has provided.
Stop by her website: http://www.carolrossauthor.com/
Or sign up for her newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/bB60jr(less)
My pre-order has finally arrived, YAY!!. I was trying to get an early review copy, but I had no luck. Finally, I have it in my hands. Just look at this amazing mirror shiny cover. Plus, it’s signed by the author, who hoo!! My review will be posted at a later time.
Goodreads Blurb
When she stumbles across the ad, she’s looking for something else completely. But it seems like too good an opportunity to miss—a live-in nannying post, with a staggeringly generous salary. And when Rowan Caine arrives at Heatherbrae House, she is smitten—by the luxurious “smart” home fitted out with all modern conveniences, by the beautiful Scottish Highlands, and by this picture-perfect family.
What she doesn’t know is that she’s stepping into a nightmare—one that will end with a child dead and herself in prison awaiting trial for murder.
Writing to her lawyer from prison, she struggles to explain the unravelling events that led to her incarceration. It wasn’t just the constant surveillance from the cameras installed around the house, or the malfunctioning technology that woke the household with booming music, or turned the lights off at the worst possible time. It wasn’t just the girls, who turned out to be a far cry from the immaculately behaved model children she met at her interview. It wasn’t even the way she was left alone for weeks at a time, with no adults around apart from the enigmatic handyman, Jack Grant.
It was everything.
She knows she’s made mistakes. She admits that she lied to obtain the post, and that her behavior toward the children wasn’t always ideal. She’s not innocent, by any means. But, she maintains, she’s not guilty—at least not of murder. Which means someone else is.
Goodreads Blurb
Billy loved watching horror movies-but didn’t love being menaced by three school bullies. When something extraordinary happens, Billy is given the perfect opportunity for revenge. But is revenge all it’s cracked up to be? A morality tale in creepy packaging, The Night The Bullies Were Bullied! challenges the reader to think about power, compassion and forgiveness from different angles, in an unusual and engaging story.
My Review
An outstanding comic novel, that will teach children about bullying and how to make a difference. The illustrations are wonderful and I loved how the story was poetic. The similarities between the bullies and the ghouls was spot on. I was glad that the bullies were able to learn their lesson before something much more terrible could have happened to Billy. Billy feared standing up to the bullies, since they were a lot bigger then him. I was glad he saw that the ghouls weren’t his friends and that violence and revenge never makes a right.
This is truly a comic novel that should be read to children and shared at schools. Bullying has been a bigger problem these last couple years, that have resulted in children committing suicide. Kids need to know what bullying looks like and learn how to defend themselves and others who are being bullied. I highly recommend this novel to stand up to bullying. I rated 5 out of 5 stars.
Author Biography
Charles Ricciardi has been creating award-winning independent writing and film projects for over 25 years. He has produced five feature films, some of which he’s edited, written & directed.
Charles recently adapted two of his screenplays into books; a novel about an exciting foot race along the Appalachian Trail and an illustrated anti-bullying story for children.
You can view these projects here, and check out other video creations on the YouTube link below.
I found this information through http://libraryreads.org/august-2019-libraryreads/ and thought this was a good list of books to share with everyone. They post every month the top ten books librarians across the country are loving. I read The Whisper Man and I recommend you pick it up. Enjoy!
Published: 8/6/2019 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062878090
“An intelligent, multicultural contemporary romance. Rhi, CEO of the Crush dating app, and Samson, NFL star, embark on a joint project that turns into more than just talk. Issues of #MeToo in the tech industry and the NFL’s concussion problem are woven in. For readers of the Forbidden Heart series, Elle Wright, and Alyssa Cole.”
Jessica Werner, The Seattle Public Library, Seattle, WA
NoveList Read-alike: Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Published: 8/6/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9781984803788
“When Ellie walks into the Harp Barn, her life is bound to change. Dan the harpmaker is a sensitive soul who gives Ellie a harp. Ellie’s husband Clive thinks the gift is inappropriate and doesn’t support her desire to play, so she takes lessons behind his back. An engaging and tender book for fans of Fredrik Backman and Graeme Simsion.”
Kathleen Harriott, Punta Gorda Public Library, Punta Gorda, FL
Novelist Read-alike: The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Published: 8/13/2019 by Random House
ISBN: 9780812992861
“Obreht lays a mythical voice over an already dreamlike landscape of drought in Arizona. A mother and half-grown sons generate a powerful dynamic not often explored, and the youngest, who knows about scary beasts, brings magic and intuition. A journey into a barren world, inside and out. For fans of Larry Watson and Alice Hoffman.”
Katherine Phenix, Rangeview Library District, Adams County, CO
NoveList Read-alike: The Moor’s Account by Laila Lalami
Published: 8/20/2019 by William Morrow
ISBN: 9780062858085
“A fast-paced thriller in the Will Trent series has Will and Sara trying to prevent a deadly epidemic. The book tells the story of what is happening to three different people during the same short time periods, as they are unaware of the actions of the others. For readers who enjoy Tana French and John Sanford.”
Susanne Guide, Union County Public Library, Liberty, IN
NoveList Read-alike: The Helen Grace series by M.J. Arlidge
Published: 8/6/2019 by Berkley
ISBN: 9780451489425
“Explores the complex relationships between caregivers and their children, as four generations of one family reflect on their past, and the failing health of the family matriarch looms large. For readers who like fully developed characters with real-world problems, and fans of Jennifer Weiner and Susan Elizabeth Phillips.”
Amanda Kowalcze, Green Hills Public Library District, Palos Hills, IL
NoveList Read-alike: The Precious One by Marisa de los Santos
Published: 8/27/2019 by Avon
ISBN: 9780062878342
“The fifth Hidden Legacy paranormal adventure requires middle sister Catalina, now head of House Baylor, to use all her skills and poise to make the right decisions for herself and her family. For fans of Nalini Singh’s Psy/Changeling series and Patricia Briggs’ Moon Called.”
Lynne Welch, Herrick Memorial Library, Wellington, OH
NoveList Read-alike: The Lily Bound series by Yasmine Galenorn
Published: 8/13/2019 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9781984818232
“A dark, satirical book that centers around a school and the revenge that we seek in times of humiliation. It’s a twisty read that will have you following an investigation filled with secrets, lies, and threats. For readers who liked Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld and Small Admissions by Amy Poeppel.”
Kathryn Neal, Skiatook Library, Skiatook, OK
NoveList Read-alike: The Red Word by Sarah Henstra
Published: 8/13/2019 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250047328
“A traumatic event as a young woman has left firefighter Cassie with a hard shell which breaks apart as she learns about forgiveness, love, and friendship. With gripping firefighting scenes and a love story, this is perfect for fans of Jo Jo Moyes or Marissa de los Santos.
Alissa Williams, Morton Public Library, Morton, IL
NoveList Read-alike: Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Published: 8/20/2019 by Crown
ISBN: 9781984823793
“Paxton and Zinnia are new employees at Cloud where they work, live, and have their productivity and location tracked through their smartwatches. Gibson is the dying industrialist who created the Cloud company and is touring the country visiting his facilities. This near-future dystopian sci-fi thriller made me leery of ever shopping online again. For fans of The Circle by Dave Eggers and Notes from the Internet Apocalypse by Wayne Gladstone.”
Dan Brooks, Wake County Public Library, Raleigh, NC
NoveList Read-alike: 1984 by George Orwell
Published: 8/20/2019 by Celadon Books
ISBN: 9781250317995
“Tom and his son Jake move to Featherbank to rebuild their life after the death of Tom’s wife; unknown to them, the town has a dark history and another little boy has gone missing and Jake begins to hear whispers in his new house. For fans of Joe Hill and Paul Tremblay.”
Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ
NoveList Read-alike: The Craftsman by Sharon Bolton
Published: 8/6/2019 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9781524796747
“Abbie wakes up with no memory of how she ended up in the hospital. Her tech wizard husband tells her that after a horrific accident, he spent five years trying to bring her back. But is Abby’s return a miracle of science, or a nightmare? Delaney’s latest psychological thriller keeps you guessing.”
Joan Meis Wilson, Needles Public Library, Needles, CA
Read-alikes:
Before I Go To Sleep by S.J. Watson
How to Be A Good Wife by Emma Chapman
The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch
Published: 8/6/2019 by Gallery/Scout Press
ISBN: 9781501188770
“Rowan travels to northern Scotland to nanny for a rich, eccentric family; a seemingly perfect job until everything unravels. The isolated location, creepy gothic vibe, unreliable narrator, and brilliant twists keep readers on edge from start to finish in a pulse-pounding read.”
Cyndi Larsen, Avon Free Public Library, Avon, CT
Read-alikes:
Lock Every Door by Riley Sager
While You Sleep by Stephanie Merritt
The Ghost Orchid by Carol Goodman
Goodreads Blurb
Lady Murine Carmichael has known her share of bad luck. But when her debt-ridden half-brother tries to sell her off in exchange for a few Scottish horses, it’s the final straw. If keeping her freedom means escaping through harsh countryside alone, so be it. She has barely begun her journey when she lands an unlikely escort—the brawny Highlander who just refused to buy her virtue.
Dougall Buchanan was disgusted by Lord Danvries’ shameful offer, but Murine herself tempts him beyond measure. Even bedraggled and dusty, the lass glows with beauty and bravery. Dougall wants to do more than just help her flee. He wants to protect her—with his life and his heart—if she’ll only let him. For Murine may be pursued by a powerful foe, but nothing compares to the fiery courage of a Highlander in love.
My Review
This was my first time reading a book by Lynsay and I loved it. Her cover was spectacular, a hot man wearing a kilt is eye catching for all readers, so look no further. I loved that her heroine Murine was a lady that might seem weak, since she had spells of passing out. But she truly is a women who’ll fight for her freedom and love. She was like wonder woman. She saved the highlanders life’s and survived many attacks. There were some funny parts through out the book, couldn’t get over her choice of animal to escape from her horrible brother. Dougall was exactly how I portrayed a highlander, very protective, loving and sexy. This romance will have all the readers in search of a very cold drink to cool off after. If you love highlanders, then this is the book to read. I rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Author Biography
LYNSAY SANDS is the nationally bestselling author who is known for her hysterical historicals as well as the popular Argeneau/Rogue Hunter vampire series. With her witty and charming personality, Sands describes books as, “Waking dreams or stories, tales to amuse, entertain and distract us from everyday life.” She’s been writing stories since grade school and considers herself incredibly lucky to be able to make a career out of it. Her hope is that readers can get away from their everyday stress through her stories, and if there are occasional uncontrollable fits of laughter, that’s just a big bonus. Visit her official website at www.lynsaysands.net.
Edwin Hill is a new author for me. I’m enjoying this page-turner. I was super happy to have won Nancy Naigle’s new Christmas release from Goodreads. Love to read a mixture of books. What are you currently reading? Any book events coming up for you?
I was so happy to see Nancy Naigle again. She is just the sweetest. Her books are so heartwarming.
Goodreads Blurb
One week of pleasure…with an Italian bad boy!
Academic Juno Darlington-Hume wants a top-quality education – in sexual pleasure! Renowned Italian playboy Alessandro Ricci agrees to show the gorgeous virgin almost everything he knows. From magical Florence to the golden Tuscan countryside, he’s taking her to ever-higher peaks of ecstasy, letting her get closer than any other woman. But he will never take the one thing she truly wants to give him – her heart.
My Review
This is that book that you will need to put a book cover on, so no one sees why you’re blushing. Who doesn’t want a hot Italian with experience to guide you to sexual oblivion? Juno Darlington an inexperience virgin, definitely choose the right guy to take her through this hot sensual journey. Alessandro took her to Italy, which made this a romantic experience. I loved that Juno had the courage to tell Alessandro her little dilemma. Both characters are just perfect together. You have Juno very well versed in anything Science related, while you have Alessandro who breaks hearts at every corner. Can a playboy and a Science geek enjoy sex without falling for each other? Well that my friends just never works out. This was a quick read with some very detailed moments that you will enjoy. I rated 4 out of 5 stars.
Author Biography
Formerly a Video and Radio Producer, Christy now spends her time writing provocative, passionate, seductive romance. When she’s not writing, she can be found enjoying life with her husband and three children, walking for pleasure and researching other people’s deepest secrets and desires.
Christy loves to hear from readers. You can get hold of her at www.christymckellen.com
For news about her releases, early excerpts and giveaways click on the link to join her newsletter.
(She will only send one out when she has a new release imminent, so you won’t be inundated with emails from her, promise!)
Goodreads Blurb
From the author of the international bestseller Our House, a new novel of twisty domestic suspense asks, “Could you hate your neighbor enough to plot to kill him?”
Lowland Way is the suburban dream. The houses are beautiful, the neighbors get along, and the kids play together on weekends.
But when Darren and Jodie move into the house on the corner, they donʼt follow the rules. They blast music at all hours, begin an unsightly renovation, and run a used-car business from their yard. It doesn’t take long for an all-out war to start brewing.
Then, early one Saturday, a horrific death shocks the street. As police search for witnesses, accusations start flying–and everyone has something to hide.
My Review
Those People, definitely brings back my sleepless nights with the music thumping my walls. Those People, are truly the worst neighbors anyone will want next door. Those experiences I have lived through, so I know exactly how they all felt. This thriller will spike your anger at Darren and Jodie. You live in the perfect, quiet, kid friendly development, until trouble moves into town. This book had everything that irks me about a neighbor. They are rude, rule breakers, messy, loud, destructive, careless and not neighborly friendly. The characters in this story are very well thought out. You had multiple perspectives and plot twist. I wasn’t excited with the ending. Neighbors work together to get rid of Darren. Are their efforts worth the risk, are they truly working together or against each other? The main threat needs to be removed at all cost. Check this book out to see the terror this neighborhood goes through, when Darren moves in. I rated 3 out of 5 stars.
Author Biography
Sunday Times bestselling author Louise Candlish was born in Hexham, Northumberland, and grew up in the Midlands town of Northampton. She studied English at University College London and worked as an illustrated books editor and copywriter before writing fiction. She is the author of twelve novels, including the thriller Our House, winner of the British Book Awards 2019 Crime & Thriller Book of the Year and a #1 bestseller in paperback, ebook and audiobook.
Those People will follow in hardback in June 2019.
Louise lives in Herne Hill in South London with her husband and teenage daughter. Besides books, the things she likes best are: coffee; TV; cats and dogs (equally); salted caramel; France (especially the Ile de Re); Italy (especially Sicily); tennis; Vanity Fair magazine; ‘Book at Bedtime’; lasagne; heavy metal; ‘The Archers’; driving towards the sea (but not into it); anything at the Royal Opera House; white wine; Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (or, failing that, a Starbar); using parentheses, semi-colons, and Oxford commas.
FabulousReader4Ever 
