When not visiting local farmer’s markets or indulging her love for chocolate, Andrea Hurst is an author and literary agent. Her passion for books drives her to find and write stories that take readers on a journey to another place and leave them with an unforgettable impression.
Andrea tops today’s Buffet with Always with You, a bittersweet and poignant love story of a woman trapped between temptation and the ties that bind.
Andrea is a developmental editor for publishers and authors, an instructor in Creative Writing at the Northwest Institute of Literary Arts, and a webinar presenter for Writers’ Digest. She lives with her two dachshunds in the Pacific Northwest, on an island much like the fictional Madrona, with all of its natural beauty and small town charm.
As usual, each book listed here has gone FREE within the past 24 hours (except for the “Bargain Books” at the bottom of this page). Warning: Kindle book promotions can end without notice, so before downloading click the link “See Kindle price at Amazon” to verify that the book is still free. (Prices and availability may differ outside USA.)
Always with You
Women’s Fiction > Romance
Author: Andrea Hurst
1977 is a glorious time to be alive in the beautiful wine country of Northern California, and Cathy has everything she thought she wanted – from a thriving health food café to loyal friends.
Since the devastating failure of her short-lived marriage, Cathy has buried herself in her work and kept men at arm’s length. But when an old high school friend, Pam, brings her family for a short stay, Cathy’s stone walls begin to crumble when she meets Jamie. Jamie, whose compassion and warmth slowly break down her defenses. Jamie, whose devotion to his four-year-old daughter melts Cathy’s heart and makes her desperate for a family of her own. Jamie… who is married to Pam.
A profound love that transcends time and place is impossible to resist. But is love more important than friendship? Are loyalty and fidelity an anchor or a chain? In the end, it’s all about choices – tough ones that can break hearts. Now Cathy must make the most difficult choice of her life.
Pocket Your Dollars: 5 Attitude Changes That Will Help You Pay Down Debt, Avoid Financial Stress, & Keep More of What You Make
Personal Finance > Budgeting & Money Management
Author: Carrie Rocha
Countless free budget plans are available for every possible income level and stage of life. So why do more than 60 percent of U.S. households still live paycheck to paycheck? The key to financial stability and success isn’t just about money–it’s about attitudes.
Rocha uses the lessons she learned overcoming personal debt to teach readers how to triumph over the lies we tell ourselves, such as “I deserve a treat,” “Fake it till you make it,” and “I can’t afford it.” Each chapter uses real-life examples to explain faulty thinking about money, followed by step-by-step instructions for how to overcome these pitfalls. Budgets are helpful, but real change won’t happen without a financial attitude adjustment.
Armed and Outrageous (Agnes Barton Senior Sleuths Mystery, Book 1)
Mystery > Cozy > Humor
Author: Madison Johns, Robert Walker
Agnes Barton is not your typical senior citizen living in Tadium, MI, on the shores of Lake Huron. She drives a red hot Mustang, shops at Victoria’s Secret, rankles local police officials, and has a knack for sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong.
What does a murder that happened forty-three years ago have to do with missing tourist Jennifer Martin? Agnes makes it her personal mission to find out, and she’s not letting the fact she’s seventy-two get in the way. Butting heads with Sheriff Clem Peterson is something she’s accustomed to, but lately Clem seems to be acting even more strange, making Agnes wonder what he may be hiding ala the Martin disappearance.
Agnes’ partner in crime, Eleanor Mason tags along, Watson to her Holmes. Together, they unearth clues. If only Eleanor would behave, as although lovable, she has a knack for getting into trouble by tangling with her rival, Dorothy Alton, or flirting with anyone—male or female—and gossiping! She’s incorrigible, but she does carry a Pink Lady revolver in her purse, one that has proved useful at times.
Life for Agnes and Eleanor is shaken up when Agnes’ former boss and secret crush comes to Tadium. Before long, the lady sleuths have more on their hands to contend with as goons roll into town and bullets begin to fly.
Alex
Suspense > Horror
Author: Adam J Nicolai
Ian Colmes fears he’s going mad.
His son, Alex, was killed six months ago. The boy was only five years old. In the wake of his death, Ian drove his wife away and nearly lost his job. Now, alone in an empty house, Ian is seeing his son again.
Every vision is a repeat of something Alex said or did in life: aching memories replaying themselves for Ian’s eyes alone. Are these images of Alex real? Has he found a way back, to forgive or condemn his father?
Or has Ian’s sorrow quickened into psychosis?
Against The Odds (Anna Dawson #1)
Mystery > Women Sleuths
Author: Mara Jacobs
My name is Anna Dawson, and I’m a professional poker player. And I’m good. Very good. But, I also have a little bit of a problem with placing bets on a sporting events. Not so good.
Sometimes my little problem becomes a whole lot of trouble and I need to resort to some, shall we say, less than stellar actions to get out of debt. So, I become my alter ego, JoJo, and fix college basketball games. Hey, a victimless crime, no one’s the wiser, and it’s better than the alternative, which is a drive into the desert with my loan shark and a shovel in the trunk. Although, it has to be said, my loan shark is pretty good looking.
I love Vegas, and I love the life I’ve built, but when one of my friends is murdered, and another one shot at, I know I need to take a serious look at myself. And I need to call in the big guns. Even if that means teaming up with detective Jack Schiller, a man who’s dealing with his own problems. But dang, he sure is sexy. Right now I’m just trying to juggle protecting my friends, helping sexy detective Jack while not letting him get to close, and finding a murderer. And, oh yeah, no one can learn about JoJo, or this will be the last hand I’m dealt.
Another Chance
Romance > Westerns
Author: Michelle Beattie
Being a veterinarian in the late 1800’s is difficult enough, but for Jillian Matthews it’s impossible. Not allowed in the vet schools, she trained at her father’s side until she had the skills needed to move west. Jillian accepts an advertisement for a position in Montana, using only her initials which happen to be same as her father’s. Convinced that in the untamed west, her skills will be valued and appreciated, regardless of her gender, she’s quickly proved wrong.
Wade Parker is sure the pretty redhead claiming to be the vet he sent for is one of his ranch hands’ practical jokes but the fiery woman very quickly puts him in his place. His impression, however, turns south when the animal she operated on later dies. With a ranch on the verge of bankruptcy, losing an animal was the last thing he could afford and he can’t help thinking the old vet, the male doctor, wouldn’t have let his animal die.
With Wade’s initial reaction guiding them, the town is quick to want Jillian out. But the more Wade gets to know Jillian, the more he sees her grit and compassion, the harder he falls for her. When Wade realizes he was too hasty in his judgment and urges the town to give Jillian another chance, he makes more than few enemies. Enemies that would do almost anything to get her out, and to make sure Wade doesn’t take her side again.
Weathered Too Young
Historical Romance
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Lark Lawrence was alone. In all the world there was no one who cared for her. Still, there were worse things than independence—and Lark had grown quite capable of providing for herself. Nevertheless, as winter loomed, she suddenly found herself with no means by which to afford food and shelter—destitute.
Yet, Tom Evans was a kind and compassionate man. When Lark Lawrence appeared on his porch, without pause he hired her to keep house and cook for himself and his cantankerous elder brother, Slater. And although Tom had befriended Lark first, it would be Slater Evans—handsome, brooding and twelve years Lark’s senior—who would unknowingly abduct her heart.
Still, Lark’s true age (which she when concealed at first meeting the Evans brothers) was not the only truth she had kept from Slater and Tom Evans. Darker secrets lay imprisoned deep within her heart—and her past. However, it is that secrets are made to be found out—and Lark’s secrets revealed would soon couple with the arrival of a woman from Slater’s past to forever shatter her dreams of winning his love—or so it seemed. Would truth and passion mingle to capture Lark the love she’d never dared to hope for?
TODAY’S BARGAINS……………What’s this?
Southern Living Heirloom Recipe Cookbook: The Food We Love From The Times We Treasure
Cooking Education & Reference
Author: Editors of Southern Living Magazine
Regularly $22.95, Today $1.99
Due to technical issues, Southern Living Heirloom Recipe Cookbook should only be viewed on the Kindle Fire at this time, not the Paperwhite.
The pages of this timeless cookbook from Southern Living come to life like you’re sitting around the family dining table, with hundreds of cherished recipes that bring back memories of the best of times with family and friends.
The food staff of Southern Living has uncovered and updated a treasure-trove of heirloom recipes that will be relied on for generations to come. These recipes will “stick around” and are staples for family get-togethers, church suppers, and covered dish dinners. They are unforgettable and memory evoking, and thus won’t ever go out of style. From an aunt’s famous buttermilk biscuits, to country-fried steak, homestyle meatloaf, double-crust peach pie, and homemade bread and butter pickles, over 200 of our highest-rated recipes have been selected for this unique collection of prized family favorites.
As more consumers look for ways to enjoy family and home in today’s economy, this is a perfect “feel good” book that brings back memories of “the good ole days” and has a classic vintage look but includes all the great flavors and expert advice readers expect from Southern Living. Perfect for the holiday season, this book is a celebration of Southern traditions, filled with all-time favorite recipes like those handed down from generation to generation.
What NOT to Give Your Mom on Mother’s Day
Children’s Books > Family Life
Author: Martha Simpson, Jana Christy
Regularly $3.99, Today $1.99
A little boy offers advice on what NOT to give your mom on Mother’s Day, unless she’s an animal. For example, don’t give her a rotting log unless she’s a salamander, or a bunch of flies unless she’s a spider! What would Mom like best?
Everyday Happy Herbivore: Over 175 Quick-and-Easy Fat-Free and Low-Fat Vegan Recipes
Cookbooks, Food & Wine > Vegetables & Vegetarian
Author: Lindsay S. Nixon
Regularly $19.95, Today $2.99
After vegan chef Lindsay S. Nixon wrapped up her popular cookbook The Happy Herbivore Cookbook last year, she went back to her kitchen in her new home of St. Maarten. Island living encouraged her to come up with simpler recipes, which led her to create a follow-up cookbook with a focus on recipes that bring tasty back to quick-and-easy.Now, in Nixon’s much-anticipated follow-up cookbook, Everyday Happy Herbivore, readers will see, once again, that just because plant-based eating is optimal for health, that doesn’t mean it has to be expensive or time-consuming.Everyday Happy Herbivore will include more than 175 doable recipes—recipes that are so quick and easy, you could cook three healthy meals from scratch every day.
Each of Nixon’s recipes are made with wholesome, easy-to-find, fresh ingredients and include no added fats. With additional notes indicating recipes that are ideal for preparing ahead of time and those you can whip up with just a few dollars, Everyday Happy Herbivore will be the must-have cookbook for anyone desiring a healthier, happier menu!
I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead: The Life and Times of Warren Zevon
Biographies & Memoirs > Entertainers
Author: Crystal Zevon
Regularly $9.99, Today $1.99
When Warren Zevon died in 2003, he left behind a rich catalog of dark, witty rock ‘n’ roll classics, including “Lawyers, Guns and Money,” “Excitable Boy,” and the immortal “Werewolves of London.” He also left behind a fanatical cult following and veritable rock opera of drugs, women, celebrity, genius, and epic bad behavior. As Warren once said, “I got to be Jim Morrison a lot longer than he did.”
Narrated by his former wife and longtime co-conspirator Crystal Zevon, this intimate and unusual oral history draws on interviews with Bruce Springsteen, Stephen King, Bonnie Raitt, and numerous others who fell under Warren’s mischievous spell. Told in the words and images of the friends, lovers, and legends who knew him best, I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead captures Warren Zevon in all his turbulent glory.
Instant Mom
Humor > Parenting & Families
Author: Nia Vardalos
Regularly $9.99, Today $2.99
Writer and star of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Nia Vardalos firmly believed she was supposed to be a mom, but Mother Nature and modern medicine had put her in a headlock. So she made a choice that shocked friends, family, and even herself: with only fourteen hours’ notice, she adopted a preschooler.
Instant Mom is Vardalos’s poignant and hilarious true chronicle of trying to become a mother while fielding nosy “frenemies” and Hollywood reporters asking, “Any baby news?” With genuine and frank honesty, she describes how she and husband Ian Gomez eventually found their daughter . . . and what happened next. Vardalos explores innovative ways to conquer the challenges all new moms face, from sleep to personal grooming, and learns that whether via biology, relationship, or adoption—motherhood comes in many forms.
The book includes laugh-out-loud behind the scenes Hollywood anecdotes, plus an Appendix on how to adopt worldwide. Vardalos will donate proceeds from the book sales to charities.
… See the rest of today’s Editor’s Picks here on page 2