Book Blog Tour~ "Scarlet" by Jen Geigle Johnson (with a giveaway)

"Scarlet" by Jen Geigle Johnson
Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Historical Fiction
Source: Received to review

Book Description:  The roads in and out of Paris are heavily guarded, but the dead have easy passage out of the city. A ragged old woman transports the coffins of the most recent victims of the guillotine and is waved on unimpeded. Later, the same crone watches five French aristocrats step out of their coffins unscathed. Not beheaded but spirited away to safety by that most elusive of spies: the Pimpernel. Or, as she's known in polite society, Lady Scarlet Cavendish.
When not assuming her secret identity as a hero of the French Revolution, Scarlet presents herself as a fashionable, featherbrained young widow flitting about London. In truth, this façade is merely a diversion designed to conceal her clandestine work in France. Among members of the doomed French aristocracy, the Pimpernel is renowned for her bravery and cunning. But when tasked with rescuing handsome Comte Matteo Durand, she faces an unprecedented challenge: she is falling in love with the man. If ever there were a time to keep her head, it is now— because in a world brimming with intrigue, she is not the only one harboring secrets. And if Scarlet doesn't take care, Madame la Guillotine may finally catch up with the Pimpernel.

My thoughts:  I love history. It fascinates me.  I wish that I had been a better student and taken the time to learn more when I was in school.  Most of the history I read comes from historical fiction.  I do google names and places and try to learn more as I read the book.  This one had me visiting Google often.  I wanted to know more about the non-fiction characters and their role in history.

This book is a retelling of the "Scarlet Pimpernel" by Baroness Orczy.  I can't say that I read the original, but Google....  I was able to pick up immediately what sets this book apart from the original.  The Pimpernel is a woman in this story, the original was a man.  I am grateful for this twist, I love a strong female heroine.  Lady Scarlet Cavendish is a paradox.  To the ton, she appears a frivolous and selfish woman.  But to the French nobility, she saves them.  She is level headed when faced with danger and is selfless in so many ways.

I would love to know more about this time period. Maybe someday.... I may get the chance to learn more, I hope so.  Until then, I'll just keep reading Jen Geigle Johnson books and let her research some fascinating time and people and ignite my imagination once again.

This book contains kissing and violence.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

About the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. 

Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference. 

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter—@authorjen 
Instagram—@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...

Enter the Tour Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway .

Visit the Tour Stops:

*May 7^th: http://mybookaday.com/ , http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://iamareader.com/

*May 8^th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/adults, https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/

*May 9^th: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*May 10^th: https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/

*May 11^th: https://brightlystreet.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/,http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

See the amazing cover of "The Promise of Home" by Michele Paige Holmes

I am thrilled to show you this amazing new cover by photographer Brekke Felt. 

Do you want to know something even more amazing, Mindy Holt's (Min Reads) daughter Halle is the cover model!

Here it is...

Add to your Goodreads shelves

Pre-order on Amazon

Miss Wilton's Waltz by Josi S Kilpack

"Miss Wilton's Waltz" by Josi Kilpack
Genre: Regency Romance
Source: Received to Review from publisher

Book Description:  A follow-up to Josi S. Kilpack's bestselling Proper Romance title The Vicar's Daughter.

Lenora Wilton has spent her life hiding behind the keys of her beloved pianoforte and the vibrancy of her younger sister, Cassie. But Lenora is ready for a change and travels to Bath to live with her Aunt Gwen and teach music at an all-girls’ boarding school. She is different in Bath—more comfortable with herself—and enjoys the freedom and independence of her new life there.

When Lenora meets Aiden Asher, she finds herself attracted to him, but her unexpected feelings become more complicated when she learns that Catherine—Lenora’s newest and most troublesome student in the school—is Mr. Asher’s niece. Catherine is a difficult student, and Lenora works hard to make progress with the girl.

When the chemistry between Lenora and Aiden increases, they share a passionate kiss by the River Avon, and Lenora feels it is the beginning of a new forever—until she learns that Aiden has withheld an important detail about his life that changes everything.

Lenora closes her heart to him, and Aiden, caught between his obligation and his heart, must do what he can to make amends. And Lenora, after years of hiding from everyone and everything, faces a decision only she can make.

My thoughts:   Josi Kilpack has a way of writing that the words seem to jump out of the pages of the book and I am caught in her story.  I form pictures in my mind and become part of the story.

Lenora is the overlooked sister.  She is the introvert who would prefer to be behind the pianoforte, rather than conversing in front of it.  She prefers to be in the background and has been overshadowed by her sisters.

Feeling that marriage is out of her reach, she goes to Bath to live with her aunt and to teach music.  It is away from her family that she feels the freedom to be herself and to be daring.  It is a place where she relies on her own judgement and takes risks.

This book is a companion book to "The Vicar's Daughter".  It is helpful to have the background info from the first book, but not necessary to enjoy this book.  It can be read as a stand alone.

I hate to admit that I haven't finished the book in time for my blog tour stop.  My final rating will be at least 4 stars, if not more.  I am thoroughly enjoy it.  A full review will be up soon.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author:  (Taken from Goodreads)  I wrote my first book while on bed rest with my third child in 1998 and haven't stopped. My most recent books have been Historical Romance through the Proper Romance line with Shadow Mountain Publishing.

I currently live in Willard, Utah with my husband, and children

Visit her WEBPAGE.

It's the book release for "Dating the Prince" by Alina Snow (with a giveaway)

  Dating the Prince by Alina Snow

Small-town girl, Katie O’Connor has always dreamed of seeing her name in lights. Check the box for fame, a movie deal, the perfect leading role that comes with a gorgeous leading man! Katie moved to Hollywood, elbows her way into auditions, lives on a shoestring budget—whatever is required to land a deal, she throws her heart into… until she’s involved in a royal kidnapping.

As the future king, Prince Alexander refuses to rule from an ivory tower. Duty-bound, he intends to relate to his future subjects, regardless of their walk of life. Before his coronation, he needs a foolproof plan to outrun his security team and go temporarily AWOL. While visiting L.A., all it takes is a sound stage collision and Alex is blindsided by a headstrong woman who is simply irresistible. So much so, he calls in a favor in order to secure her help … as his pretend girlfriend.

Their worlds are oceans apart, but their immediate attraction is impossible to put aside, especially their nonstop banter. Miffed at being wrangled into a situation that might blow up in her face, Katie comes up with her own plan. If The Prince is serious about walking the walk of the common folk, she’s only too happy to oblige as his pretend girlfriend. Through an ice storm, a road trip, kitchen duty, and a Texas pig race, Alex captures the hearts of the locals as well as Ms. O’Connor’s.

What starts out as a deal Katie can’t refuse becomes the acting role of a lifetime… letting Prince Alexander go without a fight.

A delightfully funny retelling of The Prince and The Pauper that romance readers of all ages will enjoy. On a two-week 1,500-mile road trip, Katie and Alex discover the end of the road might just be the beginning of their ‘Happy Ever After’ together.

Blog Tour May 14th to 25th

  Author Alina Snow Southern gal at heart. Alina is a librarian who adores her job. She has a degree in anthropology from Vanderbilt and loves writing offbeat romance comedy. To refuel, Alina sings karaoke, bakes sweet treats, and can be found at the Y, kickboxing. She lives in Knoxville with her husband and Callie, their doxie mix.

 

Website * Facebook * Twitter

 

   $50 Amazon Gift Code or $25 in Paypal Cash Ends 5/28/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Quiet as a Church Mouse by Stephen Bevan - Children's book blog tour.

Quiet as a Church Mouse by Stephen Bevan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received from publisher to review
Genre: Children's Picture Book



Book Description:  What does it mean to be quiet as a church mouse? This charming picture book shares the story of how one little boy learned to sit still while his imagination kept running free. With these fun and colorful illustrations, follow along as a boy and mouse discover how reverence shows our love and respect for our Savior.



My thoughts: A mother reminds her son to be "quiet as a church mouse", what does this mean? The thought stirs the imagination of the boy when he considers the possibilities of the church mouse.

This book has wonderful illustrations and engaging dialogue. I spent many wonderful hours with my small children reading books like this and discussing the meaning of the words and pictures. I think this would be a wonderful book for parents and children in figuring out expectations during church.

This book would be great to bring with you and used as a quiet book. The child could look through the illustrations and be reminded of their manners at a time when parents really want them to behave.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author:  Stephen grew up in Montgomery County Maryland. He has lived in several other states and even in Western Australia! He has been many things during his life including a teacher, farmer, painter, scout master, missionary, author, and much more. He rides his bicycle all over enjoying this beautiful world God has made for us. 

Many Friday nights you can find him in the woods camping with his family or Boy Scouts, sitting around a camp fire sharing his experiences. Stephen loves to share his real life experiences in hopes they will help people smile and live their lives better after learning from his blunders and adventures.

You can learn more or follow him at:
http://www.bevanstories.com
http://www.facebook.com/bevanstories

Visit the Tour Stops!

April 30-Singing Librarian Books | Shannon Symonds

May 2-My Love for Reading Keeps Growing

May 4-Headoverbooks

May 7-Lisa Is A Bookworm

May 8-Literary Time Out | A Bliss Complete

May 9-My Book A Day

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E Ladd

The Weaver's Daughter by Sarah E. Ladd
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Historical Fiction



Book Description:  Kate's loyalties bind her to the past. Henry's loyalties compel him to strive for a better future. In a landscape torn between tradition and vision, can two souls find the strength to overcome their preconceptions?

Loyalty has been at the heart of the Dearborne family for as long as Kate can remember, but a war is brewing in their small village, one that has the power to rip families asunder --including her own. As misguided actions are brought to light, she learns how deep her father's pride and bitterness run, and she begins to wonder if her loyalty is well-placed.

Henry Stockton, heir to the Stockton fortune, returns home from three years at war seeking refuge from his haunting memories. Determined to bury the past, he embraces his grandfather's goals to modernize his family's wool mill, regardless of the grumblings from the local weavers. When tragedy strikes shortly after his arrival, Henry must sort truth from suspicion if he is to protect his family's livelihood and legacy.

Henry has been warned about the Dearborne family. Kate, too, has been advised to stay far away from the Stocktons, but chance meetings continue to bring her to Henry's side, blurring the jagged lines between loyalty, justice, and truth. Kate ultimately finds herself with the powerful decision that will forever affect her village's future. As unlikely adversaries, Henry and Kate must come together to find a way to create peace for their families, and their village, and their souls - even if it means risking their hearts in the process.


My thoughts: I was captured in this book about love, loyalty, deception, honor, and forgiveness. There are probably more words to be added to the list, but I can't think of them right now. :)

Kate and Henry could be described as star-crossed lovers. There families are basically feuding. Henry's family is looking at progression and bringing in new inventions to speed up the business of making wool into material. The competition is fierce, and progression means the possibility of people loosing their jobs and the traditions passed down in families. The book brings up a great point of adding to technology and using fewer people to fuel and industry. Also, the plight of children workers is looked at. I loved how she was sympathetic to the children and made an advocate for them in the story.

This book reminded me that things are not always as they appear to be and there are two sides to every situation. The theme of the book was about mending relationships and making life better in the community. It took the vision of a man recently returned from war to see that life needed to change in the village. It also took the compassion of a woman to help him see where to make the changes.

This is a great book. It contains a few kisses and non-graphic violence.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Book Blog Tour ~ Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold

Road to Rosewood by Ashtyn Newbold
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received review copy from publisher.
Genre: Regency Romance



Book Description:  Lucy Abbot longs to return to the country estate where she spent the best days of her childhood with her cousins and their charming neighbor Nicholas. Her protective parents, however, have other plans for her. When she finally dares to escape, her carriage is besieged by highwaymen with a familiar man leading them. Could this mysterious outlaw be exactly the person Lucy has been searching for?

My thoughts: This book was just what I needed right now. It is light story that is full of fun and adventure.

Lucy lives a life of privilege. She has all that she could want, but misses the adventure of her childhood. She hasn't visited her cousin in years, and misses the young man of her dreams since childhood. She is melancholy, and thinks that a trip to Rosewood will cure her.

She defies her parents and takes a mail coach, that is held up by highway men. That is where the adventure begins. The unexpected happens, often. I enjoyed Lucy's character. She tries to see her life in Rosewood as wonderful, because that is what she chooses to remember from her youth. But, Rosewood is not perfect and as an adult, there are secrets and mysteries that surround it.

Nicholas, her crush from her youth, is complicated. I think as a child she put him up on a pedestal, but his actions didn't live up to her expectations. He is a character that you really like, but shake your head at some of his decisions.

For me, this was the perfect escape book.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author:  Ashtyn Newbold was introduced to the Regency period early on, and the writing soon followed. Fascinated by the society, scenery, and chivalry, she wrote her first novel, Mischief and Manors, receiving a publishing offer before high school graduation. Ashtyn is currently attending college with plans to obtain a degree that will help her improve in writing and creativity. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, singing, spoiling her dog, spending time with friends and family, and dreaming of the day she’ll travel to England.

Visit the Tour Stops:

April 25-Blooming With Books | Katie’s Clean Book Collection

April 26-Singing Librarian Books | Compass Book Ratings

April 27-Literary Timeout

April 28-Heidi Reads…

April 30-Mel’s Shelves

May 1-Getting Your Read On | LDS and Lovin’ It

May 2-Bookworm Lisa | Robyn Echols Books

May 3-My Book A Day

May 4-Why Not? Because I Said So

May 6-Min Reads and Reviews

The Lemonade Year by Amy Willoughby-Burle

The Lemonade Year by Amy Willoughby-Burle
My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: Received complimentary review copy.
Genre: Women's Contemporary Lit



Book Description:  LOVE. LOSS. AND SECOND CHANCES.

Nina’s once-sweet life has unexpectedly turned sour. Her marriage is over, her job is in jeopardy, and her teenage daughter is slipping away from her. Then her father dies and issues with Nina’s mother come to a head; her estranged brother, Ray, comes home; and her sister, Lola, is tempted to blow a big family secret out of the water. They say the truth will set you free, but first it will make a huge mess of things.

All Nina’s got left is her final photography assignment shooting images for the book 32 Ways to Make Lemonade. Well, that and the attention of a younger man, but Oliver’s on-again-off-again romantic interest in her ebbs and flows so much she is seasick. And then Jack, her ex-husband, shows up, wanting to get back together.

As Nina struggles to find a way through her complicated relationships and to uncover her true path, she discovers just how valuable a second chance at life and happiness can be.

My thoughts: When I started this book I thought that I could get it read quickly. This is not a book that reads quickly! There are so many things to take in. Basically it is a story of love, loss, grief, forgiveness, and second chances. The family dynamic is complex, this is a dysfunctional family who have just lost their father. He was part of the glue that kept some of them together. They have to learn to work together as a family unit, instead of individuals.

Lola is the youngest sister and is probably the best of the bunch. She is dealing with an accident from her youth that still causes her problems as an adult. I won't say too much on this subject, because it is a huge part of the reason the family is struggling. Her story is revealed a little at a time.

Nina is the MC and the voice of the book. She has a lot on her plate, a job that is in jeopardy, a failed marriage, problems with a teen, infertility, attraction to a younger man, angst for her mother, and a brother that needs a lot of TLC. It really isn't unrealistic for a woman to be dealing with so much. I could empathize with her emotions, but she is a hard character to embrace.

I don't want you to think this is a book about doom and gloom. The emotions are real, the drama is realistic, and we all have hard things to deal with. One thing this book does give you is hope. Life does not work out perfectly, but it does get better.

The book deals with substance abuse, trauma, adultery, infertility, and dysfunctional relationships.

Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository * Deseret Book

About the Author:  (Taken from her WEBPAGE)  Amy Willoughby-Burle grew up in the small coastal town of Kure Beach, North Carolina. She studied writing at East Carolina University and is now a writer and teacher living in Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband and four children. She writes about the mystery and wonder of everyday life. Her contemporary fiction focuses on the themes of second chances, redemption, and finding the beauty in the world around us. Sara Gruen says of The Lemonade Year, “When life gives you lemons, read this book. It’s a delicious glass of humor, heart, and hope.”  Amy is also the author of a collection of short stories entitled Out Across the Nowhere and a contributor to a number of anthologies.