First Line Friday . . . Featuring A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate

Happy FRI-YAY!! I feel like I've finally gotten back to some kind of routine after three weeks of holiday craziness. Anyone else feeling like they've recovered? Of course living in the valley of Idaho with very little sun doesn't help either. 


Today, I am featuring a book that will release this Tuesday, January 28th, A Girl's Guide to the Outback by Jessica Kate. I read her debut Love and Other Mistakes and adored it so I'm really excited to read this one as well.

First Line:

Samuel Payton was an idiot. 

Kimberly Foster jammed her phone into her pocket and rushed down the sunny Charlottesville street in a Mr. Potato Head costume, peep-toe heels, and murderous rage. 

About the book:

Samuel Payton is a passionate youth pastor in Virginia, but beneath the surface, Sam’s still recovering from a failed business. His coworker—start-up expert Kimberly Foster—is brilliant, fearless, and capable, but her mother’s rejection from a young age till now has left her defensive and longing for a family. Two people have never been more at odds—or more attracted to one another. And every day at work, the sparks are flying.

When Kimberly’s ambitious plans for Sam’s ministry butt up against his risk-averse nature, Sam decides that obligations to family trump his work for the church. He quits the ministry and flies home to Australia to help his family save their struggling farm—much to Kimberly’s chagrin. As Kimberly’s grand plans flounder, she is forced to face the truth: that no one can replace Sam. To what lengths will she go to get him back?

Amazon || Goodreads || 


Now, it's your turn . . . 

What are you reading? Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments. Then for some more first line fun go to Hoarding Books to read their first line and see other first line participants. 

First Line Friday Featuring: Diamond in the Rough by Jen Turano

Happy Fri - YAY!! College football starts tomorrow!!! Let's Go Gators!!!  Even though it's still like summer here in Idaho college football means I am officially unavailable on the weekends!!



Welcome to another edition of First line Friday, hosted by Hoarding Books. So, pick up the book closest to you and leave a comment with the first line. Today's first line is from Jen Turano's upcoming release Diamond in the Rough, American Heiresses 2.

Today's first line:

New York City

November 1885

Any smidgen of hope that her entrance into New York high society would be deemed a rousing success died the moment Miss Poppy Garrison's tiara became firmly attached to the sleeve of her dance partner.


ABOUT THE BOOK:


As part of a bargain with her grandmother, Poppy Garrison accepts an unusual proposition to participate in the New York social season. Forced to travel to America to help his cousin find an heiress to wed, bachelor Reginald Blackburn is asked to give Poppy etiquette lessons, and he swiftly discovers he may be in for much more than he bargained for.

Goodreads || Amazon || Barnes & Noble 

The book releases on September 3 so PRE-ORDER NOW!!!!

You can visit Jen Turano at her website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Once you leave your first line in the comments head over to Hoarding Books and read their first line and see other first lines. 

 

First Line Friday . . . Featuring The Heart of a King...the loves of King Solomon by Jill Eileen Smith

It's FRI-YAY!!!! Welcome to First Line Friday sponsored by Hoarding Books Blog. Its been a little crazy around here since we're getting our backyard landscaped. Actually remodeled since we didn't have it landscaped when we built our home in 2013. Don't do that! Ladies, stick to your guns and have it done in the beginning. Trust me on this!

I'm going to spotlight a biblical fiction novel today that releases on Tuesday, April 30th by Jill Eileen Smith.
Jill Eileen Smith is one of my favorite biblical fiction authors. In March 2009, I read and reviewed Michal which is book one of Ms. Smith's Wives of King David series.

Isn't this cover just gorgeous?! Covers are like the icing on the cake for me and this one hits the mark and then some! Revell did a fabulous job on it!

About the book:

King Solomon was wealthy and wise beyond measure. He could--and did--have anything he wanted, including many women from many lands. But for all his wisdom, did he or the women in his life ever find what they searched for all of their lives?
In this engrossing novel, you'll find yourself whisked away to ancient Israel, where you'll meet Solomon and four of the women he loved: Naamah the desert princess, Abishag the shepherdess, Siti the daughter of a pharaoh, and Nicaula the queen of Sheba. As you experience the world of Solomon through his eyes and the eyes of these women, you'll ask yourself the ultimate question: Did Solomon's wisdom ultimately benefit him and those he loved . . . or did it betray them?

Purchase a copy HERE.


First Line:

From the Prologue

The Teacher looked at his scroll, light dancing in little ringlets over the words from the flickering candle at his side.

Jerusalem, 973 BC

Solomon looked up from studying the temple model in the room his father had set aside for the miniature palatial structure.






The Heart of a King Facebook Party—May 1, 2019, from 7:00-8:00 PM EST. If you ask a question or make a comment, you'll automatically be entered to win a prize! One reader will win a Kindle Fire 7 from @Revell. Click the graphic to RSVP.

Now, it's your turn! Leave your first line in the comments and then go to the Hoarding Book's Blog and see their first lines as well as other blogger's first lines. 

First Line Friday . . . Featuring Tamara Leigh's Head Over Heels

Tamara's Leigh's Head Over Heels Series got a cover make over and they look FABULOUS!!! These were some of the first contemporary books I read and reviewed of Ms. Leigh's and they made me a lifetime fan. I'm going to give you the first line from Stealing Adda and Faking Grace.




WRITER’S BLOCK, NIBBLED NAILS, PLAGIARISM, OH MY!

AND DID I MENTION ROMANCE?

Life for Adda Sinclaire, New York Times best-selling author and historical romance writer extraordinaire, reads more like a country song than a breathless, bodice-bursting affair.

For starters, she has no romance in her own life. That might have something to do with her husband—correction, ex-husband—running off with her rival, Stick Woman.

To add insult to injury (and another verse to the country song), her ex not only took their dog but gave it to his new girlfriend. If that isn’t enough, Adda has come down with a horrible case of writer’s block, finds herself gifted with a Bible that is determined to speak to her, and is the unwitting target of a romance cover model’s misdirected advances.
Just when she catches her breath, and quite possibly the eye of a certain fabulously good-looking man (ahem…her new editor), her arch-nemesis gives the pot one final stir.

Purchase HERE

First Line: 

If I smoked --- and I'm told I ought to start before I'm too old---I would light one up. But contrary to others of my species, smoking is not among my vices. So I sigh, fit a satisfied smile in place and watch as the end credits of Pride and Prejudice begin to roll. Love this movie. Absolutely love it! 

See my Review HERE 

 ALL SHE WANTS IS A JOB. ALL SHE NEEDS IS RELIGION.
HOW HARD CAN IT BE?

Maizy Grace Stewart dreams of a career as an investigative journalist, but her last job ended in disaster when her compassion cost her employer a juicy headline. A part-time gig at a Nashville newspaper might be her big break.

A second job at Steeple Side Christian Resources could help pay the bills, but they only hire committed Christians. Maizy is sure she can fake it with her Five-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith. If only Jack Prentiss, Steeple Side’s managing editor and British hottie, wasn’t determined to prove her a fraud.
When Maizy’s newspaper boss pressures her to expose any skeletons in Steeple Side’s closet, she must decide whether to deliver the dirt and secure her career or lean on her newfound faith, change the direction of her life, and pray that her colleagues  —and Jack—will show her grace.
 Purchase HERE


First Line: Grace Stewart's 5-Step Program to Authentic Christian Faith," I read aloud the title penciled at the top of my list. And nod.

See my review HERE

ONCE UPON A TIME, I WAS A REBEL.
AND I HAVE THE TATTOOS TO PROVE IT.
Did I mention I’m also a preacher’s kid? That’s right. And like the prodigal son after whom I modeled myself, I finally saw the error of my ways and returned to the fold. Today my life is all about lead me not into temptation. When I’m not serving as Women’s Ministry Director at my father’s church, I’m working at Gloria’s Morning Café. I even have worthy goals, like saving money to buy the café, keeping my Jelly Belly habit under control, and never again hurting the people I love. No more parties. No more unsavory activities. And no more motorcycles!
You’d think I was finally on the right track. But since dad’s replacement hired a hotshot consultant to revive our dying church, things aren’t working out as planned. And now this consultant thinks I’m in need of a little reviving myself. Just who does this Maddox McCray think he is? With curly hair that could use a good clipping, a tattoo he makes no attempt to hide, and black leather pants, the man is downright dangerous. In fact, all that’s missing is a motorcycle. Or so I thought. But if he thinks he’s going to take me for a ride on that 1298cc machine of his, he can think again. Harriet Bisset is a reformed woman, and she’s going to stay that way. Even if it kills me!

Purchase HERE

KATE’S CREED: THOU SHALT EMBRACE SINGLEDOM
AND BE UNBELIEVABLY, INCONCEIVABLY HAPPY.
YEAH, RIGHT.
Kate Meadows, a successful San Francisco artist, is this close to giving up on finding a nice, solid man with whom to spend her life. So when not one, but two eligible bachelors enter her orbit in rapid succession, it seems too good to be true. And it may be.
Michael Palmier, a nationally-known makeup artist, is actually flirting with Kate, rather than her physically flawless housemate. Trouble is, he seems more intent on doling out the business cards of beauty professionals and plastic surgeons than discovering Kate’s inner beauty. Is he trying to stamp out every last bit of self-esteem she has?
As for Clive Alexander, the good doctor sends Kate’s pulse skittering every time he’s near. Too bad the man is only interested in her work—and doesn’t think she’s much to look at. It’s enough to send a girl running for her paint-splattered, relaxed-fit jeans and swearing off men altogether. But after undergoing a makeover from Michael’s staff, Kate suddenly finds herself the recipient of admiring glances. Maybe she should try contacts, consider some fancy dental work, and—you know—that mole really could stand to go.
The question is, what kind of work will Kate do on herself? And who is she really trying to please?

Purchase HERE


About Tamara Leigh: 

In 2006, the first of Tamara’s inspirational contemporary romances was published, followed by six more with Multnomah and RandomHouse. Perfecting Kate was optioned for a movie, Splitting Harriet won an ACFW Book of the Year award, and Faking Grace was nominated for a RITA award.
In 2012, Tamara returned to the historical romance genre with the release of Dreamspell and the bestselling Age of Faith and The Feud series. Among her #1 bestsellers are her general market romances rewritten as clean and inspirational reads, including Lady at Arms, Lady of Eve, and Lady of Conquest. In 2019, watch for the second and third books in the new AGE OF CONQUEST series unveiling the origins of the Wulfrith family. Psst!—It all began with a woman. Tamara lives near Nashville with her husband, a German Shepherd who has never met a squeaky toy she can’t destroy, and a feisty Morkie who keeps her company during long writing stints.

Website || Facebook || Twitter  

Please leave your first line in the comment section and then head to Hoarding Books to see other first lines.

First Line Friday Literary For Keeps

Hi! It's been a long time since I've done a First Line Friday so I thought since this book goes up for pre-order today that it would be a perfect time to revive it on my blog.

Fall has arrived here in Idaho and we're enjoying crisp mornings and warm afternoons.




About the book:

She only has to pretend to be married for five days. What's the worst that could happen?
Literature professor Ashleigh Darmody never imagined her life would turn into a classic trope, but that's exactly what happens when her sister Claire calls with a bizarre request--quickly find a fake husband. Backstory is a powerful thing, and Ashleigh's has plenty of shadows, but is her past so shady that it requires an elaborate scheme to ensure Claire's prospective father-in-law, renowned TV evangelist Ken Abrams, will give her his blessing to marry his son?
Already divorced from a man who turned out to be other than he claimed, Ashleigh now has to pretend to be blissfully married to a stranger for the next five days. But when the lines of fiction and reality blur with each tick of the clock, could a temporary deal turn into something for keeps?

Amazon Pre-Order 

First Line:

Have you ever been in a situation where you took a step back, looked around, and said to yourself, "How did my life become one big cliche`?" 

Is that not the best first line? I love it, and I can't wait to read this book!!

What's your first line? Leave it in the comments and then go to Hoarding Books to see their first line and lines of other participants.

First Line Friday - Love's Silver Lining

It's FRIDAY!!!! Yay!!! I've really been looking forward to the weekend and some time to just be and enjoy a good book. How about you?

My dear friend, Julie Lessman has a new book releasing on Saturday, May 19th so I thought I'd feature her upcoming release for First Line Friday.

About the book:

She tampers with his life.
He tampers with her heart.
Love tampers with them both.
Desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a womanizer, twenty-two-year-old Maggie Mullaney flees New York for Virginia City, Nevada with her Aunt Liberty, two spunky suffragists intent on bettering the life of women. Fresh out of nursing school, Maggie hopes to devote herself to serving others rather than just one man, a goal quickly affirmed when she encounters Blaze Donovan, a womanizing cowboy who both riles and rouses her pulse. But when Aunt Liberty’s parent’s house burns down, she and Maggie are coerced into staying at the ranch of Liberty’s ex-husband, Finn McShane, who just happens to be the uncle of the cocky cowboy Maggie had hoped to avoid.
If there’s one thing twenty-nine-year-old Blaze Donovan can’t abide, it’s respectable women who spout piety and prayer, so when he butts heads with perky Maggie Mullaney at St. Mary Louise Hospital, he wants to stay as far away from her as he possibly can. Unfortunately, she now lives in the bedroom next to his in his uncle’s ranch house, a revolting development that sends Blaze to The Ponderosa Saloon more than usual. But when Maggie interferes in Blaze’s life by converting his favorite “disrespectable” girl, Blaze is determined to make her pay. Only problem is—the price HE has to pay may be a little too steep for his heart.

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Audible || 

First Line:

Virginia City, Nevada, May 1885

Sweet chorus of angels --- pinch me! Palms to the windowsill, twenty-two-year-old Maggie Mullaney leaned out the back window of St. Mary Louise Hospital's hallway, drinking in the heady scent of freedom and pine.

What's your first line? Leave it in the comments and then go to Hoarding Books for more first line fun.

First Line Friday - Mother's Day Edition

Well we've made it to Friday, now it's just smooth sailing until Monday happens again. Today the First Line Friday gang at Hoarding Books are doing a Mother's Day edition featuring books with a mother theme. I thought what better way to honor mothers than posting the first line from Havah, the story of Eve, written by Tosca Lee.

About the book:

A single decison has the power to unravel mankind.
Created, not born.
The world's first woman, without flaw, until one fateful choice. Now all humanity must pay for the mistake.
From paradise to exile, from immortality to the death of Adam, experience the dawn of mankind through the eyes of Eve -- the woman first known as Havah.

Tosca Lee has a special for her book Havah for Mother's Day. You can find out about it here.

First Line:

A whisper in my ear: Wake! 

Blue. A sea awash with nothing but a drifting bit of down, carried on an invisible current. I closed my eyes. 

Light illuminated the thin tissues of my eyelids.

What book's first line reminds you of Mother's Day? Let me know in the comments and then go over to the Hoarding Books Blog to see their first line and all the other participants first lines.

I hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day weekend celebrating your Mom, and being celebrated whether you're a mom of a fur baby, a cool aunt to a niece or nephew, or a mom to little humans.

First Line Friday - The Story Peddler

It's Friday! Also known as Fridaylicious, my new favorite Friday word. We're having nice spring weather and I am hoping that it will be warm enough for me to sit outside and read.

What do you have planned for the weekend? I hope you have something fun planned.

I received an early review copy of The Story Peddler by Lindsay A. Franklin, so when I was looking for a book for FLF, I thought this was a perfect choice.


About the book:

Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Audible





First Line:

Colored ribbons of light poured from my fingers. One strand broke free and soared above the crowd's head, glowing golden in the afternoon sun. 

Is that not the best line? And it fits perfectly with the cover. I'm only on chapter 2, but the book is really good. Pre-order if you haven't already.


What is your first line this week? Leave it in the comments and then go to Hoarding Books to see their first line and all of the other First Line Friday participants.

Have a wonderful weekend!

First Line Friday - Magnolia Storms

Welcome to Friday! I'm so glad it's the weekend, it's been a crazy week, and while tomorrow will be a tough day with a funeral, I'm hoping that I will get some down time.

Today's topic provided by Hoarding Books is "In like a lion, a lamb, March, weather . . ."  All I could think of was The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, but knew just about everyone would use that book. I enlisted some help and Magnolia Storms by Janet Ferguson was recommended.




About the book:

Maggie Marovich couldn’t save her father or her home from Hurricane Katrina, but she’s dedicated her life to meteorology so she can warn others when the monster storms approach. Except…she works three hours inland and rarely risks returning to her childhood hometown of Ocean Springs, Mississippi. Both her single-parent sister and the ship pilot Maggie once loved refused to leave the Coast, despite Maggie’s requests. Now a hurricane’s headed toward Mississippi, and Maggie’s sister is seriously injured, leaving Maggie little choice but to head south—into the storm.
The water and tides flow through Josh Bergeron’s veins, and he can’t imagine giving up piloting—even for the love of his life, the infuriating Magnolia Marovich. He tried to move on without her, marrying and having a child. But after his wife abandons him and his little boy, his career choice is threatened by the weight of his parental responsibilities. Moving next door to Maggie’s sister and sharing their child care seems like the perfect set-up. Until Maggie blows back into town.

Being forced to lean on Josh for help washes up the wreckage in Maggie’s faith. Where was God during the destruction of Katrina? Why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? Between the hurricane looming in the Gulf and another gale raging in her heart, can Maggie overcome her past and find the trust to truly live?

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Audible ||

First Line:

Fear and loss snaked around Magnolia Marovich's heart like they always did when she studied the satellite images on the three computer screens in front of her. Not again. The waters should be calming down in November, not churning up a monster.

Sounds like a hurricane is on it's way, huh?

Let me know what you think about this line and leave yours in the comments, then go to Hoarding Books, see their line and all the other First Liner participants.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

First Line Friday - Olivia Twist

It's been a crazy week so I am very glad today is Friday. I strained my back on Tuesday and I've been attempting to take it easy, which I don't do very well, so I'm tired and cranky.

This book released on Tuesday, but I was able to get an early copy at Barnes and Noble on Saturday. I adore the cover and am anxious to read it.

About the book:

Olivia Brownlow is no damsel in distress. Born in a workhouse and raised as a boy among thieving London street gangs, she is as tough and cunning as they come. When she is taken in by her uncle after a caper gone wrong, her life goes from fighting and stealing on the streets to lavish dinners and soirees as a debutante in high society. But she can’t seem to escape her past … or forget the teeming slums where children just like her still scrabble to survive.
Jack MacCarron rose from his place in London’s East End to become the adopted “nephew” of a society matron. Little does society know that MacCarron is a false name for a boy once known among London gangs as the Artful Dodger, and that he and his “aunt” are robbing them blind every chance they get. When Jack encounters Olivia Brownlow in places he least expects, his curiosity is piqued. Why is a society girl helping a bunch of homeless orphan thieves? Even more intriguing, why does she remind him so much of someone he once knew? Jack finds himself wondering if going legit and risking it all might be worth it for love.
Olivia Twist is an innovative reimagining of Charles Dickens’ classic tale Oliver Twist, in which Olivia was forced to live as a boy for her own safety until she was rescued from the streets. Now eighteen, Olivia finds herself at a crossroads: revealed secrets threaten to destroy the “proper” life she has built for her herself, while newfound feelings for an arrogant young man she shouldn’t like could derail her carefully laid plans for the future.

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Audible


First Line:

Prologue

1841 Holborn, London

For long minutes, there was considerable doubt as to whether the child would survive to bear a name at all. 


Quite a line, huh?

I'd love to hear your first line. Please leave it in the comments and then visit Hoarding Books to see their first line and all of the other participants. Sorry I didn't get around to everyone last Friday. I'll have more time today since I'm just home relaxing.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

First Line Friday - The Crooked Path

 

                                This is a picture of my lilies on the side of our home.

It's March 2nd . . . I refuse to accept that it's March already. While I am a warm weather girl, it seems as though the years just keep flying by faster and faster. I'd love for it to go a little slower. Between our children and grandchildren they seem to be getting older by the minute.

We haven't had much snow this season, until recently, and for the first time we have snow on the ground, and it's March. Go figure! Idaho his weird.

I had a hard time choosing a book for FLF, I wanted something spring like, and this book has such a pretty spring cover, I thought I'd use this one.

About the book:

From the bestselling author of The Girl From the Train, comes another compelling coming of age story of delayed love, loss, and reconciliation in WWII-era South Africa.
Lettie has always felt different from and overshadowed by the women around her– this friend is richer, that friend is more beautiful, those friends are closer. Still, she doesn’t let this hold her back. She works hard to apply her mind, trying to compensate for her perceived lack of beauty with diligent academic work and a successful career as a doctor. She learns to treasure her friendships, but she still wonders if any man will ever return her interest.
Marco’s experience in the second world war have robbed him of love and health. When winters in his native Italy prove dangerous to his health even after the war has ended, he moves to South Africa to be with his brother, husband to one of Lettie’s best friends. Marco is Lettie’s first patient, and their relationship grows as she aids him on the road back to restored health.
In the company of beloved characters from The Child of the River, Marco and Lettie find a happiness that neither of them thought possible. With that joy comes pain and loss, but Lettie learns that life—while perhaps a crooked path—is always a journey worth taking.

Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Audible || Christian Book Distributors ||


First Line:

What she was looking at, was definitely not what she wanted to see. Lettie stood facing the full-length mirror in her mom's bedroom. 


First Line Friday is sponsored by Hoarding Books. So, after you leave your first line in the comments head over there to read their first line, and visit all of the other First Liners.