A Holland Reads: HFVBT

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July 3, 2019

The Portrait by Cassandra Austen - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details

The Portrait by Cassandra Austen

Publication Date: December 31, 2018

Apollo Grannus Books

eBook & Paperback; 340 Pages

Genre: Historical/Romance/Suspense

Book description

Lady Catherine, banished to the countryside as a useless girl with a lame leg, got her revenge by playing a dangerous game. And now it will ruin her. When the old earl dies, his only child feels no sorrow. The earldom will now revert to the crown and Lady Catherine will continue to live life exactly as she pleases. But when she learns that she is the heir to a secret family title, everything changes. Marriage had once seemed unnecessary and out of the question; now it is the only thing she wants. The two men in her life both need her influence and wealth. Whom shall she choose? The kind but secretive Captain Avebury? Or the notorious Sir Lyle, the handsome smuggler? Both men deal very differently with honor. And when Catherine's secret self-destructs, which man can be trusted to save her? The Portrait is about a strong woman, foolish decisions, trust, and the definition of honor. Fans of Jane Austen's independent women will recognize in Catherine a voice which will not be silenced.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Meet the Author - Cassandra Austen

Cassandra Austen writes historical and contemporary fiction set in both old and New England. She is the author of The Portrait, a historical romance that takes place during the Regency period in England, and Coming Home to Greenleigh, a contemporary New England romance. She lives and works in her 1700s farmhouse in northern New England, but you are welcome to visit her at her virtual home: cassandraausten.com. You can also find Cassandra on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away two copies of The Portrait! To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on July 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open internationally. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen. The Portrait

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 1 Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Tuesday, July 2 Feature at A Holland Reads

Wednesday, July 3 Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, July 4 Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, July 5 Review at A Chick Who Reads Excerpt at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen Monday, July 8 Interview at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, July 9 Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, July 10 Review at McCombs on Main

Thursday, July 11 Feature at What Is That Book About Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit Friday, July 12 Review at Coffee and Ink Review at Book Reviews from Canada

Monday, July 15 Review at My Vices and Weaknesses

June 26, 2019

Abe & Ann by Gary Moore - Review

Book details

Publication Date: May 15, 2019

Komatik Press

eBook & Paperback; 220 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book description

ABE & ANN brings to life the little-known story of Abraham Lincoln’s passionate romance with Ann Rutledge when he was young and timid and hopelessly in love. Years later he would be enthroned in Washington after saving democracy, his wisdom and greatness legendary. Was it all because of a woman?

Auburn-haired Ann Rutledge, feisty and fed-up with propriety, is frontier royalty, the 18-year-old daughter of the founder of the village where the 22-year-old Lincoln comes looking for work. She is lively and literate and funny, and Abe is homely and poor, but full of high ambition. Lincoln courts the dazzling red-haired woman who comes into his life like a revelation. In the spell of their feelings, the lovers question the limits in their lives and boldly dream of a better future. But she is engaged to another man.

Readers who enjoyed Doris Kearns Goodwin’s bestselling Lincoln book Team of Rivals, Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film Lincoln, and George Saunders’ Lincoln in the Bardo will marvel again at this very different and compelling tale of Lincoln as a young man.

Not a grand historical treatment but a lyrical telling of a deeply personal tale, ABE & ANN dares to give readers an earnest but untutored Lincoln whose humanity every reader can share, who was weak before he was strong, frightened before he was bold, and deeply in love with a woman whose admiration confirmed the greatness growing within him.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE

Meet the author - Gary Moore

Author Gary Moore is a playwright and poet who has been making creative use of Abraham Lincoln in drama, poetry, and performance art for more than thirty years. Gary’s bilingual musical in Shanghai, The Great Emancipator Meets The Monkey King, introduced rap-music to the People’s Republic of China six months before Tiananmen. His play based on that experience, Burning in China, sold out at the 2010 New York International Fringe Festival after being featured in the New York Times and recommended by the New Yorker. ABE & ANN, to be published by Komatik Press in May, 2019, is his first novel.

WEBSITE | GOODREADS

My thoughts

I thought this was an interesting book and it gave a different view of Lincoln than what most people are used to seeing. For me it gave a little bit of a more personal side to him. You got to see him as a young man and how he felt about Ann. The writing was done well and I thought the author did a good job with his research and getting the details of the time period correct.

June 20, 2019

Gold Digger by Rebecca Rosenberg - Review and Giveaway

Book details

Gold Digger by Rebecca Rosenberg

Publication Date: May 28, 2019

Lion Heart Publishing

eBook & Paperback; 312 Pages

Genre: Fiction/Romance/Historical/American

Book description

One look at Baby Doe and you know she was meant to be a legend! She was just twenty years old when she came to Colorado to work a gold mine with her new husband. Little did she expect that she'd be abandoned and pregnant and left to manage the gold mine alone. But that didn't stop her! She moved to Leadville and fell in love with a married prospector, twice her age. Horace Tabor struck the biggest silver vein in history, divorced his wife and married Baby Doe. Though his new wife was known for her beauty, her fashion, and even her philanthropy, she was never welcomed in polite society. Discover how the Tabors navigated the worlds of wealth, power, politics, and scandal in the wild days of western mining.
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Praise for Gold Digger

“Rosenberg’s rollicking Western adventure strikes gold with a gutsy, good-hearted spitfire of a heroine and action aplenty.” —THELMA ADAMS, bestselling author of Bittersweet Brooklyn and The Last Woman Standing "Gold Digger tells the true story of Lizzie 'Baby Doe' Tabor, a beautiful young woman who in 1878 marries the son of a wealthy miner in order to save her family from penury. Shrewd and stubborn, Lizzie fights back-biting Victorian society, wins and loses vast fortunes, and bests conniving politicians in her larger-than-life story. A twisting tale worthy of Mark Twain, with a big-hearted heroine at the center." —MARTHA CONWAY, author of The Underground River

Meet the Author - Rebecca Rosenberg

A California native, Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where Jack London wrote from his Beauty Ranch. Rebecca is a long-time student of Jack London’s works and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is her debut novel. Rebecca and her husband, Gary, own the largest lavender product company in America, selling to 4000 resorts, spas and gift stores. The Rosenbergs believe in giving back to the Sonoma Community, supporting many causes through financial donations and board positions, including Worth Our Weight, an educational culinary program for at-risk children, YWCA shelter for abused women, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center to provide performances for children, Sonoma Food Bank, Sonoma Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home. For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads. Visit the Facebook page for The Secret Life of Mrs. London.

My thoughts

I thought this was an interesting book about someone in history that I knew nothing about. Baby Doe had to endure a lot on her own. I am not sure I could have survived on my own in that time like she did. But I liked how she kind of rebelled against what people thought women should do in that time and did what she had to do the way she wanted to do it to survive. The author did a good job with her research. I liked how she packed a lot of information into this book without making it feel heavy.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we will be giving away a copy of Gold Digger, a gold facial mask & soap set, and recipe brochure to five winners. Three winners will receive an ebook of Gold Digger. To enter, please use the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on June 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Gold Digger

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, May 15 Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, May 16 Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, May 17 Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, May 20 Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, May 21 Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog

Friday, May 24 Feature at Just One More Chapter

Monday, May 27 Review at Orange County Readers

Tuesday, May 28 Excerpt at Kimber Li Review at Diana_bibliophile

Wednesday, May 29 Review at 100 Pages a Day Review at Oh, the Books She Will Read

Thursday, May 30 Review at A Bookish Affair Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, May 31 Interview at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Monday, June 3 Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, June 4 Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Wednesday, June 5 Review at A Book Geek

Thursday, June 6 Review at Comet Readings

Friday, June 7 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Saturday, June 8 Interview at Comet Readings

Monday, June 10 Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Tuesday, June 11 Excerpt at Old Timey Books

Wednesday, June 12 Interview at T's Stuff Review at Proverbial Reads

Thursday, June 13 Review at Cheryl's Book Nook

Saturday, June 15 Review at Suzy Approved Book Reviews

Monday, June 17 Author Spotlight at RW Bookclub

Tuesday, June 18 Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Thursday, June 20 Review at A Holland Reads

Monday, June 24 Review at RW Bookclub

Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, June 27 Review at Mama's Reading Corner

Friday, June 28 Review at Coffee and Ink Review at Cover To Cover Cafe

December 20, 2018

From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan - Review and Giveaway

I received this book free from the publisher. All opinions are my own

Book details

From Across the Room by Gina L. Mulligan

Publication Date: September 15, 2016

Five Star Publications

Hardcover & eBook; 271 Pages

Genre: Historical/Epistolary

Book description

Self-indulgent young writer Thomas Gadwell has traveled from Boston to the new Hotel Del Coronado in California to at last finish his novel when he meets the clever and headstrong Miss Mary Harting. At once Thomas tosses aside his literary pursuits for a charmed summer of romance that ends with the happy couple making future plans. However, Mary Harting is the only unmarried daughter of notorious railroad tycoon Charles Harting, and he has no intention of letting a useless wordsmith derail his own critical plans for Mary. The couple must continue a clandestine courtship, but Thomas' ingenuity has unexpected repercussions and he unwittingly uncovers a sinister plot of deception, greed, and blackmail. Guided by mentor Henry James, to win Mary, Thomas must step from the pages of the world he creates to explore his own insecurities, battle against worldly corruption, and expose family demons. Told through a series of clever, heartfelt, and engaging letters, From Across the Room is a voyeuristic escapade that delights at every twist. Reflecting back to a time when letters were saved in the imagination of the reader, the lost art of letter writing brings to life the opulent Gilded Age and unfolds the universal passions of love, ambition, and the resilient bonds of family.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Chapters | IndieBound

Praise for From Across the Room

"A passionate love story set in a brilliantly recreated Gilded Age, this intimate epistolary novel takes the reader from a wide-open California to the salons of literary and industrial New York. Colorful and indelible characters stride across the pages of this exceptionally vivid historical novel that brings the past stirringly to life." -Diana Birchall, Bestselling Author of Mr. Darcy's Dilemma

"Gina Mulligan's impeccable prose, engaging characters, and original style reminds us all why we love to read." -Reza Kahlili, 2010 National Best Books winner for A Time to Betray

"The characters have richly defined voices and fascinating lives that sparkle against a transcontinental history of America at the beginning of the twentieth century." -Jessica Klein, Award-winning Writer/Producer of Northern Exposure, Beverly Hills 90210, Gabriel's Fire and other popular TV series.

Meet the Author - Gina Mulligan

Gina L. Mulligan is a veteran freelance journalist for numerous national magazines and the author of the award-winning novel, REMEMBER THE LADIES and FROM ACROSS THE ROOM. After her own diagnosis, Gina founded Girls Love Mail, a charity that collects handwritten letters of encouragement for women with breast cancer. She was honored for her charitable work on the nationally syndicated television talk show The Steve Harvey Show, People.com, and TODAY.com.
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

My thoughts

This is the first book that I have read by this author and it will not be the last. I thought that the author did a good job with the historical details of this story. That is one of he things that I like the best. I also enjoyed the way the book was written. Reading a book written as letters makes the book read quickly and for me it makes the book that much better. The author did a good job of keeping the reader engaged.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 3 copies of From Across the Room & Stationary! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. From Across the Room

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 26

Review at Creating Herstory

Excerpt at Spellbound by History

Tuesday, November 27

Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, November 28

Review at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 29

Review at Tar Heel Reader

Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Friday, November 30

Review at A Holland Reads

Saturday, December 1

Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Monday, December 3

Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, December 4

Review at CelticLady's Reviews

Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, December 5

Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, December 6

Review at Peppermint Ph.D.

Friday, December 7

Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Monday, December 10

Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, December 11

Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, December 12

Review at Laura's Interests

Friday, December 14

Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, December 17

Review & Excerpt at Locks, Hooks and Books

Tuesday, December 18

Feature at Broken Teepee

Wednesday, December 19

Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, December 20

Review at Bri's Book Nook

Friday, December 21

Review at The Book Mind

Guest Post and Excerpt at Confessions of an Avid Reader

October 15, 2018

A Torch in His Heart by Anna Belfrage - Review and Giveaway

I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own

Book details

A Torch in His Heart by Anna Belfrage

Publication Date: August 31, 2018

Timelight Press

eBook & Paperback 514 Pages

Series: The Wanderer, Book One

Genre: Romance/Erotica/Paranormal

Book description

In the long lost ancient past, two men fought over the girl with eyes like the Bosporus under a summer sky. It ended badly. She died. They died. Since then, they have all tumbled through time, reborn over and over again. Now they are all here, in the same place, the same time and what began so long ago must finally come to an end. Ask Helle Madsen what she thinks about reincarnation and she’ll laugh in your face. Besides, Helle has other stuff to handle, what with her new, exciting job in London and her drop-dead but seriously sinister boss, Sam Woolf. And then one day Jason Morris walks into her life and despite never having clapped eyes on him before, she recognizes him immediately. Very weird. Even more weird is the fact that Sam and Jason clearly hate each other’s guts. Helle’s life is about to become extremely complicated and far too exciting.

Available on Amazon

Meet the Author - Anna Belfrage

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with three absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England. (Medieval knight was also high on Anna’s list of potential professions. Yet another disappointment…) With Jason and Helle, Anna has stepped out of her historical comfort zone and has loved doing so. Find out more about Anna by visiting her website, www.annabelfrage.com, You can also connect with Anna on Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and Goodreads.

My thoughts

I have been a fan of Anna's for awhile now so when I heard she was starting a new series I was pretty excited. The time travel aspect really appealed to me - I know you probably would not technically call it time travel since they are reborn. In this story though Helle did not know she has traveled through time. She can't quite figure out why she recognizes Jason or why him and Sam hate each other. This story pulled me in from page one. The characters were very strong and well developed. Anna did not disappoint with her vivid descriptions and details to make you really see and understand the story. Now if you don't like sex scenes then you may not like this book as there are a lot of them but that did not bother me as they just added to the story. My only disappointment is that I have to wait for the next book to come out to see what is going to happen next.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away one eBook and one paperback copy of A Torch in His Heart! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to residents INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. A Torch in His Heart

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 9 Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, October 10 Review at Oh, October

Thursday, October 11 Interview at Let Them Read Books

Friday, October 12 Review at A Chick Who Reads

Monday, October 15 Review at A Holland Reads

Friday, October 19 Feature at A Bookaholic Swede

Sunday, October 21 Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All

Tuesday, October 23 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, October 25 Review at Donna Louise

Friday, October 26 Review at Broken Teepee

Monday, October 29 Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 31 Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, November 2 Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, November 7 Feature at Just One More Chapter

Monday, November 12 Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, November 16 Review at The Book Mind

September 18, 2018

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details

The Matrimonial Advertisement by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: September 4, 2018

Perfectly Proper Press

Paperback & eBook; 317 Pages

Series: Parish Orphans of Devon, Book 1

Genre: Historical/Romance

Book description

She Wanted Sanctuary… Helena Reynolds will do anything to escape her life in London, even if that means traveling to a remote cliffside estate on the North Devon coast and marrying a complete stranger. But Greyfriar’s Abbey isn’t the sort of refuge she imagined. And ex-army captain Justin Thornhill—though he may be tall, dark, and devastatingly handsome—is anything but a romantic hero. He Needed Redemption… Justin has spent the last two decades making his fortune, settling scores, and suffering a prolonged period of torture in an Indian prison. Now, he needs someone to smooth the way for him with the villagers. Someone to manage his household—and warm his bed on occasion. What he needs, in short, is a wife and a matrimonial advertisement seems the perfect way to acquire one. Their marriage was meant to be a business arrangement and nothing more. A dispassionate union free from the entanglements of love and affection. But when Helena’s past threatens, will Justin’s burgeoning feelings for his new bride compel him to come to her rescue? Or will dark secrets of his own force him to let her go?

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Praise for The Matrimonial Advertisement
"Matthews' (The Pug Who Bit Napoleon, 2018, etc.) series opener is a guilty pleasure, brimming with beautiful people, damsels in distress, and an abundance of testosterone...It's a well-written and engaging story that's more than just a romance. The author chooses to draw on dark moments in British history to create Justin's and Helena's complicated pasts...It's an unexpected narrative addition that works well, as Matthews seamlessly blends some grim history with light and frothy fiction. An enjoyable love story that dares to dip a toe into bleak social and political history." -Kirkus Reviews

"I don't have enough words to say how unbelievably incredible this book is...I am a huge fan of Ms Matthews, her writing is always flawless and articulate, but this simply is in a league of its own... 'The Matrimonial Advertisement' is a lot darker that what we have come to expect from Ms Matthews, but for me this is Gothic Victorian story-telling at its best. This is how this genre is supposed to be written!...Ms Matthews has out done herself with this, by far one of the best books I have read--ever!...This is a hauntingly beautiful, gripping and heart-wrenching story. It is simply spellbinding!" -Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

"This is an irresistible romance with the added frisson of gothic fear. At a time in Victorian Britain when a woman belonged entirely to her father, guardian or husband, can Helena ever be free to love and live as she wishes? Mimi's writing style is engaging, and we are plunged immediately into Helena's predicament. Secrets are gradually revealed, adding depth to our understanding of the main characters. This is Miss Matthews' best book so far and it is only the first in a new series!" -Lizanne Lloyd, Lost in a Good Book

"This delightful Victorian love story took me away to another time and another place for a few blissful hours. Mimi Matthews is a wonderful storyteller. She creates very likeable, memorable, layered characters that quickly feel like friends. Her style is naturally elegant and warmly flowing, full of historical detail and charm...this is the second of her fictional works that I've devoured and I'm looking forward to more." -Jayne Fresina, bestselling author of Once Upon a Kiss

"Since I first read the sample chapters, I've been eager to read this book. Mimi Matthews does not disappoint. She lures the reader in for an emotional journey. Full of romance and heart, The Matrimonial Advertisement takes a marriage of convenience, a pinch of Beauty and the Beast, and some truly engrossing social history and brings to life a satisfying romantic tale. I look forward to more from this talented author!" -Lena Goldfinch, bestselling author of The Unexpected Bride

"The Matrimonial Advertisement is a Victorian romance in all its glory...Mimi Matthews definitely knows how to present historical facts effectively and without sounding bookish...a delightful treat for Jane Austen and historical fiction fans." -Readers' Favorite, 5-Stars

"If I could only have one book for the rest of my life, it would be this one. This is my first time reading anything by Mimi Matthews, but rest assured, I now need anything that this incredible author has ever written. The characters were outstanding, developed with complexity and a humanity all their own. The setting and scenery were described with such perfection that I was able to see the circumstances through the characters' eyes with ease. Both Helena and Justin are forever etched onto this reader's heart, and I greatly look forward to expanding my Mimi Matthews library." -Stacie, NetGalley

Meet the Author - Mimi Matthews

Mimi Matthews (A Victorian Lady's Guide to Fashion and Beauty, The Lost Letter) writes both historical non-fiction and traditional historical romances set in Victorian England. Her articles on nineteenth century history have been published on various academic and history sites, including the Victorian Web and the Journal of Victorian Culture, and are also syndicated weekly at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes an Andalusian dressage horse, two Shelties, and two Siamese cats. For more information, please visit Mimi Matthews' website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, Pinterest, Google+, and Goodreads.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of The Matrimonial Advertisement! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. The Matrimonial Advertisement

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, September 4 Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, September 5 Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, September 6 Review at Based on a True Story

Friday, September 7 Review at A Chick Who Reads Feature at What Is That Book About

Saturday, September 8 Feature at The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, September 10 Feature at The Lit Bitch Review at For the Sake of Good Taste

Tuesday, September 11 Feature at To Read, Or Not to Read

Wednesday, September 12 Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Friday, September 14 Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Saturday, September 15 Review at Naomi Finley's Blog

Sunday, September 16 Interview at T's Stuff

Monday, September 17 Character Interview at Love Books Group

Tuesday, September 18 Feature at A Holland Reads Review at Library of Clean Reads

August 28, 2018

Tiffany Blues by MJ Rose - Spotlight

Book details

Tiffany Blues by M.J. Rose

Publication Date: August 7, 2018

Atria Books

Hardcover & eBook; 336 Pages

ISBN: 978-1501173592

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book description

New York, 1924. Twenty‑four‑year‑old Jenny Bell is one of a dozen burgeoning artists invited to Louis Comfort Tiffany’s prestigious artists’ colony. Gifted and determined, Jenny vows to avoid distractions and romantic entanglements and take full advantage of the many wonders to be found at Laurelton Hall. But Jenny’s past has followed her to Long Island. Images of her beloved mother, her hard-hearted stepfather, waterfalls, and murder, and the dank hallways of Canada’s notorious Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women overwhelm Jenny’s thoughts, even as she is inextricably drawn to Oliver, Tiffany’s charismatic grandson. As the summer shimmers on, and the competition between the artists grows fierce as they vie for a spot at Tiffany’s New York gallery, a series of suspicious and disturbing occurrences suggest someone knows enough about Jenny’s childhood trauma to expose her. Supported by her closest friend Minx Deering, a seemingly carefree socialite yet dedicated sculptor, and Oliver, Jenny pushes her demons aside. Between stolen kisses and stolen jewels, the champagne flows and the jazz plays on until one moonless night when Jenny’s past and present are thrown together in a desperate moment, that will threaten her promising future, her love, her friendships, and her very life.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Praise for Tiffany Blues
“A lush, romantic historical mystery with a unique setting. Tiffany Blues explores an interesting lost bit of American history and gives us a heroine to root for." —Kristin Hannah, New York Times bestselling author of The Nightingale

“A fascinating novel about a young, struggling artist mentored by the celebrated jeweler and stained-glass creator Louis Comfort Tiffany. Tiffany Blues brings together an enchanting glimpse of Jazz Age New York and an inspired fictional story about Jenny Bell and the terrible secret she's hiding.” —Christina Baker Kline, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Orphan Train and A Piece of the World

"The New York Times bestselling author of The Library of Light and Shadow crafts a dazzling Jazz Age jewel—a novel of ambition, betrayal, and passion about a young painter whose traumatic past threatens to derail her career at a prestigious summer artists’ colony run by Louis Comfort Tiffany of Tiffany & Co. fame. “[M.J. Rose] transports the reader into the past better than a time machine could accomplish” —The Associated Press

"M.J. Rose must have plunged her pen into a vale of tears, radiance, and crime to write this novel. Tiffany Blues melds a tragic mother-daughter relationship, the shimmer of Tiffany’s creations, the jolting life of artists and their shocking jealousy, in a captivating story that illuminates how far we'll go for love. MJ Rose broke this reader’s heart and then, as though using the ancient art of Kintsugi, healed me by sealing the future with golden veins of hope." —Randy Susan Meyers, International Bestselling Author

"Intriguing... [Rose's] best creation yet." —Publishers Weekly

"Intricate plotting, sensuous descriptions... captivating. A lush, mesmerizing story." —Kirkus

"Rose keeps readers spellbound... with a touch of Gatsby-esque flavor and opulence and a research-rich mix of facts and fiction." —Library Journal - Starred review

"Rose's talent for delivering believable characters and plot shines in her latest novel...Readers are in for a treat and the jaw-dropping climax well have them enthralled." —RT Book Reviews

"A stunning look at the Jazz Age, told in M.J. Rose's inimitable style." —PopSugar 25 Best Summer Books

Meet the Author - M.J. Rose
New York Times Bestseller, M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother's favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice... books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it. Rose's work has appeared in many magazines including Oprah Magazine and she has been featured in the New York Times, Newsweek, WSJ, Time, USA Today and on the Today Show, and NPR radio. Rose graduated from Syracuse University, spent the '80s in advertising, has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC and since 2005 has run the first marketing company for authors - Authorbuzz.com Her most recent novel THE LIBRARY OF LIGHT AND SHADOW (Atria/S&S) was chosen as an Indie Next Pick. The television series PAST LIFE, was based on Rose's novels in the Reincarnationist series. She is one of the founding board members of International Thriller Writers. Rose lives in CT with her husband the musician and composer, Doug Scofield. For more information, please visit her website and her blog, Museum of Mysteries. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a Louis Comfort Tiffany glass paperweight from the Metropolitan Museum of Artder! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US residents only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Tiffany Blues

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 6 Excerpt at Passages to the Past - Feature at Naomi Finley Tuesday,

August 7 Feature at So Many Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, August 8 Review at A Bookish Affair

Thursday, August 9 Feature at Just One More Chapter

Friday, August 10 Review at Donna's Book Blog

Sunday, August 12 Review at Carole Rae's Random Ramblings

Monday, August 13 Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, August 14 Feature at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Wednesday, August 15 Feature at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Thursday, August 16 Review at The Lit Bitch

Monday, August 20 Review at The Book Mind Review at 100 Pages a Day

Tuesday, August 21 Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Wednesday, August 22 Review at Pursuing Stacie

Friday, August 24 Feature at I'm Shelf-ish

Monday, August 27 Review at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, August 28 Feature at A Holland Reads

Wednesday, August 29 Review at Bookish Review at Library of Clean Reads T

hursday, August 30 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Friday, August 31 Interview at History From a Woman's Perspective

Saturday, September 1 Review at A Darn Good Read

Monday, September 3 Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Wednesday, September 5 Review at Laura's Interests

Thursday, September 6 Review & Interview at Clarissa Reads it All

Friday, September 7 Review at Bookramblings

May 23, 2018

Nine Birds Singing by Edythe Anstey Hanen - Spotlight and Giveaway

Book details

Nine Birds Singing by Edythe Anstey Hanen

Publication Date: December 5, 2017

New Arcadia Publishing

Paperback; 276 Pages

ISBN-13: 978-0981024158

Genre: Literary Fiction

Book description
Maddie is a writer of local history but wants to use her words to unlock the hidden truths that lay just below the surface of her life. But it’s magnetic words on a refrigerator door – Have dreams. Must travel – that push Maddie into the journey she must take: the search for what she has yearned for all her life: independence and freedom from the abusive fanaticism of her parents’ religious beliefs. From Vancouver in the sixties to present day Mexico and a small island on the Canadian west coast, Nine Birds Singing is a love affair with words. It weaves through past glories and youthful hubris in a search for understanding and acceptance. Profound friendship, skewed love and loss all play a role in Maddie’s search for redemption.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Praise for Nine Birds Singing
"In Nine Birds Singing, Edyth Anstey Hanen’s appealing narrator Maddie recalls and examines her own search for independence from her parents’ restrictive values. The writer and Maddie, together, gather the reader in to share an intimate, wise, and moving tale." -Jack Hodgins, Author of Spit Delaney’s Island "Nine Birds Singing is a finely written book, lovingly crafted, poignant and perceptive. A tale of gradual self-understanding, awakening and ultimate release." -Nick Bantock, Author of the The Griffin and Sabine Trilogy "If, like me, you despair for the collapse of the English language take comfort. In Nine Birds Singing you will discover a veritable Aladdin’s Cave of delights. Edythe Anstey Hanen not only uses the basic blocks of language, words, to propel her characters and her story, each word has been selected with meticulous care with attention to its meaning and its ability to resonate. The work is a symphony for the logophile. Don’t miss it." -Patrick Taylor. USA Today, New York Times and Globe and Mail best-selling author of the Irish Country Doctor series "Readers will enjoy the unique views and poetic pacing of Nine Birds Singing by Edythe Anstey Hanen. She savours and survives landscapes and relationships in teasing but tasty quick episodes. Her novel takes readers via circular time travelling through decades of Mattie’s life in Canada and Mexico. Enjoy this new voice!" -Bernice Lever, Small Acts, Black Moss Press, 2016

Meet the Author - Edythe Anstey Hanen
Edythe Anstey Hanen has published prize-winning short stories and poetry in literary magazines including Room Magazine and anthologies across Canada, in addition to articles in the Globe & Mail, National Post and the Hamilton Bay Observer and is a regular contributor to Mexconnect, an online travel magazine. She lives on Bowen Island in British Columbia, Canada, where for many years she was the editor of the Bowen Island Undercurrent.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away three copies of Nine Birds Signing! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on June 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to residents in the US and Canada only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Nine Birds Signing

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, May 17 Review at Peppermint Ph.D.

Monday, May 21 Review at Books and Glamour

Wednesday, May 23 Feature at A Holland Reads

Friday, May 25 Excerpt at Teaser Addicts Book Blog

Tuesday, May 29 Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Friday, June 1 Interview at Passages to the Past

Monday, June 4 Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, June 6 Review at SJ2B House of Books

May 4, 2018

A Slave of the Shadows by Naomi Finley - Review and Giveaway

Book details

A Slave of the Shadows by Naomi Finley

Publication Date: March 5, 2018

Huntson Press Inc.

eBook & Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book description

In 1850 Charleston, South Carolina, brutality and cruelty simmer just under the genteel surface of Southern society. In an era where ladies are considered mere property, beautiful and headstrong Willow Hendricks’ father has filled her life with turmoil, secrets, and lies. Her father rules her life until she finds a kindred spirit in spunky, outspoken Whitney Barry, a northerner from Boston. Together these Charleston belles are driven to take control of their own lives—and they are plunged into fear and chaos in their quest to fight for the rights of slaves. Against all odds, these feisty women fight to secure freedom and equality for those made powerless and persecuted by a supposedly superior race. Only when they’ve lost it all do they find a new beginning. Book 1 presents Willow and Whitney—and the reader—with the hardships the slaves endure at the hands of their white masters.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters Indigo | iBooks | Kobo

About the Author
Naomi lives in Northern Alberta. Her love for travel means her suitcase is always on standby while she awaits her next plane ticket and adventure. Her love for history and the Deep South is driven by the several years she spent as a child living in a Tennessee plantation house. She comes from a family of six sisters. She married her high school sweetheart and has two teenage children and two dogs named Ginger and Snaps. Creativity and passion are the focus of her life. Apart from writing fiction, her interests include interior design, cooking new recipes, throwing lavish dinner parties, movies, health, and fitness. A Slave of the Shadows is her first novel. For more information, please visit Naomi Finley's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

My thoughts

I thought this was a good historical fiction book that did very well with getting the historical details correct. It felt like the author did her research well when writing this book due to the accuracy of some things. I liked the bond that the main women characters had in this book. The author did such a good job with their development that I could almost hear there voices as they were talking. The setting was well written about and you could see the places the author was talking about in each scene. This story deals with a sensitive issue of that time period but she does a good job of helping the reader to understand each characters emotions. I felt the book moved at a good pace and was a great start to a new series.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a Kindle Fire HD 8" 32GB & signed copy of A Slave of the Shadows! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to residents in the US/UK/Canada only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. A Slave of the Shadows

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 23 Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, April 24 Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog

Wednesday, April 25 Feature at Creating Herstory

Friday, April 27 Interview at Maiden of the Pages

Monday, April 30 Review at Books and Glamour

Tuesday, May 1 Excerpt at Teaser Addicts Book Blog

Thursday, May 3 Feature at Button Eyed Reader

Friday, May 4 Feature at A Holland Reads

Monday, May 7 Review at Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, May 8 Feature at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, May 10 Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Friday, May 11 Feature at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Saturday, May 12 Review at Cup of Sensibility

Monday, May 14 Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, May 16 Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Review & Interview at Clarissa Reads it All

Friday, May 18 Review at Nicole Evelina's Blog

Tuesday, May 22 Review at Reviewing Nerds

February 28, 2018

The Cold Light of Dawn by Anna Belfrage - Review and Giveaway

I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own

Book details

The Cold Light of Dawn by Anna Belfrage

Publication Date: February 16, 2018

Matador & TimeLight Press

eBook & Paperback; 434 Pages

Series: The King's Greatest Enemy, Book #4

Genre: Historical Fiction

Book description

After Henry of Lancaster’s rebellion has been crushed early in 1329, a restless peace settles over England. However, the young Edward III is no longer content with being his regents’ puppet, no matter that neither Queen Isabella nor Roger Mortimer show any inclination to give up their power. Caught in between is Adam de Guirande, torn between his loyalty to the young king and that to his former lord, Roger Mortimer. Edward III is growing up fast. No longer a boy to be manipulated, he resents the power of his mother, Queen Isabella, and Mortimer. His regents show little inclination of handing over their power to him, the rightful king, and Edward suspects they never will unless he forces their hand. Adam de Guirande is first and foremost Edward’s man, and he too is of the opinion that the young king is capable of ruling on his own. But for Adam siding with his king causes heartache, as he still loves Roger Mortimer, the man who shaped him into who he is. Inevitably, Edward and his regents march towards a final confrontation. And there is nothing Adam can do but pray and hope that somehow things will work out. Unfortunately, prayers don’t always help. The Cold Light of Dawn is the fourth in Anna Belfrage’s series, The King’s Greatest Enemy, the story of a man torn apart by his loyalties to his lord and his king.

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

Meet the Author - Anna Belfrage

Anna was raised abroad, on a pungent mix of Latin American culture, English history and Swedish traditions. As a result she’s multilingual and most of her reading is historical- both non-fiction and fiction. Possessed of a lively imagination, she has drawers full of potential stories, all of them set in the past. She was always going to be a writer – or a historian, preferably both. Ideally, Anna aspired to becoming a pioneer time traveller, but science has as yet not advanced to the point of making that possible. Instead she ended up with a degree in Business and Finance, with very little time to spare for her most favourite pursuit. Still, one does as one must, and in between juggling a challenging career Anna raised her four children on a potent combination of invented stories, historical debates and masses of good food and homemade cakes. They seem to thrive… For years she combined a challenging career with four children and the odd snatched moment of writing. Nowadays Anna spends most of her spare time at her writing desk. The children are half grown, the house is at times eerily silent and she slips away into her imaginary world, with her imaginary characters. Every now and then the one and only man in her life pops his head in to ensure she’s still there. Other than on her website, www.annabelfrage.com, Anna can mostly be found on her blog, http://annabelfrage.wordpress.com – unless, of course, she is submerged in writing her next novel. You can also connect with Anna on Facebook, Twitter and Goodreads.

My thoughts

This was a good addition to one of my favorite historical series. I really like this author's writing style and how she feels the story with enough details to keep you interested until the last page. In fact she leaves you wanting more when you are done. I also like how all the author's research shows through in all the historical details she used. Following Kit and Adam's story was interesting to me and I felt like I had known them forever by the time the story was over. The author's writing style makes this book easy to read and you don't want to put it down. I look forward to whatever she has in store for us next.

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a complete set of The King's Greatest Enemy series to one winner & two winners will win a paperback copy of The Cold Light of Dawn! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. The Cold Light of Dawn