Shattered At Sea by Cheryl Hollon review

Shattered at Sea by Cheryl Hollon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A Mediterranean cruise gives glass shop owner Savannah Webb a chance to demonstrate her expertise--and fire up her skills when it comes to foul play . . .

When Savannah signs on to perform glassblowing on a ship, part of the appeal is that she'll get a chance to reconnect with her boyfriend Edward's family. An added bonus is that Edward's cousin, Ian, will be joining them on board. But when Ian disappears at the beginning of the cruise, the ship's authorities initially consider it suicide.

This is a cozy mystery and is #5 in the series. Even though I didn't read the rest of the series I still was able to enjoy the story and get to know Savannah and Edward. Savannah and Edward will not give up trying to find Ian. After many attempts calling him and leaving messages they have no choice but to also call Ian's parents.



View all my reviews

Just Dreaming by Kerstin Gier review

Just Dreaming by Kerstin Gier
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A dream traveler faces the greatest challenge she's yet encountered in this gripping third and final book of the Silver trilogy.

The course of dream travel never did run smooth—at least, not in Liv Silver's experience. Able to visit other people's dreams (whether they want her to or not), Liv has solved mysteries, unearthed difficult truths, fought madmen, and escaped life-threatening peril, all from the comfort of her own bed. But Liv's troubles are just beginning.

A rocky romance, a malicious blogger with a hidden identity, a wedding, and a classmate (or two) dead-set on revenge all await Liv in this action-packed conclusion to the Silver trilogy

Mia and Liv try to find the author of Secrecy blog. Henry and Liv's relationship gets a little rocky but then better and so many things to keep me intrigued in this 3rd book. Was a little slower going than the other 2 books.


View all my reviews

Book can be found on Amazon

Dream On by Kerstin Gier review

I gave this 4 stars and book can be found here

Things seem to be going well for Liv Silver: she’s adjusting to her new home in London; she has a burgeoning romance with Henry Harper, one of the cutest boys in school; and the girl who’s been turning her dreams into nightmares, Anabel, is now locked up. But serenity doesn’t last for long.

Liv's sister Mia sleepwalks. But is she being controlled? Henry keeps secrets from her. So much goes wrong and Liv feels she needs to fix it all.

Dream a Little Dream by Kerstin Gier review

I gave this 4 stars and book can be found here 

Mysterious doors with lizard-head knobs. Talking stone statues. A crazy girl with a hatchet. Yes, Liv's dreams have been pretty weird lately. Especially the one where she's in a graveyard at night, watching four boys conduct dark magic rituals.
Liv recognizes the boys from her dreams as classmates from school. But then she finds out more about the dreams that just can't be true can they. I loved Liv and a couple of the boys. The Boker though needs to be taught more lessons. In my opinion.

The Scarecrow Queen by Melinda Salisbury

As the Sleeping Prince tightens his hold on Lormere and Tregellan, the net closes in on the ragged band of rebels trying desperately to defeat him. Twylla and Errin are separated, isolated, and running out of time. The final battle is coming, and Aurek will stop at nothing to keep the throne forever . . .

Twylla, Errin and Merek are trying to make a potion to kill Aurek. As members of the rebel are separated to find what is needed for the potion, the ones left behind are working on their fighting skills and to get the children out of camps. 
Someone you think is a traitor tris to help and someone you trust is a traitor. Love the characters and the story and the ending does wrap it all up.

I gave this a 4 star and book can be bought on AMazon

The Sleeping Prince by Melinda Salisbury review

Return to the darkly beautiful world of The Sin Eater's Daughter with a sequel that will leave you awed, terrified . . . and desperate for more.

Ever since her brother Lief disappeared, Errin's life has gone from bad to worse. Not only must she care for her sick mother, she has to scrape together rent money by selling illegal herbal cures. But none of that compares to the threat of the vengeful Sleeping Prince whom the Queen just awoke from his enchanted sleep.

Errin befriends someone she thinks she can trust and then thinks she can't trust. As he tried to help her with her mother. A man using his power to get her to bend to his will. On top of the the Sleeping Prince is out for an all out war and destroying anyone and anything in his path. Errin needs to get out and find her mom and save her but also find a woman who might have answers. This book is fast paced and full of violence.

This is part 2 of a trilogy

I gave this book 4 stars and can be found on Amazon

The Spite Game by Anna Anoekstra review

Mercilessly bullied in high school, Ava knows she needs to put the past behind her and move on, but she can’t—not until she’s exacted precise, catastrophic revenge on the people who hurt her the most.

The book goes to the past and then to the present and back and forth. It is slow and a little boring. I kept reading it because I wanted to know what Ava did to the last person. You do find out at the very end. Even though Ava was bullied in school I still never felt sorry for her. I felt sorry for one thing that happened to her but after that she kind of walked into it all.

I received this from Net Galley for an honest review.

I gave this 3 stars and will be available in October on Amazon

One Second AFter by William R. Forstchen review

A story which can be all too terrifyingly real...a story in which one man struggles to save his family and his small North Carolina town after America loses a war, in one second, a war that will send America back to the Dark Ages...A war based upon a weapon, an Electro Magnetic Pulse (EMP). A weapon that may already be in the hands of our enemies.
My son read this and handed it to me and said read this, you will like it. Then I read that the forward was by Newt Gingrich and thought I don't know about this. Not to fond of him. But I was hooked into this story from the beginning. I could not put this down and stayed up late into the night. I can actually see this happening and a very scary thought. The story wrecked me. Emotions were high and low and all over the place. There are 2 more books to this series and I will be reading them. I highly recommend reading this.

I gave this 5 stars and you can buy this on Amazon 

2018 Color A Longs and Readathons Updated Sept. 8

                               2018 Color A Longs  and Readathons

                                                      July
You Tube:
The Coloring Book Nook - Christmas In July - #christmasinjuly2018
Kate's Colouring Haven - Nautical Neverland - #nauticalneverland
Colour & Chat With Sammie - Nautical Neverland - #nauticalneverland
Koloraroo - Christmas
A Colorful Life - C.L. Aldridge
Zoe Archer - Hannah Lynn
Tazia Colors - Aquatic
Jazz Chaney - July - 15 - Colouring Heaven Anime

Facebook groups:
A Colorful Life - C. L. Aldridge
A Colorful Life   - Challenge- Color Something with fruit in the pic
Color With Shelleen and Friends - Christmas In July #christmasinjuly2018
Reading With Pugs coloring - Christmas in July - #christmasinjuly2018
Hanna Karlzon's Colouring Club - Pick an element - Fire or water
Molly Harrison Fantasy Art Colouring Group - any of her pics - Blue Challenge:
Tazia Colors With Friends - Aquatic
Hannah Lynn's Whimsical Adult Coloring - every week is a different pic to color
Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon - July 13-15
A Little Splash of Colour - Fairies
Johanna Basford YOUR Pages - July 20-31 - Black & white only,any medium
ColoringKaria Official Group - July 21st 2pm Day Drinking & Arting Livestream challenge
Let's Colour Today - Animal Kingdom- any coloring book with animals
Coloring, Tips & Tutotials with Faithfulgirl1978 - Starting July 27 - Elves In Love
Coloring Time - Ends Sept 2 - Any Rita Berman
                          "                 " - Christmas in July
                          "                 " - Grayscale coloring
                          "                 " - Fairy Fun
                          "                 " - Gel Pens ONLY challenge
Finish the book - pick one coloring book to finish by the end of the year

Instagram:
Sammie - #nauticalneverland
Kate - #nauticalneverland

                                                   August
You Tube:
The Bibliophile Colorist - Fantasia - Nicholas Filbert
The Coloring Book Nook   & DollarDiva99 - Pawgust
koloraroo - Werewold double page in Mythomorphia
A Colorful Life - co host - Creative Haven
Sharon's Sanctuary - co host - Creative Haven
Grace's Coloring Corner - co host - Creative Haven
Zoe Archer - Fairie's in August
Faithfulgirl1978 - Elves In Love
Coloring F - August Ladies
Tazia Colors - Homes/Towns

Streamathon - Aug 25 & 26 - #colourlikenobodyswatching

Facebook:
A Colorful Life - Creative Haven
Color With Sharon & Friends - Creative Haven
Grace's Coloring Book Corner - Creative Haven
Coloring Time - Ends Sept 2 - Any Rita Berman
                          "                 " - Christmas in July
                          "                 " - Grayscale coloring
                          "                 " - Fairy Fun
                          "                 " - Gel Pens ONLY challenge
Hannah Lynn's Whimsical Adult Coloring - week 1 - Nelli from Mermaid's Fairies & Other Girls of whimsy'
Let's Colour Today -  Winged Wonders
A Little Splash of Color - Until Aug 11 - Elves & Goblins
Johanna Basford Your Pages - "Work you colors" - Color pallete challenge
Secret Garden Gallery - Choos the supplied color pallett & combine mediums & draw something on the page
Hanna Karlzon's Colouring Club - Aug 3- 17 = Shapes of Grey - draw a shape on a page and only color in that shape grays, including black & white'
Molly Harrison Fantasy Art colouring group - any of her pics - red, white and blue, skin tones are allowed
Read All the things - The Chemist by Stephenie Meyer
Friends and Family Adult Coloring- 1 color challenge - any shade
The Pencil Ho Club - pencil of the week- color only with the brand chosen
Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon - Aug 10 -12

Instagram:
Sammie - #colourallthemisfits
ColoringF - #augustladies

                                              September
You Tube:
The Bibliophile Colorist - Fantasia - Nicholas Filbert
The Coloring Book Nook - Jade Dragonne
koloraroo - School inspired pages
A Colorful Life - Jennifer Stay from Coloring Bliss
Grace's Coloring Corner - Magical Sept.
Zoe Archer - Adorable Animals by Jane Maday
The Modernist Colourist - Kerby Rosanes

Facebook:
Color With Shelleen and Friends - Jade Dragonne
The Pencil Ho Club - pencil of the week- color only with the brand chosen
Hannah Lynn's Whimsical Adult
            Sept 3- Tinkerbell- Fairytale Princesses and Storybook Darlings
Grace's Coloring Book Corner - Magical September
A Colorful Life - Jennifer Stay f Coloring Bliss
Let's Colour Today - Fabulous Faces
Tim Jeff's Art - Color For Awareness Contest
Coloring Time - ALL Sept 3 - Nov 2
             Spooky Stuff/Day of the Dead/Halloween
             Creative Haven/Dover
              Autumn Theme or Autumn color palette
              Any pic with food
               Any Jasmine Beckett Griffith
Molly Harrison Fantasy ARt Colouring Group - Green, blue, pink, yellow and skin tones
Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon - sept 14-16


Instagram:
Sammie - #colourfaefantasyandfairytales
NotnowI'mcoloring - #wowsept = work on WIPs

                                                 October
You Tube:
The Bibliophile Colorist - A Million Cats by Lulu Mayo
The Coloring Book Nook - cohost - Karla Magana  Halloween - #karlaween
Kate's Coloring Haven - cohost - Karla Magana  Halloween - #karlaween
A Colorful Life -  co host Day of the Dead
Zoe Archer -co host Day of the Dead
Sharon's Sanctuary - Vampires
Victoria's Colors -co host - Hannah Lynn Halloween
Samantha Oswald - cohost - Hannah Lynn Halloween
Jessica's Coloring Corner - Owltober
Dream In Color - Hannah Lynn Halloween

Facebook:
Color With Shelleen and Friends - Halloween
The Pencil Ho Club - pencil of the week- color only with the brand chosen
Jessica's Coloring Corner - Owltober

Instagram:
Sammie - #bewareyourinforacolourscare
Shelleen - #karlaween
Kate - #karlaween

                                                  November
You Tube:
The Bibliophile Colorist - artist Fabiana Attanasio
The Coloring Book Nook - cohost - Bennett Klein
Sharon's Sanctuary - cohost - Bennett Klein
koloraroo - Fall Inspired
A Colorful Life - Falling Colors - Fallseason
Zoe Archer - Disney Delights
Grace's Coloring Corner - Mardel Rubio
Dream In Color - Hannah Lynn Christmas

Streamathon - Nov. 17 & 18 #colourlikenobodyswatching

Facebook:
Color With Shelleen & Friends - Bennett Klein
The Pencil Ho Club - pencil of the week- color only with the brand chosen

Instagram:
Sammie - #colorandgetcosyintofall - autumn and warm colors


                                                      December
You Tube:
The Bibliophile Colorist - The Inspired Room by Melissa Michaels
The Colorng Book Nook - artist Tanya Bogema Stolova
koloraroo - christmas/winter pages
Zoe Archer - A Christmas Celebration
Grace's Coloring Corner - Finish Those WIPS
A Colorful Life - 12 Days of Giving (International Included)
Colour & Chat with Sammie - ANy pic with a Christmas Tree
Kate's colouring Haven - Fairytale - Emelie Oberg

Dec 8th Happy Holidays Cozy Colouring Night
11am-2pm EST Colour & Chat with Sammie
3pm-6pm Jen Reading With Pugs

Dec. 21 - Colour Me Festive Coloring Night
6pm-8pm EST Nick & Tina Colors
8Pm -10 Pm EST Dream In Color

Facebook:
Color With Shelleen & Friends - Tanya Bogema Stolova
The Pencil Ho Club - pencil of the week- color only with the brand chosen

Instagram:
Colour & Chat With Sammie  #HollyJollyChristmastreealong
A Colorful Life #Showthatcoloringbooklove2018 - color in books you haven't yet

Small Town Rumors by Carolyn Brown review

Everyone is talking about Jennie Sue Baker and the mess she made of her life in New York. The former high school queen bee—and wealthy darling of Bloom, Texas—has returned home after all these years, riding on a common bus and bearing two bounced alimony checks. In a town that thrives on gossip, Jennie’s fall from grace has shamed her mother, set the town buzzing, and caused old, jealous enemies to whisper in delight. They say she’s taken a job as a housekeeper, gotten a garage apartment, and might be crushing on Rick Lawson, a simple farmer with modest dreams.

Jennie Sue just can't get away from the rumors. She is supposed to be the perfect obedient daughter to her controlling mother. All she wants is to work in the family oil business but her mom won't let her. She is supposed to be part of the hoity toity Belle group that her mother is in. She just wants to be her own person. 

After a tragic accident Jennie Sue puts herself first and what she wants for the first time.

I received this from netGalley for an honest review.
I gave this 4 stars and book can be found on amazon

One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton review

Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.
Josie come from a home with a drug addicted mother and never knew who her father was. She had a cheating fiance and comes to this town for a new beginning. She ends up spending more time with Zach and getting to know him but she has major trust issues.
This was a quick read and i received it from NetGalley for an honest review.

I gave this 4 stars and can buy it at Amazon

Tough Love by Aalia Lanius review

All that glitters is not gold and this is hitting home for Aleyna as struggles between her traditional family desires and being unhappy in a marriage with her less than faithful husband, Kyle. Being a public speaker on confidence and success, Aleyna feels she isn’t being honest with herself or the world as she learns that the cancer she once beat has returned, bringing her face to face with a choice; her life or her marriage
Aleyna is learning she needs to let go. Fighting for a marriage that her husband is not wanting. How will the kids deal and what will finally be the straw that breaks the camels back?
I love the relationship between Aleyna and her best friend and another friend through her cancer.
This was a qick book as there was about 200 pages.
I received this from NetGalley for a review.

I gave this 4 stars and book can be found here on Amazon

The Mermaid by Christina Henry review

Once there was a mermaid who longed to know of more than her ocean home and her people. One day a fisherman trapped her in his net but couldn't bear to keep her. But his eyes were lonely and caught her more surely than the net, and so she evoked a magic that allowed her to walk upon the shore. The mermaid, Amelia, became his wife, and they lived on a cliff above the ocean for ever so many years, until one day the fisherman rowed out to sea and did not return.

P. T. Barnum was looking for marvelous attractions for his American Museum, and he'd heard a rumor of a mermaid who lived on a cliff by the sea. He wanted to make his fortune, and an attraction like Amelia was just the ticket.
Amelia agrees to play the mermaid but the crowd isn't always so nice about it. She falls for a new love and their love is put to the test. How long will she stay with the museum?

Quick and fun read . 
I received this from NetGalley for review.

I gave this 4 stars and the book can be found on Amazon 

The Date by Louise Jensen review

Her Saturday night started normally. Recently separated from her husband, Ali has been persuaded by her friends to go on a date with a new man. She is ready, she is nervous, she is excited. She is about to take a step into her new future. 

By Sunday morning, Ali’s life is unrecognisable. She wakes, and she knows that something is wrong. She is home, she is alone, she is hurt and she has no memory of what happened to her. 

Worse still, when she looks in the mirror, Ali doesn’t recognise the face staring back at her. She can’t recognise her friends and family. And she can’t recognise the person who is trying to destroy her… 

I could not put this book down. How would you deal with not recognizing your own face or anyone that you know? The to be told it will stay that way? Then there is a couple of twists. I thought I had it figured out halfway through the book.

I received this from NetGalley for review.

You can buy it on Amazon

The High Tide Club by Mary Kay Andrews review

When ninety-nine-year-old heiress Josephine Bettendorf Warrick summons Brooke Trappnell to Talisa Island, her 20,000 acre remote barrier island home, Brooke is puzzled. Everybody in the South has heard about the eccentric millionaire mistress of Talisa, but Brooke has never met her. Josephines cryptic note says she wants to discuss an important legal matter with Brooke, who is an attorney, but Brooke knows that Mrs. Warrick has long been a client of a prestigious Atlanta law firm.
As we get to know Josephine we find out some mysteries in her past and something that her friends did. We also meet a character who isn't so nice. This was a quick read and I enjoyed the characters and what they brought into the story. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

I gave this 4 stars and you can buy it on Amazon 

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier review

Georgina, known as Geo, is a 30-year-old rising executive when her world comes crashing down. Her high school boyfriend has been identified and arrested for a series of serial murders, including Angela, Geo's best friend in high school. Angela disappeared without a trace at 16 and her body has just been found. Now Geo is under arrest for helping her then-boyfriend cover it up. And it's one of her other close friends from high school, Kaiser Brody, who arrests her.
Geo spends 5 years in prison. When she gets out there are more murders but now children are being killed too. That isn't like her ex boyfriend's MO. The neighbors don't like Geo living in her family home again and things happen to the house and her car. 
I was surprised a little bit by the ending. 
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
I gave this a 4 star rating and you can buy the book on Amazon

The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks review

When you read this book, you will make many assumptions.
You will assume you are reading about a jealous wife and her obsession with her replacement.
You will assume you are reading about a woman about to enter a new marriage with the man she loves.
You will assume the first wife was a disaster and that the husband was well rid of her.
You will assume you know the motives, the history, the anatomy of the relationships.

That is all of what I thought. You meet the husband, his sister and who you think he is marrying. About 3/4 of the way in I had an idea who was playing the pranks and there is 1 character in the book that I didn't like and didn't trust. I could not put this down. 
Received this from NetGalley for review.

I gave this a 4 star rating and can be found on Amazon

Color A Long Ideas

These ideas are for any You Tube channels, Instagram and Facebook groups:

Oriental color a long
Daria Song
Kervy Rosanes
Mardel Rubio
Julia Spiri
Misfits March Madness - Misfits by White Stag
Whimsical Wonders - Julia Spiri
Fabulous February Fairies
Fantasy February
Out of Your Comfort Zone - Color in a coloring book or use a medium you wouldn't normally color with
Jade in January - Jade Summer
Amazing Animal April
December Desserts
Neon November
December Dragon Dreams
Color With a Buddy Month
Swedish September - color out of any swedish artist's books
#WIPWednesday
ColourCreateSpace
#springintocolor
Merry Markova March
Frogging Hopping February
Outstanding Owl October
Jumping Johanna June

Bring Me Back by B. A. Paris review

Bring Me Back by B.A. Paris
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A young British couple are on holiday when they stop at a rest stop. He goes into the restroom and she stays in the car. When he returns to the car she is gone.
10 years later he is engaged to her sister when he starts receiving emails that she is alive. A lot of going on and who is sending the emails and why. I had an idea about 3/4 of the way through on what was happening. I read this real quick and really enjoyed it.
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.


View all my reviews

Something In the Water by Catherine Steadman review

Erin and Mark seem to have it all: he's a successful banker, she's a documentary filmmaker on the brink of a professional breakthrough; they're young and in love, about to embark on their dream honeymoon to Bora Bora. But when, after a blissful day of scuba diving, they discover a mysterious bag filled with incalculable riches, their subsequent choices trigger a sequence of events that will change their lives--and their marriage--forever.
The first part of the book is Erin burying her husband. Then it goes back a couple of months and leads up to this part. Erin is in over her head as the storyline progresses. I could not put it down because I had to know who is really the bad person and why.Erin is maybe trusting the wrong people?
I received this from NetGalley for a review.
I gave this a 4 star rating.  Book can be found here on Amazon 

The Ex Wife by Jess Ryder review

Newly married Natasha has the perfect house, a loving husband and a beautiful little girl called Emily. She’d have it all if it wasn’t for Jen, her husband’s ex-wife who just won’t leave them alone …

Then Nick and Emily disappear. Natasha turns to Jen, Nick's ex to get help. But can she trust Jen? I really loved this book until the very last page. It leaves you hanging, You don't really know what is going to happen, so I am not sure if this is the first book of a series. If it is ok, if not then the ending sucks.

I received this from NetGalley for a review.

I gave this a 3 star rating

The Exe's Revenge by Jo Jakeman review

No cover for this bok yet. Doesn't come out until Sept. 2018.

Divorces are often messy and Imogen's is no exception. Her husband, Phillip, is abusive, controlling, and determined to make things as difficult as possible. And now he has given Imogen an ultimatum: get out of the family home in two weeks or I'll take our son away from you.
The book starts out with a funeral and then the days that lead up to it and some of the years before. Phillip abuses his power as a police officer and has the other cops on his side everytime Imogene had filed a complaint. Now seeing how he treats his new girlfriend she is out for revenge and including his first wife. Some things were funny but most of all I really despised Phillip and he had what happened coming to him. Now the 3 woman have come together .
I received this from NetGalley for review.

I gave this 4 stars

Everytime You Go Away by Beth Harbison review

Don't go by the synopsis in Goodreads. story and character name is all wrong.
Willa has never fully recovered from the sudden death of her husband, Ben. She became an absent mother to her young son, Jamie, unable to comfort him while reeling from her own grief.

Now, years after Ben’s death, Willa finally decides to return to the beach house where he passed. It’s time to move on and put the Ocean City, Maryland house on the market.

While cleaning up and remodeling the ghost of Ben appears. It seems he is there to help her move on.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters. They seemed to have loved each other a lot. 
I received this from NetGalley for a review.

I gave this 4 stars 

When Dawn Never Comes by Kim Carter Review

Jordan Maxwell, a twenty-seven-year-old freelance journalist, ventures to New York City to make a name for herself. With both of her parents dead, she struggles to get by living in one of the worst neighborhoods in the city. In a twist of fate, Jordan finds herself the sole heir to her great-uncle’s estate in Solomon Cove, Maine. 
Then murders start to happen and the police are looking into a serial killer. I had an idea who the killer was but I didn't know why. I could not put this down and read it in one day. 
Received this from NetGalley for an honest review.

I gave this a 4 star  book can be found on Amazon 

Close Your Eyes by Darren O'Sullivan review

Wow, I did not see that coming. The twist at the end that is.
He doesn’t know his name. He doesn’t know his secret.
When Daniel woke up from a coma he had no recollection of the life he lived before. Now, fourteen years later, he’s being forced to remember.

A phone call in the middle of the night demands he return what he stole – but Daniel has no idea what it could be, or who the person on the other end is. He has been given one warning, if he doesn’t find out his family will be murdered.
Daniel goes on a hunt to find out about his past and what it was that he took. As he is looking memories start coming back and he wasn't the person that he thinks he is. I started this book in the morning and finished it late afternoon. I could not stop.

I read this in one dya
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.

I gave this a 4 star rating and you can find the book on Amazon

Feared by Lisa Scottoline Review

I was reading the synopsis of this book on Goodreads and it is not what the book is about at all. This is the 6th book of this series and just as good as the others. 
When three men announce that they are suing the Rosato & DiNunzio law firm for reverse sex discrimination—claiming that they were not hired because they were men—Mary DiNunzio and Bennie Rosato are outraged. To make matters worse, their one male employee, John Foxman, intends to resign, claiming that there is some truth to this case. The plaintiffs’ lawyer is Nick Machiavelli, who has already lost to Mary once and is now back with a vengeance —determined not to not only win, but destroy the firm. Then one of their own is murdered and dealing with that on top pf everything else. Very fast paced and still love the characters in this series. Received this from NetGalley for an honest review.

You can buy the book here Amazon 

What My Sister Knew by Nina Laurin review

This was a fast paced read and had me on the edge of my seat for the whole truth and why? Eli and Andrea are twins. They are very different though. Eli keeps many secrets. He has been found guilty of their mom and stepfather's death in a house fire. Now his 13 year sentence is up and he is free and looking for Andrea. Setting her up at every turn. I received this ebook from NetGalley for an honest review.

May Coloring and reading challenges

I will post this every month and will be full of links for:
You Tube channels
Facebook Groups
Instagram

Readathon:
Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon May 11 6pm - May 13 6pm

Color A Longs and Challenges:

You Tube:
Zoe Archer - Gel Pen Jamboree
Sweetnightingale1973 - Anne Manera Colo A Long
TheBibliophileColorist - Creative Haven Spring Scenes
Ann Hatfield - Deborah Muller Mermaids
Colour & Chat with Sammie - 48 Hour Color a thon May 26 & 27
Shelleen Toland - Hidden Paradise by Cris Lopez
Koloroo - MerMay

Facebook Groups:
Color With Shelleen and Friends - a whole year - finish a color book
Deborah Muller Coloring Group - MerMay
Pencil Stash - Family Friday   - Marker Monday
Reading with Pugs coloring - Budget Friendly Pencil challenge
Jessica's Coloring Corner - May Flowers
Johanna Basford YOUR PAGES - May 6 -20  Quart coloring on your page
Coloring, Tips and Tutorials with Faithfulgirl1978 - Oceanic and a color palette
Simple Art For Adults -
Cosy Coloring - until May 20th - Neon Color Challenge

Instagram:
#Mermaycoloralong
#colorsofsweden
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Reading Marathon weekend

I belong to a facebook group called Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon  and we read from Friday night through Sunday night. So I pulled out my tablet as I have a bunch of eArcs on it from NetGalley. I finished The Crooked Staircase by Dean Koontz .

I gave this a 3 star.
It gets published on May 8th.
My thoughts:
Jane Hawk knows she may be living on borrowed time. But as long as she's breathing, she'll never cease her one-woman war against the terrifying conspiracy that threatens the freedom--and free will--of millions. Battling the strange epidemic of murder-suicides that claimed Jane's husband, and is escalating across the country, has made the rogue FBI agent a wanted fugitive, relentlessly hunted not only by the government but by the secret cabal behind the plot. Deploying every resource their malign nexus of power and technology commands, Jane's enemies are determined to see her dead . . . or make her wish she was.
Jane has a son who she is keeping safe with people. As she goes on this hunt to rid the world of these bad people. It was fast paced and intriguing. I kept cheering her on and hoping something would happen to the bad people. Then it ended for the next book lol. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Then I started and finished a book from the library The Wife by Alafair Burke.


I rated this a 4 star.
My thoughts:
When Angela met Jason Powell while catering a dinner party in East Hampton, she assumed their romance would be a short-lived fling, like so many relationships between locals and summer visitors.
But they ended up getting married. Angela had a past she didn't want people to know about so she thought it would be perfect to move away to be with Jason. After 6 years Jason had become a small celebrity. Then 2 women come forward with sexual allegations. Then one of the women disappears and Angela takes a look at the man she married and what she doesn't know about him. She is afraid that old secrets will resurface.
This book had me from the beginning and I did not see some of the ending coming. Very good book.
You can buy it on Amazon The Wife 

Then I started and finished Behind Her Eyes by Sarah Pinborough.
 
I gave this 4 stars and you can buy the book on Amazon Behind Her Eyes 
My Thoughts:
Louise is a single mom, a secretary, stuck in a modern-day rut. On a rare night out, she meets a man in a bar and sparks fly. Though he leaves after they kiss, she’s thrilled she finally connected with someone.

Then Louise goes to work on Monday and finds out he is the new doctor where she works. The Very married man she met. Then she bumps into Adele, who wants to be friends but who is also David's wife. As she gets close to both of them she begins to question things in their marriage. And as things unravel she is caught in the crossfires of what she has no idea.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat. Just when I thought I had an idea of what happened, the end just throws you for a curveball. I loved this book!!!

This morning I also colored on a Sherri Baldy pic for St Patrick's Day. I didn't finish it. 
Tonight is Live chat in my Facebook Group Color With Shelleen and Friends  and we always have fun.

For those who don't know. I babysit my 2 grandon's while their parents work. Amber had lost her job last week but she has 2 job interviews tomorrow so it looks like I will be busy babysitting tomorrow. I had just planned on going grocery shopping tomorrow so now that will have to wait. 

Let me know what you are reading or what other hobbies you have.

Does anyone read my blog?

Thinking about posting daily. What I am reading and coloring. I do still cross stitch once in awhile but I really would like to get this blog going again. Even if only posting once a week. I read books from my physical shelf, the library, my e books and what I get for review. I normally only do reviews on Goodreads but would like to do them here as well. Also to share what I am coloring as I do have  a You Tube channel dedicated to all of this but sometimes I think this would be a great platform for me as well to open back up. Just some thoughts I have.

This is How it Ends by Eva Dolan review

This Is How It Ends: The most critically acclaimed crime thriller of 2018 

I gave this book 3 stars
Ella is an activist who always seems to get into trouble. She is a squatter in a building to be converted into luxury condos. She is determined for her and her neighbors to fight it out. She held a party 1 night and there was a death. She panics and calls her neighbor Molly, who is always there for her. Together they hide the body.
As this story unfolds you get chapters of the past and the presence.
I did like Molly but did not like Ella. The storyline was a little slow and I was surprised by the ending. I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

You can buy this book here: http://amzn.to/2F2ld90

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Raven Books (January 25, 2018)

Cooler weather

Last week and the weekend was hot and humid. his chic does not like summer. I am an Autumn person. Anyway today is a high of 71 which is perfect.
I have been reading and finished Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. Very well written and thought provoking book.
I am now listening to Until Friday Night by Abbi Glines and I am enjoying that one so fat.

I babysat my grandsons Saturday and their mom is going to school and my son had tto work. But Sunday I stayed home and played Sims 4 all day. Yes I love the Sims games and I also have SimCity.

Last night I colored in ANimal Kingdom by Millie Marotta and actually finished the page. I will have to post a pic later this week.

Last night I got ready for bed and let the dog out first. I asked Justin if he had let Outsider in as he has to be in around 9pm. He had forgotten to bring him in so he is calling his name and says mom , there is an animal out here by the porch , kind of looks like a cat. So I already have an idea of what it is. Sure enough we go out and it is a Fisher. And there is my cat getting ready to pick a fight with it. My cat is 12 years old so no match at all plus Fishers like to eat cats and was eyeing mine. So Justin threw something at the fisher and brought our cat in who now has to stay in for a few days. We will let my dog out more since I have a big dog and they don't like big dogs.

So that's it for now. Today is book day so audiobook and if I finish it then to read the next book of the Abbi Glines series.

Have a great day!!!

Reading some good books

It is almost 8 pm and I am ready for bed. yesterday and Monday was hot and humid so when the boys woke up I brought them to my house since I have ac.

I guess I should tell you what has been going on since I used to blog. I worked for a forage lab from May 2007 until July 2016. 2015 and 2016 my health had pretty much shit the bed. Diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, thyroid disease, high blood pressure. So many doctor appointments and being sick a lot meant missing a lot of time at work. So they let me go. I really needed a new job anyways. They gave me 6 weeks notice so I could take time off for job interviews and such. Well my resume was sent to probably 100 places and had only 1 interview, which I did not get the job. May 29th of last year my 2nd grandson was born. Amber wanted to go back to work but they couldn't afford daycare with 2 kids. So I sat down with them and said that I would watch the boys for X amount of money. They live 6 minutes from my house. I don't drive in the snow so on those days Dylan would come pick me up and take me to his house, since it is much easier watching them at their house. In the summer I bring them to my house on hot and humid days since I have ac. It has worked out really well. My asthma is so much better being out of that lab since it was very dirty and stinky. I have not had to call in sick and can actually go there when I don't feel well. I just put TV on for them and rest. It has been a win win situation. I get at their house around 6:15am. The boys don't get up til 9 so I take my laptop and check Facebook and watch You Tube videos. Once in awhile I go back to sleep. I am done watching them at 4. Most times Dylan and Amber want me to eat dinner with them but I now only do that once a week. I need my down time too. Since Scott works nights and is sleeping during dinner time then it works for me.


Now onto the last couple of days. I have read some good books.
The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks was great. Now I need to watch the movie
Luckiest Girl Alive by Jessica Knoll I gave a 4 star rating. Very good.
Yesterday I read : First Comes Love by Emily Giffin. I think I gave that 3 stars. Very dysfunctional family.

I am currently reading Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult. I am halfway though it or maybe more than that. I am enjoying it as I always like her books.

Monday night I did color in Daydreams by Hanna Karlzon and I need to finish that.

When I got done babysitting today then Dylan and I took the boys and got groceries. Blake, who is 1 was miserable through the store and all the way home. I know he was hungry and we gave him a bottle but he will not hold it up and so nothing comes out of it. The little bugger.

Well I guess i bored you enough today. I just wanted to fill you in on what has been going on here for the past 2 years.

Wanting to blog again

So for the past 2 years I have stopped reading blogs. The only thing I have been doing is watching Booktube, Flosstube and coloring You Tube videos. I have also been making videos. My life was overtaken by the internet yet again. So I have unsubbed from many You Tube channels and just kept a few of my favorites.
I am getting back into reading and trying to fit in cross stitching. The only thing I had been doing this year is color. So this blog is going to be like my diary again. I am hoping to post every day again and with pics , if I have anything to share.

This weekend is a reading weekend with a Facebook group Shadow Lounge Monthly Readathon
This read a thon is the 2nd weekend of every month. No challenges. Just a way to sit and read and share what you are reading.

Then I think I am making a monthly stitching goal of one whole weekend. I haven't stitched since March. Most of that is also due to the fact that I am not enjoying what I am stitching. I have over 1/2 done on Rocky Mountain Christmas. The thing I hate is the back stitching. She has different colors and shapes for back stitching and I do back stitch as I go along but am really hating it. So I think it will take a back burner again and I am going to pull out something that I enjoy.

I am almost a year behind on watching General Hospital, even though I know what has been going on currently, just not everything.

There are tons of movies on my DVR as well.

Coloring has taken over my life and I love it but I want to fit in my other hobbies.

Right now it is hard to leave out my cross stitch stuff because of a cat that will take off with things or knock it all over. I have a room to stitch in but it became my catch all room and I don't ever sit in there during the summer because it is to hot in there.

My 27 year old son has his name in for an apartment and just waiting to hear from them. Even though we love him, he needs to move out, I have plans for his room as it is a lot bigger than my sitting room now. Way more room with 2 walls to have shelves for my cross stitch supplies and coloring supplies. It will need a new floor and ceiling as well. I have all these ideas in my head of what I want to do and my hubby agrees with me.

Today I am reading The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks and so far so good but then again I always like his books.

So if any of you still follow me what have you been up to?

Dewey's 24-Hour Readathon

I have joined this again. It is April 29th. 8am- Sunday April 30, 7:55 am EST

I have snacks & drinks at the ready

My first book that I want to finish asap this morning: This is the last book of the Women of the Otherworld series
13 by Kelley Armstrong

Review: Christmas Under a Starlit Sky (A Town Called Christmas #2) by Holly Martin

Christmas Romance
Published October 19th 2016 by Bookouture
My Rating: 5 Stars

My review:

 Neve found out she was pregnant but didn't think she was good enough for her gorgeous movie star boyfriend so she lied and told him it wasn't his because she didn't want to tie him down. Meanwhile the Inn is getting ready for Christmas and this author has written this town so wonderfully that you want to be there. Never really loves Oakley and does want to spend the rest of her life with him but she also doesn't want to leave her family and move to California but she also doesn't want a long term relationship. There is also another relationship happening between Adam and Ivy. Both have been hurt in the past. I received this from Net Galley for a review.

Review: Christmas Under a Cranberry Sky (A Town Called Christmas #1) by Holly Martin

Christmas Romance
Published September 22nd 2016 by Bookouture
My rating: 5 stars

My Review:

 This story takes place on Juniper Island. Piper travels for a company doing reviews on hotels/resorts. She gets sent to Stardust Lake Hotel. When she finds out Gabe owns it all her emotions come back. They were childhood friends and teenage lovers and he had broken her heart. Her mom died when she was a little girl and her dad didn't want her and told her no one did she she had a pretty crappy upbringing and trust issues. But Gabe and her see their mistakes from the past and miscommunication. How the author described places and this hotel I wanted to be there so bad. This town sounded perfect for Christmastime and I could just picture everything. The love story was great and all of Gabe's family and staff. I can't wait to read the next book. I received this from Net Galley for a review.

Review: The 24 Days of Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Christmas Romance
Published November 8th 2016 by Lyrical Shine
My rating: 3 1/2 stars

My review:


This was a short quick read of only 50 pages. Frank and his daughter are using an old advent calendar that had brought him and Addie together when they were kids. She is now back in town, after a divorce and a much publicized backlisting as a reporter. A few days later she ends up with her ex's son. Feelings kindle again between Addie and Frank as they celebrate Christmas activities.

Review: A Very Jaguar Christmas (Heart of the Jaguar #5) by Terry Spear

Paranormal Romance
Published October 4th 2016 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
My rating: 4 stars

My Review:

 This is set at Christmastime but not very Christmassy like you would think. A little boy is lost and come to find out he is werewolf. He was dropped off at a day care center for Jaguar shifters. Neither shifters knew about the other one. The story is of a Jaguar couple who are looking for the little wolf cub/boy's family. I liked the main couple and their finding out about their true feelings for each other and trying to start a relationship while traveling and helping out the boy cub. I like paranormal so this was right up my alley. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: Winter Wonderland by Elizabeth Mansfield

Regency Romance
Published October 4th 2016 by Open Road Media Romance

(first published November 1st 1993) 

My rating: 3 stars

 

My review:

 

 This is an old Regency Romance and read just like it. A nobleman had been spurned 11 years ago. When they meet again, he remembers her but she has no knowledge of who he is. She has changed a lot. Now a widow and lost her home she becomes a governess to the nobleman's family. They meet up on their way to her new job and his family and are robbed in their coach.
After a few days and their bickering she is told who he is. He just got betrothed to someone so he could forget her. Typical Regency book. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: A Christmas Kiss by Elizabeth Mansfield

Christmas Romance
Published October 4th 2016 by Open Road Media Romance

(first published 1970) 

My rating: 3 stars

 

My review:

 

 Evelyn is a a governess and let go from her services because a besotted son had left her in a compromising position and the mother believed the governess had her eyes on him. The son's friends felt bad for her and took her with them on a holiday and then to get employed after the holidays. Well there was confusion on family members parts and a lot of she likes him and he likes her and a widowed sister not wanting to marry and move out of her widowed brother's house and a jealous woman who wants one man and she doesn't like being shunned. A lot of craziness but cute story that had me laughing. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: Mistletoe Cottage (Harmony Harbor #1) by Debbie Mason

Christmas Romance
Published October 25th 2016 by Forever
My rating: 4 stars

My review:

 Very cute story and actually had me laughing out loud a few times. Sophia grew up in Harmony Harbor but she fleed several years ago and pregnant, with her mom. A fire destroyed her home so she came back home to be with family.Firefighter Liam has been in love with Sophia since she was a teenager and he wants a second chance with her and needs to prove to her that he is the one. After Sophia gets back she is hired as the manager to the manor. Things change to the good after that. I want to read the rest of this series and I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: Claude’s Christmas Adventure by Sophie Pembroke

A dog adventure
Published October 20th 2016
My rating: 4 stars

My Review:

 This was such a fun read. Claude is a french bulldog and accidently gets left behind, when his family goes away for Christmas. So the book starts with him going through a neighbor's cat door. He friends 2 neighbors and they are on the quest to find out whose dog it is. The chapter take turns telling the story from Claude's point, the neighbor's point and the owner's point. The family does everything in their power to get back home. Meanwhile neighbors all come together to celebrate Christmas. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: The Mistletoe Promise (Mistletoe Collection) by Richard Paul Evans

Christmas Romance

Audiobook

Published November 18th 2014 by Simon & Schuster Audio
My rating: 5 stars

My review:

 I listened to this on audio, through my library. Elise is dreading the holidays. 3 years ago she found out her husband was cheating on her with her best friend. That resulted in a bitter divorce.
Then one November day, a stranger, Nicholas approaches her in the mall food court. Instead of being alone for holidays he propositions her for 8 weeks they pretend to be a couple and he draws up a contract with 4 simple rules. She agrees and they start spending a lot of time together but parts of her past come back to haunt her. But she finds out she isn't the only one with a haunting past. I loved how these 2 came together and a relationship formed. When I started listening to this it was how the movie started that was on Hallmark, last month. But that is where the similarities end.

Review: Holiday in Your Heart (Caribou Crossing #7) by Susan Fox

Christmas Romance
Published September 27th 2016 by Zebra
Rated: 4 stars

My review:
 Maribeth is 39 and waiting for Mr. Right. Her biological clock is ticking so she is thinking about getting a sperm donor so she can have a child. Then she meets Mo. Mo has a troubled past and came to town to apologize to his ex wife and his son who he abandoned as a child. He has made a lot of mistakes and has regretted them all. He wants everyone to know how much he has changed. Mo meets up with Maribeth and sparks flu instantly but Mo doesn't feel he deserves her and is adamant about not having anymore kids. After a lot of time together and having an extended family that he gets to know, can he change his mind. It was good to see how someone changed their life and made it for the better. I enjoyed this story and received this from NetGalley.

Review: We Need A Little Christmas (Evergreen Lane Novels) by Sierra Donovan (

Christmas Romance
Published September 27th 2016 by Zebra
Rated: 4 stars

My review:
 This was a fun and quick Christmas romance. Liv's Grandmother has passed away so she came home to help her mom and sister to say goodbye and clean out the house. She ends up meeting up with Scotty who is the handyman of the town. As he helps them with everything she starts having feelings for him. But her home and business are back in Texas and she needs to get back to a business that she isn't sure will be there anymore. I received this from netGalley for a review.

Review: Christmas at Lilac Cottage (White Cliff Bay #1) by Holly Martin

Christmas Romance
Published September 25th 2015 by Bookouture
Rated: 5 stars

My review:
 This was a fun read and loved the story. This is set in White Cliff Bay and at Christmas time, which sounds beautiful there. Penny loves her home which is a cute cottage and twinkling fairy lights. She decides to rent out the annex of her house to a father and his teen daughter. He starts out as a grumpy person but warms up to Penny. She is an ice carver and befriends his daughter and teaches her how to ice carve. Penny and Henry end up with a strong connection and want to see where it will go. Loved the ice carving they did and the competitions. The love story was great also and shows how important communication is. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Review: Welcome Home for Christmas (Hero's Welcome, #4) by Annie Rains

Christmas Romance short novel
 Published November 8th 2016 by Loveswept
Rating: 4 stars

My Review

 This was a quick and fun read. It's a short novel set in Seaside, North Carolina, where a military base is and the male main character is at.Allison has been single for quite a while. She seems to always date losers. Her mom is a psychiatrist, who always finds fault with all the men Allison dates. If she doesn't date then her family gives her a hard time and if she is dating then the guy is all wrong. She can't win. At a charity ball she buys a man to be her pretend boyfriend and is name is Troy and a military man. So they ave pretend dates to get to know each other and the sexual tension builds up and feelings start coming into play. This was a great story and I received it from NetGalley for a review.

Review: One Christmas in Paris by Mandy Baggott

Rated 3 stars
Published October 7th 2016 by Bookouture
Christmas Romance

My thoughts:
 This was a fun and quick read. Ava and Deb are best friends from London. They got Paris to help Ava forget about her cheating boyfriend and Deb thinks that her stepdad is cheating on her mom. They meet up with 2 frenchmen and become friends and spend the week with them. Deb and Ava do some sleuthing to find out if the stepdad is cheating. Ava's mom is a control freak and thinks she knows what her daughter should be doing with her life. Ava ends up falling for Juliene and helps him deal with missing his sister and helping him with his photography. I really enjoyed the characters. The only thing I hated in this book and the reason that I only gave this 3 stars is the character using the word Totes in about every other sentence. I thought maybe it was an expression that hey use in London but why didn't Ava ever say it, not even once. So I felt it was overused and 3/4 of the way through the book I cringed every time it was used. I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Twelve Days of Christmas by Debbie Macomber review

Christmas Romance
Published October 4th 2016 by Ballantine Books
Rating: 5 stars

My review:
 This was a cute and fun read. Debbie Macomber wrote another great Christmas book. Julia has a neighbor who is like Ebenezer. She writes a blog and decides to do a 12 Days of Christmas challenge to kill him with kindness. He lives across the hall from her in their apartment. Every morning they leave at the same time for work and she always smiles and says hi but he is not friendly. So she goes out of her way and even buys him coffee, bakes him cookies, all of which he declines. After a while though he starts smiling and being nice. They start having feelings for each other til he finds out about the blog. Being hurt in the past he feels used again and can't seem to forgive her.
I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Do You Believe in Santa? by Sierra Donovan review

Christmas Romance
Published September 29th 2015 by Zebra
Rating: 5 stars

My Review:
 This was a quick and fun read. The ending was perfect!! Mandy Reese is a woman who believes in Santa because she saw him when she was 8 years old. She now works in a Christmas store in her home town of Tall Pines in southern California, in the mountains. Jake arrives in town to convince the town to build a Regal Hotel. He meets Mandy when he stops at the store. They start seeing each other. He eventually finds out she has seen Santa but he doesn't believe her. They fall in love but he is still skeptical. He isn't sure if they can make it work with his job and she doesn't know if she can be with someone who doesn't believe in her. I loved all the characters in the book but the ending is what made it a 5 star rating for me.

I received this from NetGalley for a review.

Snowbound At Christmas by Debbie Mason - review

 Published September 29th 2015 by Forever
Genre: Christmas Romance
 Rating: 4 stars

My Review:
  This was a quick and fun read. Cat O'Connor is an ex cop and works for her spoiled self centered sister who is an actress. Her sister treats her like a servant instead of a sister. Chloe works on a soap opera and then she gets an opportunity for an audition for a chance of a lifetime role.Cat and Chloe are twins and so they pretend to be each other and it works great until someone is trying to kill Chloe. Now Grayson is brought in under cover as a soap actor to find out what is going on. As they go to the town Christmas more things happen and is someone really after Chloe or are they after Cat. This also has a cute love story going. I received this from Net Galley for a review.

Heartless by Marissa Meyer- review

Heartless- Marissa Meyer
Genre :Fantasy/ Fairytale Retelling
Publisher:  Feiwel & Friends (November 8, 2016)
My rating: 4 out of 5 stars

My Review:
 I did enjoy the book but I didn't LOVE it! I got bored halfway through the book and then it picked up again. Cath wants to be a baker and own her own shop but her parents forbid it and says she has to marry the king, boring. She meets Jest and falls for him instead. A lot of Alice in Wonderland in here but instead of Alice you are dealing with Cath, who is supposed to be the Queen of Hearts. I hated her mother and Margaret, who has a holier than thou attitude. The King is sooo boring I would run for the hills lol.
 Marissa Meyer is a great storyteller but I like the Lunar Chronicles a lot better.