Friday, June 28, 2019

First Line Fridays


Happy 4th of July everyone!  Here is an excerpt from one of my favorite mystery writers--who else loves cozy mysteries?  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: 

  Broken Bone China 
by Laura Childs 



And the first line is...

"Red and yellow flames belched from propane burners, inflating the hot-air balloon to heroic proportions and propelling it skyward."  

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, June 21, 2019

First Line Fridays


How is everyone's summer going?  I just got back from the beach myself, and it was splendid!  The weather was perfect, and the waster was beautiful.  Check out my Instagram for pictures!  Thankfully, I was even able to read a bit during my trip.  Does anyone else like reading at the beach?  What are some of your favorite beach reads?  Leave your suggestions in the comments below, and as always, 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: 

  True Nobility
by Lori Bates Wright



And the first line is...

England, 16 May, 1860

"Squinting against the morning sun, Nicholas Saberton looked out over the lush green countryside of England's Lake District as it passed along the way." 

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! 







Monday, June 17, 2019

By Hook or by Rook Cover Reveal

By Hook or by Rook Cover Reveal Banner



Series: The London League 
Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance 
Publisher: Phase Publishing 
Publication date: July 1, 2019 

The most dangerous journeys...

Jeremy Pratt is a spy for the Crown, and one of the best. He has been in more dangerous situations than he can admit, and has always come out unscathed. But escorting his colleague’s cousin home to her family, even in disguise, just might be beyond his skills, and the temptation beyond his ability to withstand may be ones of the heart.

Helen Dalton is convinced there is more to this man escorting her than meets the eye, and something familiar about him, as well. There is only one man in the world who looks at her so intensely, banters with her so easily, and makes her blush so furiously. And when he manages a daring and heroic rescue, she wonders if she ever knew him at all.


rebecca-connolly-headshot

Rebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict.





By Hook or by Rook


What do you think?


BHobR Giveaway


One winner will receive a print copy of By Hook or by Rook (US mailing addresses only).
Enter the giveaway HERE

Giveaway ends June 24 at 11:59pm MT. 
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.



Blog Stops

Follow along at SLB Tours for a full list of stops!







Friday, June 14, 2019

First Line Fridays


I thought today would be a good day for a mystery.  Although, I love to read and watch mysteries all the time!  :)  What are some of your favorite mystery novels?  I would love recommendations--please let me know in the comments below.  Happy reading friends! 

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

Today I am going to post a line from: 

  The Book Supremacy
by Kate Carlisle



And the first line is...

"It was our last day in Paris."  

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, June 8, 2019

Ladies of Intrigue - My Review


I love novella collections, so this was the perfect read for me.  This lovely book contains three novellas all by Michelle Griep.  Each piece is set during the 1800’s, and each story has a dash of intrigue and mystery to it.  It is difficult to review novellas without giving anything away, but just know, if you enjoy reading novellas, you will love this book!  I highly recommend it.  Happy reading friends! 

"I received a complimentary copy of this book from Barbour Publishing and was under no obligation to post a review."



Can truth and love prevail when no one is as they appear?

The Gentleman Smuggler’s Lady
Cornish Coast, 1815
When a prim and proper governess returns to England from abroad, she expects to comfort her dying father—not fall in love with a smuggler. Will Helen Fletcher keep Isaac Seaton’s unusual secret?

The Doctor’s Woman (A Carol Award Winner!)
Dakota Territory, 1862
Emmy Nelson, daughter of a missionary doctor, and Dr. James Clark, city doctor aspiring to teach, find themselves working side by side at Fort Snelling during the Dakota Uprising. That is when the real clash of ideals begins.

A House of Secrets
St. Paul, Minnesota, 1890
Ladies Aide Chairman, Amanda Carston resolves to clean up St. Paul’s ramshackle housing, starting with the worst of the worst: a “haunted” house that’s secretly owned by her beau—a home that’s his only means of helping brothel girls escape from the hands of the city’s most infamous madam.

Amazon  / Goodreads



I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I've been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write--except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

Find out more about Michelle Griep at:  www.michellegriep.com






Friday, June 7, 2019

First Line Fridays


Good morning friends--I hope everyone is having a great start to June!  Is is hot where you are?  I love getting outside in order to enjoy the sunshine and to take a long walk.  It just lifts your spirits!  What are some fun things you like to do this time of the year?  Do you have any travel plans?  As always, have a wonderful week and 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: 

  More Than Words Can Say
by Karen Witemeyer



And the first line is...

May 1896--Honey Grove, TX 

"'The council has denied your appeal, Miss Kemp.'  Mayor Longfellow delivered the blow with a finality that threatened to buckle Abigail's knees."  

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, June 1, 2019

Protecting the Poor Cover Reveal




Sheriff Feroci is now lord over the province, and Abtshirehas become a pit of injustice. Being forced into the lord’s service does not give Dumphey as many opportunities to help the poor as he desires. When attempts on his life drive him into the forest, this freedom opens a world of possibilities for helping others. But how can he do so when he is running for his life? And does God want him to do more than simply feed the poor?

Noel has always hidden behind the shadow of his older brother, Dumphey. When life forces him to stand on his own, will he still follow God in the corrupt world in which he lives? Would God really call him to do something that is beyond his power to do?

As Lord Feroci's sinister plot comes to light, each lad has a choice to make. A choice that could cost them their lives.

Pre-order at: Amazon



Amanda Tero began her love for words at a young age—reading anything she could get her hands on and penning short stories as young as age eight. Since graduation, she has honed her writing skills by dedicated practice and study of the writing craft. She began her journey of publication with a few short stories that she had written for her sisters and continued to add to her collection with other short  stories, novellas, and novels. It is her utmost desire to write that which not only pleases her Lord and Savior, but also draws the reader into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ. 

Connect with Amanda

Email: amandaterobooks@gmail.com




          Lord Feroci slammed the desk with his fists. “I didn’t send you on a fool’s errand, Barat.” He clenched his teeth as he glared at the missive opened before him.
          “Aye, sir. I cannot help that others are the fools.”
          Feroci released his anger in a growl. Barat stood patiently; his arms crossed.
        “We’re losing time, Barat.”
         Barat didn’t respond.
        “You’re not doing enough.” He raised his head to glare at his man. Barat stared him down. Nothing could phase this man. Which was exactly why Ferocihad him in his employ. But ’twas irksome at times. Feroci blew out his pent-up air and fell back into his chair. “What do you suggest?” Barat was the only man in Abtshire from whom he would even consider suggestions. The man had proven his loyalty on the battlefield, taking more than one scar for Feroci. Feroci had returned the favor as many times. They were in this together.
          Barat finally stepped forward, but he didn’t sit in the seat across Feroci. Instead, he took the missive from Feroci’s desk and held it at two corners. “I say, we do this...” He pulled at the paper and it ripped—something weak giving way to a greater force that commanded it. That sight alone gave Feroci strength and he nodded in satisfaction.
         “Aye. Something made from pulp cannot stand against an iron fist. They will give way.”
         “Call another meeting.” Barat layered the two pieces of paper and held them over one of the candles that shed light in the dim room. A small strand of smoke wove upward before the paper burst into flame. Extra light illuminated the room then dimmed as the paper turned into gray ash. “We know their weaknesses as well as their strengths. Use their weaknesses against them. Convince them that there is no other choice.”
          Feroci leaned forward and grabbed the quill he had dropped when Barat had entered. He ran his fingers across its smoothness before taking a clean paper. “Well put.” He dipped the quill in ink. “Matheny ... ’tis a vast city, but given the right promise, the townspeople will rebel and overthrow Lord Nedry.” He wrote a few lines, shaping the concept that Barat had supplied. “Haar is closer to the king, so that could pose problems.”
          “Then wait on Haar. We’ve three cities between our province and them.”
           Feroci didn’t look up from his writing. “Lord Alexandre is on my side. If he works with me, mayhap we can claim the help of Belmis, Metz, and Kiralyn.” He paused at the last name. The anger that had dissipated boiled under the surface once more.
          “You can’t obtain Kiralyn—”
          “Curse you, man!” Feroci threw his quill at Barat. The man didn’t flinch. “We’ll have to overthrow Lord Kiralyn and sever any ‘blood ties’ to the king. I will obtain the throne. “He stood and his chair crashed backward. Obtaining Lord Trent’s domain from the king had been an easy task. The unfortunate lord had conveniently died in battle with no other witness besides Barat. The king had promoted Feroci from sheriff to lordship, giving him reign over Abtshire, Fordyce, and Keller. Controlling the latter two was nothing—they were mere hamlets comparedto the likes of Matheny. Feroci had the talent and ability for so much more.
          He had to gain control before Yzebel gave birth to their child—his heir. It must be his heir. He had no use for a lass. But a son—a son he could shape and mold, without the meddling of others, to follow in his footsteps ... aye, that son would establish their family as royalty forever. The land was now under the leadership of a man who had gone mad since his daughter’s return. Why had he named Princess Belle as heiress of the kingdom? She had left her father and had been raised by Lord and Lady Kalanithi, Feroci would know—he was one of the only lords the king didn’t refuse to see after the death of his wife. In the king’s dark hours of grief, he had made substantial promises to Feroci for his help. Promises that had blown away much like the ash of the letter Barat had burned.
          Feroci had written. Barat had spoken. Nothing would sway the king’s mind. He was going against all tradition of the land and naming a woman as leadership, should he pass before she married.
          “I can’t marry the lass myself, and I haven’t a son to do so. I will make the king pay,” Feroci hissed. He walked to the window and pulled back the drapes that blocked the fading daylight. A lad stood below, staring up at him. Recognition slammed Feroci when his eyes locked onto the lad. He was more ofa threat to Feroci than he would ever know.
          “Barat.”
          The man joined him.
          “How much did he hear?”
          The lad’s gaze shifted to something in the distance. He turned and walked toward the barracks—the place he should have already been at this time of day.
          Barat’s dark eyes followed the lad’s movement. “You can finally make your move against him.”
          Finally. Feroci liked the sound of that word. He had waited too long, but he would wait no longer. “Take care of him.”
          The silence between them sealed the promise.
         “But don’t make it a matter of convenience.” Feroci let the drapes fall. “I don’t want to raise suspicion.”