Friday, June 9, 2023

Book Blast and Giveaway: Reflections on the Boulevard by LJ Ambrosio



This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. The author will award a $20 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner and an autographed copy of the book to a second randomly drawn winner. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

Michael's story continues from A Reservoir Man (2022) where we find him teaching at a university ready to retire. He unexpectedly meets a young man named Ron who becomes his protege and journeys in a haphazard adventure with him throughout America and Europe, each twist and turn of the road bringing unexpected adventures. The journey taken is one of joy, friendship and discovery.


Read an Excerpt

“The air is not meshing well with the smoke in my lungs,” Michael said to himself. When he got back to the room, Ron was already sleeping with Rhonda on his leg.

The next morning, Michael got up early and woke Ron telling him to wash his face. He then took Ron to the door of their room, opened it, and walked outside. Ron just gaped at the sight of the Grand Canyon. The colors and the sun bouncing off these jagged cliffs looked like cut out mountains from a magazine. He turned to Michael, he said, “It looks like a painted drop! Not real. How was this created? What events led to this? I understand all the bullshit you learn in Earth Science, but this is so much more.”

Michael noticed a little tear in Ron’s eye, shed for the beauty, for the nature that Michael had always talked to him about.

“Those guys in New England, those Transcendentalists, they knew the answer, this is God. This is it! I know we will leave but I will never forget this, and the emotions it moves in me.”

“Alright I have a surprise. We are off to the North Rim of the Canyon. We are taking an entire day tour of the North Rim on the Katibah trail, exploring the inner canyons. We will travel on mules.”

“What did you say? Did I hear mules? I have never been on a horse, no less a mule. You expect me to ride a mule alone? No way!” said Ron.

They got into the car and Ron asked, “Where are we going?”

“To the North Rim!”

Ron was very worried. He listed all the reasons he could never ride a mule. He even claimed that Rhonda would be jealous of his attention to another animal.

At the entrance to the North Rim, Michael assured Ron that he would be okay.

“Ron, all will be fine! Just trust the mule. Trust the mule!”

“I don’t trust myself!” Ron said, then suddenly got on the mule. He was afraid he would fall off, so he waited there for a moment. He used the opportunity to tell the mule about Rhonda. Ron started to like the mule now, especially because she was not moving. He was more comfortable now with the mule and even told her how well Rhonda would get along with her if she did not try to eat Rhonda’s food. The mules took off on the trail with Michael following the guide and Ron following Michael, holding on for dear life.



About the Author:
Louis J. Ambrosio ran one of the most nurturing bi-coastal talent agencies in Los Angeles and New York. He started his career as a theatrical producer, running two major regional theaters for eight seasons. Ambrosio taught at seven universities. Ambrosio also distinguished himself as an award-winning film producer and novelist over the course of his impressive career.

Instagram
Twitter
Facebook
Tumblr
Website
YouTube

Barnes and Noble
Amazon
iBooks
Kobo
Thalia
Smashwords
Vivlio

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour and Giveaway: A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass

 


Book Details:

Book Title:  A Daughter's Journey by Myra Lee Glass
Category:  YA Fiction (Ages 13-17),  132 pages
GenreYA Historical Fiction / Adventure
PublisherColeche Press
Release date:   Feb 2023
Content RatingG: Written for a high school school project :) by a highschooler
Book Description:

The year is 1938 and a family in the small South Carolina town of Beaufort faces serious adversity. After the birth of her long-awaited son, Mary Banks dives into a dark postpartum period, throwing her into a deep depression. Thinking that her sister, Rose, is offering her a helping hand, Mary leaves her family and goes to Boston in search of a medical cure, not to be heard from again.

​Where is Mary Banks? What has Rose done with the much-loved mother and wife of the Banks family? Finally, Mary’s 15-year-old daughter, Estelle can wait no longer. She gathers her wits and her courage and without a word, runs off to heroically rescue her beloved mother in faraway Boston. This is where the adventure begins……
Buy the Book:
Amazon 
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Myra Lee Glass is a young adult author of A Daughter's Journey. She lives in Texas with her parents and sister.











Enter the Giveaway:

A DAUGHTER'S JOURNEY by Myra Lee Glass Book Tour Giveaway



My Review: 

A Daughter's Journey is a wonderful debut by the talented author, Myra Lee Glass. I really enjoyed reading this quick tale of love, adventure, history, and mystery. I was excited to see that it was partly set in the town that I lived in for several years and seeing through the author's eyes of what it looked like way back when during the depression era and beyond. She did a fabulous job with the details that made me feel as though I was right there living among the characters. I wanted to keep reading to find out what had become of Mary  and I wanted to see what Estelle would discover. At just over one hundred pages long, it was easy to keep reading, hard to put down, and one to read in one sitting. I thought it was a beautiful story to spend a relaxing break of the day. 

I believe that A Daughter's Journey is most definitely a five star read. I would give it many many more stars if I could. I am highly recommending it for readers, fans and lovers of young adult historical fiction. Myra Lee Glass has earned herself a new fan and I will be eagerly awaiting a follow up to this one. It was an honor to have the opportunity to read this debut. I loved it.

I received a digital copy of A Daughter's Journey from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Thursday, June 8, 2023

Review: Fairest of Heart by Karen Witemeyer

 


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



Blurb: 

Beauty has been nothing but a curse to Penelope Snow. When she becomes a personal maid for a famous actress whose troupe is leaving Chicago to tour the West, she hides her figure beneath shapeless dresses and keeps her head down. But she still manages to attract the wrong attention, leaving her prospects in tatters--and her jealous mistress plotting her demise.

After his brother lost his life over a woman, Texas ranger Titus Kingsley has learned to expect the worst from women and is rarely disappointed. So when a young woman found in suspicious circumstances takes up residence with the seven old drovers living at his grandfather's ranch, Titus is determined to keep a close eye on her.

With a promotion hanging in the balance, Titus is assigned to investigate a robbery case tied to Penelope's acting troupe. The evidence points to her guilt, but Titus's heart divines a different truth--one that might just get Penelope killed.

An enchanting Western take on the classic Snow White fairy tale, Fairest of Heart will sweep you away from once upon a time to happily ever after.



My Review: 

Karen Witemeyer is among one of my favorite historical writers. I was honored to have the opportunity to read the start to her new Texas Ever After series, Fairest of Heart. I thought it was a fabulous beginning to the series. I adored Penelope and Titus' story so much. It had a fun mixture within the pages of adventure, action, love, hope, faith, humor and suspense. Even though I wanted to keep reading the whole book all the way through in one sitting, I took my time to read it for several days and savored every single word. I loved it.

Fairest of Heart will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical and western romance. I will be excited when the second installment from the Texas Ever After series releases to see where Karen Witemeyer takes her readers to next.

I received a paperback copy of Fairest of Heart from the publisher, but was not required to write a review, nor a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Transhuman – Will We Obey God or Play God? by Rena Groot


About the Book



Book: Transhuman – Will We Obey God or Play God?

Author: Rena Groot

Genre: Apocalyptic Fiction

Release date: 2021

This work of apocalyptic fiction is based on reality to come. The lines have been purposely blurred between pure fact and pure fiction. It is a warning based on God’s Word. He has told us a time of unprecedented terror is about to come upon the earth. His wrath will be poured out on sinful and unrepentant humanity in a series of judgements. The intensity and severity of these judgements will be unparalleled in human history. The judgements will be on a global scale that will take place over a seven-year period.

The judgements are reserved for those who have chosen to reject Christ. Even in wrath God is displaying mercy. He wants the lost to be found. All who have rebelled against Him are given a chance to find Him. This is His last and final call to the sons and daughters of Adam. Sadly, many will harden their hearts and turn away from the most beautiful invitation ever to have been extended in all of human history. They will curse God and stay entrenched in their rebellious ways.

God does not hide this awful reality from us. He wants us to be wise and flee from the wrath to come. If we are already His He wants us to warn others—to point them to the narrow path that leads to life. TRANSHUMAN is based on my thoughts of what the world may look like at the halfway point in the Tribulation. The Rapture has already taken place. All who have been invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb are seated. Time will soon be no more. The curtains are opening on the world stage.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Hi. My name is Rena Groot. I have a Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta and a Masters of Religious Education from the Canadian Southern Baptist Seminary in Cochrane, Alberta. I have been a teacher in Canada and China, have published eight books, I have designed a digital course called Broken to Beautiful-Transformed By God’s Power, I have been a tour manager from the Rockies to the Pacific, have been a missionary to the ends of the Earth, a mom of four—and the most important part—I am a child of God.

 

 


 

More from Rena


Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 1

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 2

Artistic Nobody, June 3 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 4

Guild Master, June 5 (Author Interview)

Scott’s Book Reviews, June 5

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, June 6

Beauty in the Binding, June 7 (Author Interview)

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 8

Simple Harvest Reads, June 9 (Author Interview)

annette_reads_daily, June 9

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 10

A Reader’s Brain, June 11 (Author Interview)

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 12

For the Love of Literature, June 13 (Author Interview)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 14

Giveaway

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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/263ea/transhuman-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God is the second installment from Rena Groot's Narrow Path Trilogy. I thought it was a pretty good read. It is one of those books that are purely from the author's imagination but written so well that can be believable. It really made me really think. It is just around one hundred and thirty pages and easily read in one sitting. I liked it. 

I am giving Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading books that are from the genres of clean science, fantasy, and apocalyptic fiction. I would be interested in more releases from Rena Groot. 

I received a digital copy of Transhuman: Will We Obey God Or Play God from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Wednesday, June 7, 2023

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Amish Wilderness Survival by Mary Alford

About the Book


Book: 
Amish Wilderness Survival

Author: Mary Alford

Genre: (Amish) Romantic Suspense

Release date: March 28, 2023

To stay alive, she must escape a killer’s clutches. . .

When her brother goes missing, Leora Mast will do anything to find him…even if it means putting her life in danger. Upon arriving in Montana, she finds an ally in Fletcher Shetler, but almost as soon as they meet, they’re running for their lives. With Fletcher’s help, Leora must unravel the truth about her brother’s disappearance…before the man who wants them dead tracks them down.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Mary Alford grew up in a small Texas town famous for, well not much of anything really. Being the baby of the family and quite a bit younger than her two brothers and her sister, Mary had plenty of time to entertain herself. Making up stories seemed to come naturally to her.

As a preteen, Mary discovered Phyllis Whitney and Victoria Holt and knew instinctively that was what she wanted to do with her over-active imagination.

She wrote her first novel as a teen, (it’s tucked away somewhere never to see the light of day), but never really pursued her writing career seriously until a few years later, when she wrote her first inspirational romantic suspense and was hooked.

Today, Mary lives in Texas with her husband and loves to create characters who face dangerous situations with faith on their side.

Mary is very active online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook, Twitter, or any of the social media platforms listed at maryalford.net.

 

More from Mary

Before the Story Begins

 

Every good Christian romantic suspense has a beginning where the hero and heroine are introduced to each other and to the danger they’ll be facing, followed by an ending where everything (usually) is tied up nicely.

 

In Christian (and Amish) romantic suspense, there must equal amounts of danger, romance, and faith.

 

As a reader, one of my favorite parts of the book is when the hero and heroine have backstories that draw me in and have me pulling for them to overcome their pasts as well as the villain chasing them.

 

In AMISH WILDERNESS SURVIVAL, the heroine, Leora Mast has a heartbreaking backstory. As a teenager, Leora’s and her twin brother Tanner’s parents were killed in a fire that was later ruled arson. They relocated to Colorado to be closer to their aunt and uncle and grandparents. Soon after, Leora’s brother left the Amish faith and joined the marines.

 

As an adult, Leora has gone through 2 separate rounds of breast cancer. She’s just finished the final round of chemo when her brother goes missing and Leora travels to West Kootenai, Montana to find Tanner’s marine lieutenant hoping to get answers about her brother’s disappearance.

 

Instead of finding her brother or Ethan Connors, she runs into Fletcher Shetler and the danger unfolds quickly from there.

 

Fletcher Shetler’s family has seen their share of heartaches as well. They have lived in West Kootenai for several generations. Fletcher’s grandfather started the furniture making business and the family mill their own timber for the pieces they create. Fletcher has a big heart and has been taking care of his mother since his father passed away.

 

Fletcher can’t imagine living anywhere else but his West Kootenai community and being part of a close family. But that loyalty cost him the love of his future bride when she chose to leave the community and break his heart.

 

Both Leora and Fletcher must put aside their pasts to try and find out what happened to her brother and Ethan before it’s too late.

 

From facing down armed kidnappers, to almost being swallowed alive by a sinkhole, to being forced to hideout in a cave in order to avoid being captured, Leora and Fletcher face one trial after the other, and yet they persevere thanks to each other, Ethan’s K-9 German Shepherd dog, Molly, and their faith in God that is unshakable.

Blog Stops

Betti Mace, June 3

Blossoms and Blessings, June 3

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 4

Texas Book-aholic, June 5

The Avid Reader, June 6

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 7

Holly’s Book Corner, June 7

Lighthouse Academy Blog, June 8 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 9

,Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 10

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, June 11

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 12

Splashes of Joy, June 13

Bizwings Book Blog, June 13

Simple Harvest Reads, June 14 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

For Him and My Family, June 15

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 16 (Author Interview)

Books I’ve Read, June 16

Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Mary is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/263ee/amish-wilderness-survival-celebration-tour-giveaway



My Review

Amish Wilderness Survival is a good book written by Mary Alford. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense. I thought that the main characters, Fletcher and Leora, were fascinating and love how they were able to become a team to solve the mystery. There were a few twists and turns that had me guessing as to what would happen in the following scenes. I loved the danger, action, adventure, and suspense. I thought it was a great book to read that had continually turned the pages until I was finished. 

I am giving Amish Wilderness Survival five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean romantic suspense. I will be interested in reading the next release from Mary Alford. 

I received a copy of Amish Wilderness Survival from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Book Tour and Giveaway: The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery by Kari Bovee


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Pryce of Conceit - An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery by Kari Bovee
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 270 
Genre: Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery
Publisher:  Bosque Publishing
Release date:   May 23, 2023
Content Rating:  G - Book has no bad language, sex, or violence on the page
Book Description:

Someone’s trying to frame this ambitious theater performer for murder. Can she get back to her adoring public and escape the noose?

1885. Arabella Pryce is struggling with heartbreak. And with her recently deceased husband’s will demanding she leave her celebrity behind and refurbish her namesake hotel in Colorado, the distressed actress is forced to board a westbound train. But she’s barely arrived at the haunted, broken-down lodge when the town beauty shows up dead in one of the rooms… and Arabella is named the prime suspect.

Already feeling the sting of the community’s disapproval, she grits her teeth and works with a mischievous ghost to help prove her innocence. But with blood-stained evidence, handsome sheriffs, and libelous journalists turning her investigation into a dangerous drama, this determined thespian fears she’s missed her cue for survival.

Can she shine the spotlight on a killer before more than her reputation dies a horrible death?

The Pryce of Conceit is the suspenseful first book in The Arabella Pryce Historical Cozy Mystery series. If you like driven heroines, atmospheric settings, and dashes of humor, then you’ll love Kari Bovée’s lighthearted twists and turns.

Buy The Pryce of Conceit to put the guilty party at center stage today!
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon

Meet the Author:

When she’s not on a horse, or walking along the beautiful cottonwood-laden acequias of Corrales, New Mexico; or basking on white sand beaches under the Big Island Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovée is escaping into the past—scheming murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined in her award-winning historical Annie Oakley Mystery series, Grace Michelle Mystery series, and Pryce Murder series.

​In her past life, Bovée worked as a technical writer for a Fortune 500 Company, has written non-fiction for magazines and newsletters, and has worked in the education field as a teacher and educational consultant.


Connect with the author:  Website ~ Goodreads ~ Facebook ~ Twitter ~ Instagram
Pinterest
Enter the Giveaway:
THE PRYCE OF CONCEIT Book Tour Giveaway



My Review: 

I have had the pleasure of reading previous books written by Kari Bovée in the past and was excited to know that she has a new series releasing called The Pryce of Murder. I was honored to have the chance to read the first book, The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery. I thought it was a fun and entertaining read. I found the main character of the newly widowed, Arabella Pryce, to be a wonderful character getting to know. I felt like I had travelled back in time to the 1880s era of the state of Colorado. That is where Arabella's world is turned upside down. The mystery and suspense had some twists I did not see coming. There were a few scenes that had me laughing out loud. I was honored to take this adventure with Arabella and going along with her to see how the "who done it" would be solved. 

I am giving The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery five plus stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy the combination of the genres of Historical Fiction, Paranormal, and Cozy Mysteries. I am eagerly awaiting or the next installment from The Pryce of Murder to see where Kari Bovée takes the series to next. 

I received a paperback copy of The Pryce of Conceit: An Historical Ghost Cozy Mystery from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Monday, June 5, 2023

Book Tour and Giveaway: Infall by Herb Hughes


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  INFALL (A Science Fiction Novel) by Herb Hughes
Category:  Adult Fiction (18 +),  365 pages
GenreScience Fiction 
Publisher:  Books From The Pond
Release date:  January 2023
Content RatingPG. There is some mild language and sex. The sex is stated, but not explicitly detailed. There is also some mild sexual innuendo and sexual jokes. One of the lesser characters is a noted ladies man.
Book Description:

What would you do if a naked alien materialized in front of you amid a ball of swirling winds and colored lights? Would you freeze, run away, scream, hit it, or try to communicate?

And what would you think if you discovered these aliens not only come from a different universe but are also far more intelligent than humans and vastly superior technologically?

Martin O’Brien leaves his native Ireland to chase the dream of love, but things go awry. Before he can return home, he becomes involved with the sudden appearance of aliens. This strange anomaly begins with a few “lightshows,” as the press dubs them, but quickly becomes a flood of millions.

The aliens call themselves Embrians. Human reactions range from murdering them for sport to using them for slave labor to worshipping them as gods.

Martin meets Jennifer Daniels, a pregnant young lady struggling to deal with her alcoholism. Together, they treat, harbor, and befriend a wounded alien named Vanya, but their kindness puts them at risk of being arrested.

Not all Embrians are docile and cooperative. Their leader, Vahlion, threatens to conquer America if his demands are not met. Because Embrians are so advanced, the threat is more than real. It is a certainty!

Martin, Jennifer, and Vanya are on a mission to save Earth, but how do you fight against aliens who have mastered entire fields of science that humans did not even know existed?
Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Author Herb Hughes worked in the computer industry for over two decades and then built a successful private business before retiring to write novels.

“I write in the present, but my stories are about the past and the future: historical fiction and science fiction. I find both fascinating.”

connect with the author: website facebook ~ goodreads
Guest Post:

As we go about our everyday lives, working at an assembly line or flying a desk or picking up the kids from school, BREAKING NEWS could blare from the radio at any moment, an announcer with a suddenly shaky voice telling the world that we are not alone, that First Contact has been made. Probable? No. But possible? Absolutely!


It is not inconceivable that we could wake up to find aliens from another planet walking around in our world at any time, as illustrated by my latest novel, Infall.


Set in the world of today, Infall is a science fiction novel that could dramatically change to nonfiction at any moment. What if an alien materialized in front of you, face-to-face, its searching eyes looking deeply, and perhaps apprehensively, into yours? You would be frightened, of course. This is not an everyday event. It is not even a once-in-a-lifetime event. It is a once-in-history event. How would you react? How would humans the world over react?


The answer, of course, is there would be a wide variety of reactions based on the individuals making contact, the alien’s physical appearance, and the movements and actions in the situation, movements and actions of both alien and human.


The field of science fiction is filled with alien invasions, wars in space, and worlds conquering other worlds. But would we necessarily find ourselves in conflict with other intelligent lifeforms? Would we overcome our initial fear or learn to fear them more over time?


And would they fear us? It is not uncommon to hear that bears and snakes and other dangerous creatures in the wild are as afraid of us as we are of them, and that they react aggressively only when they perceive that we are a threat to them or their young. It could be the same with First Contact. It just might be that the aliens are as scared of us as we are of them, perhaps more so. After all, history seems to indicate that humans are an aggressive species. It could be that we pose a greater danger to them than they do to us!


Enter the Giveaway:
INFALL Book Tour Giveaway



My Review: 

Infall is my first introduction to books written by Herb Hughes. I am not a huge fan of reading tales from the science fiction genre but I have to admit that I was intrigued by the cover and wanted to give this one a try. It is a perfect example why I should read outside of my comfort zone so I do not miss out on some good stories out there. I thought this one was great one to be immersed in. I was amazed at the plot and wonder how in the world the author was able to come up with such a story. It was a unique writing style that I did find a pleasure to read. Within the pages, there were some interesting questions that could be used in real life and having acceptance. I thought it was a surprise for me and really liked it. 

I could not put it down and had no issue in having it read within two evenings, keeping me up late at night. And it was well worth staying up. 

I am giving Infall five stars. I recommend it for readers, fans and lovers who enjoy reading science fiction. I would be interested in reading more books by the talented Herb Hughes in the future. This one is among my favorites I have read from this genre.

I received a paperback copy of Infall from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.