Cover Reveal for Squire of Truth

Today I'm thrilled to take part in the cover reveal for SQUIRE OF TRUTH by Jill Williamson. This is the first book in the Blood of Kings: Legends medieval romantasy series from Sunrise Publishing. SQUIRE OF TRUTH is a fantasy murder mystery romance perfect for partners-in-crime adventure fans. 

Here's the story: Cole Tanniyn, squire to the soon-to-be king, has journeyed far from his days as a stray stable boy in a distant mountain village. Haunted by the echoes of past failures on the battlefield, he seeks solace in music, hoping to find belonging among fellow musicians. His quest leads him to Mistel Wepp, a spirited songstress determined to forge her own path on stage.

For too long, Mistel has been bound by a past of confinement and control. Now on her own, she toils tirelessly to make her mark, but the struggle to earn a living in a world that fails to appreciate her talents proves exhausting. When she connects Cole with the future king and discovers he's a skilled lutist, she sees an opportunity to change her future.

When a heinous crime leaves Mistel’s roommate dead, she turns to Cole for help. Despite his inexperience as an investigator, Cole vows to uncover the truth. Together, they delve into the dark alleys of Armonguard, uncovering a sinister web of secrets and sorcery that threatens the kingdom. As their journey unfolds, their shared love of music catches the attention of the king, who commissions them to compose a song for his upcoming wedding, offering a glimpse of normalcy amid adversity. Can Cole and Mistel prevail against enemies wielding dark magic? Or will they become the next casualties in a deadly game of power?

● ● ● ●

SQUIRE OF TRUTH releases January 7 in ebook, print, and audiobook. Keep an eye on Jill's account for information about pre-order swag, which will be announced soon! You can preorder the book at these locations:

Buy link for retailers: https://books2read.com/squireoftruth  

Sunrise shop buy link: https://sunrisepublishing.myshopify.com/collections/blood-of-kings-legends

Between Sound and Sea ~ Review

Between Sound and Sea

By Amanda Cox

This is a split-time story centered around a now abandoned lighthouse. A lighthouse that hides secrets. Joey Harris's life is in shambles thanks to rumors that have basically put her business out of commission, but she's managed to snag a chance to restore a lighthouse that Walt ornate has purchased because of his past connections with it and its occupants in the 1940s.

I love the glimpses into the past as this story unfolds. I'll the prologue was an interesting hook that drew me in. I wanted to know who the old woman was and who the boy she was telling the story to was.

Overall this was a really good read. There was enough mystery to keep my attention and I loved how Joey was able to rise up above the mess and rebuild her life. And then Walt's grandson Finn, at first I wasn't sure if he'd be someone I'd like, he was SO different from his grandfather.

They say don't judge a book by its cover but this one is a great match. I highly recommend this book. I think it would be well suited for a bookclub.

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.

Into the Starlight ~ Review

Into the Starlight

Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing #3

By Amanda Cabot

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.

 

After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.

 

As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.

 

Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

Product Details

Joanna Vaughn has returned to Sweetwater Crossing. Everything, including her, has changed since she left for Europe. Her parents are dead, her sisters are married, her home turned into a boarding house, and she lost her husband. Her homecoming isn't what she expected. And two strangers have  shown up seeking answers from the past. 

Burke Finley has come to Sweetwater with his aunt of the heart Della Samuels seeking  answers about his Uncle Clive Finley and the last days of his life. But all they discover is more questions, questions that led them into danger. 

This is a book that will hols your attention throughout. It is well-written but there are mo!rents that just standoit from others. And the unexpected, well there was more than one thrown in that surprised me. This book is best read after reading the previous two books in the series. It will make the twists more impactful. Highly recommend to fans of historical mystery fiction.

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:

After more than a year in Europe, Joanna Vaughn returns to Sweetwater Crossing, her dreams of becoming a concert pianist shattered. As if that weren't enough, her husband, whom she married after a whirlwind courtship, has died. The only thing sustaining her on the journey back to Texas was the thought of her childhood home. But to Joanna's dismay, she's changed so much that the place she once loved no longer feels like home.
 
After his fiancée married his partner and both blamed him for a patient's death, Dr. Burke Finley believes it's time for a change. A quick trip with his almost-aunt Della Samuels to Sweetwater Crossing turns into an extended stay to discover what happened to his uncle and her would-be husband. But the beautiful and musical Joanna makes it more than bearable.
 
As the two join forces to help Della, there is no denying the attraction felt on both sides. But ghosts from the past are coming to call--and threatening to destroy any chance at happily-ever-after.
 
Get swept away by this emotional tale of family, friendship, and the kind of love that overcomes every obstacle.

Arabella's Song ~ Coming Soon

 Arabella's Song will be released on September 26, 2024!

Arabella's Song is a work of love, a project I thoroughly enjoyed and dedicated myself to.

It was created as a part of the
Arista Lost Kerchiefs Challenge (2023)
hosted by Kendra E. Ardnek.

The theme behind the challenge was retelling the Goose Girl. Creating a totally new story while keeping key elements intact was indeed a challenge. What did or didn't I like about the original? As with all fairy tales, there is a story underneath; capturing that essence was the end goal. 

But what was that essence?
I'll let you discover that for yourself.

I further challenged myself by adding an additional layer by bringing in the Pied Piper of Hamlin.

I hope you will enjoy Arabella's Song,
the first book in the series The House of Sorah. 

The ebook is currently available for pre-order. But if you prefer to wait, there will also be a paperback edition.

The Naturalist's Daughter ~ Review

The Naturalist's Daughter
By Tea Cooper

Two women divided by time but united by a fascination of platypus and a search to understand this unusual animal. But as the story unfolds we learn that more than a quest for knowledge links them. Both are seeking for answers about their family.

But as so often the case the search for truth is buried deep. What is fact? What is deception? And where in this merger does the truth lie? 

The book opens in 1808 and then there is a shift between Rose Winton's story and Tamsin Alleyn's in 1908. Rose is determined to see her father, Charles Winton's work recognized while Tamsin searches for this long lost research.

This book offers more as both Rose and Tamsin work to accomplish their goals. Rose faces a world unlike the one she has grown up in. While Tamsin must fight for the collected work of Charles Winton. And there is a mystery that further ties these two stories together. A mystery forged of lies and betrayal. A mystery that crosses oceans. 

This was and is an intriguing read. I experienced it as both a written book and an audiobook. No matter how you decide to enjoy you will be drawn into it. There is danger. There is intrigue. There is romance. And all play together into a fascinating blend of historical fact and fiction. I was surprised about some of the information in regards to platypus, especially the dangerous aspects concerning them (let's just say I found it shocking when presented as it was). Overall, this was a good read and one I would say is well suited to a book club discussion. I would recommend it to fans of historical fiction, split-time fiction, or those who just want a book that is out of their ordinary reading fare.

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.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Two fearless women—living a century apart—find themselves entangled in the mystery surrounding the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century: the classification of the platypus.

1808 Agnes Banks, NSW

Rose Winton wants nothing more than to work with her father, eminent naturalist Charles Winton, on his groundbreaking study of the platypus. Not only does she love him with all her heart but the discoveries they have made could turn the scientific world on its head. When Charles is unable to make the long sea journey to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England, Rose must venture forth in his stead. What she discovers will forever alter the course of scientific history.

1908 Sydney, NSW

Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Public Library by a recluse. But when she gets there, she finds there is more to the book than meets the eye, and more than one interested party. Shaw Everdene, a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer, seems to have his own agenda when it comes to the book. Determined to uncover the book's true origin, Tamsin agrees to join forces with him.

The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery of the book's authorship becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences in this riveting tale of courage and discovery.

AUTHOR BIO

Tea Cooper is an established Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life, she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including The Naturalist’s Daughter; the USA TODAY bestselling The Woman in the Green Dress; The Girl in the Painting, The Cartographer's Secret, winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award; and The Fossil Hunter.

Firestorm ~ Review

Firestorm
Chasing Fire: Montana #4
By Lisa Phillips

Charlie Benning has screwed up enough lives, and he refuses to hurt his 17-year-old daughter anymore than he already has. He has a plan, maybe not a great one, but it should work. And his plan includes working with the Jude County Hotshots amid one of the worst fire seasons ever.  

Jayne Price runs Wildlands Academy, teaching teenagers firefighting skills. Now, her academy is caught in the middle of several fires and maybe a killer. Her job has just gotten a whole lot more complicated, especially when Charlie walks into her academy. Okay, so he didn't walk in; it was more like he rode in on an ATV. And now the past that they shared years ago is about to come to light.

This is the fourth book in the Chasing Fire series, and a whole slew of secrets are about to be revealed. Secrets that are life-altering. And then there are the second chances. Because everyone deserves a second chance.

The suspense will keep you turning these pages. And while this book can be read as a standalone, there are hints at previous books in this series. You will feel the tension build as the story moves towards its climax. This story is driven equally by the the characters as it is the action, making for a compelling read that you won't be able to put down. 

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:

Series: Chasing Fire #4
Publisher: Sunrise Publishing
Release Date: July 30, 2024
Genre: Romantic Suspense

SECRETS. BETRAYAL. SACRIFICE.

THIS TIME, THEY’RE NOT JUST FIGHTING FIRE.

An original series created by bestselling authors Susan May Warren and Lisa Phillips.

He thought his life was over…and then she walked back in.

Charlie Benning has always been a rescuer—first with the Last Chance County Fire and Rescue team, and now as a firefighter with the Jude County Hotshots. But this summer isn’t about saving lives—it’s about hiding his own terrible secret. A secret he’s keeping from his estranged daughter, Alexis.

But fate is about to intervene.

Will their secrets destroy their second chance?

Jayne Price raised her son, Orion, on her own just fine, thank you. And now, she runs Wildlands Academy, a summer camp that teaches kids how to fight forest fires and confront their own teenage angst—kids like Alexis Benning, who clearly has a chip on her shoulder about her semi-estranged, firefighter father.

And Jayne has her own issues, like not wanting her only son to join the elite smokejumping corps. It’s enough that he’s risking his life as a hotshot on the Jude County team.

Then the wildfire turns its force onto the camp and suddenly the hotshots show up to help her fight it. Only problem…the last person she expects is for her former flame, Charlie Benning—the man she can’t forget—to show up working alongside her son.

Rather, his son.

Who he doesn’t know exists.

And then Charlie discovers the secret she’s been keeping, and he’s torn between anger and the long-simmering love that refuses to die. And Jayne isn’t about to let go of the man she loves a second time. But if the blazing wildfire isn’t enough, a dangerous and relentless killer is on the prowl in the woods…
Now, with the camp cut off from the outside world and the fire closing in, it’s a race against time as Charlie, Jayne, Orion, and a team of courageous smokejumpers join forces to protect the campers against a merciless inferno and a murderer. But the biggest threat of all might be Charlie’s devastating secret that could destroy the happy ending they’ve waited for so long.

Prepare for an edge-of-your-seat journey that will leave you breathless until the very last page, in book four of the Chasing Fire: Montana series.

The Naturalist's Daughter ~ Release Day

 Today is the release day for
Tea Cooper's
The Naturalist's Daughter

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Two fearless women—living a century apart—find themselves entangled in the mystery surrounding the biggest scientific controversy of the nineteenth century: the classification of the platypus.

1808 Agnes Banks, NSW

Rose Winton wants nothing more than to work with her father, eminent naturalist Charles Winton, on his groundbreaking study of the platypus. Not only does she love him with all her heart but the discoveries they have made could turn the scientific world on its head. When Charles is unable to make the long sea journey to present his findings to the prestigious Royal Society in England, Rose must venture forth in his stead. What she discovers will forever alter the course of scientific history.

1908 Sydney, NSW

Tamsin Alleyn has been given a mission: travel to the Hunter Valley and retrieve an old sketchbook of debatable value, gifted to the Public Library by a recluse. But when she gets there, she finds there is more to the book than meets the eye, and more than one interested party. Shaw Everdene, a young antiquarian bookseller and lawyer, seems to have his own agenda when it comes to the book. Determined to uncover the book's true origin, Tamsin agrees to join forces with him.

The deeper they delve, the more intricate the mystery of the book's authorship becomes. As the lives of two women a century apart converge, discoveries emerge from the past with far-reaching consequences in this riveting tale of courage and discovery.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Tea Cooper is an established Australian author of historical fiction. In a past life, she was a teacher, a journalist, and a farmer. These days she haunts museums and indulges her passion for storytelling. She is the internationally bestselling author of several novels, including The Naturalist’s Daughter; the USA TODAY bestselling The Woman in the Green Dress; The Girl in the Painting, The Cartographer's Secret, winner of the prestigious Daphne du Maurier Award; and The Fossil Hunter.

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