Saturday, October 31, 2020

Romantic Suspense ~ On the Run by Traci Hunter Abramson #giveaway #suspense #covenantcommunications


 

On the Run (Guardian, #4)On the Run by Traci Hunter Abramson
My rating: 5 of 5 star
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Book Description:  A Guardian Novel

As one of the top investigative journalists in the nation, Elle Jameson has a knack for uncovering the truth. So when a promising lead points to corruption on a German military base, Elle anticipates a straightforward assignment. But then she stumbles upon a deadly conspiracy beyond anything she’s faced before, and her scrutiny does not go unnoticed. She knows too much, and she can’t be allowed to live. With no idea where to turn for help, she does the only thing she can: she runs.

The guardians, an elite team of undercover agents, have one job: safeguard those under their protection. As a new guardian, Nolan has just received his first solo assignment to help a young woman who just survived an assassination attempt. Within minutes of making contact with the beautiful journalist, however, their location is discovered. Thus begins a game of cat and mouse spanning the globe as the two work to stay ahead of a determined assassin. Nolan fights to buy Elle time to complete her investigation, and what she discovers is a plot that threatens the very fabric of America. In a desperate race against evil, Nolan and Elle are the only ones who can prevent global catastrophe.


My thoughts: This book was a thrill to read and kept me engaged from page one.

Elle Jameson is on the run. She witnessed her sister's death and realized that the only thing that kept her safe was an allergy to lemons. Elle is undercover working as an army lieutenant. She is trying to track down a couple of missiles and a drone that disappeared. She finds herself in the custody of an elite group of operatives known and the Guardians.

This book was packed with action from the beginning. I really didn't feel like there was any downtime. Elle and Nolan, aka ghost, are trying to discover who stole the stolen weapons, keep her safe from the people after her, and determine who is the mastermind behind the operation.

I loved every moment that I spent in the book. It has non-graphic violence, romance, and suspense.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.



Online Purchase Links:


(Amazon affiliate link included.)

About the AuthorTraci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a five-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than twenty-five bestselling novels. Follow Traci on BookBub at shorturl.at/ewDJ5



Visit her WEBPAGE




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Wednesday, October 28, 2020

The Grand Finale for Jordan's Deliverance by Allen Steadham #giveaway #blogtour ##JDPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write JORDAN'S DELIVERANCE?

It is the third and final book in the Jordan of Algoran Christian Science-Fantasy series. I started work on the series in 2015 with a basic premise: God is not limited to Earth. He reigns over the whole universe. So, He is able to reach Jordan, even when she and her mother are abducted and taken to another world. I decided to carry this idea throughout the series and to its conclusion.

Bookstagram Tour
(With its own giveaway - ends 10/25/20.)

Rincón de Joss - Excerpt

The Observance Torch was the same as any other torch, but it was adorned with red jula crystals, reinforced with twine, and its top was dipped in animal fat and dusted with crushed dry jikpal leaves which made the flames take on a violet shade. When the Observance Torch was lit, it told the villagers passing by her hut not to enter, since the Chieftess was seeking wisdom and guidance from the Father of Spirits whom she called God.


Part of Jordan’s Deliverance is set on Earth in the early 2070s. Before I wrote those scenes, I had to ask myself a few important questions:
1. How much could Earth change in fifty years?
2. What kind of technological advances might occur in that time?
3. Would Jordan even recognize her (fictional) hometown of Chase Creek, Colorado?
4. Would people speak any differently or use different jargon? . . .

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt

“You are taking a big risk acting this way,” Commander Imbador warned. “Getting that pardon will take even longer.”

“I am the only one who has the information you need. I think that justifies the risk,” Zeetra countered, her frown transforming to a smile. She put her hands behind her head, locking her fingers as she leaned back against the bed confidently. “And right now, I have nothing but time.”

Adventures of a Travelers Wife - Interview and Review

How did you dream up this world and all its details?

I had to start from scratch. Originally, I was imagining this as purely a fantasy tale. But it soon became clear that this was going to mostly take place on an alien world called Algoran. I tried to envision another world, as diverse in land, sea, and people as any other world. I made it clear from the beginning that this was an Earth-like world or else the main character, Jordan, and her mother would not have been able to survive, much less thrive.

In keeping with the fantasy concept, however, I did not want a lot of advanced technology. I wanted this world to be a contrast to Earth, to picture life without our modern conveniences while depicting the beauty and dangers of nature. Growing up in a major Texas city, it was an enjoyable challenge to flesh out a world the complete opposite of what I knew. I had to do a lot of research to understand different regions and climates.

"Whew, what a way to begin a series! Jordan pulled me in from the beginning and made me so curious about her as a person and how Allen Steadham would mold her as a character. . . . The plot was also really good and hooked me from the first page . . . I totally enjoyed this story and definitely recommend it if you are willing to take a leap into a world not quite our own. 5 out of 5 stars for the great character build up, faith interwoven themes, and for leaving me wanting more." - Jordan's World

Hallie Reads - Excerpt

Jordan hadn’t felt the rush of the vortex in decades. It had grabbed her like a thing alive and thrashed her about in its clutches, shifting violently in a torrent of motion as lights flashed all around her. When it finally released her, she was barely coherent enough to land on her feet and run to a stop. Then she heard something approaching. Whatever it was, it was big and so close, it was almost on top of her.

I cannot get out of the way in time!


This is a very intriguing story. There is a lot of mystery and adventure throughout. It's an interesting new world for Jordan and it's impressive how well she adjusted to her new surroundings. . . . The characters are awesome. They are all well-developed and it is easy to feel their emotions. - Jordan's World

It was fun to continue to follow Jordan and her old and new friends. There is so much adventure in this story. You get to meet new tribes of people on their planet of Algoran. . . . The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along." - Jordan's Arrow

A great continuation of Jordan on Algoran. Watching Jordan and her family grow and strengthen is a great treat. So many new and wonderful characters that you get to know . . . I think this is a great story and recommend it to teen to adult readers. - Jordan's Deliverance


4.) To which character did you best relate?

The main character, Jordan. There are many enjoyable characters in the series, but it’s centered around Jordan for a reason: we follow her life, the ups and downs, joys and losses. We get to see her grow as a woman. She’s not perfect, she makes some big mistakes along the way, but she has a good heart. She’s the most relatable character, in my opinion.

Wishful Endings - Guest Post

I make no secret that I’m a Star Trek fan, going all the way back to The Original Series. I watched it in syndication in the 1970s as a child. From 2005 to 2015, I only read Star Trek novels. So here are my top ten influences from the TV, movies, and books. . .

Splashes of Joy - Excerpt

Instead, she took in a deep breath and was grateful something had actually happened. She grabbed the sapphire-hued javelin with both hands, pulling it close to her chest. A new fire burned in her gaze.

“I am the granddaughter of Snow and Fire! I will protect you and look after your needs,” she declared. “Give me your trust and I shall not disappoint you. I will also consult with my torkomm and the village elders. All will be well.”

Bookworm Lisa - Review

". . . this story is about growing and becoming. Jordan has difficult decisions and knows that there is a deity who watches over her, even though she is far away from home. She learns for herself where her home is and whom she can believe in.

I am intrigued at what future endeavors and adventures await Jordan and her friends." - Jordan's World

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Jordan's Deliverance
(Jordan of Algoran #3)
By Allen Steadham
Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 330 Pages
October 13, 2020 by Ambassador International

The Onchei are back.
And trouble looms...

The Onchei want to learn what happened to their brethren on Algoran from the only survivor, Zeetra. Yet they learn instead she has broken the Onchei’s highest law: never intermarry or have children with another race. For this, she now faces execution.

Jordan SnowFire fears the Onchei will blame the Mokta and seek retribution soon. Only an ancient heirloom, which contains the ultimate Onchei knowledge, can save the Mokta...except it's on Earth, a world she hasn't seen in decades.

Jordan sends her son, Arrow, and her friend's daughter, Maska, to rescue Zeetra while she travels back to Earth to seek the Onchei artifact. What tie is there between a thousand-year-old object and Jordan's ancestors? Could this explain why she and her mother were originally abducted and brought to Algoran?

In the skies of Algoran, a final confrontation looms between the Onchei and the Mokta. And on Earth, Jordan finds more than she could have possibly imagined...

(Affiliate links included.)

Tour Schedule

October 19th:

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Allen Steadham created comic books and webcomics before he started writing novels. He has been married to his wife, Angel, since 1995 and they have two sons and a daughter. When not writing stories, Allen and his wife are singers, songwriters, and musicians. They have been in a Christian band together since 1997. They live in Central Texas.


Tour Giveaway


- One winner will receive signed print copies of the entire Jordan of Algoran series (US only)
- One winner will receive ebook copies of the entire Jordan of Algoran series (open internationally)

- Ends October 29, 2020

Saturday, October 24, 2020

Otherwise Engaged by Joanna Barker ~ A Regency Romance that will make you laugh out loud. #giveaway #regencyromance



 


Otherwise Engaged
by Joanna Barker
My rating: 4.5 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  She’s never been afraid of breaking the rules—until she risks breaking her heart

Constantly stifled by the rules of Society, spirited Rebecca Rowley enjoys finding ways to quietly—or not so quietly—rebel. But riding bareback and avoiding nosy neighbors are nothing compared to the thrilling secret she is keeping from her family.
When Rebecca’s quick thinking saves the life of a young girl, she unwittingly attracts the attention of the child’s dashing brother, Lieutenant Nicholas Avery. As that attention turns flirtatious, Rebecca is forced to tell him the truth: she is secretly engaged—to the one man her family would never approve of. Fortunately, Lieutenant Avery is a navy man with no wish to marry, or so they both assume as they enter into a friendship. Rebecca hopes to change her family’s mind about her betrothed, but the more she comes to know the handsome lieutenant, the more she wonders if she promised her hand too hastily.

After all her carefully laid plans are shattered during a family crisis, Rebecca must force her heart to decide. Should she stay true to the promise she made or fight for the future she’s only just begun to imagine?
 


My thoughts: Oh Rebecca, Rebecca, Rebecca. She is quite a clever character. She has a good heart but a rebellious spirit. She wants to make her own decisions, ride bareback, save a child from drowning, and marry with her family's support. From the moment you meet Rebecca, it is clear that you are in store for a very interesting book.

Rebecca has a secret engagement. She lives for letters from Edward Bainbridge. She soon finds out that there is a feud between their two families. A match with Edward would be frowned upon by her family. So, she tries to find out where the divide happened and figure out a way to marry Edward.

Little does she know that when she saves the drowning child (a very funny event btw) that Lieutenant Nicholas Avery would sweep into her life unexpectedly. They are friends and she can share all of her escapades with him and know that he will not judge her for it. Their friendship grows and he becomes important to her, but she can't forget about her dear Edward.

This book is full of funny scenes that left me chuckling. I enjoyed Rebecca's free spirit and her desire to go and do things that test the limits of her abilities. She is full of love and has a good heart. Her relationship with Nicholas's sister was unexpected. She didn't know that she could get along with children. So, she is learning and growing and finding out who and what is truly important to her.

This is a wonderful book. Joanna Barker is a wonderful author and I love everything I have read of her work. This book is no exception.

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.




Online Purchase Links:





About the Author:  Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives near the mountains and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.

Visit her WEBPAGE!

Enter the tour giveaway!

(The prize and winner notification will be provided by Covenant Communications.)



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Like Sci-fi? Enter the world of Jordan of Algoran by Allen Steadham #JDPrism #SciFi #giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Jordan's Deliverance
(Jordan of Algoran #3)
By Allen Steadham
Christian Science Fiction, Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 330 Pages
October 13, 2020 by Ambassador International

The Onchei are back.
And trouble looms...

The Onchei want to learn what happened to their brethren on Algoran from the only survivor, Zeetra. Yet they learn instead she has broken the Onchei’s highest law: never intermarry or have children with another race. For this, she now faces execution.

Jordan SnowFire fears the Onchei will blame the Mokta and seek retribution soon. Only an ancient heirloom, which contains the ultimate Onchei knowledge, can save the Mokta...except it's on Earth, a world she hasn't seen in decades.

Jordan sends her son, Arrow, and her friend's daughter, Maska, to rescue Zeetra while she travels back to Earth to seek the Onchei artifact. What tie is there between a thousand-year-old object and Jordan's ancestors? Could this explain why she and her mother were originally abducted and brought to Algoran?

In the skies of Algoran, a final confrontation looms between the Onchei and the Mokta. And on Earth, Jordan finds more than she could have possibly imagined...

(Affiliate links included.)

Other Books in the Series


(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

Jordan's World, The Jordan of Algoran Series #1Jordan's World, The Jordan of Algoran Series #1 by Allen Steadham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre:  Sci-fi

Book Description:  Jordan Lewis and her mother have been abducted and marooned on an alien world.

Taken in by a friendly tribe of natives, Jordan tries her best to adapt to living on this strange planet called Algoran. Jordan becomes a respectable huntress, but she still longs for the life she once knew on Earth.

When she learns the beings who took her may be on the other side of Algoran, she sets out for answers. Joined by three of her fellow hunters, Jordan crosses dangerous terrain, facing perilous creatures and people.

Will Jordan risk death for a chance to return to Earth?
What is God's will for her life on Algoran?

Exploring the life of an ordinary young woman torn from all she's ever known, Jordan's World shows that God reigns over the whole universe, and that consequences can sometimes span solar systems.



My thoughts: This book started out a little slow for me. I liked the premise behind the story but it took a little bit of time for me to figure out the world that Jordan and her mother found themselves in. They land in a tribal community on an alien planet. Once I figured things out the story became more interesting to me.

The book centers on Jordan and her experiences as a huntress. She has three friends that are part of her hunting pack. They know and trust each other as they face dangerous situations. Jordan meets a variety of tribes on the planet. One is sophisticated enough to travel through portals to Earth. And others are dangerous and have hidden agendas.

Overall I would say that this story is about growing and becoming. Jordan has difficult decisions and knows that there is a deity who watches over her, even though she is far away from home. She learns for herself where her home is and whom she can believe in.

I am intrigued at what future endeavors and adventures await Jordan and her friends.

I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. 







About the Author


Allen Steadham created comic books and webcomics before he started writing novels. He has been married to his wife, Angel, since 1995 and they have two sons and a daughter. When not writing stories, Allen and his wife are singers, songwriters, and musicians. They have been in a Christian band together since 1997. They live in Central Texas.


Tour Schedule



Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway!

Tour Giveaway


- One winner will receive signed print copies of the entire Jordan of Algoran series (US only)
- One winner will receive ebook copies of the entire Jordan of Algoran series (open internationally)

- Ends October 29, 2020

Friday, October 23, 2020

Eve's Warriors and the Three Nephites by Curt Burnett & Alisha Burnett Worthington ~ Book Spotlight #giveaway


 Father and daughter writing team, Curt and Alisha Burnett, recently released

their newest work – a novel entitled “Eve’s Warriors.” The new work is available as an e-book,
audio book or print version at www.eveswarriors.com. Described by the authors as a Twilight-
like love story, the plot focuses on a young, mortal woman falling in love with an ageless,
immortal man – in this case one of the three Nephites from the Book of Mormon to whom
Christ granted immortality.

“This book was written not only to tell an entertaining and uplifting love story, but more than
anything to help women understand their strength and power as daughters of Eve, what I call
their ‘Eve-ness’,” said co-author Curt Burnett. “As a daughter of Eve, every woman has the
potential for greatness and plays an active role in the battle against Satan and his influence.”
To promote the new book, the authors are providing the first chapter of the e-book at no
charge. Proceeds from purchases of the whole book will be donated to research for the fight
against glioblastoma – a rare brain cancer. Mr. Burnett’s wife passed away after a battle against
glioblastoma in December 2019.

“Throughout the novel, readers will be introduced to women of faith from throughout history,
including Joan of Arc, Florence Nightingale and Harriet Tubman,” said Alisha Burnett-
Worthington, co-author of “Eve’s Warriors.” “Each of these incredible women attributed their
great achievements to the being inspired by God, and I truly believe that every woman can
receive that same inspiration.”


"Eve's Warriors & The Three Nephites" is an "immortal" love story that pays homage to the great "Twilight" books that recounted a young woman's encounters with vampires. Only this time, the heroines are a contemporary New York teenager and Roman-era country girl. They both receive visions -- 1,500 years apart -- from Mother Eve, calling them to become her "warriors" in battling Satan. They also meet and fall in love with beings who millions of Christians/LDS believe are real immortals and have walked the earth for 2,000 years.

"Eve's Warriors & The Three Nephites" is a work of historical fiction and a great story, but it also showcases actual women of faith -- Mother Eve's daughters -- over the millennia. From the "Author's Notes" "Christian/LDS women often lament the perceived lack of spiritual heroes compared with the multitude of male icons like Ruth, Rachel and the Marys. But there are many great women over the years who attributed their accomplishments to divine inspiration; they are spiritual heroes in their own right. We won't list them here because part of the fun of reading "Eve's Warriors" is discovering the spiritual side of legendary women, which usually isn't discussed in secular accounts. Their interactions with fictional characters in this book are, by definition, fictitious. However they all prayed for and acknowledged receiving divine help. There interactions are our way of illustrating the varied ways God might have assisted them. We have tried not to take away from the real courage, initiative and faith shown by these remarkable women. This holds true for non-Biblical men of faith encountered in these pages, real and imagined, three of whom -- The Three Nephites -- are quasi-immortals walking the earth along with John the Revelator.


Online Purchase Link:

Amazon


Want to give it a try?  You can download the first chapter for FREE!

https://eveswarriors.com/



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Thursday, October 22, 2020

Read an Excerpt from "This Christmas" by Laurie Winter #giveaway #TCPrism #Christmas #blogtour

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

This Christmas
(The North Star Series #1)
By Laurie Winter
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 240Pages
October 20, 2020

'A beautiful story of loss and new love, set in a snow-capped mountain ski resort town.'

Celia Batista waited a long time for all three of her sons to be together for Christmas. But after one of her identical twins disappears without a trace, Celia must rely on Police Captain Luke Veldkamp for help. Despite Luke’s accusations that her other twin son is involved with organized crime, she falls for the handsome, Stetson wearing cop.

Luke Veldkamp is facing his first Christmas after the loss of his wife, working nonstop to avoid the holidays and his grief. His daughter, who’d moved home to care for her mom before her passing, pushes him to face his pain. Luke pushes back, telling her to return to college and regain her own life. If his own strife isn’t enough, the mission to locate the missing son of his beautiful neighbor grows more personal than any other case.

While Luke and Celia fight to keep their families from falling apart, they find comfort and strength in one another. And when love blooms between their children, Luke and Celia’s own relationship takes root and grows. But Celia is used to living on her own terms, and loving a man who has isolated his heart is a risk too great. Now, Luke must either confront his emotions or face a life without the woman he’s come to love.

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Read an Excerpt!
********************

A creak sounded from the entryway, and Celia jump back. She whipped her head around to see Andrew descending the stairs. Good timing, kid. The last thing she should do with Alex missing was kiss the lead cop investigating his disappearance. What kind of a mother was she to even think of such a thing? 

Celia strode away from Luke and toward Andrew. How could she have gotten swept up in her longing for affection and passion that she almost let herself fall for Luke Veldkamp? His heart and soul were as boarded-up as a beach town during a hurricane. 

“What’s he doing here?” Andrew scowled. “And why is your face so red, Mom? Maybe you should sit. You look ready to fall over.” 

She did as he suggested, because she really did feel like fainting. “Captain Veldkamp is watching the house.” 

“I think he’s watching something else,” Andrew mumbled on his way to the kitchen. 

Luke lifted his gaze from her legs to the ceiling. “That’s my cue to leave. I have your cell number programmed in my phone if anything happens overnight.” He shrugged on his coat and covered his wavy blond hair with his hat. Then, he disappeared out the door.



********************

About the Author


Laurie Winter’s head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thought into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a Loqi Reusable Shopping Bag with birds design, Soy Wax Candle - Snowflake and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only)

Ends October 28, 2020

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Monday, October 19, 2020

Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen #steampunk #romance #giveaway

 


Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts (Steampunk Proper Romance #4)Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts by Nancy Campbell Allen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Steampunk Romance

Book Description A steampunk retelling of Cinderella.

Emmeline O’Shea is determined to save the world—single-handedly, if necessary. A strong voice for societal reform, she is the natural choice to deliver a key speech at the end of the International Shifter Rights Organization’s week-long Summit in Scotland.

But when a death threat arrives at Emme’s home, she is immediately placed into protective custody, watched over by none other than her personal nemesis, Detective-Inspector Oliver Reed. The two have crossed paths many times, with disastrous results, but now they will have to work together in order to reach the Summit before midnight of the last day in order to ensure legislation is passed to protect the Shifter community.

As unseen enemies close in around Emme and Oliver, they struggle to reach Edinburgh by any means necessary, only to find Emme’s vindictive stepsister, Oliver’s vampire brother, and a dangerous political minefield awaiting them in Scotland.

Even more difficult is their own refusal to admit that the fiery animosity that once burned between them might be turning into the heat of romantic passion. Could a straitlaced policeman determined to uphold the law and an outspoken activist willing to break the rules ever find true love? Or will all their dreams shatter like glass when the clock strikes midnight?
 



My thoughts: This series!!! Nancy Campbell Allen does a fantastic job at writing steampunk. It is not my go-to genre but when she writes it, I want to read it. Brass Carriages and Glass Hearts is the fourth book in the series. Each book can be read as a stand-alone, but the characters from all the books show up and have established relationships. I'm glad that I read them in order, but you can follow along easily out of order.

Emmeline O'Shea is an outspoken advocate for the shifter community. (Yes, this book contains shifters and vampires!) She is trying to make sure that they have rights and are treated as equals. (It reminds me of some of the movements that are happening in society right now.) This has made her a target from some powerful and ruthless people.

Detective Oliver Reed has long been Emme's nemesis. He is always there to step in and haul her off to jail when a protest gets out of hand. Now he is assigned to be her bodyguard because she has received death threats. (Yay!)

Sparks always happened when they were adversaries, but now there are different sparks as they are getting to know one another and working together. It turns out that they have been working on the same side all along.

I really enjoyed reading this book. It is fun. I will continue to read each and every book that comes out about this fantasy world that the author created.




Online Purchase Links:


(Amazon affiliate link included.)


Advanced Praise:

"Once again proving that genres are made to be melded, Allen puts a suspenseful twist on this enticing, steampunk retelling of Cinderella. Allen seamlessly integrates gentle romantic tension and nods to the original fairy tale with paranormal and steampunk elements and political intrigue. This is a fun, arresting break from reality.” -Publishers Weekly

 "Relocates a classic fairy tale into an imagined future packed with airships, automated carriages, vampires, and corsets. Nancy Campbell Allen’s lively reimagining of the Cinderella story features an empowered, outspoken heroine who’s driven by a vision of a more equitable, futuristic Britain." -Foreword Reviews



About the Author: Nancy Campbell Allen is the author of seventeen 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. Visit her at nancycampbellallen.com, on Instagram @authornancycampbellallen, on Facebook at nancycampbellallen, or on Twitter @necallen.

Watch the Book Trailer!


Giveaway!

I received two ARC's of this book.  I am giving away one of them.  To enter please leave a comment on your favorite genre to read.  Please read the terms and conditions in the right sidebar.  The contest will close on October 31 at midnight mountain time.

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Spotlighting "Dragonwatch: Champion of the Titan Games" by Brandon Mull ~ An author that can be enjoyed by the whole family.

 



Fablehaven is one of my kids' favorite series.  We would read it out loud when they were children.  Unfortunately for me, they are all well past the age where we would snuggle up and enjoy a great story together.  If you have children that could use a story full of imagination and magic, this is a fantastic choice!


Book DescriptionAs the war with the dragons intensifies, all eyes are turning to Titan Valley for help. A dragon sanctuary unlike any of the others, this one is home to enslaved dragons ruled by the powerful Giant Queen, one of the five monarchs of the magical world. In addition, it houses the arena for the Titan Games, a series of gladiator-style battles presided over by none other than Humbuggle, the demon who stole Seth’s memories!


Seth is seeking for his memories. Kendra is seeking for Seth. And everyone is seeking to stop the dragons from taking over the world—everyone but Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who has his own devious agenda. In the monstrous battle between giants and dragons, who wins? In the race to retrieve a magical talisman that could help win the war, can Kendra trust Seth? Will they find the answers they desperately need in a realm of trolls and titans? Or are more betrayals imminent?


Online Purchase Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

(Affiliate link included for Amazon)

About the Author:  Brandon Mull is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of the Fablehaven, Beyonders, and Five Kingdoms series. A kinetic thinker, Brandon enjoys bouncy balls, squeezable stress toys, and popping bubble wrap. He lives in Utah in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his four children and a dog named Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Brandon loves meeting his readers and hearing about their experiences with his books.



Wednesday, October 14, 2020

A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection (Perfect for the Holidays!) #regencyromance

 



A Hopeful Christmas: A Regency Romance Collection
by Anneka R. Walker, Sian Ann Bessey, Carla Kelly, Krista Lynne Jensen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  I received a complimentary copy but listened to the story using Bookshelf plus.
Genre:  Regency Christmas Collection

Book Description Kindle the spirit of the season as four of your favorite storytellers weave tales of love and hope in this charming yuletide collection.

LORD BLAKELY’S GIFT

When Miss Ivy Hunt and Lord Curtis Blakely establish a secret acquaintance, neither can deny that their feelings extend beyond friendship. But as the children of bitter rivals, it will take a Christmas miracle for this star-crossed pair to reach their happily ever after.

A SEASON OF HOPE

Following the death of her father, Amelia knows Christmas will be lean. But when circumstances become dire, it is the unexpected arrival of a childhood friend that renews Amelia’s hope—both for the future and for love.

CHRISTMAS BY THE SEA

After two years at sea with the Royal Navy, surgeon Will Crenshaw longs for a quiet Christmas with his family. But when unrest at home threatens to ruin the holidays, it takes the kindly intervention of a mysterious house sitter to remind them of the true meaning of the season.

EXPECTATIONS AT CANTERWOOD

Marina Rowley is a spinster, Richard Stanhope a war-weary military man. A case of mistaken identity throws them together, but the unexpected stirrings of their hearts lead to an unforgettable holiday romance.


My thoughts: Lord Blakely's Gift

A chance meeting leads to two people caught between the feud of their families. This is a really cute story that has some funny moments. I couldn't help but cheer them on, hoping that their families could find a way to heal.

A Season of Hope

Christmas is a tough time of year when a loved one is no longer around. This particular year the spirit of Christmas was in short supply. The family was out of funds and a miserly neighbor demanded repayment for clothing destroyed by a goat. This sets the tone of the story. A miracle happens when a childhood friend comes to call. The characters are interest and very forgiving. It reminded me that hearts can change and hope found in the middle of trials.

Christmas by the Sea

Carla Kelly writes regency that is not your typical book of the ton. She writes about ordinary people doing their best during the time period. I love it! This story did not disappoint. It highlighted the different social status between men and women. It highlighted the magic of Christmas with a mysterious man known as Paul.

Expectations at Canterwood

This story was fun to read but at the same time brought tears to my eyes. Marina has often been cast aside for having opinions and spectacles. The misunderstandings and resolution are well worth the time to read.

Overall I highly recommend this collection. The characters and stories are all well done. I listened to the story and the narrator did a great job.




Online Purchase Links:  


The Kindle and Nook editions are only $5.99.  That's a great deal.

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Friday, October 9, 2020

The Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon #blogtour #regency #romance #giveaway


 

The Highlander's Hidden Heart (Veterans Club #3)The Highlander's Hidden Heart by Julie Coulter Bellon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Regency Romance

Book Description:  A duke's daughter. A Highland warrior. And a love worth fighting for.

Lady Elizabeth, daughter of the Duke of Barrington, has done her best to secure an advantageous match, but a shy nature, combined with a stutter, hasn't helped her cause. After two Seasons, her father won’t wait any longer and promises her to a man she despises. There doesn’t seem to be anything Elizabeth can do beyond wish for a freedom she’ll never have---until a charming Highlander appears and makes all her dreams of a love match seem within her reach.

Alec Ramsay unexpectedly inherits an earldom and must leave his beloved Scottish Highlands to present himself in London and settle the estate affairs. After meeting his new neighbor, Lady Elizabeth, he feels a connection to her that he’s never felt with any other woman. Alec makes every effort to further their acquaintance, but soon finds out that Elizabeth could be swept out of his reach before they have a chance to explore the feelings between them. With everything at stake, can he risk all for a chance at love−−before it’s too late?

**Originally a novella in the Timeless Romance collection, but now a full-length novel with more twists, turns, and romance!



My thoughts: I read this book first when it was in novella form and part of a collection. Julie Bellon has expanded the story and brought more life to the characters.

Alec Ramsey is the type of hero that every girl wishes would come into her life. He is a kind man who sees past superficial traits into the heart of the person. The day that the dog Kitty ran into Elizabeth's arms, closely follow by Alec, was a wonderful day for her. It is the type of meeting that great love stories are built upon.

I love the fact that Elizabeth is flawed in some way. She stutters. It is a point that drives her father crazy and enters her into an unfavorable match. He wants to add to his power at the expense of his daughter. He doesn't see her value to him.

Alec is relentless when it comes to the lady that he loves. He treats her well. He treats her mother well. He just doesn't treat Elizabeth's father or Lord Lindley well. A fact that I applaud.

To be honest, I didn't remember how this story was resolved when I read the novella. I remembered Elizabeth and Alec. This made it a whole new and interesting book to read!

Source: I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.




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About the Author:  After winning $10 in a second grade writing contest, Julie Coulter Bellon knew she wanted to be a published author someday. That dream came true and she is now the author of nearly two dozen romantic suspense novels. Her book All Fall Down won the RONE award for Best Suspense, The Capture and Second Look were Whitney Award finalists for Best Suspense, and Julie has been a #1 bestseller on several Amazon category lists.


Julie loves to travel and her favorite cities she's visited so far are probably Athens, Paris, Ottawa, and London. She loves to read, write, teach, watch Hawaii Five-O, and eat Canadian chocolate. Not necessarily in that order. Julie offers book deals, reviews, and writing tips on her blog ldswritermom.blogspot.com You can also find out about all her upcoming projects at her website juliebellon.com




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