Category Archives: short story

A Christmas Coffee | Laura J Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing A Christmas Coffee, an inspirational Christmas Romance by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Villa Bellissimo along with Master Chef Antonia Coronada invite you to Sicily where you will be immersed in the art and passion of Italian culinary delights.

Sarah Cooper is still trying to find her place in the world after her husband died two years ago on Christmas Day. When her parents give her an early holiday gift, it may be just the opportunity she needs.

Parker Matrone is the founder and CEO of the billion dollar company, Coffee Grounds. There’s something about Sarah he can’t resist, but he’s been burned before and is now raising his two young sons alone.

Will they decide loving again is worth the risk? And what of the antique Christmas quilt beneath which Sarah dreams of Christmas’ past, present, and future?

Come explore Italy in this Christian Christmas romance where dreams do come true and life begins anew.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

A Christmas Coffee doesn’t seem like the typical Christmas story at first, with joyous preparations for the holiday. Instead, it focuses on Sarah Cooper, who lost her husband two years ago on Christmas Day.

Well, it’s no wonder that she doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas! I wouldn’t want to, either.

When her parents send her to Italy to take a cooking class, she meets Parker Matrone, a man who is definitely NOT looking for a relationship. And the rest of the story… well, you’ll find out when you read it.

Happy Reading… and Merry Christmas!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

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A Christmas Coffee | Laura J. Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing A Christmas Coffee, an inspirational Christmas Romance by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Villa Bellissimo along with Master Chef Antonia Coronada invite you to Sicily where you will be immersed in the art and passion of Italian culinary delights.

Sarah Cooper is still trying to find her place in the world after her husband died two years ago on Christmas Day. When her parents give her an early holiday gift, it may be just the opportunity she needs.

Parker Matrone is the founder and CEO of the billion dollar company, Coffee Grounds. There’s something about Sarah he can’t resist, but he’s been burned before and is now raising his two young sons alone.

Will they decide loving again is worth the risk? And what of the antique Christmas quilt beneath which Sarah dreams of Christmas’ past, present, and future?

Come explore Italy in this Christian Christmas romance where dreams do come true and life begins anew.

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I enjoyed reading A Christmas Coffee… it doesn’t seem like the typical Christmas story at first, with joyous preparations for the holiday. Instead, it focuses on Sarah Cooper, who lost her husband two years ago on Christmas Day.

Well, it’s no wonder that she doesn’t want to celebrate Christmas! I wouldn’t want to, either.

When her parents send her to Italy to take a cooking class, she meets Parker Matrone, a man who is definitely NOT looking for a relationship. And the rest of the story… well, you’ll find out when you read it.

Happy Reading… and Merry Christmas!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Spring | Laura J. Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing Spring, the fourth and final story in the Faith, Love, and Fried Chicken series by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Marriage plans are in full swing, but circumstances around Jaycee and Dash’s wedding have gone from stressful to worrying.

Will the pains of life cause them to postpone for a more convenient time?

Let the peach-perfumed air of spring caress you in this last installment of this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

——
Faith, Love and Fried Chicken includes four stories:
Book 1  Summer
Book 2  Fall
Book 3  Winter
Book 4  Spring

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Laura J Marshall — I love these stories!

Jaycee and her momma are going shopping this spring. I love shopping, don’t you?

Then she’s busy helping out her friend Nancy for awhile, who has a sick child. That’s okay… Dash is busy helping out at the Hamilton farm in the afternoons.

When Jaycee’s best friend, Kitty, arrives in town, Jaycee knows something is wrong, but it takes awhile for Kitty to confide in her friend. And, of course, I’m not gonna tell you anything else. After all, I don’t want to spoil the story for you.

So now you have them all… now go get them — you can get a digital copy of each book… or you can get a paperback of the 4-book series. Then, grab a glass of sweet tea, and sit back and read them… and don’t stop until you’re at the end of book 4.

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Winter | Laura J. Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing Winter, the third story in the Faith, Love, and Fried Chicken series by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Public humiliation.

That’s what Jaycee faces on a regular basis the days leading up to Christmas. And wrapped up in the off-the-wall job is a thief waiting to be caught.

Dash is planning for perfection, yet when push comes to shove, is there such a thing?

Christmas in all its hustle and bustle with bright colored lights has arrived. Slow down a spell in this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

——
Faith, Love and Fried Chicken includes four stories:
Book 1  Summer
Book 2  Fall
Book 3  Winter
Book 4  Spring

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Jaycee?

AN ELF?

Because the clothes fit — barely — Jaycee gets the job as Santa’s elf.  Although Dash loves her, even in the cheesy outfit, Jaycee isn’t happy. Especially when her black, wool coat is stolen.

In the meantime, Dash has some plans of his own, but I’m not about to let you in on them.. read the story — hurry — and find out for yourselves!

I loved this story!  I think you will, too.

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Fall | Laura J. Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing Fall, the second story in the Faith, Love, and Fried Chicken series by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

It’s autumn in Twain, Georgia.

Jaycee has herself a new job and with it, a new problem.

Is it something bug spray can fix? Dash is struggling with more than just the reality of the pain from his injury.

Could Jaycee be hiding something from him? The pumpkins are ripe on the vine and the pecans are ready to be shelled.

Come spend Thanksgiving week in this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

——
Faith, Love and Fried Chicken includes four stories:
Book 1  Summer
Book 2  Fall
Book 3  Winter
Book 4  Spring

 

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Laura J Marshall has created a southern story that’s really southern!

Honestly, it might take you a few pages to get comfortable with the southern dialect, the characters… and their southern-ness, but once you do, I’m pretty sure you’ll be hooked!

Laura creates unique, real-life characters that engage us almost immediately and keep us involved throughout the story. I feel their struggles. I feel their pain. I feel their love.

So come along… follow their journey through the seasons with me…

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Summer | Laura J. Marshall

 

 

Today I am reviewing Summer, the first story in the Faith, Love, and Fried Chicken series by Laura J. Marshall.

Here is a brief synopsis:

Excitement.

That’s what Jaycee has been saving for since high school.

With plans to leave rural Twain, Georgia, the “to where” and the “to what” have been the only questions stopping her.

Will her intentions change when Dash Matheson pulls her wandering heart in his direction?

Feel the summer heat of the Fourth of July in this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

——
Faith, Love and Fried Chicken includes four stories:
Book 1  Summer
Book 2  Fall
Book 3  Winter
Book 4  Spring

 

EXCERPT:

Marlene caught Dash eyeing Jaycee. Wiping the spot next to him, she slid a fresh paper placemat and napkin-wrapped silverware in front of the empty stool.

“Never gonna happen.”

He smiled confidently, a plan forming in his head. Turning to face the counter, he gave her a winning smile, “It’s only a matter of fried chicken.”

Marlene smiled at his answer, then raised an eyebrow.

“What’s only a matter of fried chicken?” Jaycee repeated. She came to stand near Dash with her hand on her hip.

He took a long pull on the pop and braced his two hands against the counter, turning and leaning over in his stool so his eyes were level with Jaycee’s.

“You and me,” he said slowly, letting his lips roll over the words as they carried to her on a breath and sank against the softness of her cheeks. Her beautiful light-green eyes narrowed and her full lashes fell in quick succession as she blinked rapidly.

“Y-you and me? And fried chicken?”

“That’s right, darlin’.”

“Don’t you darlin’ me, Dash. I know what comes after your ‘darlin’. Sure enough, I’m in your sights, but I’m leaving this town, not stayin’ and settin’ up a Mom and Pop with you.”

Marlene had wandered away once she saw Jaycee’s temper flare. Jaycee was but three inches from his face. His gaze lazed on her lips and then swiftly found her eyes again.

“Don’t let the future overwhelm the moment,” he whispered quietly. He reached for her hand, just running his thumb across the top of it and then let it go.

 

MY THOUGHTS:

Jaycee and Dash are destined for fireworks!

Jaycee is determined to leave town and start a new life. . . I can identify with that, yet after a few years, I was more than ready to come back home. I can’t help but wonder if the same thing would happen to Jaycee, if she left home.

Dash Matheson is determined to convince Jaycee to stay — and begin her new life with him.  Is he serious about using fried chicken to talk her into staying?

These are such cute… cute… cute… stories! Do what I did; buy the series on Amazon and immerse yourself in the southern-ness that is Twain, Georgia.

Happy Reading!

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

Faith, Love and Fried Chicken | Laura J. Marshall

 

Tomorrow I will begin reviewing stories from the Faith, Love and Fried Chicken series by Laura J. Marshall.

 

Faith, Love and Fried Chicken includes four stories:
Book 1  Summer
Book 2  Fall
Book 3  Winter
Book 4  Spring

Volume 1, Summer: Excitement. That’s what Jaycee has been saving for since high school. With plans to leave rural Twain, Georgia, the “to where” and the “to what” have been the only questions stopping her. Will her intentions change when Dash Matheson pulls her wandering heart in his direction? Feel the summer heat of the Fourth of July in this southern series as Jaycee finds love. Christian Contemporary Romance.

Volume 2, Fall: It’s autumn in Twain, Georgia. Jaycee has herself a new job and with it, a new problem. Is it something bug spray can fix? Dash is struggling with more than just the reality of the pain from his injury. Could Jaycee be hiding something from him? The pumpkins are ripe on the vine and the pecans are ready to be shelled. Come spend Thanksgiving week in this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

Volume 3, Winter: Public humiliation. That’s what Jaycee faces on a regular basis the days leading up to Christmas. And wrapped up in the off-the-wall job is a thief waiting to be caught. Dash is planning for perfection, yet when push comes to shove, is there such a thing? Christmas in all its hustle and bustle with bright colored lights has arrived. Slow down a spell in this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

Volume 4, Spring: Marriage plans are in full swing, but circumstances around Jaycee and Dash’s wedding have gone from stressful to worrying. Will the pains of life cause them to postpone for a more convenient time? Let the peach-perfumed air of spring caress you in this last installment of this southern series as Jaycee finds love.

 

 

Blessings!

Review © 2018 DJ Mynatt

21 Days of Grace | Ide

 

Today I am reviewing 21 Days of Grace, a Fiction Lover’s Devotional featuring 21 authors, compiled by Kathy Ide.

Ide has taken twenty-one wonderful stories of grace – and brought them together to inspire and uplift those who read them. I can only imagine how difficult it was for Kathy to choose which stories would be included – and I’m hoping another book will be released sometime in the future.

While it makes a great addition to any personal library, this book can also be used as a devotional, with life applications included with each story. I plan to purchase several copies to give as gifts; the stories would attract believers as well as non-believers, in my opinion, and would be a great witness to all.

The stories are full of goodness, yet can be read in a short amount of time. This would be a great book to begin your day… and since many of the writers are favorites of mine, this is just what I’m planning to do. I can’t think of a better way to start my own day!

21 Days of Grace is a blessing to all who read it!

 

21 days of grace FB cover

Click here to purchase your copy.

 

About the Book

21 Days of Grace
Click to purchase

Book: 21 Days of Grace

Author: Compiled by Kathy Ide

Genre: Devotional

Release Date: March 24, 2015

Love fiction? Looking for a devotional?

Check out 21 DAYS OF GRACE, book one in the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series (published by BroadStreet Publishing Group).

Fictional stories followed by brief life applications written by best-selling Christian novelists and debut authors, including Angela Hunt, Cindy Woodsmall, and Deborah Raney. Great for individual or group study.
 

About the Author

Kathy Ide-rectangle (1)Kathy Ide is the author of Proofreading Secrets of Best-Selling Authors and the editor/compiler of the Fiction Lover’s Devotional series. She’s a full-time freelance editor and writing mentor, working with Christian authors of all genres at all levels. She teaches at writers’ conferences across the country and is the director of the SoCal Christian Writers’ Conference and theMount Hermon Christian Writers Conference. She’s a co-owner of the Christian Editor Network LLC and founder of the four divisions that comprise the CEN: Christian Editor Connection,The Christian PEN: Proofreaders and Editors Network, PENCON, and The PEN Institute. To find out more about Kathy, visit www.KathyIde.com

 

Guest Post from Kathy Ide

I’ve always loved Christian fiction, and I’ve seen the power of fiction to touch hearts and change lives, both firsthand and hearing about the experiences of others. But you know, in my quiet times with the Lord, reading a chapter from a novel just doesn’t seem quite appropriate. So a devotional with short fiction stories seemed like a great solution. And you can take these purse-sized devotionals wherever you go, to read when you have a few minutes of down time. It’s a great way to get “inspiration on the go.” And they make fantastic gifts for friends and loved ones.

 

Blog Stops

March 23: Reading Is My SuperPower

March 23: A Reader’s Brain

March 24: ASC Book Reviews

March 24: autism mom

March 24: It’s Storytime with Van Daniker

March 25: Chas Ray’s Book Nerd Corner

March 25: Inklings and notions

March 26: Blossoms and Blessings

March 26: The Power of Words

March 27: Lighthouse Academy

March 27: Because I said so – and other adventures in parenting

March 28: Moments Dipped in Ink

March 28: A Greater Yes

March 28: Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations

March 29: Captive Dreams Window

March 29: Donna’s BookShelf

March 29: Southern Chelle

March 30: Pause for Tales

March 30: The Scribbler

March 31: Carpe Diem

March 31: Faithful Acres Body Soul Spirit

April 1: A Baker’s Perspective

April 1: Splashesofjoy

April 2: Christian Bookaholic

April 2: Karen Sue Hadley

April 3: Ashley’s Bookshelf

April 3: Lane Hill House

April 4: Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet

April 4: History, Mystery and Faith

April 5: God is Love

April 5: Reader’s Cozy Corner

April 5: Simple Harvest Reads

 

Giveaway

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To celebrate her tour, Kathy is giving away:

1st – 4th place winners: A set of all four devotionals in the series.
5th & 6th place winners: An autographed copy of 21 Days of Grace with a novel written by one of the contributing authors!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! https://promosimple.com/ps/b2cd

 

God bless you!

Review © 2017 DJ Mynatt

 

Peppermint Kisses | Valerie Comer

 

VC series PK
Today I am reviewing Peppermint Kisses, a short story released after the 2nd book in the Farm Fresh Romance series by Valerie Comer.

Here is a brief synopsis:

This short ebook novella takes place at the reception of Noel & Claire Kenzie’s Christmas-time wedding.

At the reception, Rebekah Jackson, (the best friend of Noel’s sister Amber) meets Noel’s former employee Wade Roper.

Could Wade be the one to help Rebekah get over her crush on Noel and help her find the Light to battle the darkness she fears?

 

 

 

 

Peppermint Kisses: A Farm Fresh Romance . . . by Valerie ComerTweet this!

 

MY THOUGHTS:

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

Poor Rebecca . . . after adoring her friend’s brother from afar, now she’s attending his wedding — to another woman. Oh well, we all have our fantasies — and more often than not, they get dashed.

In the meantime, the man in question, Noel Kenzie, marries his true love — Claire Halford. Will they live happily ever after? While I’m sure they’ll have their share of problems, I think they have a better than average chance of making it work.

If you want to find out what happens with Rebecca and Wade Roper, a former employee of Noel’s, all you have to do is sign up for Valerie Comer’s newsletter — and you can get a digital copy of Peppermint Kisses — free! So go do this… and start reading with me.

** If you’re ready to sign up for Valerie’s newsletter, click HERE.

And if you’re as curious as I am about what happens to all the wonderful characters at Green Acres Farm, keep reading with me . . . I’ll be back next week with more reviews!

Please don’t miss out on this wonderful series . . .

Happy Reading!

 

And don’t forget to check out the intro post to find out how you can WIN!

VALERIE COMER: JANUARY 2017 MARATHON

 

God Bless You!

Review © 2017 DJ Mynatt

 

Peppermint Kisses | Valerie Comer Marathon

 

VC series PK
Today I am reviewing Peppermint Kisses, a short story from the Farm Fresh Romance series by Valerie Comer.

Here is a brief synopsis:

This short ebook novella takes place at the reception of Noel & Claire Kenzie’s Christmas-time wedding.

At the reception, Rebekah Jackson, (the best friend of Noel’s sister Amber) meets Noel’s former employee Wade Roper.

Could Wade be the one to help Rebekah get over her crush on Noel and help her find the Light to battle the darkness she fears?

 

 

 

Peppermint Kisses: A Farm Fresh Romance . . . read this great series by Valerie Comer – Tweet this!

MY THOUGHTS:

I LOVE THIS SERIES!

Poor Rebecca . . . after adoring her friend’s brother from afar, now she’s attending his wedding — to another woman. Oh well, we all have our fantasies — and more often than not, they get dashed.

In the meantime, the man in question, Noel Kenzie, marries his true love — Claire Halford. Will they live happily ever after? While I’m sure they’ll have their share of problems, I think they have a better than average chance of making it work.

If you want to find out what happens with Rebecca and Wade Roper, a former employee of Noel’s, all you have to do is sign up for Valerie Comer’s newsletter — and you can get a digital copy of Peppermint Kisses — free! So go do this… and start reading with me.

Merry Christmas!

 

God bless you!

Review © 2016 DJ Mynatt

 

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