A Viscount's Proposal ~ Review

A Viscount's Proposal
The Regency Spies of London #2
By Melanie Dickerson

Leorah Langdon has had enough of society's dictates and refuses to bend her will to the demands and rules it has placed upon women. She's determined to live by her rules and marry for love and not for a title or money. And she has little use for her brother's friend Edward, who just happens to be the Viscount Withinghall. After all, if the man can't accept her behavior as just an exuberance for living that's his problem.

Edward Withinghall wants to avoid encounters with Leorah, certain that any acquaintance with her will draw his name into scandal and scandal is the one thing that Edward most wants to avoid. Edward's desire is to restore his family name following his father's scandals and he has his eye set on the role of Prime Minister.

But when Leorah finds herself in need of assistance only Viscount Withinghall is available to offer the needed aid. Unfortunately for the pair, no good deed goes unpunished and an accident involving Withinghall's carriage leaves them both injured in his carriage without a chaperone. Scandal soon ensues but true to her nature Leorah refuses Edward's offer of marriage. She is determined that saving her reputation is not enough inducement to marry.

But it soon becomes evident that the accident that has linked them in scandal was no accident, but rather an effort to end Edward's life. Can the culprit be discovered before he strikes again? And when given the chance to get to know one another on a more personal level will Edward and Leorah discover that they are more than what first impressions seem?

This is a delightful second book in the Regency Spies of London series. Looking for a bit of intrigue give this book from Melanie Dickerson a try.

About the Book:

Leorah Langdon has no patience for Regency society’s shallow hypocrisy and unnecessary rules, especially for women. She’s determined to defy convention by marrying for grand passion instead of settling for a loveless union like her parents—or wedding a stuffy, pompous gentleman like Edward, the Viscount Withinghall. But when a chance meeting in the countryside leads to Leorah and Withinghall being discovered in his overturned carriage—alone and after dark—the ensuing gossip may force them together.

Withinghall has his reasons for clinging to propriety; his father perished in a duel with his mistress’s husband, and Edward must avoid scandal himself if he wants to become prime minister. He certainly has no time for a reckless hoyden like Miss Langdon. But soon the two discover that Withinghall’s coach “accident” was no such thing: the vehicle was sabotaged.

Can the culprit be brought to justice? Strong-willed Leorah and duty-driven Withinghall will have to work together if they have any hope of saving her reputation, his political career—and his life.

A Spy's Devotion ~ Review

A Spy's Devotion
The Regency Spies of London #1
By Melanie Dickerson

Julia Grey lives in the Wilhern household upon the continued charity of her uncle who has been her guardian since she was six years old. Her constant companion is her cousin Phoebe and Julia's loyalty to her has never waned over the years. Though when it comes to Phoebe's extreme infatuation to Nicholas Langdon - Julia is at a loss on how to temper it - at least in public.

Injured on the battlefield, Nicholas Langdon has been recovering for the last several months. But with his recovery comes his duty to fulfill the last request of a fellow soldier - to deliver a diary. But what Nicholas does not know is that the diary holds coded information that has bearing on the war against Napoleon. And when the diary is forcibly taken from him he finds himself drawn into a world of intrigue.

Tasked with determining if Robert Wilhern (Julia's uncle) had anything to do with this treasonist action Nicholas finds himself spending time with the Wilherns. Phoebe is delighted sure that Nicholas has finally come to see her as a potential match. When Julia seemingly saves him from discovery by her uncle - Nicholas determines to seek Julia's assistance in his investigation of her uncle and his associate Hugh Edgerton.

But the more that Julia and Nicholas investigate the more danger they find themselves in. And Julia finds her very future is in question when her uncle determines that she will marry a man of his choosing - one who may be involved in the very treason that Julia is trying to thwart.

This is a delightful story for those looking to escape into a book. The story is intriguing and holds this reader's attention - I did not want to put this one down and kept thinking just one more chapter until 2 am came as did the end of the book.

Another delight to thrill fans of Melanie Dickerson's previous writing ~ though this time instead of fairy tales she is delving into regency fiction.


About the Book:

In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and tawdriness thrive. Nicholas Langdon is no stranger to reserved civility or bloody barbarity. After suffering a battlefield injury, the wealthy, well-connected British officer returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.

At the home of the Wilherns, one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing, he grows ever more intrigued by the lovely young woman. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray. Will the two succumb to their attraction while fighting to save their country?

An Inconvenient Beauty ~ Review

An Inconvenient Beauty
Hawthorne House #4
By Kristi Ann Hunter

Griffith has watched his younger siblings all find love and has witnessed the mistakes his closest friends have made on their own journeys to love and matrimony. And Griffith is determined to have a plan that will remove any and all chances of him making similar blunders. For the past year, he has been watching and his effort has paid off - he has determined that Miss Frederica St. Claire will be the woman he will marry.

There is just one problem - Griffith has to actually speak to the object of his logical determinations. After Trent's experiences, Griffith knows that love can come after the vows have been said. And Griffith has never had cause to doubt his logically thought out decisions so he is positive his approach to love and marriage will be a success.

Unfortunately, Griffith's attempts at courting Frederica are being thwarted by Frederica's cousin Isabella Breckenridge. It isn't that Isabella is trying to interfere but somehow they just end up spending time together. But with Isabella being the societal bell of the London season and the object of every gentleman's attention Griffith knows that she could never be the lady for him.

But Isabella is living a lie, one put forth to secure the future of her family. And if the truth comes out Isabella and those closest to her could be hurt and Isabella's chances of marriage will be gone (not that she is looking).  And the longer Isabella is in society the greater the danger that the truth of who she truly is will be known.

Can Griffith find love based on logic or will his heart rebel and lead him in another direction? Only time will tell - and all of society has their eye on him after all he is the Duke of Riverton and his family is known for their marriages based on love.

I really think this book is my favorite in this series - though the first two were up there in the reading enjoyment factor. I like the way Griffith thinks things through and has a plan even though it doesn't go quite the way he planned it. And Miranda and Georgina are fun as they offer advice to their big brother in the ways of the heart. This is a definite high note on which this series is ending and Griffith's story is the perfect conclusion.

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

About the Book:
Griffith, Duke of Riverton, likes order, logic, and control, so he naturally applies this rational approach to his search for a bride. While he's certain Miss Frederica St. Claire is the perfect wife for him, she is strangely elusive, and he can't seem to stop running into her stunningly beautiful cousin, Miss Isabella Breckenridge.

Isabella should be enjoying her society debut, but with her family in difficult circumstances, she has no choice but to agree to a bargain that puts her at odds with all her romantic hopes--as well as her conscience. And the more she comes to know Griffith, the more she regrets the unpleasant obligation that prevents her from any dream of a future with him.

As all Griffith's and Isabella's long-held expectations are shaken to the core, can they set aside their pride and fear long enough to claim a happily-ever-after?

The Day the Angels Fell ~ Review

The Day the Angels Fell
By Shawn Smucker

Let me start off by saying that this book wasn't quite what I was expecting when I first picked it up. It has layers and nuances that make this a captivating read. This book is a reminiscing of the main character Samuel Chambers. Sam's thoughts turn to the past following the death of a close friend from his childhood. Abra was there for Sam the summer that everything changed - the year his mother died.

If the possibility to restore a life that was lost was given what would you choose? This impossibility is before Sam. When he sees something that he shouldn't he embarks on a quest to undo his mother's death. But how can Sam find the Tree of Life - the very tree that humanity has been denied since the moment that disobedience was chosen?

This is a story of good versus evil, one where hope in the impossible could be the draw that evil needs to succeed. But can a twelve-year-old boy make a choice that will not cost him his very soul?

This book has an underlying current that leaves the reader slightly uneasy as the story progresses but there are moments when the unease lifts. If given the chance to thwart death would you take the chance - the risk no matter the cost to your soul or the soul of the one you cannot let go?

Something about Shawn Smucker's writing reminds me a little of Billy Coffey's writing and yet there is a unique quality to it that makes it stand apart. One scene, in particular, involving Sam and Mr. Tennin brings to mind Pippen and Gandalf (Lord of the Rings) talking about what comes after this life. This an especially moving scene that discusses death and how it is a transition and not a destination.

I think many teens would be intrigued by the plot. Younger readers would be a more individual call based on the emotional maturity of the reader as there are some difficult and scary scenes in this book.

Evidently, this book will enjoy a sequel if the excerpt included is any indication. But this story seems complete in and of itself so that the reader is not left in suspense as to is to come. And if you have trouble getting into the book keep at it - this one is worth the effort.  I feel that this is a book to be recommended to teens and up.

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


About the Book:
It was the summer of storms and strays and strangers. The summer that lightning struck the big oak tree in the front yard. The summer his mother died in a tragic accident--and young Samuel Chambers would have done anything to turn back time. Even today, he can hardly believe it all happened . . .

Prompted by three strange carnival fortune-tellers and the surfacing of his mysterious and reclusive neighbor, Sam begins his search for the Tree of Life--the only thing that could possibly bring his mother back. 

His quest to defeat death will entangle him and his best friend Abra in an ancient conflict, forcing Sam to grapple with an unwelcome question.

Could it be possible that death is a gift?

A Time to Stand ~ Review

A Time to Stand
By Robert Whitlow

A Time to Stand is a story that has a powerful message as a small town threatens to come apart following a police shooting. Sides are drawn and anger boils on both sides and caught in the middle is Adisa Johnson, a rising lawyer in a growing firm. But when a family matter brings her home to Campbellton, Georgia, she is drawn into this racially charged situation.

Adisa feels her loyalty should belong to the young man shot by the police officer. But when she feels led to defend Luke Nelson she knows the rest of the African-American community will not understand why she has "turned" on her own people. Truthfully Adisa is having trouble with her decision herself. But Adisa is committed to doing her best.

As the case moves forward hostilities on both sides become more active in their opinions. But this is a case that has more to it than just front page headlines. Can Adisa's stand to follow the internal leading within be the first step towards reconciliation in Campbellton? Or will her efforts only be viewed as an attempt to sway the jury and public opinion?

A Time to Stand is yet another masterful work of fiction from Robert Whitlow that could easily be pass for straight from a news report. One can empathize with both sides and see that both sides are at fault for the escalating feelings of anger. I highly recommend this book for anyone who likes contemporary fiction or legal fiction. This is a book that will make the reader think and examine what they think they know about themselves.

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


About the Book:

In a small Georgia town where racial tensions run high and lives are at stake, can one lawyer stand up for justice against the tide of prejudice on every side?

Adisa Johnson, a young African-American attorney, is living her dream of practicing law with a prestigious firm in downtown Atlanta. Then a split-second mistake changes the course of her career.

Left with no other options, Adisa returns to her hometown where a few days earlier a white police officer shot an unarmed black teen who is now lying comatose in the hospital.

Adisa is itching to jump into the fight as a special prosecutor, but feels pulled to do what she considers unthinkable—defend the officer.

As the court case unfolds, everyone in the small community must confront their own prejudices. Caught in the middle, Adisa also tries to chart her way along a path complicated by her budding relationship with a charismatic young preacher who leads the local movement demanding the police officer answer for his crime.

This highly relevant and gripping novel challenges us to ask what it means to forgive while seeking justice and to pursue reconciliation while loving others as ourselves.

Celebrate Charles Dickens and a Christmas Carol this November

This November Charles Dickens' life is going to be presented to the viewing audience in theaters as the wonder of A Christmas Carol's creation is brought to life.

Synopsis:

The Man Who Invented Christmas tells of the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge (Christopher Plummer), Tiny Tim and other classic characters from A Christmas Carol. Directed by Bharat Nalluri (MISS PETTIGREW LIVES FOR A DAY), the film shows how Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens) mixed real life inspirations with his vivid imagination to conjure up unforgettable characters and a timeless tale, forever changing the holiday season into the celebration we know today. 

Directed by Bharat Nalluri
Written by Susan Coyne
Starring Dan Stevens, Christopher Plummer and Jonathan Pryce

Bleecker Street will release 

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS 

in theaters on November 22, 2017

Enjoy a quick peek at the movie with the following trailer:

Dan Stevens brings beloved author Charles Dickens to life as we follow the 

inspiration that helped him craft one of the most cherished novels of all time, 

A Christmas Carol.

Overwhelmed Writer Rescue ~ Review with Giveaway

Overwhelmed Writer Rescue By Colleen M. Story The Overwhelmed Writer Rescue is a book targeted to those who write, but the tips that author Colleen Story offers can be utilized by anyone who is feeling trapped and short on time when it comes to their own personal creative endeavors. All too often we get caught up in the myth what our perfect life would look like and by focusing all our attention on this fantasy we sabotage our efforts before we can even get started.  We dream of all the time we could have if we were solely dedicated to our art and didn't need to support it with additional employment. Colleen provides tricks to change the mindset that is holding us back. Time is a matter of perspective and one that can be affected by our emotional state. Multitasking cuts into our time by providing distractions that thwart us from our goal. And the biggest distraction that compounds the trap of multitasking is ready access to technology. Disconnect and allow yourself to experience nothing and allow your mind free rein to explore and create. By changing your thought processes you can achieve your goals. View time as money. Keep your goals realistic. Take care of yourself. The list of helps is quite impressive. And throughout there are exercises to help you determine your individual strengths and weaknesses and prioritize your time so that you can answer the calling that you have. The cover has the following subheading Boost Productivity, Improve Time Management, and Replenish the Creator Within and I feel that this book does indeed offer much to help the reader to achieve these goals. And these tips can be used for any aspect of one's life whether in a creative endeavor or in the traditional workplace or even in one's home life. One can learn to prioritize the dreaded and endless to-do list and enjoy what lies beyond. What is the passion that you have pushed aside for your 9-to-5 job? Get ready to re-enter the creative life you've been dreaming about. I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectations of a positive review - all opinions expressed are my own. Book Details: Book Title:  Overwhelmed Writer Rescue: Boost Productivity, Improve Time Management, and Replenish the Creator Within Author: Colleen M. Story Category:  Adult Non-Fiction,  280 pages Genre:  Self-help Publisher:   Midchannel Press Release date:  Sept 3, 2017 Format available for review:  print and ebook Tour dates: Sept 4 to 15, 2017 Content Rating: G Book Description: FIND THE TIME, ENERGY, AND CONFIDENCE  TO MAKE YOUR CREATIVE DREAMS COME TRUE. Do you feel like you’re always behind? Do less important tasks frequently flood your schedule and sink your creative motivation? Are you frustrated and out of touch with your inner artist? After 20 years experience in the writing industry, author Colleen M. Story extends a lifeline to pull you out of the sinking swamp of “busyness” and back into the flourishing creative life you deserve. Today’s demands on writers and other creative artists are overwhelming. Not only must you produce the work you love, but build and maintain a platform and market your finished products to the world—all while holding down a day job and/or caring for a family. You teeter on the edge. What waits on the other side are burnout, exhaustion, and a complete loss of creative motivation. "Overwhelmed Writer Rescue" provides practical, personalized solutions to help beginning and experienced writers and other creative artists escape the tyranny of the to-do list to nurture the genius within. You’ll find ways to boost productivity, improve time management, and restore your sanity while gaining insight into your unique creative nature and what it needs to thrive. Ultimately, you’ll discover what may be holding you back from experiencing the true joy that a creative life can bring. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble Add to Goodreads About the Author: Colleen M. Story has worked in the creative writing industry for over twenty years. Her novels include "Loreena’s Gift," an Idaho Author Awards first place winner, New Apple Solo Medalist winner, Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, Reader Views award finalist, and Best Book Awards finalist; and "Rise of the Sidenah," a North American Book Awards winner and New Apple Book Awards Official Selection. As a health writer, she’s authored thousands of articles for publications like "Healthline" and "Women’s Health;" worked with high-profile clients like Gerber Baby Products and Kellogg’s; and ghostwritten books on back pain, nutrition, and cancer recovery. She finds most rewarding her work as a motivational speaker and workshop leader, where she helps writers remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers. Colleen is the founder of Writing and Wellness (writingandwellness.com), a motivational site helping writers and other creative artists maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being throughout their careers. Sign up for your free weekly email containing tips for living your best creative life at: www.writingandwellness/newsletter. To find more information on Colleen and her work, please see her website or follow her on Twitter. She loves to hear from readers—feel free to use the “contact” form on either her website or Writing and Wellness to get in touch with her. Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  BOOK REVIEW TOUR SCHEDULE: Sept 4 -   Blooming with Books - review / giveaway Sept 4 -   The All Night Library - review / guest post Sept 5 -   Everyday Gyaan - review / author interview / giveaway Sept 5 -   Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview Sept 6 -   Library of Clean Reads - review / author interview / giveaway Sept 6 -   Self Help Daily - review Sept 7 -   A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway Sept 7 -   Two Americans in China - review / guest post / giveaway Sept 8 -   A Holland Reads - review / guest post / giveaway Sept 11 - From Isi - review Sept 11 - Lovely Reads Publishing - review / guest post / giveaway Sept 12 - Laura's Interests - review / guest post / giveaway Sept 12 - This Mom's Delight - review / author interview / giveaway Sept 13 - Books for Books - review Sept 14 - Reading Authors - review /giveaway Sept 14 - Simple Wyrdings - review / author interview / giveaway Sept 15 - Create With Joy - review / giveaway Sept 15 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review Enter the Giveaway! 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