An absolute pure delight to read... Murder in Highbury by Vanessa Kelly (Review) #newbooks #murderinhighbury #anemmaknightleymystery #vanessakelly #cozymystery #regencymystery #austenesquefiction #janeausten #jaff #bookx #austenprosepr @KensingtonBooks @austenprose

Welcome to my tour stop for this Austen inspired historical mystery! Read my 5-star review below...

Murder in Highbury

(An Emma Knightley Mystery #1)

By Vanessa Kelly

Historical Cozy Mystery, Austenesque

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 400 Pages

October 22, 2024 by Kensington Books

Summary

First in a captivating new series, Jane Austen’s Emma Knightley entertains a different role in Highbury—going from clever matchmaker to Regency England’s shrewdest sleuth.

Less than one year into her marriage to respected magistrate George Knightley, Emma has grown unusually content in her newfound partnership and refreshed sense of independence. The height of summer sees the former Miss Woodhouse gracefully balancing the meticulous management of her elegant family estate and a flurry of social engagements, with few worries apart from her beloved father’s health . . .  

But cheery circumstances change in an instant when Emma and Harriet Martin, now the wife of one of Mr. Knightley’s tenant farmers, discover a hideous shock at the local church. The corpse of Mrs. Augusta Elton, the vicar’s wife, has been discarded on the altar steps—the ornate necklace she often wore stripped from her neck . . .  

As a chilling murder mystery blooms and chaos descends upon the tranquil village of Highbury, the question isn’t simply who committed the crime, but who wasn’t secretly wishing for the unpleasant woman’s demise. When suspicions suddenly fall on a harmless local, Emma—armed with wit, unwavering determination, and extensive social connections—realizes she must discreetly navigate an investigation of her own to protect the innocent and expose the ruthless culprit hiding in plain sight.

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Brimming with all the wit and charm one can expect from a visit to Jane Austen’s world, Murder in Highbury presents Austen’s beloved and interfering character Emma with a murder. When Emma puts her clever wits to use to discover the murderer who hides among them, danger and humor mingle to provide us with mystery, delight, and a clever new sleuth. Author Vanessa Kelly writes with an experienced touch and clear fondness for her well-beloved characters, giving us the sequel we formerly could merely long for and imagine.”— Christina Dodd, New York Times bestselling author

“Fans of Jane Austen will love this lively pastiche featuring one of her most beloved characters as a clever sleuth.”— Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will be delighted to see many familiar characters return from Austen’s novel, from the shy Harriet Martin to the rakish Frank Churchill. Emma herself makes a convincing sleuth with her inclination for discovering the truth about people and their relationships.
Charming and witty with a well-paced murder to solve, this series starter is sure to delight both Austen fans and mystery lovers.”— Library Journal

“…a well-executed mystery plot. The real draw, however, is the way Kelly effortlessly transforms Emma into a successful gumshoe by exploiting the same qualities Austen gave her heroine. Readers will be charmed.”— Publishers Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target

My Review

MURDER IN HIGHBURY is a story set in the world of Austen's Emma taking place not too long after the end of the novel. The author did a fantastic job portraying these characters so that they match perfectly with the original. And, just like the original, the characters have their own distinct voices and personalities. The story is subtly emotionally driven as facts unfold and the investigation carries on. Emma lovers will enjoy getting a good glimpse of married life for her and Knightley as well as the other beloved characters in Highbury. The perfect read for Austen fans and highly recommended to historical cozy mystery readers!

Read if you like:
- Austen's Emma
- Cozy historical mysteries
- Small-town settings
- Swoon-worthy romance that isn't the main focus of the story
- Delightful, fully fleshed characters
- Engaging, evenly paced stories
- A bit of snark and humor
- Clean reads

This author is new to me, but I love all things Austen so I was hopeful this would be a fun read. I found in the first few pages I was smiling because I knew this would be a fabulous read (and it is!). If you're a fan of Emma, then you'll love this story! The characters come alive and I felt completely immersed as I experienced life and events with them. I could literally hear their voices, especially when Knightley used "Emma..." in his way when he knows she's going to do something he thinks she shouldn't. Mr. Elton is his usual superfluous and conceited self. Miss Bates is a bit hysterical (with reason). Mrs. Weston is an expected staid and wise friend. Harriet is consistently a bit flighty and impulsive but has a good heart. My favorite were the nuances, humor and love between George and Emma, of course. It was sheer delight!

The plot is a cozy mystery. It was steadily paced, but I was never bored. I was engaged from beginning to end as this was so excellently written. It gets a bit thicker as the story goes and there is an emotional undercurrent you can feel slowly grow in intensity as the end comes closer. The mystery is also very much that. You won't know exactly what is going on (there are some hints here and there, but nothing concrete) and who the villain is until it's pretty much upon you. With Knightley (and Emma) on the case, it has to come to a good and satisfying resolution. How could you expect anything else?

In the end, was it what I wished for? I loved every single minute of this book! I'm very curious to see what the next mystery is that Emma tackles and where this series goes. I hope it continues to give readers a look at Emma's and Knightley's lives for us fans. An absolute pure delight to read!

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Vanessa Kelly is a bestselling author of historical mystery and historical romance. She has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for best historical romance. She is a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, BookScan, and Amazon bestseller several times over. To date, her books have been published in eleven languages. After receiving her MA in English literature from Rutgers University, Vanessa spent several years in the Ph. D program at the University of Toronto, studying women authors of the 18th Century. She worked as a researcher for many years, and currently resides in Ottawa, Canada, with her husband.

Find the author here.

Do you like the sound of Austen's Emma shifting from matchmaker to amateur sleuth? What appeals most to you about this story? Who is your favorite Austen character?

A humorous coming of age story... I Was Told There Would Be Romance by Marie Arnold (Review) #newbooks #bookx #IWasToldThereWouldBeRomance #MarieArnold #yalit #yabooks

This book sold me on the title and cover, so I was happy to sign up to review. Read that review below...

I Was Told There Would Be Romance

By Marie Arnold

Young Adult Contemporary Romance, Romcom

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 224 Pages

October 15, 2024 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Summary

For fans of Never Have I Ever and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before comes a hilarious and heartfelt novel about a young Haitian girl navigating high school, friendship, and crushes.

Fifteen-year-old Fancy Augustine is a Haitian American girl with simple desires. She’d like to trade in her floppy, oversize boobs for cute, perky ones. She’d love a boyfriend. And she’s desperate for an invite to the biggest event of the school year: Imani Park’s birthday party. When Fancy learns her BFF, Tilly, has received a coveted invite and has a secret boyfriend, she is (understandably) devastated and wholeheartedly determined to do whatever it takes to get her own happily ever after.

So what if she makes a deal with the devil (Imani) that guarantees her an invite—but only if she can bring a boyfriend? And what’s so bad about letting her crush, Rahim, believe that she can create a voodoo potion for him in exchange for him posing as her boyfriend? And, yeah, maybe she’s destroying her friendship with Tilly and falling hopelessly behind in her schoolwork, but Fancy knows it’ll all be worth it in the end. Plus, it’s not like Fancy’s parents would really make good on their threats of sending her back to Haiti...right?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N

My Review

I WAS TOLD THERE WOULD BE ROMANCE is a humorous coming of age story about a girl who is trying to find her place in high school. The heroine is full of humor and snark, a heart full of dreams, and some mistakes to make as she tries to figure out what is important to her and who she wants to be. A great read for those who want a relatable main character, lots of laughs, a few tears, and some swoon!

Read if you like:
- Girls full of personality, snark, with their own nerdy interests
- Genuine, relatable and likable characters
- Strong family relationships
- Important friendships that are a bit rocky
- Swoon-worthy romance that isn't the main focus
- Coming-of-age stories

These characters were real, easy to relate to and lovable, while the story was entertaining, heartfelt and fun. I so loved Fancy! Her humor, sarcasm, snark, and warm heart. I loved her obsession with books and the NY library being her favorite place on earth! I loved her relationship with Tilly and that Tilly was into miniature spooky houses. Rahim initially appeared superficial or one dimensional (although isn't that how almost everyone can appear until we know them?), but he ended up being a genuine guy who was complex with his own life problems. There were some characters that were the usual high school stereotypes, but the main characters were well fleshed out. I loved the friendships and family relationships in this book as well. Fancy did have her disappointing moments, and I did get a bit frustrated with her with the trainwreck she created, but she got her second chance and showed up. Luckily those in her life also equally showed up and let her redeem herself. And I loved the swoon-worthy ending.

There were some legit realizations in this book. Like Fancy placing a coveted party so high on her list and then needing to decide how important it really was. Figuring out boys, friendship, family and school. Life always throws so much to juggle. This was one piece of wisdom that I thought was pretty poignant:

"What happens when you keep telling the world you're perfect? Does the world force you to prove it every day? Isn't it exhausting?"

In the end, was it what I wished for? This story made me cringe, smile, laugh, swoon, empathize, and warmed my heart. It was an adorably fun read with a main character who was perfectly flawed. Definitely a book to pick up for YA contemporary romance readers!

Content: Some mild swearing, bullying, some religious references that may offend some.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through TBR & Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Marie Arnold was born in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti and came to America at the age of seven. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York alongside her extended family. She attended Columbia College in Chicago, where her main focus was creative writing. As Lola StVil, she is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling indie author. Over two million readers have downloaded her Young Adult fantasy series GUARDIANS. She currently has 3 projects under development at Disney Junior and Disney Plus, one of which is an animated show based on her middle grade novel The Year I Flew Away.

Photo credit: Vanie Poyey

Find the author on Goodreads.

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

Have you read any of this author's other books? Have you read any other books with Haitian characters?

Read an excerpt from this historical fiction... The Time Keepers by Alyson Richman (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #womensfiction #historicalfiction #histfic #TheTimeKeepers #AlysonRichman #UnionSquareandCo #rockstarbooktours @alysonrichman @UnionSqandCo @RockstarBkTours

Welcome to my tour stop with Rockstar Book Tours! Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

The Time Keepers

By Alyson Richman

Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

Paperback, eBook, Audiobook, 336 Pages

October 15, 2024 by Union Square Co.

Summary

An unforgettable novel that captures the power of longing, loss, and love, The Time Keepers transports us from 1979 suburban New York to war-torn Vietnam, revealing that sometimes the most unexpected friendships can save us.

Two women from different worlds, Grace and Anh, are indelibly changed when a runaway boy is found on a street in their small Long Island town. Brought together by the love of this child displaced by war, the women find friendship and healing from their own painful pasts when their lives intersect with a mysterious wounded Vietnam vet. The vet, Jack, works at the Golden Hours, a watch store that mends timepieces—and might even mend damaged souls. 

Richman interweaves the journeys of these wonderfully diverse characters who will grip, fill, and break your heart—only to bring them together with the care and precision of an expert watchmaker, one piece at a time. Inspired by the true story of a Vietnamese refugee who entrusted the dramatic account of her escape from Vietnam to the author, and also that of a wounded veteran, Richman sheds light on those whose lives were forever impacted by the devastation of that war.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Books2Read

Excerpt

PROLOGUE

Vietnam, 1978

They have been waiting all night by the river, the dark water smooth as glass. They carry nothing but a bundle filled with food and canteens of fresh water all tied in a square piece of cloth. A single tin pot. A sack of lemons and a box of sugar.

The boat is late. The children are hungry. The men and women who are with them are standing still as trees.

The moon cuts through the darkness like a scythe. As they wait, looking for the boat they were promised, the tide inches closer to their silhouettes. They walk backward, retreating into the marsh, tall spears of reeds behind them. The cicadas loud in the wet grass.

It is the youngest boy who first sees the flash of light. A small beacon from a torch pulsating atop the head of the fisherman. They walk into the river. Treading past the water hyacinth, a mass of green leaves and singular pink flowers. First, ankle-deep. Then, knee-deep. Finally, waist-deep. The children are afraid. Seaweed wraps around their legs, pulling them down. Still, they inch toward the boat. The weight of the river slowing them with each step until there is no sand or silt beneath their feet.

They reach their arms up toward the boat. The current flows against them. In the shadow of the ship’s hull, they see a woman extending her hand. A rope is thrown out to reach them, curling first on the surface of the water before sinking down.


PART I

CHAPTER 1

Long Island, 1979

Grace Golden would never know why, on that sunny afternoon in late May, she had chosen to walk down Gypsum Street after Mass instead of her usual route to the grocery store. Maple Avenue had always been the fastest way from Saint Bartholomew’s to Kepler’s Market.

Her husband, Tom, believed Grace picked Gypsum Street because the cherry blossoms there were at their peak. That was the thing about his wife, he explained. She’d always go out of her way to encounter something beautiful. But neither of them could have anticipated on that fine spring day, as Grace’s heels rhythmically struck the sidewalk, her shopping list tucked inside her leather purse, that she would notice a little boy curled up against the side of a building. Sleeping on the hard cement, his body was tucked so tightly, he reminded Grace of a small whelk nestled into its shell.

She stopped and hovered over him. Then she leaned down to nudge him.

“Are you lost, love?” The lilt of her Irish accent, still detectable after years of living in New York, floated through the air. “Let me help you up,” she offered her hand.

But the boy remained fixed in a fetal position, his arms locked even tighter around himself and his feet inched closer to his bottom. One of his tennis shoes had a hole in its rubber sole. The other was missing its laces.

She still could not see his face, only the tiny edge of his ear and the shock of straight black hair.

“Please.”

His head rose slightly, revealing his dark eyes, heart-shaped lips, and small nose.

It was the face of a child, frightened and alone.

About the Author

Alyson Richman is the USA Today bestselling and #1 international bestselling author of several historical novels including The Velvet Hours, The Garden of Letters, and The Lost Wife, which is currently in development for a major motion picture.  Alyson graduated from Wellesley College with a degree in art history and Japanese studies.  She herself is an accomplished painter and her novels combine her deep love of art, historical research, and travel.  Alyson's novels have been published in twenty-five languages and have reached the bestseller lists both in the United States and abroad. She lives on Long Island with her husband and two children, where she is currently at work on her next novel. 

Website | Twitter (X) | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Tour Schedule

Week One:

10/14/2024	TX Girl Reads	Excerpt/IG Post
10/15/2024	Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post
10/16/2024	Locks, Hooks and Books	Excerpt/IG Post
10/17/2024	Fire and Ice Reads	Excerpt/IG Post
10/18/2024	Wishful Endings	Review/IG Post

 

Week Two:

10/21/2024	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
10/22/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
10/23/2024	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop Pic/TikTok Post
10/24/2024	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
10/25/2024	Readingonthebrink	IG Review

Tour-Wide Giveaway

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE TIME KEEPERS, US Only.

Ends October 29th, midnight EST.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you think of the excerpt? Have you read any other books set in Vietnam?

Part political intrigue, part science fiction... The Time Door by Shannon McDermott (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #christfic #sciencefiction #scifi #thetimedoor @celebrate_lit @enclavebooks

Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...

The Time Door

(The Eternities #1)

By Shannon McDermott

Christian Science Fiction

Audiobook, Hardcover & eBook, 352 Pages

October 8, 2024 by Enclave Publishing

Summary

A reckless last mission on Mars, a crusade for justice on Earth …

Reuben Jackson is the only one who still cares about Mars. In the shambles of the Great Collapse, Earth has abandoned the Mars explorers to their fate. But Reuben will make a stand for the Mars team—even against the powerfully united politicians and scientists.

In too deep, he discovers hidden conspiracies and unexpected allies.

As the conflict mounts on Earth, time runs down on Mars. Left to face Mars alone, Commander Donegan Moynihan and his team have no hope of surviving after their supplies are gone. Willing to accept a quicker death than starvation, the explorers strike out on a dangerous mission. They venture deep inside the ancient volcano of Arsia Mons, into perils and secrets long buried. What they discover would move mountains on Earth—but will it be enough to save themselves?

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target | Christianbook

My Review

THE TIME DOOR is part political intrigue and part science fiction as it takes place far in the future and has a few surprises for those left on Mars. Complex characters and an interesting plot with one storyline occurring on Earth and the other on Mars, makes for an engaging and unique read for science fiction fans.

I liked the characters and overall plot of this story. Each of the characters had their own complex personalities. They also each had their own motives, some better than others. As the story progressed, the characters came more and more into their own. There was also a bit of romance and some elements of faith, but they're not a main aspect of the story. I felt like the story was evenly split between what's happening on Earth and then what's happening on Mars. The storyline on Earth was very political while the one on Mars was more about discovery and survival. Both were apocalyptic. Both also had some climatic moments that resolved enough for the end of this first book while leaving the story open for book two.

I did feel like the story dragged a lot. Places where the plotting moved very slowly. There were also places where what happened was very abstract or disconnected. Some parts didn't engage me or hold my interest. However, the uniqueness of the story kept me turning the pages as was the need to find out how everything would end.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a unique apocalyptic science fiction with complex, fully fleshed characters and an interesting plot. Recommended to fans of science fiction.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Shannon McDermott is an author of science fiction and has been occupied for years with constructing scenarios of the colonization of Mars. Always a fan of the genre, she reviews Christian speculative fiction with Lorehaven. Her interests include history, classic literature, and lattes. She lives in the great Midwest, where she does her best to avoid icy weather, sweltering heat, and tornadoes, according to the season.

Find the author here.

Tour Schedule

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, October 17

Blossoms and Blessings, October 18 (Author Interview)

Wishful Endings, October 18

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 19

The Lofty Pages, October 20

Artistic Nobody, October 21 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, October 22

Guild Master, October 23 (Spotlight)

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 24

Blogging With Carol, October 25

A Reader’s Brain, October 26 (Author Interview)

Fiction Book Lover, October 27 (Author Interview)

Mary Hake, October 27

Simple Harvest Reads, October 28 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 29

Lily’s Corner, October 30

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you read any other books set on Mars? What draws you to this one?

I've got another excerpt for this hockey romance series... Penalties and Proposals by Anne Kemp (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #PenaltiesandProposals #AnneKemp #loveonthinice #bookx #newbooks #romcom #romancebooks #cleanreads #hockeyromance @XpressoTours

Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway for this hockey romcom below...

Penalties and Proposals

(Love on Thin Ice)

By Anne Kemp

Contemporary Romance, Romcom, Sports

Paperback & eBook, 170 Pages

October 17, 2024

Summary

It only takes one bad apple to ruin the bunch. When life hands me reformed hockey star Noah Beaumont, AGAIN, am I supposed to make cider or is there a sweeter surprise in store?

Willa: I never wanted to see Noah Beaumont again. EVER. When I kicked him off my set after he showed up intoxicated, his PR team tried to blacklist me. I made it over that hurdle, made a name for myself, and I’m heading to Maple Falls to cover a charity ice hockey team that’s making headlines…only to find out I have to work with HIM.

But this Noah seems different. He’s reformed and seems to be determined to show me he’s changed. Can I trust him, or will he be the same disaster I remember?

Noah: I’ve spent years trying to make amends for my past mistakes, questioning if I still belong in the world of hockey or if it’s time to step back, be ‘normal’. But seeing Willa again brings everything into sharp focus. She’s the woman who’s haunted my thoughts since the day I met her.

Now, she’s here in Maple Falls, and I’m determined to prove I’m not the same man she remembers. I want her to see the real me, the man I’ve worked so hard to become. Can I convince her to give me a second chance?

Penalties and Proposals is part of the Love on Thin Ice sweet small town hockey romcom series. It’s a second chance enemies to lovers story with forced proximity in this small town romance with all the sizzle and chemistry, but none of the spice.

Content warning: This IS a lighthearted and fun romantic comedy, but there are subjects mentioned in this book like parents passing away and former substance abuse.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon

Excerpt

“Is this the only table you have available?”

My eyes cannot be deceiving me. I’m standing in a restaurant with no one else in it, save another couple at the opposite end of the room. Surely the only table they have for me to sit at is not the one that happens to be directly beside Noah? Not to mention the fact the place is small enough I’d practically be sitting at his table anyway, the tables are that close to one another.

The young girl looks at me woefully. “I’m really sorry, but we’re full with reservations tonight.” Her tone is apologetic, and she’s young, so I’m not going to debate the situation … but still. The odds. I flex my hands, stretch my fingers, and take a deep breath, trying to fight back my irritation when I see a sliver of my tattoo under my sleeve.

Believe. Ha. I almost snort out loud. How about I believe I’m Harry Potter and I cast a quick spell to time travel to another restaurant in another town altogether?

“What about the bar?” I nod my head toward the old wooden bar where an older woman is busy making drinks and watching me through narrowed eyes. “Looks like there’s space there.”

“Our bartender isn’t on duty for another hour.” When I shoot her a questioning look, obviously confused by the woman pouring herself a soda from the beverage gun, the young girl stammers. “I’ve been asked to not have anyone sit there until his shift begins.”

So this fact leaves me to be seated by the blight that plagues me. Yes, I’m being ridiculously overdramatic, but the thought of chewing my dinner and having to stare at Noah, or work hard to look anywhere in this room besides at Noah, turns me off in the biggest way. Like a light switch after a big night out. I didn’t go to that party tonight because I wanted some time alone, time to myself to plan out the schedule I need to juggle in the days ahead.

“Fine,” I say with a sigh, pulling out my notebook and phone. When I look Noah’s way, he’s watching me, his expression frozen. I can’t read him, but he could be as weirded out that I’m about to be seated beside him as I am. I’ll save us both the trouble. I pick the chair where my back will be facing him and pull it out and settle in.

The hostess hands me the menu and asks for a drink order before she disappears from sight. I make a mental note to apologize to her. Poor thing. It’s not her fault she’s seated me next to the devil.

“Hi, Willa.” Of course his voice is like hot chocolate. The devil’s would be velvety and delicious. My instincts tell me to ignore him, but I’m here to work. I can hear my mom’s voice in the back of my mind telling me to play nice.

I pick up the menu and fake peruse it. Fake because of course I can’t think about anything else right now except that he’s right there.

“Hello, Noah. Fancy running into you at dinner.”

“A man’s gotta eat,” he responds.

“No doubt, but when I heard about the party happening in town tonight, I figured you’d be the first one signed up to be there.” I flip a page of the menu a little more aggressively than intended and manage to rip it a tiny bit. Must. Breathe.

“Contrary to past reports, I’m not the guy who goes to all the parties any longer.”

I want to turn around and face him, see the look on his face, but the stubborn part of me refuses. He’s the one who is engaging me; I can only imagine that eventually my lack of wanting to chat will catch on and he’ll focus on something else.

“So, you’re telling me a leopard can change his spots. That’s nice,” I manage to say, doubt dripping with each word. Holding my menu up in the air for him to see. “But, the jury’s still out as far as I’m concerned. If you’ll excuse me, I need to decide on my meal.”

There’s a pause before he answers. “Of course, sorry. I’ll leave you to it.”

A weight slides off my shoulders. Was it really that easy? I decide it has to be and go about choosing my meal, landing on the lasagna, then turning my attention to my notebook. This was to be a planning session for Noah’s photos amongst other work, and I intend to stay focused, even if he is right behind me and I can hear him breathing.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to excerpt posts or Amazon affiliate links. Available in KU.)

About the Author

Anne Kemp is a bestselling author of romantic comedies. She loves reading (and she does it ridiculously fast, too!), gluten-free baking (because everyone needs a hobby that makes them crazy), and finding time to binge-watch her favorite shows. She grew up in Maryland but made Los Angeles her home until she encountered her own real-life meet-cute at a friend's wedding where she ended up married to one of the groomsmen. For real.

Anne now lives on the Kapiti Coast in New Zealand, and even though she was married at Mt. Doom, no…she doesn’t have a Hobbit. However, she and her husband do have a terrier named George Clooney and when she’s not writing, she’s usually with them taking a long walk on the river by their home.

You can find Anne on her website - come say hi! She’d love to hear from you: www.annekemp.com

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Blitz Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have you started this series yet? Are you a sports romance fan?

A unique and compelling YA read... Under the Heron's Light by Randi Pink (Review) #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #undertheheronslight #randipink @tbrbeyondtours

Welcome! This is such a unique and compelling story. Read my review below...

Under the Heron's Light

By Randi Pink

Young Adult Fiction, Magical Realism, Fantasy, Dual Timeline

Hardcover & eBook, 352 Pages

October 15, 2024 by Feiwel & Friends

Summary

Inspired by stories about the real-world Great Dismal Swamp, this acclaimed fantasy explores alternate history, a family’s supernatural connections to the swamp, and the strength that comes in knowing your roots.

★ "A fierce, loving, and exquisite humanity-centered book." ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Mesmerizing storytelling. . ." ―Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Four thousand six hundred forty-two steps in,” Grannylou interrupted. “You remember that now, Baby. Four-thousand six hundred forty-two steps to paradise.”

On a damp night in 1722, Babylou Mac and her three siblings witness the murder of their mother at the hands of the local preacher’s son―so Babylou kills him in retaliation. With plantation dogs now on their heels, the four siblings breach the treacherous confines of the Great Dismal Swamp. Deeper and deeper into Dismal they delve, amid the biting moccasins and pitch-black waters, toward a refuge where they can live freely within the swamp’s natural―and supernatural―protection.

Three-hundred years later, college student Atlas comes home to North Carolina for the annual Bornday cookout and hog roast: a celebration of the fact that she and her three cousins were all born on the same day nineteen years ago, sharing a birthday with their Grannylou. But this Bornday, Grannylou’s usual riddles and folktales about a marvelous paradise deep in the Great Dismal Swamp start to take on a tangible quality. Change coming.

When Dismal calls, sucking Grannylou in, it’s up to Atlas and her cousins to uncover the history that the black waters hold. Centuries of family tension, with roots all over Virginia and North Carolina, are about to be dug up. Because Babylou and Grannylou are one and the same, and the power she helped cultivate hundreds of years ago―steeped in Black resistance, familial love, and the otherworldly mysteries of the Great Dismal Swamp―is bubbling back up. But so is a bitterness that runs deep as the swamp’s waters. And some are ready to take what they feel they’re owed.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target

My Review

UNDER THE HERON'S LIGHT is one of those unique stories that draws you in as it weaves itself around you. Steeped in a history full of hardship and wrongness while also being one of family, sacrifice and magic. The characters are full of life and compelling as they strive to find safety and power by escaping to the Great Dismal Swamp, and in their own ancestry and family. Full of prose and verse, with an emotionally driven conclusion. Recommended to fans of multigenerational literary fiction and magical realism.

I don't know that I can do this book justice. Ther are so many layers to it with phrases that those who live in the southern United States might find resonate deeply. I loved the multigenerational family aspect so, so much! The heritage, stories, respect, and love. I loved Grannylou, Atlas, Abigail and even Coral with all their complexities and surrounding family. I loved the way this story reached across generations and how the strength of those who came before gave their descendants the power to do what was needed while each also having their own unique gifts and strengths. I also enjoyed the connection to the land and how magic was weaved through the story. It was a part of the plot that worked for me. The prose does run a bit in places and might be difficult for some to follow, but I could gather what I needed to and follow along just fine. This story doesn't hide the ugliness of slavery. Neither does it hide the sometimes-malicious intent of people on their own people. Thank goodness the author believes in happily-ever-after.

There were little bits of wisdom in this story. Here is one where I loved the phrasing:

"Layered people with storied pasts and intricate connections to one another passing in and out of her creaking screen door. But also layered by history. Hard-fought battles and movements began and ended in this swamp."

And this one that lends a sweetness to this story:

"Sad lock has finally found his key,
They come to me,
On bended knee,
A detail I did not foresee,
Is love, alas, sweet love.
But this sad lock and his clever map,
Deserve an Isle to themselves.
I'll light him up and show them the way,
To higher ground and brighter days,
Along with his love,
As fondness oft does,
They'll build their own Isle,
Says ME."

In the end, was it what I wished for? This is a unique and compelling young adult story. Part multicultural and multigenerational, and part fantasy. A book that is well worth the read!

Content: Some fairly strong violence, mild swearing.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through TBR & Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Randi Pink is an award-winning author celebrated for her compelling narratives that explore the intersections of history, culture, and personal identity. With five critically acclaimed novels to her name, Randi has firmly established herself as a powerful voice in contemporary literature. Her works have been recognized by NPR, ABC, NBC and national curricula as required reading and have garnered numerous awards for their profound impact and storytelling excellence.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

What do you think? What about this book that draws you?

Can't Wait for... A Tribute of Fire by Sariah Wilson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #bookx #newbooks #atributeoffire #sariahwilson #theeyeofthegoddess #romanticy #fantasy #romancebooks #cleanreads @sariahwilson @amazonpub

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

I know that this is less than a month away, but I'm so excited for this author to write in a new genre. Not that I want her to stop writing in her usual. I'll take both. Plus the cover is pretty amazing. It's my pick this week...

A Tribute of Fire

(The Eye of the Goddess #1)

By Sariah Wilson

Fantasy, Romance

Audiobook, Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 527 Pages

November 1, 2024 by Montlake

Summary

“A Tribute of Fire is a must-read…” ―Jennifer L. Armentrout, #1 New York Times and international bestselling author.

The fate of a cursed nation depends on a princess who must outwit a mortal enemy and outlast the trials of a death-defying ritual in a thrilling adventure by USA Today bestselling author Sariah Wilson.

Lia is the princess of Locris, a dying desert nation cursed centuries ago by an earth goddess―one still worshipped by the thriving and adversarial nation of Ilion. Every year, Ilion offers the goddess a sacrifice: two Locrian maidens forced to compete in a life-and-death race to reach her temple. In a millennium, no maiden has made it out of Ilion alive. This year, Lia is one of the hunted.

An education in battle gives her a fighting chance, but the challenges are greater than she feared: Lia’s beloved but untrained sister Quynh has been put in the path of danger. The winding streets of Ilion itself have been transformed into a labyrinthine maze of countless choices and dead ends. And if the risks weren’t significant enough, Lia is reluctantly drawn to the commandingly attractive Jason, an Ilionian sailor she loathes to trust and desires like no man before.

The tribute game is on. It’s up to Lia to lift the goddess’s curse, restore Locris to its former glory, and change the fate of every young woman destined to follow in her path.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Target

Will you be reading this one?