WAIT FOR ME by Susan May Warren – Book Blog Tour Bonus Review and Giveaway

BNR Wait for Me JPG

WAIT FOR ME
Montana Rescue Series, Book 6

by

SUSAN MAY WARREN

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Action / Christian
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: November 6, 2018
Number of Pages: 336

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Synopsis
Cover Hi Res Wait for MePete Brooks can’t believe he’s waited an entire year for Jess Tagg to return to Montana, only to have her break his heart by getting engaged to her ex-fiancé. Worse, a series of mistakes on the job have cost lives, and Pete isn’t sure he wants to continue to work in Search and Rescue. Maybe if he can just get over Jess, he can figure out how to move forward.

EMT Jess Tagg has returned to Montana to finally give her heart to Pete, but it seems he’s no longer interested. When a terrible fight between them sparks an impulsive decision, she finds herself crashed on the side of a highway along with Esme Shaw. And just when she thinks things couldn’t get any worse, she and Esme are taken captive and into the untamed Montana wilderness—with murderous intent.

Now Pete and the other PEAK Rescue Team members are in a race against time, the elements, and the actions of a vengeful man. Pete will have to use everything he’s learned to find Jess and Esme—and pray that his past mistakes don’t cost him the life of the woman he can’t stop loving.

Praise for the Montana Rescue Series
“Warren’s stalwart characters and engaging story lines make her Montana Rescue series a must-read.”–Booklist

“Faith, action, romantic tension, humor, and emotional depth.”
Publishers Weekly

“Warren excels at creating flawed characters the reader cares about, as well as building a suspenseful adventure.”
Christian Library Journal

PURCHASE LINKS:
Baker Book House | Amazon | Christianbook.com |
B&N | Kobo | Lifeway | Books-A-Million

Review_preview

NQ 3 Wait for MeUnputdownable, heart-pounding, action-packed romantic suspense novel revolving around not just one, but two fantastic love stories. On top of it all, it’s a Christian romance as well with the characters who were in mortal danger trusting God’s will at the same time that they try their hardest to rescue themselves.

Although I am coming into this series late (this is the first book I read and it’s the series ender), I didn’t feel lost in spite of the numerous named characters. It actually encouraged me to look up the previous five and add them to my to-be-read mountain of books.

NQ 2 Wait for MeWait For Me had me turning page after page to find out how Pete and Jess will finally end up together and how the new romance between Shae and Ned develops, especially with Shae on the verge of death and with a killer still after her. It’s all very exciting and Ms. Warren’s writing is impeccable. She really takes the reader right in the middle of the book as if we’re witnessing the action as it happens.

I love that all the characters are capable, be they men or women. I love that Felipe is an upstanding guy, that he makes it hard for Jess to choose between him and Pete. Like I already said above, although they have faith in God, they don’t just wait to be rescued. Lastly, I love the family and community coming together to help each other out. Fantastic book. I highly recommend it.
AboutTheAuthor

Author Pic Warren_SusanMaySusan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling author of over fifty novels with more than 1 million books sold, including Wild Montana Skies, Rescue Me, A Matter of Trust, Troubled Waters, and Storm Front. Winner of a RITA Award and multiple Christy and Carol Awards, as well as the HOLT Medallion and numerous Readers’ Choice Awards, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic suspense, thrillers, romantic comedy, and novellas. She makes her home in Minnesota

WEBSITEGOODREADS
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———————
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GRAND PRIZE: All 6 Books in the Montana Rescue Series
+ $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
2RD PRIZE: Wait for Me + a Bookworm Mug
3RD PRIZE: Wait for Me + $10 Starbucks Gift Card
November 12-21, 2018
(U.S. Only)

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

11/12/18 	BONUS Review 		Carpe Diem Chronicles 
11/12/18 	Notable Quotable 	Hall Ways Blog 
11/13/18 	Review 			Momma on the Rocks 
11/14/18 	Author Interview 	All the Ups and Downs 
11/15/18 	Review 			Reading by Moonlight 
11/16/18 	Playlist 		Chapter Break Book Blog 
11/17/18 	Review 			Nerd Narration 
11/18/18 	Excerpt 		StoreyBook Reviews 
11/19/18 	Review 			The Clueless Gent 
11/20/18 	Series 			Spotlight Books and Broomsticks 
11/21/18 	Review 			Missus Gonzo 

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GRATITUDE: THE ART OF BEING THANKFUL by Vickie Phelps – Book Blog Tour Bonus Review and Giveaway

 

gratitude bbt cover

GRATITUDE:
THE ART OF BEING THANKFUL

by

Vickie Phelps

Genre: Non-Fiction / Inspirational / Devotional
Publisher: Inspire Books
Date of Publication: July 11, 2017
Number of Pages: 92, 4.5″ x 6″

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Synopsis

gratitude cover

 

This ninety-two-page gift book is a compilation of devotions, poems, prayers, and lists of things to be grateful for. The difference between having what you want and having what you need is a principle some people never grasp. In the reading of this book, you may realize you have much more to be grateful for than you were aware of. Use this little book as a daily devotional or pick it up at random times to remind yourself that you are a blessed individual.

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Review_preview
gratitude xtra

I read Gratitude: The Art of Being Thankful at a time when there were too many distressing news – mass shooting, wildfires, friends of mine undergoing health crises. It was the absolutely perfect time to read it. How do you say thanks when people are dying, when you lose everything you’ve worked hard for? The booklet says you count your blessings. You focus on what you have rather than what you don’t have. You celebrate life.

Enhanced by Ms. Phelps personal anecdotes, Gratitude is an uplifting devotional that should be in everyone’s pockets and read daily. It’s a handy guide on how to say praises and thanks, on how to pray and offer thanksgiving. It’s the perfect gift and I am grateful that I received it.

 

PRAISE FOR GRATITUDE: THE ART OF BEING THANKFUL:

attitude of gratitude

 

“This little gem of a book arrived before we left on vacation, so I took it along. It became our shared devotional and ‘thought for the day’ outlook … and colored our time away with gratitude. This unique discovery is one to treasure.”
5 Star Review, Amazon verified purchase

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AboutTheAuthor

Vivkie PhelpsVickie Phelps writes to encourage, inspire, and influence. She has published 200 articles, devotionals, and essays in more than fifty magazines and contributed to several anthologies. Vickie is the author of the novels, Postmark From the Past, Moved, Left No Address, Waiting for Joy, and a devotional book, Psalms for the Common Man. Vickie is co-author with Jo Huddleston of the gift book, Simply Christmas,  and Writing 101: A Handbook of Tips; Encouragement for Writers.

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Pinterest ฀ LinkedIn
WebsiteBlog
Amazon Author Page

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1st Prize: Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful + $5 Amazon Gift Card + Simply
Christmas & Psalms for the Common Man (non-fiction themed pack)
2nd Prize: Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful + $5 Amazon Gift Card +
Postmark from the Past & Waiting for Joy (holiday theme pack)
3rd Prize:Signed Copy of The Art of Being Thankful

(US ONLY)
NOVEMBER 7-16, 2018

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

11/7/18		Author Interview	That's What She's Reading
11/8/18		Review			Hall Ways Blog
11/9/18		Review			Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
11/10/18	Excerpt			Kelly Well Read
11/11/18	BONUS Review		The Clueless Gent
11/12/18	Review			Chapter Break Book Blog
11/13/18	Guest Post		Max Knight
11/13/18	BONUS Review		Rainy Days with Amanda
11/14/18	Notable Quotable	Sybrina's Book Blog
11/15/18	Review			Forgotten Winds
11/16/18	Review			StoreyBook Reviews

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FRAGMENTS OF ASH by Katy Regnery – Happy Release Day Review

FRAGMENTS OF ASH

(Inspired by “Cinderella”)
A Modern Fairytale Collection

Katy Regnery

FoA Available Now

BLURB

From New York Times bestselling author Katy Regnery comes a dark and twisted retelling of the beloved fairytale, Cinderella!

My name is Ashley Ellis…

I was thirteen years old when my mother – retired supermodel, Tig – married Mosier Răumann, who was twice her age and the head of the Răumann crime family.

When I turned eighteen, my mother mysteriously died. Only then did I discover the dark plans my stepfather had in store for me all along; the debauched “work” he expected me to do.

With the help of my godfather, Gus, I have escaped from Mosier’s clutches, but his twin sons and henchmen have been tasked with hunting me down. And they will stop at nothing to return my virgin body to their father

…dead or alive.

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Visit the Fragments of Ash Website

 

PURCHASE LINKS

FoA 3d cover

 

US: https://amzn.to/2OpIfZq

UK: https://amzn.to/2mLYQtM

CA: https://amzn.to/2v31oIL

AU: https://amzn.to/2AjLaQr

B&N: http://bit.ly/2Dy3Ptq

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2LJr72c

iBooks: https://apple.co/2LXgINl

REVIEW

When Katy Regnery promised a twisted Cinderella, she delivered big time. Fragments of Ash is not your Disney-style fairy tale. There is no ball, no gown, no glass slippers. There IS a fairy godfather, a pervert stepfather, two cowed stepbrothers, and an initially-indifferent Prince Charming. It’s diverse and multilingual – Gus is gay, Mosier and his sons are Romanian, there’s a Catholic priest, the grandparents are from Wales, and the hero is half-French. It’s harrowing, angsty, heart-pounding, tragic, and sometimes all-too-real. But, it is also wonderfully sweet, especially in the slow-burn romance between Ashley and Julian.

I love the balance between good and evil with Mosier and Ash’s grandparents taking on the role of villains, while Gus, Jock, Father Joseph, and Julian are firmly on the side of the angels. I also like the ambiguity with Tig and Anders. The diary device is effectively used in having her be a big part of the book even after her death.

Highly evocative, Fragments of Ash will make you feel for the main characters. I was truly scared for Ash in a couple of early scenes. I was both disgusted and saddened by Tig’s lifestyle. And, I fell in love with Julian’s “courtship” of Ash – asking for her consent, giving her the control over their physical interactions, having confidence in her strength to face Mosier as bait, protecting her. He is the total opposite of Mosier. That is why he’s the hero. He is why we read romance.

Readers, heed the disclaimer. This is an adult story with profane language and themes that could trigger trauma: drugs, rape threat, murder. If you like light and fluffy, this is not for you. If you’re a mature reader who likes to be engaged, immersed, involved with the story, buy Fragments of Ash. Now.
fairytale

FRAGMENTS OF ASH is part of the ~a modern fairytale~ collection: contemporary, standalone romances inspired by beloved fairy tales.

The Vixen and the Vet (Beauty & the Beast) – available now
Never Let You Go (Hansel & Gretel) – available now
Ginger’s Heart (Little Red Riding Hood) – available now
Dark Sexy Knight (Camelot) – available now
Don’t Speak (The Little Mermaid) – available now
Sheer Heaven (Rapunzel) – available now
Fragments of Ash (Cinderella) – available now
Swan Song (The Ugly Duckling) – coming soon

US: https://amzn.to/2LM4MRA
UK: https://amzn.to/2NRAGtf
CA: https://amzn.to/2NTJuPz
AU: https://amzn.to/2NPp3mU
B&N: http://bit.ly/2K3tsjJ
Kobo: http://bit.ly/2Lu04bP
iBooks: https://apple.co/2LLLLyS

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katy RegneryNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Katy Regnery started her writing career by enrolling in a short story class in January 2012. One year later, she signed her first contract, and Katy’s first novel was published in September 2013.

Forty books later, Katy claims authorship of the multi-titled New York Times and USA Today bestselling Blueberry Lane Series, which follows the English, Winslow, Rousseau, Story, and Ambler families of Philadelphia; the six-book, bestselling ~a modern fairytale~ series; and several other stand-alone novels and novellas, including the critically-acclaimed, 2018 RITA© nominated, USA Today bestselling contemporary romance, Unloved, a love story.

Katy’s first modern fairytale romance, The Vixen and the Vet, was nominated for a RITA® in 2015 and won the 2015 Kindle Book Award for romance. Katy’s boxed set, The English Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, hit the USA Today bestseller list in 2015, and her Christmas story, Marrying Mr. English, appeared on the list a week later. In May 2016, Katy’s Blueberry Lane collection, The Winslow Brothers Boxed Set, Books #1–4, became a New York Times e-book bestseller.

Katy’s books are available in English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Turkish.

Katy lives in the relative wilds of northern Fairfield County, Connecticut, where her writing room looks out at the woods, and her husband, two young children, two dogs, and one Blue Tonkinese kitten create just enough cheerful chaos to remind her that the very best love stories begin at home.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website/Newsletter Signup: http://katyregnery.com
Email: katy@katyregnery.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatyRegnery
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/katharineregner
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7211470.Katy_Regnery

COWBOY CHARM SCHOOL by Margaret Brownley – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

CCS BBT Cover

COWBOY CHARM SCHOOL

HAYWIRE BRIDES, #1

by

MARGARET BROWNLEY

Sub-genre: Western Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: September 4, 2018
Number of Pages: 384

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Synopsis

CCS cover

When Texas Ranger Brett Tucker accidentally derails a wedding, he’s determined to bring the estranged couple back together…but he never dreamed he’d start falling for the bride!

Texas Ranger Brett Tucker hates to break up a wedding, but the groom—notorious criminal Frank Foster—is a danger to any woman. So he busts into the

church, guns blazing…only to find he has the wrong man.

STOP THAT WEDDING!

Bride-to-be Kate Denver is appalled by her fiancé’s over-the-top reaction to the innocent mistake and calls off the wedding—for good. Guilt-ridden, Brett’s desperate to get them back on track. But the more time he spends with Kate, the harder he falls…and the more he yearns to prove that he’s her true match in every way.

“Light and airy as cotton candy, this tale charms.”

~ Publishers Weekly

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AMAZON     BARNES & NOBLE     iTUNES

Review_preview

CCS extra photoHilarious! This is my first historical western romantic comedy and I had so much fun reading Cowboy Charm School. It’s also my first book by Margaret Brownley, but will definitely not be the last.

From the first scene at the chapel to the Happily-Ever-After Epilogue, this book thoroughly entertains. With engaging characters from the small town of Haywire coming to life in the pages of the book, Cowboy Charm School is just the thing we need to take our minds off the harsh realities of life even for just a few hours. Frank is a bumbling hoot, Aunt Letty is a lovable meddler, Dusty just makes you want to hug him, and Ringo is a star.

The slow build-up of attraction between the hero Texas Ranger Brett Tucker and the heroine Kate Denver is as sweet as the candies she makes in her store. Kate is creative, kind, caring, and has a backbone of steel. Brett, with his earnest desire to seeing to Kate’s safety and happiness even if it means letting her go, is the perfect hero during these times when women are hurting and needing the assurance that there are still a lot of good guys out there. He’s why we read romance.

Original story with loads of humor, delectable candy concoctions, a little bit of mystery, and a whole lotta love – Cowboy Charm School is a five-star read for me. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

AboutTheAuthor

Margaret Brownley

New York Times bestselling author MARGARET BROWNLEY has penned more than forty-five novels and novellas. She’s a two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist and has written for a TV soap. She is also a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award.

Her story, A Pony Express Christmas, will appear this fall in the Old West Christmas Brides collection, and book two of her Haywire Brides series will be published May 2019.

Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.

—————————————

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Signed Copy + $10 Amazon Gift Card
September 24-October 3, 2018
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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

9/24/18     Excerpt              Hall Ways Blog
9/24/18     Excerpt              The Clueless Gent
9/25/18     Review               Chapter Break Book Blog
9/26/18     Author Interview     Book Fidelity
9/26/18     Top Ten List         Books in the Garden
9/27/18     Review               Momma on the Rocks
9/28/18     Guest Post           Books and Broomsticks
9/28/18     Author Interview     Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
9/29/18     Review               StoreyBook Reviews
9/30/18     Guest Post           That's What She's Reading
9/30/18     Excerpt              Forgotten Winds
10/1/18     Review               Carpe Diem Chronicles
10/2/18     Guest Post           The Book Review
10/3/18     Review               Reading by Moonlight
10/3/18     Review               Missus Gonzo

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A RUMORED FORTUNE by Joanna Davidson Politano – Book Blog Tour Review/Giveaway

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A RUMORED FORTUNE

BY

JOANNA DAVIDSON POLITANO

Genre: Historical Romance / Christian
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: July 31, 2018
Number of Pages: 416

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Synopsis
MyDDDxMQWelcome to Trevelyan Castle, home of the poorest heiress in Victorian England. Tressa Harlowe’s father kept his vast fortune hidden somewhere on his estate in the south of England and died suddenly, without telling anyone where he had concealed it.

Now Tressa and her ailing mother are left with a mansion and an immense vineyard and no money to run it. It doesn’t take long for a bevy of opportunists to flock to the estate under the guise of offering condolences. Tressa knows what they’re really up to. She’ll have to work with the rough and rusticated vineyard manager to keep the laborers content without pay and discover the key to finding her father’s fortune—before someone else finds it first.

 
Review_preview

I don’t normally read Christian Romance, finding some of them too forceful in preaching, but I made an exception for A Rumored Fortune and I did not regret it. Joanna Davidson Politano’s faith and the faith of her main characters Tressa Harlowe and Donegan Vance shone throughout the book and is essential to the growth of the hero and heroine and the development of the story.

Almost allegorical in its story-telling, A Rumored Fortune is a fascinating novel. The descriptions of the settings and characters, the dialogues, the conflicts, and the narration take the reader in a journey of intricate family relationships, class warfare, historical societal norms, viticulture, mystery, and romance.

I appreciate the deft way Ms. Politano drew her characters. They’re real and relatable. Tressa is kind, intelligent, and artistic but she has prejudices too. Donegan is forthright, but is also deceptive. Even the secondary characters are rounded out: Lucy, Tressa’s mother, Andrew, Margaret, Dr. Caine, Neville and Ellen, Mr. Prescott. They’re not caricatures and have reasons for their behaviors.

With its unpredictable twists and turns and affecting lessons in the practice of trust and acts of charity and sacrifice to demonstrate faith and love, A Rumored Fortune is a highly engaging read.  I give it four stars. ✩✩✩✩

 

PRAISE FOR A RUMORED FORTUNE:

7ZN2R6-w“Everyone loves a treasure hunt—pair it with a heroine you can’t help but love, a hero you can’t help but swoon over, and a family mystery that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat, and you end up with A Rumored Fortune. This book is a treasure in itself and one you won’t be able to put down!”—Roseanna M. White, bestselling author of the Ladies of the Manor series and Shadows Over England series

“Politano combines romance and mystery with great skill to create plot twists that will keep readers captivated until the very end.”—Publishers Weekly

“The author has done a great job, offering up a plot filled with wit, charm, action, and a lot of female strength.”—Suspense Magazine

 

book trailer

CLICK TO PURCHASE:

Baker BookHouse     Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Christianbook.com

Kobo     IndieBound     Books-A-Million

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AboutTheAuthor

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Joanna Davidson Politano is the award-winning author of Lady Jayne Disappears. She freelances for a small nonfiction publisher but spends much of her time spinning tales that capture the colorful, exquisite details in ordinary lives. She lives with her husband and their two babies in a house in the woods near Lake Michigan and shares stories that move her.

WEBSITE     FACEBOOK     TWITTER

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE     GOODREADS

 

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GRAND PRIZE: Copy of A Rumored Fortune + Novel Teas (box of 25 tea bags) + $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
2ND PRIZE: Copy of A Rumored Fortune+ $10 Starbucks Gift Card
3RD PRIZE: Copy of A Rumored Fortune+ $10 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
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September 11-20, 2018

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9/11/18		Notable Quotable	Story Schmoozing Book Reviews
9/12/18		Review			Momma on the Rocks
9/13/18		Author Interview	The Clueless Gent
9/14/18		Excerpt			That's What She's Reading
9/15/18		Review			StoreyBook Reviews
9/16/18		Notable Quotable	All the Ups and Downs
9/17/18		Character Interview	Missus Gonzo
9/18/18		Review			Tangled in Text
9/19/18		Author Top Five		Kelly Well Read
9/20/18		Review			Carpe Diem Chronicles

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WHISPERS ON THE WIND by Dana Wayne – Book Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway

 

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WHISPERS ON THE WIND

by

DANA WAYNE

Genre: Romantic Suspense
Publisher: Book Lift Off
Date of Publication: March 7, 2018
Number of Pages: 277

Scroll down for Giveaway!

Synopsis

yNictRNgYou didn’t stop him. He killed her.

Dire warnings from a voice only he can hear makes Sheriff Cooper Delaney doubt his sanity. When a body is found matching one from a recent nightmare, he believes he’s gone off the deep end. The dead do not talk to the living. Or do they? One body becomes two. Are there more?

Heart broken by betrayal, Dr. Samantha Fowler finds herself starting over at thirty-three. When she meets the local sheriff, the attraction is instant and fierce, threatening to crumble the defensive walls around her heart. Once burned, twice shy, she vows to stay far away from him for the duration of her stay at the quaint B & B they share. But when she finds one body, then another, avoiding the handsome Texan is impossible.

He’s not done.

Quarry in site, he watches and waits. “I am the master. I cannot be stopped. ”The clock is ticking…

Review_preview

 

Dana Wayne is a new-to-me author, but based on Whispers on the Wind, I’ll be reading more of her work from now on. She managed to infuse this book with the right blend of suspense, paranormal, romance, and humor.

I quite enjoyed this book. It’s engaging with likable and relatable characters, plausible plotline, and swoon-worthy love story. I also like that although there are many secondary characters, they didn’t detract from the leads and they demonstrate the reality of small town living. There’s a balance among “good” and “bad” characters and that always receives high marks in my opinion.

I really like that Delaney and Sam are mature characters who act their age. There’s honesty in their instant attraction with one another. Even though it’s fast, their relationship developed naturally from friends to lovers.

I also appreciate the different facets of love in this book – love of pets (I adore Jack), of friends, and of family. The subplots regarding Jason and Eva enhanced the story even more.

All these things ensure that Whispers on the Wind get a stellar rating from me, but what makes this a keeper is the recipes. I’m really glad I have a paperback copy because those bonus pages are dog-eared. Dana, thank you so much for sharing Chocolate Candy Cake and Pecan Pie Muffins with your readers. Can’t wait for your next book to find more of those gifts.

 

PRAISE FOR WHISPERS ON THE WIND:

“Smooth pace and lovable characters drew me in almost instantly.”

“If you love romantic suspense, you are in for a treat!”

“Masterpiece! Dana’s ability to paint a picture with words is incredible.”

“Hard to stop reading once I started.”

“It has been a long time since I enjoyed a book as much as I did this one.”

0CDUSWOw

CLICK TO PURCHASE

Amazon   Barnes & Noble   Kobo

Angus & Robertson   Scribd

Order a Signed Copy

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AboutTheAuthor

MLBbGe2wAwarding winning author Dana Wayne is a sixth generation Texan and resides in the Piney Woods with her husband, (and biggest fan), a Calico cat named Katie, three children and four grandchildren. She routinely speaks at book clubs, writer organizations and other groups about writing and self-publishing.

Her debut novel, Secrets of The Heart, was awarded First Place – Contemporary Romance, 2017 by Texas Association of Authors, was a finalist for the 2017 Scéal Award for Contemporary Romance, Reviewers Top Pick and included on the Top 10 Books to Read This Winter from Books & Benches online magazine.

Her next two novels, Mail Order Groom, released in April, 2017, and Whispers On The Wind, released in April 2018, both received 5 Star Reviews from Readers Favorite among others. She was recently included in the Top 50 Indie Authors You Should Read by calebandlindapirtle.com, an international book blog site.

Affiliations include Romance Writers of America, Texas Association of Authors, Writers League of Texas, East Texas Writers Guild, Northeast Texas Writers Organization, and East Texas Writers Association.

 WEBSITE   FACEBOOK  TWITTER   INSTAGRAM   PINTEREST   GOODREADS

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FIRST PRIZE: Signed Copy of Whispers on the Wind + Floral Fan + $10 Amazon Gift Card
TWO RUNNERS-UP: eBook Copies of Whispers on the Wind
(Open Internationally)

September 4-13, 2018

-8lgS34w

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

9/4/18	Guest Post			That's What She's Reading
9/5/18	Review				Forgotten Winds
9/6/18	Excerpt				Chapter Break Book Blog
9/6/18	BONUS Review			Hall Ways Blog
9/7/18	Guest Post			All the Ups and Downs
9/8/18	Review				Carpe Diem Chronicles
9/9/18	Scrapbook Page & BONUS Review 	StoreyBook Reviews
9/10/18	Guest Post & BONUS Review 	The Clueless Gent
9/11/18	Review				Reading by Moonlight
9/12/18	Author Interview		Books and Broomsticks
9/13/18	Review				Book Fidelity

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THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO by Kerrigan Byrne – Release Day Review and Giveaway

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THE DUKE WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

(Victorian Rebels Vol 6)

by

KERRIGAN BYRNE

 

Duke with dragon Tattoo coverSUMMARY:

The bravest of heroes. The brashest of rebels. The boldest of lovers. These are the men who risk their hearts and their souls—for the passionate women who dare to love them…

He is known only as The Rook. A man with no name, no past, no memories. He awakens in a mass grave, a magnificent dragon tattoo on his muscled forearm the sole clue to his mysterious origins. His only hope for survival—and salvation—lies in the deep, fiery eyes of the beautiful stranger who finds him. Who nurses him back to health. And who calms the restless demons in his soul…

A LEGENDARY LOVE

Lorelei will never forget the night she rescued the broken dark angel in the woods, a devilishly handsome man who haunts her dreams to this day. Crippled as a child, she devoted herself to healing the poor tortured man. And when he left, he took a piece of her heart with him. Now, after all these years, The Rook has returned. Like a phantom, he sweeps back into her life and avenges those who wronged her. But can she trust a man who’s been branded a rebel, a thief, and a killer? And can she trust herself to resist him when he takes her in his arms?

Buy Links:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
IndieBound
Powells

 

REVIEW:

I love Kerrigan Byrne’s Victorian Rebels series. I’ve only ever complained about the title of the last book (should have just been The Scot period), but the stories have all been compelling, the writing outstanding.

My favorite had always been The Highwayman. The first book, it set the bar high. Dougan and his Fairy are ❤️❤️❤️. Now, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo’s The Rook and his Lorelai are seriously competing for the title of the series’ best couple. There’s just something about them falling in love as teens and staying true after twenty years that tugs at my heart. It’s the ideal of the “one true love” in fairy tales that’s the basis for most romance novels and it works for both The Highwayman and The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo.

“Lorelai, there are only two indisputable facts in this world: The sun will set in the west, and I’ll come for you. Always.”

The lines in this book are so memorable, my Kindle is filled with highlights and bookmarks. Amazingly, most of them are uttered by the hero. That the hero is a pirate/murderer/kidnapper/smuggler/bad, bad, bad boy makes it even more incredibly romantic.

If I write as if the characters are real people, it’s because Kerrigan fleshed them out so expertly, they come alive in my mind. The characters, both main and secondary, are nuanced. They’re flawed, damaged, human.

I always start Kerrigan Byrne’s books at five stars and would adjust at the end for things that didn’t work for me. With TDWTDT, everything worked–the storytelling, the sexytimes, the reunion, the treasure hunt, the revelations in the end. That’s why I’m giving it the full five stars.

 

GIVEAWAY:

Duke_with_the_Dragon_Tattoo_FB_Cover_v2I’m giving away a paperback of The Duke With the Dragon Tattoo to one US reader. To enter:

  1. Like and Follow this blog Carpe Diem Chronicles by Maida Malby. Comment below. (2 points)
  2. Like and Follow my author page Maida Malby on Facebook and comment on this post there. (1 point)
  3. Follow me on Twitter @maida_malby and reply to this post there. (1 point)
  4. Follow me on BookBub. (1 point)

I will draw the winner on Monday, September 3 at 12 midnight CDT.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kerrigan ByrneWhether she’s writing about Celtic Druids, Victorian bad boys, or brash Irish FBI Agents, Kerrigan Byrne uses her borderline-obsessive passion for history, her extensive Celtic ancestry, and her love of Shakespeare in every book. She now lives at the Pacific Coast, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Her Victorian Rebels novels include The Highwayman and The Highlander.

Social Links:
Author Website: http://www.kerriganbyrne.com/
Twitter: @Kerrigan_Byrne
Facebook: @KerriganByrneAuthor
Instagram: @KerriganByrne

TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR by Linda Broday Book Blog Tour – Review and Giveaway

texas star blog tour

TO CATCH A TEXAS STAR

Texas Heroes, Book 3

by

LINDA BRODAY

Genre: Western / Historical / Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: July 3, 2018
Number of Pages: 352

Scroll down for Giveaway!

Synopsis

to catch a texas starOn her way to town early one morning, Marley Rose McClain finds a man unconscious and bleeding at the side of the road. She loads him in the wagon and takes him to her family ranch.
Drifter Roan Penny fights for his life, his one goal eating at him—to find the ones who murdered his best friend. As he recovers, he finds himself falling in love with Marley. She’s everything he wants and dreams of making her his wife even as he knows it’s impossible. A terrifying stranger appears and a long-kept secret shakes Marley to the core. Roan helps her through very frightening times and they pledge their love for each other. As Roan hunts down the hooded men who killed his friend and grows closer to learning the truth of the stranger’s identity, he finds both himself and Marley being stalked.Shocking events unfold, secrets come to light, and a love refuses to be denied in this cat and mouse game where danger lurks around every corner. Will Roan and Marley survive to see the future they plan?

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Review_preview

To Catch a Texas Star is the third book in the Texas Heroes series, but the first one I’ve read. It’s actually the first book by Linda Broday that I’ve ever read. I like it. I like her writing style. This book stands well on its own, but reading the two that came before it would probably enhance the enjoyment.

Texas Star is fast-paced and action-packed, featuring well-drawn characters you’d root for and the wild West as the exciting setting. At the center of everything is a sweet romance between Marley, a strong, caring young woman, and Roan, a determined, honorable drifter. Their story happens amidst grave danger and life-altering secrets.

This book captured my attention from the beginning with its dramatic first chapter. It kept getting better as the characters are introduced (Duel, Jessie, Matt, Granny Jack, etc.) and as the attraction between Marley and Roan grew. I liked that both of them have strengths and faults. I appreciate that they saved each other’s lives. Often in Westerns, the heroine is a damsel in distress, just waiting for the hero to rescue her. This one is not like that. Marley had her low moments, especially when she was scared for her family, but she had amazing highs like when she rescued herself and when she acted to make it easy for the good guys to win in the end.

This book follows in the classic Western formula of heroes being amazingly good (and seemingly indestructible) while the villains are incredibly bad. You can easily visualize this as a movie for Ms. Broday described the action and fight scenes well.

As a Texas resident, I like the feeling of being “at home” when I read a book set here. But, even those not from here will enjoy To Catch a Texas Star as it tackles universal themes of family, justice, loyalty, and deep-abiding love.

 

Praise for To Catch a Texas Star
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“Fans of the previous books will enjoy returning to the McClain clan, and new readers will appreciate the story’s layered mysteries, emotional depth, and believable scenes of attraction.” — Publisher’s Weekly

“I loved the twists and turns that this story takes. It is pretty interesting seeing this romance blossom and how much their relationship strengthens as they face danger and the truth together.”–Addicted to Romance

“Marley Rose has one of the most gentle and winsome souls; her affection and compassion for others and delightful creativity pour off the pages and you can’t help but adore her.”–Michelle (Goodreads)

AboutTheAuthor

linda brodayLinda is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of full length historical western romance novels and novellas. She’s published over twenty books and short stories and resides in the Texas Panhandle on land the American Indian and Comancheros once roamed. On a quiet day, she can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. The love of this state and its people runs bone deep and she instills that into each book she writes. She sets all her stories in Texas because of the rich history and interesting people. A mother, grandmother, and soon to be a great grandmother, Linda finds research fascinating and always looks for little known tidbits to add realism to her stories. When she’s not writing, she collects old coins and confesses to being a rock hound in addition to making herself a nuisance at museums, libraries, and historical places which inspire her.

WEBSITE  FACEBOOK  PINTEREST  TWITTER  GOODREADS  LINKEDIN  BOOKBUB

—————————————

GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

Grand Prize: Signed Copies of Full Texas Heroes Series
Five Runners-Up: Signed Copies of To Catch a Texas Star
(US ONLY)
July 3-12, 2018

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CHECK OUT THE OTHER GREAT BLOGS ON THE TOUR:

7/3/18		Excerpt			That's What She's Reading
7/3/18		Bonus Series Spotlight	Hall Ways Blog
7/4/18		Review			Chapter Break Book Blog
7/5/18		Guest Post		StoreyBook Reviews
7/6/18		Review			Carpe Diem Chronicles
7/7/18		Character Interview	The Librarian Talks
7/8/18		Review			Reading by Moonlight
7/9/18		Playlist		Tangled in Text
7/10/18		Review			Books and Broomsticks
7/11/18		Author Interview	Dressed to Read
7/12/18		Review			Margie's Must Reads

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BREATHLESS by Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan – Review and Giveaway

 

Breathless_ Cover.jpg

SUMMARY

In Breathless, bestselling authors Celeste Bradley and Susan Donovan will sweep you away—across continents and centuries, combining the best of all worlds in one unforgettable romantic saga.

She was “the Swan.” London’s premiere courtesan. Men want to be with her. Women loathe her success and yet admire her beauty, her riches, her independence. But when the jealous wife of her lover moves to have the Swan banished from her home on the high seas, she winds up crashed against Spain’s rocky coast with no shoes, no clothes—and no name. Taken in by a tortured, sensuous man known as The Artist, the Swan comes to know the woman she wants to be—her artist’s siren.

When Art Professor Brenna Anderson is in danger of losing her post at Harvard, the rule-following, prim professor is at a loss of how to salvage the shreds of her life. But when a new painting in the mysterious Siren collection is discovered in a dusty old house in France, Brenna does the unthinkable—hops on a plane to uncover the identity of the beautiful, enigmatic woman who is the subject of the paintings.

There’s just one hitch—the frustrating, irritating, bold and beautiful art hunter Fitch Wilder is also looking for the Siren. He’s been a thorn in Brenna’s professional side for years, but when their individual quests lead them to team up despite being enemies, a whole new sumptuous world of art and culture opens up for the two of them. And with it, they enter a realm of passion and love…

Info:
St. Martin’s Griffin
Pub date: 06/12/2018
ISBN: 9781250008060
384 Pages

Buy Links:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Books-a-Million
IndieBound
Powells

 

REVIEW

A mix of contemporary romance and historical fiction, Breathless is an incredibly well-written book. The jumps between present and past are done seamlessly. Clever use of varying POVs (dual 3rd person for present and singular first person for the past) to make one time period distinct from the other.

The characterization and growth of The Swan/Siren and Fitch and Brenna were excellent. As was the keen sense of place. I was transported to every place in the book: to Paris, Boston, London, the ship, Castell de la Cala, and especially to Barcelona. The authors’ use of different languages was particularly well done. They added to the authenticity of the setting.

Enemies-to-lovers is my favorite trope and the contemporary part delivered on this. I loved Fitch and Brenna’s electric chemistry and I enjoyed their reluctant fall into love. Here’s one of my favorite quotes:

“You’re brilliant and funny. You never give up. You’re a hot mess of complexity with a dab of crazy and that intrigues me.”

There’s humor and pathos, heartbreak and triumph, mystery and adventure. Breathless is really an entertaining book. Even if I weren’t given an ARC by SMP through NetGalley, I’d buy it for myself. And buy the book before this too: Unbound.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Celeste Bradley

CELESTE BRADLEY is the New York Times bestselling author of the Runaway Brides, Heiress Brides, Liar’s Club, and Royal Four series. Her novel Fallen was nominated for a RITA in 2002. “When you are overendowed with imagination and underendowed with punctuality, become a writer.” Years of dreaming on the job paid off when Celeste Bradley quit the mainstream in 1999 and started writing historical romance. “Handsome heroes beat out cranky customers every time!” Bradley lives in New Mexico with her family, her desert garden and so many pets the house sometimes feels like an ark.

Social Links:
Celeste Bradley Author Website
Twitter: @CelesteBradley_

 

susan donovanSUSAN DONOVAN’s novels have won accolades for being witty, sexy, and entertaining. A former newspaper reporter with journalism degrees from Northwestern University, Susan is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller whose novels have been translated into dozens of languages. Susan is a two-time RITA Award finalist, and her novel Take a Chance on Me was named Best Contemporary Romance of 2003 by RT Book Reviews Magazine. She lives in New Mexico with her family and assorted dogs.

Social Links:
Susan Donovan Author Website
Twitter: @SDonovanAuthor
Facebook: @SusanDonovanFanPage

 

GIVEAWAY

I’m giving away a paperback copy of BREATHLESS to one of my US readers. For chances to win:

  1. Like my Facebook author page Maida Malby, this post, and comment (4 points)
  2. Follow @maida_malby on Twitter and Like my tweet about this review and giveaway (1 point)
  3. Follow me on BookBub (2 points)
  4. Follow me on Goodreads (1 point)
  5. Follow Carpe Diem Chronicles on Instagram (1 point)
  6. Follow me on Amazon (1 point)

 

WHAT KIND OF DAY by Mina V. Esguerra – Happy Book Birthday

WHAT KIND OF DAY

Mina V. Esguerra
WKoD.cover.kindle.preview

It’s a bad day for Ben. After years of earnest work, he’s been fired from his job as a speechwriter for a Philippine senator. Name tarnished and bridges burned, he steps into what he thinks is a shuttle ride home, and accidentally joins a tour of his own city.

It was supposed to be a good day for Naya. Her passion is traveling, her hobby is discovering cool things to see and do, and taking people on tours of Metro Manila is her only job right now. An extra person at the last minute isn’t ideal, especially if the person is a former colleague and the subject of the day’s hottest political trash fire. But work is work, and she decides to let him stay in the tour.

She’s hoping she won’t regret it. He’s hoping his day turns around. What kind of day could it be? Maybe the best kind.

 

Now Available from:

Amazon: bit.ly/six32central1
Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/what-kind-of-day/id1382820491?mt=11
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ph/en/ebook/what-kind-of-day
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/825644
B&N: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/what-kind-of-day-mina-v-esguerra/1128633588?ean=2940155248453
Gumroad: gum.co/six32central1
Print order form (Philippines): bit.ly/mvebooks

add to goodreads

 

REVIEW

I’ve had a couple of Mina’s books for a while now, but I’ve kept them on my TBR still unread. This May, in celebration of Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I decided to prioritize romance novels written by authors from the Pacific region and/or set there. When the opportunity to receive an ARC of Mina’s latest book came, I took it right away.

I had been expecting New Adult characters and storyline and was pleasantly surprised by the maturity of the themes in What Kind of Day. I didn’t think I was going to be able to relate to Naya and Ben at all. I was happy to be proven wrong. It helped that I have family and friends in the Philippines who are in politics. The situation that Ben found himself in sounded true to me. Same with Naya floating around with her hobby. Yep. Been there, done that at the same age.

Now, for the romance. The speed of the physical hook-up was unexpected. Yes, there was a proper build-up of mutual attraction, but I didn’t think they’d act on it so quickly. It worked for the story, however. It gave them a bond that would not have been there if they just went their separate ways that first day. It reminded me of Before Sunrise in some ways, which I love.

A final note – I haven’t lived in the Philippines for fifteen years so I appreciate the “See This Manila” tour. If it exists in real life, I’d do it when I go back in July.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mina authorMina V. Esguerra writes contemporary romance novellas. Visit her website minavesguerra.com for more about her books, talks, and events.

When not writing romance, she is president of communications firm Bronze Age Media, a development communication consultant, and a publisher. She created the workshop series “Author at Once” for writers and publishers, and #romanceclass for aspiring romance writers. Her young adult/fantasy trilogy Interim Goddess of Love is a college love story featuring gods from Philippine mythology. Her contemporary romance novellas won the Filipino Readers’ Choice awards for Chick Lit in 2012 (Fairy Tale Fail) and 2013 (That Kind of Guy).

Twitter/Instagram: @minavesguerra
FB: facebook.com/minavesguerra