How dangerous is a woman with nothing left to lose?
The year is 1905. London is a playground for the rich and a death trap for the poor. When Sofia Logan’s husband dies unexpectedly, leaving her penniless with two young children, she knows she will do anything to keep them from the workhouse. But can she bring herself to murder? Even if she has done it before…
Emmet Vinsant, wealthy industrialist, offers Sofia a job in one of his gaming houses. He knows more about Sofia’s past than he has revealed. Brought up as part of a travelling fair, she’s an expert at counting cards and spotting cheats, and Vinsant puts her talents to good use. His demands on her grow until she finds herself with blood on her hands.
Set against the backdrop of the Suffragette protests, with industry changing the face of the city but disease still rampant, and poverty the greatest threat of all, every decision you make is life or death. Either yours or someone else’s. Read best-selling crime writer Helen Fields’ first explosive historical thriller.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
A gripping dark tale set in the 1900’s London
Sophia’s world takes a devastating turn when her beloved husband suddenly dies. Leaving her without any means to support herself and her small children.
In desperation she takes a position at one of London’s gaming houses working for her deceased husband‘s employer, Mr Emmett Vinsant.
She utilizes her talents with cards counting and becomes an ideal employee for spotting dodgy gamblers. Having a gypsy background also exposed her to card playing at an early age. Sophia’s overly confident and recklessness behavior has gotten her in to trouble one before. Thinking to increase her earnings she does the unthinkable and takes on Lady Luck once again.
This places her at the mercy of a villainess man, and she becomes embroiled into something more sinister.
Forced to take on a new occupation, that she seems to have a knack. But has far more devastating consequences.
A cleverly executed gothic historical fiction, that takes into the underbelly of the criminal world in London. Expertly atmospheric details makes for a riveting storyline.
I throughly enjoyed this wicked tale.
Author
An international and Amazon #1 best-selling author, Helen is a former criminal and family law barrister. Every book in the Callanach series claimed an Amazon #1 bestseller flag. Her next book, the sixth in the series, ‘Perfect Kill’ is due out on 6 February 2020. Helen also writes as HS Chandler, and last year released legal thriller ‘Degrees of Guilt’. Her previous audio book ‘Perfect Crime’ knocked Michelle Obama off the #1 spot. Translated into 15 languages, and also selling in the USA, Canada & Australasia, Helen’s books have won global recognition. Her first historical thriller ‘These Lost & Broken Things’ comes out in May 2020. A further standalone thriller published by HarperColllins will come soon. She currently commutes between Hampshire, Scotland and California, where she lives with her husband and three children. Helen can be found on Twitter @Helen_Fields for up to date news and information or atwww.helenfields.co.uk.
An accomplished storyteller returns with her biggest, boldest, most entertaining novel yet—a hilarious, heartfelt story about books, love, sisterhood, and the surprises we discover in our DNA that combines the wit of Jonathan Tropper with the heart of Susan Wiggs.
Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney grew up as a happy threesome in the idyllic seaside town of Southport, Connecticut. But their mother’s death from cancer fifteen years ago tarnished their golden-hued memories, and the sisters drifted apart. Their one touchstone is their father, Bill Sweeney, an internationally famous literary lion and college professor universally adored by critics, publishers, and book lovers. When Bill dies unexpectedly one cool June night, his shell-shocked daughters return to their childhood home. They aren’t quite sure what the future holds without their larger-than-life father, but they do know how to throw an Irish wake to honor a man of his stature.
But as guests pay their respects and reminisce, one stranger, emboldened by whiskey, has crashed the party. It turns out that she too is a Sweeney sister.
When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier, she learned she had a 50% genetic match with a childhood neighbor—Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut. It seems Serena’s chilly WASP mother, Birdie, had a history with Bill Sweeney—one that has remained totally secret until now.
Once the shock wears off, questions abound. What does this mean for William’s literary legacy? Where is the unfinished memoir he’s stashed away, and what will it reveal? And how will a fourth Sweeney sister—a blond among redheads—fit into their story?
By turns revealing, insightful, and uproarious, The Sweeney Sisters is equal parts cautionary tale and celebration—a festive and heartfelt look at what truly makes a family.
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 Sweeney Sisters by Lian Dolan is intimate look at the bonds of Sisterhood.
Returning to Southport, Connecticut to plan their recently deceased literary famous father’s funeral. Maggie, Eliza, and Tricia Sweeney lost their poet mother Maeve, who passed away from cancer fifteen years earlier. Within the past fifteen years the sister have drifted apart from each other, dealing with relationships work and families.
There larger than life father is the very famous author, Bill Sweeney, a college professor, who was adored by critics, publisher, and book lovers.
After everyone has come to pay respects to their father they are approached by their father lawyer and friend, Cap. He is concerned about the whereabouts of the father’s unfinished memoir… and the a most stunning surprise of all… There is a fourth Sweeney Sister. Both of these of these concerns have legal ramifications. That even saying how this will effect everyone emotionally, as they come grips with the girls revelations about their now deceased father.
When Washington, DC based journalist Serena Tucker, whiskey intoxicated crashes Bill Sweeney’s wake. Nothing will ever be the same. It seems Serena Tucker had her DNA tested on a whim a few weeks earlier
Serena learned that she had a 50% genetic match with her childhood neighbor, Maggie Sweeney of Southport, Connecticut.
It would seem Bill Sweeney and Serena’s mother, Birdie had a love child. When the secret is revealed, the red headed Sweeney sisters come to realize they have a blonde edition to their sisterhood.
An enjoyable evenly paced book that takes a wonderful look at the bonds of sisterhood and what it means to be a family.
A light and creative breezy read, with descriptive prose, that will keep you entertained from start to finish.
Lian Dolan is a writer and talker. She’s the author of two Los Angeles Times best-selling novels,Helen of PasadenaandElizabeth the First Wifepublished by Prospect Park Books. Her next novel,The Sweeney Sisters, will be published in 2020 by William Morrow. She’s a regular humor columnist for Pasadena Magazine and has previously written monthly columns for O, The Oprah Magazine and Working Mother Magazine. She’s also written for TV, radio and websites.
Lian is the producer and host ofSatellite Sisters, the award-winning talk show she created with her four real sisters. On Satellite Sisters, she’s interviewed everyone from Nora Ephron to Madeleine Albright to Big Bird. Satellite Sisters began life as a syndicated radio show and is now a top-rated podcast for women. The recent book by the Satellite Sisters,You’re the Best: A Celebration of Friendship, is popular with book clubs.
A popular speaker who combines humor and heart, Lian has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS Sunday Morning and The Today Show and many local TV stations. She’s been a featured speaker at the LA Times Festival of Books, the Santa Barbara Celebrity Authors Lunch, the Literary Guild of Orange County Festival of Women Authors and dozens of other events at libraries, book stores, schools and women’s organizations across the country. In 2020, she’ll be on the faculty of the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop.
Lian graduated from Pomona College with a degree in Classics. She lives in Pasadena, California with her husband, two sons and a big German shepherd.
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
A John Scognamiglio Book/Kensington
Genre: Historical Fiction
In her sweeping debut, Diane C. McPhail offers a powerful, profoundly emotional novel that explores a little-known aspect of Civil War history—Southern Abolitionists—and the timeless struggle to do right even amidst bitter conflict.
On a Mississippi morning in 1859, Emily Matthews begs her father to save a slave, Nathan, about to be auctioned away from his family. Judge Matthews is an abolitionist who runs an illegal school for his slaves, hoping to eventually set them free. One, a woman named Ginny, has become Emily’s companion and often her conscience—and understands all too well the hazards an educated slave must face. Yet even Ginny could not predict the tangled, tragic string of events set in motion as Nathan’s family arrives at the Matthews farm.
A young doctor, Charles Slate, tends to injured Nathan and begins to court Emily, finally persuading her to become his wife. But their union is disrupted by a fatal clash and a lie that will tear two families apart. As Civil War erupts, Emily, Ginny, and Emily’s stoic mother-in-law, Adeline, each face devastating losses. Emily—sheltered all her life—is especially unprepared for the hardships to come. Struggling to survive in this raw, shifting new world, Emily will discover untapped inner strength, an unlikely love, and the courage to confront deep, painful truths.
In the tradition of Cold Mountain, The Abolitionist’s Daughter eschews stereotypes of the Civil War South, instead weaving an intricate and unforgettable story of survival, loyalty, hope, and redemption.
“Diane McPhail excavates a nearly forgotten corner of American history and brings it to full, beating life. This is a fascinating and heartfelt look at the kinds of stories that don’t always make it into the history books.” -Louis Bayard, author of Courting Mr. Lincoln
“A contender, a deeply felt, thoroughly researched story . . . as good as it deserves to be.” -Jacquelyn Mitchard, New York Times bestselling author
“Complex, vivid, and emotionally engaging. This is a story of harsh realities written with a tenderness that shines through and honors the account of one woman’s struggle to overcome her society’s rules and her circumstances in the face of inconceivable devastation. I couldn’t put it down.” -Carol E. Anderson, author of You Can’t Buy Love Like That
“What an impressive book this is! Diane McPhail works a spell on the reader, transporting us to Mississippi in the 19th century, introducing us to a family torn apart by the time and place in which they live. She tells a dark tale, yet it’s laced with lyricism and compassion. This is a powerful, imaginative, captivating book-I’d say, even urgent, considering the time we find ourselves in now.” -Judy Goldman, author of Together
“A tender, sparkling debut that bears gentle witness to the abominations of slavery and oppression while heralding the grace, power and necessity of righting wrongs and choosing love. McPhail is full of talent and heart.” -Ethel Rohan, author of The Weight of Him”
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Deep South life in Mississippi from 1859 to 1866, Diane C. McPhail compellingly novel sheds an intimate look at an almost forgotten aspect of the civil war.
Emily Matthews and her brothers live with their father, Judge Matthews. She shares her fathers passion against slavery. This is a tragic time in our history’s past, and even though they were against the ownership of slaves, it was also against the law to grant freedom to them. Judge Matthews treats them better than most, he educates them secretly in an illegal school. The abolitionist juge’s controversial thinking has deterred any would be suitors away from his daughter Emily.
Charles Slate, a doctor who visits the Matthews residence to treat a recently purchased slave. His interest in Emily is noted, and he begins to court her. The Judge is all too agreeable to grant the young doctors Emily’s hand in marriage when it’s asked for it.
Emily is somewhat naive, but this would typical and very realistic given the time period an her status. Her growth as a character as story unfolds is remarkable, as she goes through obstacles and tribulations as the story progresses. When a series of events causing a clash between between Emily’s family and Charles Slate’s. The family she marries into ultimately becomes one that the Matthews has a land feud with.
A dramatic tale of violence, war, and the struggles of family’s torn apart. The two main protagonist are Emily, and Ginny, the slave raised with her on the plantation, who is a contant driving force of the two. Ginny’s strength holds everything together for Emily as their world explodes into multiple tragedies.
Along with Adeline, the mother of Emily’s husband. The strength of the woman adds to the story strength and continues to drive the book forward as the hardships become daunting.
Diane C. McPhail, gives a wonderful multi layered storyline, that ultimately surrounds a land dispute between two families who have married into each other. This richly descriptive book with realistic period issues and wonderful historical details comes to life under the authors lyrical prose. The exquisite writing captivated me, pulling me deep into this part of history, making me feel an immediate connection to and investment in the characters and storyline.
This intricately woven tale, explores love, loss, hardship, sacrifice and the relationships that bonds people together facing unthinkable emotional struggles, along with finding the inner strength to survive.
A riveting look at two families, and a harsh look into the flaws and morals of ourselves and each other, and finally that of forgiveness. Meticulously researched this historical fiction has left a profound lasting impression on me..
One thing that adds a deeper element for this incredible book is the idea the author based the book on documented family archives.
The Abolitionist’s Daughter, is set in Greensboro, Mississippi during the turbulent times up to and just after the American Civil War. In a time where America was dependent North and South slave labor. Judge Matthews is slave-owner but he has made a point of his beliefs in anti-slavery, making him a Mississippi Abolitionist. There were lots of families who in their estate inheritance also inherited the slaves that came with land it’s self.
Remember this was a time when you could not legally free your owned slaves. Also with the invention of the cotton gin, slave labor increased through out the South. The Haitian, Nat Turner Rebellion, increased slaveholders’ fears, and most Southern states passed laws making manumission, {freeing your slaves} nearly impossible until the passage of the 1865 The Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Gwendalyn G Anderson
About the Author
Diane C. McPhail is an artist, writer, and minister. In addition to holding an M.F.A., an M.A., and D.Min., she has studied at the University of Iowa distance learning and the Yale Writers’ Workshop, among others. Diane is a member of North Carolina Writers’ Network and the Historical Novel Society. She lives in Highlands, North Carolina, with her husband, and her dog, Pepper.
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of The Abolitionist’s Daughter! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
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A powerful handsome rogue finally meets his match inGone With the Rogue, the second book in the First Comes Love series from bestseller Amelia Grey.
She had an acceptable marriage of convenience. Now widowed, can this determined and beautiful mother find true and forever love?
The sinking of theSalty Dovetook her husband’s life―but it didn’t drown Julia Fairbright’s courage to endure. She creates a proper life for herself and her young son. But now, theton’s most notorious rogue is back in London, and how he makes Julia feel is anything but proper. She can’t deny the desires he awakens in her, even though she knows that the handsome devil will surely break her heart.
Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company and is rumored to have a woman on every continent and half-a-dozen in England. The truth, however, is that Garrett has but one mistress: the wide open sea. That is, until he meets Julia, whose spirit of independence matches his own. What begins as a flirtatious battle of wits turns far more passionate than either of them could have imagined. Suddenly, Garrett’s only desire is to sail into the sunset with Julia as his wife and young Chatwyn his son. But she won’t take his hand―how can he convince her that his love is real and his heart is hers?
Gone With the Rogue
by Amelia Grey
St Martin’s Press
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 Charming Historical Romance….
Gone With the Rogue is the second book in the First Comes Love series by Amelia Grey.
Lady Julia Kitson Fairbright, is a widow, mother to a four year old son, Chatwyn She also happens to be the daughter in law to Duke of Sprogsfield. Julia, suffers under the over controlling Duke, who threatens to take little Chatwyn legally away from her.
When Julia finds herself stuck high up in a tree in Hyde Park, patiently waiting for her son’s governess to return and help her down. The roguish, Garrett Stockton is taking a ride through the park altering his usual routine after being at sea. He comes the spirited young widows rescue.
Garrett Stockton owns a successful shipping company, he also has a reputation, that may or may not be true. He soon finds himself smitten with the captivating widow, and her adorable son. Lady Kitson, will have to ultimately decide if the Rogue is someone she can let her guard down and trust.
A fast paced read, one I immensely enjoyed, delightful historical romance where the hero and a heroine are perfectly matched.
I excited to read the next installment from Amelia Grey!
Join Us for this Book Series Tour from Mar 30 to May 1, 2020!
“Quill says: If you like your thrillers with lots of twists,
plenty of “creepy,” some paranormal events, and a fast-moving plot,
check out BULWARK. You might just be afraid to turn off the lights after reading the last page.” – Red Feathered Quill “Brit Lunden’s paranormal fantasy novella, Bulwark,
is genuinely eerie and spooky, filled with the kinds of scary effects
that true lovers of the dark crave and rarely find. There are no gushes
of blood or other cheap special effects, just a consistently good
pulse-pounding story about an ancient evil and the one man who stands up
against it. Readers who grew up with the likes of Barker, King and Lovecraft will have a field day reading this classy, dark fantasy novella.” – Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review) “Author Brit Lunden has weaved an entertaining story that
spans paranormal, romance, and mystery. Thanks to the splattering of
action and the mysterious connection of characters and happenings, this
fast paced story is well suited to those looking for a light and
enjoyable thrill.” – Bianca Schulze
SERIES DETAILS: Series Title: Bulwark Anthology Collection Category: AdultFiction (18+) (104 to 146 pages) Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release dates: Jan 2018; Mar 2019; Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M: Some violence and mild sex.
Series Details:
Bulwark: a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from the outside world.
The beating heart of this anthology is Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden.
Sheriff Clay Finnes appears in each book, but he is not the main character in each book.
There is NO series arc requiring readers to read all 10 books in the
anthology. Every book is completely stand-alone. You can read the books
in order or out of order.
Book Details:
Book Title: Bulwark by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 146 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: January 2018 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Book Description:
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark.
Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went
wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He’s troubled by a
bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a
normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories,
told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves,
things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread
House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the
same.
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 Devil and Dayna Dalton, is a fast-paced , enjoyable novella that’s creative with supernatural elements.
This dark sometimes eerie tale, that starts off running and holds your attention all the way through until the satisfying end. The author Brit Linden delivers once again a wonderful immersive experience of a novella. Captivating descriptive writing, with paranormal magical realism makes this a stunning book.
Dayna Dalton, is a bold realistic character, with flaws that are relatable. Small towns can be quaint, but they are also unforgiving. Her mother’s notoriety cast a long suffocating shadow on her reputation. Being Becky Dalton’s white- trash daughter. That alone is incriminating for the town of Bulwark residence.
Having a long standing crush on the towns Sheriff Clay Finnes, that goes back years, doesn’t help either. Especially now Clay married, she is No home Wrecker! Through a series of bad experiences and relationships, that she knows aren’t right, she is still a dedicated reporter for the towns paper.
In a series of events and a intriguing rescue, in the woods, that leaves her questioning some heavy decisions.
This by far is my favorite in this Anthology by Brit Linden. Raw and incredible writing, a story within a story will leave guessing at ending.
And what a stellar ending it was, perfect! This goes to show you how talented, Brit Linden is as an author.
Book Details:
Book Title: The Devil and Dayna Dalton: (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 126 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.*Contains Sexual Content*
Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The
daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s
footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dana’s been
in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love
for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He’s happily married and
unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of
bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange
things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until
she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character.
Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept
a greater love? *Contains Sexual Content*
Meet the Author:
Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted
genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult
fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis
for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are
creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit
Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Tour Schedule:Mar 30 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Mar 30 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Bulwark /guest post / giveaway
Mar 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of Bulwark / guest post / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Literary Flits – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books and Zebras – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 2 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 3 – 100 Pages A Day – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 6 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – Literary Flits – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 8 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 8 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books for Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 10 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 13 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 13 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 14 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 14 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 15 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 16 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 16 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Turning the Pages – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 17 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 17 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 20 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – A Madison Mom – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 21 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 21 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 21 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 22 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 27 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 29 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
May 1 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,
MAN OF War by TJ. London,
which is being hosted by HFBT!
Man of War
by T.J. London
Publication Date: April 14, 2020
Paperback & eBook; 681 Pages
Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga, Book #4
Genre: Historical Fiction
The man who wants everything gets nothing…
July 1755
War is brewing between England and France. Impressed into the Royal Navy, Lieutenant Merrick, against all odds, advanced through the ranks to become an officer—but he is not a gentleman. A man with a tainted past from a traitorous family, cast down by King George—a stain no man can remove.
Merrick’s thrust into the role of captain, when the HMS Boudica is attacked by pirates off the coast of Nova Scotia. On a captured enemy vessel he discovers a King’s ransom in treasure and a woman chained in the hold from passenger ship that mysteriously disappeared at sea.
Beautiful, defiant, and hell bent on revenge, India makes a deal with Merrick to uncover the pirates’ scheme, promising him everything he desires: fortune, glory, and the chance to bring honor back to the McKesson name.
Now, they race against time to uncover a plot that links those in the highest ranks of the British aristocracy, to a failed rebellion that is once again trying to topple the monarchy and place an old pretender on the throne. But all that glitters is not gold as passions stir and an impossible love blooms, threatening to undermine all Merrick and India have done to protect their King and a country on the brink of war.
This book was received from the Author TJ. London , in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Man of War is the next installment from the revolutionary historic author TJ London. Book four and a prequel to the adored Rebels and Redcoats Saga.
London has once again delivered another masterpiece of historical fiction. This enthralling novel is seen through the eyes of Lieutenant Dane Merrick McKennson, and lady Caroline {India}
Lady Caroline has only just recently learned that she was a product of a torrid and infamous affair. She is betrothed to a lord in New York, sent away aboard a ship bond for the Colonies. When the unthinkable happens and the ship she is on is taken.
The French speaking devils kill all but her and two other ladies and a small boy. Tortured and barely surviving, she is rescued when the ship is captured by a Union Jack, Man of War, under the guidance of red headed captain. Casting aside her old life of a prestigious Lady, she takes on the name India.
Lieutenant Merrick was impressed into English Royal Navy, rising above the ranks to that of an officer. His family has lost their home and their name, cast out by his eldest brother. He has made his own way in the world on hard work and loyalty.
Merrick, and India life becomes intertwined as they are caught up in an extraordinary adventurous tale. India makes a deal with Merrick one that he can’t refuse.
Man of War is a historical masterpiece from the revolutionary historic author, TJ London. Perfectly executed with smooth, and flawless narration making this everything I hoped it would be. Intelligently written with just enough passionate scenes to keep your heart racing.
London latest novel is meticulously research and her knowledge is astounding. Richly descriptive scenes, catapults the reader to 1775 aboard the Boudica War Ship, and to early Manhattan New York, right before the revolutionary war.
The authors ability to create vivid imagery, immersing the reader within the clear atmospheric details. Immensely talented, TJ. London sets the bar on historical fiction. The realistic life portrayed aboard capitan Merrick McKennson ship is vibrant and one you won’t forget. The storyline is multi layered, and the intrigue and plot twist is superbly executed. This fast paced prequel, gives the reader an in-depth engaging backstory to the author’s Revolutionary war series.
The characters are engaging, and three dimensional and fully developed as jump of the pages. Even the Villianous ones will capture your attention and are well portrayed.
TJ. London’s, Man Of War, is an addictive thrilling adventurous historical fiction.
About the Author
T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, and pharmacist-turned-author who loves history. As an author her goal is to fill in the gaps, writing stories about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet sadly forgotten. Her favorite time periods to write in are first and foremost the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, barre, and sharing a glass of wine with her friends, while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She is a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband Fred and her beloved cat and writing partner Mickey.
To enter to win an amazing prize pack from T.J. London, please complete the Gleam form below!
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Today I have a compelling and thoughtprovoking book
𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕃𝕖𝕥𝕄𝕖𝕀𝕟, 𝔹𝕪ℂ𝕒𝕞𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒𝔹𝕣𝕦𝕔𝕖
You Let Me Indelivers a stunning tale from debut author Camilla Bruce, combining the sinister domestic atmosphere of Gillian Flynn’sSharp Objectswith the otherwordly thrills of Neil Gaiman’sThe Ocean at the End of the Lane.
Cassandra Tipp is dead…or is she?
After all, the notorious recluse and eccentric bestselling novelist has always been prone to flights of fancy–everyone in town remembers the shocking events leading up to Cassie’s infamous trial (she may have been acquitted, but the insanity defense only stretches so far).
Cassandra Tipp has left behind no body–just her massive fortune, and one final manuscript.
Then again, there are enough bodies in her past–her husband Tommy Tipp, whose mysterious disembowelment has never been solved, and a few years later, the shocking murder-suicide of her father and brother.
Cassandra Tipp will tell you a story–but it will come with a terrible price. What really happened, out there in the woods–and who has Cassie been protecting all along? Read on, if you dare…
You Let Me Inoffers an uncomfortable and compelling glimpse into the stories we all tell ourselves to survive, daring to cross the boundary between reality and somewhere else entirely . . .
You Let Me In by @camillabruce_writing is my weekend reading! A huge thank you to @torbooks for the advanced reading copy. #youletmein
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.
Lock the doors and check them twice with this one.. Readers !
There is a slow burning creepy story line that builds with intensity as the story goes on. Once in awhile In my inhalation of books, I come across a superb execution of a storyline, with meticulously pacing. Immersive wicked world building, that will have you completely taken in.
You Let Me In, By Camilla Bruce, is compelling addictive book, that is a deeply unsettling tale of faeries meant to horrify you..
is one exceptionally written book, that takes you deep into the darkness.
An extremely terrifying, gothic style story, that will drag you out of your comfort zone, into its dark, ominous emotional depths.
An absolutely gripping and clever storyline that grabs your attention almost immediately and doesn’t let go until the very last sentence. Camilla Bruce delivers both provocative and chilling masterpiece of writing.
The author presents metafictional framing device..a story within a story, the reader is to posed a question. Did Cassandra Tipp actually have real life experiences with fairies, or was there actual abuse, or maybe it’s both. What really happened? It’s up to you to find out
A stunning riveting chronological of childhood trauma, or something else entirely. This enthralling novel will stay with you long after you’ve put the book down.
I am just hoping that there is another book on the way from this immensely talented author.
Writing/Prose: Well-written, engaging, captivating, descriptive, astute, and fluid. I have this connection with her writing style that I find totally relatable and irresistible.
Plot: Suspenseful, vivid, riveting, fast-paced, sinister, secretive, twisty, held my attention fully and extremely entertaining.
You Let Me In, is a suspenseful, raw, absorbing, and a highly compulsive read here that was quite the emotional an intense psychological, magical realism of a thriller.
“Good girls smell like burnt tangerines for those with bad intentions– fragrant but bitter, it is a repellant. Bad girls like me smell like ripe apples, ready for picking, juicy and tart.
No one will miss them at all.”
“Faeries are no fit company for the living; touching them taints you like a disease.
But what is she, then?
What are the fairies?
His eyes were wide open pleading with me.
“They are nothing,” I told him. Nothing we can define.
They live in the cracks in the narrow spaces, in between day and night.
They are twilight people. Not quite dead, not quite alive.
― Camilla Bruce, You Let Me In
The Inspiration Behind You Let Me In from Camilla Bruce
You Let Me In by Camilla Bruce is a chilling modern fairy tale about fairies, magic, and murder…so how could it have been inspired by real life? Read on to get a look inside the inspiration for this stunning debut from the author herself!
By Camilla Bruce
My debut novel, You Let Me In, opens with a mystery. Reclusive author Cassandra Tipp has vanished from the face of the earth. Left behind in her mansion is one final manuscript that holds the key to her fortune. Her heirs, a niece and a nephew, must read it in order to get their prize. What they are hoping to find on the pages is a confession; Cassandra has stood trial for the murder of her husband, and have also been suspected in another crime. What they find instead is two stories, intertwined but very different. Both of them looks back at Cassandra’s life – and both of them end in violence – but only one of them tells the truth. Much like the heirs, the reader must decide what to believe: wasCassandra an unhinged murderer, or a victim of otherworldly seduction?
I have always loved novels that are, in themselves, puzzles or mysteries; the kind that does not provide any easy answers, but makes you ponder long after the last page has been read. When I started typing You Let Me In, I quickly realised that this was my chance to write a story like that: a riddle where the answer changed depending on the reader’s angle.
When asked where I got the first idea for the novel, I usually blame my cats. I had two of them at the time: big, fluffy brothers who kept bringing greenery into the house. Every day I picked up twigs and leaves, until one day, an eerie thought struck me; what if I did not have cats? What other possible reason could there be for those bits and pieces littering my floors? The answer I came up with was faeries (which I suppose says a lot about me).
I have always been interested in folklore, and fascinated by previous generations’ vague distinction between the faeries and the dead. I grew up in central Norway, in an old forest studded with Iron Age burial mounds, and spent a lot of time pondering what – or who– they might contain. One of my favourite things about faeries is their elusiveness; it is hard to get a firm grip on just what – or where– they are. They are and are not at the same time, which served the purpose of this novel perfectly. Another elusive thing that inspired me was the concept of truth itself, which can be a little like the faeries, too, shifting and unreliable.
I am also intrigued by the brain’s ability to protect a person from discomfort and trauma. Whenever I was under duress as a child, my brain would open an ‘escape hatch’ of sorts, and flood my mind with intense daydreams that made everything feel a little better. I have sometimes wondered what would have happened if those daydreams became vivid enough that I started having problems distinguishing them from reality, which is one of the possibilities I explore in the novel.
You Let Me In is not your typical crime book. It does have murder, and even a trial, but it does not fit any one genre: it flits between thriller, horror and fantasy without ever settling down. It is my hope that it provides a different reader experience – something a little unusual – that lingers in the mind for a while.
CAMILLA BRUCEis a Norwegian writer of dark speculative and historical fiction.
Her debut novel, You Let Me In, published by Tor (US) and Bantam Press (UK) in Spring 2020.
Her dark historical, In the Garden of Spite, will be published by Berkley (US) and Michael Joseph (UK) in 2021.
Author: Camilla Bruce was born in central Norway and grew up in an old forest, next to an Iron Age burial mound. She has a master’s degree in comparative literature, and have co-run a small press that published dark fairy tales. Camilla currently lives in Trondheim with her son and cat
Book Title: The Knowing (Book 1): A Bulwark Anthology Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 104 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Mar 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex
Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth
from the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows
what strange things can happen when the rest of the world can’t see you?
JB Stratton is alone in the world, and all he has left are the memories
of his beloved Ellie. Dirt poor JB and wealthy Ellie feel an instant
connection that is as intense and primal as the blood red earth of their
home. Unseen roots connect them, pulling them into an impossible
relationship. Will the memories of past lives help or hinder the path of
their love? Based on the original novella Bulwark, by Brit Lunden, The
Knowing continues the story of a town isolated from the rest of the
world where the impossible becomes plausible, and logic is determined by
reality.
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.
Hello Ya’ll,
Welcome back to the small town of Bulwark, Georgia Last time I introduced you to the Sheriff Clay Finnes, of Bulwark
Bulwark was the prequel. We get the backstory on JB Stratton. He was the man that took care of the crash victims in Bulwark until the Police arrived.
JB’s wife, Ellie, died five years ago, and she was his everything, The love of his life. The Knowing, JB takes us back to the beginning, when first met Ellie.
JB Stratton was completely smitten with Ellie, like nothing he had ever experienced before. He was a starry- eyed football player with an unfulfilled dream of stardom.
A southern Georgia poor peanut farmer, he did have chance in a hand basket with her being a rich Yankee and all.
Miss Ellie captivated him, he felt an mesmerizing gravitation towards her like nothing before.
Something his Grandma had called what he was feeling… The Knowing!
Ellie only had eyes for JB, even if that meant going against her parents. This fated couple will see their share of obstacles, in this intriguing, creative book.
This heartwarming, twisty with a little supernatural read, with well developed three dimensional characters.
The authors ability to create a stunning storyline within a shorter page count book, is no easy feat. That just shows you that Brit Lunden is an amazing talented author. It takes seamless narration, along with incredible plot pacing to accomplish this.
I loved reading this impeccably written tale, and look forward to reading more from this very talented author.
SERIES DETAILS: Series Title: Bulwark Anthology Collection Category: AdultFiction (18+) (104 to 146 pages) Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release dates: Jan 2018; Mar 2019; Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M: Some violence and mild sex.
Series Details:
Bulwark: a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from the outside world.
The beating heart of this anthology is Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden.
Sheriff Clay Finnes appears in each book, but he is not the main character in each book.
There is NO series arc requiring readers to read all 10 books in the
anthology. Every book is completely stand-alone. You can read the books
in order or out of order.
Book Title: Bulwarkby Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 146 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: January 2018 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark.
Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went
wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He’s troubled by a
bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a
normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories,
told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves,
things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread
House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the
same.
Book Title: The Devil and Dayna Dalton: (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 126 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.*Contains Sexual Content*
Book Description:
Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The
daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s
footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dana’s been
in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love
for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He’s happily married and
unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of
bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange
things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until
she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character.
Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept
a greater love? *Contains Sexual Content*
Meet the Author:
Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted
genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult
fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis
for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are
creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit
Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Tour Schedule:Mar 30 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Mar 30 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Bulwark /guest post / giveaway
Mar 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of Bulwark / guest post / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Literary Flits – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books and Zebras – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 2 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 3 – 100 Pages A Day – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 6 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – Literary Flits – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 8 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 8 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books for Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 10 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 13 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 13 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 14 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 14 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 15 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 16 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 16 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Turning the Pages – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 17 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 17 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 20 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – A Madison Mom – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 21 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 21 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 21 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 22 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 27 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 29 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
May 1 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Publication Date: April 15, 2020
Legionary – A Next Chapter Imprint
Series: Olaf’s Saga, Book One
Genre: Historical Fiction
From the bestselling author of Hakon’s Saga comes Forged by Iron, the first in a series of thrilling tales about Olaf Tryggvason, one of the most legendary and enigmatic kings of the Viking Age.
Norway, AD 960. The fabric that has held the Northern realm together is tearing. The sons of Erik Bloodaxe have returned and are systematically killing all opposition to the High Seat. Through treachery, Harald Eriksson slays Jarl Trygvi, an heir to the throne, and then he comes for Trygvi’s wife, Astrid, and son, Olaf.
Astrid and Olaf flee their home with the help of Astrid’s foster father, Torolv Loose-beard, and his son, Torgil, who are oath-sworn to protect them. The group escapes east, through the dark, forested land of the Swedes and across the treacherous East Sea, all the while evading the clutches of Harald’s brutal henchmen.
But the gods are fickle and the group is torn apart, leaving them to fend for themselves in Forged by Iron, a must-read for all who enjoy action-packed historical fiction.
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.
Forged by Iron, by Eric Schumacher, is the first installment in the Olaf’s Saga, Book One
Eric Schumacher, is the immensely talented bestselling author of Hakon’s Saga comes Forged by Iron, the first in a series of thrilling tales about Olaf Tryggvason, one of the most legendary and enigmatic kings of the Viking Age.
Norway, AD 960.
The legendary tale of King Olaf Tryggvason, comes thrilling to life as told by his sworn protector’s Torgil, a twelve summer old’s point of view.
Torgil, is the son of Torolv, Loose-beard, who lords over the island of Jel, along the coast of present-day Norway. Father and son are oath-bound to protect King Trygvi and and the young Prince Olaf, who is 8 summers old and his mother queen Astrid.
When King Trygvi is betrayed by the treacherous, Harald Eriksson the oldest remaining son of the Erik Bloodaxe brood. Moving to destroy all opposition in linage to the high seat, King Gudrod is also murdered.
Harald Eriksson, seeks the wife and heir of King Trygvi, who have escaped under the protection of Torolv and his young son Torgil. This riveting, adventurous journey all the way through Norway into Sweden and to what is now Estonia.
This incredible book is richly detailed giving the opportunity for the reader to experience the trials and tribulation through the the eyes of Torgil. Shedding light on the charismatic, sometimes impulsive Prince Olaf.
This action packed historical fiction is one that I tore through. Brilliantly executed, the author ability to catapult you into this Viking saga is astonishing. From the exceptional atmospheric imagery to the precision character development, you can see why this author has a notable following.
The characters leap of the page, and the authors seamless writing flows perfectly. From start to finish I completely immersed myself within this Nordic adventure. The author cleverly sets up the ending for the next book in series.
This absorbing coming of age Viking saga is one that you will remember long after you close the book. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading exquisite historical fiction.
I exceptionally enjoyed this book, my father and oldest brother are named after
King Olaf Tryggvason. …Olaf S. McDavid
Gwendalyn Mcdavid Anderson.
About the Author
Eric Schumacher (1968 – ) is an American historical novelist who currently resides in Santa Barbara, California, with his wife and two children. He was born and raised in Los Angeles and attended college at the University of San Diego.
At a very early age, Schumacher discovered his love for writing and medieval European history, as well as authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. Those discoveries continue to fuel his imagination and influence the stories he tells. His first novel, God’s Hammer, was published in 2005.
To date, Schumacher has published three novels, collectively known as Hakon’s Saga, and one novella. More information about him and his books can be found on his website. You can also connect with Schumacher on Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, and AuthorsDB.
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Forged by Iron! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
A Feast of Phantoms Kat Ross
(Lingua Magika, #1)
Published by: Acorn Publishing
Publication date: February 18th 2020
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Steampunk
Lingua Magika is Kat’s latest series, a fast-paced Western steampunk fantasy with a dash of romance and adventure! A Feast of Phantoms is Book #1, with at least two more to follow.
THE JOB
It was supposed to be simple.
Help Marshal Sebastian Hardin escort his prisoner one stop on the railway to Charter Oak.
Just one stop.
But when that prisoner is a savant who talks to ghosts, even the simplest plans have a way of falling apart.
THE LAW
Sheriff’s Deputy Ruth Cortez always does the right thing. Lucky Boy is a company town, dependent on the rich and powerful Carnarvon family. Besides which, the charismatic Sebastian Hardin isn’t an easy man to say no to. When his transport derails in the middle of the prairie, Ruth begins a relentless manhunt that leads straight into the dark heart of the Carnarvon empire.
THE FUGITIVE
Lee Merriweather favors sharp suits and fast trains – especially when he’s stealing them. At the ripe old age of 18, he’s managed to become the most wanted criminal in three territories. Lee can’t resist playing cat and mouse with a small-town deputy, but what starts as a game becomes deadly serious.
THE FIXER
Sebastian Hardin is the Carnarvons’ right hand, loyal to the death and willing to keep any secret to protect the family. They want Lee alive, but with the young savant’s disturbing abilities it won’t be an easy proposition. Whoever catches Lee gets the keys to the kingdom and the Carnarvons aren’t the only ones hunting him down. Sebastian has enough problems without falling for Deputy Cortez – but you can’t always choose who you love.
THE PHANTOMS
They terrorized the settlers until Calindra Carnarvon learned to speak their language. Her empire relies on controlling their telekinetic powers, but Lee Merriweather could destroy it all. And not even Lee suspects the shocking truth of the phantoms’ real nature.
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 Feast of Phantoms is the first book in the Lingua Magika series, This fast paced reimaged Old West styled Steampunk. Kat Ross, and a Feast of Phantoms, doesn’t disappoint.
Ruth Cortez is young determined southern drawl lady, she also has a phantom in her gun. A loyal small town deputy, that does things by the book, when duty call her elsewhere, she leaves her comfort and strikes out to hunt down villains convict.
She is taken by surprise when the the man and his crimes she seeks is not what they seem to be. Ross is an auto by for me and, I am a HUGE fan of Kat Ross’s Gaslamp Gothic books,
With an amazing cast of characters and notable sub characters that keep you interested and hanging on all the way to the very end. If you are like me, and Independent strong willed woman. Along with love complex genres that are unique, than you are going to love A Feast of Phantoms.
A complex, engrossing, fast-paced, held my attention and extremely entertaining read!
Author Bio:
Kat Ross worked as a journalist at the United Nations for ten years before happily falling back into what she likes best: making stuff up. She’s the author of the Fourth Element and Fourth Talisman fantasy series, the Gaslamp Gothic paranormal mysteries, and the dystopian thriller Some Fine Day. She loves myths, monsters and doomsday scenarios. Check out Kat’s Pinterest page for the people, places and things that inspire her books.
Join Us for this Book Series Tour from Mar 30 to May 1, 2020!
“Quill says: If you like your thrillers with lots of twists,
plenty of “creepy,” some paranormal events, and a fast-moving plot,
check out BULWARK. You might just be afraid to turn off the lights after reading the last page.” – Red Feathered Quill “Brit Lunden’s paranormal fantasy novella, Bulwark,
is genuinely eerie and spooky, filled with the kinds of scary effects
that true lovers of the dark crave and rarely find. There are no gushes
of blood or other cheap special effects, just a consistently good
pulse-pounding story about an ancient evil and the one man who stands up
against it. Readers who grew up with the likes of Barker, King and Lovecraft will have a field day reading this classy, dark fantasy novella.” – Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review) “Author Brit Lunden has weaved an entertaining story that
spans paranormal, romance, and mystery. Thanks to the splattering of
action and the mysterious connection of characters and happenings, this
fast paced story is well suited to those looking for a light and
enjoyable thrill.” – Bianca Schulze
SERIES DETAILS: Series Title: Bulwark Anthology Collection Category: AdultFiction (18+) (104 to 146 pages) Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release dates: Jan 2018; Mar 2019; Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M: Some violence and mild sex.
Gwendolyn’s Books
BritLunden– Author Interview
Your book is set in Bulwark, Georgia. Have you ever been there?
I’ve been to many parts of Georgia over the years. I justopened upa business there. But I’ve never been to Bulwark other than my imagination.
Where do you get inspiration for your stories?
Everywhere. Sometimes it’s a phrase or a discussion with my kids. Other times, it’s a sunset or something from the news. Inspiration is all around us.
In your book youstate, “Sometimes both dreams and reality could be a nightmare.” Why is that?
When you think about it, there is a fine line between reality and fantasy. I think about those things all the time. Sometimes, just to mess with my kids, I tell them this is all a dream, and when they really wake up, they realize that. lol
There are many books out there about horror. What makes yours different?
I like to think my books are different. I’m sure all authors feel that way, however, one of the nicest compliments I received by a review for the Devil and Daynadaltonis that I was not acookiecutterparanormal romance.
What made you write a version of Hansel andGretal?
I never expected the book to take that turn. I was going for zombies or werewolves, but the characters took me to the Gingerbread House and it just fit. I mixed in the story of Countess Elizabeth, the Hungarian noblewoman who bathed in the blood of young servant girls, and that where the plot went.
Do you have another profession besides writing?
Yes, I am the CEO of a large ground transportation company. I also manage both my son’s and my writing career.
How long have you been writing?
Nine years, now.
Do you ever get writer’s block? What helps you overcome it?
A good pint of ice cream. Speaking to another author, or even just a bike ride.
What advice would you give budding writers?
Get on a Goodreads author thread and talk with other authors. Ask questions and learn about their mistakes.
On rituals:
Do you snack while writing? Favorite snack?
Popcorn and ice cream. (not together)
Where do you write?
In bed.
Do you write every day?
As needed for the project. I have a lot going on, so writing is skipped for editing or promoting.
What is writing schedule?
See above- I never miss a deadline, though.
Is there a specific ritualistic thing you do during your writing time?
I stall by checking every conceivable website or email, then once I start, I go until my eyes close.
In today’s tech savvy world, most writers use a computer or laptop. Have you ever written
parts of your book on paper?
When I worked on my children’s non-fiction series If You Were Me and Livedin..-I use postcards to keep track of the information.
If you’re a mom writer, how do you balance your time?
I write late atnightso it doesn’t interfere with my kids or business. Believe it or not, t 42 and 37, they still need me. I spend an hour on the phone with each of their households nightly and make sure to include my daughters and law and grandchildren. I have always worked and rely on a network of people to help. I use Instacart to save time grocery shopping. I try to condense my house responsibilities to the day when I can get the most done. I always make time for me and exercise regularly, get my hair and nails done. I never miss activities for any of my family members. Writing will wait.
Series Details:
Bulwark: a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from the outside world.
The beating heart of this anthology is Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden.
Sheriff Clay Finnes appears in each book, but he is not the main character in each book.
There is NO series arc requiring readers to read all 10 books in the
anthology. Every book is completely stand-alone. You can read the books
in order or out of order.
Book Details:
Book Title: Bulwark by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 146 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: January 2018 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Book Description:
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark.
Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went
wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He’s troubled by a
bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a
normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories,
told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves,
things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread
House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the
same.
Book Title: The Knowing (Book 1): A Bulwark Anthology Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 104 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Mar 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Book Description:Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth
from the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows
what strange things can happen when the rest of the world can’t see you?
JB Stratton is alone in the world, and all he has left are the memories
of his beloved Ellie. Dirt poor JB and wealthy Ellie feel an instant
connection that is as intense and primal as the blood red earth of their
home. Unseen roots connect them, pulling them into an impossible
relationship. Will the memories of past lives help or hinder the path of
their love? Based on the original novella Bulwark, by Brit Lunden, The
Knowing continues the story of a town isolated from the rest of the
world where the impossible becomes plausible, and logic is determined by
reality.
Book Title: The Devil and Dayna Dalton: (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 126 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.*Contains Sexual Content*
Book Description:
Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The
daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s
footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dana’s been
in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love
for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He’s happily married and
unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of
bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange
things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until
she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character.
Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept
a greater love? *Contains Sexual Content*
Meet the Author:
Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted
genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult
fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis
for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are
creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit
Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Tour Schedule:Mar 30 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Mar 30 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Bulwark /guest post / giveaway
Mar 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of Bulwark / guest post / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Literary Flits – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books and Zebras – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 2 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 3 – 100 Pages A Day – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 6 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – Literary Flits – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 8 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 8 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books for Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 10 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 13 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 13 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 14 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 14 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 15 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 16 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 16 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Turning the Pages – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 17 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 17 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 20 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – A Madison Mom – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 21 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 21 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 21 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 22 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 27 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 29 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
May 1 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Series: The Shadows of Rosthwaite, Book Two
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
Charlotte Pruitt, an auburn-haired beauty whose soul is as wild as the northern mountains she loves, lives day to day, hoping against hope that James Clarke still lives. The love of her life and father of their son had attacked a nobleman whom he caught attempting to rape Charlotte. Pursued by soldiers and attempting to escape, James plunged into a raging river and was last seen being pulled under by the torrent.
James who had fought to protect her and little Jack, is gone. Courage, strength, intellect, and a keen wit would have to be her guardians now.
A weaker person would crumble under the pressure of running a business, raising a child alone, fending off unscrupulous men, while always aware that the horrific villain, Edward Hawkes is still alive and bent on her destruction. Instead, Charlotte focuses on those less fortunate than herself. She becomes dedicated to helping Jane Rourke, a weaver, who is falsely accused of crimes and sentenced to death. Charlotte is offered a way to save Jane Rourke, but at a terrible price to herself. And what of Hawkes? How will she save herself and little Jack?
From the dark and gritty streets of Spitalfields, hiding secrets both good and evil, to the haunted moors of Devon, and to the perilous heights of the northern English mountains where Charlotte’s greatest test will come, this epic saga of human kindness, passionate love, and horrifying evil never ceases to enchant…and terrify.
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
Face of Fortune is a passionate historical fiction, like no other.
Charlotte Pruitt and James Clarke, saga continues in the Face of Fortune by Colleen Kelly-Eiding. This stunning next installment in The Shadows Of Rosethwaite series.
The story picks up right from the ending of the Favored By Fortune. Charlotte is a strong willed, courageous woman. Who has suffered heartache and disastrous fated events. She turns her attention on her young son and that of Pruitt and Byrd Ltd.
In a series of events she becomes in tangled with a unfortunate weaver Jane Rourke. Charlotte Pruitt a fierce mother, who is compassionate to those less fortunate than her, but her life is becoming more and more complicated.
The ultimate villain among villains, Edward Hawkes is steadfast on his path of
destroying Charlotte and all those close to her. Will his evil ever be stopped?!
James Clarke, is a man who loves Charlotte, but he is also a product of past events. Sometimes his emotional past comes back to haunt him. Seeking revenge on the sadistic Edward Hawke, His journey takes him to dark places. Hoping to put end to the murderous Mr Hawke, all the while He longing to be reunited with the love of his life and his son.
Face of Fortune is a character driven novel, compelling, and well-written read here. The storyline really intrigued, engaged, and entertained me.
Charlotte Pruitt and James Clarke sometimes tragic love affair continues in this fabulous book. the author’s incredible writing definitely captured my attention and drew me right in keeping me fully absorbed in this absorbing and engaging tale. Plus there were some pretty surprising and thrilling reveals that definitely got my adrenaline pumping moving this story forward for me. I was thoroughly entertained and and invested in the wide span of characters, from the main protagonist to the sub-characters. I found when I wasn’t reading this story I was thinking about the twists and turns that the characters were going through. The strength of this novel handsdown is the author’s fabulous characterizations and vibrant details.
Colleen Kelly-Eiding took me down a drama intense, heart-pounding faced paced road with secrets and twists and shocking moments that left me quite the happy reader after finishing this one and looking forward to the next one in the series.
I highly recommend.
@colleenkellyeidinga
About the Author
Colleen Kelly-Eiding is a member of the Screen Actors’ Guild-American Federation of TV and Radio Artists, and Actors’ Equity. Her husband is an actor, as are their two adult daughters. Theatre, acting and above all, storytelling, are part of her family’s DNA.
Colleen, was in the first class of women at Kenyon College in Ohio when the school went co-ed. She also studied drama and political science at the University of Manchester in England. She later received an MFA in acting from the University of Minnesota. She has been an actor, director, casting assistant, 3rd grade teacher, and audiometrist.
Favoured by Fortune and Face of Fortune have been occupying Colleen’s imagination for a quite a long time. After both daughters graduated college, she and husband Paul became empty nesters. The time seemed right for Colleen to bring young Ms. Pruitt, our heroine, to life and let Charlotte tell her story.
During her time in Manchester, Colleen fell in love with the country. When she returned to England to do research for her series, she was beyond elated. She interviewed a curator at the Victoria and Albert Museum, spent time researching indictment records from the 1760‘s at the Guild Hall in London, and walked the route that the carts of the condemned travelled from Newgate Prison to the Tyburn Tree. Visiting the tiny village of Rosthwaite, located in the beautiful Borrowdale Valley in the Lake District, where much of the action takes place, helped give context and inspiration to Colleen.
Colleen continues to act for stage and film. She studies sculpting and ceramics. And enjoys traveling to Comic Cons around the world, where her husband is a frequent guest.
Her series of historical novels is titled The Shadows of Rosthwaite. The second book in the series, Face of Fortune, was released on February 1, 2020. Published by Phase Publishing, LLC.
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Face of Fortune! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 8th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Join Us for this Book Series Tour from Mar 30 to May 1, 2020!
“Quill says: If you like your thrillers with lots of twists,
plenty of “creepy,” some paranormal events, and a fast-moving plot,
check out BULWARK. You might just be afraid to turn off the lights after reading the last page.” – Red Feathered Quill “Brit Lunden’s paranormal fantasy novella, Bulwark,
is genuinely eerie and spooky, filled with the kinds of scary effects
that true lovers of the dark crave and rarely find. There are no gushes
of blood or other cheap special effects, just a consistently good
pulse-pounding story about an ancient evil and the one man who stands up
against it. Readers who grew up with the likes of Barker, King and Lovecraft will have a field day reading this classy, dark fantasy novella.” – Jack Magnus for Readers’ Favorite (5-Star Review) “Author Brit Lunden has weaved an entertaining story that
spans paranormal, romance, and mystery. Thanks to the splattering of
action and the mysterious connection of characters and happenings, this
fast paced story is well suited to those looking for a light and
enjoyable thrill.” – Bianca Schulze
SERIES DETAILS: Series Title: Bulwark Anthology Collection Category: AdultFiction (18+) (104 to 146 pages) Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release dates: Jan 2018; Mar 2019; Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M: Some violence and mild sex.
Series Details:
Bulwark: a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth from the outside world.
The beating heart of this anthology is Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Sheriff Clay Finnes appears in each book, but he is not the main character in each book.
There is NO series arc requiring readers to read all 10 books in the
anthology. Every book is completely stand-alone. You can read the books
in order or out of order.
Book Title: Bulwark by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 146 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: January 2018 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Clay Finnes is the sheriff of a small town in Georgia called Bulwark.
Recently separated from his wife, all he can think about is what went
wrong, and will Jenna ever come back to him. He’s troubled by a
bothersome reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a
normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastical stories,
told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves,
things are getting a bit strange. A visit to the ominous Gingerbread
House makes him realize that his life as he knows it will never be the
same.
Welcome to my stop on the Bulwark anthology, and I have to read them All!
This stellar urban fantasy is eerie, with fabled local lore.
Sheriff Clay Finnes, is a sheriff of Bulwark, a isolated small town in Georgia.
Clay and his wife Jenna are separated after the kidnapping of their daughter from their home. With both of them dealing with grief and despair their marriage has seemed to unravel, divorce is in the horizon.
When a strange couple drive and sink their car in a mysterious puddle/ Lake, that didn’t deep enough to even sink a car…or maybe it was.
Clay ponders on where they were coming from…. a road to nowhere.
When the couple arrives at the emergency room, the wife pleading and obsessing about some strange place called a gingerbread house. She describes a fantastical residents boarding on something you would dream up or nightmare up.
She states that her children have been abducted and were being held captive by a Witch in a strange house on Linden Lane.
“Linden Lane is on the other side of Hell”
When things start happen, a sighting of wolves, and people throats are slashed, just like fifty years ago. And the death by puncture wounds to a victims neck…
There has to be a sane explanation… But the tale starts back in 1764, When The Bavmordas settled land east of Bulwark.
Bulwark anthology has Sheriff Clay Finnes appear in each book, but he is not the main character in each book.
Book Details:
Book Title: The Knowing (Book 1): A Bulwark Anthology Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 104 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Mar 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.
Book Description:Bulwark- a wall or stockade that protects or sometimes hides the truth
from the outside world. Bulwark, Georgia, isolated, hidden. Who knows
what strange things can happen when the rest of the world can’t see you?
JB Stratton is alone in the world, and all he has left are the memories
of his beloved Ellie. Dirt poor JB and wealthy Ellie feel an instant
connection that is as intense and primal as the blood red earth of their
home. Unseen roots connect them, pulling them into an impossible
relationship. Will the memories of past lives help or hinder the path of
their love? Based on the original novella Bulwark, by Brit Lunden, The
Knowing continues the story of a town isolated from the rest of the
world where the impossible becomes plausible, and logic is determined by
reality.
Book Title: The Devil and Dayna Dalton: (Book 9) A Bulwark Anthology by Brit Lunden Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 126 pages Genre: Fantasy Publisher: Chelshire, Inc. Release date: Sep 2019 Content Rating: PG + M due to violence and mild sex.*Contains Sexual Content*
Book Description:
Reporter Dayna Dalton’s reputation has been ruined since birth. The
daughter of wild child, Becky Dalton, is expected to follow her mother’s
footsteps; never given a chance to prove she’s different. Dana’s been
in love with Clay Finnes since she was a teenager. Her unrequited love
for Sheriff Finnes leaves her empty. He’s happily married and
unavailable. Instead, Dayna finds herself stuck in the revolving door of
bad relationships. But this is Bulwark, Georgia, a town where strange
things are always happening. Dayna is doomed to this loveless life until
she can find someone who will appreciate the depth of her character.
Can she overcome her fears and look beyond her own perceptions to accept
a greater love? *Contains Sexual Content*
Meet the Author:
Brit Lunden is a prolific author who’s written over 50 books in assorted
genres under different pen names. Bulwark was her first effort in adult
fiction and was chosen by several of her fellow authors as the basis
for a new series, A Bulwark Anthology. Using her characters, they are
creating new denizens in spin-off stories to this bizarre town. Brit
Lunden lives on Long Island in a house full of helpful ghosts.Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram
Tour Schedule:Mar 30 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Mar 30 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of Bulwark /guest post / giveaway
Mar 31 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of Bulwark / guest post / giveaway
Apr 1 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 1 – Literary Flits – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 2 – Books and Zebras – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 2 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 3 – 100 Pages A Day – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 6 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 7 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 7 – Literary Flits – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 8 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 8 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 8 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 9 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 9 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books for Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 10 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 10 – Books and Zebras – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 10 – T’s Stuff – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 13 – Hall Ways Blog – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 13 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 14 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 14 – Locks, Hooks and Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 14 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 15 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 15 – Rockin’ Book Reviews – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – FUONLYKNEW – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 15 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 16 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 16 – Sahar’s Blog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – Bound 4 Escape – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 16 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Turning the Pages – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 17 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 17 – eBook Addicts – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 17 – Falling Into A Good Book – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 20 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 20 – A Madison Mom – book review of Bulwark / giveaway
Apr 21 – michellemengsbookblog – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 21 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of Bulwark / author interview / giveaway
Apr 21 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 22 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 23 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 24 – Books for Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Knowing / giveaway
Apr 27 – Sefina Hawke’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 27 – Amy’s Booket List – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Gwendalyn’s Books – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 28 – Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 29 – Southern Today Gone Tomorrow – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – Turning the Pages – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Apr 30 – She Just Loves Books – audiobook review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
May 1 – A Madison Mom – book review of The Devil and Dayna Dalton / giveaway
Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of, Crimes and Survivors
by Sarah Smith, which is being hosted by HFBT!
#CrimesandSurvivors #SarahSmith #HFVBTBlogTours
Crimes and Survivors
by Sarah Smith
Publication Date: April 15, 2020
Make Light Work LLC
Hardcover, Paperback, eBook; 394 Pages
Series: A Reisden and Perdita Mystery, #4
Genre: Historical Mystery
It’s 1912. America. The land of Jim Crow, of lynchings and segregation. And a young society woman has just discovered that the grandfather she barely knows may be black.
She has a family. She has a child. If she’s black, her friends will deny they know her. Her marriage will be illegal. Her little boy will never be a full citizen of America.
She can’t be black. She’s experienced prejudice before. Never again. It will not happen to her or to anyone she loves.
She follows her grandfather onto the newest, safest, biggest ship in the world, to learn the truth. The right truth, the one that will save her family.
But after the iceberg, she finds the truth is far more complicated than black and white. More inspiring, more loving. Far more dangerous… And what she’ll need to find is not a convenient truth but a new America.
“The Titanic still cruises our imaginations…And she has secrets. Sarah Smith knows them and knows how to tell them in this riveting, page-turning novel, a tale unraveling from out of the ignorant past, through that terrible moment of truth on the Titanic, and on toward a hopeful future. Read it and be enthralled.” — WILLIAM MARTIN, New York Times bestselling author of Cape Cod and Bound for Gold:
“You may think you know everything there is to know about Titanic, but Sarah Smith’s ‘Crimes and Survivors’ carves out a space of its own—while, in the same breath, demarcating a huge swath of America’s history and painting a resonant vision of its future. The result is suspenseful, insightful, moving and highly recommended.” — LOUIS BAYARD, bestselling author of Courting Mr. Lincoln
“For those of us who have been hoping for a new tale of intrigue featuring Sarah Smith’s star-crossed couple Alexander Reisden and Perdita Halley, the wait is over! Smith’s new installment, Crimes and Survivors, takes readers aboard the Titanic and to Jim Crow-era America for a thrilling and romantic literary mystery that unflinchingly examines issues of race and identity, love and family, and the danger and beauty of uncovering long-hidden truths.” — SARAH STEWART TAYLOR, author of the Sweeney St. George mysteries and The Mountains Wild
“Come for the rich prose, meticulous research, and vibrant characters. Stay for the heart-stopping mystery. Sarah Smith’s fresh take on the doomed Titanic sailing is filled with twists and turns and will enthrall both new readers and longtime fans of the Vanished Child series!” — EDWIN HILL, Edgar and Agatha-nominated author of Little Comfort and The Missing Ones
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 fourth book, Crimes and Survivors, is Sarah Smith newest installment in the Reisden and Perdita series.
An enthralling meticulous researched novel of intrigue. Alexander Reisden and Perdita Halley, emotionally riveting mystery. The book touches on some thought provoking issues of family and identity and racism.
Perdita Halley a concert pianist, is determined to know her heritage. But it comes with a cost. Set in the America turbulent times when when just drop of African American can have devastating consequences. unraveling the past she seeks out a passenger on the same ship that could be her father.
Incredible book you be completely immersed within pages. When post civil war Jim Crow Laws have a long reaching arm.
I was captivated by the star crossed romance and the books twist. The setting aboard the Titanic is a perfect for enjoyable historical fiction novel. Creative writing with impeccable narration, Sarah Smith draws the reader as the mystery unfolds seamlessly.
About the Author
Sarah Smith started telling stories as a child in Japan. Her sitter would tell her ghost stories at night, and the next morning she’d act them out on the school bus for an audience of terrified five-year-olds. Back in America, she lived in an unrestored Victorian house, where every morning she would help her grandmother haul coal and break sticks into kindling to light the household stove. She’s loved storytelling and history ever since.
She studied English at Harvard, where she spent Saturdays in the library reading mysteries, and film in London and Paris, where she sat next to Peter Cushing at a film show and got to pet Francis Bacon’s cat. While teaching English, she got interested in personal computers (she and two friends bought 3 of the first 5 PCs sold in Boston). She realized that software could help her plot bigger stories, and she’s never looked back.
Her bestselling series of Edwardian mysteries, starring Alexander von Reisden and Perdita Halley, has been published in 14 languages. Two of the books have been named New York Times Notable Books. The Vanished Child, the first book in the series, is being made into a musical in Canada. The fourth book in the Reisden-Perdita series, about the Titanic, will be published April 15, 2020. Crimes and Survivors. You can preorder it now from your favorite bookstore.
Sarah’s young adult ghost thriller, The Other Side of Dark, won both the Agatha (for best YA mystery of the year) and the Massachusetts Book Award for best YA book of the year. Her Chasing Shakespeares, a novel about the Shakespeare authorship, has been called “the best novel about the Bard since Nothing like the Sun” (Samuel R. Delany) and has been turned into a play.
Sarah lives in Boston with her family and not enough cats.
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a copy of Crimes and Survivors! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 1st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,
Gathering Storm by Sherilyn Decter, which is being hosted by HFBT!
Gathering Storm
by Sherilyn Decter
The Rum Runner’s Chronicles
Publication Date: February 29, 2020
Paperback & eBook; 433 Pages
Series: Rum Runners’ Chronicles, Book One
Genre: Historical Fiction
#GatheringStorm #SherilynDecter #HFVBTBlogTours
She left criminal life behind. Will her new business venture send her to sleep with the fishes?
Florida Coast, 1932. Edith Duffy might be grieving her gangster husband’s death, but she’s no damsel in distress. Leaving the sordid world of Philadelphia bootlegging, she settles in a small town outside Miami and buys a speakeasy. But when she launches a lucrative rum-running operation, indignant locals conspire to destroy her.
Edith lands squarely back in gangland culture, with a Bible-thumping preacher campaigning to shut her down and smugglers resentful of her skill. And now she must forge alliances and make unlikely allies just to survive. Luckily, her mentor is none other than the wife of the notorious Al Capone…
Will Edith’s fondness for underworld profits lead her to a dead end?
Gathering Storm is the first book in the Rum Runners’ Chronicles, a fast-paced historical women’s fiction trilogy. If you like atmospheric settings, mob stories, and independent heroines, then you’ll love Sherilyn Decter’s Prohibition-era adventure.
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.
Gathering Storm by Sherilyn Decter, is the first installment in highly anticipated series, The Rum Runners Chronicles.
In 1932, Edith Duffy arrives in sunny Florida, all the way from Philadelphia, after excepting an invitation from Mae Capone, wife of the notorious mob gangster Al Capone. Just six months widowed, Edith was married to Philadelphia’s King of the Bootleggers. Mickey Duffy, a mobster who was heavily involved in the bootlegging industry.
Hoping to leave heartache behind, and feeling pensive and restless, the life of idleness is not something that appeals to her. By taking her destiny in her own hands, with incredible strength and determination she hopes to exceed in a male dominated business.
Opening a speakeasy is a dangerous business in the criminal world during prohibition. When all she wants is a good place to offer her customers a little bootleg liquor. Following her dreams, she makes up her mind to purchase one in the backwoods of the Florida marshes of Coconut Grove.
She settles on and purchases Gator Joe’s, and with some renovations it could be the perfect joint. But everything is not as simple and easy as Edith hopes it will be. What with the local boss and his cronies do everything to sabotage Edith attempts to get her place off the ground. The towns people are too excepting either, they don’t exactly roll out the the red carpet for Edith.
But, this one tough dame, and when she sets her mind to something, their is no one, or nothing she can’t accomplish.
Sherilyn Decter, delivers an intriguing, unique and enthralling story here that was so irresistibly written. I absolutely loved Edith’s voice and thought she was such a fantastic character. The novel is written in third person, with little passages of first person. Giving the reader an insightful opportunity to be more in tuned to the characters themselves. The author writing is vividly descriptive, bringing this iconic era in our history stunning to life in atmospheric imagery.
So if your into American historical times, and prohibition, along with a stellar strong woman. This fast paced historical read will be the perfect book for you.
Sherilyn Decter is a writer, researcher, and lover of historical fiction. Her work is set in the Roaring Twenties and if you like feisty and determined heroines, complex cover-ups, Prohibition stories about criminal underworlds, police and political corruption, then you’re going to love Sherilyn’s grand gangster tales.
During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of Gathering Storm! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59 pm EST on May 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Paperback giveaway is open to the US only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspicion of fraud will be decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– The winner has 48 hours to claim prize or a new winner is chosen.
The Abolitionist’s Daughter
Forged by Iron
About the Author
Face of Fortune
Crimes and Survivors
Gathering Storm
Gwendalyn’s Books 
