Tuesday, November 10, 2020

The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M Eden #victorianromance


 


The Gentleman and the Thief by Sarah M. Eden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review
Genre: Victorian Mystery/Romance

Book Description:  A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.

LONDON 1865

From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he’s smitten. Even though he’s from a wealthy, established family and she isn’t, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.

Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father’s successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the “Phantom Fox.” She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.

When Hollis’s brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.

When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?
  

My thoughts: I love the Dread Penny Society. It is made up of a group of eclectic personalities that write Penny Dreadfuls and strive to make society a better place for the less fortunate.

This story is about Hollis Darby, a gentleman and a member of the Dread Penny Society. He is out to save the world while pretending to be a man of leisure. He is devoted to his cause, friends, and family.

Hollis has a mystery to solve. There is a thief that is making life harder for the street urchins he is concerned about. It is something that he wants to get to the bottom of while finding himself attracted to Ana, a music teacher at a girl's school the Dreadfuls have a vested interest in.

The book has many moments that make you laugh, smile, and teach about the plight of the less fortunate during Victorian London. I enjoyed the story and the stories within the story. There are chapters that are Penny Dreadful stories. It is a unique feature that I enjoy.

The characters are wonderful and the story is well-paced. Sarah Eden is one of my favorite authors and this book is one that I would love to revisit.

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



Online Purchase Links:

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


About the Author: Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2019’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, The Lady and the Highwayman, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. 



WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS




Visit the Blog Tour Stops:


Nov 02 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review) 

Nov 02 The Lit Bitch (Excerpt) 

Nov 03 Getting Your Read On (Review)

Nov 03 Literary Time Out (Review)

Nov 03 Storybook Reviews (Review)

Nov 04 Heidi Reads (Review) 

Nov 04 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Spotlight)

Nov 05 Library of Clean Reads (Review) 

Nov 06 Relz Reviewz (Review) 

Nov 07 Probably at the Library (Spotlight)

Nov 08 The Christian Fiction Girl (Review) 

Nov 09 So Little Time… (Spotlight)

Nov 09 Captivated Reading (Review) 

Nov 10 Among the Reads (Review) 

Nov 10 Bookworm Lisa (Review) 

Nov 11 For Where Your Treasure Is (Spotlight)

Nov 11 Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review) 

Nov 12 Books, Teacups & Reviews (Spotlight)

Nov 12 Fiction Aficionado (Review) 

Nov 13 Randi Loves 2 Read (Spotlight)

Nov 14 The Book Diva's Reads (Spotlight)

Nov 15 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Nov 16 Gwendalyn's Books (Review)

Nov 17 Book Bustle (Review) 

Nov 18 Jorie Loves a Story (Review)

Nov 18 An Historian About Town (Review) 

Nov 19 Lu's Reviews (Review) 

Nov 20 Reading with Emily (Review)

Nov 20 Books and Socks Rock (Review)

Nov 21 Bringing Up Books (Review)

Nov 21 Bookish Rantings (Review) 

Nov 22 The Bibliophile Files (Review)

Nov 23 Impressions in Ink (Review)

Nov 23 A Bookish Way of Life (Review) 

Nov 24 Bookfoolery (Review)

Nov 24 Wishful Endings (Excerpt)

Nov 25 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Review) 

Nov 25 Joy of Reading (Review) 

Nov 26 From Pemberley to Milton (Excerpt)

Nov 27 Fire and Ice (Review)

Nov 27 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Nov 28 Impressions in Ink (Review)

Nov 28 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Nov 29 Laura's Reviews (Review)
Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:30 AM 1 comments

Monday, November 9, 2020

"Holidays, Inc" by Rachelle Paige Campbell ~ a Feel Good Contemporary Romance #giveaway #HIPrism

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Holidays, Inc.
By Rachelle Paige Campbell
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 260 Pages
November 4, 2020 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

Former child actress, Danielle "Dani" Winter, left Hollywood to transform an old cinema into a dinner theater, seeing the project as her chance to take control of her future. The middle-of-nowhere location in Wisconsin is a perfect escape from backstabbing celebrity friends. The small town welcomes her help with open arms, but one man questions her plan.

After unsuccessful writing stints on both coasts, Paul Howell returns home to New Hope. He's shocked to discover that his sister has sold the family business to a beautiful woman. With the encouragement of his neighbors, he reluctantly agrees to write Dani's next musical.

Working together, they discover more similarities than differences and grow close. When Dani's former best friend and America's sweetheart, Kara Kensington arrives, their blossoming relationship is threatened in more ways than one.

My thoughts: Second chances come in ways that are least expected.

Dani and Paul have both been disillusioned by life in Hollywood.  Dani was stabbed in the back as a child actress by those she should have trusted and Paul was also hurt by a partner.  They both have wounds that need to heal and the place that they retreated to was a small town in Wisconsin.  Paul came home feeling a failure and Dani was searching for a sense of home and community that she needed.

I love the relationship that starts as "enemies" which turns into friends and finally attraction.  The way they banter and relate to each other was a pleasure to read.  Both find it hard to trust and their trust is tested when an old "friend" of Dani comes to town.  It is a great reminder that new dreams can be made and priorities shifted.  I am also reminded that the best things that come in life happen when least expected.

If you are looking for a book that makes you "feel good".  This is a great one to pick up.

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




(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Rachelle Paige Campbell writes contemporary romance filled with heart and hope. No matter the location—big city, small town, or European kingdom—her feel-good stories always end with a happily ever after. She’s grateful for the support of her family, her robot floor cleaner, and her reluctant writing partner (her dog).


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Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $10 Amazon eGift Card (open internationally)

Ends November 19, 2020

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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:30 AM 3 comments

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 * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book

(Amazon affiliate link included.)

About the Author: Traci 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! 




Enter the Tour Giveaway:

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




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Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 5:59 PM 4 comments

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.)


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
Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 4:02 PM 0 comments

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:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book * Seagull Book




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.)



a Rafflecopter giveaway
Posted by Bookworm Lisa at 12:17 PM 1 comments
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