Book Tours

Book Review

A Treason Of Thorns

A Treason of Thorns

by Laura E. Weymouth

Publisher: HarperTeen

Release Date: September 10th 2019

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

A Treason of Thorns

(9/10/2019)

Content Warnings

A Treason of Thorns portrays characters dealing with anxiety, emotional and physical abuse (non-graphic) and gaslighting. It also contains mild body horror.

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept Violet happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Everything shattered, though, when her father committed high treason trying to free Burleigh from the king’s oppressive control. He was killed, and Vi was forced into hiding.

When she’s given a chance to go back, she discovers Burleigh has run wild with grief. Vines and briars are crumbling the walls. Magic that once enriched the surrounding countryside has turned dark and deadly, twisting lush blooms into thorns, poisoning livestock and destroying crops. Burleigh’s very soul is crying out in pain.

Vi would do anything to help, and soon she finds herself walking the same deadly path as her father all those years before. Vi must decide how far she’s willing to go to save her house—before her house destroys everything she’s ever known.

We’ve never been free, Violet. Would you even recognize us, I wonder?

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Praise For A Treason Of Thorns

“A Treason of Thorns is a fierce and haunting book that grew brambles around my heart and held me captive. I could not escape the power of its wild magic, or the raw, indomitable spirit of its heroine as she fought to redefine the meaning of home.”
–Margaret Rogerson, New York Times bestselling author of An Enchantment of Ravens & Sorcery of Thorns

A piercing, luminous tale of legacies and devotion, and the many faces of home: a place you remember being loved, a place you fight to protect, and a place that may eat you alive.”
–Rosamund Hodge, author of Cruel Beauty

Lyrical and inventive, this story of heart and home, of love lost and found again, is sure to stay with readers long after the last page is turned.”
–Megan Bannen, author of The Bird and the Blade

A Treason of Thorns is an original, engrossing YA fantasy that explores the bonds of family, the cost of freedom, and what truly makes a home. Built like a rolling clap of thunder, Weymouth’s tale is spun of dark magic, unspoken love, and finding the balance between fate and freedom.”
–Sarah Henning, author of Sea Witch & Sea Witch Rising

With lush prose and an eye for atmospheric detail, Weymouth adeptly spins a tale in which the heroine is torn between passion and purpose, destruction and duty.”
–Publisher’s Weekly
 starred review

Rich in language and imagery with characters readers want to get to know better, this title’s a keeper.”
–Booklist

Weymouth’s prose is lush and evocative, filled with palpable descriptions and compelling mystery.”
–Kirkus

indiebound | amazon

Thank You so much Harper Teen and Edelweiss Books, for this early Arc, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own @gwendalyn_books_

Thank You so much Harper Teen and Edelweiss Books, for early ARC

A broken girl is just the thing for a broken house

Violet Sterling has spent the last seven years in exile, longing to return to her home, Burleigh House. One of the six great houses of England, Burleigh’s magic always kept the countryside well. And as a child, this magic kept her happy, draping her in flowers while she slept, fashioning secret hiding places for her, and lighting fires on the coldest nights to keep her warm.

Laura Weymouth’s gripping, A Treason of Thorns is a masterfully captivating, and gripping tale. I really enjoyed this utterly unique., this atmospheric historical fantasy. Weymouth spellbinding storyline progression, kept me interested from start to finish.

The main character, Violet Sterling is from a long line of caretakers of the magical house of Burleigh. It’s legacy demands devotion from its caretakers. They must forfeit family, love and sometimes life for the sake of the dark magic of the House.

Weymouth luminous fantasy of unspoken love, and the cost of freedom is one that you will not forget.

I have to say, I am a new fan of Weymouth Books. This is definitely a Book I am going to purchase a paper copy

What really stood out for me was the books premise, it is is unique in that it brings us to a world built entirely around this house,

@gwendalyn_books_ #ya #yafantasy #Ireadya

Laura Weymouth is a Canadian living in exile in America, and the sixth consecutive generation of her family to immigrate from one country to another. Born and raised in the Niagara region of Ontario, she now lives at the edge of the woods in western New York, along with her husband, two wild-hearted daughters, a spoiled cat, an old soul of a dog, and an indeterminate number of chickens. She is represented by the inimitable Lauren Spieller of TriadaUS.

Website:
Twitter:
Genre:
Influences:
Madeleine L’Engle, CS Lewis, Ursula Le Guin, Garth Nix, Melina Marchetta, Erin Bow, Robin McKinley, Peter Beagle

Book Tours

Book Tour & Giveaway

With Kisses From Cécile

#WithKissesFromCecile #JanAgnello #AnneArmistead #HFVBTBlogTours

Hi everyone!

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of With Kisses from Cécile by Jan Agnello & Anne Armistead , which is being hosted by HFBT

With Kisses from Cécile by Jan Agnello & Anne Armistead

Publication Date: September 12, 2019
eBook & Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction

A heartbroken Maggie travels to Paris to visit the grave of her great-grandmother’s French pen pal Cécile and uncovers 100-year-old secrets that give her courage to rebuild her own life.

NOW

Maggie Ruth Mitchell’s failed attempt at reconciliation with her unfaithful husband has left her more confused than ever—and with a consequence that will change her life forever. Heartbroken, Maggie travels to Paris to visit the grave of Cécile, the French pen pal of her great-grandmother Ruth. Reading Cécile’s letters and learning about Ruth’s past gives Maggie not only an understanding of the strength and courage of the women in her family—all sharing the name Ruth—but also allows Maggie to find her way forward.

THEN

In the year 1919 following World War 1, two young girls, Ruth and Cécile, find each other through a Pen Pal program between American and French students. In their letters they share their dreams and bare their heartaches. A tragic death of a loved one has torn Ruth’s family apart, leaving her with a dark secret to hide. Cécile, having survived the bombs that devastated Paris, is battling against consumption. Ruth draws courage from her pen pal’s inspiring letters, each signed With Kisses from Cécile, to face what fate brings.

Available on Amazon

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Maggie Ruth Mitchell {Maggie}, is completely heartbroken her marriage is on verge of collapsing. Her husbands infidelity and recent developments have left her devastated.She accepts her family’s invitation to travel with her beloved grandmother, Grams.

Maggie’s grandmother has asked her along to pay homage to a hundred year old friendship between Maggies great-grandmother mother, Ruth and a Parisian pen pal, Cécile.

With Kisses From Cécile, is a heartbreaking, heartwarming hopeful story that explores love, loss, and hardship, the relationships that bonds people together.

Ruth Calderhead Carlock And Cécile Cosquéric frienship is documented in over 100 letters and served as the inspiration for this captivating novel.

What really stood out for me and what I really loved about this story was the compelling and emotional layered dual timeline and how they connected the story and the family also with an amazing friendship. We see the historical side to the story and then a modern side to it. Each are strong, interesting stories with their conflicts and heartache that shaped one families history. Maggie learns of devastating one-hundred-year-old secrets involving loss and forgiveness. Revelations about her family’s past challenge Maggie’s decision to face her future alone.

With Kisses From Cécile, captures something extraordinary here as well as fully capturing my heart. I was immediately taken with this story and found myself totally mesmerized and in awe of long distance friendship between Ruth And Cécile. The Author’s ability to weave such a fantastic story that is based on real-life people and their lives. This incredible storyline is a page turner with a wonderful heartwarming storyline of heartbreak and strength.. and ultimately in the end forgiveness.

There are some books that the storyline tugs at your heartstrings, this is one!

I absolutely loved this book, and recommend it to everyone.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Book

About the Authors

Photo Credit: Sitting Pretty Photos

JAN AGNELLO comes from several generations of hobbiest antiquers. Her love of stories behind the antiques inspired her in 2013 to form Storyology Design, now Storyology Design and Publication. The necklaces Jan crafts from antique coin purses have generated a loyal customer following and garnered attention from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, jewelry network executives, and TV and film costume designers. Her love of books, romance, history, and unique jewelry design led her to collaborate with author Anne Armistead to offer a series of historical novels, each paired with heirloom quality jewelry named for the female protagonist. The first in the series, WITH KISSES FROM CÉCILE, is a story of love and redemption drawn from Jan’s family history. It is paired with THE CÉCILE JEWELRY COLLECTION. Visit storyologydesign.com to learn more about Jan and Storyology.

ANNE ARMISTEAD is a writer of historical romance. She earned her English literature degree from the University of Georgia and her MFA in creative writing from Spalding University. Her background includes project management with AT&T and teaching English at the middle, high, and college levels. She is a member of the Romance Writers of America and the Georgia Writers of Romance. WITH KISSES FROM CÉCILE is her second romance, following the publication of DANGEROUS CONJURINGS (Soul Mate Publishing, April 2018). Anne writes for and serves as an editor for Storyology Design and Publication. Visit annearmisteadauthor.com to learn more about Anne and her novels.

Blog Tour Schedule

Saturday, September 7
Feature at I’m All About Books
Review & Interview at Passages to the Past

Monday, September 9
Review at my.boys.mom
Excerpt at A Darn Good Read

Tuesday, September 10
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Wednesday, September 11
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, September 12
Review at Maiden of the Pages
Excerpt at Short Book and Scribes
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, September 13
Review at Amy’s Booket List
Excerpt at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Monday, September 16
Review at Jessica Belmont
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, September 17
Review at Melissa Reads

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of With Kisses From Cecile! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on September 17th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

With Kisses From Cecile
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Book Review, Book Tours

Book Review

Release Day

Ten Thousand Doors of January

#0rbitbook @AlixEHarrow

Thank you to Orbit Books for gifting me a finished copy. This did not influence my review. All opinions are my own.

Title: The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Publication date: September 10, 2019
Publisher: Redhook
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical

In the summer of 1901, at the age of seven, January Scaller found a Door. You know the kind of door–they lead to Faerie, to Valhalla, to Atlantis, to all the places never found on a map.

Years later, January has forgotten her brief glimpse of Elsewhere. Her life is quiet and lonely but safe on her guardian’s estate, until one day she stumbles across a strange book. A book that carries the scent of other worlds in its pages, and tells a tale of secret doors, of love, adventure, and danger. A book that might lead her back to the half-remembered door of her childhood.

But, as January gets answers to questions she never imagined, shadows creep closer. There are truths about the world that should never be revealed. 

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble.

Title: The Ten Thousand Doors of January
Author: Alix E. Harrow
Publication date: September 10, 2019
Publisher: Redhook, Orbit Book Publishing
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction

I received a copy of this book from the publisher (Orbit/Redhook) in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 Star Book

One of the most stunning, captivating book of 2019

“Listen, not every story is made for telling. Sometimes just by telling a story you’re stealing it, stealing a little of the mystery away from it.”

Have you ever had penchant for the whimsical? Have you looked sideways at doors ever? Or held your breath as walked through a threshold? Or maybe in a moment of fancy, while staring longing at a wall hoping for for a chance of something magical. An opening, a portal…That just maybe there is something magical in the world.

I have despite voices to the contrary, telling me otherwise.

Are you a readers who remembers what it was once like to have the ability to imagine a wide world of endless possibilities. In Within these pages, January will discover the impossible truth of her own existence– and the harrowing dangers that lurk between the Doors and other worlds. 

This fairy tale will have you stepping through the void, into fables, folklore, adventure, love and sanctuary, and the infinite power of words and love. In this completely original lyrical debut, Alix E. Harrow captivating book is a magical blend of both historical fiction and magical realism.

Alix E. Harrow effortless writing is stunning and unconsciously literary.

” I almost didn’t notice the Door at all. All Doors are like that, half-shadowed and sideways until someone looks at them in just the right way.”

The Ten Thousand Doors of January is completely original storyline but written in classical childhood fairy tale style of older work. Beautiful writing that is poetic and the words are fluid in this captivating and lyrical debut. In the turn of the twentieth century, a time of change with inventions and new discoveries, We meet January, an oddly colored, wild and headstrong imaginative girl.

From the first pages I fell in love with January Scaller. When we first meet January, she is seven years old and, though her father is living, she is being cared for by Mr. Locke, her fathers benefactor. Her father travels the world, seeking out exotic treasures to bring back to his employer. Throughout her childhood years, she is herded and tamed into submission, well almost..

The Ten Thousand Doors of January, is lush and richly imaginative book of impossible journeys, unforgettable love, and the incredible power of opening doors .

Alix Harrow’s has masterly written a captivating illustrious tale with this story. If you love stories that have rich descriptive prose and a within a wonderful historical storyline with magical realism then you definitely want to pick this one up.

Life has a kind of momentum to it, I’ve found, an accumulated weight of decisions which becomes impossible to shift.”

Alix E. Harrow has been a student and a teacher, a farm-worker and a cashier, an ice-cream-scooper and a 9-to-5 office-dweller. She’s lived in tents and cars, cramped city apartments and lonely cabins, and spent a summer in a really sweet ’79 VW Vanagon. She has library cards in at least five states.

Now she’s a full-time writer living in with her husband and two semi-feral kids in Kentucky. Her short fiction has appeared in Shimmer, Strange Horizons, Tor.com, Apex, and other venues, and The Ten Thousand Doors of January is her debut novel. Find her wasting time and having opinions at @AlixEHarrow on Twitter.

Book Tours

Book Tour The Necromancer’s Bride

The Necromancer’s Bride
Kat Ross
(Gaslamp Gothic, #4)
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: May 31st 2019
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Retelling

Forgiveness is not Gabriel D’Ange’s strong suit.

A self-appointed soldier of God with a penchant for ruthlessly punishing his enemies, he vanished after Anne Lawrence stabbed him with his own dagger.

The smart thing would be to let him go.

Unfortunately, Anne’s life isn’t just lonely without Gabriel. It’s insufferably boring.

Determined to heal the rift between them, she goes in search of her tempestuous former lover, black parasol in hand and daeva magic crackling at her fingertips. But Gabriel has his own plans afoot and Anne finds herself drawn into one of his tangled webs, much against her better judgment.

Gabriel’s nemesis has reappeared in Brussels, a vile slaver who’s plundering the Congo Free State with the blessing of King Leopold. Gabriel might be willing to give Anne a second chance, but not until Jorin Bekker’s head is lying at his feet.

Back in London, the quasi-reformed necromancer Balthazar sets his sights on the same quarry. He holds a very personal grudge against Bekker — and killing him might be the only way to keep Gabriel D’Ange from Balthazar’s own throat.

When the hunters collide at a lavish gala thrown by the king, Anne learns just how far she’ll go to save the man she loves.

Note: The Necromancer’s Bride is the sequel to A Bad Breed, which should be read first.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Author Bio:

Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She’s the author of the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Check out Kat’s Pinterest page for the people, places and things that inspire her books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Book Tours

Book Tour

The Necromancer’s Bride

The Necromancer’s Bride
Kat Ross
(Gaslamp Gothic, #4)
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: May 31st 2019
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Paranormal, Retelling

Forgiveness is not Gabriel D’Ange’s strong suit.

A self-appointed soldier of God with a penchant for ruthlessly punishing his enemies, he vanished after Anne Lawrence stabbed him with his own dagger.

The smart thing would be to let him go.

Unfortunately, Anne’s life isn’t just lonely without Gabriel. It’s insufferably boring.

Determined to heal the rift between them, she goes in search of her tempestuous former lover, black parasol in hand and daeva magic crackling at her fingertips. But Gabriel has his own plans afoot and Anne finds herself drawn into one of his tangled webs, much against her better judgment.

Gabriel’s nemesis has reappeared in Brussels, a vile slaver who’s plundering the Congo Free State with the blessing of King Leopold. Gabriel might be willing to give Anne a second chance, but not until Jorin Bekker’s head is lying at his feet.

Back in London, the quasi-reformed necromancer Balthazar sets his sights on the same quarry. He holds a very personal grudge against Bekker — and killing him might be the only way to keep Gabriel D’Ange from Balthazar’s own throat.

When the hunters collide at a lavish gala thrown by the king, Anne learns just how far she’ll go to save the man she loves.

Note: The Necromancer’s Bride is the sequel to A Bad Breed, which should be read first.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

The Necromancer’s Bride.

Gaslamps Gothic Series, is a Victorian-era paranormal fantasy series

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

The Author Kat Ross’s Victorian-era paranormal fantasy series The Necromancer’s Bride is the sequel to A Bad Breed, And takes off just as A Bad Breed Ended.

Anne Lawrence is a daeva, who has the ability to use elemental magic.

The man She is in love with was almost killed by her hand. Will he able to forgive Anne? Gabriel is a Necromancer A self-appointed soldier of God with a penchant for ruthlessly punishing his enemies. Anne goes against her better judgment and is drawn into a Gabriel vengeful web.

The Necromancer’s Bride, catapultes you into a dark Victorian era. The authors writing flows, and the characters are well developed along with notable sub characters. The book is a creative blend of turn of the century Victorian with a lot of fantasy_magical realism.

Kat Ross delivers such a wickedly delightful, gripping and immersive tale that totally sucked me right into this hauntingly dark gothic suspense novel. Once I started reading this one it was hard not to get totally wrapped up in Jane’s fascinating, snarky, obsessive and audacious character. Making it quite the deliciously fun, compelling and an all consuming page-turner. 

Imaginative and captivating the ending was perfect and sets up for a continuation this amazing series.

Highly recommend this book and it’s series to anyone who enjoys a great storyline and incredible writing

I am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series., Kat Ross has become an auto-buy for me!

Gaslamps Gothic Series, is a Victorian-era paranormal fantasy series

by author Kat Ross.

Books Include:

The Daemoniac,

The Thirteenth Gate, A Bad Breed

The Necromancer’s Bride

?????

Author Bio:

Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She’s the author of the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Check out Kat’s Pinterest page for the people, places and things that inspire her books.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Book Tours

Book Review

Kingdom Of Souls

Title: King Of Souls

Author: Rena Barron

Print Length: 487 pages

Publisher: HarperTeen (September 3, 2019)

Publication Date: September 3, 2019

Print Length: 487 pages

THERE’S MAGIC IN HER BLOOD.

Arrah is a young woman from a long line of the most powerful witch doctors in the land. But she fails at magic, fails to call upon the ancestors and can’t even cast the simplest curse.

Shame and disappointment follow her.

When strange premonitions befall her family and children in the kingdom begin to disappear, Arrah undergoes the dangerous and scorned process of selling years of her life for magic. This borrowed power reveals a nightmarish betrayal and a danger beyond what she could have imagined. Now Arrah must find a way to master magic, or at least buy it, in order to save herself and everything she holds dear.

An explosive fantasy set in a world of magic and legend with a twist you will never see coming.

****

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Conntent warning about assault. Without getting too spoiler-y, there are several women characters whose past magical, psychological, and physical abuse at the hands of a powerful man is described obliquely, but it’s clear that the women are deeply traumatized by it. So much so that it fuels the motivations of one woman in particular and sets in motion the plot of the novel.

Kingdom of Souls Kingdom of Souls is a gripping, riveting, and ambitious dark fantasy epic. This is the first of a planned trilogy, but there is so much plot crammed into the first book. Vivid, magical, and utterly thrilling. Kingdom of Souls is a story of a girl born to a powerful bloodline of witchdoctors with no powers of her own who discovers that she may be the only one who stands a chance to save her kingdom from being ruined …but she finds this battle to be more personal than she expects.

The authors truly excels is in worldbuilding and character development. The stage she sets is as lush as a jungle and unforgiving as a desert. This is no homogeneous fantasy land. Inspired by West African mythology, Barron infuses her world with a rich tapestry of ideas.

The main protagonist, Arrah, has no magic. Every year she attends a ritual that should reveal her powers, and every year she leaves as magic-less as she arrived. Her father, Oshe, is a skilled herbalist and potion-maker and her mother, Arti, is the third most powerful person in the kingdom. Her father’s love and her witchdoctor grandmother’s compassion make bearable her mother’s seething disgust at her daughter’s shame, as does the affection shared between her and Rudjek, the son of the king’s right hand also known as her mother’s nemesis.She is willing to sacrifice everything for her people, even when they despise her.

Throughout it all, she remains true to who she is while growing into a better version of herself.

Shortly after her sixteenth birthday, Arrah’s world is shattered. Children have been disappearing, and fear and distrust is spreading across the city. The temple priests cannot locate them and the orishas—the gods her people worship—are not responding to prayers.

When a friend of Arrah’s is taken, she makes the ultimate sacrifice and trades years of her life to cheat her way into possessing magic. What she discovers next propels her down a path she cannot escape from and a destiny she is ill-prepared for. The Demon King, believed to have been killed by the orishas millennia ago, is rising once more and Arrah’s fate is tied to his. Before this is over, she will lose everything and everyone she loves, maybe even herself.

Throughout it all, she remains true to who she is while growing into a better version of herself.

*They are some uneven pacing issues that should have been addressed before publication, but over all it was a solid ya fantasy.*

Have a wonderful day.

Book Tours

Book Tour The Secret Life Of Mrs. London

#TheSecretLifeofMrsLondon #RebeccaRosenberg #HFVBTBlogTours 

The Secret Life of Mrs. London
by Rebecca Rosenberg

Publication Date: January 30, 2018
Lake Union Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 348 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

San Francisco, 1915. As America teeters on the brink of world war, Charmian and her husband, famed novelist Jack London, wrestle with genius and desire, politics and marital competitiveness. Charmian longs to be viewed as an equal partner who put her own career on hold to support her husband, but Jack doesn’t see it that way…until Charmian is pulled from the audience during a magic show by escape artist Harry Houdini, a man enmeshed in his own complicated marriage. Suddenly, charmed by the attention Houdini pays her and entranced by his sexual magnetism, Charmian’s eyes open to a world of possibilities that could be her escape.

As Charmian grapples with her urge to explore the forbidden, Jack’s increasingly reckless behavior threatens her dedication. Now torn between two of history’s most mysterious and charismatic figures, she must find the courage to forge her own path, even as she fears the loss of everything she holds dear.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise for The Secret Life of Mrs. London

“An impressively original and exceptionally well-crafted novel by an author who is a master of character- and narrative-driven storytelling, Rebecca Rosenberg’s The Secret Life of Mrs. London is an inherently riveting and thoroughly reader-engaging story from beginning to end and feature[es] many an unexpected plot twist and turn.” —Midwest Book Review

“Interesting, and based on the actual lives of the participants…Learning more about Jack London was enjoyable, as well as seeing early feminist examples.” —Historical Novel Society

“…Rosenberg paints an immensely intriguing portrait of a marriage and tells it in an accomplished lyrical prose that captures each moment with poetic intensity.” —Prairies Book Review

“The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a riveting behind-the-scenes look at the marriage of Jack and Charmian London, both fascinating and complicated characters with rich inner lives that Rosenberg conveys in crisp yet poetic prose. This contemporary historical fiction raises questions that are still relevant today about what makes a good marriage, and whether creativity and stability are incompatible. A rich, resonant, deeply satisfying novel sure to delight and leave readers thinking long after they put it down.” —Malena Watrous, author of If You Follow Me and Sparked!, and director of the Stanford Continuing Studies Program in Novel Writing

“The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a heart-wrenching portrait of a marriage between two people who utterly depend on one another, but ultimately aren’t enough for each other. With skillful precision of language, Rosenberg weaves a narrative that defines the complexities of love, passion, and art. This is a perceptive, deeply moving novel by a great new talent about a couple who has gone unnoticed in historical fiction until now. Anyone who has ever loved another person will want to read this book.” —Victoria Kelly, author of Mrs. Houdini: A Novel

“One of Houdini’s best kept secrets was his affair with Charmian London in 1918. Now Rebecca Rosenberg tells the story using an elegant blend of fact and fiction, creating a Houdini book like no other. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is a true peek behind the curtain and a page-turner.” —John Cox, Wild about Harry

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

The secret life of Mrs. London by Rebecca Rosenberg Is an alluring fictionalized account of Charmaine London and her legendary husband Jack London. Rebecca Rosenberg delivers quite the fascinating, intriguing, vulnerable, lifelike, and beautifully written read here with deep and realistic characters, a brazen and dynamic premise and an extremely spellbinding and enthralling storyline.

What really stood out about this novel for me was how realistic and raw these characters were written. I could see myself and others in probably every single one of these characters in this story. I thought the inner thoughts of Charmian and dialogue was absolutely spot on. With skillful narration the author gives the reader an insight Into almost two years in the life of Charmian Kittredge London. Through Mrs. London’s voice we get a glimpse of what it must have been, being a strong a creative determined female living in the shadow of her famous husband.

We are introduced to other famous figures of the past, all weaved perfectly into the absorbing in storyline. The reader is shown how Charmian and Bess Houdini, the wife of the world-renowned Harry “Handcuff” Houdini, despite being exceptional women in their own rights, have put aside personal ambition to support their celebrated husbands. Through trials and heartbreak we see Charmian character development as the progressive of the plot.

A passionate look of a woman struggling to find herself during a time when woman still did not have a right to vote. Set to the backdrop of America on the verge of enter a world war.

The author respectively includes some of political aspects of that time period. The author interweaves superb well researched historical details to capture the enduring life Mrs Charmian London.

Rebecca Rosenberg has written an incredible American historical fiction, where the characters the come to life within the pages of enjoyable and highly entertaining read.

What a joy to was for me to read this book. Like most authors their personal and sometimes chaotic life we only get a glimpse of every know and then.

I own most Jack London work. From novels to his short stories I especially enjoyed how each chapter opens with an extract from the real Jack London’s writing.

About the Author

Rebecca Rosenberg receiving the IPPY Gold Medal

A California native, Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where Jack London wrote from his Beauty Ranch. Rebecca is a long-time student of Jack London’s works and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian London. The Secret Life of Mrs. London is her debut novel.

Rebecca and her husband, Gary, own the largest lavender product company in America, selling to 4000 resorts, spas and gift stores. The Rosenbergs believe in giving back to the Sonoma Community, supporting many causes through financial donations and board positions, including Worth Our Weight, an educational culinary program for at-risk children, YWCA shelter for abused women, Luther Burbank Performing Arts Center to provide performances for children, Sonoma Food Bank, Sonoma Boys and Girls Club, and the Valley of the Moon Children’s Home.

For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook and Goodreads. Visit the Facebook page for The Secret Life of Mrs. London.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 2
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Tuesday, September 3
Review at Melissa Reads

Wednesday, September 4
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, September 5
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Sunday, September 8
Review at My Reading Chronicles
Review at Oh the Books She Will Read

Tuesday, September 10
Review at Diana_bibliophile

Thursday, September 12
Excerpt at I’m All About Books

Friday, September 13
Excerpt at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Tuesday, September 17
Review at Hooked on Books

Wednesday, September 18
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Friday, September 20
Review at Orange County Readers

Monday, September 23
Review at Jathan & Heather

Wednesday, September 25
Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Thursday, September 26
Review, Q&A, & Excerpt at Nursebookie

Friday, September 27
Review at Macsbooks

Monday, September 30
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Wednesday, October 2
Review at gatticus_finch

Friday, October 4
Review at Coffee and Ink
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Saturday, October 5
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, October 7
Review at rebecca.is.reading

Wednesday, October 9
Review at This Biblio Life

Thursday, October 10
Review at Peaceful Pastime

Friday, October 11
Review at Hopewell’s Public Library of Life

Saturday, October 12
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, October 14
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 3 signed paperbacks + swag and 7 eBooks! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 14th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Mrs. London
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book giveaway, Book Tours, givewaway

Book Tour And Giveaway of Dragon Lady

Hi everyone! Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of Dragon Lady, By Autumn Bardot which is being hosted by HFVBT Blog Tours
Tours #DragonLady #AutumnBardot #HFVBTBlogTours

Dragon Lady
by Autumn Bardot

Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Flores Publishing

Genre: Historical Fiction

“Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free. ”

Against all odds, a prostitute becomes the most powerful pirate chieftain in the South China Seas. Sold into slavery by her parents, Xianggu works on a floating brothel for ten years before a midnight pirate raid changes her life. Determined to rise above her lowly status, the fearless young woman embarks on a journey requiring beauty, brains, and brawn.

Red Flag boss, Zheng Yi, is captivated by the spirited Xianggu and soon makes her his wife. This begins her adventure into the violent world of sea banditry. But Xianggu must do more than learn to wield a sword, sail a ship, and swim across a bay. She must become indispensable to Zheng Yi or risk losing everything, even her life.

In 18th century China, when men made and enforced the rules, the Dragon Lady lived by her own.

Available on Amazon

#DragonLady #AutumnBardot #HFVBTBlogTours

This book was received from the Author, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own

Autumn Bardot, Dragon Lady

At 13 years old Xianggu life is a dramatically changed when she is sold into slavery to a moneylender by her father, to cover his debts. In an era where young children were sold quite often to slavers by their parents. This sets her on a remarkable path. Xianggu, along with other young girls who are transported to the coast to be sold. Her fate is sealed when she is purchased by the very successful Madame Xu, who operates a floating brothel, a two story flower boat on the river.

Rising from a mere slave to learning everything she can to survive. Xianggu was not afraid of working as flower girl. She was afraid of staying one. Making the best of any situation Xianggu wanted more for herself than what has been dealt to her. In a strike of bad fortune she takes destiny in her own hands .She sets her life on a course that leads her out of enslavement.

“Prostitution required the violation of my body. Piracy required my soul. The first enslaved me. The second set me free.”

In Bardot’s rich imagery, you are catapulted 18th century China, as the legendary Xianggu Cantonese pirate comes to life. {Ching Shih also, now as Zhèng Yi Sao}Atmospheric, riveting and intensely entertaining! The Dragon Lady is faced paced and well researched historical fiction. The author intricately plots a character driven adventure that fights poignancy through the complex conflicts of fate.

Xianggu, proves herself as a shrewd business woman along with being a competent an dangerous pirate. A courageous, notorious woman feared and admired.She struggled within bonds that where placed on woman of her day.

The author blends historical fiction with intense fiery romantic scenes that make for a passionate storyline.

Thank you so, so much to HFVBT and Autumn Bardot for the the opportunity to be a part of this tour and to read such an enjoyable book!

About the Author

Autumn Bardot writes historical fiction and erotica about sassy women and daring passions!

Her erotic fiction includes Legends of Lust, Erotic Myths from around the World, published by Cleis Press. Confessions of a Sheba Queen (erotica) will be available Jan 2020.

The Impaler’s Wife is her debut historical fiction, released in April 2019.

Autumn has a BA in English literature and a MaEd in curriculum and instruction. She’s been teaching literary analysis for fourteen years

When Autumn’s not writing or working, you’ll find her hanging out with her ever-growing family, spoiled husband, and pampered rescue pooch. Her favorite things include salty French fries, coffee, swimming, and a great book.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 2
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Wednesday, September 4
Feature at I’m All About Books

Friday, September 6
Review at Coffee and Ink

Saturday, September 7
Review & Excerpt at Robin Loves Reading

Tuesday, September 10
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages

Thursday, September 12
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, September 13
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, September 16
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, September 18
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Friday, September 20
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, September 23
Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog

Wednesday, September 25
Excerpt at BeadyJans Books

Friday, September 27
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Monday, September 30
Review at Passages to the Past

Thursday, October 3
Review at Al-Alhambra

Friday, October 4
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Saturday, October 5
Feature at Broken Teepee

Monday, October 7
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Dragon Lady! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on October 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.

Dragon Lady
https://js.gleam.io/e.js