8.26.2020

Poison's Dance ~ Review with Mini Interview

Poison's Dance
Beyond the Tales #3
By Tricia Mingerink

High King Alexander has been awake from his broken curse for over a year now. He survived a plot by King Cassius to curse him, though not without cost to his friend Daemyn Rand. When he receives an invitation from Queen Valinda of Tuckawassee to visit her kingdom and accept her sister's hand in marriage.

Alex is not looking to marry, not when he still has so much to learn and do as High King. But the potential of peace is too great to ignore at least considering a marriage alliance with Prince Tamya. But the treachery of Tuckawassee can't be put aside, for this offer of peace could be a trap to ensnare Alex in yet another curse. Relying once again on Daemyn century of experience, Alex sets out to give peace a chance.

Tamya loves her sisters and her kingdom, and she'll do what she needs to secure a better life for them all. But marriage to a stranger? She's not sure she is willing to do this, especially if it means trapping the High King in their curse too. But for her sisters, she's ready to do it. To do otherwise would be going against her sister and her queen, but Valinda's plan just feels wrong somehow.

The treachery of Tuckawassee knows no bounds, and soon Daemyn and Alex are facing choices neither thought he'd have to make - love or duty - life or death. 

Poison's Dance is the third book in the Beyond the Tales series and totally worth reading. Now I will say I highly recommend reading the previous books first (Dagger's Sleep and Midnight's Curse) just so you have the back story upon which this book is built. You can enjoy this book without this foundation, but why would you want to.

I really like Daemyn, but I have enjoyed seeing Alex grow through this series. This story is yet another stepping stone in his journey to becoming the High King he is meant to be. Alex is offered the chance to bring peace to the kingdoms but is this the path the Highest King has set before him or a temptation to lure him away from the one he is to follow? The interaction between the 12 sisters is most definitely a complex and complicated one. Is loyalty more important than righteousness? How is Tamya to decide?

I was provided with 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:

Beyond the Tales #3 

If he falls to the lure of the curse, the dance might trap him forever. 

Alex has survived his first year as High King. The new council has improved cooperation between the kingdoms, and peace seems achievable. When the Tuckawassee queen sends him an invitation he can't refuse, Alex must once again face his greatest threat for the sake of peace. 

Princess Tamya of Tuckawassee, along with her eleven sisters, has danced from sunset until sunrise every night of her life. It is her gift and her curse. When Queen Valinda wishes to use the power their cursed dance gives them to rule all of Tallahatchia, Tamya must decide if she will do what is right even if it betrays her own sister. 

Daemyn Rand has survived a hundred years' worth of battles. All he wants to do now is safely marry his princess. Will he be forced to choose between the love of his life and the high king he has loyally served for years? 

They have faced certain death before. This time, they might not make it out alive. 

Don't miss this re-envisioning of the Twelve Dancing Princesses fairy tale. 

Purchase Link: Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Series Link 



Author Bio:

Tricia Mingerink is a twenty-something, book-loving, horse-riding country girl. She lives in Michigan with her family and their pack of pets. When she isn't writing, she can be found pursuing backwoods adventures across the country. 

Find her online at: 

Website || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Instagram || Amazon




Mini Interview with Tricia:

1)  If you had to pick another format for your books to be shared through, what would it be - musical, movie, public readings, serial release(a chapter at a time), graphic novel?

I've always thought a movie of my books would be cool...as long as the movies were as well done as the Lord of the Rings movies, lol. 
 
2)  Who is your favorite character (or two) in your Beyond the Tales series? 

Daemyn will always be a favorite. He's the quiet, tortured hero that always seems to pop up in my books one way or another. And, Alex is near and dear to my heart. 

3) What one question do you wish you would be asked, and how would you answer it?

I love getting humorous or wacky questions rather than the standard, author interview questions. I like humor. 

For example, my favorite interview question I have ever been asked was during a school visit to a 5th-grade class (taught by my brother). One of his students asked, "how does your writing inspire your home decor?" It was a rather insightful and interesting question for a 5th grader, and it took me a few moments to answer. I ended up telling the class how I have decorated my library with medieval weaponry. I currently own a cheap knock-off replica of Eowyn's helmet from the Lord of the Rings movies, a claymore, 2 other swords, a Roman gladius, 6 Blades of Acktar style knives, a Bowie knife (like Daemyn or Rosanna would carry in Beyond the Tales), and a small battle ax that a friend gave me for my birthday. And, yes, the fifth graders then asked if I had ever used the battle-ax, and, no, the battle ax is just a decoration. I've never used it. I had a really riveted fifth-grade class, and that whole school visit was so much fun! 

So, I guess, I wish more people asked questions the way fifth graders do, lol. 


Tour Schedule:

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Guest Posts:
Live. Love. Read.: Writing Allegorical Fairy Tales
The Heart of a Scribe: The Castles of Tallahatchia
Abby's Blog: The Places of Tallahatchia


8.25.2020

Wrought of Silver and Ravens ~ Review

Wrought of Silver and Ravens

Of Magic Made #1
By E.J. Kitchens

First off let me just say I love this book and can't wait for the next one in the series. That being said you'll want to know why I loved this book. First off it isn't a read in a couple hours book and has some length to it which in my opinion is always a good thing unless it is just a repeat of what came before, which this book most definitely is not. Think of the A&E Pride and Prejudice mini-series versus a 2-hour theatrical movie release. You have more story to more fully flesh out the characters, the story-world, and the story itself. But it isn't too much - it is as Baby Bear would say "Just right!"

Athdar Owain Leonidas is hunted. His family is dead and he has become separated from his people. He is charged with keeping the llewod gwerthfawr safe and out of the clutches of those who would corrupt them. Surviving from one day to the next is all he can hope for at present.

Athdar never meant to become involved but when he comes upon a young man who has fallen prey to raiders - Athdar acts. But saving the Prince of Ciliosthay brings him into contact with the Silver Guard and the royal family. Unfortunately, the prince has fallen under a curse - a curse that has entrapped his sisters, as well. Athdar is a half-magic which allows him some control over magic but helping the royal family could reveal what he is. When you are hunted trust does not come easily and in a kingdom filled with Enchanters, someone is sure to discover him. 

Princess Thea and her sisters have been betrayed - and the newest apprentice of the Silver Guard is a young man of unknown origins. As a Realm Walker, Thea has powers most enchantresses do not possess, and as such few know of her gift for her own safety. But someone knows and has bound these seven enchantress princesses to dance every night. And they are unable to speak of what is happening to anyone, such is their curse. 

Princess Thea knows that once the dances end the Kingdom of Giliosthay will most likely come to an end - an end that will find her people enslaved and at the mercy of a cruel lord. Can the truth be discovered before it is too late?

Wrought of Silver and Ravens was a good read and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Elisabeth Anne Stengel or Melanie Dickerson's works. The pacing is just right and the characters are totally relatable and worth getting to know. I appreciate the clean-read aspect of this book making it appropriate for all but the youngest readers - Tweens and up should thoroughly enjoy this world. 

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:

Of Magic Made #1

The rarest magic is the most dangerous.

 Athdar Owain is a hunted wanderer, one determined to keep his secrets and the treasure he carries safe at all costs. When he rescues the Kingdom of Giliosthay’s prince from raiders, he’s rewarded by being forced into the king’s elite Silver Guard. While this gives Athdar a temporary home and some protection from those hunting him, it also makes him responsible for the young prince, who still bears curses from the raiders, and seven enchantress princesses with curses as mysterious and dangerous as their brother’s. 

Princess Thea of Giliosthay is a Realm Walker. Betrayed by a trusted guard, her rare gift of enchantment is used to curse her brother and trap herself and her six sisters into a nightly dance with dragons in a secret Realm. The Realm’s prince has the ability to take and twist her magic for his own purposes, and Thea fears what those might be. For when one dances with a prince, a kingdom might be at stake. 

Athdar alone can save them, but to trust enchanters is to risk exposure. And Athdar isn’t sure where his loyalties lie. 

Wrought of Silver and Ravens is a clean adventure-romance retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses set in The Magic Collectors story world. 

Purchase Link: Books 2 Read  Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Author Bio:

E.J. Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s taking photos, reading, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. She is the author of the historical fantasy series THE MAGIC COLLECTORS and of several fairytale retellings. She is a member of Realm Makers and lives in Alabama. 

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Newsletter || Amazon

Enter the Tour Giveaway here

Tour Schedule

Five Reasons to Read:
Knitted by God's Plan
Light and Shadows

Author Interviews:
Abby's Blog

Guest Posts:
Erudessa's News Blog: Favorite Fairytale Dances
Dreams and Dragons: Worn Out Shoes but Not Worn Tales
Rachel Rossano's Words: The Writer Who Pricked Her Finger
Reality Reflected: A Dance through Time


8.24.2020

A Dazzle of Diamonds ~ Review

A Dazzle of Diamonds

Georgia Coast Romance #3 
By Liz Johnson

Penelope Hunter and Tucker Westbrook have been best friends forever. She's seen him through the tough times with his dad and been the stabilizing influence in his life as he adjusted from life in the military to one of a civilian. He's been the shoulder for Penelope to cry on when her wedding day found her jilted at the altar. 

But when Tucker finds himself goaded into running for county sheriff he and Penelope find themselves in a race against time to prove that Tucker's family wasn't traitors. Penelope's job is riding on clearing Tucker and the Westbrooks' name. There is just one little problem - Penelope may have accidentally let her ex-fiancé and his fiancée think she and Tucker are dating - whoops. 

To keep up appearances and prevent further tongue-wagging Tucker and Penelope agree to pretend to date. Pretend dating, investigating the Westbrooks' past, and searching for rumored 150-year-old treasure finds these two best friends spending a whole lot more time together - time that could forever alter their future friendship. But will it lead to something more or destroy what they have always had?

This is the third book in the Georgia Coast Romance series and I think this may be my favorite. Penelope is a fun person to get to know. She is passionate about her work and cares about those around her. Tucker seems to have it all together but he is always seeking to prove his worth to his dad and those around him who are more than a little critical of him. This book is set in the present day with glimpses into 1864 Savannah through the journal of a young woman - a journal that is important to Penelope and Tucker's search for answers. But sometimes the answers we seek aren't the ones we find or truly want in the end. 

This book is easily read as a standalone - there are several characters from the previous books who are in this one but not so prominent as to require knowing what came before to enjoy it. The pacing and overall tone are good and well-balanced. Overall a nice way to take a trip to Georgia from the comfort of your own home. 

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

About the Book:
Penelope Hunter loves her job as the events manager at one of Savannah's premier historic venues--until her ex-fiancé walks into her office with his new bride-to-be. To make matters worse, a scheming social matriarch is intent on seeing Penelope fired, especially if she insists on being seen with Tucker Westbrook.

Since returning from serving two tours in the Middle East, Tucker has built a thriving security company. His work is almost as stabilizing as his friendship with Penelope, who has been by his side since childhood. But when the lone candidate for county sheriff goads him, Tucker loses his cool and ends up on the ballot--and on the receiving end of a smear campaign claiming the Westbrooks were traitors to the South.

To clear his name, Tucker and Penelope must join forces to find the truth behind a 150-year-old lost treasure. But the more time they spend together, the closer she comes to losing her job--and falling helplessly in love.

The Dancing Princess ~ Review

The Dancing Princess
A Twist of Adventure #5
By Kendra E. Ardnek

Katrine wants nothing to do with dancing - it is her nightmares come to life. But when the Young King of Chalik-Alexi asks her to dance she refuses. But refusing to dance cannot save her from the nightmare as the music draws her in. But refusing the music's call is something she is simply unable to do.

But Katine is offered a chance to free herself from the curse she now lives under. A curse that Alexi and the forgotten princes have been trapped in for twenty years. Can this one offer truly free her if she freely accepts it?

Trapped by his folly Alexi has spent years trying to undo the damage he did. But always his attempts have been stymied by the person whom he refused years ago. Can an ageless king and princess whose nights are a prison of a song not her own hope to defeat a powerful being with the power to erase them forever from time and memory. This is a fight that cannot be won without risk and the risk is their very lives.

The Dancing Princess is a twist on a well-known fairy-tale that readers of this genre will enjoy. The story at 45 pages is not overly long and moves at a nice pace. One might actually feel that is longer than it is just because one can get drawn in so quickly. It is nice if you have an hour or two of spare time and want to get the satisfaction of sitting down and finishing a book in one sitting this is perfect for doing so. There is an unexpected character of Russian origin who makes an appearance and is a vital character to the story - want to know the identity well you will just have to read the book.

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

 About the Book:

A Twist of Adventure #5: Plagued by nightmares for the last few years, Katrine only wanted answers. Instead, she finds herself trapped in a tangled web of melody as she tries to free a cursed king and his brothers. No one deserves existence such as theirs, but dare she risk her very life? 

Purchase Link: Amazon 

Add Book on Goodreads

Author Bio:

Kendra E. Ardnek is the self-proclaimed Arista of Fairy Tales. She lives in the Piney Woods of East Texas with her dragon babies and a massive herd of mini-giraffes, and she is still waiting for one of her fifty nutcrackers to come to life and marry her. When not writing, you can usually find her sitting in a random box, and she's frequently known to act before she thinks. 

Find her online at:

Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || YouTube || Newsletter || Instagram || TikTok || Amazon


Tour Schedule:

8.18.2020

Don't Keep Silent ~ Review

Don't Keep Silent
Uncommon Justice #3
By Elizabeth Goddard

Liam McKade has always tried to leave his troubles behind. But this time his problems have followed him home and he isn't sure what to do about it. Months ago he was injured and the wound wasn't only physical. The woman he loved, the woman he stepped in front of a bullet for had used him for a story. He never wants to see Rae Burke again but she stole part of his heart when she left.

Rae Burke wants to live up to the standard of her late father. She is determined to use her skills as an investigative report to make a difference, to save lives, to expose evil. She never meant to fall in love and she never meant to hurt him. But now she needs his help again. Her sister-in-law is missing and the only clue to Zoey's past is in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, right smack-dab in the middle of McKade country. Now she just has to talk to Liam and breakthrough his hurt and anger.

Five years ago Zoey Dumont disappeared without an explanation for a week. When she reappeared she had been obviously abused but she refused to speak about it. Rae can't help but feel that Zoey's current disappearance is connected to what happened five years ago. Can Rae and Liam connect the pieces before they become the next victims? Time is against them and someone seems intent on stopping them no matter the cost.

Don't Keep Silent is the third and final book in the Uncommon Justice series which features the McKade brothers. This time the focus is on Liam who left home and the pain of his childhood behind. He created a life for himself in the military and then with the DEA. Until it all came crashing down around him when Rae Burke walked into his heart. Can he find it in his heart to forgive her and welcome her back into his life? Or will he let Rae walkway once they find Zoey?

Now this book could be read as a standalone but it is ever so much better when read as a part of the series. The McKade story explains so much about these brothers and it is slowly revealed throughout the series. Each brother is a different person but all are still dealing with the loss of their mother and their father's abusive behavior. Liam is the final brother who needs to make peace with his past and this is that story and it is well worth enjoying in your favorite reading corner. If you like Romantic Suspense be sure to add this book to your tbr(to be read) pile. Fans of Elizabeth Goddard's work will be highly satisfied with this series conclusion.

About the Book:

Justice comes easy
for these two. 
But forgiveness? 
That's another matter altogether.

Investigative reporter Rae Burke will do anything to find her missing sister-in-law, even if it means facing Liam McKade, a man who almost lost his life saving hers. A former DEA agent, Liam thought he could find peace at his Wyoming ranch, but he doesn't feel at home anywhere anymore. When the reporter who blew his cover on an important investigation inserts herself back into his life, he's less than thrilled. But Rae's keen investigative skills have led her down the right path--and directly into the dragon's mouth--leaving Liam no choice but to protect her.

As the danger increases, the past they both tried to flee catches up to them, along with the feelings they once had for each other.

8.17.2020

The London Restoration ~ Review with Giveaway

The London Restoration

By Rachel McMillan

Diana Somerville's war didn't end when the British troops returned home. She wants nothing more than to restart the life she had just started with her husband Brent Somerville before the war took him to the continent. Her work during the war has her bound to keep secrets from her husband - he thought she spent her days translating messages but it was so much more than that. She is bound to not speak about her true work due to her signing of the Official Secrets Act. And secrets are now between them.

Brent wanted nothing more than to come home to his wife and his professorship at King's College. But something is off with his marriage - first, when he came home Diana wasn't in London, in fact, she wasn't even in England. And then he knows she is keeping secrets from him - a favor for a friend is all the reason she gives for her absence. And then there are his secrets. He is determined to protect her from his wartime memories, to keep his wounds hidden from sight, to keep her from witnessing his nightmares night after night. 

With a growing list of things to keep them apart only their love seems to be tying them together. But love, that, like London, has had its walls damaged is in a precarious position. Is the foundation upon which it built strong enough to handle the rebuilding needed? As Diana studies the churches of London that she has so come love, she works on plans to help in their rebuilding and restoration. With Brent at her side as she works on a project near to her heart, she can only hope that this will bridge the divide that the war has created.

The London Restoration is more than a world rebuilding after the devastation of war, it is a world on the brink of another war. A war of ideology and manipulation - a cold war. But can a war be one fought only in the shadows and dark corners? When Diana and Brent discover a priceless religious artifact among the rubble they are drawn further into this secret war. But a war of ideology is no safer than the one just fought for those who find themselves on the frontline. This is something for which Diana was never trained and one in which she and Brent could very easily find themselves victim to.

The London Restoration is a multi-faceted story that is both personal and historical. Rachel McMillan does an excellent job capturing the reader's attention, I for one read the book over a weekend and was reluctant to put it down when other matters demanded my attention. The story is set in 1938 - 1946 with the story told in a nonlinear fashion but each time change is clearly marked at the beginning of that chapter. I personally like having the story unfold so that key moments in the backstory are slowly revealed adding greater depth to the story as it progresses. 

I have to admit I fell in love with this cover.  That red hat, London in the golden glow of sunlight - it is a perfect attention grabber all but begging me to pick it up and peek inside. And I am not sorry for a single moment spent between the covers getting to know these characters. 

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

** I have also obtained the audio version of this book through Libro.fm and it is narrated by Hannah Curtis. It is an excellent presentation if you prefer to listen to your book rather than read it. At 11 hours and 47 minutes, it is a length that is perfect for housework, commutes, or just a quiet afternoon to relax with.


About the Book:

Determined to save their marriage 
and the city they love, 
two people 
divided by World War II’s secrets
rebuild 
their lives, 
their love, 
and their world.

London, Fall 1945. Architectural historian Diana Somerville’s experience as a codebreaker at Bletchley Park and her knowledge of London’s churches intersect in MI6’s pursuit of a Russian agent named Eternity. Diana wants nothing more than to begin again with her husband Brent after their separation during the war, but her signing of the Official Secrets Act keeps him at a distance.

Brent Somerville, professor of theology at King’s College, hopes aiding his wife with her church consultations will help him better understand why she disappeared when he needed her most. But he must find a way to reconcile his traumatic experiences as a stretcher-bearer on the European front with her obvious lies about her wartime activities and whereabouts.

Featuring a timeless love story bolstered by flashbacks and the excavation of a priceless Roman artifact, The London Restoration is a richly atmospheric look at post-war London as two people changed by war rebuild amidst the city’s reconstruction.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes and Noble


About the Author:
Rachel McMillan is the author of the Herringford and Watts mysteries, the Three Quarter Time series of contemporary romances set in opulent Vienna, and the Van Buren and DeLuca mysteries praised for bringing an authentic 1930’s Boston world to life while normalizing the fictional conversation surrounding mental illness. 

Her first work of non-fiction, described as a romantic’s guide to independent travel, releases in 2020. 

Rachel lives in Toronto, Canada.


Connect with Rachel

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Enter the Giveaway:
Open to US postal addresses only
Must be 18 years or older.
Runs August 17 (12:00 am) -  August 23 (11:59 pm)
24 hours to respond after notification is sent 
or an alternate winner will be chosen.
Prize: One (1) copy of the book to be sent to the winner by a third-party.

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Rachel McMillan’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, August 17th: Blooming with Books

Tuesday, August 18th: @my_read_feed

Wednesday, August 19th: Reading Reality

Wednesday, August 19th: @shawntaye1

Thursday, August 20th: Books Cooks Looks

Friday, August 21st: @randi_reads

Saturday, August 22nd: Nurse Bookie and @nurse_bookie

Monday, August 24th: Christian Chick’s Thoughts

Tuesday, August 25th: Living My Best Book Life and @livingmybestbooklife

Wednesday, August 26th: @shobizreads

Thursday, August 27th: @lowkey.bookish

Friday, August 28th: The Lit Bitch and @thelit_bitch

Monday, August 31st: @babygotbooks13

Wednesday, September 2nd: @readsrandiread

Thursday, September 3rd: Leighellen Landskov and @mommaleighellensbooknook

Friday, September 4th: @books_with_bethany

Monday, September 7th: She Just Loves Books and @shejustlovesbooks

Wednesday, September 9th: @meetmeinthestacks

Wednesday, September 9th: Bloggin’ ‘Bout Books

Thursday, September 10th: Girl Who Reads

Friday, September 11th: @rendezvous_with_reading

8.16.2020

To Sketch a Sphinx ~ Review

To Sketch a Sphinx
The London League #6
By Rebecca Connolly

The end was just the beginning...

Hal is just an asset never working in the field herself. But now Henrietta Mortimer is about to receive a codename "Sketch" and be given a field mission. And her mission is going to take her to France where she will be connecting with her late mother's family - a family she knows nothing about. Why she is being tasked is beyond her understanding - other than her memory and artistic skills she has nothing to offer in her estimation. But for Weaver, she'll do just about anything. There is just one small matter to take care of before she goes forth - she's expected to get married first. And she has no idea who she expected to wed.

John Pratt aka "Sphinx" has a gift for his code-breaking, he sees patterns in what most would think as an ordinary letter. He has always worked behind the scenes for the League, never in the field, that is until now. His brother "Rook" has been the field operative of the Pratt family, he is the serious brother. the one not seen amongst society. But his skills are needed in France and as part of his cover, he is expected to marry his partner. 

Can they convince the enemy that they are a happily married couple who have become disenchanted with England? Or will they compromise their mission before it even begins with a clash of personalities that have never worked well together in the past?

I really enjoyed this sixth book in the London League series. It was fun getting to know Hal as more than just an artist. And it is interesting to see how these two differing personalities have to learn to work together. But the big question is whether they will be able to discover what the Faction is doing and how they have compromised the League? Fans of Rebecca Connolly will not be disappointed in this latest offering. To be honest, this may be my favorite book in the London League series - I really enjoyed getting to know Sketch and Sphinx as operatives and individuals. I highly recommend this if you want a clean-read Regency era weekend escape from your day-to-day.


About the Book:

From the Hand of Sketch...

Henrietta "Hal" Mortimer has been working with England's operatives and spies for years, her remarkable memory and artistic talents invaluable to many missions. The last thing she expects is to be pulled into a field mission herself and to be partnered with the most insufferable asset she has ever met. Worse, then, that she has to marry the man.

And the mind of Sphinx...

There are very few people who rattle John Pratt, gifted code-breaker for the Crown, but Hal Mortimer was one of them. Marrying her in order to go into the field for their mission in Paris would be torture, but they had no choice. Will their mutual spite doom their mission before it starts or can they set it aside and work together for the safety and security of their country?