December 2021 – Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Lovelies

Today is my stop on the book tour for

Daughter Of The King By King by Kerry Chaput

@suzyapbooktours @ChaputKerry

#DaughterOfTheKing #KerryChaput #suzyapprovedbooktours #blackrosewriting

Happiest Book Birthdays to DAUGHTER OF THE KING

Daughter of the King

By Kerry Chaput

Publication Date: 16th December 2021

Publisher: Black Rose Writing

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU

Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction

La Rochelle France, 1661. Fierce Protestant Isabelle is desperate to escape persecution by the Catholic King. Isabelle is tortured and harassed, her people forced to convert to the religion that rules the land. She risks her life by helping her fellow Protestants, which is forbidden by the powers of France. She accepts her fate — until she meets a handsome Catholic soldier who makes her question everything.

She fights off an attack by a nobleman, and the only way to save herself is to flee to the colony of Canada as a Daughter of the King. She can have money, protection and a new life — if she adopts the religion she’s spent a lifetime fighting. She must leave her homeland and the promises of her past. In the wild land of Canada, Isabelle finds that her search for love and faith has just begun.

Based on the incredible true story of the French orphans who settled Canada, Daughter of the King is a sweeping tale of one young woman’s fight for true freedom. Kerry Chaput brings the past to life, expertly weaving a gripping saga with vivid historical details. Jump back in time on a thrilling adventure with an unforgettable heroine.

Review

Click my post and it will take far away to my bookstagram page !

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.

This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.

Daughter of the King by Kerry Chaput

A sweeping coming of age story that follows nineteen year Isabelle Colette from La Rochelle, a coastal city in southwestern France.

She along with those close to her are Huguenots, living after the siege of Still persecuted and tormented for their faith, living in the shadows. Forced to convert to Catholicism, the ruling religion of the land, or risk torture and death.

Isabelle will question her ability to stay true to her religious faith and survive as well. In a series of events she must seek refuge Rouen, their she receives aid from a Catholic Priest. Given an opportunity as a servant in a house of nobility. Things take another turn and her safety is questioned when she is attacked, Fighting back she now finds herself facing madame guillotine, for her crimes or convert, and be exiled to New France or {Quebec Canada} as a Filles du Roi (Daughter of the King). New France has its own obstacles, with the current political conflicts along with native unrest.

A harrowing historical fiction, seen through the eyes of a young woman named Isabelle. She witnesses first hand the atrocities of the French King, along with his catholic soldiers who are assigned to prosecute the Huguenots in France.

Kerry Chaput has created a compelling narrative that draws the reader into her protagonist life journey. Richly detailed and dramatic, as a reader you find yourself catapulted to this dark time in history. Isabelle is a strong willed and courageous memorable heroine, that I throughly enjoyed reading about.

I highly recommend this book to my family and friends

Thank you to #partner @suzyapprovedbooktours @blackrosewriting and author @kerrywrites for my gifted copy and for having me on the tour

Author

Kerry Chaput

Born in California wine country, Kerry Chaput began writing shortly after earning her Doctorate degree. Her love of storytelling began with a food blog and developed over the years to writing historical fiction novels. Raised by a teacher of US history, she has always been fascinated by tales from our past and is forever intrigued by the untold stories of brave women. She lives in beautiful Bend, Oregon with her husband, two daughters, and two rescue pups. She can often be found on hiking trails or in coffee shops. To learn more, connect with her at http://www.kerrywrites.com or Twitter @ChaputKerry.

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • BookBub • Amazon Author Page • Goodreads

Book Tours

SHADOWS OF SWANFORD ABBEY

December 9, 2021December 10, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Readers of Historical Fiction

Welcome to my stop on the book tour for

Shadows of Swanford Abbey Julie Klassen

@Julie_Klassen @Bethany_House

#ShadowsofSwanfordAbbey #RegencyRomance

• Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey

• Author: Julie Klassen

• Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Suspense, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 7, 2021)

• Length: (416) pages

• Format: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook

• Tour Dates: December 6-17, I 2021

PURCHASE LINKS

Synopsis

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother’s desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey’s cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past–including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick—magistrate, widower, and former neighbor—who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something…

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Author Julie Klassen shares her inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey

ADVANCE PRAISE

“A brilliant Agatha Christie-esque whodunit by reader favorite Julie Klassen. Set in the creepy atmosphere of an old abbey, Shadows of Swanford Abbey will keep you guessing until the very end. There’s plenty of danger, intrigue, and—yes—romance to delight Regency-era lovers of all ages. Truly a don’t-miss read!”—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas

“If you enjoy historical fiction with equal blends MYSTERY (suspense) and ROMANCE, then I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey with you wholeheartedly without any reservations. This may just be my FAVORITE Klassen novel yet.”—Becky Laney, Becky’s Book Reviews

“Once again Julie Klassen has delivered an intriguing book with all kinds of mystery and a few ghosts added in made it all worth the midnight oil I burned because I didn’t want to put it down!”—Lori Parrish, Red Headed Book Lady

REVIEW

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 Captivating Regency Mystery

A clergymans daughter, Miss Rebecca Lane, hastens home after receiving a letter from her family’s housekeeper. The contents of the letter depicts her younger brothers John’s agitated state of of mind. After several years traveling as a ladies maid to her energetic employer, Lady Fitzhoward. She arrives concerned to her hometown village of Worcestershire, England. Sweet natured Rebecca feels responsible for her young brother, as both of their parents have passed away. Easily persuaded by John, she is tasked with delivering her brothers manuscript to a popular author Mr Oliver, who happens to be staying at the Swanford Abbey.

Swanford Abbey, turned hotel, is notorious for its chilling tales of haunted spirts. Rebecca checks into the hotel hoping to deliver her package to the author. She unexpectedly encounters Sir Frederick Wilford from her past. When the unthinkable happens and Mr Oliver is found dead, an inquest has people asking questions. Rebecca regrets ever having agreed to become involved in her brother’s scheme.

A mystery is afoot, and the killer needs to be caught. When the secrets start to unfold, and Frederick Wilford knows Rebecca is hiding something.

A mysterious gentle romance, with gothic nuances blended in. The romance, along with the chemistry of Rebecca and Frederick, had the right amount tension. Making for a proper regency romance, that I throughly enjoyed.

AUTHOR

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

| BOOKBUB | WIKIPEDIA | GOODREADSI

Book Tours

The Girl of Dorcha Wood

December 9, 2021December 10, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello Gracious Reader

Thanks for joining me today on the blog tour for

The Girl of Dorcha Wood by Kristin Ward

@KWardAuthor @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours

TheWriteReads #TheGirlOfDorchaWood

The Girl of Dorcha Wood by Kristin Ward

Genre: YA Fantasy

Length: 232 Pages

Publishing: 13th April 2021

SYNOPSIS

Treacherous. Evil. Dark. Dorcha Wood is all of these. And none of them.

The people of Felmore talk of Dorcha Wood in whispers, if they speak of it at all, fearing the wrath of the Cù-Sìth should their words be carried on the wind. Those murdering beasts still roam the darkness of the forest, the last remnants of the cursed Aos Sí—a race of elves long since vanished from the world.

But to seventeen-year-old Fiadh, it is home. A haven. A forest whose secrets become known only when it chooses to reveal them. Her life is one of balance until the outside world shatters it.

From the moment Fiadh set eyes on Gideon, the peaceful rhythm of her life was lost. As a new path unfolds, Fiadh confronts the reality of old hatreds, the consequences of things hidden, and the truth of who she really is.

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 Highly Addictive, Wickedly Dark YA Fantasy

The girl of Dorcha Wood is the first installment in Kristin Ward’s Daughter of Erabel series.

A wickedly dark fantasy, we follow an intriguing girl named Faidh. Who lives deeply secluded with her mother Riona in the Dorcha Woods. The woods are shrouded with tales of forbidding and evil.

Faidh lives in harmony with the creatures that inhabit the mysterious woods. She possesses an uncanny ability to communicate with the forest animals, along with mystical creatures that protect her and the forest, the Cu-Sith.

When Faidh witnesses an attack on a young man Gideon, who is left for dead in the eastern meadow. She does the unthinkable and brings him back to her home. In a series of events that will change everything for Faidh and those she loves. Leaving behind the safety she has known in the Dorcha Woods, she will find herself questioning her actions and those she has but her trust in.

A fast moving creative fantasy tale, that captured my attention right out of the starting gate. Inventive world building, dark mysterious forest full of mythical creatures. Sinister villains that do unthinkable deeds, who are perfectly depicted.

Ward excels at her seamless narration switches back and forth between multiple POV’s. Therefore giving the reader a full perspective of the thoughts and actions of her characters. The settings and the fantasy elements are brought to life with unique details. Irish mythology is woven into the storyline, making it a highly addictive read.

The ending is such a cliffhanger and is done in such a way that you will want to grab the next book in this compulsory YA fantasy series The Blood In The Lost Kingdom

Thanks to @KWardAuthor @The_WriteReads @WriteReadsTours for my book copy and having me on this book tour!

Book Tours

The Winter Charlatan by Victoria McCombs

December 6, 2021December 6, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello everyone! Thanks for joining me am on the blog tour for

The Winter Charlatan by Victoria McCombs

@Victoria_McCombs @TBRandBeyond @gwendalyn_books @tbrbeyondtours

#thewintercharlatan #storytellersseries #victoriamccombs

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: December 7th, 2021

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | IndieBound

Synopsis:

A Queen raised in the shadows, and a Fraud Prince who needs her help.

The sole heir to the kingdom is destined to sleep for a hundred years. To hide this liability, the queen left her cursed daughter in the care of a trusted lord, while taking his son as her own. Rowan grew up hating the boy who had her crown and vowed to one day reclaim her place as queen.

But when a neighboring king threatens a war they won’t survive, Rowan must work with the fraud prince to save Elenvérs. She pledges herself as his spy in the enemy court and lives in the heart of danger. If she can’t save her kingdom before the curse hits, there may be nothing left to wake up to.

Book Three in the Storyteller’s Series. Each book is set in the same world with a few overlaying character, but is a unique plot.

REVIEW

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.

From The Desk Of Gwendalyn Anderson

The Winter Charlatan

By Victoria McCombs

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

As we tread deeper into the wintery months, and the cold northern winds descend upon us. I curiously picked up The Winter Charlatan by Victoria McCombs. This is the third installment in McCombs’s The Storyteller’s Series, and by far my favorite. An insatiable fairytale retelling, full of political intrigue and betrayal.

We follow Rowan the daughter of the king and queen of Elenvérs. Knowingly switched at birth because of a haunting curse that has been handed down. Unbroken, this generational curse continues to plague the woman in Princess Rowan’s royal family line. Cassian, and Princess Rowan were strategically switched at birth by their parents.

Rowan, granddaughter of the first cursed princess must live in secret, as the pretender sits in her rightful place. Raised as a noble, she is able to move freely within the court without as much restrictions if she was living as a Princess.

Princess Rowan is steadfast in her pursuit to take back what is rightfully hers. At all cost, she seeks to find a away to remove the curse. She is courageous and flawed, making her an easily relatable character. Rowan is a determined princess, and her character growth from the beginning of the book to end is something to behold. I loved her relationship with her foster sister, Elis, as well as the dynamics with Cassian.

One of the best reimagined fairytales I have had the chance to read in awhile. The story is like a steam-train rolling. Meticulously picking up speed as the tale progresses along. Gorgeous winter landscapes, along with frozen atmospheric imagery, places the reader within the heart of this captivating book.

A suspenseful absorbing, and a highly compulsive read here, that has quite a remarkable ending. Victoria McCombs has created an engaging and memorable heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this stunning tale.

Tour Schedule

https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2021/11/04/tour-schedule-the-winter-charlatan-by-victoria-mccombs/

AUTHOR

Some of the things I love most in this world are peppermint hot chocolate, peanut butter ice cream, golﬁng dates, Jesus, and game nights with family. And of course, books.

Fairytales were my ﬁrst love. I became obsessed with the idea that if one was brave enough, they could defeat dragons, and that true love was real. I met my true love in college, and together we raise our two boys. I have my dad to thank for teaching me to love writing, and my mom to thank for allowing us to keep a wall of medieval weapons in the house, which curated my love for that time period.

My dream is to write vivid worlds and charming characters that will leave an imprint on my reader’s hearts, the way that so many books have done for me.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

Book Tours

Incredible Book Mail

December 2, 2021December 2, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

It’s Thursday

Hang on bookish babes the weekend is almost here.

What happens when a coveted book lands on your doorstep with an invitation to an

Exclusive Reviewer Chat Event with Richard Swan about his upcoming book release THE JUSTICE OF KINGS by orbitbooks ? I know what I did… I screamed….!!

Thanks to @orbitbooks and @angieeman for My gorgeous, very special ARC came signed and numbered

💬 Do you have anything planned? I will submerged into Richard Swan’s incredible epic fantasy world

THE JUSTICE OF KINGS is the first in an epic new fantasy trilogy by Richard Swan following the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice—a detective, judge and executioner all in one. Out February 2022 and available for pre-order now!

⚖️🗡🛡⚖️🗡🛡⚖️🗡🛡⚖️🗡🛡⚖️🗡🛡

Click the photo to take you to my Bookstagram

Now For The Finale Book Cover

Design by @planetpinto; Illustration by @martinafackova

Synopsis

The Justice of Kings, the first in a new epic fantasy trilogy, follows the tale of Sir Konrad Vonvalt, an Emperor’s Justice – a detective, judge and executioner all in one. As he unravels a web of secrets and lies, Vonvalt discovers a plot that might destroy his order once and for all – and bring down the entire Empire.

As an Emperor’s Justice, Sir Konrad Vonvalt always has the last word. His duty is to uphold the law of the empire using whatever tools he has at his disposal: whether it’s his blade, the arcane secrets passed down from Justice to Justice, or his wealth of knowledge of the laws of the empire. But usually his reputation as one of the most revered—and hated—Justices is enough to get most any job done.

When Vonvalt investigates the murder of a noblewoman, he finds his authority being challenged like never before. As the simple case becomes more complex and convoluted, he begins to pull at the threads that unravel a conspiracy that could see an end to all Justices, and a beginning to lawless chaos across the empire.

About the Author

Richard was born in North Yorkshire and spent most of his early life on Royal Air Force bases in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. After studying law at the University of Manchester, Richard was Called to the Bar in 2011. He subsequently retrained as a solicitor specialising in commercial litigation.

Between 2015 and 2018, Richard self-published “The Art of War Trilogy”, a sequence of epic space opera novels, as well as a prequel (“Hadan’s Reach”) and two spinoff mil-sci-fi novellas (“VIPER One”, and “VIPER One: Countervalue”, the latter co-authored with George Lockett).

Richard’s debut fantasy “Empire of the Wolf” trilogy recently sold to Orbit Books for a six-figure sum, with the first instalment coming out in February 2022.

When he is not writing or working, Richard can be found in London with his wonderful wife Sophie, where they attempt to raise, with mixed results, their two very loud sons.

Book Tours

THE LADY AND HER QUILL Giveaway and Review

December 1, 2021December 16, 2021 Gwendalyn’s Books

Thanks for me joining me today on the Lady And Her Quill By Ruth A. Casie

So grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy my review, but be sure to enter the giveaway for a Chance to Win !

#TheLadyandHerQuill #RuthACasie #HFVBT

THE LADY AND HER QUILL
BY RUTH A. CASIE

Publication Date: November 16, 2021
DragonBlade Publishing

Genre: Historical Romance
Series: The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea, Book 1

Her mind kept telling her to stop loving him, but her heart couldn’t let him go.

Renowned author Lady Alicia Hartley has lost her muse after a bad review. She blames it all on the author JC Melrose. A chance encounter with a handsome, witty Justin Caulfield has her heart racing, and her muse seemingly back. Is he her savior or her worst nightmare?

He didn’t see the turbulent ocean. He was too busy dealing with a different tempest.

The recently retired Captain Justin Caulfield is facing his own demons. As gifted author JC Melrose, his stories honor men who died at the hand of one man. His only focus is to avenge their deaths, that is until he meets and falls in love with Lady Alicia.

The two authors take on a writing challenge to determine the better writer. While researching the story, she is captured by Justin’s nemesis. Can Lady Alicia turn this mystery into an award-winning story? Can Justin save his own real-life heroine?

Can they both overcome their own challenges for a happily ever after?

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Giveaway

US Giveaway (2 winners): $10 Amazon Gift Card + signed paperback for any book in Ruth’s backlist (winner’s choice).

UK Giveaway (2 winners): eBook of any book in Ruth’s backlist (winner’s choice).

Direct Link:

https://gleam.io/sUrcp/the-lady-and-her-quill

The giveaway ends on December 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter. I am not responsible for dispatch of the prize

REVIEW

The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea

The Lady and Her Quill (November 16, 2021)

The Lady and the Spy (February 2, 2022)

The Lady and Her Duke (May 27, 2022)

Please excuse any grammatical errors, or typos. I have done my best, but in reality I am just reader, and will leave the writing to all the incredible authors out there.

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 LADY AND HER QUILL

BY RUTH A. CASIE

The Lady and Her Quill is the first installment in best-selling author. This is Ruth A. Casie’s newest regency romance series.

Captain Justin Caulfield, struggles with the emotional scars left by his time during the war. His aunt suggested that journaling might be away of unloading some of the trama he had to endure. His writing really takes off, and numerous ex-soldiers, along with those who enjoy storylines seen through a mans eye. In a series of events both authors find themselves crossing paths at same destination, Summer-by-the-Sea

Lady Alicia Hartley’s is passionate about her writing, and her woman’s perspective stories have become all the rage. Confident that she now has bargainer power with her publisher. Armed with her newest achievement she descends on the Caulfield Publishing House. When nothing goes as planned, she leaves quite upset. Leaving feeling hurt and offended, from an unflattering book review by anonymous reviewer. She goes as planned on a holiday to Sommer-by-the-Sea.

Both are drawn to each other and the sparks fly. An unsuspected budding romance begins.

Let the writing challenge begin….

When the two are challenged to write a story on the same topic, things get dangerous as villains descend. Lady Alicia Hartley and Captain Justin Caulfield find themselves caught up in a sinister situation.

A fast paced, captivating story that involves an unlikely pair of authors. Finding themselves in a situation that both can learn from each other. Ultimately each would benefit their overall writing. Quick delightful banter and some villainous characters makes for a lovely historical romance.

The Ladies of Sommer by the Sea. Published by Dragonblade.