August 14, 2023 · 12:01 am

Book Talk: What have you been reading lately?

Welcome to this week’s Book Talk!

The Edge of Summer by Viola Shipman: 4.5 stars. A heartwarming novel of discovery and new beginnings. Family secrets drive the story as Sutton Douglas tries to learn the truth about everything her mom kept hidden from her. The lakeside setting is absolutely perfect and springs vividly to life. The side characters add depth and offer opportunities for Sutton’s growth. A slight romantic element is the perfect topping on this wonderful novel.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin: 4 stars. At first I was not sure if I would like bookstore owner A.J. Fikry. He is unbending, gruff to the point of rudeness and all around crotchety. But an unexpected package works magic on A.J. as does his unexpected friendship with Amelia. Well-written with interesting characters and a fantastic setting.

A Killer in the Family by Gytha Lodge: 4.5 stars. This fifth installment in the DCI Jonah Sheens series perfectly blends the professional and personal lives of the investigative team. The hunt for a serial killer weighs heavily on Jonah as he and the rest of his squad work tirelessly to locate a suspect. The slow burn investigation is interspersed with Jonah’s troubled homelife. Ancestry DNA adds a realistic aspect to the storyline and provides intriguing twists and turns.

Cold Blooded Liar by Karen Rose: 4.5 stars. An outstanding police procedural with fascinating characters. This first installment in the San Diego series introduces dedicated Detecive Kit McKittrick and caring psychologist Sam Reeves. Kit is not one to trust easily so she fights her instincts when Sam provides information about the possible location of murdered teenager. This latest discovery adds to the number of cold cases that have haunted the homicide squad for over a decade. With suspicions falling on Sam, he has a vested interest in finding the killer as do Kit and her fellow detectives. A twist-filled mystery that will leave readers anxiously awaiting the next book this fantastic series.

In the Garden of Beasts by Erik Larson: A work of non-fiction that focuses on the US Ambassador to Germany in 1933. I have just gotten started on this fascinating look back in time that is eerily similar to recent events in America.

Now it’s your turn. What have you been reading lately? Join the discussion by commenting below!

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August 13, 2023 · 12:01 am

The Week Ahead Aug. 14-19

Here’s a look at what’s happening this week at Book Talk & More with Kathy:

Monday’s Book Talk: What have you been reading lately?

Spotlights

Mystery Monday
Teen Tuesday
Thrifty Thursday
Friday Feature

Winning Wednesday (8/16) eBooks up for grabs:

The Secret to a Southern Wedding by Synithia Williams
Rent to Be by Sonia Hartl
Injured Reserve by L.A. Witt

Click here for more info on entering the eBook contests.

This week’s Saturday Series Spotlight is Timothy Janovsky’s Boy Meets Boy and contest for one of the books in the series (winner’s choice).

Have a great week!!

***All the eBooks in this week’s Winning Wednesday & Saturday Series Spotlight giveaways have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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August 12, 2023 · 12:01 am

Saturday Series Spotlight & Giveaway: Jackie Ashenden’s Small Town Dreams

Here are the eBooks in this week’s Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

Title: Find your Way Home by Jackie Ashenden
Small Town Dreams Series Book One
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 336 pages

Summary:

Small town romance heads to the wilds of New Zealand in the first installment of a brand-new contemporary series by Jackie Ashenden.

He’s hell-bent on telling her what to do.
She’s determined to make it on her own.
They’re both going to learn a thing or two about first impressions.
Brightwater Valley, New Zealand, is beautiful, rugged, and home to those who love adventure. But it’s also isolated and on the verge of becoming a ghost town.

When the town puts out a call to its sister city of Deep River, Alaska, hoping to entice people to build homes and businesses in Brightwater, ex paratrooper Chase Kelly is all for it. He sees the benefits of building the economy, but only if those who come to Brightwater are ready for its challenges. Former oil executive Isabella Montgomery and her plan to open an art gallery don’t seem up to the test. Now Chase is determined to help her learn the ways of his formidable hometown.

Title: All Roads Lead to You by Jacke Ashenden
Small Town Dreams Book Two
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 291 pages

Summary:

Love can work miracles over grief…

Finn Kelly happily takes tourists on hikes across the beautiful, rugged wilderness he calls home. Hiking doesn’t involve much interacting, and that’s just how he likes it. When sunshiny jewelry designer Bethany Grant moves into town and proceeds to involve herself in every aspect of his life, he starts to find himself thinking maybe he could use a friend. Or, if he dares to risk it—something more.

Bethany is drawn to dark, brooding Finn. She’s an optimist and a fixer, and now she wants to fix him. But Bethany has her own grief to lay to rest.

How will this unlikely pair come to terms with the darkness in their pasts in order to see the bright future that could lie ahead?

Title: Right Where We Belong by Jackie Ashenden
Small Town Dreams Book Three
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 379 pages

Summary:

Sexy new small-town romance set in the rugged, beautiful landscape of New Zealand.

Levi King has never met a woman he couldn’t charm—until he meets Indigo Jameson. One of Brightwater Valley’s newest residents, the prickly woman gets under his skin like no one else ever has.

Indigo Jameson doesn’t trust people—especially handsome men—and Levi is the handsomest man she’s ever seen. Much to her chagrin, the gorgeous adventure guide seems intent on befriending her, and he’s a surprisingly good friend.

But beneath Levi’s carefree, flirtatious exterior is a man badly damaged by his own past. Can Indigo break down the walls around Levi’s heart as he’s done for her?

Giveaway

I am giving away one eBook from the Small Town Dreams series-WINNER’S CHOICE. Here’s how to enter the Saturday Series Spotlight contest:

You must do the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (below). One email daily with the day’s posts.

Enter your Email:


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AND:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Talk & More with Kathy Facebook page

AND:

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

3. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Talk & More with Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don't forget to:

4. Fill out the form below by 4 PM Mountain Time Monday afternoon.

CONTEST OVER

* I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. Please refer to the privacy page HERE if you have questions about how your information is used. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winner will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail one lucky winner the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winner will be posted HERE on Tuesday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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August 11, 2023 · 12:01 am

Friday Feature: Once Upon a Beast by Kyra Jacobs

Do you love a good romance? Then you might like today’s Friday Feature!

Title: Once Upon a Beast by Kyra Jacobs
Bourbon Falls Book One
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 243 pages

Summary:

It’s a fairy tale as old as time…

Everyone in Bourbon Falls knows Delaney Brooks doesn’t need a man—including Delaney. So when a storm sends her niece’s car hydroplaning into the town hermit’s bushes, it’s nothing Del can’t handle herself. But the winds also cause costly damage to the roof of her family’s beloved bookstore, and Del accepts it’s time to seek help.

Isaac Manning never intended to be the bad guy. But a slanderous post went viral, and he’s forced to take cover in Bourbon Falls, Indiana, hiding to protect his tech company until the online storm blows over. The strategy goes smoothly until a teenage girl destroys his lawn. Now two locals have seen his face, and one is tugging at his heartstrings.

Del’s fundraiser can save her family’s bookstore but she’ll need an amazing website built to draw the crowds in. Isaac, wanting a break from his loneliness, is happy to trade his skills for Del’s landscape panache. But can the two truly work together to support the town’s biggest event of the year without jeopardizing their hearts and reputations too?

Goodreads

Purchase Links: Amazon * B&N

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August 10, 2023 · 12:01 am

Thrifty Thursday: On the 2 by Felice Stevens

Do you love gay romances? Do you have Kindle Unlimited? If not, are you looking for a book that costs less than $5.00? Then you might want to check out:

Title: On the 2 by Felice Stevens
Publisher: Good Man Press
Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Romance
Length: 285 pages

Summary:

First rule of riding the subway:
Don’t talk to strangers.
Don’t even look at anyone.

But what if they’re grouchy and gorgeous and you’re sitting right next to them?
I always did like a challenge.
I want to turn that frown upside down, but he barely looks at me.
I take a chance and poke the bear, and to my shock, he plays along and growls back.
The more we meet on the train, the more I realize he’s not the uptight grump I first thought. Then one night, there he is—in my world, in my space…his tongue in my mouth.

Mind blown.

But I’m no fool. A man like Nash Roman doesn’t date a guy who sells suits at Macy’s.
Nash is prep school and Ivy League, and I’m night school while working two jobs to pay bills. Nash is fine wine, expensive restaurants and handmade suits, and I’m beer, corner takeout, and a lucky find at Goodwill.

What am I—street-smart Ethan Moreno—doing, playing in his world? This man is older than me, way richer than me, and has already made it clear he doesn’t believe in love. I should walk away. Instead, I’m falling for him. Hard.

Nash couldn’t care less if his father doesn’t think I’m good enough or if people gossip because we’re so different. I need to trust in him and us, but I’ve been burned before.

And just like the Uptown Number 2, sometimes you have to travel a different route to get to the final destination:

Goodreads

Purchase Link: Amazon

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August 9, 2023 · 12:01 am

eBook Contest 8/9

Here are the eBooks for this week’s Winning Wednesday contest:

Title: A Perfect Pairing by Sheryl Lister
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 337 pages

Summary:

This heartwarming novel set in the idyllic small-town of Firefly Lake explores the sisterly friendship between a group of women and a second chance at love—perfect for fans of Jill Shalvis and Jenny Hale.

Natasha Baldwin loves her life. As top realtor in her hometown of Firefly Lake, she has a good job and even better friends. Really, Tasha has only two regrets: never pursuing her dream career…and how things ended with Antonio Hayes years ago. So when an opportunity arises to show off her passion for interior design, Tasha’s excited—and a little nervous. But with the support of her girlfriends at their biweekly supper club, she’s eager to dive in…until she discovers that Antonio is her new project partner.

Teaming up with her ex is less than ideal, but with all eyes in town on her new project, Tasha knows now is not the time to let her messy past with Antonio impact her future. Yet working with Antonio immediately sparks bittersweet memories…and the same undeniable, irresistible chemistry even after all their years apart. Then, just as Natasha realizes that the life and love she’s waited for are within reach, her big break comes around, and she must decide what she truly wants…

Title: Right Where We Belong by Jackie Ashendon
Small Town Dreams Book Three
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablance
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 379 pages

Summary:

Sexy new small-town romance set in the rugged, beautiful landscape of New Zealand.

Levi King has never met a woman he couldn’t charm—until he meets Indigo Jameson. One of Brightwater Valley’s newest residents, the prickly woman gets under his skin like no one else ever has.

Indigo Jameson doesn’t trust people—especially handsome men—and Levi is the handsomest man she’s ever seen. Much to her chagrin, the gorgeous adventure guide seems intent on befriending her, and he’s a surprisingly good friend.

But beneath Levi’s carefree, flirtatious exterior is a man badly damaged by his own past. Can Indigo break down the walls around Levi’s heart as he’s done for her?

Title: Game Changer by Amy Aislin
Vancouver Ocras #2
Publisher: Amy Aislin
Genre: Contemporary, Gay, Romance
Length: 272 pages

Summary:

It’s Blair Brawsiski’s ride or die year. After a decade in the AHL, if he doesn’t get called up to the NHL this season, it’s time to hang up his skates and focus on other things. But between a second job and family priorities, his attention isn’t where it should be, and his dreams of making it to the big leagues are dwindling by the day.

Hiring a personal assistant to help out with day-to-day stuff? Probably the smartest move Blair’s made in a while.

But when that PA turns out to be an assertive baker who’s exactly Blair’s type? Blair can’t help but wish those dexterous hands would knead something other than pastry dough. Namely, him.

Charlie needs extra income. Desperately. With his expenses about to go up, it’s find a second job or get evicted. Getting hired as Blair’s PA is perfect: flexible hours, decent wages, and a scorching hot professional hockey player who’s willing to let him use his gorgeous kitchen for his baked goods.

Too bad that hockey player is exactly Charlie’s type. Too bad Charlie knows better than to date his new boss…

Wednesday is contest day on Book Talk and More with Kathy. Three lucky winners will win the eBook of their choice! Here’s how to enter:

You must do the Following:

1. Sign up for e-mail updates (below). One email daily with the day’s posts.

Enter your Email:

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AND:

2. Be or become a fan of Book Talk & More with Kathy Facebook page

AND:

Make sure you have filled out the contest entry form:

3. To be eligible to enter contests on Book Talk and More with Kathy you MUST fill out the contest entry form (found HERE). This form only needs to be filled out ONCE. Your privacy is important to me, and I will not share your information.

And don't forget to:

4. Fill out the form below by 4 PM Mountain Time Friday afternoon:

* I am the only person who will have access to info that is submitted to me UNLESS a publisher or author has donated an eBook for the giveaway. For a prize donated by an author or publisher, I will forward your e-mail and format selection to the person responsible for distributing the eBook. Please refer to the privacy page HERE if you have questions about how your information is used. In the event the contest form is not working, please leave your book selection in the comments below.*

It’s that easy! The winners will be selected using random.org. I will e-mail the winners the eBook of their choice in their preferred format. The winners will be posted HERE on Saturday.

***The eBooks in this giveaway have been purchased by Book Talk & More with Kathy.***

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