Month: May 2020

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

The Ruin of Evangeline Jones, by Julia Bennet,

which is being hosted by HFBT!

#EvangelineJones #JuliaBennet #HFVBTBlogTours

 @entangledpub @hfvbt  

The Ruin of Evangaline Jones by Julia Bennet

Alex Stanton just inherited a dukedom but his true passion is uncovering charlatans and frauds wherever he finds them. Spiritualist and medium Evangeline “Evie” Jones is the biggest fake of all and he’s determined to expose her lies for all of London to see. Her prim manner and ladylike airs don’t fool him. He sees the hunger beneath and recognizes a worthy opponent. He can’t deny the dark undercurrents of lust between them.

Evie worked her way up from the gutter and she’s not about to abandon the life she’s built for fear of this aristocratic dilettante. She knows his type. She sees the attraction simmering beneath his animosity, and she knows how to use it to keep him off balance. They strike a bargain. He has one week to prove she’s a fake. If he fails, he has to abandon all further attempts. If he succeeds, she’ll not only retire but make a public statement explaining all her tricks.

Neither expects to find anything in common, not to mention anything to love, in the other. Both are blindsided by the affinity and blossoming tenderness between them. But even if it were possible for a lowly charlatan to live happily ever after with a duke, more is going on than either suspects. Someone else has brought them together for a sinister purpose of his own.

Available on Amazon

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.

The Madness of Miss Grey, was such an enjoyable book, that when the opportunity to read the next book in series I jumped at it.

The Ruin of Evangeline Jones by Julia Bennet, is the second installment in the the Harcastle Inheritance Series.

London, 1888

Alex Stanton, the Duke of Harcastle, has made it a personal mission to unveil spiritualists and mediums for the frauds that they are. He has seen them pry on the grieving, and the next one on his list is Miss Evangeline Jones.

Seeking her out at “The Nimble Rabbit”, will be the first time he has laid on eyes her in person. Even though he carries two photographs of her, one a proper cabinet card. The other one is a rare photograph, that he keeps inside the pocket of his coat. That photo is her in a provocative pose, with the name “Sally Harper” printed across the bottom. His famous skepticism doesn’t prepare for the night’s outcome.

Miss Evangeline Jones, “Evie” profession is a Spiritualist and Medium, conducting séances and manifesting spirits. What she really is…a resourceful charlatan. In 1888, London the spiritual movement had really taken off. Having not been born into wealth, she capitalized on the Spiritualist craze. Along with the help of, The Captain, who saved her from a deferent line of work.

This “Evie” gave her means to support herself during a time when unmarried woman struggled to survive. Usually a lot resorted to prostitution our backbreaking work and both sent you to an early grave.

Alex presents Evie with a wager, she cannot refuse. This where this captivating book really takes off. With engaging characters and interesting villain. This was a terrific enjoyable read from start to finish. Chemistry, Romance, along with some intriguing twist to the storyline. I was immersed, and vested into the characters and plot line, the writing flows and the banter between Alex and Evie, was lively. The ending was incredible, and had me wanting more from the wonderful author.

The Ruin of Evangeline Jones, can be read as a stand-alone, or you can read it the Julia Bennet very engaging book series. The Madness of Miss Grey, is the first book in this series

About the Author

Julia writes historical romance with passion, intrigue, dark humor and the occasional animal sidekick. A tea-sodden English woman, she’s the only girl in a house of boys and yearns for all things pink and fluffy. Before she began writing, she spent many years searching for something to do with her English Literature degree. Nothing satisfied her until she decided to commit the stories in her head to paper. These days, if she isn’t writing, she’s probably reading everything she can get her hands on, spending time with her boys or procrastinating on the internet.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 27
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, April 28
Review at SplendeurCaisse
Excerpt at Books in their Natural Habitat

Wednesday, April 29
Feature at Let Them Read Books

Thursday, April 30
Review at Bitch Bookshelf

Friday, May 1
Excerpt at Probably at the Library

Saturday, May 2
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, May 4
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, May 7
Review at Never Too Many To Read
Feature at Just One More Chapter

Friday, May 8
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Monday, May 11
Feature at I’m All About Books

Tuesday, May 12
Review at Books2lovenow

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 May 12th. 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.

Evangeline Jones
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A spiritualist, an insane asylum, a lost little girl . . .

When Clive, anxious to distract a depressed Henrietta, begs Sergeant
Frank Davis for a case, he is assigned to investigating a seemingly
boring affair: a spiritualist woman operating in an abandoned
schoolhouse on the edge of town who is suspected of robbing people of
their valuables. What begins as an open and shut case becomes more
complicated, however, when Henrietta―much to Clive’s dismay―begins to
believe the spiritualist’s strange ramblings.

Meanwhile, Elsie begs Clive and Henrietta to help her and the object of
her budding love, Gunther, locate the whereabouts of one Liesel
Klinkhammer, the German woman Gunther has traveled to America to find
and the mother of the little girl, Anna, whom he has brought along with
him. The search leads them to Dunning Asylum, where they discover some
terrible truths about Liesel. When the child, Anna, is herself
mistakenly admitted to the asylum after an epileptic fit, Clive and
Henrietta return to Dunning to retrieve her. This time, however,
Henrietta begins to suspect that something darker may be happening. When
Clive doesn’t believe her, she decides to take matters into her own
hands . . . with horrifying results.

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.

A Child Lost by Michelle Cox, is the fifth installment in her thrilling detective series featuring the Henrietta and inspector Howard Series.

Chicago, Illinois 1930s Inspector Howard and Henrietta are recent newlyweds, but they have already faced a slew of challenges, a miscarriage, along with family mishaps. Clive is determined to help his wife pull out of spiraling downward turn into the abyss depression takes on a new case to solve. Things become more than what the couple anticipated.

There is a dramatic cast of characters that are incredible fleshed out. The authors ability to grab the reader attention and as the story progresses, Richly descriptive details makes for superb atmospheric imagery. Seamless narration flows perfectly as the mysteries twist and unfold.

A stunning historical mystery, with suspense and tension here that kept me turning the pages. The exquisite writing captivated me, pulling me deep into this thrill ride of a book.

“A Child Lost,” was my first read in Michelle Cox, thrilling mystery series.

After reading it, immediately purchased the other books within the series.

Prizes:  $100 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Michelle Cox, author of A CHILD LOST (ends May 18)

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

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Maiden-Mother-Murderer

How dangerous is a woman with nothing left to lose?

The year is 1905. London is a playground for the rich and a death trap for the poor. When Sofia Logan’s husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her penniless with two young children, she knows she will do anything to keep them from the workhouse. But can she bring herself to murder? Even if she has done it before…

Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands.

Set against the backdrop of the Suffragette protests, with industry changing the face of the city but disease still rampant, and poverty the greatest threat of all, every decision you make is life or death. Either yours or someone else’s. Read best-selling crime writer Helen Fields’ first explosive historical thriller.

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50666797-these-lost-broken-things?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=jGECB5gTj9&rank=2 

Buy
Link 

https://amzn.to/2vH4aX2

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.

A gripping dark tale set in the 1900’s London

Sophia’s world takes a devastating turn when her beloved husband suddenly dies. Leaving her without any means to support herself and her small children.

In desperation she takes a position at one of London’s gaming houses working for her deceased husband‘s employer, Mr Emmett Vinsant.

She utilizes her talents with cards counting and becomes an ideal employee for spotting dodgy gamblers. Having a gypsy background also exposed her to card playing at an early age. Sophia’s overly confident and recklessness behavior has gotten her in to trouble one before. Thinking to increase her earnings she does the unthinkable and takes on Lady Luck once again.

This places her at the mercy of a villainess man, and she becomes embroiled into something more sinister.

Forced to take on a new occupation, that she seems to have a knack. But has far more devastating consequences.

A cleverly executed gothic historical fiction, that takes into the underbelly of the criminal world in London. Expertly atmospheric details makes for a riveting storyline.

I throughly enjoyed this wicked tale.

Author

An international and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, ‘Perfect Kill’ is due out on 6 February 2020. Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller ‘Degrees of Guilt’. Her previous audio book ‘Perfect Crime’ knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen’s books have won global recognition. Her first historical thriller ‘These Lost & Broken Things’ comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by HarperColllins will come soon. She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children. Helen can be found on Twitter @Helen_Fields for up to date news and information or at www.helenfields.co.uk.

The Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan is intimate look at the bonds of Sisterhood.

Returning to Southport, Connecticut to plan their recently deceased literary famous father’s funeral. Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney lost their poet mother Maeve, who passed away from cancer fifteen years earlier. Within the past fifteen years the sister have drifted apart from each other, dealing with relationships work and families.

There larger than life father is the very famous author, Bill Sweeney, a college professor, who was adored by critics, publisher, and book lovers.

After everyone has come to pay respects to their father they are approached by their father lawyer and friend, Cap. He is concerned about the whereabouts of the father’s unfinished memoir… and the a most stunning surprise of all… There is a fourth Sweeney Sister. Both of these of these concerns have legal ramifications. That even saying how this will effect everyone emotionally, as they come grips with the girls revelations about their now deceased father.

When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker, whiskey intoxicated crashes Bill Sweeney’s wake. Nothing will ever be the same. It seems Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier

Serena learned that she had a 50% genetic match with her childhood neighbor, Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut.

It would seem Bill Sweeney and Serena’s mother, Birdie had a love child. When the secret is revealed, the red headed Sweeney sisters come to realize they have a blonde edition to their sisterhood.

An enjoyable evenly paced book that takes a wonderful look at the bonds of sisterhood and what it means to be a family.

A light and creative breezy read, with descriptive prose, that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

Lian graduated from Pomona College with a degree in Classics. She lives in Pasadena, California with her husband, two sons and a big German shepherd.

The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club – Welcome Post

Here’s to Happy Endings – Review

@onemused – Review

Books, Tea, Healthy Me – Review + Favourite Quotes
Willow Writes And Reads – Review + Playlist
Jill’s Book Blog – ReviewApril 30th

My Bookish Escapades – Guest Post

TheGeekishBrunette – Review
wordnerdreviews – Review + Favourite Quotes

Mowgli with a book – Review
Crazykidjournal – ReviewMay 1st

Syllables of Swathi – Guest Post

Bookishly Nerdy – Review + Favourite Quotes

The Bookish Libra – Review
Indelible Ink Inscribes – Review
Annej Reads – Promotional PostMay 2nd

Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review + Dream Cast

Pacific Northwest Bookworm – Review
3heartsandawish – Review
Inktalkswithmaria – Review
Paperbacks and pen – ReviewMay 3rd

Belle’s Archive – Review

Hooked on Bookz – Review + Favourite Quotes
Diary Of A Bookgirl – Review
Maddie.TV – Review + Favourite Quotes
Gwendalyn’s Anderson – Review
Nose Stuck in a Book – Promotional PostMay 4th

A Gingerly Review – Guest Post

Beckybookstore – Review
Bookish Geek – Review + Favourite Quotes
BiblioJoJo – Review
elena.luo – Review

APRIL 28TH

TUABFC

April 29th

Here’s to Happy Endings

@onemused

Books, Tea, Healthy Me
Willow Writes And ReadsApril 30th

TheGeekishBrunette

Mowgli with a book
CrazykidjournalMay 1st

Bookishly Nerdy

The Bookish Libra
Annej ReadsMay 2nd

Sometimes Leelynn Reads

Pacific Northwest Bookworm
3heartsandawishMay 3rd

Belle’s Archive

Gwendalyn’s Anderson
Nose Stuck in a BookMay 4th

A Gingerly Review

Beckybookstore
Bookish Geek
BiblioJoJo
elena.luo

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

The Abolitionist’s Daughter, By Diane C. McPhail which is being hosted by HFBT!

#TheAbolitionistsDaughter #DianeCMcPhail #HFVBTBlogTours @McPhailDiane @KensingtonBooks @hfvbt

The Abolitionist’s Daughter
by Diane C. McPhail

Publication Date: April 30, 2019
A John Scognamiglio Book/Kensington

Genre: Historical Fiction

In her sweeping debut, Diane C. McPhail offers a powerful, profoundly emotional novel that explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history—Southern Abolitionists—and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict.

On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm.

A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.

In the tradition of Cold Mountain, The Abolitionist’s Daughter eschews stereotypes of the Civil War South, instead weaving an intricate and unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, hope, and redemption.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

“Diane McPhail excavates a nearly forgotten corner of American history and brings it to full, beating life. This is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the kinds of stories that don’t always make it into the history books.” -Louis Bayard, author of Courting Mr. Lincoln

“A contender, a deeply felt, thoroughly researched story . . . as good as it deserves to be.” -Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author

“Complex, vivid, and emotionally engaging. This is a story of harsh realities written with a tenderness that shines through and honors the account of one woman’s struggle to overcome her society’s rules and her circumstances in the face of inconceivable devastation. I couldn’t put it down.” -Carol E. Anderson, author of You Can’t Buy Love Like That

“What an impressive book this is! Diane McPhail works a spell on the reader, transporting us to Mississippi in the 19th century, introducing us to a family torn apart by the time and place in which they live. She tells a dark tale, yet it’s laced with lyricism and compassion. This is a powerful, imaginative, captivating book-I’d say, even urgent, considering the time we find ourselves in now.” -Judy Goldman, author of Together

“A tender, sparkling debut that bears gentle witness to the abominations of slavery and oppression while heralding the grace, power and necessity of righting wrongs and choosing love. McPhail is full of talent and heart.” -Ethel Rohan, author of The Weight of Him”

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.

The Deep South life in Mississippi from 1859 to 1866, Diane C. McPhail compellingly novel sheds an intimate look at an almost forgotten aspect of the civil war.

Emily Matthews and her brothers live with their father, Judge Matthews. She shares her fathers passion against slavery. This is a tragic time in our history’s past, and even though they were against the ownership of slaves, it was also against the law to grant freedom to them. Judge Matthews treats them better than most, he educates them secretly in an illegal school. The abolitionist juge’s controversial thinking has deterred any would be suitors away from his daughter Emily.

Charles Slate, a doctor who visits the Matthews residence to treat a recently purchased slave. His interest in Emily is noted, and he begins to court her. The Judge is all too agreeable to grant the young doctors Emily’s hand in marriage when it’s asked for it.

Emily is somewhat naive, but this would typical and very realistic given the time period an her status. Her growth as a character as story unfolds is remarkable, as she goes through obstacles and tribulations as the story progresses. When a series of events causing a clash between between Emily’s family and Charles Slate’s. The family she marries into ultimately becomes one that the Matthews has a land feud with.

A dramatic tale of violence, war, and the struggles of family’s torn apart. The two main protagonist are Emily, and Ginny, the slave raised with her on the plantation, who is a contant driving force of the two. Ginny’s strength holds everything together for Emily as their world explodes into multiple tragedies.

Along with Adeline, the mother of Emily’s husband. The strength of the woman adds to the story strength and continues to drive the book forward as the hardships become daunting.

Diane C. McPhail, gives a wonderful multi layered storyline, that ultimately surrounds a land dispute between two families who have married into each other. This richly descriptive book with realistic period issues and wonderful historical details comes to life under the authors lyrical prose. The exquisite writing captivated me, pulling me deep into this part of history, making me feel an immediate connection to and investment in the characters and storyline.

This intricately woven tale, explores love, loss, hardship, sacrifice and the relationships that bonds people together facing unthinkable emotional struggles, along with finding the inner strength to survive.

A riveting look at two families, and a harsh look into the flaws and morals of ourselves and each other, and finally that of forgiveness. Meticulously researched this historical fiction has left a profound lasting impression on me..

One thing that adds a deeper element for this incredible book is the idea the author based the book on documented family archives.

The Abolitionist’s Daughter, is set in Greensboro, Mississippi during the turbulent times up to and just after the American Civil War. In a time where America was dependent North and South slave labor. Judge Matthews is slave-owner but he has made a point of his beliefs in anti-slavery, making him a Mississippi Abolitionist. There were lots of families who in their estate inheritance also inherited the slaves that came with land it’s self.

Remember this was a time when you could not legally free your owned slaves. Also with the invention of the cotton gin, slave labor increased through out the South. The Haitian, Nat Turner Rebellion, increased slaveholders’ fears, and most Southern states passed laws making manumission, {freeing your slaves} nearly impossible until the passage of the 1865 The Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Gwendalyn G Anderson

About the Author

Diane C. McPhail is an artist, writer, and minister. In addition to holding an M.F.A., an M.A., and D.Min., she has studied at the University of Iowa distance learning and the Yale Writers’ Workshop, among others. Diane is a member of North Carolina Writers’ Network and the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Highlands, North Carolina, with her husband, and her dog, Pepper.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, April 27
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, April 28
Review at Books and Backroads
Feature at I’m All About Books

Wednesday, April 29
Review at Books and Zebras

Thursday, April 30
Feature at Just One More Chapter

Friday, May 1
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books
Excerpt at To Read, or Not to Read

Monday, May 4
Review at Brightside Books

Tuesday, May 5
Feature at What Is That Book About

Wednesday, May 6
Review at Robin Loves Reading

Thursday, May 7
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, May 8
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, May 11
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, May 13
Feature at Words and Peace

Thursday, May 14
Review at Tales from the Book Dragon

Saturday, May 16
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, May 18
Review at History + Fiction + Adirondack Spirit

Friday, May 22
Review at A Darn Good Read

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of The Abolitionist’s Daughter! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 22nd. 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.

Abolitionist’s Daughter
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