Black 'n' Gold Girl's Book Spot

Love's Promises by Sandra Leesmith Copyright 2014 (Available in e-book or paperback) The Story:  For Monica Scott, building her late father’s house at Lake Tahoe isn’t an option—it’s a necessary distraction from confusing memories and an uncertain future. But a handsome planner working for the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) is keeping Monica from moving forward with the project. Never mind that he’s young and charming with a great sense of humor. No one is going to stop Monica from making her father’s dream—and her own—a reality. All Greg Linsey wants is for his work to mean something. His job at TRPA gives him the opportunity to fight for the environment he loves and make a difference in his small corner of the world. But with the sophisticated Monica Scott’s arrival, his dedication is tested as never before, especially when Monica turns to his unscrupulous nemesis for assistance. As Greg and Monica’s animosity turns into something far sweeter, can they learn to...

Dancing with Fireflies by Denise Hunter Copyright 2014 Thomas Nelson Publishers ISBN: 9781401687021 The Story: Jade returns home to Chapel Springs after years of protecting her fragile heart. Then along comes Daniel, making her long to dance again. Creative and complicated, Jade McKinley felt like a weed in a rose garden growing up in Chapel Springs. When she left, she thought she’d never look back. But now, pregnant, alone, and broke, she has no other choice but to return. The mayor of Chapel Springs, Daniel Dawson, has been an honorary member of the McKinley family for years. While his own home life was almost non-existent, Daniel fit right into the boisterous McKinley family. He’s loved Jade for years, but she always saw him as a big brother. Now that she’s back, his feelings are stronger than ever. As Jade attempts to settle in, nothing feels right. God seems far away, she’s hiding secrets from her family, and she’s strangely attracted to the man who’s always called ...

On this day in 1964 the sports car scene was forever changed with the introduction of the fun and affordable pony car that appealed to almost everyone in every age group from moms to young men. What kind of Mustang fan would I be if I didn't post in recognition of the Ford Mustang's 50th Birthday? What a milestone. It would be shameful to leave the day pass without recognizing the car that, in my opinion, is Ford's greatest achievement since the Model T. The Mustang is truly an American Icon.

Confession: I'm a Pinterest addict. It's true, so much so that I probably  need an intervention. But do I really need an intervention if my friends and family benefit from my time spent on the site? Maybe not. Pinterest is just plain fun. I really don't know what I did before I found the site. How did I keep track of all those recipes, find great new clothes to add to my wardrobe, and bombard all my friends with Benedict Cumberbatch and Tom Hiddleston photos? Hehehe. However, not everything looks fun or easy, some of the things on Pinterest look iffy. Take for example the marbled nail polish that's popping up every where... yeah, I think it might take an expert to do that and I'm certainly not a mani/pedi pro. I'd hate to tell my mum that I was going to help her with a great new manicure only to end up with a smeared, goopy mess. She'd probably toss me out of the house! Kidding... my mom's totally cool, but still, why take the risk? I've tried a...

Fearless Hope by Serena B. Miller Copyright 2014 Howard Books ISBN: 9781451660371 The Story: When Hope Yoder loses her husband, she is left trying to support her two small children—and one on the way—however she can. She ends up taking a job as a part-time housekeeper for the Englisch man who has bought the farm that once belonged to her family. Logan Parker is a bestselling crime fiction writer from New York City who accompanies his fiancée on a trip to Holmes County, Ohio, but the trip takes a strange turn when he sees an Amish farmhouse for sale. Intrigued by a strong sense of familiarity, he enters the house and is overcome with a feeling of deep peace. He’s never been to Ohio before, but something in this house feels right, and he purchases the farm to use as a retreat. Something about the peacefulness of the house frees him from the crippling writer’s block that threatens to ruin his career, and something about the quiet Amish woman who comes to clean his home makes hi...

************************************************* Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull Copyright 2014 Creation House Publishing ISBN: 9781621364009 The Story: Gatehaven by Molly Noble Bull is a Christian Gothic historical novel set in a haunting mansion in the north of England where Ian Colquhoun and Shannon Aimee battle a Frenchman with dark secrets—spiritual warfare vs. the occult. Will they learn enough about God’s words to defend themselves and others or will evil overcome them? My Thoughts: Having read Molly's romance, The Rogue's Daughter many years ago, I thought I'd give this a chance just because I enjoyed that historical love story so much. I was surprised in spite of having read the cover blurb and getting a peek at the spooky cover, how different Gatehaven was from that romance I read so long ago. It's unusual to find authors who can write across genres so well, and Molly Noble Bull definitely does that. Heading into this book I was prepared...