The Gilded Cage by Judy Alter - Spotlight - Cover Reveal

The Gilded Cage by Judy Alter

Publication: April 2016 eBook & Paperback Genre: Historical Fiction Born to a society and a life of privilege, Bertha Honoré married Potter Palmer, a wealthy entrepreneur who called her Cissy. Neither dreamed the direction the other’s life would take. He built the Palmer House Hotel, still famed today, and become one of the major robber barons of the city, giving generously to causes of which he approved. She put philanthropy into deeds, going into shanty neighborhoods, inviting factory girls to her home, working at Jane Addams’ settlement Hull House, supporting women’s causes. It was a time of tremendous change and conflict in Chicago as the city struggled to put its swamp-water beginnings behind it and become a leading urban center. A time of the Great Fire of 1871, the Haymarket Riots, and the triumph of the Columbian Exposition. Potter and Cissy handled these events in diverse ways. Fascinating characters people these pages along with Potter and Cissy—Carter Harrison, frequent mayor of the city; Harry Collins, determined to be a loser; Henry Honoré, torn between loyalties to the South and North; Daniel Burnham, architect of the new Chicago—and many others. The Gilded Cage is a fictional exploration of the lives of these people and of the Gilded Age in Chicago history.

"The Gilded Cage is a wonderful recreation of early Chicago and the people who made it what it is. Central character Cissy Palmer is a three-dimensional, real, vibrant person. The Gilded Cage is fiction, but firmly based on fact—the Chicago Fire, the prisoners from the War Between the States interred in Chicago, the newcomer Potter Palmer, the explosive growth of wealth in a prairie town, deep poverty adjacent to great riches—the American experience laid bare. You don’t have to be a Chicagoan to love this book." -Barbara D’Amato, author of Other Eyes

About the Author

Judy Alter is the award winning author of fiction for adults and young adults. Other historical fiction includes Libbie, the story of Elizabeth Bacon (Mrs. George Armstrong) Custer; Jessie, the story of Jessie Benton Frémont and her explorer / miner / entrepreneur / soldier / politician husband; Cherokee Rose, a novel loosely based on the life of the first cowgirl roper to ride in Wild West shows; and Sundance, Butch and Me, the adventures of Etta Place and the Hole in the Wall Gang. For more information visit Judy Alter's website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

Cover Reveal Schedule

Monday, February 15 Passages to the Past
Tuesday, February 16 The Never-Ending Book
Wednesday, February 17 The Reading Queen
Thursday, February 18 Book Nerd
Friday, February 19 A Book Geek
Saturday, February 20 With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Monday, February 22 The Maiden's Court To Read, Or Not to Read
Tuesday, February 23 Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Wednesday, February 24 100 Pages a Day
Thursday, February 25 Reading Is My SuperPower
Monday, February 29 A Holland Reads
Wednesday, March 2 CelticLady's Reviews A Literary Vacation
Thursday, March 3 She is Too Fond of Books
Friday, March 4 I Heart Reading

Taming the Twisted by Jodie Toohey - Reivew

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

Published: August 15, 2015

Number of pages: 242

Genre: Historical Fiction

  

READ AN EXCERPT. 

Synopsis:

Taming the Twisted is written in a similar style to Laura Ingalls Wilders’ Little House books though updated for modern times. It might read as if she'd left in all of the juicy tidbits about things people didn't talk about during the time when she was writing. Taming the Twisted is a story of destruction, romance, mystery, and deceit set against a back drop of an actual historical event. In early June, 1860, Abigail enjoyed a peaceful home life with her parents, younger sister, and twin toddler brothers. Their home in Camanche, Iowa, where they’d emigrated from Pennsylvania, was almost complete and her beau, Joseph Sund, had recently proposed marriage. That changes the evening of June 3rd when a tornado rips through town, killing her parents. At the mass funeral for the over two dozen people who perished in the storm, she learns Marty Cranson, with whom Abigail witnessed Joseph having a heated argument, died, but at the hands of a person rather than the tornado. In addition to being faced with raising her young siblings, Joseph has disappeared without a trace and a stranger, Marshall Stevenson, appears, offering to help Abigail repair the families’ home and cultivate the newly planted farm crops. Abigail, while developing romantic feelings for Marshall, tolerating the scorn of town woman Pamela Mackenrow, and working as a seamstress and storekeeper to support her siblings, becomes obsessed with finding out who killed Marty, hoping that and not that he no longer loved her, was the reason Joseph left without saying goodbye. 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY

What did I think of this book:

This was an interesting book. There were a few things I liked about it. It was set in one of my favorite time periods as well as in a state I am very familiar with. Then when you add in a little mystery it just makes the story even better. I thought the characters were very real and could have been my ancestors living through this tradegy. You could tell the author did her research when writing this book as her descriptions were spot on. The way she tells the story of a small town with all the gossip is excately like the small town I remember growing up in. Not only does the author give us glimpses into the characters everyday life she also throws in a few surprises just to keep us interested in the story. All in all a nice book to read. 

About the Author

Jodie Toohey is the author of four additional books, two poetry collections - Crush and Other Love Poems for Girls (2008) and Other Side of Crazy (918studio, 2013) - as well as two novels, Missing Emily: Croatian Life Letters (2012) and Melody Madson – May It Please the Court? (2014). When Jodie is not writing poetry or fiction, she is helping authors, soon-to-be-authors, and want-to-be authors from pre-idea to reader through her company, Wordsy Woman Author Services.
WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS | PINTEREST

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 8 Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog Spotlight & Giveaway at Rambling Reviews
Tuesday, February 9 Guest Post at Just One More Chapter
Wednesday, February 10 Review at Book Nerd
Thursday, February 11 Guest Post & Giveaway at A Literary Vacation
Friday, February 12 Review at Back Porchervations Character Interview at Boom Baby Reviews
Monday, February 15 Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne Tuesday, February 16 Review at Book Drunkard
Wednesday, February 17 Review at Griperang's Bookmarks
Thursday, February 18 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views
Friday, February 19 Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft's Blog

Like There's No Tomorrow by Camille Eide - Spotlight and Excerpt

Genre: Romance, Contemporary, Christian

Publisher: Ashberry Lane Publishing

Publication Date: September 30, 2014

Number of pages: 310

Goodreads

Like There’s No Tomorrow is an amusing yet tender love story about two kind caretakers, two quirky old Scottish sisters bent on reuniting, and too many agendas. It’s a tale of family, falling in love, faith, and the gift of each new day.

Scottish widower Ian MacLean is plagued by a mischievous grannie, bitter regrets, and an ache for something he’ll never have again. His only hope for freedom is to bring his grannie's sister home from America. But first, he'll have to convince her lovely companion, Emily, to let her go. Emily Chapman devotes herself to foster youth and her beloved Aunt Grace. Caring for others quiets a secret fear she holds close to her heart. But when Ian appears, wanting to whisk Grace off to Scotland, everything Emily needs to protect—including her heart—is at risk.

Camille Eide writes romantic, inspirational dramas about love, faith, and family. She lives in Oregon with her husband and is a mom, grammy, bass guitarist, and a fan of muscle cars, tender romance, oldies Rock, and Peanut M&Ms.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | BLOG | WEBSITE

Let her be okay ... Please, God, let her be okay ...

Flashing red lights blinked like buoys in a sea of sand and sagebrush from half a mile away. When Emily turned onto Salt Flats Road, she spotted the sheriff’s car in front of the house along with the emergency rigs. But as she neared the house, the flashing stopped. Uniformed EMTs worked at the back of their ambulance, locking compartment doors. A couple of firefighters reattached something to the fire truck.

No crackling flames. No smoke. No sheet-covered stretcher.

Still, Emily couldn’t breathe. As she braked, the Jeep ground to a stop in the gravel, sending up a cloud of dust. She dashed up the steps and across the covered porch.

A thick, noxious blend of odors met her at the doorway, setting her heart pounding.

“Aunt Grace?” Inside, Emily took a quick glance around the front room and found her great-aunt snuggled up in her favorite corner chair.

A uniformed fireman stood nearby while the EMT on the loveseat beside Aunt Grace packed up a medic kit.

Grace’s soft, wrinkly face drew wide with a smile as Emily came near. “Ooh, here ye are dearie. Such a kind lass. Did ye bring the mail? We’ll be getting a letter from Maggie and Ian today.”

That was good for a partial sigh of relief. “Are you okay?” Emily touched her aunt’s thin shoulder, then bent over the little white-haired woman and kissed the top of her head. “What’s going on? Have you been baking?”

“Aye. Lemon cookies for tea to go with Maggie’s letter.” The old woman nodded, leaned closer, and whispered, “But I’m afraid I misplaced my spatula.”

Oh, Lord, not again. Emily glanced at the fireman, a guy from their church.

He greeted her with a nod and glanced down at Aunt Grace, his drawn brow deepening his look of uncertainty. “You ... might want to start by looking in the kitchen.”

Emily let out a pent-up breath and forced a smile. “Good idea, Brad. Thanks.” She smiled into the old woman’s clouded eyes, once the color of autumn sky. “I’ll be right back.”

In the kitchen, another fireman with a clipboard tossed her a nod and kept writing.

She recognized him too, one of Jaye’s recent crushes.

The pungent smell of burnt cookie and melted plastic stung Emily’s nose.

On the counter, a few dozen lemon shortbread cookies stood stacked in tidy rows. The oven door hung open. Inside, a batch of charred cookies rested peacefully, including what was left of the missing spatula, partially melted at a weird angle in the middle like some kind of eclectic pop art. Though every window was open, a gray haze hovered near the ceiling. Aunt Grace’s favorite Nottingham lace curtains fanned the acrid odor with the help of a gentle breeze.

Emily rubbed her tingling nose. After a last glance around the kitchen, she returned to the front room.

“Did ye find it?” Grace asked, still whispering.

“Yes, I did.” Emily couldn’t help a faint smile at her great-aunt’s concern that someone might discover she’d lost a kitchen utensil. Never mind nearly burning down a house. “It’s right where you left it.”

“Ah, good. Thank ye, dearie.” Her soft Scottish brogue and cheerful smile returned.

No harm done.

This time.

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February 22--Singing Librarian Books
February 23--Toni Shiloh Prayerfully-Lifted Romance | The Power of Words
February 24--Just Commonly 
February 25--Smiling Book Reviews
February 26--A Holland Reads
February 27--Reading Is My SuperPower

Singing Librarian Books

One Spring Lamb by Anne Kennedy

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: February 2, 2016

Number of pages: 20

Genre: Childrens

Synopsis:

Your toddlers and preschoolers will love the repetitive rhymes of this adorable Easter counting board book, and parents will appreciate the early learning opportunity that it brings.

Count along with little lamb in this sweet rhyming text to celebrate all the fun things that come with Easter This fun counting book ends with the most important part of the Easter season: the reminder that Jesus lives and loves us so. Acclaimed illustrator Anne Kennedy has books that have won the International Reading Associations’ Teachers’ Choices Awards, Notable Book by the American Library Association award, and more.

What did I think of this book:

This is one of the cutest little Easter books I have seen. I like how each page is a little poem and a counting theme as well. The illustrations are very nice and bright to keep you little one captivated as you read to them. Since it is a board book your little one can "read" the book over and over by themselves and count along with the story. I am sure my littlest niece will enjoy this book. All in all a cute little book. 

About the author:

Anne Vittur Kennedy loves the quiet space of her studio and lives in Ohio with her husband, Jack; her dog, Brody; and her horses, Sitka and Frisco.

London Art Chase by Natalie Grant - Review

I received this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: January 26, 2016

Number of pages: 208

Genre: Tween

Series: Glimmer Girls #1

Synopsis:

In London Art Chase, the first title in the new Faithgirlz Glimmer Girls series, readers meet 10-year-old twins Mia and Maddie and their adorable little sister, LuLu. All the girls are smart, sassy, and unique in their own way, each with a special little something that adds to great family adventures.


There is pure excitement in the family as the group heads to London for the first time to watch mom, famous singer Gloria Glimmer, perform. But on a day trip to the National Gallery, Maddie witnesses what she believes to be an art theft and takes her sisters and their beloved and wacky nanny Miss Julia, on a wild and crazy adventure as they follow the supposed thief to his lair. Will the Glimmer Girls save the day? And will Maddie find what makes her shine?

What did I think of this book:

This is a cute book for your tween readers to enjoy. Now I accidently got the second book first and had to go back and read this one. I recommend reading them in order. Just like the other book I enjoyed the relationship these sisters have and the fun the have together. It was nice because the author added some tidbits about London in this book so you got a sense of being there with the girls. One of the bigh things I liked is the mystery and how the girls work together to solve it. There is enough action to keep you tween girl interested in this story. All in all this is a good series for tweens. I am looking forward to sharing this with my niece. 

About the author:

Four-time Grammy nominated Natalie Grant is a top-selling Christian & Gospel artist with over 3 million in career sales. The Gospel Music Association has named her Female Vocalist of the Year 5 times and she has had multiple number 1s on the Billboard charts. Beyond music, in 2005 Natalie co-founded Hope for Justice International, an organization that identifies, rescues, and restores victims of human trafficking. Natalie resides in Nashville, TN with her husband, producer/songwriter Bernie Herms and their three children: twins Grace and Bella, and their youngest, Sadie.

Messandrierre by Angela Wren - Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

Published: December 8, 2015

Number of pages: 119

Genre: Murder/Mystery/Romance

 Website | Goodreads   

SYNOPSIS

Sacrificing his job in investigation following an incident in Paris, Jacques Forêt has only a matter of weeks to solve a series of mysterious disappearances as a Gendarme in the rural French village of Messandrierre. But, as the number of missing persons rises, his difficult and hectoring boss puts obstacles in his way. Steely and determined, Jacques won’t give up and, when a new Investigating Magistrate is appointed, he becomes the go-to local policeman for all the work on the case. Will he find the perpetrators before his lover, Beth, becomes a victim? Messandrierre – the first in a new crime series featuring investigator, Jacques Forêt.

EXCERPT

saturday, june, the present

It was clear that Will Coulson was worried when he walked through the open door of thegendarmerie. His face had lost its brightness, there were dark shadows under his grey eyes, and his initial report to Jacques was earnest and angst-ridden. Jacques came back into the cubby-hole that served as an interview room and put a mug of coffee on the tiny table in front of Will.

Picking up the statement, he resumed the interview in English. “So, Rob Myers, your travelling companion, aged twenty-two, was last seen by you at the campsite here in Messandrierre around two on Wednesday afternoon.” Jacques looked at Will for confirmation and he nodded in response. “And on that day, before you separated, you both agreed to meet at the campsite in Mende on Thursday. That was the day before yesterday.”

“Yeah. We were going to try out this night club on Friday.” Will nursed his coffee.

“The place on Causse d’Auge?”

“Umm…” From his wallet he pulled out a card and studied it. “Yeah,” he said, putting it on the table facing Jacques. “A mate of mine found it last year when he was here and said it was full of… well. He said it was a good place.”

Jacques stared at him. Full of women is what you really meant to say. “OK. And when Rob didn’t arrive in Mende on Thursday, you did what?”

“Well, nothing to start with. I just thought he was onto a good thing, that’s all.”

“A good thing?”

“This woman we’d met on Tuesday. Rob’s really into photography and so was she. They were getting on well, if you know what I mean.” He shuffled in his chair and picked up his coffee.

Jacques sat back and waited to see if he would say more, but was disappointed. “And on Friday, when he still didn’t turn up?”

“I just texted him. ‘S’pose she’s worth it.’ That’s all I put.”

“What time was that?”

He shrugged. “Don’t know. About eleven-ish, lunchtime or something like that.” He picked up the mug, took another sip and put it to one side and leaned forward on the table. “Then when he didn’t turn up in time to go the club I phoned him but his phone was switched off.”

“How can you be sure of that? Perhaps the battery was flat.”

“No, he’s got his charger with him. He never lets it get flat.”

Jacques grinned. “Perhaps he didn’t want to be interrupted. He’s twenty-two, got a woman…”

Will sat up. “No. You don’t understand. He doesn’t turn his phone off. He uses it constantly and he always responds to texts. And when he misses a call he always calls back or texts. He just doesn’t turn it off like that.” He stared at Jacques. “He doesn’t. He just doesn’t!” He thumped the table with the flat of his hand in frustration. “And all his gear is missing too. I’ve been back to the campsite. His stuff’s all gone. His bike, his tent, everything.”

“OK. Calm down.”

“Well, do something then,” shouted Will. “He’s gone. He wouldn’t just bunk off like that. He’s a good mate.”

Jacques picked up the statement again and in a low voice said, “I will look into it but let’s get all the details first. And you need to understand that Rob, in the eyes of the law, is a responsible adult and he is free to move around as he chooses.” However, in Jacques’ mind, there were strong possible similarities with a previous case. “This woman he was with. Do you have any details? A name, an address?”

Will frowned for a moment. “She’s here. Right now!”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 Angela Wren Having followed a career in Project and Business Change Management, I now work as an Actor and Director at a local theatre. I’ve been writing, in a serious way, for about 5 years. My work in project management has always involved drafting, so writing, in its various forms, has been a significant feature throughout my adult life. I particularly enjoy the challenge of plotting and planning different genres of work. My short stories vary between contemporary romance, memoir, mystery and historical. I also write comic flash-fiction and have drafted two one-act plays that have been recorded for local radio. The majority of my stories are set in France where I like to spend as much time as possible each year.

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Buy the book on Amazon or on Smashwords
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For the love of bookshops

In honor of me getting a new library card from a new to me library I thought I would share my love of bookshops and libararies with everyone. I enjoy going to new bookstores and seeing what they have. You never know they may have something you have not seen before. In my internet travels I found all of these lovely bookshops that look amazing and would be fun to visit. So why not share. Some are stores and some are libraries but they are all unique in their own way. Do you have a favorite libary or bookshop?

The Abbey Bookshop in Paris

Bath, England

Dublin, Ireland

Paris

Thomas Jefferson's Library - Library of Congress

Morgan Library - New York

George Peabody Library - Baltimore, Maryland

York Minister Library

Charlotte by Virginia Taylor and Loving Lies by Tina Donahue - Spotlight

 Title: Charlotte 

Author: Virginia Taylor 

Release Date: February 2, 2016 

Publisher: Lyrical Press 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Format: Ebook

Inside the Book:

A marriage most inconvenient…

After losing his first love in childbirth, Nicholas Alden knows with a great certainty that he must never be a father. But to be a husband is a very different matter—mandated by South Australian society, necessary for his family name. So when he meets beautiful social climber Charlotte, he believes he has found a wife he can keep at arm’s length. He is terribly wrong.

Born on the wrong side of the sheets, Charlotte hopes Nick can prop up her reputation long enough to secure a suitable match for her beloved cousin. She assumes that is all she can ask of her new husband—until they succumb to a night of uninhibited passion. Her heart is won in his embrace, but he doesn’t know the truth of her scandalous parentage. If he did, all would be lost.

Still, somehow, Charlotte dares to hope that her match of convenience could become something more. It is a reckless gamble, but the prize—a marriage of blazing lifelong desire—is one worth any risk…

Meet the Author:

Virginia Taylor is an Australian writer of contemporary romantic comedy, romantic suspense, historical romance, short stories, and children’s stories.

After a stint at the South Australian School of Art, I worked for an advertising agency,  re-trained as a nurse/midwife, and then married the man of my dreams. Two children later, I began writing romance. While awaiting publication, I painted and designed various theatre sets with a fellow School of Art graduate.In 2013 I sold my first novel-length story.

 

Inside the Book:

Title: Loving Lies 

Author: Tina Donahue 

Release Date: February 16, 2016 

Publisher: Lyrical Press 

Genre: Historical Romance 

Format: Ebook

Deception knows no limits. Passion knows no bounds. When she is kidnapped, Senorita Isabella knows the men have been sent by her uncle in a murderous attempt to control her family’s fortune. But when she is rescued by a dashing and mysterious warrior, Isabella can’t imagine why a stranger would risk his life for her—until she discovers her rescuer believes she’s someone else….

Fernando de Zayas loves nothing more than the cry of battle. Defying death is his way of life. But when he discovers his betrothed has been kidnapped, he rushes to her aid—never suspecting that spirited beauty would soothe his warrior heart… With her uncle’s minions close on their heels, Isabella finds herself drawing closer to Fernando. But as the desire between them builds, her secret could keep them apart forever…

 

Meet the Author:

Tina Donahue is an award-winning, bestselling novelist in erotic, paranormal, contemporary and historical romance for Kensington, Ellora’s Cave, Samhain Publishing, Siren Publishing, Booktrope, and indie. Booklist, Publisher’s Weekly, Romantic Times and numerous online sites have praised her work. Three of her erotic novels (Adored; Deep, Dark, Delicious; Lush Velvet Nights) were named finalists in the 2011 EPIC competition. Sensual Stranger, her erotic romance, was chosen Book of the Year 2010 (erotic category) at the French review site, Blue Moon reviews. The Golden Nib Award at Miz Love Loves Books was created specifically for her erotic romance Lush Velvet Nights. Deep, Dark, Delicious (erotic romance) received an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. Take Me Away (erotic romance) captured second place in the NEC-RWA contest. And The Yearning (erotic paranormal) was honored with an Award of Merit in the RWA Holt Medallion competition. She’s featured in the 2012 Novel and Writer’s Market. Before penning romances, she worked in Story Direction for a Hollywood production company.

 

 

 

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Tour Schedule

 Monday, February 22 - Books featured at Holland Reads

Tuesday, February 23 - Books featured at Mary's Cup of Tea

Wednesday, February 24 - Books featured at Bound 2 Escape

Thursday, February 25 - Charlotte reviewed at Review All Books

Friday, February 26 - Books featured at E-Romance News

Saturday, February 27 - Books featured at Mythical Books

________

Tuesday, March 1 - Books featured at 3 Partners in Shopping

Thursday, March 3 - Books featured at Harmonious Publicity

Friday, March 4 - Books featured at Literal Exposure

Sunday, March 6 - Charlotte and Loving Lies reviewed at Fascinating Quest

________

Wednesday, March 9 - Books featured at Deal Sharing Aunt

Thursday, March 10 - Charlotte and Loving Lies reviewed at Our Families Adventure

Friday, March 11 - Books featured at Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews

Saturday, March 12 - Charlotte reviewed at Chick with Books

________

Monday, March 14 - Books featured at A Title Wave

Tuesday, March 15 - Books featured at Bent Over Bookwords

Wednesday, March 16 - Books featured at The Dark Phantom

Thursday, March 17 - Books featured at My Bookish Pleasures

Friday, March 18 - Books Featured at Voodoo Princess

Seven Will Out by JoAnn Spears - Review

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

Published: October 31, 2015

Number of pages: 528 

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: A Renaissance Revel

 

Synopsis:

If you thought "Six of One: A Tudor Riff" was the most fun you could have with your nightdress on, wait until you see what "Seven Will Out: A Renaissance Revel" has in store. Get ready for one 'ruff' night! Tudorphile Dolly thought that the night she spent on an astral plane with Henry VIII's six wives, learning their heretofore unknown secrets, was a one-time thing. Not so! In "Seven Will Out", Dolly finds herself back in the ether with the women of later Tudor times: Elizabeth I, ‘Bloody’ Mary, Bess of Hardwick, Mary, Queen of Scots, and Anne Hathaway Shakespeare, to name a few. They too have secrets that will turn history on its head, and comic sass that will keep you laughing. You've read all of the traditional, serious and romantic takes on the legendary Tudors. Why not try your Tudors with a new and different twist? 

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble

What did I think of this book:

I have to say I have not read the first book but I will be going back to read it. I would suggest reading it before you read this one. This book was set in one of my two favorite time periods and about some of the best historical figures I enjoy reading about so I jumped at the chance to get to review this book. It was fun to read a story about these characters with a funny twist instead of the more serious tones we are used to reading about. It is like having a night out with all your old friends. A new take on the Tudors life. 

About the Author:

JoAnn Spears couldn't decide whether to major in English or History in college. Life stepped in, and she wound up with a Master’s Degree in Nursing instead. A twenty-five year nursing career didn’t extinguish that early interest in books and history. It did however stoke a decidedly gallows sense of humor. The story of the six wives of Henry VIII was JoAnn’s favorite piece of history. Over the years, she read just about every spin on the story that there was. It occurred to her that the one spin that hadn’t been brought to a full length novel about the Tudors was a gallows sense of humor. The Tudors certainly qualified for it, and JoAnn had plenty to spare. The first ‘real’ book JoAnn ever read was “The Wizard of Oz”. She returned to the Yellow Brick Road for inspiration for a new kind of Tudor novel, and “Six of One” was born. “Six of One” was begun in JoAnn’s native New Jersey. It was wrapped up in her new Smoky Mountain home in northeast Tennessee, where she is pursuing a second career as a writer. She has, however, obtained a Tennessee nursing license because a) you never stop being a nurse and b) her son Bill thinks she should be sensible and not quit her day job. While “Six of One” is a different kind of historical novel, JoAnn is a downright stereotypical lady author. She admits to the usual cats, flower beds, needlework, and frightfully complete collections of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott.
Facebook | Goodreads | Amazon Page

Blog Tour Schedule:

Monday, February 15 Spotlight & Giveaway at Unshelfish

Tuesday, February 16 Review at Turning The Pages

Wednesday, February 17 Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, February 18 Spotlight & Giveaway at CelticLady's Reviews

Friday, February 19 Interview at Historical Fiction Addicts Giveaway at Passages to the Past

Monday, February 22 Review at A Holland Reads Guest Post at Boom Baby Reviews

Tuesday, February 23 Review & Giveaway at Historical Fiction Obsession

Wednesday, February 24 Review at Rambling Reviews

Thursday, February 25 Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book

Friday, February 26 Guest Post at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Sunday, February 28 Review at The Tudor Enthusiast

Monday, February 29 Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund - Review

I recieved this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

Published: March 1, 2016

Number of pages: 224

Genre: Young Adult, Historical

Series: An Uncertain Choice #2

Synopsis:

In a reverse twist on the Robin Hood story, a young medieval maiden stands up for the rights of the mistreated, stealing from the rich to give to the poor. All the while, she fights against her cruel uncle who has taken over the land that is rightfully hers. Forced to live in the woods and hide with the poor people she's grown to love, she works to save and protect them, but she never anticipates falling in love with the wealthy knight who represents all she's come to despise.

What did I think of this book:

Jody has done it again with another hit in this story. I enjoyed this book as much as the first one (An Uncertain Choice) if not even more. The twist on Robin Hood made this story fun to read. You not only have adventure but a love story. Another factor of this book that I like is that it has a strong female lead. I think it is good for young women to read about strong females. Jody's knack for storytelling is quite good. It was fun reading about the friendship of Juliana and Collin. It is also nice to see how Juliana grows to love the poor people. You will find yourself turning the pages just as fast as you can read them. It is short enough that you can read it in a weekend but long enough to feel satisified. The auhor does such a good job with her descriptions that you really feel as if you are seeing what she is writing about. This is a good book for not just young adults but for adults as well. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. 

About the author:

Jody Hedlund is an award-winning and bestselling author of inspirational historical romances for both youth and adults.

As a busy mama-writer, she has the wonderful privilege of teaching her crew of 5 children at home. In between grading math papers and giving spelling tests, she occasionally does a load of laundry and washes dishes. When she's not busy being a mama, you can find her in front of her laptop working on another of her page-turning stories.

She loves reading almost as much as she loves writing, especially when it also involves chocolate and coffee.

The Greatest Prospector in the World by Ken Dunn - Review,Interview and Giveaway

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

Published: April 26, 2016

Number of pages: 198

Genre: Fiction

Synopsis:

Laura Dunagan, was born in the gold prospecting days of rustic Alaska in the early 1900's. When Laura was 16 years old, her father was trapped under a mud slide while prospecting in a nearby river and died. Laura was forced to move to Chicago in the care of her rich Uncle Joe. Laura hated Uncle Joe because he forced her to leave the river, but also because he had left the family prospecting business to move to Chicago years before she was born. Laura discovers that Uncle Joe made his fortune selling insurance and was the owner of the largest insurance company in Illinois. While wondering through the mansion one day, she found Uncle's Joe personal den. In it, she discovered an entire new life that would lead her to heights that she would never had realized panning for gold in Alaska. Uncle Joe used the 6 gold prospecting rules for safety to prospect new clients for his insurance company and in doing so, discovered the secrets to wealth in selling.

Buy the book: Amazon Barnes & Noble Book Depository

What did I think of this book:

I enjoyed the telling of Laura's story and all she went through in life, from starting out prospecting with her father to being taken to a large city to grow up with an uncle. I thought the story was well written and it did keep me interested as it went along. What you do not realize is that while reading this book you are also learning a lesson in business. Another thing that I liked abou tthis book it that it had such a strong female character that gets what she wants in business and life. This book was easy to read and short enough that you can read it just a day or two. The author not only gives you a good story but a lesson in business. 

Interview:

1. How did you come up with the concept of the book?
I know what people have to do to sell and I’ve written 3 previous books that help people to understand. But I also realized that people are inspired by fiction- much more than they are by non-fiction. The book I’ve been most highly impacted by in my life is The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino. It had such an impact that it inspired me to come up with the story I did. 

2. What did you learn in the process of writing your book?
Writing fiction is a lot harder than non-fiction. It helped me to get feedback as I was writing. 

3. What advice would you give to someone just starting?   
Don’t write a book until you’ve read 100 bestselling books in the same genre.

4. If you were to sum up your advice in 3 words what would they be?
Never Give Up 

5. How would you suggest people use your book?
Picture themselves as the main character and learn as Laura does.

6. Where did you get the title and what does it mean?
I was inspired by Og Mandino and the title is a play on words. It sounds like one thing but means something different. 

7. What are some of the mistakes you see being made in sales?
Average sales people do not understand the importance of a relationships. 

8. What is the single greatest message that a person can learn from your book?
How you are is more important than who you are.

9. If connections are our most valuable resource, how does one nurture a large number of connections. 
By living a life of giving more than receiving.  

About the author:

Ken Dunn is one of the leadership training world’s up and coming great speakers and trainers. An incredible hunger to learn and teach others has led Ken successfully through five different professional careers in the past 25 years.

Ken began a policing career at the age of 18. He was involved in the policing world’s most exhilarating and challenging disciplines, including undercover drug and surveillance work, S.W.A.T. teamwork, aggravated child abuse, frauds, aggravated assaults, illegal weapons smuggling and homicides.

Today, Ken regularly speaks to groups in the direct sales, mortgage, insurance and banking industries. He uses humor and his own experiences to inspire audiences around the world. Ken lives in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Julie, and children Matthew and Laura.

Connect with the author: Website Twitter Facebook

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Feb 1 - The Autistic Gamer - review

Feb 2 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway

Feb 2 - Amie's Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 3 - misty103 @ HubPages - review

Feb 4 - Room With Books - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 5 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Feb 5 - Corinne Rodrigues - book spotlight

Feb 8 - Katie's Clean Book Collection - book spotlight

Feb 8 - Olio by Marilyn - review

Feb 9 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review

​Feb 9 - Puddletown Reviews - review / giveaway

Feb 10 - #redhead.with.book - review / giveaway

Feb 11 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 12 - Singing Librarian Books - review

Feb 15 - Bound 4 Escape - review

Feb 15 - Ali - The Dragon Slayer - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 16 - Readers' Muse - review / guest post

Feb 17 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy , + Sissy, Too! - review / giveaway

Feb 17 - Books Reviews, Nature Photos, and Everything in Between - review

Feb 18 - Zerina Blossom's Books - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

Feb 18 - Divas With a Purpose - review

Feb 19 - A Holland Reads - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 19 - Heidi's Wanderings - review

Feb 22 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - review

​Feb 22 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Feb 23 - Deal Sharing Aunt - review / giveaway

​Feb 23 - IT Revolution - review / author interview / giveaway

Feb 24 - Laura Fabiani - Amazon.ca Top 500 Reviewer - review

Feb 24 - Sahar's Blog - review

Feb 25 - Jaquo Lifestyle Magazine - guest post 

Feb 26 - Create With Joy - review