Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Spotlight & Review: The Mourning Ring

The Mourning Ring

by Sarah Parke

Publication Date: October 10, 2016
CreateSpace
eBook & Paperback; 350 Pages
Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fantasy




READ AN EXCERPT.

Sixteen-year-old Charlotte Bronte lives to tell stories. She longs to improve her fortunes through her writing. Charlotte’s father expects her to leave behind her childish fantasies in order to set an example for her three younger siblings.

But the Bronte children hold a secret in their veins—a smidgen of fairy blood that can bring their words to life.

When Charlotte discovers that the characters from their childish stories exist in an alternate world called Glass Town, she jumps at the opportunity to be the heroine of her own tale.

The city of Angria teeters on the brink of civil war and Charlotte and her siblings must use their magic and their wits to save its people from a tyrant with magic abilities. But entering the fictional world means forfeiting control of their own creations. If they fail, the characters they have come to know and love will be destroyed.

Charlotte is determined to save the city and characters she loves, but when the line between creator and character becomes blurred, will she choose her fantasy or her family?

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Review: What if the Bronte's were part fairy? That's what you get with The Mourning Ring. This is the kind of book that you want to devour. I wish I could have sat down with it and just read it straight through, but life didn't let me do that.

Its the story of young Charlotte and her siblings and the alternate world that she's created.

This is a young adult novel, but definitely one that fans of Bronte and just about anyone that loves a good story will enjoy, because its just that well written.

I love what the mourning ring actually is, as you will find out in the first pages of the book. (I always like when we know why an author chose a particular title...

The Glass Town all have root in Bronte history. I think that is really what makes this book so wonderful, the fantasy is there, but there's so much that was part of these people's lives.

In some ways this book reminded me of a Doctor Who episode..slipping through doors, trying to change things.  I found the way that the Bronte's controlled The Glass Town through storytelling to be fabulous and even more the part where the young boy was healed by a story.

I highly recommend this book especially if you like books like Jane and The Damned with a wonderful mixture of real life and fantasy.

I will admit to having not read any of the Bronte's novels, but this book definitely made me want to break into that pile of classic novels I've been meaning to read for years.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author

Sarah Parke writes fantasy and historical fiction (sometimes at the same time) for young adult readers and those young at heart.

She has a MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from the University of Southern Maine's Stonecoast MFA program. Her work has been published internationally, most recently in the July 2015 issue of The Writer magazine.

For more information, please visit Sarah Parke's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, April 19
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Thursday, April 20
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Review, Excerpt & Interview at The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, April 21
Excerpt at The Lit Bitch
Review at Queen of All She Reads
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective
Review & Excerpt at Adventures Thru Wonderland

Saturday, April 22
Interview at T's Stuff
Review at A Book Drunkard

Sunday, April 23
Review, Excerpt, & Interview at Quitterstrip

Monday, April 24
Review & Excerpt at Rainy Day Reviews

Tuesday, April 25
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views

Wednesday, April 26
Review at Just One More Chapter
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Fisherman's Bride

The Fisherman's Bride by Catherine Magia

Publication Date: November 2, 2016

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services LLC, CreateSpace

Kindle & Paperback; 240 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Biblical Fiction/Christian Literature

READ AN EXCERPT.

She has no name. She is not even a footnote. Her tale is hidden behind the well-told fable of her husband, the man who would become Simon Peter, the first Apostle.

Cast off by her family after shunning a wealthy suitor to marry a humble fisherman, her life is fraught with hardship. She endures her husband’s growing restlessness, fish shortages from the Sea of Galilee, and the oppression of an all-powerful Roman Empire over her people. Then her life is forever changed when her dying mother is saved by a miracle performed by a young carpenter—a man who speaks with understanding and acts with compassion. A man who can inspire the extraordinary.

Simon Peter lives on in history as the undaunted martyr of the carpenter. This is the untold story of his young bride. Her journey traverses villages and deserts, love and tradition, and a brewing revolution, to an awakening of faith that challenges everything she has ever known.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

Praise
"Catherine Magia has penned a moving Christian story that transcends religious boundaries--a novel that occupies the rare space between the historical and the Biblical realms. At once speculative and interpretive, Magia's vigorous first-person narrative of St. Peter's wife makes a compelling case for the life, motivation and spirituality of a minor, nameless Biblical character. An ambitious and impressive debut." -Andrew X. Pham, author of Catfish and Mandala and The Eaves of Heaven: A Life in Three Wars

"Right from the start, the evocative and compelling tone of The Fishman's Bride casts its line and draws in readers with a deftness that borders on enchantment. Perhaps this is because Catherine Magia uses an uncommon perspective and outsider's view of events. And, by 'outsider,' this means observations that come from beyond Jesus' inner circle, yet are closely connected by love and association. Also included in the saga are stories of fortunes made and lost, faith thwarted and regained, fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the impact of social and political change upon entire communities. Catherine Magia's attention to embracing the extent of daily living in Biblical times, from different methods of preserving fish to different attitudes encountered during their travels, brings the story to life.

Readers of Christian literature and Biblical retellings will find this story a powerfully written, compelling account of the impact of Jesus on all layers of society, narrated from the eyes of an outsider to his central group of believers who uses the ordinary life experiences of an unnamed wife to chronicle an extraordinary journey of love, faith, and miracles." -D. Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review.

Review: I wanted to be part of this tour because I knew this was a book my mother would love. She's blind, and I read it too her, which was a unique experience for me, as well.

Catherine Magia's writing brings Simon, the apostle's, life so well, that you almost felt like you were in the story.

Simon's wife remains unnamed throughout the story, which lets you see how women were treated in that time. She went from a wealthy daughter to a poor women who was disowned by her father, because she refused to marry a wealthy merchant, instead choosing to be the wife of Simon and orphan, fisherman.

You see Simon's struggles at business, her loss of a child, and the desire of her husband and his brother to find someone that will save the Jews, from Judas to John the Baptist, finally to Jesus and how his finding Jesus changes his relationship with his wife.

It takes half the book to first encounter Jesus, but it was really enjoyable to see the fiction relationship that Catherine created with Simon and his wife, and later how she figured in with Jesus' ministry as we see in the gospels.

Simon's wife may be a nameless character, but she is a strong woman, and a character you won't soon forget.

This story was absolutely stunning and so well written. If you love biblical fiction this is an absolute must read. (My mother agrees) We are both looking forward to the continuation of the story.

Rating: 5 flowers

About the Author
Catherine Magia was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to New Jersey as a teenager. Although her formal education was in the hard sciences, Catherine has always maintained a passion for the written word, publishing her poetry in several literary journals including the Michigan Quarterly Review.

She discovered the voice of Simon Peter's wife on a soul-searching journey, a trek through the biblical lands of Israel, Jordan, and Egypt. She spent seven years researching and writing her debut novel, traveling as far as Ephesus, Turkey.

She is working on her second book - the conclusion to The Fisherman's Bride.

By day, she works as an associate director of marketing research in the development of new cancer medications. She is currently based in Boston.

For more information please visit Catherine Magia's website and blog.

Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, April 17
Kick Off at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, April 18
Review at History From a Woman's Perspective

Wednesday, April 19
Excerpt at Broken Teepee

Thursday, April 20
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Friday, April 21
Spotlight at The Paperback Princess

Saturday, April 22
Review at Rainy Day Reviews

Monday, April 24
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Tuesday, April 25
Interview at Books, Dreams, Life

Wednesday, April 26
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Thursday, April 27
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Friday, April 28
Review at Beth's Book Nook Blog
Interview at Dianne Ascroft's Blog

Monday, May 1
Spotlight at Susan Heim on Writing

Tuesday, May 2
Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews

Wednesday, May 3
Review at WS Momma Readers Nook

Thursday, May 4
Review at Just One More Chapter

Friday, May 5
Review at Unabridged Chick

Giveaway
To win a copy of The Fisherman's Bride by Catherine Magia, please enter via the Gleam form below. Two copies are up for grabs!

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on May 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open internationally.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

The Fisherman's Bride

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: Wealth and Privilege

Please join author Jeanette Watts as she tours the blogosphere with HF Virtual Book Tours for Wealth and Privilege, from June 16-July 17.

Ebook Release Date: 2013
Paperback Release Date: 2014
CreateSpace

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance



Money. Family. Love. Hate. Obsession. Duty. Politics. Religion - or the lack thereof. Sex -- or, once again, the lack thereof.

Thomas Baldwin finds himself married to a woman he can’t stand, while head-over heels in love with another woman he can’t have. Talk about bad planning. He is something of a kite, buffeted by circumstances which blow him not only through personal crises, but also through some of the most significant events of the late 1800s, including the railroad riots of 1877, the creation of the Homestead Steel Works, the assassination of President Garfield, and the Johnstown Flood. Over time, and with the help of his muse, who dances maddeningly just beyond his reach, he takes control of his life, wresting it from the winds attempting to control him.

A carefully-researched historical novel about life among the privileged class of Pittsburgh during the Industrial Revolution.

Praise for Wealth and Privilege

"Thomas Baldwin is like a Rorschach inkblot test. Some people love him, some people find him unlikeable. Most people can't stand his wife. Others feel sorry for her. I take the fact that people have such a huge variety of reactions to my characters as a sign I succeeded in writing full, rich personalities." - Kirkus Reviews

"Wealth and Privilege is an exceptionally provoking read. The real romance is between the author and the reader" - Page Traveler

Wealth and Privilege Available at

Amazon Kindle
Barnes & Noble Nook
CreateSpace (Paperback)


Review: As I girl from Southwestern PA, I have to say that this book excited me from the start. One I started reading, it was love at first page.

I loved Thomas and Regina, and seeing all the places in Pittsburgh that are familiar to me come to life again. People like Andrew Carnegie, that are such a huge part of our local history.

I felt sorry at times for Thomas' wife, Meredith but I also felt that she got what she deserved, considering how their marriage came about. (I won't spoil the story for anyone)

I don't think I've ever read a novel set in the Steel City that was historical in nature. I've read The Mysteries Of Pittsburgh but other than that, I've not read any other books that feature Pittsburgh in such a big way and the attention to detail is wonderful here.

This story brings Pittsburgh to life in the late 1800s. Anyone from the area that appreciates local history will want to grab a copy, and even if you aren't, it is an excellent read that will leave you begging for more.

Rating: 5 flowers + 5 flowers + 5 flowers (YES I LOVED THIS BOOK)

About the Author

Jeanette Watts couldn't help but notice that all romances seemed to be set in the American West or the South. A staunch Yankee girl, she asked what is unromantic about the North or the East? After living for four years in Pittsburgh, and falling deeply in love with southwestern Pennsylvania, she found it the perfect location for a love story.

Besides writing, she is also a dance instructor, an inveterate seamstress, the artistic director for several dance companies, an actress, and a history buff. Wealth and Privilege took her 10 years to write, because she felt the research needed to be thorough. Everything from big events and famous people to little details like dog breeds and women’s fashions have been carefully researched.

For more information visit Jeanette Watt's website, and follow the Wealth and Privilege Facebook Page.

Wealth & Privilege Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, June 16
Spotlight & Giveaway at Teddy Rose Book Reviews

Wednesday, June 17
Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Friday, June 19
Review & Giveaway at Unshelfish

Monday, June 22
Review at Book Nerd

Tuesday, June 23
Guest Post at I Heart Reading

Wednesday, July 1
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, July 2
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Monday, July 6
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Tuesday, July 7
Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews

Friday, July 17
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours Book Review: The Captive Queen

Author: Danny Saunders
Title: The Captive Queen
Title: 
Publication Date: April 24, 2014
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction



Book Blurb: Political schemes, religious partisanship and unbridled love shake the Royal Court of Scotland at the end of the Stuart dynasty.

Witness to sordid murders, spy for Her Majesty among the Protestants of the infamous preacher John Knox, forced to give up her one true love, thrown out onto the streets then ruthlessly attacked by a drunkard, Charlotte Gray will do everything in her power to remain the sovereign’s lady-in-waiting.

As for the Queen of Scots, she faces turmoil of a completely different kind: prisoner in a castle under the command of her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England, Mary Stuart learns that she is the victim of a vast conspiracy and that her English counterpart has ordered her imminent execution.

Despite their hardships, Mary and Charlotte will keep their dignity throughout the storm. The two women will finally find serenity, one in the arms of a man and the other in the arms of God.

Interwoven with historical facts of the era, the thrilling The Captive Queen saga is worthy of the greatest royal intrigues that still fascinate us several centuries later.

Watch the Book Trailer

Buy the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Amazon CAN
Amazon AUS
Barnes & Noble


Review: I'm on the fence about Danny Saunder's The Captive Queen. It is a very well researched book. I don't want to say novel, because to me, it didn't really read much like a novel, even when you were reading about the fictional Charlotte Gray. It read more like non-fiction.

Saunders tells more than he shows in this book. And there were a few phrases that had to be errors throughout the book. Elizabeth, another lady in waiting to Queen Mary, was often referred to as the red-haired. And Mary was referred to as Mary Stuart all the time, even if something was being told from her point of view. It made the story less personal. I never felt like the story was really coming from her.

This really took away from what could have been a really fantastic novel.

It is obvious that Danny loves this time period, as you can tell by the research that was done to bring this book to your hands.

There was a lot of potential in the way Charlotte's life and Mary's paralleled each other, though in reverse, but  Charlotte was such an unlikable woman that you couldn't feel good for her at the end.

I've read several books about Mary Queen of Scots, and sadly this one didn't measure up to any of them. I did however enjoy a refresher in the history of her time period.

Rating: 3 flowers

About the Author

Danny Saunders is a true European history enthusiast. He has always been keenly interested in royalty. Danny holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and also pursued communication studies at the university level. He has worked as a journalist for various written and electronic media. Of Scottish descent, Danny takes genuine pride in his British roots. The Captive Queen: A Novel of Mary Stuart is his first historical novel.

To find out more about the author Danny Saunders, you can visit his website at www.dannysaunders.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Great Escapes Book Tours Book Review: Bewitching Boots

Author: Joyce & Jim Lavene
Title: Bewitching Boots
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: July 29, 2014
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Great Escapes Book Tours
Book Blurb: 

Jessie Morton is thrilled when she finds Bill Warren, an old fashioned shoemaker, and he agrees to come back to Renaissance Faire Village with her. She’s not so thrilled when claims to have elf magic, and he falls for Princess Isabelle. The dancing slippers Bill makes for Isabelle make him a suspect when the princess takes a leap from the castle terrace. Now, Jessie must find the lady or lord who helped the princess with her last dance before she loses her star attraction.

Review: Bewitching Boots is book 7 in the Renaissance Faire Mystery series. I absolutely love this series and I really need to go back and read some of the earlier books. I've only read the one prior to this and it was fantastic.

If you've been to a Renfest, you'll feel right at home at the Village and the cast of characters is super quirky. I love the Cobbler, Bill, who takes center stage in this book because of the slippers he made for Princess Isabelle who dies shortly after receiving them.

There are a lot of people that didn't care for the Princess but not many that would kill to get rid of her, so finding out whodunit isn't all that easy here, though early on the Lavene's do give you a clue as to who it might be, you just have to pay attention. There are a few potential suspects along the way, along with poor Bill.

I loved his elf magic and the quirks of his boots when too much magic is involved.

Jessie is also dealing with rumors about her new hubby, Chase and that adds a little bit of drama to the story that isn't murder related.

The ever blue ghost, Wanda, is still around and just as fun, freaky and obnoxious as ever. She has to be my favorite ghost.

I really love the mix of paranormal, magic and mystery of this series, as well as the setting. The Lavene's really know how to craft a great mystery, that is fun and keeps you guessing.

My only gripe with this story is when Jessie refers to some cosplayers as dressing like different versions of Dr. Who. As a huge Whovian, I cringed, because the character is The Doctor not Doctor Who. So that bugged me, but it didn't affect my love of the story.

Rating: 5 flowers

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Book Review: A Reckless Soul

Author: Elizabeth Cole
Title: A Reckless Soul
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: April 8, 2014
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: The author & Reading Addiction Book Tours
Book Blurb: 

The second novel in the Secrets of the Zodiac, a series that blends romantic suspense with the rich background of the Regency period.

A seductive agent, a disillusioned lord, and a web of deceit only they can untangle...

Sophie Bertrand is skilled in acting, espionage, and the subtle art of seduction. An independent spirit, she fought her way from rough streets to the top secret circle of spies known as the Zodiac. Her newest assignment is one of her most delicate yet: hunt down a traitor within Britain's own government. But there's a catch...this time she can't work alone.

Bruce Allander has a title, honor, wealth...but he'd trade it all to restore his family. The Zodiac gives him a chance for justice in a world that's already taken too much from him. Now he finds himself close to this captivating Frenchwoman--possibly too close. Sophie defies all his expectations, yet in her he senses a kindred soul.

Passion draws the two together, but a web of betrayals threatens to tear them apart. To survive, they have to trust each other. They have to be a little reckless...

Review: A Reckless Soul is the second book in the Secrets of the Zodiac series. Elizabeth Cole's writing style is similar to Elizabeth Hoyt, Julia Quinn and  Amanda Quick.

Sophie is a spy for the Zodiac and she's a good one. Bruce is as well. But when they are put on assignment together personalities clash, partially because Sophie is a woman.

This is the kind of Regency that I can't put down. There's more intrigue than romance here, but things are definitely heating up with Sophie and Bruce, even though they have issues with each other and the job that they are doing. Neither wants help on the assignment they have, and would rather be working alone.

However as they start the task, they grow closer and more intimate. Love is definitely in the air, until things start to go terribly wrong. Both come close to losing their lives and there's a double agent in the Zodiac. 

It is impossible not to love Sophie. She's a heroine that is strong but not without emotion. The flashbacks Ms Cole gives us of Sophie's mother will break your heart and make you want to hug Sophie. She definitely is a woman that needs some love, even though she is strong and independent.

Bruce is a tough nut and one you'll want to hit with a stick because he refuses to trust her even when she saves his life. He lets some pretty low people cast doubt on her character. 

This was a fabulous read! I look forward to more books from this series.

Book Review: All At Sea

Author: Heather Wardell
Title: All At Sea
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: Sept 6, 2012
Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

Melissa and Owen met on New Years' Eve and he proposed on Valentine's Day. Now it's March, and they're about to set sail on a two-week Caribbean cruise - and get married on the last day at sea. Though their relationship's moving fast, Melissa's wanted to be married for years and she knows the smart stable Owen is a great catch so she's sure they'll be fine.

At least, she's sure until she meets his brothers on the cruise and discovers she's dated both of them: Austin, the fun-loving flirt whose kisses still haunt her dreams, and Nicholas, the sweet horror movie fan whose lack of ambition upset her in ways she still doesn't understand.

Melissa expected to spend tons of time onboard with her fiancé, but he instead spends nearly his every waking moment in the casino displaying a previously unseen love of gambling. This surprise, and the time she spends with Nicholas and with Austin, makes her question everything she thought she wanted.

Her relationship with Owen was just fine before, but suddenly 'just fine' doesn't seem good enough to keep a marriage alive for a lifetime. Melissa has two weeks to decide: stay with Owen or jump ship.

Review: I don't think there's a book by Heather Wardell that I don't love. This book is no exception. Owen and Melissa are about to be married on a family cruise, only Melissa didn't know Owen's family until she stepped on board the ship.

Big surprises! She's dated both of Owen's brothers.

More surprises! Owen spends more time in the ships casino than he does with her.

Melissa finds herself spending more time with her ex, Nicholas, than her soon to be hubby.

Uh oh!

I wanted Melissa to show some more spunk, with Owen. I think she let him off way too easily with his gambling.

I wanted to like Owen, but it was impossible not to love Nicholas and even Austin better. They both seemed to have more chemistry with Melissa.

It drove me crazy trying to figure out who she was going to chose in the end. (I'll admit, I had a favorite)

If you are a fan of great women's fiction, you have to give this book a try!

Rating: 5 flowers

Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tour Book Review: The Highlander's Sin

Link to Tour Page: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/stolenbrideseriestour
Tour Hashtag: #StolenBrideSeriesVirtualTour

Stolen Bride Series

Book One - The Highlander's Reward
Book Two - The Highlander's Conquest
Book Three - The Highlander's Lady
Book Four - The Highlander's Warrior Bride

Book Five - The Highlander's Triumph
Book Six - The Highlander's Sin
Book Seven - The Highlander's Temptation

The Highlander’s Reward (Book One)
Publication Date: July 19, 2012
Paperback; 262pShe belonged to another…
Lady Arbella de Mowbray abhors the idea of marrying an English noble occupying Scotland. When she reaches Stirling where she is to wed, she is thrown into the midst of a full battle between the Scots and the English. Fighting for her life, she is whisked from her horse by a warrior fighting with William Wallace who escapes with her into the Highlands.
But was destined to be his…
The last thing Laird Magnus Sutherland wants is a wife…but that is exactly what he got when he saved the beautiful English lass. Their countries are at war and they should be each other’s enemy. When she is attacked by one of his own men, he determines the only way to keep her safe is to marry her.
Magnus brings Arbella to his home of Dunrobin Castle. And that’s where the trouble begins… Neither one considered their mock marriage would grow into a deeply passionate love. What’s more, they were both unhappily betrothed and those who’ve been scorned are out for the ultimate revenge.
The Highlander’s Conquest (Book Two)
Publication Date: September 22, 2012
Paperback; 290p
What is a Highlander to do when he falls for the daughter of his enemy?
Highland warrior, Blane Sutherland, has one mission: disguise himself as an Englishman, cross the border and retrieve Lady Aliah de Mowbray. Always up for a challenge, he agrees, pursuing his conquest with vigor–and trying to deny the powerful desire that eclipses him each time he touches his charge. A rogue of the highest order and a younger son, he has nothing to offer a lady but a broken heart.
And what is a lady to do when she cannot trust her heart?
Aliah is skeptical of the English noble who has come to take her to her father and sister in Scotland, but she pushes her doubts aside. Without word in months, she must make certain her family is safe, then she can return to England to join the convent to which she has sworn to pledge her life. But then her escort reveals his true self–he’s a Highlander and his kisses are more seductive than the sweetest of wines.
Surrender never tasted so sweet…
The Highlander’s Lady (Book Three)Publication Date: December 7, 2012Paperback; 292p
A Highlander tamed…
Laird Daniel Murray seeks adventure, battle and freedom for his countrymen. Putting off his duties as laird–with a promise to his clan he’ll return come spring–Daniel sets off with his men to fight alongside William Wallace and the Bruce. But soon he stumbles across an enchanting lady in need. She tantalizes him with an offer he simply can’t refuse and a desire he attempts to dismiss.
A lady’s passion ignited…
Escaping near death at the treacherous hands of a nearby clan, Lady Myra must find the Bruce and relay the news of an enemy within his own camp. Alone in a world full of danger and the future of her clan at stake, she must trust the handsome, charismatic Highland laird who promises to keep her safe on her journey–and sets her heart to pounding.
Together, Daniel and Myra will risk not only their lives, but their hearts while discovering the true meaning of hope and love in a world fraught with unrest.
The Highlander’s Warrior Bride (Book Four)Publication Date: March 29, 2013Paperback; 272p
Their greatest opponent won’t be battled with a sword…But with their hearts…
Ronan Sutherland is a fierce warrior. Swearing off all else, he thrives on his powerful position within William Wallace’s army. Freedom for the Scots is his mission–until he meets fair Julianna. She captivates him, intoxicates him…makes him want more out of life than what harsh dangers he’s accustomed to.
Lady Julianna is no meek maiden. She’s trained in the art of war, sister to one of Scotland’s most powerful men, and tasked with keeping the future king safe. Until she’s kidnapped by a rivaling clan. Now her only hope is for the one man she trusts–and desires–to save her.
Together, they’ll have to face down one of Scotland’s most treacherous foes… And keep from falling victim to the one thing they’ve both eluded thus far–love.
The Highlander’s Triumph (Book Five)
Publication Date: June 19, 2013
Paperback; 260p
He was a warrior fighting for Scottish freedom. She was his enemy’s mistress.
Laird Brandon Sinclair has given his life to the Scottish cause. Swearing fealty to Robert the Bruce, he will stop at nothing to see oppression end.
Lady Mariana wants nothing more than to break free of the tyrannical hold the English king has on her. When he sends her to Scotland with a message for the rebels, instead of obeying his orders, she finds herself submitting to her desires. After one sizzling, life-altering night, Brandon and Mariana must part ways. But Mariana has no intention of betraying her heart again.
And Brandon is determined to get her back. Stealing Longshank’s secrets felt like victory, but taking his woman will be this Highlander’s ultimate triumph.
The Highlander’s Sin (Book Six) 
Publication Date: October 23, 2013 
Paperback; 290p
He stole her away… But she set him free…
They called him The Priest. Maybe because of his billowing black robes and the steel crucifix that hung around his neck. Or perhaps it was because those who met him were compelled to pray. But Duncan Mackay was anything but a saint. He was a sinner—a paid mercenary. Until he met her, and she made him want to change his ways.
Lady Heather Sutherland, has never been compelled to follow rules. And this time, she’s gone too far. Following in the footsteps of her brothers and cousins, she chooses to join the fight for Scottish freedom—and gets herself abducted by a handsome, rogue warrior, whose touch is sweet sin.
Duncan’s duty was clear—steal Heather away from Dunrobin Castle. What he didn’t expect, was to be charmed by her spirit and rocked by her fiery kiss. Now, he doesn’t want deliver her to those who hired him, instead he wants to keep her all to himself.
The Highlander’s Temptation (Book Seven) 
Publication: February 2014 
Paperback
Desire tempted them, but love conquered all…
Laird Jamie Montgomery was a warrior with a mission. When he travels to the northern Highlands on the orders of William Wallace, temptation in the form of an alluring lass, could be his undoing.
Lady Lorna Sutherland can’t resist the charms of one irresistible Highlander. Though she’s been forbidden, she breaks every rule for the pleasure of his intoxicating embrace.
When their love is discovered, Jamie is tossed from Sutherland lands under threat of death. But danger can’t keep the two of them apart. No matter what perils may try to separate them—Lorna and Jamie swear they’ll find a way to be together.

Buy the Books

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Review: The Highlander's Sin is book 6 in the Stolen Bride's series. I wanted to read this book first because the character "The Priest" was intriguing to me, especially in a romance novel.

The plot had me a little wary, though.  The kidnapped girl and the big brawny Highlander who she eventually falls in love with is a scenario that's been done. However, I found myself warming to Duncan, much more than I thought I would. In fact, I would really have liked to have had some more back story on him. I liked him quite a bit more than I did Heather Sutherland.

The reason I wasn't so keen on Heather, was her sameness. When it comes to novels set in Scotland, the lass is always headstrong and tomboyish, while still being drop dead gorgeous. I'm not saying I want a wimpy woman, but I'd like her to be something less Merida from Brave.

Yet, as the story progressed, I found myself really enjoying the relationship between Heather and Duncan and even wanted their story to go on a little bit longer. There wasn't enough conflict for my taste. I would have loved to see Heather's Merida side.

I really enjoyed Eliza's writing style and I quickly grabbed a copy of The Highlander's Reward so I could start the series from the beginning.

Rating: 4 flowers

About the Author
Eliza Knight is the multi-published, award-winning, bestselling author of sizzling historical romance and erotic romance. While not reading, writing or researching for her latest book, she chases after her three children. In her spare time (if there is such a thing…) Eliza likes daydreaming, wine-tasting, traveling, hiking, staring at the stars, watching movies, shopping and visiting with family and friends. Being a self-proclaimed history nerd, she owns the acclaimed historical blog, History Undressed (www.historyundressed.com). Eliza lives atop a small mountain, and enjoys cold winter nights when she can curl up in front of a roaring fire with her own knight in shining armor.
For more information please visit Eliza Knight’s website.

Book Review: Everybody's Got A Story

Author: Heather Wardell
Title: Everybody's Got A Story
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: July 4, 2013
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: Net Galley
Book Blurb: Both personally and professionally, Alexa knows all too well the power of words. Two years after her boyfriend Christophe's vicious attack, she's still trying to see herself as more than simply 'his victim', still trying to figure out her own story.

After his trial, she moves from New York City to Toronto in an attempt to start over, but his words cling to her and even in a new country she can't see how to move into relationships with the new people in her life while hiding the secret of Christophe's worst offense.

She can't hide that secret from her coworker Jake, though, because the news buff has recognized her from the coverage of the assault and trial and knows every word she can't bring herself to say about her ordeal.

With Jake's help, can Alexa reclaim her story and her life?

Review: Heather Wardell is one of my favorite authors for many reasons. One of them is her ability to create characters that you can connect with. They have faults and flaws. Bad things happen to them as often as good.

In short, her characters are REAL!

Everybody's Got A Story was a harder read for me. The subject matter is a bit weighty. Alexa was brutalized by her boyfriend and she's got scars inside and out. This book deals with her building her life back, of regaining control of who she is.

She has a lot of struggles along the way, building new relationships and finding new friends, questioning her own abilities to read people.

As anyone that's read Heather's books will know, there's always a few people that aren't quite what they seem. Friends that aren't really friends and a guy you just can't stand.

GAH! I couldn't figure out why she liked Howard so much. I hated him from the start. I just couldn't fathom why she liked him so much, he came across as a bit slick to me...and then there was Carly. Beoytch! She was that overly ambitious backstabber that you can find in most any office.

These characters really made a great story.

Actually what made it a great story was Jake...who some will remember from Blank Slate Kate. I was so happy to see him again. I loved him in the previous book.

Once again, Heather tackles an issue that makes you think and wraps it up in a pretty package so you don't know that you're reading something other than chick lit. (And really Heather Wardell is more than just a chicklit author)

This book is part of her Toronto series, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone, although reading Blank Slate Kate first will help you to get to know a few of the characters in this story better.

Definitely a must read for those of you who like a little more substance with their romance.

Rating: 5 flowers

Book Review: The History Maker

Author: Eamonn Hickson
Title: The History Maker
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: Nov 20, 2013
Buy: Amazon
Review Copy Provided By: The author in exchange for an honest review.
Book Blurb: 
Memories are our greatest link to the past, they are what we create in the present, and they can guide us in the future. Memories can define us. Adam Fletcher has none. A crippling car accident has pressed reset on Adam’s life, leaving the young man broken and lost. Britney, the woman who claims to be his best friend, tries to bring him back to society, while hiding the truth about her involvement in the crash and protecting the driver, Shaun McCoy. Starting from scratch, Adam tries to make new memories. But, what use are memories if they are constructed from lies?

Review:  The History Maker is one of those books that leaves you thinking long after you finish it. When I started it, I was thinking that this book would be more like a Nicholas Sparks kind of novel. Boy was I surprised when it turned out to be a thriller, and a great one at that.

Adam's story is one that you really get caught up in from the start. He's a young man who is not only paralyzed from a car accident, he suffers from amnesia as well. There's so much about his accident that he can't remember and then there's Britney, his bff who he has more than a little crush on..and Shaun, who is more than a bit creepy. These two have secrets that might be the key to his memories, but they might also ruin lives.

I have to admit that I really had no idea what was coming as the book entered the final chapters. I thought this book was your typical mystery/thriller sort of thing, but all I can say is Wow to the final chapters...Wow I did not see that coming

The ending blew me away.

It was totally unexpected and while (I don't want to spoil anything) I'm sure there were some hints dropped that might clue in some readers, for me the plot twist was beyond unexpected and very exciting

Definitely a must read!

Rating: 5 flowers

ARC Book Review: Fifty Million Reasons

Author: Heather Wardell
Title: Fifty Million Reasons
Publisher: Createspace
Publish Date: Dec 4, 2013
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: The author in exchange for an honest review
Book Blurb: 

Angela has typical lottery-player plans: help friends and family, give more to charity, and escape her rut. But when she wins big, she faces angry relatives, her own unexpected greed, and a lawsuit from the person who put her in that rut. Almost nobody treats her normally, and they've got fifty million reasons not to.

She can buy anything she wants now, but can she buy the life she needs?

Review: Everyone dreams winning the lottery, but in Fifty Million Reasons Angela does just that. Once again, Heather Wardell creates a cast of characters that are more than just names on the pages, Angela, John and Zack become your friends and neighbors. Just as in any of Heather's other books, you live through Angela's struggles and triumphs as she deals with her newly won riches and you cheer her on all the way through....There are more than Fifty Million Reasons why you will love this book.

That is my short concise review. If you want to know more...Angela is a travel writer who plays the lottery and has a very giving heart, but when she wins big things start to change in her life.

I think this book can be summed up with one song...Cyndi Lauper's Money Changes Everything. Heather Wardell does a bang up job making her characters feel like people that you know and love. I adored Angela, though there were times when I wanted to choke her (when she took back her ex). But that's how it is with family. You love them and you want to give them a swift kick sometimes.

What remained constant with Angela was her wanting to do good with her winnings. Yes, she wanted nice things for herself but she wanted help her family and friends, despite some nasty things happening to her, including a family member turning on her.

Heather researched this book well. Anything you've seen mentioned about the lives of lottery winners, well...it is in here.

Some may try to put this book in the category of chicklit, but it isn't. That would consign this book to the fluff pile and Heather Wardell doesn't do fluff. This book, like all her others, will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh and probably make you cry. It is also a book you won't want to put down.

Rating: 5 flowers

Great Escapes Book Tours Book Review: The Eggstone Murders

The Eggstone Murders
by Herbert L. Smith

Book Details: The Eggstone Murders: A Starfire Mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery 1st in Series
Published by: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform Release Date: July 13, 2013
Number of Pages: 218
Synopsis: A thick-headed sheriff, a young, unsure, wannabe detective, and a savvy older criminal-turned- investigator, are only the beginning of the cast of characters included in this story of small-town life in southwestern Iowa, set in 1953. Meet them on the streets of Hillville, at the town square, or at a big-business farm nearby. They all have a story to tell, and some of them have a few things to hide. Others have quite a few. Enjoy the storms, the intrigues, and the mid-western hospitality –including the wonderful food – of Hillville, Iowa, as its down-to-earth folk work their way through the dailyness of their quiet lives. There are the murders, of course, which cause dismay, but the con-man turned detective, Guy, is able to resolve them, after a few hard bumps, and the guilty are punished – or, as is sometimes Guy’s choice, forgiven. As a whole, it’s a pleasant outing on an Iowa summer’s day.

Review: This is the second cozy mystery that I've read that is set in the 1950s. Guy is a con man who is trying to run away from his past. His running takes him tho Hillville, Iowa. He meets the taxi driver/detective, Caleb who says "shit" more than anyone you know and suddenly the two are in business.

Things start out simple with an embezzling case, but then there's a murder and the sheriff asks for their help, and then there's another murder and everything seems to be connected in one way or another.

In the course of the investigation, Guy and Caleb discover (well mostly Guy) that everyone at Eggstone Farms has secrets and so do a few of the townspeople.

I like Guy's version of justice in a few of the cases. (He forgives certain crimes...I'll let the readers guess which ones).

I think Guy's closeness to the underworld made him a good detective, but Caleb may just surprise you when things are all said and done.

I loved the little country town and all the inhabitants. This is the first book in the Starfire Mystery Series, and I look forward to seeing how things progress with the characters.

Rating: 4 flowers

About The Author Herb Smith was born and raised in ‘Hillville,’ Iowa, a town situated close to Omaha, across the mighty Missouri River and a few miles south. He lived there until he was a young adult, and gradually made his way out into the rest of the world from that unique beginning. He has lived and worked on four continents and many different countries, and has crisscrossed the Atlantic more times than he wants to remember. (The trip was fun for the first few times. After that it was more painful.) His books include: Cairo, The Mother Of The World, Crossing Borders, The Great Sphinx Of Amun-Ra, Songs Of Saints And Angels, The Names Of The Days – A Novel Of Egypt’s 2011 Revolution, and other, as-yet-unpublished, Starfire Mystery stories. He is a musician and composer, teacher, and reader. All those things add up to a lifetime of books, music, and looking into a computer screen. He and his wife, Glenda, live in Eugene, Oregon, where they retired several years ago.

Purchase Links: Amazon Book World B&N