Sons of Pemberley: A Pride & Prejudice Reimagining by Elizabeth Adams

Hello Austen’s Fans I have a compelling book for you. So grab yourself a cuppa and let me tell you about Elizabeth Adams newest book.

There is a giveaway at the end of this post. So please Enter to Win!

Thanks for joining me on my blog tour stop for Sons of Pemberley by Elizabeth Adams hosted by HFBT!

Publication Date: November 27, 2020

Paperback & eBook; 468 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Regency

What if Lady Anne Darcy was alive to meet Elizabeth Bennet?

A sweeping tale of tragedy, devotion, and betrayal—spanning over 25 years and two generations—this family saga explores the life Fitzwilliam Darcy would have had if his mother had not died young.

An up-close view of the Darcys’ marriage and Fitzwilliam’s childhood … a retelling of the circumstances that shaped the man we have come to love … a reimagining of the friendships and relationships that formed each iconic character … a tale of love, loss, heartbreak, and triumph—that is Sons of Pemberley.

Amazon

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

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SONS OF PEMBERLEY: A PRIDE & PREJUDICE REIMAGINING BY ELIZABETH ADAMS

“If you ever feel your friends wouldn’t save your life if the situation called for it, find new friends.”

Elizabeth Adams has written a wonderfully reimagined Autenque.

I was captivated and enjoyed how the author created a wonderful heartbreaking storyline, while taking liberties with Austen’s characters.

You have George Darcy, Samuel Wickham, Fitzwilliam Darcy and George Wickham., who make up the Sons of Pemberley. This version centers on Lady Anne, a well known character of Jane Austen. Her life and her love story, along with many more characters in Pride & Prejudice.

A richly detailed in-depth family saga, that weaves seamlessly back and forth. Lady Anne and George Darcy, along with their sons make up the eloquently written tale. Adams should be applauded for originality, along with her impeccable characters development.

Told in dual time lines that flow superbly, allowing the reader to become more intimate with the characters. The authors recreation of a beloved classic is masterly done.

Elizabeth Adams is a book-loving, tango-dancing, Austen enthusiast. She loves old houses and thinks birthdays should be celebrated with trips – as should most occasions. She can often be found by a sunny window with a cup of hot tea and a book in her hand.

She writes romantic comedy and comedic drama in both historic and modern settings.

You can find more information, short stories, and outtakes at www.EAdamsWrites.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Monday, February 15
Review at Probably at the Library

Tuesday, February 16
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Wednesday, February 17
Interview at Austenprose
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, February 18
Excerpt at Bookish Rantings

Saturday, February 20
Review at Nursebookie

Monday, February 22
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Tuesday, February 23
Interview at Novels Alive
Interview at Jorie Loves A Story

Wednesday, February 24
Review at Heidi Reads
Review at Novels Alive

We have 2 paperbacks, 2 eBooks, and 2 Audiobook download codes up for grabs during the tour!

The giveaway is open to the US & Canada only and ends on February 24th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Sons of Pemberley
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This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria

Hello Lovelies,

I am back, I have been without power or water during the Texas catastrophe!

Also I am a day late in posting some blog tours. Please forgive for not being able to post anything!

Today is my stop on the This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria.

@tbrbeyondtours & @avictoriantale #thisgoldenflame #TBRBeyondTours #emilyvictoria

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: February 2nd, 2021

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Indigo

One winner will receive a signed finished copy of This Golden Flame and some swag. The giveaway

starts on February 15th and ends on February 22nd.

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fc15a59524/?

Orphaned and forced to serve her country’s ruling group of scribes, Karis wants nothing more than to find her brother, long ago shipped away. But family bonds don’t matter to the Scriptorium, whose sole focus is unlocking the magic of an ancient automaton army.

In her search for her brother, Karis does the seemingly impossible—she awakens a hidden automaton. Intelligent, with a conscience of his own, Alix has no idea why he was made. Or why his father—their nation’s greatest traitor—once tried to destroy the automatons.

Suddenly, the Scriptorium isn’t just trying to control Karis; it’s hunting her. Together with Alix, Karis must find her brother…and the secret that’s held her country in its power for centuries.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

This Golden Flame, is a debut novel by the by the author Emily Victoria.

This is a fast paced moving magical adventure, with engaging characters and a stunning magical system.

The author seamless narration flows perfectly as the book is told by to POV’s. This tale starts with Karis and Alix, kidnapped off the streets of their home island. Karis finds herself forcibly separated from her brother when they were brought to Tallis island.

Karis’s ultimate goal is to find her brother once arriving at the Scriptorium. Seven long years of separation, and during this time she steals books and teaches non-binary character, to a m/m relationship, all of which is openly accepted without problem. But we also get an asexual main character in Karis. Adding more depth to the characters made for a memorable book. This is one book that shrugs off the normal suffering of some books have with their romantic entanglements.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I and am looking forward to reading future work from this author

Emily Victoria is a Canadian prairie girl who writes young adult science fiction and fantasy. When not word-smithing, she likes walking her over-excitable dog, drinking far too much tea, and crocheting things she no longer has the space to store.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

February 15th
Alissa’s booktopia – Interview & Review
ninebookishlives.com – Promo Post
Balancing Books and Beauties – Review & Favourite Quotes

February 16th
Geeky Galaxy – Review & Favourite Quotes
Metaphors and Miscellanea – Review
Books Over Everything – Review

February 17th
stuckinfiction.com – Promo Post
Read in the Clouds – Review
Kait Plus Books – Interview

February 18th
Betwixt The Sheets – Review
The Writer’s Alley – Review, Playlist & Mood Board

February 19th
Fangirl Pixie Blog – Promo post
astralbooks – Review

February 20th
The Book Dutchesses – Promo Post
Luchia Houghton Blog – Review

February 21st
Lu is lost in books – Interview & Review
One More Chapter – Review
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review

 

By Immortal Honor Bound

Welcome to my stop on By Immortal Honor Bound by Danielle Ancona

@anconadanielle @hfvbt

#ByImmortalHonorBound #DanielleAncona #HFVBTBlogTours

By Immortal Honor Bound
by Danielle Ancona

Publication Date: November 4, 2020
Kyanite Publishing LLC
Paperback, 400 pages

Series: Of Alchemy and Angels, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fantasy

 

 

Intrepid warrior angel Malachi faces the fiercest of adversaries of warfare through the centuries, fighting alongside the boldest of gods to defend humankind from the Seraph Rebellion.

Sent to York in the 1620’s, Malachi unexpectedly falls in love with keen and ardent alchemist Daphne Heatherton.

For Malachi, Daphne’s returned devotion is a tenuous gift of fate.

Dark machinations set into play by the fallen archangel, Gideon-leader of the Rebellion-bring Malachi to the brink of defeat and put him to the ultimate test.

Will he choose a mortal love, or will he remain By Immortal Honor Bound?

Alchemy, history, passion, myth, science, legend converge in a timeless battle-will love or honor prove to be the most powerful element of all?

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

A battle is under way between those that follow the archangel Gideon, the leader of Sseraph, who avenges the innocent people of Sodom and Gomorrah. The Celestials who seek keep earth and mortals safe.

The storyline grabs your attention as we follow Malachi, who finds himself relived of his duties and becomes earthbound by the five Celestials. His frequent travels between the celestia and his nonconformist beliefs, makes him more of a target for capture by the Sseraph.

Earthbound, he becomes an Immortal Guardian of the Temple of Thoth

The Thoth is in the process of developing its academic advances of writing and mathematic. When the time is right Malachi, transitions his guardianship of the Thoth temple to that of Katherine the Adamantine. He is needed to ensure the great tutor Aristotle is safe, his philosophy is is counterproductive to the Seraph rebellion.

In 1620 Daphne is given a rare opportunity to study under Master Dante Santorum, the acclaimed alchemist. With her unique gift with the elements she envied by those who are jealous of her apprenticeship to the Master. In a chance meeting Malachi reveals himself to Daphne. Sparks fly and soon Malachi is drawn to Daphne.

Malachi remains in the shadows alway watching and guarding.

An adventurous tale that blends, mythology, alchemy and history, into a clever fantasy. The author’s descriptive narration flows as book expand across lengthy time periods. The characters are well executed and the storyline is highly original. There is a developing romance and the good verses evil is a consistent theme through out the book.

If you enjoy mythology this is great book and you find it a fast paced read.

Pittsburgh has provided an interesting, vibrant and eclectic place to grow up and eventually become a writer of stories. Stories through which History, Science, Alchemy, Romance, High Stakes, and Mythology are woven.

My writing is also touched by ghostly echoes which greet me as I hike or bike through what were once bustling sites from the age of industry of the region, now reclaimed by nature. These are the ethereal remnants of those who shed their blood, sweat and tears onto what is now sacred ground.

Come dive into the stories shaped by these unique forges. The twists in the path are unexpected, fraught with danger, but always worth the journey.

Where passion and love take root unexpectedly, bloom, and somehow manage to survive against all odds, one surprising way or another.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Monday, February 15
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, February 16
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, February 18
Excerpt at Books, Cooks, Looks

Friday, February 19
Interview + Excerpt at Scryptogram

Monday, February 22
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Tuesday, February 23
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, February 25
Excerpt at Novels Alive

Friday, February 26
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Saturday, February 27
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, March 1
Review at Jessica Belmont

Tuesday, March 2
Excerpt at I’m All About Books

Wednesday, March 3
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, March 4
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Friday, March 5
Interview at Passages to the Past

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away an eBook, a signed paperback, and a signed hardcover copy of By Immortal Honor Bound!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

By Immortal Honor Bound
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The Secret Stealers” by Jane Healey Blog Tour in

“The Secret Stealers” by Jane Healey

Release Date: April 1, 2021

About The Book:

A female American spy in Nazi-occupied France finds purpose behind enemy lines in a novel of unparalleled danger, love, and daring by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Beantown Girls.

Anna Cavanaugh is a restless young widow and brilliant French teacher at a private school in Washington, DC. Everything changes when she’s recruited into the Office of Strategic Services by family friend and legendary WWI hero Major General William Donovan.

Donovan has faith in her—and in all his “glorious amateurs” who are becoming Anna’s fast friends: Maggie, Anna’s down-to-earth mentor; Irene, who’s struggling to find support from her husband for her clandestine life; and Julia, a cheerful OSS liaison. But the more Anna learns about the organization’s secret missions, the more she longs to be stationed abroad. Then comes the opportunity: go undercover as a spy in the French Resistance to help steal critical intelligence that could ultimately turn the tide of the war.

Dispatched behind enemy lines and in constant danger, Anna is filled with adrenaline, passion, and fear. She’s driven to make a difference—for her country and for herself. Whatever the risk, she’s willing to take it to help liberate France from the shadows of occupation and to free herself from the shadows of her former life.

About The Author: 

Jane Healey is the Amazon Charts and Washington Post bestselling author of The Beantown Girls and The Saturday Evening Girls Club. When her daughters were young, Jane Healey left a career in high tech to fulfill her dream of writing historical fiction about little-known women in history. It was a passion that has turned into something much more. Jane shares a home north of Boston with her husband, two daughters, and two cats. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, running, cooking, and going to the beach. For more information on the author or upcoming events or to schedule a book club visit, please visit her website, https://janehealey.com.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaneHealeyBooks/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/healeyjane

Twitter: @HealeyJane

Book Blurbs:

“The Secret Stealers is a flawlessly crafted and engrossing story of the unexpected ways in which war changes who we are. Once again, Healey gifts readers with her trademark characters: everyday women who prove themselves to be extraordinary—women so relatable, so endearing, and so brave that they jump off the page and into our hearts.” —Lynda Cohen Loigman, USA Today bestselling author of The Two-Family House and The Wartime Sisters

“Set against the fascinating and well-researched history of the OSS, Jane Healey has crafted a remarkable story of perseverance, friendship, and the adventurous spirit and bravery of women who were instrumental to the Allies’ efforts during WWII. This novel captured my heart while speeding up my pulse with its triumphs and tragedies; suspense and struggle; and ultimately, redemption, revelation, and reflection. Fans of Kate Quinn and Martha Hall Kelly will love this book.” —Susie Orman Schnall, author of We Came Here to Shine and The Subway Girls

“The Secret Stealers is World War II historical fiction about women spies that offers the rare balance of nail-biting action with strong, fully-developed characters who embrace friendship, empowerment, and romance. Jane Healey’s crew of intrepid women are equally at home navigating the intrigue of the OSS in Washington, DC, and the dangers of war-torn France. This one’s not to be missed!” —Elise Hooper, author of Fast Girls

Bloggers On Tour:

Feb. 1st – Dani Reads https://instagram.com/dani.reads.1225

Feb. 2nd – Girl Loves Dogs Books Wine https://instagram.com/girl_loves_dogs_books_wine

Feb. 2nd – Lindas Book Obsession https://www.facebook.com/lindasbookobsession/ 

Feb. 3rd- Delightfully Booked https://instagram.com/delightfullybooked 

Feb. 3rd – Noor The Bookworm https://instagram.com/noorthebookworm

Feb. 4th – The Crocheted Review https://instagram.com/thecrochetedreview

Feb. 4th – Bryant Park Books https://instagram.com/bryantparkbooks

Feb. 5th – David L Morgan https://instagram.com/david_l_morgan

Feb. 6th – Texacali Books https://instagram.com/texacalibooks 

Feb. 6th – Miss W Book Reviews https://instagram.com/misswbookreviews

Feb. 9th –   Reading With Remy https://instagram.com/readingwithremy

Feb.10th- Jackie Loves Books https://instagram.com/jackieslovesbooks

Feb. 12th –  Whimsicaly Me https://instagram.com/whimsicalyme

Feb. 12th – Marilyn Goncalves https://instagram.com/marilynjgon 

Feb. 13th –  Sealed With A Book https://instagram.com/sealedwithabook

Feb. 13th – Carol Doscher https://instagram.com/carol_doscher_reader

Feb. 16th – Gwendalyn Books https://instagram.com/gwendalyn_books_

Feb. 19th –  Always With A Book – https://instagram.com/k2reader

Feb. 23rd – Joannas Bookshelf https://instagram.com/joannasbookshelf

Feb. 26th – Book Are The Magic https://instagram.com/bookarethemagic

Feb. 27th-  Books And Back Roads https://instagram.com/booksandbackroads

March 1st- Bookapotamus https://instagram.com/bookapotamus 

March 1st – Love My Books 2020 https://instagram.com/lovemybooks2020

March 4th – Books and Bites Roc https://www.instagram.com/booksandbitesroc/

March 8th Bookish Cat Savant https://instagram.com/bookishcatsavant 

March 10th – Subakka Bookstuff https://instagram.com/subakka.bookstuff

March 15th- Christina Stephanie Reads https://instagram.com/christinastephaniereads

March 22nd – Books All The Way Down https://instagram.com/books.all.the.way.down

March 25th – Reecas Pieces Books https://instagram.com/reecaspiecesbooks 

March 29th- Jayme Reads https://instagram.com/jayme_reads

The North Finchley Writers’ Group Book Blast + Excerpt

Hello there,

Today I am presenting a wonderful book along with an excerpt.

The North Finchley Writers’ Group 

By Richard Tearle, with Helen Hollick

Hashtags: #ContemporaryRomance #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

 

Book Title: The North Finchley Writers’ Group

Author: Richard Tearle, with Helen Hollick

Publication Date: 2nd February 2021

Publisher: Taw River Press

Page Length: 142 pages

Genre: Contemporary Romance

When a group of north London writers meet each month for a chat, coffee, and cake – what else is on their agenda? Constructive criticism? New Ideas? An exciting project? And maybe, more than one prospective romance…?

Eavesdrop on the monthly meetings of the North Finchley Writers’ Group, follow some ordinary people with a love of story writing, and an eagerness for success. Discover, along with them, the mysteries of creating characters and plot, of what inspires ideas, and how real life can, occasionally, divert the dream…

Buy Links:

Amazon

EXCERPT 2

 

THE ANTHOLOGY

Angela Knight’s House – Friern Barnet, January 2019

 

‘Anthologies are very popular at the moment.’ 

 

Angela Knight kicked off the monthly meeting of the North Finchley Writers’ Group following the usual business of apologies for absence. Quite a few today – hardly surprising, given the time of year and the cold, and until recently wet, weather. We were meeting in her house in north London’s Friern Barnet, so it was her honour to facilitate the proceedings.

 

Angela is petite, mid-forties. Hypnotising green eyes, natural blonde hair. She usually dresses in t-shirt and jeans but was wearing a baggy brown jumper and long floral-patterned skirt tonight. Very Bohemian.

 

‘I’ve read a couple of anthologies,’ I agreed.

 

‘But they aren’t proper –’ Monty Donaldson. He clicked his fingers in the air to indicate inverted commas, ‘”Books”, are they?’ One of us who had not been published.

 

‘Oh?’ Angela queried. ‘Really? Why do you say that, Monty?’ Those two did not see eye to eye. In fact, it was rare for any of us to agree with Monty because he was such an insufferable bore.

 

Monty was not put off. He never was. Sarcasm and irony went scudding over his head like clouds in a gale. ‘I mean, a book is a story, a theme, lots of characters and incidents. Action. Beginning, middle and end. Short stories are, well, nothing more than that. Short and cute.No real substance.’

 

‘Tell that to Ray Bradbury,‘ Zak Nichols murmured from where he sat in an armchair nearest to the blaze of a real coal and log fire. I knew from experience that he’d have to move soon, or he’d roast.

 

‘What do you think of that, Rob? Anthologies are compiled of short stories, which you write for a living, after all.’ Angela turned directly to me. The glint in her eye told me that it wouldn’t worry her in the slightest if I started a real argument. Indeed, she was practically encouraging it. The minx.

 

‘I’ve contributed to an anthology of stories about Richard the Third, enjoyed other such historical-based anthologies. Most of the great writers in the world have started off with short stories,’ I pointed out. ‘Bradbury – as Zak said – Dickens, Margaret Atwood. One way of honing your craft. Especially if you are waiting to hear from a publisher about something you’ve submitted.’ A little dig, of course. One that took wings but also flew over Monty’s head. As usual.

 

But alliance with Monty came from a surprise corner. Charlotte Caroll.

 

‘I sort of agree with Monty,’ she put in hesitantly. She flushed slightly beneath her immaculate coiffured hair, and nodded to Monty.

 

Hello! Have we got something here? Virginal Georgian heiress infatuated with slick talking Chicago private eye?

 

‘You do?’ queried Alicia St Simon. Peroxide blonde. Older than she looks. ‘You do surprise me!’

 

Charlotte flushed again, and it was not just the heat of the fire burning her cheeks. 

‘Well,’ she stumbled. ‘Er, let’s look at what Rob just said. None of the rest of us write historical fiction. I write Regency romances and that’s completely different.’ She was blustering and we knew that she knew that we knew. As the old song goes.

 

‘Who said anything about historical fiction?’ Angela remarked, sitting back in her chair and crossing her legs. A glimpse of ankle. I smiled to myself, put that into an historical context and smoke it!

 

‘Well, no one, but I thought that’s what you meant.’

 

‘And if we were, what makes you think you couldn’t write something historical?’ Jean Hart entered the discussion, pulling up the sleeves of her pink, fluffy jumper, as if she were getting ready for a fight, although it was probably only because the room was getting rather warm.

 

‘My setting might be Regency but the theme is romance. Beyond clothes, horses, carriages and balls I use very little historical fact. Austen wrote Pride And Prejudicewhich was set during a very big war between England and France, but she barely made mention of it! Battles and things are of no interest to me. Warfare is not my subject.’ Charlotte replied haughtily. She had a point about Jane Austen.

 

‘Nor mine.’ Monty would not be left out. ‘How would I fit my hard-nose PI Marty Diamond into a story set in, say, the English Civil War?’

 

Very badly. I bit back the retort and helped myself to another handful of peanuts from the glass bowl on the coffee table.

 

Angela caught my look. Knew what I was thinking. We were often on the same wavelength, more so when it involved goading Monty.

 

Angela steered the conversation back to the original point. ‘I did a little bit of looking into this before I selected it as a topic, and there are a lot out there. All sorts of topics. World War I, World War II. London. I came across a blogger who has a feature on her book review blog every December, when she invites her reviewers to contribute stories inspired by songs.’

 

‘I like that,’ I grinned. ‘And there you are, Monty. Private Investigations. Dire Straits.’

‘I could always email her and ask if we could borrow the idea, if we decided to do something similar.’ Hilary Jackson, one of our “mature” members, and our Arthurian expert.

 

Angela leaned forward, smiled prettily. ‘Hold on! It was only meant to be a discussion topic, not a pitch for actually doing an anthology. A bit of fun, I thought.’

 

‘It is fun,’ Hilary continued. ‘I’m really warming to the idea.’

 

I glanced, discretely, at everyone’s faces. Charlotte and Monty were not impressed, but the others were sitting upright or forward, full of eagerness. Had we hit upon something by accident?

 

 

* * * (After the meeting…)

 

Time to go home. There was a bustle of fetching coats, gloves and scarves, exclamations at the cold beyond the front door. I begged the use of the loo and, by the time I returned, everyone had gone.

 

We stood just inside the open front door, Angela and I, looking out at the frost riming the garden path and the tops of cars parked in the street beyond, admiring how it twinkled beneath the bright street lights.

 

‘I’m really sorry, Rob,’ she apologised. ‘It was meant to be a light hearted discussion but it got rather out of hand. I never meant…’

 

‘I know,’ I said softly. 

 

It was a moment that I never wanted to end. Her kiss was less passionate than it was affectionate.

 

‘You’d better go,’ she sighed. ‘Steve will be home soon.’

 

‘Yes.’

 

‘I’m sorry’.

 

‘I know. So am I.’

 

She opened the door and, when I glanced back, she was still watching me, her hands clutched around her arms. I waved and then she closed the door.

 

I rubbed my right temple as I walked to the car. Lit a cigarette. There was no doubt that Angela excited me. Her very presence in the room made me want to be around her. But she was in a relationship. And so was I.

 

Liz and I had our ups and downs, although lately there have been more downs than usual. But we came through them.

 

We always did.

 

I guess.

A Word From Richard Tearle :

 

“To the writing community, whether they be traditionally published, indie or aspiring.  

You make the rocking world go round…Writers are such a wonderful community – supportive, helpful and ever willing to give their time and expertise to one humble chap such as I. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.”

Richard – December 2020

 

A Word From Helen Hollick:

It was with great enthusiasm that I encouraged Richard to write this, his first novel. His enjoyment of creating a good story, I felt, should be shared to readers and writers, everywhere. Unfortunately, at the editing stage, Richard became ill, involving hospitalisation. In discussion with his son, rather than abandon the project or put it on hold, we decided that the best course of action was for me to continue with getting this book published on his behalf. The characters, plot – the story – are all Richard’s immense talent, I merely tidied up and added the final polish, coming in as ‘painter and decorator’ to Richard’s main role as architect, designer, and builder. 

 

Social Media Links:

 

Connect with Richard:

 

Website

 

THE JADE BONES Blog Tour

Today is the day, I have a wonderful book that I am excited to

share with you The Jade Bones by Lani Forbes

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The Jade Bones 

by Lani

Publisher: Blackstone Publishing

Release Date: February 16th 2021

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

Goodreads

Cast into the underworld after an act of shattering betrayal, Mayana and Ahkin must overcome unimaginable odds if they are to return home and reclaim the throne of the Chicome. A river of blood and demons disguised as children are only two of the challenges standing in their way. Fortunately, they are not unequipped. Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Ometeotl, the Mother goddess, provides them with other gifts—and an ominous warning that one of them may not survive. But can the goddess be trusted?

Back in the lands above, Mayana’s best friend, Yemania, has survived the empress selection ritual—but her next challenge may be more than she can bear. The new empress of the Chicome Empire demands she become High Healer. Yemania has no interest in serving in the palace; she wants to use her healing ability to help the common people. More than that, her heart is no longer her own. She has met an enchanting stranger—Ochix, one of the feared Miquitz people who are ancient enemies of the Chicome.

As Mayana and Ahkin move ever closer to confronting the lords of the dead, Yemania and Ochix must hide their forbidden romance or face the wrath of both their empires. Meanwhile, the new empress has made a dangerous alliance that might destroy everything they hold dear.

Four young people risk their lives to save the world from a looming apocalypse in this captivating sequel to The Seventh Sun. Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones is a compelling and romantic adventure that builds to a heart-stopping climax.

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This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

Based on ancient Mesoamerican legends and mythology, The Jade Bones picks up right where we left off in book one. So I went back and reread it the Seventh Sun to refresh my memory.

A fast paced compelling adventure that builds up and keeps you on the edge of your seat. That leads up to a to a heart stopping climax! If you enjoyed the first book than you are in for an stellar mythology.

Mayana and Akin have to travel the underworld to find the Lords of the Dead. They face many challenges as they take the journey meant for souls on there way finality.

Facing trials and near death escapes they find themselves not knowing if they should trust each other.

Can the Goddess be trusted, the tale weaves from above and below. Mayana’s royal blood controls the power of water, and Prince Ahkin wields the power of the sun itself. Together they tackle obstacles that bear down on them, and challenges standing in their way. Surviving her own test, Yemania becomes a high healer by the new empress of the Chicome Empire.

This was a riveting absorbing book, with great dual POV’s.The characters growth is exceptional and I found that I have switched my preference from one of the main characters from the previous book to another. The world building is wonderful and the authors writing insures the reader is fully invested in the storyline as it unfolds.

The ending was perfect and sets for the next installment.

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Lani Forbes is the daughter of a librarian and an ex-drug smuggling surfer (which explains her passionate love of the ocean and books). A former teacher turned trauma counselor, her passion is showing readers the transformative and encouraging power of story on the human experience. She helps others process anxiety, depression, and complex PTSD, both in her stories and in real life. A California native whose parents live in Mexico, Lani now resides in the Pacific Northwest where she stubbornly wears flip flops no matter how cold it gets. She is a proud nerd, Gryffindor, and member of Romance Writers of America and the Society for Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators.

February 10th

What Makes Patri – Main Interview

February 11th

Justice For Readers – Review + Playlist + Mood Board + Instagram

@afantaseaofbooks – Review + Instagram

Crossroad Reviews – Review + Instagram

onemused – Spotlight + Instagram

February 12th

@wrinkled.pages – Review + Instagram

Jrsbookreviews – Review + Instagram

Nay’s Pink Bookshelf – Review + Favourite Quotes + Instagram

The Reading Life – Spotlight

February 13th

@the.b00kreader – Review + Insatgram

Bookishly Nerdy – Review + Mood Board + Instagram

The Reading Corner for All – Review + Favourite Quotes + Instagram

@our.bookish.reads – Review + Instagram

February 14th

Ceres Books World – Review + Instagram

Mabookyard _ Review + Favourite Quotes + Mood Board

Gwendalyn’s Books – Review + Instagram

Living in a Bookworld – Spotlight

February 15th

Read ‘n’ Dazzled – Review + Favourite Quotes

Book Butterfly in Dreamland – Review + Instagram

An Island Girl’s Book Club – Review + Favourite Quotes + Instagram

Bumbleebeela – Spotlight + Instagram

February 16th

Books, Tea, Healthy Me – Review + Favourite Quotes + Instagram

The world of celia mcmahon – Review + Instagram

Books and Zebras – Review + Instagram

ebook addicts – Review

Wood of Silver and light

Hello and welcome to my stop onWoods of Silver and Light @TBRBeyondTours

#VictoriaMcCombs #TBRBeyondTours #WoodsofSilverandLight #StorytellersSeries 

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy/Retelling
Publishing date: February 9th, 2021

Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

Ronin’s son is dead, and Maid Marion is gone. But a sorceress banished to the Woods can bring his son back if he and his Silver Raiders are willing to do something for her first. She finds there’s nothing Ronin Hood won’t do for his son… 
 
Anika finds herself drawn to the mystery of the Woods and the thieves who live within, but the cost of associating with the Silver Raiders becomes higher than she’s willing to pay. The darkness of the Woods seeps into the Raider’s hearts, blurring the lines between hero and villain, until Anika’s fight for freedom turns into a fight to survive the magic of the trees that should have never been awoken. 
 
This isn’t the tale of Robin Hood you remember. 

Giveaway ends on February 15th

One winner will receive an e-copy of The Storyteller’s Daughter and Woods of Silver and Light. The

Giveaway ends on February 15t

Direct Link: a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

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Book Review | Woods of Silver and Light @TBRBeyondTours

Woods of Silver and Light is the second installment in the Storyteller’s series. It is a YA fantasy retelling of Robin Hood. It was published on February 9, 2021 by @theparliamentpress.

Favorite Quote:

“My mama always said that my sense of adventure would be the ruin of me. Perhaps she had been right all along.”

This is the second installment in the Storytellers Series. Taking place Iplace right after the events of The Storyteller’s Daughter.

Woods of Silver and Light by the Victoria McCombs is told in the view of Cosette’s sister, Anika, a courageous loyal heroine. A strong willed feisty woman that you can root for. The cast of characters is well developed and very strong. I found the pacing perfectly done for a reimagined fairytale. The author know how to capture your interest with meticulous attention to details. Slowly drawing the reader further into the storyline as it progresses and unfolds. McCombs connects you to her characters and has you totally believing in them which allowed me to be totally invested in their lives. I liked the the love triangle and thought it was embedded with precision. Giving the reader an extra layer. .

The Woods Themselves come to life in this story with beautiful world building. Wonderfully depicted atmospheric imagery, adds the perfect backdrop. Let me warn you there is a great deal of suspense. I found it quite addictive, with questions who to trust who not to trust. You find yourself changing sides multiple times. Then there is the ending. Seriously I was not expecting the twist.

The Innovative world building and incisive character development make this YA fantasy a compulsive read. I can’t wait for the next installment

It can be read as a standalone or enjoyed with this magical book series.

Victoria McCombs has sealed her place amongst other YA Fantasy authors.

This was superbly executed novel.

Some of the things I love most in this world are peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, golfing dates, Jesus, and game nights with family. And of course, books. 

Fairytales were my first love. I became obsessed with the idea that if one was brave enough, they could defeat dragons, and that true love was real. I met my true love in college, and together we raise our two boys. I have my dad to thank for teaching me to love writing, and my mom to thank for allowing us to keep a wall of medieval weapons in the house, which curated my love for that time period. 

My dream is to write vivid worlds and charming characters that will leave an imprint on my reader’s hearts, the way that so many books have done for me. 

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

February 8th
Stocked Up on Starbooks – Interview
PopTheButterfly Reads – Review

February 9th
Heartflipped Cafe – Review
The Writer’s Alley – Review, Playlist & Favourite Quotes
The Momma Spot – Review

February 10th
Sophie’s Reading Corner – Promo Post
TLC Book Nook – Review & Favourite Quotes

February 11th
Miss Linda Bennet – Interview & Book Look
teatimelit – Review
Balancing Books and Beauties – Review & Book Look
Mahkjchi’s Not-So-Secret Books – Review, Favourite Quotes & Mood Board

February 12th
everywhere and nowhere – Review
Justice For Readers – Review & Playlist

February 13th
Worlds Unlike Our Own – Review
Young at Heart Reader – Promo
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review

February 14th
Kait Plus Books – Interview & Promo Post
The Book Dutchesses – Review & Favourite Quotes

February 8th
Books and Zebras – Review
PopTheButterfly Reads – Blogger’s Choice
ashton_reads – Review

February 9th
Heartflipped Cafe – Blogger’s Choice
The Writer’s Alley – Blogger’s Choice
The Momma Spot – Blogger’s Choice

February 10th
Sophie’s Reading Corner – Blogger’s Choice
TLC Book Nook – Blogger’s Choice
books_and_dice – Review & Favourite Quotes

February 11th
linda.reads – Blogger’s Choice
Balancing Books and Beauties – Blogger’s Choice
mahkjchi_books – Blogger’s Choice
_lattebooks – Favourite Quotes, Mood Board, & Top 5 Reasons to Read Wood of Silver and Light

February 12th
Fangirl Pixie Books – IG Promo
Justice For Readers – Blogger’s Choice
The Enchanted Shelf – Review & Playlist

February 13th
TBR and Beyond – IG Promo
Young at Heart Reader – IG Promo
Gwendalyn’s Books – Blogger’s Choice

February 14th
Kait Plus Books – Blogger’s Choice
lazyfeline89 – Review
808bookdr – Review, Favourite Quotes & Top 5 Reasons to Read Woods of Silver and Light

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine

Hello there, and welcome to my stop on

The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine paperback release tour !

Thank you for having me on this tour and thank you to @livconstantine2 and @harpercollins for the opportunity to read this book.

About The Book:

Release Date: January 26, 2021

The bestselling author of The Last Mrs. Parrish returns with a psychological thriller, filled with chilling serpentine twists, about a woman fighting to hold onto the only family she’s ever loved—and how far she’ll go to preserve it.

Named one of the most anticipated thrillers of the year by Goodreads, Bustle, SheReads, and Library Journal

Breezing into the tony seaside paradise of Westport, Connecticut, gorgeous thirtysomething Piper Reynard sets down roots, opening a rehab and wellness space and joining a local yacht club. When she meets Leo Drakos, a handsome, successful lawyer, the wedding ring on his finger is the only thing she doesn’t like about him. Yet as Piper well knows, no marriage is permanent.

Meanwhile, Joanna has been waiting patiently for Leo, the charismatic man she fell in love with all those years ago, to re-emerge from the severe depression that has engulfed him. Though she’s thankful when Leo returns to his charming, energetic self, paying attention again to Evie and Stelli, the children they both love beyond measure, Joanna is shocked to discover that it’s not her loving support that’s sparked his renewed happiness—it’s something else.

Piper. Leo has fallen head over heels for the flaky, New Age-y newcomer, and unrepentant and resolute, he’s more than willing to leave Joanna behind, along with everything they’ve built. Of course, he assures her, she can still see the children.

Joanna is devastated—and determined to find something, anything, to use against this woman who has stolen her life and her true love. As she digs deeper into Piper’s past, Joanna begins to unearth disturbing secrets . . . but when she confides to her therapist that she fears for the lives of her ex-husband and children, her concerns are dismissed as paranoia. Can she find the proof she needs in time to save them?

About The Author: 

Liv Constantine is the pen name of sisters Lynne Constantine and Valerie Constantine. Separated by three states, they spend hours plotting via FaceTime and burning up each other’s inboxes. They attribute their ability to concoct dark story lines to the hours they spent listening to tales handed down by their Greek grandmother. You can find more about them at:  https://livconstantine.com/

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LivConstantineAuthor/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/livconstantine2

Twitter: @LivConstantine2

Book Blurbs: 

“A twisty, engrossing house of mirrors…smart, propulsive, and tricky-in-all-the-best-ways psychological suspense.”- Lisa Unger, New York Times bestselling author of The Stranger Inside

“Compelling and surprising, THE WIFE STALKER is a fast-paced page-turner, full of unexpected twists and an ending I did not see coming. Impossible to put down!” – Megan Miranda, New York Times bestselling author of The Last House Guest

“Tense and deliciously twisty, THE WIFE STALKER is a hall of mirrors in which Liv Constantine delivers sinister surprises with characteristic sleight of hand.”- Gilly Macmillan, New York Times bestselling author of The Nanny

“Wickedly entertaining. With THE WIFE STALKER, Liv Constantine proves once again to be a master of domestic malice.”- Riley Sager, New York Times bestselling author of  Lock Every Door

  “The Wife Stalker is a daring, dastardly story with complex characters and a sinister plot. A read-through-the-night thriller that mesmerizes to the final page. An absolute must for your 2020 list!” – Samantha Downing, USA Today and Sunday Times bestselling author of My Lovely Wife

“Liv Constantine has done it again. Suspenseful and mesmerizing, Constantine’s third novel is a breakneck thriller that keeps you riveted from the first page to that explosive, jaw-dropping twist. If you’re looking for an addictive, up-all-night read, The Wife Stalker is as good as it gets.” – Jennifer Hillier, award-winning author of Jar of Hearts and Little Secrets

“Oh, you sneaky sisters. Liv Constantine got me in the best possible way with The Wife Stalker, a wicked, whip-smart bag of tricks about a woman fighting to hold onto her family. Read this one in one long gulp, then read it again to see what you missed the first time through. I promise you won’t see it coming.” – Kimberly Belle, internationally bestselling author of Dear Wife

“Liv Constantine has done it again. THE WIFE STALKER is a masterclass of domestic suspense that keeps you up all night, turning the page, desperate to find out what happens next. Can’t recommend this book enough! Fun, thrilling, and an ending you simply won’t see coming!” -Matthew Farrell, bestselling author of WHAT HAVE YOU DONE

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a complete Non-Spoiler Review

#TheWifeStalker | {partner}

Today is my stop to help spread the word along with @suzyapprovedbooktours.

That The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine is now available in paperback!

Thank you for having me on this tour and thank you to @livconstantine2 and @harpercollins for the opportunity to read this book.

Goodness …The Sister Writing Duo, has done it again!

This was a riveting fast paced thrill ride of story! One that I inhaled..No lie, I finished this in one afternoon! When I started the book I thought it was going to be your typical contemporary thriller. Oh Nope I was completely wrong !

This was perfectly executed storyline, with incredible twists. Told in seamless dual narration, alternating between two pov’s. It has a beautiful strategic plot line, that kept me enthralled all the way through. I was captivating right from the start, seeking answers to so many questions. I was literally on the edge of my seat, with the steady incline of suspense. Which builds and builds to an incredible out of the box ending.

I just have to say Wow, I didn’t see that coming at all!

This is one of the most twisty reads I have ever read.

An excellent riveting thriller, Outstanding !

.

Jan. 26th -Bookish Cat Savant https://instagram.com/bookishcatsavant 

Jan. 28th – The Crocheted Review https://instagram.com/thecrochetedreview

Jan. 28th – Bryant Park Books https://instagram.com/bryantparkbooks

Jan. 28th  –  Idaho Girl Reads https://instagram.com/idahogirlreads

Jan. 29th – Books Are Magic Too https://instagram.com/booksaremagictoo

Jan. 30th – Texacali Books https://instagram.com/texacalibooks 

Jan. 30th – KP The Bookworm https://instagram.com/kpthebookworm

Jan. 31st– Carol Doscher https://instagram.com/carol_doscher_reader

Jan. 31st -Jayme Reads https://instagram.com/jayme_reads

Feb. 2nd – Dani Reads https://instagram.com/dani.reads.1225

Feb. 3rd – The Boozy Baking Bibliophile https://instagram.com/the_boozy_baking_bibliophile

Feb. 4th – Joannas Bookshelf https://instagram.com/joannasbookshelf

Feb. 7th – Rozier Reads and Wine https://instagram.com/rozierreadsandwine

Feb. 8th – Delightfully Booked https://instagram.com/delightfullybooked 

Feb. 10th – Not In Jersey https://instagram.com/notinjersey

Feb. 12th – Gwendalyn Books https://instagram.com/gwendalyn_books_

Feb. 12th – DB Reads https://instagram.com/db.reads

Feb. 15th – Live Love And Leo https://instagram.com/liveloveandleo

Feb. 16th  – Coffee Books Dogs https://instagram.com/coffeedogsbooks

Feb. 16th – Acericola Life https://instagram.com/acericolalife

Feb. 17th – Carey Loves To Book https://instagram.com/careylovestobook

Feb. 18th – Bookish Heidi https://instagram.com/bookish.heidi

Feb. 18th -Books Love And Understanding https://instagram.com/booksloveandunderstanding

Feb. 19th  – Marilyn Goncalves https://instagram.com/marilynjgon 

Feb. 19th – Niks Nook https://instagram.com/niks_nook

Feb. 19th -Geaux Get Lit https://instagram.com/geauxgetlit

Feb. 22nd – Reecas Pieces Books https://instagram.com/reecaspiecesbooks 

Feb. 22nd- Eli Loves Books 16 https://instagram.com/elilovesbooks16

Feb. 23rd – Books All The Way Down https://instagram.com/books.all.the.way.down

Feb. 24th – Book Coffee Cozy https://instagram.com/bookcoffeecozy

Feb. 25th – Bookoholic Cafe https://instagram.com/bookoholiccafe

Feb. 25th – Audrey Oaks Reads Everything https://instagram.com/audreyoaksreadseverything

The Paris Dressmaker

Hello lovelies,

Today is my stop on The Paris Dressmaker by Kristy Cambron, who is an award-winning author of historical fiction.

@KCambronAuthor @ThomasNelson @hfvbt  @gwendalyn_books

#TheParisDressmaker #KristyCambron #HFVBTBlogTours

The Paris Dressmaker
by Kristy Cambron

Publication Date: February 16, 2021
Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 400 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian

 

 

Based on true accounts of how Parisiennes resisted the Nazi occupation in World War II—from fashion houses to the city streets—comes a story of two courageous women who risked everything to fight an evil they couldn’t abide.

Paris, 1939. Maison Chanel has closed, thrusting haute couture dressmaker Lila de Laurent out of the world of high fashion as Nazi soldiers invade the streets and the City of Lights slips into darkness. Lila’s life is now a series of rations, brutal restrictions, and carefully controlled propaganda while Paris is cut off from the rest of the world. Yet in hidden corners of the city, the faithful pledge to resist. Lila is drawn to La Resistance and is soon using her skills as a dressmaker to infiltrate the Nazi elite. She takes their measurements and designs masterpieces, all while collecting secrets in the glamorous Hôtel Ritz—the heart of the Nazis’ Parisian headquarters. But when dashing René Touliard suddenly reenters her world, Lila finds her heart tangled between determination to help save his Jewish family and bolstering the fight for liberation.

Paris, 1943. Sandrine Paquet’s job is to catalog the priceless works of art bound for the Führer’s Berlin, masterpieces stolen from prominent Jewish families. But behind closed doors, she secretly forages for information from the underground resistance. Beneath her compliant façade lies a woman bent on uncovering the fate of her missing husband . . . but at what cost? As Hitler’s regime crumbles, Sandrine is drawn in deeper when she uncrates an exquisite blush Chanel gown concealing a cryptic message that may reveal the fate of a dressmaker who vanished from within the fashion elite.

Told across the span of the Nazi occupation, The Paris Dressmaker highlights the brave women who used everything in their power to resist darkness and restore light to their world.

Praise for The Paris Dressmaker

“Woven within this beautiful historical tapestry of WWII from Cambron (The Painted Castle) is the stark reminder to keep friends close and enemies closer . . .Based on true events, this exquisite tale impresses with its historical and emotional authenticity. Historical fiction fans won’t want to miss this.” —Publishers Weekly Starred Review

“Unimaginable heartache, unforgettable romance, and cheering defiance against the oppression the Nazis inflicted on Paris; readers will be swept away into a story where battle-scarred good at last rings victory over evil.” —J’nell Ciesielski, author of The Socialite

“Stunning. With as much skill and care as the title’s namesake possesses, The Paris Dressmaker weaves together the stories of two heroines who boldly defy the darkness that descends on the City of Light.” —Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City

“A thoroughly satisfying blend of memorable characters, evocative writing, and wartime drama that seamlessly transport you to the City of Light at its most desperate hour.” —Susan Meissner, bestselling author of The Nature of Fragile Things

“Kristy Cambron deftly weaves multiple timelines to craft a story as complex and romantic and beautiful as a couture gown. In addition, Lila and Sandrine’s strength and courage in a troubled world inspire us to live likewise. Tres magnifique!” —Sarah Sundin, bestselling and award-winning author of When Twilight Breaks and the Sunrise at Normandy series

“With real-life historical details woven in with her fictional tale, the story popped off the page. Readers will be thinking of this book long after they’ve read the last word.” —Rachel Hauck, New York Times bestselling author

“A well-researched and beautifully interwoven treatise on courage and conviction in the midst of oppression.” —Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration and The Mozart Code

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound | Kobo

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

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The Paris Dressmaker is the latest book by the bestselling author Kristy Cambron.

A gripping storyline set during the German occupation of France. The wartime drama centers on two brave woman. These women story along with those who suffered under the weight of the oppression Nazis. This book was everything I thought it would be. It’s a compelling book which has two distinct POV’s that I found absorbing historical fiction. I found the it completely easy to follow, the very talented author seamless weaves two distinct narrations and timeframes. Giving an incredible insightful look at their dramatic lives and what they endured. We follow main characters Lila and Sandrine as their story unfolds along with the French Resistance.

Courageous heroines that I felt involved in their lives. I was completely engaged in their trials, along with their losses. There is a heartwarming romance imbedded into this absorbing book that is meaningful.

Once again I enjoyed reading Kristy Cambron writing and I swept away in this poignant novel.

Kristy Cambron is an award-winning author of historical fiction, including her bestselling debut The Butterfly and the Violin, and an author of nonfiction, including the Verse Mapping Series Bibles and Bible studies. Kristy’s work has been named to Publishers Weekly Religion & Spirituality TOP 10, Library Journal Reviews’ Best Books, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, received 2015 & 2017 INSPY Award nominations, and has been featured at CBN, Lifeway Women, Jesus Calling, Country Woman Magazine, MICI Magazine, Faithwire, Declare, (in)Courage, and Bible Gateway. She holds a degree in Art History/Research Writing and lives in Indiana with her husband and three sons, where she can probably be bribed with a peppermint mocha latte and a good read.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 9
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Wednesday, February 10
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, February 11
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, February 12
Excerpt at Heidi Reads
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Saturday, February 13
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, February 15
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Tuesday, February 16
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Wednesday, February 17
Interview at Novels Alive

Thursday, February 18
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Friday, February 19
Review at Hallie Reads
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, February 22
Review at Nursebookie

Tuesday, February 23
Review at Books, Writings, and More

Wednesday, February 24
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, February 25
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Friday, February 26
Review at The Lit Bitch

Giveaway

We have 5 paperback copies of The Paris Dressmaker up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 26th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Paris Dressmaker
https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js

Book Blast The Fall of Kings By Stuart Rudge

The Fall of Kings By Stuart Rudge

(Legend of the Cid, Book 3)

 

Book Title: The Fall of Kings

Series: (Legend of the Cid, Book 3)

Author: Stuart Rudge

Publication Date: February 5th 2021

Publisher: Independently Published

Page Length: 406 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Castile. 1071AD. Three kings. One crown.

After Sancho II of Castile dispatches his champion Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar to capture his brother, King Garcia of Galicia, he hopes it is a defining moment in his quest to reunite the lands of his father under one banner. But Alfonso VI of Leon is one step ahead, and has already added the lands of Galicia to his domain. When the only alternative is war, Sancho turns to Rodrigo to lead the armies of Castile, and he must use all his tactical acumen to defeat the Leonese in the field. Only one son of Fernando can claim victory and become the Emperor of Hispania.

Rodrigo and Antonio Perez, now a knight of the realm, find difficulty adjusting to the new regime. Dissent and unrest run rife throughout the kingdom, and the fear of a knife in the dark from enemies old and new hangs heavy upon the pair. But if it is allowed to fester, it threatens to undo all that has been achieved. Can Rodrigo and Antonio root out the enemies of the king, and prevent chaos reigning throughout the land?

The Fall of Kings in the breath taking third instalment of the Legend of the Cid.

Buy Links:

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

Stuart Rudge

Stuart Rudge was born and raised in Middlesbrough, where he still lives. His love of history came from his father and uncle, both avid readers of history, and his love of table top war gaming and strategy video games. He studied Ancient History and Archaeology at Newcastle University, and has spent his fair share of time in muddy trenches, digging up treasure at Bamburgh Castle.

He was worked in the retail sector and volunteered in museums, before working in York Minster, which he considered the perfect office. His love of writing blossomed within the historic walls, and he knew there were stories within which had to be told. Despite a move in to the shipping and logistics sector (a far cry to what he hoped to ever do), his love of writing has only grown stronger.

Rise of a Champion is the first piece of work he has dared to share with the world. Before that came a novel about the Roman Republic and a Viking-themed fantasy series (which will likely never see the light of day, but served as good practise). He hopes to establish himself as a household name in the mound of Bernard Cornwell, Giles Kristian, Ben Kane and Matthew Harffy, amongst a host of his favourite writers.

Social Media Links:

https://stuartrudge.wordpress.com/

 

DEAD OF WINTER Official Blog Tour

Welcome to my stop on the

DEAD OF WINTER Edited by Lindy Ryan Official Blog Tour

Paperback : 270 pages

ISBN-10 : 1645480593

ISBN-13 : 978-1645480594

Publisher : Black Spot Books (January 26, 2021)

Praise for DEAD OF WINTER 

“Readers looking for a wintry fright will appreciate a few gems [among] eight winter-themed tales of terror.” —Publishers Weekly

“Diverse, unexpected, and solid in characterization, plots, and evolution…horror fans will relish the creative results in [Dead of Winter] that delights with its original, thought-provoking creations and twists on holiday themes.” —D. Donavan, Midwest Book Review

“Editor Ryan’s selections perfectly fit the dark, gray, wintry mood that hits when cold weather has dragged on for too long. This anthology features eight short stories, each gripping, mind-bending, and truly creepy. Dead of Winter has something for every horror reader.” —Carrie Rasak, Booklist

Foreword by 2018 Bram Stoker Nominated Author Monique Snyman.

Edited by Lindy Ryan

Eight chilling tales to read under the Cold Moon.

A tinker’s son acquires a cursed soul.

A dying woman is haunted by her own reflection.

An uninvited presence haunts a Christmas seance.

A festive holiday turns macabre.

Despite the twinkling lights and steaming cocoa, the end of the year is the darkest time of the year—a season of short days, long nights, and cold skies. In this special anniversary anthology, the authors of Black Spot Books mix Ye Olde Yuletide hauntings with modern-day holiday horrors to weave a chilling new collection of dark winter tales. From frozen forests stalked by eerie Christmas ghosts to rotting gifts of winter malice, the spirits of Christmas come home for the holidays in the Dead of Winter. 

You can purchase Dead of Winter at the following Retailers:

  

This time of the year, when Old Man Winter unleashes its cold unapologetic storms. Its also a time for certain celebration some have pagan beginnings while others like groundhogs day have turned into a slightly modern twist.

TodayI have a wonderful book that to me is perfect for this time of year.

Eight chilling tales to capture your interest, during the stark cold days of winter. When the the north wind is blowing its intense, frigidness. When all you want to do is huddle under a blanket.

Lock the doors and check them twice with this anthology! There is a slow burning creepy that settles in as you slowly read through each short story. The suspense builds with intensity as you progress through the pages. Some of these chilling tales will have going back to reread them.

I found the complete Anthology absorbing, and a highly compulsive to read.

My favorite was The Tinker’s Son,” a dark fantasy about a witch named Margritte and her husband, a dragon lord, whose family faces an unspoken tragedy.

 

All Photo Content from Vesuvian Books

Lindy Ryan is an entrepreneur, award-winning professor, and publishing professional. In 2011, Ryan was part of the executive leadership team that founded Radiant Advisors, a business intelligence research and advisory firm, where Miller developed and launched the company’s editorial and research divisions, and later its data visualization practice, for clients that included 21st Century Fox Films, Fox Networks, Warner Bros., and Disney. She is the author of numerous papers and two textbooks – The Visual Imperative: Creating a Culture of Visual Discovery (Elsevier) and Visual Data Storytelling with Tableau (Pearson). She went on to teach at Rutgers University and Montclair State University, and remains a respected academic researcher. Now an accomplished publishing professional, Ryan currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA).

Ryan is an award-winning editor and author. Currently, she is collaborating as the lead author on a horror franchise project with a top veteran Hollywood director and an award-winning screenwriter. When she’s not immersed in books, Ryan is an avid historical researcher, with specific interest in nautical and maritime history, cryptozoology, and ancient civilizations. She is represented by Gandolfo Helin & Fountain Literary Management. She also writes clean, seasonal romance under the name Lindy Miller. Ryan currently resides in Juneau, Alaska where she enjoys hiking, crafting, and photography. She is a member of the Horror Writers Association.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Monique Snyman‘s mind is a confusing bedlam of glitter and death, where candy-coated gore is found in abundance and homicidal unicorns thrive. Sorting out the mess in her head is particularly irksome before she’s ingested a specific amount of coffee, which is equal to half the recommended intake of water for humans per day. When she’s not playing referee to her imaginary friends or trying to overdose on caffeine, she’s doing something with words—be it writing, reading, or fixing all the words.

Monique Snyman lives in Johannesburg, South Africa, with her husband and an adorable Chihuahua. She’s the author of MUTI NATION, a horror novel set in South Africa, and Bram Stoker Award® nominated novel, THE NIGHT WEAVER, which is the first installment in a dark fantasy series for young adults.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Daniel Buell is working as a content creator and blogger. He is an author from New Jersey. His first debut short story is being published in DEAD OF WINTER anthology by Black Spot Books.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Laura Morrison lives in the Metro Detroit area. She has a B.S. in applied ecology and environmental science from Michigan Technological University. Before she was a writer and stay-at-home mom, she battled invasive species and researched turtles.
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

   

Sam Hooker writes darkly humorous fantasy novels about thing like tyrannical despots and the masked scoundrels who tickle them without mercy. He knows all the best swear words, though he refuses to repeat them because he doesn’t want to attract goblins.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Alcy Leyva is a Bronx-born writer, teacher, and pizza enthusiast. He graduated from Hunter College with a B.A. in English (Creative Writing) and an MFA in Fiction from The New School. He has been published in Popmatters, The Rumpus, Entropy Mag, and Quiet Lunch Magazine.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Cassondra Windwalker is a poet and novelist writing full time from the coast of the Kenai Peninsula in Alaska. She is supported by a tolerant husband, three wandering offspring, a useless dog, and a zombie cat. Her hobbies include hiking, photography, and having other people’s demons over for tea.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | GOODREADS

       

Dalena Storm has lived in India, Japan, Germany, and on both coasts of the United States. She currently resides in a converted general store in the woods of Western Massachusetts with a rare Burmese temple cat, a purring black fluff-beast, a professor of magic, and an infant with an astonishing ability to resist sleep.
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

N.J. Ember is a paranormal fiction author who loves to write stories about survival and triumph over adversity. Whether her characters are dealing with the paranormal or everyday life, she seeks to show that strength is not always about being superhuman or invulnerable. She enjoys anything with mystery, suspense and horror, so when she’s not writing you can find her watching shows like Orphan Black, Penny Dreadful and Sherlock.

She currently lives in Michigan with her grandpa and a forever growing collection of books and Funko Pop! figures.
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

Tiffany Meuret is a writer of monsters and twisted fairy tales. Her publications include Shoreline of Infinity, Luna Station Quarterly, Ellipsis Zine, and others. When not reading or writing, she is usually binge watching comfortable sitcoms from her childhood or telling her kids to put on their shoes for the tenth time. She lives in sunny Arizona with her husband, two kids, two chihuahuas, gecko, and tortoise.FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

WEEK ONE

JANUARY 25th MONDAY JeanBookNerd CAMPAIGN VIDEO

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FEBRUARY 1st MONDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW & CAMPAIGN VIDEO

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FEBRUARY 3rd WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW

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A Conventicle of Magpies

Hello Fabulous Readers!

Today is my stop on The Conventicle Of Magpies Blog Tour

I am thrilled to share this amazing new book! A Conventicle of Magpies is the first book in the Bloodskills duology, and today I have an exclusive excerpt and My Booky Review for you along with a chance to win a signed copy of the book!

A Conventicle of Magpies

Publication Date: January 6th, 2021

Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy/ Adventure/ Steampunk

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon!

Rook is a thief, and entirely unapologetic about it as she’s determined to do anything to ensure her mother and siblings survive the squalid and dangerous streets of Stamchester.

Rook slips in and out of the homes of the ruling elite of Stamchester, the Avanish,like a shadow taking what she needs without regret.

Why should she? Had the Avanish not stolen her own people, the Saouiasei, from their own homes years before and transported them across the ocean to Stamchester to work as virtual slaves?

And, now the Avanish had no more use for Rook and her people, where they not determined to dispose of them?

The Avanish had already laid waste to a swathe of Saouiasei homes, a region which had become known as ‘The Scar’, in an attempt to drive them out?

However, Rook was not the only person hiding in the shadows. A far more dangerous figure was haunting the filthy streets of Stamchester striking fear into Avanish and Saouiasei alike; Billy Drainer, a serial killer who not only murdered his victims but drained them of every ounce of their precious, life giving blood.

For within blood was a highly sought after commodity, the ability to enhance a person’s natural abilities through the art of Bloodskill. To be faster and stronger than a normal person was something those with money were willing to pay handsomely for.

‘A Conventicle of Magpies’ is a fast-paced gaslamp fantasy adventure set in a Victorian-inspired world. Perfect for fans of Charlie N. Holmberg’s Spellbreaker and Susanna Clarke’s Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell.

Click the link below for a chance to win a signed edition of A Conventicle of Magpies (International)

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Safe and sound in the Magpie’s Nest, Rook divested herself of her corseted dress and heels and returned to the comfort of a shirt and trousers. The young woman fell into an armchair, threw her booted feet onto the battered coffee table, and plucked up a newspaper. Even though she’d been out all day, she hadn’t seen the latest in the Stamchester Review. As she scanned the page, Rook shook her head, and a lock of black hair fell over her face.

YET ANOTHER BLOODLESS CORPSE

At two o’clock this morning, a police constable came upon the scene of yet another gruesome murder. The body, which has not yet been identified, was found on the southbank end of the Buxridge Bridge. Like the other five bodies found in similar circumstances over the last few months, the corpse appeared to be drained of every last ounce of blood. Suspicion for this killing falls once more on the elusive fiend known only as Billy Drainer, although Inspector Kip Kerstammen declined to comment on this observation.

Rook licked her thumb and flicked to the next page. Inches and inches of news stretched through the broadsheet, as always full of sensationalism and very little fact. Only two parties enjoyed Stamchester’s string of murders: so-called Billy Drainer himself, whoever he was, and the newspapers. Both made significant gains from the events. News was always a profitable commodity in Stamchester, but blood was more valuable than gold. Those corpses weren’t bloodless for no reason.

A cough came from the doorway. Rook glanced up from the grim columns. A slim figure stood in the doorway, a tiny girl at the end of her teenage years. Pigeon stood in the low doorframe that led to the main Nest bar and jerked her head. The action sent her mass of dark curls tumbling to one side.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

A Conventicle of Magpies is the first installment in the Bloodskill duology by L.M.R. Clarke.

Set in an alternative Victorian-inspired version of a industrial city, Stamchester

The Saosuíasei people’s land has been plundered and the people have been forced into hard labor by the Avanish. The Avanish government now moves to eradicate the Sasssymen, which have become a burden. The areas were they live are set to be purged.

This tale follows Rook, an accomplished thief relying on her wits. Her people are the Saosuíasei, living in the areas that will be exterminated. She belongs to a clever and notorious gang the Conventicle of Magpies. As the storyline unfolds and progresses they must over come obstacles and join forces to fight against the opposition factions that seek to annihilate them. Along with with incredible odd stacked up against them, there is something horrific hunting streets, and draining the blood of Saosuíasei.

What fast paced, adventurous, gaslamp fantasy! The story immediately takes off from the very beginning. I was completely engaged and followed as our heroine faces trials and tribulations. There are some great side characters that should be noted.

The world building was easy to follow along with, and I enjoyed immensely. This book had me hooked from start to finish – I literally couldn’t put it down. The plot is so unique and absorbing. The authors narration was propulsive, and it was easy to become immersed within the book pages.

I was taken by atmospheric, imagery and found the the book to be, riveting and intensely entertaining!

Thanks to the author for allowing me to read this captivating book

I am excited to see how the series progresses and the characters develop.

I’m LMR Clarke, though you can call me Rain, and I’m a writer from Northern Ireland. I’m thirty-something, a parent, and a teacher. I love books and I also draw.

I’m an enby (non-binary) and am still finding my way! My stories are all about identity and acceptance, and trying to find your place in the world.

LMR Clarke| Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Click the link below for a chance to win a signed edition of A Conventicle of Magpies (International)

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February 1st

Reads & Reels (Spotlight) http://readsandreels.com

Books Rambling and Tea (Review) https://booksramblingsandtea.com/

Debjani’s Thoughts (Spotlight) https://debjanisthoughts.wordpress.com/

Phantom of the Library (Review) https://phantomofthelibrary.com/

@brendajeancombs (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/brendajeancombs/

The Faerie Review (Spotlight) http://www.thefaeriereview.com

February 2nd

Gwendalyn’s Books (Review) https://gwendalynbooks.blog/

I Smell Sheep (Review) http://www.ismellsheep.com/

Breakeven Books (Spotlight) https://breakevenbooks.com

Nesie’s Place (Spotlight) https://nesiesplace.wordpress.com

I’m All About Books (Spotlight) https://imallaboutbooks.com/

February 3rd

Rambling Mads (Review) http://ramblingmads.com

@better_0ff_read (Spotlight w/ Review to follow) https://www.instagram.com/BETTER_0FF_READ/

@joanna.zoe (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/joanna.zoe/?igshid=1xipr7pa6a9zl

@_ebl_inc_ (Review) https://www.instagram.com/_ebl_inc_/

The Magic of Wor(l)ds (Spotlight) https://www.instagram.com/the_magic_of_worlds/

February 4th

Book Review Crew (Review) https://bookreviewcrew.blogspot.com

Jessica Belmont (Review) https://jessicabelmont.wordpress.com/

Sophril Reads (Review) http://sophrilreads.wordpress.com

@dreaminginpages (Review) https://www.instagram.com/dreaminginpages/

February 5th

@ypsylynn (Spotlight w/ Review to Follow) https://www.instagram.com/jypsylynn/

Bonnie Reads & Writes (Review) https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpress.com

The Invisible Moth (Review) https://daleydowning.wordpress.com

Michelle Meng’s Book Blog 3 (Review) http://michellemengsbookblog3.simplesite.com/

@hoardingbooks.herdingcats (Review)  https://www.instagram.com/hoardingbooks.herdingcats/

 

 

 

 

Book Tour Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

The Engineer’s Wife A Novel by Tracey Enerson Wood Book Review

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The Engineer’s Wife

A Novel

by Tracey Enerson Wood

Sourcebooks Landmark

Pub Date 07 Apr 2020

Her name has been lost to history, but her legacy, the Brooklyn Bridge, lives on. Discover the fascinating woman who helped design and construct an American icon.

She built a monument for all time. Then she was lost in its shadow.

Emily Warren Roebling refuses to live conventionally—she knows who she is and what she wants, and she’s determined to make change. But then her husband Wash asks the unthinkable: give up her dreams to make his possible.

Emily’s fight for women’s suffrage is put on hold, and her life transformed when Wash, the Chief Engineer of the Brooklyn Bridge, is injured on the job. Untrained for the task, but under his guidance, she assumes his role, despite stern resistance and overwhelming obstacles. Lines blur as Wash’s vision becomes her own, and when he is unable to return to the job, Emily is consumed by it. But as the project takes shape under Emily’s direction, she wonders whose legacy she is building—hers, or her husband’s. As the monument rises, Emily’s marriage, principles, and identity threaten to collapse. When the bridge finally stands finished, will she recognize the woman who built it?

Based on the true story of the Brooklyn Bridge, The Engineer’s Wife delivers an emotional portrait of a woman transformed by a project of unfathomable scale, which takes her into the bowels of the East River, suffragette riots, the halls of Manhattan’s elite, and the heady, freewheeling temptations of P.T. Barnum. It’s the story of a husband and wife determined to build something that lasts—even at the risk of losing each other.

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

The Engineer’s Wife by Tracey Enerson Wood, is an absorbing historical fiction.

Emily Warren is strong willed woman, struggling at the bonds placed on her and women during her time period. This outspoken lady takes a stand for women’s rights.

When her brother, G.K. Bring another soldier home on his leave from war.

Emily is taken in by the young man, she feel connection with him. He is not turned off by her wanting to be heard and standing up for herself. Mr Washington Roebling is an engineer, when he returns home from the war, he goes back to what he was doing in civilian life. Helping his father build bridges, as an engineer exposes his now Emily to the certain aspects of this profession.

Washington, like so many of our boys suffer physically and mentally from the scars brought on by the horrific experiences of the war. When his father passes away the weight of his fathers dream rest on his shoulders. An incredible feat like no other before, he aims to build a bridge connecting Manhattan and Brooklyn. A harrowing accomplishment that will take many years to finish. Along with the trials tribulations Washington becomes sick from the long hours and the detailed undertaking that is involved in the construction of this enormous bridge. Then he gets hurts on the job. While he is convalescing, Emily takes the roll of convey the information back to her husband, she becomes the eyes and ears for him.

She steps back from her personal agenda of pushing the rights for women. To see her husband’s dream accomplished. Felling out of her elements she rises to the task she eventually assumes her husband’s role. This comes with a price, along with stern opposition, to a woman in her position. She falls under the charismatic temptations of P.T. Barnum.

As Emily struggles with walls placed in her way she might fall under the charismatic temptations of P.T. Barnum. Risking everything her husband ‘s dream slowly becomes hers.

The author has created an engaging and courageous heroine. and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this compelling historical fiction. Tracey Enerson Wood, does a phenomenal job of giving detailed historical information along with her own imaginative nuisance to create a highly absorbing read.

What immediately grabbed my attention in this story was the complexity of the characters. All characters were raw, honest, and flawed. I was absorbed deep within these characters lives, questioning their situations and decisions

This was an riveting and emotional book, that I just adored.

She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls Book Review

Book Title: She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls

Series (if applicable): Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series

Author: David Fitz-Gerald

Publication Date: October 25, 2020 

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Page Length: 270 pages

Genre Historical/Supernatural

A blazing fire killed her family and devoured her home. A vengeful demon haunted her. Ghosts of the Revolutionary War needed help that only she could provide. A young woman languished, desperate to survive, and teetered on the edge of sanity.

Mehitable grew up in a freshly tamed town, carved from the primeval forest. Family, friends, and working at the mercantile filled her days and warmed her heart. For Mehitable, life was simple and safe, until tragedy struck. When her family perished in their burning home, she retreated into a world of her own making.

As a young girl, she had seen glimmers, glimpses, and flickers of the spirit world. She closed her eyes. She turned her back. She ignored the apparitions that she never spoke of, desperately hoping they would leave her in peace. She was mistaken.

 Grief-stricken, Mehitable withdrew from the human world. Ghosts were everywhere. They became bolder. She could no longer turn her back on the spirit world. Her friends feared for her survival. Nobody understood her. She would have to find her own way.

 Fans of TV’s Ghost Whisperer and Long Island Medium will especially love She Sees Ghosts. This historical novel features memorable characters and delivers bone-tingling, spine chilling goosebumps. It stands on its own and it is the next installment in the Adirondack Spirit Series by the award-winning author of Wanders Far―An Unlikely Hero’s Journey. David Fitz-Gerald delivers a historical novel with a bittersweet ending that you won’t see coming.

Would she save the spirits’ souls, or would they save her? Only time would tell.

Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_PA9P2b3Q0&feature=youtu.be

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

 

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

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The second book in the Fitz-Gerald’s Adirondack Spirit Series A wonderful story that weaves paranormal elements, and historical fiction.

Mehitable Munsch, a young girl growing up in a small village in the 1800s. Gifted since early childhood, just like her grandmother. She has an unique and unsettling gift , she is a seer of spirits.

When a terrible tragedy happens on her sixteen birthday, that takes her whole family away from her. A devastating fire that leaves her an orphan, she refuses help from a neighboring family. She seeks her own solitude, preferring to stay on her own.

This strong independent girl life sees its share trials and tribulations as she progresses to adulthood. As she grows older so does her incredible talent of seeing restless ghosts.

This is mesmerizing tale of the personal growth of a young woman who comes into her own. Steadfast in faith she has find her way through trials to, find herself and also love. Breathtaking atmospheric imagery along with compelling character development makes for an enjoyable reading experience.

Set during the Revolutionary War time frame, the harsh realities are wonderfully depicted. I especially enjoyed the books imagery along with authors ability to describe the historical details.

This is the second book that I have read from this very talented author. I am looking forward to reading more book from him.

David Fitz-Gerald

 

David Fitz-Gerald writes fiction that is grounded in history and soars with the spirits. Dave enjoys getting lost in the settings he imagines and spending time with the characters he creates. Writing historical fiction is like making paintings of the past. He loves to weave fact and fiction together, stirring in action, adventure, romance, and a heavy dose of the supernatural with the hope of transporting the reader to another time and place. He is an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked all of the highest peaks in New York State, so it should not be surprising when Dave attempts to glorify hikers as swashbuckling superheroes in his writing. She Sees Ghosts―A Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls is the next instalment in the Adirondack Spirit Series.

 

Social Media Links:

 

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram

The Heiress Gets a Duke by Harper St. George

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, The Heiress Gets A Duke by, Harper St George, which is being hosted by HFBT!

@harperstgeorge @penguinusa @BerkleyPub @hfvbt @gwendalyn_book #TheHeiressGetsaDuke #HarperStGeorge

Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Berkley
Paperback & eBook; 320 pages

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses, Book #1
Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian

 

 

Even a fortune forged in railroads and steel can’t buy entrance into the upper echelons of Victorian high society—for that you need a marriage of convenience.

American heiress August Crenshaw has aspirations. But unlike her peers, it isn’t some stuffy British Lord she wants wrapped around her finger—it’s Crenshaw Iron Works, the family business. When it’s clear that August’s outrageously progressive ways render her unsuitible for a respectable match, her parents offer up her younger sister to the highest entitled bidder instead. This simply will not do. August refuses to leave her sister to the mercy of a loveless marriage.

Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, has no intention of walking away from the marriage. He’s recently inherited the title only to find his coffers empty, and with countless lives depending on him, he can’t walk away from the fortune a Crenshaw heiress would bring him. But after meeting her fiery sister, he realizes Violet isn’t the heiress he wants. He wants August, and he always gets what he wants.

But August won’t go peacefully to her fate. She decides to show Rothschild that she’s no typical London wallflower. Little does she realize that every stunt she pulls to make him call off the wedding only makes him like her even more.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

“A fun, fresh historical romance that gives both formidable characters their due.” – Publishers Weekly

“A delightfully entertaining read, rich with romance, glamour, and lush Victorian detail. Harper St. George truly captures the spirt of the era.” – USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews

“THE HEIRESS GETS A DUKE is a sexy, emotional romantic tale, set against the backdrop of the changing Victorian England. August Crenshaw is exactly the strong, intelligent, self-reliant heroine that Evan Sterling needs – the only trouble is neither one believes it. Watching the path of their romance and their battles makes this story a winner. Harper St. George is a must-buy for me!” – USA Today bestselling author Terri Brisbin

“Wit, seduction and passion blend seamlessly to create this deeply emotional romance. St. George weaves an intriguing plot with complex characters to provide the perfect sensual escape. There’s nothing I didn’t love about The Heiress Gets a Duke, especially its lush, captivating glimpse into history.” – USA Today bestselling author Anabelle Bryant

“There are only a few authors that make me want to take the day off to devour their latest book and Harper St. George is one of them. Rich with period detail, The Heiress Gets a Duke brings to life the Gilded Age’s dollar princesses in this smart, sexy, and oh so satisfying story. It’s a real treat for anyone who enjoys historical romances with strong characters that will stay with you long after you close the book. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in this series.” – Laurie Benson, award-winning author of The Sommersby Brides series

“The electricity crackles between August and Evan from their gloriously unconventional and improper first meeting, through their first scandalous waltz and continues to sizzle till the very last page. As much as August tries to fight her overwhelming attraction to the most unlikeliest of dukes, through their very practical and business-like courtship and all the trials and tribulations Ms St George throws at them, she soon comes to realise that the man earmarked for her sister is not only her destiny but the unexpected love of her life. You’ll sigh, you’ll cry, and you’ll grin yourself silly as this independent and cynical heiress finally gets her duke.” – Virginia Heath

“The Heiress Gets a Duke is a charming, compulsively readable delight and I can’t wait for the next book from Harper St George’s magical pen!” – Evie Dunmore

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

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This is the first book in Harper St. George’s Gilded Age Heiress series.

Harper St. George, brings the gilded age beautifully to life with gorgeous details

.A strong willed, American Heiress , who’s outspoken ways has deemed her an unlikely choice in the marriage market. August Crenshaw is the eldest daughter of her family, and heiress to a profitable iron works company. Seeing first hand what happens to other women in her station. August has a head for business along with strong aspirations. She enjoys working as a risk assessor for the family business Crenshaw Iron Works

Evan Sterling, the Duke of Rothschild, is in a sad position, and in dire need for funds. Recently he inherited his older brother’s title after he departed from this world quite suddenly. Leaving the Estate and it’s financial woes, along with his mother and twin sister responsibility weighing heavily on his shoulders.

He must marry an heiress to save his family from financial ruins. To refill the family’s coffiers that his now deceased irresponsible father emptied. On top of all that, His sister is about to have her debut. A wealthy wife with money, is the the only answer.

Even though he has been offered Violet Crenshaw as a would be bride, he is drawn to her fiery sister August instead. When they meet sparks fly.

August has a mind of her own, and will not be going into this marriage so easily, she has devised a plan to make sure this stuffy Brit won’t ever want her….except she never planned for the outcome that she gets!

This was such captivating book for me, I just feel in love with this feisty heroine. A spunky, outspoken August is definitely one lady I can root for. The author has created an engaging and courageous heroine. and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this lovely historical romance.

St. George weaves romance and wit seamlessly together, creating a highly seductive read. A wonderful job in creating a storyline that pulls you into its delightful pages. There are some heated moments in this historical romance, along stunning period details that makes for an exceptional reading experience.

Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband’s amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Tuesday, January 26
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 27
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Thursday, January 28
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, January 29
Review at Novels Alive

Monday, February 1
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Tuesday, February 2
Review at Madwoman in the Attic

Wednesday, February 3
Review at Bookish Rantings

Thursday, February 4
Review at Bibliostatic

Friday, February 5
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Monday, February 8
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Excerpt at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews

Tuesday, February 9
Review at Rajiv’s Reviews
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, February 10
Review at The Romance Dish

Thursday, February 11
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, February 12
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, February 15
Review at Flea with a Degree

Wednesday, February 17
Review at Reader_ceygo

Thursday, February 18
Interview at Reader_ceygo

Friday, February 19
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Heiress Gets a Duke
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BETRAYAL AT RAVENSWICK by Kelly Oliver

Hello there today on my book blog a reviewing of – BETRAYAL AT RAVENSWICK by Kelly Oliver-

#betrayalatravenswick, @tlcbooktours and @kellyoliverbook.

About Betrayal at Ravenswick

Publisher: Historia (March 10, 2020)
Paperback: 240 pages

What’s the best way to purge an unfaithful husband?

Become a spy for British Intelligence, of course.

Desperate to get out of London and determined to help the war effort, Fiona Figg volunteers to go undercover.

It keeps her from thinking about Andrew, her philandering husband.

At Ravenswick Abbey a charming South African war correspondent has tongues wagging.

His friends say he’s s a crack huntsman. The War Office is convinced he’s a traitor. Fiona thinks he’s s a pompous prig.

What sort of name is Fredrick Fredricks anyway?

Too bad Fiona doesn’t own a Wolseley pith helmet. At Ravenswick a murderer is on the prowl, and its not just the big-game hunter who’s s ready to pounce.

Readerss Favorite Award for Best Historical Novel

Social Media

#betrayalatravenswick, @tlcbooktours and @kellyoliverbook.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

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Thank you @kellyoliverbook and @tlcbooktours for gifting me this fun, entertaining series #TheBetrayalAtRavenswick and #HighTreasonAtThe⁣GrandHotel

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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Betrayal at Ravenswick by Kelly Oliver is the first installment in the Fiona Figg Mystery series. Set in 1916, in the midst of World War Fiona Figg is the head filing clerk at the War Office. 

When Fiona Figg’s husband returned from war she soon discovers that he has been cheating on her with secretary of all people. Braving the backlash she keeps her held high and divorces him. Plunging herself, five months after marriage os dissolved, into an incredible opportunity for a new start.

Fearing that she might run into her ex and his new wife in London. When offered a job as a spy for British Intelligence she jumps at the chance.

The British intelligence is highly suspicious of a big game hunter and journalist, who is on his way to a Countess estate at Ravenwood Abbey.

Fiona is then sent to Ravenswick Abbey to spy on a South African war correspondent named Frederick Fredericks. Fiona cleverly disguising herself as a male physician and entering the countess household.

Kelly Oliver delivers quite the page turner of a cozy mystery. With a delightful heroine that easy to root for with her snarky attitude and quick wit. The atmospheric details were nicely done. The comic timing and dialogue was fresh and spot on. I was completely engaged as Kelly Oliver’s narration is seamless and carries through till the end.

Excited to to start the book in this delightful mystery series.

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About High Treason at the Grand Hotel

• Publisher: Historia (January 5, 2021)
• Paperback: 276 pages

Paris. 1917. Never underestimate the power of a good hat… or a sharp hatpin.

Sent by the War Office to follow the notorious Black Panther, file clerk turned secret agent Fiona Figg is under strict orders not to get too close and not to wear any of her usual “get-ups.”

But what self-respecting British spy can resist a good disguise?

Within hours of her arrival in Paris, Fiona is up to her fake eyebrows in missing maids, jewel thieves, double agents, and high treason.

When Fiona is found dressed as a bellboy holding a bloody paperknife over the body of a dead countess, it’s not just her career that’s on the block.

Her next date might be with Madame Guillotine.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

About Kelly Oliver

Kelly Oliver grew up in the Northwest, Montana, Idaho, and Washington states. Her maternal grandfather was a forest ranger committed to saving the trees, and her paternal grandfather was a logger hell bent on cutting them down. On both sides, her ancestors were some of the first settlers in Northern Idaho. In her own unlikely story, Kelly went from eating a steady diet of wild game shot by her dad to becoming a vegetarian while studying philosophy and pondering animal minds. Competing with peers who’d come from private schools and posh families “back East,” Kelly’s working class backwoods grit has served her well. And much to her parent’s surprise, she’s managed to feed and cloth herself as a professional philosopher.

When she’s not writing mysteries, Kelly Oliver is a Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University. She earned her B.A. from Gonzaga University and her Ph.D. from Northwestern University. She is the author of thirteen scholarly books, ten anthologies, and over 100 articles, including work on campus rape, reproductive technologies, women and the media, film noir, and Alfred Hitchcock. Her work has been translated into seven languages, and she has published an op-ed on loving our pets in The New York Times. She has been interviewed on ABC television news, the Canadian Broadcasting Network, and various radio programs.

Kelly lives in Nashville with her husband, Benigno Trigo, and her furry family, Mischief and Mayhem.

Find out more about Kelly at her website, and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Tour schedule:

Tuesday, January 5th: Books, Cooks, and Looks
Wednesday, January 6th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Thursday, January 7th: Staircase Wit
Friday, January 8th: Stranded in Chaos
Monday, January 11th: Instagram: @nurse_bookie
Tuesday, January 12th: Amy’s Book-et List
Wednesday, January 13th: Instagram: @kara.bookstagram
Thursday, January 14th: Instagram: @jill_chilland_read
Sunday, January 17th: Instagram: @neverthless_she_reads
Monday, January 18th: Books and Bindings
Tuesday, January 19th: Stacy’s Books
Wednesday, January 20th: Tamsterdam Reads
Friday, January 22nd: View from the Birdhouse
Monday, January 25th: Write – Read – Life
Tuesday, January 26th: Gwendalyn’s Books
Wednesday, January 27th: Instagram: @lyon.brit.andthebookshelf
Thursday, January 28th: bookchickdi
Friday, January 29th: A Bookish Affair
Monday, February 1st: Lit and Life

Takakush: Genus Magic #1

Today I am celebrating the release of this beautiful new dark Fantasy, Takakush by Raine Reiter!

You can also win a signed copy of this stunner below!

Takakush: Genus Magic #1

Publication Date: January 25th, 2021 (Today 🎉)

Genre: Mature YA/ NA/ Urban (Dark) Fantasy

When Professor Elena Lukas returns to her cozy Pacific Northwest hometown with a broken heart, she’s plunged back into the fate she tried to escape. Like her mother and grandmother before her, Elena must now dedicate her life to a powerful ancient Lithuanian goddess. Although she is prepared to live as a priestess hiding in a contemporary tourist town, she arrives to find that a series of so-called animal attacks have terrorized her forest.

With the help of a handsome detective from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Elena uses her expertise in invasive and endangered species to identify that these are no normal animal attacks. The woods are stalked by a dark, mystical creature bent on ravaging the area in an attempt to quell its insatiable hunger. When her little sister goes missing, Elena realizes that the beast can only be vanquished if she is brave enough to face it in-person, embrace her identity as a high priestess, and expose her powers to the man she is growing feelings for.

Raine Reiter weaves together an empowered, female-centered narrative with rich descriptions of nature and an ever-present sense of mystery. Her vivid, flowing prose takes readers of dark fantasy into a world that looks and feels real, while still evoking the enticing paranormal creativity shared by authors such as Richelle Mead and Kat Richardson.

Add to Goodreads

Click photos to take to my IG 🔼

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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A riveting paranormal, Takakush by Raine Reiter is steeped in folklore, along with elements of a darkish fantasy.

Takakush is rich with imagery making for the perfect atmospheric read,

Professor Elena Lukas returns home to Swan House, her family’s Inn and Retreat. With its cozy array of ornate gingerbread gables, and covered verandas.

Leaving behind her Job, and a broken engagement she goes home to start her life anew. Welcoming her back are three most important women in her life, her younger sister Gabby, her mother Mina, and her beloved Nana Ragana. The woman in the Lukas family are a long line of dedicated priestess to a powerful ancient Lithuanian goddess.

Boone Anderson is a Detective Sergeant, from Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife. Investigating a series of bizarre animal attacks when his path cross with young Elena Lukas a visiting professor of Ethnobiolgy at Rainforest University.

The woods are being stalked by a mystical creature, that both Boone and Elena must work together to stop its vicious attacks. In a series of events Gabby, Elena’s sister has gone missing things really take off.

Raine Reiter delivers a well-written, unique and twisty read here, that had impressed within the pages of this book. Fast paced with an enjoyable plot line made for an enjoyable reading experience.

The way that the details were revealed to us was extremely well-done and the setting was creepy with atmospheric imagery. The story was brilliantly executed, from start to finish. Told in multiple POV’s, that gives the reader an insightful look to actions and and feeling of. each of the characters. The character development and complex relationships, were superb. The setting and world building are stunningly brought to life under Reiter precision narration. I loved the way the plot unfolded, and was completely invested in the storyline.

Rich in folklore with just the right amount of suspense makes for delightful book.

Purchase Here!

About the Author

Raine cavorts in the wilds of Washington’s Olympic Peninsula with her dog, Luke, and writes Northwest Gothic. Her first novel Takakush will be published on Amazon in January 2021. This is the first book in the Genus Magica Series.

Twanoh Press | Facebook | Twitter | Newsletter

To enter for a chance to win a signed copy of Takakush, click the link below! Giveaway will be open from today until January 27th and is open to everyone!

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Book Release Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

The Danish King’s Enemy By M J Porter

Welcome to my stop on The Book Blast for The Danish King’s Enemy

Series: (The Earls of Mercia, Book 2)

Author: MJ Porter

#HistoricalFiction #BookBlast #CoffeePotBookClub

Book Title: The Danish King’s Enemy

Series: (The Earls of Mercia, Book 2)

Author: MJ Porter

Publication Date: 20th December 2020 (please note this is a rerelease of Viking Enemy, which was a rerelease of Ealdormen)

Publisher: Independently Published 

Page Length: 211 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

Every story has a beginning.

Leofwine has convinced his king to finally face his enemies in battle and won a great victory, but in the meantime, events have spiralled out of control elsewhere.

With the death of Olaf Tryggvason of Norway, England has lost an ally, and Leofwine has gained an enemy. And not just any enemy. Swein is the king of Denmark, and he has powerful resources at his fingertips.

In a unique position with the king, Leofwine is either honoured or disrespected. Yet, it is to Leofwine that the king turns to when an audacious attack is launched against the king’s mother and his children. But Leofwine’s successes only bring him more under the scrutiny of King Swein of Denmark, and his own enemies at the king’s court.

With an increase in Raider attacks, it is to Leofwine that the king turns once more. However, the king has grown impatient with his ealdorman, blaming him for Swein’s close scrutiny of the whole of England. Can Leofwine win another victory for his king, or does he risk losing all that he’s gained?

The Danish King’s Enemy is the second book in the epic Earls of Mercia series charting the last century of Early England, as seen through the eyes of Ealdorman Leofwine, the father of Earl Leofric, later the Earl of Mercia, and ally of Lady Elfrida, England’s first queen.

 

Buy Links:

The Danish King’s Enemy is only 0.99 for a Limited Time Only.

Amazon UK • Amazon US

 The Danish King’s Enemy is free to read with #KindleUnlimited subscription.

Author Bio:

 

M J Porter 

 

I’m an author of fantasy (Viking age/dragon-themed) and historical fiction (Early English, Vikings and the British Isles as a whole before the Norman Conquest), born in the old Mercian kingdom at some point since AD1066. 

 

I write A LOT. You’ve been warned!

 

Website • Twitter • Instagram

GEORGANA’S SECRET BLOG TOUR

Today is my stop on the GEORGANA’S SECRET BLOG TOUR

#GeorganasSecret, #HistoricalRomance, #RegencyRomance, #InspirationalFiction #ChristianFiction, #ArlemHawks, #BlogTour

Join the virtual blog tour of GEORGANA’S SECRET (Proper Romance Regency), Arlem Hawks’ highly acclaimed debut historical romance novel January 11 – February 14, 2021. 

Over forty-five popular blogs specializing in historical romance, inspirational fiction, and Austenesque fiction will join in the celebration of its release with excerpts, spotlights, and reviews of this new Regency-eranovel set aboard a Royal Naval ship. 

#GeorganasSecret, #HistoricalRomance, #RegencyRomance, #InspirationalFiction #ChristianFiction, #ArlemHawks, #BlogTour

 

Title: Georgana’s Secret (Proper Romance Regency)

• Author: Arlem Hawks

• Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (January 12, 2021)

• Length: (320) pages

• Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1629727929

• eBook ASIN: B08Q5MW1SG

• Audiobook ASIN: B08RLRZ65Q

• Tour Dates: January 11 – February 14, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

A Regency romance on the high seas. Two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

As a young girl, Georgana Woodall dreamed of beautiful dresses, fancy balls, and falling in love. However, when her mother dies, she cannot face a future under the guardianship of her abusive grandmother and instead chooses to join her father on his ship disguised as his cabin boy, “George.”

Lieutenant Dominic Peyton has no time in his life for love, not with his dedication to His Majesty’s Royal Navy claiming his full attention. While trying to adjust to a new crew, he strives to be an exemplary officer and leader. When he sees the captain’s cabin boy being harassed by the crew, he immediately puts a stop to it and takes the “boy” under his wing. After discovering a number of clues, Dominic deduces that George is really a woman. Knowing that revealing the cabin boy’s secret would put her in serious danger from the rowdy crew, Dominic keeps silent and hides his growing affection for her.

Georgana is quickly losing her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care but is convinced nothing can come of her affection. She cannot continue to live her life on the sea, and having already missed too many seasons in London, her chances of being welcomed back into polite society and finding a suitable husband are quickly slipping away.

ADVANCE PRAISE:

“Hawks crafts a spellbinding tale featuring rich characters and raw emotions set against the atmospheric backdrop of sea life in all its danger and beauty. Georgana is a tough protagonist holding her own in a world dominated by men, while Peyton’s charm and sensitivity marks him as a true gentleman. A hidden identity, flirtation, and treachery make for a rousing tale to captivate lovers of historical romances.”— Publishers Weekly

“This tale felt sweepingly cinematic at times and was both action-packed and heart-wrenching with an immersive narrative.”— Katie Jackson, RegencyProofreading.com

Arlem Hawks wove a magnificent tale of adventure and deception and delivered a happy ever after that was as unconventional as the rest of the story. With so many stories of romance out there, it is refreshing when one comes along that is very different than the stories that I am used to. A little adventure always livens things up fabulously.”— Emily Flynn, Reading with Emily

“Fans of sweet love stories as well as readers who fondly remember those marvelous old traditional Signet Regencies will quickly succumb to the siren song of Hawk’s expertly crafted novel, which delivers the perfect blend of Jane Austen-smart romance and Patrick O’Brian flavored seafaring adventure. Teen romance readers will cheer on the plucky heroine as she finds the courage to forge her own path in life and love.”— Booklist, starred review

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

---

Thank to Shadow Mountain Publishing, for my gifted book

Georgana’s Secret is a standalone high seas romance that is set to the Regency Period. A delightful stunning debut by the author Arlem Hawks.

Set in 1811 as the Napoleonic Wars were raging, Great Britain and France fought for European supremacy.

Navy captain’s daughter Georgana Woodall suffered under the hands her paternal grandmother, when her father is away at sea. On a return trip home Captain Woodall becomes aware of the abuse being inflicted on his young daughter. He takes thing into own hands and disguises his daughter Georgiana, as a cabin boy named George.

Aboard the HMS Deborah, a ship in the English Royal Navy, Georgana has an adventurous time keeping her identity secret. Being aboard the three hundred man ship for three years she is crosses paths with Lieutenant Dominic Peyton. Dominic Peyton reaches out to help young George in helping him self defense from the bullying of the other cabin boys.

When a friendship develops and Georgana soon looses her heart to Dominic. This comes with all kinds of complications that causes for some heightened tension. A moving and delightful book, one the captured my whole heart. Right from the start, with young Georgiana suffering the horrific abuse dealt out by her grandmother. To the her trials and struggles she has to overcome aboard an English Navy’s ship. All the while keeping her identity well guarded.

The sigh factor along with the pitch perfect dialogue had me transported into this beautiful book. The author has created an engaging and courageous heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures you will be captivated right from the beginning.I found this story to be entertaining, well thought out, perfectly paced, exciting.An unforgettable story told through a brilliant narrative. The atmospheric imagery, along with intricate details, makes this a treasure amongst the many books in the Regency genre. A riveting adventure, along with the perfect amount of romance makes this a book a treasure on my bookshelf.

Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks is the perfectly sweet high seas regency that features the Twelfth Night trope

I highly recommend getting your hands on a copy

AUTHOR BIO:

Arlem Hawks began making up stories before she could write. Living all over the Western United States and traveling around the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they have to tell. With her travels came an interest in history, especially the history of her English heritage. When she isn’t writing, Arlem is baking her characters’ favorite foods, sewing Regency dresses, learning how to play the tin whistle, and water coloring. She lives in Arizona with her husband and two children. Having previously published four historical romance novellas, Georgana’s Secret is her debut novel.

 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

| BOOKBUB | YOUTUBE | GOODREADS 

 

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

 

Jan 11My Jane Austen Book ClubExcerpt

Jan 11Austenprose — A Jane Austen BlogReview 

Jan 12Wishful EndingsReview

Jan 12Lu Reviews BooksReview 

Jan 13Lady with a QuillReview

Jan 13Timeless NovelsReview

Jan 14Reading is My SuperpowerReview

Jan 14The Bibliophile FilesReview 

Jan 15Randi Loves 2 ReadReview

Jan 16The Christian Fiction GirlExcerpt

Jan 17Nurse BookieReview

Jan 18The Silver Petticoat ReviewReview

Jan 18Heidi ReadsReview 

Jan 19BookfooleryReview

Jan 20Captivated ReadingReview 

Jan 21Greenish BookshelfReview

Jan 21Bookworm LisaReview

Jan 22Among the Reads Review

Jan 23Gwedalyn’s BooksReview

Jan 24My Bookish BlissReview

Jan 25Wishful EndingsExcerpt

Jan 25Christian Chick’s ThoughtsReview 

Jan 26Relz ReviewzReview

Jan 27The Lit BitchReview

Jan 28Reading with EmilyReview 

Jan 29Books, Teacups & ReviewsReview 

Jan 30A Darn Good ReadReview

Jan 31From Pemberley to MiltonSpotlight

Jan 31Impressions in InkReview

Feb 01Austenesque ReviewsReview

Feb 02Laura’s ReviewsReview

Feb 03Literary Time OutReview

Feb 04Chicks, Rogues & ScandalsExcerpt

Feb 05The Bluestocking Review

Feb 05Library of Clean ReadsReview

Feb 06The Caffeinated BibliophileSpotlight

Feb 07So Little Time…Spotlight

Feb 08The ReadathonReview

Feb 09The Book Diva ReadsExcerpt

Feb 09Books and Socks RockReview 

Feb 10Our Book ConfessionsReview 

Feb 10Encouraging Words from the Tea QueenSpotlight

Feb 11Rosanne E. LortzReview

Feb 11Jorie Loves a StoryReview

Feb 12Fire & IceExcerpt

Feb 13Cup of Tea with that Book, PleaseReview

Feb 14Book Confessions of an Ex-ballerinaReview

 

 

 

Beauty Among Ruins by J’nell Ciesielski

Welcome to my stop on Beauty Among Ruins
by J’nell Ciesielski

@JnellCiesielski @ThomasNelson @hfvbt  

Beauty Among Ruins
by J’nell Ciesielski

Publication Date: January 12, 2021
Thomas Nelson
Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Scottish

 

 

In Ciesielski’s latest sweeping romance, an American heiress finds herself in Scotland amid the fallout of the Great War, and a wounded Scottish laird comes face-to-face with his past and a woman he never could have expected.

American socialite Lily Durham is known for enjoying one moment to the next, with little regard for the consequences of her actions. But just as she is banished overseas to England as a “cure” for her frivolous ways, the Great War breaks out and wreaks havoc. She joins her cousin in nursing the wounded at a convalescent home deep in the wilds of Scotland at a crumbling castle where its laird is less than welcoming.

Alec MacGregor has given his entire life to preserving his home of Kinclavoch Castle, but mounting debts force him to sell off his family history bit by bit. Labeled a coward for not joining his countrymen in the trenches due to an old injury, he opens his home to the Tommies to make recompense while he keeps to the shadows. But his preference for the shadows is shattered when a new American nurse comes streaming into the castle on a burst of light.

Lily and Alec are thrown together when a series of mysterious events threatens to ruin the future of Kinclavoch. Can they put aside their differences to find the culprit before it’s too late, or will their greatest distraction be falling in love?

‘A Scottish lord and an American socialite discover love during WWI in this gorgeous historical romance from Ciesielski (The Socialite)…The undercurrent of mystery and Ciesielski’s unflinching approach to the harsh realities of wartime only enhance the love story. Readers are sure to be impressed.’ –Publishers Weekly

Available for Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

---

A heart felt gorgeous historical romance!

This was an exquisite literary delightful tale. Lily Durham, is a headstrong American socialite. Her parents seeking to curb her reckless behavior, so they send her to England to stay with her cousin Elizabeth.

Things take a different turn when a declaration of war is announced, and The Great War erupts. Lilys parents wisely have her extend her stay on with her cousin. The two woman do some nurse training and find themselves in Scotland at a large Estate turned convalescence home for injured soldiers. Lilly really comes into her own and excepts the challenge presented before her. She has a vivacious personality that can not be contained.

Doing all he can for the war effort, laird, Alec MacGregor has opened up his home, Kinclavoch Castle, to help those in need physical and mental care. All the while while dealing with his own inner turmoil. Within the going’s on at the estate, Alec and Lilly’s paths cross.

I have to say this was a romance that I absolutely adored. A broody heart stopping Scotsman, and a feisty American.

There is also some mystery regarding sabotage, kidnapping to keep the reader on their toes. Will the two be able to put aside their differences, and work together to stop the the threatening menace?

When Lily’s family finally demands her to return to her home stateside, or risk her financial stability. Lilly will face a tough decision, will she be able to choose what is right for her own heart?

The author creates a compelling historical storyline that captures the the human struggles of heart. The characters are brought to life was superb characterization. The rich atmospheric imagery was delightful, and I fell in love with the beautiful surroundings.

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Excited for this Authors next release

With a passion for heart-stopping adventure and sweeping love stories, J’nell Ciesielski weaves fresh takes into romances of times gone by. When not creating dashing heroes and daring heroines, she can be found dreaming of Scotland, indulging in chocolate of any kind, or watching old black and white movies. Winner of the Romance Through the Ages Award and the Maggie Award, she is a Florida native who now lives in Virginia with her husband, daughter, and lazy beagle.

Learn more at www.jnellciesielski.com. You can also find J’nell on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Wednesday, January 6
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, January 7
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Friday, January 8
Review at The Green Mockingbird

Saturday, January 9
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, January 11
Review at Jorie Loves A Story

Tuesday, January 12
Interview at Books & Benches

Wednesday, January 13
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, January 14
Excerpt at Heidi Reads

Friday, January 15
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Saturday, January 16
Review at Nursebookie

Monday, January 18
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Tuesday, January 19
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, January 20
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, January 21
Review at Hallie Reads

Friday, January 22
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

We have 5 paperback copies of Beauty Among Ruins up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on January 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Beauty Among Ruins
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The Healer of Briarwood by MK McClintock!

Welcome to my stop on the Book Blast for 

The Healer of Briarwood by MK McClintock!

#TheHealerofBriarwood #MKMcClintock #historical #victorian #romance #giveaway  #bookblast #HFVBTBlogTours #giveaway

The Healer of Briarwood
by MK McClintock

Publication Date: December 15, 2020
Trappers Peak Publishing
Paperback & ebook; 260 pages

Series: Montana Gallagher Series, Book 7
Genre: Historical/Romance/Victorian

 

 

A man with a healer’s touch. A woman with a healer’s heart.

Doctor Finnegan Brody tends his patients, keeps to himself, and vividly remembers the heartaches and trials from the Civil War and why he devoted his life to healing. He watches the townspeople live their lives, loving and laboring alongside one another, and wonders if one day he will give a woman as much time and dedication as he gives the people of Briarwood.

Katharine Kiely has a deep-rooted stubbornness to never give up, even if it means leaving behind her comfortable life by the sea to protect her father’s health and help expand his empire. When she finally arrives in Briarwood to convince the Gallaghers a spur line should cross their land, nothing goes as she expected.

Finn, with his knowledge of healing the people, and Katharine, who learns how to heal with her heart, join together as the townsfolk of Briarwood face challenges and choices that could alter their way of life forever.

Welcome to Briarwood and Hawk’s Peak, where friendship, love, and hope conquer overwhelming odds.

Available on Amazon

More in the Montana Gallagher Series

Gallagher’s Pride
Gallagher’s Hope
Gallagher’s Choice
An Angel Called Gallagher
Journey to Hawk’s Peak
Wild Montana Winds
The Healer of Briarwood

About the Author

Award-winning author MK McClintock is devoted to giving her readers books laced with adventure, romance, and a touch of mystery. Her novels and short stories take you from the rugged mountains of Montana to the Victorian British Isles, all with good helpings of daring exploits and endearing love stories. Her works comprise multiple series, including: Montana Gallaghers, British Agents, Crooked Creek, and Whitcomb Springs. She enjoys a peaceful life in the Rocky Mountains where she is writing her next book.

Website | Newsletter | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Bookbub | Goodreads

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, January 18
Novels Alive

Tuesday, January 19
Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, January 20
Heidi Reads

Thursday, January 21
Passages to the Past

Friday, January 22
Gwendalyn’s Books
Library of Clean Reads

Monday, January 25
The Lit Bitch
Donna’s Book Blog

Tuesday, January 26
Jorie Loves a Story

Wednesday, January 27
What Is That Book About

Thursday, January 28
A Darn Good Read

Friday, January 29
Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Giveaway

One lucky winner will receive a Cozy Reading Bundle! Includes a wool throw from England, two mugs, a candle, an autographed book, and treats, all in a shopping tote!!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on January 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Healer of Briarwood
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The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson

Hello, Lovelies ,

Today is my stop on The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson. This is second book I have had the pleasure of reading by this very talented author. Thanks so much to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours for the invite to this tour.

@acwilsonbooks @TNZFiction @HarperCollins @hfvbt @gwendalyn_books @ThomasNelson

#abigailwilson #thevanishingatloxbymanor #thomasnelsonfiction

The Vanishing at Loxby Manor
by Abigail Wilson

Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 336 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance/Regency

 

 

A story of second chances and secrets, this mysterious Regency romance will transport you to 19th-century England as one young lady reunites with her childhood love to find his missing sister.

Her friend is missing.

After five years abroad, Charity Halliwell finally returns to Loxby Manor, the home of dear friends—and her lost love. No longer a young girl, she is now haunted by a painful secret and the demise of her dreams. Instead of the healing and happiness she hopes to find, she encounters a darkness lurking in the shadows of the once-familiar house. When her friend, Seline, disappears the very night of her arrival, Charity is determined to uncover the truth.

Her only hope is the man who broke her heart.

Branded a coward, Piers Cavanaugh has lived the last five years as an outcast far from his family home. When his sister presumably elopes with a stable hand, Piers joins forces with an unlikely partner—the one woman he thought he’d never see again. Together they launch an investigation that leads to strange nightly meetings in the ruins of an old abbey and disturbing whispers of a secret organization. The more they learn, the more desperate the situation becomes.

The house seems determined to keep its secrets.

As they struggle to piece together the clues, Charity and Piers also endeavor to rebuild their friendship. One cryptic letter changed everything between them. To find happiness they will have to overcome the grief and shame keeping them apart. But first they must discover why Seline vanished and confront the growing fear that she may never return.

Settle in, because once you start The Vanishing at Loxby Manor, you won’t be able to put it down.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Vanishing at Loxby Manor

“Vanishing at Loxby Manor cleverly combines Regency romance with Gothic intrigue, and the result is a suspenseful, thoroughly entertaining read. Charming and lovely.”—Tasha Alexander, New York Times bestselling author of In the Shadow of Vesuvius

“Like each of Wilson’s novels, The Vanishing at Loxby Manor drew me in from the start and didn’t let go. From the heartfelt characters to the twists that kept me guessing, I relished each turn of the page. Wilson is a master at historical mystery, and I cannot wait for her next story.”—Lindsay Harrel, author of The Joy of Falling

“Abigail Wilson’s latest Gothic romance hits the notes readers have come to expect from her talented pen: romance, shadows and intrigue and a brilliantly executed atmosphere. She is a master at her craft and a rare stand-out in a popular genre.”—Rachel McMillan, author of The London Restoration

“Weaving a shadow of mystery among the gilded countryside of Regency England, Wilson’s tale of love lost, buried shame, and secret societies is a delicious blend of romance and intrigue. Splash in gorgeous historical Regency details, and murder brewing around every stone, and readers will be burning through the pages until the riveting end.”—J’nell Ciesielski, author of The Socialite

“A gothic romance that is filled with great characters and a mystery that unfolds chapter by chapter. A perfect blend of mystery, family relationships, lost years, and star-crossed love. Be warned, you won’t be able to walk away from these characters.”—Cara Putman, award-winning author of Flight Risk

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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This is Abigail Wilson Wilson’s fourth Regency romantic suspense

I Immensely enjoyed reading her last novel Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey. It’s a treasured book in my library. So when opportunity to be able to read her latest book, I literally jumped at it.

Charity Halliwell fell in love with Abigail Wilson weaves a stunning mystery here in the story along with rich period details. The author writing definitely stands out, with her seamless narration that holds the plot line together. The twists are perfectly executed and you won’t see them coming. Her ability to create a second chance romance, that captures your heart, with out overshadowing it doesn’t mysteriousness of the novel was fabulous.

This novel was filled with compelling characters and I really liked everything that each of them brought to this story throughout the novel. They each had their role to make this a tense reading experience. So many secrets that you will find yourself questioning everyone along with their motives. The book is rich in atmospheric details, along with the pitch perfect dialogue that is authentic for the time period. The gothic style writing is absorbing and I couldn’t get enough. The setting and tone was a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book this book with its secret society and treachery set to a lovely historical mystery.

Loved piecing all those puzzle pieces together, I am sure you will too Cavanagh, heir to Loxby Manor. Even though things didn’t work out for them. She shelved her feelings or lost love to the back of her mind even know her heart never really got over it,

Charity is a gracious young lady, quite and attentive.

Recently returned from being away for five years at Ceylon, she is now a houseguest at her childhood friends home at …Loxby Manor. While she was away with her parents at Ceylon, an Irreversible incident occurred. Happy to unite with her vivacious friend Seline, things take on a sinister track. When her friend doesn’t return after an secretive nighttime escapade Charity steps up and questions her friends disappearance, even though she faces challenges from Seline Cavanagh’s own family.

Abigail Wilson weaves a stunning mystery here in the story along with rich period details. The author writing definitely stands out, with her seamless narration that holds the plot line together. The twists are perfectly executed and you won’t see them coming. Her ability to create a second chance romance, that captures your heart, with out overshadowing it doesn’t mysteriousness of the novel was fabulous.

This novel was filled with compelling characters and I really liked everything that each of them brought to this story throughout the novel. They each had their role to make this a tense reading experience. So many secrets that you will find yourself questioning everyone along with their motives. The book is rich in atmospheric details, along with the pitch perfect dialogue that is authentic for the time period. The gothic style writing is absorbing and I couldn’t get enough. The setting and tone was a joy to read.

I highly recommend this book this book with its secret society and treachery set to a lovely historical mystery.

Loved piecing all those puzzle pieces together, I am sure you will too

Abigail Wilson combines her passion for Regency England with intrigue and adventure to pen historical mysteries with a heart. A registered nurse, chai tea addict, and mother of two crazy kids, Abigail fills her spare time hiking the national parks, attending her daughter’s gymnastic meets, and curling up with a great book. In 2017, Abigail won WisRWA’s Fab Five contest and in 2016, ACFW’s First Impressions contest as well as placing as a 2017 finalist in the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense.

She is a cum laude graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and currently lives in Dripping Springs, Texas, with her husband and children.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Tuesday, January 19
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Wednesday, January 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, January 21
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Friday, January 22
Review at The Green Mockingbird

Monday, January 25
Review at Jorie Loves A Story
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Tuesday, January 26
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Wednesday, January 27
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Thursday, January 28
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Friday, January 29
Review at Heidi Reads
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, January 30
Review at Nursebookie

Monday, February 1
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Tuesday, February 2
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Wednesday, February 3
Review at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 4
Review at Hallie Reads
Review at Bitch Bookshelf

Friday, February 5
Review at The Lit Bitch
Interview at Books & Benches

Enter to win a copy of The Vanishing at Loxby Manor by Abigail Wilson! Five copies are up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Loxby Manor
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WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG

Hello again honeybees,

and welcome to my stop on Waiting For The Night Song

Forge Books
Publisher : Forge Books; 1st edition (January 12, 2021)
Language: : English
Hardcover : 336 Pages

On Sale: 01/12/2021
ISBN: 9781250269188336 Pages 

Praise for WAITING FOR THE NIGHT SONG“Julie Carrick Dalton’s deftly constructed, urgent yet slow-burning debut novel reads like a warning from the frontlines of our rapidly deteriorating natural world.” —Omar El Akkad, American War“Both a timely and timeless literary mystery, Waiting for the Night Song is as seductive as it is smart, blending the allure of Julie Dalton’s beloved rural New Hampshire setting with the dark undercurrents of a community’s racial divisions and betrayals. This is a story of love, of home, of friendship and family, of a childhood’s innocence and an adult’s comeuppance, all of which are in the line of fire in this beauty of a page turner.” —Michelle Hoover, award-winning author of Bottomland and The Quickening“Human nature clashes with Mother Nature in this riveting and heartbreaking coming of age story— gorgeously written, and wonderfully told. With its combination of powerful themes and intensely immersive setting, fans of Delia Owens will swoon to find their new favorite author. A phenomenal debut!” —Hank Phillippi Ryan, award-winning author of The First to Lie“Dalton writes masterfully of human relationship and the fraught relationship humanity has with ecology…put it on your lists NOW.” —Michael Zapata, author of The Lost Book of Adana Moreau“I marvel when I come across a book that is at once timely and timeless…It’s a novel that burns–figuratively and literally–with sharp prose and uncommon wisdom. Do yourself a favor and have a look for yourself.” —Peter Geye, award-winning author of Wintering“Waiting for the Night Song is a beautiful book that is also a hell of a read. Complex characters, unforgettable setting, taut storyline, big ideas.” —Ashley Shelby, author of South Pole Station“Smart and searingly passionate, Dalton’s absorbing mystery debut explores many timely issues including global warming, female friendships, childhood secrets, and the lengths we take to protect them — Waiting For The Night Song is an illuminating snapshot of nature, betrayal and sacrifices set in the evocative New Hampshire wilderness.” —Kim Michele Richardson, award-winning author of The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek“A killer, gorgeous debut that tackles love, racism and even climate change. Waiting for the Night Song will break your heart, leave you breathless and wanting more.” —Rachel Barenbaum, bestselling author of A Bend in the Stars“Dalton weaves the vagaries of friendship, the wonder of the natural world, and the power of truth to create a powerful and unforgettable story.” —Erica Ferencik, bestselling author of The River at Night and Into the Jungle“Dalton’s debut is a story of friendship, family, and the consequences of acting out of fear, especially when those actions are performed to protect those we love. The storytelling is made even more vivid by the way the novel practically breathes the woods of New Hampshire.” —Booklist

“Stirring…a taut novel that builds suspense to the very end.” —Publishers Weekly

A startling and timely debut, Julie Carrick Dalton’s Waiting for the Night Song is a moving, brilliant novel about friendships forged in childhood magic and ruptured by the high price of secrets that leave you forever changed.

Cadie Kessler has spent decades trying to cover up one truth. One moment. But deep down, didn’t she always know her secret would surface?

An urgent message from her long-estranged best friend Daniela Garcia brings Cadie, now a forestry researcher, back to her childhood home. There, Cadie and Daniela are forced to face a dark secret that ended both their idyllic childhood bond and the magical summer that takes up more space in Cadie’s memory then all her other years combined.

Now grown up, bound by long-held oaths, and faced with truths she does not wish to see, Cadie must decide what she is willing to sacrifice to protect the people and the forest she loves, as drought, foreclosures, and wildfire spark tensions between displaced migrant farm workers and locals.

Waiting for the Night Song is a love song to the natural beauty around us, a call to fight for what we believe in, and a reminder that the truth will always rise.

You can purchase Waiting for the Night at the following Retailers:

       

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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Waiting for the Night Song is about a deep childhood friendship that’s shattered by a dark secret. The story follows two young girls, Cadie and Daniela, through a summer full of adventure and minor misdeeds until a traumatic event drives them apart.

“Truth hides in fissures and hollows, in broken places and empty parts. It can be buried, crushed, or burnt, but the truth will always rise

Waiting for the Night Song is about a deep childhood friendship that is shattered by a dark secret. Cadie and Daniela witnessed a traumatic event over twenty ago.

Cadie Kessler is a entomologist researching the pine beetle from the Rockies to her New Hampshire hometown where the beetles are laying waist to the trees. Leaving them dead and perfect for forest fires.

When she hears from estranged childhood friend, Daniela Garcia. It seems the past has come back, to haunt both Cadie and Daniela when a body is discovered from twenty seven years earlier.

A thrilling coming-of-age book intertwined with a murder mystery. Waiting for the Night Song shifts between the present and “The Summertime ” when the friendship was shattered, and the events happened that the two girls have tried so hard to forget.

A thrilling book that draws you in with its suspense, racial issues, and climate change.

It also is about friendship and family ties.

Photo Credit: Sharona Jacobs

Julie Carrick Dalton grew up in Maryland and on a military base in Germany. As an adult, she bounced around from Seattle to Dallas to Virginia, before finding her true home in Boston, where she has lived for more than twenty years. Her writing has appeared in The Boston Globe, BusinessWeek, The Hollywood Reporter, Electric Literature, and other publications. She contributes to The Chicago Review of Books, DeadDarlings, and The Writer Unboxed. A Tin House alum and graduate of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator, Julie holds a Master’s in Literature and Creative Writing from Harvard Extension School. She is a frequent speaker on the topic of writing fiction in the age of climate crisis. Mom to four kids and two dogs, Julie is a passionate skier, hiker, and kayaker. She also owns and operates an organic farm. Please excuse her dirty fingernails.

        

WEEK ONE – REVIEW & INTERVIEWS

JANUARY 11th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JANUARY 12th TUESDAY Kait Plus Books INTERVIEW 

JANUARY13th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW

JANUARY14th THURSDAY BookHounds REVIEW & INTERVIEW 

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JANUARY 18th MONDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW

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JANUARY 21st THURSDAY Nay’s Pink Bookshelf REVIEW 

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*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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In the Garden of Spite Book Review

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• Publication Date: January 19, 2021
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
• Author: Camilla Bruce
• Genre: Historical Fiction
• Page Count: 480

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

An audacious novel of feminine rage about one of the most prolific female serial killers in American history–and the men who drove her to it.

They whisper about her in Chicago. Men come to her with their hopes, their dreams–their fortunes. But no one sees them leave. No one sees them at all after they come to call on the Widow of La Porte. The good people of Indiana may have their suspicions, but if those fools knew what she’d given up, what was taken from her, how she’d suffered, surely they’d understand. Belle Gunness learned a long time ago that a woman has to make her own way in this world. That’s all it is. A bloody means to an end. A glorious enterprise meant to raise her from the bleak, colorless drudgery of her childhood to the life she deserves. After all, vermin always survive.

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In the Garden of Spite tells the chilling tale of Belle Gunness also known as the Black Widow of LaPorte. Belle is considered to be one of the first female serial killers in America.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

This is a true crime historical fiction account of the notorious Belle Gunness

This is grisly and dark book that will have you mentally messed up.

A brilliantly executed nightmare-inducing tale. The notorious Belle Gunness, known as “the Black Widow of the Midwest” who is thought to have murdered at least fourteen and quite possibly up to forty people between the years of 1884 and 1908.

Let’s go back to the reason why she has become this Momonstrous prolific serial killer. Brynhild Paulsdatter Storset, a young girl born into a family of poor farmhands in Selbu, Norway. In Bruce’s reconstruction of Brynhild’s backstory, our protagonist becomes pregnant at seventeen, but when she demands the father to marry her, the young man tries to kill her instead. As the body count keeps rising she emigrates to American!

I warn you this is not a tale for the faint. You should know this right now.

The Good Doctor of Warsaw Review

Hello Bookish Friends

Today I have a Review of The Good Doctor of Warsaw

@HolocaustLegBks #LoveStory @gwendalyn_books

@elisabeth04liz #TheGoodDoctorOfWarsaw!

The Good Doctor of Warsaw

By Elizabeth Gifford

Set in the ghettos of wartime Warsaw, this is a sweeping, poignant, and heartbreaking novel inspired by the true story of one doctor who was determined to protect two hundred Jewish orphans from extermination.

Deeply in love and about to marry, students Misha and Sophia flee a Warsaw under Nazi occupation for a chance at freedom. Forced to return to the Warsaw ghetto, they help Misha’s mentor, Dr Janusz Korczak, care for the two hundred children in his orphanage. As Korczak struggles to uphold the rights of even the smallest child in the face of unimaginable conditions, he becomes a beacon of hope for the thousands who live behind the walls.

As the noose tightens around the ghetto, Misha and Sophia are torn from one another, forcing them to face their worst fears alone. They can only hope to find each other again one day . . .

Elisabeth Gifford grew up in a parsonage. She writes for The London Times and the Independent and has a Diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford University and a Masters in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway College. She lives in Kingston upon Thames in England.

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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A gripping emotional book set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw.

A young couple Misch and Sophie meet at lecture being given by the respected and renowned Dr Janusz Korczak. Seen through their eyes, Elisabeth Gifford has based this heart wrenching story on true and actual events inspired by the Polish communities that suffered the affects of the Nazi occupation during World War Two.

A moving novel, that has been meticulously researched Misha and Sophia’s true love story comes to life. Dr Korczak, the humanitarian child psychologist and advocate for children. Passionate both Sophia and Misha find themselves working for the great doctor. Eventually there relationship deepens and the two become engaged. The war is weighing down and hitter moves to take Poland. Thinking it will be like the first war with Germany occupying Poland, no one is prepared for what happens next

Elisabeth Gifford brings the past to life, and those that were affiliated with Dr Korczak. The doctor was famous for his humanitarian work with children, a child psychologist and renowned writer. This is a exceptional book written so we the reader feel the struggles and heartbreak of the people coming together to take care of children. In 1940, German created the Warsaw Ghetto, the doctors orphanage was relocated The storyline is all consuming and writing flows as you are pulled into Misha and Sophia take as it unfolds. The city of Warsaw and its people see some of the most brutality besides those sent to the death camps. This is a heroic tale of the people who cared for so many, the children and that of Warsaw it’s self.

Dr Korczak went with the children even though he had repeatedly been offered shelter on the “Aryan side”. He always refused these.

THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

Welcome to my stop for THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS

@JennyLecoat @gwendalyn_books @HarperCollins @GraydonHou

THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS 

Author: Jenny Lecoat

ISBN: 9781525806414

Publication Date: February 2, 2021

Publisher: Graydon House Books

An extraordinary story of human triumph against impossible odds

The year is 1940, and the world is torn apart by war. In June of that year, Hitler’s army captures the Channel Islands–the only part of Great Britain to be occupied by German forces. Abandoned by Mr. Churchill, forgotten by the Allies, and cut off from all help, the Islands’ situation is increasingly desperate.

Hedy Bercu is a young Jewish girl who fled Vienna for the island of Jersey two years earlier during the Anschluss, only to find herself trapped by the Nazis once more–this time with no escape. Her only hope is to make herself invaluable to the Germans by working as a translator, hiding in plain sight wIth the help of her friends and community–and a sympathetic German officer. But as the war intensifies, rations dwindle, neighbors turn on neighbors, and Hedy’s life is in greater danger every day. It will take a definitive, daring act to save her from certain deportation to the concentration camps.

A sweeping tale of bravery and love under impossible circumstances, Hedy’s remarkable story reminds us that it’s often up to ordinary people to be quiet heroes in the face of injustice.

Buy Links: 

Harlequin 

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Books-A-Million

Powell’s

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

THE GIRL FROM THE CHANNEL ISLANDS is a riveting unforgettable tale of bravery, friendship, and love. Based on a true story of a young Jewish girl named Hedwig Bercu (Hedy) during World War II.

Jenny Lecoat debut novel has propulsive storyline, offering both drama and historical authenticity to appeal to anyone interested in WWll historical fiction.

Set in the English Channel Islands, 1940. Hedy is a Jew who recently escaped Austrian Anschluss to the island of Jersey.

Leaving behind the horrors of Vienna Austria Hedy Berkus arrives to the shores of Jersey, located in England’s British Isles. Fleeing for her life because of her Jewish Heritage. Hoping she is safe far away from the long arm of.Nazi regime.

Everything comes crashing down when in June 1940. The inhabitants of the Channel Island of Jersey can only watch as the German army invades.

The invading force takes complete control of their island without any opposition to stop them. They have been abandoned by the British, and forced to fend for themselves. The locals of Jersey are resilient people endure a lengthy occupation that will last to the very end of the war.

Hedy Bercu nightmare has become her reality, again she finds her nationality under persecution. This is immersive novel that show the local of Jersey island as strong willed and courageous people. Hedy is a wonderfully developed character, and the author seamlessly writing flows perfectly as the storyline develops. She is brave and driven by inner strength as she tries to hide her identity an takes a job at the German headquarters as a translator. When her paths cross with the German officer Kurt, nothing prepares both of them. The romance is done in a way that doesn’t overshadowed the true theme of the novel, but you will your heart captivated by it.

The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat’s is compelling book

It will significant interest those readers who enjoy World War II based historical fiction

Jenny Lecoat was born in Jersey, Channel Islands, where her parents were raised under German Occupation and were involved in resistance activity. Lecoat moved to England at 18, where, after earning a drama degree, she spent a decade on the alternative comedy circuit as a feminist stand-up. She also wrote for newspapers and women’s magazines (Cosmopolitan, Observer), worked as a TV and radio presenter, before focusing on screenwriting from sitcom to sketch shows. A love of history and factual stories and a return to her island roots brought about her feature film Another Mother’s Son (2017). She is married to television writer Gary Lawson and now lives in East Sussex. The Girl from the Channel Islands is her first novel.

Social Links:

Author Website

Twitter: @JennyLecoat

Instagram: NA

Facebook: @JennyLecoat

Goodreads

Jersey, Channel Islands

Summer 1940

THE SUN’S HEAT HAD BEGUN TO MELLOW, AND the gulls were cruising for their final catch of the day when the siren sounded. Its wail climbed and fell, calling out over the jumbled slate roofs and church spires of the town, and across the patchwork of potato fields beyond. In St. Aubin’s bay, where the waves lapped and fizzed on the sand, its warning finally reached Hedy’s ears as she lay dozing by the sea wall, and woke her with a jolt.

Rising in slow motion, she scanned the sky. Now she could also hear a faint, tinny whine in the east. She tried to steady her breathing. Perhaps it was another false alarm? These warnings had become a daily event these past two weeks, each time the reconnaissance planes merely circling, then disappearing back out to sea with cameras crammed full of blurry images of main roads and harbor walls. But this time something was different. The engine sound contained a note of brutish intent, and now several tiny black dots were emerging in the distant blue. The whine became a hum, and the hum a strident drone. Then she knew. This was no reconnaissance mission. This was the start. 

For days now, the islanders had watched the black smoke rise and mushroom on the French coast, felt the vibration of the distant blasts pulse through their bellies and rattle their bones. Women had spent hours counting and recounting the tinned foods in their larders, while the men squashed into banks to withdraw the family savings. Children had yelled their complaints as gas masks were forced over their heads. By then, all hope had vanished. There was no one here to deter the aggressors, nothing between them and their shimmering prize but flat blue water and an empty sky. And now the planes were on their way. Hedy could see them clearly now, still some distance away, but from the outline she guessed they were Stukas. Dive-bombers.

She spun around, looking for shelter. The nearest beachside café was almost a mile away. Stopping only to grab her wicker bag, she sprinted for the stone steps leading to the walkway above,and took them in three bounds. At the top she scoured the promenade; a hundred meters toward First Tower was a small seafront shelter. It contained nothing but a single wooden bench on each of its four exposed sides, but it would have to do. Hedy hurtled toward it, grazing her shin as she mistimed the leap onto the low plinth, and threw herself

 against the bench. A moment later she was joined by a panic-stricken young mother, probably not much older than herself, gripping a small white-faced boy by the wrist. By now the planes were over St. Helier harbor, one arcing across the bay toward them, the noise of the engine so thunderous that it drowned out the boy’s screams as the woman pushed him to the ground. The violent rat-a-tat of machine-gun fire stung Hedy’s ears as several bullets found the sea wall and zinged off in random directions. A second later, a distant explosion shook the shelter so hard Hedy thought the roof might collapse. “Was that a bomb?” The woman’s face was ashen beneath her tan.

“Yes. Near the harbor, I think.”

The woman gave her a brief, confused look. It was the ac- cent, Hedy knew—even in a moment like this it still set her apart, marked her out as an alien. But the woman’s attention quickly turned back to her child.

“Oh my God,” she muttered, “what have we done? My husband said we should have evacuated when we had the chance.” Her eyes fixed on the sky. “Do you think we should have gone?”

Hedy said nothing, but followed her companion’s gaze upward. She thought about her employers, the Mitchells, staggering onto that filthy, inadequate cargo boat with their screaming child, and nothing but a change of underwear and a few provisions stuffed into a brown packing case. At this moment, with the aroma of burning aviation fuel in her nostrils, she would have given anything to be with them. Her knuckles turned yellow on the slatted bench. Corkscrews of charcoal smoke drifted across the bay, and she could hear the little boy beside her sobbing. Hedy swallowed hard and focused on the questions bouncing around her brain like a pin- ball. How long now before the Germans landed? Would they round people up, stand them in front of walls to be shot? If they came for her, then…? There was no point finishing that thought. Anton, the only person on this island she could call a friend, would be powerless to help her. The shelter vibrated again, and she felt its fragility.

Hedy remained crouched silently, listening to the planes loop and dive and the crack of explosions a mile away, until at last the sound of the engines began to fade into the distance. An aging gentleman with disheveled white hair stumbled toward them, and stopped to peer into the shelter.

“The planes have gone,” he called. “Try to get home as quickly as you can. It can’t be long before they get here.” Hedy’s eyes fixed on his jacket, which was covered in dust and uneven patches of blood. “Don’t worry, it’s not mine,” the man assured her. “Old fellow walking near the harbor took a bullet in the leg—we had to get him to the hospital.” “Are there many hurt? Or…?” Hedy glanced toward the

little boy, not wanting to finish the question.

“Some, yes.” The man’s voice faltered a little, and Hedy felt a surge of anguish. She pressed her fist to her lips and swallowed again before he continued: “They bombed a line of potato trucks waiting to unload at the harbor. I mean, for God’s sake, what’s the point of that?” He shook his head and gestured toward his destination. “Hurry now.”

The man hastened away. Hedy hauled her shaking body to its feet, wished the woman good luck and set off along the promenade toward the town, wondering how on earth she would get back to the Mitchells’—assuming the house was still there. She tried to hurry, but her skinny legs felt weak. She imagined Hemingway cowering beneath the sofa in the empty living room, his gray feline fur stiff with terror. Already she was half regretting disobeying Mr. Mitchell’s instruction to have him put down. The animal’s trusting eyes had melted her heart at the door of the vet’s surgery. Now she wasn’t even sure if she’d be able to feed herself, never mind a cat.

By the time she reached the outskirts of St. Helier town she could hear the bells of the ambulances and the random shouts of desperate men trying to work as a team. Smoke rose in missing, some wandering aimlessly, and one old couple on a bench, sobbing. Hedy walked on, forcing herself to put one foot in front of the other, deliberately edging her mind to- ward reality. The seas around the island were probably already full of U-boats. Soon she would once again be surrounded by those gray-green uniforms and hear the barking of orders. She pictured the bang on the door, Wehrmacht hands grabbing at her elbow, the house abandoned with dirty dishes still on the table. Anything was possible now. She recalled only too well the way the Germans had behaved in Vienna.

Especially toward Jews.

She pressed on, pushing her body weight forward, willing herself home. She needed to reach Hemingway and give him a hug.

Excerpted from The Girl from the Channel Islands by Jenny Lecoat, Copyright © 2020 by Jenny Lecoat Published by Graydon House Books

Restitution By Janet Lee Berg

Hello Readers,

Today I am partnering with The Coffee Pot Book Club and the author

Janet Lee Berg in promoting her fabulous book: Restitution

Please enjoy the featured Excerpt

Book Title: Restitution

Series: Sequel to “Rembrandt’s Shadow”

Author: Janet Lee Berg

Publication Date: 30th September 2020

Publisher: Koehler

Page Length: 262 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

“Restitution” is the riveting, multigenerational story of Sylvie Rosenberg, a Holocaust survivor traumatized by the memory of her art dealer father forced to trade paintings with the Nazis in an attempt to save their large extended family.  Sylvie’s adult life in 1970s New York is plagued by survivors’ guilt and bitterness.  But when her self-destructive ways threaten to upend the life of her Vietnam-vet son, Sylvie finally needs to face her demons.  She returns to Holland to confront her past and fight the Dutch judicial system for the return of the masterpieces, but the battle proves far more difficult than Sylvie imagined…

 

Weaving in tragic true events from her own family history, Berg offers a sensitive story of history, romance, and humoralong with detail from the extensive research of Lynn H. Nicholas, the world’s leading expert on art pilfered during WWII. Over 80 years later, the real family still awaits justice and the return of artwork that continues to hang on museum walls, without noting their tragic history…    

 

Buy Links:

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Barnes and Noble • Books-a-Million

Michael blamed his mother for many things, including letting  his father walk out on them. My father’s a stranger to me. I lost him  the same day I lost my first tooth. Michael could still see his six-year old self in the mirror staring hard at the hole where the tooth had  been, the toothbrush bristles against his sore gums. He remembered  his tears running into his mouth, the salty taste mixed with blood.  But he could hardly remember the back of his father’s head when  he had slammed the front door and walked out without looking  back. Maybe by the time a new tooth replaced the empty spot his  father would be back. But he didn’t come back, not even long after  Michael’s adult tooth emerged. 

 

Mom forgot to put a quarter under my pillow that night. What  did I know, a dumb little Jewish kid? I never enjoyed the splendor of  the Easter Bunny or Santa Claus . . . no way was I ever going to believe  in the tooth fairy. Or in my father. I kept that pain to myself. I guess  we all collect our own little secrets. 

 

Michael wasn’t just an only child. He was a lonely child. He didn’t  have much of a family and he wondered why, trying to put the puzzle  together: his famous grandfather, the world-renowned art dealer;  his grandmother, the socialite who had the servants dress the four  children in their best clothes. Michael envisioned them running  through the three-story house in Holland all those years ago. 

 

Michael heard a few obscure anecdotes about the once aristocratic family he’d never met; her siblings were still living in  Europe. He could see the angst on his mother’s face as she told him, particularly when she mentioned Gretta’s name. 

 

One thing his mother made perfectly clear was that people were  not to be trusted, even family. “The ones you especially have to be  leery about,” she had said, “are the ones that profess their love for you.” 

 

He knew in the later years exactly who she was referring to. His  mother wanted to be the only one in Michael’s life because she would  never abandon him—not like his father had done. Never! And she  had done everything in her power to keep her only Jewish son apart  from that gentile girl named Angela. 

 

After a night out drinking with the guys, Michael had become  irrational. With a hangover, he had enlisted in the Army the next  morning. He immediately knew he had made a grave mistake. Soon  after, he and Angela separated. The girl was right all along—Michael  wasn’t strong enough to stand up to his mother. Ironically, when  Michael had lost his will to live, Sylvie reached out to his Christian  girlfriend and told her where to find him. “Tell him the truth, Angela.  Only you can. Tell him the secret his mother kept from him his  entire life.” 

 

Michael finally confronted her. 

 

“How could you not tell me that I have a brother, Mom? You  could have told me ten, fifteen years ago. He could have been part  of our family after Dad walked out.” 

 

“I’m sorry, Michael,” she had repeated over and over through  the tears. “I know it was a terrible secret to keep from you. Believe  me, I lived with the guilt.” She turned away. “I can’t talk about this  right now. Please, don’t make me . . . I never could tell you because  I wasn’t sure you’d forgive me. I wasn’t sure I had forgiven my own  sin,” she whimpered. 

 

“Stop! I don’t believe in sins. Being human means you’re allowed  to make mistakes. And mistakes can be forgiven.” 

 

Sylvie had covered her mouth in shame. “I was so young,  Michael.” 

 

“I would have understood,” he said.

 

Michael imagined his mother as a young girl who missed her  father and who had only known about showy dresses and expensive  jewelry back in her homeland. She had witnessed the suffering of  others during the war and feared the same horror could befall her  own family. Still, it was difficult for him to ignore her shallow lifestyle. 

 

During college, Michael rebelled against Sylvie’s materialism. He  practiced meditation, read Indian philosophy, and smoked a lot of  weed. It wasn’t until the day he met Angela, when he shed his sandals  on the beach and ran into the ocean waves to rescue the gentile girl,  that he saved himself from going under.

 

Janet Lee Berg 

 

Janet Lee Berg is a native New Yorker with a residence in Charleston, SC.  She is also author of several other works of fiction and children’s books and has had her work featured in the local, regional, and national press.  A journalist in the Hamptons, Janet Lee Berg has interviewed numerous celebrities and pursued an MFA in Creative Writing, under the direction of published professors including Frank McCourt, author of Angela’s Ashes.  

 

Author’s Social Media Links:

 

Website • Facebook • Twitter • Instagram • Goodreads

You can also pick up a copy at your favourite independent bookstore

A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for A Man of Honor by J.A. Nelson! @JANelsonAuthor @hfvbt  

#AManofHonor #JANelson #HFVBTBlogTours

A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions
by J.A. Nelson

Publication Date: December 9, 2019
Quill Point Press
Paperback, eBook & AudioBook; 414 pages

Genre: Historical/Thriller/Mystery

 

 

Winner of two silver medals
Best First Book, Fiction
Best Cover, Fiction
Awarded by the IBPA (2020)

2020 Notable Indie, Top 100 – Best Indie Book Awards, Shelf Unbound

Finalist, Literary Fiction
14th Annual National Indie Excellence Awards (2020)

A Man of Honor tells the fictional tale of how one mans oath gave birth to the legend of Hamlet.

How far would you go to keep a deathbed promise?

Surrounded by the bodies of slain monarchs, a dying prince extracts a promise from his friend, Horatio: “Tell my story.”

Rival kings of warring nations strive to lay claim to the throne, now vacant, but what will happen to the people who live there, at Helsingr’s Krogen Castle? How will Horatio preserve his honor and the prince’s legacy while surviving this murderous kingdom and the men who would rule it?

Despite the odds and threats against him, Horatio persists, weaving the story of his dear friend into the fabric of one of their oldest and most revered medieval texts.

But when a nefarious Spaniard thwarts his plans, Horatio must once again risk everything to fulfill his oath.

With the help of some unexpected allies in the form of Margrete, a courageous lady-in-waiting, and Lanier, a disgraced French nobleman, Horatio undertakes this perilous quest that will lead him on a journey none of them could have ever predicted, to a place none of them ever thought they would see.

And after their hard-fought journey will it all be for naught?

Will Hamlet’s glory be Horatio’s downfall?

Amazon | Apple Books | Audible | Barnes and Noble | Google Play

Praise

“Like a train, A MAN OF HONOR’s narrative builds speed and takes off into an often gripping adventure of love,war, and discovery. Author J.A. Nelson’s novel follows in the tradition of historical fiction. Nelson creates a beautiful but terrifying sixteenth century where numerous factions struggle for power and influence. The main characters are loyal but fallible, and the reader identifies with their struggle to keep moving forward–to finish what they’ve started…. Nelson has developed a timeless story…. A MAN OF HONOR may be set in a distant time and place, but Horatio’s search for the truth about his late friend, Hamlet, is an internal journey of discovery to which many readers will relate.” – IndieReader Reviews

“With its literary flourishes and exciting scenes, A Man of Honor addresses ethical questions in fascinating ways….Setting and moods…capture the flavor of Nordic sagas…. A literary novel featuring taut action and strong characters who address questions about the nature of integrity.” – Clarion Reviews

“The story of Hamlet survives, truthfully told…. Horatio is the perfect character to carry on Hamlet’s story…. An intriguing twist…. Among the pages of an adventure is a story of one man’s commitment to his sense of honor and duty, as well as the importance and worth of legends.” – The US Review

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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Are you lover of Shakespeare?

I have often wondered what happened after the curtain fell on one of Shakespeare plays.

This is a riveting historical continuation of the Shakespearean tragedy, Hamlet. Set during the late Middle Ages of the sixteen century of Scandinavia. A lonely commoner, Horatio cradles his dying friends head and commits to an Oath. This oath will commit him to an epic task to tell the tale of of his friend, Hamlet.

This Christian oath might very well be Horatio’s undoing. A treacherous undertaking to keep a moral promise, made to his beloved friend. Horatio will suffer with his internal conflict that binds him to his daunting task. His moral and Christian compass weights him down. Fearing he will be unable to follow through with his promise, he struggles to keep his soul from spiritual damnation. A war is looming on the horizon as both Fortinbras II of Denmark and Cristiern of Norway seek to proceed the thrown of Denmark that has been left vacant.

The author has done a suburb job in creating a continuation of the ramifications of the death of Hamlet. It’s a fast moving novel that kept me up late. The characters are well executed and developed. The growth of of our main POV is done exceedingly well. There are so many nuisance for Horatio to over come, including his station in life. This undertaking will see him through multiple trials and tribulations. Battlefields and a villainous Reynaldo. Horatio will become embroiled in the power grab for the throne of Denmark. He will find himself out of his elements, along with another character that I really enjoyed reading about a noble woman named Margrete. There is notable nod to the notorious text, Gesta Danorum, which includes the story of Amleth, (Hamelt). An ancient text that may have been where Shakespeare drew part of his information from when he wrote his famous play. The period and the details are wonderfully brought to life through the authors exceptional writing.

The propulsive storyline, offering both complex drama and historical authenticity to appeal to anyone interested in rich historical fiction.

J. A. Nelson’s passion for exploring connections between history, literature, and evidence in written texts has shaped her life—from a BA (Occidental College) and MA (The George Washington University) in cultural studies to a two-decade career at the National Archives of the United States, working with historical documentary treasures and helping people access unique stories in those records. Ms. Nelson is a native of Culver City, CA, a Los Angeles suburb. She lives with her husband in Northern Virginia. A Man of Honor, or Horatio’s Confessions is her debut novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Sunday, January 3
Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Monday, January 4
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Wednesday, January 6
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Friday, January 8
Review at @the.b00kreader
Interview at The Whispering Bookworm

Monday, January 11
Review at Rajiv’s Reviews

Thursday, January 14
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, January 18
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Wednesday, January 20
Feature at What Is That Book About

Thursday, January 21
Excerpt at Journey in Bookland

Friday, January 22
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Monday, January 25
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, January 27
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, January 29
Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, February 1
Review at YA, It’s Lit

Wednesday, February 3
Review at A Book Geek

Friday, February 5
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Saturday, February 6
Review at Bibliostatic

Monday, February 8
Review at Books and Zebras

Wednesday, February 10
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, February 12
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, February 15
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Enter to win a $10 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Man of Honor
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All Manner of Things, Book #2 +Book Tour + Review

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Falling Pomegranate Seeds:

All Manner of Things, Book #2

By Wendy J. Dunn

Publication Date: January 15th 2021.

Genre: Historical Fiction.

Publisher: Poesy Quill Publishing

Print Length: 449 Pages

 

 

 

Winter, 1539

 

María de Salinas is dying.

Too ill to travel, she writes a letter to her daughter Katherine, the young duchess of Suffolk. A letter telling of her life: a life intertwined with her friend and cousin Catalina of Aragon, the youngest child of Isabel of Castile. It is a letter to help her daughter understand the choices she has made in her life, beginning from the time she keeps her vow to Catalina to share her life of exile in England.

Friendship, betrayal, hatred, forgiveness – All Manner of Things tells a story of how love wins out in the end. 

 

Promotional Trailer:

 

 

Buy Links:

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

 

 

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Praise for All Manner of Things.

 

“A timeless story of friendship and love, which will stay with the reader long after the last page is turned, All Manner of Things is Wendy J. Dunn’s best novel yet…”

Lauren Chater, author of The Lace Weavers and Gulliver’s Wife.

 

“To read this book is like tasting a succulent pomegranate that swells and ripens and reveals the luscious fruit…”

Glenice Whitting, author Pickle to a Pie and What Time is it There?

 

“A sensitive and inspiring portrait of faith and friendship, framed around the devotion inspired by a remarkable queen. Wendy J. Dunn has written another gem of a novel for Tudor enthusiasts!”

Gareth Russell, author of Young and Damned and Fair: The Life of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII (US title) (2017), The Darksome Bounds of a Failing World: The Sinking of the Titanic and the End of the Edwardian Era (2019).

“This is a story ripe with passion and rich in historical detail. All Manner of Things draws the reader deep into the heart of Henry’s Tudor court, with its machinations, betrayals and very human stories of love and loss…”

Rachel Nightingale, author of The Tales of Tarya.

“A finely wrought tale that resurrects the indomitable spirit of Katherine of Aragon, breathing new life into her oft-told story… Yet another spellbinding novel from Wendy J Dunn!”

Adrienne Dillard, author of Cor Rotto and The Raven’s Widow.

“I’m so fussy about historical fiction, but Wendy J Dunn never fails to please. Dunn breathes life into Catalina and Maria in this celebration of true friendship. Their story seemed to reach through the ages to truly touch me. Beautiful, just beautiful”

Claire Ridgway, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown.

“…this book made me fascinate over times long ago, times when ancient buildings were brand new, faded portraits were still sharp and striking and faith and loyalty were absolute; times when women had so little autonomy it was never an option for them to venture out on their own and just ditch this damn place.”

Angela Wauchop, Backstory Literary Journal.

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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Falling Pomegranate Seeds:

All Manner of Things, Book #2

By Wendy J. Dunn

This exquisitely written novel begins with a letter penned by María de Salinas to her daughter. María de Salinas is approaching the end of her life and wants to convey her journey that has included her time served with her close childhood friend, Catalina of Aragon.

Dona María de Salinas was a the Spanish born lady in waiting to the Queen of England Katherine Argon. This intimate tale takes place from the time the princess leaves her home 1501, until her death in 1536.

Catalina of Aragon (Katherine) is sent to wed the prince of England, next in line to the English throne, Author Tudor. Who is also Henry Tudor’s older brother.The narration is seen through the eyes of the ever present lady in waiting, Maria.As the the princess and her ladies leave everything they have ever known. From the light and warm of the sun of their beloved Castile. They travel from it’s beautiful scenery and leave behind their loved ones. When the princess’s entourage reach the persistently grey and cold shores of England doubts began to set in.

They find themselves unprepared for its foreign food and drastic climate difference. Even the way people dress and courtly manner is completely different. Adaptability and survival becomes all consuming, as the English coldness eases into their bones.

Nothing is what it it seems, as Marie and her longtime friend and confidant Catalina come to find out. They try settle in and try to survive in the treacherous politics of courtly life of England.

Maria’s own story is beautifully conveyed, both captivating and intriguing. I fell in love with strength of all the women depicted in this lovely compelling book.The meticulous attention to detail is impeccable, the author Wendy J. Dunn seamless narration has captured the turbulent years of the great lady Catherine Argon Tudor.

The rich, atmospheric imagery, exceeded my expectations. Placing the reader within story as Maria tells it. The life and times of courtly life for the Maria and the princess, who eventually becomes the Queen, is nothing short of phenomenal.

Maria’s own life takes its own turn away from her beloved queen and she will find some of life’s happiness. She will also face her own battles and make hard decisions, that will leave her with regrets and sadness.

The characters are three dimensional, and come to life under Dunn wonderful depiction. The pacing is solid as author weaves together the lives of these fascinating people. A riveting historical Tudor fiction, that will stay with long after you close the book. So much drama and intrigue for those that find themselves within the court of the tyrant King, Henry VIII.

If you enjoy absorbing historical fiction, than this a must read for you. A wonderful and perfect addition to my ever growing library

The Canterbury Murders Blog Tour + Giveaway

Hello Bookies,

Today I have wonderful book to share with you.

The Canterbury Murders by EM Powell

Read my my thoughts on this historical fiction book and enter to win the giveaway at the end of this post

#TheCanterburyMurders #EMPowell #HFVBTBlogTours

@empowellauthor @hfvbt  

The Canterbury Murders
by E.M. Powell

Publication Date: November 12, 2020
Crosshaven Press

Series: Stanton & Barling, #3
Genre: Historical Fiction/Mystery

 

 

A fire-ravaged cathedral. An ungodly murder.

Easter, 1177. Canterbury Cathedral, home to the tomb of martyr Saint Thomas Becket, bears the wounds of a terrible fire. Benedict, prior of the great church, leads its rebuilding. But horror interrupts the work. One of the stonemasons is found viciously murdered, the dead man’s face disfigured by a shocking wound.

When King’s clerk Aelred Barling and his assistant, Hugo Stanton, arrive on pilgrimage to the tomb, the prior orders them to investigate the unholy crime.

But the killer soon claims another victim–and another. As turmoil embroils the congregation, the pair of sleuths face urgent pressure to find a connection between the killings.

With panic on the rise, can Barling and Stanton catch the culprit before evil prevails again—and stop it before it comes for them?

THE CANTERBURY MURDERS is the third book in E.M. Powell’s Stanton and Barling medieval murder mystery series. Combining intricate plots, shocking twists and a winning–if unlikely–pair of investigators, this series is perfect for fans of Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael or C. J. Sansom’s Shardlake.

Available on Amazon

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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The Canterbury Murders, is the third installment in the Stanton and Barling series.

Long time friends Thomas Beckett and King Henry II, soon clashed over clerical privilege. Henry stated that the church was subject to the law of the land, but Becket insisted that the Church was above the law.

Four of Henry’s knights slayed Becket upon The High alter in the church of Canterbury. Set only seven years after Becketts Murder in the year 1177.The Christ Church of Canterbury has become a famous holy place for pilgrims.

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In the year 1174, a devastating fire destroys the roof and the famous choir of Canterbury Cathedral where the mortal remains of Saint Thomas Beckett reside.

Prior Benedict is overseeing the massive restoration and rebuilding of one the. Most holiest of sites in the 12 century of England.

Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling, the King’s clerk set out on a pilgrimage to the tomb of Saint Thomas Becket.

Soon after their arrival Benedict the Prior and The Archbishop Richard summons both Barling and his young assistant Stanton. They discloses that a stonemason has been found murdered. The Mason’s face was mutilated. A cut deep into his forehead, the holy Cross of Christ. There is urgency because count Philip of Flanders is on his way to visit the Martyrs tomb. Not wanting to out done King Henry is making his way and will arrive in four days. Barlings own personal reason for visiting the the tomb will have to wait. Now that they must find the killer.

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As the two move through the investigation process, each men have their own unique way have gathering information. Things take a dark turn, and soon the body count becomes quite high.

This medieval thriller takes on a different turn with Barling, being so wrapped up in his own personal unrequited guilt. Leaving the investigation to Stanton this time. All the while Stanton is feeling at a loss as to why his friend, Barling has become so distant and reserved. Barling is struggling emotionally, dealing with his own internal turmoil.

This was a highly addictive read. It took off exceptionally fast. You are catapulted into the twelfth century. The atmospheric imagery, along with details of the people’s lives and their religious beliefs are brought to life. This meticulously researched historical was phenomenal. The plot line keeps you flipping through the pages and the rich details made me feel like I was front and center.

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The characters were splendid and well developed, and the sub characters should be noted also The murder mystery takes center stage as the storyline unfolds and there are some intriguing twists. The two main POV’s will come to heads, as the intensity of finding the perpetrator mounts along with the death toll. It’s a riveting historical murder mystery for sure, and I felt invested into the lives of the characters within the pages.

This was a great exceptional written historical mystery set to the famous Christ Church of Canterbury during the the 12th century!

E.M. Powell’s historical thriller and medieval mystery Fifth Knight and Stanton & Barling novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers.

The third Stanton & Barling mystery, THE CANTERBURY MURDERS, will be released in November 2020.

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she lives in northwest England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog.

E.M. Powell is represented by Josh Getzler at HG Literary.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Monday, January 11
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, January 12
Review at Reader_ceygo

Wednesday, January 13
Feature at Words and Peace
Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Thursday, January 14
Review at YA, It’s Lit

Friday, January 15
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Saturday, January 16
Review & Excerpt at Older & Smarter

Sunday, January 17
Interview at Reader_ceygo
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, January 18
Feature at I’m Into Books

Tuesday, January 19
Review at A Book Geek

Fly Free Book Tour

Today is my stop on the Storytellers, Fly Free Book Tour, Allison Rose’s YA Fantasy novel, Fly Free, book one in her Light of Faerie series.

★Make sure you Enter The Giveaway At The End Of The Post★

FLY FREE
BY ALLISON ROSE

SERIES: Light of Faerie (#1)

PUBLISHED: September 20, 2020

GENRE: Fantasy

AGE GROUP: Young Adult

PAGES: 252 (Print Length)

In the land of Faerie, lies are easily disguised as truths. 

They were raised like sisters, the heir to the Court of the Day and her guardian.

And as rebellion darkens the land of the Day—and the faeries of Court fall under a dark magic that disconnects them from the land, dooming them to a slow, agonizing death—they will question all they know to be true.

Sevelle, the Light of the Day, is destined to rule one day. She possesses a rare form of magic, the ability to heal the powerful connection between faeries and the magic in the land, the connection that gives them life—if only she could figure out how to use this magic, or even find it within herself.

Jae lives in the shadows, watching over Sevelle as her guardian and listening to the whispers of Court brought to her by the winds. She longs for a life outside of Court, but knows her duty to Sevelle is more important than her own desires.

But when an unexpected proposition comes from none other than Lex, son of the rebel leader, Sevelle and Jae realize their lives will never be the same—and that evil may be within their own court more so than in the rebels that oppose them.

Walking paths far different than they imagined separates the sisters, but then a secret is revealed that may break them apart forever.

GOODREADS

AMAZON

BOOKBUB

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

Fly Free by Allison Rose, is the first installment in the Light of Faerie Series.

A delightful book with courtly drama and faeries. The even paced adventure will keep interested with plenty of intrigue and adventure.

Sevelle and Jae, share a bonding friendship, one is the heir to the Day Court, the other is tasked with protecting “The Light of Day.

The story takes off as more fairies are falling victim to a vicious blight, a sickness that cause the fairies to die a slow death. That along with the imposing threat of the rebel factions, that have been stirring up chaos in the territories.

Sevelle, a fairy who struggles to embrace and control her rare form of magical powers. Not being able to fell them because they lay dormant. She is the only one to show the power of the sun in a very long time. She is meant to be a salvation to her people, only she can’t feel her magic. She is Called “Light of the day”,

Sevelle’s mother, The Glorious Shayna leader of the day court, is losing her patience with her daughter. Jae a confidant and guardian, to Sevelle, has a hidden guarded secret. One that could threaten loyalties. In a series of events an attack causes Sevelle’s mother to want to use brute force to stop the rebellion.

When Lex, the rebel’s leader son makes a proposition that takes Jae and Sevelle on a quest to uncover secrets that may have dire consequences.

Alternatively between two POV’s, that of Sevelle and Jae, the reader is given front row seats, in this fantasy romance aventure. Engaging with a steady pace, this magical book has some strong themes. The characters were interesting and I even enjoyed the Villain in the story. Some delightful twists along with the world building and magical system, will have you flipping those pages until the end.

If you like stories with fairies and romance, make sure to be up you copy of this creative adventure.

Driven by a lifelong passion for words and reading fantasy novels, award-winning author Allison Rose writes YA fantasy stories featuring faeries, magic, and strong heroines. She has a BA in psychology and is fascinated by how other people think, but her love for reading and writing is greater. When Allison isn’t writing, she is editing and proofreading the works of others. Allison lives with her husband, collie mix, bunny, and chinchilla in the place of wild weather also known as Buffalo, New York.

 

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

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GOODREADS

Prize: Fly Free by Allison Rose – One (1) of three (3) paperbacks – US Only
Starts: January 10th, 2021 at 12:00am EST
Ends: January 17th, 2021 at 11:59pm EST
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JANUARY 10TH – THE WELCOMING
Whispers & Wonder

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JANUARY 11TH

Sadie’s Spotlight (IG)
@booklifey

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JANUARY 12TH

Kerri McBookNerd
@debbiedoesbooks
@beatrizfayereads_

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JANUARY 13TH

@rochreads
Jorie Loves A Story

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JANUARY 14th

Gwendalyn’s Books (IG)
@bookish_lovers_bylc
@the.b00kreader

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JANUARY 15TH

Sue’s Musings
@theenchantedshelf

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JANUARY 16TH – THE ENCORE
RockStarlit BookAsylum

A Crown of Echoes by Brindi Quinn

Hello and welcome to my stop on A CROWN OF ECHOES By Brindi Quinn

@tbrbeyondtours @brindifulon

#BrindiQuinn #TBRBeyondTours #ACrownofEchoes

Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: June 11, 2020

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

“I’ve wondered what you taste like for so damn long. You taste better than I ever could have imagined… my queen.” 
He shouldn’t be calling me that. Beau was his queen. 
And I had a problem. 
I wasn’t supposed to feel this way. 

Queen Merrin might be the least queenly queen in all the realms. After all, queens don’t typically sneak out at night to drink with their guards. When her best friend and neighboring queen, Beau, goes missing, Merrin won’t leave rescue to the knights. She sets out from the civilized world and into the wilds to retrieve her lost friend, but with ancient hexes, stolen power, and a mountain of giants’ bones, Merrin stumbles into something much greater than a simple rescue mission. Get ready for a swoony whirlwind of dark magic and forbidden romance, as Merrin finds strength in the whispers of the forest and comfort in the arms of a guard with tantalizing abilities. 

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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A Crown of Echoes by Brindi Quinn, is a delightful fantasy adventure tale.

This is the first installment in a brand new fantasy series by the author Brindi Quinn.

Queen Merrin, is the perfect heroine for me, with her unruly lioness hair, and her compassionate nature. When a friend who is a neighboring Queen goes missing there is only one thing to do. Merrin must find out what has happened to her sister friend Beau.

Merrin takes things into her own hands and assembles a band of allies to seek and find out what has become of her dearest Queenly friend. Joining forces in this entourage are her knights Rafe a young man who harbors a secret. Albie who has much like a father figure to Merrin. Then there is Windley, the missing Queen’s own

Spirite knight.

Merrin struggles to comprehend why she has assumed Beau’s powers. Theses strange and deadly magic that enables her to speak to the forest. Along with her growing attraction to Windley, who possesses unimaginable powers.

This was a wonderful magical experience that has a lovely budding romance. One thing the storyline focuses on is the power of friendship. The dialogue and banter between the characters was enjoyable and made for a memorable read. The world building and magic system was creative and I am excited to see expanded in the next installment.

A swoon worthy, magical adventure, that I couldn’t put down.

I can see why this author has a steadfast following her writing is absorbing, making this book a compulsive read.

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COMING FEBRUARY 2021**⁣

COMING FEBRUARY 2021**⁣
⁣
Under the orphic light of the ballroom, Windley’s frosting had never looked better.⁣
As he walked by, he dallied at my back, drawing a hand along the small of it, leaning forward darkly to whisper: ⁣
“Tonight, I feast.”⁣
⁣
With the echoes off searching for another royal to corrupt, Merrin and Windley turn their efforts elsewhere: after Ascian’s stolen ring and in the direction of a certain honey-voiced doppelganger with deeper ties to Merrin than any of them know. As ancient truths are uncovered and fresh alliances formed, it’s up to Merrin to master the sparkly new power budding in her chest before destruction can have its way, but that may be easier said than done with multiple magical targets on her back. Sweet reunions and steamy moments aren’t all that await in the lair of a spider, where Merrin’s faith will be tested and her heart pulled in more ways than one.⁣
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“Not just another vampire romance.” – Amazon Reviewer 

Brindi Quinn is a fantasy/paranormal author from Minnesota specializing in world building and romance. She is an advocate of quirky love and firmly believes that banter makes the heart grow fonder. 

Since 2011, Quinn has written over a dozen young adult novels beginning with her debut epic fantasy series,Heart of Farellah. Her works often blur the lines between paranormal romance, science fiction and fantasy, and her series have been hailed as addictive, unique reads within the YA genre by reviewers across platforms. Her bestselling series,The Pursuit of Zillow Stone, made it to #12 in the science fiction romance category on Amazon.  

Quinn has a bachelor’s in general communication studies and is contracted through Never & Ever Publishing. She considers herself an avid fangirl, indulging heavily in video game lore and good SF TV. 

Be sure to catch her latest epic fantasy series, A Crown of Echoes. 

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

 

A Deadly Fortune by Stacie Murphy

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,

A Deadly Fortune: A Novel,by Stacie Murphy, which is being hosted by HFBT!

Publication Date: January 5, 2021

Pegasus Crime

Genre: Historical Mystery

A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

Amelia Matthew has done the all-but-impossible, especially for an orphan in Gilded Age New York City. Along with her foster brother Jonas, she has parleyed her modest psychic talent into a safe and comfortable life. But safety and comfort vanish when a head injury leaves Amelia with a dramatically-expanded gift. After she publicly channels an angry spirit, she finds herself imprisoned in the notorious insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. As Jonas searches for a way to free her, Amelia struggles to control her disturbing new abilities and survive a place where cruelty and despair threaten her sanity.

Andrew Cavanaugh is familiar with despair. In the wake of a devastating loss, he abandons a promising medical career—and his place in Philadelphia society—to devote himself to the study and treatment of mental disease. Miss Amelia Matthew is just another patient—until she channels a spirit in front of him and proves her gift is real.

When a distraught mother comes to Andrew searching for her missing daughter—a daughter she believes is being hidden at the asylum—he turns to Amelia. Together, they uncover evidence of a deadly conspiracy, and then it’s no longer just Amelia’s sanity and freedom at stake. Amelia must master her gift and use it to catch a killer—or risk becoming the next victim.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Advance Praise for A Deadly Fortune

“The 1893 world of the infamous lunatic asylum on Blackwell’s Island comes alive in frightening and horrific detail as a string of murders for profit is discovered when a young woman with a gift for contacting the dead becomes an accidental patient. She must fight for her life as well as her freedom in this engrossing mystery that reveals that all was not golden in Gilded Age New York.” —Rosemary Simpson, author of Death Brings a Shadow: A Gilded Age Mystery

“This engrossing mystery, rich in period detail, probes the dark side of Gilded Age New York and the even darker side of life at the insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. Plucky Amelia Matthew rises to the considerable challenges that surround her, uncovering increasingly dangerous secrets that point to the presence of a murderer in the asylum. Amelia has a special gift that both helps and complicates her search for the truth, making her a unique heroine. A Deadly Fortune builds to a satisfying conclusion that will whet the reader’s appetite for more of Amelia’s adventures!” —Clarissa Harwood, author of Impossible Saints and Bear No Malice

“Stacie Murphy proves herself to be a masterful storyteller with A Deadly Fortune—an elegantly written, fast-paced mystery that blends the dark side of the Gilded Age, great characters, and a paranormal twist. Impossible to put down.” —Julie McElwain, author of the Kendra Donovan Mystery Series

“Murphy serves up a dark side of the Gilded Age with intrigue, historical detail, and captivating characters. This is a mystery to savor!” —Dianne Freeman, award winning author of the Countess of Harleigh mysteries.

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  ❀ღ✿•*`Gwendalyn’s Books ¨`*•✿ღ❀

A historical mystery in the vein of The Alienist, in which a young woman in Gilded Age New York must use a special talent to unravel a deadly conspiracy.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

An exceptional written, dark historical fiction.

In post gothic era 1893, Amelia Matthew makes her living by fortune telling for a gentlemen’s club in Gilded Age New York City. Amelia. Along with her self adopted brother Jonas, they survie by using their wits. Amelia has a talent laying dormant, a gift of foreshadowing that is awakened to its fullest by a dangerous head injury.

Unable to control her newly acquired skill she suffers the consequences when a incident happens to her involving a angry spirit in a public place. She is alone without Jonas there to help her, or speak up for her. Unable to make a coherent response, she is sent to a place that houses the mentally disabled. The notorious Blackwell’s Island insane asylum, a place that one your sent there, it’s highly unlikely that you will ever escape.

When Amelia comes to her senses, she realizes that she has been mistakenly placed on an island faraway from downtown New York. A place that houses societies incurables, those suffering from mental conditions brought on by inherited factors or caused by effects of trauma. Some were in the stages of neurosyphilis, alcoholism, and then their are the women who are sent to the hospital for no other reason than to make them disappear.

Amelia encounters a newly hired doctor, Dr. Andrew Cavanaugh, who has left his family and his life behind. Compassionate Andrew, is unnerved by the callous treatment that he sees at the asylum. When Amelia has a frightening episode that involves Dr Cavanaugh, the doctor might well question his own sanity.

A thrilling ride with fast moving storyline that intensifies as the tale progresses.

In a series of events that has the return of Amelia friend, Jonas, together along with the good doctor, things really take off.

All three will have to work together carefully to uncover clues as they seek out answers to uncover a massive conspiracy, before the killer makes Amelia the next victim. This book will keep you engaged as you follow along with the narration as it holds your attention. I was on the edge, as I read late into night. This is one exceptional written book that I throughly enjoyed.

Stacie Murphy grew up near Nashville, TN. She began writing A Deadly Fortune in 2017 as a way to force herself to stay off Twitter in the evenings. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, daughter, and the worst cat in the world.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Monday, January 11
Review at Coffee and Ink
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, January 12
Excerpt at Probably at the Library

Wednesday, January 13
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, January 14
Feature at The Lit Bitch

Friday, January 15
Review at A Darn Good Read

Monday, January 18
Review at Novels Alive

Tuesday, January 19
Review at Rajiv’s Reviews

Wednesday, January 20
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Thursday, January 21
Feature at What Is That Book About

Friday, January 22
Review & Excerpt at Books & Benches

Monday, January 25
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, January 26
Review at Bitch Bookshelf

Wednesday, January 27
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, January 28
Excerpt at Always With a Book

Friday, January 29
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Interview at Madwoman in the Attic

Monday, February 1
Review at Book Bustle

Tuesday, February 2
Review at Tangents and Tissues

Wednesday, February 3
Feature at Reading is My Remedy
Review & Excerpt at The Book Review Crew

Friday, February 5
Review at Passages to the Past

Enter to win a copy of A Deadly Fortune by Stacie Murphy & a $50 Gift Card to Amazon or your favorite Indie store. Winner’s choice.

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Loxby Manor
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THE CONJURER LUANNE G. SMITH |Review|

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙟𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚 𝙂. 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝. 47𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 @𝙡𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝

THE CONJURER
LUANNE G. SMITH

Series: The Vine Witch #3
Genre: Historical, Paranormal
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 242
Publication date: January 12th 2021

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BOOK DEPOSITORY

Sidra didn’t murder her husband. Yet even a jinni can’t wish away a wrongful imprisonment. Determined to prove her innocence, she returns to her adopted home—a French village renowned for its perfume witches—with her friends Elena and Yvette by her side. Here is where Sidra’s true destiny awaits, but danger also lurks in the village’s narrow lanes.

On her trail is Jamra, another jinni, who’s after more than revenge for the murder of his brother. He also seeks vengeance for the indignities inflicted on jinn by mortals over the centuries. When he learns of an ancient relic capable of unleashing chaos on the world, and that the weapon is in the hands of his murderous sister-in-law, he vows to destroy Sidra to get it.

Relying on a sisterhood of magic, a mysteriously faithful dog, and a second-rate sorcerer, Sidra defends herself using the village’s greatest asset: its perfume. It’s as beguiling a lure as it is a formidable shield. But is it enough for Sidra to protect herself and those she loves from powers yet to be released?

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙟𝙪𝙧𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚 𝙂. 𝙎𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝. 47𝙉𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝 @𝙡𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙨𝙢𝙞𝙩𝙝

𝚂𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚐𝚒𝚌, 𝚟𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚏𝚞𝚕 𝚓𝚒𝚗𝚗, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚛𝚎𝚕𝚒𝚌 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚔 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚘𝚌 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚕𝚍.

The last installment of The Vine Witch series. This is a spectacular trilogy, one that all three books captured my heart.

I highly recommend reading the first two books, but you still can enjoy this as a standalone.

The author has created an engaging and courageous heroines, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this magical tale.

Luanne G. Smith is truly a gifted storyteller, and her seamless narration flows perfectly. This is a fasted moving plot that kept me up late past my bedtime.

The characters are well developed, and I love all the magic. The plot line is on point with this book. There are several suspenseful twists, along with some action packed scenes that I really enjoyed. The foundation of the book is friendship and the bonds of women. A riveting tale that will have sad that this the last installment.

I am anxious waiting for more literally work from this delightful author.

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry

The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry by the very talented author C.M. Waggoner

@acerocbooks @c.m.waggoner @Berkley

by C.M. Waggoner (12th)

Dellaria Wells, petty con artist, occasional thief, and partly educated fire witch, is behind on her rent in the city of Leiscourt—again. Then she sees the “wanted” sign, seeking Female Persons, of Martial or Magical ability, to guard a Lady of some Importance, prior to the celebration of her Marriage. Delly fast-talks her way into the job and joins a team of highly peculiar women tasked with protecting their wealthy charge from unknown assassins.

Delly quickly sets her sights on one of her companions, the confident and well-bred Winn Cynallum. The job looks like nothing but romance and easy money until things take a deadly (and undead) turn. With the help of a bird-loving necromancer, a shapeshifting schoolgirl, and an ill-tempered reanimated mouse named Buttons, Delly and Winn are determined to get the best of an adversary who wields a twisted magic and has friends in the highest of places.

Buy it: Bookshop | B&N | Amazon | IndieBound

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

The first is a riveting story about a feisty petty thief turned badass bodyguard trying to keep a young lady safe from assassins,

Let’s go back to the very inventive world of C.M. Waggoner, we were first introduced to the imagery alternative Victoriana in stunning book Unnatural Magic. In that book we meet our snarky heroine Dellaria Wells.

Dellaria Wells is charismatic guttersnipe with a charming personality. She definitely spunky and runs petty cons in order to keep a roof over her head and look after her even more no-good mother who’s drug addiction.

An uncommonly talented fire witch, who his in dire need of funds, joining a team of mismatched bodyguards. Their job seems quite easy, protecting a wealthy lady in the following weeks leading up to her marriage. But alas all is not what it seems and in this bawdy steampunk fantasy adventure. Full of magic, and a delightful queer romance made for a spectacular read. The characters are well developed and I have to say I highly enjoyed reading this from start to finish.

The original dialogue was in really creative, the authors writing style was absorbing and I sped through the pages. An fresh and imaginative historical fantasy, full of atmospheric details.

I really liked the heroine in this romp of a storyline, she is partial to excessive drinking, and free spirited. The romance was well depicted and it will melt your heart.

When Delly joins a misfit team of female bodyguards protecting a wealthy woman in the weeks before her marriage, she thinks it will be easy money—until horrifying necromantic mechanical spiders are sent to attack her boss’s carriage. The culprit who unleashed them slips through the team’s fingers, leading Delly and the other bodyguards on a hunt to bring her to justice (and, more importantly to Delly, to collect the reward money their boss is offering). In between a grisly murder, several extortions and explosions, and encounters with an extremely unsettling zombie mouse, Waggoner finds plenty of room for wry humor and a refreshingly wholesome relationship between Delly and fellow bodyguard Winn Cynallum. With this winning ensemble adventure, Waggoner again proves her skill at crafting immersive, historically flavored fantasy

A Song for the Road |Review|

Hello Friends,

Today I have a captivating fantasy book by the author Catherine Labadie.

A SONG FOR THE ROAD

A Song for the Road (Tales from Lyrassan)

by Catherine Labadie

Published 12/18/2020

An outcast in her tight-knit community, Larkspur endures her poor health with help neither from her family nor her fickle sweetheart. At a yearly moon festival she beseeches the spirits for better luck…but they lead her to a foundling elf child she did not want and a quest she did not ask for.

Yet she and the mute spryte form a bond over their shared struggles. When danger arrives at their cottage, Larkspur sets out with the girl she’s named Gentian from the country of her homefolk into the land of songs and tales itself.

Through leagues of treacherous border woods lies miraculous Beledan, where the dwarf chieftains quarrel amongst themselves and, far to the north, the mysterious elves marshal for war…

The Fate’s Fall Duet – a dark dual timeline duology

A Turn of the Wheel – a magic orchard, faerykind, potions

A Song for the Road – bards, journeys, autumn, elves

A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

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“The moon is a lonely goddess. Perhaps she might look on me with favor tonight…if I am brave enough to search for her on my own.”

A SONG FOR THE ROAD by Catherine Labadie, is a delightful tale.

This book is for those who enjoy, and appreciate precision narration. You are thrown right into a beautiful, vivid and established world with fully fleshed out characters, courtly drama and magical realism

This book was so entertaining and extremely hard for me to put down. I raced through this one! The writing was mesmerising and poetic, Catherine Labadie has a real way with words that had me spellbound!

Character development and complex relationships, and the setting and world building are brought to life with unique details highly compulsive. Labadie is an exceptional author, her writing is seamless and her prose is wonderful

The characters are diverse and I really enjoyed that the author had our main POV Larkspur depicted with a chronic illness and non-caucasian.

The fantasy world is something to behold, it’s creative and detailed, with stunning atmospheric imagery. This book had some wonderful fantasy elements and creatures, that satisfied my little heart. Catherine Labadie, has created an engaging and courageous heroine and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in compelling adventure. The pace was brisk and storyline is vividly rendered. The wording was perfect for the storyline, reminiscent of some of the well known classical tales.

Catherine Labadie is one of the best indie writers I have come across. A book that will stay on my library bookshelf.

I highly recommend this book to my family and friends

The Mask Falling Samantha Shannon |Review|

𝙷𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚢 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙱𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚜?

The Mask Falling is a gripping, fantastical new addition to this “intoxicating urban-fantasy series” (NPR.org) that will leave readers begging for more.

It’s been a crazy morning, with our apartments air conditioning system being replaced.. Both my husband and myself are trying to stay away from the people installing it .. because of COVID. Waiting until it’s over to be able to bleach literally everything down.

Our kitty Briar Rose 🥀 has been growling ever since she heard the workers.

She Kinda is like a dog in that aspect.

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The Mask Falling

Samantha Shannon. @say_shannon

Bloomsbury

(The Bone Season #4)

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree, the stunning fourth novel set in the world of

Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Snatched from the jaws of captivity and consigned to a safe house in the Scion Citadel of Paris, she finds herself caught between those factions that seek Scion’s downfall and those who would kill to protect the Rephaim’s puppet empire.The mysterious Domino Program has plans for Paige, but she has ambitions of her own in this new citadel. With Arcturus Mesarthim-her former enemy-at her side, she embarks on an adventure that will lead her from the catacombs of Paris to the glittering hallways of Versailles. Her risks promise high reward: the Parisian underworld could yield the means to escalate her rebellion to outright war.As Scion widens its bounds and the free world trembles in its shadow, Paige must fight her own memories after her ordeal at the hands of Scion. Meanwhile, she strives to understand her bond with Arcturus, which grows stronger by the day. But there are those who know the revolution began with them-and could end with them… 

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

The wait may have been grueling, but it was definitely worth it. The Bone Season is a 7 book series that can be classified as an urban dystopian/sci-fi, with some fantasy elements.

This expansive world includes an underground criminal system of clairvoyants in London. A highly anticipated new release for 2021, the author Samantha Shannon, did not disappoint. Dreamwalker Paige Mahoney has eluded death again. Welcome back to the Scion.

The Mask Falling by Samantha Shannon Is fourth installment, in The Bone Season Series. Picking up where The Song Rising left off, Paige Mahoney is in the run. After escaping imprisonment. She has a long road to recovery, suffering from the lasting effects of the mental and physical trauma that endured.

Using her gift of dreamwalking she finds work with a top secret organization the Domino Programme. This organization seeks to overthrow the Scion branch in Paris.Accompanied her former enemy Warden, who helps infiltrate the government.

This is a thrilling ride, with new betrayals, along with some romance.

Fans will be glued to this book, just like the other in the series. The ending is superbly done with some fantastic twists.

.

Ps: The Mask Falling has a mini-prequel, The Dawn Chorus, coming out, July 9, 2020.

Gwendalyn

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The Betrayal Book Tour

Happy Monday Bookies

Hope your year has started right for you!

Today is my stop on The Betrayal Book Tour

Huge thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours & @terrylynnthomasbooks for gifting me a print copy i for an honest review

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The Betrayal

by Terry Lynn Thomas

Release Date: October 28, 2020

About The Book:

From the USA Today bestselling author comes a gripping thriller about a divorce attorney who’s about to discover her own marriage is based on lies when she’s arrested for murder.

Attorney Olivia Sinclair is shocked when she receives an anonymous video showing her husband Richard sleeping with someone else. After years of handling other people’s divorces, she thought she could recognise a marriage in trouble.

She angrily throws Richard out of the home they share. But days later she’s arrested—for the murder of his mistress.

Olivia knows she’s innocent but, with all the evidence pointing at her and an obvious motive, she must find the real killer to clear her name.

She may be used to dealing with messy divorces, but this one will be her most difficult case yet. Olivia’s husband has already betrayed her—but would he set her up for murder?

A gripping and unputdownable thriller for fans of Gillian McAllister, Alafair Burke and A Killer’s Wife.

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

What an captivating start to a new series, the author Terry Lynn Thomas hooked me from the start. Divorce Attorney Olivia Sinclair life is good. She is about to retire and sell her practice. Happily married for the last thirty two years to her husband Richard.

On the day she is celebrating her sixty second birthday, everything changes, and the world she knows comes crashing down. A video is sent to her email that contains the worst possible betrayal ever. The video contains her husband sleeping with someone else besides his wife…

Everything Olivia thought was real her marriage has been a lie, and her husband is not the person she thought he was. Olivia Sinclair is a divorce attorney, so her of all people should have seen the signs. In a series of events Richard’s mistress comes up dead and Olivia is a prime suspect.

This was fabulous fast past thriller, that keeps you moving forward as the secrets Olivia uncovers along with interesting twists keeps you glued to the pages.

A gripping read for sure as tense and Thomas’s writing style is something I truly enjoy.I was intrigued as the investigation to the murder slowly reveals itself. I thought the main protagonist Olivia was someone I could relate to and her emotions were realistic.

Excited to see how the author expands the series and I am sure I will love the next installment.

About The Author: 

Terry Lynn writes the Sarah Bennett Mysteries, set on the California coast during the 1940s, which features a misunderstood medium in love with a spy. The Drowned Woman is a recipient of the IndieBRAG Medallion. She also writes the Cat Carlisle Mysteries, set in Britain during World War II. The first book in this series, The Silent Woman, came out in April 2018 and has since become a USA TODAY bestseller. The Family Secret released to critical acclaim in March 2019, and House of Lies, the third book in the series, released on March 4, 2020. When she’s not writing, you can find Terry Lynn walking in the woods with her dogs or visiting historical cemeteries in search of story ideas.

http://www.terrylynnthomas.com/

Social Media: 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/terrylynnthomasbooks/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/terrylynnthomasbooks

Twitter: @TLThomasBooks

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/terry-lynn-thomas

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Bloggers On Tour:

Oct. 23rd – Dani Reads https://instagram.com/dani.reads.1225

Oct. 23rd – Noor The Bookworm https://instagram.com/noorthebookworm

Oct. 24th – Lindas Book Obsession https://www.facebook.com/lindasbookobsession/ 

Oct. 26th -Really Into This https://instagram.com/reallyintothis

Oct. 27th- Books Are Magic Too https://instagram.com/booksaremagictoo

Oct. 30th -The Weekend Booker https://instagram.com/theweekendbooker 

Nov. 4th – Girl Loves Dogs Books Wine https://instagram.com/girl_loves_dogs_books_wine

Nov. 6th – Books Writing and More https://instagram.com/bookswritingandmore

Nov. 10th – Marisa Gothie https://www.instagram.com/marisagbooks

Nov. 13th – David L Morgan https://instagram.com/david_l_morgan

Nov. 22nd – Head Full Of Books https://instagram.com/_head_full_of_books_ 

Dec. 19th – Rebecca Well Read https://instagram.com/rebecca_well_read

Dec. 27th – Amy Lynn Lifestyle https://instagram.com/amylynnlifestyle

Dec. 28th – Bookish Heidi https://instagram.com/bookish.heidi

Dec. 29th – The Book Reader https://instagram.com/the.b00kreader

Jan 2nd – Niks Nook https://instagram.com/niks_nook

Jan. 4th – Delightfully Booked https://instagram.com/delightfullybooked 

Jan. 4th – Gwendalyn Books https://instagram.com/gwendalyn_books_

Jan. 5th – Christina Stephanie Reads https://instagram.com/christinastephaniereads

Jan. 5th – Colleens Reading Adventures https://instagram.com/colleensreadingadventures

Jan. 7th – Ya It’s Lit https://instagram.com/ya.its.lit

Jan. 8th – Reading With Mere-https://instagram.com/readingwithmere

Jan. 11th – Love My Books 2020 https://instagram.com/lovemybooks2020

Jan 12th  – Jennifer Tar Heel Reader – http://www.jennifertarheelreader.com

https://instagram.com/tarheelreader

Jan. 14th – Britt Reads A Latte Books https://instagram.com/brittreadsalattebooks

Jan. 15th – Carol Doscher https://instagram.com/carol_doscher_reader

Jan. 15th – Reecas Pieces Books https://instagram.com/reecaspiecesbooks 

Kingdom of Broken Iron |Book Blitz|

I’m so excited to announce that the highly anticipated 3rd installment of the Black Dawn series is now available for pre-order!

If you pre-order Kingdom of Broken Iron, there is a fantastic gift — 9 beautifully illustrated art prints depicting your favourite characters!

Kingdom of Broken Iron (Black Dawn #3)

Expected Publication Date: October 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy (18+)

“Together they will rise.”

Something sinister is sweeping across Kiero, and war threatens to rip apart the remains of Black Dawn Rebellion.
Distraught by the decisions she made while in the Draken Mountains with Adair, Emory Fae, Queen of Kiero, is hiding a deadly secret, and now, Emory is seeking aid from Marquis Maher, King of the Shattered Isles, in the looming war.
With Brokk by her side, they search for answers and aid from the Shattered Isles, a country that has remained protected from Adair’s wrath across the Black Sea. While there, Emory will learn the weight of what it means to be Queen, but what will she sacrifice to save the ones she loves?
Since the Academy fell and the Black Dawn rebellion scattered, Brokk Foster’s past and the truth about his lineage has come to light. Brokk and his newly found immortal fey warriors are skeptical of Marquis and his terms to a new alliance. Being torn between love and Brokk’s loyalty to the rebellion, he will have to decide whether to remain true to his cause or follow a destiny he never wanted.
Together, can Emory and Brokk make an alliance in time to return to Kiero and aid the rebels?
Nyx Astire, new clan leader to the raiders in the Risco Desert, has lost everything. With no word on if the town of Pentharrow has survived under Azarius Walsh’s command, Nyx tries to rally the Dust Clan and prepare them to ally with any remaining members of the Black Dawn Rebellion. But tradition and her past throws Nyx into a dynamic ruling. Will she do anything to ensure Kiero’s survival from her new point of power?
Kingdom of Broken Iron is the third installment in the bestselling Black Dawn series. Can friendship, love, and fellowship defy an enemy Kiero has never seen before?

Pre-Order Here!

Sneak Peek of Art Print Designs!

Everyone who submits proof of pre-order will receive all nine character cards of Emory, Memphis, Adair, Marquis, Nyx, Brokk, Azarius, Alby and Lana.

Submit proof of order to m.smith017@live.com.

About the Author

Mallory McCartney currently lives in Sarnia, Ontario with her husband and their three dachshunds Link, Lola and Leonard. When she isn’t working on her next novel or reading, she can be found day dreaming about fantasy worlds and hiking. Other favorite pastimes involve reorganizing perpetually overflowing bookshelves and seeking out new coffee and dessert shops.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Pre-Order Reveal Organized By:

R&R Book Tours

A GIRL MADE OF AIR

Hello there, did you enjoy your Christmastide?

Today I am a lovely book review

A GIRL MADE OF AIR by Nydia Hetherington

@nydiamadeofair @quercusbooks @waterstones

This has been a crazy year for everyone. So I read through most of 2020.

I read over my reading challenge of 250, I read 300!

A GIRL MADE OF AIR

by Nydia Hetherington

‘A captivating tale of love and loss and finding connection in the most unexpected places’ Nikki Marmery, author of On Wilder Seas 

A lyrical and atmospheric homage to the strange and extraordinary, perfect for fans of Angela Carter and Erin Morgenstern. 

This is the story of The Greatest Funambulist Who Ever Lived…

Born into a post-war circus family, our nameless star was unwanted and forgotten, abandoned in the shadows of the big top. Until the bright light of Serendipity Wilson threw her into focus. 

Now an adult, haunted by an incident in which a child was lost from the circus, our narrator, a tightrope artiste, weaves together her spellbinding tales of circus legends, earthy magic and folklore, all in the hope of finding the child… But will her story be enough to bring the pair together again? 

Beautiful and intoxicating, A Girl Made of Air brings the circus to life in all of its grime and glory; Marina, Manu, Serendipity Wilson, Fausto, Big Gen and Mouse will live long in the hearts of readers. As will this story of loss and reconciliation, of storytelling and truth.

About the author…

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”My first memories are of the Isle of Man, where I lived as a small child. When my family relocated to Leeds, I grew up dreaming of fairies and of the sea (I still do). In my early twenties I moved to London to embark on an acting career, then to Paris, where I continued my theatre training before creating a theatre company and becoming a clown (red nose included). Returning to London almost a decade later, I worked in a shoe shop while studying for a creative writing degree at Birkbeck University. To keep the wolf from my door I’ve had many jobs, including working in shops and cafes and kitchens, sometimes in offices and most recently in an art gallery. These days I live on the edge of London with my husband and our plump (she’s got big bones) cat.

My favourite books often have a touch of the magical about them. At the same time, I love fierce writing that reaches into the depths of the human experience”

A SEA OF PEARLS & LEAVES

Princess Ingrid of Norella Isle does not want to get married. Her priestess girlfriend, Lilura, devises a wicked plot to deter suitors with a nearly impossible marriage contract: should Ingrid die first, her husband must be buried at sea beside her.

The plan backfires when all seven suitors agree, and the king announces a competition for Ingrid’s hand. Ingrid must keep her head above water as she deals with the suitors, a jealous girlfriend, and the news of two murdered priestesses.

As the suitors are eliminated, one man stands out: the quirky and anxious Prince Soren who charms both Ingrid and Lilura. When Lilura goes missing, Ingrid and Soren must piece together who has murdered the priestesses and why before it’s too late.

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

Rosalyn Briar is one of those authors where her writing seems effortless, it’s seamless and fluid. A Sea Of Perls And Leaves, is another example of her ability to take a well known classical fairytale, and make it her own perfect tale.

You are thrown right into a beautiful, vivid and established world with fully fleshed out characters, and engaging dialogue. The books various perspectives, gives the reader an insightful first row seat in this highly addictive and twisty story.

A rich and modern love triangle that kept will keep tearing through the pages as the dramatic mystery unfolded. Lush visionary world building is riveting, as it catapulting the reader into Norella.

All three main protagonists are fleshed out and are magnetic in their own special way.

This is a highly absorbing novel, that hooked me from the start and held my attention all the way through. A vibrant fantasy tale that takes the reader on unexpected adventure. Once again the author, Rosalyn Briar has written an outstanding reimagined fairytale.

This is a book you don’t want to miss.

Rosalyn Briar is a former teacher who is married to her high school sweetheart. Together, they have built a beautiful life and have two fearless daughters. Rosalyn is obsessed with gothic fairy tales, scary movies, sundresses, traveling, and reading books. She is the published author of The Crown of Bones and A Sea of Pearls & Leaves, both of which are fairy tale retellings. Rosalyn is also the host of #NovelBuilding, a daily Twitter question with monthly themes for fellow writers to connect. When Rosalyn isn’t writing or reading, you can find her playing dress-up with her two princesses or exploring the woods for wildflowers.

You can follow Rosalyn on her website: www.rosalynbriar.com . 

You can also follow Rosalyn on social media: Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter

She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls Book Blast

Hello and welcome to She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls Book Blast

(Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series).

By David Fitz-Gerald

January 18th – February 5th 2021

 

Book Title: She Sees Ghosts―The Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls

Series (if applicable): Part of the Adirondack Spirit Series

Author: David Fitz-Gerald

Publication Date: October 25, 2020 

Publisher: Outskirts Press

Page Length: 270 pages

Genre Historical/Supernatural

A blazing fire killed her family and devoured her home. A vengeful demon haunted her. Ghosts of the Revolutionary War needed help that only she could provide. A young woman languished, desperate to survive, and teetered on the edge of sanity.

Mehitable grew up in a freshly tamed town, carved from the primeval forest. Family, friends, and working at the mercantile filled her days and warmed her heart. For Mehitable, life was simple and safe, until tragedy struck. When her family perished in their burning home, she retreated into a world of her own making.

 As a young girl, she had seen glimmers, glimpses, and flickers of the spirit world. She closed her eyes. She turned her back. She ignored the apparitions that she never spoke of, desperately hoping they would leave her in peace. She was mistaken.

 Grief-stricken, Mehitable withdrew from the human world. Ghosts were everywhere. They became bolder. She could no longer turn her back on the spirit world. Her friends feared for her survival. Nobody understood her. She would have to find her own way.

 Fans of TV’s Ghost Whisperer and Long Island Medium will especially love She Sees Ghosts. This historical novel features memorable characters and delivers bone-tingling, spine chilling goosebumps. It stands on its own and it is the next installment in the Adirondack Spirit Series by the award-winning author of Wanders Far―An Unlikely Hero’s Journey. David Fitz-Gerald delivers a historical novel with a bittersweet ending that you won’t see coming.

 Would she save the spirits’ souls, or would they save her? Only time would tell.

Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_PA9P2b3Q0&feature=youtu.be

Buy Links:

She Sees Ghosts is FREE on #Kindle for a Limited Time

Amazon

David Fitz-Gerald writes fiction that is grounded in history and soars with the spirits. Dave enjoys getting lost in the settings he imagines and spending time with the characters he creates. Writing historical fiction is like making paintings of the past. He loves to weave fact and fiction together, stirring in action, adventure, romance, and a heavy dose of the supernatural with the hope of transporting the reader to another time and place. He is an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked all of the highest peaks in New York State, so it should not be surprising when Dave attempts to glorify hikers as swashbuckling superheroes in his writing. She Sees Ghosts―A Story of a Woman Who Rescues Lost Souls is the next instalment in the Adirondack Spirit Series.

Social Media Links:

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram

 

 

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher.

Today on my Book Blog Gwendalyn’s Books

I have a review of wonderful book

Amelia Unabridged by Ashley Schumacher.

@WednesdayBooks @AshleyScu @gwendalyn_books

☾**:.☆*.:｡. ☾**:.☆*.:｡.

#ameliaunabridged #ashleyschumacher #givemeallthebooks

#Wednesdaysbooks #youngadultfiction #yafiction #booklover #gwendalnbooks

𝐀𝐦𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐔𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐝

By Ashley Schumacher

Release Date 2.16.21.

Publisher Wednesday Books

Sparks fly between two teens as they grapple with grief, love, and the future in this unforgettable debut novel sure to entice fans of Jandy Nelson and Jennifer E. Smith

Eighteen-year-old Amelia Griffin is obsessed with the famous Orman Chronicles, written by the young and reclusive prodigy N. E. Endsley. They’re the books that brought her and her best friend Jenna together after Amelia’s father left and her family imploded. So when Amelia and Jenna get the opportunity to attend a book festival with Endsley in attendance, Amelia is ecstatic. It’s the perfect way to start off their last summer before college.

In a heartbeat, everything goes horribly wrong. When Jenna gets a chance to meet the author and Amelia doesn’t, the two have a blowout fight like they’ve never experienced. And before Amelia has a chance to mend things, Jenna is killed in a freak car accident. Grief-stricken, and without her best friend to guide her, Amelia questions everything she had planned for the future.

When a mysterious, rare edition of the Orman Chronicles arrives, Amelia is convinced that it somehow came from Jenna. Tracking the book to an obscure but enchanting bookstore in Michigan, Amelia is shocked to find herself face-to-face with the enigmatic and handsome N. E. Endsley himself, the reason for Amelia’s and Jenna’s fight and perhaps the clue to what Jenna wanted to tell her all along.

Ashley Schumacher’s devastating and beautiful debut, Amelia Unabridged, is about finding hope and strength within yourself, and maybe, just maybe, falling in love while you do it.

Thank you to the author @ashwritesbooks @stmartinspress and @wednesdaybooks for a copy of this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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It’s never too late to start a new chapter.”

This was an emotionally immersive book, that follows Amelia Griffin a young lady who has been dealt some seriously devastating blows.

Amelia Griffin, a teen living in Dallas, Texas, life takes a drastic change when her father has decided to leave her mother for a much younger woman. In her mother’s depression she detaches from the real world, and her daughter suffers the consequences. A chance meeting Amelia strikes a friendship with young girl Jenna, at a local bookstore. Together they bond over a book series Orman Chronicles. Their friendship grows and it’s important to Amelia. Jenna’s family takes her under their wing at a time when Amelia needs them the most. After graduation Jenna acquires so,e wonderful book festival tickets where N.E.Endsley, young author of Orman Chronicles will be attending as speaker. Sadly the author doesn’t make the festival, and Amelia deflated by this turn events. An argument between the two girls that causes Amelia and Jenna’s friendship to be broken. Jenna leaves for trip to Ireland, leaving Amelia behind in the states. When adevastating loss brings Amelia world to a crashing halt. She will need all strength to overcome this gut wrenching loss.

When out of no where a special addition of Orman Chronicles arrives in the post.

to her name. Seeking to uncover who sent the book to her, Amelia journey will lead her to Michigan. There she learn to overcome her grief and allow herself to heal with new friendships and even a young budding romance.

This was a delightful book experience, that centers on loss and overcoming regret and letting go. Beautifully developed characters and a propulsive storyline, and just the right amount of romance adds to this thought provoking book.

A must read for the upcoming year. A book I highly recommend this book adding to your list for Young Adult fiction. It’s one of the reads that stays with you long after you close the book.

Have a wonderful day!

WRITE CHRISTMAS by Thommy Hutson Official Blog Tour.

Welcome to my stop on the WRITE CHRISTMAS by Thommy Hutson Official Blog Tour.

Happy Saturday bookish babes- more than ever today I am so thankful for you beautiful bookish friends Welcome to WRITE CHRISTMAS by Thommy Hutson Official Blog Tour.

Thank you to Vesuvian Books @vesuvianmedia and @rosewindbooks and the author thommyhutson, for sending me a copy of the book and teaming up with me!

Paperback : 326 pages
ISBN-10 : 1645480496
ISBN-13 : 978-1645480495
Publisher : Rosewind Books (December 1, 2020)
Language: : English

Praise for WRITE CHRISTMAS

“This heartwarming fantasy from Hutson updates a favorite Christmas trope as a Scrooge-like woman is given the magical gift of a new perspective on her life. Christmas enthusiasts will find this hits the spot.” —Publishers Weekly

“… a blend of romance and fantasy in A Christmas Carol style of writing. An outstanding inspirational
read for the holidays.” —Midwest Book Review

“A story of second chances, Write Christmas will make you believe in the magic of the season again.” —The Nerd Daily

Abby Nicholson used to love Christmas. Until she didn’t.

After leaving Winter Glen, the small town famous for its Christmas celebration and her family’s greeting card company, Abby is forced to return to the home she left behind when the unexpected passing of her father thrusts the business into her hands.

Turning her back on the magic of the holiday beloved by her father and the town, she decides to sell the business. Signing the paperwork with the very pen her father used to create it, she is shocked to discover her hometown has become a whole new world.

One where Christmas has vanished!

Now stuck in a place devoid of hope, joy, and the spirit of the season, Abby sees family and friends altered in the most terrible of ways.

Determined to set things right, though unsure how, Abby takes out her father’s pen and begins to draw. When she realizes her art is coming to life, she sets out to recreate the holiday and bring back the most wonderful time of the year.

But some are determined to keep an iron grip on the town and will do anything in their power to stop her.

You can purchase Write Christmas at the following Retailers:

        

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers

A wonderful holiday tale, that grabbed me and pulled me in.

When you feel Christmas is losing its sparkle and magic, this book is the perfect book to set your mind right again.

Abby has left Christmas behind, along with it her family greeting card business and the town she grew up in.

Returning to the town Winter Glen after the passing of her father, she sells the family business. What happens next is disastrous to say the least.

Will Abby be able to set things right, and learn the value of the wonderful holiday of Christmas.

This was a charming, and an effective representation to storyline. I loved how the author set up the beginning of the book. Giving the reader some backstory, and it set up the overall heartwarming tale. A book that warms your soul, but also is a little bit of tearjerker too. Holidays can be very special, but if you carry around all the emotional baggage, you will not allow your self to fully comprehend the true meaning of what Christmas is all about.

I highly recommend this book for my family and friends!

Photo Content from Thommy Hutson

Thommy Hutson is an award-winning screenwriter, producer, director, and best-selling author.

A graduate of UCLA, he launched his career co-writing the story for the Warner Bros. animated hit SCOOBY-DOO IN WHERE’S MY MUMMY? He followed that with co-writing the concept and additional material for CHILL OUT, SCOOBY-DOO!

His career took a thrilling turn writing and producing several definitive genre film retrospectives for television and home entertainment: SCREAM: THE INSIDE STORY (Bio Channel), NEVER SLEEP AGAIN: THE ELM STREET LEGACY (Bio Channel), CRYSTAL LAKE MEMORIES: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF FRIDAY THE 13th (RLJ/Image), MORE BRAINS! A RETURN TO THE LIVING DEAD (Chiller) and HIS NAME WAS JASON: 30 YEARS OF FRIDAY THE 13th (Starz/Anchor Bay).

He was also a staff writer on the Hulu daily web series “The Morning After,” a smart, witty, pop culture program aimed at getting viewers up-to-date on the latest entertainment news and celebrity interviews.

Thommy produced the critically acclaimed feature THE TROUBLE WITH THE TRUTH, an insightful relationship drama starring Lea Thompson and John Shea. He also produced DREAMWORLD, a quirky, romantic dramedy.

He co-wrote and produced ANIMAL for Chiller Films and Drew Barrymore’s Flower Films. The project debuted in iTunes’ top ten horror films (reaching #1) and became the network’s highest-rated original movie.

He produced and made his feature directorial debut with THE ID, an independent psychological drama/thriller. The film won Best Thriller at The Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival and Filmmaker Magazine stated it was “a deeply unsettling thriller that’s as moving as it is frightening … with skillful, provocative direction that has echoes of early Polanski.”

Thommy also wrote the screenplay for Syfy Channel’s supernatural horror film TRUTH OR DARE, which was a trending topic on social media the night of its premiere and continues to rank high on Netflix.

As a best-selling author Thommy crafted a limited-edition coffee table book detailing the making and legacy of horror icon Wes Craven’s 1984 classic A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET. A trade version (Permuted Press/Simon & Schuster) was also released. His latest novel, the teen thriller “Jinxed,” (Vesuvian Media) is the first book of a trilogy and has been called “A must-read for classic horror fans…Inevitable and shocking. Homage and originality…Hutson could easily take on the mantle as the next Lois Duncan.” The book reached #1 in the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia and was the winner for Best Horror at the International Book Awards and Best YA Horror in the Readers’ Choice Awards.

He wrote the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries original film A CHRISTMAS FOR THE BOOKS, which was the highest-rated scripted program the night it premiered, produced THE FINAL WISH (Cinedigm) written by Final Destination creator Jeffrey Reddick and starring Lin Shaye and Tony Todd, and co-scripted the teen thriller INSTAFAME (Lifetime).

Thommy recently wrote the screenplay for an audiobook holiday project, is in development on a family feature, and is hard at work on “Cursed,” the second installment of the “Jinxed” trilogy.

A member of the Producers Guild of America and Horror Writers Association, a Saturn and Home Media Magazine award-winner, and an aficionado of horror and teen movies from the 80s and 90s, Thommy continues to develop unique, compelling, and provocative projects across multiple genres for film, television, publishing, and home entertainment.

 

PART ONE

DECEMBER 14th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

DECEMBER 15th TUESDAY Insane About Books EXCERPT

DECEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY BookHounds EXCERPT

DECEMBER 17th THURSDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW 

DECEMBER 18th FRIDAY J.R.’s Book Reviews REVIEW 

PART TWO

DECEMBER 19th SATURDAY Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW 

DECEMBER 20th SUNDAY Book Queen Reviews SPOTLIGHT

DECEMBER 21st MONDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

DECEMBER 22nd TUESDAY Author Kelly Risser REVIEW 

DECEMBER 23rd WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

– 1 Winner will receive an Exclusive Write Christmas Storytellers BOX.
– 1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card. 

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Valentine’s Day Photo Challenge

Happy Valentine’s Day Biblio Babe!.

Valentine’s Day Photo Challenge!.

.

❥❤️❥

Happy Valentine’s Day Biblio Babe!.

.

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞: 𝐅𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐰/ 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐚𝐠 #𝐖𝐄𝐆𝐎𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐆𝐒

We all Do! In all different shapes, sizes and colours so let’s see ’em!.

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Instead of a pic of a romance novel and other romantic props, myself and some friends decided to celebrate self-love today! Remember that today can be a challenging brutal day for many people. Not everyone has a someone today!

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I had drink a half a bottle of wine to feel confident enough for my hubby to take this photo of Me. Yep, He is photographer of this pic!

Do I love my legs? Now way!! but you know what, they’re part of me and I love me!.

𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐄𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐎𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫!

.

Whatever you have planned today, have a wonderful day, be kind to yourself and others and remember, today can mean all sorts of things!

The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola

Hello Today is my stop The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola – the most famous woman you’ve never heard of by Melissa Muldoon

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Book Title: The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola – the most famous woman you’ve never heard of by Melissa Muldoon
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+), 345 pages
Genre:  Historical Fiction, General Fiction
Publisher:  Matta Press
Release date:  December 2020
Content Rating: PG-13 + M. includes mature themes (suicide, adultery, sexual relations, murder)

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ B&N ~  Bookshop  Autographed from Author
Add to Goodreads 

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Set in the sixteenth-century, The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola tells the story of a woman’s passion for painting and adventure. In a world where women painters had little to no acknowledgment, she was singled out by Michelangelo and Vasari who recognized and praised her talent. Gaining the Milanese elite’s acclaim, she went on to become court painter to Spanish King Philip II and taught his queen to paint.

One can’t live such an extraordinary life without having stories to tell, and tell them Sofonisba does to Sir Anthony Van Dyke, who comes to visit her toward the end of her life. During their meeting, she agrees to reveal her secrets but first challenges the younger painter to find the one lie hidden in her tale. In a saga filled with intrigue, jealousy, buried treasure, unrequited love, espionage, and murder, Sofonisba’s story is played out against the backdrop of Italy, Spain, and Sicily. Throughout her life, she encounters talented artists, authoritative dukes, mad princes, religious kings, spying queens, vivacious viscounts, and dashing sea captains—even a Barbary pirate. But of all the people who fell in love with Sofonisba, only one captured her heart. The painter may have many secrets but the truth of her life is crystal clear from the beginning.

Always a strong, passionate woman with a dream, she was an intelligent artist who knew her self-worth and in the end, as Michelangelo had done for her, Sofonisba passed her brush to a new generation.

Join the rest of this tour stops from Feb 1 to Feb 26, 2021. The Tour Schedule is at the bottom of this post

Print copy of THE SECRET LIFE OF SOFONISBA ANGUISSOLA plus 1 audiobook (USA only) (3 winners))(ends Mar 5)

 Enter to win 👇🏻

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

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This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

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Melissa Muldoon has delightful collection of lovely works featuring prominent female artists from Italian history. Her newest installment The Secret Life of Sofonisba Anguissola is my favorite so far.Through Melissa Muldoon’s meticulously extensive research, Sofonisba Anguissola beautiful tale comes life. The book opens up with tale within a tale, setting the storyline up perfectly allowing the reader to follow along as unfolding of this talented artists life happens.Sofonisba was born during a time when women were not encouraged to paint, and could only express themselves in limited ways. Her father, Amilcare Anguissola, raised ambitious and progressive daughters. She was given an unheard of artistic education for a young girl. Born to a family of nobility on both sides.

Her father saw her talent very early on and allowed her gifted abilities to take off. Seeking formal education in all things for his daughters Amilcare, Sofonisba also enables her to be apprenticeship with a local artists at his studio. In a world where only men dominated, the highly sought after painting positions.

Young Sofia not only excels but rises above her peers and teacher.

This an brilliantly executed novel, with some of the most powerful atmospheric imagery I have yet to read. The rich, late renaissance, sixteen century details are phenomenal, from the food to wine. The period and its lush scenes will have you fully immersed within lovely pages. The book is definitely a character driven historical fiction. You will be front and center as sights and sounds, of Sofonisba rich tapestry of life starts with her family at their home in Cremona. Her illustrious life she journeys to Rome where she receives artistic guidance from one the most talented of masters, Michelangelo. She travels to Madrid and the Spanish court, and onto Sicily

There is intrigue, romance and even murder.

The is something so special about Melissa’s writing with its precision fluid prose. She has way of drawing you in a very clever way. Giving you tantalizing pits of historical facts with her creative twists. Her three dimensional characters are well developed and made for an incredible reading experience.

The author gives the reader some special careful historical notes at the end of the book which I found rewarding.

I want to thank the author for writing this superb novel. A book to be treasured in my ever growing library and reread from time to time.

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Waking Isabella is a story about uncovering hidden beauty that, over time, has been lost, erased, or suppressed. It also weaves together several love stories as well as a few mysteries.

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Meet the Author:

Through her website, she also offers the opportunities to live and study in Italy through Homestay programs. Melissa has a B.A. in fine arts, art history, and European history from Knox College, a liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, as well as a master’s degree in art history from the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. She has also studied painting and art history in Florence. She is an artist, designer, and illustrated the cover art for all four of her books. Melissa is the managing director of Matta Press

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