Monday, March 11, 2019

Book Review: Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee

Faking Forever by Catherine Bybee



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, March 12, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Mexico, California

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  329 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Shannon Wentworth’s biological clock is ticking, and she isn’t going to let her single status keep her from having a baby. When her wedding-photography business takes her to Mexico, she has every intention of finding a willing baby daddy to help her out. Until the bride goes AWOL, leaving Shannon to coddle the arrogant fiancé who has accused her of sabotaging his wedding.
Victor Brooks never could have imagined that he’d be on a honeymoon for one. Only here he is, taking a hard look at his life after the younger women he thought he loved walked out. The woman who volunteers to help him reflect is the last person he expects to be attracted to. Between the tequila, the sun, and one earth-shattering kiss, Victor finds Shannon a distraction too sexy to ignore.
They strike a deal: wait three months, cool off, and see if their tropical beach attraction is worth taking up when they go back home. Unfortunately, that’s just enough time for the past to come calling. All their best-laid plans are at risk. So is the last thing Shannon expected to matter the most: her heart.

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Catherine Bybee is fast becoming one of my auto-buy authors. This is book four in the First Wives Club series. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review, I immediately accepted since I loved the other books! My opinions are my own and not influenced by anyone.

Faking Forever is real with flawed characters who are able to own up to their mistakes and learn from them. As with all of Ms. Bybee’s novels, Faking Forever captured my attention from the first page and kept until the last. The pacing is fast, the characters are entertaining and well-written, and the plot is fantastic. 

Shannon Wentworth’s character underwent a change for Faking Forever, making her a more complex individual than she’d been in the previous books. I liked the changes and it made for a more interesting read. She exhibits a willingness to speak up for herself and the ability to call out the hero on his less than desirable characteristics, making him a much better man.

In the beginning of Faking Forever, Victor Brooks appears to be solely driven by his work as CEO of his company to the point where he chooses a meeting over flying with his fiancée to their wedding destination. When he ends up seated next to Shannon, she lets him know his behavior is severely lacking toward his girlfriend/fiancée. I really enjoyed how he recognizes his mistakes and goes about correcting them when his bride leaves him at the altar.

His decisions are motivated by his conversations with Shannon. While normally I would not like Victor’s character, Ms. Bybee handles it so well, I fell in love with him. He makes major changes in his life and understands his ex-fiancée was not the right woman for him. 

While the romance moves slower than in most of Ms. Bybee’s books, it is nonetheless satisfying and perfect for their love story. It is believable and appropriate. Once they do come together, the passion between them is emotionally motivated, and I loved them together. I’m so glad Shannon finally found her happy ending. She deserves it after what happened in her marriage to Paul.

If you enjoy character-driven romance novels with engaging characters and a great plot, then you will enjoy Faking Forever. While this book can be read as a stand-alone, I do recommend reading the other books in the series first. You will thoroughly enjoy the paths these four women travel as much as I. Happy reading!

Monday, March 4, 2019

Book Review: Ask me to Stay by Terri Osburn

Ask me to Stay by Terri Osburn



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, March 5, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, South Carolina

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:   269 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Author Liza Teller’s new book is something of a mystery. She’s been hired to ghostwrite the memoir of Ray Wallis, an elderly stranger eager to share a very personal and surprising life story. The moment Liza arrives on beautiful Haven Island off the South Carolina coast, she has to ask: Out of all the semi-successful writers with stalled careers in the world, why her?
Kendall James, the dedicated ex-military man in Ray’s employ, has the same question. Why is this New Yorker in a frilly blue dress so important to Ray? But as protective and suspicious as he is, Kendall can’t help falling for the tempting outsider. And he isn’t falling alone.
As Ray’s life story unfolds, Liza and Kendall’s chemistry ignites. And all of it could be explosive. On an island this small, Liza soon discovers that there isn’t much room to hide—from the secrets of Ray’s past or from her desire for a man unwilling to give her the one thing she truly wants.

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Terri Osburn has become one of my auto-buy authors. Her books are real with flawed characters I can easily love. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review Ask me to Stay, I quickly accepted. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

As with all Ms. Osburn’s books, I was immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t stop reading until the last word. The pacing is quick and lively without feeling rushed. The writing is emotionally-charged with just the right amount of description.

Liza Teller’s character quickly captured my attention, and I became vested in her right away, even though her flaws her there. I identified with her fear of the dog in the story because I had that as well until my husband insisted, we get one. I quickly fell in love with my Marlee and now love dogs. This happens to Liza as well. 

What appealed to me was Liza’s willingness to redirect her career when her muse grew quiet. Writing a memoir is quite different from writing fiction. She showed great deal of patience with Ray, and her affection for him touched my heart.

Kendall James is a great hero, exhibiting all the characteristics I most admire in a hero. He is very much the protector. He is immediately drawn to Liza in a big way, but of course, he fights that attraction. He is very protective of Ray and is concerned that he wants his memoir written since there are secrets that could cause a huge issue for the elderly man, and Kendall’s family as well. 

The chemistry between Liza and Kendall is apparent from their first meeting. Liza certainly doesn’t want to be attracted to Kendall and fights it in the beginning, but she can’t resist him. I enjoyed their romance and wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you’re looking for a character driven love story with engaging characters and believable plot, then you will love Ask me to Stay as much as I did. This book appears to be a stand-alone, but an excellent one. Happy reading! 


Tuesday, February 26, 2019

Book Review: Forever my Hero by Sharon Sala


Forever my Hero by Sharon Sala



Publisher & Release: Sourcebooks Casablanca, February 26, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Blessings, GA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  384 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Every storm they've weathered...has led them to each other
Dan Amos lost his wife and son years ago, when they inadvertently got in the way of a death threat meant for him. He's never had eyes for anyone since, and he doesn't want to. But fellow Blessings resident Alice Conroy sparks something inside him...
Newly widowed, Alice was disillusioned by marriage and isn't looking to fall in love anytime soon. Then a tropical storm blazes a path straight for the Georgia coast, and as the town prepares for the worst, Dan opens his heart and his home. The tempest is raging, but Alice and Dan are learning to find shelter...in each other.
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This is the seventh book in the Blessings, Georgia series by Ms. Sala. when I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, I eagerly accepted since I’d read the previous books and enjoyed them. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

I quickly became vested in the characters and the plot. The pacing is good and there was no sagging middle, which is a very good thing. One thing I did find disconcerting was a lot of head hopping. sometimes from one sentence to the next. that is the main reason I gave this book a little lower rating.

Alice is a wonderful heroine with all the characteristics I most admire. She has a fearless spirit, and while she has great reason to want to give up, she does not. She is an amazing mother, fiercely protective of her children, determined to give them the best. Although, she had a rough marriage with her late husband, she is willing to open her heart to love again.

Dan is a great hero. he is an honorable guy who doesn’t allow his tragic past to color his view of the world. I liked the way he looks out for others, including Alice. I truly admired him a great deal and wanted him to find his happy ending.

The romance between the hero and heroine is sweet, and even though it moved quickly, it still felt right. The chemistry is strong and very pleasing. The love scene is well written and enjoyable.

If you enjoy a story with engaging characters and an intriguing plot, then you will enjoy Forever my Hero. While I am not overly fond of Ms. Sala’s head hopping and giving so many characters a point of view, I will definitely read more books by her. Happy reading!

Excerpt:

School was officially out for the day, and parents were standing outside their cars, making sure they were in plain sight today so that their children would not be afraid.
Dan was on his way back to his truck when Alice got out. She waved at him, then stood out on the sidewalk so Patty could see her. She would be looking for their car, not Dan Amos’s truck.
Dan jogged over to where she was standing and tossed his crowbar into the truck bed.
“You were amazing,” Alice said. “I was afraid you would get hurt, too.”
He grinned. “It appears I haven’t lost my roping skills.”
Alice’s eyes widened. “I thought you were a lawyer before you came here.”
“I was once, but I grew up on a ranch in Texas. My parents still live on it, but both of my brothers run it now. When we were kids, we all worked the ranch,” he said.
“So I guess you ride horses, too?” she said.
Grinning, Dan pointed to his boots and belt buckle. “Yes, ma’am. This stuff’s not for show.”
Alice laughed and then heard the bell ring and turned toward the school. Within moments, kids began emerging through the front doors. “Here they come,” she said.
Dan was still trying to get past how her laugh made him feel when the children began coming outside. To his surprise, there was actually a kind of order to their exit. Teachers walked with part of the students toward buses, while other teachers walked with the in-­town riders. He was wondering who would be driving the injured driver’s bus when he saw a man come jogging out behind some of the kids and head that way.
“That’s the PE coach. I’ll bet he’s going to be the substitute driver,” Alice said, and then pointed. “There’s Patty! Oh…she doesn’t see my car.”
“We’ll fix that,” Dan said, and once again, he picked Alice up by the waist and swung her up and into the truck bed. Now she was heads above everyone. “Wave! She’ll see you,” Dan said.
Alice’s heart was hammering as she turned and waved, and then kept on waving until suddenly Patty saw her, smiled, and waved back.
“She saw you, right?” Dan asked.
“Yes, she did! Thank you so much.”
“Ready to get down?” he asked.
She nodded.
This time, he let the tailgate down and then held out his arms. She sat down on the tailgate, then he lifted her off and set her on her feet.
“We should have driven my car. Then you wouldn’t have to be helping me up and helping me down,” she said.
“What’s the fun in that?” he asked, grinning as he set her back into his front seat.
She was a bit taken aback by the teasing, then laughed. Moments later, they began moving up in line along with everyone else. Within a couple of minutes, they were at the loading zone. Dan jumped out and opened the back door of his truck.
“One more Conroy girl to load up, and then we’re good to go,” he said as Patty came running.
As soon as she was buckled in the back seat, she started talking.
“Mama, a girl named Shirley threw up on teacher’s shoes at lunch. I got a happy face on my workbook page and skinned my knee at recess! Did you know there were mean dogs at our school? Will they come back? I might be a’scairt tomorrow.”
Dan was grinning. “Does she ever stop to take a breath?”
“Rarely,” Alice said, then turned around to look at Patty. “Good for you for getting a happy face. That makes Mama’s face happy, too. We did know about the dogs. Mr. Amos saw the dogs and ran to help the bus driver. He stopped the dogs, and the police came and took them away. You don’t have to be scared about anything, okay?”
“Okay, Mama. Thank you, Mr. Amos.”
“You’re welcome, Patty.” Then he glanced at Alice. “Do you need anything before I take you home?”
“No, thank you. We have all we need,” she said.
“Okay then,” he said, and turned left at the stop sign by the school.
“Mama, is Charlie gonna have to walk home by himself? Won’t he be a’scairt, too?”
Alice shook her head. “Charlie walks home every day, and no, he won’t be scared. Charlie is a big boy, remember?”
Patty nodded.
Dan smiled as he drove, enjoying the little girl’s chatter and Alice’s calm demeanor. He was actually disappointed when he reached their house and pulled up into the driveway.
“Well, ladies, you’re home. Alice, if you will bear with me one more time, I’ll help you two out and see you to the door like the gentleman my mama raised me to be.”
He circled the truck, helped Alice down first, and then Patty. Once Patty’s feet touched the ground, she was running toward the house and already on the porch, airing her cheerleader skills by running from one end of the porch to the other, cheering as she went.
Dan laughed out loud at the surprised expression on Alice’s face.
Alice sighed. “Don’t encourage her.”
“Is that even possible?” he asked, as he helped her up the steps. “House key?”
She handed it to him. “It’s the one with the pink nail polish on it, remember?”
“Got it,” he said, unlocked the front door, and then stood back out of the way as Patty danced through the doorway and into the house. Dan was still grinning as he dropped the key ring into Alice’s palm. “It has been a pleasure to spend this time with you and your mini me, Ms. Alice. Maybe we could do this again sometime when there’s nothing else calling your attention.”
Alice was so shocked by the invitation that she forgot to answer.
Dan hesitated. That wasn’t the response he was hoping for. “Uh…so, is that a silent yes, or a silent no?”
She blinked. “Oh. I’m sorry. Uh…it’s a yes, and thank you?”
His heart skipped a beat. Here he was, wanting to kiss her again. He settled for a touch on her forearm. “Take care of that hand,” he said, and left before he made a bigger fool of himself or she changed her mind.
He was on his way home before the shock of what he’d done finally hit. “I cannot believe I asked her on a date.” He drove a whole block farther. “I can’t believe she said yes,” he added. He got home and all the way inside his house with one last question yet unasked. Was tomorrow too soon?


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Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Book Review: Going Home by Judith Kim

Going Home by Judith Keim



Publisher & Release: Wild Quail Press, February 13, 2019

Time and setting:  20thcentury, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Genre: Contemporary Women's Fiction

Book Length:  256 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

In 1970, Violet Hawkins’ only wish at eighteen is to escape her life in the Dayton, Ohio, foster-care system and make her way to the west coast to enjoy a mellow life and find the love she’s been missing all her life. 

She makes it to San Francisco, but soon learns she needs a job if she’s to live properly. A kind, young man named Kenton Chandler offers her a sandwich and a job at his father’s inn and vineyards. 

With nothing to lose, Lettie takes him up on his offer and begins a whole new life in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. She immediately falls in love with the land and is fascinated with the idea of growing grapes in order to make wines. She, Kenton, and Rafe Lopez become friends as she learns about running the small inn on the property. 

At the same time, she marries Kenton, a stroke kills his father. And then before she can tell Kenton she’s pregnant, he dies in an automobile accident. Heartbroken and burdened with the gift of the Chandler Hill Inn and Winery, she’s left with the task of making them a success. Struggling to raise a child alone while working to grow the business, Lettie makes a shocking discovery that changes everything.

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This is the first book I’ve read by Judith Keim, and it will not be the last. I’m so glad I accepted an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review. My opinions are my own are not influenced in any way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Going Home. It’s unique because it follows a woman’s entire adult life. I enjoy women’s fiction, and this is an excellent one. The pacing is great, keeping me engaged from the beginning to the end. 

Lettie’s character is complex. She is flawed and at times impulsive, but she is so interesting, I fell in love with her. It’s no wonder she’s in a hurry to find someone to love after growing up in foster care. I could understand how she fell so quickly for Rafe, only to be cast off because he bows to his family’s expectations. She does not let it color her future. When love comes along with her friend, Kenton, again she falls hard and fast.

There are actually two main male characters and a key secondary one in Going Home. Rafe who marries another to satisfy his family and Kenton, the young man who saves Lettie from a life on the streets in San Francisco. Then Kenton’s father, a man who takes Lettie under his wing.

Rafe’s character did not appeal to me in the beginning of the book but more than redeems himself by the end of the book. I shall not say more because I do not want to have any spoilers.

Kenton’s character is steadfast and offers Lettie the stability she craves and a family who will love her. My heart ached when he is tragically killed in a car accident. Theirs was a love cut short.

The key secondary character is Kenton’s father. He recognizes Lettie’s talent in knowing what wine is best. He grooms her for his winery, which is a godsend for her. When he dies, she inherits Chandler Hill Inn and Winery and makes it highly successful.

As I mentioned, Going Home follows Lettie’s life. I felt her joy in first love, the fulfillment she begins to feel with Kenton. The pain of losing him so soon, before she even had a chance to tell him they were expecting a child. Lettie is not a natural born mother but none the less, she raises her daughter to be an independent young woman with a huge heart. I enjoyed following her life from young girl to a mature older woman, one who makes some mistakes while learning from them, and lives a full life.

I’m glad I took a chance on Going Home. If you enjoy women’s fiction, then you will love Going Home as much as I. I will definitely look for more books by Ms. Keim. Happy reading!

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Book Review: The Governess by Christi Caldwell

The Governess by Christi Caldwell



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, February 12, 2019

Time and setting:  Regency, London

Genre: Historical Romance

Book Length:  379  Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Regina (Reggie) Spark has loved Broderick Killoran, the resourceful and protective proprietor of the Devil’s Den, ever since he saved her from the streets and made her his right hand at the notorious gaming hell. For just as long, Reggie has never admitted her true feelings for him. Nor has she revealed her spirited ambitions—to buck convention and expectations and open a music hall.
While Broderick built his gaming empire with ruthless cunning, his loyalty to his employees is boundless. So when he learns of Reggie’s plan to leave his side and take charge of her own future, the betrayal cuts Broderick to the core. He responds as he would to any business rival…with swift retribution.
Instead of wilting, the savvy Reggie rebounds with a fury that shocks Broderick and stirs a desire he’s been holding in reserve for only ladies of nobility. But as their seductive battle of wills ignites under the harsh spotlight of the London Season, secrets are exposed as well—ones that could be ruinous in decent society but invaluable for the heart.

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I have become a great fan of Christi Caldwell’s delightful Regency romances. When I received an invitation from the publisher, via Net-Galley, to read and review The Governess, I eagerly accepted. My opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

The Governess is another wonderful Regency with just the right amount of detail, giving me the ability to use my imagination. The pacing is great, moving the story along perfectly. The characters are engaging, and the plot riveting. I thoroughly enjoy suspense and this one has it in abundance.

Reggie’s character is easy to love. She has been part of the Killoran family for ten years, but she can no longer remain at Broderick’s side when she knows he will never return her feelings. When he learns she plans to leave, he bribes her into staying to help his sister in her introduction to society. My heart ached for Reggie. Most of the family turns against making her time with them very uncomfortable.

Broderick is a great hero, having the characteristics I love most. He is a stronger provider for his family. While they are not family by blood, it does not matter. He is a very complex character and his backstory is very heartbreaking. I was so pleased that he found his happy ending!

The chemistry between Reggie and Broderick is amazing. Ms. Caldwell is great at building the sexual tension as the story progresses, which what I love about historical romance. By the time the love scene occurs, it is burning up the pages.

If you enjoy a romance with great characters, an interesting plot with a good bit of suspense and great emotionally-charged writing, then you will love The Governess. This may very well be the best book she has written thus far. Of course, I said that about her last one! I can’t wait for the next book is this amazing series. Happy reading!

Thursday, January 24, 2019

Book Review: My Kind of Forever by Tracy Brogan

My Kind of Forever by Tracy Brogan


Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 22, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, Trillium Bay

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  269 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 3.5 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

As the youngest mayor Trillium Bay has ever elected, Brooke Callaghan wants to prove she’s up to the challenge. She’s stepping out of her practical teacher flats and into her sister’s treacherously high heels…with disastrous results. But if she’s going to (literally) stumble her first day on the job, why not fall into the arms of a handsome stranger?
Leo Walker is a rarity on Wenniway Island. Not only handsome, he’s also single, funny, and—most importantly—interested in Brooke. Unfortunately, his reasons for being on the island are temporary, so in spite of the undeniable chemistry between them, he’s not a forever kind of guy.
When a private investigator arrives with news of a jewel thief hiding on the island, Brooke finds herself dealing with one kerfuffle after another, and Leo proves to be a delicious distraction. What does she really know about him, though? And the biggest question of all? Does this short-term romance hold the possibility of long-term love?

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This is the second book in the Trillium Bay series, and I enjoyed it. Thanks goes the publisher, via Net Galley, for the opportunity to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

This book has a great deal to offer. The small—town aspect is well done. Ms. Brogan’s writing is clean and flows well. The characters are engaging, including the secondary characters. The plot is unique, and there are a lot of delightfully humorous moments.

The heroine’s character is enjoyable for the most part. She certainly has plenty of energy and wants to do a great job as the new mayor. However, her lack of self-esteem made it hard for me to imagine her running a success campaign to win an elected seat. To me, it seems out of character. Nonetheless, I found her appealing and wanted her to find her happy ending.

As a hero, Elliot is a mixed bag. He isn’t a straight up guy with her and hides secrets even after they become romantically involved. Those flaws make it hard for me to admire him. Although, he does redeem his character by the end of the book.

The romance between the hero and heroine is strong and I enjoyed how their relationship developed. The chemistry is fairly intense at times, the love scenes are based more in the emotions than their physical attraction, not that there’s any lack of that.

If you enjoy a romance with engaging characters and plenty of humor, then you will enjoy Ms. Brogan’s newest offering. Although this one was not as enjoyable as the first book in the series, I still enjoyed it and will read the next book when it comes out. Happy reading!


Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Book Review: Dare Me Again by Shelly Alexander

Dare Me Again by Shelly Alexander



Publisher & Release: Montlake Romance, January 15, 2019

Time and setting:  Present Day, USA

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Length:  285 Pages

Heat Level: 1 Flame

Rating: 4 Gold Crowns

Book Description: 

Hot-wired and restless, financial wizard Elliott Remington doesn’t turn down a dare. This time it’s to coordinate a service-dog boot camp for veterans at his family’s resort. Success means a one-way ticket to the West Coast to pursue his dream career. But it comes with a hitch: teaming up with his ex, who vanished on him ten years ago with nothing more than a kiss-off note.
As fiery as her hair and as stubborn as her name, Rebel Tate did what she had to do—for Elliott’s sake and her own. A dog whisperer with a keen sense of survival, she’s lived a tough life. Here she is, back in Angel Fire Falls, doing what she loves, next to a man she’s never forgotten. While the flame between them still smolders, neither is ready to get burned.
For Elliott, trusting Rebel is a gamble. For Rebel, sharing the secrets that sent her running is a risk. Now, while finishing a job that could define both their futures, two hearts are about to collide—and a second chance at true romance could be the greatest dare of all.

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This is the second book in the Angel Falls series. I read the Dare Me Once and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I eagerly looked forward to reading Dare Me Again. Thanks goes the publisher, via Net Galley, for the opportunity to read and review. My opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

The premise for this book is very interesting, and I enjoyed the characters a great deal. Ms. Alexander did a great job giving enough detail regarding the dog training without becoming too technical. The pacing is good, and the dialogue is realistic and flows well.

 Rebel Tate is an intriguing character, and I liked her a lot. She had a rough start in life, but her perseverance has carried her through. Her love for rescue animals is commendable and came through loud and clear. Although she left Angel Falls on bad terms, she is brave enough to return and try to make it right.

Elliott Remington is a drool-worthy hero, and while he’s driven, he’s open minded and is willing to reveal his secrets to Rebel as she opens up to her. Theirs is a give and take relationship, and I enjoyed it tremendously.

The romance between Rebel and Elliott is great with plenty of sparks flying in all directions from their first meeting. The chemistry is strong, and the love scenes are satisfying. I really wanted them to find their happy ending.

If you enjoy contemporary romance with engaging characters and an interesting plot, along with a bit of humor, then you will enjoy Dare Me Again. I look forward to the next book in this great series. Happy reading!