Blooming with Books

10.02.2022

The Questmaster's Trap ~ Review

The Questmaster's Trap

Champion's Quest #2

By Frank L. Cole

The second book in the Champion's Quest takes the reader on a journey fraught with danger. When Lucas, Miles, and Jasmine answer a summons from Hob, they are expecting to enter their next quest. But rather, they find that not everything is as to seems and have unwittingly walked into a trap that could destroy everything.

But to survive, the Wild Crows need to up their skill level fast and replace a missing player. Because if they can't, they may fail, and failure isn't an option, not with the fate of everything and everyone depending on them.

This is a fast-paced, action-filled book that will grab the attention of pre-teen readers. The gaming world setting is a draw that will pull them into the story. But winning isn't the sole focus as the Wild Crows will need to work together and trust one another if they hope to succeed. Going it alone sometimes isn't enough, and sometimes teamwork is what is necessary to see a problem from all sides while coming up with a solution that has the best chance of success.

While our heroes are battling a range of mythological creatures, there is nothing over-the-top in regard to violence. There is no graphic anything or no offending language. This is just good clean reading with a sci-fi/fantasy adventure with a few twists and turns.

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

About the Book:

Hello, Brave Reader: You’re just in time to roll the Die of Destiny and play a game of Champion’s quest. The wizard Questmaster Hob has summoned the Wild Crows on a new adventure. But not everything is what it seems.

A new, sinister Questmaster creates chaos for Lucas, Miles, and Jasmine. They are ill-prepared to fight stronger, challenging monsters, including an evil centaur who has taken a magical ally hostage. As the Wild Crows journey to rescue her, they encounter shadow elves, troltusses, and giants. They also learn new skills and strategies, and discover their quest is more than just a game this time. The fate of the world of Champion’s Quest—including the lives of the wizards Hob and Bogie—hangs in the balance.

Can the Wild Crows prevail? Will the luck of the dice be in their favor? Can they gather the right magical items and overcome their weaknesses? It will take true champions and a bit of luck to win this gripping, fantastical, high-stakes adventure.

9.29.2022

Broken Mirrors ~ Cover Reveals

The Broken Mirrors blog tour participants

are revealing their covers

and all

six books are now available for preorder

and with December release dates,

Christmas

will come a few days early this year!

Snowfield Palace
By Kendra E. Ardnek
An Austen Mashup
Goodreads||Amazon
December 19th

The White Queen's Spell
By Wyn Estelle Owens
A Celtic Genderswap
Goodreads||Amazon
December 20th

Shattered Reflection
By Madisyn Carlin
An Epic Kingdom Adventure
Goodreads||Amazon
December 21st

Of Ice and Roses
By Heather M Elliot
A Tale of Looming War
Goodreads||Amazon
December 22nd

Through a Shattered Glass

By Sarah Pennington
A Return to Wonderland
Goodreads||Amazon
December 23rd

Christmas Games

By Erudessa Gentian
Lit. RPG
Goodreads||Amazon
December 24th

9.28.2022

Millstone of Doubt ~ Review

Millstone of Doubt
Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery #2
By Erica Vetsch

In this, the second book in the Thorndike and Swann series, Bow Street runner Daniel Swann is closer to the end of his mysterious patronage. But first, he has to find out who killed Mr. Montgomery. And if he can get aid in his investigation from Lady Juliette Thorndike, so much the better.

Juliette's parents are again sent away on assignment at the Crown's behest, much to Juliette's dismay. And with her parents absent, her spy training again falls to her Uncle Bertie. And her debut season is returned to the guidance of the Dowager Duchess of Haverly. But soon, Juliette has greater concerns on her mind when her dear friend Agatha Montgomery loses her father in a most untimely manner.

What was the motivation behind Mr. Garfield Montgomery's murder? Daniel has little time to get through all the layers of this case to find a killer before he is left to manage on his own and possibly no longer be a Bow Street Runner. With Juliette's close connection to Agatha, Daniel is more than willing to let her offer assistance on this case while they both hone their spy-craft skills when anarchists start stirring up trouble close to home.

Millstone of Doubt is an excellent read as we get to know both Juliette and Daniel better. There are a few life lessons to be discovered along the way that are needed. And there are some intriguing and unexpected twists that will most definitely have some bearing on any future books in the series. I love Erica Vetsch's writing style; the characters aren't perfect and even have flaws that they aren't aware of. There are lighthearted moments to counter the serious, and it is well-balanced so that it is realistic and not outlandish in any way. This is the perfect pairing with The Debutant's Code.

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

About the Book:

Regency London’s detective duo is back on a new case–and this one is going to be a killer

Caught in the explosion of the Hammersmith Mill in London, Bow Street Runner Daniel Swann rushes to help any survivors only to find the mill’s owner dead of an apparent gunshot.

Even though the owner’s daughter, Agatha Montgomery, mourns his death, it seems there are more than a few people with motive for murder. But Daniel can’t take this investigation slow and steady. Instead, he must dig through all the suspects as quickly as he can, because the clock is ticking until his mysterious patronage–and his job as a runner–comes to an abrupt and painful end. It seems to Daniel that, like his earthly father, his heavenly Father has abandoned him to the fates.

Lady Juliette Thorndike is Agatha’s bosom friend and has the inside knowledge of the wealthy London ton to be invaluable to Daniel. She should be in a perfect position to help with the case. Still, her instructor in the art of spy craft orders her to stay out of the investigation. But circumstances intervene, dropping her into the middle of the deadly pursuit.

When a dreadful accident ends in another death on the mill floor, Daniel discovers a connection to his murder case–and to his own secret past. Now he and Juliette are in a race to find the killer before his time runs out.

Covert Danger ~ Review with Giveaway

Covert Danger JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for

Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen,

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Covert Danger
Guardians Unleashed #2
By Jerusha Agen

For the last 12 years, she has avoided her home and her family. For the past 3 years, she's only communicated via email - her freedom depends on it. Lies have ruled her life, and she has lost herself in the web that she has created. It began to protect her best friend and has become something more. Now she doesn't know where the lies end and her true self begins.

When her current assignment with Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency lands her in the middle of a case that brings her face-to-face with her past, Amalia Perez is ready to run. Michael Barrett is an investigative journalist who has made enemies in his quest for the truth. He also happens to be Sofia Sanchez's childhood best friend. And he is the target of an assassin who doesn't fail.

Amalia is caught in a juggling act - hiding her past from her coworkers, keeping her client alive, outsmarting an assassin who doesn't give up, and keeping her heart cold. This is one case that she just might not survive, especially when a tough, streetwise kid gets caught up in the case.

This is a book where one step ahead is a luxury and Phoenix K-9 can't seem to manage it. Is there a leak somewhere? Or is the assassin out to stop their client that good? Amalia wants answers so she can put this case behind her and start over once again.

Fast-paced action comes up against a moral dilemma in this newest addition to the Guardians Unleashed series, which is set in Minneapolis. Will the truth prevail? Or will it stay buried under years of deception?

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

Title: Covert Danger

Series: Guardians Unleashed #2

Author: Jerusha Agen

Publisher: SDG Words, LLC

Release Date: September 22, 2022

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity.

Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor.

As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting JerushaAgen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, a signed Covert Danger paperback, plus a Covert Danger mug and swag.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 26, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 3, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

9.27.2022

To Capture His Heart ~ Review

To Capture His Heart

Matchmakers #2

By Nancy Campbell Allen

When Nathan Winston finds himself having to attend a house party that his mother is holding, he is determined to avoid her matchmaking schemes. His only hope is pretending to court a young woman whom his mother doesn't know. Unfortunately, Eva Caldwell's reputation as a female photographer has made her known to his mother and secured her an invitation to be an official photographer for the event.

Eva Caldwell has enjoyed her time spent with Detective Nathan Winston, even when it means documenting crime scenes, an occupation that is frowned upon by most of society. And Nathan's request for Eva to play a role at his mother's 10-day-long-house party is a bit of a surprise. But allowing everyone to believe that Nathan is courting her won't hurt anyone except her own heart, right?

But the event is soon threatened when a criminal decides to threaten Nathan and follow him to the family's estate. Soon the fun and games take a dangerous turn, and Eva and Nathan are trying to find a criminal mastermind who is seeking revenge and could be anywhere. As the man, out to destroy Nathan's life and those he holds dearest, draws closer and bolder, Nathan has to up his vigilance to stop what is coming.

To Capture His Heart is a delightful Victorian Mystery. This is the second book in the Matchmakers series and can be read as a standalone if you haven't yet read The Matchmaker's Lonely Heart. But after reading this book, you will want to read book one! I loved the characters and when Eva puts one of the entitled heiresses in her place with skilled verbiage. Oh, yeah, Eva is a force to be reckoned with!

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

About the Book:

Seaside, England, 1886

Eva Caldwell is an accomplished and well-known photographer who often works with the local constabulary to assist in documenting crime scenes, which means she also often works alongside the handsome and charming detective Nathan Winston. She appreciates his intellect and how he treats her like an equal, but Eva’s heart is still healing from a past relationship, so, for now, she decides to keep her feelings for Nathan a secret.

One evening, Nathan arrives on her doorstep asking for a personal favor. Would Eva be available to photograph his mother’s legendary, week-long dinner party and matchmaking event? The catch is that Eva would also have to pretend they are courting in order for Nathan to avoid the many single women seeking his attention.

Though wary of the charade, Eva agrees. Spending a week with the two things she loves most—her detective and her camera—sounds simple enough. And if she wants to imagine that Nathan’s pretend courtship of her is real, well, what’s the harm in that?

But when a criminal from Nathan’s past threatens revenge on the detective, Nathan must be extra vigilant to keep his mother and the rest of the partygoers safe. He confides in Eva, and as the two work together to solve the mystery and apprehend the criminal, they find that they might capture more than they expected—each other’s heart.

9.22.2022

To Win a Prince ~ Review

To Win a Prince

By Toni Shiloh

This is a follow-up/sequel to Toni Shilo's In Search of A Prince, and it is not to be missed. I loved getting a chance to get to know Bree's BFF better. Iris Blakely never thought her trip to Oloro Ilé would lead to a life-changing event for her too. But it did, and now she is the owner of a locally sourced fashion design business. But it isn't just any business - nope, the goal is to help improve the lives of the local women by offering them steady employment that would help them better their lives and those of their families.

But being an American in Oloro Ilé, starting a business comes with a few strings attached, and that includes allowing the man who was involved in the plot against Bree and her rule to do community service hours under her watchful eye. Ekon Diallo was an instant crush as far as Iris was concerned, and when he betrayed Bree, Iris's crush was a bit tarnished. But Ekon has the necessary skills and knowledge that Iris needs to succeed.

Ekon was raised to be a prince, and his fall has brought him to a new reality. Not only has he lost everything, but he has also fallen beneath his father's notice. He has no one to call on for help; he has absolutely no domestic skills and an ego that won't quit. You can already tell his time working for Iris will be interesting.

To Win a Prince is a story of discovery. Who is a person when they've lost everything that gave them worth in the eyes of the world? What gives a person their identity? Is it rank? Family name? Wealth? Or is it something deeper? TWAP is a spiritual discovery - sometimes, to discover our true selves and our place in God's eyes, we need to be brought to our lowest moments.

I highly recommend this book. It is well worth the time spent reading it. As with In Search of a Prince, I read the paperback edition while listening to the audio version. It was interesting to hear the various words pronounced and to get a feel for how Iris, her family, and Ekon all talked (accents can totally change how you feel and experience a character). You can enjoy this book as a standalone, but I think the previous book is necessary to fully grasp the backstory.

The audiobook is narrated by Tamika Katon-Donegal and has a runtime of 13 hours and 22 minutes. The presentation is excellent, and the characters are distinguishable from one another during the narrator's reading (always a BIG plus, in my opinion).

And if you need another reason to add this book to your personal library - just look at the cover - it is gorgeous. Who wouldn't want to see this sitting there asking you to pick it up?

I was provided a copy of this book (in paperback form) with no expectations but that I provide my honest opinion. All thoughts expressed are my own.

About the Book:

As a fashion aficionado and best friend of the queen of the African island country Oloro Ilé, Iris Blakely dreams of using her talent to start a business to help citizens in impoverished areas. But when she discovers that Ekon Diallo will be her business consultant, the battle between her desires and reality begins.

Ekon Diallo has lost everything: his princely title, his material possessions, his friends, and the respect of his countrymen. To pay for his actions against Oloro Ilé, he's forced to assist the charismatic Iris Blakely--but he can't allow his heart to distract him from regaining his status.

As Iris strives to get her business off the ground while keeping her heart intact, will her dreams of "happily ever after," survive the challenges she faces?

Healing Hazel ~ Review with Giveaway

Healing Hazel JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Healing Hazel by Jennifer Moore, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Healing Hazel
The Blue Orchid Society #3
By Jennifer Moore

Hazel Thornton has always wanted to be a nurse. Her mother's too short life has been her inspiration. But Hazel has a closely guarded secret that has prevented her from completing her training. As a child, she experienced the all too real horrors of war, and at the most inopportune moments, she is caught in the debilitating grips of a panic attack.

After spending several years separated from her father, Hazel is finally going to be spending Christmas with him, but after traveling to see him, her hopes for a family Christmas are dashed as the war has pulled him away, and she is to return to England immediately. But all doesn't go according to plan when the train she is traveling on derails and severely injures her traveling companions, effectively trapping them at a Red Cross-run Spanish hospital. With more patients always expected, Hazel is begrudgingly given an opportunity to put her nursing skills to good use.

I loved this story; there are moments when all the medical skills available can't save a life, and one feels the pain that Hazel experiences. Then there is Doctor Jim Jackson, who seems to be against Hazel from the outset, but when we are given a glimpse into his innermost self, we understand why he is the way he is. Hazel and Jim are a good match, each having strengths that aid and help the other. But can the rapport that they have developed have a future as something more, or will Hazel need to return to England as her father directed her to? And does she really want to stay so near the almost daily fighting of war?

This is the third book in The Blue Orchid Society series, and if you have not yet read the previous books, that will in no way impede your enjoyment and understanding of this book. I would highly recommend this book which is both lovely and moving.

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

Title: Healing Hazel

Series: The Blue Orchid Society #3

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Release Date: September 8, 2022

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance / Historical / Victorian

Hazel Thornton has one great ambition: to help the sick and wounded as a nurse. But that dream can never become a reality. After a devastating childhood trauma, she has spent her life battling fits of panic that make it impossible to finish her studies. Everything changes, however, when a trip to Spain takes a perilous turn that derails her plans to visit her father for Christmas and immediately plunges her into the dangers of a brutal war.

With single-minded focus, she springs into action to help her fellow travelers. To ensure their continued care, she begins work at a Spanish hospital alongside Dr. Jim Jackson, a man whose only emotion seems to be wariness of his new assistant. Armed with gifts of support from each of her dearest friends, a group that dubs themselves the Blue Orchid Society, Hazel embarks on a journey of hope and healing to battle the demons of her past with the help of the doctor who has captured her heart.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub