WHEN WE’RE THIRTY by Casey Dembowski Release Day Blitz and Giveaway

27 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

 

I am so excited that WHEN WE’RE THIRTY by Casey Dembowski is available now and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book courtesy of Casey & Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, check out the giveaway info below.

 

About The Book:

Title: WHEN WE’RE THIRTY

Author: Casey Dembowski

Pub. Date: April 27, 2021

Publisher: Red Adept Publishing

Pages: 297

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Two friends. One pact. The performance of their lives.

Hannah Abbott is stuck in a dead-end relationship and at a job she loves but that barely pays the bills. The four walls of her tiny New York City apartment have never seemed so small. She’s barely toasted her thirtieth birthday when her old college friend Will knocks on her door with an unexpected proposal.

Will Thorne never forgot the marriage pact he made with Hannah, but he also never imagined he’d be the one to initiate it. One ex-fiancée and an almost-career-ending mistake later, however, he finds himself outside Hannah’s door, on bended knee, to collect on their graduation-night pinky promise.

With both of their futures at stake, Hannah and Will take a leap of faith.

Now, all they have to do is convince their friends and family that they’re madly in love. As long as they follow the list of rules they’ve drafted, everything should go smoothly. Except Will has never been good with rules, and Hannah can’t stop overthinking the sleeping arrangements. Turning thirty has never been so promising.


Excerpt:

Hannah’s eyes widened at the boulder-sized princess cut diamond in front of her. Her heart dropped—Brian. A few hours ago, she’d been debating breaking up with him. Was he really proposing on the dirty hallway floor? Hannah blinked rapidly, trapping tears she knew were coming. She’d brought up engagement six months ago. He’d scoffed and disappeared for a week, reemerging with a tan and few apologies. But here he was on bended knee. She turned her attention from the ring to the man kneeling in front of her—the man who was not Brian.

            She took in the older, leaner version of the boy she had once known. Memories flooded her brain—study sessions, drunken nights, Wilderness concerts, a graduation-night kiss, and finally, the image of him draped over yet another girl, this one in a bridesmaid dress.

            “William Thorne,” she said derisively. Her body buzzed, adrenaline coursing through her. She’d wanted it to be Brian—for him to have finally figured out that he wanted her for more than just the foreseeable future.

She turned her attention back to Will. He remained on one knee but had lowered the ring. A smile, halfway between questioning and amused, played across his face. “This is amazingly uncomfortable. Why do people propose like this?”

“Knights, courting, et cetera and so forth,” Hannah said absently, waving him into her apartment. She peeked around the door, but fortunately, it was late enough that the hallway was empty.

Will stood, pocketed the ring, and came in hesitantly despite his initial grand entrance. Hannah watched his eyes travel around the room, taking in the small clues littered throughout the apartment before focusing on her laptop, which still had a picture of the two of them open. Great first impression.

            “You seem surprised to see me,” he said, turning his full attention and the power of his perfect smile on her.

             She should’ve felt surprise at Will’s sudden appearance, but she didn’t. And not just because she’d just gotten a friend request from him—this was completely and utterly a Will thing to do. And really, she should’ve been expecting him.

            “Well, you are a day late.” On top of the last half a decade. Even as Hannah thought it, she knew she had a hand in those lost years. In the end, it wouldn’t matter—not for them. They would still be Will and Hannah. She knew it, and by the contented expression on Will’s face, he knew it too.

 

 

About Casey Dembowski:

Casey Dembowski loves to write stories that focus on the intricacies of relationships–whether they be romantic, familial, or friendship. Her novels focus on the inner workings of women and how everything in their lives leads them to exactly where they are, whether they like it or not.

The first story Casey remembers writing was in the second grade, though it wasn’t until she turned twelve that she started carrying a battered composition notebook everywhere she went. Since then, there hasn’t been a time when she isn’t writing.

Casey lives in New Jersey with her husband, daughter, and their two cats. She has an MFA in Fiction from Adelphi University and currently works in corporate marketing communications. In her (limited) spare time, she enjoys reading, baking, and watching her favorite television shows on repeat.

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

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed finished copy of WHEN WE’RE THIRTY, US Only.

1 winner will receive an ebook of WHEN WE’RE THIRTY, International.


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The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

23 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized 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.

The Matchmaker’s Lonely Heart by Nancy Campbell Allen

The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart

on September 7th 2021
Pages: 336
Format: ARC
four-half-stars
Buy the BookGoodreads
A romance develops as a detective partners with a lonely-hearts columnist to solve a murder mystery.

London, 1885

Amelie Hampton is a hopeless romantic, which makes her the perfect columnist to answer lonely heart letters in The Marriage Gazette. When Amelie plays matchmaker with two anonymous lonely hearts, she also decides to secretly observe the couple’s blind date. To her surprise, the man who appears for the rendezvous is Harold Radcliffe—a grieving widower and a member of Amelie’s book club.

Police detective Michael Baker has been struggling ever since his best friend and brother-in-law died in the line of fire. Because he knows the dangers of his job, he has vowed never to marry and subject a wife and family to the uncertainty of his profession. But when he meets Miss Hampton, he is captured by her innocence, beauty, and her quick mind.

When a woman’s body is pulled from the river, Michael suspects the woman’s husband—Harold Radcliffe—of foul play. Amelie refuses to believe that Harold is capable of such violence but agrees to help, imagining it will be like one of her favorite mystery novels. Her social connections and clever observations prove an asset to the case, and Amelie is determined to prove Mr. Radcliffe’s innocence. But the more time Amelie and Michael spend together, the more they trust each other, and the more they realize they are a good team, maybe the perfect match.

They also realize that Mr. Radcliffe is hiding more than one secret, and when his attention turns toward Amelie, Michael knows he must put an end to this case before the woman he loves comes to harm.

Review

A Sherlock Holmes whodunnit set in 1880’s London is not my regular genre, but I loved this new titleby Nancy Cambell Allen. This is my favorite of hers so far! Amelie is a woman of independent means living in her family’s boarding house with her cousins. They work for a newspaper advice column and attend society’s events including the local cheery book club. There they encounter Mr. Radcliffe, who by all means seems like the perfect catch. Well read, intelligent and a fan of poetry, he dazzles especially Amelie. Things turn complicated when she is run to ground one evening by the local detective, Michael Baker. The two have a crime to solve!

A captivating plot with clue-like twists, even when the villain becomes obvious, you must read on to see how everything unfolds. There are swoon worthy moments! I only wish we saw more of the relationship building before the kiss, and that the ending wasn’t rushed. I must say, this was such a fun and engaging read with two vivid main male characters. Pick it up if you like murder mysteries with historic elements!

Content and trigger warnings: graphic violent scene, blood, kissing, home intrusion and violence against women.

About the Author

Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of fifteen published novels and numerous novellas, which span genres from contemporary romantic suspense to historical fiction. In 2005, her work won the Utah Best of State award, and she received a Whitney Award for My Fair Gentleman. She has presented at numerous writing conferences and events since her first book was released in 1999. Nancy received a BS in Elementary Education from Weber State University. She loves to read, write, travel, and research and enjoys spending time laughing with family and friends. She is married and the mother of three children.

A Marriage of Inconvenience by Amy Vastine Tour and Giveaway

21 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

A Marriage of Inconvenience
(Stop the Wedding! #3)
By Amy Vastine
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 213 Pages
April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

She’s met the perfect man…
But he’s engaged!

Wedding planner Sophia Reed never imagined she’d meet her perfect man during a bank robbery. Evan Anderson is handsome and funny and makes Sophia believe in love at first sight. There’s only one small hitch—he’s engaged to someone else, and Sophia is planning his wedding! But Evan’s wedding is purely a business arrangement…and true love might just turn this almost-perfect wedding into a beautiful catastrophe!

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Stop the Wedding!

Book 1: A Bridesmaid to Remember
Book 2: His Brother’s Bride
Book 3: A Marriage of Inconvenience

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read. Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart husband, three teenagers who keep her on her toes, and their two sweet but mischievous pups.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive (US only):
– $25 Amazon gift card
– “I love you to the bookstore and back” book bag filled with several of my favorite Heartwarming books
– Blackwell Sisters cleaning cloth
– Bookmark

Three additional winners will receive an ebook of the first book in the Stop the Wedding Series, A Bridesmaid to Remember (open internationally)

Ends April 28, 2021

Grab Our Button!

Review

Sophie and Evan are at the wrong place at the wrong time in a bank robbery, but at the right place to meet one another and help each other through the trauma. A successful wedding planner and a corporate business man in banking, their world again collide in another joint venture and sparks collide. This book had me laughing out loud. It reminded me of the movie Wedding Planner (which I had to watch after I finished reading A Marriage of Inconvenience). I loved Sophie’s determination to keep things professional and Evan’s calming influence in her life. The author does a great job of keeping the internal conflicts real and the external mishaps humorous and light.

Once again Harlequin Heartwarming series delivers a clean, fun escape. It’s been a while since I have enjoyed sailing through a funny book in one day, but Amy Vastine has written a gem that will leave you with a huge smile your face. Thanks for the complimentary copy for the tour!

Content and trigger warning: There is mention of burglary nightmares, a hold up and a mild anxiety attack, kissing.

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THE CONNECTION by Dana Claire Tour and Giveaway

10 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

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

 

About The Book:


Title:
 THE CONNECTION (The Blood-Light Trilogy #1)

Author: Dana Claire

Pub. Date: November 24, 2020

Publisher: Chamberlain Publishing House

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 241

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org, Get a signed copy from Dana’s site

Beatrice Walker thought she lived in a normal world—that is until she learned she’s a living hostel for an alien energy source, and apparently the answer to preventing extinction.

Bea has no memory of her last moments with her mother. The week they’d gone missing is a complete mystery. Suddenly moved back to her hometown with her father, Bea has rekindled her friendship with her two best friends—and seems to have caught the attention of an arrogant, yet gorgeous boy named Cash Kingston. But there’s more to Cash than his annoying attitude and good looks. Cash isn’t human, and he’s now in charge of protecting Bea from those who know what she keeps safe inside her: the energy source that once belonged to his murdered girlfriend.

Tensions mount as Bea learns her energy source must be paired with the one Cash holds to protect both their planets from an imminent threat. But what Bea doesn’t realize is there’s more to her than being human a host, that her feelings for Cash are not just a prophetic plan that will save their planets, and that the fate of everything lies in her choices.

 




 

About Dana Claire: 

When author Dana Claire had several poems published as an elementary school student, she was hooked and writing became her passion. A shared dream of hers and her mother’s, she promised her dying mother that she would become a published author and that dream has been realized with The Connection.

Dana believes that a good story is made through strong character development; when readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives. She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. Her own stories come to her in her dreams, and she wakes up with book ideas.

Dana’s family is very supportive of her writing and the creativity and sentiment driving it. Enjoying bicoastal living between Los Angeles and New York, Dana says she “lives the best romance in the world being married to the most amazing man she could ever ask for.” The Connection was her debut YA novel, the first volume in the Blood-Light trilogy. The Reclaimed Kingdom is her second novel.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | BookBub

 

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win an $75 Amazon GC, International.


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Mission Stories Motion Picture Launch and Giveaway

08 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

New Major Motion Picture, MISSION STORIES, Launches Ambitious New Media Franchise


-Trailer Debuts Wednesday, April 7 & Film Opens Exclusively in Theaters on Friday, May 7-

Salt Lake City – Excel Entertainment announced today the creation of a new media franchise, MISSION STORIES, focused entirely on telling stories of missionaries for The Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter-day Saints. The franchise launches with the theatrical release of MISSION STORIES, a moving retelling of three true stories of missionary work. The theatrical trailer for the film debuts on Wednesday, April 7 at missionstories.com and the feature film opens exclusively in theaters on Friday, May 7 distributed jointly with Purdie Distriution.

Assembled as an anthology of three stories told over four chapters, the project was created by the filmmaking team of Bryce Clark (writer, producer, director), Jason Allred (producer), Crystal Myler (writer) and Arthur Van Wagenen (executive producer) after meeting with a full room of former mission presidents and their companions. “We heard so many incredible stories — story after story of events that cannot be simply coincidences,” explained Bryce Clark. “Every story shows that God has his hand in the work and people’s lives are being transformed and saved through this work.”
“People assume they know what a “mission story” depicted on the big screen will be like,” said Arthur Van Wagenen. “Our goal in this film and the entire MISSION STORIES franchise is to tell stories from not just the perspective of missionaries, but from the perspective of people who make the radical choice to become disciples of Jesus Christ.”
The film tells three true stories, including “Hermanos” that focuses on a father overcoming a crisis of faith so that he can baptize his family. “Chuck” tells the story of a man questioning whether God truly loves him and learning to see himself as God does. Finally, “Full Circle” is told in the opening and closing chapters of the film, and shows that the power of faith applied over years or even decades can ultimately bear fruit in overcoming spiritual issues as serious as depression and addiction.

“’Full Circle’ is an especially personal story for me because a character is based on me and the culmination of this story played out as we were developing this project,” explained Clark. “When people watch the film they’ll see when people struggle the Lord never gives up on them, and how the faith of others can help rescue them. I hope sharing this story may inspire others who are facing similar challenges.”

“The MISSION STORIES film is only the first step in creating a full Mission Stories brand and media franchise,” said Van Wagenen. “We are creating an avenue where people can submit their own mission stories which can be shared with the world to help increase people’s faith and sense of worth.”
Going forward, Mission Stories will become an incubator for up-and-coming writers and directors who will continue to tell these important stories for years to come.”

For more information and to see the film’s trailer, visit missionstories.com

Message from the Director: 

When I initially approached Mission Stories I thought I may not be the best choice to direct because I did not serve a mission. However, as I developed these stories I recognized how much missionary work has touched my life. In fact, in one of these stories a character is based on me. Through this experience I’ve learned just how powerful love, faith, and forgiveness are and that redemption is available to all of us no matter the circumstances of our lives. Everyone has a story to tell and I believe in the power of sharing stories. I hope that audiences will be touched by the themes of mercy and redemption in these stories.

– Bryce Clark

Websitewww.missionstories.com

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4zAOLGNcpRo

Giveaway

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Three Makes A Family Tour and Giveaway

07 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Three Makes a Family (City by the Bay Stories #7) By Cari Lynn Webb Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 223 Pages April 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Can love for a child… Make them a family?

Lawyer Molly McKinney needs to be the best—now more than ever. Relocating to San Francisco means a chance to provide a stable income and home for her nine-month-old daughter. And defending former rival Drew Harrington against charges of witness tampering will boost her reputation. As they work to clear Drew’s name, their feelings grow. But does Molly have room in her life for love?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

City by the Bay Stories Book 1: The Charm Offensive Book 2: The Doctor’s Recovery Book 3: Ava’s Prize Book 4: Single Dad to the Rescue Book 5: In Love by Christmas Book 6: Her Surprise Engagement Book 7: Three Makes a Family

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Book Depository | Harlequin Target | Walmart | BAM | IndieBound | iBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Cari Lynn Webb lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughters and assorted four-legged family members. She’s been blessed to see the power of true love in her grandparent’s 70 year marriage and her parent’s marriage of over 50 years. She knows love isn’t always sweet and perfect, it can be challenging, complicated and risky. But she believes happily-ever-afters are worth fighting for. She loves to connect with readers. Visit her at her website.

Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon gift card, complete set of the 5 Blackwell Sisters books and spring assortment of candy (US only)

Ends April 14, 2021

ENTER HERE

Grab Our Button!

Review

Drew is a prestigious criminal lawyer in the height of his career when he is implicated in charges of witness tampering. He suddenly becomes a pariah in circles and places he once thrived. All he has worked for is gone overnight and his name is dragged through the press. He is not guilty, but assumed so. Determined to protect his friends and family from the political blackmail and ruin from an elected official, he turns inward as he seeks to clear his family and reputation. The author does a wonderful job of depicting life on the inside of political blackmail and retaliation, as well as its effects on the children, families and associations of someone the insider seeks to pull down. Integrity and taking down others in their path, mean nothing to these types of politicians seeking power for re-election.

Molly is also a powerhouse. She has a reputation for being the best of the best as an attorney. Relocating to San Francisco, she has to rebuild connections and networks. Once, a student with Drew and best friends, she has been retained by Drew’s mayor mother to clear his name in court. She has some work to do of her own in gaining custody of her baby. Together, Drew and Molly have a past in college as best friends and study partners.

Three Makes a Family is a clean, light read with an emphasis on healthy family relationships. Both main characters have powerful personalities with insecurities life has thrown their way. I enjoyed the blind character and the sweet love she shares with Molly’s daughter Hazel. I also thought Drew’s pro bono work with domestic violence victims was beautiful. He is a kind, compassionate and sensitive caretaker to baby Hazel. There was some minutiae in reading through in the rich descriptions of every day get togethers with friends and family with not much action, but it’s a great escape read. Cari Lynn Webb knows how to portray her main characters in a vivid and lifelike way. I will look for more titles from this author in the future, and I love Harlequin’s Heartwarming series for its clean content. Thank you for the complimentary copy!

Content: mention of DV, drinking.

In Your Eyes Blog Tour and Giveaway

05 Apr, 2021 by in Uncategorized 1 comment

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

In Your Eyes (Seasons of Love #2) By Jayne Townsley Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 127 Pages January 5, 2021

Crystal Davis got her wish for the Crew’s long-awaited post-graduation trip. Sun and fun before focusing on her new career as a pediatric RN at St. Francis’ Children’s Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was just what she needed. Bonus? She met Troy Bennett, and she realized she wanted less frivolity in her life and a little more serious.

Troy Bennett is a man fighting the demons who tell him he is worthless every day of his life. Demons his mother conjured. He quiets them with alcohol and casual relationships, never allowing any woman to get close enough to him so he will never have to disappoint one. Then on the spur of the moment trip to Panama City Beach with his Ranger buddies, he sees the future he’s always been afraid to pursue exit a Jeep Wrangler at a local donut shop.

Just as Troy and Crystal are finding their footing, she gets the call she never thought she would earn: Crystal Davis is going to Hollywood to be a contestant on America’s Next Chart Topper. What started as a way to honor her murdered friend has now become her dream. Chasing her dream means leaving Troy behind for a bit, and she wonders if her absence will cause what they’ve built so far to come crashing down.

Chasing her dream also means she’s put herself in a place where she’s vulnerable to the side of Hollywood that no one wants to acknowledge. A place where people only care about her and Troy’s story for the audience while behind the scenes, evil, selfish people work to tear them apart.

(Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop | Book Depository — Grab the ebook on SALE for $0.99! —

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author

Jayne Townsley lives with her multi-generational family in Northeast Oklahoma’s aptly named Green Country. A transplanted Okie from the Chicago suburbs, she has grown to love this state and its people with a passion, happily calling it home for the past 15 years.

Jayne shares her home with a rescued Shollie named Maui and two cats called Gamora and Nebula.

Jayne enjoys old-fashioned road trips and is in the process of planning one to tour Oklahoma’s Route 66.

She is also something of a Disney World addict.

Website | Goodreads BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive their choice of $15 in products from the Solid Rock Soap Company and a signed paperback copy of In Your Eyes (US only)

Ends April 14, 2021

ENTER HERE

Grab Our Button!

Guest Post

In Your Eyes Playlist Highlights

The complete playlist contains 26 songs and can be found on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7g6V8ZpBNz94exZnOxLv15?si=Y1hKc0l9StyBC7vsC1mQkQ

Every song connects to a moment in the story, but the six most essential songs from the list for Crystal and Troy’s story are the following:

  1. Seasons of Love by The Original Cast of RENT because this song is the entire series’s theme.
  2. Try Everything by Shakira is Crystal’s theme.
  3. Done by Chris Janson is Troy’s theme.
  4. In Your Eyes by Peter Gabriel is THEIR theme.
  5. Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepson for a bit of Crystal’s personality.
  6. It’s Been Awhile by Staind for a bit of Troy’s personality.
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What Beauty There Is by Cory Anderson Tour and Author Interview

31 Mar, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

Welcome to today’s spot on the WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS by Cory Anderson Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS (What Beauty There Is #1)

Author: Cory Anderson

Pub. Date: April 6, 2021

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 368

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, AudibleB&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBDBookshop.org

Pre-order your copy from The King’s English Bookshop and receive an EXCLUSIVE character art bookmark and autographed bookplate. 

An exhilarating, emotionally powerful and superbly written thriller that’s Winter’s Bone meets The Road

Winter. The sky is dark. It is cold enough to crack bones.

Jack Morton has nothing left. Except his younger brother, Matty, who he’d do anything for. Even die for. Now with their mother gone, and their funds quickly dwindling, Jack needs to make a choice: lose his brother to foster care, or find the drug money that sent his father to prison. He chooses the money.

Ava Bardem lives in isolation, a life of silence. For seventeen years her father has controlled her fate. He has taught her to love no one. Trust no one. Now Victor Bardem is stalking the same money as Jack. When he picks up Jack’s trail, Ava must make her own wrenching choice: remain silent or help the brothers survive.

Choices. They come at a price.

 WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS preorder giveaway! Preorder by April 5, 2021 to receive:

Two-sided art print by @Marymetzgr & @edvargasart

Pipstickers

Bookplate

Enamel pin—while they last!

 

About Cory:

Cory Anderson is a winner of the League of Utah Writers Young Adult Novel Award and Grand Prize in the Storymakers Conference First Chapter Contest. She lives in Utah with her family. What Beauty There Is is her debut novel.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 






Giveaway Details:

2 winners will win a finished copy of WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS, US Only.

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:

3/29/2021

Kait Plus Books

Guest Post

3/30/2021

BookHounds YA

Interview

3/31/2021

Fire and Ice

Interview

4/1/2021

Stuck in the Stacks

Review

4/2/2021

Do You Dog-ear?

Review

 

Week Two:

4/5/2021

onemused

Review

4/6/2021

The Momma Spot

Review

4/7/2021

Books and Zebras @jypsylynn

Review

4/8/2021

booksareamagictoo

Review

4/9/2021

Book-Keeping

Review

 

 


Attend the launch party for What Beauty There Is! This free virtual event will be hosted by The King’s English!TKE presents ONLINE | Cory Anderson | What Beauty There Is

They will be giving away some fun book swag, including a $50 gift card to TKE for any books of your choice.


Author Interview

Can you tell us a little bit about the WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS and the characters?

The book follows Jack on a quest to find a suitcase of stolen money as he crosses paths with Bardem, the charismatic, merciless thief who’s hunting the same cash. Jack’s only hope comes in the form of Ava, who decides to help him. But Ava’s secret—that she’s Bardem’s daughter—guarantees devastation.


What are you working on now?

I’m writing the story of a teen girl seeking justice for her imprisoned brother. It is the story of someone driven to right a wrong. It is also an exploration of power and inequity.


Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Ava and Jack both embody parts of me. Ava’s thinking is mine. Her strengths and her struggles. Then Jack, he’s willful like me, and this gets him in trouble. Writing their hopes and fears felt very familiar to me because their thoughts were intensely personal. Apart from that, Sheriff Doyle was inspired by my father. Like Doyle, he was law enforcement. He spent his life helping people. 


Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

I adore Matty. He’s a kid who is easy to root for. He has this pure heart. I love his earnestness. My least favorite—I didn’t have one. I wrote this whole book, and never once did a character bore me. 


What is your favorite passages in WHAT BEAUTY THERE IS?

My favorite passages are Ava’s. These are the parts that I love the most, because they came from my life, so these are the parts that are most intimate and sacred to me. It was brutal to write them, but it was also beautiful. Like looking at old photographs of a loved one who you’ve lost. These passages are almost memory. I feel haunted by them.


What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

I did a lot of research on meth distribution and its impact on rural communities. I looked at the chain of trafficking. Meth is the biggest drug problem in Idaho. It is different from other drugs in that meth has an element of criminality that goes along with it: of abuse, and violence. The number of adult people incarcerated in Idaho is heartbreaking. Writing about its effect on teens and kids was important to me because they are the ones living with the bad choices of adults in their families. They are also the ones making a difference. They see the ruin meth causes and are choosing a different way forward. 


Who is your ultimate book boyfriend/girlfriend?

I just finished The Ones We’re Meant to Find by Joan He. So it is Hero.


What inspired you to write YA?

I sometimes hear people talk about YA as if it is somehow lesser. I couldn’t disagree more vehemently. Young people are complex and layered and amazing, and so should be their stories. I write for young adults because books mattered so much to me at their age. I feel like I have something to say to them. I also want to know what they think. I want to talk and have a conversation.

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, by Ocean Vuong. It is on my nightstand.

LIGHTING ROUND


Instagram, Twitter or Facebook?

Instagram.


Favorite Superhero?

Black Widow.


Favorite TV show?

I recently loved The Undoing.


Sweet or Salty?

Salty.


Any Phobias?

Dirty dishes.

 
Song you can’t get enough of right now?

I could listen to all of Taylor Swift’s new album, but I’m particularly mad for “evermore.” 


2021 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Candyman.

The Reclaimed Kingdom by Dana Claire Tour and Giveaway

30 Mar, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM by Dana Claire Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE RECLAIMED KINGDOM (Syphon #1)

Author: Dana Claire

Pub. Date: February 14, 2021

Publisher: Chamberlain Publishing House

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 292

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, TBD, Bookshop.org, Get a signed copy from Dana’s site

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited membership!

Under the cruel ministrations of its Queen, the Kingdom of D’Land is in peril. With King Harrison away in foreign lands and neighboring Kingdoms unwilling to intervene, there is no one to protect the people from poverty, harsh punishment, and unreasonable rules of law – except for the Band of Brothers. Struggling with the death of her mother and the legendary Syphon powers she inherited, seventeen-year-old Dru wants nothing more than to escape her old life and join the motley crew of ruffians, pilfering from the rich to feed the poor and pay their taxes. She’s able to do just that disguised as a lad, and even when her nature is discovered, nothing changes – except for the way her friend Hawkin treats her. But Dru’s new world is overturned when she and the Brothers seize the treasures of a Prince who threatens to reveal her identity. Together, Dru and her chosen family must find a way to reclaim her destiny and bring balance to the Kingdom. If not, there may be no hope left for anyone.

If you like Robin Hood, Snow White and the Huntsmen, From Blood and Ash, or Graceling, this book is for for you.

 

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About Dana Claire: 

When author Dana Claire had several poems published as an elementary school student, she was hooked and writing became her passion. A shared dream of hers and her mother’s, she promised her dying mother that she would become a published author and that dream has been realized with The Connection.

Dana believes that a good story is made through strong character development; when readers become attached to the characters’ emotional state and are invested in their objectives. She believes that the beauty of reading is that one can live a hundred lives within the stories of books. Her own stories come to her in her dreams, and she wakes up with book ideas.

Dana’s family is very supportive of her writing and the creativity and sentiment driving it. Enjoying bicoastal living between Los Angeles and New York, Dana says she “lives the best romance in the world being married to the most amazing man she could ever ask for.” The Connection was her debut YA novel, the first volume in the Blood-Light trilogy. The Reclaimed Kingdom is her second novel.

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win an $75 Amazon GC, International.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review

This remake of Robin Hood with a fantasy fairy tale twist is full of action! Dru is living among the thieves of the forest, reclaiming from royalty what is taxed and redistributing property to keep the people alive. She’s a syphon with supernatural powers, disguised as a boy for her pillaging. Hawkin, one of the band of brothers is raising Pea on his own after his village was attacked and destroyed. The two become a support to one another and possibly more. In a chance encounter they meet with Dodge, a Royal Prince who makes the balance tilt in Dru’s universe.

I loved the pacing of the book and the unique retelling of old mythical tales. My only setback was the battle scenes which were a bit too violent, gory and graphic for me. It was mid evil times, so it’s realistic to the period,but not fun to read. I also wish the relationship between Dru and Dodge would have been more fleshed out and more showing, less telling. That being said, I was fully engaged the entire time and am happy there’s a sequel where the characters have a chance to be fully fleshed out. With a villain worthy of a Disney movie and a page turning plot, this is a fantastical adventure!

Content and trigger warnings: mention of rape, abuse of women and children, drinking, heavy violence, blood.

Tour Schedule

Week One:

3/1/2021Rockstar Book ToursKickoff Post
3/2/2021Two Chicks on BooksExcerpt
3/3/2021Jaime’s WorldExcerpt
3/4/2021JaimerockstarbooktoursInstagram Post
3/5/2021BookHounds/@bookhoundsInterview/Instagram Post

Week Two:

3/8/2021A Dream Within A DreamExcerpt
3/9/2021Westveil Publishing / thewestveilarchivesDream Cast/Instagram Post
3/10/2021Jillpiscitello.com/jillpiscitellobooksExcerpt/Instagram Post
3/11/2021Lady Hawkeye /  @kellyatxExcerpt/Instagram Post
3/12/2021Books A-Brewin’/booksabrewinExcerpt/Instagram Post

Week Three:

3/15/2021Hurn Publications/
hurnpublications
Excerpt/Instagram Post
3/16/2021Shelf Love/shelflove123Excerpt/Instagram Post
3/17/2021Reese’s ReviewsReview
3/18/2021Jazzy Book ReviewsTop 5’s
3/19/2021The Phantom ParagrapherReview

Week Four:

3/22/2021Shelf-RatedReview
3/23/2021Books a Plenty Book ReviewsReview
3/24/2021Declarations of a Fangirl/declarationsofafangirlFavorite Scenes/Instagram Post
3/25/2021Simply Daniel RadcliffeReview
3/26/2021Book Briefs/bookbriefsReview/Instagram Post

Week Five:

3/29/2021Living in a BookworldExcerpt
3/30/2021TLC Book Nook / @tlcbooknookReview/Instagram Post
3/31/2021Fire and IceReview 
4/1/2021Lala’s Book Reviews/lauren.bodifordReview/Instagram Pos
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THE ROAD OF RESISTANCE by Chase Bolling Tour and Giveaway

29 Mar, 2021 by in Uncategorized Leave a comment

 

Fire and Ice is hosting a spot today on the THE ROAD OF RESISTANCE by Chase Bolling Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About The Book:

Title: THE ROAD OF RESISTANCE (Vanguard #1)

Author: Chase Bolling

Pub. Date: November 27,2020

Publisher: Wahida Clark Presents Publishing, LLC

Formats: Paperback

Pages: 350

Find it:  GoodreadsAmazon, B&N, TBDBookshop.org

Read the novel hailed as ” Stirring, gritty, connected, and epic. A great read!” by Christian Cameron! When a rogue artificial intelligence makes medieval weapons the only weapons, and America spirals into collapse, a former gang member finds himself leading his inner-city community in a harrowing fight for their lives, after hate groups and corrupt police attack their home!

When Chessed woke up to prepare for work, he never expected his day to end in blood and triumph. When hate groups and corrupt police threaten his home, Chessed uses his love of history, fantasy books, and martial arts, along with his criminal past to lead his community in battle against tyranny!

If you loved books like Game of Thrones, or books like The Hunger Games, this contemporary fantasy is a must read! With action like The Witcher, and perspective like The Coldest Winter Ever, The Road of Resistance is perfect for fans of Octavia Butler, Brandon Sanderson or Sarah J Maas! Penned by African American Fiction rising star Chase Bolling, this epic fantasy delivers a unique blend of romance, military fiction & sword and sorcery, to create an almost arthurian, grimdark tale of a political uprising in the inner city!

With a cast of diverse characters, the heart of a Tom Clancy political thriller, and the soul of a Bernard Cornwell historical fiction, The Vanguard series is a must have addition to any sci-fi/fantasy lovers bookshelf, and sure to be among your top 10 dystopian novels or top 10 post apocalyptic books! Get your copy today!

 

 

About Chase:

Chase E.F. Bolling has also published as Chase Bolling.

You can say Chase is a father, revolutionary, and author in that order. Born and raised in Bridgeport, CT and he grew up in a proud Afro-indigenous family with strong roots to the military, activism, and public service. Surrounded by strong BIPOC women, his grandmother, mother and aunt were all heavily involved in local politics. While Chase spent his youth a delightful contradiction pretty much being Huey and Riley of the Boondocks at the same time. His mom did her best, and made sure he was cultured, educated and raised with a W.E.B Dubois-esque talented tenth, sense of responsibility. She kept him around good mentors, and even made him take etiquette classes…but there was and likely still is a hoodlum streak a mile wide. While on one side Chase was always well read, well spoken, with a firm belief in the edification of his community, a youth involved with street gangs and other illegal activities and he found himself in trouble…often. He played football, lacrosse and got into historical martial arts which Chase still practices to this day. He spent years in the indie hip-hop scene as The Legendary Thug Poet, until a near fatal car accident left me with a traumatic brain injury. Now he mainly sticks to activism and being an author, and now proudly serves as director of SF/For the Culture the fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction side of W. Clark Publishing!

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

 

Giveaway Details:

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


a Rafflecopter giveaway