Book Reviews

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim

Hello Gracious Readers

Welcome to my Blog Tour stop for

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim




Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: August 30th, 2023

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Chinese, Asian


SUMMARY

From the New York Times bestselling author of SIX CRIMSON CRANES comes a tale of two sisters—one as beautiful as the other is monstrous—who must fight to save each other when a betrothal contest gone wrong unleashes an evil that could sever their bond forever.

One sister must fall for the other to rise.

Channi was not born a monster. But when her own father offers her in sacrifice to the Demon Witch, she is forever changed. Cursed with a serpent’s face, Channi is the exact opposite of her beautiful sister, Vanna—the only person in the village who looks at Channi and doesn’t see a monster. The only person she loves and trusts.

Now seventeen, Vanna is to be married off in a vulgar contest that will enrich the coffers of the village leaders. Only Channi, who’s had to rely on her strength and cunning all these years, can defend her sister against the cruelest of the suitors. But in doing so, she becomes the target of his wrath—launching a grisly battle royale, a quest over land and sea, a romance between sworn enemies, and a choice that will strain Channi’s heart to its breaking point.

Weaving together elements of The Selection and Ember in the Ashes with classic tales like Beauty and the Beast, Helen of Troy, and Asian folklore, Elizabeth Lim is at the absolute top of her game in this thrilling yet heart-wrenching fantasy that explores the dark side of beauty and the deepest bonds of sisterhood.


REVIEW

Her Radiant Curse by Elizabeth Lim, is an extraordinary prequel to Six Crimson Cranes duology. An emotional villain origin story, that features one of the best sister love story. A breathtaking book on family bonds and the lengths we take, and the sacrifices we make for our love ones.

Elizabeth Lim continues to captivate readers, and her latest release is another amazing story. Lush imagery and impressive characterization makes this book stand out. An immersive reading experience that held my attention from the very beginning all the way to the end. Loved every minute of the tantalizing storyline.

If you haven’t read any of EL’s books before, what are you waiting for?


AUTHOR

ELIZABETH LIM grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she was raised on a hearty diet of fairy tales, myths, and songs. Before becoming an author, Elizabeth was a professional film and video game composer, and she still tends to come up with her best book ideas when writing near a piano. An alumna of Harvard College and the Juilliard School, she now lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.

Elizabeth’s internationally bestselling novels include Spin the Dawn, Unravel the Dusk, and Six Crimson Cranes. She is also a contributor to Disney’s ”A Twisted Tale” series.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Book Reviews

A Beautiful Disguise

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White




• Title: A Beautiful Disguise

• Series: The Imposters (Book 1)

• Author: Roseanna M. White

• Genre: Historical Romance, Detective Mystery, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (August 22, 2023)

• Length: (368) pages

• Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook

• ISBN: ‎ 978-0764240928

• Tour Dates: August 21 – September 4, 2023


BOOK DESCRIPTION

In Edwardian London, not all that glitters is gold as a lady and an intelligence officer’s secret mission take them from the city’s dazzling ballrooms to its covert intelligence offices.

Sir Merritt Livingstone has spent a decade serving the monarch in the field, but when pneumonia lands him behind a desk in the War Office Intelligence Division just as they’re creating a new secret intelligence branch, he’s intent on showing his worth. He suspects an aristocrat of leaking information to Germany as tensions mount between the two countries, but he needs someone to help him prove it, so he turns to The Imposters, Ltd. No one knows who they are, but their results are beyond compare.

Left with an estate on the brink of bankruptcy after their father’s death, Lady Marigold Fairfax and her brother open a private investigation firm for the elite to spy on the elite. Dubbed The Imposters, Ltd., their anonymous group soon becomes the go-to for the crème of society who want answers delivered surreptitiously. But the many secrets Marigold learns about her peers pale in comparison to her shock when she and her brother are hired to investigate her best friend’s father as a potential traitor.

Lady Marigold is determined to discover the truth for her friend’s sake, and she’s more determined still to keep her heart from getting involved with this enigmatic new client . . . who can’t possibly be as noble as he seems.


PRAISE FOR A BEAUTIFUL DISGUISE

• “White’s well-woven plot is engaging from start to finish with delightful threads of mystery, romance, and inspiration.”— Carrie Turansky, award-winning author

• “A Beautiful Disguise has all of the hallmarks of this beloved author’s resplendent fiction: pitch-perfect historical research, a thrilling setting and perfectly paced plot and a love story that sparks as wonderfully as Lady Marigold’s effervescent intelligence and charm. A sheer and unputdownable delight by a true master.” —Rachel McMillan, author of The Mozart Code

• “5 STARS – Espionage, intrigue, and secrets abound in this beautifully crafted historical fiction set in pre-WWI Edwardian England (1909). Roseanna M White’s gift of weaving intricate, engaging plots and creating charming, lovable characters shines so clearly in this book that kicks off her new series Imposters.”— Mindy Houng, Interviews & Reviews.com


PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | PUBLISHER | BOOKSHOP | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS


REVIEW

Hello Gracious Readers

A Beautiful Disguise by Roseanna M. White is the first installment in the author’s The Imposters Series.

Roseanna M. White newest book is set during Edwardian London, readers follow Lady Marigold and her brother Lord Yates, Earl of Fairfax. Who have taken things into their own hands, when they were left orphaned with an estate on the brink of ruin. Their Eccentric upbringing has allowed them to be successful with their anonymous group of professional private investigators, known as The Imposters, Ltd.

A semi retired circus is taking up residence at the Fairfax Towers in Northumberland, accompanied by a diverse collection of animals. Which is also taking up a strain on the Fairfax accounts. But nerveless Lady Marigold, and her brother Yates adventurous nature, has led them to step away from cultural norms and take up disguises and weave through the Ton. Using deception, Lady Marigold carefully moved through society, uncovering secrets. The notoriety of their business has built the brother and sister duo a notable reputation, along with the business being quite lucrative.

Lieutenant Colonel Sir Merritt Livingstone is bond and determined to find out who informant to Germany is so he seeks out the private investigators, known as The Imposters, Ltd.

A really enjoyable historical fiction, with a absolutely delightful cast of characters that took me completely by surprise. The heartwarming romance between Lady Marigold, and Merritt, was done perfectly. The intrigue and the twist at the end kept me on my toes.I really enjoyed the period setting of the pre-WWI and the beginnings of MI5. The circus premise was engaging and a fun to read about.

This is one book that you need to will to pick up, I highly recommend!

Thank you to Bethany House for the gifted book!

 


AUTHOR BIO

Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award-winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. She pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of numerous novels, ranging from biblical fiction to American-set romances to Edwardian British series. Roseanna lives with her family in West Virginia.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | X (formerly known as Twitter)| BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

Book Reviews

Cover Reveal + CYANIDE AND SENSIBILITY

Hello Gracious

Welcome to my stop on the Cover Reveal for

CYANIDE AND SENSIBILITY

______________________________________________________________________

• Title: Cyanide and Sensibility: A Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery (Book 3)

• Author: Katie Oliver

• Genre: Cozy Culinary Mysteries, Armature Sleuths, Austenesque Fiction 

• Publisher: ‎Berkley (December 12, 2023)

• Length: (320) pages

• Format: Mass Market paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

• ISBN: 978-0593337653

• Cover Reval Book Blast: August 11, 2023


BOOK DESCRIPTION


Murder is on the menu and Phaedra Brighton is called on to serve up justice in the latest Jane Austen Tea Society Mystery.

While Phaedra Brighton might not have a Mr. Darcy (yet), she’s quite content with her loving family and loyal cat. Phaedra’s sister Hannah is the Jane to her Elizabeth, and Phaedra is ecstatic that Hannah has decided to move home for her next adventure—opening a business. 

All of Laurel Springs is out in full force to celebrate the grand unveiling of Hannah’s new patisserie, Tout de Sweet, including local celebrity Rachel Brandon. Hannah is a master of her craft, with confections so divine, one bite will make you think you’ve died and gone to heaven.

Of course, you never want that to happen literally. 

When one of Hannah’s famous dark chocolate cupcakes sends Rachel’s assistant to the hospital with poisoning, Hannah begs for Phaedra’s help to save her reputation and budding business. But Phaedra has more questions than answers: Who was the cupcake actually meant for? And how far is the culprit willing to go to take their target off the menu—permanently?

PRAISE FOR THE JANE AUSTEN TEA SOCIETY MYSTERIES

• “A crackling good mystery: like a modern-day Agatha Christie bestowed with a hefty dollop of Jane Austen. It’s deliciously written, emotionally resonant, and delightfully engaging. Katie Oliver’s cinematic eye is spot on!”— Laura Childs, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series

• “a wonderfully fun and charming modern-day mystery…and packed with clever character references that Austen fans will find delightful.”— Marilyn Brant, bestselling author of Pride, Prejudice, and the Perfect Match

• “With the right balance of humor, charm, and intrigue, this contemporary whodunnit had me swiping, swiping, swiping through my kindle until the satisfying end.”— Christina Boyd, editor of Elizabeth, Obstinate Headstrong Girl


PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON BARNES & NOBLE BERKLEY | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB


AUTHOR BIO

Katie Oliver is known internationally as a writer of Jane Austen rom-coms with a hint of mystery. In the US and the UK, she is the bestselling author of the Dating Mr. Darcy and Marrying Mr. Darcy series. 

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Book Reviews

Damned If You Do by Alex Brown

Hello Gracious Readers

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

Damned If You Do By Alex Brown

Genre: Young Adult Horror/Paranormal
Publishing date: August 1st, 2023

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Rep: Lesbian, Queer, Filipino


SYNOPSIS

Queer Buffy the Vampire Slayer meets Filipino folklore in this horror comedy about a high school stage manager who accidentally sells her soul to a demon.

Seven years ago, Cordelia Scott’s abusive father left without a word, and life has been normal ever since. The seventeen-year-old spends her days stage managing the school play (which is going great, if anyone asks), pining over her best friend, Veronica, and failing one too many pop quizzes.

She’s never been sad that her father left, but she knows something is…missing. When her school guidance counselor, Fred, reveals during a session that he’s actually a demon, she learns that something is indeed missing: a piece of her actual soul. Why? She unwittingly made a deal with him to make her father disappear – then bargained to have the memory erased. To make matters worse, Fred is here to make another bargain: Help him with a “little” demonic problem, or she’s doomed to spend eternity in Hell with her father.

The deal? Help Fred neutralize a rival demon, who means to do more harm in her hometown than your average demon deal.


REVIEW

Damned If You Do by Alex Brown, Is an urban horror, mixed with dark Filipino folklore.

Readers follow Cordelia Scott, who is strong relatable character. Who has unknowingly sold her Soul to a Demon, to escape her abusive father. He vanished seven years ago, allowing Cordelia Scott a normal life. But everything has come with a cost. Her life comes crashing down when her her school guidance counselor, Fred enlightens her on what really happened to her father and why she can’t remember.

This alone would cause any seventeen year old issues, along with her feelings for best friend and managing the school play, all the while trying to maintain her grades.

A riveting fast- paced as a young teen’s forgotten past comes slamming in her face. Wonderful Filipino mythology featuring the ever dreadful aswang, along some amazing dialogue banter. A great book that has some delightful diverse representation. The characters are engaging and the writing was captivating enough I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish it.


AUTHOR

Alex Brown (she/her) is a queer biracial Filipino American writer who loves to root for the final girl–especially if she’s a monster. Alex’s YA Comedy-Horror debut, DAMNED IF YOU DO, will be out Fall 2023. She also has a short story in the YA Folk Horror anthology THE GATHERING DARK, which will be out Fall 2022. Alex is also the co-creator of The Bridge, a sci-fi/horror narrative fiction podcast that’s had over 1,000,000 downloads to date!

Alex lives in Los Angeles with her partner and two extremely chaotic cats.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads


TOUR SCHEDULE

July 31st
Never Hollowed By The Stare – Promotional Post

August 1st
Confessions of a YA Reader – Promotional Post
My Bookish Ways – Review, Favorite Quotes

August 2nd
The Caffeinated Rareder – Review
Rampant Reading Reviews – Review

August 3rd
Beneath A Thousand Skies – Review
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review

August 4th
And On She Reads – Review
Absorbing Reads – Review

August 5th
Boys’ Mom Reads! – Review
Charli’s Book Box – Review

August 6th
A Book and Chai – Review


Instagram

July 31st
bookdemonio – Promotional Post
quirkylitlover – Review
temmathomas – Review, Favorite Quotes

August 1st
mythicmelancholy – Top 5 Reasons to Read Damned If You Do
my.bookish.mind – Review, Favorite Quotes
my.bookish.ways – Content Creator’s Choice

August 2nd
writingrosereads – Promotional Post
thecaffeinatedrareder – Content Creator’s Choice
rampant_reading – Content Creator’s Choice

August 3rd
rickys_radical_reads – Review
ablueboxfullofbooks – Creative Post: Little Free Library Drop, TikTok
gwendalyn_books_ – Content Creator’s Choice

August 4th
tbrandbeyond – Promotional Post
the_bibliophilic_world – Review
hey_its_meg_777 – Content Creator’s Choice

August 5th
booking.with.janelle – Review
chaibooksandthemoon – Top 5 Reasons to Read Damned If You Do, Book Look
charlisbookbox – Content Creator’s Choice

August 6th
ninebookishlives – Promotional Post
enthuse_reader – Review, TikTok
nikki_bookbinges – Review, Playlist