Fawkes ~ Cover Reveal

The next best thing to a new book in hand 
is the cover reveal along

with a tantalizing description of

said book. 

And guess what? 

It is time for another cover reveal.

But before you get a peek at the cover wouldn't you

L♡VE 

to learn a little about the book?

I knew it, 
you love drawn-out suspense as much as I do.

And now to the title...

FAWKES 

Fawkes is by Nadine Brandes 
the author of the 

fabulous Out of Time series.

🕖 Time to start the countdown 🕖

This book is set to be released on

July 10, 2018

Christmas in July 
is coming early in 2018

AND

your summer reading list 
just got its newest member! 

And now a short summary that will make you wish

July was not 8 months away.

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

Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the King of England.

Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.

But what if death finds him first?

Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.

The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King James.

The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.

No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.

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

I know, right?

I'd love to get my hands on a copy too 
and 
you haven't even seen the cover yet...

But 🎈 SURPRISE 🎈
you can enter for a chance to
win an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC)
of this book!

Okay 
Jump up and down
Scream (silently if you are near someone else)
or do whatever you do to express your excitement
(for me its just a big grin)

The giveaway is located at the bottom of this post.

And now for the absolutely entire reason 
you decided to check out this post today

~

THE COVER

Who or what hides behind the mask?

And what do the cracks signify?

Do the apparent explosions that surround it have anything to do with it?

And even more to wonder at what is the background behind the mask?
Is it the ground or is it someone altered by the Stone Plague?

To me, these are what the cover first brings to mind.

And as for the description, I just have to KNOW

what will Thomas decide to do?

Will he side with his father?

Will he choose to follow the leadings of his heart?

Or will he follow an altogether different path that will

satisfy no one?

Or will he step in and save everyone except himself?

Please comment below and let me know what your thoughts are.

Be sure to check out Nadine Brandes official

cover reveal announcement

here

If you want to pre-order FAWKES here's the Amazon link

AND don't forget to enter the giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting for His Return ~ Review

Waiting for His Return
By Carrie Turansky

It's 1864 and the War Between the States has taken a toll on the divided nation. In Tennessee, the Thornton family though aligned with the North extends their care to all wounded regardless of their uniform. When escaped prisoner of war James Galloway is attacked near the Thornton home, Rachel Thornton acts quickly to help save his life. Helping her father nurse James back to health leads to unexpected feelings.

But James Galloway is a war artist for Harper's Weekly and he has a commitment to return to the war. But when danger draws close to the Thornton home he is forced to acknowledge his growing feelings for the young woman how has aided his recovery.

But war has a way of tearing people apart and though he is not a soldier James is to rejoin the dangers that accompany war. Can Rachel wait for his return? Or will the arrival and attention of another send her heart in a different direction?

This is a standalone novella set in the later months of the Civil War. And just like now, the characters are anticipating both Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you like short historical fiction stories in which a happy ending is not a certainty checkout this newest offering from Carrie Turansky. If you are looking for a quick and enjoyable trip into the past get ready for an enjoyable weekend read.

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


About the Book:

The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville.

The year is 1864 and the Civil War is raging on. British born James Galloway, a “special artist” for Harper’s Weekly, travels with the Union troops, sketching battle scenes to bring war news home to those in the North. It’s dangerous work, but he is committed to the Union cause. When he is captured along with the troops, he spends several months in a prison camp. Finally, he escapes and travels north, hoping to reach the Union lines, but a bushwhacker attacks him, steals his horse, and leaves him for dead at the side of the road.

Rachel Thornton, a kind-hearted doctor’s daughter takes James into their to home and nurses him while he recovers. Her feelings for James grow, but she has already lost one man she loves in the war. How can she give James her heart, when she knows he may be another casualty. 

A Season of Love ~ Review

A Season of Love
By Carla Kelly

A Season of Love is a delightful 5-in-1 book. Five short stories centered around Christmas and the main characters are in varying degrees of despair or just plain unhappy with sudden and unexpected changes in their lives.

Let Nothing You Dismay finds Miss Cecilia Ambrose accompanying a young student, a Lady Lucinda Chase, to her home. But instead of Lucinda's parents, she instead finds Lord Trevor Chase at the home of his elder brother. When an unexpected turn of events finds Cecilia staying on Chase Hall she comes to see that this family has need of a special hand to bring joy to this Christmas. But even more in need of her help is Trevor who never celebrates Christmas alone or with his nieces and nephew.  Can an unexpected visitor bring new joy to the season?

No Room at the Inn finds Lady Mary experiencing a sudden reversal of fortunes. Traveling to meet the family she never knew and with no title to her name, her life is looking somewhat bleak. But when the weather makes further travel impossible Mary along with her traveling companions find themselves stranded in the home of an old friend. But can a simple Christmas without all the trappings of society bring a feeling of comfort to a hurting heart? Mary McIntyre is about to find out with the help of Joseph and Ethan Shepard and more stranded travelers. This is about to be Christmas not to be forgotten by one and all!

The Lasting Gift finds Suzie Jenkins Davis and Thomas Jenkins have settled into Thomas's new home in Plymouth. But after years as a sailing master with Royal Navy Thomas finds himself with time on his hands and no way to fill it. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Poole finds herself with little means though she is Lady Naismith's secretary when an unexpected package arrives by post. Burdened with a package not her own and the kept knowledge that all too soon she would be again seeking employment Mary Ann and her daughter Beth seek to return the package. Soon a friendship blooms that could lead to something more.

Faithfully Yours finds Sally Wilson, John McPherson, and Margaret Patterson caught in a deception that has lasted for ten years. Ten years ago in an act of cruelty, Margaret promised to write to John as he sought to better himself. Unable to see anyone hurt in such a way Sally wrote to John under the guise of Margaret's name. But one last letter is about to change everything. Will the truth be revealed and the heart that reached out to another find its match?

Lucy's Bang-up Christmas Lucy (Lucinda) Danforth is having the worst Christmas ever. Her older sister is getting married on Christmas Eve and all Christmas festivities are to be put aside so as to not offend the groom-to-be. Worse this is the first Christmas without her mother and Lucy is feeling the losses and the ever-mounting tensions within her home. When her second cousin Miles Bledsoe joins the family for Christmas Lucy is relieved to find a sympathetic ear and someone to aid her in honoring her late mother with an act Christmas charity. What was looking to be the worst Christmas is soon on its way to being one of the best. And the best gift is one Lucy never expected.

This book is a perfect escape from the created flurry of Christmas. Find yourself stressing about your to-do list and all the activities and events of the season - just take a break and enjoy one of these delightful stories. Escape to the Regency era where technology and social media are a far distant dream. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, cocoa, or cider) and have a cookie or two and sit back and relax.

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


About the Book:
At Christmastime, love is just a wish away! Join master romance writer Carla Kelly in this joyful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. Set in Regency England, these Christmas tales will take you from dangerous adventures on snowy roads to cozy little cottages, filled with holiday mischief. Five fun stories in one book!

Twofer Murder ~ Book Spotlight with Video Interview

Book Details:

Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr
Category: Adult fiction, 400 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: Acorn Book Services
Release date: November 17, 2017
Tour dates: Nov 1 to 30, 2017
Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing). No drug use or underage drinking among the protagonists.)

Book Description:

Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?

Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!

Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!
​

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Watch the trailer:

Meet the Author:

Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!

Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.

Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Learn what Lauren Carr's favorite Gnarly moments are with this special video.

​

What are readers saying about Lauren Carr's mysteries?

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 4

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Dangerous Illusions ~ Review

Dangerous Illusions
Code of Honor #1
By Irene Hannon

When Trish Bailey's life starts to overwhelm her she starts making mistakes. But when one mistake leads to a tragedy Trish's life seems to close in around her. And then when her actions come under police scrutiny Trish can't believe that she could be charged with the murder of a loved one. Even worse is having to live with the knowledge that her error cost a life.

Called to the scene of an unexpected death, Detective Colin Flynn is tasked with determining whether or not Trish Bailey made a mistake or a deliberate decision in the death of her mother.

But something even more sinister is in play and all too soon more than one life is in danger. As Colin, with the help of Mac McGregor, works through the mounting evidence and the ever-growing list of questions he finds himself drawn to Trish.

Irene Hannon has debuted a new series with Dangerous Illusions and fans will love that she has again placed the story in the St. Louis area. There is a definite psychological element at play in this one and as to the whodunit, this is a real WOW. If this book is any indication this series will be real page-turners that will keep the reader up into the wee hours of the night.   

If you love mystery with a twist give this book a try!


About the Book:
Trish Bailey is on overload trying to deal with a demanding job, an ailing mother, and a healing heart. When a series of unsettling memory lapses leads to a tragic death--and puts Trish under police scrutiny--her world is once again thrown into turmoil.

Detective Colin Flynn isn't certain what to think of the facts he uncovers during his investigation. Did Trish simply make a terrible mistake or is there more to the case than meets the eye? As he searches for answers, disturbing information begins to emerge--and if the forces at work are as evil as he suspects, the situation isn't just dangerous . . . it's deadly.Bestselling and award-winning author Irene Hannon will capture your imagination with a mind-bending story that will have you doubling back to retrace your steps--and figure out what you missed! 

The Austen Escape ~ Review

The Austen Escape
By Katherine Reay

Mary Davies has given in to her best friend's persuasion and has most reluctantly agreed to a 2-week stay in Bath living the life of a character from one of Jane Austen's books. Isabel Dwyer has determined that immersing herself in Jane Austen's Bath is the only way to finish her dissertation and her English doctoral degree and Mary just has to go with.

With all the pressures at work, Mary is both reluctant and relieved. As an engineer, she is constantly developing new technology at WATT. But change has been creeping in and creativity is at a low and Mary wonders if she will have a job to return to. And then there is Nathan, the consultant who has been working with WATT. Mary hopes to have something more than a working relationship with Nathan, but Mary being Mary isn't going to make any ripples to change what is.

Bath is everything Austen and yes there are dresses and gowns which Mary is expected to wear. Isabel is in Austen paradise and LOVING every moment of it. But when something happens Isabel forgets everything except Regency living and Mary. Unfortunately for Mary, she is not an Austen aficionado - she crash-coursed just days before and is having to wing it with Isabel while monitoring the situation. But when secrets that Isabel has been keeping come to light while Isabel is not in the present Mary has to come to terms with just who Isabel is.

The Austen Escape is another interesting offering from Katherine Reay. This is the fifth book in which the author uses classic literature to give modern settings a unique twist. The characters all have a personality quirk that leaves them feeling as if they are not enough in and of themselves. In this book it is interesting how the distant past, the not some distant past and the present all come together so that the main characters are forced to confront what has been holding them back, to face their deficiencies and grow from there.

I really enjoy Katherine Reay's writing her characters are engaging and I really enjoy the tidbits of Austen found scattered throughout this newest book. These books are all standalone so no need to fear you'll be left standing in the dark with no clue as to what is going on. This would make an excellent book club selection and believe me, there would be plenty to discuss.

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:

Falling into the past

will change their

futures forever.

Mary Davies finds safety in her ordered and productive life. Working as an engineer, she genuinely enjoys her job and her colleagues – particularly a certain adorable and intelligent consultant. But something is missing. When Mary’s estranged childhood friend, Isabel Dwyer offers her a two-week stay in a gorgeous manor house in England, she reluctantly agrees in hopes that the holiday will shake up her quiet life in just the right ways.

But Mary gets more than she bargained for when Isabel loses her memory and fully believes she lives in Jane Austen’s Bath. While Isabel rests and delights in the leisure of a Regency lady, attended by the other costume-clad guests, Mary uncovers startling truths about their shared past, who Isabel was, who she seems to be, and the man who now stands between them.

Outings are undertaken, misunderstandings play out, and dancing ensues as this company of clever, well-informed people, who have a great deal of conversation, work out their lives and hearts.

Blue Ridge Sunrise ~ Review

Blue Ridge Sunrise
Blue Ridge Romance #1
By Denise Hunter

Five years ago Zoe Collins made a decision that she has had to live - one that took her away from her family and Copper Creek. But when Granny dies unexpectedly Zoe is left feeling the loss in ways she never expected. But Granny knew that Zoe needed to return to the place that she once called home and leaving the peach orchard that Zoe used to love working on to her just might be what is needed to bring her home for good.

But returning to Copper Creek means facing her past and the pain that she left behind and facing Cruz Huntley once again. And then there is Gracie the daughter that no one in Copper Creek has ever met. Can her daughter help her reconnect with her brother and her father or will this be yet another wedge to drive them further apart?

But Zoe is determined to keep the legacy left to her regardless of pressure from her boyfriend, Kyle, to sell. But with loans to pay back and a not too great growing season can she hope to hold the orchard? When she is offered a possibility to make a greater profit on her harvest Zoe sees hope for her future, but first, she must confront the secret that drove her from home.

Now Blue Ridge Sunrise as a title has such a beautiful sound to it and one would expect a story equal to such a title. Zoe is her own worst enemy, yes her dad has problems with her, but she is (or was) someone who decided what she wanted and when she wanted it. In fact, Zoe's very stubbornness is what finds her in her current situation separated from friends and family and kowtowing to a real jerk of a boyfriend. Worse she comes home and continues keeping secrets that are a further wedge in her already fragile relationships. And Zoe is somewhat manipulative, disregarding the opinion of others, and determined to do things her way. I can't say I feel too much empathy for Zoe, she more than anything annoys me. Cruz is okay, but he is too easily manipulated by Zoe. Yes, both of them are young but time doesn't seem to mature them too much in the five years between Zoe's escape and return. I think, character-wise, I prefer Zoe's brother Brady, who I hope gets a bigger role in the next book.

Don't get me wrong the book isn't bad, it's just that the two main characters just really annoy me with their hard-headedness. A whole lotta trouble could have been avoided if they could have talked and listened. And did I mention I love the cover - I would love to step into said orchard and pick a few. Now one thing this book lacks is reference to God or faith so if you are looking for Christian fiction (as the Library of Congress cataloging data states) you will be disappointed in this Thomas Nelson offering.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through BookLook Bloggers with no expecations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:
Former free spirit Zoe Collins swore she’d never again set foot in Copper Creek or speak to the man who broke her heart. But return she must when her beloved Granny dies, leaving the family legacy to Zoe—a peach orchard nestled at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

When Zoe returns home with her daughter and boyfriend Kyle, she finds that she’s the only person in town who doesn’t expect her to give up the life she’s established far away from Copper Creek. Everyone believes she was born to run the orchard, but how can she make it her home after so many years?

Cruz Huntley never quite got over his first love, Zoe Collins, the little sister of his best friend Brady. Not when she cheated on him during their “break,” not when she took off to parts unknown with good-for-nothing Kyle Jenkins, and not even now—five years later.

As life-changing decisions and a history with Cruz hang over Zoe’s head, tensions rise between her and Kyle. Even as she comes to terms with the shifting relationships in her life, Zoe still isn’t sure if she can remain in Copper Creek with her new responsibilities . . . and her first love.