Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey ~ Review with Interview and Giveaway

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey
By Abigail Wilson

Elizabeth Cantrell is on her way to an obscure life as a housekeeper, due to her disgrace as the unwed mother of an infant son. But when her carriage is waylaid by a highwayman her life takes a most unexpected turn when Lord Torrington proposes marriage to her. He needs to protect his identity and offer Elizabeth the protection of his name.

Elizabeth never expected to marry, considering her abandonment and shame she never thought any man would offer her his name. But for her son Elizabeth accepts Adrian's proposal. There is just one catch she has to convince Lord Torrington's daughters and his mother-in-law that she is in love with him. Can they pull off this masquerade and find the traitor in their midst?

When a guest at Middlecrest is murdered Adrian and Elizabeth know that danger has followed them. Worse someone has taken a personal interest in Elizabeth? Was bringing Issac to Middlecrest a mistake? Or can her new husband indeed keep him safe? And can Elizabeth keep the secret of Issac's identity? Or will she admit the truth to the man who is threatening to win her heart?

Now this book is not listed as being part of a series, but several of the characters in this book made appearances in Abigail Wilson's previous books In the Shadow of Croft Towers and Midnight on the River Grey. So you can read this book as a standalone title or enjoy them in the order they were written. As this book is set within the Regency Period of English history there is plenty of cloak-and-dagger action. And is often the case there is a French threat to English interests so plenty of secrets abound. Altogether a delightful read to while away a few hours of downtime. If you have not yet read Abigail Wilson's work give it a try with this newest offering you won't regret it.

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

About the Book:

In this new Regency romance, Elizabeth knows she must protect her heart

from the charm of her new husband, Lord Torrington. She is not, however,

prepared to protect her life.

When the widowed Lord Torrington agreed to spy for the crown, he never planned to impersonate a highwayman, let alone rob the wrong carriage. Stranded on the road with an unconscious young woman, he is forced to propose marriage to protect his identity and her reputation, as well as his dangerous mission.

Trapped not only by her duty to her country but also by her limited options as an unwed mother, Miss Elizabeth Cantrell and her infant son are whisked away to Middlecrest Abbey by none other than the elder brother of her son’s absent father. There she is met by Torrington’s beautiful grown daughters, a vicious murderer, and an urgent hunt for the missing intelligence that could turn the war with France. Meanwhile, she must convince everyone that her marriage is a genuine love match if her new husband has any hope of uncovering the enemy.

Determined to keep her son’s true identity a secret, Elizabeth will need to remain one step ahead of her fragile heart, her uncertain future, and the relentless fiend bent on her new family’s ruin.

Author Interview:

1. What do you most like about the Regency era? 

What a great question, but equally difficult to narrow down an answer. The Regency era balanced such an intriguing mix of women constrained by society, gentlemen boasting of codes of honor, and the constant threat of danger brought about by the Napoleonic Wars. But if I have to choose one aspect, I believe my favorite part of Regency life would be the immense country estates and the grand manor houses that loomed large during the period. 

These stoic structures continually provide my imagination with the perfect backdrop for strange happenings or even murder. When I feature houses in my books, I strive to create living, breathing characters, each with unique secrets and stories of their own.

“For an instant the house lay motionless as if holding its breath to appraise me, so still and hollow I thought that if I called out, I would receive an echo back.” –Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey 

Here is the house in England that inspired Middlecrest Abbey:

This is Chettle House, which was built1710 in North Dorset, England for a man named George Chafin. It was sold in 2015 for £3.95m and is being restored as a private residence.

Wouldn’t you love to take a stroll through those doors?

2. What one author past or present would you like to mentor you? 

I would have to say, Mary Stewart, one of my favorite mystery writers of all time. She wrote brilliantly in a tight, first-person point of view and created compelling suspense. I admire not only her hard-to-put-down mysteries but her intelligent style of story-telling. An opportunity to learn from her would be life-changing.

3. If you could share a cup of tea (or coffee) with anyone who would it be? 

I can only dream of sharing a cup of tea with Jane Austen. Not only could I pepper her with questions about the Regency era and the depths of her writing, I’m fairly certain I would find her wit and imagination just as appealing.

4. Which character/characters in Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey would you like to spend the day with? 

I would love to spend some time with Torrington’s youngest daughter Phoebe. She’s got such a wonderful passion for life, a unique perspective on the ever-evolving role of women, and the gumption to follow her dreams. She’s an artist, who chooses to see the best in people. She’s the one person that welcomes Elizabeth to Middlecrest Abbey with open arms.

            I have to admit, I wouldn’t mind a late night billiards session with Lord Torrington either.

5. What one question do you wish you would be asked and how would you answer it?

            What should a reader expect from Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey?

            As a huge fan of marriage of convenience stories, I was so excited to get the chance to
            write one of my own. The Regency era lends itself so nicely to this well-loved trope, and
            Elizabeth Cantrell was the perfect character with which to present just such a situation.

            Marriages in the early 1800’s were agreed upon for many reasons, especially for 

           women—safety, security, status, and of course, love. Considering what a predicament the

           fiercely independent, Elizabeth was in at the end of Croft Towers, she would certainly
            consider all her options. And when Lord Torrington, the self-proclaimed bachelor we met
            in Midnight on the River Grey, makes a terrible mistake in his spy work, his own integrity
            is put to the test.

            If their marriage holds any chance of love, they have to find perfect the balance of trust
            and redemption. After reading Elizabeth and Torrington’s journey, I hope readers are
            filled with a sense of hope, the relief of restoration, and the freedom that’s only found in
            truth.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Abigail

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Abigail Wilson’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday, May 26th: Reading Reality

Tuesday, May 26th: Run Wright

Thursday, May 28th: Blunt Scissors Book Reviews and @bluntscissorsreviews

Friday, May 29th: Pacific Northwest Bookworm and @pnwbookworm

Monday, June 1st: Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Tuesday, June 2nd: @angelareadsbooks

Wednesday, June 3rd: @meetmeinthestacks

Thursday, June 4th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, June 8th: Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, June 10th: Read Eat Repeat

Thursday, June 11th: Kahakai Kitchen

Friday, June 12th: Moonlight Rendezvous

Monday, June 15th: Blooming with Books

Tuesday, June 16th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Wednesday, June 17th: Books Cooks Looks

Monday, June 22nd: @megsbookclub

Giveaway:

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may enter for a chance to win

1 copy of Abigail Wilson's

Masquerade at Middlecrest Abbey

Ends at June 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm

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Stores Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas ~ Review

Stories Behind the Great
 Traditions of Christmas
By Ace Collins

There are so many traditions involved with Christmas and all too often they are just done because it is the thing to do. But how often do we wonder about the reason behind these traditions and when they began?

In Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas Ace Collins shares with readers what he knows about a variety of the traditions. And the nostalgic yearning for Christmas of old - well it may not be how you imagine it was. Christmas was a celebration that would not bring a nostalgic remembrance before the nineteenth century - be sure to read the introduction and I think you'll agree it would have been a day to avoid.

The various aspects of what we have come to associate with Christmas are presented in 26 chapters starting with Advent and ending with Yule Logs. Some of these traditions have a spiritual aspect while others have just been accepted as part of the season because they draw friends and family together in a sharing of "the wonder, joy, and magic of the season. ... And that spirit is something worth celebrating."(pg. 148)

I enjoyed the history of the candy cane, mistletoe, and the X in Xmas (which has been in use since the sixteenth century). This is a book with much to offer in just over 200 pages and one that would be useful to have on hand whenever one has a question arise about any of these traditions. Did you know that The Nutcracker was vastly different than the ballet that is performed every year? It went through several transformations before it became the beloved performance that it is today.

This is a book that you'll want to share with friends and family - I know I did as I read through it which may have slowed down my reading as I went back to different sections that caught my attention. This book would also lend itself well to family reading time with all hearing it together and then discussing what was read. But however, you choose to read and share you'll enjoy and value the knowledge you will have gained.

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


About the Book:
The fascinating stories and origins behind Christmas traditions such as the colors of red and green, the Christmas tree, caroling, nativity scenes, the Yule log, gift-giving, stockings, advent wreaths, mistletoe, and holly.

The cheer of a crackling hearth fire. Colorful cards from friends and loved ones. An evergreen tree festooned with ornaments. The golden traditions of Christmas—gifts, wreaths, stockings, carols, mistletoe, and more—infuse our celebration of the season with meaning and glowing memories. And, in ways you may not realize, they point us to the birth of Christ. Stories Behind the Great Traditions of Christmas reveals the people, places, and events that shaped the best-loved customs of this merriest of holidays. Here are spiritual insights, true-life tales, and captivating legends to intrigue you and your family and bring new luster and depth to your celebration of Jesus’ birth. 

Discover how 

• after eighteen centuries of all but ignoring the event, churches began to open the door for believers to commemorate Jesus’ incarnation. 

 • the evergreen tree, once a central theme in the worship practices of pagan cultures, came to represent the everlasting love of God. 

 • the magi’s three gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—are filled with spiritual symbolism.

The traditions of Christmas lend beauty, awe, and hope to the holiday, causing people all over the world to anticipate it with joy. The stories in this book will warm your heart as you rediscover the true and eternal significance of Christmas.

A Light So Lovely ~ Review

A Light So Lovely

The Spiritual Legacy of Madeleine L'Engle, 

                        Author of A Wrinkle in Time

By Sarah Arthur

This book offers a glimpse into the life of Madeleine L'Engle a woman, who as one is about to discover, was as complex and varied as her many books. In a time when art and faith were not considered a compatible match, unable to blend without destroying one or the other Madeline presented a whole new way of writing. She gave us both blended so that neither was destroyed in the blending and both were stronger for the blending.

Believing that imagination was a God-given gift and that the offering of a story was one of the best ways to teach truth, Madeline set out on a journey that would reach well beyond her own life. Her work touched the lives of others offering them the freedom to weave the truths of faith with the creative imaginations of their minds. 

But her journey was not without its obstacles and detours as naysayers arose to protect what was from what she was offering. Faith in fiction offered in real-world or slightly fantastical settings? Who would read such rubbish?! But Madeline built upon the shoulders of those who came before her George MacDonald, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis and made it her own. She didn't allow herself to be trapped in a single genre or age-appropriate niche rather she offered her thoughts and knowledge to any and all. Fiction? Check. Non-fiction? Check. Children? Check. Teens? Check. Adults? Check.

Was all of her work perfect? Not at all, but it is loved as a whole. I have to admit there are some of her works I'm not overly crazy about but I do have favorites that are comfort reads that I like to pick-up from time to time. Madeline's works speak differently to different readers and A Light So Lovely offers readers a chance to learn more about her life from those that she knew, worked with, and mentored over the years. With quotes from other writers, publishers, and even Madeline's own words and works we are offered a glimpse of a woman who changed the world of words forever.

One comes away from A Light So Lovely knowing that the limitations we place upon faith and art, sacred and secular, miracle and science are ones that we have placed. God is not limited by our standards rather we limit God by trying to place Him within a set of rules of our own making. We make rules of "either/or" but God gives us "both/and" and Madeline embraced this gift and shared it through her work. Altogether this is a lovely book that is worth a second reading and a sharing amongst friends.

I was provided a review copy of this book by the publisher through Handlebar with no expectations but my honest opinion. All views expressed are my own.

About the Book:

Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time has captured the imagination of millions - from literary sensation to timeless classic and now a major motion picture starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Storm Reid, and Mindy Kaling. A Light So Lovely tells the story of the woman at the center of it all - her imagination, her faith, her pattern of defying categories, and what readers today can learn from her legacy.

Bestselling and beloved author Madeleine L'Engle, Newbery winner for A Wrinkle in Time, was known the world round for her imaginative spirit and stories. She was also known to spark controversy - too Christian for some, too unorthodox for others. Somewhere in the middle was a complex woman whose embrace of paradox has much to say to a new generation of readers today.

A Light So Lovely paints a vivid portrait of this enigmatic icon's spiritual legacy, starting with her inner world and expanding into fresh reflections of her writing for readers today. Listen in on intimate interviews with L'Engle's literary contemporaries such as Philip Yancey and Luci Shaw, L'Engle's granddaughter Charlotte Jones Voiklis, and influential fans such as Makoto Fujimura, Nikki Grimes, and Sarah Bessey, as they reveal new layers to the woman behind the stories we know and love. A vibrant, imaginative read, this book pulls back the curtain to illuminate L'Engle's creative journey, her persevering faith, and the inspiring, often unexpected ways these two forces converged.

For anyone earnestly searching the space between sacred and secular, miracle and science, faith and art, come and find a kindred spirit and trusted guide in Madeleine - the Mrs. Whatsit to our Meg Murry - as she sparks our imagination anew.

If I Live ~ Review

If I Live
If I Run #3
By Terri Blackstone

In a word, one can sum up both this book and this series with WOW! Casey Cox is still on the run from those who have framed and want her dead. Meanwhile, Dylan Roberts, the man tasked with finding her, is on a search to uncover more evidence that will help clear Casey's name.

But with the years of corruption within the Shreveport Police Department, Dylan doesn't know whom he can trust with the information that he has in hand. And with time against them and Gordon Keegan's determination to bring Casey in and preferable dead-than-alive.

As the pages flip by the suspense and tension build as those hunting the innocent continue adding to their body count. This will be one book the reader will loathe to put down so a word of advice-  give yourself a long weekend in which to read this book.

If you haven't read the first two books If I Run and If I'm Found stop and get them first you have to read this series in order as each book takes up where the previous one ends. As both Casey and Dylan's stories progress and intersect the reader is drawn further into the story to its satisfying conclusion. And be prepared for a few unexpected twists. Of the books that I have read by Terri Blackstone this series is my favorite to date.

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:

THE HUNT IS ALMOST OVER.

Casey Cox is still on the run after being indicted for murder. The hunt that began with her bloody footprints escalates, and she’s running out of places to hide. Her face is all over the news, and her disguises are no longer enough. It’s only a matter of time before someone recognizes her.

Dylan Roberts, the investigator who once hunted her, is now her only hope. Terrifying attempts on Dylan’s life could force Casey out of hiding. The clock is ticking on both their lives, but exposing the real killers is more complicated than they knew. Amassing the evidence to convict their enemies draws Dylan and Casey together, but their relationship has consequences. Will one life have to be sacrificed to protect the other?

With If I Live, Terri Blackstock takes us on one more heart-stopping chase in the sensational conclusion to the If I Run series.

Reclaiming Shilo Snow ~ Scavenger Hunt with Review and Giveaway

Welcome to the Scavenger Hunt Tour for 

Reclaiming Shilo Snow by Mary Weber, 

in collaboration with Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction 

and JustRead Publicity Tours!

Reclaiming Shilo Snow

Evaporation of Sofi Snow #2

By Mary Weber

The memories of that day came back - the day her world changed. The day her father died. The day her mother didn't come for them. The day they took them to the planet of Delon. 

Returning to Delon in search of her brother Shilo has reawakened the memories that threaten to undo Sofi. But with the unexpected help of Ambassador Miguel, she has made it this far. And if she can use her skills to access the Delonese system she just may make it out alive. There's just one problem she has to stay ahead of the Delonese long enough to find the brother they have stolen from her.

But returning to Earth could be a death sentence as Sofi has been labeled a terrorist by the very people who staged the attack that allowed Shilo to be taken. But Earth might be the only place that Sofi and Miguel can hope to stop the Delonese and their secret designs on Earth.   

So begins a game that will test Sofi on every level as she battles against her awakening memories, the Delonese, and the code. As the lines between reality and virtuality begin to merge Sofi will have to depend upon the skills that advanced her through the levels of the FanFights. 

Meanwhile on Earth Inola Snow is in a fight of her own - with her children gone and on the Delon planet she is determined to get them back. But her secret dealings with Delone could be a potential liability, destroying all she's worked for. And it could make her a potential target to those who view Delon and her inhabitants as a threat to both humanity and Earth. 

War could soon be upon their doorstep and the clock is Tick tick tick ticking down. Are the Delonese their salvation or their destruction? The answer lies within Sofi if she can only find it intime.

If you have not read the first book The Evaporation of Sofi Snow don't pick up this book until you do. The vast majority of both books takes place over a couple of days - so reading this book first will totally confuse you - it would be equivalent to picking up a book and starting in the middle. This two books together are the complete and total story. And what a story it is! Betrayal, devotion, the bond of family, a world in peril - fans of fantasy and sci-fi will love this series that is for the YA teen and up reader.

I was provided an Advanced Reader's Copy (uncorrected proof) of this book by the publisher through JustRead Publicity Tours with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title:  Reclaiming Shilo Snow

Series: Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Book 2

Author: Mary Weber

Publisher: Thomas Nelson Fiction

Release Date:  March 6, 2018

Genre: Young Adult Sci-Fi/Fantasy

She was far more capable than Earth’s leaders had accounted for—and they had no idea what she’d do next.

Known as a brilliant mind that could hack humanity’s darkest secrets, seventeen-year-old Sofi Snow is the most wanted teenager alive. She found her way to the icy, technologically brilliant planet of Delon to find Shilo, the brother everyone but Sofi believes is dead.

But as she and Ambassador Miguel partner to find her brother and warn those on Earth of Delon’s dark designs on humanity, Sofi’s memories threaten to overtake her, distorting everything she holds true. She knows the Delonese kept her in a dark, deceptive place . . . and destroyed a portion of her life. Now, the more they discover of Sofi’s past, the more Sofi feels herself unraveling—as each new revelation has her questioning the very existence of reality.

In this harrowing sequel to The Evaporation of Sofi Snow, Sofi and Miguel must trust each other and discover the secrets locked inside Sofi’s mind as the line between what’s real and what they imagine begins to slip away . . . threatening to take humanity with it.

PREORDER NOW!

AMAZON l GOODREADS l  BOOK DEPOSITORY l  CHRISTIANBOOK  l  ITUNES

ABOUT MARY WEBER

Mary Weber is the award-winning HarperCollins author of the bestselling young adult Storm Siren Trilogy, and The Evaporation of Sofi Snow series. An avid school and conference speaker, Mary's passion is helping others find their voice amid a world that often feels too loud. When she's not plotting adventures involving tough girls who frequently take over the world, Mary sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands and the ocean. She gets nerdy at @maryweber.com, FACEBOOK @MaryWeberAuthor, INSTAGRAM @MaryWeberAuthor, and GOODREADS. 

CONNECT WITH MARY:  website │ facebook │ twitter │ instagram │ goodreads

Visit ALL the tour stops and the Tour Landing Page 

Before you go here's the Scavenger Hunt clue hidden here 

Tick,

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GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY 

One U.S. winner will win: 

(1) Hardcover Copy of Evaporation of Sofi Snow, 

(1) Signed ARC of Reclaiming Shilo Snow, 

(1)With Music the World Evaporates Drawstring Backpack, 

(1) The Evaporation of Sofi Snow Earbuds. 

Don't forget to collect your clue before you leave.

If you missed it go back and find it.

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1 eBook copy of Reclaiming Shilo Snow
Prize is courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Zondervan Fiction (TNZ Fiction).  TNZ Fiction and JustRead Publicity Tours reserves the rights to terminate this giveaway at any time, and are not responsible for lost prizes.
Winner must respond within 24 hours with their preferred email address or another winner will be chosen.
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