Saturday, October 13, 2018
Friday, October 12, 2018
First Line Fridays
Yesterday, I received a blog email from a fellow FLF member, and she had reviewed this book, which looked so interesting. I love the title, and I love that it is a Christmas tale with its story set in the mystery genre. All good things, right?! So I thought I would highlight this book this week. Especially, since I just purchased it from Amazon Kindle. :) Happy reading everyone!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
A Very Merry Murder
by Mary Angela
And the first line is...
"Up and down Oxford Street, Christmas decorations were beginning to twinkle, lighting up the snow globes of red, green, and gold. In my little bungalow, nestled in the middle of the block, I was decking the halls (or porch, rather) with tiny white lights."
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, October 10, 2018
Santa's Dog - Spotlight Book Tour
In this rhyming picture book for dog lovers of all ages, readers follow the adventures of Santa’s best dog, Lance, when he falls out of the sleigh one Christmas Eve. He’s taken in by the animal shelter and then brought home by a military family who needs some help as Dad is called to serve his country. When Christmas Eve comes ‘round the next year, Lance must decide whether to return to the North Pole with his friend Santa or stay with his new family. Kirkus Reviews describes SANTA’S DOGS as “a sweet, powerful Christmas story.”
SANTA’S DOG would be a great addition to any library or classroom reading program! To accompany this book, we have developed full teacher resources, including a Teacher Lesson Plans packet as well as an Activity Packet, both of which are available for FREE download from the Dogs & Books website. JoAnn also offers FREE virtual author visits to schools. Additional information about all of these resources can be found here.
JoAnn Sky has written for years as part of her job (business and marketing plans and the like). One day she tried her hand at writing for fun—and liked it. Now she authors adult contemporary romance and young adult romance with a magical twist as well as children’s books. She is a two-time Golden Heart® finalist and a member of Romance Writers of America. Originally from the Midwest, JoAnn currently lives in northern Nevada with her husband a.k.a. love of her life, three teenage children, and three crazy rescue dogs.
1. How did you decide that you wanted to write a children’s book?
I didn’t start out wanting to or trying to write a children’s book. I started out writing a short story that I thought I’d use on my author website to encourage readers to sign up for my newsletter. The story came out rhyming (it just seemed natural that way), and I loved it so much I decided it needed illustrations. One thing led to another…. Dogs & Books (my publishing company) was born… and now I’m planning an entire series of “Santa’s Dog” books!
I didn’t start out wanting to or trying to write a children’s book. I started out writing a short story that I thought I’d use on my author website to encourage readers to sign up for my newsletter. The story came out rhyming (it just seemed natural that way), and I loved it so much I decided it needed illustrations. One thing led to another…. Dogs & Books (my publishing company) was born… and now I’m planning an entire series of “Santa’s Dog” books!
2. What is your favorite part about the Christmas holiday?That’s easy: decorating the tree with my kids! Growing up, we didn’t decorate our tree with matching ornaments. Our tree was filled with eclectic ornaments my mom had collected over the years—and then as my sister and I grew up, the collection of ornaments grew to include those we’d receive as gifts. When I grew up and left home, my mom packed up all of “my” ornaments and gave them to me, so that I’d have a start for my own tree. Once married, I continued decorating the tree with these ornaments (and expanding the collection every year). And now that we have kids, each have their own box of ornaments that grows every year. We’ve got too many ornaments for our tree now, but certain ornaments always “make the cut” and get on the tree—like my Chip & Dale chipmunks from 1976. Plus, these two friends must always hang next to each other!
3. What inspired the idea for Santa’s Dog? Is the dog in the story based off a dog you know or completely from your imagination?
Santa’s Dog was initially inspired by our first rescue dog, a husky-mix named Sampson. When my husband was deployed to Iraq, I had a hard time sleeping in the two-story house we had just moved into prior to hubby’s deployment. So, I decided to adopt a dog to keep me company! The kill-shelter I went to told me Sampson was three years old, though I suspect he might have been a bit older because he was so laid back. He was the absolute Best. Dog. Ever.
Santa’s Dog was initially inspired by our first rescue dog, a husky-mix named Sampson. When my husband was deployed to Iraq, I had a hard time sleeping in the two-story house we had just moved into prior to hubby’s deployment. So, I decided to adopt a dog to keep me company! The kill-shelter I went to told me Sampson was three years old, though I suspect he might have been a bit older because he was so laid back. He was the absolute Best. Dog. Ever.
It was after my husband returned home that I realized that Sampson always took a while to come to me when I called him. I decided there must be something wrong with his hearing and took Sampson to the vet (I mean, what other reason could there possibly be for a dog not to listen, right?) The vet very kindly explained that Sampson was a “northern breed” dog, and that his behavior was typical of a northern breed—that they like to do things on their own time (including, apparently, coming when called). I shared this information with my husband when I got home, and he replied, “Northern dog? Maybe he’s Santa’s dog and got lost from the North Pole!”
That evening over a glass of wine, my husband and I plotted out the storyline of a dog who got lost from Santa, ended up with a military family, and then had to decide whether to stay with the family or return with Santa to the North Pole. For the next decade, I kept telling myself that I would someday write out that story. Well, I finally did!
4. Do you have any other projects currently in the works? What can you tell us about it?
I have another small-town contemporary romance coming out by the end of the year with Entangled Bliss publishing. It is the 2nd in the A BIGGEST-LITTLE LOVE STORY series and takes place in Reno. The first, NO COWBOY REQUIRED, was released this past May. I love this story because I was able to weave in Reno’s wild horses, which are so beautiful and majestic. Unfortunately, all of the new housing developments are taking away their land.
I have another small-town contemporary romance coming out by the end of the year with Entangled Bliss publishing. It is the 2nd in the A BIGGEST-LITTLE LOVE STORY series and takes place in Reno. The first, NO COWBOY REQUIRED, was released this past May. I love this story because I was able to weave in Reno’s wild horses, which are so beautiful and majestic. Unfortunately, all of the new housing developments are taking away their land.
Another project of course, is a second “Santa’s Dog” book next year. Soon there will be an entire series of Santa’s Dog books!
Enter the giveaway HERE.
Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.
October 8-Life Is What Its Called
October 9-Emily Yager | My Book a Day | Cafinated Reads
October 10-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Remembrancy
October 11-Why Not? Because I Said So!
October 12-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
October 13-Maiden of the Pages | Paulette’s Papers | Blooming with Book
October 9-Emily Yager | My Book a Day | Cafinated Reads
October 10-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Remembrancy
October 11-Why Not? Because I Said So!
October 12-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic
October 13-Maiden of the Pages | Paulette’s Papers | Blooming with Book
Saturday, October 6, 2018
A Duel for Christmas - My Review
I know you cannot judge a book by its cover, but I love this
cover! The building on the front reminds
me of Downton Abbey, so I knew this story would be good, and I was right. It is interesting to note that this is not
the typical romance story, because there is a mystery in the mix. A murder has occurred, and it is up to the
reader to decipher who the culprit might be.
The characters in this story are interesting and easy to relate to, and
since I love books set in this era of history, it made for the perfect
read. I also loved how the sections were
divided—according to the Twelve Days of Christmas. Several chapters were enclosed in each day of
the holiday. I have never seen this done
before, but I thought it was simply brilliant!
Lady Worlington carries many scars from her previous
marriage, and she still has so many moments that haunt her. Will she ever be able to put the past behind
her? Unfortunately, one individual will
not let her mind wander far from her previous indiscretion. Even in her new place of residence, she
worries about sharing her actions with her favorite brother. What will he think of her? However, Maud Worlington must find a way to move
forward—otherwise there will be no new life to pursue. Especially, when she sees a new path she
might follow right within sight.
The Duke of Tilbury is more of a man of honor than some
might think. It takes awhile for certain
individuals to understand his true character and nature regarding matters of
the heart. Geoffrey Tilbury also has a
moment of indiscretion he deeply regrets—or does he? When Geoffrey discovers evil at his front
door, he tries to do all he can to stop it.
Yet his naïve sister does not seem to understand that there is more to love
than feelings. Will he ever be able to
prove the truth regarding certain men who only look out for themselves? He knows that these men will only ruin those individuals who dare to enter their path.
There are two other books before this novel in the Pevensey Mystery
series, and I cannot wait to go back and read both of those stories. If you enjoy mystery, romance, and the historical
genre, I recommend checking out this book.
Happy reading!
This review is my honest opinion. Thanks to Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for my copy.
A DUEL FOR CHRISTMAS
By Rosanne E. Lortz
Publication Date: October 1, 2018
Madison Street Publishing
Paperback & eBook; 383 Pages
Madison Street Publishing
Paperback & eBook; 383 Pages
Series: Pevensey Mysteries, #3
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Regency
Genre: Romantic Suspense/Regency
After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington
returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and
the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable
kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome,
young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not
sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the
equal of all the forces mounted against her.
The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing
matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington
has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their
stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled
by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that
affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow
Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case.
Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve
days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.
This novel takes the medieval events surrounding the sinking
of the White Ship and transposes them to Regency London. It is the third book
in the Pevensey series, but can be read as a standalone.
Rosanne E. Lortz is a writer, editor, teacher,
history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose,
write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical,
liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin,
history, music, and various other subjects for ten years at both the elementary
and secondary level and is currently the Director of Academics and Admissions
at Paideia Classical Christian School in Gladstone, Oregon.
Rosanne’s first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince,
was released in 2009. This book explores the tumultuous landscape surrounding
the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death and is a tale of arms, of death, of
love, and of honor. In 2015, Rosanne began her Pevensey mysteries, novels of
romantic suspense set during the British Regency (with inspiration from
medieval characters and events). The first three titles are: To Wed an Heiress,
The Duke’s Last Hunt, and A Duel for Christmas.
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– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.
– Giveaway is open to US addresses 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.
Friday, October 5, 2018
First Line Fridays
Merry Christmas! Well, kind of...there are so many lovely Christmas book coming out this season, so of course I had to highlight another story. This book actually contains four stories--The Christmas Heirloom--and I thought it was interesting to note that each story focuses on one single brooch.
Novellas are always fun to read, so I hope you will be able to check this one out during the holiday season. Maybe you can even begin reading your Christmas novels early this year--since Hallmark Christmas movies start at the end of this month! :) Happy reading everyone!
Grab the book nearest to you and leave a comment with the first line!
Today I am going to post a line from:
The Christmas Heirloom: Four Holiday Novellas of Love Through the Generations
by Karen Witemeyer, Kristi Ann Hunter, Sarah Thomas, and Becky Wade
And the first line is...
"A Haven Manor"
by Kristi Ann Hunter
1827
Lancashire, England
"From a purely rational standpoint, Sarah Gooding should have been ecstatic with her present position."
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!
Thursday, October 4, 2018
The Notorious Black Bart 1883 - Spotlight Book Tour
THE NOTORIOUS BLACK BART 1883
BY A.E. WASSERMAN
Publication Date: August 29, 2018
Archway Publishing
Paperback; 124 Pages
Paperback; 124 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Englishman Lord Langsford is leaving California after an
adventurous visit, but finds more excitement in a Dime Novel that he shares
with his two fellow travelers on the train bound to New York: This is the
embellished but true tale of Black Bart and Special Agent James B. Hume of
Wells Fargo & Company.
It’s California gold country and the notorious Black Bart
robs his twenty-eighth Wells Fargo Stagecoach. The stage driver shoves down the
heavy cash box then whips his team into a gallop away from the gunslinger. When
the outlaw dismounts his horse to gather up his loot, a rattler slinks onto the
road and bites him through his boot. He shoots off its head, but his horse
bolts, leaving him snake bit and on foot. The gold from the local mines is
heavy. He must carry the bounty out of the Sierra Mountains or die trying.
Special Agent James B. Hume of Wells Fargo & Company, a
friend of Lord Langsford, has been after Black Bart for eight years. Now for
the first time, Hume has some of the outlaw’s possessions. He has to use his
wits, but the gunslinger has nearly a week’s head start. Can Hume catch the
outlaw once and for all? Or will Black Bart escape to terrorize again?
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
The daughter of a newspaperman, A.E. Wasserman grew up in a
household filled with books and stories. At age 14, she wrote her first novella
and never stopped writing.
A.E. Wasserman’s current mystery/thrillers series, featuring
Englishman Langsford has garnered international attention, not only in the
U.S., but Europe and the U.K. as well. Her work is critically acclaimed as
richly atmospheric; her writing style bold and well-crafted.
After graduating from The Ohio State University, she lived
in London, then San Francisco. Currently she resides in Southern California
with her family and her muse, a Border Collie named Topper.
Tuesday, October 2, 2018
Regency House Party: Somerstone Series - Spotlight Book Tour
When Cornelia Greystock received a proposal from Sir James Hawkston, she couldn’t bear it. It had been inspired, she knew, from pity and remorse—not love. Unable to face him afterward, she leaped at an offer of employment from the Countess, Lady Du’Breven. Serving as her companion, Cornelia struggles to adjust to the change in her social status, but the hard work distracts her from her broken heart. That is, until the Countess decides to hold a summer house party at her family estate and invites Sir James.
Sir James has never recovered from his disappointment when Miss Greystock refused his proposal and then fled, according to her family, to live with an unheard-of aunt in Ireland. When he grudgingly accepts an invitation to Lady Du’Breven’s house party, however, he is astounded to find Miss Greystock there. One thing is certain—this time he’ll court her the way he always should have. He is almost certain she returns his feelings, but he must tread carefully. If she refuses his proposal a second time, it would not be gentlemanly to ask a third. As time grows short and she continues to hold him at arms-length, will he find a way to at last win her hand?
Michelle Pennington writes clean, heart-pounding, sigh-inducing romance across multiple genres. Her books include Young Adult, Contemporary, Regency, and Fantasy. The genre might change, but her characters will always be falling in love.
She spends her days quoting movies with her husband and making messes faster than her four kids. She also has a cat her kids call Boots, but is really Hessian Boots, the perfect Regency gentleman, complete with a snowy white cravat. She loves to make magic by stringing words together, but she also creates designer sugar cookies, sings loud in church, and kills too many house plants.
One can only be careless with so many hearts before he ends up breaking his own.
Lord Anthony is an outrageous flirt with a devil-may-care attitude. The last thing on his mind is settling down. When the Countess Du’Breven invites him to her house party, promising to see him married, Anthony finds the prospect diverting and accepts. But when he meets a damsel in distress unwilling to accept his help, Anthony realizes his attraction to her may be his downfall.
Isabel Townshend is at her breaking point, caring for her ailing father and her innocent younger sister. She has a family secret to protect and no time for handsome young men, even at a house party with so many eligible bachelors. When Lord Anthony disturbs her well-laid plans, Isabel realizes her determination to protect her family may cost her future happiness.
With hearts at odds and defenses drawn, will Isabel and Anthony be able to put aside their differences and find love at last?
An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.
An Unlikely Courtship is one of five books set in the Regency House Party Series. While each is a stand alone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.
At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of doing chores. One husband and four children later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for peanut butter M&Ms, all things fall, and any book that can make her forget she is supposed to be keeping her children alive.
Heidi currently lives just north of Boston, in a charming old town in southern New Hampshire.
Conrad Pinkerton, the Marquess of Kendal, despises society; the scheming, the guises, and the games they play. And yet, for his twin brother, he agrees to a temporary guise of his own, pretending to be his brother for a house party. Playing the fop should be easy, as long as he keeps everyone at a distance. But when he meets Jessica Standish, he wishes she didn’t think he was someone else.
Jessica Standish has never been considered worthy by the ton and now that she and her mother are penniless, the chances of a good match seem out of reach. Even the matchmaking schemes of the Countess Du’Breven seem doomed to failure. This house party will change nothing, though it’s hard not to hope when she sees Lord Ian again. The connection between them grows, though he seems so different from the man she remembers.
With his family name and fortune on the line, Conrad knows he should leave with his secret intact. After all, how can she truly love him if she thinks he’s someone else?
Mindy loves all things history and romance, which makes reading and writing Regency romance right up her alley. When she isn’t living in her alternate realities, she is married to her real-life Mr. Darcy and trying to raise five proper boys. They live happily in the beautiful mountains of Utah.
Marjorie’s days as the barefoot daughter of the stable master are long past—she’s an educated and accomplished artist. But at the house party of the summer she is out of her social depth, especially when reunited with Reginald, a man she has secretly loved for years. Just when he begins to show real interest in her, his older brother Miles tries to separate them and sparks fly. Miles is maddening and intriguing, and stirs a longing for a radiant future, but are his intentions sincere? An alliance is forbidden and a chance for love may cost Marjorie’s dignity and her father’s employment.
Lord Miles Beauchamp is the heir to an earldom and unyielding in his principles. He doesn’t have time for trivial social gatherings, except when reforming his brother. Miles anticipates Reginald’s wandering eye, but is caught off-guard when he pursues a wholesome woman, one Miles is honor-bound to protect. It will take all Miles’ effort to keep his brother in line, Marjorie from harm, and himself from falling in love. In a society keeping them a world apart, can Miles and Marjorie find a future together?
Sara Cardon craves happily ever afters—which is why she writes heartfelt stories to uplift and inspire. She grew up in West Texas and graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree that has nothing to do with writing. Sara has four kids, a dog, and a true-blue husband. He laughs at her hero crush on George Washington. She and her family are putting down roots near Dallas where there’s plenty of wide-open sky, cattle, and sunshine.
Tabitha’s Folly is one of Five books all set at the same Regency House Party Series. While each is a standalone story, watch our characters mingle together with others from the books in the series. The stories can be read in any order.
Lady Tabitha Easton recklessly dodges four over-protective brothers while trying to gain attention from the man who holds her heart. She has many choices of suitors, and with Henry as disinterested as ever, she turns to what is wholly forbidden, an irresistibly handsome footman. While their friendship grows, her trust in him increases while her hurt and doubt in her childhood love and friend pushes her away from all she’s ever known as family.
When Lord Henry Courtenay discovers a new attraction to his childhood friend, his role as one of her chaperones at the house party becomes near impossible. Irrationally defensive about any potential suitors and seeking time alone with the enticing Tabby, maintaining friendship with her brothers proves more difficult than he ever imagined. His task becomes all the more difficult when she refuses to understand his growing attraction and often finds herself in almost compromising situations.
When Tabitha’s choices might lead her to danger, and doubt and distrust are high, Henry must prove himself or lose her forever.
An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, Jen Geigle Johnson discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager.
She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She knows all about the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep’s roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love.
Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference.
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