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Showing posts with label AF. Show all posts
Showing posts with label AF. Show all posts

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Review: The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans


The Mistletoe Inn by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2015, 300p, Hardcover, My Rating=4
Source: library
Content: clean romance

The second holiday love story in New York Times bestselling author Richard Paul Evans' Mistletoe Collection.
At thirty-two Kimberly Rossetti, a finance officer at a Lexus car dealership, has had her heart broken more times than she wants to remember. With two failed engagements, a divorce and again alone with no prospects, she hardly seems the type to dream of being a published romance author. Dreading another holiday alone, she signs up for The Mistletoe Retreat, a nine-day writing retreat in Savannah, Georgia. Deep inside Kimberly knows she's at a junction in her life and it's time to either fulfill her dream or let it go. The other reason she decides to attend the conference is because famed romance writer, H.T. Cowell, once the best selling romance writer in America, and the author whose books instilled in her the desire to be a writer, will be speaking in public for the first time in more than a decade.
In one of her breakout sessions Kimberly meets another aspiring writer, and one of the few men at the conference, Zeke, an intelligent man with a wry wit who seems as interested in Kimberly as he is in the retreat. As Kimberly begins to open up to him about her stories and dreams, she inadvertently reveals her own troubled past. As Zeke helps her to discover why her books fail to live up to their potential she begins to wonder if he's really talking more about her life than her literature. But as she grows closer to him, she realizes that Zeke has his own darkness, a past he's unwilling to talk about.
The theme of The Mistletoe Inn is that like literature, relationships must be lived with passion and vulnerability to succeed.

RPE novels like this one, helps me to relax. My mind doesn't feel the pressure to be overly used ...just my heart. And since I'm a heart girl, this is my kind of read. I just want to enjoy a good love story and this delivered. I can nitpick here and there but overall, I'm content with the few hours of break it gave me from "real" life.

Oh, I almost forgot. I often find the sidekicks my favorite part in his books (actually, in any good book) because it's when I get those sweet-good laughs. Samantha was that girl for this book. Friends rock!



Friday, April 15, 2016

Review: The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom

The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto by Mitch Albom, AF, 2015, 512p, Hardcover, My Rating=5
Source: library
Content: Adult-- language/drugs (appropriate for story)

This is the epic story of Frankie Presto—the greatest guitar player who ever lived—and the six lives he changed with his six magical blue strings
Frankie, born in a burning church, abandoned as an infant, and raised by a music teacher in a small Spanish town, until war rips his life apart. At nine years old, he is sent to America in the bottom of a boat. His only possession is an old guitar and six precious strings. His amazing journey weaves him through the musical landscape of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s, with his stunning playing and singing talent affecting numerous stars (Duke Ellington, Hank Williams, Elvis Presley) until, as if predestined, he becomes a pop star himself.
He makes records. He is adored. But Frankie Presto’s gift is also his burden, as he realizes the power of the strings his teacher gave him, and how, through his music, he can actually affect people’s lives. At the height of his popularity, tortured by his biggest mistake, he vanishes. His legend grows. Only decades later, having finally healed his heart, does Frankie reappear just before his spectacular death—to change one last life. With the Spirit of Music as our guide, we glimpse into the lives that were changed by one man whose strings could touch the music—and the magic—in each of us.
A lifelong musician, Mitch Albom’s passion shines through on every page. Written with an ear for rhythm and cadence, The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto is a classic in the making. Heartrending and inventive, Albom’s latest is infused with the message that “everyone joins a band in this life”—and that music, like love, has the power to affect us all.

I love Mitch Albom books. His characters are out of the box and they have thoughts and adventures that are very intriguing. This book is no exception. I feel happy after reading Albom books because my mind is bent with good wonder. :)



Thursday, April 14, 2016

Review: The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans


The Sunflower by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2005, 334p, Hardcover, My Rating=4
Source: library
Content: clean romance

"Seek not your destiny, for it is seeking you."
In the wake of personal tragedy, two people meet on a humanitarian mission in Peru. Christine is a shy, unadventurous woman whose fiancee broke off the engagement only a week before the wedding, and Paul is a former emergency room doctor whose glamorous lifestyle, stellar reputation, and beautiful fiancee are cruelly snatched from him one fateful, snowy Christmas Eve. Deep in the Amazon jungle, against a backdrop of poverty and heartbreak, they must confront their deepest fears and, together, learn to trust and love again.

This was one of those subtle books that through a love story, one can be inspired to appreciate what you've got. And as a bonus, this tale can also stir one to find self confidence and use it to better the world and others. Mighty cool!



Friday, July 24, 2015

Review: Second Life by S.J. Watson

Second Life by S.J. Watson, AF, 2015, Hardcover, 402p, My Rating=4
Source: library
Adult Content: Sex/Affair

The sensational new psychological thriller from the bestselling author of Before I Go To Sleep ...She loves her husband. She's obsessed by a stranger. She's a devoted mother. She's prepared to lose everything. She knows what she's doing. She's out of control. She's innocent. She's guilty as sin. She's living two lives. She might lose both ...

It appears that this author’s debut book, “Before I Go to Sleep”, was quite popular therefore high expectation was anticipated for this book. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I haven’t read BIGTS nor seen the movie version. Thus, I review this book, “Second Life”, by its own merit, without comparison to BIGTS. That said, I found this book to be a page-turner for more of the plot than intense suspense. I had several “I-knew-it” moments which I enjoyed. But I sensed that the author wanted me to have these good guess periods to trap me into a direction. That furthered the ease to turn the pages to see if he was going to tell me, “Jig is up, Jinky. You didn’t guess this ending, right?” And so he’s right, I didn’t guess the ending. Oh, what an ending! In reflex I threw the book and yelled in disgust because I do not like cliffhanger endings. But in second thought, it was the perfect ending so kudos Mr. Watson! You got yourself another fan.

What a fun fiction read!





Monday, March 9, 2015

Review: The Gift of Angels by Rachel Ann Nunes


The Gift of Angels by Rachel Ann Nunes, AF, 2011, Kindle edition, 128p, My Rating=5
Source: own

Angela Thornberry is facing the greatest challenge of her life. All around her people talk about miracles happening to them and how God acts in their behalf. Even the scriptures are full of angels and miracles. As she and her family teeter on the brink of losing everything, Angela needs one of those angels now more than ever.

Her faith wavers as everyone around her seems to receive divine help—everyone except her. Doesn't she too, deserve an angel of mercy? Does the Lord have a plan for her or has her lifetime of faith been misplaced? Then something strange begins to happen, and her entire life changes yet again.

In this fast-moving novella, Rachel Ann Nunes has given readers a vivid peek into the life of a regular Mormon family facing an impossible trial. Or is it impossible? The Gift of Angels will not only make you aware of the angels in your life, but inspire you to become someone else’s angel.

A quick and engaging book about a Mormon mom's struggle with the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  I especially enjoyed the scripture-come-to-life daydreams that the main character, Angela, experienced.  It proved to be a personal revelation that helped her to not only understand the scriptures but how it specifically applied to her ...particularly in how to better approach life with the devastating illness.  Another aspect of the book that I admired was the family involvement.  Angela and each member of her family were given proper page time to demonstrate genuine life reactions and ultimately authentic acceptance or resolve.  Moreover, the title was appropriate and well presented in content.

Overall, I believe this short book packed heartfelt insights that might comfort those and families facing terminal illness.



Thursday, February 5, 2015

Review: The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans


The Mistletoe Promise by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2014, Hardcover, 251p, My Rating=5
Source: library

Elise Dutton dreads the arrival of another holiday season. Three years earlier, her husband cheated on her with her best friend, resulting in a bitter divorce that left her alone, broken, and distrustful.
Then, one November day, a stranger approaches Elise in the mall food court. Though she recognizes the man from her building, Elise has never formally met him. Tired of spending the holidays alone, the man offers her a proposition. For the next eight weeks—until the evening of December 24—he suggests that they pretend to be a couple. He draws up a contract with four rules:
1. No deep, probing personal questions
2. No drama
3. No telling anyone the truth about the relationship
4. The contract is void on Christmas Day
The lonely Elise surprises herself by agreeing to the idea. As the charade progresses, the safety of her fake relationship begins to mend her badly broken heart. But just as she begins to find joy again, her long-held secret threatens to unravel the emerging relationship. But she might not be the only one with secrets.

Tragedy, struggle, hope, forgiveness, and love ...ingredients that can be found in most of Mr. Evans's romance books. For me, it doesn't get old and works each time! This one was particularly heartrending and with an eye opening perspective that it invoked quite a bit of empathy from me. Truly, this author has a gift with words in relating tender messages of humanity's stretch in dealing with life's difficult circumstances.

I suspect that one reason many take to Mr. Evans's books is because the fictional characters can very well be me or you. Since his fictional characters always find light at the end of the tunnel, therefore, so shall we. It's an inspiring and comforting report.

An excellent sweep you off your feet romance even to the most seemingly unbefitting individuals.



Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Review: Walk On Water by Richard Paul Evans


Walk On Water (The Walk #5) by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2014, Hardcover, 320p, My Rating=3.5
Source: library
In this fifth New York Times bestseller in the Walk series, Richard Paul Evans’s hero Alan Christoffersen must say some painful goodbyes and learn some important lessons as he comes to the end of his cross-country walk to Key West.

After the death of his beloved wife, after the loss of his advertising business to his once-trusted partner, after bankruptcy forced him from his home, Alan Christoffersen’s daring cross-country journey—a walk across America, from Seattle to Key West, with only the pack on his back—has taught him lessons about love, forgiveness and, most of all, hope.

Now Alan must again return west to face yet another crisis, one that threatens to upend his world just as he had begun to heal from so much loss, leaving him unsure of whether he can reach the end his journey. It will take the love of a new friend, and the wisdom of an old friend, to help him to finally leave the past behind and find the strength and hope to live again.

This has been an eventful series. Many sights, food, and people. This final installment concluded the 3,000+ mile walk (from Seattle, Washington to Key West, Florida) that Alan undertook. No incredibly memorable people stories along the walk in this book but I did appreciate the time spent with the key characters of the series. There was a sad and poignant moment here but finished with a satisfying ending.

Generally the entire series was entertaining and a breeze to read. One for the file for good comfort reads.



Monday, February 2, 2015

Review: Adultery by Paulo Coelho


Adultery by Paulo Coelho, AF, 2014, Hardcover, 272p, My Rating=2
Source: library

Linda knows she's lucky.

Yet every morning when she opens her eyes to a so-called new day, she feels like closing them again.
Her friends recommend medication.
But Linda wants to feel more, not less.
And so she embarks on an adventure as unexpected as it is daring, and which reawakens a side of her that she - respectable wife, loving mother, ambitious journalist - thought had disappeared.
Even she can't predict what will happen next...

I truly enjoyed Coelho's Alchemist so when I saw this book with his name in big letters, it caught my eye. But, the title caused me pause. I was curious so I picked it up. Well, it was intriguing at first but overall I didn't feel I got anything substantial out of it. Comprehensively it was raw and honest, however, it bordered into the erotica genre. Not what I was expecting from Coelho! So clearly, I was disappointed.



Monday, January 19, 2015

Review: The Butterfly and The Violin by Kristy Cambron

The Butterfly and The Violin (Hidden Masterpiece #1) by Kristy Cambron; 2014; AF -Historical, Christian, Romance; Paperback; 330p; My Rating=5
Source: library

A Mysterious painting breathes hope and beauty into the darkest corners of Auschwitz--and the loneliest hearts of Manhattan.
Manhattan art dealer Sera James watched her world crumble at the altar two years ago, and her heart is still fragile. Her desire for distraction reignites a passion for a mysterious portrait she first saw as a young girl--a painting of a young violinist with piercing blue eyes.
In her search for the painting, Sera crosses paths with William Hanover--the grandson of a wealthy California real estate mogul--who may be the key to uncovering the hidden masterpiece. Together Sera and William slowly unravel the story behind the painting's subject: Austrian violinist Adele Von Bron.
A darling of the Austrian aristocracy of 1942, talented violinist, and daughter to a high-ranking member of the Third Reich, Adele risks everything when she begins smuggling Jews out of Vienna. In a heartbeat, her life of prosperity and privilege dissolves into a world of starvation and barbed wire.
As Sera untangles the secrets behind the painting, she finds beauty in the most unlikely of places: the grim camps of Auschwitz and the inner recesses of her own troubled heart.

I find books based on the holocaust to be a magnet because I anticipate being moved. But unlike ones I've read before this one didn't make me cry. Not because it wasn't stirring but rather intriguing.

This novel was a two for one love story between Adele and Vladimir of World War II and Sera and William of today.  I was especially mesmerized with the developing and mysterious tale of Adele's life.  A daughter of a high ranking member of the Third Reich caught in the midst of the Auschwitz community because her innocent and decent heart found way to participate in smuggling Jews out of Vienna.  And it was in her life story that Sera hoped to find meaning in her own life and for readers, the report of a happy ending.

The alternating stories flowed well and so the read was easy on the eyes.  But more than that, the beauty of the read was in the connection of how both women learned courage to believe in a God amid darkest or heartbreaking times.  Hence, you will clearly see Christian influence within the narrative, heavily towards the end.  Reasonable exploration because at such hours, one might question the existence or allowance of a God when seemingly forsaken.

I liked that this book did not end with a cliffhanger.  That makes for a less stressful anticipation for the sequel.  Well done, Ms. Cambron!

Exquisite novel with remarkable main and supporting characters.  I definitely will read the next installment.




Wednesday, October 8, 2014

A Little Lumpen Novelita by Roberto Bolaño


A Little Lumpen Novelita by Roberto Bolaño, Translated by Natasha Wimmer, AF, 2014, Hardcover, 109p, My Rating=3.5
Source: library

"Now I am a mother and a married woman, but not long ago I led a life of crime": so Bianca begins her tale of growing up the hard way in Rome. Orphaned overnight as a teenager - "our parents died in a car crash on their first vacation without us" - she drops out of school, gets a crappy job, and drifts into bad company. Her little brother brings home two petty criminals who need a place to stay. As the four of them share the family apartment and plot a strange crime, Bianca learns how low she can fall.

Electric, tense with foreboding, and written in jagged, propulsive short chapters, A Little Lumpen Novelita delivers a surprising, fractured fable of seizing control of one's fate.

I knew I was in for a read when the epigraph read, "All writing is garbage. People who come out of nowhere to try and put into words any part of what goes on in their minds are pigs. All writers are pigs. Especially writers today." (Antonin Artaud). Yep, this novella turned out to be strange with despondent characters. But I think the peculiarity was well told. It was easy to turn the pages and I felt satisfied by books end. Looks like Mr. Bolaño's a gifted and enticing storyteller.

Content: sexual reference



Tuesday, October 7, 2014

The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri


The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri, Narrator -Grover Gardner, AF, 2013, Playaway digital audio, 5.5hr, My Rating=3.5
Source: library

Before leaving for vacation, Inspector Montalbano witnesses a seagull dancing outside his homebefore it drops dead. Stopping in at his office, he notices that Fazio is missing. As he sets out to find him, Montalbano discovers that the seagulls dance of death may provide the key to understanding a macabre world of sadism, extortion, and murder.

Interesting find at my local library. I like the title. The book was overall an intriguing detective story with funny moments.

I hadn't realized that this is one in a chain of novels/short stories of Inspector Salvo Montalbano that the Italian author created. These works was made into a TV program in Italy available in English subtitles. I understand that there are a few more in the works for book translation. Cool.

Just found out that my local library has a few more of Camilleri's gems. Yay!



Friday, October 3, 2014

Review: A Step of Faith by Richard Paul Evans


A Step of Faith (#4 of The Walk series) by Richard Paul Evans, AF, 2013, Hardcover, 279p, My Rating=2
Source: library
My review of: Book #1, Book #2, Book #3

After the death of his beloved wife, after the loss of his advertising business to his once-trusted partner, after bankruptcy forced him from his home, Alan Christoffersen is a broken man. Leaving everything he knows, he sets out on an extraordinary cross-country journey; with only the pack on his back, he is walking from Seattle to Key West—the end of the map.

Along the way, Alan begins to heal, meeting people who teach him lessons about love, sacrifice, and forgiveness. But in St. Louis, Alan faces another life-changing crisis, and now the journey is in jeopardy.

This was my least favorite of "The Walk" series thus far. This installment didn't offer me much cheerfulness. As if Mr. Evans took some dreary and crazy pills and they oozed out into this book.

I had forgotten the big cliffhanger from book #3 so when this book started to backtrack a bit, I was getting excited to see the outcome. Unfortunately the story dragged, the guest characters weren't that stirring (except Master El ..crazy cult leader I wanted to practice my judo moves to!), and generally there wasn't enough meat to the evolution. Perhaps Alan needed more time to recover from his surgery and resumed his walk at a different time and conceivably had a more inspiring trek. Nonetheless, I want to see Alan's journey through so, "On to book #5!"



Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Review: Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele




Willow Springs by Carolyn Steele, AF -Historical Romance, 2014, eARC, 233p, My Rating=3
Source: copy provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review.

Husbands. Crissa had to suppress a shudder at the thought. If I had wanted a husband, I would have stayed in Boston. Indeed, Crissa considered Willow Springs to be the nearest thing to her idea of purgatory. She certainly did not plan to stay here long.
Swedish immigrant Crissa Engleson fled Boston hoping to start a new life, unknown and unencumbered, on the American frontier. The quiet gold mining town of Willow Springs in the Utah desert seemed the perfect spot—until the intrigue of her past and rivalries of the town’s leading families enveloped her.
Unaware that a relentless bounty hunter is pursuing her, Crissa falls in love with Drake Adams, a handsome Pony Express rider and the son of an influential mine owner. While Drake returns Crissa’s interest, their courtship is thwarted by the pursuit of one of Drake’s rivals, who may be motivated more by malice than by love.
To realize her dreams, Crissa must confront her painful past and fight for her future head-on.

If you're into the 1800s, Western frontier kind of setting then this is right up your alley.  It's got Pony Express, guns, outlaws, bodices, the prairie, secrets, and even wild romance.  Pretty exciting stuff but this novel was tamer of it's time so I believe it may have been its shortcoming.  True to the era, rape, sex, and violence was exposed but the account was too domesticated that from time-to-time it didn't feel authentic to me.  I wasn't sure if I was in the American frontier or a modern suburb.  There wasn't enough angst or fire for my taste.  However, the story was captivating.  I wanted to see the love triangle through and find out the full story of Crissa's past.  I was rewarded with a thrilling twist and interesting supporting characters by book's end.  I'm not sure I like the spelling out of the complete story in the end.  It felt redundant.  Overall, this was a decent romance novel debut.



Saturday, August 16, 2014

Review: How Much Do You Love Me? by Paul Mark Tag




How Much Do You Love Me? by Paul Mark Tag, AF -historical/romance, 2014, ebook, 256p, My Rating=4.5
Source: review copy provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Lovers James and Keiko marry quickly before James goes to World War II and Keiko to an internment camp. Sixty years later their daughter Kazuko, born in the camps, uncovers a secret that could overwhelm the family. Discover the very definition of human love and self-sacrifice in this saga of war, mystery, and romance.



Stories set in World War II era fascinate me. I think war brings out the worst and best in people so there are priceless lessons to be learned. That’s not what ended happening in this novel. Instead it laid out a beautiful family love story in the backdrop of war time. I’m not a very patient person so it was a frustrating read as the author was setting up for the two big surprises toward the end. But when that first revelation came so did the relief of fulfillment. Every little clue came together and it was magical. It shocked me that I was in love with the families (particularly the Tanaka’s) all along. My personal hardship with political jargon was actually providing the vehicle for my empathy and waiting so long (about 90% along) for the enlightenment was worth it. Then that last surprise just blew me away! It’s a girl’s dream to have a man like James.

I learned some things about the Japanese American internment but it was in the rich secret story of the Tanaka’s that captured my heart and you know me, I’m a sucker for books that tug at the heart.



Friday, July 25, 2014

Review + $25 Giveaway: The Husband Maker by Karey White


The Husband Maker by Karey White, AF, 2014, 226p, My Rating=3
Source: ebook copy provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Charlotte’s a girl with nicknames. She may not love being called Charles or Chuck, but the hardest nickname to take is the one she was given in college, the one that’s followed her now for too many years. They call her “the husband maker” and sadly, it fits. Every guy she’s dated since high school has become his next girlfriend’s husband. Not hers. Not three girlfriends down the road. The next.

Is she doing something wrong or is she just cursed?

When Kyle Aldsworth enters the picture and sweeps her off her feet, Charlotte begins to hope that maybe she's not destined to be single forever. A senator’s son with political aspirations of his own, Kyle's wealthy, handsome, and in need of a wife. Will Charlotte be disappointed yet again, or will she finally be able to make a husband for herself?

I have a love-hate relationship with cliffhangers. The thrill of the cut off can be exciting but I’m not a very patient person so often times the break agitates me. The latter was true for this particular novel. I didn’t see it coming which is usually good but there was a lot of story that was covered so the abrupt ending was upsetting.  Consequently, even though the content made for a seemingly long read, the characters were so likeable that I found them to be incentives to turn the pages and see the story through. That said, for those impatient people like me, I recommend that you read this book when you have the second book available to read right away so that the cliffhanger won't feel so disturbing.

I felt that the character development was the best part of the book and now that the cast has been introduced and the background story told, I expect the next book to be a smoother read.

By the way, just for trivia, I noticed that the plot was a clean twist to the 2007 movie, “Good Luck Chuck". In the movie, when a woman has sex with Chuck, she is going to be married to the next guy. In this novel, a man will be married to the next woman after dating Charlotte, ergo the title, "The Husband Maker".

Get it here:


kareyAbout the Author:

Karey White grew up in Utah, Idaho, Oregon, and Missouri. She attended Ricks College and Brigham Young University. Her first novel, Gifted, was a Whitney Award Finalist.

She loves to travel, read, bake treats, and spend time with family and friends. She and her husband are the parents of four great children. She teaches summer creative writing courses to young people and is currently working on her next book.


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Friday, July 11, 2014

Review + Giveaway: Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen


Diamond Rings are Deadly Things by Rachelle J. Christensen, AF, 2014, Softcover ARC, 341p, My Rating=3
Source: provided by publicist in exchange for an honest review

Adrielle Pyper knows how to plan a wedding, and she's especially good at pleasing bridezillas. But when her biggest client and best
friend is murdered just three days before the wedding, Adri's
world falls apart. She moves to the resort town of Sun Valley,
Idaho, and starts from scratch. Thanks to Adri's impeccable taste
and unique style, she lands two celebrity clients, and her business
seems headed for success that is, until someone vandalizes the
specialty wedding dresses she imported from overseas. The race is
on to uncover a secret hidden within the yards of satin and lace
before Adri becomes the next victim.
With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor,
and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a
romantic suspense novel that will keep you turning pages long
into the night

I had a hard time with Ari’s (protagonist) decision to hold off reporting to the police and I didn’t think her excuse was very justifiable. This made for a frustrating read. I wanted to smack some sense into her (not just for that decision but for few others). I was surprised she didn’t get killed off the bat! But that’s because the bad guys were not very good at being bad guys (gentle way of saying that they were stupid). What criminal dilly dallies when he’s got millions at stake? Also, the police could have handled the situation better. So the first two third of the book dragged for me. Oh, in the midst of this we were entertained with two suitors for Ari. That part was skewed. It was so obvious that one was the one for her and the other had something up his sleeve. It was just a matter of time of how the author was going to divulge the big reveal. Mind you it was a clever twist! Kudos there.

A shining star about this book was that it had a very good plot therefore I was motivated to see the book through. Also, that there were plenty likeable characters. Surprisingly, including Ari! This was so because she was surrounded by those personable characters that made her look good overall. Finally, I liked some of those wedding related crafts/recipes/ideas that headed each chapter.

The last third of the book wrapped everything up well and saved the read for me.  Altogether, this was a decent mystery romance novel.




About Author

Rachelle J. Christensen is a stay-at-home mom of four cute kids. She has an amazing husband, three cats, and five chickens. Rachelle was born and raised in the small farming town of Rupert, Idaho which is adjacent to the setting in her latest mystery Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things due out this July. Her new website www.mashedpotatoesandcrafts.com partners with the characters from the novel to bring readers an interactive look into the mystery of crafting and wedding planning.
Rachelle graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a music minor. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and of course reading.
Rachelle’s first novel, Wrong Number was awarded Outstanding Book of the Year from the League of Utah Writers and was also a 2010 Whitney Finalist. She is also the author of Caller ID, a nonfiction book Lost Children: Coping with Miscarriage for Latter Day Saints, and a novella with a Timeless Romance Anthology, Fall Collection.

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