Posts Categorized: Uncategorized

SHATTERED MIDNIGHT by Dhonielle Clayton Tour and Giveaway

26 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the SHATTERED MIDNIGHT by Dhonielle Clayton Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

 

About The Book:

Title: SHATTERED MIDNIGHT (The Mirror #2)

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Pub. Date: January 18, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 304

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle,  AudibleB&NiBooks, KoboTBD, Bookshop.org

The Mirror: Shattered Midnight is the second novel in the innovative four-book fairy-tale series written by Julie C. Dao, Dhonielle Clayton, J.C. Cervantes, and L. L. McKinney, following one family over several generations, and the curse that plagues it.

Zora Broussard has arrived in New Orleans with not much more than a bag of clothes, a beautiful voice, and a pair of enchanted red shoes. Running from a tragic accident caused by her magic, Zora wants nothing more than to blend in, as well as to avoid her overbearing aunt and mean-spirited cousins. Music becomes Zora’s only means of escape, yet she wonders if she should give it all up to remove the powers that make her a target, especially as a Black woman in the South.

But when Zora gets the chance to perform in a prominent jazz club, she meets a sweet white pianist named Phillip with magic of his own, including a strange mirror that foretells their future together. Falling into a forbidden love, Zora and Phillip must keep their relationship a secret. And soon the two discover the complicated connection between their respective families, a connection that could lead to catastrophe for them both. In the era of segregation and speakeasies, Zora must change her destiny and fight for the one she loves . . . or risk losing everything. 

 



Grab Book 1, BROKEN WISH now!


REVIEW: So much to love about this book! Rich details about New Orleans during prohibition– speakeasies, jazz music, beignets, debutante balls and Chicago gangs. You feel as if you are transported to the time and place described. It’s magical. The protagonist. is a strong black young woman with a gift for singing and a mind of her own. Her suitor Phillip is the epitome of a gentleman, protecting her at every turn. The time period is rife with racial tension and prejudice–black and white couples are prohibited by law from marrying. Love wins and is the most important element between Zora and Phillip.The strong family lines and family history pieces as well as the theme of loyalty stood out to me. I also enjoyed how the two women navigate their place in society with their natural talents. This is a tale of familial magic, curses and the hope of a new start. I can’t wait for book three in the series. Book two can be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to Disney Hyperion and Rockstar Book Tours for the complimentary copy for review. All views are my own. Content and trigger warnings: one swear word, moderate violence, domestic abuse, racism.


About Dhonielle:

Dhonielle Clayton is a New York Times Bestselling author of The Belles series, the coauthor of the Tiny Pretty Things duology which debuts as a Netflix original series soon, and the author of the forthcoming MG fantasy series The Marvellers. She hails from the Washington, D.C. suburbs on the Maryland side. She taught secondary school for several years, and is a former elementary and middle school librarian. She is COO of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books, and co-founder of CAKE Literary, a creative kitchen whipping up decadent—and decidedly diverse—literary confections for middle grade, young adult, and women’s fiction readers. She’s an avid traveler, and always on the hunt for magic and mischief. 

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

  

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of SHATTERED MIDNIGHT, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/1/2022

YA Books Central

Excerpt

Week Two:

1/2/2022

Simplybeccamee

Review

1/3/2022

The Bookwyrm’s Den

Review

1/4/2022

Kait Plus Books

Review

1/5/2022

Emelie’s Books

Review

1/6/2022

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review

1/7/2022

More Books Please blog

Review

1/8/2022

Cocoa With Books

Review

Week Three:

1/9/2022

Bri’s Book Nook

Review

1/10/2022

@enjoyingbooksagain

Review

1/11/2022

Sometimes Leelynn Reads

Review

1/12/2022

Locks, Hooks and Books

Review

1/13/2022

@moonlight_rendezvous

Review

1/14/2022

@bookisheclectic

Review

1/15/2022

Lexijava_Bookish

Review

Week Four:

1/16/2022

@jypsylynn

Review

1/17/2022

History From A Woman’s Perspective

Review

1/18/2022

The Momma Spot

Review

1/19/2022

thecaffeinated.reader

Review

1/20/2022

onemused

Review

1/21/2022

Lifestyle of Me

Review

1/22/2022

Stuck in the Stacks

Review

Week Five:

1/23/2022

A Bookish Dream

Review

1/24/2022

@drewsim12

Review

1/25/2022

coffeebooksandmascara

Review

1/26/2022

Fire and Ice

Review

1/27/2022

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review

1/28/2022

@abackwardsstory

Review

1/29/2022

BookBriefs

Review

Week Six:

1/30/2022

Momfluenster

IG Post

1/31/2022

Popthebutterfly Reads

Review


COMBUSTIBLE by Al Riske Tour and Giveaway

26 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

Fire and Ice is today’s stop on the COMBUSTIBLE by Al Riske Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours.

 

About The Book:

Title: COMBUSTIBLE

Author: Al Riske

Pub. Date: May 16, 2021

Publisher: Al Riske

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 183

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, TBD, Bookshop.org

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Membership!

It’s that summer between the end of high school and the start of something else. Dean Stockton and Curt Hutton are best friends, and more often than not you can find them rowing on the Rogue River at dawn.

Together they experience something they will never be able to describe adequately. But then they won’t really need to. Not to each other. It’s that moment of swing when rowers find the rhythm and everything falls into place. The shell seems to lift right out of the water.

Enter Isabelle Smiley. She’s beautiful yet insecure, knowing yet innocent, and crazy about Curt in a way that no girl has ever been crazy about Dean. She wants Curt to choose a college closer to home than the one he and Dean have selected—and she can be persuasive.

“I’d never be able to hold out against a girl like Smiley,” Dean admits.

“Don’t say that,” Curt replies. “I told her she’d have to convince you, too.”

Everyone is conflicted in this story of friendship, lust, and life-changing choices. Only one thing seems certain to all of them: If Smiley strikes a match, Dean will catch fire.

Reviews:

“Sharply drawn and deceptively quiet, Combustible is an excellent novel that lingers in the mind long after completion. I loved it.” – Mark Richardson, author of The Sun Casts No Shadow. 



“Combustible is a wonderful story … The author did a great job of bringing each character to life … I recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a light read with a satisfying plot and interesting characters.”- Kristi ElizabethSan Francisco Book Review

 

 

About Al Riske:

AL RISKE is the author of Precarious, Sabrina’s Window, The Possibility of Snow, Then We’d Be Happy, and Combustible. He has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine editor, and ghostwriter. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he now lives in California with his wife, Joanne, and their dog, Bodie.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 





Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/17/2022

Rockstar Book Tours

Kickoff Post

1/17/2022

Mythical Books

Excerpt

1/18/2022

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt

1/18/2022

YABooksCentral

Excerpt

1/19/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

1/19/2022

@jaimerockstarbooktour

IG Post

1/20/2022

BookHounds

Guest Post

1/20/2022

Jaime’s Book World

Excerpt

1/21/2022

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review/IG Post

1/21/2022

Wottaread

Excerpt

Week Two:

1/24/2022

More Books Please blog

Review

1/24/2022

@sunnydeelights

Review

1/25/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Review

1/25/2022

The Momma Spot

Review

1/26/2022

Coffee and Wander Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

1/26/2022

Fire and Ice

Review

1/27/2022

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

1/27/2022

Two Points of Interest

Review

1/28/2022

Karen Dee’s Book Reviews

Review

1/28/2022

@jypsylynn

Review


HUNTRESS PREY by Selene Kallan Tour and Giveaway

21 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the HUNTRESS PREY by Selene Kallan Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: HUNTRESS PREY (Bonded by Blood and Magic 1)

Author: Selene Kallan

Pub. Date: December 14, 2021

Publisher: Selene Kallan

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 508

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited membership!

VALENTINE

After almost three centuries of running from my past, I should be used to loneliness. Being a mythological monster isn’t compatible with relationships. But the craving for company grows stronger every day, turning routine into an endless nightmare and making me wish for an end to my immortality.

The explosive encounter with a beautiful, lethal fae who knows what I am and how to destroy me reminded me of that proverb: be careful what you wish for.

AXEL
I thought fate could not surprise me after almost six hundred years. And then there she is—the echo of the brave young woman I’ve heard legends about. Only she isn’t human anymore, but a vampire, the greatest enemy of my species. After a fight that could have killed us both, and an uneasy truce, I am left with burning curiosity and so is she.

But will curiosity be enough to quench her thirst for my blood and my impulse to kill her before she strikes?

The first installment of the Bonded by Blood and Magic series.

Read Chapter 1 HERE!

Subscribe to Selene’s newsletter and get a free ebook!

 


About Selene Kallan:

Selene Kallan is a fantasy author who daydreams about her imaginary worlds most of the time. Her obsession with vampires, and all things supernatural, has made her an avid reader. She loves writing, discovering new metal bands, and watching superhero movies. She is also feeling a little crazy while writing about herself in third person, but apparently, this is the way to go.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 



Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/10/2022

Two Chicks On Books

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/10/2022

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/11/2022

The Momma Spot

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/11/2022

Mythical Books

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/12/2022

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review

1/12/2022

BookHounds

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/13/2022

The Girl Who Reads

Review

1/13/2022

Sadie’s Spotlight

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/14/2022

More Books Please blog

Review

1/14/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Review

Week Two:

1/17/2021

Eye-Rolling Demigod’s Book Blog

Review

1/17/2021

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt or Guest Post

1/18/2021

See Sadie Read

Review

1/18/2021

Coffee and Wander Book Reviews

Review

1/19/2021

@Locked_in_a_library

Review

1/19/2021

@meetcuteromancebooks

Review

1/20/2021

Prison Wife Reviews

Review

1/20/2021

What’s Beyond Forks?

Review

1/21/2021

Fire and Ice

Review

1/21/2021

Books a Plenty Book Reviews

Review


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THE WITCH AND THE DREAMWALKER Tour and Giveaway

18 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

Fire and Ice is hosting a spot on the THE WITCH AND THE DREAMWALKER by Victoria Rogers Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE WITCH AND THE DREAMWALKER (The McKinley Women #2)

Author: Victoria Rogers

Pub. Date: December 14, 2021

Publisher: Changeling Press LLC

Formats: eBook

Pages: 111

Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

 It’s 1982, and rising star Vivian McKinley is determined to climb the corporate ladder of a growing paranormal security firm. With the help of Xavier Prince, President and CEO of Prince Charms, Vivian uncovers a plot to take over the business. The pair navigate office politics and machinations to prove a psychic vampire’s treachery.




Grab the companion book in this series, THE WITCH AND THE STAG now!

 


About Victoria Rogers:

Victoria Rogers is an award-winning podcaster, game designer, and storyteller known for their immersive worlds and strong female characters.

 

Witches, warlocks, gods, and spirits fill their dreams and stories. Consent and healthy communication are two major aspects of their work – after all, you can’t have what you want unless you ask for it.

 

Victoria can be found in the garden and in the kitchen making fruit wines, brewing beers, and infusing spirits. When not feeding friends, they attend tabletop gaming conventions and sit on storytelling and world-building panels, teach about online marketing, and produce live events.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon Gift Card, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/10/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

1/10/2022

BookHounds YA

Guest Post

1/11/2022

Mythical Books

Excerpt

1/11/2022

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

1/12/2022

Sadie’s Spotlight

Excerpt

1/12/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt

1/13/2022

Writer of Wrongs

Guest Post

1/13/2022

Jazzy Book Reviews

Excerpt

1/14/2022

brittreadsalattebooks

Review

1/14/2022

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

1/17/2021

See Sadie Read

Review

1/17/2021

@curlygrannylovestoread

Review/IG Post

1/18/2021

Prison Wife Reviews

Review

1/18/2021

Fire and Ice

Review

1/19/2021

More Books Please blog

Review

1/19/2021

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

1/20/2021

@Locked_in_a_library

Review

1/20/2021

_bookbound_

Review/IG Post

1/21/2021

Coffee and Wander Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

1/21/2021

@meetcuteromancebooks

Excerpt/IG Post

 


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How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart by Vivienne Lorret

17 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart (affiliate link)

by Vivienne Lorret

Expected publication: May 24th 2022

by Avon

Ruined debutante Prudence Thorogood lost everything when she was ousted from polite society, including her inheritance. Now she’ll do anything to take back what’s hers… even if she has to steal it. Accepting a scandalous offer from Lord Savage seems like the perfect solution to disguise her criminal intentions from the ton. Until she discovers that there’s more to this scoundrel than meets the eye.

Leo Ramsgate, Marquess of Savage, has everything except for a heart. That organ dried up long ago after a devastating betrayal. Since then, he vowed never to trust or love again. He ensures that his dalliances are mutually satisfying, but always temporary… until he meets the reserved Miss Thorogood. Not one of his previous lovers has ever beguiled him the way she does. Not one has made him want to break his own rules. Not one has tempted him to keep her… forever.

Prue has every intention of disappearing from London after their affair ends. But her plan falters when she finds herself falling hopelessly in love with a man who may never love her in return. With time running out and so much at stake, she cannot help but wonder…

How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart?

Review

I went down a Vivienne Lorret rabbit hole and never came back out. I discovered the author in a holiday anthology which led me to this series. She is a phenomenal Historical Fiction writer! Special thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the sneak peek into her newest novel. It was so, so good!

Pru Thorogood is marching her way out of the country after being spurned by one of her best friend’s intended. On the road, muddy, bedraggled and fighting for her luggage from a drover, a carriage stops to help her out. Inside, Lord Savage and his latest companion. The banter is hilarious, their relationship witty and smart. Pru is determined to make her own way in the world without any help, and Savage is determined to help. She’s resorting to larceny to recover her lost inheritance, he is the new accomplice.

Every character jumps off of the page, including Savage’s house staff who intervene in an attempt to save Pru’s innocence. Pru is a perfectionist after living with an overly critical father and step-mother. Savage guard his heart with contracts and codicils. They work so well together, if only they can put aside the walls they’ve built. Savage is the perfect juxtaposition of society scoundrel who keep his word, protects and build up Miss Thorogood until she can believe in herself. The villains are downright villainous–their plot was over the top cruel. So many twists and turns in their plan, with one constant– a love match that steals the scene and comes unexpected to both parties. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait to read the next in the series.

Content and trigger warnings: Adult content, poisoning, death in childbirth, abusive guardians, assault.

About the Author


USA Today bestselling author, VIVIENNE LORRET transforms copious amounts of tea into words. She is an Avon author of works including: The Wallflower Wedding Series, The Rakes of Fallow Hall Series, The Season’s Original Series, and the Misadventures in Matchmaking series. For more information on her books, sign up for her newsletter at www.vivlorret.net.

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ONCE UPON ACADEMY VOLUME 2 Anthology Tour

14 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ONCE UPON ACADEMY VOLUME 2 Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: ONCE UPON ACADEMY VOLUME 2

Authors: Breezy Jones, Cara North, Elle Klass, Marie Long, Valerie Puri

Pub. Date: January 7, 2022

Publisher: BLK Publishing

Formats:  eBook

Pages: 431

Find it: Goodreadsbooks2read Preorder for 2.99 before the price goes up to 4.99!

Once Upon Academy, where fairytales are real and princesses really do get happily ever afters.


To kick off the end of our first semester, Once Upon Academy is hosting the annual Winter Ball. A night full of magic, love and happy endings.

Join the descendants of classic fairytale characters as they navigate the prestigious halls of Once Upon Academy. Get boujee on the most magical night of the school year and experience a fairytale kiss under the mistletoe.

It’s a night you don’t want to miss.

 


Grab ONCE UPON ACADEMY VOLUME 1 NOW!

Grab the winter ball teaser chapters free right now here – https://dl.bookfunnel.com/j2167xn78q

And anyone that preorders the anthology can get some goodies in the mail like a school map and invitation to the ball! Send your confirmation # and addy to onceuponacademyantho@gmail.com  Limited to the first 50 pre-orders.

 

REVIEW: A fun anthology by various authors, readers learn about students of the Once Upon Academy. The Princess and the Pea, the Pied Piper and Grim Reaper are amongst the characters who make an appearance. I enjoyed the short stories because each one has a unique perspective and tone. Some are short, others longer, but each includes magic and powers. If you enjoy YA and fairy tales, you won’t be disappointed. Content warning: swearing, moderate violence, nudity.

Join the Once Upon Academy Facebook Group!

 

About the Authors:

Breezy Jones

Breezy lives in a small town in Florida with her husband, daughter, son and four furbabies, as a SAHM. If you ask what first got her into writing, she’ll tell you it was over the ending of Divergent. She remembers laughing at the first person to suggest that she could write a book, but chose to give it a shot.

When she’s not writing Breezy splits her time among her many hobbies; reading, repainting dolls, makeup and graphic design, just to name a few. These things don’t come without a cost; coffee and wine. While writing hasn’t always been her goal, she has fallen in love with building a world from nothing and watching it flourish.

Links:

Facebook: apiratespleasur

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Breezy_Jones88

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/Breezyjauthor

 

Cara North

Cara North is a romance writer, podcaster, and USMC veteran. She enjoys writing a variety of fiction, but always romance.

 

Links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cara.north.94/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caranorth_author/

 





Elle Klass

Elle Klass is an award winning author. She currently lives in Florida with her family. To date she has written and published over twenty books, in varying genre’s including mystery, suspense, psychological thrillers, fantasy, sci-fi and contemporary fiction. When she’s not writing she’s spending time with family or friends, traveling, relaxing at home watching ghost and horror movies or listening to an audio book.

 

Links:

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elleklass/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elle-klass

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/Elleklass

 

Marie Long

Marie Long is a novelist who enjoys the snowy weather, the mountains, and a cup of hot white chocolate. She’s an avid supporter of literacy movements.

Links:

Website: https://www.marielongauthor.com

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marielongauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/marielongauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-long

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/marielong

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/marie_long

 

 

Valerie Puri 

Valerie Puri is an author of Paranormal, Fantasy, and Young Adult.

As an author of both short stories and novels, she enjoys the flexibility of writing tales of any length. Her favorite aspect of writing is the ability to create something out of nothing. She loves building worlds readers can visualize and filling those worlds with complex characters and storylines. Valerie believes that the experiences we have in life are just stories waiting to be written.

When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, or listening to audio books. She is a Florida transplant, but part of her will always call the Midwest home.

Links:

Facebook: valerie.tait.94

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AuthorValeriePuri

 

Giveaway Details:

1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon GC, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

1/3/2022

Rockstar Book Tours

Kickoff Post

1/3/2022

Two Chicks on Books

Excerpt

1/4/2022

Mythical Books

Excerpt/IG Post

1/4/2022

BookHounds YA

Excerpt

1/5/2022

GivernyReads

Review/IG Post

1/5/2022

The Momma Spot

Excerpt

1/6/2022

Writer of Wrongs

Excerpt

1/6/2022

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review/IG Post

1/7/2022

Coffee and Wander Book Reviews

Review/IG Post

1/7/2022

The Girl Who Reads

Review/IG Post

Week Two:

1/10/2022

@Locked_in_a_library

Review/IG Post

1/10/2022

Sadie’s Spotlight

Excerpt/IG Post

1/11/2022

@meetcuteromancebooks

Excerpt/IG Post

1/11/2022

@curlygrannylovestoread

Review/IG Post

1/12/2022

_bookbound_

Review/IG Post

1/12/2022

The Phantom Paragrapher

Review/IG Post

1/13/2022

#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog

Excerpt/IG Post

1/13/2022

OneMoreExclamation

Review/IG Post

1/14/2022

BookBriefs

Review/IG Post

1/14/2022

Fire and Ice

Review


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Iridescent by S. H. Everly

05 Jan, 2022 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

(Iridescent #1)

by S. H. Everly

Independently published February 23, 2021

488 pages

For 17-year-old Katrina Peterson, life is never the same after she finds out she’s moving back to California. Upon arrival, Katrina learns that the town has secrets, and at the heart of them is the mysterious and popular Jared, who’s been dreaming about her long before she came to Santa Cruz. Only one thing seems to have all the answers: a map given to her by her mother. But Katrina wonders how long she can keep her own secret from Jared. Will he ever accept her for who she truly is? But, more importantly, can she? A story filled with friendship, family, love, and even faith, Iridescent will take you away to the beaches and ocean waters of Central California, and on a magical journey in this coming of age book.

Review

I chose Iridescent primarily because of the setting. Monterey Bay, Santa Cruz and the surrounding coastline are some of our very favorite spots in the world. The author does a good job of describing the kelp forests and wide variety of sea life in her book. Katrina, her aunt and her best friend work at the aquarium, main character Kat wants to be a marine biologist. There’s also discussion of the redwood forests an the light houses which help add to the authentic and unique Central California mood. It’s a long book, but I was able to get through it in a day. It has a bit of a Twilight vibe in the “love triangle” and I found myself pulling for the underdog rather than the main interest Jared. What I loved? The family dynamics which highlighted foster, adoptive and traditional families. All functional. I struggled with suspension of disbelief with Katrina continuing to enter into situations which were dangerous and harmful. One of the main themes is forgiveness, yet the main character does not set healthy boundaries for herself and puts her life in danger by going on sleepovers and trips with someone who has tried to hurt her. I suppose she is growing and learning as a teen, but even after she learns the gravity of the threat she still continues to associate with two main characters. One can forgive but set a firm boundary.

I loved the Christian themes interwoven through the book and the relationship to faith & deity the characters possess. Overall, a clean read, appropriate for younger teens. Thanks to Prism Book Tours for the complimentary copy as part of their review tour.

GoodreadsBookBubAmazonBarnes & Noble 

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Shadows of Swanford Abbey Tour

07 Dec, 2021 by in Uncategorized 2 comments

  • Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Suspense, Inspirational Fiction
  • Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 7, 2021)
  • Length: (416) pages
  • Format: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 
  • Tour Dates: December 6-17, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austenin this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother’s desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey’s cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past–including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick—magistrate, widower, and former neighbor—who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something…

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Author Julie Klassen shares her inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey

ADVANCE PRAISE

“A brilliant Agatha Christie-esque whodunit by reader favorite Julie Klassen. Set in the creepy atmosphere of an old abbey, Shadows of Swanford Abbey will keep you guessing until the very end. There’s plenty of danger, intrigue, and—yes—romance to delight Regency-era lovers of all ages. Truly a don’t-miss read!”—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

“If you enjoy historical fiction with equal blends MYSTERY (suspense) and ROMANCE, then I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey with you wholeheartedly without any reservations. This may just be my FAVORITE Klassen novel yet.”—Becky Laney, Becky’s Book Reviews

“Once again Julie Klassen has delivered an intriguing book with all kinds of mystery and a few ghosts added in made it all worth the midnight oil I burned because I didn’t want to put it down!”—Lori Parrish, Red Headed Book Lady


Review

With an atmospheric setting, Shadows of Swanford Abbey takes the reader through local lore, ghost sightings and the scene of a murder. Rebecca Lane has returned to her childhood home to help her brother, a recluse writer who has turned on himself. She stays the local abbey turned hotel, where she encounters her girlhood crush, now a man and a widow. The two of them must navigate how they’ve changed over the years while caught in the clutches of a mystery.

The writing was engaging enough that I finished in one day. The pacing was a little slow and too detailed for me when they were interviewing each suspect and individual guest, hotel worker. That was the only lull. It has a Clue like vibe and a bit of a Bronte feel. Overall, I found this to be a well-written Christian Historical romance. Fans of Jane Austen will enjoy the sweet, slow romance and the happily ever after.

Content: opium abuse, unfaithful spouse, attempted assault, mild violence, mention of murder.

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

 | BOOKBUB | WIKIPEDIA | GOODREADS

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Havenlight Art Tour

06 Nov, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I first saw Jenedy Paige’s painting “Coming Full Circle” in the temple. As this year has passed it has come to represent revelation for me. What it means to feel and recognize the presence of whisperings from heaven and angels. To feel the love of the Lord deep in our hearts and to receive answers for me personally. It is a beautiful rendering of peace and power poured out from on high. Thank you Havenlight Art and Jenedy Paige for this masterpiece.

Jenedy Paige Bio: 

I am a realist in every sense of the word. I paint things as they exist, in the representational tradition, but also in the concepts behind my work. I am a truth teller. I love the classical approach to painting and its ability to so easily invite the viewer in. However, I also know the value abstraction, and the power it has to express things that realism cannot, and so I try to include both in my paintings. There is nothing I love more than a delicate and detailed figure on an expressive background.

My paintings begin in a journal. I record my frustrations, sorrows, joys, ambitions, hopes and then I transform those words into images. I guess you could say I very literally draw from life experience. I try to be as honest as I can in the telling, I don’t mince words. I then release the story to the canvas, and as I paint I am enabled to process the experience in a new way and to learn from it. I’m not fast, I take my time with the painting, and the lesson in it. Layer by layer I work, carefully revealing the wisdom inside.

When it comes to creating images I believe that simplicity is key. The more concise you can say something, the more powerful it is. So although my writing is usually lengthy, I look for symbols I can use, and try to condense my thoughts into a concise visual statement. I strive to find a shortcut right to the heart of the viewer, something that will strike them at first glance.

When I have taken the painting as far as I can, I return to writing. And just when I think I have dissected a particular idea, when I have learned all I could, writing usually takes it one step further. Words then become the final layer to the piece. The work and the text are then offered up together to others. I then find my experiences are not all that original, as the work strikes a familiar cord in the viewer. People often place themselves inside my work, and add their story to mine, and thus my heart and the heart of my audience connect over the canvas.

ENTER TO WIN A $200 GIFT CERTIFICATE!

Winners will be notified via email on December 1st. Learn more about Jenedy Paige & Dan Wilson here.

Get 20% off your art purchase at Havenlight with the code FIREANDICE

THE THROWBACK LIST by Lily Anderson Tour and Giveaway

29 Oct, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE THROWBACK LIST by Lily Anderson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Book:

Title: THE THROWBACK LIST

Author: Lily Anderson

Pub. Date: October 5, 2021

Publisher:  Hyperion Avenue

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 400

Find it: GoodreadsAmazonKindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Welcome to Sandy Point, Oregon: a sleepy beach town that’s home to a giant anchor statue, a sometimes-karaoke-bar, and Frosty’s questionably legendary Sunday Sundae Surprise. A town Jo, Autumn, and Bianca thought they’d left far behind when they graduated high school, finally moving on to greener pastures than the midway point for tourists heading to the Goonies house. But life seldom goes according to plan.

Bianca Boria-Birdy, former prom queen and valedictorian, has always been an overachiever. As she juggles managing the family tattoo parlor, caring for her grandmother, and adjusting to a new marriage, Bianca’s schedule becomes stricter than ever, with no room for disruption. What she really needs is a vacation, but not even Bianca Boria-Birdy can achieve the impossible.

Autumn Kelly used to be an actress. Now she teaches drama at Sandy Point High. She may have had to kiss her movie-star dreams goodbye, but molding the next generation of performers has given her life meaning in a whole new way. Until the sudden reappearance of her ex-best friend throws everything off-balance.

Jo Freeman has it all together. With a cool job in Silicon Valley, connections at the trendiest fitness studios, and a down payment on her dream condo, she’s well on her way to reaching every one of her goals before thirty. Or she was, before she got fired and landed right back home with her parents and teenage sister.


When Jo finds an old bucket list in her childhood bedroom, it sets the three women on a path that brings them closer to one another with each task. And it just might lead to a life none of them could have planned.

Praise for The Throwback List
“Witty and fiercely relatable. Lily Anderson writes about what it’s like to realize you’re totally failing at this adulting thing and how it makes you turn to that one, special, friend who always knew you best. A fun, funny, and surprisingly emotional look at  how friendship evolves but always endures.”—Sarah Watson, author of Most Likely and creator of The Bold Type

 

 

About Lily Anderson:

Lily Anderson is the author of The Only Thing Worse Than Me is You; Not Now, Not Ever; and Undead Girl Gang. A former school librarian, she is deeply devoted to Shakespeare, fairy tales, and podcasts. Somewhere in Northern California, she is having strong opinions on musical theater. Find her online at www.mslilyanderson.com.

 

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE THROWBACK LIST, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

10/1/2021

brittreadsalattebooks

Excerpt & IG Post

10/2/2021

Amani’s Honest Reviews

Excerpt

Week Two:

10/3/2021

Rajiv’s Reviews

Review

10/4/2021

The Pages In-Between

Review

10/5/2021

BookHounds

Excerpt

10/6/2021

@curlygrannylovestoread

Review

10/7/2021

Lexijava_Bookish

Review

10/8/2021

The Book Review Crew

Review

10/9/2021

Cocoa With Books

Review

Week Three:

10/10/2021

Kait Plus Books

Review

10/11/2021

@bookisheclectic

Review

10/12/2021

Sometimes Leelynn Reads

Review

10/13/2021

More Books Please blog

Review

10/14/2021

A Bookish Dream

Review

10/15/2021

@enjoyingbooksagain

Review

10/16/2021

My Fictional Oasis

Review

Week Four:

10/17/2021

Zainey Laney

Review

10/18/2021

@moonlight_rendezvous

Review

10/19/2021

@jypsylynn

Review

10/20/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

10/21/2021

The Phantom Paragrapher

Review

10/22/2021

coffeebooksandmascara

Review

10/23/2021

Lifestyle of Me

Review

Week Five:

10/24/2021

Perusewithcoffee

Review

10/25/2021

Pagesofyellow

Review

10/26/2021

cindysloveofbooks

Review

10/27/2021

Popthebutterfly Reads

Review

10/28/2021

two points of interest

Review

10/29/2021

Fire and Ice

Review

10/30/2021

BookBriefs

Review

Week Six:

10/31/2021

Phannie the Ginger Bookworm

Review


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