Category Archives: Fiction

On The Loose (Katie Parker Productions #2)

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On The Loose (Katie Parker Productions #2)   by Jenny B. Jones

Have you ever known a foster kid?

Katie Parker is a foster kid in the town of In Between. Her foster parents have a big set of problems, Millie, her foster mom, has cancer. Her parents also have a daughter whom they’ve not seen in years.

Katie has a crush on a guy named Trevor, and she has a science project to do with her science partner, Charlie. Her best friend, Frances, has a crush on a guy, too, (Nash – a grungy musician) and Katie is determined to set the two of them up. She solicits Charlie to help with her set-up plan. She has mixed feelings about soliciting Charlie’s help – he asks Katie to be nice to his stuck-up, egocentric girlfriend, Chelsea, in return. Katie doesn’t know if she can befriend the snobby barbie-doll-like Chelsea, but, she sucks it up and promises to try to be nice.

And…there’s also a big hurricane that puts all of these events into motion. As a result of this natural disaster, Katie is forced to share her room with Maxine, her eccentric, nerve-wracking foster grandmother. Rooming with this weird, old lady is a lot for her to stomach. They do not always get along, and plus, Millie snores. How is Katie supposed to get any sleep?

Katie finds her feelings for Trevor see-sawing as she works with him on a play. Her life is confusing and when she’s mistakenly blamed for a crime, she wonders what else can happen in her messed up life.

I really enjoyed this novel.  The author’s voice really captured the angst and emotions of a teen-aged girl. Katie’s problems were very realistic as she struggles with her lack of faith. This is the second book in the series. I read the first book, In Between, years ago and I really enjoyed it!

So, have you ever known a foster kid?

 

New Hallmark Movie Blog!

Do you like Hallmark Movies?

I’ll be blogging about Hallmark Movies on my new blog! Come over and leave a comment! I’ll be blogging about movies both old and new! I’m looking forward to all of those wonderful Christmas movies that have started releasing, too! Enjoy!

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Alaskan Holiday

Alaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber

Have you ever been to Alaska? If so, did you like it? What did you like most?

Palmer has asked Josie to marry him but she turns him down. Josie has big dreams. She wants to work as a sous-chef for a famous, renowned chef. She’s excited about this opportunity and she doesn’t want to give up her dreams to stay in Ponder with Palmer. Palmer is stunned when Josie turns down his invite. But something happens and the whole course of Josie’s dreams take a drastic turn. What will she do? Will she still be able to take advantage of this amazing opportunity?

This was a nice, peculiar book. The town of Ponder is so small during the off-season – less than ten people live in this remote town when it’s not tourist season. I’m not sure I’d want to live in such a remote place. The living situation of the residents kind of reminded me of historical times, in a way.

I liked how Josie wanted to follow her dreams. Although she likes Palmer she was determined to work at her dream job and I admired her for that. Palmer is a sword-maker. His job is a variation of a blacksmith. When his work was described I was reminded of the blacksmiths that I’ve read about in historical novels. Very interesting line of work and if you make a mistake you must start all over again – which can prove to be daunting.

I also enjoyed reading about Jack’s sourdough starter! Since I have a sourdough starter myself, it was intriguing to read about that in fiction!

This book was a nice, light refreshing read and I truly enjoyed the entire story!

I asked the author, Debbie Macomber, if she used a sourdough starter. Here is her response:

Yes I have a sourdough starter and I like to make pancakes with it. I use real maple syrup and you can get sourdough starter from King Arthur Flour.

So, have you ever been to Alaska? If so, did you like it? What did you like most?

Alaskan HolidayAlaskan Holiday by Debbie Macomber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 
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Honeysuckle Dreams

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Honeysuckle Dreams by Denise Hunter

Have you ever fought for custody of your child?

After Brady’s ex-wife dies he’s left raising his baby son alone. When his in-laws seek custody he’ll do anything within his power to keep his young son. Hurt and neglected as a child, he wants to be sure that he doesn’t abandon his son. He admires Hope and loves the way she cares for his son. As they spend time together they find that they may be able to help each other out. But, is Hope the best candidate to help her friend? Hope feels like her life is a mess and she doesn’t want her emotional problems to affect Brady’s and his young son’s lives. Besides, she is being offered the chance of a lifetime and is unsure if motherhood is in the cards for her.

I really liked this sweet, endearing romance. Hope and Brady are friends who like and respect each other. Both of them love Brady’s son, Sam – and their mutual love for Sam creates an even stronger bond between them. This book shows how we really need to face our fears and be truthful to one another so that we can move forward toward the path of healing.

So, have you, or someone you know, ever fought for custody of a child? If so, what happened?

Last Chance To Get A Copy Of These Box Sets

On Monday (August 6th), I’ll be removing these three box sets from Amazon. I published these via my company, Divine Desserts Publishing, LLC. This is a bittersweet moment for me. I’ve had fun publishing these box sets with my author friends and as a result I’ve gained lots of exposure for my other works. Although it’s been fun, it’s time to take down the sets. They’ve run their course and I’ll be publishing other sets later this year! YEAH!!!

I highly encourage you to purchase copies of these sets before they are gone forever. You can’t beat the price – 99c per box set! That’s seventeen stories for less than $3! You can’t beat that! These Christmas and summer sweet stories will fill your heart with gladness!

Frosting and Flurries

Picnics and Promises

Snowflakes and Snuggles

Enjoy!!!

Cottage By The Sea

Cottage by the Sea by Debbie Macomber

Have you ever suffered a traumatic experience – an experience that’s so devastating that you felt that you’d never heal?

Annie has suffered from a major tragedy. She’s now practically alone and only has a few relatives and close friends on which she can depend. She’s depressed and desperate to find happiness. She’s determined to find it in the cottage where she used to spend childhood summers with her family. When she arrives in Oceanside, she runs into Keaton – a man who remembers her very well from those childhood summers.

Keaton has his own issues. He’s always been a big and strong and he’s been teased by others because of his massive size. When Annie drops back into his life, it’s like a gift from heaven to him.

I thought this book was sweet, endearing and oh, so emotional. I really enjoyed seeing how Annie and Keaton interacted with each other in this beach town. Keaton is a man of few words, so communicating orally is a challenge for him. Plus, there’s an eclectic mix of secondary characters. Annie’s neighbor (Mellie) is a hoarder with a prickly personality. There’s also an animal lover who is interested in Mellie and Annie has a wide range of patients who suffer from massive problems.

I really enjoyed this heartwarming story and I’m sure you will enjoy it, too.

So, have you ever suffered a traumatic experience – an experience that’s so devastating that you felt that you’d never heal?

A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Raney

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A Scarlet Cord by Deborah Raney

Have you ever known somebody in the Witness Protection Program?

Melanie is still grieving over her husband’s death. She’s left his clothes in his closet, never removing the items since his death. She finds comfort in seeing and smelling her deceased spouse’s clothing. She still thinks about him, too. However, things change when Joel Ellington moves to her town. A new church member/church employee, she finds that she’s attracted to him. But, Joel seems to have un-explainable secrets. Melanie also wonders about his strange reactions to certain events.

Joel moves to Melanie’s town to make a fresh start. Romance just can’t fit into his life right now. His life is plagued with pain and secrets, but his budding feelings for Melanie are so strong. Might it be possible for him to have a normal romantic relationship with Melanie in spite of being haunted by the past?

I enjoyed this book. It shows how hard it is to love somebody in spite of being haunted by tragic circumstances. Joel’s love for Melanie was strong, so strong that he hesitates about his decision about having a relationship with her. Melanie has deep feelings for Joel, too. But when things shift, Melanie is plagued with solving a mystery. She’s stubborn as she seeks answers to plaguing questions.

So, as far as you know, have you ever known anybody in the Witness Protection Program? 

 

***If  you like mystery and suspense titles then you should try my novel, Shades of Chocolate. Over 100 Amazon reviews!