tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58747588829383320512024-03-17T19:59:15.110-07:00Wishful EndingsTressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.comBlogger6221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-1571002549478831852024-03-15T05:00:00.143-07:002024-03-15T05:00:00.146-07:00The climatic conclusion to this scifi series... Guardian by Cathy McCrumb (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #scifi #sciencefiction @EnclaveBooks @Celebrate_Lit<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnNTj0MfXMLC3ekVWPXkxQ_b9Lju5pJ_uDbu9U7k_zyTdj48FU85pQiS7802A-Ud18N19F7U1uO8FHKfd5yFKI3tiAQspdSjrb9d5UiI0mWDf2qXOToAYfV09E_LZvHnAlKblte_lLhET-e1P_IVG3IKY9B62K_JXuqDBIzknZzX59gtmWRqOImwH4dM/s16000/Guardian%20Banner.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Guardian</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Children of the Consortium #3)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Cathy McCrumb</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Science Fiction, Space Opera</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 368 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 20, 2024 by Enclave Publishing</div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>The Recorder’s fate has been sealed, but the Consortium is not the only enemy.</b><br /><br />Labeled an aberration by the Consortium, the Recorder is not yet free. Time is running out as an engineered bioweapon wreaks havoc on friend and foe alike.<br /><br />Stopping both the biological agent and the people who created it is no easy task, especially since the Recorder and her friends are trapped on a research station infested with behemoth insects. Without Consortium technology, the probability of neutralizing the threat falls to nothing. In order to save her allies, the Recorder must activate a drone, but her success might destroy any hope for freedom, a future, and a name.
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195885986-guardian" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/48d4Ikm" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9798886050943" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/guardian-cathy-mccrumb/1143930598?ean=9798886050943" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/guardian-3/9798886050943/pd/050945?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div><div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />GUARDIAN is the concluding book in this recorder's story as she continues to fight to protect those she cares for and help in finding a cure to a deadly virus. It's full of danger, adventure, friendship, political intrigue, and a touch of romance and faith. <b>Recommended to science fiction and space opera fans.</b><br /><br />I've loved diving into this science fiction world with its different classes among the people as well as government. The recorders themselves and the Consortium is fascinating on its own as well as how it interacts with society. There were so many questionable ideals and policies, but readers weren't specifically told what to think. Instead the author allowed readers to come to their own conclusions along with the characters as the series proceeded. I liked that the faith element was light and the theme of each human life having value. I liked that the romance was also light as it wasn't the main focus of the story, but enhanced the story instead. I also really liked these characters. There are quite a few of them and I didn't always keep them straight, but I really enjoyed the found family and friendships. It's an exciting read with these characters not always knowing who they can trust. They battle massive insects as well as members of the Consortium and then other members of their society.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><br />I only had a couple of issues with the story. One was that the dialogue was so stilted sometimes. I did have to remind myself that the three books in the series take place over a very short space of time so the heroine might not have organically developed as I would have wanted and as she would have over more time. I also wanted her to be braver, act quicker, and do better in relaying information to others so things were figured out faster. I also would have like a better recap at the beginning and a bit of a refresher on why the consortium believed and acted as they did.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This is such a unique series with its fascinating storybook world and characters. I enjoyed reading this third book and will definitely grab this author's next release. Definitely a recommended read for sci-fi fans!<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some violence, but clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit Publicity, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/2021/12/not-everything-is-as-it-seems-in-this.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtmji7fts7TJVlqh6gspDJaywugfYrywm3m2B2u_oO2cHPtJizW6tgxSbBiEt3hvRIIWdD-FA1rLTLgJv97Vipf8JPSt3alFoePBAKA2bCw9JKPPNwgDHmrL28NMiPgrICY4EAIOBgaPNn1uFDlwYEneIVFsqW5PTLbJ_ifom5mHVKdbVTY3QFxq2XlDM/s320/Recorder.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/2021/12/not-everything-is-as-it-seems-in-this.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1ei3khGE11qbh6J0W_TbGr5uSD2eKhH-86r8xdCmU-dfxdGq8i1g42b-MYBoeTU80B3r4hrdKeAtn1VEQ_vwa7ZvlM4KblC_U3BPyY_wlO_WSKgtR3FlKZ8B0T2HAe4_Q7ARPQyR4A8gHHTsC3FQ8EMmZkaIuBzWx-sRqLMN_G4ETKRsPFdxClYJ3Kw/s320/Aberration.jpg" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to my review and an Amazon affiliate link</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDTR4q3nRr389oDDh7BnM_la-Idzm7wK49-_EJcahXdlfnLs8VWTPJdVV2IR5da-FfYiMj47bUTUtAc9Dpncb8-fxqPAT8JXpkzp0E6s5DQIZbYHJ7CVREfkisF41f06b-QRs-H0CfZAgKeXphR6qgvXx3bb6dmciERoVbHsUrryx-FRCbSu8Ic-YHfXY/s1600/McCrumb-Cathy-200x300.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div><br /></div><b>Cathy </b>graduated from Biola University with a degree in English Literature and a love for stories. She and her husband, whom she met while writing letters to soldiers, have five children and currently live within the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. While writing is one of her favorite things to do, she also enjoys reading, long hikes and long naps, gluten-free brownies and raspberries, and crocheting while watching science fiction movies with friends and family.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.cathymccrumb.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21509925.Cathy_McCrumb" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/cathymccrumb.author" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/cathymccrumbauthor/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tabithabouldinauthor.home.blog/">Through the Fire Blogs</a>, March 8 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/">Splashes of Joy</a>, March 10 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 11</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/">Artistic Nobody</a>, March 12 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.guildmaster97.com/">Guild Master</a>, March 13 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://areadersbrain.blogspot.com/">A Reader’s Brain</a>, March 14 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amoderndayfairytale.net/">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, March 15 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/">Wishful Endings</a>, March 15</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://simpleharvestreads.com/">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, March 16 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, March 17 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theloftypages.wordpress.com/">The Lofty Pages</a>, March 17</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fictionbooklover.com/">Fiction Book Lover</a>, March 18 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com/">Blogging With Carol</a> , March 19</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://vickysluitercom.wordpress.com/author-spotlight/">Vicky Sluiter</a>, March 20 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour-Wide Giveaway</span></div>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8gI4ibeYDUZTGLuM9WklAK8KxtQRkACfmDBQAhDQeNy72ki2Q0jdybwTThiK-9_Gk3zbr3BYECgGu01feqNN0NV_vSk3o5jml3NApe_PZ38bDuRM7NdNT082L_D0xHzRB9skJyDLT-fEb1sjbhS384pEMrBQCk2EV13UKHKiK-4IFwz4DmFFYWk3ZXhY/s320/Guardian%20CL.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div><br /><b>To celebrate her tour, Cathy is giving away the grand prize of a copy of <i>Guardian</i>!!</b><br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a552/guardian-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">RAFFLECOPTER</a></span></b></div><div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Are you a fan of space operas or science fiction? What sounds good about this book?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-6831326470864000482024-03-14T05:00:00.224-07:002024-03-14T05:00:00.360-07:00Highly recommended 5-star read... The Berlin Letters by Katherine Reay (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #mustread #5stars #histfic #historicalfiction #theberlinletters #katherinereay @Katherine_Reay @harpermusebooks @Austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCg2Dhx53Jadp_i7Wz4OBvhDZ560I6W4ixL1jfACaYPtUjsr4Gav7SdhKHCH-VZOdm_NiWAQ6UFR-7s6_dmAHVeNlu7nW96pGF1DoM6agjeCppavEiznNFIhbxnu6zoewxeZNsQcCyqqGyU4MnaaQucoZivTPeIVGmklkos6tE5hNXhqd7zJYHdT_RHwQ/s800/The%20Berlin%20Letters%20Book%20Tour%20graphic.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome! I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough! Read my full five-star review below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNA9Y50TCpKOvWQBLcM85dYRKERFpKmzg5ZTeerXwp7XTm7ReakUw3GLj1TgZoT9uZPMgTHCf9S9i67kLErBSkvRYQp9bex9z4o7ujYTW0XN1dQtpj-FbURgUUoUo9GHf8lak6t2wiD9G2QNejPD0YrgtduaBwPqr7n9Dxft1RoODM-bCbYCl9NyhyphenhyphenFU/s500/The%20Berlin%20Letters%20cover%202024.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">The Berlin Letters:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Cold War Novel</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Katherine Reay</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Historical Fiction</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 368 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 5, 2024 by Harper Muse</div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>Bestselling author Katherine Reay returns with an unforgettable tale of the Cold War and a CIA code breaker who risks everything to free her father from an East German prison.</b><br /><br />From the time she was a young girl, Luisa Voekler has loved solving puzzles and cracking codes. Brilliant and logical, she’s expected to quickly climb the career ladder at the CIA. But while her coworkers have moved on to thrilling Cold War assignments—especially in the exhilarating era of the late 1980s—Luisa’s work remains stuck in the past decoding messages from World War II.<br /><br />Journalist Haris Voekler grew up a proud East Berliner. But as his eyes open to the realities of postwar East Germany, he realizes that the Soviet promises of a better future are not coming to fruition. After the Berlin Wall goes up, Haris finds himself separated from his young daughter and all alone after his wife dies. There’s only one way to reach his family—by sending coded letters to his father-in-law who lives on the other side of the Iron Curtain.<br /><br />When Luisa Voekler discovers a secret cache of letters written by the father she has long presumed dead, she learns the truth about her grandfather’s work, her father’s identity, and why she has never progressed in her career. With little more than a rudimentary plan and hope, she journeys to Berlin and risks everything to free her father and get him out of East Berlin alive.<br /><br />As Luisa and Haris take turns telling their stories, events speed toward one of the twentieth century’s most dramatic moments—the fall of the Berlin Wall and that night’s promise of freedom, truth, and reconciliation for those who lived, for twenty-eight years, behind the bleak shadow of the Iron Curtain’s most iconic symbol.
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180352054-the-berlin-letters" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/4a3Y416" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781400243068" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-berlin-letters-katherine-reay/1143715061;jsessionid=611F0FA14F7AE4DB660710DDFE286DF5.prodny_store01-atgap04?ean=9781400243068" target="_blank">B&N</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />THE BERLIN LETTERS is a story about a father who remained behind the wall in East Berlin, and his daughter who was given to family and eventually moved away to the United States. It's about a wall and government that isolated its people, and this family's survival despite it all. It's about loss, secrets, fear, working within a corrupt system and freedom. It's about redemption, love and second chances, and is one of the most compelling stories I've read. Highly recommended to historical fiction fans for those who lived through the wall coming down as well as those who did not.<br /><br />I've been a fan of this author since her debut and have enjoyed each of her books. I began this story with fairly high expectations, expectations that were by far exceeded. The story consistently grew in climax from the beginning towards the very end, with so many wonderful parts in-between. I loved how the author immersed readers in the historical time and setting. I could feel the anxiety and unbelief as the wall appears and the continual struggle in a world of restrictions and danger. I could also feel the stark difference in the United States at the same time. I loved all the historical facts that were weaved throughout this story so well, covering the end of WWII through to the late 1980s. There was so much that fascinated me, intrigued, and pulled on all my emotions. I loved that the author didn't tell me what to think but portrayed multiple sides and a story that organically led to more thoughts and feelings. It was a story that let me live it alongside these characters, sometimes without words. An author has to be truly skilled to be able to convey so much emotion through her characters queues as well as their words.<br /><br />Here are a few of the places I highlighted as I read:<br /><br /><blockquote>"Watching Peter and his aunt made me realize I don't want to leave East Berlin. I don't want to leave the DDR. Like my father before me, I want my hometown to change so it is a place where I can live, and thrive, and make choices, and share with my family and friends. Father's opinions cost him his life. I wonder if mine will cost me my life too."<br /><br />"You can't think that way. We can all get lost with could-haves and should-haves, and they are dead ends."</blockquote><br />I loved the characters! From Luisa to her father, to her grandfather, grandmother, and aunt, to her co-worker/friend, plus an old friend who plays a pivotal role and some other side characters. They weren't perfect. They had to improvise and learn to live within what they were given, but at the same time created more in their lives than what they were told they could do. I loved the touch of romance, as well as the themes of forgiveness and faith, even when that faith was in other people.<br /><br /><b>
In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This book was a political, social and emotional roller-coaster. Wonderful characters and an intriguing plot made for a story that I literally could not put down. It's one of those books that will resonate with all readers long after they've turned the last page. I cannot say enough about this book! Highly, highly recommended!<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some references to violence, rape and torture, but nothing overly descriptively gruesome. Clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxKcODmVVW0VgxLSmA_K822CSiGzcTG8EjrXb3CRBrKAnV0h3PmuR6lGksrJct1F-wTHR2cHBLOY_uKZTxsPZQ0BBRHkvXNxXzFlQM4lDRvXAjuPJPePf8IBFn2aViihdrXUfpiM-dApAv8BFKt2PQwSppY4D6bGnoE50dx32btcJbahQyZzOh30Rf0Rg/s320/Reay%20Katherine%20headshot%20cropped.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Katherine Reay</b> is a national bestselling and award-winning author who has enjoyed a lifelong affair with books. She publishes both fiction and nonfiction, holds a BA and MS from Northwestern University, and currently lives outside Chicago, Illinois, with her husband and three children. You can meet her at <a href="http://katherinereay.com" target="_blank">katherinereay.com</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVNVSrz9w2mombzbs1TsC3i8uadAA-8m0PLypUGPEtx9PzM6jrCfLDaHpl4BUqwFyuZkRrHqlZRX68TsPGOCTwmimHnDKGYN_7evTxAIDWWdpKqpgwlPlneKLM8d6c9hep3Y2oLBzd9Dr2q1wZu_AOy-Cx9mtBkg4Nos2F04qxPcu3zWMVWKt7XjF0Jw/s320/Austenprose%20PR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><i>Have you read any of this author's other books? What interests you about this book? Have you read any other books set at least partly in East Berlin?</i><div style="text-align: center;">
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-37210965239063921852024-03-13T05:00:00.102-07:002024-03-13T05:00:00.140-07:00An adorable picture book perfect for Easter... 100 Little Lambs Sierra Wilson & Illustrated by Danika Runyan (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #kidslit #childrensbooks #kidart #picturebook @sierraauthor<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4hVDulULy7WRL2byG0Cv9aa6XiEkNvBftVIbP7U2UCUjbw4H94padpyxMP6eATa9ck9GdO5OTPFxsO4ZSOYpKhZSOVT3WEH-oh2S0nVDJFITgsjwy1miCwtdTWLZ9wC8Koc3VHJt78wA8Xhd75UUHT4FxIsCOvOvkQ1MEtLz9XGAA1ISpQuCvqZBfws/s800/100%20Little%20Lambs%202.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review of this sweet story below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXzP6GqHTcxdw0_xTzmLOU8C2mX5UagrU8SISNOX16hy4crzWtnoByE5cnh1KFcswLOejY_W53-4psivIkvdwKConsNUkObwpNR-cyZ8_kUi9AavI4CUnWOTj8eeOwZqieLYHac8SRhMObwpb-qf66DY_wYjo72H5IGmc6rwSs5XyB5hdWlLHZbsjt0fA/s500/100%20Little%20Lambs.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">100 Little Lambs</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Sierra Wilson</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Illustrated by </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Danika Runyan</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Children's Picture Book</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover & eBook, 32 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">April 9, 2024 by Cedar Fort, Inc.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div>
<br />Join Clover the Lamb on a whimsical adventure where playful shenanigans lead to a heartwarming lesson in faith in <i>100 Little Lambs</i>.<div><br /></div><div>Clover is the mischievous lamb, always straying from what she's supposed to be doing. While her fellow lambs dutifully feed and prepare for the day, Clover prefers to frolic and play. But when her adventurous spirit takes her farther than she's ever been, she finds herself lost and injured in the midst of a storm. Hope seems lost, but then a glimmer of light appears . . . </div><div><br /></div><div>This enchanting story helps children feel their Savior's love by bringing the parable of the Lost Sheep to life, and offering a warm, playful narrative perfect for repeated readings.</div><div><br /></div><div>Inspired by the timeless parable 100 Little Lambs is a charming and uplifting tale that will touch the hearts of children and reassure them of the boundless love of their Savior. Through Clover's journey, young readers will come to understand that no one is beyond the Good Shepherd's reach and that they are seen and loved.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203061507-100-little-lambs" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3VfT4lt" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781462146437" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/100-little-lambs-sierra-wilson/1144798024?ean=9781462146437" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/y2Ady3" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />100 LITTLE LAMBS is a story about a lamb who wonders off, having an adventure, and then ends up lost. Of course, the lamb is saved by the shepherd and returned to the flock. The illustrations are colorful and attention-grabbing, and the text rhymes and is short.<b> It's an adorable book that teaches the parable of the Lost Sheep simply and in a way that children can easily connect with and understand.</b> Recommended to Christian homes<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This was an adorable book! The religious elements are apparent but taught in a way that felt genuine. The story is presented well in the writing and illustrations. An overall delightful read!<br /><br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy from the author, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijGU9XX-tVNwKt6DZQNMVTc3mIoRoTGW6BGGKV5dPgahV8myU8H50Tceq3H6E2FH9iXJwX7A_cJtTkAs_6oxBxwNQ-N3Fj3G7h2f4z8n_2ge6UoyxucGc6XYtuTSF1IQ6TGiFopq3BFBSJIN2Iz0d6ba9CmBwa7sCKEHCeeoL4PaLYkOy2z3fvG6S_rbg/s320/AuthorPhotoSierraWilson.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Sierra </b>learned to talk and draw early and hasn't stopped creating stories since. She is the author of three books for children with several more under contract including her debut picture book as an illustrator coming in 2021. Sierra lives in Alberta, Canada with her wonderful husband, four fun and crazy little ones, two cats, two fish, two frogs, and an assortment of ladybugs and other guests. When she's not writing, drawing, or caring for her kids, you can probably find her out on a nature walk or hiking in the mountains. That or eating chocolate--all the chocolate. You can connect with Sierra at <a href="http://www.sierrawilsonauthor.com/" target="_blank"><b>www.sierrawilsonauthor.com</b></a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Do you enjoy reading picture books on your own or to your kids? What draws your interest about this book?</i></div><div><div>
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</div></div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-15039962814691275122024-03-12T21:00:00.048-07:002024-03-12T21:00:00.164-07:00I Can't Wait for... Highcliffe House by Megan Walker (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #regencyromance #romancebooks #cleanreads #histfic #properromance @ProperRomance @ShadowMountn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>I loved reading this author's </i><b><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/2020/04/a-must-read-heartfelt-regency-romance.html" target="_blank">Lakeshire Park</a></b><i> published a few years back and am definitely looking forward to this newest from her! It's my pick this week...</i></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeuj6bS9wC32UK5ajjamProLaF1SKhPhtmrVPfc3AkbjGBtNQZSGUj5wxs91we3LDAcRvWTcHTmMjZa_Kgw0bD-16QUeAkWQ8uCY4-IaSYQjouiJacZucIuXvncmvo7MO767O2Gz0ZehNevTh_gpM6BskxF2tOuUd-3r1nNg7mBtqzTO8UrAaoN0rXOs/s500/May%2024%202.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(A Proper Romance)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By </span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Megan Walker</b></span></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 320 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">May 7, 2024 by Shadow Mountain</div><br />
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<br /><b>The daughter of a wealthy investor and a handsome young businessman clash in this enemies-to-lovers romance from the author who brought you <i>Lakeshire Park</i>.</b></div><br /><i>1813, Brighton, England</i><br /><br />When Anna Lane offered her heart to Alexander Lennox, she did not expect to learn he had secretly promised his suit to another. Hurt and embarrassed, Anna begs her father to take her to the seaside where she can escape the gossip of the ton and recover, but her father insists they remain in London so he can attend to some business. Feeling the sting of rejection again, Anna longs for the day when she can dictate her own future and find a companion who will love her for who she is.<br /><br />Born into modest circumstances, Graham's hard work and ability to spot a good investment has allowed him to provide for his mother and younger sisters. Now, with a new opportunity in his sights, Graham approaches Mr. Lane, his business partner and mentor, hoping to persuade him to travel to Brighton to close the deal. Graham must act fast or else he might lose his chance to turn his meager earnings into permanent financial stability.<br /><br />To Graham's relief, Mr. Lane is interested in his proposal, but he counters with one of his own. He has business elsewhere, so Anna--whom he trusts with his business affairs--will accompany Graham to Brighton, and if she gives a good report, he will invest. Both Anna and Graham hesitate. Though they have a passing acquaintance through Anna's father, the two have never truly got along. Anna feels that Graham is only interested in money, while Graham feels that Anna is stubborn and self-absorbed.<br /><br />The two reluctantly travel to Brighton together, and Anna is determined to find fault with every inch of the seaside town--including Graham. She is tired of feeling like a pawn being moved about by other people's desires. But while staying at Highcliffe House and seeing the kind and gentle way Graham treats his family, Anna wonders if there is more to her rival than she thought.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">But it will take more than a day at the beach for these two headstrong hearts to admit that if they set aside their misconceptions about each other and be vulnerable enough to share their true selves, they might have a chance at real love.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185724142-highcliffe-house" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3IBh5fC" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781639932443" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/highcliffe-house-megan-walker/1143753222?ean=9781639932443" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/EK1mPK" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<i>Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-42577047765183158912024-03-11T05:00:00.072-07:002024-03-11T05:00:00.145-07:00A story inspired by Austen's Emma... Finding Jane Fairfax by Robbin J. Peterson (Excerpt) #findingjanefairfax #robbinjpeterson #historicalromance #regencyromance #romancebooks #newbooks #booktwitter @covenantcomms @Austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyP_hqNfVRnr1R92Odo8HvnFk_zEdy60eqe7vW9Bt3XG0csoOT8lr5dGjaZy2NPOEcaSV48bb9wG_Pwl28eWDt8B-wMbhsA3ooXDICsfmAaG8u5y8YaMoQy7vJX6vENrcMEnSnqQYtqRe6cPxV6PyXxruZlUf2JZo5NoXlRUreYyTEXRZjoPYaW5EoaxY/s800/Finding%20Jane%20Fairfax%20Book%20Tour%20graphic.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! You'll find an excerpt from this story inspired by Austen's </i>Emma<i> below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Finding Jane Fairfax</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Robbin J. Peterson</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 304 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 4, 2024 by Covenant Communications</div>
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<br />Jane Fairfax knows she is truly fortunate. Most orphans face lives of hardship, whereas she was adopted by doting surrogate parents who elevated her place in Society and love her as their own. Yet even they cannot shield her from the grim realities of life without a suitable marriage. In moments of despair, Jane comforts herself with a well-worn memory: that of a young man whose kind words when they were children once soothed her heartbreak. But now that boy has grown into a dashing gentleman―and their lives could not be more distant.<br /><br />Frank Churchill is a prisoner of his station. His inheritance is held in the balance by his demanding aunt, and the weight of her expectations is suffocating him. But when a chance encounter brings the lovely Miss Fairfax back into his life, he discovers what it is to truly live. As the pair secretly become acquainted amid the confines of Society’s strict rules, their friendship blossoms into love. But in a world ruled by unyielding traditions, endeavoring to build a life together would mean inviting a scandal that would shake the very foundation of the ton.
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202223624-finding-jane-fairfax" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3PeznH4" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finding-jane-fairfax-robbin-j-peterson/1145013918?ean=9781524423438" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.seagullbook.com/finding-jane-fairfax.html?Category_Code=BOOKS" target="_blank">SeagullBook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">Excerpt</span></div><br />The wind whipped Jane’s bonnet off her head, and she held on to the ribbons to keep it from blowing away altogether. Cassandra moved closer to the edge of the cliff in front of them, then bent to see over it. Jane’s heart stopped just watching her.<br /><br />“Cassandra, please!” she yelled above the breeze.<br /><br />Cassandra turned and laughed. “It is perfectly safe. Come closer and see for yourself.” She pointed out toward the ocean. “There is Durdle Door. Isn’t it marvelous?”<br /><br />Jane shook her head and held her arms closer to her. She could see the rock formation coming out of the ocean from where she stood. Even with her jacket and warmest dress, the wind seemed to cut right through her. The Campbells were wise to have stayed in the carriage. Colonel Campbell’s ears would not have liked the cold. He had insisted his girls see the sight though.<br /><br />“Please, not so close to the cliff,” she begged.<br /><br />Cassandra gave her an annoyed look but came away from the edge. Jane immediately felt the tension inside her subside.<br /><br />“I saw some steps on the other side,” Cassandra said. “We could walk along the beach below. Remember the ammonite fossil Mr. Brenchworth showed us? He told me he found it here. Surely you could get behind such an academic experience.”<br /><br />“Academics should not be nearly this dangerous,” Jane said, her teeth chattering.<br /><br />Cassandra laughed. “Quite the contrary! Studies should only be this way!” She linked arms with Jane. “Come. We shall go down the steps slowly and find some fossils to show Papa.”<br /><br />Jane sighed. “Perhaps the wind will be less fierce on that side of the hill.”<br /><br />Together they found the path and began their descent. Thick patches of long grass and prickly yellow flowers lined the terraced steps. Some parts were a large stretch for Jane’s legs. As she neared one spot in particular, two gentlemen appeared quite suddenly from around the bend below them. Jane saw the pleased expression that passed between them, and uneasy, she shrank back.<br /><br />Cassandra took a step down, her longer legs making it much easier for her. One of the men tipped his hat at Cassandra, who bent her head in a silent greeting. Jane stood stranded and frozen on the step.<br /><br />“Please allow me to help, madam,” one said, stretching out his hand. It was gallant, and maybe necessary, as she was blocking their path. Still, she stared at his hand and hesitated. She knew her foolishness. These men did not know her social status; they would not sneer at her or make her feel inferior, nor would they try to take advantage of her because of her situation. But still she could not make her hand move. It was as if she were near the edge of the cliff again.<br /><br />Cassandra stopped walking and turned around, watching Jane deliberate what to do. Finally, she hiked back up and said, “Thank you, gentleman. My friend is quite shy. Here, Jane, allow me to help you.”<br /><br />The men bowed, and the one who had spoken before blushed awkwardly and said, “Of course. Good day, ladies.”<br /><br />Jane felt a fresh wave of embarrassment now that the sense of danger was passed. Why hadn’t she just taken the man’s outstretched hand? Sometimes she felt her anxieties were getting worse as she aged. Cassandra linked arms with her once more and kept her close as they conquered the next several steps together.<br /><br />“Really, Jane,” she said, “they meant no harm.”<br /><br />“I know it was foolish. I just—you know how I feel.”<br /><br />Cassandra rubbed her arm. “Dearest, not all men are little boys ready to push you down.”<br /><br />“Are they not?” Jane asked, her face burning hot. “And what of Society in general? They can push harder than any boys I have encountered.” Jane did not add that the wounds they caused also did not heal. They festered and bothered and spread until she was anxious about making the acquaintance of any new person—male or female.<br /><br />One day Jane must leave her safety nest. She had begun her life with the Campbells knowing they would not be able to keep her as an adult. Very soon she would need to either marry or become a governess. At age twenty-one, her chances of marrying were not high, especially with no money or connections and her tendency to be unsociable.<br /><br /><i>Chapter 3, pages 13-15.</i></div></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiacz2iIlTZtqMkFXbDJzuomw63tLE-OWFTo2jZhvEAPsp6TiQflXf1Q_Ipupw0-MhvAphYlxtAceGe9Pe9y9UzGnXeqkvIPMvO_M22L7VCCXBWOgBGgE5NiG7EQfXjFqgo3mShQBIFu4KqQQZmvt1-UJhob_3Yy_oZ20KMn9CB9ywjwMbdtdX0jHqrCw/s320/Robbin%20J%20Peterson%20author%20headshot%202024.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Robbin J. Peterson</b> is the author of <i>Going Home</i>, <i>Conviction</i>, and <i>13 Days of Girls Camp</i>. She earned her degree in English literature from Utah State University and her associate of arts degree from Snow College. She has six kids, plays the viola, and works as an elementary school librarian.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://robbinjpeterson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.seagullbook.com/finding-jane-fairfax.html?Category_Code=BOOKS" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/robbinj.peterson" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-85025952520565557332024-03-08T05:00:00.356-07:002024-03-08T05:00:00.155-07:00A story set in Belgium during WWII... Hidden Yellow Stars by Rebecca Connolly (Review) #hiddenyellowstars #rebeccaconnolly #historicalfiction #wwIIfiction #inspirationalfiction #newbooks #booktwitter @ShadowMountn @AuthorRConnolly @ShadowMountn @Austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG8HxZAPR6PCIVqcJ2o2uAIwIabCDxdttwTgVkbGAUulfdUg_pVFSf7nnJPbMI804N6lp8YOsOkZgHXWP6scqdMeLZpkPzwJm8kw8CzQIWl0Nm14TVPiOWuEn9OuGV35GLm9qg_i6ww3wvapy3t43dyxt1cDzJT6-DhKryBIaja3GiHHncUa5TLGWQDz8/s800/Hidden%20Yellow%20Stars%20Book%20Tour%20graphic.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review of this WWII story below ...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqrWMsuiZ8FzGz5MjHJ2VNQSGZiDFxKtJrAkak3yYRlOgbxXoE_GyOxz_bGFmOH-n5sIid1cOrO_nMnU-DWbDkPbm9V1_Ifzvk6AfZG2CuPDkojIY7er_QEd3CgcdOkA8QbmoyTe07KqS1hWur_eulHnqZZaXn1LB6HIJXl8LbXZ-HyHyiFz2eD7xhcTU/s500/Hidden%20Yellow%20Stars%202024.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Hidden Yellow Stars</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Rebecca Connolly</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Historical Fiction, WWII</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 304 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 5, 2024 by Shadow Mountain</div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br />Based on the true story of two World War II heroines who risked everything to save Jewish children from the Gestapo by hiding them throughout Belgium.<br /><br /><b><i>Belgium, 1942</i></b><br /><br />Young schoolteacher Andrée Geulen secretly defies the Nazis in Belgium, who are forcing Jews to wear a yellow Star of David. Andrée is not Jewish, but she feels a maternal connection to her students, who are living in constant fear, and decides to take action. No child should have to suffer under such persecution. But what can one woman do against an entire army?<br /><br />Ida Sterno is a Jewish woman who works with the Committee for the Defense of Jews in Belgium, a clandestine resistance group tasked with hiding children from the Gestapo. She wants to recruit Andrée because her Aryan appearance can provide crucial security measures for their efforts. Andrée agrees to join and begins work immediately by adopting a code name: Claude Fournier.<br /><br />Together, Andrée and Ida, and their undercover operatives, work around the clock to move Jewish children from their families and smuggle them to safety through the secret channels established by the resistance. As each child is hidden, Andrée commits to memory their true name and history. Someday, she vows, she will help reunite as many of these families as she can.<br /><br />But with the Gestapo closing in and the traitorous Fat Jacques who has turned from ally to enemy and is threatening to identify and expose any Jew he meets, Andrée and Ida must work even harder against increasingly impossible odds to save as many children as possible and keep them safely hidden—even if it might cost them their own lives.
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185723993-hidden-yellow-stars" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185723993-hidden-yellow-stars" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781639932344" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/hidden-yellow-stars-rebecca-connolly/1143753217?ean=9781639932344" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/P6024759.html/?ref=tressasherman&affiliate_referral=tressasherman" target="_blank">DeseretBook</a></b></div>
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<br />HIDDEN YELLOW STARS is about mainly two women who are both Jews, but one looks Aryan with blue eyes and blond hair, and the other looks Jewish with darker skin. They each find their own way of rebelling against the Nazis and saving their people by hiding away as many Jewish children as they can. <b>It's a compelling story of friendship, faith and sacrifice amidst hardship, loss, violence and hate.</b> Recommended to WWII historical fictions fans.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><br /><b>I liked Andrée and Ida from the beginning.</b> They were easy to connect with and had fairly normal lives until the war came. They both were a bit blindsided with the continual atrocities they both heard about and saw as time went on. They each were trying to stay safe and make the best choices for themselves on the onset of the war. Then they did the best and most they could for as many Jewish children as they could save, sacrificing much. They were scared and faced loss and danger and yet, kept moving forward as well as they could in their circumstances. <br /><br />The story moves at a steady pace with a few places of climax. The middle does lull slightly, but picks back up the last third of the book. I liked that the story wasn't necessarily religiously based. Some characters have faith in God and some do not, and there are different religions represented. However, the focus of the story wasn't religion, but was the work of these women and those around them. Any faith aspect was weaved through these characters' lives naturally, making it feel authentic and realistic. The danger and suspense started from the beginning and weaved and flowed throughout. These characters were never fully safe, nor could they fully trust or let down their guard. They were constantly at risk of being searched and taken, and possibly risking the safety of the children and those who were hiding them. There were also some who misused or neglected the children, abusing the trust they were given. The story includes some terrible moments where children and families are taken, almost die, or were almost discovered. There were some other moments of interrogation, searches, people taken, torture, and some parts from inside a concentration camp. <b>It's a rough situation and a heartbreaking story. However, it is also inspiring reading about those who did what they could and the lengths they went to for these children even though it put them in constant danger.</b></div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><br />There were a few things I would have liked developed more or differently. One was that the internal dialogue was sometimes too dramatic for me. Another was that the internal dialogue was too lengthy and too leading whereas I would have liked to have drawn my own thoughts and conclusions instead of feeling like I was being told what to think. The POVs could have had more individual, distinctive voices as they sounded so similar that one was like the other and without the names would be hard to tell apart. I would have liked more weaved through on the Nazi group they worked for that was fronted as helping the Jews. It felt like it was mentioned and then didn't really play a role where that could have been a point of suspense or weaved through more if they had to work alongside Germans and Nazis while hiding that they were actually helping the children. There were some things that were mentioned in passing but never fully developed, like a picture that was taken, and then the story never says what else was on the roll or if she even checked it.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This was a heartfelt, inspiring story of two women who fought against the Nazis and helped Jewish families as best they could. A truly compelling story of sacrifice, resilience, strength, and care for others.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some violence including mistreatment of children and torture, but nothing extremely explicit.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenporse PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSLT6Z8Yvdhb3M4oT3yJS7gVtkG8Y1udwjWGPJbTmmbcsgZp0FrRG598nYRxtCwW_4g6Z0B0PeQ39VNHsI_ceUil7P7fennI9MAQm-ZBLUpUJ2rGt-Q5Q2S84kQK0vfPy4spp2ak2JPjbIo8Dwd_ZMmq2ZGQJ0nM5nnJhHYVxkd9Mxf7qeWLWSYHJG3Xw/s320/Author%20Rebecca%20Connolly%20X%201080.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br /><b>Rebecca Connolly</b> is the author of more than two dozen novels. She calls herself a Midwest girl, having lived in Ohio and Indiana. She's always been a bookworm, and her grandma would send her books almost every month so she would never run out. Book Fairs were her carnival, and libraries are her happy place. She received a master's degree from West Virginia University.<br /><br />While doing research for this book, she discovered information about her own family history, including the fates of several unknown family members who perished in the concentration camps of World War II.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://www.rebeccaconnolly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14116935.Rebecca_Connolly" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.connolly.books/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/authorrconnolly" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/author.rebecca.connolly" target="_blank">Instagram</a> </b><b style="text-align: left;">| <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/writerbecks/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVNVSrz9w2mombzbs1TsC3i8uadAA-8m0PLypUGPEtx9PzM6jrCfLDaHpl4BUqwFyuZkRrHqlZRX68TsPGOCTwmimHnDKGYN_7evTxAIDWWdpKqpgwlPlneKLM8d6c9hep3Y2oLBzd9Dr2q1wZu_AOy-Cx9mtBkg4Nos2F04qxPcu3zWMVWKt7XjF0Jw/s320/Austenprose%20PR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Have you read any other WWII stories set in Belgium or by this author? What interests you about this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-70525131376546674492024-03-08T05:00:00.096-07:002024-03-08T05:00:00.153-07:00Read an excerpt from this new Christian romantic suspense... 8 Down by Kimberley Woodhouse (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #christfic #suspense #8down #kimberleywoodhouse @justreadtours<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="8 Down JustRead Takeover + Review Blitz" class="alignnone wp-image-28755 size-full" height="463" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Banner_8Down_TakeoverReview_JR.jpg" width="1252" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop with <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/06/welcome-to-the-8-down-takeover-review-blitz-giveaway"><b>JustRead Publicity Tours</b></a>!</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">8 Down</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(</b><span style="text-align: left;">Alaskan Cyber Hunters #2</span><b>)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><b style="text-align: left;">Kimberley Woodhouse </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Christian Romantic Suspense</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 264 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">February 20, 2024 </span>by <span style="text-align: left;">Kregel Publications </span></div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><div><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>8 bodies down.</strong></p><strong>8 more lives at stake.</strong> </div><div><br /></div><div>Investigator Carrie Kintz is new blood with the Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Anchorage. But with a serial killer on the loose, there's no easing into the job. It's sink or swim. The only clues to help law enforcement stop this madman are the taunts he drops into crossword puzzles across the country--always in the same 8 DOWN position.</div><div><br /></div><div>Carrie is desperate to prove her worth to the force and the community by catching the killer. But when she discovers signs that these deaths are just the tip of the iceberg in a frighteningly elaborate cyberattack, it's time to admit she needs help.</div><div><br /></div><div>Calling in security specialist Scott Patteson for his expertise seems like the right move--until Carrie realizes that he may be a dangerous distraction for her heart. With her faith fading in the face of horror and uncertainty and her career in danger of ending, this is no time for flirtation.</div><div><br /></div><div>But with a killer who is determined to prove that he's smarter than everyone else, it may be impossible to fight both the madman and their feelings for each other...</div><div><em><br /></em></div><div><em>Put on your parkas as we head into a cold world of cybercrime, and hang on for the ride! Kimberley Woodhouse once again takes us on a nail-biter of a ride, and you won't want to quit until you've read the last page!"</em> --<b>Jaime Jo Wright, author of <em>The Lost Boys of Barlowe Theater</em></b><p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><em>"An amazing, breath-stealing, knuckle-biting thrill of a ride!"</em> --<b>Lynette Eason, award-winning, best-selling suspense author</b></p></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/197113219-8-down" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b> | </b><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/8-down-by-kimberley-woodhouse" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> </b><b style="text-align: left;">|</b><b style="text-align: start;"> </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3TtK8YJ" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780825447730" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b style="text-align: start;"><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/8-down-kimberley-woodhouse/1143946700" rel="noopener" target="_blank">B&N</a></b></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | </b><b> </b><b style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/8-down-2/9780825447730/pd/5447730" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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<br />Cyberterrorism. There really wasn’t any other way to word it. <br /><br />People had always hurt people. But now, in addition to guns and bombs, they could shut down the power and communication systems, or in this case, traffic lights.<br /><br />Who would do something like that?<br /><br />That’s what he didn’t want to wrap his brain around. The cyber part was easy, at least in his mind. He had a master’s degree in computer science. Computers always made sense to him. Code. Programming. Hardware. Software. <br /><br />But put an evil presence behind it, and all that technology could be used to harm innocent citizens. <br /><br />If someone was planning another cyberattack, his team and law enforcement needed to be ready. Anchorage was much larger than Fairbanks. A lot more lives were on the line.<br /><br />Page 31<br />
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><div><div><span style="color: #6d4492;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div></div></div></div></span></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kimberley Woodhouse" class="alignnone wp-image-29155 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Woodhouse-Kimberley-2-updated-224x300.webp" width="224" /></p>
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<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []"><strong>Kimberley Woodhouse</strong> is the best-selling author of more than thirty books and novellas, including A Deep Divide, Bridge of Gold, and The Mayflower Bride, as well as the coauthor of the Heart of Alaska series with Tracie Peterson. Kimberley’s writing has earned a Carol Award, the Christian Market Novel of the Year, the Holt Medallion, and many others. A proud former resident of Alaska, she now lives and writes in Colorado where she's traded in her hat of "Craziest Mom" for "Nana the Great."</p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">Connect with Kimberley by visiting <a href="https://kimberleywoodhouse.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">kimberleywoodhouse.com</a> to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.</p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div></div></div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/03/06/welcome-to-the-8-down-takeover-review-blitz-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><b>JustRead Tours</b></a> for a full list of stops!</div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour-Wide Giveaway</span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>
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<p style="text-align: left;"><b>(1) winner will receive signed copies of <em>26 Below</em> and <em>8 Down</em>, bookmarks, and other book-related goodies!</b></p><p style="text-align: left;">Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight March 6, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on March 13, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Giveaway is subject to the policies found <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
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<i>Have you read any of this author's other books? Did the excerpt make you curious to read more?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-22490724804535051742024-03-07T05:00:00.225-07:002024-03-07T05:00:00.134-07:00Another delightful YA Regency romance from this author... An Unlikely Proposition by Rosalyn Eves (Review) #anunlikelyproposition #rosalyneves #yabooks #yalit #historicalromance #newbooks #booktwitter @RosalynEves @MacmillanUSA @austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYYIPQR2Hu57xhF1_dsk1OkmzxnadmZkSqCGE1qwg4krRgkhUf8dh9aYQyHwvvT97DwVyPezAwjZqijUgy9et5X7yqYjuy3jcVKQ_bsVz4p64QiY24pyQ4OS41TjFKhSzh0BDqBu9hVuTODR73VCNROxkoO90C2O9Q-cnubLEzE7K9Z2QVpSZ2QDjZk-M/s800/An%20Unlikely%20Proposition%20Book%20Tour%20graphic.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! I loved the first book by this author </i><i>(review coming) </i><i>and was excited to see what would happen in this sophomore release. It did not disappoint! Read my full review below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjihWPS15qdq5euVMsaBOpOYK2Phk-1s6o5nM1wVdBB1zYxmhDaIL_1dvsaGWoe9EhAIMobFnJGmq6do8OGcoU9pLPZcoO6VAfmZm4sERBnHCQpJdLZSsYLkv8epYU37xR3qH49zaMxzCbblpGXMhEx7UVGjvT6F4pqip1Rju8yppuVB1l28FUwrdtsdDA/s500/An%20Unlikely%20Proposition%202024.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">An Unlikely Proposition</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Unexpected Seasons #2)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Rosalyn Eves</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">YA Historical Romance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 304 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 5, 2024 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)</div>
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<br /><b>A standalone companion to<i> An Improbable Season</i>, this Regency romance ― perfect for fans of <i>Bridgerton </i>― is about following your heart, pursuing your dreams, and falling head over heels in love.</b><br /><br /><b>Eleanor </b>did not come to London to be proper and boring. After the death of her husband and a year of mourning, the seventeen year old wants nothing more than her independence and to have a little fun. She’s hardly looking to remarry, despite pressures from her late husband’s nephew, who is keen on obtaining her inheritance. Eleanor quickly devises a plan that includes a fake engagement. What’s not a part of the plan? Falling for a dashing, quiet man outside of her social circle – a man who is not her betrothed. Can she survive the Season with her heart and her fortune intact?<br /><br /><b>Thalia </b>is determined to begin afresh after a disastrous first Season in London. No romantic distractions, but only her work as a poet and newfound companion to Eleanor. Determined to get her poems published, she struggles to be taken seriously as a female writer. As the spring progresses, Thalia does not expect to take interest in a man from her past (a man who is engaged to her employer, no less!), but some feelings demand to be felt even if the timing isn’t quite right.<br /><br />Rosalyn Eves's <i>An Unlikely Proposition </i>is a transportive Regency drama that captures the sparkle of London, thrill of friendship, and swoon of new love.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111673074-an-unlikely-proposition" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/111673074-an-unlikely-proposition" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780374390273" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/an-unlikely-proposition-rosalyn-eves/1143062653?ean=9780374390273" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/PyEqa6" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<br />AN UNLIKELY PROPOSITION is a story about a girl whose life wasn't always easy or full of wealth and another girl who wants to fulfill her dreams while moving on from almost being ruined. They face challenges on every side, friendship, and unexpected romance as reach for their happily-ever-afters. <b>Strong female characters, an entertaining plot, and a few twists and turns make for an engaging story.</b> An ideal read for YA and older fans of Regency romance</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;"><br /><b>These characters were delightful! </b>I met Thalia in the previous book, but Eleanor was new to me. Both girls are vibrant and strong, but very different with different interests, hopes, struggles and love interests. I liked that Thalia isn't the usual staid miss who simpers while trying to catch a man to marry. Instead, she's a girl who dreams of her poetry being published and finding her own place in the world not dependent on marriage. Eleanor is an independent and wealthy widow who is trying to find her own happiness and hold on to her stable life. They each had their own lessons to learn, but both had to be vulnerable and open their hearts to the possibility of love. Their male counterparts were also great characters, who I loved, especially Henry.<br /><br /><b>The plot moved at a good pace and held my interest from the first to the last page.</b> The romance weaves its way through and slowly builds without overtaking the story. There are themes of friendship and family, sharing burdens and trust, and a bit of suspense and humor. The dialogue was done well as was the historical background. This story has all the feels as well. <br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for?</b> Another delightful YA Regency romance from this author with all the things I love about stories. It's a book that I'd definitely recommend to friends. I can't wait to see what this author writes next!<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some suggestive content but clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUpZmHqxWeehU5cWAQXdeWFiJFZ56S1Q1kvYJEY90VKFl_-LRvXMx8tOt_IHGZWba-qf2rDrigwKceBOhKk0zOW0CZ6YPzl3QE7RJOuCpCM1PNOzPiSOZ4y4vb7rsfn_tucqUy4_iui8pZwMJ2AsZi5EbIZui0pySgL0g_w0zfoKjs0oYthDymuU1E8M/w259-h400/An%20Improbable%20Season.jpg" style="text-align: start;" width="259" /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://i0.wp.com/www.rosalyneves.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/eves-author-photo-1.jpg?resize=682%2C1024&ssl=1" style="text-align: start;" width="213" /></div><br /><b>Rosalyn Eves </b>grew up in the Rocky Mountains, dividing her time between reading books and bossing her siblings into performing her dramatic scripts. As an adult, the telling and reading of stories are still some of her favorite things to do. When she’s not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her chemistry professor husband and three children, watching British period pieces, or hiking through the splendid landscape of southern Utah, where she lives. She dislikes housework on principle.<br /><br />She has a PhD in English from Penn State and teaches English at Southern Utah University.<br /><br />Rosalyn is represented by Josh Adams of <a href="http://www.adamsliterary.com/">Adams literary</a>.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>Photo by Erin Summerill<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://www.rosalyneves.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13525505.Rosalyn_Eves" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/rosalyneveswriter/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/RosalynEves" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/rosalyn.eves/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVNVSrz9w2mombzbs1TsC3i8uadAA-8m0PLypUGPEtx9PzM6jrCfLDaHpl4BUqwFyuZkRrHqlZRX68TsPGOCTwmimHnDKGYN_7evTxAIDWWdpKqpgwlPlneKLM8d6c9hep3Y2oLBzd9Dr2q1wZu_AOy-Cx9mtBkg4Nos2F04qxPcu3zWMVWKt7XjF0Jw/s320/Austenprose%20PR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i>Are you a fan of Regency romance books or shows? Have you read any of the author's other books? What do you like about this one?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-71081746007596950532024-03-05T21:00:00.052-07:002024-03-05T21:00:00.201-07:00I Can't Wait for... Love on a Whim by Suzanne Woods Fisher (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads #womensfiction @revellbooks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've become such a huge fan of this author! Her last two series were so well written with great characters and stories that had all the feels. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...</span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8cJM6oFyqfEZrSf7fGJxv3OYJ1aGX0BuT64ev7e-XoVFa84WiVnnsLVf5K7qBjST86uFiaeWThptLGzFwFSJfjqtpdvEPnOGb2Jqj-CJv9UCd1CEqZ_aTkmMGqSjm-g_FDo-X7OfUxIcTVK4ptjOSHlT19TRWvz_lZIjatWBcd0pJcZuIwWmVbAAN9xE/s500/Love%20on%20a%20Whim.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Cape Cod Creamery #3)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By </span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Suzanne Woods Fisher</b></span></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome, Christian</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">May 7, 2024 by Revell</div><br />
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<br />Brynn Haywood's impulsive marriage to a man she'd known less than 24 hours leaves her with deep regret. She flees to Cape Cod, finding refuge with her loyal friend, Dawn Dixon. As Brynn grapples with her emotions, Dawn acts swiftly, eager to help secure a lawyer for her through her mother Marnie's good friend, Lincoln Hayes. However, Lincoln's preoccupation with his daughter's lavish wedding brings unexpected challenges.<br /><br />The arrival of Lincoln's estranged son, Bear Hayes, stirs the waters further. Alarmed by his father's extravagant generosity toward the Dixon family, Bear ignites friction between Marnie and Lincoln. As the wedding day arrives, Lincoln vanishes--and an unwelcome guest makes a surprise appearance.<br /><br />Bestselling author Suzanne Woods Fisher delights with this sweet story of love, family, and the unpredictability of life.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199452185-love-on-a-whim" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3Tm2wSZ" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780800739492" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/love-on-a-whim-suzanne-woods-fisher/1144111573?ean=9780800739492" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/JzXOW7" target="_blank">Target</a> </b><b style="text-align: left;">| <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/love-on-a-whim-softcover-3/9780800739492/pd/739499?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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<i>Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-48874842519966266262024-03-05T05:00:00.099-07:002024-03-05T05:00:00.146-07:00Happy release day to The Prisoner's Throne by Holly Black! (Book Blitz) #newbooks #booktwitter #theprisonersthrone #elfhame #hollyblack #yabooks #yalit #fantasy @hollyblack @tbrbeyondtours<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCPA9LN-Lyxd-Wsbo3p1ZBfReae4nI9P1LrC-zvq-yyJ9w5G9WVmUg1k6h1hgeT4b-Ud6EmznQy7hlTbjaIgRyT1YhssanIZ8fM69_0xdK2oIufaWnUUw1MGL8qE24sLstfdv2L-RvccKSmqSlQEupFUhiq4hVOf1H_AUGHD9d4AdALeHjH6srI_UIFGk/s16000/The%20Prisoners%20Throne%20Banner.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome! I'm sharing in the release celebration for this book today. Check out all the info below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">The Prisoner's Throne</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;">(The Stolen Heir Duology #2)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Holly Black</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Young Adult Fantasy, Romance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 368 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">March 5, 2024 by Little Brown Books for Young Readers </div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b><i>An imprisoned prince. A vengeful queen. And a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame. </i></b><br /><br />Prince Oak is paying for his betrayal. Imprisoned in the icy north and bound to the will of a monstrous new queen, he must rely on charm and calculation to survive. With High King Cardan and High Queen Jude ready to use any means necessary to retrieve their stolen heir, should Oak attempt to regain the trust of the girl he’s always loved, or remain loyal to Elfhame and hand over the means to end her reign-even if it means ending Wren, too… <br /><br />With war looming and treachery lurking in every corner, neither Oak’s guile nor his wit will be enough to keep everyone he loves alive. He will have some terrible choices to make. <br /><br />From the #1 <i>New York Times</i> bestselling author Holly Black comes the stunning blood-soaked conclusion to the Stolen Heir duology.
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61250159" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3wHtJa9" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780316592710" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-stolen-heir-holly-black/1142548284" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/nLxPjM" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3uWv2RS" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBmQ2buIe1LdwJ4F537zVvqGgfxcuZ9-Kwi2H34gLZPqzIG0_sfn14Cj2SHIjrgaXOye1pTytbAv7GV_ud0K1iWGv42Zmjh1Dstc_2R6hWd0t2_CIh0kFvozsKnFnYOqSuVeyaM0iv1xs7h3hfoPSTNXm9a5K6xlGs2_c0xsZHeqoNlUdLdmBRo5Hwms/w265-h400/The%20Stolen%20Heir.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="265" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYhgslI_ApRis_VeJ8xajShiFTK4mwsS58nKaSgq7Hxtu2OIGvDgUq-X5c7DsybyYEN4YfdEiueJWoC_rel5I4BcB2oIOLT0j2UFtnTFqqU-Q6FPOtYUZfDSPdbO6UX5yYVj1oFvni6NlOUcyMlyYfuc8m7BYnnhKAn5n5Kb-LbC0-QCUx2ZRNORXYI58/s320/Holly%20Black.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Holly Black</b> is the #1 <i>New York Times </i>bestselling author of fantasy novels, including the Novels of Elfhame, THE COLDEST GIRL IN COLDTOWN, the Spiderwick Chronicles, and her adult debut, BOOK OF NIGHT. She has been a finalist for an Eisner Award and the Lodestar Award, and the recipient of the Mythopoeic Award, a Nebula, and a Newbery Honor. Her books have been translated into 32 languages worldwide and adapted for film. She currently lives in New England with her husband and son in a house with a secret library.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://blackholly.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/25422.Holly_Black" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HollyBlackFan" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/hollyblack" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/Blackholly/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/hollyblack/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H6i-u_Op6bstwaYKRuDZo_NKgX0fz6pEQ_zWw60etndGvugFfA6T0Q2v4epbDKi0y2xj1hqHZslkj8PgwVOO8S1gKEOKy9Bc08OrFmWV1PG9LvcDAU3QtsE8IEGSEiZuFIvUe_JrgCxsfO4onO8fSxO5dGf_QdxOpqH6chJsWl5mZZiquYARmQ-QyYY/w171-h200/tbr-badge-transparent.webp" style="text-align: left;" width="171" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Are you a fan of this series, stories with fae or the author? Have your read </i>The Stolen Heir <i>yet?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-6401184590904161192024-03-01T05:00:00.170-07:002024-03-01T05:00:00.259-07:00A fake marriage and a dangerous journey... Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure by Misty M. Beller (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #christfic #historicalromance #western #romancebooks @celebrate_lit<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dhO7txptBWuhh1yec36dg9uQyUnMpjaZ8EvqrocPGECtRl3TLejohI6NfSyK9l-RIeVc4jrTRRVsYsmvYhjXtgqSXNjl2gps9Qx20WA1lSCkt1SH2WoFgrnuzAdZXHCP2btrUMXxbYx7wgleIzkfJVIsdyjKot7rNw5pgplzXHqkFt50oghq8Agj6ds/s16000/protecting-the-mountain-mans-treasure.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Protecting the Mountain Man's Treasure</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Brothers of Sapphire Ranch #3)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Misty M. Beller</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Historical Romance, Western</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback & eBook, 256 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 6, 2024 by Misty M. Beller Books </div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><i>In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty…and a hidden fortune.</i><br /><br />Jude Coulter is far more comfortable in his family’s sapphire mine tucked in the Montana mountains than the bustling streets of New York City where he’s been sent to deliver a shipment of gems. His relief at boarding the train for the first leg of his journey home is short-lived when an accident renders him unconscious.<br /><br />Angela Larkin worked hard to earn this assignment for the Treasury—an undercover mission to determine the source of the sapphires brought each year for auction in the city. When an accident causes her target to lose his recent memory, Angela jumps at the opportunity to create the ideal ruse. Jude seems surprised to learn the two of them had married and were returning from a glorious wedding trip, but he doesn’t question too strongly.<br /><br />Yet when an unexpected threat arises, they find themselves dependent on the other to navigate the treacherous journey home. As the danger mounts, so too does an attraction neither of them anticipated. But can this love withstand the revelation of their tangled beginnings?<br /><br />From a <i>USA Today </i>bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a pretend marriage, amnesia, undercover agents, and a love worth treasuring far more than riches.
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176116879-protecting-the-mountain-man-s-treasure" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/48ErRvQ" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781954810723" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/protecting-the-mountain-mans-treasure-misty-m-beller/1143636997?ean=9781954810723" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/healing-the-mountain-mans-heart/9781954810631/pd/810632?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />PROTECTING THE MOUNTAIN MAN'S TREASURE is a story about a man protecting his family and their sapphire mine and the woman agent who is assigned to follow him and forms a fake relationship when he loses his memory. <b>A journey ensues where the characters try to make things work, fight to escape danger, learn to trust in God, and try to resist falling in love.</b><br /><br /><b>I really liked these two main characters. </b>Jude was dependable and a gentleman who wanted to protect his family, but also Angela. Angela has had a rough life and she just wants to do what is right and prove to her boss that she is worthy of his trust. I tend to enjoy fake relationship tropes, although this one is a bit different since Jude doesn't know if he is or isn't actually in a relationship with Angela. Angela was quite the little actress. <br /><br />The plot itself was a steady journey from New York to Montana with a few climatic spots. The climaxes took turns between the chemistry building between Jude and Angela, and where these characters faced danger. There was a happy reunion at the end with family, which was lovely.<br /><br />There were some issues I had with the story. The basis of Angela following Jude wasn't consistent. The fake relationship didn't really work, although I thought the author gave it a strong go. Nor was there a reason the villains wouldn't take Jude's money from that year's sapphire sales but instead chose the riskier venture of waiting another year and following him to find the source. The religious element was stronger than I prefer. Stories where the romantic interests are different faiths and one of them has to change in order to find a happily-ever-after is always a difficult aspect to write well and rarely works for me, especially when the change is almost instantaneous. There were sections that I felt I could have easily skimmed and I wouldn't have missed anything, which is never a good sign.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for?</b> This wasn't as enjoyable as I was hoping for. I still enjoyed it, but I think the overall premise and how things worked out didn't quite work for me. The characters were likable and the writing was decent, so it just wasn't a good fit for me.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some innuendo and violence. Clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4frcUzAnN4/VrUMRepAW8I/AAAAAAAAI4s/LrnOod-V7bk/s1600/3%2BStars.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X4frcUzAnN4/VrUMRepAW8I/AAAAAAAAI4s/LrnOod-V7bk/s1600/3%2BStars.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3MqtIraAzcbelpCl8sU6IWt95pT0nVMGfeR0nYX3bnyNp7HN8KH3abQQyWdSk0aZj7U9YjgT7LfW0VcWVJh3FMfflYufqPi3LIpbPkOsHQqf1sCZcTfKA2rRfaUcjSYpXa4-jAC8W2CQ8a4oTWWABnI5FII2co5EioNVVSibUCUqpECOgbS9-j-uZMkc/s1600/Misty-M-Beller_headshot-200x300%20(1).png" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Misty M. Beller </b>is a <i>USA Today</i> bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.<br /><br />Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.<br /><br />Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.<br /><br />Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.</div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://alenamentink.com/blog/">Alena Mentink</a>, March 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/">Wishful Endings</a>, March 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lighthouse-academy.blogspot.com/">Lighthouse Academy Blog</a>, March 2 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, March 2</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, March 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.splashesofjoy.wordpress.com/">Splashes of Joy</a>, March 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, March 4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.jennifersienes.com/blog/">Where Crisis & Christ Collide</a>, March 4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://madismusingsblog.wordpress.com/">Madi’s Musings</a>, March 5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, March 5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, March 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://familymgrkendra.blogspot.com/">Happily Managing a Household of Boys</a>, March 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/macebetti/">Betti Mace</a>, March 7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://booksyoucanfeelgoodabout.blogspot.com/">Books You Can Feel Good About</a>, March 7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://luannabubbles.wixsite.com/devotedhope">Devoted To Hope</a>, March 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://forhimandmyfamily.com/">For Him and My Family</a>, March 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://babblingbeckyl.com/">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a> , March 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://nannie3.blogspot.com/">Jeanette’s Thoughts</a>, March 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com/">Cover Lover Book Review</a>, March 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.lifeonchickadeelane.com/">Life on Chickadee Lane</a>, March 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blossomsandblessings.blogspot.com/">Blossoms and Blessings</a>, March 11</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.a.hake">Mary Hake</a>, March 11</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lakesidelivingsite.wordpress.com/">lakesidelivingsite</a>, March 12</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.instagram.com/melissas_bookshelf">Melissa’s Bookshelf</a>, March 12</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://hollysbookcorner.home.blog/">Holly’s Book Corner</a>, March 13</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theloftypages.wordpress.com/">The Lofty Pages</a>, March 13</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tblbkreviews.wordpress.com/">Lily’s Corner</a>, March 14</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/">Pause for Tales</a>, March 14</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour-Wide Giveaway</span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngZwmOA3o42pIKO0ZINEt3_sphYckPt6YeRGJL1cbhccdbdcKJVQ4gvV0uMJsXZCxzrv66bU7vzypcMfqDA4rxsbng_V6tox4CcYQ-6bMYsX6VCqSVt9snu1jpIVknUDz1hwiDg_eKTEc_2c9uqFzXFO4qkQaSdtN30Z6e0awUTwYE3Dt5aHARLmBcRI/s1600/Amazon%20Card.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div><b>To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!</b><br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a3d3/protecting-the-mountain-man-s-treasure-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">ENTER HERE</a></span></b></div><div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Are you a fan of the fake relationship trope, westerns or this author? What do you like about this book?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-13277778191834343772024-02-29T05:00:00.181-07:002024-02-29T05:00:00.132-07:00A quirky and dashing romantic adventure... A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure by Angela Bell (Review) #bhpfiction #romancebooks #newbooks #booktwitter #histfic #inspirationalfiction #aladysguidetomarvelsandmisadventure #AuthorAngelaBell @bethany_house @austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img book="" border="0" graphic.jpg="" guide="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsO4K9yexFdNi_noYELq2z59jpnDhUCY6Tm92SLoL71dbeEL3fOD-WhI8XGK0wCWibMTEv-YSd3czPJZ-fGuynfrUS1IQdBNUmy6wdB5QQI4RCgVpCD5t9JD-86BtRXT38it7PTGPWRjsQ5Q2USdc1CH2Iwi6QetSJA_3flXB8VPAr5WhDYtmzLo3mUPg/s800/A%20Lady" style="text-align: left;" tour="" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! This was such a fun read! Find my full review below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img and="" border="0" guide="" jpg="" marvels="" misadventure="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvx52nqfj9cjsyuViirdDSn3B9WnbtSRgqrqV50S_LCEcMFnE13oyg-Ko-5QeSy7bL6fV1QPEfEMS0rdnbkId9vbc6lLqnWY4eA0Pyib7la_N3PhUBrdCu0j_4vPvuQcMKN0FquI0SoCX8ZR1F7rf6dgW19hwvbOvOKi5McK_Em5qiv3eu14_R0TKmrgs/s500/A%20Lady" style="text-align: left;" to="" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">A Lady's Guide to Marvels and Misadventure</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Angela Bell</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Historical Romance, Steampunk</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 384 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 27, 2024 by Bethany House Publishers </div><br />
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<br /><b>Miss Clara Marie Stanton's family may be eccentric, but they certainly aren't insane.</b><br /><br /><i>London, England, 1860</i><br />When Clara's ex-fiancé begins to spread rumors that her family suffers from hereditary insanity, it's all she can do to protect them from his desperate schemes, society's prejudice, and a lifetime in an asylum. Then Clara's Grandfather Drosselmeyer brings on an apprentice with a mechanical leg, and all pretense of normalcy takes wing.<br /><br />Theodore Kingsley, a shame-chased vagabond haunted by the war, wants a fresh start far from Kingsley Court and the disappointed father who declared him dead. Upon returning to England, Theodore meets clockmaker Drosselmeyer, who hires him as an apprentice, much to Clara's dismay. When Drosselmeyer spontaneously disappears in his secret flying owl machine, he leaves behind a note for Clara, beseeching her to make her dreams of adventure a reality by joining him on a merry scavenger hunt across Europe. Together, Clara and Theodore set off to follow Drosselmeyer's trail of clues, but they will have to stay one step ahead of a villain who wants the flying machine for himself--at any cost.<br /><br />"Utterly charming! What an original and adorable story. Angela Bell's debut is a book I can, without hesitation, highly recommend."--<b>JEN TURANO, <i>USA Today </i>bestselling author</b><br /><br />"Bell's voice will draw you immediately into her world, and her characters will hold you there. A must-read!"--<b>ROSEANNA M. WHITE, Christy Award-winning author</b><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181857655-a-lady-s-guide-to-marvels-and-misadventure" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3ThdZU8" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780764242137" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-ladys-guide-to-marvels-and-misadventure-angela-bell/1143717358?ean=9780764242137" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/Vmeoyk" target="_blank">Target</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/ladys-guide-marvels-and-misadventure-softcover/angela-bell/9780764242137/pd/242132?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">ChristianBook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />A LADY'S GUIDE TO MARVELS AND MISADVENTURE was <b>a roller-coaster ride of fun and adventure!</b> It's about a quirky family, a damsel who is trying not to be in distress, and the hero who just might finally find redemption and a home. What ensues is an adventure that brings danger, hearts to be changed, and romance.<br /><br /><b>I really enjoyed getting to know these characters.</b> Clara gave up her dreams and childish wonder after finding out the man she was going to marry really only wanted her family's money. I respected her determination to keep her family safe and weather the societal scorn. She was intelligent, loyal, and sweet with a heart that she was trying to protect. Theodore lost his family and the life he'd known when things went terribly for him in the war and he came back home without his leg to a father who only showed scorn and would not forgive the loss of his wife. Clara doesn't trust Theodore, but when her grandfather leaves and they work together to follow his tracks she finds out that he isn't who she supposed her was at all. They both have challenges but they do it over time as they journey, which provides an opportunity for love to blossom between them even amidst Clara's mothers antics and danger.<br /><br /><b>I also enjoyed the overall plot of the story. </b>It was a fun idea to have a clock-maker grandfather who also created a flying owl that he then takes on a journey. I liked how Clara and Theodore were thrown together. I also liked the redeeming story of Theodore and his change of heart as well as Clara coming to her own realization in regards to her faith. The romance slowly built and was sweet. The faith element was definitely strong, but didn't feel pushy. The suspense caused by a desperate villain also was well done.<br /><br />This story did have a few things that didn't quite work for me. One was that the eccentricities of some of the characters were too eccentric, to the point that they became a detriment to their own family. Then there was the suspension of belief in there always being animals and a woman reacting so strongly about things. That was mixed with a lack of understanding or wisdom by the characters who refused to even contemplate the repercussions of their choices or the lengths someone who was desperate would go to. It was unrealistic. There also were these steampunk aspects but they were only in regards to a few things instead of it being more widespread in the storybook world, which also seemed a bit odd. I wanted the world to be more immersive and fully drawn. I also felt like some of the characters were flat, such as Clara's father who seemed to pretty much be a character in name only. I would have liked more development.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This honestly was a charming inspirational romance. I loved the steampunk elements, the delightful characters, and the sweet romance. If you enjoy stories in this genre and quirky characters, then this is a book to definitely read.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Clean<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-61743897400775480802024-02-27T21:00:00.048-07:002024-02-27T21:03:45.767-07:00I Can't Wait for... The Best of Friends by Sarah M. Eden (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #romancebooks #cleanreads #historicalromance @covenantcomms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I've pretty much loved every single book by this author. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...</span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0sfADr-BUdOtswQ91dj1CLPEGVAhh02e9Xvz6wEc3pyq6R3RB4QufSZhRzx96b8PvBuYkiEPryMoHqkdXEJwq98nq8RAEpmj7SO0vgHCOU4O_qzQtZWiPH6OXqFYKDfoEvE3ROSteFFW4yLjqL86U_kxzQQDhObLm2qDGM6NfhwB93bbjxBasaWDHOi8/s550/The%20Best%20of%20Friends.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">The Best of Friends</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(The Huntresses #2)</span></b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">By Sarah M. Eden</span></b></div></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome Romance</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 272 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 2, 2024 by Covenant Communications</div>
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<br />Daria Mullins just accomplished the seemingly impossible: she successfully convinced her parents to grant her one final London Season. Though their concession comes with certain expectations, Daria is determined to enjoy every moment alongside her dear friends, the Huntresses, as they make their annual foray into the Marriage Mart.<br /><br />Toss Comstock has no interest in marriage. His only purpose in London is to enjoy his Bachelor Season before he’s forced to follow whatever path his elder brother deems best. But his plans are quickly turned upside down when he strikes a bargain with the lovely Miss Mullins at the Debenham Ball. The longtime acquaintances discover that they share the maddening affliction of familial pressures, leading them to hatch an outlandish scheme: they will engage in a friendly competition. Whoever participates in the most activities their family would disapprove of will be crowned the winner. But amid the fun and games, Daria and Toss never imagined that true love would become the ultimate prize.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/199460095-the-best-of-friends" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3TeQpY5" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/6053830.html/https://deseretbook.com/?ref=tressasherman&affiliate_referral=tressasherman" target="_blank">DeseretBook</a></b></div>
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<i>Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-78495495190315724972024-02-26T05:00:00.187-07:002024-02-26T05:00:00.393-07:00A mortal's dream to be a queen of the fae... Mortal Queens by Victoria McCombs (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #yalit #yabooks #fantasy @enclavebooks @celebrate_lit<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhqUmFLai3zUuM83PDz91tSbEF0jEL4omkUS1NFY_WPRd5hwZiRKMDHxZuRs1JH7kcGc8KJrib28m74pjKPnvuu8JYNsHebPk0bLdp_aQC42upQIMazV8bojuangvTaF1nptlv9pQNWwW-hRHNumQ-k3of6c8yGM7ChYwRBwmb7Qab4EQD0NKs2dGuGCU/s16000/Mortal%20Queens%20Banner.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjyjDN2AC0_L9XOLVHWuUYXlgO0dDH06_W4zwzFwQUml2xiOcdt_PeuElSEA34m8QSPBLYhC2dhTX76dcRGpOE0BAt5qZUSjAK1asCkoErjnHpKxmA-6vIDmBfiInzx_UuX92AD50w05BnRknxV4xK_R8bJOXIBvgLteCvpDQJWZWhwre2DjBNBfD6jHI/s500/Mortal%20Queens%20GR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Mortal Queens</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(The Fae Dynasty #1)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Victoria McCombs</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">YA Fantasy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 320 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 6, 2024 by Enclave Escape </div>
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<br /><b>They vanish without a trace, disappear into the night…</b><br /><br />Each year on the center island, one girl is chosen to be the next Mortal Queen of the idolized fae. The mortals praise these lucky girls, but their daughters are never seen again.<br /><br />The fae realm is eternal night, where disputes are settled by chess matches, power is acquired through the most devious kinds of trickery, and seven illusive kings roam. The fae hide their faces behind masks and guard their glass hearts to keep them from shattering. But beyond the veil of this luxurious paradise, a dark secret simmers, for their Queens have disappeared.<br /><br />When aspiring artist Althea is selected, she is desperate to avoid the same mysterious fate. With no one to trust, she conceals messages in paintings and receives anonymous replies from a stranger who slowly reveals the tale of a girl who outwitted the fae. Only if she is clever enough will Althea survive the fate of the Mortal Queens. As long as the king who cannot love does not claim her first.
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/164794237-mortal-queens" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3Ic8PSR" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9798886050905" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mortal-queens-victoria-mccombs/1144338832?ean=9798886050905" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/mortal-queens-1/9798886050905/pd/050905?event=ESRCN" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />MORTAL QUEENS is a story about a girl's dream coming true and how that dream turns into a nightmare when she finds out not all is as she assumed. It's about friendship, family, romance, deception and truth all set in a vivid fantasy world of the fae. <b>Fans of young adult fantasy and fae stories will find much to love about this book.</b><br /><br /><b>I liked these characters as well as the premise from the start. </b>Althea is someone who has had to fight for her family's survival ever since losing her mom years ago, even though her dad remains. She has grown up with fanciful stories of the fae from her mom and an equal amount of stories of warning from her dad, but just like all maidens on her island, she hopes to one day be chosen as a mortal queen of the fae. I liked how she cared for her brothers and how she bravely accepted her fate at the beginning. Of course things change when she realizes everything isn't as she thought and the tricks, traps, and games begin in the fae world. The other characters were interesting as well. I really loved the fae world that the author created and how there is an underlying reason for these mortal queens. I liked the constant back and forth with the fae as they aren't human and aren't generally trustworthy. The magic, hierarchy and fantasy world were all interesting as well. There is plenty of mystery as readers follow Althea on her journey to self discovery and to find answers as she navigates this new world. There is also a bit of romance that is a bit of a slowly drawn out instantaneous love.<br /><br />There were a few things I would have liked developed more. The characters and the fae especially as a people weren't consistent. The author portrays them a certain way and then contradicts that at several points, so it was a bit confusing as a reader to be told something and see them act one way and then in the next breath be completely vulnerable which didn't fit. The heroine is also said to have been prepared by her dad with specific skills but somehow doesn't use any of them nor is prepared for what she faces. I felt like a lot of that needed to be worked through and developed so that things were consistent. I also was frustrated by answers and reasoning never being given. Some things were alluded to and then never visited again. She's told all sorts of incorrect stories and lies, but also told that certain people wouldn't lie who tell her those things, so none of it is reliable. Other things were constantly hinted at but when the heroine was given an opportunity to be aided, she was answered with more questions and teasing instead of straight answers. It's a pet peeve of mine when stories won't answer questions even if it makes logical or genuine sense to do so just to push forward a plot and take up a whole book. Kind of like when a mom has a magical daughter but won't tell her she's magical or prepare her for an enemy that hunts her just so that the main character is kept in the dark and so that the story can be stretched. It has never made sense to me, especially as I am a parent and would never see that as benefiting my child.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? I am a fan of stories with fae and this one intrigued me. I enjoyed the overall idea, the fantasy world, and generally liked the characters. I wanted more development in certain areas, but am still planning on finding out what happens in book two.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some innuendo and violence, but clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary ARC from NetGalley through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XoQ7AZkKo/VrUMRt6CMQI/AAAAAAAAI4w/WGPWA57DXzw/s1600/3.5%2BStars.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XoQ7AZkKo/VrUMRt6CMQI/AAAAAAAAI4w/WGPWA57DXzw/s1600/3.5%2BStars.png" /></a></div></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieQkeF__7narziLgVqXkfQ_9LUKuzHe_4HhvTIkJ95-e4B6MBYDrObQ6jeer82VelPK0NmIRBnXKZvwPqrrEoqokIrDsd08R2gj3z_TudgxqmVC5wnwCGt56BJxuN5pPhcp3nrj4VVBo0gfwUyuQ_c3d0caBUjj6xq0SgAig4khpoQsF1_L7v2QJiS88w/s1600/Mortal%20Queens%20McCombs-Victoria.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Victoria McCombs</b> is the author of YA fantasy books such as <i>The Storyteller’s Daughter </i>and The Royal Rose Chronicles. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and three children. Her days are filled with coffee, reading, golfing, board games, and homeschooling the littles.</div><div>
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<b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26.6667px;">More from the Author</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>There are several parties thrown in the fae realm, so today I’ll be sharing a party favorite recipe! I’ve had strangers reach out years after a party to ask for this recipe, and it’s so simple to make!<br /><br /><b>Cucumber Party Sandwiches</b><br /><br /><b>Ingredients: </b> One French loaf (the thinner, the better. It will be topped with a cucumber.)<br /><br />1-2 cucumbers<br /><br />8 oz cream cheese<br /><br />½ cup mayo<br /><br />1 package dry Italian dressing<br /><br />We’d always buy the French loaf in a roll that you bake like crescent rolls, however I’ve struggled to find them recently, so I just buy the premade bread. However you acquire your bread, you’ll want it cooked and sliced into inch thick pieces.<br /><br />Cut medium-thick slices of cucumber<br /><br />Combine the cream cheese, mayo, and dry Italian dressing.<br /><br />Spread the mixture over the bread, then top with cucumber. May garnish with pepper if desired. Done!<div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theloftypages.wordpress.com/">The Lofty Pages</a>, February 24</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 25</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/">Wishful Endings</a>, February 26</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, February 27</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://booklooksbylisa.blogspot.com/">Book Looks by lisa</a>, February 28</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 29</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.beccahope.com/">Becca Hope: Book Obsessed</a>, March 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com/">Blogging With Carol</a>, March 2</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://forhimandmyfamily.com/">For Him and My Family</a>, March 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, March 4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/hannahbandanarama">Hannahbandanarama</a>, March 5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fictionbooklover.com/">Fiction Book Lover</a>, March 6 (Spotlight)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://exploringthewrittenword.com/">Exploring the Written Word</a>, March 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.simpleharvestreads.com/">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, March 7 (Guest Review from Mindy)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.guildmaster97.com/">Guild Master</a>, March 8 (Spotlight)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://inspiredbyfiction.blogspot.com/">Inspired by Fiction</a>, March 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_g7mnnBN5hnM6qPUnuhlqkaloyVKDw1DPYrC9sAZJQAIm8uygAgMlcjFfzn3pz3bSHVJ_CD3Ei4ntArisTmfgLSfbzs-KGk0Ot_v9LuQtpQUhP91lX2KYgyTc5FoVNue1tAXx9SeoN9gPIOOXNY8ndwakc_no-YYFFk0GaOZtTXpdwWWQprAsI53iYTo/s320/Mortal%20Queens%20Giveaway.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div><br /><b>To celebrate her tour, Victoria is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!</b><br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/2a259/mortal-queens-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">ENTER HERE</a></span></b></div><div>
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<a href="http://www.celebratelit.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DesoilIo-eg/W81lmiBYfLI/AAAAAAAAVfs/0on2KZGbN84QebplrT2OvFvn5nh2yhdiQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Celebrate%2BLit.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Have you read any of this author's other books? Are you a fan of stories with fae? Will you be reading this one?</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-26673041929471530572024-02-23T05:00:00.149-07:002024-03-04T22:07:01.229-07:00An intriguing Christian scifi... When Legends Rise by Daphne Self (Review & #Giveaway) #booktwitter #scifi #christfic #christianfiction #whenlegendsrise @celebrate_lit<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihd_gnZkJLLV6eeJHQGtGldkaZij47_x8GIW8_9siziuBdS4ONyp5oJ1ERKGDtUsXMaP0Co2siRX6Q-FG3DyBGPbVD7JFTw3hM8pVRcBmu8nKKwBLa9mmpZTHMHzlUU__vYigUVs3r4nQwKTNE_VdN-OVyzlasCE6CYu-3cfsEQ_FrBveo24e8H8TM02E/s16000/Legends%20Rise.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Find my review and a giveaway below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fq7HhsmcAxIFTV_kvekl20nG1trfYeMIR6YVhyphenhyphenCVgua1MLOIdzs4MAedilFQTF2SU36xUs7ekdgOarNc7OE_pZAvZU214lYjoNgiUVM96RMcYkckpSB63IVb3FZF8vHg2NXtHxWIgfMPXZbSU9ZeuvsOKoTNd910DuHFz3mJ-GuiTkr3KsjcuGo9kXo/s16000/Legends%20Rise%20GR.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">When Legends Rise</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Legends of Light #1)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Daphne Self</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Science Fiction</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback & eBook, 400 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">July 26, 2022 by Ambassador International </div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br />He is now one of them. Genetically altered . . . Designed to kill . . . Trained to eradicate . . . Until he became more. Juliet 7-A was the top elite assassin for the Global Federated Territories until an ambush deemed him beyond salvaging. He was scheduled for decommission. His only recourse for survival is a new identity and his search for the one friend he had―a friend who defected and deserted him. Those he once hunted will save him. Yet it comes with a price. A price that demands much of him. What happens when an assassin awakens?
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60882488-when-legends-rise" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/48q3lyI" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781649603487" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-legends-rise-daphne-self/1141303498?ean=9781649603487" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/when-legends-rise-1/9781649603487/pd/603489?event=ESRCN" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />WHEN LEGENDS RISE is a space opera set in a futuristic world where a man who was once fighting as an assassin escapes for his life with the plan on reuniting with one of his soldier brothers, and a girl who left her home to make her own journey and has learned that home was where she belonged. It a story of a group of Christians fighting to practice their faith and the group who seeks to destroy them. It's also a story of finding unexpected new faith and love. <b>Christian scifi fans who like their books strong in the religious aspect with a focus on conversion will enjoy this one.</b><br /><br /><b>I really liked the main characters, Jules and Abby.</b> I also enjoyed Huey and his role as well as some of the other side characters. Abby is this mix of really smart and skilled with hacking versus not necessarily street smart or great at protecting herself. She's also loyal, brave, and loving. Jules is this fierce assassin-turned-pilot who is protective, smart, inhumanly skilled, and is just learning who he is. There's some character development in this story, which I also enjoy and which pushed these characters to figure some things out and make some choices. The romance slowly builds although it is a bit quick. I liked the two love interests together. <b>The scifi and action parts of this story were my favorite.</b> They were quick and well choreographed. I also loved diving into this scifi, space world. The plot is steady with some slower pacing mixed with more climatic, intense moments. I'm curious what the next book will bring.<br /><br />I also struggled a bit with some of the jerky, almost unnatural actions Jules takes in the first third of the book and then not quite as often for the rest. Some of the dialogue is a bit stilted. The religious aspect was very strong. I don't always love the hard line that was drawn quite a bit in this story or the conversion types of stories since they can be really hard to write well. To me, this one wasn't great in that regard, but I could see what the author was trying to do. There was some suspension of belief. There were also some things that didn't feel realistic or make sense to me that could have used some additional development.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This was an overall intriguing scifi. Likable characters and an engaging plot is sure to keep fans of the genre engrossed with promises of more to come.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some violence, but clean<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<b><div><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSaGarjmch_cBisbe2whHsB9u6K73y3R5s9VtYpiMq9KpZMDGta8PnzfnK-i72MEscSOZnH97Zq_CBXkl9cSn9tG0EKm_u2JVXl8x1UKgrvRReOdmPl9DfpehYG4SaXLjVPOxH5kOiOus1FqZFI_EpXg0dy1NqKTP_cS2Exem0G-JONod3E8aLy-KR-xY/s1600/Legends%20Rise%20Author.jpg" style="font-weight: 400; text-align: start;" /></div><div><b><br /></b></div>Daphne Self</b>, formerly published under the name D.M. Webb, resides in Iowa. As a Mississippian transplant, she spends her days in the Midwest state writing, editing, reading, antiquing, and planning adventures. She pursues her dream as an editor and author with one goal in mind: To Glorify His Name. Daphne is also an avid reader who devours book in many genres. As a long time member of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and Realm Makers, she volunteers her time helping published and unpublished authors. </div><div><br /></div><div>You can find Daphne <b><a href="https://authordaphneself.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here</a></b>.<br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bookwomanjoan.blogspot.com/">Book Reviews From an Avid Reader</a>, February 17</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://babblingbeckyl.com/">Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions</a>, February 18</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 19</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 20 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://madismusingsblog.wordpress.com/">Madi’s Musings</a>, February 20</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, February 21</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 22</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/">Wishful Endings</a>, February 23</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 24</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://exploringthewrittenword.com/">Exploring the Written Word</a>, February 25</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com/">Blogging With Carol</a>, February 26</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://pausefortales.blogspot.com/">Pause for Tales</a>, February 27</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/">Guild Master</a>, February 28 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theloftypages.wordpress.com/">The Lofty Pages</a>, February 28</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, February 29</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.fictionbooklover.com/">Fiction Book Lover</a>, March 1 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour-Wide Giveaway</span></div>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiivfalcDbSL11WB7CCKg9ZND4RA5zq8_zLGrnQ5oAn-1QQWDLQIT4Gg4feA5NMWM45h1uh_Zy0N7LlRyqn9Ps9qFCiYmfr8OKqM-ioUC2mFkp5GPRs3RlJtpgPgIh9SJGPCxCmSsvklL5B6QJE4q7n6o9iW4rA7xJzZoeDLvoigdujXX3oBqhNOCubB50/w400-h335/Legends%20Rise%20Giveaway.png" style="text-align: start;" width="400" /></div><div><br /><b>To celebrate her tour, Daphne is giving away the grand prize package of a paperback copy of the book, bookmarks, character cards, and a $25 Amazon gift card!!</b><br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/29dbb/when-legends-rise-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">ENTER HERE</a></span></b></div><div>
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<a href="http://www.celebratelit.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="240" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DesoilIo-eg/W81lmiBYfLI/AAAAAAAAVfs/0on2KZGbN84QebplrT2OvFvn5nh2yhdiQCPcBGAYYCw/s200/Celebrate%2BLit.png" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Do you read SciFi? Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-59232037884555516552024-02-22T05:00:00.238-07:002024-02-22T05:00:00.452-07:00A wagon journey to freedom... Chasing the Horizon by Mary Connealy (Review) #chasingthehorizon #maryconnealy #bhpfiction #romancebooks #historicalromance #newbooks #booktwitter @Bethany_House @austenprose<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxhsUkxDfycLveLR-SK0ODduxSh4gtQyW8V7JcydQZZMixTRxb3YL0VBTWfUXfQHb_klCLfrflGHM6YgCUY1yDsC9AeRreSOmjcLscvrS6Z1YrNFATspUA3-pR48Dt6Zm9V_g32ZBMF1Lui3BhPfXIV_abCpe5CG172oq8P6I4yOoMfe06ETTcYWuDxMo/s800/Chasing%20the%20Horizon%20Book%20Tour%20Graphic.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review of this author's newest western below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghbV_MBAaefr_3UPmPrCGw9nuXkS8dGz3RIlWAW_t13phrGzz67lse7kwJWS6lFaZ9YPVUvzIUAmOQKh5qwYXG54zJRBPoT0A5lmRWyyuPPYvr_LMj8cnljlcrc0z7mqhkjjeiCNhM30GQ10eP4EIT6e52a82x0RIFsOwZ64VGfX2w5pkb5uXU-ZweVfo/s500/Chasing%20the%20Horizon%20cover%202024.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Chasing the Horizon</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(</b><b style="text-align: start;">A Western Light #1</b><b>)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Mary Connealy</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;">Christian Historical Romance, Western & Frontier Romance</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, & Audiobook, 304 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 13, 2024 by <span style="text-align: start;">Bethany House Publishers</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>Her only chance at freedom waits across the horizon</b><br /><br />Upon uncovering her tyrannical father's malevolent plot to commit her to an asylum, Beth Rutledge fabricates a plan of her own. She will rescue her mother, who had already been sent to the asylum, and escape together on a wagon train heading west. Posing as sisters, Beth and her mother travel with the pioneers in hopes of making it to Idaho before the others start asking too many questions.<br /><br />Wagon-train scout Jake Holt senses that the mysterious women in his caravan are running from something. When rumors begin to spread of Pinkerton agents searching relentlessly for wanted criminals who match the description of those on his wagon train, including Beth, she begins to open up to him, and he learns something more sinister is at hand. Can they risk trusting each other with their lives--and their hearts--when danger threatens their every step? <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26.6667px;">Praise for the Book</span><br /><br />"Mary Connealy’s Inspirational Western Romances have long been on my radar to try, but the new Western Lights series opener, <i>Chasing the Horizon</i>, was my first opportunity. Imagine my chagrin when I started reading and didn’t want to stop. Oh yes, dear friends, I’d waited too long to discover a gem of a writer."— <b>Sophia Rose, <i>The Reading Frenzy </i></b><br /><br /><b>5 STARS</b> "What an incredible book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time I read it.” — <b>Camille Dayton, <i>Fostering Literacy </i></b><i><br /></i><b><br />5 STARS</b> “Loved this story! I was intrigued right from the beginning.”— <b>Melissa Goss, <i>Christian Books and Coffee</i></b>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181857633-chasing-the-horizon" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/chasing-the-horizon-a-western-light-book-1-by-mary-connealy" target="_blank">BookBub</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> |</b><b style="text-align: start;"> </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/4bLDl3p" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780764242656" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/chasing-the-horizon-mary-connealy/1143717362?ean=9780764242656" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/75rBvA" target="_blank">Target</a> </b><b style="text-align: left;">| <a href="https://www.christianbook.com/chasing-the-horizon-softcover-1/9780764242656/pd/242656?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | <a href="https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542746" target="_blank">Publisher</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />CHASING THE HORIZON is a story about a daughter and mother and their desperate escape from Chicago in a wagon train. It's about family, both by blood and found, about loss, freedom, friendship, faith and love. Set towards the end of wagon journeys when trains are taking over in the US and when laws are slowly changing to prohibit people being sent to asylums against their will and when they're sane. <b>Readers will fall in love with these characters and cheer them on as they journey.</b><br /><br />I came to really like these characters. <b>I completely adored Beth and Jake.</b> They were both solid, hard-working, goodhearted people. I loved how Beth learned all sorts of skills and gained as much knowledge as she could for what she thought she might need to support herself and her mom out west. She was both street smart and intelligent with a fierce heart. Jake was your epitome of a cowboy. Rugged, handsome, strong, a crack-shot, full of wisdom and good intuition. I also liked the other characters: Ginny (Beth's mom), Kat, Sebastian and the Collins brothers. There was also the O'Toole family that were a bit more on the sideline. <br /><br /><b>I also enjoyed the plot.</b> It moved at a fairly steady pace with a few places that were more climatic. There was a sense of suspense and danger during several parts, countered by other moments of peace, friendship and romance. There were also a few sad spots where the group faced loss. So, plenty of emotions in this story. The inspirational elements weren't overly prominent and felt like what you'd most likely have in most historical western romances with God fearing people. The romance slowly built over lots of interaction and conversations between the two love interests, which is the best way for it to happen. I'll definitely be reading the next book to find out what happens next with these characters.<br /><br />I don't have much to criticize about this story. I missed this author's usual humor that wasn't present, but that was more of a disappointed expectation. I think the only major criticism I have is that the story just ends. It doesn't feel like a cliffhanger, but more like the book isn't finished. I was reading an ebook version and I actual checked a print version to be sure I wasn't missing pages or something. I think there could have been a page or two more or another chapter to tie things up until book two. There is a teaser for the second book that literally continues the scene that was cut off at this end of this book, but that felt off to me too. It was very uncharacteristic for a book from this author and publisher to end like this.<br />
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This was a consistently enjoyable story. There were some difficult topics brought up and all handled well. The characters were all likable, with some inspiring moments, some suspense, and sweet romance. Definitely a recommended read for fans of the author and genre.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some violence, but clean.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Austenprose PR, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/4bIYtaJ" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnY0isEgEGLInQA3acNihGEZVjzkJh1OqfjMsR_lqej3UlHXccqzXIFsEWRt-UTjmOGMBr0dnzh44zsmHD5OQKlPwRpC_OFOlqKV_vrvUU5NoanMuMzSL4xHldZ73kw6UxFbHlbHtPvWB6xTI9qSfFr2FcAm3A02zeWN99Go3PLCJ4RMm0nfejYQoShs/w259-h400/Toward%20the%20Dawn.jpg" style="text-align: left;" width="259" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyzyuS_AJeNEkcPHHtajLazO_OH8T_P2gt6JFsS6pkef5GrytSxTxV37RiBbYRZzuD-NNCv89OVg2ZWjUcrWTkqX_vmY6GrNGOesg9raZRzKypzHgf2VWBMDg_PVFwImCJFWnrS2by1KRWbGhvbufnb2sg_B2gsjG64Xiq8jjjnkJVSTaBjIgTZoh-Oyw/s1600/Mary%20Connealy.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Mary Connealy </b>writes romantic comedies with cowboys. She is independently publishing a contemporary romantic suspense series called Garrison’s Law, book one is <i>Loving the Texas Lawman</i>. Her new historical series, High Sierra Sweethearts begins with <i>The Accidental Guardian</i>. She is also the author of these series: Kincaid Brides, Trouble in Texas, Wild at Heart, Cimarron Legacy, Lassoed in Texas, Montana Marriages, and Sophie's daughters, and has many other books.<br /><br />She is a two-time Carol Award winner and has been a finalist for the Rita and Christy Awards. She’s a lifelong Nebraskan and lives with her very own romantic cowboy hero. She’s got four grown daughters and four spectacular grandchildren.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://maryconnealy.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/58306.Mary_Connealy" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-connealy" target="_blank">BookBub</a> </b><b style="text-align: start;">| </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/maryconnealyfanpage/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/MaryConnealy" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/maryconnealy/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVNVSrz9w2mombzbs1TsC3i8uadAA-8m0PLypUGPEtx9PzM6jrCfLDaHpl4BUqwFyuZkRrHqlZRX68TsPGOCTwmimHnDKGYN_7evTxAIDWWdpKqpgwlPlneKLM8d6c9hep3Y2oLBzd9Dr2q1wZu_AOy-Cx9mtBkg4Nos2F04qxPcu3zWMVWKt7XjF0Jw/s320/Austenprose%20PR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Are you a fan of this author or westerns? Did you have ancestors who traveled across the US in a wagon train?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-85078040580303115832024-02-20T21:00:00.046-07:002024-02-20T21:00:00.167-07:00I Can't Wait for... The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall by Rebecca Anderson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #regencyromance #romancebooks #cleanreads #histfic #properromance @ProperRomance @ShadowMountn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I have another Proper Romance book to share with you today from a new-to-me author. It's my pick this week...</span></i><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7WAd5BvXadDt2rOukN_DpCqGB0BmfRroktOMSHQ-C7VkMfzKIvwznH_szIWbqYUPAuYrkNWlmiFw2iVGt1hq4XbpG39kzh356tvZJDBCLs5UrE68RCbFswdPk6WHZtionu1FXv1DqOEzj0Pw3to1GhUetW3xB4fYmrGTcxMNiBFuRWsVYrzU2RUmPMo/s500/The%20Orchids%20of%20Ashthorne%20Hall.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">The Orchids of Ashthorne Hall</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(A Proper Romance)</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By </span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Rebecca Anderson</b></span></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Historical Romance, Clean & Wholesome</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 272 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 2, 2024 by Shadow Mountain</div>
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<br /><b>A ghostly estate. A handsome caretaker hiding a secret. And the intrepid Hyacinth Bell who is set on solving the mystery of both.</b><br /><br /><i>1887, the Cornwall coast</i><br /><br />For years, rumors have flown through the village of Suttonsbury about Ashthorne Hall--that its occupants hoard pirate treasure, that a ghost walks its halls--but botanist Hyacinth Bell only cares about the estate's extensive, one-of-a-kind orchid collection. As an independent woman, she is eager to focus on her career, even if it means waiting to pursue a romantic relationship. After all, love--like an orchid--must be nurtured and tended before it can bloom.<br /><br />What she doesn't expect is to be swept away by Lucas Harding, the manor's caretaker, upon their first meeting. He is handsome and charming, and the connection between the two is nearly instantaneous. Hyacinth is certain this autumn will be the season that everything good in her life takes root.<br /><br />But then strange things start happening in the seemingly empty halls of the estate: unexplainable noises, items appearing then disappearing from her room, threatening messages, and glimpses of a woman in white who vanishes into the dark. Lucas dismisses Hyacinth's worries, insisting that there is no ghost at Ashthorne Hall, but she suspects he is withholding information and decides to investigate the mystery herself.<br /><br />Armed with little more than her instincts and her courage, Hyacinth must venture deep into the shadows of Ashthorne Hall to uncover the truth Lucas is keeping secret before she herself falls victim to the dangers hidden in the estate.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/185724151-the-orchids-of-ashthorne-hall" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3T2Tc6q" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781639932351" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-orchids-of-ashthorne-hall-rebecca-anderson/1143753216?ean=9781639932351" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/rQ3ekv" target="_blank">Target</a> </b><b style="text-align: left;">| </b><b><a href="https://www.deseretbook.com/product/6024760.html/?ref=tressasherman&affiliate_referral=tressasherman" target="_blank">DeseretBook</a></b></div>
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<i>Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-74894130786640866002024-02-20T05:00:00.002-07:002024-02-20T05:00:00.305-07:00Unrequited love and a marriage of convenience... Finally His Bride by Jody Hedlund (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #histfic #historicalromance #christfic #romancebooks<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThZjYdCNC_ksyGQPGGyiR7RNsaOPRa8ZrzDOmHN9AVnvahAJPaBsH5OFnLX6QV5JO8efXkq7sRPcd8PWkq0ecqZWymVzaRdjylz2RWcpr5FzHQQG6YK7VWYIMcJXqUX1mlyeC3m0kj1jFta8PlTC4M_JauOCi8vkPDl1HzuRiUXzWQynRDYPIOTqkFRg/s500/Finally%20His%20Bride%20Ebook.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Finally His Bride</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Bride Ships: New Voyages #1)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Jody Hedlund</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Historical Romance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback & eBook, 324 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 12, 2024 by Sunrise Publishing </div>
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<br /><b>A new world. A new hope. An unexpected love.<br />What life awaits these brides?</b><br /><br />With the cotton mills closed and hunger rampant in Manchester, England, Willow Rhodes’s family encourages her to join the bride ship bound for the Pacific Northwest, where she is assured of employment. Willow agrees to go with the hope that eventually she can save enough money for her family to join her.<br /><br />Rebellious knuckle-boxing champion Caleb Edwards loves Willow more than life itself. But Willow has been adamant that she sees him as a friend and nothing more. Unable to watch her sail away, Caleb uses his prize money to pay for passage to Vancouver Island to be with Willow.<br /><br />After arriving, Willow finds work as a maid and Caleb is a farmhand on the same property. As Caleb struggles to keep his feelings for Willow from growing, he’ll do anything for her, even take the blame for a theft to keep her safe. As the crime catches up to them, they’re forced to make choices that could finally rip them apart forever.<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/200550211-finally-his-bride" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> </b><b>| </b><b><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/finally-his-bride-bride-ships-new-voyages-book-1-by-jody-hedlund" target="_blank">BookBub</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3OPRQtv" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> </b><b>| </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/finally-his-bride-jody-hedlund/1144745953?ean=9781953783769" target="_blank">B&N</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />FINALLY HIS BRIDE is about a man who has been pining for his best friend for years unbeknownst to her, and a woman who is trying to save her family by travelling across the ocean to a new life. Together they face the challenges of being immigrants, finding work and holding true to themselves. <b>Fans of historical romance and this author will find some enjoyment in this story.</b><br /><br />I liked the opening of this story where the heroine and hero were introduced as well as the heroine's family and what transpires to get them both on a ship to immigrate. I also liked how Willow finds two close friends in other women travelling with her. Caleb was a constant in this story. He was determined to watch over Willow and also earn his own keep. I really liked his character with the mix of brawn and grit along with the softness he has for Willow and her family. Willow is a sweet young woman who is doing her best to provide for herself and earn enough to bring her family over from England. She was full of integrity and kindness, and also a hard worker. It was rough for both of them to work all day, every day, doing back-breaking work as servants. I liked how close they were and that was a strong friendship between them before any romance blossomed. I also really liked the conclusion of the story that had a bit of a climax, but ended sweetly.<br /><br />My only complaints about this story was the naivety of the heroine and some drama that rubbed me wrong. Willow felt really young and naive for having grown up in the slums of England and working in the mills. She would have been privy to a lot of different people, situations and relationships. I could understand her being in denial about some things but it felt like she was completely oblivious a lot more than she should have been, including to marital relations even though she was the oldest in a large family and with her background. She also seemed very trusting, which also didn't ring true to her background. She could have been innocent and street smart, but she wasn't at all. It also seemed that she and Caleb were also oblivious to their reputations. There was some drama between the two of them that was unnecessary and that part mixed with the rest rubbed me wrong in this story. I think Willow needed to have more depth and be consistent to her background. I think too, I just have fairly high expectations for this author so I was expecting more.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;">
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In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This was a sweet story of hardship, friendship and unexpected dreams. There are threads of faith, perseverance and romance. An overall heartfelt read.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Some non-descriptive violence, innuendo and references to marital relations off page.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through JustRead Publicity Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-91986065173843753242024-02-15T05:00:00.074-07:002024-02-15T05:00:00.278-07:00An intriguing new Christian historical romance... While the City Sleeps by Elizabeth Camden #whilethecitysleeps #newbooks #booktwitter #christfic #christianromance #romancebooks #histfic #suspense #ElizabethCamden @Bethany_House @austenprose <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUz2e2yrkH4hPLvpaFvnnWi8Pg17uh1ZDEV9stM2i5lqMpp2jm6WOUPbypuKvOksbPk4WK5MZEZV9Y7RHFIcKzoZDUbYxI3z0EKFmRDYGIuO4ADjFgN0De2OIJU8o9Z50AGC5L0477_WTIheuvXGLcKgRpnf4L5AFZOtCjJ2BjDriyamPo7fY0uDVT-fo/s1000/_While%20the%20City%20Sleeps%20Book%20Tour%20Graphic%20v2.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Check out this new release below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">While the City Sleeps</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(Women of Midtown #1)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Elizabeth Camden</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Christian Historical Romance, Suspense, Gilded Age Fiction</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 352 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 13, 2024 by <span style="text-align: start;">Bethany House Publishers</span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>Amid the hushed city, two hearts must navigate danger and deception, bound by a love that outshines the stars.</b><br /><br />Katherine Schneider's life as a dentist in 1913 New York is upended when a patient reveals details of a deadly plot while under the influence of laughing gas. As she is plunged into danger, she seeks help from the dashing Lieutenant Jonathan Birch, a police officer she has long admired from afar.<br /><br />Jonathan has harbored powerful feelings toward Katherine for years but never acted on them, knowing his dark history is something she could never abide. Now, with her safety on the line, he works alongside her through the nights as they unravel the criminal conspiracy that threatens her . . . even as he keeps his deepest secrets hidden at all costs. <br /><br />Join award-winning author Elizabeth Camden for a sweeping and romantic adventure of dangerous secrets and wounded hearts, fighting to overcome the darkness while the rest of the city sleeps. <br /><br /><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26.6667px;">Praise for the Book</span><br /><br />"History, mystery, and romance set against the backdrop of New York City at night--a must-read!"— <b>Gabrielle Meyer, bestselling author of <i>When the Day Comes</i>, and<i> In This Moment </i></b><br /><br />"Elizabeth Camden brings the bustling metropolis to living color like no one else. . . A novel that will keep readers up late into the night."— <b>Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of <i>The Metropolitan Affair </i></b><i><br /></i><br />“I loved the historical details that make the story feel authentic.”— <b>Kim Prudhoe,<i> All the Lovely Pages</i></b>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/181857660-while-the-city-sleeps" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/while-the-city-sleeps-the-women-of-midtown-by-elizabeth-camden" target="_blank">BookBub</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3wsidis" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780764241710" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/while-the-city-sleeps-elizabeth-camden/1143717378?ean=9780764241710" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/1rLebz" target="_blank">Target</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/while-the-city-sleeps/415681" target="_blank">Publisher</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhST1HyG7ohQnxXISjvuDiwzcxdPjwnH2CI8gbj2DHpVoBXto_C43y1sQdbw0nOVrglstuYcsPdThFSYHioJjEIVCL-bA9ijwzo-A6Ounor4QHRrt-c8ww6-w22WC-rJq4YWRwNJZyZJ4s_QDNHBehW7tRsP06Qir4czBYS-olRK50-ckTlnduIywxXNCo/s320/While%20the%20City%20Sleeps%20Elizabeth%20Camden.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Elizabeth Camden</b> is best known for her historical novels set in gilded age America featuring clever heroines and richly layered storylines. Before she was a writer, she was an academic librarian at some of the largest and smallest libraries in America, but her favorite is the continually growing library in her own home. Her novels have won the RITA and Christy Award, and she lives in Florida with her husband who graciously tolerates her intimidating stockpile of books.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="http://elizabethcamden.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: left;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elizabeth-camden" target="_blank">BookBub</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4373995.Elizabeth_Camden" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethCamden/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/authorelizabethcamden/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div><div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://austenprose.com/austenprose-pr/" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiVNVSrz9w2mombzbs1TsC3i8uadAA-8m0PLypUGPEtx9PzM6jrCfLDaHpl4BUqwFyuZkRrHqlZRX68TsPGOCTwmimHnDKGYN_7evTxAIDWWdpKqpgwlPlneKLM8d6c9hep3Y2oLBzd9Dr2q1wZu_AOy-Cx9mtBkg4Nos2F04qxPcu3zWMVWKt7XjF0Jw/s320/Austenprose%20PR.jpg" style="text-align: left;" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Are you a fan of the author or Christian historical fiction? What are your thoughts on this book?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-9084816105051223352024-02-13T21:00:00.043-07:002024-02-13T21:00:00.311-07:00I Can't Wait for... Fatal Domain by Steven James (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #suspense #thriller @TyndaleHouse @Crazy4Fiction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">I still need to read the first book in this series, but I know it and this second installment will be sure to keep me on the edge of my seat. The books from this author I've read have been some of the best thrillers I've ever read, so if this is one of the genres you enjoy, I highly recommend his books! This newest is my pick this week...</span></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFuQtNZWNgCZFOiPVMKGxvjTjLU_53Ygu6L3NBgEbFvkYOJUxyaPKmgs-cN8EzOIuxTmp-VkCvK259lLyk8IHniG87wkBI1p2TdkJboQC9-61BMjxV9580h_W9lbYoUhN4Shngk748koiVhDClg61xyswR2BjihNqQbTStFqkQrNyCcGFECtwx079NdR0/s16000/Apr%2024%203.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(A Travis Brock Thriller #2)</span></b></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">By Steven James</span></b></div></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 400 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 9, 2024 by Tyndale House Publishers</div>
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<br /><b>When the past scratches its way into the present, it can leave deep scars.</b><br /><br />A series of cryptic clues leads Department of Defense redactor Travis Brock to suspect that a grim chapter from his past is not yet over. With the help of his eidetic memory and his newly formed team, he must unearth the truth and stop a terrorist group from stealing one of the military’s most highly guarded technological breakthroughs. With it, the group plans to commit a daring act of espionage that could upend the work of one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical firms and impact millions of people worldwide.<br /><br />In a high-stakes story of action and intrigue that reaches from a refugee settlement in Uganda to the shores of the Potomac in Washington, DC, shattering secrets from the past will be revealed, loyalties tested, and intimate betrayals brought to light as Brock is forced to decide how to forgive what he cannot forget.<br /><br />From a novelist that Publishers Weekly has called a “master storyteller” comes an intricate and taut thriller that will have you guessing until the final page.<br /><br />- Relevant, contemporary spy thriller<br />- Fast-paced suspense<br />- Issues of terrorism and espionage<br />- The central theme is the power of forgiveness<br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/178836192-fatal-domain" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3SFQzWY" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781496473363" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fatal-domain-steven-james/1143681763?ean=9781496473363" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/zNkLe7" target="_blank">Target</a> </b><b>| </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/fatal-domain-softcover/9781496473363/pd/473365?event=ESRCN" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-86064117829752443742024-02-12T05:00:00.093-07:002024-02-13T01:32:12.879-07:00For fans of Stranger Things... Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear by Robin Wasley (Review & Mood Board) #newbooks #booktwitter #yalit #yabooks #fantasy @tbrbeyondtours @robinwasley <div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS0h-D9_Zfe8Jl5Ay323OceZTOEjDHEyTNiNGcOm1MS928zRfKAQZF8ihBwHKhp30mOuHHAynqMle_hKgj4Beck2uXKe-xQ9gvu3U8oN9STbC1YW9SVwxR6aJ8adDCTYbEQu52f0QI4LZzaZPjmUSIB6NkBaJDboq9qwFtUtc__98yw3t-P0VfrOxpmZs/s16000/Dead%20Things%20Are%20Closer%20Than%20They%20Appear%20Banner.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! I'll be adding a review, but in the</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>meantime, check out the book and the mood board below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Dead Things Are Closer Than They Appear</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By </b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Robin Wasley</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">YA Fantasy, Magical Realism</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 416 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 13, 2024 by Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers </div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>A painfully average teen’s life is upended by a magical apocalypse in this darkly atmospheric and sweepingly romantic novel perfect for fans of <i>The Raven Boys</i>, <i>Buffy the Vampire Slayer</i>, and <i>The Rest of Us Just Live Here</i>.</b><br /><br />High school is hard enough to survive without an apocalypse to navigate.<br /><br />Sid Spencer has always been the most normal girl in her abnormal hometown, a tourist trap built over one of the fault lines that seal magic away from the world. Meanwhile, all Sid has to deal with is hair-ruining humidity, painful awkwardness, being one of four Asians in town, and her friends dumping her when they start dating each other—just days after one of the most humiliating romantic rejections faced by anyone, ever, in all of history.<br /><br />Then someone kills one of the Guardians who protect the seal. The earth rips open and unleashes the magic trapped inside. Monsters crawl from the ground, no one can enter or leave, and the man behind it all is roaming the streets with a gang of violent vigilantes. Suddenly, Sid’s life becomes a lot less ordinary. When she finds out her missing brother is involved, she joins the remaining Guardians, desperate to find him and close the fault line for good.<br /><br />Fighting through hordes of living corpses and uncontrollable growths of forest, Sid and a ragtag crew of would-be heroes are the only thing standing between their town and the end of the world as they know it. Between magic, murderers, and burgeoning crushes, Sid must survive being a perfectly normal girl caught in a perfectly abnormal apocalypse.<br /><br />Only—how can someone so ordinary make it in such an extraordinary world?
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/176442743-dead-things-are-closer-than-they-appear" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3SS8o6q" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781665914604" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dead-things-are-closer-than-they-appear-robin-wasley/1143636136?ean=9781665914604" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/5g3vjo" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />DEAD THINGS ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR is one of those stories where you don't know what to expect and what you find is much more than you were hoping for. It's full of family relationships, by blood but mostly found with an emphasis on adopted, as well as friendships and then more of working relationships (like I have to fight with you but I don't know that I would chose to know you). It's set in a small town with a larger-than-life traumatizing event where basically all hell breaks loose. <b>If you enjoy shows like<i> Stranger Things</i> or with apocalyptic monsters and humans who are equally evil, then this is definitely one to pick up!</b> Plus, there are also some very sweet moments of wisdom, romance, and heart.<br /><br /><b>I really, really loved these characters! </b>Not to say that I didn't have some frustrations and reservations, because I did, but I felt they were relatable and real. Take Sid for instance. She is not the leading will-cut-down-zombies-without-blinking-an-eye leading lady. She is scared and weak and freaks out. I think most of us when faced with something so unreal would take some time adjusting. I appreciated that she had weaknesses and strengths, which allowed her character to also develop and grow as the story goes. And develop it does. This was the same for almost all of the characters, even fierce and removed Eleni. There's also Brian who holds so much grief inside that it hurts while also building like a bomb, and also carries a fierce protection for his sisters that extends to others. He comes off a bit like the usual bad boy, but <b>as well all the characters in this motley crew, none of them quite fit the usual stereotypes because they're a lot more complex and they change over the course of this story.</b> There is also Angel and Shandy with their relationship that is lightly woven in this story. Sometimes gay relationships are pushed in books with a message that feels forced (as can be with religious or inspirational messages, romance or with anything), but in this story, it felt like a natural part and I appreciated that. <br /><br />I also want to talk just a bit about the plot itself. It moved at a really good pace. There were several climatic moments that built to the final and most intense one, but there were also some moments of downtime and reconvening. The romantic aspects of this story I also really liked. They didn't feel construed, fell naturally into this story and were sweet. I liked that there was so much creativity and how the author allowed it to unfold with all these different characters. Everything didn't go perfectly and didn't tie up in a perfect bow at the end, which I also appreciated. There was danger, people got hurt and killed, there was heartbreak and evil, but there was also perseverance, sacrifice, friendship, love and joy. All the feels, guys. <b>All the feels.</b><br /><br />I also noted a few nuggets of wisdom I highlighted. These aren't all of them in this story, but these are the ones I wanted to share that connected with me right now in my life:<br /><br /><blockquote> "Sometimes I wonder about empathy," I say then. "Do we always have to feel something ourselves in order to understand someone else?"<br /> She contemplates that. "I think it depends on the person. There's no right way or wrong way. If one assumes all empathy to look the same way, they are therefore expecting everyone to behave the way they do . . . which is not empathetic, is it?: She leans forward, elbows on her knees. "[There are] always going to be people we can't relate to, people we'll never love, people we'll never meet. In those situations, you have the opportunity to see how far your empathy can be stretched."<br /> "Some people suck, though," I mutter.<br /> "Whether someone is worthy of empathy isn't something you need to decide. You do get to decide if it's something you wish to extend to someone. It it'll harm you or not. Caring for yourself and caring for others is a balance."</blockquote><br />
<br /><blockquote>"People make mistakes, but you know now that you get to choose the person you want to be. It's not a straight path, there are obstacles, and the journey never ends. But you're not alone on the road."</blockquote><br />
<br /><blockquote>"Every person makes an impact in some way, average or not," I say. "We change one another."</blockquote><br /><br /><b>
In the end, was it what I wished for? </b>This book surprised me, in a very good way. I loved the motley crew that forms, the lovable characters, all the relationship dynamics as well as the creative, page-turning plot. I'll definitely be looking forward to this author's next release!<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Swearing (including s and f-words), crude comments/descriptions, some detailed violence (including people dying by zombies and other humans, as well as some torture), a gay relationship.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through TBR and Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs8rRm4tLbJQt7vTqVgVDTe8t7YAdkUedUgo2mdzjt0mndiF404Ep9yvPCAjjEl5EdK2ZrnVfmH39XElNR-RwlpvLrRQBqga4oVHpyDSkW8VaE5InVFN59IrH3PzdLl3b2x8GyXrnZY8WQWrRJ4sCSr7uK_hG8Jo5uIZRrSJnkgDiq7edJBTL4elTb7Jk/s1600/Dead%20Things%20Are%20Closer%20Than%20They%20Appear%20Robin%20Wasley.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><br />Robin Wasley is a YA fantasy writer with a soft spot for orphans, found families, and funny girls with no special skills who find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. She grew up in a family of adoptees, never truly seeing herself reflected in the books she devoured. As an adult, when she saw an Asian American girl on the cover of a YA book for the first time, she cried.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.robinwasley.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/robinwasley" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/robinwasley" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23432865.Robin_Wasley" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Follow the tour <b><a href="https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2023/12/29/tour-schedule-dead-things-are-closer-than-they-appear-by-robin-wasley/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div>
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Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-70074335289992914902024-02-09T05:00:00.180-07:002024-02-09T05:00:00.137-07:00A fantasy world of water dwellers and alien invaders... Water's Break by Sophia Hansen (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #yalit #yabooks #fantasy #scifi #christfic @enclavebooks @celebrate_lit<div style="text-align: center;"><img banner.jpg="" border="0" break="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNyXqLgRSMSwtIKwclmoTrSrH5OIM-Z1_C7H5iMmWBJqwHvc3DjfKLpISt6C65qGnCElDvRKSiyri6rdTQTYZN3jHU1YYE4fdfaPmEXhqVB5GcravGjALFSYtxlH7rAd8KYm5hTeudobZbK25LAR0qiaeVZYe8nc4tikqmeii2NTwVCduSSIC7rlSMR5Q/s16000/Water" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Read my review and enter the giveaway below...</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" break.jpg="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1xCax0GZhyBrqRbqhrh_Pl7CH26peuDhpt6ZAqQ0IRAuBv0w160BvFS8LjyJEgeACDUo2xtZo1PHv6AH67TtSlBI9Z5h52hiaGBwktoPuR4vreSqhpMKepC2u354xuZ6Yto3ylheRGFebdRoTgHaOv7Tvlh99hwI7RjjDvaD563UQg3em5oPzfZRSFE/s500/Water" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Water's Break</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Sophia Hansen</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">YA Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Christian</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hardcover, Audiobook & eBook, 320 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">January 9, 2024 by Enclave Escape</div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div><br /><b>What if fear itself is the deadliest undercurrent of all?</b><br /><br />Nica would do anything to avoid the hassles of her sister’s bonding ceremony—the wrap fittings, hairstyles, and braided fire coral—but she never imagined that the waters covering her planet would be broken. As the heavens rained fire and stone, mountains erupted from the sea and dry ground was birthed on the Deep, dividing the water—and the Olomi people—for the first time in their history.<br /><br />In the wake of her world’s violent re-formation, Nica’s family is shattered. When the rookie Guardian leaves the safety of the Deep to find her sister, she is abducted by strange landwalkers who possess strength and technology beyond her imagination. Nica realizes that the disaster from above was by their design—a calculated plan to terraform the water planet and conquer her people. All Nica wants to do is find her sister and swim home to safety, but with the landwalkers closing in, escape may not be possible. And if Nica can’t save herself, how can she hope to save her sister—or her people?
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/184574141-water-s-break" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3HTLjdd" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9798886050868" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waters-break-sophia-l-hansen/1143781311?ean=9798886050868" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.christianbook.com/waters-break/9798886050868/pd/050863?event=ESRCG" target="_blank">Christianbook</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">My Review</span></div>
<br />WATER'S BREAK is one of those stories that is intriguing enough to keep readers turning the pages. The world is so unique and lush, the characters complex and distinct, with a compelling story. <b>Recommended to sci-fi fans who like a touch of romance and good characters, but a plot-driven story.</b><br /><br />What to express about this book? I went back and forth on what to rate it. Usually I go by a mix of how much I loved a book, including its characters, and how well it was written. On the love-it scale, there were a few things I didn't like or weren't my thing. However, <b>I found the story fascinating</b> and am still curious about several things after finishing it. The world is honestly intriguing and I liked how the plot is set up and worked through. So even when I didn't like some things, the fascination with the world, its people, the goal of the invaders and the way they made the indigenous people be subservient (which was terrible) drew me in from the first to the last page. The writing style worked for me as well and I overall liked the main character. This is categorized as Christian or at least is published by a Christian publisher, but I didn't feel there were strong religious overtones or anything that felt forced. It read to me more like mainstream sci-fi/fantasy which I appreciated.<br /><br />I also had a few issues with the story. There was a theme of self-martyrdom. The heroine would break down and blame herself for others' death and pain and become this weeping mess and that happened multiple times. This whole idea of someone dying by someone else's hand being your fault never works for me in stories, or at least not when it's repeated and the character doesn't move on. I got it, but it also didn't feel consistent to someone who would need to be strong enough to do what she needed to. There were also a few places where the story dragged a bit because nothing much was happening. I also wasn't a huge fan of the romance that felt too instantaneous to me.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 5px;">
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In the end, was it what I wished for?</b> This was a unique read with a lush fantasy world and two very different races vying for the same planet. The creativity of the author as well as the distinct voices of the characters brought to life a story that was well fleshed out. I'm definitely curious to see what comes next.<br />
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<u>Content</u>: Medically impregnating young women against their wishes, separating babies and children from mothers, forced servitude, a teenager giving birth, and descriptive violence.<br />
<u>Source</u>: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XoQ7AZkKo/VrUMRt6CMQI/AAAAAAAAI4w/WGPWA57DXzw/s1600/3.5%2BStars.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-A9XoQ7AZkKo/VrUMRt6CMQI/AAAAAAAAI4w/WGPWA57DXzw/s1600/3.5%2BStars.png" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" break="" image-2-300x200.png="" s="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0EM77NJEBhXtqeZYzpmac1oaZqLKmuEeoNjBrM44DGhX1roUzDCHA1RDm0fBIRlzCBOwT1sCtZJuTh0KWpZUnLGnDsLkBnSPGeyyAcvp-sHLMVQWbruewawoa4fZm9366Ym0oUQpRiTqEiVTNQvT0hHlJJz4uupTTjJ4ceUAtu9vE2Tv3Rrkwo19vPY/s1600/Water" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div><br /></div><b>Sophia L. Hansen</b>, raised in the melded cultures of Korea and America, understands not fitting into society’s boxes. Born on a tiny island in Alaska, then growing up in New York City and Boston, she now resides in the Southeast, writing and editing between fresh(ish) cups of coffee and slices of crisp bacon. She embraces life with her husband, their adulting children, and her new grandson, but her favorites are Jesus, family, coffee, and dark chocolate, mostly in that order.<div style="text-align: left;">
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<b><a href="https://www.sophialhansen.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/41031080.Sophia_L_Hansen" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/SophiaLHansen.Author.InOtherWorlds/" target="_blank">Facebook</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/SophiaLHansen1" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/fiadawordster/" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://deana0326.blogspot.com/">Texas Book-aholic</a>, January 30</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://exploringthewrittenword.com/">Exploring the Written Word</a>, January 31</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.carolkeen.blogspot.com/">Blogging With Carol</a>, February 1</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.artistwriterandstudentohmy.com/">Artistic Nobody</a>, February 2 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://debbieloseanything.blogspot.com/">Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations</a>, February 3</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amybooksy.blogspot.com/">Locks, Hooks and Books</a>, February 4</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://guildmaster97.wordpress.com/">Guild Master</a>, February 5 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.beccahope.com/">Becca Hope: Book Obsessed</a>, February 5</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://kid-lit.library-lady.blog/">Library Lady’s Kid Lit</a>, February 6</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://moments-of-beauty.blogspot.com/">Beauty in the Binding</a>, February 7 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://montanamade.weebly.com/tell-tale-book-reviews">Tell Tale Book Reviews</a>, February 8</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.wishfulendings.com/">Wishful Endings</a>, February 9</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://truthandgracehomeschoolacademy.wordpress.com/">Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy</a>, February 10</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://amoderndayfairytale.net/">A Modern Day Fairy Tale</a>, February 11 (Author Interview)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.theloftypages.wordpress.com/">The Lofty Pages</a>, February 11</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simpleharvestreads.com/">Simple Harvest Reads</a>, February 12 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<br /><b>To celebrate her tour, Sophia is giving away the grand prize package of a signed hardcover with swag (bookmark, stickers, character cards)!!</b><br /><br />Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.</div><div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://promosimple.com/ps/29b05/water-s-break-celebration-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">ENTER HERE</a></span></b></div><div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><i>Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy? What do you think of the synopsis or cover?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-7098432432183455402024-02-07T05:00:00.105-07:002024-02-07T05:00:00.168-07:00The final installment in this YA fantasy series... A Vicious Game by Melissa Blair (Mood Board & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #fantasy #yalit #yabooks #aviciousgame @themelissablair @tbrbeyondtours<div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3S4ZoW9QhAF79Y7vaQilwJo501NpYTPXm3yB39z-PlzfMkwAoA5th4tWcISC5z-mcTTGnw_B5I8VyJxwCuX9-rZXOOm6yLj_ploJcmYpegl6Y6lyZZOXnnvGJRImfxBCVPJbZacGqmEuRZ4BCMxXxXDTULVrxzQ0tGQ-tWBf-O7zDthsaalQbG8HqgD8/s16000/A%20Vicious%20Game%20Banner.png" style="text-align: start;" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop! Check out my mood board and enter the giveaway below...</i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">A Vicious Game</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(The Halfling Saga #3)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Melissa Blair</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Young Adult Fantasy</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 448 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;">February 6, 2024 <span style="text-align: center;">by Union Square & Co.</span></div><br />
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<br /><i>“It seems fate has dealt me the same hand again. I know how to play it.”</i><br /><br />A new king is on the throne and the rebellion lies in ruins. Keera spends her days drinking and her nights avoiding the strange dreams that have haunted her since she returned from the capital.<br /><br />Keera’s family in Myrelinth won’t let her go without a fight. With new intelligence about the magical seals left behind by Keera’s ancient kin, the Light Fae, she rallies to face her demons and unleash the formidable powers she inherited from her people. But a shocking truth is hiding in plain sight, one with the power to unravel the entire rebellion…<br /><br />The pivotal third installment in the Halfling Saga will upend everything Keera thought she knew about her enemies…and her allies.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/192716161" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3OBobUG" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9781454947912" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-vicious-game-melissa-blair/1143824051" target="_blank">B&N</a></b></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Mood Board</span></div></div></div></div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf3KhOeIuA4eBZBlFHRJ8nzv_o55QVt7w8xbJZBruS6G7m_e-u1WXhRJ_4O6Wme6aldPHFP3RSIOwEDJRx8ozWSKVvG4ZEuWoEkSbAyfClfmb3UBbWxmzhju-90Wo6_MbjOj0-hQQzKUj0l83yuCZKrZ-nLRjfeha7B333NLvs0zmiBAF1KOMrTeAwxPw/s800/Vicious%20Mood%20Board.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Other Books in the Series</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/3OyO07D" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0heSbAK4c5bG8bJpfK0f8bQtbY9JM7ZIagJ84rgFv6-wBM0hK-wbT323_Z6PDSJo1DS4DyQdqaXR5AV4jFeo4tr_982kMjggGmTuKevvWt4EsYkZM_yMaSQh8YTKwaEpbTk17djrI04GM7aZktPaCuquB88pcQUiuMMltXxYjPOsuT4c-m74gB7pExKY/s320/A%20Vicious%20Game%20bk%201.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></a><a href="https://amzn.to/3SOzGdK" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3ll0Qp7cs9GCIK6Kpo-zCQgZTTyyP56HoI9kkhD0kbo3DRepxVYr2aSngqrJlKzxHSmWaeW2arl34jInlsP9mYPy9er_QSXvlFPVcw55qNAUdqfGV8zbbMBUWsH7dayMdImw6arbXiH7Kk00ONyWgpf7ibbpCqj_LftbTkyvuIPYgr4eqoxlNOSDeW4/s320/A%20Vicious%20Game%20bk%202.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">(Linked to Amazon affiliate links</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVh2AKKbz9RJ_YJyGwVxVzHx1vTF9yr_w0Vf6SXXAweIDLCCncHQxrd_IFbFVc6k0xsC9hIiqqh4u-HDHaI_OwpO6tcqNjY6dCNqHpiKNgsdH-Q4BcxfT3bY_1zGXf4rRoZSJnGjCkv5eNf2IHQfcO2tQU0jDOtwnd0GBwxiuJCWZaTRKKpgzf_2Agejs/s1600/A%20Vicious%20Game%20Melissa%20Blair.jpg" style="text-align: start;" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span id="E176" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E176"><b>Melissa </b>(she/her/</span><span id="E178" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E178">kwe</span><span id="E180" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E180">) is an </span><span id="E182" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E182">Anishinaabekwe</span><span id="E184" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E184"> of mixed ancestry living in Turtle Island. She splits her time between Treaty 9 in Northern Ontario and the unceded territory of the Algonquin </span><span id="E186" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E186">Anishinabeg</span><span id="E188" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E188"> in Ottawa, Canada. She has a graduate degree in Applied Linguistics and Discourse Studies, loves movies, and hates spoons. Melissa has a </span><span id="E190" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E190">BookTok</span><span id="E192" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E192"> account where she discusses her </span><span id="E194" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E194">favorite</span><span id="E196" is="qowt-word-run" qowt-eid="E196"> kinds of books including Indigenous and queer fiction, feminist literature, and non-fiction.<i> A Broken Blade</i> is her first novel.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22065387" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://twitter.com/themelissablair" target="_blank">Twitter</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/melissablair_bookshelf" target="_blank">Instagram</a></b></div>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Follow the tour <b><a href="https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/2023/12/29/tour-schedule-a-vicious-game-the-halfling-saga-3-by-melissa-blair/" target="_blank">HERE</a></b>.</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>1 person will win a copy of The Halfling Saga (<i>A Broken Blade</i>, <i>A Shadow Crown</i>, & <i>A Vicious Game</i>). </b></div><div>US Only!</div><div>This giveaway will run from January 29th until February 9th.<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="fc15a59546" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/fc15a59546/" id="rcwidget_q4py8ndd" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://tbrandbeyondtours.com/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4H6i-u_Op6bstwaYKRuDZo_NKgX0fz6pEQ_zWw60etndGvugFfA6T0Q2v4epbDKi0y2xj1hqHZslkj8PgwVOO8S1gKEOKy9Bc08OrFmWV1PG9LvcDAU3QtsE8IEGSEiZuFIvUe_JrgCxsfO4onO8fSxO5dGf_QdxOpqH6chJsWl5mZZiquYARmQ-QyYY/w171-h200/tbr-badge-transparent.webp" style="text-align: left;" width="171" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i>Have you read the books before this one. Will you be reading this book?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-45198636058403640652024-02-06T21:00:00.051-07:002024-02-06T21:00:00.188-07:00I Can't Wait for... How to Plot a Payback by Melissa Ferguson (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #newbooks #HowtoPlotaPayback #romancebooks #cleanreads #romcom @TNZFiction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nb0KAaxLjlk/WGK6KBr8ZmI/AAAAAAAAL7A/2dnWJBMoDmEALuqLOX8rFYbaOI-da_2uwCLcB/s1600/Can%2527t%2BWait%2BWednesday.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span face="verdana, sans-serif"><b>Can't-Wait Wednesday</b> 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 <b><a href="http://www.wishfulendings.com/2016/12/coming-2017-cant-wait-wednesday-book.html" target="_blank">here</a></b>.</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;">It's fun to get to help promote a debut author and then still be excited about her books years later, which is the case with this author. Her books are contemporary rom-coms with heart. Her upcoming release is my pick this week...</span></i><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS4ymfUECGGiQauPQSJXJkYW7W73Gf26pQsBayi1o4Z48S6FkSDNg4Sa65zBtM2Wya4GpUDx2TpMsbrg3yoHUL_5y_n-6apfPWs7OHpuZShBy5quobL3VcfnmOJQ58LfjKVom2QMqDjf1kFIo-rR-Bl5EKYViX7G20E7rcd9njF-x9gM2qQmDqjkE-o_g/s16000/Apr%2024%202.png" style="text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">How to Plot a Payback</span></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">By </span></b><span style="text-align: left;"><b>Melissa Ferguson</b></span></div></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Contemporary Romance, RomCom, Clean & Wholesome</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Paperback, Audiobook & eBook, 320 Pages</span></div><div style="text-align: center;">April 2, 2024 by Thomas Nelson</div></div><div><br />
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<br /><div><b>He crossed an ocean, and it still wasn’t enough to escape his lifelong nemesis. Now he has to work with her.</b><br /><br />Successful screenwriter Finn Masters just landed his dream job writing for Neighbors, one of Hollywood’s highest-rated, longest-running sitcoms. The only downside? It will put him back in proximity of the show’s universally adored, optimistic, altruistic star, Lavender Rhodes, who has been inadvertently ruining his life since they were school chums in England. But she doesn’t even know she destroyed his acting career and wrecked his relationship with the love of his life.<br /><br />He’s not about to let this woman yank yet another dream out from under his feet. In fact, he realizes he’s been given the ideal opportunity to plot his payback: spinning her character in shocking new directions. What could go wrong? Only everything. As Finn’s not-so-brilliant plot backfires one scene after the next, catching him in the blasts, he’s forced to think about this impossible, infuriating…and maybe even lovable woman in an entirely new light.</div><div><br /></div><div>- Sweet romantic comedy<br />- Stand-alone novel<br />- Book length: 88,000 words<br />- Includes discussion questions for book clubs</div>
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/180351980-how-to-plot-a-payback" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://amzn.to/3OxhDGA" target="_blank">Amazon</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://bookshop.org/a/4962/9780840702913" target="_blank">Bookshop</a></b><b> | </b><b><a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/how-to-plot-a-payback-melissa-ferguson/1143709755?ean=9780840702913" target="_blank">B&N</a></b><b style="text-align: start;"> | </b><b><a href="https://goto.target.com/9g3OOj" target="_blank">Target</a></b></div>
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<i>Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5874758882938332051.post-77321377136982176122024-02-06T05:00:00.073-07:002024-02-06T05:00:00.142-07:00Read an excerpt from this contemporary romance... Fall When You're Ready by Jennifer Carr (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #romancebooks #cleanreads @justreadtours<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready JustRead Blog Tour" class="alignnone wp-image-28815" height="455" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Banner_FallWhenYoureReady_Blog_JR-1.jpg" width="1229" /></div>
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<i>Welcome to my tour stop with<b> <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/06/welcome-to-the-fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours</a></b>! Find an excerpt and giveaway below...</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready" class="alignleft wp-image-28859 size-large" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/fall-when-youre-ready-new-cover-261x400.jpg" style="font-weight: 700; text-align: left;" /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt;">Fall When You're Ready</span></div>
<b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>(</b><b style="text-align: left;">Real American Country #1</b><b>)</b></div></b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>By Jennifer Carr</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Contemporary Romance, Clean & Wholesome</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback & eBook, 488 Pages</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">February 1, 2024</span> by <span style="text-align: left;">JCarr Writes</span> </div><br />
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 20pt;">Summary</span></div>
<br />Rachel never wanted to get in the way of Jordan’s dreams, but they were supposed to chase their dreams together. They made promises and swore to remain best friends through it all. But, just as all good things must come to an end, it would seem that applies to promises as well. When Rachel and Jordan end up on separate paths toward their own versions of success, they each learn the hard way that letting go is easier than it sounds. But when those paths bring them both home, all of those promises come flooding back and they have to decide whether it’s worth the risk to reopen the chapter they closed on their story so long ago. <br />
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<i><span style="font-size: small;">(Affiliate links included</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">.)</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: start;"><b><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/202643509-fall-when-you-re-ready" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></b></b><b style="text-align: left;"><b> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/books/fall-when-you-re-ready-real-american-country-book-1-by-jennifer-carr" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a></b></b><b style="text-align: start;"><b> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0CNYD96W8" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fall-when-youre-ready-jennifer-carr/1144715212" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></b></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "dancing script"; font-size: 26pt;">Excerpt</span></div>
<br />We stared into the darkness for a long time before he said, “You know how when you read a book and the author is a cruel piece of work and kills off one of your favorite characters?”<br /><br />I turned my head to look at him. “For a brief moment, you might put the book down or, as I’ve seen some people do, throw the book across the room,” he gave me a nudge causing a smile to barely make an appearance on my lips.<br /><br />“You might even vow never to read to the end because you can’t bear the thought that it might happen again or that there will be no chance at redemption. After some time, however, you pick the book back up with severe anxiety and a hesitant eye and read the first sentence of the next chapter. And then you read the next sentence and the next.<br /><br />Turning the page might even be excruciating. But the story continues, Rachel. Your story continues and the exciting part is that you get to write it. And because I know you, I know it will be spectacular.”<br /></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;"><div><div><div><span style="color: #4c434e;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="color: #4c434e;"><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">About the Author</span></div></div></div></div></span></div>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Jennifer Carr" class="alignnone wp-image-28860 size-medium" height="300" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/JCarr-Author-Photo-218x300.jpg" width="218" /></p>
<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">A wife, mom, author, marriage and family counselor, a former AP Psychology teacher, and a podcaster,<b> Jennifer Carr</b> draws from her life experiences and imagination to connect with her readers and listeners through the written and spoken word.</p><p>
Married to her childhood best friend and the mom of a creative daughter, Jennifer enjoys a quiet life on their farm in Alabama. </p><p>When she’s not wearing one of her many hats, you’ll find her tucked away with a book and what's likely her third coffee of the day. </p><p>Connect with Jennifer by visiting <a href="https://www.jcarrwrites.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">jcarrwrites.com</a> to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.</p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour Schedule</span></div></div></div></div><div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Follow along at <a href="https://justreadtours.com/2024/02/06/welcome-to-the-fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Tours</a> for a full list of stops!</div><br /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="background-color: #c7db4d; border-bottom: 3px solid rgb(72, 45, 26); padding: 0em;"><div><span style="font-family: "dancing script", "times new roman", serif; font-size: 26pt; text-align: left;">Tour-Wide Giveaway</span></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Fall When You're Ready JustRead Tours giveaway" class="wp-image-28861 size-large aligncenter" height="400" src="https://justreadtours.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Giveaway_FallWhenYoureReady_Blog_JR-400x400.jpg" width="400" /></div>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: center;"><b>(1) winner will win a signed copy of <i>Fall When You're Ready </i>and a 6-month Kindle Unlimited Membership!</b></span></p><p style="text-align: left;">Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight February 6, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on February 13, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><i>Giveaway is subject to <a href="https://justreadtours.com/disclosures-giveaway-policies/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies</a>.</i></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/qj2Gf/fall-when-youre-ready-blog-tour-giveaway" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><b>Enter Giveaway</b></a>
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<i>What did you think of the excerpt? Will you be reading this one?</i></div>
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</div>Tressa @ Wishful Endingshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13526748955941114672noreply@blogger.com0