A Winter at the White Queen ~ Review

A Winter at the White Queen

Romance at the Gilded Age Resorts #1

By Denise Weimer

What more can I say other than this was a delightful book to read? Well, obviously I can say more because I read and enjoyed this book. First Ellie Hastings is an orphan who is at the beck-and-call of her wealthier relations who took her in all those years ago. Her aunt almost sees Ellie as staff with how she treats her. And worse she can't live her own life until her youngest cousin is secure in a proper engagement and worse Ellie has to discover any potential suitor's worth and potential. 

When the Hastings family winters over in Florida, Ellie is suppose to uncover Mr. Lewis Thornton's eligibility, and unless he is married he is fair game in Aunt Florence's opinion.

But there is something that Lewis Thornton is hiding and Ellie is determined to find out just what that is. And when Aunt Florence's diamond necklace goes missing Ellie has her own suspicions as to who is guilty of the crime.

This is a lovely book that falls in both clean and gentle reading. The setting is Florida's winter social season during the Gilded Age. If you are a fan of Love Finds You In historical fiction or the Doors to the Past series, you will LOVE this book. This is the first book in a new series that I'm interested in seeing what happens next. This was my first introduction to Denise Weimer and I was not disappointed in what I read. I highly recommend it to fans of Historical Fiction. And if nothing else, judge this book by its cover - you won't regret it!

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

In the world of the wealthy,

things are never quite as they appear.

About the Book:

Ellie Hastings is tired of playing social gatekeeper—and poor-relation companion—to her Gibson Girl of a cousin. But her aunt insists Ellie lift her nose out of her detective novel long enough to help gauge the eligibility of bachelors during the winter social season at Florida’s Hotel Belleview. She finds plenty that’s mysterious about the suave, aloof Philadelphia inventor, Lewis Thornton. Why does he keep sneaking around the hotel? Does he have a secret sweetheart? And what is his connection to the evasive Mr. Gaspachi, slated to perform at Washington’s Birthday Ball?

Ellie’s comical sleuthing ought to put Lewis out, but the diffident way her family treats her smashes a hole in his normal reserve. But when Florence Hastings’ diamond necklace goes missing, Ellie’s keen mind threatens to uncover not only Lewis’s secrets, but give him back hope for love.

Kidnapped in Texas ~ Review

Kidnapped in Texas

Cowboy Protectors #1

By Virginia Vaughan

When Abby Mitchell left behind the man she loved, she took with her a secret that she had no right to keep. But now Abby and Luke Harmon are both back in their hometown, and Abby's secret is about to be revealed when her niece is kidnapped in front of them.  

Years ago, Abby gave up her daughter, and she never let Luke know that he was going to be a father. And when Kenzie is kidnapped in broad daylight, he may never get the chance to get to know his daughter. Worse, Abby's betrayal is compounded because she never gave him a choice in regard to the baby he didn't know she was expecting. He's lost fourteen years that he'll never get back.

Soon the case takes an unexpected turn when someone targets Abby and her nephew. With her life in danger, Luke has to step up his game, calling on his FBI resources. Can he stop whoever took his daughter before they kill the woman he could love if he can forgive her? 

Kidnapped in Texas is the first book in Virginia Vaughan's new series Cowboy Protectors, and as a series debut, it is most definitely suspense-filled reading. There are a few twists that will keep you guessing. Abby and Luke both have some growing to do as they both cling to the past and their somewhat destructive tendencies - Luke his anger and Abby her reckless impulses and secrecy. 

As a Love-Inspired Suspense book, this is a clean read and has an ending that won't disappoint (surprise, maybe). 

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:

A kidnapping case

reveals a secret that changes everything…

After witnessing an abduction, FBI agent Luke Harmon vows to return the teenage victim safely to her aunt, his ex, Abby Mitchell. But Abby has a secret—the girl is their daughter. To rescue his child from a human trafficking ring, he’ll partner with the woman who deceived him. But can he forgive the past before Abby becomes the next target…and his family is lost forever?

From Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

Cowboy Protectors

Book 1: Kidnapped in Texas
Book 2: Texas Ranch Target

A Return to Hawthorne House ~ Review

A Return to Hawthorne House

A Hawthorne House Novella Collection

By Kristi Ann Hunter

A Return to Hawthorne House is a collection of shorter stories mostly set before A Noble Masquerade. There are three stories Always a Lady, The Lady's Maid, and A Lady of Esteem (which is only in the print edition, not the digital edition). I read the digital edition, as that is what I preordered (I had previously obtained A Lady of Esteem). 

Always a Lady finds Miranda in the midst of her Season, but she isn't catching the eyes of any gentlemen; rather, her mother is. Specifically, the Earl of Blackstone has singled her out. But is the Earl looking for another chance at love? Or is he sabotaging Miranda's chances so his own daughter will win the hand of the Season's most eligible bachelor? 

This is the lovely story that was only hinted at throughout the Hawthorne House series as Miranda, Georgina, Trent, and Griffith all search for love, as their parents did.

In The Lady’s Maid, Trent takes over the home that Amelia Stalwood had called home. The servants were more like family than servants, and they are taking Trent into their fold. One of the servants, Lydia Smith had been Amalia's companion and a parlor maid and was content with her work. But when Trent's valet turns out to be the one man Lydia had feelings for, she's not sure she'll be able to stay. When Finch is ordered to work closely with Lydia, all the feelings and dreams that she's been hiding for years could come true or ruin everything. 

But working for the Hawthornes could provide unexpected surprises - after all, they all believe in love matches, not marriages of convenience. Could this trickle down to their servants? Or are some boundaries uncrossable? 

A Lady of Esteem is Amalia's story - a forgotten ward raised by servants and her chance at finding true love. This story takes place between Always a Lady and The Lady's Maid and before A Noble Masquerade. There are some interesting mistakes in regard to Amalia and her status as a ward. Her friendships with servants throughout the Ton have resulted in a unique insight into the various homes of the elite of society. If you get the digital version of A Return to Hawthorne House, you need to get A Lady of Esteem if you have not previously purchased it (it explains a few points in A Noble Masquerade and An Elegant Facade).

This is a delightful collection that anyone who enjoyed the Hawthorne House books won't want to miss.

About the Book:

Always a Lady

Despite the fact that her daughter is not cooperating, Caroline, Duchess of Riverton is determined to ensure every one of her children marries someone they love as much as she loved their late father. William, the widowed Earl of Blackstone, is delighted to have his days of escorting daughters approaching an end. The last thing he expects is to find himself drawn to a woman who is just starting such a journey. Are they each too set in their ways to grasp this chance to have a second love?

The Lady’s Maid

When Lydia Smith began her career as a parlor maid, she knew love and marriage wasn’t likely in her future. Dreaming about the boy next door as she dusted seemed harmless until he started working as the new valet under the same roof. When Finch needs her help with a special project, will it give them a chance to defy expectations and find love or ruin their happiness forever?

BONUS - Print edition only - A Lady of Esteem

Critical Threat ~ Review

Critical Threat

Extreme Measures #3

By Lynette Eason

A serial killer has made the northeast region just outside of Washington, D.C., his new home. Is it a copycat of Peter Romanos? Or is it something worse? FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley has been tasked with working up a profile. What she didn't expect was prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe being called in to consult. But Sam has a unique perspective on serial killers and possibly this case.

When Grace draws the killer's interest, her life is in danger. But Grace refuses to be intimidated or put her life on lockdown to keep a killer at bay and free to kill more women. But when a personal crisis arises, she has to split her time between work and family, making her an easier target for a man who is now obsessed with her. 

Critical Threat finds both Grace and Sam dealing with their pasts and the regrets they carry. This is the third book in the Extreme Measures series, and it in no way lets up on the intense suspense that kept the first two books as a can't-put-it-down-read. The killings are a tad gruesome but occur off-page, so there aren't graphic details to wade through. There are some unique twists that keep the reader guessing as to just who is guilty. It is interesting to get the mindset of the killer while not knowing who he is. The overall story is completed within this book, so if you haven't read the first two, you won't have any problem reading this book. If you have not yet read Lynette Eason, this would be a good book to start with, and then you can read the first two books in the series (Life Flight and Crossfire). This is a book I would recommend to most readers (but not if you only want gentle reads).

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:

FBI Special Agent Grace Billingsley tracks serial killers, using her skills as a psychiatrist and behavioral analyst to get dangerous people off the street and safely behind bars. But prison psychiatrist Sam Monroe knows that just because a killer is incarcerated doesn't mean they're not a threat. His own father, Peter, is a serial killer--in prison but certainly not out of Sam's life, as much as he wishes he was.

When bodies start showing up with Peter's MO, Sam and Grace are both called in to consult. They've met before--and though Grace thought they'd made a real connection, Sam ghosted her. They'll have to get past the awkwardness and mistrust to solve this case--especially because it's about to get personal.

Christmas Games ~ Review

Christmas Games

A Kynaston Royal Saga Short Story

By Erudessa Gentian 

In this unique twist on The Snow Queen, we are taken 2000 years into the future. Christmas has come, and the festivities are grand. For Lark and her brothers, it is a very different celebration from what they had a year ago.

When she's invited to take part in an immersive role-playing game, Lark says yes. But when something goes wrong, she and her friends are trapped and at the mercy of the Snow Queen. What happens if they die while trapped? That is one option they want to avoid at all costs.

I've never actually played an immersive role-playing game, but I have read several books in which this is a major part of the game, and it seems something always goes wrong, turning it into a real life-and-death struggle. That being said, I love how the Snow Queen story was woven into this futuristic world. The characters were engaging, and I wanted to learn more about them (BTW, there are other books in the series which I had to get after reading this short story!) This story wasn't long, but it was the perfect read for a subzero, windy day. It was also a good intro to a new-to-me author and series. I highly recommend this book, would make a great last-minute gift for the reader in your life too.

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:

A Kynaston Royal Saga Short Story

Beware the harmless Christmas Gift.

When a group of friends decides to play a new immersive role-playing game, exciting fun turns into a glitchy mess.

Larkspur’s real-world superpowers interfere with a simple, in-game mission. Discovering they’re unable to exit gameplay, the team scrambles for answers. When their leader and most experienced player, Conan, is kidnapped by the game’s main Boss, it’s up to Lark, Joshua, and Shamira to save him … and themselves.

Join the beloved Kynaston Royal Saga cast in this short Snow Queen retelling.

Purchase Links: Ebook 

 Signed Paperback 
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Get book 1 Kynaston Royal Saga Epoch 1

Author Bio:

Erudessa Gentian is a firm believer that clean entertainment can be powerful. Inspired by her love of cultures and learning, she produces dynamic art to spark imagination and touch souls.

Erudessa writes in multiple genres but specializes in fantasy and science fiction. She posts about lifestyle, travel, and so much more on her blog.

Find her online at: 

Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || YouTube || Newsletter || 

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Through a Shattered Glass ~ Review

Through a Shattered Glass

By Sarah Pennington

Alys hasn't been in Wonderland since Kai died when she made a decision that changed everything. But she is being summoned back to the world of madness, back through the mirror to a dying world. 

But will she save Wonderland, or will she be the instrument of its final destruction? Alys will have to use what she knew of Wonderland if she hopes to live. And she'll have to put her fears behind her if she is to free her dearest friend from the frozen death he has been trapped in for years.

Through a Shattered Glass is an interesting twist on the Snow Queen, which is blended with  Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass and What Alice Found There for a wholly unique and enjoyable story. This is a story in which hope and fear vie for control of a land lost in chaos. Alys will have to draw on a strength she doesn't know she possesses to save those she holds dear. But can she find the strength she needs before the White Queen destroys her? 

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

Book Description: 

Drop the mirror and you break the world in two.

Alys hasn’t set foot in Wonderland in years. Not since the White Queen’s mirror shattered; not since her best friend, Kai Hatter, was killed; not since Alys fled back to her own world with a shard of enchanted mirror in her eye. She’s done her best to set aside the past and move on — until a red-painted rose appears in her room, and the portal opens once more.

Simultaneously desperate for hope and terrified of what she might find — or cause — Alys ventures back through the mirror. But the Wonderland she finds is not the same one she left behind, and though Kai is less dead than she thought, he still might be past saving. To make matters worse, the mirror shard is still in Alys’s eye, and Wonderland is all too susceptible to its corrupting power.

Only Alys can save the land and friend she loves — but if she’s not careful, she might be their doom instead.

A dark portal fantasy remix of The Snow Queen and Lewis Carroll’s Alice duology. 

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Author Bio:

Sarah Pennington has been writing stories since before she actually knew how to write, and she has no intention of stopping anytime soon. She is perpetually in the middle of writing at least one or two novels, most of which are in the fantasy and fairy tale retelling genres. When she isn't writing, she enjoys knitting, photography, and trying to conquer her massive to-be-read list. 

Find her online at: 

Author Site || WordPress Blog || Blogspot Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || Amazon

Sticker Promo:

Anyone who preordered Through a Shattered Glass or who purchases the paperback on release day can submit a proof of purchase to receive a set of character art stickers featuring art by the lovely Chloe Grace (@chloegraceartist on Instagram). 

One set of stickers per person; proof of purchase must be submitted by end of the day on December 26. 

Link to request stickers 

Of Ice and Roses ~ Review

Of Ice and Roses

A Flamesend Novel

By Heather M. Elliot

Gemma lives in fear of the forest. As a child, she was lost in it but what she doesn't know is about to change her world and her life. When Gemma extends kindness to a stranger, she sets in motion a series of events that will reveal her mother's hidden talents. Talents that have long protected Gemma from her past.

But the secrets of the past must be revealed if there is hope of a future for Gemma, the man who has captured her heart, and the kingdom of Forstur.

  

Of Ice and Roses takes the tale of The Snow Queen and gives us a new and unique story. A world in peril, a forbidden magic, and a friendship that would risk anything for the other. From the opening, this book captured my attention and drew me in. The characters are intriguing, the setting engaging, and the storyline compelling. The author is new to me and one I hope to read again in the future. And hopefully set in the same story world. 

And can I just say I love the cover? If you judge a book by its cover, this one will be a 5-star all the way! The iced Rose and the Forget-Me-Nots are perfect!

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

 

 Book Description:

The shadow of war hangs over Forstur. In a kingdom where magic is seldom encountered, a conflict with their magic-wielding eastern neighbors would be disastrous. Gemma finds unexpected love in Forstur's crown prince, Ebenezer, but as her fairytale starts, the rest of her world comes crashing down.

Long-held secrets come to light and Gemma learns she has been at the center of the brewing war for almost half her life. A lost friend she barely remembers is the key to gaining vital intelligence that could help her new husband defend their kingdom. There's a problem - the last sighting of her friend was in the magically-formed glacial regions of their foe, the kingdom of Morforst.

Now Gemma must leave everyone she loves and journey beyond the enemy's borders to rescue her friend from the spellcasters who control the region. The journey promises to be fraught with danger - highwaymen, river monsters, spellcasters, and the elements. With each new danger, she must decide what she is willing to sacrifice for the fate of two kingdoms. 

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Author Bio:

Heather lives in Upstate New York, with an impressive number of books, almost as many story ideas, and, sadly, no pets. 

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