Call of the Raven BLG2.12.2013

 
















http://www.amazon.com/Call-Raven-Union-Series-ebook/dp/B00B3VYDG2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1363288699&sr=8-2&keywords=shawn+reilly by: Shawn Reilly


This first book of the Union Series was a very pleasant surprise to me because this is not a genre I usually read, but I cannot wait for Volume Two.  I enjoyed the way Ms. Reilly writes and I am impressed this is her debut novel.  Bravo Shawn!

Elle Ison is a (rather pathetic) lost soul.  Brought up by her Grandmother, she never learned her self worth.  She became entwined in an abusive, co-dependent relationship, she needed a home and security and he needed a maid and punching bag.  That all changed the day she saved a dirty little girl, named Mary, from a man trying to abduct her after Elle's group reading to children at the central library in a southern Indiana community.

That evening, after an especially brutal beating because she bought a newly relaeased book about ani-shifts, she finds the dirty girl standing in her apartment.  The beatings become increasingly severe so she decides to leave.  Mary is, once again, in danger by intruders that set fire to her apartment.  Her mother has been gone for some time.  She cannot get over the unexplained disappearance of Mary's father, Grant, the love of her life, so she drinks. 

Mary runs to Elle for protection and they begin a journey of discovery as they come under the protection of a band of animal shifters, the Lake's.  They are the spoiled tiger, Kennedy...the handsome young falcon, Nixon, brought to the estate from a horrific abusive father...and the brothers, handsome and strong, Ari the Labrador dog and guardian to his brother Asher, leader of the Union, the grey wolf, brave, confused and unable to love...until they met Elle.  Their mentor, Grant, comes from beyond as the grey wolf  gives Asher the strength to learn to love as they begin the fight of their life to save future leaders and the Union.

Rough Harbor BLG1..24.2012

By Andrea Stein


This is a charming story of coming home.  Caitlyn Montgomery was smart enough to leave London when she found her controlling fiancee in bed with her friend.  She was offered a position at the brokerage firm her father and his, now deceased, friend Maxwell Randall founded. She did not need to work thanks to her wise business investments.  She was sure this company would be her legacy.  The only other candidates were the slimey #2 man, Sam Harris and Maxwell's son, and her first love, Noah Randall who was a software mogul in silicon valley.  She was sure he had no interest in his father's company since he had not spoken to him in ten years.  But at the company meeting she was surprised to see him introduced as the new President of Queensbay Capital Group.

The attraction between Caitlyn and Noah was immediate and he did not try to hide his interest in her.  She did her best to keep him at arm's length but there was no way to hide her feelings...feelings she had repressed for ten years after she told him "NO" and he called her "a tease".  But Sam Harris has other plans to put this successful new accounts associate in her place, either play his way or leave.  But Caitlyn became suspicious when her accounts began to show deficits and with the help of an old family friend, she gathered information to save the company, while Noah fought her ex fiancee who would not let go.  Yes, you can go home again! 

Embracing Ashberry BLG2.8.2013

By: Serenity Everton


In 1789,Baron Whitney brings his daughter, Ella,to London for her first Season. He usually comes alone, leaving his family in Cornwall, to satiate his need for "entertainment". This comes in the forms of gambling, and then there are the "women"...it used to be "woman" but one was not enough.

In the early morning hours Ella Whitney goes into the garden for some fresh air. She is brutally attacked by knife. The following years she recovers slowly but the physical and emotional scars remain, even after a lengthy European tour with her doting family. None expectd her to ever marry. She was cheerful admidst her family but receeded within herself in the presence of others.

Until the day Stephen Shane Trinity, Marquess of Ashberry met her and decided to make this unique beauty his. Sweetly and slowly he gained her trust. Her family questioned their relationship although unable to distinguish anything other than his admiration of her. The family dynamics rule each scenario until Ashberry gets his new wife to his main estate in Scotland. There he focuses all his efforts to making her comfortable in love...the passionate sex is the foundation of the reclamation of her life and her ability to trust and love.

Ashberry set out on a crusade for bengence and recruits his brother in law, Edward, who is all to eager to assist. What follows is a escapade of surprizes that answer the questions Ella, her mother and brothers have lived with most of their lives.

Ramblings in Ireland BLG1.5.2013

By: Kerry Dwyer


This is not a typical travel journal.  It contains none of the blah-blah lists of B&B's, restaurants, sites and travel iteneraries, that also include blah-blah lists of B&B's, restaurants and sites. This book is the walking trip through Ireland of Lucy and Ricky Ricardo (pardon, I do not know the equivalent comedy team in Europe) aka Kerry and Bertrand.  The book does include information on what clothes and shoes they needed, some first aide preparations, as well as rules for travelling with your partner without wanting to kill them...and a bit of what not's.

We get to share in the dialogue of Kerry and her husband, Bertrand as they get in and out of situations. What a married couple in such situations would feel is the opposite of what you as a reader will feel. This book is full of humour.  I especially liked the statement "She is an American so can be forgiven for using the phrase '...didn't get to go'.   Also, there is witty reparte with her students trying to learn English in which she has to work one young Frenchman around "goed shopping".  The humour is very cleaver and entertaining.

If you are considering a walking trip through Ireland, this is a well written book that should be read, and is a great weekend read.  My congratulations to Mrs. Dwyer.  You have a fan.

The Ruby Brooch BLG12.24.2012

By: Kathryn Lowry Logan


Kathryn Lowry Logan introduces us to her Celtic Brooch Trilogy.  It is well written in the class of Ciji Ware and Susanna Kearsley.  She has mastered the characters and story line without insulting us with repetition and junior high level prose.  She begins with The Ruby Brooch that has been transporting members of the MacKlenna family for over 400 years.

Katerine "Kit" MacKlenna is a  paralegal in Lexington, Kentucky (2012).  She was found, as a new baby, on the MacKlenna's front porch wrapped in a blood soaked, lace shawl held closed with a ruby brooch.  She learns of the pin's powers in a letter from the man who raised her, upon his death.  It also explains the apparition she has seen since she was 10 years old.  She hopes going back in time will lead her to her true parentage and identify the ghost like image she sees.

She prepares her covered wagon, oxen and her thoroughbred horse.  She says the incantation and is transported through the amber light to 1852 Independence, Missouri.  Right away she meets her ghost, Cullen Montgomery, attorney, wagon train boss and the most incredibly handsome man she has ever met.  Kit baffles him with her beauty, brains and brawn.  She is inspirational in her fortitude while moving back and forth between the two centuries.  But this is a story of love of family, friends and the passionate love of Kit and Cullen that transcends time.

A Gem of a Moment BLG12.4.2012

Over the years I have learned that the way one starts the day sets the tone for its entirety. Although most strive for that extra minute of sleep. Monks arise early to begin their day with chanting and prayer. Television shows of my childhood, like Donna Reed and the like of that era, portrayed families having a casual (full) breakfast. In these scenarios we see their days beginning serenely.

I, too, experienced great serenity when, recovering from an injury, I woke in the predawn hour, on the living room couch where my husband had made me very comfortable. A friend gifted me a large crock, McIntosch Apple candle and not wanting to turn the lights on so early I lit the candle. The soft, golden light was so soothing. From that morning on I rise early to light a candle, cuddle with my sheltie, listen to some music or just listen to myself. This time has become precious and joyous for me…my days start out serene and lovely.

I hope all who read this will try it, learn to nurture your soul.

Secrets of a Wedding Night BLG11.18.2012

by Valerie Bowman
I am so excited to read and write about this much awaited book.  Congratulations Valerie, it so reflects your vibrant, humourous personality!

Who knew a little pamphlet could become the Pandora's Box of this London season.  It is an informational booklet, written anonymously, about the horrors of marriage, specifically the wedding night.  It has spread fear in virgins throughout the city.  No one knows the author's identity...except Devon Morgan, newly crowned, Marquis of Colton.  He is sure it is his love of 5 years ago, the dowager Lady Lily (Andrews) Merrill.  Her one month marriage to Lord Merrill, 30 years her elder, was anything but happy and fulfilling.

Five years ago Colton and Lily had been in love and were planning to run away to marry in Gretna Greene.  Man-made circumstances prevented this from happening.  As a result, Lily was forced to marry Lord Merrill.  He died one month later and left Lily in financial ruin.  Meanwhile, Devon completed his education and silently made a fortune.  He is in need of an heir and decides to marry Miss Amelia Templeton, who cries off after reading Secrets Of A Wedding Night.  This infuriates Colton and he confronts Lily, demanding she write a retraction.  Lily did not fess up to being the author of this scandal rag.  Colton is sure it is her doing and "threatens" (for lack of a better term) that he is going to seduce her and show her how a woman is to be bedded and made satisfied.  He is tall, dark and insanely good looking, so why not!?!  Let's sit back and enjoy the ride.  So begins a colossal game of cat and mouse...but there is more than one cat in this game.  There is the interference and manipulation of both parents. 

Lord Merrill forgave Lord Colton (father) a large debt for his cooperation and assistance in keeping Devon from Lily, which he did by writing a note to her, as Devon, saying he was not coming to pick her up.  Lily's mother was so anxious for her to marry ($$$) well that she too wrote a note, as Lily, saying she had changed her mind.

Devon's best friend, Jordan Holloway, the Earl of Ashbourne does not believe in love and does his utmost to divert his attention away from marriage.  And Devon has a larger, more important secret.  All this deception, all these secrets create a light hearted, entertaining, sensual and fun read.  I am a Valerie Bowman fan and cannot wait for her next blossom on the bush.