Topaz Reign ~ Review and Giveaway

Topaz Reign
Altered Stones #2
By Teresa Richards

Destroying the Emerald was just the beginning, unknown to Garon the mysterious O has created another gemstone with powers. And Lindy's reign of Valstenia is threatened ~ but even more disturbing the world is changing and Garon and Maggie are the only ones aware of these changes.

Concerned about the changes occurring in the past Garon returns to the 1600's to determine what has happened. To Maggie's dismay Garon refuses to let her return with him because the danger involved in time travel.

But when the changes to history continue Maggie along with her brother Tanner (who knows nothing of the history changes) travel to the childhood home of their late mother. Maggie is looking for clues to the changes in history while at the same time trying to learn more about the mother that she lost all those years ago. What Maggie and Tanner discover could change the course of history yet again. But first they have to discover how to escape from a present that is in a state of flux to the past where it all began.

Valstenia's masses are falling victim to O's newest altered gem ~ a rare and beautiful topaz that has been given special properties. Unfortunately yet again these powers are being misused and again Lindy and the royal family are threatened by this deceptive power. With time against them Garon, Maggie, Lindy, Tanner and those few whose loyalty can't be turned are in a seemingly hopeless battle. And thanks to O they have an unexpected advantage if only they can determine what the clues all mean.

Topaz Reign is if possible even better than the first book Emerald Bound.  We learn more about Maggie and Tanner's past and there is a secret there that will surprise everyone involved. And does the timeline get restored? Who's to say which line is the right one? As the past and present come together yet again the reader is left with another delightful tale that skirts loosely with a fairy tale that has been twisted by time.

Fans of YA will enjoy this time traveling mystery that brings danger to the forefront. And if you want a touch of romance you can find that too though with a twist that doesn't guarantee a happily ever after for all involved. Though the series appears complete with the conclusion of this book I have to admit I wouldn't mind additional books following the various characters in their new normal.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review. ~ All opinions are my own.


About the Book:

Fairy tales are simply tales, told and re-told, but changed over time.

It has been four months since Maggie learned the dark truth behind the tale of the Princess and the Pea and freed Princess Lindy from the cursed Emerald. Lindy is now back in the past where she belongs, queen of her tiny Scandinavian country, and Maggie is a fully reformed ex-stalker.

Except … she can’t stop doing internet searches on Lindy and her country. 

One morning, Maggie wakes to find history turned on its head. Apparently, you can’t destroy a centuries-old curse without consequence. In order to prevent the changes in history from wiping out the present, Maggie resurrects her stalking gene and learns that fairy tales don’t stay dead for long.

Or at all.

Back in 1623, Lindy is juggling a threat to her family, a handsome new guard she’s not supposed to have feelings for, and a cursed Topaz with ties to the tale of Thumbelina. When past and present collide, Lindy and Maggie are brought together again, and another of Andersen’s tales turns from twisted fiction to chilling fact. 

Enter the Giveaway for a chance to win the following:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Visit all the tour stops 

Love Held Captive ~ Review

Love Held Captive
A Lone Star Hero's Love Story #3
By Shelley Shepard Gray

This is the third book in the A Lone Star Hero's Love Story series, but if you've yet to read the first two books in the series that is okay as you can easily get into this story set in 1867. The war that destroyed the union that had held the nation together has ended but the wounds have not all healed. And those left to rebuild the lives they once had in the South are scarred - though not all scars can be seen. And not all those who were wounded were soldiers.

In the midst of war, Lizbeth Barclay and Julianne VanFlett suffered at the hands of those who were in command and they are both still paying the price for what they lost. Lizbeth's suffering haunts Major Ethan Kelly as he was in charge of a raid on her home - a raid that added to the despair that she was so obviously already suffering from. But his orders were for the good of his troops even if it cost him his peace. Julianne's pain was the result of her decision to sacrifice for the care of her grandmother. And she has been living with the consequences of her decision ever since - her reputation sullied. But Julianne has managed to capture the attention of Captain Devin Monroe but will her secret keep him from giving her heart?

This is a story about love, forgiveness, and loyalty. Yes, loyalty plays a big role in this book as it does with the previous books in the series as the men who were prisoners of war at Johnson's Island, Ohio, honor the promises they made to be there for one another whenever needed. And to keep those who mean the most to them safe Ethan and Devin must call upon their friends for their aid. The book shifts between remembrances of time spent at Johnson's Island and the present story (which is 1867), explaining some of the backstory that makes the main characters who they are now.

If you are a fan of historical fiction set in the post-war South check-out this book. Or if you just like reading this would be a good choice. The characters are brought to life so that one can connect with them. And if you like having a true villain in your stories this book has one that is truly unlikeable (ughhh!). So prepare to get caught up in the past with this latest offering from Shelley Shepard Gray.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook bloggers with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

After the War Between the States, a Confederate officer longs to heal the heart of a beautiful woman—but first he’ll have to right the wrongs that were done to her.

Major Ethan Kelly has never been able to absolve himself of the guilt he feels for raiding a woman’s home shortly before he was taken prisoner during the Civil War. He is struggling to get through each day until he once again crosses paths with Lizbeth Barclay—the very woman he is trying to forget.

Life after the war is not much different for former Captain Devin Monroe until he meets Julianne VanFleet. He knows she is the woman he’s been waiting for, but he struggles to come to terms with the sacrifices she made to survive the war.

When Ethan and Devin discover that their former colonel, Adam Bushnell, is responsible for both Lizbeth’s and Julianne’s pain, they call on their former fellow soldiers to hunt him down. As the men band together to earn the trust of the women they love, Lizbeth and Julianne seek the justice they deserve in a country longing to heal.

The Christmas Blessing ~ Review

The Christmas Blessing
By Melody Carlson

It's that time of year again when Melody Carlson comes out with yet another delightful Christmas story. This year is a journey into the past with a visit to 1944.

Amelia Richardson is determined to provide a better life for her young son, one better than she had, but when she learned of James death in the war Amelia's left with few choices. She can continue on as she has been, hoping to find a new job. Or she can find James parents and let them meet their grandson Jimmy. But with the war and the suddenness of their engagement, she is sure they have no idea that she exists. As James never got word of her pregnancy before his death she knows Jimmy will be a surprise to them.

Hoping that Jimmy will provide an unexpected blessing to the Bradleys, Amelia leaves California for Montana. But when she is faced with unforeseen obstacles Amelia does what she must to ensure the best future for her son. But with Christmas soon approaching Amelia hopes that her son will be the Christmas blessing to the family who didn't know that he existed.

Anyone who has read Melody Carlson's Christmas stories in the past knows that there are moments of sadness and even the possibility that the heart's desire will not be obtained. Well, it holds true with this book as well, but never fear the title is apt for this book as a Christmas blessing is indeed possible for Amelia and the Bradleys and at the heart of this blessing is a small unexpected baby.

If you are looking for a sweet story for a few hours of reading during the Christmas season or even to get you out of the Christmas blues so many complain about pick-up this sweet book. At 166 pages this is a fairly quick read so you can squeeze it in if short on time or enjoy it over a long weekend

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Although Amelia would be on the train only until tomorrow morning, she unpacked a few things with the goal of making Jimmy and herself as comfortable as possible. To her delight, this cozy sleeping car felt just right for the two of them. Not only that, but as the train began to move, Jimmy relaxed and settled in. Almost as if he were glad they were finally on their way. Maybe he instinctively knew that life was about to get better for them. Perhaps he would enjoy meeting his paternal grandparents. At the moment the train pulled out of the station, anything seemed possible.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She's determined to give her baby a better life. 

Could a Christmas miracle make it possible?

Not long after she receives the news in 1944 that her baby's father was shot down in the South Pacific, Amelia Richards loses hope. Jobless and broke, she has nowhere to turn for help but her infant's paternal grandparents. The only problem is, they don't know that she--or their grandson--exists. 

When Amelia discovers the family is wealthy and influential, dare she disclose the truth of her relationship with their son? Or could the celebration of the arrival of another unexpected baby nearly two thousand years ago be the answer to her dilemma?

Steal Away Home ~ Review

Steal Away Home
By Matt Carver
    and Aaron Ivey

Steal Away Home brings to life a bit of history that most people are unaware of and the history books give little if any, mention of.  Many have heard of Charles Spurgeon and his preaching but for many, myself included Thomas Johnson is an unknown factor in the life of Spurgeon. This book brings to life their story and friendship.

Any good story must start at the beginning and this book does just that starting out when both were in their childhood. But their childhoods were vastly different with Charles calling England home while Thomas called America home. The chapters alternate between their lives as Charles grows to become the preacher we are familiar with and Thomas lives the life of a slave. Yet both men sought freedom from the bonds that held them captive.  Charles sought to be free of the fear and the darkness that had followed him through life. Thomas sought to be free of the yoke of slavery. Yet what both needed was the freedom that can only be found in the loving grace and forgiveness offered by God. And in the midst of their search, the two found the freedom they sought and a friendship that would shape the rest of their lives.

If you appreciate history that comes to life through the power of words this is a book that you will want to read. The contrast in the lives of these two men is powerful and equally powerful is the force behind their friendship - God's mercy. At less than 300 pages this book feels longer though it doesn't drag in the least. Opening in 1841 and continuing through 1892 one is taken through years of change and three different continents. If one has seen the movie Amazing Grace which looked at the life of William Wilberforce I believe this book to be as profound and powerful in portraying the life and times of these two men.

I was provided a review copy of this book by BH Publishing with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Thomas Johnson and Charles Spurgeon lived worlds apart.

Johnson, an American slave, born into captivity and longing for freedom--- Spurgeon, an Englishman born into relative ease and comfort, but, longing too for a freedom of his own. Their respective journeys led to an unlikely meeting and an even more unlikely friendship, forged by fate and mutual love for the mission of Christ.

Steal Away Home is a new kind of book based on historical research, which tells a previously untold story set in the 1800s of the relationship between an African-American missionary and one of the greatest preachers to ever live.

Goodbye Christopher Robin ~ Trailer

Do you like Winnie the Pooh and the whole gang living in the Hundred Acre Woods?

Well, have you heard about the upcoming movie GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN? This film that takes us to post-war England and into the lives of the Milne family.

GOODBYE CHRISTOPER ROBIN stars Domhall Gleeson, Margot Robbie and Kelly MacDonald. It is directed by Simon Curtis and written by Simon Vaughan and Frank Cottrell Boyce.

The film explores the ways we heal, and the sometimes complicated bond between children and their parents – especially when the child shares a spotlight alongside a treasured icon. A.A. Milne, an author and veteran of The Great War suffering from PTSD becomes inspired by his son to create characters that we all know and love today.

Enjoy a peek at the trailer for GOODBYE CHRISTOPHER ROBIN:https://youtu.be/dxCEXQr1X7g

All She Left Behind ~ Review

All She Left Behind
By Jane Kirkpatrick

Jennie Lichtenthal was naturally gifted in an understanding of the healing properties of herbs and oils. And she brought this skill with her into her marriage with Charles Pickett. Always searching for new and better healing practices Jennie had the heart of a healer. So when her marriage was damaged and fractured by the powerful draw of addiction she was determined to find a solution to aid and cure those closest to her caught in its grip.

But a woman in the 1860s had few opportunities to better her situation, especially when her name was coupled with the stigma of divorce. But somehow Jennie managed to overcome just such an obstacle when those who knew her for who she was didn't allow a word to define their relationship - their friendship with her.

When her friend and patient exacts a deathbed promise from her Jennie's life is about to take yet another course - one that could lead her to become the doctor she's longed to be - one that could perhaps find a cure to end or a treatment to lessen the powerful hold of addiction.

In a world and time when her situation and actions would have been discouraged Jennie found the courage to follow the leading of her heart. Becoming a female doctor was all but unheard of at the time but Jennie with the encouragement of family succeeded.

This is another work from the talented Jane Kirkpatrick about a woman who refused to allow the confines of society to shape her to its whims. Jennie's life was one of trial and triumph as she sought to help both her husband and her son in their struggles with addictions. She managed to become a doctor all while being a wife and mother. The story of her life will move the reader.

This story is completely told within this book - no fears of having to wait for a sequel with this one. The writer has a talent for bringing not well-known pieces of history to life in a way one can't fully appreciate in textual history books. A perfect book for fans of historical fiction, especially if one enjoys late 19th-century American history.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher Revell with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Already well-versed in the natural healing properties of herbs and oils, Jennie Pickett longs to become a doctor. But the Oregon frontier of the 1870s is an unforgiving place--especially for a single mother. To support herself and her young son, Jennie finds work caring for an older woman. When her patient dies, Jennie discovers that her heart has become entangled with the woman's widowed husband, a man many years her senior. Their unlikely romance may lead her to her ultimate goal--but the road forward is uncertain. 

New York Times bestselling author Jane Kirkpatrick invites you to leave behind your preconceived notions about love and life as you, along with Jennie, discover that dreams may be deferred--but they never really die. Based on a true story.

Emerald Bound ~ Review

Emerald Bound
Altered Stones #1
By Teresa Richards

A simple game of Truth or Dare has an unexpected result when the dare doesn't go quite as planned. After a night of intense studying Maggie Rhodes and her BFF's Kate and Piper decide on an impromptu game of Truth or Dare and Maggie takes DARE. Big mistake when the Dare turns out to be a spy-by on Marshall Parker who is one of the meanest guys Maggie can think of. But Kate and Piper won't let her back out of her dare. What follows is the worst experience of Maggie's life and it's just starting.

With time against her, Maggie has no choice but to accept help from Lindy a fellow classmate who is more than she appears. But can Maggie trust Lindy's fantastical story one that if true adds a sinister twist to the old Princess and the Pea fairy tale? And when aid comes from a most unexpected source Maggie has a glimmer of hope at saving her friends from an unknown fate.

But an ancient magic is not easily defeated and the magic that Maggie is attempting to break has a failsafe that is about expire and all trapped within its grasp will soon be lost forever. The fate of a kingdom and those closest to her depends on the choice Maggie is about to make. Can she restore all that has been lost?

This is a book that the tension slowly builds as the past and the present come together in an exciting and altogether satisfying conclusion. But not all the questions are answered and the book ends on a climactic note hinting at what the sequel will bring.

This is well-written YA fiction with a unique twist on a well-known fairy tale. I believe teens (especially girls) will find this to be a book to draw them. This is a book about the power and loyalty of friendship and family with a sizeable pinch of fantasy and pinch of romance.

A word of warning Beware of strange beds with lumpy, bumpy mattresses! You may never wake up if you ignore it...

I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review ~ All opinions expressed are my own. 

About the Book:

A princess, a pea, and a tower of mattresses. 

This is the sliver that survives of a story more nightmare than fairytale...

Maggie Rhodes, high school junior and semi-reformed stalker, learns the tale’s true roots after a spying attempt goes awry and her best friend Kate ends up as the victim of an ancient curse. At the center of the curse lies an enchanted emerald that has been residing quietly in a museum for the past fifty years. Admirers of the gem have no idea that it feeds on life. Or that it’s found its next victim in Kate. 

Enter Lindy, a school acquaintance who knows more than she’s letting on, and Garon, a handsome stranger claiming he knows how to help, and Maggie is left wondering who to trust and how to save her best friend before it’s too late.

If only Maggie knew her connection to the fairy tale was rooted far deeper than an endangered best friend.