Posts Tagged: New Orleans

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:

Author: Dhonielle Clayton

Pub. Date: January 18, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 304

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

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Giveaway Details:

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