Deeds of Darkness The Chronicles of Hugh de Singleton, Surgeon #10 By Mel Starr
When Bampton's haberdasher and coroner, Hubert Shillside goes missing Hugh is called upon by the man's son. Will Shillside is concerned that his father is late returning from a purchasing expedition in Oxford. But clues are few and no evidence can be found of foul play other than Hubert's unexplained disappearance. But a stop at Osney Abbey reveals that others have fallen prey to the same apparent fate as Hubert.
Putting his skills to use Hugh is hard-pressed to find the victims he seeks. But as the days pass crime seemingly has moved into the area. Homes are robbed. People attacked. And an unidentified victim has been found. The road to Oxford is no longer safe to travel day or night. And unless the guilty party makes a mistake Hugh may be unable to bring justice to those in sore need of its administration.
Deeds of Darkness is a truly captivating mystery. And just when one thinks "Ah, he has discovered his villain" something occurs to throw this thought into doubt. This is one tangle that will take all of Hugh's skills to unravel.
If your cup of reading runs to historical mysteries, you simply have to give Hugh de Singleton a try. The story is set in the late 14th Century outside of Oxford. And for those who like to have historical figures in their historical fiction will enjoy scenes with Hugh's former professor of philosophy - Master John Wycliffe.
This is the tenth book in this series, but if you have not before read any books in this series that should not be a problem as the book can be read-alone and easily understood. There is a glossary of terms at the front of the book that you'll definitely make use of.
I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
To bring justice,
Master Hugh must foil the corrupt power of great men
Many medieval scholars discontinued their university studies before completing their degree. Some lacked funds; others became bored with a scholar's life. Occasionally these young men formed lawless bands, robbing and raping and creating chaos. They were called goliards.
In Deeds of Darkness, Master Hugh learns that the Bampton coroner, an old friend, has been slain while traveling to Oxford. As he seeks the killer (or killers) he discovers a band of goliards in the area between Oxford and Bampton. But how to apprehend these youths? They have protectors far above Hugh's station. He must deal with the claims of justice on the one hand and the power of great men to protect their henchmen on the other.
THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS tells the magical journey that led to the creation of Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim and other classic characters from “A Christmas Carol.” This special holiday film is sure to become another Christmas classic!
In celebration of this new movie, a 3-movie DVD giveaway is taking place. Yes, that's right 3 movies! But to find out more please read through the rest of this post and enter below to join in on this early Christmas fun. First off a little about the movie:
The Man Who Invented Christmas tells 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.
THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS releases in theaters on
November 22, 2017.
That's right the movie opens the day before Thanksgiving
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Have plans for the holiday weekend yet?
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Now when it comes to your own Christmas traditions what do you most look forward to? Is there a favorite movie that you just have to see and enjoy with those closest to you? For my family, there are a couple of movies we look forward to. One Magic Christmas allows a woman to see just how blessed she truly is when she thinks that she has lost everything (husband, children, home, and job). The other movie that we enjoy is The Christmas Carol, the one starring Patrick Stewart. The acting is superb and Ebenezer's transformation is truly a thing to behold from young hurting child to miser to reformed uncle.
Unlike Scrooge, we in my household don't hold with the idea of not helping those in need and over the years have helped others through local giving to the food bank, clothing drives, and toy drives. But one of our greatest pleasures, as well as heartbreaks, has been ChildFund International. Watching these children grow and mature through years of correspondence can touch even the Scroogiest heart. And Christmas offers a chance to give them an additional gift. It is amazing how so little here can go further in another country offering the hope of an additional source of income for years to come. This was an organization that my mother supported before she and my father married and to this day my family continues to support several through it. If you are willing to stretch your heart check out this worthwhile organization. www.ChildFund.org
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Now to the giveaway and all the fun of entering.
First off you are probably wondering what is being given away ~ Admit it even if you don't want to enter the giveaway you are curious. I know I would be.
The DVD bundle is
The Sound of Music (starring Christopher Plummer and Julie Andrews)
Beauty and the Beast (live-action starring Dan Stevens)
and
A Christmas Carol (starring George C. Scott)
Please enter for a chance to win
Open to residents with a US postal mailing address only
Purple Turtle Graded Readers Level 2 By Vanessa Black
Looking to help your child with their early literacy skills? Well, this delightful boxed book set is the perfect option. The box measures 14-3/4" wide x 9-1/2" tall x 1-3/8" deep.
The individual books measure 7" x 4-3/4" and in the box, the books are 3 across and 4 deep. The books are hardcover with a stitched binding. The books are just under 30 pages each. Each book has a story and is followed by several pages of activities that correspond to the story.
The books in the Level 2 collection include the following titles.
Too Many Clothes when Zing's closet won't close because of too many clothes Purple helps him out by sorting out what is used and what is not. Four fun pages of clothes activities follow.
Purple Goes on Holiday which is a week's worth of fun activity with Mama, Papa, and Purple trying out new things. Six fun-filled activity pages follow this adventuresome week!
Purple Visits the Zoo has Purple visiting the zoo with Mama where they discover a baby monkey is missing. They search for the baby monkey as they explore the zoo. Fun animal activities follow this story.
Biggy Breaks an Arm when Biggy breaks his arm while playing he is sad to learn that he won't be able to swim while he has a cast on his arm. Purple and the gang decide to cheer him up by helping discover that he can have fun even with a broken arm. Six fun activity pages that Biggy could enjoy follow the story.
At the Aquarium has the friends visiting the local aquarium and seeing new fish and sea creatures. There are fun counting and number activities.
The Art Banner Purple and Roxy create a banner for the new art center. But it takes a lot of work to get it just right. Two fun pages of art-themed activities follow this story Roxy Plays by the Rules When Roxy's cheating gets too much the gang decides to teach him a lesson about playing by the rules. Four pages of activities follow this story. Ride to the City Purple and Roxy decide the go to a car show and getting to and from the city is an adventure all its own. Four fun activities add to this stories delights. Who am I? Purple and the gang are stuck indoors because of the weather. When they come up with a new game they have to guess what they each are pretending to be. This book has six pages of various activities. Want to give this game a try yourself? Roxy Gets Angry Roxy is making a gift for Purple but when Biggy accidentally breaks it Roxy gets angry. This book explores feelings and a couple activities that deal with feelings. Wish Upon a Star finds Purple and Zing stargazing when they wish upon a shooting star. Purple's wish comes true and they find themselves on a rocket in space. Four fun space-themed activity pages follow this story. Purple Goes to School Purple's first day of school has arrived and Purple isn't ready to go. But Papa and Mama were right - school is fun. Three school themed activity pages finish this book.
These stories and fun for young readers. Please be aware that there are a few words that use British English spellings instead of American English. (Examples include tyre instead of tire and colour instead of color). There are colorful images on each page that help with story comprehension. These would be a lovely gift for children or grandchildren who are in the beginning stages of reading - think Kindergarten or First Grade depending on the individual child.
I was provided a complimentary review copy of this boxed set with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Boxed Book Set Details: Book Title: Purple Turtle Graded Readers Level 2 (12 Titles) Category: Children's Fiction, Genre: Educational Publisher: Aadarsh Pvt. Ltd. Release date: April 1, 2017 Tour dates: Oct 30 to Nov 24, 2017 Content Rating: G (informative content intended for and available to children and their parents/educators to enhance and support learning. Suitable for: Family audiences with younger children.)
Boxed Book Set Description:
Welcome to a world of fun-filled learning with Purple Turtle. Purple Turtle Graded Readers by A1 Edutainment is an amazing new reading program that is ideal for emerging readers. The second level includes a set of 12 books with 12 interesting stories and several engaging activities that is likely to make learning an enjoyable experience. The book has a word count of 150-250 and is based on the ATOS and Lexile reading level system. This level is for readers who have just learned to read.
Purple Turtle is India’s 1st International brand with its educational content in several languages sold in more than 30 countries including Russia, China, US and UK. The character of Purple Turtle has delighted children across the globe through beautifully created Purple Turtle books, rhymes, and videos available on YouTube.
Purple Turtle was created with the idea to spread education through a wide range of innovative books for children. To give them the experience of convenient online learning, Purple Turtle also brings both learning and entertainment on a common platform to give a wholesome learning experience to young minds.
The next best thing to a new book in hand is the cover reveal along
with a tantalizing description of
said book.
And guess what?
It is time for another cover reveal.
But before you get a peek at the cover wouldn't you
L♡VE
to learn a little about the book?
I knew it, you love drawn-out suspense as much as I do. And now to the title...
FAWKES Fawkes is by Nadine Brandes the author of the
fabulous Out of Time series.
🕖Time to start the countdown🕖
This book is set to be released on
July 10, 2018 Christmas in July is coming early in 2018
AND
your summer reading list just got its newest member!
And now a short summary that will make you wish
July was not 8 months away.
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Thomas Fawkes is turning to stone, and the only cure to the Stone Plague is to join his father’s plot to assassinate the King of England.
Silent wars leave the most carnage. The wars that are never declared, but are carried out in dark alleys with masks and hidden knives. Wars where color power alters the natural rhythm of 17th century London. And when the king calls for peace, no one listens until he finally calls for death.
But what if death finds him first?
Keepers think the Igniters caused the plague. Igniters think the Keepers did it. But all Thomas knows is that the Stone Plague infecting his eye is spreading. And if he doesn’t do something soon, he’ll be a lifeless statue. So when his Keeper father, Guy Fawkes, invites him to join the Gunpowder Plot—claiming it will put an end to the plague—Thomas is in.
The plan: use 36 barrels of gunpowder to blow up the Igniter King James.
The problem: Doing so will destroy the family of the girl Thomas loves. But backing out of the plot will send his father and the other plotters to the gallows. To save one, Thomas will lose the other.
No matter Thomas’s choice, one thing is clear: once the decision is made and the color masks have been put on, there’s no turning back.
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I know, right?
I'd love to get my hands on a copy too and you haven't even seen the cover yet... But 🎈SURPRISE 🎈 you can enter for a chance to win an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book! Okay Jump up and down Scream (silently if you are near someone else) or do whatever you do to express your excitement (for me its just a big grin) The giveaway is located at the bottom of this post.
And now for the absolutely entire reason you decided to check out this post today
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THE COVER
Who or what hides behind the mask?
And what do the cracks signify?
Do the apparent explosions that surround it have anything to do with it?
And even more to wonder at what is the background behind the mask? Is it the ground or is it someone altered by the Stone Plague?
To me, these are what the cover first brings to mind.
And as for the description, I just have to KNOW
what will Thomas decide to do?
Will he side with his father?
Will he choose to follow the leadings of his heart?
Or will he follow an altogether different path that will
satisfy no one?
Or will he step in and save everyone except himself?
Please comment below and let me know what your thoughts are.
It's 1864 and the War Between the States has taken a toll on the divided nation. In Tennessee, the Thornton family though aligned with the North extends their care to all wounded regardless of their uniform. When escaped prisoner of war James Galloway is attacked near the Thornton home, Rachel Thornton acts quickly to help save his life. Helping her father nurse James back to health leads to unexpected feelings.
But James Galloway is a war artist for Harper's Weekly and he has a commitment to return to the war. But when danger draws close to the Thornton home he is forced to acknowledge his growing feelings for the young woman how has aided his recovery.
But war has a way of tearing people apart and though he is not a soldier James is to rejoin the dangers that accompany war. Can Rachel wait for his return? Or will the arrival and attention of another send her heart in a different direction?
This is a standalone novella set in the later months of the Civil War. And just like now, the characters are anticipating both Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you like short historical fiction stories in which a happy ending is not a certainty checkout this newest offering from Carrie Turansky. If you are looking for a quick and enjoyable trip into the past get ready for an enjoyable weekend read.
I was provided a review copy of this book by the author with no expectation of a positive review ~ all opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
The daughter of a wealthy Tennessee doctor falls in love with an injured artist-correspondent on assignment to cover the battles near Union occupied Nashville.
The year is 1864 and the Civil War is raging on. British born James Galloway, a “special artist” for Harper’s Weekly, travels with the Union troops, sketching battle scenes to bring war news home to those in the North. It’s dangerous work, but he is committed to the Union cause. When he is captured along with the troops, he spends several months in a prison camp. Finally, he escapes and travels north, hoping to reach the Union lines, but a bushwhacker attacks him, steals his horse, and leaves him for dead at the side of the road.
Rachel Thornton, a kind-hearted doctor’s daughter takes James into their to home and nurses him while he recovers. Her feelings for James grow, but she has already lost one man she loves in the war. How can she give James her heart, when she knows he may be another casualty.
A Season of Love is a delightful 5-in-1 book. Five short stories centered around Christmas and the main characters are in varying degrees of despair or just plain unhappy with sudden and unexpected changes in their lives.
Let Nothing You Dismay finds Miss Cecilia Ambrose accompanying a young student, a Lady Lucinda Chase, to her home. But instead of Lucinda's parents, she instead finds Lord Trevor Chase at the home of his elder brother. When an unexpected turn of events finds Cecilia staying on Chase Hall she comes to see that this family has need of a special hand to bring joy to this Christmas. But even more in need of her help is Trevor who never celebrates Christmas alone or with his nieces and nephew. Can an unexpected visitor bring new joy to the season? No Room at the Inn finds Lady Mary experiencing a sudden reversal of fortunes. Traveling to meet the family she never knew and with no title to her name, her life is looking somewhat bleak. But when the weather makes further travel impossible Mary along with her traveling companions find themselves stranded in the home of an old friend. But can a simple Christmas without all the trappings of society bring a feeling of comfort to a hurting heart? Mary McIntyre is about to find out with the help of Joseph and Ethan Shepard and more stranded travelers. This is about to be Christmas not to be forgotten by one and all! The Lasting Gift finds Suzie Jenkins Davis and Thomas Jenkins have settled into Thomas's new home in Plymouth. But after years as a sailing master with Royal Navy Thomas finds himself with time on his hands and no way to fill it. Meanwhile, Mary Ann Poole finds herself with little means though she is Lady Naismith's secretary when an unexpected package arrives by post. Burdened with a package not her own and the kept knowledge that all too soon she would be again seeking employment Mary Ann and her daughter Beth seek to return the package. Soon a friendship blooms that could lead to something more. Faithfully Yours finds Sally Wilson, John McPherson, and Margaret Patterson caught in a deception that has lasted for ten years. Ten years ago in an act of cruelty, Margaret promised to write to John as he sought to better himself. Unable to see anyone hurt in such a way Sally wrote to John under the guise of Margaret's name. But one last letter is about to change everything. Will the truth be revealed and the heart that reached out to another find its match? Lucy's Bang-up Christmas Lucy (Lucinda) Danforth is having the worst Christmas ever. Her older sister is getting married on Christmas Eve and all Christmas festivities are to be put aside so as to not offend the groom-to-be. Worse this is the first Christmas without her mother and Lucy is feeling the losses and the ever-mounting tensions within her home. When her second cousin Miles Bledsoe joins the family for Christmas Lucy is relieved to find a sympathetic ear and someone to aid her in honoring her late mother with an act Christmas charity. What was looking to be the worst Christmas is soon on its way to being one of the best. And the best gift is one Lucy never expected.
This book is a perfect escape from the created flurry of Christmas. Find yourself stressing about your to-do list and all the activities and events of the season - just take a break and enjoy one of these delightful stories. Escape to the Regency era where technology and social media are a far distant dream. Pour yourself a cup of tea (or coffee, cocoa, or cider) and have a cookie or two and sit back and relax.
I was provided an advanced review copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
About the Book:
At Christmastime, love is just a wish away! Join master romance writer Carla Kelly in this joyful celebration of the most wonderful time of the year. Set in Regency England, these Christmas tales will take you from dangerous adventures on snowy roads to cozy little cottages, filled with holiday mischief. Five fun stories in one book!
Book Title: Twofer Murder by Lauren Carr Category: Adult fiction, 400 pages Genre: Mystery Publisher: Acorn Book Services Release date: November 17, 2017 Tour dates: Nov 1 to 30, 2017 Content Rating: PG + M (Please be aware that TWOFER MURDER is a murder mystery. There are depictions of murder and some violence--though easy on the gore contents. No f-words but there may be some mild profanity, and mild religious expletives such as "damn", "hell" and "Oh God!". Some depictions of brief sexual content (kissing). No drug use or underage drinking among the protagonists.)
Book Description:
Twofer murder? What’s a twofer murder?
Twofer Murder is a treat for fans of best-selling author Lauren Carr’s fast-paced mysteries! Lauren’s latest novel contains the main characters from her three successful series: Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose mysteries. The guys go away for a fishing weekend only to get caught up in the murder of a journalist investigating fraud at a timber company. Meanwhile, the ladies are spending the weekend in the presidential suite at a posh resort where Jessica Faraday is to accept a lifetime achievement award for her late grandmother at a murder mystery writers conference. But before they have time to get their facials, they get wrapped up in their own real mystery when an up and coming author ends up dead!
Lauren Carr’s Twofer Murder is a 2-for-1—making it a must-read for any mystery fan!
Lauren Carr is the international best-selling author of the Mac Faraday, Lovers in Crime, and Thorny Rose Mysteries—over twenty titles across three fast-paced mystery series filled with twists and turns!
Book reviewers and readers alike rave about how Lauren Carr’s seamlessly crosses genres to include mystery, suspense, romance, and humor.
Lauren is a popular speaker who has made appearances at schools, youth groups, and on author panels at conventions. She lives with her husband, and three dogs on a mountain in Harpers Ferry, WV.
