Author: Gwendalyn’s Books

Hello And Welcome To My Stop A Time For Monsters

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08XQY1XVY
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Vesuvian Books (September 28, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 28, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ EnglishPraise for A TIME FOR MONSTERS

“Gareth Worthington delves into the mind of a female serial killer that is moved only by music as she tries to get away with murder. A tale of cat and mouse has the reader ask what she is trying to hide. An epic thriller and a fantastic read!” —Tanya Roberts @bookswihtanya, CER at Indigo Books, Québec Canada

“Engaging, stomach twisting, breathtaking, heart breaking, mind bending! Worthington pushes you relentlessly down a path of redemption and off the rough edges of unpaid dues–wherever they are hiding. All the way throwing society’s complicity in your face. Not only craftily written but intelligently crafted, he ensnares all your senses while keeping you guessing. A must read for fans of Nordic crime and lovers of twisting storylines.” —Dalilah Kőnig, bookseller at Orell Füssli, Switzerland

“A masterfully built story of abuse, pain, and possible redemption unfolds. Every twist and turn was unexpected and kept me wanting to know more. Can understanding the “Monsters” make you accept or condemn them? How Worthington made me actually love and understand a serial killer is beyond me.” —Erin E. Forys, Barnes and Noble, Williamsburg, VA

“A hell-raising revenge tale for fans of Gillian Flynn, Stieg Larsson, and Karin Slaughter that forces readers down a dark road with an unexpected twist.” —Bram Stoker Awards Nominee, Monique Snyman

A Nordic thriller in the vein of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo meets Death Wish, in which a female serial killer, who only feels emotion when listening to music, is hell-bent on revenge and must outwit a disgraced detective determined to redeem himself if she is to complete her carefully orchestrated plan and cover up the ultimate secret.

ONLY A MONSTER CAN DO THE WRONG THINGS FOR THE RIGHT REASONSDo you remember the first tape or CD you ever bought? Perhaps you waited for the local station to play the top forty songs on a Sunday so you could record your favorite band. Maybe you downloaded a certain track that reminded you of your wedding day or a graduation.

Reyna Blackburn remembers.

Every single song for every horrific event in her life. She remembers what song was playing on the radio the first time he hurt her. And she remembers what was playing through her headphones the first time she killed. You can purchaseA Time For Monsters at the following Retailers:

TOUR SCHEDULE:
https://www.jeanbooknerd.com/2021/10/a-time-for-monsters-by-gareth.html

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.

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.

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An Intoxicating psychological thriller seen through the eyes of a female serial killer and the one who hunts her.

Gareth Worthington’s latest novel is nothing like he past books. So hang on to your seats because this one is calculated thrill ride.

Reyna “Rey” Blackburn is a victim of her domestic violent past.

Where as some woman might be shell shocked from surviving her wartime like upbringing, Rey has taken another a different route entirely. She seeks those who take advantage and brutalize the less fortunate. Highly intelligent she has slipped through the fingers of those who seek to bring her to justice. Called the King Kubb Killer, for her interesting way of delivering a death sentence to her victims. She has an uncanny ability, and uses it to take down the men that are monsters. Reys connection with music has always been her salvation, the songs along with musical artists have played an important role in her life.

A disenchanted veteran, Dectctive Arne Huakass is on a man hunt for a killer in the Oslo, Norway. Feeling burnt out after thirty years on the police force, and struggling with his own demons. In a series of events he unknowingly crosses paths with the one dubbed King Kubb Killer. Jaded by his past, he could never fathom a woman behind the violent, and brutal murders.

A moving thought provoking thriller, that weaves effortlessly through dual narration, along with a backstory time slip. This gives the reader a front row perceptive, into the characters thoughts and perspectives. Gareth Worthington pulls no punches here with his descriptive narration and details. Some will find this novel brutally edgy, with it’s in your face and raw morally great characters. I enjoyed the raw completely absorbing storyline, that made for a highly compulsive read. This was the perfect gritty,and intense psychological thriller. I was captivated from start to finish, and found myself completely immersed within its pages.

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GIVEAWAY

—Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter– 1 Winner will receive a Copy of A TIME FOR MONSTERS by Gareth Worthington.
1 Winner will receive a 25 Amazon Gift Card.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Photo Content from Gareth Worthington

Gareth Worthington holds a degree in marine biology, a PhD in Endocrinology, an executive MBA, is Board Certified in Medical Affairs, and currently works for the Pharmaceutical industry.

Gareth is an authority in ancient history, has hand-tagged sharks in California, and trained in various martial arts, including Jeet Kune Do and Muay Thai at the EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and 2FIGHT in Switzerland. His work has won multiple awards, including Dragon Award Finalist and an IPPY award for Science Fiction.

He is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association, Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, and the British Science Fiction Association.

Born in England, Gareth has lived around the world from Asia, to Europe to the USA. Wherever he goes, he endeavors to continue his philanthropic work with various charities.

Gareth is represented by Gandolfo Helin Fountain Literary Agency, NYC, USA.

The Sisterhood of the Enchanted Forest

Sustenance, Wisdom, and Awakening in Finland’s Karelia

Naomi Moriyama William Doyle

What would happen if you built one of the world’s most advanced societies inside a forest—and strove to make women full partners in power?

After living for twenty-five years in New York, Naomi Moriyama moved with her husband and co-author William Doyle and their seven-year-old child to the vast forest of Finland’s Karelia, a mysterious region on the Russian border that helped inspire J.R. R. Tolkien’s Middle Earth fantasies.

She entered a life-altering zone of tranquility, peace, and beauty, the spiritual heart of the nation ranked as the happiest nation on Earth, with among the world’s most empowered women.

Finland is also the country with cleanest air and water and the best schools, a country where motherhood and fatherhood are championed by law, childhood is revered, schoolchildren are required to play outdoors multiple times a day, and trains contain mini-libraries and mini-playgrounds for children to enjoy.

It was here in the Karelian forest that Naomi found a culinary symphony of succulent wild edibles, herbs, berries, mushrooms and fish, all freshly plucked from the moss-carpeted forest and sparkling clear streams.

She also found something that changed her life—a tribe of invincible women who became her soul-sisters.

As an idyllic summer and fall gave way to a sub-Arctic winter of mind-bending darkness and cold, Naomi faced her fears and her future. Over the course of six unforgettable months with her family and her new “sisters”, she found her life transformed, and discovered the power that lay within her all along.

Then she tried to leave. But she kept coming back.

Come, take a journey deep into Europe’s most distant, magical wilderness, and join the sisterhood of the enchanted forest.

Buy it now in print: Amazon Barnes & Noble IndieBound

Buy it now in ebook: Amazon Barnes & Noble Apple Kobo

With two pieces about parenting in Finland out now with INSIDER, Naomi addresses the question posed by her book – what would happen if you built one of the world’s most advanced societies inside a forest – and strove to make women full partners in power?

After living for twenty-five years in New York, Naomi Moriyama moved with her husband and co-author William Doyle and their seven-year-old child to the vast forest of Finland’s Karelia, a mysterious region on the Russian border that helped inspire J.R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth fantasies.

There, Naomi found something that changed her life – the “Marthas,” a volunteer collective of Finnish women, taught Naomi how to forage for mushrooms and wild herbs, to meditate in steaming saunas, and to drink water straight from crystal clear forest streams. They laughed at the idea of skipping an outdoor event for poor weather, saying that in Finland there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes. 

Included in this remarkable book about nature, community, and parenting are a myriad of recipes from Finland – Karelian pies, brown chanterelle cookies, lingonberry porridge, chilled blueberry soup, traditional pan-fried perch, and lingonberry-blueberry multigrain bread. I’ve included an example below my signature! 

Whether you pick up this book for its insight into traveling Karelia, its meditations on what parenting and gender equality can look like, or just for some delicious recipes, The Sisterhood of the Enchanted Forest offers a journey deep into Europe’s most distant, magical wilderness, and insight into a new way of living, one situated in harmony with nature and in support of gender equality.

REVIEW

Summer Dandelion Salad

In spring, dandelions pop up and bloom in fields and grass patches throughout Finland. Pick young leaves with smooth edges, which taste mild, while grown leaves with zigzaggy edges are tough and bitter. Serves 4 as side salad. 

 

Ingredients

For the salad: 

2 pounds young, fresh, and tender dandelion leaves

2 pounds leafy greens

2 oranges or 1 grapefruit

2 small red onions or 1 medium-sized yellow onion

4 dandelion flowers

 

For the dressing:

4 tablespoons fresh orange juice

4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 crushed garlic clove

¼ teaspoon dried herbs (onion, basil, thyme, marjoram, salt)

¼ teaspoon white pepper

1 tablespoon liquid honey

 

Steps: 

1. Pick some young dandelion leaves with smooth edges that have grown in a shaded place.

2. Rinse the dandelion leaves and tap them dry with kitchen paper or towel.

3. Cut/tear the leafy greens into bite sizes.

4. Peel the oranges/grapefruit and slice them.

5. Chop the onions.

6. Put all ingredients in to a salad bowl.

7. Blend the spices and honey with orange and lemon juice.

8. Pour the dressing on the salad and let rest for couple of minutes.

9. Garnish each serving with a dandelion flower.

10. Serve immediately.

AUTHORS

About the Authors: Naomi Moriyama grew up in Japan and moved to Manhattan in her twenties. She is a U.S.-Japan marketing professional. She has coauthored three non-fiction books on traditional Japanese home-cooked meals and their health benefits with her husband William Doyle, and has been a judge on The Food Network’s acclaimed Iron Chef America, and a featured guest on The Today Show, The View, and Dr.Oz .

William Doyle grew up in New York City and has produced television programs for HBO, PBS, the History Channel, and A&E. Since 2015, he has served as Fulbright Scholar and scholar-in-residence at the University of Eastern Finland, as a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center Resident Fellow, and as advisor to the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland. His 2019 book Let the Children Play was coauthored with Pasi Sahlberg.

Did You know?

•    Finland has been named the #1 Happiest Country in the World for the past four straight years by the United Nations.

•    Finland was just named the #1 nation in the world in handling the Covid-19 pandemic by Der Spiegel, based on mortality, freedoms, economic performance, and vaccination coverage.

•    Finland is the world’s #1 nation in Sustainable Development according to a recent ranking by the UN and the Bertlesmann Foundation.

•    Finland has in recent years been named one of the world’s greenest, most stable, most literate, most gender equal, most business-friendly and most family-friendly nations in the world, with the cleanest air and water and among the world’s best public schools.

•    Finland today is run by women – the 35-year-old Prime Minister Sanna Marin, mother of a 3-year-old girl, leads a governing coalition of five political parties, all of which are led by women. Finnish women were the first in the world to earn the right to vote and run for office. 

•    Finland is over 70% forest – the most heavily forested nation in Europe.

• Finland is a nation of “Forest-to-Table” foodies and foragers for wild mushrooms, berries and herbs, who enjoy “Everyman’s Rights” privileges to forage almost anywhere in the nation, including private property.

• Childhood is revered in Finland – schoolchildren are required to play outdoors multiple times a day, and trains contain mini-libraries and mini-playgrounds for children to enjoy.

Thank you so much for joining me on the blog tour for

Rebel’s Knot Quest for Three Kingdoms by Cryssa Bazos

@CryssaBazos @maryanneyarde

#HistoricalFiction #historicalsuspense #TheKnot #StuartAge #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

Join The Coffee Pot Book Club on tour with…

Blog Tour [November 8th – November 19th 2021]

Rebel’s Knot

(Quest for Three Kingdoms)

By Cryssa Bazos

Publication Date: 8th November 2021

Publisher: W.M. Jackson Publishing

Page Length: 350 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance

Buy Links:

Universal Amazon Links: http://mybook.to/RebelsKnot

Universal Link: https://books2read.com/RebelsKnot

SYNOPSES

Ireland 1652: In the desperate, final days of the English invasion of Ireland . . .

A fey young woman, Áine Callaghan, is the sole survivor of an attack by English marauders. When Irish soldier Niall O’Coneill discovers his own kin slaughtered in the same massacre, he vows to hunt down the men responsible. He takes Áine under his protection and together they reach the safety of an encampment held by the Irish forces in Tipperary.

Hardly a safe haven, the camp is rife with danger and intrigue. Áine is a stranger with the old stories stirring on her tongue and rumours follow her everywhere. The English cut off support to the brigade, and a traitor undermines the Irish cause, turning Niall from hunter to hunted.

When someone from Áine’s past arrives, her secrets boil to the surface—and she must slay her demons once and for all.

As the web of violence and treachery grows, Áine and Niall find solace in each other’s arms—but can their love survive long-buried secrets and the darkness of vengeance?

Trigger Warnings:

Violence, references to sexual/physical abuse.

• 

REVIEW

Historical Note:

After the English Parliment’s New Model army prevailed during the first English civil war, and Charles Stewart is exiled, having slipped through undetected and fled to France. The brute force of the Cromwellian invasion descends on the tattered souls of Ireland. The long civil wars of Ireland had left its mark on the land and its people. Total conquest was on the horizon, The brave Irish Confederate rebels had been fighting guerrilla style warfare. Large parcels of land and homes had been confiscated by the English. Now with the dwindling of food sources and supplies the end was imminent. Ireland has suffered the slow but steady invasion of English redcoats on its soil along with betrayal within.

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.

Rebel’s Knot by Cryssa Bazos, is the third installment in Quest for Three Kingdoms Series. A moving thought provoking historical fiction, alternates between two points of view. Cryssa Bazos deftly weaves threads of historical fact and people, along with her compelling own characters, to create a mesmerizing tale.

We follow Niall O’Coneill, a Toraidhe, which is an Irish rebel, along with his trusted wolfhound Fiona. Niall having left Ross castle with dispatches, arrives at his uncles Mulrianne’s byre, to find it burned and his sister, Muairead taken by the English. The only survivor left is a young woman servant.

Áine Callaghan is a red haired dairy maid, who some might say favored the Fey. Gentle and sweet, with a tragic past, she work as a servant for the Mulrianne’s family. Until the unthinkable happens and she barely escapes from an English attack on the manor house where she works. Áine finds herself in the care of Niall O’Coneill, a brave Irish rebel.

Cryssa Bazos has created an engaging and memorable hero and heroine. Her uniquely descriptive prose, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this captivating storyline. The book is vividly descriptive, placing me easily into the heart of this novel. I felt emotionally drawn to the flesh out three dimensional characters and I was completely invested in them.

Bazos’s seamless narration and wonderful atmospheric details will kept me immersed within the books pages. This was a superb historical fiction, with just the right amount of romance. Meticulously researched the authors creative ability shines through, in this stunning book. The strength and struggles of Áine and Niall along with the Irish people are stunningly depicted. A fast paced book that I captivated from start to finish, and the lovely ending was everything I hoped it would be.

I highly recommend this book to my friends and family along with the other books in the Quest for Three Kingdoms Series.

AUTHOR

Cryssa Bazos

Cryssa Bazos is an award-winning historical fiction author and a seventeenth century enthusiast. Her debut novel, Traitor’s Knot is the Medalist winner of the 2017 New Apple Award for Historical Fiction, a finalist for the 2018 EPIC eBook Awards for Historical Romance. Her second novel, Severed Knot, is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and a finalist for the 2019 Chaucer Award. A forthcoming third book in the standalone series, Rebel’s Knot, was published November 2021.

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

Hello Witchy Babes

Today I Have A Gorgeously Dark Historical Gothic

Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy

#PartingtheVeil #PauletteKennedy #HFVBTBlogTours

PARTING THE VEIL BY PAULETTE KENNEDY

Publication Date: November 1, 2021
Lake Union Publishing

Genre: Historical/Gothic/Romance

Some houses hold secrets that are meant to be kept forever…

Parting the Veil, a suspenseful gothic romance about a scandalous Gilded Age heiress who meets a charming British lord with a tragic past, only to discover dark family secrets hidden within his haunted manor, is coming to you from Lake Union Publishing this fall.

When Eliza Sullivan inherits an estate from a recently deceased aunt, she leaves behind a grievous and guilt-ridden past in New Orleans for rural England and a fresh start. Eliza arrives at her new home and finds herself falling for the mysterious lord of Havenwood, Malcolm Winfield. Despite the sinister rumors that surround him, Eliza is drawn to his melancholy charm and his crumbling, once-beautiful mansion. With enough love, she thinks, both man and manor could be repaired.

Not long into their marriage, Eliza fears that she should have listened to the locals. There’s something terribly wrong at Havenwood Manor: Forbidden rooms. Ghostly whispers in the shadows. Strangely guarded servants. And Malcolm’s threatening moods, as changeable as night and day.

As Eliza delves deeper into Malcolm’s troubling history, the dark secrets she unearths gain a frightening power. Has she married a man or a monster? For Eliza, uncovering the truth will either save her or destroy her.

If you enjoy the work of Kate Morton, Sarah Waters, and Susanna Kearsley, you’ll love following along with Eliza as she communes with restless spirits and uncovers the mysteries of Havenwood Manor, one gaslit room at a time.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

PRAISE

“A beautiful, crumbling mansion in the English countryside; a charming but enigmatic viscount; ghosts; rumors; and a labyrinth of dark secrets, lies, twists, and well-executed turns…As if that wasn’t enough, add rich atmosphere and an American-heiress heroine determined to settle her own future. Kennedy has crafted a delicious, romantic gothic mystery that will keep readers guessing even as they’re feverishly turning the final pages.” —Megan Chance, author of A Splendid Ruin

“I was riveted by Paulette Kennedy’s Parting the Veil, a dazzling debut that hearkens to the best of the classic gothic tradition but with a sensibility that will appeal to modern readers. Kennedy writes with compassion, attention to detail, and the confident prose of a seasoned writer. Deliciously eerie, passionate, and suspenseful, this book is an emotional roller coaster that kept me turning its pages long into the night.” —Jo Kaplan, author of It Will Just Be Us

“If you love a gothic tale full of twists and turns and things that go bump in the night, Paulette Kennedy’s Parting the Veil is a not-to-be-missed treat. This debut is the perfect book to curl up with on a stormy night, but don’t expect to put it down easily. And don’t forget the Earl Grey and biscuits.” —Barbara Davis, bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls

“An American heiress with a scandalous past meets a mysterious British lord in this swoon-worthy gothic thriller. Parting the Veil takes familiar plot elements—a ruined mansion, family secrets—and gives them a sexy, modern twist. This stunning debut from Paulette Kennedy kept me guessing until the very end!” —Elizabeth Blackwell, author of Red Mistress and On a Cold Dark Sea

“Parting the Veil is a gothic romance full of sly and sometimes shocking twists and turns, with the requisite crumbling manor house, loads of secrets, and long, haunting shadows of grief. Kennedy spares no mercy for a bucolic English village that teems with lies, forbidden desires, and murder.” —Kim Taylor Blakemore, author of After Alice Fell

“Atmospheric and cleverly plotted, Parting the Veil grabbed me from the first page and tightened its grip with each immersive chapter. Whenever I thought I knew how it would end, Kennedy’s haunting debut surprised me, while delivering gothic chills alongside each captivating twist. Clear your schedule to read in one sitting like I did.” —Elle Marr, Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Missing Sister and Lies We Bury

“Absolutely enthralling. This sultry, mysterious, and immersive tale had me in its grasp from page one.” —Laura McHugh, award-winning author of What’s Done in Darkness

Giveaway

Enter to win a copy of Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy!

Open to the US only.

Enter to win a copy of Parting the Veil by Paulette Kennedy! Open to the US only.

Direct Link:

https://gleam.io/5zHEX/parting-the-veil

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Parting The Veil

★★★★

There are books and then there are books. This is one of those books that stays with you long after you read the last line.

Parting The Veil is an rewarding historical gothic. Paulette Kennedy’s lush prose and brilliant storyteller makes this book a favorite this year.

Full of plot twist and dark ominous historical details that keep you invested within in its eerie pages. We follow half-sisters who have recently arrived in Hampshire, England from New Orléans, Louisiana. Eliza Sullivan has inherited a manor house and sizable fortune from her great-aunt, Lady Theodora Sherbourne. Certain stipulations to the will include the fact that she must marry within a certain amount of time or she will forfeits her Aunts inheritance. Having avoided marriage in the past she now must look for the one thing she did not want …a husband.

The neighboring estate. Havenwood, owned by Malcolm Winfield is known for its dark family secrets. Located at the crossroads Sherborne house, Havenwood and it’s dark mysterious owner have already piqued Eliza’s interest.

The story starts off intentionally slow, in an ambiguous way as the author sets the perfect tone. Now this is the genius of Kennedy, who deliberately gives you each piece of the puzzle, chapter by chapter. The hauntingly sinister tale of comes together masterfully. Full of deception and romance, along with dramatic family dynamics, kept me on the edge of my seat. The malevolent Havenwood, is a character in its own right, where nothing is what it seems. You will find the characters well developed and fleshed out completely. I especially loved both of the sisters and their bond was well depicted. A riveting tale that you just have to read to know what feeling I’m getting at. It sucks you in and keeps you hungry for more. A slightly modernized dialogue will register with contemporary readers, which helps broaden the scope of the book, along with wonderful queer depiction!

I inhaled this book in one setting, staying up late at night to finish. Steeped with gothic nuances and ghost this was deliciously intense and chilling!

♥︎ ｡❥｡･:*:･ﾟ☽✧☾｡･:*:･ﾟ❥｡♥︎

About the Author

Writing historical fiction for the romantic-at-heart reader who craves page-turning twists and a touch of the supernatural, Paulette Kennedy infuses her stories with realistic detail to create a cinematic, immersive experience for the reader.

As a history lover, she can get lost for days in her research—learning everything she can about the places in her novels and what her characters might have experienced in the past.

Originally from the Missouri Ozarks, Paulette now lives with her family in a quiet suburb of Los Angeles. In her free time, she enjoys tending to her garden, knitting, and finding unique vintage treasures at thrift stores and flea markets.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 1
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Tuesday, November 2
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, November 3
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Thursday, November 4
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at Momfluenster

Friday, November 5
Review at Wishful Endings
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Monday, November 8
Review at Reading the Past

Tuesday, November 9
Interview at Books and Benches
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Wednesday, November 10
Review at A Girl Reads Bookss

Thursday, November 11
Review at Rajiv’s Reviews

Friday, November 12
Review at Booking With Janelle

Thank you!

Hello Bookish Friends

Today is my stop on The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath Blog Tour

@tbrbeyondtours & @carlylynheath

#therecklesskind #TBRBeyondTours #carlyheath

The Reckless Kind by Carly Heath

Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction
Publishing date: November 2nd, 2021

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

A genre-defying debut, this queer historical YA centers a wild and reckless trio who fly in the face of small town tradition—full of compassion, love, and determination to live the lives of their choosing.

It’s Norway 1904, and Asta Hedstrom doesn’t want to marry her odious betrothed, Nils—even though a domestic future is all her mother believes she’s suited for, on account of her single-sided deafness, unconventional appearance, and even stranger notions. Asta would rather spend her life performing in the village theater with her friends and fellow outcasts: her best friend Gunnar Fuglestad and his secret boyfriend, wealthy Erlend Fournier.

But the situation takes a dire turn when Nils lashes out in jealousy—gravely injuring Gunnar. Shunning marriage for good, Asta moves with Gunnar and Erlend to their secluded cabin above town. With few ties left with their families, they have one shot at gaining enough kroner to secure their way of life: win the village’s annual horse race.

REVIEW

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An excellent YA historical fiction Read, set in Norway 1904. Three teens struggle the constraints that society has placed on them. Bold and daring they seek to forage their on path in a era and place that frowns on anyone who steps outside of strict conformity. Eighteen year old Asta Hedstrom should be happy with her lot in life, having been born with the genetic disease, Waardenburg syndrome.

She is pledged to marry Nils, who is her extremely unpleasant betrothed. He is willing to overlook her shortcomings, but she can’t seem to conform to this marriage or any marriage at that. After Nils does an unforgivable act against her beloved friend Gunner. Asta swears off the arrangement with Nils and moves in with her outcasted best friend.

Erlend is forbidden to love and throws caution to the wind to be with the one that calls to his very soul Gunnar. They from a formidable bond of friendship, making this triad one to cheer for.

This debt was phenomenal, with smooth and effortless narration the author catapults you into an immersive world. Heartfelt characterization and spot on authentic language made this book one of my all time favorite books. A tale of forbidden love and a wonderful found family, that I couldn’t get enough of.

An added bonus for the reader is that this lovely book offers Norwegian Rosemaling Style art at the opening page of each chapter.

Carly Heath is one author to watch out for !

• 

AUTHOR

Carly Heath (she/they) earned her BA from San Francisco State University and her MFA from Chapman University. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, Carly teaches design, art, theater, and writing for various colleges and universities. She spends all her time and most her money tending to a menagerie of rescued farm animals. The Reckless Kind is her first novel.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Schedule

November 1st
Nine Bookish Lives – Interview
Bookmarked by Andrea – 15 Reactions While Reading The Reckless Kind
PopTheButterfly Reads – Review

November 2nd
The Book Dutchesses – Promo Post
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review

November 3rd
HerBookishObsession – Review
Forthenovellovers – Review
Thindbooks Blog – Review

November 4th
Kait Plus Books – Interview & Mood Board
Books and Babble – Review & Favorite Quotes

November 5th
Phannie the ginger bookworm – Review, Playlist & Favorite Quotes
Lily’s Cozy Blog – Review & Favorite Quotes
lousbookstuff – Review & Favorite Quotes

November 6th
Bri’s Book Nook – Review
Lu is Lost in books – Review & Favorite Quotes

November 7th
Stuck in Fiction – Interview
Sheaf & Ink – Review
Book Notes by Athina – Promo Post

Bookstagram Schedule

November 1st
daphne.readss – Top 5 Reasons to Read The Reckless Kind, Playlist & Tik Tok
ninebookishlives – Blogger’s Choice
andrea.c.lowry.reads – Blogger’s Choice
popthebutterfly – Blogger’s Choice

November 2nd
tbrandbeyond – Promo
onemused – Review
thebookdutchesses – Blogger’s Choice
gwendalyn_books_ – Blogger’s Choice

November 3rd
bibliovino – Review
fangirlpixiebooks – Promo
herbookish._.obsession – Blogger’s Choice
thindbooks – Blogger’s Choice

November 4th
writingrosereads – Favorite Quotes & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Reckless Kind
rearendeeandabc – Review
rosyreadz – Book Look & Top 5 Reasons to Read The Reckless Kind
kaitplusbooks – Blogger’s Choice

November 5th
metalheadreader – Review
kimreadsandreads – Review
lilly_sreads – Blogger’s Choice
lousbookstuff – Blogger’s Choice

November 6th
iambibliomane – Promo Post
kathreadsya – Review
briennaij – Blogger’s Choice
luislostinbooks – Blogger’s Choice

November 7th
hoardingbooks.herdingcats – Review & Favorite Quotes
feliciareads11 – Blogger’s Choice
sheafandink – Blogger’s Choice
booknotes_athina – Blogger’s Choice

Hello everyone!

I am so excited to kick off the tour for

Dragon by Midnightby Karen Kincy.

@tbrbeyondtours & @karenkincyauthor

#dragonbymidnight #TBRBeyondTours #karenkincy

Dragon by Midnight by Karen Kincy

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: September 1st, 2021

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository

Synopsis

When the clock strikes midnight, Cinderella turns into a dragon.

Her dream twisted into a nightmare, she flees from the ball into the wilderness. Cinderella’s only hope? Sikandar, a sorcerer banished from a faraway land, who promises to break the dragon curse. Even at her most beastly, he finds beauty within her. But he’s hiding his own dark past, and saving Cinderella might be his last chance of redemption.

Together, Cinderella and Sikandar must untangle dangerous secrets and deadly magic before happily ever after is forever out of reach.

Dragon by Midnight features sweet romance, twists on fairytales, an obsession with breakfast, and a cinnamon roll hero who’s too good to be bad.

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.

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.

“Losing your past can’t stop you from finding your future.”

Did Some One Say Curses and Dragon?

What happens when you take the Cinderella storyline and reinvent in such away that it becomes even more fascinating. This book has a very inventive twist that not only intrigued me but I found refreshing and delightful. The wronged Cinderella doesn’t just have her thieving step-mama and her cruel stepsisters to deal with, now she has much more issues that need to be addressed. Finding herself cursed she turns into a Dragon when the clock struck midnight. Let’s not forget the Prince, who may or may not be all that chivalrous towards our heroine. Add one sorcerer from a family of assassins who finds himself banished because he harbors a conscious.

The author has created an engaging and memorable heroine, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this captivating tale. Creative world building and a cast of wonderful characters help to propel this book.

I enjoyed mashup and it made for a fast read that held my attention from start to finish. Excited to see what in store from these engaging characters in the next book in this series.

AUTHOR

Karen Kincy writes books when she isn’t writing code. She has a BA in Linguistics and Literature from The Evergreen State College, and an MS in Computational Linguistics from the University of Washington.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook | Pinterest | BookBub

Blog Schedule

November 1st
Gwendalyn’s Books – Review
Shanvireadsbooks – Review
Sometimes Leelynn Reads – Review

November 2nd
Confessions of a YA Reader – Promotional Post
Rae’s Reading Lounge – Review & Favorite Quotes
thebookwiccan – Top 5 Reasons to Read Dragon by Midnight & 15 Reactions While Reading Dragon by Midnight

November 3rd
The Book Dutchesses – Promotional Post
Phannie the ginger bookworm – Top 5 Reasons to Read Dragon by Midnight & 15 Reactions While Reading Dragon by Midnight
One More Chapter – Review

November 4th
Stuck in Fiction – Promotional Post
The Someday Librarian – Review & Favorite Quotes
A Bookworm’s Paradise – Top 5 Reasons to Read Dragon by Midnight

November 5th
Monogamist Reader – Promotional Post
Book Lover’s Book Reviews – Review
The Reader’s Game – Review, Favorite Quotes & Mood Board

November 6th
Nine Bookish Lives – Promotional Post
The Fictional Journal – Review
Yours A-fiction-ately – Review & Favorite Quotes

November 7th
Sara Mackenzi Reads – Review & Playlist
The Portuguese Bibliophile – Promotional Post
Boys’ Mom Reads! – Review

Bookstagram Schedule

November 1st
gwendalyn_books_ – Blogger’s Choice
chaibooksandthemoon – Book Look & Top 5 Reasons to Read Dragon by Midnight

November 2nd
booksmoviesandstories – Review
thebookwiccan – Blogger’s Choice

November 3rd
thebookdutchesses – Blogger’s Choice
_leahreads – Blogger’s Choice

November 4th
feliciareads11 – Blogger’s Choice
thesomedaylibrarian – Blogger’s Choice

November 5th
bookloversbookreviews – Blogger’s Choice
rosyreadz – Book Look & Top 5 Reasons to Read Dragon by Midnight

November 6th
ninebookishlives – Blogger’s Choice
yoursafictionately – Blogger’s Choice

November 7th
dhirviepages – Review & Favorite Quotes
tbrandbeyond – Promotional Post

Happy Saturday

Today I have a review of

The Pickwick Murders by Heather Redmond

The PickWick Murders By Heather Redmond

Release Date: October 26, 2021

Kensington Book

Thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @kensingtonbooks and @hiestandheather for this #gifted copy!⁣

SYNOPSES

In this latest reimagining of Dickens as an amateur sleuth, Charles is tossed into Newgate Prison on a murder charge, and his fiancée Kate Hogarth must clear his name . . .

London, January 1836: Just weeks before the release of his first book, Charles is intrigued by an invitation to join the exclusive Lightning Club. But his initiation in a basement maze takes a wicked turn when he stumbles upon the corpse of Samuel Pickwick, the club’s president. With the victim’s blood literally on his hands, Charles is locked away in notorious Newgate Prison.

Now it’s up to Kate to keep her framed fiancé from the hangman’s noose. To solve this labyrinthine mystery, she is forced to puzzle her way through a fiendish series of baffling riddles sent to her in anonymous poison pen letters. With the help of family and friends, she must keep her wits about her to corner the real killer—before time runs out and Charles Dickens meets a dead end . . .

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Set in 1836 in London The Pickwick Murders is the fourth Charles Dickens Mystery Series. This time it’s up to Miss Kate Hogarth, to unravel the pieces to an intriguing puzzle to save her Fiancé.

Charles Dickens, an up coming journalist for the Morning Chronicle. He seems to be making strides in his life. Just weeks before his book is to be release and his impending to marriage to his fiancée Miss Kate Hogarth. Things take a tragic turn for the worst. Feeling elated from receiving an invitation to join the exclusive Lightning Club Charles arrives at the place and time that invite states. Only his initiation is not what he had hoped it would be. Charles finds himself in the dreadful Newgate Prison, framed. Patiently waiting for his fiancé and family to do what they can to prove his innocence, Charles endures the horrific day to day life along with those others imprisoned in Newgate.

The author has once again written a captivating cozy historical mystery. I had no trouble reading this book from start to finish without stopping.

I enjoyed the author rich historical imagery and the writing was solid. The light mystery was perfectly executed. The author did a wonderful job creating engaging characters that were entertaining to read about.

AUTHOR

Heather Redmond is an author of commercial fiction and also writes as Heather Hiestand. First published in mystery, she took a long detour through romance before returning. Though her last British-born ancestor departed London in the 1920s, she is a committed anglophile, Dickens devotee, and lover of all things nineteenth century. 

She has lived in Illinois, California, and Texas, and now resides in a small town in Washington State with her husband and son. The author of many novels, novellas, and short stories, she has achieved best-seller status at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Her 2018 Heather Redmond debut, A Tale of Two Murders, was a multi-week Barnes & Noble Hardcover Mystery Bestseller. 

Her two current mystery series are “A Dickens of a Crime” and “the Journaling mysteries.” She writes for Kensington and Severn House. 

She is the current president of the Columbia River Chapter of Sisters in Crime (SinC).

Social Media:

Website: http://www.heatherredmond.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/hiestandheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063596828868

Twitter : https://twitter.com/heatheraredmond

Hello Lovelies, Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

Widdershins by Helen Steadman @hsteadman1650

Today I have wonderful Excerpt of lovely Audio Book

Widdershins

(Widdershins, Book 1) By Helen Steadman

Narrated by Christine Mackie

Publication Date: 25 June 2021

Publisher: Impress Books ・Audiobook Length: 8.5 hour

Genre: Historical Fiction

The new audio book of Widdershins is narrated brilliantly by talented actor, Christine Mackie, from Downton Abbey, Coronation Street, Wire in the Blood, and so on.

The first part of a two-part series, Widdershins is inspired by the Newcastle witch trials, where 16 people were hanged. Despite being the largest mass execution of witches on a single day in England, these trials are not widely known about. In August 1650, 15 women and one man were hanged as witches after a Scottish witchfinder found them guilty of consorting with the devil. This notorious man was hired by the Puritan authorities in response to a petition from the Newcastle townsfolk who wanted to be rid of their witches.

Widdershins is told through the eyes of Jane Chandler, a young woman accused of witchcraft, and John Sharpe, the witchfinder who condemns her to death. Jane Chandler is an apprentice healer. From childhood, she and her mother have used herbs to cure the sick. But Jane soon learns that her sheltered life in a small village is not safe from the troubles of the wider world. From his father’s beatings to his uncle’s raging sermons, John Sharpe is beset by bad fortune. Fighting through personal tragedy, he finds his purpose: to become a witchfinder and save innocents from the scourge of witchcraft.

Praise for Widdershins:

The Historical Novel Society said of Widdershins: “Impeccably written, full of herbal lore and the clash of ignorance and prejudice against common sense, as well as the abounding beauty of nature, it made for a great read. There are plenty of books, both fact and fiction, available about the witch-trial era, but not only did I not know about such trials in Newcastle, I have not read a novel that so painstakingly and vividly evokes both the fear and joy of living at that time.”

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU • Audible • Blackwells • Waterstones • Kobo • iBooks • iTunes • Foyles • Book Depository • Universal eBook Link

Excerpt

https://youtu.be/QbmWVj3OnNA

AUTHOR

Helen Steadman



Dr Helen Steadman is a historical novelist. Her first novel, Widdershins and its sequel, Sunwise were inspired by the Newcastle witch trials. Her third novel, The Running Wolf was inspired by a group of Lutheran swordmakers who defected from Germany to England in 1687.

Despite the Newcastle witch trials being the largest mass execution of witches on a single day in England, they are not widely known about. Helen is particularly interested in revealing hidden histories and she is a thorough researcher who goes to great lengths in pursuit of historical accuracy. To get under the skin of the cunning women in Widdershins and Sunwise, Helen trained in herbalism and learned how to identify, grow and harvest plants and then made herbal medicines from bark, seeds, flowers and berries.

The Running Wolf is the story of a group of master swordmakers who left Solingen, Germany and moved to Shotley Bridge, England in 1687. As well as carrying out in-depth archive research and visiting forges in Solingen to bring her story to life, Helen also undertook blacksmith training, which culminated in making her own sword. During her archive research, Helen uncovered a lot of new material and she published her findings in the Northern History journal.

Helen is now working on her fourth novel.

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

Christine Mackie



Christine Mackie has worked extensively in TV over the last thirty years in well-known TV series such as Downton Abbey, Wire in the Blood, Coronation Street, French & Saunders and The Grand. Theatre work includes numerous productions in new writing as well as classics, such as A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Comedy of Errors, Richard III, An Inspector Calls, and the Railway Children. In a recent all women version of Whisky Galore, Christine played three men, three women and a Red Setter dog!

Hello Lovelies welcome to my blog tour stop for

Traitor’s Knot

Quest for Three Kingdoms By Cryssa Bazos

Today I’m delighted to be sharing an excerpt from Cryssa Bazos’s novel Traitor’s Knot as part of a blog tour hosted by The Coffee Pot Book Club.

Traitor’s Knot is the first book in Cryssa’s Quest for Three Kingdoms series.

Traitor’s Knot

(Quest for Three Kingdoms)

By Cryssa Bazos

October 18th – October 22nd 2021

Publication Date: 1st October 2021

Publisher: W.M. Jackson Publishing

Page Length: 450 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance

England 1650: Civil War has given way to an uneasy peace . . .

Royalist officer James Hart refuses to accept the tyranny of the new government after the execution of King Charles I, and to raise funds for the restoration of the king’s son, he takes to the road as a highwayman.

Elizabeth Seton has long been shunned for being a traitor’s daughter. In the midst of the new order, she risks her life by sheltering fugitives from Parliament in a garrison town. But her attempts to rebuild her life are threatened, first by her own sense of injustice, then by falling in love with an outlaw.

The lovers’ loyalty is tested through war, defeat and separation. James must fight his way back to the woman he loves, while Elizabeth will do anything to save him, even if it means sacrificing herself.

Amazon UK • Amazon US • Amazon CA • Amazon AU • Barnes & Noble • Kobo

EXCERPT

Traitor’s Knot, by Cryssa Bazos

Excerpt #5 (950 words)

Elizabeth Seton couldn’t understand the greed of seagulls. The two birds beat their wings and fought over a scrap of offal while ignoring the endless sea. She had a desire to pick up her skirts and, so running, scatter them to the sky. But from behind her, a rock was thrown at the birds. It bounced off the cobbles a foot away from them. Gulls took flight, and Elizabeth whirled around, equally startled. A soot-faced urchin winked and scampered off.

Elizabeth smiled in the direction of the retreating boy and continued down the quayside towards the market. The wind off the bay freshened, whipping her dark hair and skirts. She tucked an errant lock back into her coif and snuggled deeper into her blue woollen cloak. No time to tarry. She had business to attend.

When she neared the market, her stomach gave a nervous flutter. Positive thoughts breed true. She adjusted the basket that rode in the crook of her arm and pressed on.

Elizabeth wended her way through the market stalls, not stopping at the rows of long whitefish laid out silvery across wooden boards. Their fresh scent of the sea beckoned for a closer inspection, but her business was with the oystercatcher’s wife. If it went well, she’d return for one of the smaller ones.

Elizabeth’s boots tapped against the stone cobbles, and she practised under her breath, “I hear, Fishwife Midden, that Margery has left your employ.” Annoyed with herself, she shook her head. The woman would think she was a gossip, and no one trusted a loose tongue. Elizabeth needed to impress her. The Middens preferred their help young enough to be trained to their ways, but at twenty-two, Elizabeth found herself at a disadvantage.

There was a time when Elizabeth didn’t need to worry about finding employment. Before the war, her father, Thomas Seton, had once been a respected shipwright, his trade crucial in a seaside town, while her mother, Mary, was a healer and the first to be fetched for matters regarding childbirth and sickness. Elizabeth had expected to follow her mother’s calling.

She passed a row of empty stalls and for a moment considered selling their ointments, but she knew better. A gift for a gift, never coin—her grandmother’s mantra. No matter how reduced their circumstances, Mary Seton would never accept payment for physic. It didn’t matter. None would purchase in public what they now avoided in private.  

When Elizabeth spied a knot of women at the cheesemonger’s, she slowed down. Here was the elite of Weymouth—officers’ wives and those closely connected to the Parliamentary governor. They were particular friends of her older sister, Kate Hallet, though none of hers. Elizabeth considered skirting their position, but instead she lifted her chin, held her breath and stayed true. As she passed, one said, “There’s Seton’s girl. Shame about that business.”

Elizabeth flinched, but she forced herself to ignore them.

Though the war had ended a year earlier with the King’s execution, the divisions had never been repaired. Even Kate, who had married a Parliament garrison soldier, kept a resolute distance from Elizabeth and their mother. Only a handful of Royalist families still concerned themselves with her family’s welfare.

Up ahead, the oystercatcher’s stall thronged with customers. Elizabeth took heart and made her way to the front.

“There you are, mistress.” Fishwife Midden greeted her with a smile. Her nose was tipped pink, and her hands were gnarled from working in the cold seawater. “You’ve picked a good day. The oysters are plump and juicy. Six or eight?”

Elizabeth hesitated. “Four, if you please.”

“Only that?” The woman’s brow’s puckered. She bent over a barrel and scooped out the oysters, placing them in Elizabeth’s basket. “How’s your mother doing? I heard she ain’t well.”

“Better, thank you,” Elizabeth replied, handing over two of her remaining coins. “I’m certain she’s taken a good turn.”

“God save her,” the fishwife said. “We’ve missed her these past few months.”

Elizabeth watched the old woman edge away, her eyes darting to the next customer. This was her chance. “I was wondering . . .”

“Aye, deary?”

“I ran into Margery the other day—”

“Did you now? Stopped to chat, did she?” Fishwife Midden rested her hands on her round hips.

“I had a thought—since my mother is doing better, she’ll need less of my attention,” Elizabeth said. “You’ll need help now that Margery is gone. I can attend behind the counter or sort out the catch.”

Fishwife Midden’s expression softened. “I’m afraid not, deary.” She started to turn away, and Elizabeth laid her hand on the woman’s arm.

“You can pay me half of what you paid Margery. I’ll still bless you for it.”

“You’re worth more than that, sweetling,” she replied, “but I can’t take you on.”

“Please.” Elizabeth hated to beg but swallowed her pride. “For the regard you and your husband once bore my father, for all the repairs he made on your fishing boats without a shilling . . .”

“Mistress Seton,” she said with the slightest emphasis on her last name, “it’s impossible.” She glanced past her shoulder and nodded to someone. Elizabeth turned and found the officers’ wives flanked behind her.

“Are you done, Fishwife?” their leader asked. “If I’m delayed in this manner, I’ll press on to another stall.”

“Apologies, mistress,” Fishwife Midden said. “Did you want your usual quarter barrel?”

The flow of the market passed over Elizabeth, rendering her invisible. It always came down to that. Not many in Weymouth dared doff their caps to the memory of those, like her father, who had taken a stand for the King.

The rest of the town still called them traitors.

AUTHOR

Cryssa Bazos

Cryssa Bazos is an award-winning historical fiction author and a seventeenth century enthusiast. Her debut novel, Traitor’s Knot is the Medalist winner of the 2017 New Apple Award for Historical Fiction, a finalist for the 2018 EPIC eBook Awards for Historical Romance. Her second novel, Severed Knot, is a B.R.A.G Medallion Honoree and a finalist for the 2019 Chaucer Award. A forthcoming third book in the standalone series, Rebel’s Knot, was published November 2021.

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



Tour Schedule





October 18th

Wendy J. Dunn’s Official Blog

The Coffee Pot Book Club

The Historical Fiction Blog

Historical Fiction With Spirit…

October 19th

A Darn Good Read

The Books Delight

Judith Arnopp’s Official Blog

CelticLady’s Reviews

October 20th

Ruins & Reading

Catherine Meyrick’s Official Blog

Elizabeth St.John’s Official Blog

Viviana MacKade’s Official Blog

October 21st

Archaeolibrarian

Let Your Words Shine…

Gwendalyn’s Books

The Writing Desk

October 22nd

MJ Porter’s Official Blog

Deborah Swift’s Official Blog

When Angels Fly

B for Bookreview

Anna Belfrage – Stolen Moments

Thanks For Joining Me In Cover Reveal For

Blood, Fire & Mercy

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: November 10, 2021

Goodreads | Amazon

Synopsis:

18-year-old thief Neva Roberts has been living on the run since absconding with the Eye, piece of the greatest weapon ever created. But she’s running from more than a cold-hearted ruler. She has exiled herself to a barren land, trying to forget the pain she caused.

When Trinizhi’s squad of assassins catches up with Neva, her life on the run comes to an abrupt end, and the ultimate betrayal is unveiled. Only one person — Astiand — knew where she was hiding.

With the help of Emiliand and a new Djinn friend, Neva will return to her homeland for the job of a lifetime. If she can overcome dragon wardens, escape a prison island, and double-cross Trinizhi, Neva might just start forgiving herself…

Christina Davis was raised in the Santa Cruz Mountains and is a California girl at heart. She spent much of her childhood in and out of hospitals and embraced reading as an escape. After being home-schooled through high school, she graduated summa cum laude from San Jose State University and attended NYU’s Summer Publishing Institute before embarking on a decade-long career in journalism. She enjoys chocolate, cosplay, coffee, and board games, but not necessarily in that order. She now lives in beautiful Monterey County with her husband and daughter.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Hello and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for

That Dark Infinity By Kate Pentecost

@tbrbeyondtours @Pentecostelle @gwendalynbook @LittleBrownYR @lbschool

thatdarkinfinity #TBRBeyondTours #katepentecost #gwendalynbooks #Texas

That Dark Infinity By Kate Pentecost

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: October 19th, 2021

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

SYNOPSIS

By night, the Ankou is a legendary, permanently young mercenary. By day, a witch’s curse leaves him no more than bones. Caught in an unending cycle of death and resurrection, the Ankou wants only to find the death that has been prophesied for him, especially once he begins to rot while he’s still alive….

After the kingdom of Kaer-Ise is sacked, Flora, loyal handmaiden to the princess, is assaulted and left for dead. As the sole survivor of the massacre, Flora wants desperately to find the princess she served. When the Ankou agrees to help her find the princess, and to train her in exchange for her help in breaking his curse, she accepts. But how can she kill an immortal? Especially one whom she is slowly growing to understand—and maybe even to love?

Together, they will solve mysteries, battle monsters, break curses, and race not only against time, but against fate itself.

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Damn This Book Was Good♥︎

Are you ready for an incredible stunning fantasy?

Filled with mysterious immortal monster hunter, with a kickAss Heroine♥︎ Add mythical creatures and a creepy ancient curse!!

Ankou, known as Lazarus has been cursed for 300 years of a deathless death. A paid mercenary he hunts down monsters within the Five Lands, and destroys them. Florelle {Flora} Tanett is handmaiden to Princess Betheara Ilurosa. When her quite world comes crashing down and everything she has known is completely destroyed.

An horrific event leaves her leaves for dead, if not for the intervention of an all blacked clothed stranger. A friendship sparks as the two set out on an epic quest. Ankou seeks to end his unrelenting curse that causes him to be become a skeleton that travel the inbetween of life and death. Flora seeks to find her best friend and future Queen, Princess Betheara Ilurosa. Their journey is joined by another intriguing character Atonais. I just adored him, and he added some great comic dialogue.

This fantasy that packs a punch! Yes it’s dark, and riveting, but it also tackles some thought provoking themes. To me I found it to be darkishly delightful! The YA world building and writing is not to demanding so it makes it a fast read.

The characters are well developed and three dimensional. The narration was seamless and I thought the slow burn romance was perfect and well depicted. The author intricately plots a character driven fantasy adventure.

This one book that you don’t book pass up!

Kate Pentecost is one author to look out for, and the book That Dark Infinity a sealed place in my library.

Please be advised readers to look into content warnings on this book.

AUTHOR

Kate Pentecost was born and raised on the Texas/Louisiana border, where ghosts and rural legends lurk in the pines and nothing is completely as it seems.
She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. She was recently nominated for a Rhysling award for her poem “Small Town Witches.”
Her debut novel, Elysium Girls, is forthcoming from Disney Hyperion in 2020 in print and audio formats.
She is obsessed with the Romantic Poets and can be identified by the enormous tattoo of Percy Bysshe Shelley on her arm. She lives in Houston.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Facebook

Welcome readers to my stop on the Book Blog Tour for

Windswept By Annabelle McCormack

Windswept by Annabelle McCormack

Publication Date: September 21, 2021

Paperback & eBook; 438 pages

Series: The Windswept Saga, Book OneGenre: Historical Fiction

A British nurse in WWI Egypt races to deliver explosive intelligence that could change the course of the war in this novel of suspense, adventure, and love.

May, 1917. Ginger Whitman left a life of wealth and privilege in England to train as a battlefield nurse and serve in the Great War. Working on the brutal frontlines in Palestine, she finds a wounded soldier hiding in her camp. The soldier claims to carry intelligence unmasking a secret plot against the British—and that traitors within British intelligence are searching for him. Desperate and dying, the soldier entrusts a coded message to her care.

Ginger is hurled into an unfamiliar world of intrigue and murder amidst the war-ravaged Arabian desert. She’s determined to help her country but trusting the wrong person could cost her life. Then the arrival of mysterious and handsome British intelligence officer Major Noah Benson offers a chance of help. But Noah may be as dangerous as he is charming. As she’s swept away by stolen moments on the desert sands, Ginger realizes her heart may also be at risk.

Hunted by a shadowy enemy spy, Ginger must decide if she can trust Noah. But as she grapples with her decision, Ginger makes a shocking discovery: a sinister secret that threatens to shatter the world she thought she knew.

Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | Books2Read | Kobo

Praise

“Chock-full of secrets and spies, love and betrayal, danger and adventure, all of which is set against the devastating backdrop of WWI, Windswept by Annabelle McCormack is a sumptuous, fast-paced, and riveting read that’ll have you cheering for the heroine until the very end.” -Hannah Mary McKinnon, internationally bestselling author of Sister Dear and You Will Remember Me

“A neophyte nurse becomes an accidental but effective spy in this gripping adventure.” -Kirkus Reviews

“Windswept is a whirlwind of an adventure. From the edge-of-your seat suspense, to the passionate romance…you won’t be able to put this book down!” -Lisa Boyle, author of Signed, A Paddy

“Windswept is a delightful, ripsnorting adventure with a feisty heroine, a breathless pace, and endless adventure, intrigue, and romance. You will smile from cover to cover. This will remind you how enjoyable a good book can be.” –William Bernhardt, bestselling author of the Ben Kincaid series

“Suspenseful, sexy, and moving, Windswept is a great choice for those looking for strong female leads in their historical fiction. Ginger will inspire you; the story will enthrall you, and the passionate romance will win you over.” -Samantha Hui, Independent Book Review

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of Windswept by Annabelle McCormack!

The giveaway is open to US addresses only and ends on October 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/MGYmv/windswept

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

“Death made equals of cowards and heroes, friend or foe.”

-Windswept, Annabelle McCormack –

Windswept by the debut author Annabelle McCormack is a riveting book.

Full of suspense and intrigue that occurred in the Middle Eastern campaign of WWI,

Strong willed Lady Virginia Whitman otherwise know as Ginger, is a red-haired war nurse. Ginger is far from her once privileged life in Britain, now she finds herself in the front lines, stationed at a field hospital for wounded soldiers in Gaza Palestin.

When Ginger finds a severely wounded Turkish soldier who reveals he is a spy for British intelligence, and who is in fact in possession of crucial information that would have devastating consequences should it fall into the wrong hands. Throwing caution to the wind Ginger decision to help him places her in a dangerous game of espionage.

This was fast paced propulsive storyline, offering both drama and a smoldering romance. Spies and secrets, the reader will find themselves captivating with the spitfire heroine. The atmospheric imagery along with crucial details place you the reader front line and center.

This is one book that I highly recommend to my friends and family who enjoy superb historical fiction.

I have to say this might be my favorite WW1 book of all time

About the Author

Annabelle McCormack writes historical women’s fiction with epic settings, adventure, and romance. Her debut book Windswept, a novel about a British WWI nurse in the Middle East caught in a dangerous web of intrigue and romance, will be published September 2021.

She was born in San Jose, Costa Rica to a Costa Rican mother and American father. She moved to the US at the age of 4, but remains fully bilingual in English and Spanish. She studied at the Johns Hopkins University, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Fiction in 2010. Afterward, she dedicated herself to her photography business, while continuing to work on her writing as a long-term goal. In 2018, she received the award for Best Novel at the 2018 Red Sneaker’s Writer Conference (now Writer-Con). She lives in Maryland with her husband and five children and writes as a staff blogger for Inkitt Writer’s Blog.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, September 21
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Booking With Janelle
Feature at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Wednesday, September 22
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, September 23
Review at Books and Backroads

Friday, September 24
Review at Jessica Belmont

Saturday, September 25
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, September 26
Review at Reader_Ceygo

Monday, September 27
Review at Bibliostatic
Review at Novels Alive
Interview at Reader_Ceygo

Tuesday, September 28
Excerpt at Donna’s Book Blog

Wednesday, September 29
Review at A Girl Reads Bookss

Monday, October 4
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Tuesday, October 5
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Wednesday, October 6
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Friday, October 8
Review at Niki Loves to Read

Monday, October 11
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Wednesday, October 13
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, October 15
Review at Passages to the Past

Monday, October 18
Review at Gwendalyn’s Books

Tuesday, October 19
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, October 22
Review at Coffee and Ink

Hello and welcome to my stop on the highly anticipated book by the fabulous author Barbara Davis.

About The Book:

An enchanting novel about fate, second chances, and hope, lost and found, by the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls.

Soline Roussel is well schooled in the business of happy endings. For generations her family has kept an exclusive bridal salon in Paris, where magic is worked with needles and thread. It’s said that the bride who wears a Roussel gown is guaranteed a lifetime of joy. But devastating losses during World War II leave Soline’s world and heart in ruins and her faith in love shaken. She boxes up her memories, stowing them away, along with her broken dreams, determined to forget.

Decades later, while coping with her own tragic loss, aspiring gallery owner Rory Grant leases Soline’s old property and discovers a box containing letters and a vintage wedding dress, never worn. When Rory returns the mementos, an unlikely friendship develops, and eerie parallels in Rory’s and Soline’s lives begin to surface. It’s clear that they were destined to meet—and that Rory may hold the key to righting a forty-year wrong and opening the door to shared healing and, perhaps, a little magic.

About The Author:

Barbara Davis is the Amazon Charts bestselling author of The Last of the Moon Girls, When Never Comes, Summer at Hideaway Key, The Wishing Tide, The Secrets She Carried, and Love, Alice. She spent more than a decade as an executive in the jewelry business before leaving the corporate world to pursue her lifelong passion for writing. A Jersey girl raised in the South, Barbara now lives in Rochester, New Hampshire, with her husband, Tom. She’s currently working on her next book. Visit her at www.barbaradavis-author.com.

Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SunshinePageGirl

Instagram: https://instagram.com/bdavisauthor

Twitter: @bdavisauthor

Bloggers On Tour:

Oct.16th- She Just Loves Books https://instagram.com/shejustlovesbooks

Oct. 16th – Just Another Chapter And Tea https://instagram.com/just.another.chapter.and.tea

Oct. 17th – Gwendalyn Books https://instagram.com/gwendalyn_books_

Oct. 18th- Smashley Reads-  https://instagram.com/smashley.reads

Oct. 19th – Books and Bites Roc https://www.instagram.com/booksandbitesroc/

Oct. 19th- Emily Is Overbooked https://instagram.com/emilyisoverbooked

Oct. 20th – Sarahs Bookstack https://instagram.com/sarahs.bookstack

Oct. 20th-My Book And Plants https://instagram.com/mybooksandplants

Oct. 20th – Candid With Courtney – https://instagram.com/candidwithcourtney

Oct. 21st- Literally Booked Solid https://instagram.com/literallybookedsolid

Oct. 22nd- We Break For Books https://instagram.com/webreakforbooks

Oct. 23rd- Lexi Java https://instagram.com/lexijava

Oct. 23rd – Plains Reading https://instagram.com/plains_reading

Oct. 23rd- Reading Is My Remedy https://instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy

Oct. 25th- ML Book Love https://instagram.com/mlbooklove

Oct. 27th – Minsta Books https://instagram.com/minstabooks

Nov. 1st- Pages and Plates https://instagram.com/pages.and.plates

Nov. 2nd- Britt Reads A Latte Books https://instagram.com/brittreadsalattebooks

Nov. 5th – Books and Chinooks https://instagram.com/booksandchinooks

Hello Everyone ! Welcome To My Stop On The Book Tour For

The Endless Skies By Shannon Price.

Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publishing date: August 17th, 2021

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

SYNOPSIS

High above the sea, floats the pristine city of the Heliana. Home to winged-lion shapeshifters―the Leonodai―and protected from the world of humans by an elite group of warriors, the Heliana has only known peace.

After years of brutal training, seventeen-year-old Rowan is ready to prove her loyalty to the city and her people to become one of the Leonodai warriors. But before Rowan can take the oath, a deadly disease strikes the city’s children. Soon the warriors―including two of Rowan’s closest friends―are sent on a dangerous mission to find a fabled panacea deep within enemy lands.

Left behind, Rowan learns a devastating truth that could compromise the mission and the fate of the Heliana itself. She must make a decision: stay with the city and become a warrior like she always dreamed, or risk her future in an attempt to save everyone she loves. Whatever Rowan decides, she has to do it fast, because time is running out, and peace can only last so long…

REVIEW

From the desk of Gwendalyn Anderson

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.

FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

If you are looking for a binge-able unique fantasy book, The Endless Skies by Shannon Price might be for you.

An action packed YA fantasy, that gives readers an adventurous plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Vivid fantastic world building, where a floating city known as the Heliana is protected by Leonodai, winged lion shape-shifters.

When a mysterious disease starts killing the Leonodai children and the only known cure lays in the hands of humans, who refuse collaboration. This inventive tale is told in multiple POV’s, with a creative magical system and a friends to lovers triangle. The author does a great job with some unexpected plot twists that made for an enjoyable storyline. At the books core the moral message is about sacrifice, duty and loyalty.

READ THIS IF YOU LIKE :

-unique fantasy world

-action adventure

– shapeshifters

-friends to lovers

– love triangle

-multiple pov’s

AUTHOR

SHANNON PRICE believes in good bread, good wine,

and good books. She lives in California where she dreams of one day living in a house by the sea.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads