Random times with Traveling Gypsy.

Thoughts on Darlene Franklin: She is a talented writer who has a lot to say in her books/stories. Telling a story with complicated characters, story lines and keeping the reader interested is definitely a talent and some writers/authors have a hard time engaging their audience. That is not the case with Darlene Franklin. This was DEFINITELY my favorite out of the five stories.  My Candy Valentine I completely adored this story. Gilbert has to be my favorite by far especially when he comes up with an excuse to go and see the lovely Catrina. He just reminds me that love is definitely worth it when you find the right person. I loved how this was centered around candies. His proposal in the end was such a unique way to propose. I felt my heart run away with the characters in this story.  Love's Glory This was a fast read but that doesn't mean it didn't leave footprints on the heart. I grew up with my father in the military. He served in the U.S. Navy for 17 ye...

I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review From the back of the book: Betsy Huckabee might be a small-town girl, but she has big-city dreams. Writing for her uncle's newspaper will never lead to independence, and the bigger newspapers don't seem interested in the Hart County news. Trying a new approach, Betsy pens a romanticized serial for the ladies' pages, and the new deputy provides the perfect inspiration for her submissions. She'd be horrified if he read her breathless descriptions of him, but these articles are for a newspaper far away. No one in Pine Gap will ever know.   Deputy Joel Puckett didn't want to leave Texas, but this job in tiny Pine Gap is his only shot at keeping his badge. With masked marauders riding every night, his skills and patience are tested, but even more challenging is the sassy journalist lady chasing him. My thoughts on Regina Jennings: Regina Jennings is a lovely person...

From the back of the books: The Sound of Diamonds: Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates.  With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent.  Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor e...

I received this book in exchange for my honest review: From the back of the book: Toni enjoys making chocolate treats in her bakery. Haunted by her abusive past, she struggles with her faith in God. Her world changes when a handsome stranger arrives, reminiscing about his childhood. Jason Matthews misses his days of working in his family's pastry shop. Estranged from his father, he longs to rediscover the joy and comfort from baking. When Toni's life is threatened, Jason realizes how deeply he cares for her. Can Toni and Jason overcome their pasts and learn to trust one another? My thoughts on Cecelia Dowdy: Cecelia Dowdy tells a great story about love, sacrifice, hardship. She is a new author for me and I found that I really enjoy the way she writes. Cecelia is sweet, down to earth and talented in the ways of backstory.  My thoughts on Shades of Chocolate: It was a real joy to read this book for Cecelia. This book is the second one in the series. I have always...

I received this book from Bethany House in exchange for my honest review.... From the back of the book: Mercy Brennan followed in her father's footsteps in a law enforcement career, but she has no interest in any other connection to him. A U.S. Marshal in St. Louis, Missouri, she's assigned to a joint task force with the St. Louis PD that puts her back into contact with her father and in the sights of St. Louis's most powerful gang. When the gang has reason to believe Mercy has possession of some highly sensitive and incriminating information, her boss assigns Mark St. Laurent--a Deputy U.S. Marshal and Mercy's ex-boyfriend--to get her out of town until they can guarantee her safety.  Initially unaware of the danger she's in and uncomfortable working with Mark, Mercy's frustration escalates when she discovers the extent her boss and Mark have been keeping her in the dark. It isn't until a freak ice storm hits, stranding them at a remote location and out...

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion. From the back of the book: After an accident leaves Celeste Monroe to raise her baby nephew, all she wants is to provide one-year-old Parker with a happy life. She hopes taking a job caring for injured Sam Sheffield will help fulfill that goal. But Sam's determination to avoid the world throws a wrench in her plans. Despite his best efforts, Sam can't take his eyes off the pretty caretaker. Her strength and her loving nature has him falling for her—and her baby. But he refuses to burden them with a man who's not whole. Can Celeste convince Sam he's daddy—and husband—material in time for them to celebrate Christmas together? My thoughts on Jill Kemerer: Amazing writer! Amazing friend! Humble, down to earth and sweet are just some words I would use to describe Jill Kemerer. She always takes time out to respond to messages on Facebook which in my opinion shows that an author is approachable. She dem...

I received this for free because I am on Crystal Walton's influencer team. From the back of the book: He lives by his heart. She lives by her plans. Until an unseen enemy and growing affection threaten control of both. Returning to his hometown in the Catskills is the last thing firefighter Ethan DeLuca’s ready for. He’d rather leave memories where they belong—buried under ashes. But if he doesn’t step up to take care of Nonna, who will? Working at the camp down the road seems like the perfect solution. Until his feisty redheaded boss ends up being one fire he has no idea how to put out. Cassidy McAdams is on a mission. Get the camp Grandpa left her ready to sell, turn enough profit to bail Mom’s business out of foreclosure, and hightail it back to her life in New York City. With unexpected complications mounting, she can’t afford any distractions. Especially a ridiculously charming one who’s eager to rescue her at every turn. It’d be easier on them both to hide behind ...