Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Fragrance of Violets by Susan K Beatty

About the Book

Book: The Fragrance of Violets

Author: Susan K. Beatty

Genre: Christian Women’s Fiction

Release date: May 17, 2022

Life crushes us with its weight sometimes.

Fiona’s father abandoned her when she was twelve. So when she learns that he’s the groom’s father in the wedding she’s been assigned to manage, all the old hurts resurface. Maybe if he’d just explain himself and ask forgiveness, she’d get over the pain he left her with—pain she obviously hadn’t left behind after all.

When Nason discovered he wasn’t Fiona’s biological father, and when her mother tried to sabotage his marriage, he felt like he had no other option but to leave and never look back. Running into her again—awkward to say the least. And he can’t understand why she feels betrayed—why she expects him to seek forgiveness.

As if life weren’t complicated enough, Fiona meets Trevor, which sparks a possible romance. New faith, an overdose, and revelations combine with Trevor’s discipleship and shows her how forgiveness really works.

What will it take for Nason to swallow his pride and see how his actions hurt an innocent child?

The Fragrance of Violets—as Mark Twain once said, “Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Who says you can’t begin a new career after middle age? Certainly not Susan K. Beatty. She is passionate about writing about finding courage through faith and grit, particularly through the trials of breast cancer and other life trials. Her daughter is a metastatic breast cancer “thriver” and has been an inspiration for her writing. Susan’s first novel, Faces of Courage, debuted May 2021, as part of the Faces of Courage series, including several novelettes. She is also the author of An Introduction to Home Education (AKA California Homeschool Manual). Susan is a professional writer/journalist and is active in the writer community. She is proof you can begin a fiction writing career at any age.

 

More from Susan

The Fragrance of Violets’ story has yearned to be told for many years now—before I created my tagline, Courage: The Intersection of faith and grit. But it fits perfectly. A similar situation existed a long time ago in the life of an acquaintance. I thought all parties handled it badly, and I longed to make it right. Of course, being an outsider, the only way I could make it right was by creating a novel.

Fiona and Nason, the main characters, are total figments of my imagination, and the details of the story are substantially different. But the core, abandonment, the need to ask for and grant forgiveness, and the courage to meet them, is real and universal.

I desired to show that even when we think we’ve done nothing wrong, we need to seek the Lord and ask Him to reveal where we need to own up to our mistakes and seek forgiveness. Also, I wanted to show that although it is difficult to forgive when we’ve been horribly wronged (and how horrible to have the person you thought of as your father abandon you and with no apparent explanation or remorse), it’s possible with courage. The courage that comes from faith and action.

My prayer is that Fiona and Nason (despite his past) will inspire readers to find their own courage through whatever situations in which they find themselves.

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 21

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 22 (Author Interview)

Texas Book-aholic, June 23

Inklings and notions, June 24

A Baker’s Perspective, June 25 (Author Interview)

For Him and My Family, June 25

deb’s Book Review, June 26

Spoken from the Heart, June 27 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 28

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 29

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 30

Through the Fire Blogs, July 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, July 2

Locks, Hooks and Books, July 3

Splashes of Joy, July 4 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 4

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Susan is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and 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/1eff9/the-fragrance-of-violets-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

I loved the first book from Susan K Beatty’s Faces of Courage series, also, titled Faces of Courage. I was honored when I was given the chance to read the second installment, The Fragrance of Violets. I was surprised at how much more I loved this one. I thought Fiona and Trevor’s story was believable and relatable. It is full of drama, faith, love and of life lessons we all could learn from me. 

I am giving The Fragrance of Violets five stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy it for readers who enjoy reading clean and inspiring romance. I look forward to other books from the Faces of Courage series to see what else Susan K Beatty has in store for her characters. 

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

Review: First Bride to Fall by Ginny Baird

First Bride to Fall by Ginny Baird

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Blurb: 

Nell Delaney will do almost anything for her parents and her two sisters. But enter a marriage of convenience to save the family’s coffee shop? Too far. So Nell and her sisters strike a deal: whoever hasn’t found love in thirty days has to step up to take one for the team. The good news? Nell knows the perfect guy to fall in love with. The bad news? She’s going to have to pretend she likes the outdoors…a lot.

Adventure guide Grant Williams knows immediately that Nell is not exactly Little Miss Outdoorsy. She’s a walking natural disaster—an amazingly adorable disaster. And whoa, their chemistry is unbelievable. Everything between them is so perfect, he’s not even a little bit shocked when he starts thinking of forever…

Right up until he catches the town gossiping about the Delaney sisters’ bargain and realizes she’s just using him to win a bet. Unfortunately, his family’s unreliable reputation means he can’t just dump one of the town’s sweethearts. No, she needs to dump him. If she’s going to pretend to be the perfect doting bride, well, he’ll just pretend to be the worst bachelor on the market.

Let the games begin… 

My Review: 

I have been a fan of Ginny Baird’s books for years now. When I had the opportunity to read her newest release, First Bride to Fall, I jumped at the chance. I was not disappointed. It is the start to her new series, Majestic Maine. I found the interactions between Grand and Nell were a pure delight and I was constantly laughing out loud at different scenes. I loved every single page and had to read the whole book in one sitting. It was a perfect way to spend during a cold, rainy day.

First Bride to Fall will be getting five stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean and entertaining romantic fiction. As always, I will be looking for more books by Ginny Baird in the future, as well as, the second book from her Majestic Maine series, Second Bride Down.

I received a digital copy of First Bride to Fall from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review one hundred percent my own honest opinion.


View all my reviews

Book Blast and Giveaway: The Chasm by Branwen O'Shea

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. Branwen OShea will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

They thought the biggest problem they faced was each other.

After Bleu, Rana, and their new friends narrowly prevent war between the star beings and humans, they hope the upcoming negotiation will secure the peace. Newly emerged from their subterranean haven, the Northern Haven humans are clearly not suited to Earth’s ice age, and require assistance from the enlightened star beings to survive long term on the Surface. But Commander Savas doesn’t trust the suspiciously kind star beings and their unexplainable abilities. When both sides reluctantly negotiate a joint mission to find the other Havens, Bleu must somehow cooperate with the manipulative commander to keep his friends safe.

As their team confronts unexpected dangers, Bleu and his teammates begin to suspect the star beings don’t know as much about the Surface as they claimed, while Rana is torn between remaining true to her nonviolent ways or becoming more human to survive. When an unnatural predator attacks, even the nearly all-knowing Kalakanya can’t explain it. Now the team must pull together or their new discovery will pull them apart, limb by limb.

Read an Excerpt

Savas grinned. “Think of it as research. They’re a new species. You’re doing field observation.”

“I don’t think she eats at all.” Atsushi frowned. “None of the Crowned Ones seem to. They go to the gathering hall to socialize.”

“You do realize that’s impossible, right? They’re alive. They need an energy source.”

“Kalakanya said she eats air or something.”

Savas snorted. “Well, be curious. Ask Kahali when you’re alone. Later, ask the others. We’ll compare answers.”

Atsushi grimaced. “They’ll know what I’m thinking. I don’t want to upset them.”

“No, you don’t.” If he had another Medicci device to block mindreading, he’d offer it to him. There must be something the boy could do to stay safe. A tiny, guilty voice rose within him at exposing the boy to the dangers of mind-control. No kid should go through that.

“What if you keep that chant Kahali taught you running in your head? Maybe then they won’t catch on?”

“Maybe.” Atsushi was silent. “I’m supposed to be chanting that all the time, but I’m horrid at remembering.”

“Then work on that.”

Atsushi nodded and then glanced toward the fire, where the star beings suddenly sang more loudly. “You still don’t trust them, do you?”

“No, I don’t.”

“But why? They’re so nice.”

“There used to be a fish that lived in the depths of the ocean. It evolved a beautiful light that shone magnificently in the darkness. Other fish would swim close, mesmerized by the beauty, feeling completely safe. And then the light-bearing fish would tear them to pieces.”

About the Author:

As a young girl, Branwen wanted to become an ambassador for aliens. Since the aliens never hired her, she now writes about them.

Branwen OShea has a Bachelors in Biology from Colgate University, a Bachelors in Psychology, and a Masters in Social Work. She lives in Connecticut with her family and a menagerie of pets, and enjoys hiking, meditating, and star-gazing. Her published works include Silence of the Song Trees, The Calling, The Cords That Bind, and The Chasm.

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Buy The Calling (Book 1) on Amazon
The Cords That Bind (Book 1.1) on Amazon
The Chasm (Book 2) on Amazon

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Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Beached Ones by Colleen M Story

Join us for this tour from June 14 to July 11, 2022!

Book Details:

Book Title:  The Beached Ones by Colleen M. Story
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  354 pages
Genre: Paranormal, Literary, Ghost, Fantasy
Publisher:  CamCat Books
Release date:  June 14, 2022
Content Rating: PG-13 + M: The book does explore suicide, and there is one scene indicating potential sexual abuse (that is stopped before it starts). There is the occasional swear word, but they are not frequent.

 

Book Description:

HE CAME BACK, DETERMINED TO KEEP HIS PROMISE.

Daniel and his younger brother grew up in an abusive home. Daniel escaped. Now an established stunt rider, he intends to go back to rescue his brother. But then one jump goes horribly wrong . . .

He recovers to find himself in Iowa, unscathed, yet his life has drastically changed. His best friend won’t answer his calls. Even his girlfriend is hiding something. Increasingly terrified, he clings to the one thing he knows: He must pick up his brother in San Francisco. In five days.

​From the isolating fields of Iowa to the crowded streets of San Francisco, Daniel must fight his way through a fog of disjointed memories and supernatural encounters to face the truth and pay a debt he didn’t know he owed.

BUY THE BOOK:
CAMCAT BOOKS
AMAZON ~ B&N ~ Nook
IndieBound ~ Kobo ~ Book Depository 

 

Meet the Author:

Colleen M. Story is a novelist, freelance writer, writing coach, and speaker who loves animals, music, and the great Pacific Northwest.

Her novel, Loreena’s Gift, was a Foreword Reviews’ INDIES Book of the Year Awards winner, among others. Her next novel, The Beached Ones is forthcoming from CamCat Books on June 14, 2022.

Colleen has written three books to help writers succeed. "Your Writing Matters" helps writers overcome self-doubt and determine once and for all where writing fits in their lives.

Her previous release, Writer Get Noticed!, was a gold-medal winner in the Reader’s Favorite Book Awards and a first-place winner in the Reader Views Literary Awards. Overwhelmed Writer Rescue was named Book by Book Publicity’s Best Writing/Publishing Book in 2018 and was an Amazon best seller.

With over 20 years as a professional in the creative industry, Colleen has authored thousands of articles for publications like “Healthline” and “Women’s Health;” worked with high-profile clients like Gerber Baby Products and Kellogg’s; and ghostwritten books on back pain, nutrition, and cancer recovery. She continues to work as a full-time freelance writer, helping clients create informative and inspiring communications in a variety of media formats.

Colleen frequently serves as a workshop leader, writing coach, and motivational speaker, where she helps attendees remove mental and emotional blocks and tap into their unique creative powers.

Go to Colleen's website for free chapters of her books.

connect with the author: website ~twitter ~ goodreads ~ bookbub

 

Tour Schedule:

June 14 - Cover Lover Book Review – book spotlight / giveaway
June 14 – Viviana MacKade – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 14 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 15 – Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
June 15 – Amy's Bookshelf Reviews – book review
June 15 - The Official Blog of Amy Shannon – book spotlight / author interview
June 16 –  Working Mommy Journal – book review / giveaway
June 17 - @twilight_reader – book review
June 20 – Review Thick And Thin – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 21 – Gina Rae Mitchell – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 21 - Ravenz Reviewz – book review / giveaway
June 22 - Kam's Place – book review
June 23 – Book Corner News and Reviews – book review / giveaway
June 24 – Splashes of Joy – book spotlight / giveaway
June 27 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 27 - My Reading Getaway – book review / giveaway
June 28 – Olio by Marilyn – book review / giveaway
June 29 – The Momma Spot – book review / giveaway
June 30 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
July 1 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
July 5 – My Fictional Oasis – book review
July 6 – Bigreadersite – book review / giveaway
July 7 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 7 - From the Book Reviewer's Desk – book review / author interview
July 8 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
July 8 - Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
July 11 – Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / author interview

 

Enter the Giveaway:

THE BEACHED ONES Book Tour Giveaway

 

 My Review: 

The Beached Ones is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by the talented writer, Colleen M Story. I found it to be an interesting and intriguing read. It is not from my go to genre, however, I thought it was  refreshing to read something that has a unique storyline and different writing style. It has a few twists and turns that I did not see coming and had no way of predicting. I had to keep reading to see what was going to happen to Daniel next. It was interesting how the author used his flashbacks to tell his story. Though there were a few scenes I did not understand at first, I quickly was able to catch on and continue reading. All through the book, there was a lot going on: adventure, action, mystery and suspense. Overall, it was a great read for me that kept me entertained for a few hours on a cold and rainy day.  I liked it. 

I am giving The Beached Ones four and a half stars. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading paranormal and fantasy adult fiction. I will be looking for more books by the talented author Colleen M Story in the future and hope there will be more like this, as well. 

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

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z Shorr

Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr, 

Illustrated by Joshua Edelglass

Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing, May 1, 2022 

Category: Children’s Graphic Novels, Pirates, Action Adventure, Jewish, Children's Prejudice and Racism 

Tour dates: May 2-June 30, 2021 

ISBN: 978-1728420097 

Available in Print and ebook, 

96 pages 

Description Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr, Illustrated by Joshua Edelglass’

Set in the shadows of the Spanish Inquisition, this is the coming-of-age story of José Alfaro, a young refugee who forms a powerful bond with the mysterious Pirate Captain Toledano. It’s also a dynamic pirate adventure on the high seas, with hand-to-hand combat and ship-to-ship action, and the powerful story of a dark time in history when people took different paths to survive. José Alfaro is a cocky, rambunctious teen in the 16th-century colony of Santo Domingo, pulling pranks and dodging the authorities. One day, José’s mischief lands him in serious trouble. Hoping for a fresh start, he stows away on the Laqish, not knowing that it’s a pirate ship. From his hiding place, he watches the pirates divide their loot and plan their attacks on long days at sea. He also takes note of the respect they have for their captain, the intimidating Toledano. But the captain has a secret―like José, he is a Jew. For him, piracy is not about the gold; it has a different purpose. Under the tutelage of the ship’s quartermaster, José learns the intricacies of pirate life. But when he can, the captain finds ways to pull José away from the crew, to teach him about his ancestors.

View Trailer Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr

Advance Praise Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr

Winner of the PJ Our Way Author Incentive Award

Praise The Pirate Captain Toledano Film

“Despite its brevity this movie was extremely well done, emotionally very moving, realistic, and genuine.”-Anne, Amazon “I've definitely never seen this version of pirate storytelling, or even knew about their existence historically until now, but it's SO fascinating to think about what these pirates could have been like. The score, the acting, and the storyline flows so well and definitely makes you want to keep watching what happens with the stowaway. I'd love to see this made into a feature one day.”-Milagros Ortiz, Amazon “Filled with suspense and genuine emotion. I was moved by the story and very impressed.”- Philip W, Amazon IndieFEST Film Awards Winner: Award of Excellence Near Nazareth Film Festival Winner: Jury Award

About Arnon Z. Shorr

Arnon Z. Shorr is an author, screenwriter and filmmaker of character-driven adventures and thrillers, where heroes grapple with the extraordinary, and in doing so, learn important truths about themselves. Arnon spent most of his childhood between worlds: a Hebrew speaker in America, a private school kid in a rented two-bedroom apartment. Whenever he’d set foot in one world, his other foot would betray him as different. For that reason, he tells stories that embrace the peculiar, where encounters with the unexpected reveal who we are. Website: https://www.arnonshorr.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/shorr Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArnonShorr/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arnonshorr/

About Joshua Edelglass’

Joshua Edelglass is a freelance illustrator from Massachusetts. He is also the Assistant Director of Camp Ramah New England. At Brown University, Josh wrote and drew the political cartoon, WorldView for The Brown Daily Herald. That experience gave him the bug for cartooning, a passion that has never left him. Josh's work has appeared in a variety of exhibitions, including Pow! Jewish Comics Art and Influence that ran at the Brooklyn Jewish Art Museum in Spring 2018. Josh was included in the Jewish Comix Anthology, published in 2014 by Alternative History Press. Josh was also included in SCI: The Jewish Comics Anthology vol. 2, which was published in the fall of 2018. Website: www.motionpicturescomics.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshua_edelglass/

Pre-order Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr

Amazon Barnes&Noble IndieBound

Giveaway Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr

This giveaway is for 2 print copies One for each of 2 winners. This giveaway is open to the U.S. only and ends on July 1, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Jose and the Pirate Captain Toledano by Arnon Z. Shorr Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 2 Kickoff & Interview Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews May 3 Review Sage Nor Goodreads May 5 Review Jas International Book Promotion May 10 Review Bookgirl Goodreads May 11 Review Zohar Man of la Book May 17 Review & Interview Am Goodreads May 18 Review Betty Goodreads May 19 Review Liam Goodreads May 20 Review Nora S. Storeybook Reviews May 24 Guest Review & Excerpt DT Chantel Amazon June 1 Review Bee Book Pleasures June 2 Review & Interview Ellen See Goodreads June 3 Review Michelle Reading Authors Network June 6 Review Lisa's Writopis June 8 Review Carole Rae's Random Ramblings June 10 Smitty Goodreads June 13 Review Lisa's Writopis June 14 Guest Post Marion Moonlight Musings June 15 Review & Guest Post Gud Reader Goodreads June 16 Review Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 17 Review Suzie M. My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews June 21 Review & Excerpt Linda Lu Goodreads June 22 Review Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews June 24 Guest Review & Guest Post Mike Goodreads June 27 Review Sal Bound 4 Escape June 28 Guest Review Gracie Goodreads June 29 Review Amy Locks, Hooks and Books June 30 Review & Excerpt

My Review

I really enjoyed reading José and the Pirate Captain Toledano. I thought this graphic novel was a fun read. It is full of action, adventure, and lessons that all could learn from. I loved it. 

I loved the illustrations in José and the Pirate Captain Toledano by the talented artist, Joshua M Edelglass. The vivid colors of the pictures perfectly go with the story and really made the tale flow. They are a great way to keep a readers attention as to what was going on.  

I am giving José and the Pirate Captain Toledano five stars. Readers that are between the ages of  eight and twelve and enjoy reading graphic novels full of action. I look forward to sharing this book with my own children. I know they will love it. 

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

Blog Tour and Giveaway: From Shore to Shore by Tabitha Bouldin

About the Book

Book: From Shore to Shore

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: May 31, 2022

Can one captain show her the deep love of the ultimate Captain without falling in love himself?

Bree Jamison comes to Sparrow Island for one reason: to study coral reefs. She’s not interested in happily-ever-after and certainly won’t allow her handsome boat captain to sway her into believing these islands are different from any others. But when she finds an old shipwreck and learns the history of pirates and treasure, Bree finds herself searching for something that always feels just out of reach.

Cooper Carmichael takes the job as boat captain for the enigmatic Bree to further his career. He never expected her to be so driven—or so painfully opposed to God.

All Cooper wants is his happy island life. He wants for nothing. In fact, he’s made it his mission to be content. In every aspect of his life. Bree throws a wrench in his plan as her presence pushes Cooper to want for things he deems unnecessary.

A man striving for contentment. A woman who believes God is picking on her.

It takes one to show the other that no matter which shore you find yourself on, God got there first.

Read the next Sparrow Island novel in the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin is a student at Southern New Hampshire University, where she is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Creative Writing. As a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), she works with critique groups and provides endorsements for other authors. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart. Tabitha spent ten years working as a Medical Assistant before God opened the door which allowed her to become a stay-at-home-homeschooling-mom and author.

 

More from Tabitha

Writing in the Independence Islands series has been a true blessing, and From Shore to Shore is no different, except that these characters brought out feelings that I never expected.

Most of the time, when I go into a story, I know a bit of what’s going to happen. I already understand the characters’ backstory and what has driven them to this point in there life where I’ve picked up their tale and begun to weave it into a book.

Bree decided she wanted to go another route.

Cooper didn’t want to talk to me for half the book.

Christian walked onto the page and tried to take over because he didn’t want to wait for his turn in book five.

These characters, I tell you what, they’re a demanding bunch.

Finally, though, finally they settled in and told me their story.

You might remember Cooper, he’s Mel’s brother and he showed up in book one, Mishaps off the Mainland. Cooper is a delightful yet careful captain who delights in the open ocean and loves the islands.

Bree is a tangled mess of consternation. She scorns love and believes it to be a trap. Even God’s love is suspect in Bree’s eyes.

These two are imperfectly suited for each other, but God has a plan to help them both, and He helped me through every page of From Shore to Shore, a story that shows no matter how far you run, no matter what shore you find yourself on, God got there first.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 23

Christina’s Corner, June 23

lakesidelivingsite, June 24

An Author’s Take, June 25

Texas Book-aholic, June 25

Inklings and notions, June 26

For Him and My Family, June 27

Sylvan Musings, June 27

deb’s Book Review, June 28

Aryn the Libraryan, June 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 29

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 30

Life, Love, Writing, July 1

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, July 1

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 2

Blossoms and Blessings, July 3

Miriam Jacob, July 3

She Lives To Read, July 4

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 5

Blogging With Carol, July 5

Simple Harvest Reads, July 6 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Tabitha is giving away the grand prize package a $25 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/1f45b/from-shore-to-shore-celebration-tour-giveaway

My Review

From Shore to Shore is Tabitha Bouldin’s contribution for the Sparrow Island part from the Independence Islands series. I have loved reading her stories in the past and this one is no different. I enjoyed reading Cooper and Bree’s story. They are characters that are relatable and true to life. I was inspired by them. I loved the beautiful way how the author was able to incorporate the faith element into it without it being overpowering or too much. I thought it was an easy read and I had no problem reading it in one sitting. 

From Shore to Shore will be getting four and a half stars from me. I recommend it for readers who enjoy reading quick clean romances. I will be looking out for the next installment from Sparrow Island, Carolyn Miller’s Rebuilding Hearts. 

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

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Speakeasy: A Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Speakeasy: A Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas
 Publisher: Broadback (April 5, 2022)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction Romance
Tour Dates May 3-June 30
ISBN: Coming Soon
Available in Print and ebook,
375 pages 

Description Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

In 2019, A West Village Nightclub Singer, Roxie Raines, stumbles through a basement doorway into the past and finds herself in Roaring Twenties New York, with all its dangers, secrets, excitement, and romance. Roxie Raines lurches through a secret basement doorway in 2019, and time-slips back to New York’s raucous Roaring Twenties. While she dazzles the speakeasy crowds with her “modern sound,” she gets trapped in the dangerous web of Frankie Shay, an evil club owner. She struggles to escape his control and return to the basement doorway that sent her to 1925. When she meets the handsome detective, Jake Kane, it’s love at first sight, but Jake has a secret past, and her own time travel secret makes him suspicious. Roaring Twenties New York comes alive with flappers, gangsters, romance and speakeasies and Roxie’s stunning rise to stardom could come with the price of losing both the man she loves and her own life.

Excerpt

Excerpt Two

SPEAKEASY

Elyse Douglas

At that instant, Roxie was jarred from her thoughts when the front door burst open and Nash Corbin stood there, glaring at her, his hat cocked right, feet apart, eyes hard.  Hadn’t Jeff locked the front door?

“Look, you!” he growled, pointing a warning finger at her.  “I have to get to the basement.  See?  And don’t you try to stop me, or so help me, I’ll break your neck.”

Roxie jumped to her feet, glancing about.  No one was around, and Nash was much too big for her to try to stop him, and she was too terrified to run.  Nausea twisted her gut.  Before she could form a plan, he lunged ahead, quick-stepping it across the room.  Afraid of an attack, Roxie leaned back, pressing herself against the bar as he blew past her, hurrying toward the closed basement door on the left, just past the bar.

In an instant, he’d yanked it open and vanished inside.  Roxie’s heart bounced about in her chest, her temples throbbing.  What should she do?

She pushed away from the bar and headed for the open basement door.  A bright yellow light flooded the eight concrete stairs that led to shadows below.  Roxie’s throat tightened, and fear made her sweat.  With careful steps, she began her descent, and when she was halfway down, she wondered why she hadn’t called for Jeff.  At the bottom, she steadied herself and then kept going, seeing a long, narrow brick hallway with boxes stacked against the right wall, making the passage even narrower.   

In a low, frightened voice, she called out.  “Roy… Roy, are you down here?”

No response.  That was odd.  He said he’d be in the office, in the rear.  She called out again, louder.  Again, no response.

Roxie was petrified that Nash Corbin would leap out of the shadows and attack her.  Still, she pressed on, noticing a door to her left, slightly ajar.  Inhaling a sharp breath, she approached it, reached for the doorknob, and nudged the door open.  There was darkness and silence, as if she’d entered a cave.  She paused to let her eyes adjust and let her pulse settle.  The room threw out a foul smell of dust and dampness, and Roxie hesitated.  Why was she doing this? Because something seemed to nudge her on.

Roxie was about to return to the stairs and call for Jeff when she saw a flickering blue light inside the room.  Drawn by curiosity, she stepped gingerly into the room, her peering eyes searching through the fog of cobwebs, every sense on high alert, her body a coiled spring, ready to bolt for the door if anything jumped out.  

Movement to Roxie’s left startled her, and she pivoted to focus on the back wall.  Her heart jumped.  There he was, Nash Corbin, standing at the back wall, near what appeared to be a four-foot doorway, illumined by a strange, pulsing, blue light.

His gaze fastened onto her, and in the glowing light, there was a malicious joy in his eyes.  “Okay, dollface, now Nash Corbin goes back to where he came from, and ain’t nobody gonna stop me.”

In astonishment, Roxie watched him pivot, stoop, and leap through the pulsating blue doorway and vanish.  Roxie stumbled back, her eyes glued to the lighted doorway that sparkled and beckoned.  

Too curious to stop herself, Roxie crept forward, easing around stacked boxes and old trunks.  What in the hell was going on?  Only a few feet away from the blue doorway, she lifted her arm and reached out toward the light.  A jolt of electricity rippled through her body, and the hair on her arm and on the back of her neck stood up.

Terrified, she was about to turn and run, when sudden movement to her right froze her on the spot.  The shadow of a cat darted out from behind a box and sprang after a fleeing mouse that raced across Roxie’s shoes.  

Roxie shrieked, danced out of the way and, without realizing it, she twisted her body toward the gyrating blue doorway.  The gravitational pull of the swirling mass caught her, and a hollow scream got stuck in her throat as a surging force sucked her into the doorway of pulsing light.

Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas View Trailer

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Praise Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

“A delightful and enthralling read! Elyse Douglas captured magic and put it on the page.”—Ambling Bookworm Reviews “This is just an astonishing read that will have you hooked on page one and won’t let go till the last. I read it all in one sitting and could not put it down.”• —Donadee’s Corner Reviews

Praise Christmas Eve Series by Elyse Douglas

“The Christmas Eve Letter is a beautiful, poignant story. It is well written and will have you turning the pages eagerly. All of the characters are well thought out, and believably written, together with the well-constructed scenery, that has you feeling as if you yourself have just stepped into the past. The story is unique and moving. It will hold you long after you turn the last page. A perfect Christmas tale of love and hope.”-Whispering Stories “This book is the perfect vehicle for a movie, and I can only hope that there will be more in the series. This novel is truly as close to perfection as the reader could imagine! 5 Stars!”--My Devotional Thoughts Blog and Reviews “I enjoyed the new characters, an update on characters from the first book, and the possibility for more books. If you enjoy time travel-themed novels you will love these books!”--StoreyBook Reviews “I am most impressed that this book did so well as a stand-alone novel. Kudos to the author! If you are looking for a good Christmas book with time travel, give this a go!”--Carole's Bookshelves “I love this whole story, and I especially love Patrick and Eve's romance and all of the adventures that they go on together. Eve is exactly my kind of character. I still can’t stop thinking about the feeling that it gave me and the arc that the characters went on. Everyone really developed a lot in this story and it was so rewarding as a long-time reader to watch that happen. It feels like every new book in this series just keeps getting better and better and I love these characters more and more. Every time a new one comes out I feel like a kid on Christmas morning. The Christmas Eve Secret is my favorite in the series so far, but if you have not read the first two books I would recommend doing that as soon as possible! If you enjoy romance, time travel, mystery and great writing, I promise that you won't regret dipping a toe into this series.”--Cuzinlogic

About Elyse Douglas

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. She and her husband, Douglas Pennington, have completed many novels, including The Other Side of Summer, The Summer Letters, The Christmas Eve Series, Time Visitor, Time Change, The Summer Diary, and The Christmas Diary Series. Website: www.elysedouglas.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

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This giveaway is for 3 copies with the winners choice of print or ebook. Print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on July 1, 2022 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

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My Review

I have enjoyed reading books by Elyse Douglas and was excited to have the opportunity to read their newest release, Speakeasy. I was far from being disappointed. I thought this story was great. It was fun going back in time one hundred years to the roaring twenties with Roxie and Jake. They were fun together and wanted to keep reading to see what would happen between the two. 

Speakeasy is getting a well deserved five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading time travel books and romance. I will be looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This one should not be missed. It is definitely worth a read. I loved it. 

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