Thursday, December 2, 2021

Fantasy and Sci-Fi for Christmas and Giveaway: Sharon Hinck

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Windward Shore

(The Dancing Realms, #1)

By Sharon Hinck

Epic Fantasy, Christian Fantasy

Hardcover, Paperback & ebook, 270 Pages

May 11, 2021 by Enclave Publishing

The island world of Meriel faces an old adversary and a new danger. Will the reformed Order die before it has a chance to blossom?

Storm clouds loom on the horizon as Carya and Brantley struggle to overcome wounds of the past and build a future together. The fragile new Order is on shaky ground, with too few dancers and sparse resources. Then trouble erupts—and now an insidious rebellion and a new foe threaten their entire world.

When she uncovers an old enemy behind all the destruction, Carya realizes the past is not done with her. With conflict tearing apart the dancers and villages, rimmers are soon overrun, and Carya must unite her people by leading the battle to protect the very heart of her world … or lose it all.

(Affiliate link included.)

Excerpt

Chapter One

Where could he be? I squinted toward the horizon, where stormy sky met turbulent sea. Brantley had planned to be back by midday, but the primary sun was already lowering beyond the churning waves. Not a good sign. Wind howled from the ocean, and the ground bobbed. A gust slapped into me, rippling my tunic and forcing me to lean forward to keep my footing. My toes dug into the tangleroot.

Shielding my eyes against the subsun, I hoped to spy the silhouette of a herder balanced on the sleek back of his stenella, his determined form rising behind the graceful curve of the creature’s neck. Surely he’d seen the storm moving toward our island. Why hadn’t he raced home? Had he gone out too far? His new mount, Makah, was young and early in her training; she wasn’t as skilled and reliable as Navar had been.

The island’s rim lurched, forcing me to retreat. I could dance a pattern to change the wind’s course and coax the storm away, but I had no idea where Brantley and Makah were. My interference could send the storm straight into them. A sigh ripped out of me. All I could do was wait.

My arms cradled the gentle swell of my belly. I’d hoped news of a babe on the way would cause my husband to take fewer risks. I shook my head, letting the wind tug my hair free from my braid. I didn’t truly want him to change. But I did wish he had a more experienced stenella. Brantley still grieved Navar’s loss. So did I.

The clouds broke open and rain sheeted down, driving me to seek shelter. Our home welcomed me with warmth and light. High windows under the eaves let in the glow of the setting subsun that penetrated even the storm, and torches brightened the wall by the hearth, competing with the flickering fire. A smoky scent curled through the air.

I added a log, grateful for the refuge. A home like this was a luxury I’d never dreamed to experience. Shelves lined one wall, filled with food staples, tools, parchment, and neatly folded fabric. Through a low doorway, I could glimpse the cheerful quilt covering our bed. Spare tunics and cloaks hung from pegs.

I brushed moisture from my shoulders and rested on a bench near the table in this main room. Our bonding cup held a place of honor in the center of the table. Delicate carvings embellished the polished sides with images of land and sea, stenella and forest hound, and a man and woman. A rolled parchment rested against it as if in opposition. I pressed my lips together. As much as I longed for Brantley’s safe return, I dreaded the confrontation that simple missive would bring.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Award-winning author Sharon Hinck writes “stories for the hero in all of us,” about ordinary people on extraordinary faith journeys. Hidden Current, the first book in her Dancing Realms Series, has been honored with a 2020 Christy Award in the Visionary category. Passionate about the intersection of faith and art, she spent ten years as the artistic director of a Christian performing arts group. That ministry included three short-term mission trips to Hong Kong. She has been a church youth worker, a choreographer and ballet teacher, a home-school mom, a church organist, and a bookstore clerk. One day she’ll figure out what to be when she grows up, but in the meantime she’s pouring her imagination into writing. When she isn’t wrestling with words, Sharon enjoys serving as an adjunct professor for the Creative Writing MFA program at Concordia University, and also shares with conferences, retreats, and church groups. She and her family make their home in Minnesota.

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

November 28th: Launch

November 29th: Elayne Audrey Becker - Forestborn

November 30th: Michelle Diener - The Turncoat King

December 1st: Jes Drew - Agents Adam and Eve

December 2nd: Sharon Hinck - Windward Shore

December 3rd: Kara Linaburg - The Broken Prince

December 4th: Cathy McCrumb - Recorder

December 5th: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads - Realms of Light

December 6th: Chawna Schroeder - The Vault Between Spaces

December 7th: Melissa Wright - Beneath Stone and Sacrifice

December 8th: Kristen Young - Elite

December 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 13, 2021

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Fabyan Place by Peter Angus

Join Us for this Tour: November 22nd to December 3rd

Book Details:

Book Title:  Fabyan Place: Two WWII GIs Fight to Survive and Overcome Racial Strife as POWS by Peter Angus
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 350 pages
Genre:  Historical Fiction
Publisher:  Dottenfritz Press
Release date:   August 2021
Content Rating: PG13 + M: Some use of the “F” word, some swearing, bigoted pejorative vernacular common in the 1940s, treatment attributed to Nazi captors in both a POW and Death Camp and one antagonist suicide.

“Fabyan Place is a book that stays with you. A callow young man goes to war and confronts his prejudice, forming an unlikely friendship in a POW camp with another soldier. They each know a secret about the other that could be a death sentence. Deeply researched with fascinating details and unforgettable characters, moving and thought-provoking, the story rises to a ferocious finish that will take your breath away.” — Kay Williams, co-author, The Matryoshka Murders and Butcher of Dreams

“Enthusiasts of this genre will be impressed by the book’s authenticity. The author has a deep knowledge of the Second World War and offers many historical insights and details that I was not aware of.” — David Aretha, editor, World War II Chronicle and The Holocaust Chronicle

Book Description:

Should racism prevent you fighting for your country?
Does bigotry still live even after a war has ended?
Must standing at the gates of hell in a POW camp forever change a man?

Memories of his internment as a prisoner echo as a young war veteran returns to his family and an enigmatic visitor arrives unannounced on Christmas morning.

The guest brings memories of the war, the horrors of the camps and the life-altering changes in his own psyche as his family prepares for their annual feast.

Fabyan Place is an engrossing suspenseful historical fiction novel about two mixed race young men from urban New Jersey and rural Georgia whose experiences clash in a Nazi concentration camp.

Get your FREE copy of FABYAN PLACE for Christmas
on these FREE Days:
(click on the date to follow the link to get your free book)
November 26 (Friday) - Black Friday
November 29 (Monday) - Cyber Monday
December 1 (Wednesday)
December 2 (Thursday)
December 3 (Friday)

Buy the Book:
Amazon

Meet the Author:

Pete Angus spent his early years in New York City and environs. From there it was working and living in Vienna, Belgrade, Warsaw, Moscow, and Paris before settling in his current base, London. Fabyan Place, his first novel, is drawn from his own recollections and his extensive study of WWII military history. Pete has caught the writing bug and is currently working on a new mystery series featuring a military CID officer investigating unusual crimes in the 1940s.

Connect with the Author: Author's Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads

Guest Post:

Some Inspiration for my book FABYAN PLACE

By Peter Angus

Among other things, FABYAN PLACE portrays what the minority soldiers went through during WWII and how they were able to deal with the prejudices while trying to serve their country. To be honest, I don’t purport to even begin to understand the Negro experience in America or throughout the world in the 1940s.

But that being said, I wish to acknowledge someone who helped me understand the journey, a man named Walter Francis White (1883-1955), who was an African American civil rights activist who led the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for a quarter of a century. John Chalmet’s character is based loosely on this individual (and incidentally, John’s name in the book and that of his fathers are stolen from a dear and brilliant friend of mine).

I first became acquainted with White from Doris Kearns Goodwin’s book, No Ordinary Times. I was fascinated with White because he was one of the few people on the planet who came face to face with FDR and could resist his charms, insisting that several civil rights issues be addressed. I was impressed because there were very few people who had that reaction to Roosevelt. It was only years later that I learned that White, while indeed a Negro, could easily pass for a white person yet refused to. He was constantly being asked in university settings when he showed up with his wife why he was married to a Negro. The brief persuasive argument that John gives Sonny in Chapter 15, when wondering what would happen if all Negroes would turn White overnight and what would become of bigotry, was largely from an obscure article written by White in the now-defunct Look magazine in 1949 entitled, “Has Science Conquered the Color Line?” If you can track it down, it is indeed an eye-opener and a great article to read!

Tour Schedule:

Nov 22 – Connie’s History Classroom – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 22 - Book Corner News and Reviews - book review / giveaway
Nov 23 - Leels Loves Books – book review / giveaway
Nov 24 – Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
Nov 26 – Olio by Marilyn – book spotlight / author interview
Nov 26 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
Nov 26 - Books for Books – book review
Nov 29 – @twilight_reader – book review / giveaway
Nov 29 - Books are a Blessing – book review / author interview / giveaway
Nov 30 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
Dec 1 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book review / author interview / giveaway
Dec 2 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / guest post / giveaway
Dec 3 – The World As I See It – book review / author interview / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

FABYAN PLACE by Peter Angus Book Tour Giveaway

My Review:

Peter Angus has crafted a great piece of historical fiction with his new release, Fabyan Place. The plot was quite unique than what I am used to. It not only deals with the world during the second world war two, it, also, covers racial tensions and discriminations of the time. The author does a great job bringing the characters to life and uses vivid historical details that made me feel as though I had travelled back in time. I thought the author did a great job portraying what the minority soldiers went through and how they were able to deal with the prejudices while trying to serve their country. I know so many readers would be able to relate to what they had gone through and I find it important that many others to read to find out what it was like for them. I admired their bravery and courage. I loved this book!

I am giving Fabyan Place a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading historical fiction. I can not wait to read more by Peter Angus to find out what he has in store for his readers in the future. He has earned himself a new fan. This one should not be missed. It is most definitely worth a read.

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

Wednesday, December 1, 2021

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Nutcracker's Suite by Chautona Havig

About the Book

Book: The Nutcracker’s Suite

Author: Chautona Havig

Genre: Christian Christmas Historical Mystery, Fairytale retelling

Release date: November 26, 2021

“Time to dance, sugarplum.”

A painter at the Meyer’s Toys factory, Clarice Stahl, knows something is
strange about the way so many men come and go through Mr. Meyer’s
office, especially one in particular.

Then murder strikes a little too close to home and uncorks a barrel of
secrets.

When mob king, Mario Topo’s, enforcer goes missing the race is on to
prove he’s behind the murder. Police and mobsters alike are after Milo
Natale, and he who finds Milo first might determine the enforcer’s fate.

A race through the city, a new friend… or more… a new life in the
offing. Milo and Clarice must find who killed Topo’s man and why before
the police arrest him for murder or Topo’s men bump him and Clarice off,
too.

This next book in the Ever After Mysteries combines “The Nutcracker
Suite” with a murder mystery set in the heart of 1920s Rockland.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Author of the bestselling Aggie and Past Forward series, Chautona Havig lives in an oxymoron, escapes into imaginary worlds that look startlingly similar to ours and writes the stories that emerge. An irrepressible optimist, Chautona sees everything through a kaleidoscope of It’s a Wonderful Life sprinkled with fairy tales. Find her at chautona.com and say howdy—if you can remember how to spell her name.

More from Chautona

Here Are Several Fun Facts & a Secret about The Nutcracker’s Suite

You’d think that while writing a book based on the fairy tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, I’d have heard “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” in my head as I wrote. Well, I guess for a brief moment I did, because at some point, someone actually says that. “Dance, sugar plum!”

But Tchaikovsky isn’t who played in my head as I wrote. Over and over, word after word, my fingers did their bourres and glissades across my keyboard to one, rather unexpected song. “Ballerina” (I prefer the version sung by Buddy Clark. You can listen HERE.)

However, there are so many elements of the original ballet’s story in mine. I thought I’d share a few of them.

Let’s talk about the cast of characters.

Clarice Stahl is our “leading lady.” It’s kind of obvious where I got her name since the original character was Clara Stahlbaum.

Clarice works for Mr. Dieter Meyer, the owner of Meyer’s Toys. He gives her the job of painting nutcrackers. So, it’s not too difficult to see the connection to Uncle Drosselmeyer who gives Clara the nutcracker, no?

All of 1925 Rockland is in the clutches of mob king, Mario Topo. For those not fluent in Italian, can you guess what “topo” is in that language? Remember… he’s the mob “king.” 😉

But I think my favorite name of all is Emiliano (I call him Milo) Natale (Christmas in Italian… just sayin’) who is known as “the nutcracker.” He’s an enforcer for Mr. Topo, and that means he squeezes people until they crack and do what Topo wants. Let’s hope he repents!

Yes, I had a boatload of fun coming up with this stuff! How’d you guess?

I have a secret to confess about this book. I’m writing this post when I’m only about a quarter of the way done. I went to get the synopsis for this tour and went, “oops!” You see, I forgot that I’d planned to make Milo going missing a big part of the plot.

Guess who has to flex? I’d better get back to it. They need to figure out who killed our victim… and why. And before Clarice is next!

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 26

Blogging With Carol, November 26

Texas Book-aholic, November 27

For the Love of Literature, November 28

By the Book, November 28

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, November 29

Inklings and notions, November 29

For Him and My Family, November 30

Rachael’s Inkwell, November 30

deb’s Book Review, December 1

Bizwings Blog, December 1

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 2

Genesis 5020, December 2

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 3

Simple Harvest Reads, December 3 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Connie’s History Classroom, December 4

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, December 4

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 5

Connect in Fiction, December 5

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 6

Mary Hake, December 6

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, December 7

Through the fire blogs, December 7

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 8

Lots of Helpers, December 8

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, December 9 (Author Interview)

Back Porch Reads, December 9

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Chautona is giving away to three winners one Prize box each including a paperback of The Nutcracker’s Suite, themed goodies, and a $10 Amazon Gift Card in each!!

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/13cfb/the-nutcracker-s-suite-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

Chautona Havig once again uses her talent and contributes to the sixth installment from the Ever After Mysteries series. The Nutcracker's Suite is yet another great mystery by her. This one is my favorite of the series to date. It was entertaining to be taken back to the 1920s Rockland and fun that it was based off of The Nutcracker. I was hooked from the start with Nicolo and Clara’s story. I had to keep reading to find out how it was all going to end. I loved it!

The Nutcracker’s Suite is getting five stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean historical suspense. I am looking forward to the next book from the Ever After Mysteries series, Denise Barela’s Silencing the Siren.

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

Fantasy and Sci-Fi for Christmas and Giveaway: Jes Drew

On tour with Prism Book Tours

Agents Adam and Eve

(Kristian Clark and the American Agenda, #1)

By Jes Drew

Sci-Fi, Spy-Fi

Paperback & ebook, 428 Pages

April 16, 2019 by Boo's Books

Dream not of other worlds...

They call him agent and he answers. They tell him conquer and he does. But there's something they don't know. He's beginning to remember. His name is Kristian Clark. He has a wife and four children. Or he did. But he will find them again, whoever is left, wherever they are, and whatever it takes.

They call her the Aisling. She does their missions only as far as it helps her accomplish her own: to find and rescue the children of a fallen woman. And she will not let anyone get in her way- most certainly not the brainwashed father who has for so long been an unthinking weapon for the government. To save the innocents, she will not hesitate to do whatever it takes- no matter how much it condemns her.

They are the root of a conspiracy that would bring two worlds together, for good or for evil, for better or for worse, for life or for death. Their choices shall echo throughout all eternity.

Advanced Praise for Agents Adam and Eve:

"Agents Adam and Eve is the kind of book you can't put down, the kind that has you laughing and crying. Jes Drew successfully keeps you turning the page and renders you longing for more when the last page has been turned." - Karsyn Shae, Creative Writer

"Kristian Clark is back in an all-new duology after the birth of his twins. Are he and his wife finally able to enter parenthood safely without the threat of anarchist groups, or will Kristian have to sacrifice everything to save those he loves?" - Allyson Kennedy, author of Speak Your Mind

“I love the story! It felt so real and very intense! I felt like I was in the story with the characters!”

- Shine, author and blogger of Hauntingghosttown

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | Book Depository

Excerpt

I teleport the door toward the motorcycles, causing them to crash into each other and knocking off those still on them. Then I drop down and teleport myself to the nearest gunman and wrestle his weapon from his hand. I elbow him in the face and his grip loosens enough for me to take it and shoot at the engine of one of the motorcycles, making it blow up into an inferno that the men scurry to avoid.

Striding forward, I taser one of the fleeing men before tasering another. Then I dive backwards as another man shoots at me before teleporting behind him and putting him into a strangle hold while using his body as cover from his contemporaries.

Three of them try to approach me. Only to freeze mid-step.

I turn to see Aisling darting through the darkness with two figures coming up behind her—making their way to the truck.

Being the gentleman that I am, I teleport to the truck and open the front door for her before grabbing the driver and teleporting us away where I can punch him in privacy.

Then a gun goes off behind me, causing a hot sting in my newly healed shoulder, but this time I’m sure it’s just a graze.

I sigh, and without turning around, I teleport behind the shooter and taser him in the back. See how he likes it.

Mid-tasering, the NEO truck drives past me.

Sighing again, I retract my taser. Then I teleport into the truck—the backseat to be exact.

Aisling is driving, and a very pale man wearing a rumpled suit is sitting shotgun. A man of Indian descent is sitting next to me, trying to ask Aisling, “What just happened?”

“I did,” I answer, tugging off my shirt with my good arm.

The man next to me screams at this and jumps to the farthest end of the row away from me.

“Please,” I mutter, pressing my hand to my bleeding shoulder. “It’s not that bad.”

Aisling glances at the rearview mirror before groaning. “You.”

“And to think,” I tell my backseat buddy, “just moments ago, she couldn’t keep her hands off me. Split personality or what?”

He just whimpers at me like I’m some sort of ghost.

And the other man whirls around before narrowing his eyes on me. “You.”

“Wow, it’s really weird how you said it just like she—”

He cuts me off by lunging at me.

“Man,” I gasp as he wraps his hands around my neck and mine reach for his unused seatbelt. “You should really—” He tightens his grip. “Wear a—”

I click the seatbelt over him and tighten it so he’s trapped in his position. Then I use the middle seat belt to wrap around him too before teleporting to the space my attacker is no longer occupying in the shotgun seat.

And find a revolver aimed at me.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t use this on you,” Aisling hisses as she turns the truck down a side-street with one hand.

“There is none!” my attacker yells behind us. “Shoot him!”

I eye the revolver. Beautiful thing. Familiar thing. “Because it’s just cruel to kill a man with his own weapon?”

She switches off the safety. “Not good enough.”

Because I can teleport away anyway? “Because I want in on whatever you’re in on. I need out of my old agency.” At least long enough to work through the grieving process out of sight of their watching eyes. And to find out everything I can about Aisling, my wife, and this battle I’ve been a drone in for far too long.

But most of all, I need it to be long enough to be able to return to the Amerios with enough information to rescue my children.

“We can’t trust him!” my attacker yells. “You of all people know what he’s done.”

“I also know we can’t fight him, Peter.” Aisling lowers the gun. “You’re in.”

“What!” Peter demands, and his friend—Robbie?—whimpers.

I push Peter a bit more out of my seat to get a little more comfortable, despite my wound. “So, what agency do you work for anyway?”

“Oh,” Aisling says, stopping at a red light. “The NEOs.”

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to an Amazon affiliate link.)

About the Author

Jes Drew is the author of the Ninja and Hunter trilogy, the Howling Twenty trilogy, the Kristian Clark saga, the Castaways trilogy, The Dystopian Takeover trilogy, The Clockwork Faerie Tale Novellas, The Summers of Yesteryear series, Legends of the Master Spy, The New ESE Files, Tales from Parallel Worlds, Genie and Serena, PIs, and Accidentally on the Run. Her true love is Captain Steve Rogers, and there is a possibility that she may or may not be a superhuman, but she hasn't discovered her powers. Yet. Also, she might be a spy, but that's classified. You can contact her at author.jes.drew@gmail.com.

Website | Goodreads | Pinterest

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

November 28th: Launch

November 29th: Elayne Audrey Becker - Forestborn

November 30th: Michelle Diener - The Turncoat King

December 1st: Jes Drew - Agents Adam and Eve

December 2nd: Sharon Hinck - Windward Shore

December 3rd: Kara Linaburg - The Broken Prince

December 4th: Cathy McCrumb - Recorder

December 5th: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads - Realms of Light

December 6th: Chawna Schroeder - The Vault Between Spaces

December 7th: Melissa Wright - Beneath Stone and Sacrifice

December 8th: Kristen Young - Elite

December 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 13, 2021

ENTER HERE

Review: Simply Christmas by Tama Fortner

Simply Christmas:

A Busy Mom's Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays:

A Devotional by Tama Fortner

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb:

Thirty-one encouraging devotions to help busy moms pause and ponder the true miracles of the Christmas season--the wonder of a Savior who would leave heaven to save us and the love of those who share our home.

Between holiday baking, hunting for the perfect tree, decorating, preparing for visiting relatives, and making sure everyone gets the ideal gift, Christmas can be anything but peaceful for a busy mom. Too often, the stress and busyness of the season make it difficult to find time to just sit and reflect on the wonder of the Savior's birth.

If this sounds familiar, allow Simply Christmas to be your personal invitation to slow down and savor the beauty of the manger this year. These thirty-one devotions are not dated, so you're welcome to begin reading anytime--whether that's on December 1, Christmas Eve, the day after Thanksgiving, or the middle of July--without even a smidgen of guilt or shame.

Accompanied by seasonally inspired full-color photographs, this thirty-one-day devotional brings a bit of calm to each day through a short reflection and Scripture, together with points to ponder and fun ideas for simplifying your Christmas traditions.

My Review:

II found Tama Fortner’s Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom's Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional to be a good, faith filled, handy little book to read. It is broken down into 31 days. Each day is only about four pages long and includes scripture, devotion, colorful photograph with an inspiring message, and section called “Reclaiming Christmas” that I found to be thought provoking. I liked reading this book and found it to be handy to have during the upcoming Christmas season.

I am giving Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom's Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional five stars. I recommend it for those overwhelmed mamas out there that are looking for inspiration during this Holiday season.

I received a digital copy of Simply Christmas: A Busy Mom's Guide to Reclaiming the Peace of the Holidays: A Devotional from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

View all my reviews

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

Fantasy and Sci-Fi for Christmas and Giveaway: Michelle Diener

On tour with Prism Book Tours

The Turncoat King

(The Rising Wave, #1)

By Michelle Diener

Fantasy, Romance

Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 312 Pages

January 12, 2021 by Eclipse

A thirst for revenge . . . Ava is committed to vengeance against the man responsible for the death of her parents. The same man, the Queen's Herald, kept her prisoner for two years, until she escaped with Luc, a warlord bent on vengeance just as fierce as her own. He's forged a powerful army of people from all through the region, called the Rising Wave, to march on the Kassian royal family and smash its corrupt power under the weight of their anger. But for Luc, just as for Ava, his true motive is a lot more personal.

A hidden magic . . . Luc suspects Ava has magical abilities, suspects he's benefited greatly from them, but he's no stranger to the burdens of power, and he's prepared to let her tell him in her own time—after all, she's his heart's choice and he will give her all the time she needs. Except time is running out for both of them. As they near the Kassian stronghold, forces from within their own camp and without will use every trick they have to stop both Luc and Ava and tear them apart.

A secret laid bare . . . Luc knows Ava has a secret she's keeping from him—but what he doesn't realize is she has many. And when those secrets are exposed, everyone will have to grapple with the consequences. Ava is prepared to sacrifice her happiness and even her life to save the Rising Wave and Luc—but she would prefer to use her heart and her head to outwit her enemies instead.

Author's note: The Rising Wave series begins with a prequel novella, The Rising Wave. It isn't necessary to have read The Rising Wave to enjoy The Turncoat King, but it will give readers a better grounding in the world of the story.

(Affiliate link included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop | B&N | Book Depository

Excerpt

The guard assigned to lead them to the Skäddar warrior paused to speak to someone in low tones. When he turned back to Luc and Dak, he was grinning.

“The Skäddar warrior is this way. He's sparring with one of our best fighters and we're hoping he wins.” His smile widened as he led the way.

“Why are you hoping he defeats one of your own?” Dak asked.

“Because she's from the mountain border with Skäddar, and has been teasing us steppe-dwellers about how the highlanders are superior. It will be very good to see someone land her on her arse.”

“None of you have been able to?” Dak lifted his brows.

The guard gave a grunt. “Not yet.”

Luc could tell they were close to the sparring match. The sound of cheers and whistles started up, and ahead of them was a circle of soldiers, all looking inward.

The guard led them around the side, to where the crowd wasn't as thick.

The sun had almost completely set, so two torches had been driven into the ground to illuminate the fighting ring, and the opponents were already circling each other.

The man was obviously Skäddar. Luc had met only a few of the northern dwellers before, but they all had markings on their faces like this one.

The Venyatux highlander was much smaller than her opponent, and had her back to them.

Luc felt the air freeze in his chest and throat as he recognized her hair first—a little longer than it had been since he'd last seen her a month ago but still much shorter than everyone else's.

Ava.

About the Author

Michelle Diener is the bestselling, award-winning author of historical, fantasy and science fiction romance novels. Having worked in publishing and IT, she’s now very happy crafting new worlds for her readers to escape into. She lives in Australia with her husband and children.

Tour Schedule
(Posts go live on the day they're scheduled.)

November 28th: Launch

November 29th: Elayne Audrey Becker - Forestborn

November 30th: Michelle Diener - The Turncoat King

December 1st: Jes Drew - Agents Adam and Eve

December 2nd: Sharon Hinck - Windward Shore

December 3rd: Kara Linaburg - The Broken Prince

December 4th: Cathy McCrumb - Recorder

December 5th: Sandra Fernandez Rhoads - Realms of Light

December 6th: Chawna Schroeder - The Vault Between Spaces

December 7th: Melissa Wright - Beneath Stone and Sacrifice

December 8th: Kristen Young - Elite

December 9th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

One winner will receive a $50 (USD) Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally
Ends December 13, 2020

ENTER HERE

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Three May Keep a Secret by Richard T Ryan

Join Us for This Tour from November 29 to December 17!

Book Details:
Book Title: Three May Keep a Secret: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan
Category: Adult Fiction 18+, 264 pages
Genre: Mystery
Publisher: MX Publishing
Release Date: November 29, 2021
Tour dates: November 29 to December 17
Content Rating: G.

Book Description:

When a meeting with a client goes disastrously wrong, Sherlock Holmes soon finds himself involved in a case of murder with two dead bodies and too few clues.

From some clear pieces of glass and a raven's feather, the Great Detective must divine exactly who the client was and what prompted him to seek assistance at 221B. Fortunately, Holmes has a number of experts upon whom he can rely as well as his own vast store of esoteric knowledge.

Treading a twisted path, Holmes soon finds himself matching wits with an unseen criminal, who appears to be the equal of the late Professor Moriarty. At the same time, he is tasked with sparing the monarchy any possible embarrassment that may stem from the investigation.

It's a deadly game of cat-and-mouse that finds Holmes and Watson attending underground auctions, using rare and priceless artifacts as bait and holding a late night vigil in anticipation of deterring a theft, all the while trying to understand how a priceless antiquity fits into their investigation.

Buy the Book:
Amazon ~ Amazon.UK
B&N ~ Kobo ~ BookDepository

Meet the Author:

A lifelong Sherlockian, Richard Ryan is the author of “The Vatican Cameos: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure,” “The Stone of Destiny,” “The Druid of Death” and “The Merchant of Menace,” and “Through a Glass Starkly,” all from MX Publishing. “Three May Keep a Secret” is his sixth Holmes pastiche, and he is currently at work on his seventh.

He has also written “B Is for Baker Street (My First Sherlock Holmes Book)," an alphabet book he penned for his grandchildren.

Among his other credits are “The Official Sherlock Holmes Trivia Book," a book on Agatha Christie trivia and the well-received murder mystery “Deadly Relations” that has been produced twice off-Broadway.

He pursued his graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame, where he majored in medieval literature. To this day, he remains a die-hard fan of the Fighting Irish.

connect with the author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ goodreads

Guest Post:

For Some It’s Always 1895

by Richard T. Ryan

In a sonnet, he titled “221B,” the late Vincent Starrett wrote:

Here dwell together still two men of note
Who never lived and so can never die:
How very near they seem, yet how remote
That age before the world went all awry.

In an age that has brought us “Star Wars,” “Harry Potter” and “Lord of the Rings,” one might be hard-pressed to explain why a literary character from the Victorian era still has legions of fans. Nevertheless, the fact remains that Sherlock Holmes enjoys an incredible staying power among his aficionados.

After all, we’re talking about one man with no super powers per se – only a keen eye for observation and a brilliant mind that specializes in logic and deduction. His only “gadget,” if you will is a magnifying glass and he can often be found smoking incessantly while wearing a dressing gown (think bath robe).

Certainly part of Holmes’ longevity can be attributed to his many appearances in movies. He recently passed Dracula as the most represented character in cinema. Popular since the era of silent films, Holmes has been portrayed by many notable actors through the years, chief among them William Gillette, Basil Rathbone, Ian McKellan and, lately, Robert Downey Jr. Others include Roger Moore, Ian McKellan, Christopher Lee, and Peter Cushing. All told, there are approximately 300 hundred films which feature the Great Detective and the number keeps growing.

The Great Detective has been a staple on TV since the 1950s, with Jeremy Brett, Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller – just to name a few – taking up the mantle. Lately, American television has been graced by “The Irregulars” while Japan has given us “Miss Sherlock,” in which Holmes and Watson are played by women. Holmes also surfaces on stage fairly regularly.

Each year hundreds of Sherlock Holmes books are published and the authors include basketball star Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; film director Nicholas Meyer; the late literary scholar John Gardner and Laurie King.

There are also card games, stuffed bears, toys of all kinds (including Lego) as well as apparel from socks to ties to scarves and yes, you can even order deerstalkers and Inverness capes online.

However, the biggest reason that Sherlock continues to thrive are the fan societies. The most prestigious group would be the Baker Street Irregulars who meet every January in New York City. Past members have included Isaac Asimov, Rex Stout and Presidents Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman, both of whom were honorary members.

In addition to the Irregulars there are scion groups in many major cities – The Criterion Bar Association in Chicago, The Diogenes Club of Dallas – as well as throughout Europe, Asia and Australia.

All of these groups are dedicated to “keeping the memory [of Sherlock Holmes] green.” To that end, they meet regularly, sponsor symposiums and lectures and publish scholarly journals and books.

As Starrett might have noted in his sonnet:

Here, though the world explode, these two survive,
And it is always eighteen ninety-five.

Tour Schedule:

Nov 29 – Working Mommy Journal – book spotlight / giveaway
Nov 29 - Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Nov 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 1 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 1 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 2 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 2 - Lisa Everyday Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 3 – JB's Bookworms with Brandy Mulder – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 6 – Cassidy's Bookshelves – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 6 - Books for Books – book spotlight
Dec 7 – Pick a Good Book – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 7 – Literary Flits – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 8 - Westveil Publishing – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 9 – StoreyBook Reviews – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
Dec 10 – Sefina Hawke's Books – book spotlight
Dec 13 – Kam's Place – book spotlight
Dec 14 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 14 - Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 15 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 15 - Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
Dec 16 - My Bookish Bliss - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
Dec 17 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway

Enter the Giveaway:

Three May Keep a Secret: A Sherlock Holmes Adventure by Richard T. Ryan Book Tour Giveaway