Saturday, April 28, 2018

The Death of a Falcon - Spotlight Book Tour




Publication Date: March 2, 2018
Liafinn Press: eBook & Paperback; 310 Pages
Genre: Historical Mystery
Series: Muirteach MacPhee Mystery, Book 4
Scotland, 1375: Muirteach MacPhee and his wife Mariota visit Edinburgh Castle, assisting the Lord of the Isles in his negotiations with King Robert II. A trading vessel arrives at the nearby port of Leith from the far away Norse settlement in Greenland. The ship brings unexpected diversion and carries coveted wares: gyrfalcons, unicorn’s horns, and fine furs. Both King Robert and the Lord of the Isles desire the rare birds, easily worth a king’s ransom.
Muirteach and Mariota, unaccustomed to the sophistication of castle life, initially find pleasure in the heady and flirtatious glamor of the royal court. Then sudden and unexpected cruelty, followed by the senseless death of a beautiful young girl, plunge the couple into a murky sea of alliances and intrigue that stretches from Scotland across the icy western ocean to the far northern lands of the Norse, leaving trails of treachery and murder in its wake.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND



Praise for the Award-Winning Muirteach MacPhee Mysteries


“McDuffie brings. this period to life in such a way that the reader is transported. Her characters are rich and multi-faceted. . . the perfect blend of history, rich in historical detail, and a mysterious investigation.” -The Most Happy Reader
“A superb mystery, and historically correct in every aspect. McDuffie knows her Scottish history and this period intimately and is a powerful storyteller.” -Reading the Ages
“Well-paced and engrossing.” -Kirkus Reviews
“A good choice.” -Library Journal
“Well worth reading.” -CelticLady’s Reviews



A fan of historical fiction since childhood, Susan McDuffie spent such vast amounts of time reading stories set in the past that she wondered if she had mistakenly been born in the wrong century. As an adult her discovery that Clorox was not marketed prior to 1922 reconciled her to life in this era. Susan’s childhood interest in Scotland was fueled by family stories of the McDuffie clan’s ancestral lands on Colonsay and their traditional role as “Keeper of the Records” for the Lords of the Isles. On her first visit to Scotland she hitchhiked her way through the Hebrides, and her initial visit to Colonsay and the Oronsay Priory ruins planted the seeds for her medieval mysteries. Those seeds have grown into the Muirteach MacPhee mysteries, set in medieval Scotland during the Celtic Lordship of the Isles. The series includes A MASS FOR THE DEAD, THE FAERIE HILLS (2011 New Mexico Book Awards “Best Historical Novel”), THE STUDY OF MURDER (New Mexico/Arizona Book Awards Finalist 2014), and THE DEATH OF A FALCON. Susan frequently presents at workshops and conferences and regularly reviews historical fiction books for the Historical Novel Society’s “Historical Novels Review.

Susan lives in New Mexico and shares her life with a Native American artist and four cosseted cats. She enjoys taking flamenco dance classes in her spare time. Susan loves to hear from readers and can be contacted via Facebook or through her website.



Chapter 17

Flattered, I departed with Ingvilt and Peter, leaving Gudni and Gybb playing knucklebones by lantern light.
Outside it had grown dark. Peter carried a lantern. Ingvilt took my arm and I found the lingering touch of her fingers on my sleeve sent little thrills down my spine.
“So, my lady, you are to leave the court, I hear?”
“Aye. My husband fears contagion.” Ingvilt gave a little shiver as she spoke.
“Your poor maid. I will pray for her soul’s repose.”
“She was a pleasant, lively girl. I shall miss her sorely.”
“When will you leave?”
“My lord has some business to conclude, so we shall most likely leave a day hence.”
“And where are his estates?” I asked.
“To the north and west. Near Aberdeen. A lonely place. And my lord is often occupied while we are there.” She sighed a little sigh. “But I must go where my lord bids me.”
“I am sure you also are busy while you are there.”
“Yes, there is much to manage.” Ingvilt laughed, and ran a pink tongue over her lips. “I prefer life at court, to be truthful.”
I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. “I have little experience with court life.” I gazed into her eyes, losing myself for a moment in the vast green of them, like the cool waters of the northern sea. “Although I have enjoyed my days here, my lady. Court life is most diverting.”
Ingvilt’s laugh tinkled again through the darkness of the night. “Indeed, it can be, Muirteach. It can be most diverting.”
We reached the lodgings and I bade the lady goodnight, taking her hand and pressing it once again to my lips; savoring her scent, the soft feel of her flesh beneath her gloves. The moment seemed to last for a lifetime. Then the door of Ingvilt’s lodging clanged shut, like the gates of heaven closing against the damned, and I turned forlornly and went across the street to my own lodgings and my own wife.



During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 5 paperback copies & 5 eBooks of The Death of a Falcon! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 11th. 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.


Death of a Falcon






Friday, April 27, 2018

First Line Fridays


I love reading the Love Inspired Historical series!  There are so many incredible authors who have written such wonderful books in this genre--they are just waiting to be discovered!  I've read a few of the stories in the Suspense line and of course the original Love Inspired texts, but I always go back to the historical works.  History is so interesting, but it becomes even more understandable when a personal element is added, such as a fictional character.  Obviously, I did not live during the days of World War II, the Industrial Revolution, the Depression, or the Edwardian period; however, when relatable characters are brought to life within these time eras, the story comes alive in a way that is sometimes more powerful than a textbook.  This is why I love historical fiction. 

Do you love historical fiction?  If so, I would love your book recommendations!  Please leave them in the comments below. 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  The Unconventional Governess 
by Jessica Nelson 



And the first line is...

England 
Spring 1814

"No conventional daughter of an earl desired to become a physician."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 








Saturday, April 21, 2018

The Burnheart Redemption - Spotlight Book Tour




Genre:  Young Adult, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: April 10, 2018
Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund–his intend from before his self-imposed exile-sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when ahead injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met.
Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love?

Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.
Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.

1. Who or what inspired you to become an author?
I was inspired to become an author during college when I first fell in love with contemporary romance novels. After witnessing many relationships fall apart in my life, I sought the philosophies of my favorite authors to help me figure out what mine were. When I began to have my own relationship experiences, I discovered I had a lot to stay about it. And I loved the idea of reaching out to someone like myself who would feel comfort and joy in the things I wrote.

2. Who are some of your favorite authors?
My list of favorite authors is endless, but to name a few are Anita Stansfield, Diana Gabaldon, Brandon Sanderson, Marissa Meyer, and Marcia Lynn McClure.
3. If you could go to tea with one of the characters from The Burnheart Redemption, who would you pick and why?
If I could go to tea with any of my characters from The Burnheart Redemption, it would definitely be Adam Garrow. Not only is he incredibly handsome, but he has a fascinating background with dozens of stories to tell, a great sense of humor, and a natural charm that would make for the best tea time conversation.
4. What inspired the idea for The Burnheart Redemption?
What first inspired The Burnheart Redemption was me and my two college roommates spending an Saturday relaxing and laughing the day away. That afternoon I had listened to the “Tangled” soundtrack, and the song “Kingdom Dance” had came on. Immediately I imagined the three of us in a regency setting dancing at a fancy ball with three dashing heroes of that time. Just for fun, I wrote a short story version for them that progressed into a full novel. And I will forever thank them for that inspiration and encouragement on that project.

5. What do you want readers to take away from reading The Burnheart Redemption?
I would love for my readers to know that the heroes in this story are based on very real men I’ve come to know in my life, who understand the meaning of respect, humility, chivalry, and sacrifice. To those readers, I hope they will take those examples I’ve written down to heart and remember that they deserve someone who also show those qualities. And of course I would hope that these fictional heroes will make them feel just as giddy as they made me.
6. What is your current WIP?  What can you tell us about it?
My current work in progress is a romantic comedy taking place at a Renaissance festival. The outline is still in the beginning stages, but it’s fun getting back into the contemporary genre and writing down all my ridiculous and amazing experiences I’ve gathered in the recent years. So expect some swoon-worthy knights in shining armor, and everything turning upside down when a metropolitan girl gets pulled into the world of medieval culture. This one is definitely dedicated to all my nerd friends who’ve made my life so much better after pulling me into their fandoms.

Slowly, her senses began to disappear one by one. First, her sight. Then sound, and then feeling. Though the taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, all she could comprehend was the sound of cries in the distance.
Then she felt two strong arms carry her away from the nightmare she fell into. She was weightless and at peace. Then all at once, her breath returned.
Her senses followed too quickly, but what stood out the most was pain. She opened her eyes and was not surprised at all to see who rescued her.
“Thank the Lord,” Adam said, pulling her tightly against his chest.
She gasped for air again, and he helped her to lean forward, relieving some of the pressure off her lungs.
“Adam!” a voice called. His brown eyes moved from hers to the distance. Then, gently, he laid her back down, pulling himself up.
“Don’t leave me,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper.
He hesitated, returning to his knees. Although her vision was dimmed, she could still make out the relieved look in his eyes.
He pulled her up so she rested against his side. Taking a deep breath, despite the smoke, she could smell the tangy citrus of oranges on his clothes. It was comforting. It smelled like home during the springtime.
“Adam!” someone screamed again, more desperately this time.
“We’re here!” he called back.
The sky was getting darker by the minute from the black stacks of smoke in the air.
The firelight’s glow became more prominent and cast a silhouette on a figure that hurried into view.
“She’s alive,” Adam said.
The other voiced cursed. “What happened to you?” She was also waiting for an explanation, but he ignored the question.
“We need to get her out of here, Phillip” he said.
She felt him shift his arms underneath her shoulders and legs.
“Wait,” Phillip said.
“We can’t wait! Now please help me.”
“Your hand, Adam! You’re burned.”
“I’m fine,” he said, but the coughing fit that followed contradicted what he said.
“She needs to be attended to first.”
“I will take her. Get to the stream and cool your skin.”
Without answering, Adam struggled to his feet with her still in his arms. She heard him grunt as her weight was transferred into another set of arms.
“Make sure she’s safe,” he ordered.
Those were the last words Solana heard until her senses dulled into dim voices and rough movements. Eventually it grew more difficult to separate reality from her dreams. And through all the fog, she attempted to hold onto the vision of the strange man holding the torch. She tried her best to hold onto it, fighting to stay conscious so she could tell someone what she saw. But like the rest of the world, the vision had slipped away, and she finally closed her eyes in blissful sleep.


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Tour Schedule




Friday, April 20, 2018

First Line Fridays


It's the end of another week, which means it is time for First Line Friday!  :)  Before I get into that though, I wanted to ask--how are all of you doing?  I hope that each of you have had a lovely week.  For this week, I want to look at an older work from an author that just published a new book.  Jennifer Delamere's new book, The Heart's Appeal, debuted a few weeks ago, and because I loved The Captain's Daughter, I know this book will be equally wonderful.  However, I wanted to highlight another book of hers that is entitled A Bride for the Season.  I love the cover--even though it is not set during the Civil War era, the cover has a Gone With the Wind quality to it.  :)  This book is also part of the Love's Grace series, so don't forget to check out the other two books in the collection.  Happy reading!

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  A Bride for the Season 
by Jennifer Delamere



And the first line is...

July 1853 

"James Simpson sent a smile and a wink across the ballroom to Miss Emily Cardington and was pleased, as he always was, to see her reaction."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 








Friday, April 13, 2018

First Line Fridays


I was looking through the numerous books I have on my Kindle, and I came across this book by Brandy Bruce.  Several months ago, I reviewed her book The Last Summer, which was a wonderful tale, so I cannot wait to read this new story she has written.  On a side note, yet a very amazing fact to know, is that Brandy graduated from Liberty University--just like me.  :) 

Have you read any books by Brady Bruce?  What books are you most looking forward to reading this spring?  Let me know in the comments below.  :) 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  Looks Like Love 
by Brandy Bruce 



And the first line is...

"I wasn't going to marry him anyway."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 








Friday, April 6, 2018

First Line Fridays


I have read several books from the My Heart Belongs series, and I have loved each one!  They are lovely stories that focus on love, adventure, joy, sadness, change, growth, and the never-ending possibilities life can bring.  Each book is written by a different author, so they can be read in any order.  All you have to do is pick the time period you love, but I recommend checking out each story.  :)  If you would like to read a review, I reviewed My Heart Belongs in Mackinac Island and My Heart Belongs in Niagara Falls.  Happy reading! 

Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  My Heart Belongs in San Francisco, California 
by Janice Thompson 



And the first line is...

Late April 
1853

"'Never underestimate the power of coffee, Neville.'  Abby lifted her delicate white cup and took a sip of the powerful brew, then did her best to balance it on the saucer."  

Happy reading and happy Friday!  

Let me know your first line in the comments & then head over to Hoarding Books  to see who else is participating! 








Wednesday, April 4, 2018

Courage Between Love and Death - Spotlight Book Tour





COURAGE BETWEEN LOVE AND DEATH
BY JOSEPH PILLITTERI

Publication Date: March 29, 2018
Fireship Press
eBook & Paperback; 302 Pages
Genre: Historical/Romance/Medical/ Political

Elspeth has recently landed a nursing position at the 1901 Pan American Exposition Hospital in Buffalo, New York. This is a big boon for her, but things are not going as expected. She has to navigate mischievous patients, egotistical doctors, rival nurses and prejudices. For an Irish girl with a temper, this is no easy feat. Now President McKinley is coming to visit the Expo and everyone is in an uproar. On the home front, her life is no less hectic as she struggles to put food on the table and look out for her younger siblings.
When the unthinkable happens, it is a turning point, not only for the medical industry and our country’s security, but also for Elspeth personally. With her career and reputation on the line, will she have the courage to overcome the challenges she faces to clear her name and continue to be there for the ones she loves?


Praise for Courage Between Love and Death

“…Pilliterri deftly weaves together the state of medicine, the social class spectrum and a light love story…the chaos of the surgery on the President and the anxious days till his death provide palpable tension…” —Dr. Jean Richardson, Associate Professor, Emeritus, SUNY Buffalo State College
“…Joseph Pillitteri’s writing is flawless and delightful. The tension builds up very fast and doesn’t slow down until the satisfying conclusion. Courage Between Love and Death is focused, deft, and balanced, and the reader will follow the protagonist through her emotional and psychological turmoil until the very last page. A gripping story with great historical references, it’s an edge of the seat read. Courage Between Love and Death by Joseph Pillitteri is a historical novel that is well-researched and written to great satisfaction.” —Christian Sia, Readers’ Favorite
“Courage Between Love and Death is a well-researched and masterfully crafted historical novel with strong characters and a mesmerizing plot. Apart from developing a very strong conflict, Joseph Pillitteri does a brilliant job in weaving powerful dialogues and intrigue into the story. The reader is transported into an atmospheric world with medical personnel, strong personalities, and a historic event that will remain engraved in the minds of many. There is so much to enjoy in this novel — the drama, the emotional and psychological intensity of the story, the excellent prose and the compelling characters. I was sucked into the narrative from the very first page.” —Romuald Dzemo, Readers’ Favorite


While working at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, NY, Joseph Pillitteri became intrigued by the role Dr. Park played in the surgery of President McKinley at the 1901 Pan American Exposition. It was a pleasure to shape facts and fiction together to tell the story.
Previous works by Pillitteri include When the Giraffe Runs Down (Dial Press), Two Hours on Sunday (Dial Press), The Abortion (Penguin Books), and Life Pulse (Penguin Books).


During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on April 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.


Courage Between Love and Death