Posts Categorized: Shadow Mountain

Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks Blog Tour

12 Jan, 2021 by in Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

  • 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

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

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

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-era novel set aboard a Royal Naval ship.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:

Jan 11          My Jane Austen Book Club                           Excerpt

Jan 11          Austenprose — A Jane Austen Blog             Review

Jan 12          Wishful Endings                                            Review

Jan 12          Lu Reviews Books                                         Review

Jan 13          Lady with a Quill                                           Review

Jan 13          Timeless Novels                                            Review

Jan 14          Reading is My Superpower                            Review

Jan 14          The Bibliophile Files                                      Review

Jan 15          Randi Loves 2 Read                                      Review

Jan 16          The Christian Fiction Girl                               Excerpt

Jan 17          Nurse Bookie                                                 Review

Jan 18          The Silver Petticoat Review                           Review

Jan 18          Heidi Reads                                                   Review

Jan 19          Bookfoolery                                                   Review

Jan 20          Captivated Reading                                       Review

Jan 21          Greenish Bookshelf                                       Review

Jan 21          Bookworm Lisa                                             Review

Jan 22          Among the Reads                                         Review

Jan 23          Gwedalyn’s Books                                         Review

Jan 24          My Bookish Bliss                                          Review

Jan 25          Wishful Endings                                            Excerpt

Jan 25          Christian Chick’s Thoughts                           Review

Jan 26          Relz Reviewz                                                 Review

Jan 27          The Lit Bitch                                                  Review

Jan 28          Reading with Emily                                       Review

Jan 29          Books, Teacups & Reviews                           Review

Jan 30          A Darn Good Read                                         Review

Jan 31          From Pemberley to Milton                             Spotlight

Jan 31          Impressions in Ink                                         Review

Feb 01          Austenesque Reviews                                   Review

Feb 02          Laura’s Reviews                                            Review

Feb 03          Literary Time Out                                          Review

Feb 04          Chicks, Rogues & Scandals                          Excerpt

Feb 05          The Bluestocking                                         Review

Feb 05          Library of Clean Reads                                  Review

Feb 06          The Caffeinated Bibliophile                           Spotlight

Feb 07          So Little Time…                                             Spotlight

Feb 08          The Readathon                                              Review

Feb 09          The Book Diva Reads                                    Excerpt

Feb 09          Books and Socks Rock                                 Review

Feb 10          Our Book Confessions                                  Review

Feb 10          Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen      Spotlight

Feb 11          Rosanne E. Lortz                                           Review

Feb 11          Jorie Loves a Story                                       Review

Feb 12          Fire & Ice                                                       Excerpt

Feb 13          Cup of Tea with that Book, Please                Review

Feb 14          Book Confessions of an Ex-ballerina            Review

PURCHASE LINKS:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP

| INDIEBOUND | DESERET BOOK | GOODREADS

Christmas Day in the Morning: Awakening the Joy of Christmas

19 Nov, 2020 by in Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Christmas Day in the Morning: Awakening the Joy of Christmas

Christmas Day in the Morning: Awakening the Joy of Christmas

on October 6, 2020
Pages: 48
Format: Hardcover
Buy the BookGoodreads
The true joy of Christmas is to love and to awaken love.

"Christmas Day in the Morning is as gorgeous as the day it celebrates. And unlike so many other presents, the real gift isn't the book itself, it's the simple, pure message. If you give anything this year, give love."
--Jason F. Wright, New York Times best-selling author of Christmas Jars

In this adaptation of "Christmas Day in the Morning" Rob looks back on his boyhood and remembers giving an unusual gift of self a gift that filled him with Christmas joy. Now, fifty years later, Rob realizes he can still give a gift from his heart.

The original Pearl S. Buck story, published in Collier s magazine in 1955, concludes with the older Rob writing a letter of gratitude and love to his wife. As he does, Christmas joy is awakened in him once again.

The final pages of this book provide a place for you to write your own letter of gratitude and love a letter that will naturally be included when you give this book to a family member, neighbor, or friend. As you do, you may experience what Rob learned as a boy, and then again as a man: the gifts most likely to rekindle Christmas joy are not just the presents we give with our hands, but the gratitude we express from our hearts.

About the Author

Pearl S. Buck wrote Christmas Day in the Morning in 1955. She was a prolific author and earned a Pulitzer Prize for her novel The Good Earth. The daughter of Christian missionaries, Buck spent most of her life before 1934 in China. Upon her return to the United States in 1935, she became an advocate for women’s rights and racial equality.

David Warner received his PhD in theatre and film from Brigham Young University and has worked with the Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra on Temple Square for more than a decade.

Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks

18 Nov, 2020 by in historical fiction, proper romance, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Georgana’s Secret by Arlem Hawks

Georgana's Secret

on January 12, 2021
Pages: 320
Format: ARC
four-stars
Buy the BookGoodreads
A Regency romance on the high seas.

1811, HMS Deborah

Georgana Woodall dreams of freedom—freedom from her past and freedom from her secret. She has been living on her father’s ship for years, disguised as a cabin boy named “George.” But hiding her true self is becoming more difficult, and she yearns to break free of her life on the sea.

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. Determined to prove himself to his new captain, 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.

Georgana quickly loses her heart to Dominic’s compassion and care, but needing to maintain her disguise as a cabin boy, she is convinced nothing can come of her affection.

Georgana’s Secret is about two hearts yearning to find a safe harbor, and possibly, a lasting love.

Review

So much to love about Georgana’s Secret. I finished it in one day! Naval Historical Fiction, with a touch of romance. Georgana is aboard her father’s ship disguised as a boy, George Taylor. Sea life is hard, disappointing and dangerous. She has lived a life of abuse feeling she is a mistake and a failure. Along comes Dominic. Completely unaware of who she is, gentle and kind to the orphaned ship mate.

This one has a slow moving pace, until the very end, when the action of battle really picks up. There were a few plot pieces which felt a bit off– like her father’s treatment of her, at times, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the rest. There are true to life details which make this feel like a trip back in time between Naval officers in the midst of war. Loved it and can’t wait to read more from the author. Thanks Shadow Mountain for the sneak peek.

Content: drinking, bullying, abuse. Moderate violence, Clean.

About the Author

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. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in communications and emphasis in print journalism, and now lives in Arizona with her husband and two children

Divider

Healing Hearts Blog Tour

04 Mar, 2019 by in blog tour, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment


Healing Hearts
Savage Wells #2
Paperback, 336 pages
Published February 5th 2019
Shadow Mountain
by Sarah M. Eden
Goodreads* Amazon

Wyoming Territory, 1876

As the only doctor in the frontier town of Savage Wells, Gideon MacNamara knows his prospects for a bride are limited. The womenfolk in town are either too young, too old, or already spoken for. So, being a practical man, he decides to take advantage of the matchmaking service of the day—mail-order brides—and sends away for a woman with nursing experience.

When Miriam steps off the stagecoach in Savage Wells, she sees a bright future in front of her. But when the town—and Gideon—meets her, ready for a wedding, her excitement quickly turns to horror. Somehow Dr. MacNamara’s message had gotten turned around. He didn’t want a nurse, he wanted a wife. When she refuses to marry him, she finds herself stranded in Savage Wells with some very unhappy townspeople.

But Gideon is not like the other men Miriam has met. Embarrassed by the misunderstanding, he offers her a job, and the two begin an awkward—and often humorous—dance of getting to know each other as they work to care for the people of their town. Romance blossoms between the two, but when a former medical associate of Miriam’s arrives in town, Gideon and the other townsfolk must rally around Miriam to protect her from a dangerous fate. Gideon and Miriam must decide if they are willing to risk their hearts for each other even as buried secrets are brought to light.

About Sarah M. Eden

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today bestselling author of multiple historical romances, including AML’s “2013 Novel of the Year” and Foreword Review’s 2013 “IndieFab Book of the Year” gold medal winner for Best Romance, Longing for Home, and the Whitney Award’s “2014 Novel of the Year,” Longing for Home: Hope Springs. Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah lives with her husband, kids, and mischievous dog in the shadow of a snow-capped mountain she has never attempted to ski.

Divider

Promises and Primroses Blog Tour

04 Sep, 2018 by in josi s kilpack, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Promises and Primroses Blog Tour

Promises and Primroses

by Josi S. Kilpack
Published by Shadow Mountain on September 4, 2018
Genres: Adult, Clean Romance, Historical Fiction
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the BookGoodreads

Lord Elliott Mayfield has done his best to take care of his family, first his siblings and now his nieces and nephews. Unfortunately, he sees this new generation moving in the same direction of bad matches and scandalous relationships as the last. In hopes to change their course, he establishes a “marriage campaign” to motivate them to improve themselves through making respectable matches. With his heart in the right place, what could possibly go wrong?

Peter, Elliott’s eldest nephew, thinks the entire idea is ridiculous. A widower with two young daughters, he simply needs a governess, not a wife. Julia Hollingsworth certainly has the credentials and the experience, but is altogether too young and pretty for such a job. So why can’t he stop thinking about her?

Julia loves working as a governess, despite the objections of her mother, Amelia. And as it turns out, Amelia has a lot to say about the Mayfield men—none of it good. But Julia dismisses the rumors of ruined reputations and instead concentrates on helping Peter with his children and his fledgling business in canine husbandry. His kindness and gentleness is endearing—and increasingly attractive.

But Amelia, whose heart was broken thirty years ago by none other than Elliott Mayfield, is determined to prevent any relationship from blooming either between Peter and Julia—or between herself and Elliott.

Hearts and history collide as both couples must face their pasts and decide if risking it all is worth the promise of new love and a new future.

Julia is bound and determined to make it on her own without the interference of her overbearing mother as a governess. Her boss, Peter Mayfield has two young daughters to look out for after losing his wife and needs someone with just the right combination of talents. Each has a past to taint their prospect for a future together. The Mayfield name is tarnished by past misdeeds and Julia’s family is right in the thick of the hurt. Promises and Primroses addresses how to overcome society scandals to make one’s own path and decisions. With a theme of following your heart, there is a sweet friendship between Peter and Julia which blossoms into something more over time. They work together with animals and overcome personal doubts, to make a powerful pair.

Written from multiple perspectives, each chapter gives readers insight into what is going on with each character. I struggled with Julia’s mother Amelia because of how bitter and bossy she is. I am surprised that I genuinely enjoyed the details about animal husbandry and taking care of young pups. This looks to be the first in a series, so I’m excited to see what books two holds for the Mayfield family. Proper Romances by Shadow Mountain are some of my favorite reads because of the clean, and often historical content.

Divider

Winter Sky by Chris Stewart ~ Blog Tour

02 Dec, 2016 by in chris stewart, Shadow Mountain, world war II Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Winter Sky by Chris Stewart ~ Blog Tour

Winter Sky

by Chris Stewart
Published by Shadow Mountain on September 27, 2016
Genres: Historical Fiction
Pages: 192
Format: Hardcover

four-stars




Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the BookGoodreads

In a bombed-out Polish village during World War II, a young resistance fighter finds that he is suddenly alone and trapped between two opposing armies. He is one of Poland’s “Devil’s Rebels” fighting desperately to save his homeland, but an injury has erased his memory and his only possession is a torn photograph of a couple he assumes are his parents. The woman appears to be holding the hand of a young child whose image has been ripped off. Could this be him?

Caught in the crosshairs of the retreating German army and the advancing Russian forces, the village holds nothing but destruction and despair until a mysterious young woman offers a small glimmer of hope that may represent his last chance – news of a refugee train departing from a nearby town, headed for American installations at the border.

But complications arise when the resistance fighter is betrayed by his own countryman and hunted by German SS officers who are determined to kill him before they retreat. Desperately searching for a home and family he can’t remember, he is persuaded to rescue two children who are doomed to die without his help. But as time runs out, the former rebel is faced with an impossible choice. Standing at the crossroads of saving himself or risking his life for strangers, what would motivate a young man at the brink of salvation to make one more sacrifice?

New York Times Best-selling author Chris Stewart has created a powerful, soul-moving story of compassion and hope against all odds, set against the true-life backdrop of Eastern Poland and the courageous efforts of the “Devil’s Rebels” in the waning months of World War II.

winter sky banner

Lucas steps off the train with no memory of who he is or how he got to the war torn Polish vilage. He has vivid memories of weapons and tactical skills, but he does not know his own name. The injured soldier carries with him a photo torn in half as the only clue to help him find the way home. He is cold, hungry and hurt. Finding refuge for the evening in a church, Lucas meets a young woman who offers him bread, and eventually hope.

Winter Sky tells a war story often untold in World War II, the struggle of the Polish people and their rebellion as German and Russian forces press from two sides. Stewart uses a point of view somewhat removed and distant, which made it difficult for me to connect deeply with any of the characters. A short read,  it is a snippet of history and the harsh realities of war. There is moderate violence, some periods of dismal wondering about God. Ultimately, the novel settles on a message of hope. Highlights are the rich historical detail and interesting perspective. Special thanks to Shadow Mountain for the chance to review.

about_ the_author

Chris Stewart is a bestselling author and world-record-setting Air Force pilot whose previous military techno-thrillers have been selected by the Book of the Month Club and published in six different countries.

He is the author of the highly acclaimed series The Great and Terrible, as well as A Christmas Bell for Anya, which was performed with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during their 2005 Christmas concert. He has also been a guest editorialist for the Detroit News, commenting on matters of military readiness and national security. He is president of The Shipley Group, a nationally recognized consulting and training company and founder of the Utah Renaissance and Leadership Center

Divider

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast Blog Tour

07 Aug, 2016 by in proper romance, Shadow Mountain, steampunk Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Beauty and the Clockwork Beast

by Nancy Campbell Allen
Published by Shadow Mountain on August 2, 2016
Genres: Steampunk
Pages: 352
Format: ARC

four-stars




Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the Book

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border.

Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Could Miles himself be to blame for the deaths?

Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

There is so much packed into this book. Steampunk, Victorian Era romance, paranormal elements, and plot twists on past storylines pulled from Beauty and the Beast and Jane Austen. About 2/3 of the way through the book I was hooked on main character Miles, earl of Blackwell Manor and his house guest, Lucy. Ms. Picket is trying to solve the mystery of her cousins mysterious illness and in the process meets with ghosts, vampires and automatons. I loved the botanical descriptions and use of old apothecary methods to heal with plants.

The plot took a while to get into. The reader may get lost in the world building if they’ve never read steampunk. Tesla was overused a bit. The only other hitch for me was convincing myself that Lucy was not a spinster, but rather a young woman of marrying age. For some reason, there was a lack of the physical and emotional elements that fleshed out her young personality. She was head strong and accomplished, but when the romance picked up I still saw her as 40’s or 50’s in age.

I did enjoy this one. Lots of suspense, mystery and rich descriptions. It was a truly one of a kind combination of well-loved tales.

Content: drinking, kissing and sensuality.

Divider

Lord Fenton’s Folly by Josi S Kilpack~ ARC Spotlight

09 Jul, 2015 by in alaac15, josi s kilpack, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from ALA, Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Lord Fenton’s Folly by Josi S Kilpack~ ARC Spotlight

Lord Fenton's Folly

by Josi S. Kilpack
Published by Shadow Mountain on October 6th 2015
Genres: Adult, Regency
Pages: 336
Format: ARC

four-stars




Source: ALA, Shadow Mountain
Buy the BookGoodreads

Lord Fenton is a gambler, a dandy, and a flirt—and he must marry or else he will be disinherited, stripped of his wealth and his position. He chooses Alice Stanbridge for two simple reasons: he once knew her as a young girl, and she is the least objectionable option available to him.

However, Alice has harbored feelings for Fenton since their first meeting ten years ago, and she believes his proposal is real. When she discovers it is not, she is embarrassed and hurt. However, a match with the most-eligible bachelor in London would secure not only her future but that of her family as well.

Determined to protect herself from making a fool of herself a second time, Alice matches Lord Fenton wit for wit and insult for insult as they move toward a marriage of convenience that is anything but a happy union. Only when faced with family secrets that have shaped Fenton’s life does he let down his guard enough to find room in his heart for Alice. But can Alice risk her heart a second time?

The brief: Lord Fenton’s Folly by Josi S Kilpack is one of the first books I picked up at ALA this year. I love the Shadow Mountain Proper Romance series and Regency Era historical fiction. In the vein of Sarah M. Eden’s books set in Regency era London.

The cover: Not my favorite

The readability: Picked it up and never put it down, no drags in plot.

The book: Witty banter, depth of character, real life issues.

Themes: Fidelity and love in marriage, societal jedgement, being a gentleman by example, loyalty, kindness

Content: Adult, clean, talk of extra marital affairs and marital relations

Overall: Loved

 

 

Divider

A Heart Revealed By Josi Kilpack~ Blog Tour and Review

10 Apr, 2015 by in adult, josi s kilpack, regency romance, Shadow Mountain Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Heart Revealed By Josi Kilpack~ Blog Tour and Review

A Heart Revealed

by Josi S. Kilpack
Published by Shadow Mountain on April 7, 2015
Genres: Adult, Clean Romance, Regency
Pages: 336
Format: ARC

four-half-stars




Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the BookGoodreads

Amber Marie Sterlington, the Rage of the Season in Regency-era London, has her pick of men and she knows what she wants most in a husband: a title and a fortune. Why would she ever marry for something as fickle as love? And why would she ever look twice at Thomas Richards, a third son of a country lord?
But Amber's social standing is shattered by a rare disorder which causes the loss of her hair. Publicly humiliated and estranged from her shamed family, she is exiled to Yorkshire, facing a future she never expected in a circumstance far below what she has known all her life. Humbled and lonely, Amber wonders if isolation is for the best and questions what real love means until she finds a romantic path to a man who offers unconditional love.

Author Josi S. Kilpack, who is best known for her culinary cozy mysteries, tackles the difficult condition of alopecia in her latest, novel A Heart Revealed. Set in Regency Era London, this clean romance explores how a rich debutante, who was once queen of the ball, falls from social graces in battling a life altering condition.

Miss Sterlington turns heads with her fiery red hair, sparkling eyes and strong personality. She enjoys her season, coming out among the ton with many suitors falling on her every word. But when life hands her a cruel twist of fate, she is exiled to a small cottage, and a simple life she never imagined in her wildest dreams. Suzanne, her lady in waiting, has the task of following Amber Sterlington, and helping to re-shape her bratty attitude. Successful in her service and her attempts to reform her boss, Suzanne is a strong and likeable character. Sterlington’s parents on the other hand, need to go.

Readers will see a full character arc in he main heroine, as well a tiny bit of romance. Thomas Richards, gentlemen, is sick of the extravagant balls, the small hearted women he meets and the frivolity. But Miss Sterlington captures his attention. When circumstances throw them back together, he sees a change in her heart and can’t help but be even more drawn to the woman behind the mysterious disguise.

I truly enjoyed the message and the ending of A Heart Revealed. My favorite character was Thomas and I wish we could have seen more into his thoughts and actions. The kiss seemed a bit wild considering how slowly and carefully this relationship unfolded in the dark, but in the last chapters, it all comes together. I highly recommend this and the entire Proper Romance series for fans of clean Regency novels!

About the Author153344

Josi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and accredits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and never stopped. Her novel, Sheep’s Clothing won the Whitney Award 2007 for Mystery/Suspense. Lemon Tart, the first book in the Sadie Hoffmiller Culinary Mystery series was a finalist in 2009. Josi currently lives in Willard Utah with her husband, children and super-cute cat.

Divider

Silence by Deborah Lytton Blog Tour

03 Mar, 2015 by in Deborah Lytton, Shadow Mountain, YA contemporary, young adult fiction Leave a comment

I received this book for free from Shadow Mountain in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Silence by Deborah Lytton Blog Tour

Silence

by Deborah Lytton
Published by Shadow Mountain on March 7, 2015
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Pages: 320
Format: ARC

four-half-stars




Source: Shadow Mountain
Buy the BookGoodreads

Stella was born to sing. Someday Broadway. Even though she is only a sophomore at a new high school, her voice has given her the status as a cool kid. But then a tragic accident renders her deaf. She cannot hear herself sing not to mention speak. She cannot hear anything. Silence. What happens when everything you have dreamed of and hoped for is shattered in a single moment?

Enter Hayden, the boy with blonde curls who stutters. He is treated like an outcast because he is not normal. And, yet, Stella feels an attraction to him that she cannot explain. As Hayden reaches out to help Stella discover a world without sound his own tragic past warns him to keep a distance. But their connection is undeniable. Can the boy who stutters and the girl whose deaf find a happily-ever-after?

SILENCE is a story of friendship and hope with a lesson that sometimes it takes a tragedy to help us find beauty and love in unexpected places.

There are so many things to love about Silence by Deborah Lytton. It’s a clean contemporary YA story of a two disabled students who find redemption and healing in their friendship, and then, ultimately find love. Stella is a High School drama student on the rise with a gift that just might be her ticket to popularity–her voice. When an accident leaves Stella deaf, she has to look at how life will change wihout the ability to hear and sing. Enter Hayden Rivers who stutters and is a social outcast. He carries a story of his own involving abuse and selective mutism. The two together, make a wonderful team.

The language of Silence is very poetic,which at times slowed the pace of the story, but by the last half of the book I was completely hooked. I stayed up long past my bed time to finish. I do wish the main protagonist was older than 15. Their relationship seemed to move from friendship to a mature eternal love in a short 17 days and would be more fitting for an older teen. Overall, I loved this one and will pass it on to others highly recommended.

about_ the_author

Deborah Lytton is an established writer who began her work life as an actress at the age of six. She graduated from UCLA debby-lytton-2015-1 and Pepperdine University with a degree in law before becoming a writer. She lives in California with her two daughters and is an active blogger and member of SCBWI. FInd her at http://www.deborahlytton.com/

Divider