Shattered Reflection ~ Review

Shattered Reflection

The Shattered Lands #1

By Madisyn Carlin

The land is on the verge of slipping into yet another war, distrust is taking hold, and the crown is threatened by the very people who are entrusted to protect it. Can those who have been broken by the past hope to restore what was lost? Or will the icy evil that is attempting to steal their hearts and souls prevail? 

Layree's brother Loren Alocer has been stolen away by the royal crown guards- a crown that is at the mercy of a cruel and evil hand. Layree is determined to get her brother back no matter what and by any means necessary. And by any means, she will be forced to accept the help of a man she now views as an enemy. But she saw what happened to her brother before he was taken away, and she won't stop until he is freed.

Nordica Icerri is the heir to the crown, but until her aunt and uncle deem her fit to rule, they will act on her behalf. And to be considered fit, she must be purged of any and all emotion. And her uncle is more than happy to help her obtain such coldness of heart. And the methods he is using will surely break her eventually.

Shattered Reflection is an interesting retelling of The Snow Queen. The story is told through the viewpoints of five characters who have different reasons for doing what they are doing, but at their core, caring and wanting to protect others is their motivation. This is excellent reading and a series debut that is not to be missed. The characters and settings are more than a two-dimensional place on the page; there is depth and layers to everything if one is looking.

I was provided a complimentary copy with no expectations -  all thoughts expressed are my own.

Book Description:

Can hope be found for four shattered souls? 

Princess Nordica Icerri’s crown will be purchased with blood—her blood. Now the sole heir to the throne, she is determined to be the queen the Snowlands deserve, but that comes with a price: a numbed heart and soul. Only when she meets kidnapped physician Loren Alocer does Nordica allow herself to hope she can become queen without completely losing herself. But not everyone wants what’s best for the Snowlands, and Nordica’s upcoming rule is compromised at every turn. Can the criminal physician—and his faith—thaw Nordica’s heart, or is she destined to be the heartless queen she is being forced to become? 

War shattered not only Breac Finson’s heart, but his faith as well. Tired of fighting, Breac only wants to be left alone, but his efforts are for naught when a friend calls in a favor. He soon finds himself in an unexpected alliance with Layree Alocer, a woman determined to find her wrongfully-kidnapped brother at all costs. Can a broken soldier help right a wrong—and find his faith again in the process? 

Sides must be chosen and loyalties will be tested as a new war approaches. Can broken lives be mended in time to help save the Snowlands, or is evil already too deeply embedded?

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Author Bio:

Madisyn Carlin is a Christian, homeschool graduate, blogger, voracious book dragon, and author. When not spending time with her family or trekking through the mountains, she weaves tales of redemption, faith, and action. 

Want to connect? https://linktr.ee/madisyncarlin

The White Queen’s Spell ~ Spotlight

The White Queen’s Spell

By Wyn Estelle Owens

Coming January 19, 2023

Book Description:

Last Summer, Ailsa stumbled her way into a tangled web of curses and power that resulted in her not only rescuing her Kingdom’s princesses, but also freeing the Fae King of Summer from his century-long imprisonment. This Summer has been much more peaceful, as she awaits and anticipates not only Princess Mairead’s wedding to her best friend Fionn, but her own to Summer’s King.

But when Ailsa lets her guard down and stumbles her way into not one, but two terrible curses, the wheel of fate begins to turn again.

Fiachra, King of Summer, has spent the year since his release strengthening his realm and wooing the lady who freed him from his curse--only to have his betrothed snatched away by Winter’s Queen. And not only is Ailsa trapped in another court, but the doubled curse upon her has left her only a shadow of herself. But it is Summer, and duties tie him to his Court—but Ailsa is not friendless.

Fionn and Mairead are determined to repay Ailsa for all her help, and set out on a dangerous journey across Faerie and through the Courts of the Seasons, to the very depths of Winter itself, where a terrible power awaits.

There is more than one way to become heartless, after all.

Purchase at Amazon

Add Book on Goodreads

Author Bio:

Wyn Estelle Owens is the pen name of a young woman who’s still figuring out what this whole ‘adult’ thing is all about. She lives in a big, old house in Maryland by a Hundred Acre Wood (dubbed Neldoreth) with her parents, three occasionally obnoxious brothers, her dog Jackie, and her personal plot bunny, Joker. 

She is fond of reading, writing, drawing, speaking in dead or imaginary languages, playing video games, quoting classic or obscure literature, being randomly dramatic, and generally making things out of yarn. Her dream is to write stories that inspire people to chase after the wonderful world of storytelling. 

Her favorite all-time author is J.R.R. Tolkien, who first inspired her to pursue novel writing when she read the Hobbit at the age of seven. 

Find her online at: Goodreads || Facebook || Amazon

Rose Petals and Snowflakes ~ Review

Rose Petals & Snowflakes

The Austen Fairy Tale #4

By Kendra E. Ardnek

A promise given years ago between friends gives young Ginny a home. But all too often, she felt less than the Bethim family. Only Kaimund, the Bethim's son, makes Ginny feel wanted and is her best friend, her only friend. 

Twelve years have passed since Ginny first came to Snowfield Palace, and this year everything is about to change for her and those who call Snowfield home. 

A silk rose, a forbidden love, and a magic mirror what could possibly go wrong?

Snowfield Palace is the fourth book in The Austen Fairy Tale series, which is a fairy tale / Jane Austen mashup. This time author Kandra E. Ardnek uses Austen's Mansfield Park and The Snow Queen to give the reader a truly unique reading experience. One wouldn't necessarily think the two would work well together, but it does. Elements of both blend together in beautifully. This book could be read as a standalone, but it would be better to first read the previous books in the series to fully enjoy and appreciate the story. This is one of those books you'll want to read again looking to find threads that bring the whole together. Snowfield Palace would makes a lovely gift for a Jane Austen fan

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

Book Description:

Ginny doesn't belong in Snowfield Palace, but she has nowhere else to go. An old promise between her mother and Lady Bethim keeps her off the streets when she's left alone in the world, and she's eternally grateful for the home - and the friendship of Kaimund, Lady Bethim's son. She makes herself useful however possible, and life is quiet. 

Until the far-too-charming Prince Hans and his sister Maia visit and send her world spinning. A shattered mirror is nothing to laugh about, and a new, dark magic could destroy everything. 

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BBSRX4ZC/

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60712076-snowfield-palace

Series Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RW49WHQ

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 || Tumblr || Amazon 

Estuary ~ Cover Reveal

  Today I'm taking part in Lisa T. Bergren's Estuary cover reveal! This is the first book in the fantasy trilogy, Oceans of Time, but is also related to her well-loved River of Time series. Lisa Tawn Bergren is releasing from Enclave Publishing in June 2023! This is the first book in the fantasy trilogy, Oceans of Time and is available to #preorder in hardcover today at https://bit.ly/EstuaryLisaTBergren

Can a family bond stand the test of time?

Lady Tiliani Forelli is the epitome of the She-Wolves who raised her, an adept archer with a mind of her own. It is long past time for her to wed, but she deems each young lord who comes to bid for her hand lacking. With battles upon their border, and rumors of war growing louder on every front, Lady Forelli’s decision could secure her kingdom’s peace...or bring about its destruction.

Centuries later, history major Luciana Bettarini takes a summer job alongside her twin, Domenico, as a period actor at Castello Forelli in Italy. As incoming college seniors, this might be their last chance to spend meaningful time together, so she’s soaking up every minute. But when Dom’s theory that their lost Bettarrini relatives have traveled through time becomes potentially real—and they might be able to follow—Luci fears they’ll be forever divided.

#estuary #lisatbergren #oceansoftime #enclavepublishing

#fantasybooks #christianbooks #timetravelbooks #romanticfantasy

Book Signing Fun

The Author Book Signing at the Bloomer Public Library today, December 10, was really fun and interesting getting to meet several area authors. I even got my picture taken with Kathryn Springer and Jenny Sargent-Blaisdel. (My 30 seconds without a mask during the whole event) Yes, those are llamas on my top.

                              

Kathyrn gave some great advice to first-time book-signing authors!

Find us all online at

jennyblaisdell.com

kathrynspringer.com

booksbymeagan.com

I had fun interacting with the different people who came up and asked me about my books. The nerves before were the biggest issue. But I had fun setting up my table. I had this pretty fabric red-and-black plaid with white snowflakes all over it that made the perfect “tablecloth” that had a wintery feel to it. Appropriate as it was snowing today.

Anyone who couldn’t make it but wants a signed copy, please email me a copy of your receipt, and I can mail you an autographed sticker to put in your book. Email me at BooksbyMeagan@booksbymeagan.com

Meriden Park ~ Review

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for 

Meriden Park by Julie Daines, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

Meriden Park 

A Regency Romance

By Julie Daines 

Mary Grace has spent most of her life living with the Wellings. But other than the Wellings, she has never been wanted by anyone. Newly arrived in England from India, Mary Grace feels the full impact of her mixed heritage in the looks and attitudes of the people who surround her.

But when Mary Grace has a chance meeting with Mr. Robert Markham, her life takes an unexpected change. Someone sees her and doesn't judge her for being half-Indian. 

Robert Markham seeks justice for the poor people who call the area home. The poor workers of the lace mill are being murdered and losing their jobs to machines. With Robin Hood as an example, Robert spends his hours in Sherwood Forest seeking to bring the guilty down. 

But as the danger grows, Robert and Mary Grace find themselves pulled deeper into the mystery that fills the green forest. And there is something between them that could be something more, but secrets stand between them - secrets that could destroy everything if they become known. 

Meriden Park is a delightful mix of Regency with Robin Hood, Mystery, and Suspense. I love how the story unfolds, forcing the truth to be revealed. Robert and Mary Grace have similarities in how they see their worth. Both have been disappointed by people in their lives. Both try to hide what they feel are weaknesses/faults from others; Mary's are more visible than Robert's. There are some interesting twists as the story unfolds; some are more unexpected than others. This is a definite must-read, in my opinion. This book also comes in an audio format that is well presented, so whether you read your book or listen to it, there is no reason not to enjoy it.

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

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Meriden Park 

Author: Julie Daines 

Publisher: Covenant Communications 

Release Date: December 5, 2022 

Genre: Clean & Wholesome Romance/Historical/Regency/Suspense

Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace’s life has been an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling’s death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England―home to Meriden Park.

Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain she can’t refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Julie Daines is an award-winning and best-selling author. She was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her vervain.

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

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of the book, 

$25 Amazon gift card, 

bookmark, stickers, and a button.

The full tour schedule is linked below. 

The giveaway begins at midnight on December 5, 2022, and 

will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 12, 2022. 

The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway 

and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. 

US only. 

Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

The giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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

 

The Broken Crown ~ Review

The Broken Crown

The Narrow Gate #1

By Amory Cannon

Emilia Aurelius has been forgotten by her father since the day her mother died as a traitor - for believing in a single God, a God that the Empire's rebels worship. But having served in a military outpost for most of the time since has made her strong and capable. As her father's only heir, her upbringing has ill-prepared her when she is summoned to the imperial city to vie for the crown prince's hand. 

Yup, she is in major trouble. Not only does she not know how to act like a proper princess, she secretly follows the same God that her mother did. Fortunately, the crown prince has entrusted her safety to his most trusted personal guard, Felix.

The Broken Crown is the first book in The Narrow Gate series, and it is packed full of drama as Emilia tries to determine just what she is supposed to do. Does she keep her beliefs secret? Is it her destiny to marry the future Emperor and then reveal her allegiances? It is a lot for a seventeen-year-old girl to figure out while surviving the political perils that are closing in around her.

I found this book to be engaging, and it held my interest from the first sentence. This is written for the YA audience, but it should appeal to older readers too. Readers of Jill Williamson (Blood of Kings series), Melanie Dickerson, Melanie Cellier, and Jennifer Nielsen (False King series) should enjoy this book/series.

I was provided 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:

Release Date: May 23, 2016
Genre: Clean YA Fiction

Princess Emilia Aurelius was only seven when she watched her mother die at the hands of her father—martyred for believing in the God of the Atlas Empire’s Insurgo rebels. At seventeen, exiled to a military outpost where no one knows her true identity, she’s vowed to leave her royalty behind and explore the truth of the Insurgo rebels her mother loved.

When the Emperor of Atlas summons the princesses from each of the provinces to the imperial city to choose a wife for the crown prince, Emilia must leave her military life behind to join a royal court rife with cunning and intrigue. Navigating the waters of court politics and budding love are treacherous on their own, but Emilia fears for her life should anyone learn of her Insurgo sympathies.

With an unlikely ally in the captain of the emperor’s guard, Emilia must uncover the truth of the Insurgos, start a revolution, and learn to become the princess she’s vowed never to be, all while protecting her heart from a prince who could sign her death warrant.