Tag: ireadpastmybedtime

Stand-alone Books

Oh where or where are you?….

I recently uploaded a Bookish Thoughts video on my BookTube channel talking about stand-alone books.

Now please keep in mind these thoughts you are about to read are just my own. I may be completely off on my opinion. This is all in fun and I am just ranting my head off. Feel free to jump in with your opinion on the subject, perhaps you will make some strong points and will sway my opinion to the better. Maybe you agree?… Perhaps you will think I am crazy and just shake your head at me. It’s all good… as it’s all in fun!

Has anyone else noticed how so many books coming out are the 1st in a new series?… Is anyone else becoming over whelmed with their never-ending, slowly talking over the world TBR list?

I find myself searching more and more for stand-alone books. I don’t see them too often anymore especially when it comes to certain genres, such as Fantasy.

I understand that authors become passionate about the worlds they create and want to carry them on. Yet sometimes I just want to be able to consume a book, capturing the whole entire world and story line in just that one book, then hold it near and dear to my heart.

Now don’t get me wrong  there are so many duology’s, trilogy’s and series that I love and can’t get enough of. Then there are some books I think one would have been enough… or why can’t more books that come out be just a stand-alone.

Now I honestly don’t know much of the author world or publishing world. Sometimes seeing so many new series being released makes me wonder if it’s the passion I talked about above with the world an author created or has it become more of a money hungry theme. Are authors pushing out books because they are excited to tell the whole story they have been building up in their head for years?, is it all about more money?, are they feeling pressure from publishing companies to carry on with it?…. Do you know? Because I don’t. Maybe it’s a mix of it all?….. Hmmm.

I also find a lot of books currently on my shelf that are the first in a new series are from book subscription boxes. Getting me hooked and wanting more, knowing I will need to pick up the second book. Where then the company will of course create a special edition box with the second book when it releases.

Just so many series to read!!!!!!…… Oh the anxiety … haha. Boy I sounds so dramatic.

Could it be the book community I am consumed in just doesn’t talk much about stand-alone’s and perhaps there are so many amazing ones out there I am missing out on?… Uh Oh .. I may be adding to that never-ending list again.

Thank you all for taking the time to read my crazy book nerd rant.

Your Fellow Book Worm

-Nichole

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Snowfall on Lighthouse Lane by JoAnn Ross

Growing up on the wrong side of the tracks, Jolene Wells is forever indebted to the mother who encouraged her to fly—all the way to sunny LA and a world away from Honeymoon Harbor. Although Jolene vowed never to look back, returning home isn’t even a question when her mom faces a cancer scare. Which means running into Aiden Mannion all over town, the first boy she ever loved—and lost—and whom she can barely look in the eye.

Aiden’s black-sheep reputation may have diminished when he joined the marines, but everything he’s endured since has left him haunted. Back in Honeymoon Harbor to heal, he’s talked into the interim role of police chief, and the irony isn’t lost on the locals, least of all Aiden. But seeing Jolene after all these years is the unexpected breath of fresh air he’s been missing. He’s never forgotten her through all his tours, but he’s not sure anymore that he’s the man she deserves.

Despite the secret they left between them all those years ago, snow is starting to fall on their picturesque little town, making anything seem possible…maybe even a second chance at first love.

***Synopsis copied from Amazon.ca***

3.5 Stars out of 5

At first I had such a hard time keeping up on what was happening and who was who in the story. So many characters introduced all at once and a couple large character backgrounds that threw me off.

I am so happy I stuck through the first chunk. The story started to grow on me and the characters became so sweet and heart warming.

It seems some aspects of the story are going in a negative route, until a twist on the story giving you all the happy feels.

Also, no one can say they won’t fall in love!… this was shown so well with Jolene. She never thought the relationship or family life was in her future. Until her past love Aiden crossed her path again.

Cute, fuzzy read!

Thank you to HQN for sending this cozy read my way!

Publisher: HQN Books

Release Date: October 30, 2018

And of course thank you all for reading!

Your Fellow Book Worm

– Nichole

Snowfall On Lighthouse Lane
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Season Of Wonder by Raeanne Thayne

“It’s a long way from New York to Idaho….but could they have found a home at last?”

Dani didn’t have the easiest childhood, she didn’t always make the best decisions in her adult life either.

Determined now to make a better life for not only herself but her two incredible daughter’s 13-year-old Silver and 6-year-old Mia. Dani takes the leap making what seems to be the best choice for the family and moves them to Haven Point, Idaho.

With some welcomed changes and not so welcomed. Silver is unhappy and starts to get into some trouble of her own. She may even get herself in trouble with her neighbour who happens to be Deputy Sheriff Ruben Morales.

Ruben makes a point in doing anything he can to help Silver, as he sees what type of person she truly is inside. But Dani and Ruben’s joint concern for her daughter only brings them closer and closer.

Showing a glimpse of the completed family they could be.

 

5 out of 5 stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read. Full of twists and turns and many obstacles when it comes to Dani’s oldest, Silver.

Some relationships are on the mend while others are just starting.

Dani truly adores her children and would do anything for them, even if it means she passes up what she truly wants. But her daughters don’t want that, they want their Mom to be every bit as happy as them. Which is just what Ruben is to Dani… the exact meaning of happy.

Such an adorable read, anytime of the year, even if it is set around the Holiday season

Thank you to HQN books for sending this heart warming read my way.

And of course thank you all for reading!

Your Fellow Book Worm

– Nichole

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Photo from my Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichi.i_readpastmybedtime/

A Tall, Dark Cowboy Christmas by Maisey Yates

“It’s Christmas in Gold Valley, and this wounded widower is about to get another shot at love…”

Grant Dodge has not yet found any women who lives up to his late wife. Always feeling as i

f any women he meets pities him and his past. He had excused the idea of love in his life anytime soon.

McKenna is lonely, growing up, not having a family of her own. But McKenna has found her birth father after all this time and has come to Gold Valley to confront him face to face.

Any chance these two were destined to meet? Will Grant see the sparks fly again? And will McKenna find a new, more perfect family to be apart of?

 

 

4 out of 5 stars

Such an adorable holiday story.

Grant seems so lost, so cold and completely shut off. But McKenna’s spicy, stubborn, direct personality really grabs hold of Grant and shows his true colors. It certainly helps that McKenna has no idea of Grant’s past. Helping them build a truly memorable connection.

One to add to the list! Grab hold of it!… read it now or hold on to it for next years holiday season!

Thank you to HQN books for sending this heart warming read my way.

And of course thank you all for reading!

Your Fellow Book Worm

– Nichole

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Photo from my Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichi.i_readpastmybedtime/

 

 

The Christmas Sisters by Sarah Morgan

The Perfect McBride Christmas

Can they make this the Christmas their Mother has always dreamed of?

— “In the snowy Highlands of Scotland, Suzanne McBride is dreaming of the perfect cozy Christmas. Her three adopted daughters are coming home for the Holidays and she can’t wait to see them. But tensions are running high…”–

 

Suzanne has been dreaming of having all three of her daughters home together for Christmas.

Hannah is a workaholic that always seems to have an excuse but knows she can’t hide this year. Besides she has a big secret she needs to get off her chest.

Beth is a busy stay at home Mom that is struggling with the thought of entering into the working world again, but can she leave her daily duties at home with her children she adores?

And Posy has a dream she wants to sink her toes into more than anything in the world, but knows she is counted on at home.

Will the magic of the Christmas season bring these sisters together and make their special bond even stronger?

*

5 out of 5 stars!

Sarah Morgan truly is a gifted writer.

The Christmas Sisters was such a charming Christmas Story. I didn’t want to put it down.

Each character is written so beautifully and the whole story flows flawlessly.

Absolutely heart warming and full of so much warmth and love.

The already strong relationships there and those that are strengthened throughout the story are stunning.

I definitely recommend this read! ANY-time of the year. But if you get the chance to pick it up during the Holiday season be prepared to feel all of the Christmas joy and cheer.

Absolutely  SPECTACULAR.

Thank you to HQN Books for sending this amazing read my way.

And of course thanks for reading.

Your Fellow Bookworm

– Nichole

The Christmas Sisters
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And Then You Were Gone by R.J. Jacobs

Advanced Readers Copy 

“How can you save someone else if you can’t save yourself…”

Emily Firestone finally has a handle on her future. Struggling for years with her bipolar disorder, she is now in control and dominating every aspect of her life. A great job, a place to call her own, and an incredible boyfriend, Paolo.

When Paolo wants to whisk Emily away on a weekend sailing trip. The perfect get away in his eyes. Just the two of them… on the water. Emily accepts, who could resist this marvellous mini vacation.

The weekend starts off perfect. Until the next morning when Emily wakes all alone. Paolo is nowhere to be found. Emily doesn’t understand, he is an amazing swimmer. There is no way he could have drown.

Once Emily’s feet are back on dry land her desperate search for Paolo is well underway.

Days pass and he is still missing. Emily finds herself starting to slip back into her old ways. Depression slowly taking its tight grip all over again.

Until some evidence comes to light that Paolo may not have drown but murdered.

Now Emily is not only fighting her own mania but trying to clear her name, as she is the number one suspect in the disappearance of her boyfriend.

What will happen next? Will Emily lose all she has worked so hard for?

***

4 out of 5 stars

And Then You Were Gone is a heart pounding, teeth clenching, psychological thriller.

With so many thrilling twists and turns you can’t possibly have an idea what is going to happen next. It will have you gripping to the edge of your seat.

R.J. Jacobs is a psychologist in clinical practise. He also performs PTSD evaluations for veterans. Have you ever heard the term “Write what you know?” That is exactly what he has done, and it couldn’t be more brilliant.

If you are a thriller lover this novel is for you.

Absolutely sensational.

“Being bipolar just means I get a lot done.”

***

Thank you so incredibly much to HarperCollins Canada for sending this fascinating read my way.

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Release Date: March 12, 2019

 

Photo taken from my Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichi.i_readpastmybedtime/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When Elephants Fly by Nancy Richardson Fischer

T. Lily Decker is a high school senior with a 12-year plan: avoid stress, drugs, alcohol, and boyfriends, and take regular psych quizzes administered by her best friend, Sawyer, to make sure she’s not developing schizophrenia.

Genetics are not on Lily’s side. When she was seven, her mother, who had paranoid schizophrenia, tried to kill her. And a secret has revealed that Lily’s odds are even worse than she thought. Still, there’s a chance to avoid triggering the mental health condition, if Lily can live a careful life from ages 18 to 30, when schizophrenia most commonly manifests.

But when a newspaper internship results in Lily witnessing a mother elephant try to kill her three-week-old calf, Swifty, Lily can’t abandon the story or the calf. With Swifty in danger of dying from grief, Lily must choose whether to risk everything, including her sanity and a first love, on a desperate road trip to save the calf’s life, perhaps finding her own version of freedom along the way. 

***Synopsis copied from Amazon.ca*** – TRIGGER WARNING: Schizophrenia, suicide, and animal abuse.

I generally enjoy starting off my reviews with a break down of the story, in my own words.

Lets just say with this one I couldn’t….Honestly! I sat at the computer, staring at the screen… and nothing. My words would not do this novel justice. I am still trying to wrap my head around it all. I had to use the synopsis right off amazon.

When Elephants Fly is absolutely breath-taking. I may even go as far to say, life changing.

This novel will truly tug at each and every one of your heart-strings. You will experience all emotions, ones you knew you had and ones you didn’t even know existed.

Nancy is an incredible author, and her knowledge and love for Elephants is impeccable, absolutely inspiring. There is so much detail in this sensitive, yet moving story.

Stunning. When Elephants Fly has got to be one of my absolute favourite reads of 2018. I will always cherish this story.

Please! go out and pick it up now. You will not regret it. It is one of a kind.

Oh and the cover! just beautiful. 5 out of 5 Stars.

Thank you for reading.

Your Fellow Book Worm

-Nichole

WHEN ELEPHANTS FLY

 

Mistletoe Miracles by Jodi Thomas

3 Perfectly Passionate Tales…

 

The Maverick Ranch:

Griffin Holloway and his 2 brothers are struggling. The Maverick Ranch has been in their family for generations but recently has become a money pit. With desperation to keep the ranch in their family, not ready to give up. Griffin and his brothers come up with a few ideas. The strongest idea being, one of them has to marry a wealth lady and fast. But will Marriage be the solution to all their money problems?

***

O’Grady:

Jaxon has always been the town’s hermit, enjoying the quiet life.  Until one day Jaxon witnesses an awful car accident. Which may change his extremely peaceful life for the better.  Jaxon may not be the town’s hermit for much longer!

***

Johnson’s:

Jamie Johnson has perfectly settled into the small town of Crossroads, Texas. No more pesky, nosy, questions about her dating life and why she’s still not in a long-term relationship. This Christmas may change everything, when Jamie comes home to find an unexpected guest in her home. Now with the whole town asking questions, the only question Jamie has is, did she just find her mister forever?

 

****

5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely ADORED all three of these compassionate, breath-taking, unusual stories.

Each story was rooted in the quaint town of Crossroads, Texas. The perfect setting!

A dash of Griffin’s, tender, considerate, passionate side. With Jaxon’s protective, devoted, attentive side and Mr. Johnson’s compassionate, warm, worrisome side. You get a mix of all the best worlds with these men.

You will devour each story,  wishing you were able to live just one, if not all of these worlds. Each character has such a unique back story that will have you cherishing them all.

Highly recommend! This read will leave you with all the Christmas cheer.

Thanks for reading!

Your Fellow Book Worm

-Nichole

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Photo from my Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichi.i_readpastmybedtime/

 

 

 

Lone Star Christmas by Delores Fossen

Thank you to Harlequin Publicity Team for sending Lone Star Christmas my way.

Published September 25th 2018 by HQN Books

***

“A Family Crisis Brings Him Home… Just In Time For Christmas”

Callen Laramie has avoided his hometown, Coldwater, Texas, like the plague. Which hasn’t been all that hard for him up until now.

Although being so lucky to grow up in a warm, loving foster home and having a beautiful family. Long ago Cattleman Callen escaped Coldwater, on the search for bigger, better things and never looked back.

As hard as it may have been, leaving one special person.

Callen receives a Christmas wedding invitation to Buck, his foster-father and Rosie’s wedding. With all intentions not to go, Callen soon finds out there is a family secret and  knowing he may be re-united with his childhood crush, Shelby, who has always been off-limits, changes his mind rapidly.

Lone Star Christmas
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4 out of 5 Stars

Such a warm, cozy and dare I say STEAMY Christmas read.

Callen is a stubborn, strong-headed man. Who slowly releases into a considerate, passionate, devoted, sulty, gentleman. Leaving Shelby weak in the knees.

Shelby has forever been Callen’s delicacy, but always seen as forbidden. Now Shelby is all grown up and makes her own choices and Callen is exactly what she craves.

Lone Star Christmas provides, all the romantic, warm fuzzy feels and lets not forget ALL the drama, in the best way possible. Along with the blooming fling between Callen and Shelby there are amazing family and friend relationships. You will love each and every character in such a different way.

With each twist and turn, you will want to devour more and more.

A Perfect Christmas Romance.

Thank you for reading!

Your fellow book nerd

-Nichole

 

Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel by A. W. Jantha (Author) & Matt Griffin (Illustrator)

Witch, Please…

The incredibly adored story of Max, his sister Dani and Allison coming together on Halloween night along with the help of their new friends, Binx a black cat and Billy a friendly zombie. To save the town of Salem from the Sanderson sisters. Winifred, Sarah and Mary, witches that have been dead for 300 years. Until Max, a virgin lit the black flame candle.

Fast forward 25 years from the night the Sanderson sisters were defeated. Poppy, the daughter of Max and Allison has never believed her family’s story from that Halloween night, over two decades ago. To prove the tales fake and have some fun of her own. Poppy along with her closest friends make some bad decisions, bringing the Sanderson sisters back from the afterlife, again! With so much at stake and only having until sunrise. Poppy and her friends are frantically racing against time to save their families, friends and all of Salem from the coven of Witches. This Halloween will be another to add to the Dennison family tales.

Hocus Pocus
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I know I am late to the game with this review. I had EVERY intention on getting to this HUGELY anticipated read of mine before Halloween. We all know how that goes, right? Always a plan, but there is always more and more books to read.

Ahhh…. living the life of a book nerd!… (It’s AMAZING)

I finished this book last night and LOVED it! 5 out of 5 stars.

There is so much contradiction with this read and I personally don’t understand it. Reading part one “Hocus Pocus” brought me right back to the 90’s. I could see the movie playing through my head while reading it. It was everything I could hope for.

Now, The Sequel was just as brilliant. I love how the lead up to the sequel was incorporated into Hocus Pocus itself. It fit perfectly and made the anticipation for part two build and build.

I was sceptical at first, of course. The beloved characters from the movie are everything! and I was not sure if the book would live up to that.

Prove me wrong, again! I loved the characters just as much, both old and new.

I recommend this book to everyone! Hocus Pocus lovers and all.

Ohhh!… And only for the ending to give a glimpse that there may be more to come! So exciting.

Thanks for reading! I love having you hear.

– Your fellow book nerd

Nichole

Hocus Pocus & The All New Sequel
Photo from my Bookstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nichi.i_readpastmybedtime/