Hi Readers, I’m back!!

It’s been a long time (several months!) since I have posted on here because my reviews mostly have been on Social media, Goodreads and retail sites, but I am going to be more diligent about posting them here too. So to start off my return to blogging, I am thrilled to share with you Forged in Love by Mary Connealy!!

The Bookish Details

Book: Forged in Love

Author: Mary Connealy

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: February 28, 2023

When sparks begin to fly, can a friendship cast in iron be shaped into something more?

Mariah Stover is left for dead and with no memory when the Deadeye Gang robs the stagecoach she’s riding in, killing both her father and brother. As she takes over her father’s blacksmith shop and tries to move forward, she soon finds herself in jeopardy and wondering–does someone know she witnessed the robbery and is still alive?

Handsome and polished Clint Roberts escaped to western Wyoming, leaving his painful memories behind. Hoping for a fresh start, he opens a diner where he creates fine dishes, but is met with harsh resistance from the townsfolk, who prefer to stick to their old ways.

Clint and Mariah are drawn together by the trials they face in town, and Clint is determined to protect Mariah at all costs when danger descends upon her home. As threats pursue them from every side, will they survive to build a life forged in love?

Click here to get your copy!

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My Thoughts on the Book

First, I LOVE the cover! It is absolutely gorgeous. I love how strong and confident Mariah (the main character) looks. Second, Mary Connealy is a go-to author for me because I love the humor she adds to her books and how most of the time, there is even a dash of suspense and this book didn’t disappoint me. From the moment you start the story, you are thrown into a stagecoach robbery and you can feel the despair Mariah felt during the robbery and the anguish and then joy that Clint felt when he found Mariah still alive. From there, you walk with these characters as they try to get on with life after tragedy, being drawn together by these events that have plagued the town – all while dodging the ever growing danger for Mariah, because the DeadEye Gang never leaves a witness alive.

This is definitely one of the best books she’s written and that is hard to say, because I LOVE all of her books, but I really liked the characters in this story – how strong Mariah was, even when life was hard for her(especially being a blacksmith when it was a man’s profession) and how Clint was a French Chief in the middle of a western town (which is hilarious reading about how he works so hard on a dish called Soupe De Poulet and the town’s people are like… why can’t you just call it chicken soup??) . Overall, I rate it 5 stars and I want to stress that this is one adventure you aren’t going to want to miss! Can’t wait for book two in the series!!

About the Author

Mary Connealy (www.maryconnealy.com) writes “romantic comedies with cowboys” and is celebrated for her fun, zany, action-packed style. She has sold more than one and a half million books. She is the author of the popular series Brothers in Arms, Brides of Hope Mountain, High Sierra Sweethearts, The Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Lassoed in Texas, Sophie’s Daughters, and many other books. Mary lives on a ranch in eastern Nebraska with her very own romantic cowboy hero.

More from Mary

The Inspiration

I started plotting this novel when I found out that Wyoming was the first state (then a territory) in the Union to grant women the right to vote. Then I discovered it wasn’t just the right to vote; all sorts of other rights were given to women as well, like the right to run for elected office or be appointed to office. In fact, the first woman justice of the peace in the U.S. was from Wyoming. This inspired me to have one of my heroines be the second justice of the peace in the country.

As I continued my research, reading about all that went on in Wyoming was fascinating. They became a territory in 1868—with women voting—and yet they weren’t allowed statehood for another thirty years. With other states being granted statehood in only a few years, why was this? Because the U.S. government refused to let Wyoming in unless they took the vote away from women.

Because Wyoming adamantly refused to strip the vote from women, year after year they were denied statehood. When they finally did get it, the state’s women maintained their right to vote because Wyoming would not budge on the issue. The whole history of this was great reading.

So I wrote a three-book series called Wyoming Sunrise in which all my heroines play against the normal, conventional female roles of the day.

Now, what job could I possibly think of that wasn’t traditionally for women? How about Mariah who happens to be a blacksmith? And while I’m writing against stereotypes, I created a man named Clint who runs a diner. That wasn’t too unusual, for lots of diners were run by men back in the day. Yet not many of them were talented chefs trained in high-class restaurants in New York City. Clint is an excellent chef. Of course, an excellent chef in a small Wyoming town is kind of wasted on folks who prefer fried chicken and beef stew.

Clint makes chicken and beef, but he calls his dishes weird names and makes them unusually delicious. Meanwhile, Mariah is working over a hot forge for long hours every day. When her father and brother are killed in a stagecoach holdup, she becomes the only blacksmith in town.

There’s some resistance to her doing such a masculine job, but even among those who disapprove, well, they’ve got a broken wagon wheel or a hole in their kettle and it’s either let Mariah fix it or go without. Mariah is allowed to be a blacksmith out of pure necessity.

My second book, The Laws of Attraction, has a female justice of the peace, while the third, Marshaling Her Heart, features a tough lady rancher. I write westerns, and honestly, writing about tough, feisty lady ranchers like Becky the Rancher comes naturally to me. Writing about a blacksmith and a judge, however, presents more of a challenge.

Mariah, who survived the stagecoach holdup, learns that the robbers believe she might know something that will reveal their identity, and she needs to be silenced. Clint tries to protect her and finds himself stepping between her and a murderous gang of outlaws.

Through it all, love finds them, and they begin to forge a life together.

Blog Tour Stops

Bigreadersite, March 18

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 18

Texas Book-aholic, March 19

Through the Fire Blogs, March 19

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, March 19

Stories By Gina, March 20 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, March 20

Books You Can Feel Good About, March 20

Connie’s History Classroom, March 21

For Him and My Family, March 21

Labor Not in Vain, March 21

Cover Lover Book Review, March 22

Lighthouse Academy, March 22 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Remembrancy, March 23

Locks, Hooks and Books, March 23

Betti Mace, March 24

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 24

She Lives to Read, March 25

Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 25

Pause for Tales, March 26

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 26

Holly’s Book Corner, March 26

Book Looks by Lisa, March 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 27

SodbusterLiving, March 28

Jeanette’s Thoughts, March 28

Splashes of Joy, March 29

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 29

Wishful Endings, March 30

HookMeInABook, March 30

lakesidelivingsite, March 31

EmpowerMoms, March 31

Mary Hake, March 31

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize package of a $15 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book Forged in Love!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/24dc0/forged-in-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you check out the book and if you do, let me know what you think!

Happy Reading! 🙂

>>Special thanks to Mary Connealy, Celebrate Lit, Net Galley and Bethany House Publishers for allowing me to read and review this book – all opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy September!

I’m so excited to be able to share with you Carrie Stuart Parks latest masterpiece, Fallout which released today!! This book was filled with twists and turns and it almost impossible to put down, but I’ll tell you more in a bit. So without further ado, let’s get started.

The Bookish Details

Book: Fallout
Genre: Christian Mystery/Romantic Suspense
Release date: Today, September 13th 2022!
Author: Carrie Stuart Parks
Publisher: Thomas Nelson

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From The Back Cover

Her carefully crafted life is about to be demolished.

After a difficult childhood, Samantha Williams craves simplicity: jigsaw puzzles, lectures at the library, and the students she adores in her role as an elementary school art teacher in the dusty farming community of LaCrosse, Washington.

But when an SUV crashes into the building where she teaches, her entire world is upended. Samantha manages to keep the children safe, but her car isn’t so lucky. Oddly, her purse—with her driver’s license, credit cards, and other identification—is missing from the wreckage.

After authorities discover that the driver in the accident was shot seconds before the crash, Samantha quickly becomes entangled in increasingly strange events that have her constantly looking over her shoulder.

Samantha has long tried to forget the tragedy of her past, but the twisting connections she discovers between the murdered driver, a deadly secret government project, and an abandoned town can’t be ignored. Those involved are determined to keep these secrets buried, and they’ll use any means necessary to stop Samantha’s search for truth.

Ready for an edge of your seat adventure? Then grab your copy today by clicking here!

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What Did I Think?

I’ve read almost all of Carrie Stuart Park’s books and this is by far my favorite! From the very first moment I met Samantha Williams and read about her saving her students from a car that ran into her classroom, I was hooked. And then finding out that she’s missing part of her childhood, and a government agency is now out to silence her because they think she knows vital information and will stop at nothing to keep her silent didn’t help me put the book down! (I will caution you, I really had a hard time stopping once I started, LOL) I loved all the twists and turns and edge of your seat suspense that fills every chapter and I also really liked how relatable the characters were. Both main characters, Samantha and Dutch, had flaws and quirks and I especially liked reading about how Samantha randomly quoted Dr. Seuss. Overall, this is one of the best books I’ve read this year and definitely recommend it! I give it 5 out of 5 stars and would give it more if I could!

About The Author

Carrie Stuart Parks is Christy, Carol, and Inspy award-winning author, an award-winning fine artist, and internationally known forensic artist. Along with her husband, Rick, she travels across the US and Canada teaching courses in forensic art to law enforcement as well as civilian participants. She has won numerous awards for career excellence. Carrie is a popular platform speaker, presenting a variety of topics from crime to creativity.

Connect with her on Facebook or Instagram, and don’t forget to sign up for her email by clicking here.

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Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you have a very blessed and bookish day!

Happy Reading 🙂

Special thanks to Carrie Stuart Parks and Thomas Nelson for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy August!

I hope you have had a wonderful Summer so far, I know I have! I’ve been blessed with several travel adventures and when I wasn’t traveling, I was finding lots of bookish adventures. My latest adventure was when I read Elizabeth Goddard’s new book and I cannot WAIT to tell you about it! So without further ado, let me take you to the mountains of Montana.

The Bookish Details

Book: Critical Alliance

Author: Elizabeth Goddard
Genre: Christian Mystery/Romantic Suspense
Release date: July 5th, 2022

From The Back Cover

Mackenzie Hanson’s special set of skills opened the door to a successful career as a professor of cybersecurity at a Michigan university, allowing her to put her criminal past behind her. But when a long-ago partner in crime delivers a cryptic message about her father’s tech company being under cyberattack, she heads for Montana to secure exposed assets, close security breaches, and hopefully save lives.

Diplomatic Security Services special agent Alex Knight is back home in Montana to decompress from a mission gone wrong. But even as he’s trying to relax, he’s drawn into another mystery, complete with suspicious deaths, lethal threats, and whispers of espionage that all have one thing in common–a beautiful cybersecurity expert with a dark past.

When the situation turns deadly, Alex and Mackenzie will have to work together to find the answers they need–before someone silences Mackenzie for good.

Click Here to find out more info and to get a copy for yourself!

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What Did I Think?

This book is AMAZING!!! Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down. I found that there was just the right amount of suspense to keep you on the edge of your seat and it all lead up to an explosive ending. The characters are also written very well and I would have to say that my favorite was definitely Mackenzie. She is an amazing woman who has worked hard to overcome a huge mistake she made in the past; however, her past has finally caught up with her. That’s not even the worst part! The worst thing is that the figure from her past isn’t just targeting her, but also her family and her family’s business. With the help of special agent Alex Knight, Mackenzie decides to dive back into the cyber criminal world to defeat an unseen enemy, but was she able to do it in time, or will her past finally defeat her? Just one more thing, I absolutely loved all the technical terms that the author includes in the story, because it made the story more realistic. Overall, I wish I could give this book more then 5 stars, because I would give it like 10. Definitely a must read!!

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About The Author

With over one million books sold, Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling, award-winning author of over fifty romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, The Camera Never Lies –a 2011 Carol Award winner. Four of her six Mountain Cove books have been contest finalists. Buried, Backfire and Deception are finalists in the Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery and Suspense, and Submerged is a Carol Award finalist.

You can sign up for her newsletter at her website: http://elizabethgoddard.com or you can connect with her on Facebook at: http://facebook.com/elizabethgoddardauthor

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Thanks so much for stopping by, I hope you have a very blessed and bookish day!

Happy Reading 🙂

>>Special thanks to Elizabeth Goddard, Revell and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy May 🙂

I am THRILLED to be able to share with you my Social Media friend’s debut book, Counterfeit Love!! I meant Crystal Caudill at a Christian Fiction Readers Retreat and I remember her talking about how she wanted to be a writer, so when I heard that she finished her first book and it was getting published, I had to join her launch team! So without further ado, let me show you Counterfeit Love – Let’s go!

The Bookish Details

Book: Counterfeit Love
Author: Crystal Caudill
Genre: Historical Fiction
Release date: March 15th 2022

From The Back Cover

Can this undercover agent save the woman he loves–or is her heart as counterfeit as the money he’s been sent to track down?

After all that Grandfather has sacrificed to raise her, Theresa Plane owes it to him to save the family name–and that means clearing their debt with creditors before she marries Edward Greystone. But when one of the creditors’ threats leads her to stumble across a midnight meeting, she discovers that the money he owes isn’t all Grandfather was hiding. And the secrets he kept have now trapped Theresa in a life-threatening fight for her home–and the truth.

After months of undercover work, Secret Service operative Broderick Cosgrove is finally about to uncover the identity of the leader of a notorious counterfeiting ring. That moment of triumph turns to horror, however, when he finds undeniable proof that his former fiancée is connected. Can he really believe the woman he loved is a willing participant? Protecting Theresa and proving her innocence may destroy his career–but that’s better than failing her twice in one lifetime.

They must form a partnership, tentative though it is. But there’s no question they’re both still keeping secrets–and that lack of trust, along with the dangerous criminals out for their blood, threatens their hearts, their faith, and their very survival.

Combining rich history, danger, suspense, and romance, Crystal Caudill’s debut novel launches this new historical series with a bang. Fans of Elizabeth Camden, Michelle Griep, and Joanna Davidson Politano will be thrilled to find another author to follow!

Click Here to find out more info and to get a copy for yourself!

What Did I Think?

Wow, WOW!! This book is one of the best Historical Fiction novels I’ve read all year! From the very first page, I was hooked. This book has everything – romance, faith, humor and just enough suspense to keep you intrigued until the very last page. I loved Theresa’s determination to defend her livelihood and was both amazed and encouraged by her character throughout the story. I also enjoyed reading about Theresa and Broderick’s relationship and LOVED seeing them grow closer to God and to each other. Another thing I really liked, was all the historical details and facts that the Author included, because this really made the story more realistic.

As an avid Fiction reader, I can tell you that there are some books that when you finish them, you immediately start thinking about the next book on your TBR pile; however, there are other books that when you finish, you just pause like, “WOW! That was AMAZING!!” (and you kind of regret finishing it so quick, because you didn’t want it to end and now you have to wait for the next book!! ) and this was definitely one of those books! I would highly recommend this book to anyone and give it 5 out of 5 stars and cannot WAIT for the next book (do I really have to wait until next year!?!)

About the Author

Crystal Caudill is a tea-drinking, book-hoarding, history nerd. Her award-winning stories are ripe with history, danger, love, and hope. When not writing, Crystal can be found playing board games with her husband and boys, caregiving for loved ones, hiding in a book, drinking copious amounts of hot tea, or connecting with readers. You can connect with her at www.crystalcaudill.com or by joining her newsletter crew at bitly.com/CaudillNews.

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you check this book out and if you do, don’t forget to leave me a comment with your thoughts!

Happy Reading 

>>>>Special thanks to Crystal Caudill, Netgalley and Kregel Publications for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.

Hey, hey!

I am so sorry that I haven’t posted much, but I have been very busy with family stuff and my job, but I am so excited to be a part of a Celebration tour with Celebrate Lit! (I haven’t been a part of one in a while!) So without further ado, let me share with you Dana Mentink’s latest book, Death Valley Double Cross.

The Bookish Details

Book: Death Valley Double Cross
Author: Dana Mentink
Genre: Inspirational Suspense
Release date: February 22, 2022

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From the Back Cover

A killer seeking revenge
will stop at nothing to get it…
Pilar Jefferson is shocked to learn that her supposedly deceased father is alive and has been in prison—and now his ruthless former partner is after her. Fleeing on her wedding day was the best way to protect her loved ones. But now with her mother held for ransom and her ex-fiancé, Austin Duke, stumbling back into her life, can she keep everyone safe—and escape an assassin?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Desert Justice
Book 1: Framed in Death Valley
Book 2: Missing in the Desert
Book 3: Death Valley Double Cross
Book 4: Death Valley Hideout
 

Click HERE to get your copy!

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What Did I Think?

First, even though this is the third book in the Desert Justice series, it could definitely be read as a stand alone. This book starts in the most unexpected way as Austin Duke runs into his “runaway bride”, Pilar Jefferson; however, he finds it very strange that she doesn’t look like herself. Almost immediately, they are both attacked which forces them to go on the run together bringing along the cutest old dog! What follows is a lot of twists and turns, where it’s hard to see who the good guys are and who wants them dead. Overall, I liked the story and there were a lot of very unique elements which I loved; however, I did feel that at times the story lagged a bit – but not enough to make me lose interest in the overall plot/storyline. For that reason, I give this book 3.5 out of 5 stars and I recommend it to anyone who likes Suspense or specially, Love Inspired Suspense!

About the Author

Dana Mentink is a USA Today and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author as well as a two time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award winner, and a Holt Medallion winner. She is the Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of over fifty titles in the suspense and lighthearted romance genres. She is pleased to write for Harlequin’s Love Inspired Suspense, Harlequin Heartwarming and Poisoned Pen Press. You can connect with Dana via her website at danamentink.com, on Facebook, YouTube (Author Dana Mentink) and Instagram (dana_mentink.) 

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More from Dana

I remember standing on the edge of the lookout and gazing into the wonder that is Artist’s Palette in Death Valley. Artist’s Drive, which takes you to this breathtaking view, rises above Badwater Basin (the lowest spot in North America) and then meanders along twisting canyons and hills until it brings you to this popular tourist stop. The premier view is a place called Artist’s palette. It’s a sprawling pocket of color, hues of rose, ochre, green and gold tucked in the rippling landscape and teased to life by the desert sun. Isn’t that just like God? To lead us to surprises and wonders that await us in a sometimes hostile world? Every day we spent in Death Valley held a surprise, from the rocks that move mysteriously across the sands to the towering twists and turns of 20 Mule Team Canyon. There are only two things to do with a wonderous place like that…enjoy the divine bounty, and write a novel set there so others can come along!
I hope you will enjoy this third installment in the Desert Justice series. The first is Beckett’s story and then we had quiet cowboy Levi’s adventure. Now it’s brash pilot Austin’s turn. Will he get his happy ending after being dumped at the altar and wrecking his shoulder in an accident? Turn those pages and come with me to Death Valley to find out!

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, March 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, March 29

Daysong Reflections, March 30

Texas Book-aholic, March 30

Lighthouse academy, March 31

Inklings and notions, March 31

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, April 1

Betti Mace, April 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, April 2

Pause for Tales, April 2

For Him and My Family, April 3

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, April 3 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, April 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, April 4

Locks, Hooks and Books, April 5

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, April 6

Life, Love, Writing, April 6

Bigreadersite, April 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, April 7

Bizwings Blog, April 8

For the Love of Literature, April 8

Blogging With Carol, April 9

HookMeInABook, April 9 << You are here 🙂

Simple Harvest Reads, April 10 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Paula’s Persuasion, April 10

Blossoms and Blessings, April 11

Sodbuster Living, April 11

Labor Not in Vain, April 12

Through the fire blogs, April 12

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Dana is giving away the grand prize package of the first three books in the series (Paperback for U.S. Only) and a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1c112/death-valley-double-cross-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thank you so much for stopping by! I hope you check this book out and if you do, don’t forget to leave me a comment with your thoughts!

Happy Reading 

>>>>Special thanks to Dana Mentink, Celebrate Lit and Love Inspired Supense for allowing me to read and review this book – all views and opinions are my own.

Hi Readers, Happy Friday!

It is getting late over here on the East Coast, but thankfully I found a few minutes to share the first line of the book I’m currently reading. So without further ado, my First Line Friday book is The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander!

”Mckenna Ashford climbed down from the wagon, holding firm to the belief that she’d made the right decision in coming West – as if her brother’s behavior back in Missouri had given her a choice”

 First Line of The Inheritance by Tamera Alexander

From the Back Cover

Determined to tame her fourteen-year-old younger brother’s rebellious streak, twenty-three-year-old McKenna Ashford accepts her cousin’s invitation to move west and start over. McKenna arrives only to find that her cousin and her cousin’s husband have died, leaving their five-year-old daughter an orphan—and that life in Copper Creek, Colorado, is far from what she expected.

McKenna struggles with her sudden new role as the guardian of two children. Shouldering burdens beyond her years, McKenna tries to be the parent Robert needs instead of the older sister he resents. But her “untimely inheritance” challenges her resolve at every turn, while also offering a second chance to restore her sense of trust—and perhaps even her heart.

U.S. Marshal Wyatt Caradon is dedicated to bringing fugitives to justice, yet years of living on the trail have taken their toll, and he finds himself at a crossroads. He’s brought countless men to justice, but he questions what lasting good he has accomplished. When his path intersects that of young Robert Ashford, Wyatt glimpses himself, years ago, in the boy’s pride and arrogance. He also sees a boy without a firm hand in his life. His well-meant attempt to help Robert brings him face-to-face with the one situation he never wanted to encounter—and the one woman who holds the key to helping him find his future.

As McKenna struggles to let go of her independence and Wyatt considers opening his heart again, they discover an inheritance beyond imagination—but it will come at a price.

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About the Author

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One of today’s most popular writers of inspirational historical romance, Tamera Alexander writes novels that USA Today calls “a full on HIT!” (about A Lasting Impression) and Publisher’s Weekly describes her writing as “so vivid, one can almost hear the music resonating off of the page” (about A Note Yet Unsung). Tamera is an author and inspirational speaker whose novels have garnered or been short-listed for numerous awards.

Tamera loves living in Nashville with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.

For more about Tamera’s books, visit www.TameraAlexander.com

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What are you reading this week? Would you read this book? Let me know in the comments below! 

Also, don’t forget to check out what other first lines Readers and Bloggers are sharing by heading over to our host blog, Hording Books!

Happy Reading!