A Thousand Sleepless Nights ~ Review with Giveaway

A Thousand Sleepless Nights
By Teri Harman

Please Remember Me...

Can grief change your life? When her Aunt Jetty dies Matilda White leaves everything behind - her job, her fiance, her friends, her life. The grief is too much so she leaves Silent Fields, Kansas, behind in the middle of the night to start over.

Henry Craig is a writer who can't put word to paper - the words are there but they are trapped within him unable to find release. Until he sees Matilda ~ Matilda gives his words release. Soon six years have passed and Matilda and Henry are about to leave the life they've created for themselves for a new one in Kansas City.

But when something goes terribly wrong Matilda's grief is about to change everything Henry and Matilda have had together. Henry wakes up in a Detroit library and Matilda in her home in Silent Fields. Six years have passed but neither has any memory of it. Where did those six years go? And if you don't remember something does that mean it never happened?

Silent Fields in typical small town fashion has come up with their own spins on where Matilda has been and where her unexplained scars have come from. But Matilda has no answers and her very silence adds to the speculation.

Feeling at loose ends with his life having gone on without him Henry comes upon an old advertisement one that will at least give him a starting point from which to rebuild the life he once had. The editor of a small town paper seems like the ideal way to put his writing skills to work. And Silent Fields, Kansas, awaits.

But Henry's arrival starts with chaos and a storm that finds him having to rely on the kindness of strangers. But when he has a chance glance at a stranger across the room he has a connection that sparks the creative juices that have long eluded him. Who is this woman who with a quick glance affects him so? 

And so begins a journey to discover what was lost - the only clues being a book with a personal inscription by an unknown author and an antique typewriter in the possession of both. 

This book has a thread of mystery that runs through a love story. For those who love or are at least familiar with It's a Wonderful Life and Portrait of Jennie (1948 movie with Joseph Cotton and Jennifer Jones) this book I would say is a modern (1990s) story that combines these two storylines into a uniquely powerful and moving story about the power of grief and love. 

If you could lose your grief and pain would you be willing to give up everything that went with it? How much is too much? Read A Thousand Sleepless Nights and discover what happens for yourself - you won't be sorry. This would make an excellent book club selection as there is much worth delving into and discussing.

I was provided a review copy of this book through SLB tours with no expectations of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Is love stronger than grief?

After the death of her Aunt Jetty, the woman who raised her, Matilda White packs a single suitcase, leaving behind her home, her small town in Kansas, and the man she’s supposed to marry.

Henry Craig is a writer—if only he could find the right words. While sitting at a worn table in a Detroit library he sees a new librarian, Matilda, and suddenly the world erupts with words.

Six years later, Matilda and Henry load their young daughter Lucy, two antique typewriters, and a box of Henry’s love letters into the car and head off to a new life. But one snowstorm and a slippery road take it all away. In that black moment of tragedy Matilda turns to Henry and says, “I wish I’d never met you.”

The world goes dark.

Matilda wakes up in Jetty’s dilapidated house with no memory of the last six years. Beside her on the bed, a book and an antique typewriter.

Henry wakes up in his familiar spot in the library, a book and old typewriter squatting on the table beside him. He can’t remember the last six years.

Can words on a typed page, sent from one typewriter to another, push aside tar-thick pain and resurrect love?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

About the Author:

Teri Harman has believed in all things wondrous and haunting since her childhood days of sitting in the highest tree branches reading Roald Dahl and running in the rain imagining stories of danger and romance. She’s the author of three previous books: Blood Moon, Black Moon, and Storm Moon. She also writes about books for ksl.com, and contributed regular book segments to “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker,” Utah’s number one lifestyle show. She lives in Utah with her husband and three children. Visit her at teriharman.com.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Enter the giveaway 

HERE.

Giveaway is subject to policies HERE.

Tour Schedule

May 28-Christian Bookaholic  |  cherylbbookblog

May 29-Blooming with Books  |  Heidi Reads…
May 30-Reading Is My SuperPower  |  Reading, Writing and Stitch-Metic
May 31-Singing Librarian Books  |  Edits and Reviews by Leslie  

|  Fiction Aficionado
June 1-Paulette’s Papers  |  Pause for Tales
June 2-Radiant Light  |  Why Not Because I Said So

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/slb-tours-services.html

In Spite of Lions ~ Review

In Spite of Lions
By Scalette Pike

First off let me just say this is an absolutely gorgeous story that I highly recommend to any reader who wants to get lost within the pages of a fantastic story!

Anna is determined to leave the life she has known behind and if breaking with the protocols and expectations of society will aid her she will do it. Offering none her surname but rather her first name. By faith, Anna set out on her new life with her final destination unknown.  Boarding a ship to an unknown destination was not what was to be expected of a young lady of Anna's social standing but she was determined. 

And this journey led her to Mary Livingstone who with her two children was returning home and her husband David in the southern reaches of Africa.  Unfortunately, the captain of the ship she boards knows Anna from her former life and she knows Captain Dunna as well and the knowledge benefits neither in their estimation of the other.

But despite the hardships of weeks aboard ship Anna is not dissuaded from the path of faith that she is following. Attaching herself to Mary Livingstone Anna soon finds herself traveling into Africa to Kolobeng to aid Mary and lodge with the Livingstone family.

Anna's journey will change her as she leaves behind the pain that has shaped her but one can never run from the memories that one carries... Anna will discover who she truly is and just how far she will go for those she loves.

In Spite of Lions will introduce the reader to a world only briefly touched upon in history books. The harshness and isolation of Africa in the 1840s and 1850s is both daunting and beautiful as seen through the glimpses one is offered in this book. But be forewarned there will be a sequel that one will most eagerly be awaiting.

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:

How does a young lady of means escape her high society fate? By booking passage on the first ship to Africa and promptly tossing her petticoats overboard! Now Anna is trading London’s luxuries and restrictions for the wild unknown. Of course, shedding her old life would be much easier without the disapproving looks of a handsome sea captain and the demons in her past haunting her from worlds away.

About the author:

Scarlette Pike became a writer by being an avid reader of Georgette Heyer and many other Regency authors. She is a senior in UVU’s English program with an emphasis in Literature Studies. In Spite of Lions is her first finished novel inspired by her love for the Regency era. The story has been carefully researched in order to preserve and promote historical accuracy.

Excerpt:

“My future was vague and friendless. I had no indication of where I would sleep, who should help me, or how I could reach a new home. I had made no plans and knew little to nothing of how to fend for myself. I had never spent a single night away from my mother’s house. Yet faith, when used in proper context, dismisses anxiety with an iron hand. Carts and horses pushed along the street, trying, I believe, to make as much noise as they were capable of. Vendors cried out from their seats on the ground and little boys and girls ran down the center of the road. Yet from the mayhem I could discern the Thames rushing by, singing her methodical and lovely song. I was a quiet island in the midst of chaos. I realized now that I had always been so.”

Finding Beauty in the Beast ~ Review

Finding Beauty in the Beast
By Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee

Corbin wanted a new life one away from the pain of his intended's betrayal. And he hoped to find family in the Kingdom of Laurel, the land of his birth. His one regret was leaving behind his best friend Will. But Will had just married Ella and Corbin's engagement to Francine had ended the night of Prince Kenton's ball.

Prince Kenton's ball ended Princess Rose's engagement to the prince when he chose a commoner instead to be his bride and his princess.  For Corbin, his timing for arriving in Laurel was either very fortunate or unfortunate as Princess Rose, better known to her subjects and the surrounding kingdoms as The Beast, has determined to wed a commoner herself. All eligible men in Laurel have been commanded, not requested mind you, to present the princess with a gift upon pain of death or the dungeon. The gift most pleasing to the princess will result in the giver's immediate marriage to Princess Rose.

To Corbin's surprise and that of the onlooking crowd, his gift is chosen after a series of disastrously offered gifts. But can a poor blacksmith ever win the heart of a princess that became beastly following the death of her parents? Corbin can hope but when he starts to fall into the same air of despair that the castle is suffering from he may soon become a beast too.

Can Princess Rose and Corbin move beyond the labels they've been given? Will Rose ever be anything other than The Beast? And can Corbin become more than a simple blacksmith? Looking beyond what is readily seen may be the only thing that will save the Kingdom of Laurel and the royal family...

Fans of Jessilyn's previous works (Ella and Ella's Will) will enjoy this newest fairytale twist. Yes, Ella and Will have a part to play in this story but they take a secondary role this time. Again magic is absent from this retelling but the rose is the key to everything. This is a delightful and enchanting story that one can curl up with and read away the hours to one's heart's content.

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:
Princess Rose's fiery temper has kept every potential suitor away—until now. After being spurned and humiliated for the last time the princess forces every eligible man in the kingdom to present a gift to her under pain of death. The man who brings her the best gift will be chosen as her husband.

When Corbin is summoned to present his gift, he hopes that his simple offering will keep him safely overlooked. All he wants is to return to his quiet life as a common blacksmith, away from forbidding castles and beastly princesses. But love works in mysterious ways, and it all starts with a rose. . .

About the Author:

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children into a family of avid readers, music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She loves going on dates with her husband and playing with her five adorable, rambunctious boys. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful high desert of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be.

Excerpt:

A beast. That was what they called her.

When she was in a good temper, Princess Rose's face was deceptively sweet, even
beautiful. Her large emerald eyes could appear tender, her rosebud lips touched with
softness. There was a time, some would say, that her voice was warm and full of life
and, though no one believed it, that she used to laugh.

But today, there was no hint of softness, no trace of tenderness. Her eyes blazed like
green fire and she pursed her lips until they became indistinguishable from her pale
skin. The freckles she painstakingly tried to hide glared angrily across her nose and
cheeks — cheeks deep crimson from humiliation. No tears would escape her eyes, no
quivering would touch her lips. She sat — cold and aloof her gaze fixed straight ahead,
glaring at the opposite wall of the swaying carriage.

Brush with Love ~ Review

Brush with Love
By Lisa McKendrick

Lana Huish has spent her life feeling as if her heart were frozen. Left as a child in an orphanage in Russia she has always wished to know her mother but has known the life she has wouldn't have been without this loss. From this separation, Lana has found art as a medium to capture and keep that which she wants to never lose.

Lana's talent has earned her a summer internship with acclaimed artist Lefty Zaugg. For six weeks she'll work with him honing her talent. But an unexpected change of plans finds Lana on a plane to Bluegill, Idaho, to study under LeVan Hitchpost. But LeVan, though a talent artist, is no longer able to paint due to his failing mental health.

But Lana's coming is the chance LeVan has been waiting for a chance to live again as he wants. And Lana has to keep his secret from everyone including his grandson Walt. And when she starts spending time with Walt, Lana is left with the discomfort of keeping a secret that would be a gift for Walt - a chance at more time with the man who has been there for him over the years. But LeVan needs this time to create his final masterpiece and Lana is his chance to do this.

Lana's time in Idaho is turning into more than she could have ever expected though worries about her best friend Ingrid have her just a little worried. And when her six weeks are up will Lana's heart finally have thawed? Or will her heart return to the icy state she has always felt it has been in?

This is a delightful contemporary work that deals with life and its ups and downs and the pain of reaching out to another and caring. This is a story of family. A story of community. A story of belonging. The descriptive settings make me want to visit Bluegill and see these gorgeous views though I could do without a flash flood and a dramatic rescue though this added an unexpected touch of excitement.

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:
Lana, a talented Ivy League artist, is thrilled for a summer internship program where she'll study under an acclaimed artist, but she is soon disappointed to find that she'll be going tp Bluegill, Idaho, for six weeks to study under the brilliant but aging artist LeVan Hitckpost. As she spends more time with him, though (and more specifically with LeVan's grandson, Walt), Lana realizes she may have to choose between following her dreams or following her heart.

The Darkest Summer ~ Review with Giveaway and Free E-Book

The Darkest Summer
By Rebecca J. Greenwood

Lady Cora Winfield is expected to marry well and of a man on her mother's approved list of eligible suitors. Unfortunately, most who meet her mother's criteria aren't men who appeal to Cora. When the Duke of Blackdale, Adam Douglas first sees Cora he is drawn to her. But meeting Lady Cora is nigh on impossible with her pre-approved suitors and the constraints of proper society.

But Cora's delight in nature, even when dictates of society suggested other activities would be preferable, could not be doused. And this very passion provides the duke with a means of connecting with the lady who has made such an impression upon him. But can he win the heart of such a lady - one who

When his suit is rejected in a most cruel manner, the Duke of Blakedale determines to capture the lady of his heart. But will Cora agree to be his bride when her desires are not taken into consideration? And her mother is not about to allow her only child to be whisked away against her wishes.

With the weather against them and the certainty of pursuers, Lady Cora is about to go on a journey she never expected and one that will forever alter her. After all, can a lady's reputation remain unblemished when she is soon to become the talk of London society?

This is a summer that no one involved in this dash to Scotland and Gretna Green will ever forget...

This is a delightful story that will enamor fans of Regency fiction. Cora is a character with whom the reader will wish to form a friendship with. And the Duke of Blakedale is one who earns the reader's empathy as he deals with his past. And Cora's mother the Dowager Countess of Winfield, well, what can I say, other than she wants her only child to be very close once she is wed and a Scottish Duke is not to her liking at all.

Sit back with a cup of tea, a cookie or two and enjoy a Regency escape with The Darkest Summer!

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


About The Darkest Summer:

In this riveting retelling of the classic myth of Hades and Persephone, Lady Cora Winfield is captivated when she first meets Adam Douglas, Duke of Blackdale. Despite their attraction, Cora’s mother refuses to allow the duke to marry her. Taking matters into his own hands, the duke abducts his chosen bride and Cora is swept into the adventure of her lifetime. Amidst danger and thrilling uncertainty, Cora must face the reality that she is falling in love with her captor.

Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Darkest Summer

by Rebecca J. Greenwood

Giveaway ends November 27, 2017.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Added bonus prequel is FREE!

The Darkest Hour

A Darkest Season Novella

Rebecca J. Greenwood

Available for free on Instafreebie in exchange for signing up for the author’s mailing list.

https://instafreebie.com/free/5jaYZ

About the Book:

When dutiful Lady Hester Douglas, over thirty and long on the shelf, receives word that her brother Adam, the Duke of Blackdale, has survived the Battle of Waterloo, she abandons propriety and heads to Brussels to be by his side. Her widowed minister, Mr. Alasdair Gilchrist, escorts her on the journey from Scotland into a Europe recovering from years of war.

Once she reaches her injured brother, Hester must fight to keep Adam alive and tightly guard her heart’s deepest secret—she’s been in love with Mr. Gilchrist for years.

Will the pain of being with the minister, the man she loves and can never have, distract her from her purpose? Or will she overcome the barriers of age, rank, and station, and seize the love she’s dreamt of?

The Darkest Hour is a standalone inspirational Regency romance novella and a prequel to The Darkest Summer.

Author bio:

Rebecca J. Greenwood is an author, artist, and designer with a love of stories, especially Regency romances. She grew up in Texas as the oldest of six and studied visual art with a music minor at Brigham Young University. Rebecca lives in Utah with her husband, where she listens to audiobooks, cooks experimentally, has an interest in alternative health, and constantly has a new project in mind. Visit rebeccajgreenwood.com to experience more of her art, writing, and upcoming projects.

Author’s links:

rebeccajgreenwood.com

facebook.com/rebeccajgreenwood

instagram.com/rebeccajgreenwood

pinterest.com/purplerebecca

twitter.com/purplerebecca

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!

The 16th Academy ~ Review with Excerpt

The 16th Academy
By Spencer Yacos

Davy Prince is living a life most would not believe, unless they too, were attached to Eastway Academy. Having been a "student" since he was 13 years old Davy is anything but a typical student. He and his fellow classmates are a well-trained group of agents. And most missions meet with success.

But after one mission things begin to change with their next assignment. Their assignment takes them to San Pablo where years before the 10th Academy never returned from a similar mission. And when things begin to go wrong questions are raised about a traitor in their midsts. But who would want them dead and why?

But when their mission goes even further off course Davy finds himself in a most unlikely situation one where he must decide whom he distrusts the most if he is to survive.

Tweens and teens who love the action and adventure of teen spies will enjoy this debut offering from Spencer Yacos. The danger is physical, emotional, and mental. In this deadly game who you trust could very well determine who will live. As the story progresses the intensity builds for a climatic end that is clearly the first in a series that will keep the reader in anticipation of what comes next. I highly recommend this book for mystery and suspense fans. Though for aimed at teens I feel many adult readers will enjoy this book as well.

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:
Eastway Academy, a shadowy organization steeped in espionage, values obedience above all else. Although a well-trained agent in his third year, 16-year-old Davy Prince struggles to find his morals when every mission seems to put innocent lives at risk. How will Davy react when sabotage turns an already risky job into an all-out struggle for survival?

About the Author:

Spencer Yacos is proud to be publishing his debut novel at Cedar Fort. He has been writing on the local level as well as for magazines such as Teen Ink. Spencer was also accepted into the Emerging Writers Institute at Brown University over the summer of 2015. He looks forward to continuing with the series as he heads off to study in college.

Author Residence: Wyckoff, NJ

Excerpt:

“Camelot is ready. The operation is a go,” a voice crackled through the
transceiver in my ear. The mission was being initiated and a part of me was
annoyed. Only halfway through my fried chicken, I was still pretty hungry. I
hadn’t eaten since the night before, since the plane ride down that morning
served no breakfast. Given that I was going to meet with a drug kingpin in a
few minutes, the last thing I wanted was for my stomach to be growling.
I sat in the first floor food court of the Franklin Building, El Paso’s premier
commercial block and the headquarters of the global fast food chain Beef n’
Wings. It was just after noon and the area stirred with visitors eager for their
lunch. From my position I could see two other field agents, the only other two
in the building. Far off to my right, just outside the crowds and colorful
cacophony of restaurants, a hulking teenaged boy seemed to have the same
idea I had as he snacked on a beef hot dog from one of the stands. He wore
a blue hard hat, with matching blue overalls and heavy-looking harnesses
which clung to his body. At his side he loosely held a squeegee as well as
some napkins, presumably for his meal. After taking a big gulp, his lips began
to move. It was much too noisy in the food court to pick up any word he was
saying naturally, but on the transceiver I could hear him perfectly. Percival is
ready. Let’s get this over with.”

Lies and Letters ~ Review

Lies and Letters
By Ashtyn Newbold

Charlotte Lyons absolutely knows she is superior to every unattached young lady who is seeking a husband (and every attached one, for that matter). And her younger sister Clara, don't make her laugh. But for some reason Charlotte has yet to be presented with an offer of marriage but she and her mother are certain that it will happen any day.

But when a sudden reversal of not only fortune but reputation threatens Charlotte's chances both she and Clara are sent to the desolate and unrefined northern coast in hopes of securing an unsuspecting and wealthy Earl. With nothing to recommend them Charlotte and Clara find themselves having to live a life far different than the one to which they've been accustomed to.  And to make matters worse their only hope of ever meeting the Earl seems to depend upon the good favor of some lowly fishing merchant - a James Wortham, who even smells of fish.

Determined to hide the truth of their circumstances Charlotte soon finds herself caught in a web of lies of her own making. And when Charlotte loses even more than she thought possible will she begin to see herself for what she truly is? Or will the lessons of her mother keep her from seeing beneath the surface?

I totally loved Ashtyn's previous book Mischief and Manors and if it is possible to fathom I think this book Lies and Letters just might be better. I know, totally shocking considering how thoroughly delightful the previous work was, right. But the depth of character of Charlotte, Clara, and James just makes this book something special. And in the words of Miss Bingley (Pride and Prejudice) "And their mother!" She is certainly no nominee for mother of the year.

Get ready for a delightful afternoon (and evening) of reading with a favorite cup of tea and perhaps a shortbread cookie or two. And see what unfolds as the lies grow, tangle and then come undone. Can her heart be broken before she makes the mistake of a lifetime? Or will everyone have to pay for the lies she's told herself?

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



About the Book:

"That same ache I had been feeling for

weeks now blossomed inside of me,

bruised, bleeding, and broken.

Only now did I realize it was my heart."

After a season in London, Charlotte Lyons is still regrettably unattached. With her family’s finances in peril, she is sent away with her sister to a bleak coastal town where she is expected to pursue a wealthy Earl. Beautiful and talented, how could she possibly fail? But when her heart is captured by someone entirely unexpected, Charlotte finds herself caught up in a web of lies and intrigue. Between hardship and sorrow, she finds more than she bargained for, forced to choose between the life she once wanted and a new love she never imagined.

About the Author:
Ashtyn Newbold discovered a love of writing early in high school. Inspired by regency period romance, she wrote her first novel at the age of sixteen. Because she can’t vacation in her favorite historical time periods, she writes about them instead. When not crafting handsome historical heroes, she enjoys baking, sewing, music, and spoiling her dog. She dreams of traveling to England and Ireland. Ashtyn is currently studying English and creative writing at Utah Valley University. She lives in Lehi, Utah with her family.

The Unicorn Hunter ~ Review with Author Interview

The Unicorn Hunter
By Rachel Kirkaldie

Princess Jessalyn's betrothal is about to be the talk of the Kingdom of Sharadel, but not for the reasons she wants it to be. But a little betrothal mishap is about to be the least of her worries when she is kidnapped from the grounds of her very home.

But far more than a kidnapping of a princess is working its evil through the lands. And Jessalyn is but one pawn within the greater scheme that could topple more than one kingdom. But until she sees past her own vanities she may not be able to see the greater danger that threatens everything she has ever known.

Caught up in this web that has engulfed is Erik, a young man who has allowed himself to be shaped by life's circumstances and tricked into the role he now finds himself in. And Erik is determined to stop the trickster whom he allowed to influence him. But his quest could cost him his life.

The Unicorn Hunter will take the reader into a world where legends are coming to life and where what is known isn't what is. And Princess Jessalyn, with the help of a young knight and a thief, is about to discover that she is more than what she appears and true worth is not to be found in appearance and rank but rather what resides within.

At 183 pages this book is perfect for a weekend read. For upcoming school book reports in the fantasy/adventure genre keep this one in mind - you'll enjoy the assignment. With a cast of characters with distinct and powerful personalities you know there will be a clash or two as they work towards their goals which may or may not coincide.

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


About the Book:

"Our next scheme," he replied, shaking his head,

"we're going to kidnap the princess."

Princess Jessalyn has a perfect life all lined up for her: she is the most beautiful princess in the realm and is about to marry the soon-to-be-king of Gontir. But all her plans are shattered when she's kidnapped by a murderous unicorn hunter in a plot to destroy Gontir.Dark and mysterious things begin happening, and Jessalyn may be the only one who can save the realm. Faced with the realization that everything she once cherished is not what she thought was, Jessalyn must decide if the life she's always wanted is worth the price of her heart.

About the Author:
Rachel Kirkaldie earned a BA in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing from BYU-Idaho in 2002. While she was there, she worked as a writing assistant in the student writing center, published poetry in the school literary magazine The Outlet, and attended multiple conferences and workshops. More recently she won “Publisher’s Choice” for best Christmas story in a contest. Although a full-time mother and a part-time state employee, she still finds time to dedicate to her writing, making it the best she possibly can.

Find her online at http://www.rachelkirkaldie.com/

Author Interview:

1) What inspired your creation of Princess Jessalyn? 

I created Princess Jessalyn years ago when I was still in high school, back when all I wanted was to be beautiful and I was obsessed with all things princess. I like to think I've gained a little more depth since then, and Jessalyn has, too. 

2) Where did the "smelly fishing kingdom" come from? I've been to a few areas over the years and this description instantly took me to them. 

Sharadel came straight from my brain. It wasn't based on any specific place, at least not that I can recall. I would like to visit it, though, despite the smell of fish. 

3) Are you planning a sequel or is this a stand-alone book? 

Oh, yes, there will be a sequel! The Unicorn Hunter is part of a trilogy. The original manuscript was actually a cliffhanger, and my publisher asked me to change it so the book could stand by itself, just in case we weren't able to publish the next two books. I think the stand-alone ending is better, but I had to cut a lot out and move it to the next book. 

Good, I like series - that way I don't have to abandon a character that I really or a world that I'm just starting to explore! 

4) When you write do you have a place that you go for inspiration or do you just start writing when something comes to you? 

I used to write just when I "felt like it," those moments when I'm full of inspiration and I just have to get it out into words. But inspiration can be elusive, and I didn't want to take ten years to write one novel. So I had to push myself to write even when I wasn't feeling particularly inspired. It can be painfully hard but it gets easier over time, kind of like exercising a muscle. When I write I have to have zero distractions: no music, no TV, and definitely no kids climbing all over me. So most nights my husband would find me in our closet, typing away. :)

5) Do you have a favorite genre or author that is your go to of choice? If so what or who is it? 

I love YA fiction; when I hit the library I go straight to the Teen section. 

Excellent source for reading material by the way.  And YA fiction has some really excellent reading available.

Thanks for taking the time out your busy schedule Rachel for this short interview - I'm looking forward to what comes next for Princess Jessalyn and the Kingdoms of Sharadel and Gontir.

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot ~ Review

Heartbeat of the Bitterroot
By Janice Mineer

The cover alone is reason enough pick up this book and read it - the cover is gorgeous but the real treat comes from what is hidden within. Jenn Clark was fortunate that she was able to spend as much of her childhood with her Aunt Ann, Uncle Martin, and cousins - if not for their love and support she may have found herself as adrift in life as her late mother was. But her early years have laid a foundation that has made a mark and she feels that she will never have the family that she wants or any family if her boyfriends are any indication.

But Jenna has come back to her roots in Montana with her latest job transfer and she is determined to find what she is missing and to spend time with the family who has loved her through the years. And to start off she's about to attend her cousin's wedding - a wedding that may, in fact, reveal a little-known secret about her past and her father.

But the revelation that she never knew her father is a revelation to more than Jenna. But with the passage of so much time can she ever hope to find the truth as to who she is? This journey will allow Jenna to see her mother in a new light.

But when Jenna finds her safety threatened the question becomes why. Is it related to her search for answers about her past or is it related to something entirely different? And then there is Michael Callahan her cousin Jack's friend who has somehow found himself involved in Jenna's search. Is he someone that Jenna could trust her heart with? Or is his heart already taken?

Altogether this is a beautiful story that one will want to re-read. The characters are alive and one can empathize with them. Well, maybe not Jenna's jerk maybe-ex-boyfriend Derek. And I loved the subtle weaving of the strength and beauty of the Bitterroot throughout the story as a parallel to Jenna's own.

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

About the Book:

And so, it followed me, this dream.

It launched me on a journey.

But I never imagined that the journey

would nearly cost me my life.

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

Jenna Clark tries to keep her bleak childhood memories buried in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, but a newfound secret about her father’s identity forces her to dig into her past. Whit the help of Michael Callahan -- the charming man she meets at her uncle's ranch--she delves deeper into a history that would rather stay hidden. When harmless pranks quickly turn into aggressive threats, Jenna must decide whether to run away one more time or face her past with courage and finally let love into her heart.

About the author:

Janice Mineer was born in the state of Washington. She graduated from Brigham Young University and later taught English, allowing her to spend quality time with something she loves-the written word. A hopeless romantic, Janice has played harp for weddings, even for one that took place on the edge of a cliff over a river. Because of her first husband’s long illness, Janice and her family spent extended time away from home to be near the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. When her husband passed away, Janice dedicated herself to work with the Ronald McDonald House to provide a home away from home for families who need medical care for their children. Janice is the author of a children’s book, Gingerbread from the Heart. Heartbeat of the Bitterroot is her first novel.

Janice lives in the Bitterroot Valley of Montana with her husband, Randy. Between them, they have five children and 11 beautiful grandchildren.