The Bleikovat Event: Cairns of Sainctuarie 1 ~ Review with Giveaway

Join Us For This Book Tour from Jan 27, 2020 to Feb 14, 2020!

The Bleikovat Event
The Cairns of Sainctuarie #1
By Hawk MacKinney

The Bleikovat Event is about to forever alter the Murian world as they know it. Senseless war has come and none who oppose subjugation are going to be allowed to live. The Feldovats are slowly dying beneath the cruel forward advance of the Green Dragon forces of Bleikovia. With few options, Etkaa consort of Celo Klarvkon makes a decision as he lays dying from a deadly poison. Going against tradition she determines that those few remaining must turn into the treacherous wintery mountains - their only hope to survive the Dragon forces. But before leaving anything and everything of value is turned to ash thwarting the objective of this invasion.

As the dangers and losses continue to mount Etkaa stands strong becoming more than any woman among her people has ever dreamed of. Named Regentkaa she is the new face of hope for her people as they continue on into an unknown future. A future that will involve more sacrifice, more duty, and more heart than she has ever before been called upon giving.

The Bkeikovat Event is the first volume in The Cairns of Sanctuarie series and it is set in a world that visually is different from ours in coloring and has two suns instead of one. But in other ways it is similar - it is a world at war and it is subject to the whims of nature. And when I say it is a world at war this is the main focal point of the whole book. Defeating the Feldovats becomes an obsession for the Dragons and their Overseers an obsession that could well destroy them too. And one woman's strength of will may be the only thing capable of saving them.

As a whole, this was a fairly interesting book. At times the battles seemed to drag and the endless arguing over what to do next reminded me of political wrangling over some word or phrasing in a bill being presented in Congress. Some of the words used are not ones that this reader is used to but there is a glossary of terms located at the end of the book to help out. This is most definitely a book for fans of Science or Fantasy Fiction and not someone looking for a Cozy Mystery or a Gentle Read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Cairns of Sainctuarie: The Bleikovat Event (Volume 1) by Hawk MacKinney
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  228 pages
Genre:  Science Fiction
Publisher:  Sage Words Publishing
Release date:  Oct 2012
Tour dates: Jan 27, 2020 to Feb 14, 2020
Content Rating:  PG-13: Some of the war scenes are graphic. 

Book Description:

From a rocky outcrop a battle-widowed Etkaa, gazed down at the death and upheaval. Rancid green Murian blood stenched the dusklit breezes from the haze-dimmed river marshlands. Nothing has been spared by the Green Dragon forces of Bleikovia. In skirmishes along the Feldon River, Etkaa’s mate is fatally wounded with deadly selvon poison. Through a gruesome mountain trek of icy blizzards, they elude the Green Dragon. The battered starving Feldovats reach the coast at Eedov City only to be confronted by their implacable enemy determined to destroy the remaining Klarvkon rabble. Taking passage on crowded Maalon freighters, the refugees escape toward a new life among their Maalon hosts. Enraged Bleikovats move against the Klarvkons, bringing indiscriminate bloodshed. War once again surfaces, as it did in the muddy filth along the Feldon River of Malfesov, and becomes a different kind of war.

Buy the Book:
Amazon.com ~ Barnes and Noble

 

Meet the Author:

Hawk has authored several works of fiction including a historical romance Moccasin Trace which was nominated for both the prestigious Michael Shaara Award for Excellence in Civil War Fiction and the Writers Notes Book Award. His Cairns of Sainctuarie Science Fiction Series and his Moccasin Hollow Mystery Series have received national and international attention.

With postgraduate degrees and faculty positions in several medical universities, Hawk MacKinney has taught graduate courses in both the United States and Jerusalem. His professional writing includes articles on chordate neuroembryology, and aerospace research on muscle metabolic behavior in multi-orbital environments.

Connect with the Author:     

website  

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Tour Schedule:

Jan 27 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – series spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Jan 28 – Delilah Bluette - book review of The Bleikovat Event - Volume I
Jan 29 – Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of The Bleikovat Event - Volume I / giveaway
Jan 30 – Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of The Missing Planets – Volume II / giveaway
Jan 31 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review of The Bleikovat Event - Volume I / giveaway
Feb 3 – Book Corner News and Reviews - book review of Inanna Phantom – Volume III / giveaway
Feb 4 – Delilah Bluette - book review of The Missing Planets – Volume II
Feb 5 – Locks, Hook, and Books – book review of The Bleikovat Event - Volume I / guest post / giveaway
Feb 6 - Turning the Pages - book review of The Bleikovat Event - Volume I / author interview / giveaway
Feb 6 – Locks, Hook, and Books – book review of The The Missing Planets - Volume II / giveaway
Feb 7 – Nighttime Reading Center – book review of The Missing Planets / giveaway
Feb 7 - Delilah Bluette - book review of Inanna Phantom / guest post
Feb 11 – Turning the Pages - book review of The The Missing Planets - Volume II / giveaway
Feb 12 – Turning the Pages - book review of Inanna Phantom – Volume III / giveaway
Feb 13 – Locks, Hook, and Books – book review of Inanna Phantom - Volume III / giveaway
Feb 14 -  Nighttime Reading Center – book review of Inanna Phantom – Volume III / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Win 1 of 5 print book of Hawk MacKinney's INANNA PHANTOM, 

1 of 5 ebook of Hawk MacKinney's INANNA PHANTOM, 

or a $20 Amazon Gift Card 

(open USA and Canada) 

(11 winners) 

(ends 2/21/2020)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

On Wings of Devotion ~ Review

On Wings of Devotion
The Codebreakers #2
By Roseanne M. White

Major Phillip Camden should have died that day - if he had he wouldn't have to live with the guilt or the nightmares. And he wouldn't be known to all of England as that traitor Black Heart. But live he did and now he finds himself not in the prison cell he expected to live out his few remaining days but rather in service to the Admiralty's codebreaking division. He tries to avoid everyone and any possibility of friendship or attachments - he doesn't deserve any.

When Camden's sister Cassandra gets herself into a situation he must use his persuasive charms (some of which are less than charming) to help her out. But first, he needs to convince Arabelle Denler to break off her engagement.

Arabelle, or Ara to those who know her best, is doing her bit for king and country as a nurse caring for soldiers who have come back injured in the war. The work is hard and heartbreaking but she feels called to help the hurting to heal. As she obverses the Black Heart as he goes by the hospital where she works she sees not the villain he has been labeled but rather a man hurting and in need of God. What she never expected was actually meet him, having her own dreams destroyed in the process, and starting an acquaintance that would have the most unexpected results.

Ara knows no man would ever look twice at her and her only attraction is her fortune. When Phillip Camden begins to escort her home she is at a loss as to reason until he admits to his guilt at the situation she is soon to find herself in - with her fortune and the potential, it will offer to gentlemen in need of capital being the draw. She wants nothing to do with Camden's plan but he is just as stubborn as she is and she feels that he needs to do this.

What neither Ara or Camden know is that someone is working against him and he is about to become the means to their goal - a goal that could severely cripple England and allow Germany to obtain the upper hand in the war. Will the codebreakers of Room 40 uncover the truth before it is too late?

On Wings of Devotion is a fantastic sequel to The Number of Love. And those who have followed Roseanna M. White's previous series will be delighted to have some of them make an appearance in this book. The book is most definitely one you won't want to put down once you start reading so set aside a weekend or a long afternoon and read away - you won't regret it. I read this last night when I got the mail at 6:30 pm and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning (4:30 am) because for some reason the "just one more chapter" promise to myself was too easily broken when the end of the said chapter came.

This book is Historical Romance Fiction and is set in England during the early months of 1918. The war is the backdrop throughout as it is an ever-present threat affecting the lives of all who live beneath its shadow. The characters are well developed and easy to click with. Even though this is the second book of the series it can easily be read as a stand-alone, though once you've read it you will want to read the first book. An altogether lovely book that I highly recommend adding to your home as you'll want to reread this one.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via the publisher with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Against Every Warning,

She’s Drawn Ever Closer to 

the Man Known as “Black Heart”

All of England thinks Major Phillip Camden a monster–a man who deliberately caused the deaths of his squadron. But he would have preferred to die that day with his men rather than be recruited to the Admiralty’s codebreaking division. The threats he receives daily are no great surprise and, in his opinion, well deserved.

As nurse Arabelle Denler observes the so-dubbed “Black Heart,” she sees something far different: a hurting man desperate for mercy. And when their families and paths twist together unexpectedly, she realizes she has a role to play in his healing–and some of her own to do as well.

With Camden’s court-martial looming, an old acquaintance shows up, intent on using him in a plot that sends the codebreakers of Room 40 into a frenzy. With their fragile hopes for the future in the crosshairs, Arabelle and Camden must hold on to hope–and to each other–if they want to survive.

Available for Purchase at:

Signed copy from Roseanna's website  | Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christian Book 

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. 

Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

You can learn more about her and her stories at: 

www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

You can also connect with her online at: 

Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter |

All Manner of Things ~ Review

All Manner of Things
By Susie Finkbeiner

All Manner of Things is both moving and heartbreaking. Annie Jacobson's family calls Fort Colson, Michigan home but their home has changed over the years following their father's departure from their lives. The horrors of war he experienced in Korea left their mark and he removed himself from their lives. The years that followed found Annie's mother working to support her three children - Mike, Annie, and Joel.

Fast forward 12 years and Mike is about to leave for Vietnam - the one thing Gloria Jacobson never wanted for her sons is about to happen. And considering the changes that happened to her husband Frank her fears are valid. War changes people - the things they saw, heard and did wounded their souls and she feared just what it would do to Mike.

With the war taking center-stage in their lives that should be enough for any family, community or nation but that was just one of the concerns that was gripping the headlines. Civil rights were being demanded and riots were occurring as sentiments reached new highs and boiled over. And then there were the normal and not so normal concerns that affect all lives. But when a personal tragedy brings Frank Jacobson back to Fort Colson and into his family's lives will that have a positive impact or will it be just another ember to stoke these tumultuous times?

These are just some of the things Annie finds herself dealing with as she works through her world as she officially enters into the sometimes overrated world of adulthood. I think the following quote from page 279 sums up the book quite well:

Anyway, Annie my dear. When you become afraid or worried or even

just tired, think of our friend Julian's words.

'All manner of things shall be well.'"

These words of wisdom would serve us all well to remember as we live our own lives. 

I really enjoyed this book though I will admit that I may have shed a tear or two a few times. This is a story of family, a story of friendship, a story of first love, a story of loss. Susie Finkbeiner brings to life people that one could have known or been related to. She brings a personal reality to history - giving it a face that one can empathize with. I highly recommend this book as one to add to your summer to-be-read list and can see this being a book worth reading more than once.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my honest opinions.

About the Book:

After Annie Jacobson's brother Mike enlists as a medic in the Army in 1967, he mails her the address of their long-estranged father. If anything should happen to him in Vietnam, Mike says, Annie must let their father know. 

In Mike's absence, their father returns to face tragedy at home, adding an extra measure of complication to an already tense time. Letter by letter, the Jacobsons must find a way to pull together as a family, regardless of past hurts. In the tumult of this time, Annie and her family will grapple with the tension of holding both hope and grief in the same hand, even as they learn to turn to the One who binds the wounds of the brokenhearted.

A Reluctant Belle ~ Review

A Reluctant Belle
The Daughtrey House #2
By Beth Wise

Joelle Daughtry wants to bring education to those recently freed from the bonds of slavery - there is just one problem most of Tupelo, Mississippi, doesn't agree with her. In fact, she's considered by some to be the oddest of the Daughtrey girls. In the opinion of most Joelle thinks too much and has none of the necessary skills that a proper young lady should have with her head always deep in some book only appropriate for the facilities of the male brain. Her looks are her only redeeming quality though she seldom does much to properly display them.

With her sisters, Selah and Aurora, Joelle has begun to turn their family home into a resort. And she offers classes to their former slaves - after all if they can read and understand they will make decisions based on their own knowledge and not taken advantage of. Now if only women could get the vote... And Joelle is determined to influence those in Tupelo to her way of thinking with pieces that she secretly writes for the local newspaper. If her secret is ever discovered it could be disastrous not only for her but Daughtry House. And if the Klan finds out it could bring danger to all whom Joelle holds dear.

Schuyler Beaumont has become a partner in Daughtry House providing the funds the sisters needed to finance this restoration. To his way of thinking the Daughtry sisters are as close to his family as if they were family. And his ongoing war of words with Joelle is the highlight of any interaction with her, at least it was before he discovered that his heart had taken a fancy to her unique ways. But with her promise given to another, he knows that his friendship with her at its end - if only he didn't think she had made a mistake.

When a bullet ends his father's life Schuyler knows that if the truth about what happened is to be known he'll need to act. With racial tensions high and the Klan aggravating the locals discovering the truth just might cost him everything. But how far is he willing to go for the truth and justice?

This is a historical fiction piece that is set during the turbulent years of Reconstruction in the Post Civil War South. People are hurting on both sides and anger is simmering just below the surface being feed by fear and rhetoric. And those hiding in the shadows are more than willing to threaten all who stand in the way of their plans and no cost is too great to restore the South to its former glory.

This is a well-written book that doesn't shy away from presenting the harsh realities of what the post-war South was like. The characters are complex and well-developed - even some of the less-likable ones can elicit sympathy (briefly).  Able to be read as a standalone but better with the background of the first book.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Joelle Daughtry has a secret.

By day, the impoverished Southern belle has been helping her sisters in their quest to turn the run-down family plantation into a resort hotel after the close of the Civil War. But by night and under a male pseudonym, she has been penning articles for the local paper in support of constructing a school for former slaves. With the Mississippi arm of the Ku Klux Klan gaining power and prestige, Joelle knows she is playing a dangerous game.

Loyalties shift when Schuyler Beaumont, childhood enemy and current investor in the Daughtry House renovation, takes over his assassinated father's candidacy for state office. Joelle finds that in order to protect her family and her home, she and Schuyler will have to put aside their longstanding personal conflict and develop a united public front. The trouble is, what do you do when animosity becomes respect--and even love--if you're already engaged to someone else?

Nightfall ~ Review with Giveaway

Nightfall
Clemhorn Trilogy #1
By Andrew J. Harvey

This is a world that though very similar to the one that we know is different. This is a world that has a single leader who is near death and without an heir or named successor to rule in his stead upon his death. The Clemhorn family has long been the ruling family with control over much of the world. But the instability and general unrest is beginning to prove a challenge in these days of uncertainty. Nightfall takes us into the events and closely follows the lives of the youngest Clemhorn generation Conrad, Arnold, Donald, and Ivy as they find their place in the world.

Nightfall uses the first chapters to acquaint the reader with the Clemhorn family, their cousins, and friends who are about to face something they never expected the world divided by war amongst their own forces. This is set in an alternate timeline that is in our near past but technology is an interesting mix of futuristic and late 19th/early 20th Century. Events that shaped our world never happened in this one.

Now do be aware that as this is a world in the midst of unrest and uprising there are a few scenes that are a little disturbing, in my opinion, and not for sensitive readers. That being said it is overall an interesting read that I will admit has me wondering what comes next and believe me there is a next coming with how the book ends (plus it is book one in a trilogy). If you are a fan of alternate history and military science fiction you should give this book a try.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:After eighty years of war the remnants of humanity on the Nayarit Line struggled to survive in sealed domes, surrounded by radioactive wasteland and genetically engineered viruses. It was in the last, desperate years of the war that the first trans-temporal portal was developed at Chiqu, a small research facility on the west coast of North America. As the domes finally failed and civilization collapsed around them, Iapura led fifty-three survivors to found a new empire on a parallel Earth; an Earth where, in 1884, Russian and English armies faced each other across America’s Great Plains, totally unprepared for the technology of the invading Nayarit. The Cross-Temporal Empire now encompasses fifty-four parallel Earths. But with its ruling Council riven by dissent the death of First Leader Manet, sets the Council into a slow and irrevocable slide into civil war.

A war that threatens not only the lives of the Clemhorn siblings: Conrad, Arnold, Donald, and Ivy; but the very future of the Empire.

Book Title:  Nightfall (Book 1 in the Clemhorn Trilogy) By Andrew J Harvey
Category:  Adult Fiction, 250 pages
Genre:  Science Fiction Military, Alternate History
Publisher:  Zmok Books, an imprint of Pike and Powder Publishing Group LLC
Release date:  February 2019
Content Rating: PG-13 (Includes some violence, adult themes including a torture scene)

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~  iTunes ~ Google Play
Add to Goodreads

​Watch the Book Trailer:

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Meet the Author:  ​

Andrew spent his high-school years in the school's library lost in the worlds of Andre Norton, Robert Heinlein, and Isaac Asimov.

​His first novel to be accepted for publication was originally completed to be read to his two sons at night. Now that his children have left home he lives in Perth, Western Australia, with his wife, one dog, and sixty-four goldfish.

Connect with the author:  

Website  ~ Twitter ~ Facebook 

BOOK TOUR SCHEDULE:
​
June 3   - Locks, Hooks and Books
June 4   - The Autistic Gamer
June 5   - Library of Clean Reads
June 6   - Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews
June 7   - Kurt's Frontier
June 10 - The Irresponsible Reader
​June 11 - Books for Books
June 12 - Blooming with Books
June 13 - Lisa-Queen of Random
June 14 - #redhead.with.book
​

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ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!

Prizes: Win 1 of 3 copies of Nightfall,

another winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card

(4 winners / open internationally)

Ends June 22, 2019

The Number of Love ~ Review

The Number of Love
The Codebreakers #1
By Roseanna M. White

For Margot De Wilde everything is about the numbers - she lives and breathes numbers. Her every decision is based on the numbers she sees and feels in the world around her. She's the perfect person to work in Room 40 of the Old Admiralty Building decoding intercepted German messages. Margot has no time for friends and the silly gossip of the secretaries she lives in a world that follows a set order.

But when Dorothea (Dot) Elton interviews for a position things begin to change. For one Dot has almost as many quirks in her personality as Margot which gives them a starting point upon which to build a friendship. And Dot's brother Drake manages to make an impression on her during the brief discussion they have during Dot's interview, an impression that goes both ways thanks to Margot's unique and precise method of speaking.

Drake Elton's unique heritage is being put to good use in intelligence gathering in Spain. But when his mission to stop a potential threat ends with him wounded he is sent back to England with the enemy's threats of revenge echoing in his ear.

When Margot's world comes crashing down upon her with a loss she never saw coming she finds herself adrift and the numbers have been silenced. The solitude and loneliness she feels are different than what she's accustomed to. How could the numbers that have always guided and comforted her just be gone? But the work must continue and Margot needs the stability that it offers. And even amid her loss, she is determined to do her part in Room 40 and be there for Dot during her own time.

The Number of Love is the first book in a new series from Roseanna White but those who have read her previous books will be glad to hear that various characters from those series make some appearances here. This series is focusing on those unnoted individuals who worked tirelessly to break the ciphers that were used to relay information about England and her vulnerabilities during the war. I really like Margot and her dedication, at times one can forget that she is as young as she is with the work she does. She has goals and is focused on them not the typical young lady of her day but unique in her own way. I like that Dot and Drake seem to appreciate her for who she is. I also appreciate the chance to get to know her better after being introduced to her in A Song Unheard.

This series debut promises to be a most enlightening look at a hidden part of history. Fans of historical fiction, WWI fiction, and romance fiction will have a new series to add to their must-read list. The characters are well developed and the setting descriptive without getting bogged down in excessive details. If you are looking for a good read to take you away from your ordinary I highly recommend The Number of Love.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

The Toughest Puzzle She'll Have to Solve

Might Be the Wishes of Her Own Heart

Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack German telegrams for hints of the enemy's plans. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, she discovers for the first time in her life that numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the quick and brainy Margot, but soon the dangers of the war draw ever closer. Margot and Drake will have to team up to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

About the Author:

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-nominated author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 

You can learn more about her and her stories at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

Connect online at:

Blog | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram | Twitter | Website

Purchase links:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Christian Book | Roseanna’s Shop (Signed)

Far Side of the Sea ~ Review

Far Side of the Sea
By Kate Breslin

Lieutenant Colin Mabry can no longer serve on the battlefield following the loss of his hand. And the nightmares stalk his nights. But he is determined to wok past the pain and the guilt. His posting Hastings allows him the decode messages that are important to the Allies war efforts and feel as if he can be of some use still in the war effort. But when Colin decodes a message that is asking for a meeting he knows that he must answer this summons. Now he just needs permission to return to France and respond to this plea for help - a plea from a woman he thought dead.

Johanna Reyer is in France - hiding from her past and searching for her family, including a sister she knew nothing about. A sister whom she believes to be in danger. And if she hopes to find Jewel she needs Colin's assistance in identifying her. And if she can find Jewel she hopes that she will find her father, a man she hasn't seen since she was 3 years old, a man whose parting words were that he wanted nothing more than to be her papa. Can she hope to find what she has lost in a country torn apart by war and occupation?

When Colin meets Johanna he is less than pleased with her subterfuge in obtaining his assistance but to honor the promise he made to Jewel he agrees to aid her. But nothing is what it seems with anyone and every one a potential spy. With a single photograph and a name as their only clues, Colin and Johanna must watch their every word and action so as to not arouse suspicions.

Far Side of the Sea is an excellent read and those who enjoy WWI historical fiction will enjoy this newest book from Kate Breslin. I like that several of the characters had previously been in her books so one has a familiarity with them. But if this is your first meeting with the author this book can very much be read on its own and nothing will be lacking in your understanding or enjoyment while reading. I like Johanna and her most unique personality and how she grew throughout in matters of faith. I also like how both Johanna and Colin fight to do what they feel is what they are meant to do even if it was opposed by those who had authority over them.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.



About the Book:
In 1918 England, Lieutenant Colin Mabry spends his days decoding messages for MI8 after suffering injuries at the front. When he receives an urgent summons by carrier pigeon from Jewel Reyer--a woman who saved his life and whom he believed to be dead--he can only hope he'll regain the courage he lost on the front lines as he's driven back into war-torn France. 

But Jewel isn't the one waiting for him in Paris. Instead, it is a stranger who claims to be her half-sister, Johanna, who works at a dovecote for French Army Intelligence. She found Jewel's diary and believes her sister is alive and in the custody of a German agent. With spies everywhere, Colin is at first skeptical of Johanna, but as they travel across France and Spain, a tentative trust grows.

That trust is quickly put to the test, however, when their pursuit leads them straight into the midst of a treacherous plot and their search for answers quickly turns into a battle for their lives.

Castle on the Rise ~ Review

Castle on the Rise
A Lost Castle Novel #2
By Kristy Cambron

First off I haven't read one of Kristy Cambron's books and been anything but delighted in her works. Castle on the Rise is no exception as it masterfully weaves a story that spans centuries in the telling. A story of rebellion, of hope, of love and all, shrouded in mystery.

Those who read The Lost Castle will be delighted to know that Ellie and Quinn are about to get married in the castle that Ellie inherited. Ellie's best friend Laine Forrester has made the trip from the US to France for the wedding along with her young daughter Cassie. Laine is happy to be there for Ellie but the happily-ever-after that she had envisioned has slipped away and now Ellie's too seems threatened.

When Quinn's brother Cormac comes seeking help the reader is taken from France to Ireland and a mystery surrounding Castle Chryn. For some unknown reason, the castle has been left to the care of the Foley family. The storied castle has been kept from the prying eyes of the public. Laine's family's past dealing with antiques is just what Cormac needs as he works his way through the castle and its hidden away treasures - but the greatest treasure may be hidden away where no one will ever find it. A treasure linked to Ireland's tumultuous past.

Like the previous Lost Castle book, this one is told from three distinct perspectives - Maeve Ashford's in 1797/1798, Lady Isolde (Issy) Byrne's in 1915/1916, and Laine's in the present day. Castle Chryn is the binding element throughout. Maeve is trying to fill in for her father and brother as master following the tragic loss of both her mother and brother. With threats of rebellion and dissent between the English and the Irish, the Catholics and the Protestants she is sitting in the midsts of a powder keg ready to take any and all with it. But a chance encounter leaves Maeve with a choice one that will decide not only her future, but that of her family, her tenants, and even her country. Issy's world is being torn apart by dreams of Irish freedom and a world at war. She longs to be part of what could very well be Ireland's last chance to break with England and her harsh rule. But all movements come with a cost and this one could cost Issy her freedom, her life, and even those she holds most dear. 

I love the progressive revealing of each period to its climax. The gradual progression of each thread comes together in a satisfying conclusion. Each chapter is clearly identified as to which thread it belongs to so the reader doesn't have to wonder. One can easily follow each story and empathize with the characters as they attempt to live their lives in the midst of war, the rumor of war and the ensuing turmoil. The trials that each faces rather than beating them down strengthens their resolve.

Kristy Cambron newest work is one I would highly recommend to fans of both historical and contemporary fiction. The characters are multi-dimensional that are relatable on a personal level. Those who enjoy anything Irish will want this one as this is most definitely well flavored with the history of the land. Can anyone say book club selection? I can most definitely recommend this one as a potential choice.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations but that I offer my honest opinion - all thoughts expressed are my own.


About the Book:

A storied castle. 

A band of rebels.

A nation chasing a centuries-old dream of freedom.

And three women who rise above it all . . .

When Laine Forrester travels overseas to attend her best friend’s vineyard wedding, she expects to find the bride on the brink of a fairy-tale life. But after a series of unforeseen setbacks, it seems the storybook lives they’d imagined are suddenly ripping apart.

With hopes of resurrecting a happy ending, Laine agrees to accompany the newlyweds to the groom’s home in Ireland—never expecting she’d be the one drawn in by its wide-open moors, backroads bordering the Irish Sea, and a mysterious castle that dares to keep its secrets hidden.

From the storied streets of Dublin to the shores of the Emerald Isle, Laine is drawn in to the land and its rich history. The castle ruins whisper stories of Issy—a photojournalist battling through the 1916 Easter Rising, and Maeve—the castle’s lady of legend, fighting for survival through the 1798 rebellion that started it all.

Spanning more than two centuries, Castle on the Rise unites the legacy of three women who must risk mending the broken places within for life, love, and the belief that even through the depths of our pain, a masterpiece of a story can emerge.

Auschwitz Lullaby ~ Review

Auschwitz Lullaby
By Mario Escobar

Helene Hannemann's life was that of an ordinary German woman until the day came that her husband and children were taken because of their Romani (Gypsy) heritage. Not about to allow them to be taken from her Helene insists on accompanying them little realizing just what her love would cost.

In May 1943 the Romani population under Nazi control is taken away to "special" internment camps and when her husband, Johann and their children are included in this rounding up Helene goes with them, though her German heritage would exempt her from such a sentence. Auschwitz is a living hell that tries to steal away the humanity and dignity of all who enter its gates. Helene though separated from Johann is determined to do everything in her power to keep her children safe.

When Helene's skills, as a trained nurse, are discovered her life and that of her children becomes somewhat better. But operating a day nursery under Dr. Mengele's direction allows her to see the utter depths of depravity a human can sink to and all in the name research.

This book covers approximately 15 months in the life of a woman who was determined to protect the innocent. Though there is much referenced as occurring within the camp most of the graphic violence is not described. There is one scene in which the after-effects of one of Mengele's experiments is portrayed and it is quite horrific. The hate shown against those who are of differing heritage is a warning that all should take to heart.

This book is one that is hard to read just because of the subject matter. The presentation and writing style are excellent. Those who have read Irma Joubert or Corban Addison's work will likely appreciate this book which is based on the true story of Helene Hannemann. 

I was provided a complimentary of this book by the publisher Thomas Nelson with no expectations except that I offer my honest opinion. All opinions offer are my own.


About the Book:

Auschwitz Lullaby brings to life the story of Helene Hannemann—a woman who sacrificed everything for family and fought furiously for the children she hoped to save.

On an otherwise ordinary morning in 1943, Helene Hannemann is preparing her five children for the day when the German police arrive at her home. Helene’s worst fears come true when the police, under strict orders from the SS, demand that her children and husband, all of Romani heritage, be taken into custody. Though Helene is German and safe from the forces invading her home, she refuses to leave her family—sealing her fate in a way she never could have imagined.

After a terrifying trek across the continent, Helene and her family arrive at Auschwitz and are thrown into the chaos of the camp. Her husband, Johann, is separated from them, but Helene remains fiercely protective of her children and those around her. When the powers-that-be discover that Helene is not only a German but also a trained nurse, she is forced into service at the camp hospital, which is overseen by the notorious Dr. Mengele himself.

Helene is under no illusions in terms of Dr. Mengele’s intentions, but she agrees to cooperate when he asks her to organize a day care and school for the Romani children in the camp. Though physically and emotionally brutalized by the conditions at Auschwitz, Helene musters the strength to protect the children in her care at any cost. Through sheer force of will, Helene provides a haven for the children of Auschwitz—an act of kindness and selflessness so great that it illuminates the darkest night of human history.

Based on a true story, Mario Escobar’s Auschwitz Lullaby demonstrates the power of sacrifice and the strength of human dignity—even when all hope seems lost.

The Sound of Distant Thunder ~ Review

The Sound of Distant Thunder
The Amish of Weaver's Creek #1
By Jan Drexler

Katie Stuckey and Jonas Weaver know that they are meant to marry and they want to do it as soon as possible. But Katie's father thinks she is too young at 17 years. And Jonas he feels is just not responsible enough to marry his youngest daughter. Gustav is relieved when Jonas agrees to wait.

With the country caught up in a war about slavery and state rights, the Amish of Weaver's Creek are caught in their problem those who want to embrace the change of the world and those who want to hold tight to their traditions. War is the furthest thing on their minds as they refuse to participate in violence. But when Ohio implements a draft the Amish community is faced with a dilemma - take up arms (against the church), pay a fee to avoid serving, or pay a substitute to fight for them.

When Samuel, Jonas's older married brother's name is drawn he is faced with a dilemma. Samuel vowed to never pay a fee nor pay a substitute to take his place. As one who had joined the church serving in the war could cost him dearly - shunning.  Jonas feels drawn to the war not that he wants to fight but he feels that God has something for him to do. Taking his brother's place means that Jonas will have to put his plans on hold and he will be separated from Katie. 

With Jonas gone Katie faces challenges that will test her. Can she hold onto the promise that Jonas will return to her? Can Jonas stay true to his beliefs or will war change him forever?

The Sound of Distant Thunder is an apt title for this book as thunder is a reoccurring theme throughout - thunder that is accompanied by a storm and that that is the distant call of battle coming. I have not read Jan Drexler's work before so came to this book with no expectations. I found the first few chapters to be a little slow but once the book got into it with the characters established the pacing and story seemed to move along quicker.

Those who like historical American fiction will enjoy this one as it is set in the early 1860s and if you have a fondness for Amish fiction consider this a bonus read as it offers both. This book focuses on family and the idea of hold firm to your principles.  Overall I would recommend this book which is the first in a new series The Amish of Weaver's Creek.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by Revell with no expectations but that I give my honest opinion. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

For two hopeless romantics, 

the Civil War will be the ultimate test . . .

Seventeen-year-old Katie Stuckey is starry-eyed, in love with the idea of being in love, and does not want to wait until she is eighteen to marry Jonas Weaver as her parents insist. Twenty-year-old Jonas knows war is at odds with the teachings of the church, yet he can't help being taken in by the romance of the soldiering life, especially for the abolitionist cause.

When his married brother's name comes up in the draft list, Jonas volunteers to take his brother's place. But can the commitment Katie and Jonas have made to each other survive the separation?

An Hour Unspent ~ Review

An Hour Unspent
Shadows Over England #3
By Roseanna M. White

Barclay Pearce is very good at what he does. His skills honed as a child made him one of London's top thieves and boss of his own band and territory. But now his skills are at the behest of the British Admiralty.

Barclay's current assignment is to get close to master clockmaker Cecil Manning who may have invented something that would aid the British efforts in the war. And if necessary he is to remove the plans from the Manning household. But Barclay wants to put as much distance between him and his old life as possible and assisting Manning is his preferred method of obtaining Manning's work.

Barclay's first attempt at meeting with Manning introduces him to Evalina Manning whom he rescues from an attempted mugging. Is it mere coincidence that the daughter of the very man whom Barclay is supposed to connect with threatened within feet of their home? Barclay is determined to discover the identity of this stranger who is where he shouldn't be.

When Barclay's interest in Manning's work results in an offer to mentor him the intricacies of watch movements Barclay is more than happy to accept. And his interactions with Evalina prove most interesting especially once her mother returns home with Aunt Beatrice in tow. With a broken engagement, Evalina needs Barclay and his family as a means of escape from the tense and oppressive atmosphere that has come home.  Evalina is determined to enjoy her little rebellion - after all Barclay is everything her mother doesn't want in a husband for her. He works, doesn't have connections or wealth and as her friends advise her, "have a little fun" while she can. But losing her heart was never a possibility or was it?

With his responsibilities to his family, Barclay doesn't have time for romance. Nor does he have the means to provide for someone of Evalina's status. The family barely has the means to put enough food on the table every day and now they are saving up for furnishing for their new home. But marriage was something he'd never contemplated for himself until Evalina declared that he was her new best friend.

As Evalina and Barclay work through what they are feeling with whom they are danger comes closer and everything that they hold dear is threatened. Once again Barclay faces the prospect of having to make his behind enemy lines to save not only a life but to protect England.

With An Hour Unspent Roseanna White has brought Barclay and his story forward so that the reader gets to know him. Barclay is a most admirable and likable individual and his care and concern for the orphaned and abandoned children of London just makes him that much nobler. This book can be read alone but as good as the other books are, just go ahead and read them all - this way you'll have the backstory without wondering "what are they referring to?".  Fans of WWI historical fiction will enjoy this one as it deals with the threats to England found within her borders.



About the Book:

With danger creeping ever closer,

do their dreams still matter?

Once London’s top thief, Barclay Pearce has turned his back on his life of crime and now uses his skills for a nation at war. But not until he rescues a clockmaker’s daughter from a mugging does he begin to wonder what his future might hold.

Evelina Manning has constantly fought for independence but she certainly never meant for it to inspire her fiancé to end the engagement and enlist in the army. When the intriguing man who saved her returns to the Manning residence to study clockwork repair with her father, she can’t help being interested. But she soon learns that nothing with Barclay Pearce is as simple as it seems.

As 1915 England plunges ever deeper into war, the work of an ingenious clockmaker may give England an unbeatable military edge—and Germany realizes it as well. Evelina’s father soon finds his whole family in danger—and it may just take a reformed thief to steal the time they need to escape it.