First Line Friday

On April 25, 2025April 25, 2025 By vickleaIn Book Promo, First Line Friday1 Comment

I don’t usually participate in First Line Friday, but I have a lot of books releasing next week, so I thought I would put a few of them on your radar.

I will not write my entire review here, but I will tell you that this book is humorous and offers practical advice that really makes you ponder how you do things. The main character, Lyla, is a newspaper columnist who writes her opinion about everyday circumstances and in so doing, she discovers truths about herself.

First Line: “Lyla Dune turned in to her parents’ driveway and parked, her gaze moving to the FOR SALE sign on the front lawn.”

Barnes and Noble has a 25% off sale now, so if you want to get this book at a good price, it’s a good time to get it. The sale ends today and requires the coupon code PREORDER25.

This quick read had me reading as fast as I could to find out what would happen to Florene. At the beginning of the story, she is tossed out of the car by her boyfriend, in the middle of nowhere and during a blizzard. What happens to her is God’s providence for sure!

First Line: “She’d made a mistake. And she was going to die. Florene Schroder lay on the hard, cold ground. Twisted and limp, she didn’t move.”

This quick read takes place in the Allegheny forest of Pennsylvania and is a book with riveting suspense and compelling characters. Eli is an FBI agent who hunts down cybercriminals and the focus of the story is that one of the bad guys doesn’t like being hunted so he is chasing down Eli and his young daughter who are on vacation in the Alleghenies.

First Line: “‘Daddy, why do you keep looking at the trees?’”

This story grabbed at my heart and wouldn’t let it go! It is the story of a young woman who has been rejected by her husband and is trying to start a new life for herself in a new town. Unfortunately, she has few resources and fewer items in her pantry and fridge, so she ends up at a food bank, much to her embarrassment. There she meets some welcoming and kind strangers who show her the way to acceptance and real love. Sigh! Great story!

First Line: “Kayla Harding had walked by the building at least a hundred times. She’d even dropped off items in the back on occasion. Back in another life.”

Again, if you would like to purchase any or all of these new releases, you can check them out at your local retailer. They all release on Tuesday, April 29th.

Question for you: Which book would you really like to see a blog about here on my page? Give me your opinion and I will try to accommodate your wishes, depending on my schedule.

Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed my first First Line Friday!

Review of THROUGH THE SNOW GLOBE by Annie Rains

On August 19, 2023August 18, 2023 By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

ISBN-13:
9781496740847
Publisher:
Kensington
Publication date:
08/22/2023
Pages:
352

Synopsis

It’s a Wonderful Life meets Groundhog Day in USA Today bestselling author Annie Rains’ new novel, as a woman dangerously close to losing it all receives an unexpected Christmas gift that prompts a surprising journey of self-discovery . . . and another chance at happiness.

What if you could have one more day with someone you lost?

Diana Merriman, a physical therapist, is probably the only person in the small town of Snow Haven, North Carolina, who isn’t looking forward to Christmas. It’s been three weeks since her fiancé
Linus was critically injured when a car hit him as he biked home from the toy store he owns and manages. Watching him open his eyes is the only gift she wants, but she can’t help losing a little more hope every day.

But an unexpected visit from a friendly neighbor and finding a snow globe of Snow Haven—a gift Linus had hidden in the closet—the night before Christmas Eve changes things in ways Diana never would have imagined. Because on Christmas Eve Diana wakes up to find that it’s not—Christmas Eve, that is. Instead, it’s somehow December 4 all over again, the day Linus got hurt, and as mystified as Diana is, she immediately starts a plan to save her partner from his fate.

Nothing is that simple, of course. Instead of a single repeat of that day, Diana finds herself in an endless loop of December 4, experiencing every possible variation of events. Along the way, she uncovers startling truths about herself, her relationship, and even her career that illustrate the ways she’s retreated from her life—and in the face of life’s slights and outright blows, from her deepest feelings. Suddenly hope is second only to joy as Diana opens her heart to the people she loves in every way she can.

My Thoughts

This is one of the best Christmas books that I have ever read and it is perfect for reading anytime you want to read a sweet romance with a lot happening to thwart the loving couple. Diana Merriman and Linus Grant are engaged but Diana is dragging her feet about setting a wedding date. Then Linus gets into a terrible accident and Diana wants a “do-over.” Her mystical neighbor Mrs. Guzman gives Diana her wish so that she can spend another day with Linus before he goes into a coma. Unfortunately, Diana can’t figure out how to change things and to get out of the cycle of constantly repeating that day. The story is heartfelt and tugged at all of my emotions. I felt so bad for Diana and her desire to make things right with Linus and her frustration that she just can’t. I fell in love with the characters in this magically realistic book that transported me to a life where wishes may come true, but they may not be what you want or expect. I enjoyed getting to know the lovable characters, especially Linus with his quirky ties and his happy-go-lucky acceptance of life. I also enjoyed meeting Dustin, the little boy who frequents Linus’s toy store without much hope of having a good Christmas since his foster mother thinks he is a bad boy who deserves nothing. There are sub-plots that are intricately woven into the central story and they all dovetail together beautifully in this cleverly written and enchanting story. I loved every minute that I spent with Diana, Linus and the rest of the cast of characters and hated to see the story end. This novel was brilliantly written and completely captivating!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16th CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

All audiences will enjoy this book and be captivated by the characters.

About the Author

*USA Today* bestselling author Annie Rains lives in a small, coastal North Carolina town, full of lovable folks, scenic downtown areas, and breathtaking nature—similar to the towns she writes about in her books. Annie’s love of reading and writing grabbed hold of her at a young age and never let go. Her first book was published in 2015, and she’s been writing heartfelt, page-turning stories ever since. When Annie isn’t writing, she’s reading from her never-ending TBR stack on her bedside table, taking long walks while plotting her characters’ happy endings, and living out her own happily ever after with her husband, three children, feisty rescue cat, and mischievous dog.
For more information, visit Annie’s website at http://www.annierains.com

Releases on 8-22-23! Purchase Links:

Review of REUNITED ON DRAGONFLY LANE by Annie Rains

On January 23, 2021 By vickleaIn Book ReviewLeave a comment

This is hands down one of the best books about second chances and helping others to make it in this hard world that I have ever read! Sophie used to love to climb before she had a horrible accident that disfigured her leg and took the desire to climb right out of her heart. Chase was her true love and climbing buddy, but he hadn’t been there for her that day, the worst day in her life, so she has turned her back on climbing and on Chase. When Chase returns to Sweetwater Springs as the town’s only vet, it is inevitable that he will run into Sophie since the town is so small. The story is incredibly fast-paced and remarkably well-plotted. The characters are flawed human beings just trying to work through some difficulties in their lives. I was shedding more than a few tears as each obstacle seemed to be working out, even for Trisha whose husband Pete is in prison. Sophie’s desire to help others ends up with her getting a cute and smart little dog named Comet. And of course, since Chase is a vet, their paths continue to cross. My favorite character in the book was actually Nadine. You will just have to read the book to find out what she has to overcome and if she is able to succeed. This book is uplifting and was just the perfect tale for me to read this week! Fans of the series will not want to miss this culminating book since all of the former characters have a role to play. Avid readers who have not read the series will be fine reading this one as a standalone, but then they will want to go back and read the other books because the author weaves such a good story.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*I would rate this book a PG because of content.*

Annie Rains is a USA Today Bestselling author of small town contemporary romance full of hope and heart. After years of dreaming about being an author, Annie published her first book in 2015 and has been chasing deadlines and happy ever afters for her characters ever since. When she isn’t writing, Annie is usually spending time with her husband and 3 children, binging Netflix, or reading a book by one of her favorite authors.

Sign up for Annie’s newsletter to stay informed about new releases and sales.

You can find Annie online at www.annierains.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @annierainsbooks. **(Info and photo from the author’s website!)**

Available on Tuesday, January 26th! Purchase Links:

Review of SEASON OF JOY by Annie Rains

On October 4, 2020 By vickleaIn Uncategorized1 Comment

This was the most delightful, positive and happy romance that I have read this year! With just enough conflict to keep me interested and just enough romance to tantalize me, SEASON OF JOY is a book that started out my holidays with a jingle and a tingle. Joy Benson has been hurt by love and is not looking for another entanglement. What she does want to do is start her own art gallery. But without the encouragement of her parents, Joy has to strike out on her own to find a way to fund it. Enter Granger Fields, a single father of two who needs someone to watch his two young daughters while he works on the family’s Christmas tree farm. Joy agrees to give the two darling little girls art lessons and so the real story takes off. I absolutely loved the independence and self-confidence that Joy displayed in her own abilities. With parents too self-absorbed to even notice how talented she was, Joy’s determination was admirable. I think that my favorite characters were the two young girls, Abby and Willow. Abby was precocious and Willow was so needy of a mom that my heart just went out to that little sweet heart. All of the characters were portrayed so realistically that it was like I was watching a well-made movie. (Attention, Hallmark! This book would make a great Christmas movie!) The plot had just enough twists in it for me to want to keep reading until the satisfying and happy conclusion. I really enjoyed the setting of the Sweetwater Springs and the Merry Mountain Christmas Tree Farm. Visiting with old friends who had been in previous books was like a visit home again for me; there was Jack and Dawanda and Emma…lots of favorites. Although this book is part of a series, I feel that it can be enjoyed as a Christmas standalone. I highly recommend this feel-good book that will start out your season with positive vibes, ready to decorate, celebrate and ring in the joyful season!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

*I would give this book a PG-13 rating because of the romantic scenes. Nothing explicit but may not be appropriate for younger readers.*

*Photo and Bio from the author’s website at* Annie Rains

Available on October 13th, but you should pre-order NOW! Purchase Links:

Get this feel-good, positive book and start your holiday off with love and merrymaking at the little town of Sweetwater Springs!

Review of SUNSHINE ON SILVER LAKE by Annie Rains

On July 21, 2020 By vickleaIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

What a delightful book to lose myself in during these days of the coronavirus! Absolutely delightful! This is book #5 set in Sweetwater Springs, North Carolina, but since the main characters change in each book each can be read as a standalone. The principal characters in my latest visit to this charming town were Emma St. James, the cafe owner, and Jack Hershey, the park ranger. These two have a past based on childhood friendship and the fact that Jack stood Emma up for her senior prom. So, yes, they have a friendship, but Emma is a little leery of taking the relationship further since she remembers prom night like it was yesterday. Reading this book was like stepping away from reality and into the pages of a funny and heart-warming romance. The characters were so realistic that as I read it was like I could actually hear them talking to each other in my living room. If you enjoy happily ever after books with some rugged territory before the finale, then this book is for you. It was a fun and fast read, and I loved it!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary hard copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”