Perhaps the first novelette that I have read, at least in recent memory, Susan Beatty’s “House of Courage” can be read in one sitting. Nevetheless, it probes several significant issues and is in that way not a light read. This Italian American family experiences heartache and challenges common to so many, with a prevailing bedrock of faith that is tested but never defeated. The main character, Marissa, is battling metastatic breast cancer and the side effects of chemotherapy while working with her cousin Dante and her father to salvage the family’s orange tree farm. Marissa’s mother has dementia and vacillates between lucidity and confusion. The extended family also owns a restaurant that is under financial distress.

Through it all, this godly family persists and sacrifices, trusting God even when their circumstances seem to not make sense. While reading, I continually thought of Jesus’ parable about the wise and foolish builders in Matthew 7. Regardless of our outward circumstances, we have a choice as to whether we will build our lives on the Rock or on shifting sand. As Beatty writes, “The Cinzanos had remained strong here through many trials. Her father often said they lived in a house of courage.” We, too, can live in a “house of courage” when we seek the Lord’s will and truly trust Him in all things, with all things, and through all things. Only then will our hearts be satisfied.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through CelebrateLit and was not required to post a favorable review. All opinions are my own.

The changing of POVs is a good tactic, imho. It definitely helped to shed more light on MCs relationship. 

Waiting for book 3! :D

Fifteen years ago, Casey Brown and her college friends did something very, very bad to an innocent girl.

What really happened to poor Mary Blake that night?

There are whispers in the woods that surround that old abandoned house. Urban legends are repeated, and sightings of their usual suspects are sworn on – by a friend of a friend of that guy’s second cousin who knew a dude who swears they saw ‘He/She/It’ one dark, and stormy night. Bloody Mary, the Slit-Mouth Woman, Click Clack, the Slender Man… they aren’t the only boogeymen in those woods…
People say that the house is haunted by it’s original owner… The things that Mr. Jones did to his wife and two daughters went way beyond ‘slaughter’ – the depravity of his actions makes the family’s eventual slaughter a blessing.

Now, Casey’s nightmares are invading her waking life.
Mary Blake is back, and she’s not alone.
Only the truth will set her free.

You can still find MARY BLAKE, and other titles by Sam West, for #free on Amazon with your Kindle Unlimited plan – FOR NOW.

Find MARY BLAKE: A Nasty Novelette on Amazon, Goodreads, BookLikes, and LibraryThing.

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The Post-it Note Affair: ~ a Romance Nov...

Here is a summary of what the book is about. Emily wants what every woman does: to have it all. Is that too much to ask? Emily really can't complain.  She's married to a wonderful man, her high school sweetheart, who still dotes on her as he did when her first laid eyes on her.

They have a beautiful home together, and they each enjoy successful careers. On the outside looking in, Emily has what any woman would be perfectly happy with.

But it's just not enough. Emily can't help wishing for just a bit more- for that special spark, for that thrill of something new and surprising, for the shivery tingles running down her spine. For real passion- for true romance.

She never expects to find it during the workday and definitely not in the form of a sticky note.

Just one square slip of paper with a few handwritten words, tucked mysteriously into the contents of her purse and dropped right into her small world, marks the first of a slew of sexy surprises Emily couldn't  have anticipated no matter how hard she wished for them.  She's desperately sought after every one of the special moments in store for her, and there's no question that she deserves them.

Even as Emily eagerly anticipates and thoroughly savors all of the excitement and mystery of what may come, she just can't guess the roller coaster of emotions she's soon to experience- or just how much it will change her.

And she may never guess just who- is leading her on the romantic adventure of her dreams. Just when she feels she's lost the life and love she most wants to have, she finds them- in the last place she'd ever think to look.

Wow I loved this book because it reminds you of the important things in life.

This is a very quick story there are only 7 chapters in it.

I found the storyline to be very cute and sweet. I also saw some surprises that I didn't see coming.

I would recommend this book. I believe you all would enjoy it as well.

Happy Reading Everyone!