Mystic Capers (Acorn Hills Series) by Grace Augustine ~ Review ~

Mystic Capers is the second book I have had the pleasure of reading by Grace Augustine. She has created a wonderful series with fun characters, great places to visit, and touching story lines. I have to say that Grace Augustine's characters are so well developed that it seemed like I was visiting old friends when reading Mystic Capers. I had the chance to meet most of the characters in the first book Bittersweet. I'm a huge fan of series, because I do like to catch up with friends with each new book. 

Mystic Capers is Ginger Farnsworth's turn for us lucky readers to learn her story. She has quite a story to be told. I loved that Grace Augustine not only told us her present day story but told us about her past as well. I sometimes feel that I have a hard time keeping up with an author that tells about the past as well as the present in such great detail. I have to say I had no trouble at all Ms. Augustine has done a fabulous job of telling Ginger's story. 

I really liked Ginger, she is such a likable character and I have to say that some of the foods described certainly made me hungry. You see Ginger is a great Chef and we hear about some of the fabulous foods she makes in this story. 

I really enjoyed watching Ginger and Jordan meet and get to know each other in this story. They have such a touching relationship. I don't want to tell you too much but this couple has a very sweet story to be told and I really enjoyed it. 

If you enjoy romance series books that involve great friendships, a wonderful romance, some touching moments and as well as some humor then I think you will enjoy this book. If you have not had a chance to read Grace Augustine's work yet you may want to start with Bittersweet but I really don't think you would have a hard time reading Mystic Capers as a stand alone book first. 

I will be anxiously awaiting which of the wonderful friends from Acorn Hills that Ms. Augustine is going to tell us more about next. I know I will be looking forward to her next release. 

I received this wonderful book as a birthday present. I can't think of a better present for a reader like me than a book can you all? However I wanted to share my thoughts with you on Mystic Capers. As always it has been my pleasure to share my thoughts with you.

You may read my review of Bittersweet here.

Remember you may click on the title of the books so head to Amazon to pick up your copy. 

A Soul's Kiss by Grace Augustine ~ REVIEW

Grace Augustine has written yet another fabulous book that I could NOT put down. I found myself completely engrossed in this story from page one. 

Grace Augustine has created an interesting storyline with intriguing characters that have a way of really making you think about your life. I loved the concept of this book and I have to say I can not wait to see what Ms. Augustine has in store for us in the next book in this series.

This is a fairly short read that I finished in one setting. I had to find out just how Darla was going to find out just exactly what dreams meant to life. 

I don't want to tell you too much. This story is just too fun to read for me to spoil anything for you.

I will tell you this is certainly a different type of story then Ms. Augustine's Acorn Hills series, that I have fallen in love with. I found it to be a very enjoyable read and to have that same wonderful writing style that makes it so easy to become lost in the story.

Overall I will tell you this made me think about life in general and how positive thinking is a part of my own life. I myself try not to worry about things I can not fix but to believe in the positive that they will work out. 

If you have had a chance to read Ms. Augustine's work in the past then you really should check out this A Soul's Kiss. I think you will enjoy it. If you haven't had a chance to read Ms. Augustine's work in the past, give this one a try. It's really short read and will give you a nice taste of her work. 

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on A Soul's Kiss. 

You may find more of my reviews on Grace Augustine's work here.

Amazon Buy Link:

   A Soul's Kiss 

Sultry Sensations by Grace Augustine ~ Acorn Hills Series ~ Review

Sultry Sensations is the third installment in the Acorn Hills Series by the talented and lovely Grace Augustine. I have had the pleasure of reading all three books so far and I loved each one. Each one of the Acorn Hills books has touched my heart deeply. However, I think that Sultry Sensations has had the deepest emotional impact on me. 

Ms. Augustine has outdone herself with this book. I always love this lady's work but Sultry Sensation deals with many emotional issues that really reached out and pull hard on my heart strings.

Sultry Sensations is the name of the shop owned by Denise Berrie in Acorn Hills. In this book we learn all about Denise's past. My heart broke for this poor girl who has survived so much and has endured so many troubles, traumatic events, and loss. Ms. Augustine has done a great job of telling us about Denise and what made her the lady she is today. I sure do not want to tell you to much about the story because I wouldn't want to spoil it for anyone. I will tell you that I felt an instant connection to Denise. 

Denise is such a sweet girl but has trouble with friends. That is until she meets Jillian and Ginger. These two quickly adopt Denise right into their tight knit group of friends when they were just teenagers. Events make it so that they are unable to always be together but no mater what they are always their for each other. I love the strong friendship ties in this book. It shows that family doesn't have to be blood to be family. Denise is welcomed deeply into a family and she loves them dearly just as they love her. 

Ms. Augustine deals with some really tough issues in this book. She has done a great job of showing us the emotions that Denise goes through with each issue that she has to face. 

If you have had a chance to read Bittersweet or Mystic Capers then you too have met Denise prior to Sultry Sensations. I have been looking forward to reading her story. I just knew that this lady had a story to be sold that was going to reveal so many things about her. 

Sultry Sensation is the third book in the Acorn Hills series however, if you haven't had a chance to read the two prior books you won't have any problem reading this as a stand alone. Grace Augustine has done a fabulous job of making each book contain enough information that they can be read on their own. However they are all so awesome I think you are going to want to read them all. That way you can meet the whole group from Acorn Hills. 

Holiday Hide and Seek is also just released. I have it next in my to be read pile. I believe it is going to reveal a little more information about Denise's life in the present day. I don't know for sure but I have a feeling there is more to learn. 

If you enjoy a small town romance style book then you will love this series. Acorn Hills is not a small town but it gives you that small town feeling. I think that is because this group of friends are so close and own these fun businesses that I would love to visit. 

If your weather looks like mine did a few days ago then Sultry Sensations would make a good book to curl up with and stay warm. 

I was given the opportunity to read this great story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Sultry Sensations. 

You may find more of my reviews on Grace Augustine's work here.

Amazon Buy Links:


  Holiday Hide and Seek

Sultry Sensations

  Mystic Capers

  Bittersweet

A Soul's Kiss by Grace Augustine ~ The Diva of the Guides Series ~ Release Spotlight ~

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BLURB:

Have you ever wondered about what your future holds? Walk into the world of Karan Seymour, Diva to the Guides. She's ready to share what the Universe has in store for you.

**Note from Crystal** This book is in my to be read pile. I can't wait to read A Soul's Kiss. So stay tuned for my review SOON. 

You may find my reviews on Grace Augustine's work here...  

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Buy Link:

Amazon 

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Author Bio:

Internationally known author, Grace Augustine, was born in Shelby, Montana and grew up in Cut Bank, Montana (dubbed as The Coldest Spot in the Nation). Her work career has taken her from title and abstracting to administrative assistant church work to co-owning a small town weekly newspaper to her current profession as a floral designer.

Grace thinks of herself as a "Jill" of most trades and is not afraid to learn new things. "If you can't learn something new each day, there's something wrong," she says.

The ideas for her Acorn Hills series stem from her growing up years as well as the issues she has had to overcome along the way. "I've developed a new romance category...for the over 50 crowd...I'm calling it the salt and pepper genre. My books deal with real life issues, overcoming adversity, maintaining a positive outlook, and so much more. Just because we are 50 yrs old or older doesn't mean that life stops. We all still want attention and affection and adventure! We want to experience all life has to offer. We use our age as wisdom to share with those around us. We are sexual,sensual, and sensible," Grace explains. 

Augustine was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in July of 2003. Her thoughts on that "It may slow me down, but if I can at all do it, I will. Sitting and feeling sorry for yourself isn't the answer...living your life with an open, joy-filled heart is."

Social Links:

Facebook | Website

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#Review - Special Occasions by Grace Augustine

Everyone has a favorite series that you just can't wait for the next book to release right? Then you hear it's the last book in the series. Your still excited but suddenly there is a touch of sadness to go with the excitement of the new book coming because it's the last. That is exactly how I feel about The Acorn Hill Series by Grace Augustine. I fell in love with this series from book one and I've loved them all along the way. I've been impatiently awaiting Jillian's story and now it's HERE! 

Each of the friends in this series have become friends to me. I enjoy each and every trip when I visit my friends in Acorn Hills. I love visiting Richard's Relics to check out the new finds, Jillian's Special Occasions to grab a nice bouquet of flowers, David's Turner's for lunch and a drink maybe, Ginger's Mystic Capers for dessert, Denise's Sultry Sensations for a special treat, then drop in for a visit with Jordan at the gallery for the latest art display. 

I think Jillian has been my favorite character in this series. I've loved them all so maybe it changes with each book. Jillian has been through so much in life. I have to say some of the scenes in this book touched my heart immensely because they hit really close to home for me right now. I admit to crying and being a little chocked up for a while after reading a few scenes. Jillian is one strong lady though. I admire her strength and courage it must have taken to pick up life and raise her two young boys alone. Not completely alone though she had the support of her friends especially Richard whom was right next door.

Not only did this wonderful woman suffer the loss of her husband at a young age. She suffered the loss of another love along the way. She's been cheated on, loved from afar, made a successful business, supported her friends along the way, raise two wonderful children, and found her soul mate and second chance of true love. 

Now in Special Occasions Jillian thinks back on her life and share memories with her children and with us lucky readers.  We also get to see what's happening now with everyone in the little circle of friends and with their children. 

Denise is one of my favorite characters too. I think I bonded with her over MS. Ms. Augustine has done a great job of show how much life can change on a daily basis or hourly basis with MS in your life. It's not a joy but it's a challenge to make it through each new normal. 

There are a few surprises to be had in this book. One is HUGE and it's just for Richard's birthday. I have to say Jillian has done a great job with those sons of hers. I won't tell you more than that. I'll leave it there so you may enjoy the surprise as much as I did. 

All in all it was a wonderful trip to Acorn Hills. It was great to see everyone and catch up on what they have been doing since my last visit. I'm said to see this is the last book in Acorn Hills. Maybe with a little luck Ms. Augustine will bring some of my friends in for a visit in one of her new upcoming books. 

As I said this is part of the Acorn Hill series, book seven to be exact, however I think you will find it can stand on it's own just fine. I think you would enjoy it just fine if this is your first trip to Acorn Hills, however if you have had the chance to read the other books this one will probably touch your heart a little more. I highly recommend the WHOLE series, they are all completely awesome. 

I was given the chance to read this spectacular book and it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you. 

You may find more of my reviews on Grace Augustine's work here.


Special Occasions Amazon Buy Link 


Richard's Relics Amazon Buy Link
My Review

 
Holiday Promises 

  
Holiday Hide and Seek
My Review


Sultry Sensations
My Review
  
Mystic Capers
My Review

  
Bittersweet
My Review

Holiday Hide and Seek by Grace Augustine ~Acorn Hills Book 4 ~ Review

Are you looking for a great place to visit for the holidays? Why not join me and some of my favorite characters on a quick trip to Acorn Hills. I always enjoy visiting the gang of Acorn Hills and visiting all their fun businesses. This year they have a lot going on to celebrate the Christmas Holiday. 


Ginger and Jordan have invited all their family, friends, and staff for a dinner to be held at the Galleria. There will be plenty of yummy food, good drinks, and wonderful friends to catch up with. 

Besides all the fun holiday activities there are a few secrets revealed, a couple that finally express their feelings for each other, a few really wonderful family reunions, and Denise learns more about her diagnosis. 

I don't want to tell you to many things about this wonderful short holiday story. Just in case you have not had a chance to read Sultry Sensations I don't want to give anything away. You really will want to read Sultry Sensations before reading Holiday Hide and Seek. If you have not had a chance to read Bittersweet or Mystic Capers yet, you will be OK with reading Sultry Sensations as a stand alone. However I think you will enjoy all the books in this series. I have loved the opportunity of getting to know everyone better with each book. 

Grace Augustine has written a wonderful story that left me feeling like I really did take a quick trip to Acorn Hills for a visit with friends. I could feel myself visiting the shops, grabbing a bite to eat, and picking up some flowers to take home to enjoy. 

Ms.Augustine left me wondering just what is going to happen with a certain couple next. I can't wait to read the next book in this series and find out. 

If you enjoy a small town feel romance series, then you really should give Grace Augustine's work a try. I think you will enjoy it. I know I have been hooked from page one of Bittersweet. I'm still hooked and Holiday Hide and Seek is the fourth book in this series. I am impatiently awaiting number five. 

I was given the opportunity to read this great book so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Holiday Hide and Seek.

You may read more of my reviews on Grace Augustine's work here. 



Happy Holidays to everyone! 

Amazon Buy Links: 
 Holiday Hide and Seek


Sultry Sensations

  Mystic Capers

  Bittersweet

#Review - Richard's Relics by Grace Augustine ~ Acorn Hills

Are you looking for that perfect book that is going to touch every emotion? Oh my do I have a recommendation for you. Richard's Relics by Grace Augustine is one of those books that touched each and every emotion. I most certainly am issuing a Kleenex warning on this one. Grab your copy of Richard's Relics, grab the Kleenex box, and settle in for a fabulous story. 


I have loved each and everyone of the Acorn Hills series books. They are all wonderful. I didn't realize just how much I had missed Acorn Hills and all my friends there until I started reading Richard's Relics. It was wonderful to catch up with everyone and see how they were doing. 

Richard Dempsey has been through so much. Since returning from serving his country in Vietnam, life hasn't been easy. The dreams and memories are still so real he has a hard time dealing with everything. He has been in love with his childhood friend, Jillian for so long but doesn't want her to have to deal with his issues. 

Richard and his pal David along with another member of their squad return to Saigon to try to slay all those memories and try to get past the past. I won't tell you what happens after that. I will tell you that drama, fear, tears, and love play a big part in this book. 

Grace Augustine has put her heart, soul, and a boat load of  tears into this wonderful story. She has captured all the emotions and drama of what I am sure a lot of men and women have felt when they return home for serving our great country. The description and feelings that are so well described certainly tugged at my heart. 

My emotions were all over the place while reading this book. I loved catching up with Jillian, Ginger, Denise, Richard, David, and Jillian's kids again. It was great to visit with everyone, stopping in at all my favorite business owned by this fabulous group of friends. My heart broke for Richard, David, Jillian, and Denise. The drama and experience they endure is overwhelming and so well written that I went through with them. 

Each book in this series has been fabulous and I been captivated by each book. I think Richard's Relics just might be my favorite so far.It's backed with drama, joy, laughter, trauma, tears, friends, family, and a whole lot of love.

 I just heard there is a new Holiday Acorn Hills book out now too. I will be getting my hands on that right away. I can not wait to read it and see what Ms. Augustine has written for us now. 

I was given the opportunity to read this fabulous story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thought with you.

You may find my reviews on more of Grace Augustine's work here.

Richard's Relics Amazon Buy Link


 Holiday Promises 

  Holiday Hide and Seek

Sultry Sensations

  Mystic Capers

  Bittersweet

Bittersweet by Grace Augustine ~ Acorn Hills Series ~

I was very excited when I was lucky enough to win a copy of Bittersweet as a prize in a contest. I am always so thrilled to find new to me authors.To me a new author creates another wonderful world for me to step into. I have found a lot of new favorite authors by chance and Grace Augustine is now on that list. She is a very talented lady that has written an very enthralling story.

Grace Augustine has written interesting and charismatic characters that I really enjoyed meeting. She also has created a fun town full of businesses that are described so well you feel like you could walk right into Tuners and have a drink or stop by Richard's Relics and browse his wonderful inventory. 

Jake Evans is a successful CEO full of ambition to make his company even better. He has a wonderful girlfriend Jillian, but he also has a fondness for the playboy lifestyle he has always lived. Jake is charming and handsome which can sometimes successfully get this man in some serious trouble. In his own way I liked Jake, he's not a bad guy just a REALLY BAD boyfriend.

Jillian has a wonderful circle of friends that own and run some of the most well described businesses I have ever read about. I loved all her friends and how they have each other's back always! I love series books that are written around a group. I can't wait to see what Ms. Augustine has in store for the next book in the Acorn Hills series. I do know that it most certainly be will be on my must read list as soon as possible. 

I have once again found myself another WONDERFUL new author that has totally captured my attention with just one book. I can't wait to see where this series leads and what wonderful stories Grace Augustine has in store for us really lucky readers. 

Bittersweet is the first book in the Acorn Hills series. If you enjoy a nice romantic story with some drama, a few unexpected turns, a fun group of characters, and a well written story line, Then I think you should give this one a try. If you get a chance to read this book, I hope you will stop by to let me know what you thought of it. I think you will enjoy it, I know I certainly did. 

Grace Augustine ~ Bittersweet ~ Mystic Capers ~ Acorn Hill Series ~ Interview ~ Cover Reveal ~

Acorn Hill Series

Bittersweet

Mystic Capers

By Grace Augustine 

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Interview:

Crystal: Grace Augustine has stopped by today and so graciously agreed to answered a few questions for us. She also brought us her beautiful new cover for Mystic Capers and a couple of excerpts. Oooooooo we are in for a treat.Welcome Grace, it is so nice to have you here today Grace. Would you share a little bit about yourself with us today?

Grace: Thank you so much, Crystal, for inviting me to be on your blog.  I have been writing for a long time, since I was 9 yrs old, actually. 8 yrs ago I started what I tagged “therapeutic” writing to deal with the issues in my life at that time.  I tossed it in a file in my desk and forgot about it until last year.  Something urged me to get it out and finish it and Bittersweet was born.  Besides writing I work as a floral designer, I design custom jewelry, raise African violets and love Celtic music.

Crystal: Do you have a favorite scene you would like to share with us?

Grace: My favorite scene has to be the very first chapter of Bittersweet when the door closes and the glass shatters. Somehow when you read those words you can actually hear what you are reading.

Crystal: Where did you come up with the idea for Bittersweet?

Grace: Actually, Crystal, the idea for the whole Acorn Hills series is a culmination of my life. Each character is a facet of me…the towns that are mentioned are combinations of the towns I’ve lived in and worked in.  But they also have a whole lot of imagination as well!

Crystal: What are you currently working on?

Grace: Currently Book 2 of the Acorn Hills series, Mystic Capers, is ready to be released in late February.  I am 17 chapters into Book 3, Sultry Sensations.  There are two more books planned for this series, Richard’s Relics and Special Occasions.  I am hoping they all release by the end of 2014.   I have plans for a 2^nd generation series and already naming characters and lining up models for my covers.

Crystal: Do you have any special routine that you follow when you are writing?

Grace: Oh gosh, Crystal, I wish I could say yes, but I really don’t. I work Thursdays and Fridays and I try NOT to write on those days. Any other day begins with coffee and Ezekiel bread raisin toast, an hour of journaling, centering, praying then sitting down to write.  I set the goal of at least 3000 words a day. Sometimes I succeed, sometimes I don’t…yet other times I do more. 

Crystal: Did you have to do a lot of research for this book or any other? If so do you have a fascinating fact that you have learned you would like to share with us?

Grace: Not much research for the first 3 books, but for Richard’s Relics there is a lot of research involved. Richard is a Vietnam vet. I grew up in that era, but because it was happening…it was the news, it wasn’t history, so it wasn’t taught in school.  Last Memorial Day weekend, the History channel had a 12 hr program on Vietnam.  I watched the entire 12 hours and took a lot of notes. I learned a lot about that war and those who fought it.  I am hoping to talk to a couple local Vietnam vets for more information for background.

Crystal: Who are some of your favorite authors that you like to read?

Grace: My most favorite book of all time is “God on a Harley” by Joan Brady.  I enjoyed the Blossom Street series by Debbie Macomber. Recently read Chasing Victory by Joanne Jaytanie and I cannot wait to read the next two books in the series.  There are a lot of new to me authors…Jennifer Theriot, Travis Casey, Angela Ford, Gina Ardito….along with the classy ladies such as Karen Hawkins, Donna Kauffman, and Kristan Higgans.

Crystal: Is there a genre you haven't written that you would like to try?

Grace: I’ve been approached by a couple people to write their stories, so maybe biographies or self help books.

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Author Bio:

 

Grace Augustine is a native of Northern Montana. She is the mother of 2 adult sons and a “Jill” of most trades. Her hobbies include creating unique beaded jewelry, knitting, crocheting, music, old movies and raising African violets. She currently resides in rural Iowa.  Grace would love to hear from her readers. Email her at graceau57@gmail.com

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Excerpt from Bittersweet:

                The town of Acorn Hills nestled snugly at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range with the Klikatka River meandering through the middle of town. It was a community that was booming with businesses; top ranked schools and friendly, welcoming people. The economy was stable. Dairy and fruit farms dotted the land and the citizens, for the most part, took pride in what their town had to offer. The welcome sign at the entrance to the city summed it up well… “Acorn Hills, home of 35,000 amazing residents with a few nuts mixed in for good measure!”

                Jake Evans had driven past that sign so many times in his life. Now that he was home again, he’d drive by it a couple times a day, at least. He smiled as he remembered more of why he was back in Acorn Hills.

                Living on the East Coast opened Jake’s eyes to a lot of differences between the big city and his home town, but now he had to return to Acorn Hills. The death of his father brought him back.  Because of that fact, he now not only owned a business but also ran a business; he a new life to live, new people to meet. And, this would allow him to check up on Jillian Halloran, the woman of his dreams.

You May find my review of Bittersweet here.... 

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Excerpt from Mystic Capers, Book 2 of the Acorn Hills series:

                Ginger was smiling so much her cheeks hurt. Jordan knew her so well…he always knew what she needed even before she knew! Their dance ended with a beautiful twirl and dip with Jordan bending over and kissing her before standing her back up.  The crowd erupted with shouts of appreciation for the true art they’d just witnessed.

                “Oh, Jordan,” Ginger began. “This is incredible. All of it!” She placed her hand on his cheek and looked lovingly into his eyes. “Thank you. Thank you for being the man in my life. Thank you for sharing all the bad stuff and the good stuff.” She threw her arms around his neck and just stood there swaying, hugging him. “I do love you so much,” she whispered in his ear.

                Another familiar tune began but she was oblivious to what was going on. She was just in her own little moment. She was amazed at the accomplishments she had achieved. She had “come into her own” as the old adage said, and she was going to relish every moment of it.

Note from Crystal .... I can not wait to read this book! I hope you are all as excited for the release as I am.