Monday, April 30, 2018

Book Blast: A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne

  A Pirate at Pembroke by Danielle Thorne Keeping company with a reputed pirate is one thing, but falling in love with him could ruin the eccentric Crestwood family for good... Sophie Crestwood is never going to catch a husband, and she isn’t even sure she wants one. Her father is a gossip, her mother has her nose in a book, and little Jack has shamefully been dismissed from boarding school. Worst of all, a pirate moves next door into Pembroke Hall. When Sophie's sent to a matchmaking party at a neighboring estate, the pirate from Pembroke arrives and distracts everyone from the summer festivities. Unguarded, her feelings about the mysterious Captain Murdock bloom into a trusted friendship that Sophie fears may come to mean more than anyone could ever suspect. Praise There have been only a handful of times when a book truly blows me away. This is one of those times. It's full of emotions from laughter to tears and all in between. There are heroes and villains. There's mystery, humor, danger, and romance all contained within its pages. As I read, I became fully engaged with the characters. ~D. Pearson This sweet romance will give you all the feels and keep you turning pages. Romance, mystery and a little humor made this an engaging and satisfying read. ~F. Brown
 
Excerpt
 In one swift, honest acknowledgment she now felt sad. Everything was all wrong, and once again she had put them in a terrible and awkward position. Captain Murdock had already made it clear she should not esteem him so. She stood up in a rush. He came up off the couch at the same time, like she'd cried out, and reached for her arm to pull her close and keep her from leaving. His soft fingertips brushed her tears away. "Don't cry," he ordered. His tone changed to a firm and resolute timbre. "What will they think when I take you downstairs." He looked past her toward the violin case. "We are late," he said but did not move. Sophie could not move either. The grief in her soul made her want to be pulled through a hole in the floor. Everyone had what they wished for but her. She would not have Leatherbury. She would not have Pembroke. She would not have Captain Murdock. An unseen chill moved through the room. She put the back of her hand -- the hand he had kissed -- over her mouth and released a sob as her chest sank. Before she could sniffle or feel mortified at her emotional exhibition, a strong arm went around her waist. Captain Murdock crushed her to him, and she found her face nestled in the center of his perfectly tied cravat. "I don't want to get married," she choked out. "I love... I like... I do admire Mr. Billingham so, but--" She began to cry, horrified to expose such delicate and private feelings before him, but there was no one else to tell. She caught her breath, sniffled, and broke back down again. Murdock said nothing but embraced her, rubbing her arms and stroking her back. "I did say you were the bravest girl I knew." Sophie heard him swallow. He was very warm, radiating heat like stones in the summer sun. She raised her head. Murdock must advise her what to do. "Jack would tell me to run away," she croaked. "My parents would have me do the sensible thing and become the mistress of this great estate. What say you, Edward Murdock?" He looked down at her, his gaze probing. "What does your heart tell you to do, Sophie Crestwood?" His voice was a whisper. She closed her eyes and took a deep, full breath. Her heart had been screaming the truth at her all along.
Author Danielle Thorne Danielle Thorne is the author of a dozen books, including five-star classic romance and adventure in several genres. A graduate of BYU-Idaho, she has edited for both Solstice and Desert Breeze Publishing and participated in writing organizations and contests over the years picking up awards and recognition for her work. When not researching or writing fiction, Danielle freelances as a historical non-fiction author for young adults from her home in Atlanta, Georgia. She loves to hear from romance readers through her website and appreciates feedback and reviews. Her next adventure, The Story of Queen Victoria 200 Years After Her Birth, is coming 2018 with Atlantic Publishing.
  $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway Ends 5/17/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. The giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour and Giveaway: Her Family's Defender by Kim Findlay

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Her Family's Defender
(A Hockey Romance #2)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
May 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

He has home advantage…

But she’s got a strong defensive play.

Hockey star Troy Green never gives up. Not on the ice. Not when he battled cancer last year. And not when it comes to his new neighbor, Michelle Robinson. Troy only wants to help the struggling single mom and her sweet kids, but soon he’s falling for her. Is Troy finally ready to trade in his bachelor life and become a family man?


Other Books in the Series

Crossing the Line
(A Hockey Romance #1)
by Kim Findlay
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 pages
March 1st 2018 by Harlequin Heartwarming

Icebreaker or endgame?

Can two devoted athletes make room in their lives for love?

Mike Reimer knows from experience that hockey and relationships don’t mix. And hot-tempered swim coach Bridget O’Reilly couldn’t be more wrong for the widowed pro goalie, aka the Iceman. As the playoffs approach, Mike’s growing feelings for her could melt the hardest heart. But what if being with Bridget means letting down his team…and, worst of all, himself?


About the Author


Kim Findlay lives in Toronto, Canada, with her very handsome husband, two strapping sons, and possibly the world's cutest spaniel. When she can get time away from her accounting business, Kim can be found traveling, sailing, reading, or writing, depending on the season, time of day, and her energy level. You can find her at kimfindlay.ca, @missheyer74, or on Facebook.

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and an ebook of Crossing the Line
- Open internationally
- Ends May 9th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!



Review: 

Her Family’s Defender is the first book I have read by Kim Findlay. I promise you, it will not be the last. This book is so sweet, delightful, heartwarming and, at times, emotional. I thought it was pretty good. Michelle and Troy were great, relatable characters, with perfect chemistry. 

I recommend Her Family’s Defender and give it 4 1/2 stars. Such a beautiful story. I cannot wait to read more by this author in the future. 

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.



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Sunday, April 29, 2018

Grand Finale Blitz and Giveaway: First Crush, Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
First Crush, Last Love
By Elizabeth McKenna

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

I hope they, for a moment, remember how bittersweet love can be - especially that first love. I hope they are reminded that a bad relationship has to be ended, no matter how insecure you are, and I hope that the belief that things will get better is reinforced in the reader's mind.


She shook her head. For all the bravado she showed in front of Lee, here she was acting like a scared twelve-year-old, alone for the first time while her parents were on a date night. Her mom had offered to cancel her trip to London when Jessie told her the date of the class reunion, but Jessie had insisted she go. Since retirement, these trips had become her mom’s main source of entertainment.

She rummaged in her purse until her fingers found her pepper spray. With the canister at arm’s length, she circled each room on the first floor, testing the locks on the windows. Everything seemed in order. She let out a breath and grasped the banister leading upstairs with her free hand while her foot straightened the rug.


"If you are looking for a sweet, fun read, then First Crush, Last Love is the book for you. Elizabeth McKenna is a talented writer who does not force the characters together and sets a beautiful stage for a wonderful story. Make sure you add this book to your To-Be-Read Shelf."

E-Romance News - Excerpt

Part I Senior Year, July 4, 1983 (beach during fireworks display)

Now, here they were side by side at the fire pit, and Jessie still couldn’t believe it. She didn’t know what had changed, but she wasn’t going to question whichever star had granted her wish.

Lee’s head dropped back to better take in the night sky. “I like the really big ones the best.”

Jessie forced herself to look away from his profile to watch the finale. Color upon color assaulted her eyes as the exploding fireworks mimicked the sounds of war. The last one shot into the night sky and a cloud of smoke drifted over the water.


"The heartwarming novel was fun and interesting to read. The characters were all flawed but trying to do the best they could with their circumstances. . . . The novel had an interesting premise of two people who liked each other coming together in the end despite the obstacles that stood in their way."


Part I Senior Year, May 1984

At a party hosted by Sarah, they had their first big fight. After half a dozen beers, Billy accused Jessie of flirting with Lee. Later in front of Billy’s house, Jessie turned off the car and rested her aching head on the steering wheel. Billy hadn’t spoken to her since their public shouting match at Sarah’s house. She was scared she’d blown her first real relationship all because of a misunderstanding.

“Why, Jessie, why?” He slurred the question, and her name came out “Jeth-thee.”

“I wasn’t flirting. I pumped the keg for Lee, and we talked about the physics final next week. It was no big deal.”

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Part III 10-Year Reunion, Saturday October 15, 1994

In the main banquet hall of Penbrook’s Restaurant, the band closed their first set with a slow song, and the Class of 1984 and their spouses headed to the dance floor. Jessie hadn’t slow-danced since her wedding reception and her mood turned bitter at the memory. She downed the rest of her drink. Love sucked. That was the bottom line.

She smelled Lee before she saw him. His clean, shower-fresh scent conjured up more memories. Sitting behind him in classes because “Baxter” came after “Archer,” she had breathed in his pheromones as if her life depended on it.

From behind, he nudged her shoulder with his own. “Hi there.”


"I am a big fan of older music and I loved the music that was mentioned in this story! I also married someone that I went to grade school with, after not talking for awhile. There is a lot to be said about your first love, and your last love that you are meant to spend the rest of your life with. . . . The author did a great job of making Lee and Jessie these two people. . . . I am giving this book a 5/5."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

Part I Senior Year, February 1984

“Hey, Jester, wait up!” Lee hustled down the school hallway. The red and pink Valentine hearts hanging from the ceiling fluttered in his wake.

When he reached Jessie, she offered him a tentative smile. Her wistful, blue-gray eyes met his before skittering away, and guilt hit him like a blitzing linebacker. He rubbed a palm across his stomach. He wished he could give her what she wanted—what she deserved—but he didn’t have it in him.

Bri's Book Nook - Review

"I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a new romance novel, or to anyone who loves second chance romances. I’m not sure if this counts as second chance, because they were never together in the first place. However, I still consider it to be one, and this is definitely one of the best if not THE best second-chance romance novels that I have ever read."


Part II Marriage Interrupted, June 1990

Jessie kicked the back door closed with her foot and set the grocery bags on the kitchen table. The sound of the shower running told her Billy would be home for dinner. She put away the food and walked into the bedroom.

A trail of plaid shorts, an inside out polo shirt, bunched up socks, and golf shoes led to Billy’s dresser. Reigning in her annoyance, she gathered the dirty laundry in her arms and closed an open dresser drawer with her hip. A handful of coins and crumpled bills decorated the top of the dresser, along with a bank withdrawal slip. Her jaw clenched, and her annoyance turned to anger.


Part II Marriage Interrupted, August 1990

Jessie woke up from her nap on the couch to find college football blaring from the television and Billy gone from the recliner. She thumbed the mute button on the remote and stretched. Her stomach rumbled to remind her it was almost suppertime. As she debated what to cook, her eyelids drooped and she drifted off again.

She awoke to Billy’s deep laugh, though it took her a full moment to put a name to the muffled noise. For the past month and a half, the only sounds the walls in their house had heard were tense words or seething silence. She padded down the short hall to their bedroom and stopped at the closed door. Her hand fell away from the knob when she heard him laugh again.


"Everyone remembers their first crush and the agony of loving someone who can't seem to love you back. But what happens when you don't get your happily ever after? Do you dare hope for a second chance? This is what Elizabeth McKenna explores in First Crush, Last Love...
A gripping, emotional tale more powerful because it based on a true story, First Crush, Last Love gives us the happy ending we all wish for."


"First Crush, Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna is a Novella that takes you through all stages of the romance. . . I found some of it difficult to read but over all it was a very enjoyable read."

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

First Crush, Last Love
By Elizabeth McKenna
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 314 pages
August 1st 2017

Back in high school, Lee Archer made Jessie Baxter’s cheeks flush and her heart race. But the popular athlete never wanted to be more than just friends. Ten years later, after a failed marriage and with her journalism career on shaky ground, Jessie’s come home for her high school reunion—and Lee still has the power to make her knees weak and her pulse pound.

Lee’s teenage years were filled with more trauma and drama than anyone guessed. Though his damaged past has helped make him a successful police detective, it’s hurt every relationship he’s tried. But seeing the grown-up, stunning Jessie might just change his commitment-phobic mind.

Jessie’s psycho ex-husband had her convinced no one would ever love her, but Lee is ready to step out of the friend zone and into her heart. Can she learn to trust again before she loses her chance to turn her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna’s novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the joy of finding true love at last.


About the Author


Though Elizabeth McKenna’s love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read a romance novel until her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). With the urging of her children, she decided to write her own Happily Ever Afters.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn’t writing, working, or being a mom, she’s sleeping.


Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card and ebook of Venice in the Moonlight
- Open internationally
- Ends April 25th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!

Saturday, April 28, 2018

Review: Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest by Leanna Tankersley


Blurb (from Amazon):

What happens when life begins to trip us up and failure starts creeping in? Many of us just keep on doing the same thing, hoping for different results. Some of us look for escape, to find a way out of the mess we feel that we've created. But neither enduring nor escaping is ultimately what we need.

The answer is to allow ourselves to begin again, every day, in every part of our lives. Through engaging, lyrical prose, Leeana Tankersley shows women how to forgive themselves, develop new and healthier patterns of living, and do away with resentment and regret. Her life-giving words will free women who are feeling stuck and allow them to clear out the debris to make room for what God wants to do in their lives. To begin again is to open the window, even a crack, to let the breeze of grace come in. It is a call to stop running from our fears. To take one small step toward becoming the brave women we were made to be.




My Review: 

Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest is one book that I felt connected. I laughed so hard when Leanna Tankersley told stories about being overwhelmed involving her kids. That definitely spoke to me! She gives such inspiration on how to deal and move on.

Begin Again: The Brave Practice of Releasing Hurt and Receiving Rest on to one of my fellow overwhelmed mom friends. I highly recommend it! I am giving it a well deserved 5 stars.

I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.





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Friday, April 27, 2018

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Parisa by Conrad Trump

Parisa by Conrad Trump

Parisa by Conrad Trump

Publisher:  High Peaks Publishing (September 7, 2015) Category: Contemporary Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy Tour dates: Mar/Apr, 2018 ISBN: 978-0976159766 Available in Print and ebook,292 pages  
Parisa

When world class snowboarding sensation, Scott Locke, returns to his home in West Virginia to be honored by the ski resort where he worked as a teenager, a freak accident costs him the opportunity to compete in the upcoming X-Games.  Broken and distraught, the competition soon becomes a secondary consideration when Scott unwittingly releases a force that has been locked away for centuries, a force so powerful and dark that it threatens all mankind. Parisa is an ancient spirit; exotic, beautiful, and mysterious, yet out of place in today’s world.  Scott must find a way to help her acclimate and nurture respect, love, and tolerance for humanity.   The plan begins to backfire as Scott develops feelings for Parisa, and he is drawn into her world of magic and power.  In the face of great temptations, Scott must make the ultimate choice.  He must decide to sacrifice his love for the sake of all mankind or give in to his passion and enjoy the riches and rewards of unlimited power.

Praise Parisa by Conrad Trump

“Parisa held my interest and was hard to put down. I enjoyed it and can't wait for Conrad to write another story. I believe Parisa would make a good movie!”- Debbie Moore, Reviewer “I read Conrad’s book in less than three days. Not only is it a good story, but anyone from West Virginia will love the way Conrad blended our home state into the story about a West Virginia native who becomes a world class snow boarder. This gave us native mountaineers a great deal to be proud of not only with the West Virginia setting, but knowing our native son has developed into a great writer. I look forward to reading more stories written by Conrad in the future. I loved the book.”-KC Bohrer, Reviewer “What an excellent book! This book keeps you hanging until you get to the next page. An excellent read by an excellent author! I am looking forward to reading future books by this author! Excellent word choice provides vivid pictures throughout the story. Excellent story line.”- Meredith L. Zirkleml, Reviewer

Parisa by Conrad TrumpAbout Conrad Trump

Conrad Trump was raised in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, where he still resides.  He received a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from West Virginia University and a master’s degree in Special Education from Old Dominion University. Conrad has worked with youth, guiding troubled teens for the past quarter of a century at a residential school outside of Winchester, Virginia. Prior to the publication of Parisa, Conrad had dozens of shorter pieces of fiction published in magazines and anthologies.  In addition to writing, he is an award winning and published artist with his paintings featured in national juried exhibitions.  Conrad is also an accomplished and published photographer.  He is an outdoor enthusiast and an avid supporter of all things West Virginia.  He and his wife, Kim, have been married for twenty-five years.  Together they have two children, Hilary and Shaun. Website: http://conradtrump.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conrad.trump

Buy Parisa by Conrad Trump

Amazon Barnes&Noble BookDepository

Giveaway Parisa by Conrad Trump

This giveaway is for one print copy or ebook copy of the book.  Print is available to the U.S. only but ebook is available worldwide.  This giveaway ends on April 30, 2018.  Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow Parisa by Conrad Trump Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 2 Kickoff Beppe La libreria di Beppe Mar 5 Betty-Guest Review & Excerpt Dawn Bound 2 Escape Mar 6 Excerpt Dawn Bound 4 Escape Mar 7 Sal-Guest Review Candy The Bookworm Chronicles Mar 8 Excerpt Jonica Amazon Mar 9 Review Jeanne Amazon Mar 12 Review Jan Amazon Mar 13 Review Indie Authors Behind the Scenes WebTV Mar 13 Video Interview Katy Amazon Mar 14 Review Cindy's Notebook Mar 15 Laura- Guest Review & Excerpt Kimberly Amazon Mar 16 Review Jas International Book Reviews Mar 19 Review Debra Amazon Mar 20 Review Lynn's Romance Enthusiasm Mar 23 Review & Excerpt Nichole Amazon Apr 10 Review Jessica JBronder Book Reviews Apr 17 Review Britni Amazon Apr 30 Review Rebecca Amazon Apr 30 Review


Parisa by Conrad Trump



My Review: 

Parisa is a bit outside my normal genre that I normally read. However, the blurb sounded fascinating, so I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did. I thought it was pretty good. I love the West Virginia location. I like Scott and the events surrounding him in the story were interesting and intriguing. I noticed there is another book to follow this one and I hope to read it in the near future to see what happens next. 

I give Parisa four stars.

I received this book from the author. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.





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Thursday, April 26, 2018

Book Tour: First Crush Last Love by Elizabeth McKenna

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

First Crush, Last Love
by Elizabeth McKenna
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 314 pages
August 1st 2017

Back in high school, Lee Archer made Jessie Baxter’s cheeks flush and her heart race. But the popular athlete never wanted to be more than just friends. Ten years later, after a failed marriage and with her journalism career on shaky ground, Jessie’s come home for her high school reunion—and Lee still has the power to make her knees weak and her pulse pound.

Lee’s teenage years were filled with more trauma and drama than anyone guessed. Though his damaged past has helped make him a successful police detective, it’s hurt every relationship he’s tried. But seeing the grown-up, stunning Jessie might just change his commitment-phobic mind.

Jessie’s psycho ex-husband had her convinced no one would ever love her, but Lee is ready to step out of the friend zone and into her heart. Can she learn to trust again before she loses her chance to turn her first crush into her last love?

Elizabeth McKenna’s novel will have you remembering the angst of high school, the grief of a failed relationship, and the joy of finding true love at last.

GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & Noble

Excerpt

Part II Marriage Interrupted, June 1990
Jessie kicked the back door closed with her foot and set the grocery bags on the kitchen table. The sound of the shower running told her Billy would be home for dinner. She put away the food and walked into the bedroom. 
A trail of plaid shorts, an inside out polo shirt, bunched up socks, and golf shoes led to Billy’s dresser. Reigning in her annoyance, she gathered the dirty laundry in her arms and closed an open dresser drawer with her hip. A handful of coins and crumpled bills decorated the top of the dresser, along with a bank withdrawal slip. Her jaw clenched, and her annoyance turned to anger.
Billy padded into the room, dripping water on the floor despite the towel wrapped around his waist. His hair spiked in short tufts around his face, and his sunburned arms and neck glowed.
“Hey, babe.” He unhooked the towel and rubbed it over his beer-softened abs. “I’m starving. What’s for dinner?”
Jessie held up the withdrawal slip. “You took fifty dollars out?”
“The guys wanted to go golfing.”
“You said you were going to play basketball at the park.”
“Plans changed. What’s the big deal?”
Jessie closed her eyes and fought the fury that had set her body trembling. “The big deal is we don’t have fifty dollars to spare.”
Billy plucked the withdrawal slip from her hand and read it. “Sure we do. It says our balance is nine hundred dollars.”
Speechless, her mouth opened and closed. “I mailed the rent check and the electric bill and bought groceries today. We don’t get paid for another week. We needed that fifty dollars to live on.”
“You don’t have to get so bitchy. We can live on hot dogs and pasta for a while. We’ve done it before.”
“Maybe I don’t want to live like we did in college. I don’t like sacrificing so that you can have a good time with your buddies. We need to get out of debt and start saving money.”
“Well, I can’t unspend the money, so there’s no use in fighting about it.”
She sank on to the bed. She couldn’t get through to him. No matter what she said, he would never say no to his friends. 
Billy sat down beside her. He put his hand on her thigh and said, “I’m sorry. I promise I’ll ask like a good boy next time.”
She pushed his hand away and fell backward on the bed. She rubbed at her eyes with a tired hand. “I don’t like being your mother, Billy, but we have to stick to a budget.”
He leaned over and ran a finger down the middle of her chest and then across the outline of her bra. “I know something we could do that doesn’t cost anything.” 
She rolled away from him and off the bed. “I’m not in the mood.”
“You’re never in the mood anymore.”
“Well, I’m sorry my depression is interfering with your sex life.”
“Your brother died six months ago. You need to get over it.”
She sucked in a breath, unable to believe what he had said. 
He continued, oblivious to her wounded feelings. “Sure, it’s sad, but it was kind of his fault—being gay and all that.” 
It was a kill shot. Her heart exploded, leaving nothing but bitter pieces behind. 
“When you lose someone you love, maybe you’ll understand.” She turned on her heel and said over her shoulder, “You can make your own dinner.”


About the Author


Though Elizabeth McKenna’s love of books reaches back to her childhood, she had never read a romance novel until her sister gave her the latest bestseller by Nora Roberts. She was hooked from page one (actually, she admits it was the first love scene). With the urging of her children, she decided to write her own Happily Ever Afters.

Elizabeth lives in Wisconsin with her understanding husband, two beautiful daughters, and a sassy Labrador. When she isn’t writing, working, or being a mom, she’s sleeping.


Tour Schedule

Tour Giveaway


- 1 winner will receive a $15 Amazon gift card and ebook of Venice in the Moonlight
- Open internationally
- Ends April 25th

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Grab Our Button!

Spotlight: A Jane Austen Daydream by Scott D Southard




A Jane Austen Daydream by Scott D. Southard



FIVE YEAR ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Now with a new foreword and an updated cover showcasing Jane's own handwriting, this re-imagining of Jane's life continues to charm and delight readers of literary fiction worldwide.
*************
All her heroines find love in the end–but is there love waiting for Jane?

Jane Austen spends her days writing and matchmaking in the small countryside village of Steventon, until a ball at Godmersham Park propels her into a new world where she yearns for a romance of her own. But whether her heart will settle on a young lawyer, a clever Reverend, a wealthy childhood friend, or a mysterious stranger is anyone’s guess.

Written in the style of Jane herself, this novel ponders the question faced by many devoted readers over the years–did she ever find love? Weaving fact with fiction, it re-imagines her life, using her own stories to fill in the gaps left by history and showing that all of us–to a greater or lesser degree–are head over heels for Jane.
Scott shares with is why readers would like his book:
When Jane Austen was alive, her name was not on any of her published novels. Upon passing (at an early age), her sister, Cassandra, destroyed her letters. When Jane’s name as the author of her books became known to the public, her nephew (James Edward Austen-Leigh) wrote an autobiography about her. He painted her as a proper individual, who would put down her writing when something more important was going on. This was a Jane who knew her place… which is definitely not the case when you begin to dive into the letters by Jane that were discovered later!
My hope in writing A Jane Austen Daydream was to give Jane a new life in one of her stories. This is her life “re-told” as a novel. To call it a historical fiction though, would be unfair to the entire genre. It is a dream, a creative adventure for her, where she might mingle with characters and plot points that emerge later in her stories. Plus, it is an opportunity for Jane to find the one thing that each of her heroines strive for… a love in equality, and not station.
This is a book for Austen fans, but also for those looking for a new kind of novel. For Daydream is in many ways an experimental work of literary fiction. There are new twists and surprises in this book. If I did what I was aiming to in the telling, you will have a new and surprising experience, and that is true if you are an Austenite or not.
2018 marks the fifth year since the original publication of this book. Since then I’ve heard from many fans of the novel and it only seems to grow. I’m excited to see it being released again like this and I hope more readers will take the time to meet Jane.

About the Author:

The Musings & Artful Blunders of Scott D. Southard where he writes on far-ranging topics like writing, art, books, TV, writing, parenting, life, movies, and writing. He even shares original fiction on the site. Currently, Scott resides in Michigan with his very understanding wife, his two patient children, and a very opinionated dog named Bronte. 
Scott D. Southard, the author of A Jane Austen Daydream, swears he is not obsessed with Jane Austen. He is also the author of the novels: My Problem with Doors, Megan, Permanent Spring Showers, Maximilian Standforth and the Case of the Dangerous Dare, and 3 Days in Rome. With his eclectic writing he has found his way into radio, being the creator of the radio comedy series The Dante Experience. The production was honored with the Golden Headset Award for Best MultiCast Audio and the Silver Ogle Award for Best Fantasy Audio Production. Scott received his Master's in writing from the University of Southern California. Scott can be found on the internet via his writing blog "
Author Links:
Highlighted Reviews:
"For those of you who are exhausted by the innumerable retellings of Austen's novels, this is a style entirely new.... be rewarded by a quick paced novel unlike any you can ever have read, which injects new ideas and possibilities into the world of Jane Austen." -Laura Boyle, The Jane Austen Centre
"Mix one-part biography and one-part historical re-imagining...add witty characters and some surprises and you have A Jane Austen Daydream. This was a delightful read." - Amelia Rodriguez, Jane Austen Society of North America 
"...Lovely, thought-provoking novel. Fans of Austen will adore this book." - Lori Nelson Spielman, author of The Life List.
"Southard has taken the facts about the great author and woven them into a credible, touching, and also entertaining portrait of a life." -Historical Novel Society
Blog Tour Schedule:
April 23rd
Book Spotlight-The Writing Desk
April 24th
Book Review – Kate Braithwaite
Book Spotlight – before the second sleep
April 25th
Book Spotlight Let Them Read Books
April 26th
Book Spotlight – Locks, Hooks and Books
Book Review – Pursuing Stacie  
April 27th
Author Interview -Layered Pages






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Wednesday, April 25, 2018

Love in Bloom and Giveaway: Becky Monson

Speak Now: or Forever Hold Your Peace by Becky Monson Speak Now is the latest hit from the author of the hit Spinster Series, Becky Monson. In this Readers’ Favorite Book Award Winner (Bronze Medal) novel, Bridgette Reynolds needs to stop a wedding, but can she do it? If there’s one thing that Bridgette Reynolds has learned recently, it’s that the perfect shoes, the perfect hair, and the perfect dress do not make for the perfect proposal. In fact, sometimes they make for the not-so-perfect breakup. Now, Bridgette must do everything in her power to win Adam back. She knows they are meant to be. And nothing will stand in her way—not her friends, not her grandmother, not even the fact that Adam is now engaged to Serene after a whirlwind romance. Focused on her plan to win Adam back, Bridgette isn’t expecting Ian—her college best friend, her love, her big regret—to come back into her life. They sink back into their comfortable friendship as if no time has passed at all, making Bridgette start to question her feelings for Adam. But Ian has a few secrets of his own . . . secrets that could shatter their friendship once and for all. Bridgette has to make some major decisions—should she speak now? Or forever hold her peace? After some channel surfing, and a vain attempt to catch up with The Young and the Restless (I couldn’t watch the Ian and Heather and Jessica drama—a bit too close to home), I decide to drag myself upstairs to Margie’s place where Gram and the girls are playing bridge. I need something to get my mind off everything. I doubt it will work, but it’s worth a try. “Is Gram here?” I ask Margie when she answers the door. “Sure is,” she says, opening the door wide. She ushers me in with a sweep of her hand. I walk into Margie’s apartment, which is set up a lot like Gram’s. And just as old-fashioned as well. But, like Gram’s place, it has a homey feel to it. I will say that there are doilies. Lots of doilies. “Look who’s here, ladies,” Margie says as we walk into the living room. Gram and two other ladies, Evelyn and Barbara, all turn to see who it is. Once they see me they all start talking in unison. Saying hello and asking me question after question. I try to field each query, but they keep talking over each other. “Well, Bridgette, what brings you here?” Gram asks, after the chatter has settled. She looks slightly concerned. She wasn’t expecting me. Likewise, I was not expecting to come up here, but here I am. “I thought I would come and see what you ladies are doing.” I knew they were playing cards, so that was kind of a dumb comment. “And also to check up on Gram,” I say, pointing to the wine glass sitting to her left. That was not something I was expecting to find, but I’m glad I did. She looks down at the glass and then back up at me, a sheepish just-been-caught look on her face. “Oh, that’s mine,” Evelyn declares, and I roll my eyes. Evelyn isn’t even sitting next to Gram. “Gram, you’ve got to be kidding. Does she drink every time she’s playing cards with you?” I ask, looking around the room. “Not all the time,” Barbara pipes in. “Just . . . most of the time.” "Speak Now grabbed me from the beginning! This is the perfect escape/beach read - light and fun, amusing with some tearful moments." -Reviewing in Chaos "By the end of the book I felt like Bridgette was a real life friend of mine and I was actually sad when the book ended." -Divine Books Blog "Can I give this book a 10? It was so fantastic!" -Taking Time for Mommy Author Becky Monson By day, Becky Monson is a mother to three young children, and a wife. By night, she escapes with reading books and writing. An award-winning* author, Becky uses humor and true-life experiences to bring her characters to life. She loves all things chick-lit (movies, books, etc.), and wishes she had a British accent. She has recently given up Diet Coke for the fiftieth time and is hopeful this time will last… but it probably won’t.  

Giveaway Details Ends 5/16/18 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway