Though Nicholas Sparks is a favorite author of mine, I haven’t been buying his books like I used to. It is not because I don’t love them. There are so many good books for free on my Kindle that I rarely buy books anymore. However, I recently got a gift certificate, and I splurged on a few books by my favorite authors, including Sparks.
The Wish by Nicholas Sparks brings us to New York City, where Maggie Dawes is a successful photographer with her own gallery. Though she has traveled the world, her illness has kept her close to home for quite a while. As she approaches her last Christmas, she bonds with her new assistant as he discovers the beauty of New York during the holiday season.
During their nights together, she begins to tell him a story of her favorite Christmas, back in 1996. Though she wasn’t happy to be sent to live with her aunt in the remote village of Ocracoke, it turned out to be the best thing for her.
There weren’t many teenagers on the island, so she really struggled until she met Bryce Trickett. Bryce was everything she wasn’t. He was smart and had his whole life planned out, while she was pretty lost and struggling. What started as tutoring turned into something better as he introduced her to photography. Then, they fell in love, but Maggie’s age and Bryce’s drive to succeed and go far kept them apart when Maggie had to return home!
If you love Nicholas Sparks (or you have never read anything of his), you really need to read The Wish.You won’t regret it!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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In Mail Order Mishap by Jennifer Branson, Elizabeth Holt makes a mistake in Boston and is sent to live with her brother in Westwind. She is unhappy about it and will let anyone know about it!
Though George Caldwell came to Westwind for a woman he thought that he loved, he has decided to stick around. The only thing missing is a woman to love, so he sends away for a mail-order Bride.
When the uppity Elizabeth Holt gets dumped by her horse in his proverbial lap, he isn’t sure what to make of her. Will he be able to get past her grumpiness to figure out what will make her happy? Will Elizabeth decide to go back home, or will she find happiness in Westwind?
Another great story in the series. I am sad to see it end!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
In Mail Order Mister by Jennifer Branson, we meet Willa Brown, a young woman who rushes home to save her farm. She had left the farm to begin an apprenticeship as a dressmaker, but had no choice but to return after the loss of her brother, mother, and unborn sibling.
As her father struggles to get out of bed, she has to figure out how to save her farm from debt collectors. She knows that the only way to do so is by getting some money, so marriage is a possibility, but she isn’t sure that she wants to marry a stranger, just to save her family.
When Harrison Holt comes to town to help them rebuild after a devastating fire, their paths quickly pass. He wants to buy a portion of the farm for his next brickyard, while Willa has a different plan. She counters marriage, knowing that she can give him the land, and he can give her the money for the farm. Seems like a win-win if the two of them can get along!
When someone from her past comes along, it threatens to destroy the beginning of something great.
Another sweet romance in this series! You have to check it out!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
In Mail Order Misplay, we meet Gwendolyn Whitely, who has lost everything. When her father dies, she quickly learns that he was in a pile of debt, and she will have to get a job to support herself. She remembers hearing her friend Nadine talk about her job as a Pinkerton Agent and figures she can do it, too!
When Bradley Holmes realizes that he has to marry and train a new recruit, he isn’t happy at all! He is used to being responsible for himself and no one else. When he meets the spoiled woman who hasn’t worked a day in her life, he is even more worried. What is he going to do with her?
Will Gwendolyn find a way to help Bradley so he can see her as an asset rather than a problem? Another great book in the series about mail-order brides!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
In Mail Order Misaim by Jennifer Branson, we meet Nadine Bradford, who thought she would have a home forever with her brother. However, when he marries, she finds herself out on the streets without warning. Before her money runs out, she decides to answer a mail-order Bride advert by the Pinkerton Agency. There, she will marry an agent while training to become one herself.
When Josiah Bell comes in for his next assignment, he is completely taken off guard. To avenge his brother’s death, he must marry his wife and try to finish the case he was working on. However, the two soon find themselves working well together. In fact, they may find themselves fighting their true feelings for each other!
Another great read. I highly recommend this sweet romance series!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
Diamond dot painting has quickly become a favorite hobby for people who love relaxing crafts. The process of placing tiny sparkling diamonds onto a canvas can be incredibly calming, and the finished artwork is often beautiful enough to frame and display.
While many people buy diamond painting kits online, you might be surprised to learn that you can also find them in several everyday stores. Some of these places offer great deals, making it possible to pick up a new project without spending much money.
If you enjoy browsing for budget-friendly craft supplies, here are some surprising places where you can find affordable diamond dot painting kits.
Five Below
One of the most surprising places to find diamond painting kits is Five Below. As the name suggests, most items in this store cost five dollars or less, making it a great place to find affordable craft supplies.
Five Below often carries smaller diamond painting kits that are perfect for beginners or quick weekend projects. These kits usually include everything you need to get started, including the canvas, diamonds, applicator pen, and wax.
Because the designs change regularly, it’s always fun to check the craft section whenever you visit the store. You might discover new designs or seasonal diamond paintings throughout the year.
Marshalls
Another unexpected place to find diamond painting kits is Marshalls. While this store is best known for clothing and home goods, many locations also carry craft supplies in their home décor section.
Diamond painting kits at Marshalls are often larger than those found at discount stores and can sometimes be purchased at significantly reduced prices compared to craft retailers.
Because Marshalls operates on a rotating inventory system, the selection may vary from store to store. That makes browsing the craft aisle feel a bit like a treasure hunt.
T.J. Maxx
Similar to Marshalls, T.J. Maxx is another retailer where diamond painting kits occasionally appear. The store offers discounted items across many categories, including crafts and hobby supplies.
You may find diamond painting kits among art supplies, puzzle sets, or DIY craft kits. Some stores even carry themed designs, such as animals, nature scenes, or seasonal artwork.
Since the inventory changes frequently, checking the craft section during your regular shopping trips can sometimes lead to a great find.
Dollar Tree
Dollar Tree has become a popular destination for budget-friendly craft supplies, and some locations now carry small diamond painting kits or accessories.
While the designs are usually simple, they can be perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a quick, relaxing project. They’re also great for kids who want to try diamond painting for the first time.
Because everything in the store is very affordable, you can experiment with the hobby without worrying about spending a lot of money.
Hobby Lobby (During Sales)
Hobby Lobby is well known for its large selection of crafts, but many people don’t realize how affordable diamond painting kits can be during its frequent sales.
The store regularly offers discounts on craft supplies, and diamond painting kits are often included in those promotions. If you catch a good sale, you may be able to pick up a larger, higher-quality kit for a much lower price.
For diamond painting enthusiasts, watching for sales can be a great way to add new designs to your collection.
Keep an Eye Out for Hidden Craft Deals
One of the fun parts of diamond dot painting is discovering new designs to work on. While online stores offer a huge selection, local retailers can sometimes surprise you with great deals.
Stores like Five Below, Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Dollar Tree, and Hobby Lobby often carry diamond painting kits at affordable prices. Because their inventory changes regularly, you never know when you might find your next favorite project.
If you enjoy bargain hunting, checking these stores from time to time might help you discover beautiful diamond paintings at prices that make the hobby even more enjoyable.
That being said, my favorite places to get quality diamond art pieces for a good price is Temu and Shein. They are much more affordable than most craft stores, if you are just starting out (or if your habit is becoming a little out of control like mine)!
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In Mail Order Miscast by Jennifer Branson, we meet Vivian Humble who can’t believe her father! He has set her up with his business partner, who is as old as he is! That is not all! He cheated on his wife and has spent time with women of ill-repute since her death! She can’t marry him.
Her only choice is to run away and become a mail-order bride, but when she arrives in town, she is surprised to find her intended already married! So, what is a single girl to do?
She runs into Riker, who is running from the law. He is a scoundrel, with one more job, and then he is hoping to run to Mexico with a pile of cash. However, Vivian changes everything! The two marry, to help him with his last job. After he gets his money, he plans to ditch her and run.
But the more time the two spend together, the stronger their feelings grow, until they can’t deny how they really feel about each other. Will Vivian help Riker become legit and start a real life? Or will he run as soon as he gets the chance?
Another great read in the series. I am really enjoying this series about mail-order brides.
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
In Mail Order Misstep by Jennifer Branson, Nolan Buckley is running from a scandal by becoming a Pinkerton Agent. When he shows up for his first job, he is surprised that he must marry in order to work undercover.
Elsie Jenkins’ father promises her to a man who is abusive, but he needs the money more than he cares about his daughter’s welfare. Her only way out is to run. So, she decides to become a mail-order bride for a Pinkerton agent out west.
When the couple meets, they quickly realize that they work better together than alone. But will they allow their hearts to open up and let each other in?
Another sweet romance by Branson. I can’t wait to continue the series!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
In Mail Order Misfit by Jennifer Branson, we meet Cara McGregor, whose only choice is to become a mail-order bride to a widower in the Dakota territory.
When she arrives, she finds herself dealing with a man who doesn’t really want to be married, but can’t raise his children by himself. The children are torn between wanting someone to take care of them and not wanting someone to replace their mother.
They settle into a new routine as a family, until the couple starts to realize that there may be some attraction and affection growing between them. However, their romance gets interrupted when Cara gets arrested for a crime that she didn’t commit.
James isn’t sure what to do. Will he fight for his new wife? Can he save her and his family?
I really enjoy reading mail-order bride books, and this one is no different. I look forward to reading the entire series (and maybe more of Branson’s books)!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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I have really enjoyed Freida McFadden’s Housemaid series, and I couldn’t wait to see how Millie’s story ended in The Housemaid is Watching. It did NOT disappoint!
It starts a few years later. Millie and Enzo are happily married with two children, and they have decided to buy a house outside the city so their children can have room to run and play.
When they finally find their dream home, they can’t believe their luck. They get a home they can barely afford, though it’s much less than the asking price. It needs some work, but they aren’t afraid of some hard work.
Then, they meet the neighbors. First, they meet the Lowell’s, a couple who invited them over for dinner right away. Though they don’t have children, they seem friendly enough. They even have a maid (though she gives Millie a strange feeling).
The other neighbor is harder to meet. They see her watching them through the window, but eventually meet her at the bus stop with their children. She warns them about their neighbors. A young boy vanished years ago.
Millie isn’t sure what is going on, especially when her husband starts working with the Lowells and going out late at night. Her son starts acting strangely. Her entire family seems to be falling apart. Isn’t her new house supposed to be good for her family?
As the book continues, more twists and turns arise, and readers will have NO idea what is going to happen next. I loved every moment of this book, and you will too!
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If you are interested in this book, you can grab it from Amazon right here!
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Please note, this is an affiliate link, where I will receive compensation if you buy the product, without any extra cost to you.
