December 25, 2015

Parchment and Old Lace by Laura Childs - Review


Published: October 6, 2015
Number of pages: 336
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Series: Scrapbooking Mystery #13

Synopsis:
Carmela couldn’t imagine a finer evening than dinner at Commander’s Palace with her beau, Detective Edgar Babcock. The food and the company are equally divine—with the exception of Isabelle Black stopping by to brag about her upcoming wedding. Resuming the romance with a walk in the evening air, the couple is interrupted once again—this time by a terrifying scream from inside the cemetery.

Having just seen Isabelle, Carmela and Edgar now find her lying across an aboveground tomb, strangled to death with a piece of vintage lace. Carmela would rather leave the investigating to Edgar, but she can’t say no to Isabelle’s sister Ellie, the tarot card reader at Juju Voodoo, when she asks her to help. As she untangles the enemies of Isabelle’s past, Carmela hopes she can draw out the killer before someone else gets cold feet.

INCLUDES SCRAPBOOKING TIPS

What did I think of this book:
 This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series that I read. I love Carmela but for some reason in this book I did not care for Ava. She seemed a little more pushy than she normally is. But the way Carmela and Ava are so close is pretty neat. I also liked how Carmela and Babcock seem to be getting even closer. The themed behind this book was old lace. It was kind of  neat to find out about a few kinds of old lace. Then some of the projects that were made and discussed sounded pretty cool. Then there was the mystery of who killed Isabelle. Just when you are pretty sure you know the author throws you a curve ball at the end to keep you on your toes. Edward and his mom were such strange people and his mom was not a nice person. I did not like her one bit. I can't wait to read the next book in this series. 

Scrapbooking Mystery Series:
#1 Keepsake Crimes
#2 Photo Finished
#3 Bound for Murder
#4 Motif for Murder
#5 Frill Kill
#6 Death Swatch
#7 Tragic Magic
#8 Fiber and Brimstone
#9 Skelton Letters
#10 Postcards from the Dead
#11 Gilt Trip
#12 Gossamer Ghost
#13 Parchment and Old Lace

December 23, 2015

Reckelss in Pink by Lynne Connolly, The Lady Who Lived Again by Thomasine Rappold, An Oath Sworn by Diana Cosby, and Adrian by Heather Grothaus - Spotlight


Title: Reckless in Pink
Author: Lynne Connolly
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ebook

Like the royals for whom they were named, the Emperors of London family have enemies and rivals of their own…

As a soldier for the Crown, Dominic is charged with locating the Young Pretender to the British throne so he can be tried as a traitor. But his mission is altered when he meets Claudia Shaw, an intriguing young woman who has inherited a house of ill repute. In an effort to protect Claudia from her own recklessness, Dominic finds himself allowing the Pretender to slip away…

Claudia is one of the Emperors of London, but her family despairs of her impetuous behavior. And try as he might, the disciplined Dominic cannot quite curb her excesses. In fact, she soon drags him into her adventures—and toward a passion neither can resist. But when a deadly secret comes to light that puts their lives, and their love, at risk, Claudia won’t allow Dominic to sacrifice himself. She is determined to have him—even if it means getting the Young Pretender out of the way herself.

 “Lynne Connolly writes Georgian romances with a deft touch. Her characters amuse, entertain and reach into your heart.” —Desiree Holt

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I write sensuous historical romance as Lynne Connolly, and contemporary and paranormal romance as L.M. Connolly

I was born in Leicester, England, and lived in our cobbler’s shop with my parents and sister. It was an old house and most definitely haunted, but I didn’t find out until I left that my great uncle had hung himself in the living room! But I think our ghost might have been older than that. It was built on the site of the old Roman cemetery, and the land had been constantly inhabited, being in the centre of town. Then, when the council bought the house from us to build a road, my grandfather retired and my father went and worked for the Post Office. My mother was a sample machinist; that is, she worked with designers on the prototypes (models or samples) of garments. So I was very well dressed! We bought a relatively modern house in the country, and my mother was blissfully happy. It’s all very well living in a large old house, but it’s a dreadful task to keep it clean and warm!

My mother’s side of the family are Romany gypsies, although sadly we haven’t any of the old trailers that are so astonishingly beautiful. I was taught to read the Tarot cards, and I usually use two packs; the Rider pack for simple readings and the Crowley Thoth pack for the complex stuff. I’ve always had an interest in the paranormal and it’s been a delight to be able to put some of this into my novels.

 My other huge interest is the historical. I love all periods of history, but my favorites are the Tudor and Georgian eras. I research and research, because I love it. I will travel miles to see a new variation on the Palladian mansion! I am fascinated in finding out how people lived then, and creating a credible story with people who lived in past ages.


Title: The Lady Who Lived Again
Author: Thomasine Rappold
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ebook

Madeleine Sutter was once the belle of the ball at the popular resort town of Misty Lake, New York. But as the sole survivor of the community’s worst tragedy, she’s come under suspicion. Longing for the life she once enjoyed, she accepts a rare social invitation to the event of the season. Now she will be able to show everyone she’s the same woman they’d always admired—with just one hidden exception: she awoke from the accident with the ability to heal.

Doctor Jace Merrick has fled the failures and futility of city life to start anew in rural Misty Lake. A man of science, he rejects the superstitious chatter surrounding Maddie and finds himself drawn to her confidence and beauty. And when she seduces him into a sham engagement, he agrees to be her ticket back into society, if she supports his new practice—and reveals the details of her remarkable recovery. But when his patients begin to heal miraculously, Jace may have to abandon logic, accept the inexplicable—and surrender to a love beyond reason…

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A three-time RWA Golden Heart nominee, Thomasine Rappold writes historical romance and historical romance with paranormal elements. She lives with her husband in a small town in upstate New York that inspired her current series. When she’s not spinning tales of passion and angst, she enjoys spending time with her family, fishing on one of the nearby lakes, and basking on the beach in Cape Cod. Thomasine is a member of Romance Writers of America and the Capital Region Romance Writers.

Readers can find her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter: @ThomRappold.


Title: An Oath Sworn
Author: Diana Cosby
Release Date: December 22, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ebook

“Diana Cosby is superbly talented.” —Cathy Maxwell, New York Times bestselling author Bound by honor to save a country they love…

The bastard daughter of the French king, Marie Alesia Serouge has just one chance at freedom when she escapes her captor in the Scottish highlands. A mere pawn in a scheme to destroy relations between France and Scotland, Marie must reach her father and reveal the Englishman’s treacherous plot. But she can’t abandon the wounded warrior she stumbles upon—and she can’t deny that his fierce masculinity, Scottish or not, stirs something wild inside her.

Colyne MacKerran is on a mission for his king, and he’s well aware that spies are lying in wait for him everywhere. Wounded en route, he escapes his attackers and is aided by an alluring Frenchwoman…whose explanation for her presence in the Highlands rings false. Even if she saved his life, he cannot trust her with his secrets. But he won’t leave her to the mercy of brigands, either—and as they race for the coast, he can’t help but wonder if her kiss is as passionate as she is.

With nothing in common but their honor, Colyne and Marie face a dangerous journey to safety through the untamed Scottish landscape—and their own reckless hearts…

Praise for the novels of Diana Cosby “Cosby gives you it all—passion, danger, lush history and a touch of magic. Excellent reading.” —Hannah Howell, New York Times bestselling author

“A sexy new voice in historical romance. Scottish historicals have a bright new star (in Diana Cosby).”—Sandra Hill, USA Today bestselling author

“Diana Cosby writes wonderful historical romance!” —Susan King

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A retired Navy Chief, Diana Cosby is an international bestselling author of Scottish medieval romantic suspense.  Her award-winning books are translated in five languages.  Diana has appeared at Lady Jane’s Salon, in NYC, and in Woman’s Day, on USA Today’s romance blog, “Happily Ever After,” MSN.com, and in Texoma Living Magazine.

After retiring as a Navy Chief, AGC(AW), Diana dove into her passion – writing romance novels. With 34 moves behind her, she was anxious to create characters who reflected the amazing cultures and people she’s met throughout the world.

Her years of living in Europe inspired Diana to write in the medieval time frame.  After watching the movie Braveheart and with her passion for writing complex plots, the idea for the MacGruder brothers series was born.

With the release of her 1st book in her new Scottish medieval The Oath trilogy, An Oath Taken, which hit bestseller lists in Canada and the United Kingdom, she’s now preparing for the release of the e Box Set of the MacGruder Brothers series on February 24th, and the last two books in The Oath trilogy, An Oath Broken – 22 June, and, An Oath Sworn – 23 December, 2015!

Diana has many passions in life, but one that resonates in her life is that of giving. She firmly believe that each of us can make a positive difference in another person’s life.  Some of the charities she supports are listed below:

The National Trust for Scotland, which acts asntfslogoguardian of Scotland’s magnificent heritage of architectural, scenic and historic treasures.

Habitat For Humanity, which gives a deserving family more than a home, but a foundation upon which to build their dreams..

Semper Fi Fund , is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to help with immediate financial support for injured and critically ill members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families.

Homes For Our Troops, assists severely injured Servicemen and Servicewomen and their immediate families through various venues to aid them in building a home that allows them live a more independent life.

The Navy SEAL Foundation, provides immediate and ongoing support and assistance to the Naval Special Warfare community and their families.


Title: Adrianne
Author: Heather Grothaus
Release Date: December 22, 2015
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Ebook

In the medieval Holy Land, four brave Crusaders fight tyranny and betrayal. They are the Brotherhood of Fallen Angels—and one by one, they may discover that love is the greatest adventure of all…

From palaces and cathedrals to fortresses, Adrian Hailsworth’s engineering genius is evident across the land—including the castle of Chastellet. But a bloody siege has left the stronghold, and Adrian, in ruins. Now a wanted man, he is forced into hiding at The Brotherhood of Fallen Angels Abbey, his brilliant mind plagued with nightmares, his spirit broken—until Father Victor presents him with a fiery redhead in need of help only Adrian can give…

Maisie Lindsay is the lady-in-waiting to the Queen of Wyldonna, a small kingdom off the Scottish coast that is being blackmailed—by none other than the Brotherhood’s most treacherous enemy. The only chance of saving Wyldonna lies in unearthing its vast fortune, hidden within a labyrinth of deadly traps and secret passages. The challenge enlivens Adrian—as does the passion Maisie ignites. But she is far more than she appears, and the truth may force Adrian to sacrifice his heart’s longing to save her, before it’s too late for them all… 

Praise for Heather Grothaus’s Never Seduce a Scoundrel 

 “Reinforcing her reputation for unique storytelling that is full of humor, suspense and pure romance, Grothaus wins readers’ hearts.” –RT Book Reviews

 “An enticing and vibrant historical.” –Publishers Weekly

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Heather Grothaus has published eight medieval romances since 2006, which have been translated into several foreign languages. She fell in love with historical romance after reading a Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novel when she was far too young to be doing so, and has never looked back, building a reputation for crafting twisting adventures, laugh-out-loud dialogue, and heart-wrenching emotion. When she’s not writing, she spends her time homeschooling her children, gardening, listening to music, reading, and watching Sherlock. She lives on a small farm in Kentucky with her family.



 
December 21
The Lady Who Lived Again Reviewed at 100 Pages a Day
Reckless in Pink, The Lady Who Lived Again, An Oath Sworn and Adrian Reviewed at 3 Partners in Shopping

December 22
Books featured at The Reading Queen
Adrian Reviewed at Inner Goddess

December 23
Books featured at Griperang's Bookmark

December 24
Adrian Reviewed at Lisa's Louisiana Home

December 25
Books featured at Mikky's World of Books

December 28
The Lady Who Lived Again Reviewed at Queen of All She Reads
Books featured at The Book Connection

December 29
An Oath Sworn Reviewed at One Book Shy

December 30
Reckless in Pink Reviewed at Doing Some Reading

December 31
Books featured at I'm Shelf-ish

January 1
Books featured at Harmonious Publicity

January 4
Books featured at E-Romance News

January 5

January 6
Books featured at Write and Take Flight

January 7
Adrian reviewed at Reading Reality

January 8
Books featured at Reviews by Crystal

January 11
Books featured at Review From Here

January 12
Books featured at Teatime and Books

January 13
Books featured at A Taste of My Mind

January 14
Books featured at Deal Sharing Aunt

January 15
Books featured at Around the World in Books
Adrian reviewed at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

December 19, 2015

Life - Changing Magic - A Journal by Marie Kondo - Review

I received this book from Blogging for Books in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: December 29, 2015
Number of pages: 400
Genre: Non-fiction

Synopsis:
A companion to the #1 New York Times best-selling book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, this elegant 3-year record guides journalers in applying Marie Kondo's electrifying principle for identifying and appreciating the things that "spark joy" to one's daily life.

An international phenomenon, master organizer Marie Kondo has demonstrated the magic of changing your life by surrounding yourself with things that spark joy. In this 3-year journal, Kondo encourages her fans to expand the scope of her patented "spark joy" principle to not only to one's objects but also one's activities, relationships, and experiences. With prompts like: "Does it spark joy?," "Identify what is truly precious," and "Pursue ultimate simplicity," this elegantly designed and packaged journal fosters a daily practice of gratitude, happiness, and focus on the things that create a joyful life.

What did I think of this book:
I enjoyed looking through this journal and am looking forward to using it as a companion to the author's book as I read it. I really liked all the sayings that were put in different parts of the book. There is also plenty of space to do your journaling. I also like who much this journal matches the book. 

About the author:
MARIE KONDO is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up (also a best seller in Japan, Germany, and the UK) and was named one of Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2015. She is the founder of the KonMari Method.

December 18, 2015

Three Promises by Bishop O'Connell - Spotlight

Three Promises


Title: Three Promises

Author: Bishop O'Connell
Release Date: December 8, 2015
Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse
Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Format: Ebook

Synopsis:
Promises bind, but some promises break...

From the author of The Stolen and The Forgotten comes a collection of stories between the stories, a glimpse of the American Faerie Tale series characters in a whole new light.

For more than fifty years, Elaine has lived the life of an outcast elf, stripped of her rank and title in the fae court. Surrounded by her beloved collection of stolen artwork, we may just learn the secret behind her exile, and the one promise too important to break...

It's the day we've all been waiting for - Caitlin and Edward are getting married!  But few weddings ever go without a hitch. Old promises were broken, and new vows will be made...

In The Stolen, Brendan vowed to help Caitlin rescue her young daughter from the Dusk Court, even if it meant sacrificing himself. Alone and in torment, he has come to accept his fate.  Until an unexpected visitor finds her way into his life...

Plus, an exclusive bonus story about the mysterious Legion of Solomon.

ORDER INFORMATION
Three Promises is available for order at  
amazon BN
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About the author:
Bishop O'Connell is a consultant, writer, blogger, lover of kilts and beer, as well as a member of the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America. Born in Naples Italy, while his father was stationed in Sardinia, Bishop grew up in San Diego, CA where he fell in love with the ocean and fish tacos. While wandering the country for work and school (absolutely not because he was in hiding from mind controlling bunnies), he experienced autumn in New England. Soon after, he settled in Manchester, NH, where he collects swords, drinks, writes, revels in his immortality as a critically acclaimed "visionary" of the urban fantasy genre, and is regularly chastised for making up things for his bio. He can also be found online at A Quiet Pint (aquietpint.com), where he muses philosophical on the life, the universe, and everything, as well as various aspects of writing and the road to getting published.

For More Information
Visit Bishop at his website

Visit him at the following locations:
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 December 8
Book featured at 3 Partners in Shopping
Book featured at Kristy Centeno
December 9
Book featured at Chosen By You Book Club
Book featured at Books That Hook
December 10
Book featured at Queen of All She Reads
Book featured at What Is That Book About
December 11
Book reviewed at Books, Food and Me
December 14
Interviewed at Don't Judge, Read
December 15
Guest blogging at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf
December 16
Interviewed at I'm Shelf-ish
December 17
Book featured at Harmonious Publicity
December 18
Book featured at Griperang's Bookmark
Book reviewed at Pink Fluffy Hearts
December 21
Guest blogging at Leigh Anderson Romance
December 22
Book reviewed at Books Are Love
December 23
Book featured at A Title Wave