The Lake, the Spark, and the stand he never made until now
Excerpt from 43° North by Alana Grace
The lake stretched out before her, calm and endless, reflecting the soft blush of dawn. Shannon took a deep breath, the crisp air filling her lungs, grounding her in a way she hadn’t felt in years.
She wasn’t running anymore. Not from the past, not from the mistakes, not from the life she’d left behind. Here, on this quiet shore, she could start to unravel the tangled threads of who she used to be and weave something new.
Then he was there—quiet, steady. Nick didn’t ask for her stories; he waited until she was ready to tell them. And when their hands brushed, it wasn’t a spark—it was a slow, steady burn, like embers glowing beneath ashes, waiting to be fanned to life.
But peace, she learned, was never simple. Sometimes it was messy, loud, and complicated. And sometimes, the past showed up just when you thought you were finally free.
Hello BookLovers,
It’s time for a steamy contemporary romance! Our pick is 43° North by Alana Grace, book two in The Newfound Lake Series.
Shannon didn’t just leave her past behind—she arrived in a small lake town to heal, breathe, and find herself again. She wasn’t looking for love, but life had other plans.
With the support of a fierce new circle of friends, she slowly opened up to Nick—the steady, present spark who saw her as a new beginning, not a broken past. Their connection was real, slow-burning, and full of promise.
But just as she started to trust her joy, her ex showed up—not with apologies, but chaos. His disruptions shook her world and threatened the peace she fought so hard to build.
Now, Shannon faces a choice—not between two men, but between who she was, who she is, and who she’s meant to become. Will she stay quiet to keep the peace or speak out to protect it?
This isn’t about starting over. It’s about becoming unapologetic in her truth.
Ready to dive in? 43° North will have your eyes glued to the pages. Dare to pick it up?
Happy Reading!
Alice McMurtry
ReadMyBook.net
P.S. While catching up on book blogs and reviews, I’ll also be working on my next manuscript and reading The Great Migration by Steve Ramirez. I’m excited that a few other book-stagrammers will be reading it around the same time—can’t wait to share thoughts!
~Also, don’t forget to check out the book review on Good Reads, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon,. :-)
In Light N Love!
Love and Rebellion: A Perfect Combination
What makes Ghost stand out in the world of dystopian fiction is how the author H.M. DuVal balances both the personal and the political. Pen and Able’s love story isn’t just about two people fighting for each other; it’s about fighting for freedom in a world that doesn’t allow it. Their journey isn’t just emotional—it’s an act of rebellion with a higher purpose.
As the plot unfolds, we see Pen and Able wrestle with impossible choices: Can they stay true to their love while navigating a world that seeks to destroy it? How much are they willing to sacrifice for a moment of happiness? These questions hit hard, making every chapter pulse with tension and desire.
Will you be reading this fourth book in the series for A Dream Walkers Series?
I also hope you check out the book review on Amazon as well.
Happy Reading!
~Alice McMurtry
readmybook.net
Mystery, Mayhem, and Mindfulness: What False Findings Can Teach Us About Staying Safe
There’s something special about a good mystery novel—the kind that grabs your attention, keeps you guessing, and introduces characters you can’t help but root for. J.C. Fuller’s False Finding does just that. With a cozy island setting and familiar faces like Deputy Lane, Park Ranger Philip, and the ever-unforgettable Hattie, Fuller weaves a suspenseful, page-turning tale full of twists and unexpected turns. It’s the kind of story that keeps your heart racing and your eyes scanning for clues, just like any good mystery should.
But beyond the fiction, False Finding offers a subtle reminder of something very real: the importance of being aware of your surroundings and prepared for the unexpected.
As readers, we follow the characters through tense moments, critical decisions, and dangerous scenarios—many of which could echo real-life situations. Whether it’s a nighttime walk, an unfamiliar place, or a gut feeling that something isn’t right, self-protection isn’t just for crime novels. It’s something we all need to think about.
So here are a few real-world takeaways inspired by this gripping mystery:
1. Trust Your Instincts.
Just like Hattie and the crew follow their hunches, you should listen to yours. If something feels off, it probably is.
2. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings.
Put the phone away for a few minutes and take in what’s going on around you. Awareness is the first step to safety.
3. Be Prepared, Not Paranoid.
Carrying pepper spray, knowing basic self-defense moves, or even just sharing your location with a trusted friend can make a big difference.
4. Community Matters.
One of the biggest strengths in False Finding is the tight-knit community. In real life, building connections—knowing your neighbors, checking in with friends—can be a powerful safety net.
If you're wondering where to begin with personal protection, I’d love to introduce you to two amazing women who are making a real difference. They’re both part of Damsel in Defense, a company dedicated to equipping people—especially women—with the tools and knowledge to stay safe and confident every day.
✨ Meet Christina Harris
You can find her on Facebook: Christina Harris on Facebook
And check out her Damsel page:
👉www.mydamselpro.net/CHRISTINAHARRIS
✨ Check out Lupe Martinez’s page too:
👉 www.mydamselpro.net/PRO37435
These women are passionate about helping others feel empowered and prepared—not afraid. Whether it’s self-defense tools, safety training, or simply having someone in your corner, they’ve got you covered.
So next time you pick up a good mystery, let it remind you of your own strength, your own story, and your right to feel safe—wherever life takes you.
From the author of Friction Strikes a Light Within
– Alice McMurtry
