The Highlander's Christmas Bride - Blog Tour Feature

The Highlander's Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Publication Date: October 29, 2019

Zebra Books

eBook & Paperback; 432 Pages

Series: Clan Kendrick, Book #2

Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish

In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.

Vanessa’s latest book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. Her Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Princess Bride, book 3 in the series, was a Barnes and Noble top 50 bestseller. 

When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa's latest news and contests--and to receive a free story--please sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink

Wednesday, October 30
Feature at A Book Geek
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, October 31
Review at Amy's Booket List

Friday, November 1
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, November 2
Review at Fictitiouswonderland

Monday, November 4
Review at Nursebookie
Review at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, November 5
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Bookish Rantings
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 7
Review at Unabridged Chick
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 11
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Stephanie's Novel Fiction
Guest Post at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away signed copies of THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE and THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME + a $20 Amazon gift card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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 will be 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 Highlander's Christmas Bride

Weather Menders Blog Tour and Review - includes a giveaway

Weather Menders by Debra Denker

Publication Date: November 10, 2017
Catalyst Artistic Productions
Paperback & eBook; 298 Pages

Genre: Sci Fi/Climate Change Fiction/Time Travel

What if Time Travel were real? What if Time Travelers from 300 years in the future told you that there was a chance that you could prevent catastrophic climate change, plagues, and wars by going back in time to key Pivot Points and ethically altering the outcome of rigged elections? What if failure would result in the destruction of the biosphere? Would you go?

In post-plague 2050 Britain, palm trees tower over the rice paddies of Stonehenge. Tara MacFarlane, a weary 96-year-old anthropologist originally from Taos, New Mexico, longs only to finish out her life in peaceful Buddhist meditation, and rejoin the great love of her later years, the humanitarian Scottish-Afghan doctor Xander, in a future incarnation. Suddenly one stifling autumn day Tara, her great-granddaughter Leona, and Leona’s boyfriend Janus are faced with a trio of Time Travelers from a future alternate Timeline where humanity and the eco-system survived and thrived.

The fate of Earth’s biosphere falls squarely on the shoulders of Tara, Leona, Janus, and Tara’s small gray cat, Georgie, who shows a surprising aptitude for telepathy. Time is short to reverse catastrophe that will bleed through into the alternate Timeline, and the Time Travelers must first determine the ideal Pivot Points by reading Time Code vibrations off the great standing stones of Avebury. Unexpectedly joined by the brave and wise cat Georgie, the six plunge into the Time Circle of Stonehenge on their mission. Where and when will they go, and will they succeed in restoring the Earth and humanity to balance?

"Weather Menders is a pioneering cli-fi novel that combines science fiction with time travel and spiritual fantasy in a unique and captivating way. The message is clear: we must act soon and be woke. Oh, and there's a telepathic time-travelling cat!" -- Dan Bloom, editor, The Cli-Fi Report

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

My Take:

Weather Menders takes it's title from the name of the group of survivors living near Stonehenge in post-plague Britain in 2050. The small group of survivors call themselves the Weather Menders and their goal is to try to somehow mend the damage that has been done to the planet. While the goal is a noble one, the self-proclaimed leader of the group is not exactly the best qualified for such an endeavor.

Tara is the 96 year old Buddhist anthropologist whose story we get to follow from 2017 to 2050 and then into the past as she works with the mysterious travelers from the future to try to alter the path that their timeline has taken. 

In general, I am very interested in both Buddhism and environmental issues, so several of the themes to the novel do appeal to me. There is quite a bit of information about the spiritual path that Tara is on and how she ends up with the Weather Menders. This was pretty interesting and in the process explains somewhat how the plagues and climate issues caused the decimation in the population and the digression in technology. 

I like cats (although I am severely allergic) so I was predisposed to liking Georgie - the cat who can communicate telepathically with his people. Georgie is like many cats - smart, lots of attitude and surprisingly loyal through some pretty harrowing adventures.

I felt that the time travel aspect was a big lacking in explanation. I prefer detail to vagueness when it comes to sci-fi or cli-fi topics. Some of the explanations seemed a little lazy. I also wasn't entirely sold on how the ending worked out -- it just seemed a little too pat.

Having said all that, I was interested in the book and the story line --- I read it quite happily and found several of the scenarios about the path that the timeline took to be very interesting. I feel like we should take any opportunity provided by fiction to contemplate our actions and look at long term repercussions to our current behavior. I feel like Weather Menders does a nice job of bringing this idea to the reader via an entertaining story with likable characters. 

 

About the Author

Debra Denker has been writing stories since she learned to read. Although novels and poetry were her first loves, she turned her talent to journalism in the ‘70s and ‘80s, writing about Afghanistan and the refugee situation in Pakistan for National Geographic and many leading newspapers. She has specialized in social documentation utilizing journalism, photography, and film to convey the experiences of people in war torn areas, with the intention of stimulating the empathy necessary for humans to stop violence against people and planet.

Denker is the author of two published books, the non-fiction literary memoir Sisters on the Bridge of Fire: One Woman’s Journeys in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India, and the novel War in the Land of Cain—a story of love, war, and moral choices set during the Soviet-Afghan war of the 1980’s.

Denker now writes for the award-winning conservation media website, Voices for Biodiversity, raising consciousness to help ward off the Sixth Great Extinction.

She currently lives in Santa Fe with her family of cats, Dorjee Purr-ba, Yeshe Gyalpo, and Samadhi Timewalker, but travels frequently in earthly space, and hopes to travel in time and galactic space.

The novel’s website is www.weathermenders.com.

Her personal blog www.mysticresistance.com explores a range of spiritual, social, and political issues and their intersection with sacred activism.

Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, January 25

Review at Locks, Hooks, and Books

Tuesday, January 29

Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Wednesday, January 30

Feature at Broken Teepee

Friday, February 1

Guest Post at Maiden of the Pages

Monday, February 4

Review at Based on a True Story

Tuesday, February 5

Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, February 6

Feature at Just One More Chapter

Thursday, February 7

Review at Pursuing Stacie

Friday, February 8

Feature at Cheryl's Book Nook

Monday, February 11

Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, February 12

Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Thursday, February 14

Review at A Book Geek

Friday, February 15

Review at Umut Reviews

Feature at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away two paperback copies of Weather Menders! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

– Giveaway is open to US/UK/CANADA.

– 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.

Weather Menders

The Current - Blog Tour and Review

The Current  by Tim Johnston

Publication date: January 22, 2019

Algonquin Books

Hardcover; 416 pages

Source: Publisher for an honest review

In the dead of winter, outside a small Minnesota town, state troopers pull two young women and their automobile from the icy Black Root River. One is pronounced dead at the scene, while the other, Audrey Sutter, daughter of the town’s retired sheriff, survives. What happened was no accident, and news of the crime awakens memories of another young woman who lost her life in the same river ten years prior, and whose killer may still be among them. Determined to find answers, Audrey soon realizes that she is connected to that earlier unsolved murder by more than just a river. And as she plungers deeper into her own investigation, she begins to unearth long hidden secrets and stoke the violence simmering just below the surface of her hometown.

This hauntingly beautiful novel wraps elements of the conventional thriller with emotional depth and visceral intensity, unfolding in an elegant literary narrative. When describing the novel, Johnston says, “THE CURRENT may differ from other ‘literary suspense/crime’ novels in that it does not always offer absolute certainty or resolution or justice; nor does it race toward an ultimate confrontation between protagonist and antagonist. Instead it moves in and out of time, in and out of families, building on the wounds and obsessions of characters who, while not villains themselves, do not always act nobly or even legally. The individual currents of characters barely known to each other combine through chance and history into a single current of loss, but also love.”

 “The days when you had to choose between a great story and a great piece of writing? Gone,” said Esquire of Descent, and in this much-anticipated new work, Tim Johnston’s considerable gifts as a storyteller are again on full display. Atmospheric and mesmerizing, THE CURRENT is a tour de force.

Early Praise for THE CURRENT

by Tim Johnston

“Tim Johnston’s second novel, The Current, is even better than his first, which is saying something. He’s a terrific writer and definitely a name to watch.”

—Dennis Lehane, author of Since We Fell

“This novel is careful layer upon careful layer, as deceptively thick yet brutally delicate as winter ice itself. Johnston's descriptions of people, places, grief, and loneliness are subtle and evocative; the minor plot about an aging dog becomes a rending portrait of the ravages of love. Indeed, for all its harsh observations about human nature, this novel has at its heart a strong belief that love, for all the pain it brings, is the one thing that truly saves us. An apt title that functions as a beautiful metaphor for all the secrets and emotions roiling beneath the surface of every human life.”

—Kirkus Reviews, starred review

“[An] outstanding thriller…Johnston imbues each character with believable motives. The nuanced plot delves deep into how a community—and surviving relatives—deal with the aftermath of a death.”

—Publishers Weekly, starred review

“The Current is a rare creature: a gripping thriller and page turner but also a masterwork of mood and language. You’ll want to go fast at the same time you’ll be compelled to savor each and every word.”

—Ivy Pochoda, author of Wonder Valley

“I would have taken a break long before 2:00 a.m. last night were it not for Johnston’s masterly ability to rummage inside the heads of his various characters, revealing the frayed fabric of small-town life in the process and showing us the stand-up grit of a handful of women and men…We need a little hyperbole if we’re going to adequately describe how much we love a Tim Johnston novel.”

—Bill Ott, Booklist

My Take:

The Current is the first book by Tim Johnston that I have read. After reading it, I will be reading Descent as well. From the book description of The Current, I thought I knew what I was getting into. I was expecting a typical thriller - which I love, please don't get me wrong! I love thrillers, mysteries, crime fiction - all of it! However, The Current is also much more than any of those. I was not expecting the depth of mood and atmosphere that I encountered. There is also such an exploration of emotions, understanding of life, people and their motivations.

I was completely drawn into the drama of the plot, but mesmerized by the descriptions of the land, the river, the nature that helps shape the people that populate the novel and the small towns where it takes place. I loved the masterful exploration of the thoughts and feelings of the characters as they work through their reactions to the events that occur in the present and the past. 

I  honestly was surprised at how complex and well written the novel was. I hadn't expected to encounter an almost poetic atmosphere in what seemed would be a typical thriller. The Current is wonderful thriller, but with depth and a wonderful exploration of the strength and determination of the characters. I definitely will be recommending it to my friends.

About the Author:

             

Tim Johnston, a native of Iowa City, is the author of The Current and the New York Times bestseller Descent, as well as a young adult novel, Never So Green, and the story collection Irish Girl, winner of the Katherine Anne Porter Prize in Short Fiction.

A Hangman for Ghosts - Blog Tour and Review

A Hangman for Ghosts by Andrei Baltakmens

Publication Date: July 1, 2018

Top Five Books

Paperback & eBook; 288 Pages

Genre: Historical Mystery

READ AN EXCERPT.

“We are transported. We are consigned to the ends of the Earth. And we are therefore as good as dead to the realm and its judges. There can be no hope of reprieve...”

Gabriel Carver, the convict hangman of Sydney Prison, knows that none of his kind may depart Australia’s penal colony without the system’s leave. Then three people are murdered, seemingly to protect the “Rats’ Line,” an illicit path to freedom that exists only in the fevered imaginations of transported felons. But why kill to protect something that doesn’t exist?

When an innocent woman from Carver’s past is charged with one of the murders and faces execution at his hands, she threatens to reveal an incriminating secret of his own unless he helps her. So Carver must try to unmask the killer among the convicts, soldiers, sailors, and fallen women roaming 1829 Sydney. If he can find the murderer, he may discover who is defying the system under its very nose. His search will take him back to the scene of his ruin—to London and a past he can never remake nor ever escape, not even at the edge of the world.

"Baltakmens (The Raven’s Seal, 2012), echoing the voices of 19th-century masters like Conrad and Melville, combines adventure and mystery in a high-stakes tale of class, morality, and justice." -Kirkus Reviews

“With rich historical details that evoke Australia’s early colonial days, this is a wonderful, traditional novel.…Folding in vivid details, bright characters, and compelling dialogue, the story is a page-turner, a savory treat to be devoured.” - Foreward Reviews

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

My Take:

My knowledge of Australian history is minimal, but I was aware that it was used by Britain as a penal colony, and that is about it. But that information is about all one needs to understand and get into the story of A Hangman for Ghosts. Once the reader adjusts to the fact that the main protagonist is a convicted criminal who is acting as the hangman for the colony, it is pretty easy to like Carver and to empathize with him. 

I found the details about the way the colony worked - how it is set up and run as well as  the ins and outs of  Carver's job to be very interesting. These details are important to understand exactly how he manages to do what he does. 

I have to say that there is a massive twist to the novel about half way through that really surprised me - in a good way. So, I have to suggest paying attention to details as you read -- it will help you keep up with all the pieces of the story. I have to give the author props for originality and going against everything I expected from this book! Every time I thought the story would go one way, it went in a totally different direction. 

Rather than give away any vital information about the plot, I think I will just say that the novel puts a spotlight on what we consider to be our identity and examines what it means to ourselves and to others. Sometimes we think we know who someone is, but we are fooled by labels and position. 

I really liked how the novel kind of turns preconceived ideas about people on its head at every opportunity. A Hangman for Ghosts manages to tell a wild, fascinating tale with complex characters that questions a penal system and how it treats people, examines ideas of identity, keeps the reader guessing throughout and tells a story that lingers in the mind afterwards. I feel that A Hangman for Ghosts may not be the easiest read, but it is well worth the time spent reading it.

About the Author

Andrei Baltakmens was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, of Latvian descent. He has a Ph.D. in English literature, focused on Charles Dickens and Victorian urban mysteries.

His first novel, The Battleship Regal, was published in New Zealand in 1996. His short fiction has appeared in various literary journals, and his first historical mystery, The Raven's Seal, was published in 2012.

Since 2004, he has lived in Ithaca, New York and Brisbane, Australia, where he recently completed a doctorate in Creative Writing at The University of Queensland. He now lives in Palo Alto, California, with his wife and son, and works for Stanford University as an instructional designer.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, December 18
Feature at Tar Heel Reader

Wednesday, December 19
Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Friday, December 21
Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, December 27
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, December 28
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, January 3
Interview at Bookish Rantings

Monday, January 7
Review at Broken Teepee

Thursday, January 10
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Monday, January 14
Review at A Book Geek

Tuesday, January 15
Review at Coffee and Ink

Wednesday, January 16
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Monday, January 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, January 22
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of A Hangman for Ghosts! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on January 22nd. 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.  A Hangman for Ghosts

Daughter of Destiny - blog tour and review

Mistress of Legend by Nicole Evelina

Publication Date: September 15, 2018

Lawson Gartner Publishing

Paperback, eBook, AudioBook; 412 Pages

Series: Guinevere's Tale, Book 3

Genre: Historical Fiction/Arthurian/Fantasy

Legend says Guinevere spent her final days in penance in a convent, but that is far from the truth.

Having escaped death at the stake, Guinevere longs to live a peaceful life in Brittany with Lancelot, but the threat of Arthur’s wrath quickly separates the lovers. Guinevere finds herself back in Camelot, but it is not the peaceful capital she once knew; the loyalty of the people is divided over Arthur’s role in her death sentence. When war draws Arthur away from Britain, Mordred is named acting king. With Morgan at his side and a Saxon in his bed, Mordred’s thirst for power becomes his undoing and the cause of Guinevere’s greatest heartache.

In the wake of the deadly battle that leaves the country in civil war, Guinevere’s power as the former queen is sought by everyone who seeks to ascend the throne. Heartbroken and refusing to take sides in the conflict, she flees north to her mother’s Votadini homeland, where she is at long last reunited with Lancelot. The quiet life she desires is just beginning when warring tribal factions once again thrust her into an unexpected position of power. Now charged with ending an invasion that could bring an end to the Votadini tribe and put the whole island in the hands of the Saxons, Guinevere must draw upon decades of experience to try to save the people she loves and is sworn to protect.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

A box set containing Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, and Mistress of Legend

Guinevere is remembered for her role as King Arthur’s wife and for her adulterous affair with Lancelot. But there is so much more to her story…

Priestess. Queen. Warrior. Experience the world of King Arthur through Guinevere’s eyes as she matures from a young priestess who never dreamed of becoming queen to the stalwart defender of a nation and a mistress whose sin would go down in history. Throughout it all, Guinevere she faces threats from both foreign powers and within her own court that lead her to place her very life on the line to protect the dream of Camelot and save her people.

This compendium of Nicole Evelina’s two-time Book of the Year award-winning trilogy – Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, and Mistress of Legend – gives fresh life to an age-old tale by adding historical context and emotional depth. Spanning more than three decades, it presents Guinevere as an equal to the famous men she is remembered for loving, while providing context for her controversial decisions and visiting little-known aspects of her life before and after her marriage to King Arthur.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Kobo | Smashwords

My Take:

While the blog tour is for the box set of The Guinevere's Tale Trilogy, I only read the first book in the series. If I had realized how much I would enjoy the first book, I would have requested to read all three books. 

Daughter of Destiny is the first book of the trilogy, as I said. There is much to love about this book. I really enjoyed Guinevere's voice - she is presented to the reader as a young girl as she leaves her home to travel to Avalon to train as an acolyte of the Goddess. Her mother is from the Votadini and has instructed her daughter on how to wield a sword from a young age. Guinevere seems well suited to the physical training in battle and it takes some time for her to adjust to the very different world of Avalon.

I loved that the reader gets to learn about what triggered the abrupt change in Guinevere's life circumstances and how that event continues to haunt her through visions that she can't control. The event would certainly trigger PTSD in anyone, but add in the gift of Sight and you have a truly awful experience. As a reader, I really felt like Guinevere was brought to life as a person, not just a figure of legend. I found it refreshing to read about the rivalry between her and Morgan from the viewpoint of adolescent girls, even with all the foreboding of future events.  

The novel  made it painfully clear just how precarious a female's position was in the world outside of Avalon. Guinevere is made aware of her expected station when she is forced to leave the  island due to a family tragedy.  While this episode of her life is painful, unfair and downright ridiculous in its pettiness, Guinevere learns a lot and the reader can see her adapting and growing up through it all. 

I really liked that the author made sure that the reader was aware of political actors, the situations and various factions involved. The history and politics are actually pretty vital to the story. I really like that. I have to give credit to the author for a great ending --- a cliffhanger of sorts. When I finished the book I was really wishing that I had the box set! 

I can happily and wholeheartedly recommend Daughter of Destiny -- I really had a great time reading this book and I look forward to reading the rest of the trilogy.

About the Author

Nicole Evelina is a historical fiction, non-fiction, and women’s fiction author whose five books –Daughter of Destiny, Camelot’s Queen, Been Searching for You, Madame Presidentess and The Once and Future Queen: Guinevere in Arthurian Legend (nonfiction) – have won more than 30 awards, including three Book of the Year designations.

Her writing has appeared in The Huffington Post, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Independent Journal, Curve Magazine and numerous historical publications. She is one of only six authors who completed a week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness.

Nicole is currently working on Mistress of Legend (September 15), the final novel in her Guinevere's Tale historical fantasy trilogy and researching two future non-fiction books. She also teaches online writing and business classes for authors at Professional Author Academy.

Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 10
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, December 11
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Daughter of Destiny)

Wednesday, December 12
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, December 13
Review at A Book Geek (Daughter of Destiny)

Friday, December 14
Interview at Donna's Book Blog

Saturday, December 15
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Daughter of Destiny)

Sunday, December 16
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective (Mistress of Legend)

Tuesday, December 18
Review at Book Nerd (Camelot's Queen)

Thursday, December 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Camelot's Queen)

Friday, December 21
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Thursday, December 27
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Camelot's Queen)

Friday, December 28
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit (Mistress of Legend)

Saturday, December 29
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Mistress of Legend)

Sunday, December 30
Review at Jorie Loves a Story (Mistress of Legend)

Monday, December 31
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at Curling up by the Fire (Mistress of Legend)

Wednesday, January 2
Review at Book Nerd (Mistress of Legend)

Thursday, January 3
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views (Mistress of Legend)

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a boxed set of The Guinevere's Tale Trilogy in paperback! To enter, please see the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
 – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on January 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
 – PB Giveaway is open to US residents only and eBook 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.
  Mistress of Legend Mistress of Legend

The Monastery Murders - Blog Tour and Review



The Monastery Murders by E.M. Powell

Publication Date: September 27, 2018

Thomas & Mercer

Paperback & eBook; 288 Pages

ISBN-13: 978-1503903241

Series: Stanton and Barling #2

Genre: Historical Mystery

Their lives are ones of quiet contemplation—and brutal murder.

Christmas Eve, 1176. Brother Maurice, monk of Fairmore Abbey, awaits the night prayer bell. But there is only silence. Cursing his fellow brother Cuthbert’s idleness, he seeks him out—and in the darkness, finds him brutally murdered.

Summoned from London to the isolated monastery on the Yorkshire Moors, Aelred Barling, clerk to the King’s justices, and his messenger Hugo Stanton, set about investigating the horrific crime. They quickly discover that this is far from a quiet monastic house. Instead, it seethes with bitter feuds, rivalries and resentments. But no sooner do they arrive than the killer strikes again—and again.

When Barling discovers a pattern to these atrocities, it becomes apparent that the murderer’s rampage is far from over. With everyone, including the investigators, now fearing for their lives, can Barling and Stanton unmask the culprit before more blood is spilled?

My Take:

I love E.M. Powell's novels and her Stanton and Barling mystery series has become one of my favorites  - even with just two books out so far! I love that the author is so faithful to historical detail and still brings the characters and their environments to vivid life for the reader.

Hugo Stanton and Aelred Barling are such a fun duo! I really appreciate the humor this pair brings to the mystery as well as their somewhat contentious relationship and growing respect for each other. I hope that the author continues to write more of this mystery series.

There is some serious darkness in this latest mystery that the duo must solve. There is a brutal murder in an isolated monastery that requires the brains of Barling and Stanton to solve. The first murder quickly escalates into more equally bizarre and brutal murders. Naturally, nothing is quite as it seems in this isolated place. Everyone has their resentments and grudges and ample opportunities and access to have committed the murders.

The abbot of the monastery knew Barling from his student days and this provides the opportunity for Stanton and the reader to learn more about him. Rather than give away some really wonderful plot twists, I will simply state that I read the novel in about one day and I could not have been more satisfied with the ending. Powell always provides a great mystery with lots of twists, false leads, witty dialog and interesting characters.

I look forward to reading many more novels in the Stanton and Barling mystery series. I always highly recommend Powell's novels, and The Monastery Murders is no exception.

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About the Author

E.M. Powell’s historical thriller Fifth Knight novels have been #1 Amazon and Bild bestsellers. The King’s Justice is the first novel in her new Stanton and Barling medieval murder mystery series. She is a contributing editor to International Thriller Writers’ The Big Thrill magazine, blogs for English Historical Fiction Authors and is the social media manager for the Historical Novel Society.

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland into the family of Michael Collins (the legendary revolutionary and founder of the Irish Free State), she now lives in North-West England with her husband, daughter and a Facebook-friendly dog.

Find out more by visiting www.empowell.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 22
Feature at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, October 24
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Saturday, October 27
Feature at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Monday, October 29
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, October 30
Feature at What Is That Book About

Monday, November 5
Excerpt at T's Stuff
Review & Excerpt at Locks, Hooks and Books

Friday, November 9
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, November 15
Review at Hoover Book Reviews

Monday, November 19
Guest Post at Jathan & Heather

Wednesday, November 21
Review at What Cathy Read Next

Thursday, November 22
Review at Jaffa Reads Too

Monday, November 26
Review at Curling up by the Fire

Wednesday, November 28
Review at Rachael's Ramblings

Thursday, November 29
Review at Impressions In Ink

Friday, November 30
Review at A Darn Good Read

Monday, December 3
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Maiden of the Pages

Tuesday, December 4
Review at A Book Geek

Wednesday, December 5
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, December 6
Feature at CelticLady's Reviews

Friday, December 7
Review at Bookramblings

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 6 copies of The Monastery Murders by E.M. Powell! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 7th. 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 Monastery Murders

The King James Men - Blog Tour and Review

The King James Men by Samantha Grosser

Publication Date: November 20, 2018

Sam Grosser Books

eBook & Paperback; 393 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Christian Fiction

Connected by love, divided by faith. A novel of faith, friendship, and betrayal set against the religious turbulence of 17th Century London.

England 1604

Two men, once friends, have long since gone their separate ways. But when the new King James commands a fresh translation of the Bible, their paths are fated to cross again.

For biblical scholar Richard Clarke, the chance to work on the new translation seems like a gift from God, a way back in from the cold where his friendship with Separatist Ben Kemp has kept him for many years. But Richard soon discovers there is a price to pay for his new-found favour, and that price is betrayal. Caught between love for his friend and his faith in his Church, Richard must make a decision that could cost him his soul.

Set against the background of the writing of the King James Bible, and inspired by true accounts of the community who became the Mayflower Pilgrims, The King James Men is a vivid portrayal of the religious struggles of the age, and the price of being true to your faith.

My Take:

The description of The King James Men made me want to read the book even more than just the title - which would have been enough on its own. I think for many of us historical fiction/history readers, the writing of the King James Bible is a fascinating event and process and the time period is full of contradictory and interesting happenings. I have ancestors who were among the Puritans and I have always been interested in this time period. Naturally, I was interested in reading this book, but I was a bit worried that the novel might be too slanted in its perspective - but after reading a short excerpt, I knew I had to read the whole thing. I am very glad that I did!

While there is ample, well-written historical context and information about the other players in the translation and English church, the real draw for me was the friendship between Richard Clarke and Ben Kemp, their very sincere and strongly held beliefs, and how those beliefs affected their relationship. The struggles within each man and between them was fascinating to read and I think the novel brings out some really relevant and important questions about faith,  personal integrity and responsibility.  I think the author did an excellent job of examining the different perspectives without demonizing either side. I really liked both of these men and appreciated the way they still cared about and respected each other while having very different beliefs.

The King James Men is very well written and the characters are very engaging and make the reader want to understand their motivations. There is much to learn from this very readable novel - not just the historical events, but also lessons about friendship, loyalty and faith.  I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys intellectual, thought provoking historical fiction.

About the Author

Historical fiction author Samantha Grosser originally hails from England, but now lives on the sunny Northern Beaches of Sydney with her husband, son and a very small dog called Livvy.

Combining a lifelong love of history with a compulsion to write that dates from childhood, Samantha is now bringing her passion for telling compelling stories to the world.

Samantha has an Honours Degree in English Literature and taught English for many years in Asia and Australia. She is the author of wartime dramas Another Time and Place, and The Officer’s Affair. The King James Men, set during the turbulent years of the early years of 17th Century, is her third novel.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, November 21
Review at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, November 22
Interview at The Writing Desk

Friday, November 23
Excerpt at Let Them Read Books

Saturday, November 24
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, November 26
Feature at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, November 27
Review at Introvert Booklover
Interview at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Wednesday, November 28
Feature at Faery Tales Are Real

Thursday, November 29
Review at Broken Teepee

Friday, November 30
Feature at Hisdoryan
Review at A Book Geek

Saturday, December 1
Review at Impressions In Ink

Monday, December 3
Review at Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, December 4
Review at The Reading Woman
Interview at Love Books Group

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away one eBook & one paperback copy of The King James Men! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on December 4th. 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 King James Men

Nothing is Forgotten Blog Tour and Review

Nothing is Forgotten by Peter Golden

Publication Date: April 10, 2018

Atria Books

Hardcover & eBook; 352 pages

Genre: Fiction/Historical/Jewish

From the beloved author of Comeback Love and Wherever There Is Light, comes a novel about the life-changing journey of a young man who travels from New Jersey to Khrushchev’s Russia and the beaches of Southern France as he finds love and discovers the long-hidden secrets about his heritage.

In 1950s New Jersey, Michael Daniels launches a radio show in the storage room of his Russian-Jewish grandmother’s candy store. Not only does the show become a local hit because of his running satires of USSR leader Nikita Khrushchev, but half a world away, it picks up listeners in a small Soviet city.

There, with rock and roll leaking in through bootlegged airwaves, Yulianna Kosoy—a war orphan in her mid-twenties—is sneaking American goods into the country with her boss, Der Schmuggler.

But just as Michael’s radio show is taking off, his grandmother is murdered in the candy store. Why anyone would commit such an atrocity against such a warm, affable woman is anyone’s guess. But she had always been secretive about her past and, as Michael discovers, guarded a shadowy ancestral history. In order to solve the mystery of who killed her, Michael sets out to Europe to learn where he—and his grandmother—really came from.

Featuring Peter Golden’s signature “vivid characters and strong storytelling” (The Washington Post), Nothing Is Forgotten changes our understanding of the impact of World War II on its survivors and their descendants, and will appeal to fans of novels by Anita Diamant and Kristin Hannah.

Praise

"Golden draws a vivid portrait of the Cold War era, but it is the complex and unexpected connection between Holocaust survivors and their descendants that turns this book into a page-turner.” (RT Book Reviews)

"Nothing Is Forgotten is a Russian nesting doll of plot twists across continents and decades. This cleverly constructed Cold War tale, based on gripping true events, keeps readers eagerly anticipating what lies at its heart." -Sarah McCoy, New York Times and international bestselling author of The Mapmaker's Children

"Both heartbreaking and mesmerizing, Nothing Is Forgotten is the sort of book you won't soon forget. Peter Golden starkly juxtaposes the joys of coming of age and first love with the startling revelation of a dark family legacy. Cold War Europe, lingering Nazi secrets, and the tragic history faced by millions of families not only bring this tale to life, but will keep you turning the pages." -Lisa Wingate, New York Times Bestselling author of Before We Were Yours

"Nothing is Forgotten is historical fiction at its finest. A sweeping tale full of humor and heartbreak, Peter Golden takes us on a journey from 1960s America across Europe to explore how inherited histories can follow us through generations and redefine families." -Karin Tanabe, author of The Diplomat's Daughter

My Take:

I was excited to read Nothing is Forgotten for several reasons. I love suspenseful novels and I have always been interested in history and America's relationship with Russia over the decades.

At first, the novel seems to be mostly about America during the 1950's - specifically South Orange, New Jersey where Michael Daniels grows up with his family. Michael's grandmother, Emma, is a force in his life and she is an extremely interesting character on her own. As the novel unfolds, the reader discovers just how interesting and amazing she actually is.

I really enjoyed how the author thoroughly describes Michael's life in New Jersey for the reader - bringing alive the atmosphere of the times including the music and politics. Michael knows some of his family's story, but not nearly as much as he thinks he knows. Emma has friends in interesting places and it all works together to give the reader an intriguing idea of the person she is.

Emma is murdered in her candy shop, yet nothing is stolen. Michael is unable to leave things alone. It just doesn't make sense. As he pursues the answers to why Emma was killed, he also discovers things about his family that he would never have suspected.

While I enjoyed the first part of the novel, when Michael heads to Europe to pursue answers about Emma, that's when things really get exciting and the history is even more compelling. The story now becomes a mystery/thriller as well as a historical novel.

While taking the reader on a wild and exciting ride as we follow Michael through his quest, we also get a really fascinating look at some events and circumstances that bring the history we all think we know into sharper focus and made me reassess some of these events with a new perspective. The reader will encounter some really amazing characters,  some compelling stories and maybe learn  a few things. I know I am interested in some different aspects of the Cold War period that I hadn't really considered before.

This novel is beautifully written and the various story lines are intricately interwoven to make a book that is impossible to put down. This review is hard for me to write because I don't want to reveal anything that might ruin the enjoyment of this novel. I was so captivated by Nothing is Forgotten, that even a few weeks after reading it, I still find myself thinking about it. I highly recommend Nothing is Forgotten.

About the Author

Peter Golden is an award-winning journalist, novelist, biographer, and historian. He lives outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son. He is the acclaimed author of the novels Comeback Love, Wherever There Is Light, and Nothing Is Forgotten.

For more information, please visit Peter Golden's website. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 20
Feature at To Read, Or Not to Read

Tuesday, August 21
Review at Hoover Book Reviews

Thursday, August 23
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Monday, August 27
Review at Creating Herstory

Wednesday, August 29
Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Friday, August 31
Review at Passages to the Past

Monday, September 3
Feature at Donna's Book Blog

Thursday, September 6
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Sunday, September 9
Feature at Clarissa Reads it All

Monday, September 10
Review at A Book Geek

Tuesday, September 11
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 5 copies of Nothing is Forgotten! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 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. Nothing is Forgotten