Month: November 2019

Hello Bookish Friends

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Child Of Love & Water
by D.K. Marley, which is being hosted by HFBT

Child of Love and Water by D.K. Marley

The year is 1722. A child is born on the isolated island of Ospo off the Georgia coast. In the midst of General Oglethorpe’s vision for this new land, and the emerging townships of Frederica and Savannah, four lives entwine together on this island like the woven fronds in a sea-grass basket – the orphaned Irish girl born free of hate or prejudice, a war-ravaged British soldier seeking forgiveness and absolution, a runaway Gullah slave girl desperate for a word of kindness on the wind, and a Creek Indian warrior searching for answers about this intrusion onto his homeland. What they learn from this wild innocent girl, and from each other, will change their lives forever.

A new birth, a new country, and the elements – Water, Wind, Fire, and Earth – entwine to teach one thing: Love conquers all. Love sees beyond borders. There is no ignorance in love.

Available on Amazon

Child of Love & Water , by D.K. Marley is incredible moving book, set mostly near the coastal islands of Georgia. An almost completely isolated island of Ospo, untouched and free.

Katherine (Katie) O’More, an Ulster Irish immigrant, settled on a small farm outside the Philadelphia community. Katie has experienced the loss of her mother and living under a dominating father. Surrounded by the religious turmoil of the Quakers and Puritans. At the age of 19 she marries without her fathers consent, to Quaker preacher, Nathaniel Meade. They join a group traveling south under harsh conditions.

Nathaniel takes a fever and dies, leaving already pregnant Katie completely alone. Arriving at end of her journey to the dense marshland of coastal Georgia, she has made up her mind to disappear. Leaving the the harsh realities of world to raise her child in love and Innocence.

Katie births a girl child and names her Muirin, meaning water in Gaelic. She is a child raised in love and free from the world of greed and corruption and prejudice. Every since the day of her birth a legend has been attached to her and her mother. One that has spread far and wide amongst a wide variety people in the area.What happens after that is the heart of the thought provoking novel..

When four people meet on the island from four different backgrounds one British, Irish, Gullah, and Creek. They soon learn the value of seeing beyond skin color and race.

Sometimes a book hits in ways you don’t expect and everything becomes clear.This wonderful book will speak to you. Leaving you feeling much better to have read it. I took my time and savored every word and moment of this beautiful and gracefully written story. So much emotional depth to this book as you dig into complex layers of the storyline. The author intricately woven plotline, will keep you engaged in this 17th-century America historical fiction.

Well developed, diverse characters you will enjoy. The Child of Love & Water, swept me away, with its compelling dialogue and the author seamless writing that flowed effortlessly.

Have a wonderful day!

About the Author

D. K. Marley is a historical fiction writer specializing in Shakespearean themes. Her grandmother, an English Literature teacher, gave her a volume of Shakespeare’s plays when she was eleven, inspiring DK to delve further into the rich Elizabethan language. Eleven years ago she began the research leading to the publication of her first novel “Blood and Ink,” an epic tale of lost dreams, spurned love, jealousy and deception in Tudor England as the two men, William Shakespeare and Kit Marlowe, fight for one name and the famous works now known as the Shakespeare Folio. She is an avid Shakespearean / Marlowan, a member of the Marlowe Society, the Shakespeare Fellowship and a signer of the Declaration of Intent for the Shakespeare Authorship Debate. She has traveled to England three times for intensive research and debate workshops, and is a graduate of the intense training workshop “The Writer’s Retreat Workshop” founded by Gary Provost and hosted by Jason Sitzes. She lives in Georgia with her husband and a Scottish Terriers named Maggie and Buster.

For more information, please visit D.K. Marley’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, November 12
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Wednesday, November 13
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Thursday, November 14
Review at Books and Zebras

Saturday, November 16
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Tuesday, November 19
Excerpt at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Thursday, November 21
Review at @ya.its.lit

Friday, November 22
Review at Nursebookie

Sunday, November 24
Review at A Darn Good Read

Tuesday, November 26
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Thursday, November 28
Review at Coffee and Ink

Friday, November 29
Review at Al-Alhambra
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Child of Love and Water by D.K.Marley! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– 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.

Child of Love and Water Tour

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Hello Bookish friends,

The Grave Kingdom Series, Book 1)

Publishing Date: March 1, 2020

Survivor of a combat school, the orphaned Bingmei belongs to a band of mercenaries employed by a local ruler. Now the nobleman, and collector of rare artifacts, has entrusted Bingmei and the skilled team with a treacherous assignment: brave the wilderness’s dangers to retrieve the treasures of a lost palace buried in a glacier valley. But upsetting its tombs has a price.

Echion, emperor of the Grave Kingdom, ruler of darkness, Dragon of Night, has long been entombed. Now Bingmei has unwittingly awakened him and is answerable to a legendary prophecy. Destroying the dark lord before he reclaims the kingdoms of the living is her inherited mission. Killing Bingmei before she fulfills it is Echion’s.

Thrust unprepared into the role of savior, urged on by a renegade prince, and possessing a magic that is her destiny, Bingmei knows what she must do. But what must she risk to honor her ancestors? Bingmei’s fateful choice is one that neither her friends nor her enemies can foretell, as Echion’s dark war for control unfolds.

The book will be published on 3rd March 2020. Keep an out for it or you can pre-order it in the link below

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

Thanks 47North for providing me with an advanced reading copy.

Jeff wheeler, The Killing Fog” is the first installment in, The Grave Kingdom trilogy.

An incredible read from Wheeler, It was fast-paced, action packed, the world building and characters were absolutely amazing.

The story was fascinating, engaging, and a definite page-turner with perfect pacing and creative story development. The author keeps you totally invested in this intense epic fantasy. Enjoyable storyline that had me glued to the pages.

Wheeler, creates an exceptional atmospheric world that catapult reader into this phenomenal adventures fantasy world that he has created. Rich magical elements an stellar cast of characters. The main protagonist Bingmei, is by far one of my favorite female leader characters this year. With non stop adventure and intrigue and just the right amount of romance made this riveting book exceptional.

I will definitely recommend this book to my family and friends, and I am anxiously waiting on the next book in series

Atmospheric, riveting and intensely entertaining! Another great success for the fantasy author

#TheKillingFog

Jeff Wheeler is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of the Harbinger and Kingfountain series, as well as the Muirwood, Mirrowen, and Landmoor novels. He took an early retirement from his career at Intel in 2014 to write full-time. He is a husband, father of five, and devout member of his church. He lives in the Rocky Mountains and is the founder of Deep Magic: The E-Zine of Clean Fantasy and Science Fiction. Find out more about Deep Magic at http://www.deepmagic.co, and visit Jeff’s many worlds at http://www.jeff-wheeler.com.

It’s Manic Monday Bookish Friends,

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Life On Loan
by Ashley Farley , which is being hosted Kate Rock Book Tours

Life On Loan

By Ashley Farley

Lake Union Publishing

Release Date October 8th

@ASHLEYFARLEY @katerockbooktours

Thanks so much to the author, Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts, and participation in this blog tour.

“Life on Loan” by Ashley Farley

It’s a surprising second act for two women who decide to rewrite their lives in this enriching novel of friendship and starting over from the bestselling author of Only One Life.

After thirty years, college friends Lena Browder and Olivia Westcoat have met again by chance at an unexpected crossroads: an airport lounge in Atlanta. Lena is running away from home and her demanding family. Olivia is trying to find her way after a painful divorce. With their old selves in the rearview, they toast to a new beginning—and it starts with a spontaneous dare.

Agreeing to trade houses for a month of rediscovery, Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo. Olivia’s retreat? Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways. Thirty-four days to reset.

With fresh new perspectives and the renewal of a heartening friendship, Lena and Olivia find their passions, reinvent themselves, and reclaim what they’ve lost. When unexpected romance blooms and careers take new detours, it’s also a time for courage and risk. Now they’ll have to make hard choices to follow through on their promise for a second chance and finally have the lives they dream of.

Thanks so much to the author, Kate Rock Book Tours, NetGalley, and Lake Union Publishing for the complimentary advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts, and participation in this blog tour.

Have you ever wanted to run away from your current life, maybe try something something new? Start over? Figure out what your dreams are and make them happen!

Ashley Farley has an amazing gift of writing about women and the various phases and circumstances of their life. A talented writer that readers everywhere can relate to. This book is about Lena and Olivia, two middle aged women who were friends in college. When a chance meeting 30 years later run into each other at an airport where both have a lay-over.. As they begin to catch up, it becomes apparent they each are running away from some difficult life circumstances and as a result.

With a chance opportunity, a decision is made. Agreeing to trade houses for a month of rediscovery, Lena will stay in Olivia’s Charleston condo. Olivia’s retreat Lena’s isolated river cottage in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Two perfect getaways. Thirty four days to do a mental reset.

What comes next is a series of adventures, some new career opportunities, a little romance. A intriguing book about two women who find their inner strength, after thinking they had lost it.

An engaging premise, this book about two woman Lena and Olivia, who were unhappy with their lives and the path they are on, decide to swap houses for a month.

This is a wonderful thought provoking fast paced read. A A fascinating storyline, that kept me fully engaged until the end. This wonderful heartwarming story about reaching the end of your rope and finding the courage to make much needed change. The author has written another excellent women’s fiction, and this book of second chances is perhaps a dream some of us has had at one time or another.

A captivating contemporary woman’s fiction that you can relate to the well developed characters and their situations. This is a wonderful heartwarming story of courage. The author has written another excellent women’s fiction, and this book of second chances is perhaps a dream some of us has had at one time or another.

About the Author:

Ashley Farley is the bestselling author of the Sweeney Sisters series, as well as Sweet Tea Tuesdays, Magnolia Nights, Beyond the Garden, Nell and Lady, Only One Life, and other books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life situations, and her goal is to keep readers turning pages with stories that resonate long after the last word.

In addition to writing, she is an amateur photographer, an exercise junkie, and a wife and mother. While she has lived in Richmond, Virginia, for more than two decades, part of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she grew up. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. For more information, visit www.ashleyfarley.com.

Hello Bookish Friends

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Diamond In Rouge
by Wendy LaCapra, which is being hosted by HFBT

Diamond in the Rogue by Wendy LaCapra

In an act of revenge, Lord Rayne kissed Lady Julia and was sent packing to America. But now he’s back to settle his affairs and give away his sister in marriage, until he meets up with the alluring yet innocent Lady Julia again. He doesn’t regret their first kiss, but he was never good enough for her.

Lady Julia had two years to forget the moody and mercurial Earl of Rayne. But one look, and she knows they’re meant to be together. Be damned with his and her brother’s objections, she’ll just jump on the back of Rayne’s departing carriage and compromise them both thoroughly.

Only, Julia never expected her forbidding Lord to be so good at resisting temptation…

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Google Play | iBooks | Kobo

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

Anything worth having is worth some inconvenience.

Graham Laithe, is the Earl of Rayne and has recently returned to England just in time for his sister’s wedding. Rayne, been gone from his home in England for two years.

His objective is to give his sister away in marriage and settle his affairs before returning to America. The two years away have been difficult and hard on him.

Rayne’s bsence was caused by eventual act that almost ruined lady Julia and sent him packing to the America.

Head strong, delightful Lady Julia has given up on love, she gave her heart away, and look what happened . Still reveling over her almost disastrous ruination. Oh, but that memorable kiss. Julia knew she was still over the moon for Lord Rayne, even though his abrupt dissertation left a hole in her young heart. She knows she’ll only ever love Lord Rayne. No one can compare.

Determined Lady Julia has had her season and no one set her heart on fire as the rakish, unforgettableLord Rayne. Throwing caution to the wind she concocts a thrilling scheme with a little help from a family friend.

Will everything go as planned? Will she get her heart’s desire? Or will past lies resurface and come back to her, wrecking havoc.

A Swoon worthy read, that grabbed my complete attention all the way through!

Stellar heart racing, truly romantic moments, There is plenty of passion, heartbreak, doubt, romance and some interesting, well developed secondary characters. Readers who enjoy a character driven romance will find this a story well worth reading.

#DiamondInTheRouge #NetGalley #EntangledPublishing

Each story is based on a different member of the rakish quartet of friends

Spades

Clubs,

Diamonds

Hearts

This book is about The Earl of Rayne – Diamonds.

Earl of Rayne and Julia’s story actually begin in book 2

About the Author

Wendy writes Historical Romance with a touch of intrigue & suspense. Her debut series, a trilogy about three Ladies who refuse to play by society’s rules, was released by Entangled Scandalous in 2015. Her first indie, Her Duke at Daybreak, finaled in Romance Writers of America®’s RITA® contest.

Wendy was born a Jersey Girl, though most of her extended family lives in Maine. Trekking up and down the Northeast coast in the backseat of a car gave her plenty of opportunity not only to fight with her sister, but to read, to listen to her dad tell stories from history, and to dream up stories of her own.

She lives in NYC with her husband. Things she loves besides writing and reading and being an aunt to seven nieces and nephews include travel (50 states and all 7 continents), old things, pine trees, wine and pasta.

If you’d like to join her infrequent, never-shared mailing list for freebies and new-release information, sign up here: http://bit.ly/GetWendyNews.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 11
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Tuesday, November 12
Review at Historical Romance Lover

Wednesday, November 13
Feature at What Is That Book About

Thursday, November 14
Review at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, November 15
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Sunday, November 17
Review at Liberty’s Literary Loves

Monday, November 18
Review at Rose is Reading

Tuesday, November 19
Feature at @ya.its.lit

Wednesday, November 20
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, November 22
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Monday, November 25
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink
Review at The Romance Dish
Excerpt at Jorie Loves A Story

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a $10 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 25th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Paperback 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.

Diamond in the Rogue
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Hello Bookish Friends

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, This Son Of York
by Anne Easter Smith, which is being hosted by HFBT

This Son of York by Anne Easter Smith

“Now is the winter of our discontent, Made glorious summer by This Son of York…” -William Shakespeare, Richard III-

Richard III was Anne’s muse for her first five books, but, finally, in This Son of York he becomes her protagonist. The story of this English king is one of history’s most compelling, made even more fascinating through the discovery in 2012 of his bones buried under a car park in Leicester.

This new portrait of England’s most controversial king is meticulously researched and brings to vivid life the troubled, complex Richard of Gloucester, who ruled for two years over an England tired of war and civil strife. The loyal and dutiful youngest son of York, Richard lived most of his short life in the shadow of his brother, Edward IV, loyally supporting his sibling until the mantle of power was thrust unexpectedly on him.

Some of his actions and motives were misunderstood by his enemies to have been a deliberate usurpation of the throne, but throughout his life, Richard never demonstrated any loftier ambitions than to honorably discharge his duty to his family and his country.

In a gentler vein, despite the cruel onset of severe scoliosis in his teens, Richard did find love, first with a lover and then in his marriage to Anne Neville. Between these two devoted women in his life, he sired three and perhaps four children.

Bringing the Plantagenet dynasty to a violent end, Richard was the last king of England to die in battle. This Son of York is a faithful chronicle of this much maligned man.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

NPhoto by Gwendalyn G. Anderson

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

Son of York is the 6th book of Anne Easter Smith’s Wars of the Roses. I have read and loved them all, they are set during the Wars of the Roses. The period during which the Yorkist and Lancastrian houses were in contention for the throne of England.

Anne Easter Smith, latest masterpiece of historical fiction, This Son Of York, is a beautiful written book of the last English King to die in battle, thereby bringing to an end both the Plantagenet dynasty and the Wars of the Roses. This intimate look into one of the most controversial kings.

This was a magnificent book, a rich and vibrant historical fiction of a man known to us through history and legend. One who invokes such powerful emotional response from readers and historians alike.

An intriguing tale of Dickon, from his early childhood, to the man who faced his end on the dark epic battlefield of Bosworth. The battle that ultimately changed everything, and led the Henry Vlll to the throne. A superb intense look of the man, Richard lll, the fourth son of The Duke of York. Smith’s phenomenal book, I felt fully connected with the characters as I followed along the author stellar narrative voice. Richard lll, life unfolds from within these pages of meticulous researched historical facts, and the author’s own fictional twist, to keep the the reader completely captivated until the end.

Richard, also named Richard Plantagenet “Dickon” to avoid confusion with his father. Was the great-grandson of King Edward III through his father, and a great-great-great-grandson of the same king through his mother.

Young Dickon, is described as short, skeletal in nature, a sickly child born the 12 out of 13 children of Cecily Neville, Dugcchess of York. Which caused him to develop the unsavory nickname, “Runt.” What Richard lacked for in stature, his unquenchable thirst for knowledge, made him stand out from all his York Siblings. This precocious child, would see the mounting conflict between King Henry Vll hoVuse of Lancaster and the house of York as to which one had a better claim to the Plantagenet Crown.Dickon, was a child when his family, the House of York, engaged in battle against the Lancastrians for control of the country. This book traces Dickon’s life as a youngster, growing up with his family, including that under the shadow of his older brothers, and cousins. In this deeply thoughtful, moving novel, the details of Dickon.’s remarkable life, along with the personal trials of love and loss are realistically presented.

The author breathes life into some weighty complex issues surrounding events of this controversial historical figure. A refreshing and passionate introspective look at the struggles of the man, shouldering under the weight of pressures, to do what he thinks is right and what has been expected of his noble birth and title.

Smith’s captivating prose flows effortless, creating a wonderful novel that is both treasurable as it is knowledgeable. Once again the author delivers a compelling, intriguing, and well-written read here. I enjoyed well developed characters who were fascinating. The strength of this novel, hands downs is the author’s fabulous rich characterizations.

Vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel. I absolutely loved the books structure, and the wonderful fictional twist the author added to make it her story. A superb narrative look into the life of a man, that has been the center of many historical heated debates.

The authors portrait of Richard Ill, was he was a loyal brother and loving of husbands, under some of the most turbulent times. Having to make grave choices that have ultimately caused historians to cast a somewhat altered view of him.

One might say that under different circumstances he might have been a great king to England. Like so many things that go under looked today, the proof of it are in the laws he passed on in Parliament, which not only are still used today in England but all over the civilised world. That being said, Richard was only about 2 years on the throne, think of what he might have accomplished had he been given more time.

The Author has once again created an intriguing multi-layered and fascinating portrait of a fascinating man. This exceptional intricately plotted, medieval novel might be Anne Easter Smith, best work as to date. A stirring thought provoking book written with precision and depth.

A long bloody conflict, The Wars of Roses “The Cousins War” which some call it, was a destructive long and bloody civil war between 1455-1487. I have always had a passion for the time era, so this was a fast paced read for me. One I devoured in a day and half.

The battlefield of Bosworth, was the last decisive battle of the Wars Of Roses.This battle marked the end of the middle ages in England. Richard the lll, was the last king of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. He was also the last English king to ever fight in battle.

About the Author

Anne is the award-winning author of The King’s Grace and the best-selling A Rose for the Crown, Daughter of York, Queen By Right, and Royal Mistress. She is an expert on Richard III, having studied the king and his times for decades. Her sixth book, This Son of York, will be published soon. She grew up in England, Germany and Egypt, and has been a resident/citizen of the US since 1968. Anne was the Features Editor at a daily newspaper in northern New York State for ten years, and her writing has been published in several national magazines.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | ThiGoodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Sunday, November 10
Review at Broken Teepee
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Monday, November 11
Excerpt at Words and Peace
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Tuesday, November 12
Review at Passages to the Past
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Wednesday, November 13
Review at Macsbooks
Interview at The Writing Desk

Thursday, November 14
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Friday, November 15
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Saturday, November 16
Review at Curling up by the Fire
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie
Review at Red Headed Book Lady
Review at WTF Are You Reading?
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Sunday, November 17
Review at Bookramblings
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books
Review at Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Royal Beauty Bright by Ryan Byrnes! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 14th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback 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.

This Son of York
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The Almanack

By Martine Bailey

Publisher: Black Thorn; Main edition

Publication Date: November 7, 2019

Tabitha Hart earns a scandalous living in London, with whichever gentleman has enough coin for her company. But in the summer of 1752, her mother urgently summons her home to the village of Netherlea and, with reluctance, she returns. However, she is greeted by the news that her mother has died in disturbing circumstances.

Finding cryptic notes in her mother’s almanack, Tabitha is determined to discover the truth, but the superstitious villagers are wary of her. Only the enigmatic Nat Starling is prepared to join her, as she sets out to uncover her mother’s killer. But soon the summer draws to a close and snow sets in, cutting off Netherlea from the outside world. As an unknown killer prophesies their deaths, Tabitha and Nat now face the darkest hours of their lives.

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

Thanks to Black Thorn Books for a review copy.

The Almanack, is set in England during the 1750s. London is full vice and over indulgences. From the moment Tabitha wakes at an inn on her journey to Netherlea, finding that she has been robbed by her companion for the night, left with nothing other than the underclothes she’s wearing and a purloined watch shaped as a silver skull. Tabitha is summoned home by a cryptic message from her mother. Arriving in the sleepy village of Netherlea, Tabitha finds her mother has died and is determined to find out just how and why. Finding cryptic notes in her mother’s almanack, Tabitha is determined to discover the truth, but the superstitious villagers are wary of her. Only the enigmatic Nat Starling is prepared to join her, as she sets out to uncover her mother’s killer.

Bailey skillfully weaves romance, meticulous historical details in a mystery plot to create this incredible storyline. The Almanack’s setting is richly described and you get a real sense of being there with the characters. The characters themselves are well fleshed out and and the plot keeps you engaged in this twisty novel to keep you guessing right to the end.

Bailey explores themes of time, mystery the novel takes place in the year the Gregorian calender is introduced in England. Days are lost but knowledge is gained, by reading Tabitha’s mothers Almanack. Captivating riddles add an extra layer in historical, murder mystery

The author has created a beguiling well constructive historical fiction, a stunning atmospheric mystery set in the mid-18th-century England. Martine Bailey book, has perfected her writing to catapult the reader to another era. Her meticulous research is evident in her luscious wonderful descriptive details.

A wonderfully rich and beguiling historical fiction, a stunning atmospheric mystery set in the mid-18th-century England.

Here is a riddle

I’m a strange contradiction: I’m new and I’m old, I’m sometimes in tatters and sometimes in gold, Though I never could read, yet lettered I’m found, Though blind, I enlighten, though free, I am bound. I often die young, though I sometimes live ages, Like a Queen I’m attended by so many pages.*

Answer:: A BOOK

An Almanack is a printed yearbook containing dates and events for the coming year, more detailed than a calendar or a diary it would contain notable festival dates, sunrise and sunset times, tide tables and other information invaluable, especially to country folk, farmers and the like. Some are still printed every year to this very day,

#TheAlmanack

Exciting News for Historical Fiction Fans, Alison Weir will be at Margate Bookie on Sunday 24 November at 11.30am, at the Turner Contemporary, Margate. She will be speaking about her new book Anna Kleve and doing a q&a.
The friendly lit fest by the sea!

November 24 @ 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Alison Weir is the top-selling female historian in the United Kingdom, selling over 2.7 million books worldwide.

Alison Weir has published eighteen history books, including Elizabeth the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Lady in the Tower and Elizabeth of York, and seven historical novels. Her latest biography is Queens of the Conquest, and her latest novel is Anna of Kleve: Queen of Secrets.Rich in detailed research, Alison’s engaging prose has captured the interest and imagination of countless people, instilling a love of history that has influenced the career paths of historians, historical novelists and teachers, while also greatly increasing knowledge of medieval and Tudor English history among people throughout the world. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and an honorary life patron of Historic Royal Palaces. 

Go on, treat yourself to one of our super ticket offers.

Inspiration Special 

A ticket for the Bookie Slam, Vanguard Readings and Happiness, Creativity and Writing – a tenner to you! 

Saturday Ticket 

A Sense of Place, Vanguard Readings, Postcards from the Past Podcast, a Love of Two Halves AND Louis de Bernieres . You’ve got the lot for twenty notes! 

Sunday Ticket 

Alison Weir, Elise Valmorbida and Vanessa King, Mark Billingham, Self Made Hero and a wee dram at One for the Road. Twenty-four quid!

Here are the events details

Date: November 24

Time: 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Website:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/anna-kleve-by-alison-weir-tickets-71007767143

Venue: Turner Contemporary

Rendezvous, Margate, CT9 1HG

Margate, CT9 1HG GB

+ Google Map

Organizer

The Margate Bookie Website:

https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-margate-bookie-20168462855

From M.J. Rose, Hello Bookish Friends,

Today I am featuring a wonderful book review by the lovely author

M.J. Rose

From M.J. Rose,

Cartier’s Hope

A Novel

by M. J. Rose

PublisherFrom M.J. Rose,: Atria Books , Simon and schusterFrom M.J. Rose, Press

Publishing Date: 28 Jan 2020  

Length: 336 pages

@mjroseauthor #simonandschuster #atriabooks

From M.J. Rose,New York Times bestselling author of Tiffany Blues, “a lush, romantic historical mystery” (Kristin Hannah, The Nightingale), comes a gorgeously wrought novel of ambition and betrayal…

SetFrom M.J. Rose, in the Gilded Age. New York, 1910: A city of extravagant balls in Fifth Avenue mansions and poor immigrants crammed into crumbling Lower East Side tenements. A city where the suffrage movement is growing stronger every day, but most women reporters are still delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages. But Vera Garland is set on making her mark in a man’s world of serious journalism.Shortly after the world-famous Hope Diamond is acquired for a record sum, Vera begins investigating rumors about schemes by its new owner, jeweler Pierre Cartier, to manipulate its value.

From M.J. Rose,Vera is determined to find the truth behind the notorious diamond and its legendary curses—even better when the expose puts her in the same orbit as a magazine publisher whose blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.From M.J. Rose,Appealing to a young Russian jeweler for help,

From M.J. Rose,Vera is unprepared when she begins falling in love with him…and even more unprepared when she gets caught up in his deceptions and finds herself at risk of losing all she has worked so hard to achieve.From M.J. Rose,Set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, of ruthless men and the atrocities they commit in the pursuit of power, this enthralling historical novel explores our very human needs for love, retribution—and to pursue one’s destiny, regardless of the cost.

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

*Cartier’s Hope*

In this latest masterpiece by author M. J. Rose, we are met by Vera Garland, a young lady of the upper crust in New York in the early 1900’s, She’s bold, and sometimes impulsive, yet still has a kind hearted . She searches out the injustices of life, and fights diligently for those she considers to be harmed. Yet she still dreams of love. After a series of tragedies befall those closest to her, she sets out to avenge them in a rather unconventional way. Vera begins investigating rumors about schemes by its new owner, jeweler Pierre Cartier, to manipulate its value.

The character development is wonderful, with some notable characters, Jacob Astor, a Russian Jewish jeweler working for Cartier.

Jacob is a quiet, secretive man, with more than a few secrets of his own.

When Jacob and Vera finally meet, these two will discover that their interests may not be that different.. This story is absolutely incredible. I seriously had great difficulty putting it down for more than a minute or two.

This stunning book is set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and vile, ruthless men and the atrocities they commit in the pursuit of power, this enthralling historical novel explores our quest for love, to gain retribution. One most strive for the pursuit of destiny, regardless of the cost.

A captivating novel, about redemption, and the hope and desire that one can be redeemed. Overall, it’s fascinating and engaging, and beyond entertaining

Praise

“I’m a long-time fan and MJ Rose never disappoints. With crisp, addictive prose, Cartier’s Hope gives readers a smart, compelling heroine trying to make a career in a man’s profession while unraveling family scandals at the same time. A beautiful tale with tantalizing twists.” —Stephanie Dray, NYT Bestselling author of America’s First Daughter

“A twisting tale of greed, revenge, and masked identities that put love and lives at risk…that shines with as much intrigue and mystery as the Hope Diamond itself.” —New York Times bestseller Kristina McMorris, Sold on a Monday 

“Nobody conjures up historical mystery like M.J. Rose, and this brilliant, absorbing novel has it all, immersing readers in an unforgettable world that beguiles to the final page. Rose proves once again that her superb storytelling and powerful prose are second to none.” —New York Times bestseller, Beatriz Williams, The Golden Hour

“Perfectly melds fact and fiction into an unputdownable tale. A true gem.” —National bestseller Fiona Davis, The Chelsea Girls

“Sparkles with intrigue, romance and passion and surprises with an inspiring journalist heroine… timely, relevant, and sure to resonate with readers.. ends with a shocking twist you won’t see coming. Unputdownable!” —New York Times bestseller Laura Kamoie, My Dear Hamilton

“M.J. Rose soars with Cartier’s Hope. A page-turning quest for the truths that are both intimate and universal. Brava!”   —New York Times bestseller Pam Jenoff, The lost Girls of Paris

Buy from the Indie Bookstores that Loved Cartier’s Hope

“Fierce female reporter Vera Garland is the heroine of M.J. Roses’s latest gorgeous historical drama. Set in early Twentieth Century NYC, Cartier’s Hope contains all the rich beauty and tantalizing danger of a city and period on the verge of change. Rose’s attention to detail and lush description had me enthralled. Buy this gem of a novel.” —Pamela Klinger-Horn, Excelsior Bay Books 

“Glitz, glamour, superstition and blackmail collide in this page turner.” —Paula Longhurst, The King’s English Bookstore

“I really enjoyed Cartier’s Hope; M. J. Rose paints a portrait of 1910s New York City with which I was unaware. Most surprising was the large number of female reporters that were working at that time. Vera/Vee is a smart, interesting character; I liked her double-life, very Scarlet Pimpernel…most of all, I want Vera’s apartment over Garland’s Department Store!” —Meaghan Beasley, Island Bookstore

About M.J. Rose

M.J. Rose grew up in New York City mostly in the labyrinthine galleries of the Metropolitan Museum, the dark tunnels and lush gardens of Central Park and reading her mother’s favorite books before she was allowed. She believes mystery and magic are all around us but we are too often too busy to notice…  Books that exaggerate mystery and magic draw attention to it and remind us to look for it and revel in it.

Rose is a New York Times, Wall St. Journal and USAToday bestseller as well as an international best seller. She has published more than a ninetten novels and 3 books on marketing. She has been published in more than 30 countries and sold over 1.5 million books. The Fox TV show, Past Lives, was based on Rose’s novel, The Reincarnationist. 

Rose is a founding member of International Thriller Writers, founder of the first marketing company for authors, AuthorBuzz, and the co-founder, with Liz Berry of 1001DarkNights.com.

In 1998, her first novel Lip Service was the first e-book and the first self-published novel chosen by the LiteraryGuild/Doubleday Book Club as well as the first e-book to go on to be published by a mainstream New York publishing house. 

Rose has been profiled in Time magazine, Forbes, The New York Times, Business 2.0, Working Woman, Newsweek, and New York Magazine. She has appeared on The Today Show, Fox News, The Jim Lehrer NewsHour, and features on her have appeared in dozens of magazines and newspapers in the U.S. and abroad, including USAToday, Stern, L’Official, Poets and Writers, and Publishers Weekly.

Rose graduated from Syracuse University and spent the ’80s in advertising. She was the Creative Director of Rosenfeld Sirowitz and Lawson and she has a commercial in the Museum of Modern Art in NYC.

@katerockbooktours  

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

Legacy of Fear. by A J McCarthy

A Pacific Northwest Beach town location is the perfect settings for an intriguing suspenseful and thriller.

Emily Burton, a self sustaining woman is brutally attacked and another person killed. Was this a horrific random act of violence or something else.

Putting pieces together Emily is mentally connecting dots as she finds help solving the mystery.

Thrilling pace with a creative storyline, and well developed characters, the author has once again delivered an intriguing twisty read. A suspenseful gripping book that was a fast-paced, tension-filled, edge-of-your-seat thrilling read! I couldn’t flip these pages fast enough! I absolutely love A J McCarthy writing – it pulled me in from page one and kept me fully captivated and intrigued until the very end.

— 

Happy Book Birthday

@authorsarawolf #findmetheirbonestour @entangledteen

 @MissRiki @entangledpub

Title: Find Me Their Bones

Bring Me Their Hearts #2

Author: Sara Wolf

Publisher: Entangled Teen

What is a Heartless, with their heart returned? A human? No — not entirely. They’ve tasted the hunger. They can still remember what it feels like to die, to be cut up, to be burned.

In order to protect Prince Lucien d’Malvane’s heart, Zera had to betray him. Now, he hates the sight of her. Trapped in Cavanos as a prisoner of the king, she awaits the inevitable moment her witch severs their magical connection and finally ends her life.

But fate isn’t ready to give her up just yet.

With freedom coming from the most unlikely of sources, Zera is given a second chance at life as a Heartless. But it comes with a terrible price. As the king mobilizes his army to march against the witches, Zera must tame an elusive and deadly valkerax trapped in the tunnels underneath the city if she wants to regain her humanity.

Winning over a bloodthirsty valkerax? Hard. Winning back her friends before war breaks out? A little harder.

But a Heartless winning back Prince Lucien’s heart?

The hardest thing she’s ever done

“Don’t bother with the past, Zera. The future is where you’ll find your freedom.”

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

An incredible stellar addition to the Ruthless Song series. I need to give @entangledteen a huge thanks for reaching out to have me work with them on a few projects and gifting me this truly fabulous ARC.

If you are a reader of fantasy? I have the perfect series for you

Bring Me Their Hearts which is the first novel in this series.

Find Me Their Bones, is the next phenomenal installment to Zera’s quest to get her heart back.

Find Me Their Bones by Sara Wolf is the second book in the young adult romantic fantasy Bring Me Their Hearts series. This series is definitely one that a reader should start from the beginning and read in order as the story now in the second book has picked up right after the cliffhanger ending of the first and wouldn’t be understood out of order.

Nineteen year old Zera, is a Heartless. an unkillable human puppet in thrall to a witch. Given a task to take Prince Lucien of Cavanos’ heart, but instead, she fell in love with him; saving him, yes, but only after deceiving and betraying him. She has failed in her mission. Awaiting impending death when her witch severs the connection between them. She Instead finds herself beholden to a new mistress…..Lucien’s sister, Princess Varia

Wolf’s world-building was more developed and the descriptive magic was definitely noticeable, The strategic development of the complexity of the plot line was superb. Wolf’s progression from first installment to Find Me Their Bones, is smooth and effortless. Even though this storyline had little to do with what was introduced to us in the fist book. The author tone and everything that was going on in this one. There were some new creatures, as well as more information about certain characters’ backstories that I found super interesting and added something new to the plot, and there was a much more complex plot as well.

“We can’t remember who we were. We’re always hurting. Always hungry. That isn0t home. This… This isn’t a home. It’s a prison.”

Definitely a solid sequel, bringing back all the characters I adored so much with a lot of added world-building information. Cannot wait for the next installment There was so much tension and secrets in this second installment of the series and it got my blood pumping and kept me on the edge of my seat.

Zera’s a strong sassy protagonist, that I adore, her engaging sarcastic sense of humor was enticing and added to this wonderful Ya Fantasy.

This captivating book is one I definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys epic fantasy at its best.

The books explosive ending will leave you shocked and have wanting more.

KINDLE FORCE SCHEDULE:
http://www.jeanbooknerd.com/2019/10/kindle-force-midnight-clear.html

Paperback: 228 pages
Publisher: Vesuvian Books (November 5, 2019)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1733599444
ISBN-13: 978-1733599443


Praise for A MIDNIGHT CLEAR

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Hello Bookish Friends

Are you ready for a little Christmas Romance?

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
by Vanessa Kelly which is being hosted by HFBT

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
by Vanessa Kelly

Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Zebra Books
eBook & Paperback; 432 Pages

Series: Clan Kendrick, Book #2
Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish

 

In bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s irresistible Clan Kendrick series, Christmas in the Highlands means family, celebration—and for one brother, the beginning of a passionate adventure . . .

Being thrown over by the man she expected to marry was humiliating enough. Now that Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven a failure as a nun, she has no choice but to return to her family’s estate. The brawny Highlander sent to escort her is brash, handsome, and the only thing standing between Donella and a gang of would-be kidnappers. But the scandal in her past can’t be so easily outrun . . .

Wealthy widower Logan Kendrick was expecting to meet a plain, pious spinster—not a gorgeous, sharp-tongued lass who can hold her own in any ambush. Though she’s known as the Flower of Clan Graham, Donella is no shrinking violet. In fact, she might be the perfect woman to bring happiness back to his lonely little son’s life, just in time for Christmas. But first he must protect her from ugly gossip and a mysterious threat—and convince her that their wild, unexpected desire is heaven sent.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

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

Are you planning on reading any Christmas themed books this year and what are your weekend plans?

This was a great book to start the Christmas reading season off with.

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride by Vanessa Kelly is the second book in her exciting Clan Kendrick Series. Donella Haddon is known throughout Scotland as “The Flower of Clan Graham” for her beauty and charm. Rebellious, strong willed, Donella Haddon, grandniece of the Earl of Riddick, has also proven herself a failure as a nun, she is dismissed an must return to her family’s estate.

Swoon worthy, widowed businessman Logan Kendrick has offered Donnelly uncle to retrieve her from convent and bring her back to her family estate in order to gain favor with her uncle. The trip turns into a fabulous adventure as the pair encountered drama and kidnappers, and also along the way, found they were extremely attracted to each other. With the pair emotionally damaged from their past, neither of them feel worthy of love due to baggage they have carry around and secrets they have kept.

Engaging characters in this book are all so endearing and the enjoyable dialogue had me laughing in this rousing Scottish historical romance full of charm and adventures.

This book was faced paced that I literally inhaled in one day. A light- hearted, perfected romance, with charismatic delightful characters that keep you vested all the way through this page turner of a romance

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride can be enjoyed as a standalone, for a little backstory of the characters and the their adventures

I suggest also reading :

The Highlander’s Princess Bride (Victoria Knight & Nick Kendrick),

The Highlander Who Protected Me (Royal Kendrick & Ainsley Matthews),

How to Marry a Royal Highlander (Alec Gilbride & Eden Whitney).   

About the Author

 Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.

Vanessa’s latest book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. Her Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Princess Bride, book 3 in the series, was a Barnes and Noble top 50 bestseller.

When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa’s latest news and contests–and to receive a free story–please sign up for her newsletter on her website. V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa’s latest news and contests–and to receive a free story–please sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 29
Review at Coffee and Ink

Wednesday, October 30
Feature at A Book Geek
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time

Thursday, October 31
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Friday, November 1
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Excerpt at Donna’s Book Blog
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, November 2
Review at Fictitiouswonderland

Monday, November 4
Review at Nursebookie
Review at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, November 5
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, November 6
Review at Bookish Rantings
Interview at Jathan & Heather

Thursday, November 7
Review at Unabridged Chick
Guest Post at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Friday, November 8
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 11
Review at Jessica Belmont
Review at Stephanie’s Novel Fiction
Guest Post at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, November 12
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away signed copies of THE HIGHLANDER’S PRINCESS BRIDE and THE HIGHLANDER WHO PROTECTED ME + a $20 Amazon gift card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on November 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open internationally.
– 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.

The Highlander’s Christmas Bride
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Hello Bookish Friends

Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Bittersweet Tapestry
by Kevin O’Connell, which is being hosted by HFBT

Bittersweet Tapestry by Kevin O’Connell

#BittersweetTapestry #KevinOConnell #HFVBTBlogTours

 

A dramatic decade has passed since sixteen-year-old Eileen O’Connell first departed her family’s sanctuary at remote Derrynane on the Kerry coast to become the wife of one of the wealthiest men in Ireland and the mistress of John O’Connor’s Ballyhar – only to have her elderly husband die within months of the marriage.

Unhappily returned to Derrynane, within a year, under the auspices of their uncle, a general in the armies of Maria Theresa, Eileen and her sister, Abigail departed for Vienna and a life neither could have ever imagined – one at the dizzying heights of the Hapsburg empire and court, where Abigail ultimately became principal lady-in-waiting to the Empress herself, whilst Eileen, for nine momentous years, served as governess to the Empress’s youngest daughter – during which time Maria Antonia, whom Eileen still calls ‘my wee little archduchess’, has become Marie Antoinette, dauphine of France, though she continues to refer to her beloved governess as “Mama”.

As Bittersweet Tapestry opens, it is the High Summer of 1770. Having escorted the future Queen of France from Vienna to her new life, Eileen and her husband, Captain Arthur O’Leary of the Hungarian Hussars, along with their little boy and Eileen’s treasured friend (and former servant) Anna Pfeffer are establishing themselves in Ireland.

Their ties to Catholic Europe remain close and strong; in addition to Abigail and her O’Sullivan family and General O’Connell, his wife and young daughter in Vienna, their brother Daniel is an officer in the Irish Brigade of the armies of Louis XV, whilst their youngest brother, Hugh, is studying at École Militaire in Paris, his path to a commission in the Dillons’ Regiment of the Brigade. His gentle Austrian friendship with Maria Antonia having inevitably waned, Hugh’s relationship with the strikingly-beautiful young widowed Princess Marie Thérèse Louise of Savoy is blossoming.

Though happily ensconced at Rathleigh House, the O’Leary family estate in County Cork, being prominent amongst those families which are the remnants of the old Gaelic order in the area, Eileen and Art find that the dark cloud of the Protestant Ascendancy hovers heavily, at times threateningly, over them.

Bittersweet Tapestry is a tale of stark contrasts – between Hugh’s life of increasing prominence amidst the glitter and intrigue of the French court and Art and Eileen’s in English-occupied Ireland – especially as the latter progresses into a dark, violent and bloody tale . . . ultimately involving an epic tragedy, which along with the events leading up to it and those occurring in its dramatic wake, will permanently impact the O’Learys, the O’Connells – and their far-flung circle of family and friends in Ireland and across Europe.

With his uniquely-descriptive prose, Kevin O’Connell again deftly weaves threads of historical fact and fancy to create a colourful fabric affording unique insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe as well as English-ruled Ireland. As the classic story unfolds amongst the O’Learys, the O’Connells, their friends and enemies, the tumultuously-dangerous worlds in which they dwell will continue to gradually – but inexorably – become even more so.

Bittersweet Tapestry joins O’Connell’s well-received Beyond Derrynane and Two Journeys Home as The Derrynane Saga continues – an enthralling epic, presenting a sweeping chronicle, set against the larger drama of Europe in the early stages of significant – and, in the case of France – violent change.

Available on Amazon

 

Mr. O’Connell began the Derrynane Saga in 2014. His first book, Beyond
Derrynane: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe, was published in July 2016,
whilst the second, Two Journeys Home: A Novel of Eighteenth Century Europe was
released in November 2017. Both are in global circulation and have received
a range of positive critical reviews, in the United States, the United
Kingdom and Europe. Bittersweet Tapestry is the third of four projected
volumes.

The Saga has been described as being a sweeping, multi-layered story,
populated by an array of colourfully-complex characters, whose lives and
stories play out in a series of striking settings. Set against the drama of
Europe in the early stages of significant change, the book dramatizes the
roles which have never before been treated in fiction played by a small
number of expatriate Irish of the fallen Gaelic Aristocracy at the courts of
Catholic Europe. It is with Bittersweet Tapestry that O’Connell again focuses
in greater detail on their lives in English-occupied Ireland.

 

 

 

Photo by Gwendalyn G Anderson

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

Bittersweet Tapestry, by Kevin O’Connell, is the third installment in The Derrynane Saga, set in the captivating times of the 18th century. Kevin O’Connell has way of pulling the reader into this wonderful depicted, turbulent times. The writing is absorbing the prose flows seamlessly.

What really stood out for me and what I really loved about this story was the compelling and emotional layered perspective views, and how they connected the story and the family. We see the the authors creative fictional side to the story interwoven historical details.

Kevin O’Connell again deftly weaves vibrant period details, and historical facts, along with his own creative fiction to create a compelling storyline with riveting insights into the courts of eighteenth-century Catholic Europe as well as English-ruled Ireland.

This epic family saga will catapults into lives the O’Learys, the O’Connells, during the dark sweeping events of the eighteen century. Wonderful fleshed out characters and captivating atmospheric details makes for unforgettable Book.

About the Author

Kevin O’Connell is a native of New York City and a descendant of a young officer of what had—from 1690 to 1792—been the Irish Brigade of the French army, believed to have arrived in French Canada following the execution of Queen Marie Antoinette in October of 1793. At least one grandson subsequently returned to Ireland and Mr. O’Connell’s own grandparents came to New York in the early twentieth century. He holds both Irish and American citizenship.

He is a graduate of Providence College and Georgetown University Law Centre.

For much of his four decades-long legal career, O’Connell has practiced international business transactional law, primarily involving direct-investment matters, throughout Asia (principally China), Europe, and the Middle East.

The father of five children and grandfather of ten, he and his wife, Laurette, live with their golden retriever, Katie, near Annapolis, Maryland.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, November 1

Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Sunday, November 3

Review at Carole’s Ramblings

Monday, November 4

Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Wednesday, November 6

Interview at The Writing Desk

Feature at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Friday, November 8

Feature at Maiden of the Pages

Monday, November 11

Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, November 13

Review & Guest Post at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, November 15

Guest Post at Before the Second Sleep

Sunday, November 17

Review at A Darn Good Read

Monday, November 18

Review at Books and Zebras

Tuesday, November 19

Feature at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, November 20

Review at Al-Alhambra Book Reviews

Friday, November 22

Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, November 25

Review at Hooked on Books

Tuesday, November 26

Review at Red Headed Book Lady

Review & Guest Post at Nursebookie

Wednesday, November 27

Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, November 29

Review at Broken Teepee

Excerpt at Coffee and Ink