Friday, November 30, 2018

Virtual Book Tour and Giveaway: Life Without Shoes by Emma Cyrus



Life Without Shoes
by Emma Cyrus



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GENRE: Mystery

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BLURB:

In the great tradition of The Name of the Rose, the Brother Cadfael mysteries and Grantchester, Life Without Shoes confronts a modern-day monastic with a horrifying crime.

Father Ambrose has found a simple life leading a spiritual community in Northern California. He spends his days on guiding the farming and teaching meditation. Then, someone dumps a body in one of their orchards.

Now, the violence of the modern world has come crashing through the gates. He wants Sheriff Charlie Cormley to believe the body has nothing to do with them, but it’s not that easy. He must take on the role of sleuth to protect his community and find the truth. He finds himself moving out into the world in ways he never imagined, and life at New Life will never be the same.
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NOTE: This book is on sale for $0.99.

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EXCERPT

She slipped the paper out of the sleeve and looked with amusement at the cover story: “Exclusive: Interview with Father Ambrose at New Life!” Under the headline was a large photo of Ambrose sitting at his desk, smiling at the camera. The text started below, continuing to page two.

“Do you want me to read it to you?” she asked.

“No, I signed off on it last night. I’ll look at it later. If it’s different from what I approved, that’s likely to ruin my day, so I’ll just postpone it awhile. He’s got this thing about picturing me heroically. I can’t fault his logic from a journalistic standpoint, but it’s very uncomfortable for me. I just hope New Life benefits from all the attention.”

“If the only one who doesn’t see you as a hero is you, we’ll be fine. Like you said, we’re faced with an opportunity. You might not like it, but this is the way it’s playing itself out. We don’t want reporters accosting our folks at the Farmers’ Market or banging down the gate here, so we have to give them a story that satisfies their readers. Just remember, you can create pretty much any picture you want to. Let’s tell our story by telling stories about you!”

Ambrose groaned. “I don’t want to be famous! I just want a nice, quiet harvest with good sales, no drama, no bodies in bags, no policemen.”

“We’re a little beyond that, don’t you think? I don’t usually say things like ‘suck it up,’ but that’s what I mean. We all need you to do this, and we appreciate that you have the capacity.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Emma was born in West Virginia and lived there until she was in high school, when her family moved to Pittsburgh. After high school, she went to Boston to go to college. She worked in different small and startup businesses until she moved into a yoga community in Pennsylvania. There, she’s worked on various projects and taught yoga.

She started the Father Ambrose series as a way of pulling together her love of good mystery stories with her deepening appreciation of the real-life magic and mystery of inner work. Father Ambrose has many characteristics in common with the leaders of her community, but his voice is probably hers, or at least what she thinks her voice would be, if she were living inside the parameters of his life.

She’s discovering the compelling nature of writing fiction and the surprises of working with what other writers have called their ‘muse.’ The creative process seems to have its own timetable and logic. The best results seem to come from stilling her own personal voice and allowing that ‘muse’ to speak.

Links

Amazon Page:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077RM3QN9

Website:
http://www.emmacyrus.com/

Facebook Page:
@emmacyrusbooks

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GIVEAWAY

Emma Cyrus will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway



DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!

November 26: Rogue's Angels
November 26: Mythical Books
November 27: The Reading Addict
November 28: Fabulous and Brunette
November 29: Andi's Book Reviews
November 29: Books,Dreams,Life
November 30: Locks, Hooks and Books
November 30: Long and Short Reviews








My Review

Life Without Shoes begins a whole new and exciting series by Emma Cyrus, Father Ambrose. I thought it was pretty good. It did get a little slow about fifty percent through but it quickly picked back up. I enjoyed the mystery and suspense that kept me intrigued and wondered how it all was going to end. 

I am giving Life Without Shoes four stars. I look forward to the following installment from the Father Ambrose series. I would to find out what happens next.

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





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Thursday, November 29, 2018

12 Days of Clean Romance Kick Off Giveaway

12 Days of Clean Romance

December 2018

During the month of December, we will be featuring 12 Authors who write clean romance!
There will be $400 worth of Giveaways plus great deals on books!
You are invited to come join the fun, learn about these great authors & find your next favorite book!
There will be FREE ebooks, awesome sales & great giveaways!
 
Check out this great list of featured authors who are sponsoring this event!
 
Never miss a giveaway, freebie or sale by signing up for 

Are you a blogger or reader who would be willing to post
about this event on your blog or social media? 

Are you an author who writes clean romance? 

or Sign up for my 
 

To start things off we have a $100 Giveaway!

 
  Giveaway Details 
 $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 1/1/19 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 may be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, BookBub, Instagram, 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 & Clean Wholesome Romance 
and is sponsored by the participating authors. 
VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Review: Five Golden Wishes by Cari Lynn Webb

Five Golden Wishes

Blurb: 

Dylan King never intended to get involved with Christmas Town. He'd arranged his business trip to include a short visit with his Aunt Odette. But now he's fixing furniture for Over the River Retirement Home residents, welding a fence for the carousel and extending his stay every other day. If he stopped making up excuses to spend more time with Sadie Kent, he could finally get back to business like he wanted.

Sadie Kent has fallen to a new low. Not only has she ditched Santa School (a birthday gift from her young daughters to regain her Christmas spirit after her holiday divorce last year), Sadie has seriously embellished her culinary skills. Between keeping her volunteer commitments and trying to find a job that won’t interfere with her daughters’ school schedules, baking and decorating Christmas cookies to help raise money for the carousel refurbishment might be one step too far. If Dylan King stopped offering suggestions and distracting her, and reigniting her holiday spirit, Sadie could prove she had everything under control.

Welcome back to Christmas Town where wishes in the heart, no matter how deep they're buried, find a voice. And the power of family and love endure



My Review: 

Five Golden Wishes is a delightful, fun, magical and quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed this Christmas story. Dylan and Sadie were so sweet together. I could not help to giggle at some of the scenes throughout the book.

I am giving Five Golden Wishes a well deserved five plus stars. I would love to continue to read a story with the secondary characters from this one. Cari Lynn Webb has earned herself a new fan.

Five Golden Wishes is a fabulous book that should not be missed this Christmas season. I highly recommend it.

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



View all my reviews

Review: The Dane Law by Garth Pettersen

The Dane Law (The Atheling Chronicles, #2)

Blurb: 

After a peaceful year running their Frisian estate, Harald and Selia are called to Engla-lond.

Their return is marked by violence and intrigue. The king has vowed to Queen Emma that their son, Harthacnute, will inherit the throne, but the atheling is cruel and reckless. Many view Harald as the better choice, which makes him a target for the unseen supporters of his half-brother. King Cnute urges Harald to be prepared to assume the throne should Harthacnute prove inadequate. Harald resists being swept up by forces beyond his control, but doubts he will survive the reign of King Hartha.

And what of his older brother, Sweyn?



My Rating and Review: 


The Dane Law is my first introduction to Garth Petterson’s writing, as well as, his series, The Atheling Chronicles. I thought this second installment from the series was great. I have slowly started getting more and more interested in this time period and even more so after reading this. I thought this was a great read with the vivid historical details. I felt like I was right there watching history being made.

I would love to go back and read the first book from The Atheling Chronicles series, The Swan’s Road. The Dane Law gets a five plus stars from me. I highly recommend it for all historical fiction lovers.

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



View all my reviews

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Sale: The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart

    
  The Midnight Groom by Taylor Hart 
  How much would you bet on true love this Christmas season? 
 After the worst year of his life, Cameron Cruz, owner of the Denver Storm, agrees to a family Christmas cruise with his twin sister and her family. Sure, maybe part of the reason he agreed to go was because it got him out of court mandated therapy for a week. Still, he was trying to focus on relaxing. He was trying to focus on having fun. He was trying not to look at the reports that came everyday from the private investigator's he'd been hiring and firing for the past year to bring justice to the man who killed his wife. Isabel Kind was only on this Christmas cruise for one reason--to heal. After tragically losing her husband and son five years ago, she'd been stuck. And she and her therapist thought doing the list of excursions they'd planned to do as a family--might help her move on. When she sprains her ankle and Cameron Cruz offers to help her, she finds herself accepting. After reluctantly getting piggy backed around by the amazingly strong and handsome man, swimming with the sting rays, and zip lining through the Honduran jungles, she is more and more mystified by this troubled man. Even more mystified that he's not only helping her physically but he's also trying to help her emotionally--even if, as he says, he can't heal himself. When bad news comes to light and Cameron has to face the past, they are left with a choice--walk away or let the power of grace make them whole.
Grab your copy for just 99 cents today!

  Praise for The Midnight Groom 
 Grief is real and hard. Taylor Heart does a beautiful job of honoring that pain while showing us Cameron's way through it. Their story is beautiful with just the right amount of laughter and hope and, as always, grace. A perfect read when you want to cuddle up with a story that will fill you with peace. The Midnight Groom is a wonderfully entertaining love story that will inspire you to be a better person! I thought the struggle and the healing felt real. This book was a roller coaster ride for my emotions.  

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Steps to Knowing God by Correna R. Barzey



Book Details:

Book Title: Steps to Knowing God by Correna R. Barzey
Category: Adult Non-Fiction, 118 pages
Genre: Christian Living
Publisher: Westbow Press
Release date: February 28, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 12 to 30, 2018
Content Rating: G

Book Description:

For an action-packed revelation on how to live a satisfied life with Christ, every page of this book highlights the truth of God and His desires for us. It is filled with spiritual nutrients and helpful tools that will transform and change lives for the glory of God, thus giving us the ammunition needed to withstand the evil one Gaining a better understanding of God and developing spiritual qualities that will deepen your devotion to Him and will steadily transform you into His likeness.


Buy the Book:







Meet the Author:





Correna R. Barzey is a mother of four, born on the tiny island of Montserrat in the Caribbean. She was brought up in the church from a young age by her grandmother and is a devoted christian who delights in God and His Word. Correna knew she had a passion for writing as she began to write inspirational poems for friends and loved ones, however, looking at this world desperately in need of Christ, she decided to write this book to give others a clearer understanding of Christ.

Connect with the author: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram

Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Dec 8, 2018


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Blog Tour and Giveaway: My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson

 
  My Brother’s Bride by Rachael Anderson 
 Abigail Nash leads a lonely existence. Her mother died giving birth to her, her father’s business dealings took him away more often than not, and her ailing great-aunt, unable to provide much in the way of companionship, was a lack-luster guardian at best. So when her dear friends offered to launch her into London society, it appeared Abby’s life was taking a turn for the better, with suitors and social engagements aplenty. When she marries a proclaimed darling of the ton, it seems she will at last settle into the life of her dreams. But appearances aren’t always what they seem, and dreams often become disappointments. Just months into her marriage, Abby finds herself widowed, penniless, increasing, and determined to never hope again. But when her late husband’s brother, the Earl of Brigston, attempts to thaw the numbness surrounding her heart, Abby must decide if she has it in her to risk another chance at happiness, knowing the odds are not in her favor.  

  Excerpt
When Brigston entered the kitchen, Abby’s back was partially to him, so she didn’t immediately see him. Her brow was furrowed in concentration as she whipped something in a bowl. She paused to lift the spoon, only to frown at the white liquid dripping from it.
“Are you certain this will thicken into a cream?” she asked.
A flash of irritation crossed Monsieur Roch's face until he spotted Morgan and seemed to think better of it. He managed a patient tone in his accented French. “It takes time, my lady.”
Morgan stifled a chuckle as Abby examined another spoonful of the liquid. “I’ve been whipping it for several minutes, but it doesn’t seem even a little thicker to me. Have I forgotten to add something?”
“No,” said the cook in clipped tones.
Morgan stepped forward and leaned in close. “If your arm is tired—”
Abby jumped, and what liquid remained on the spoon splattered across Morgan’s face. She spun around, her eyes growing wide with horror when she saw what she’d done.
He wiped a dab from his nose and tasted it. “A little more sugar, perhaps?”
“Brigston! I’m so dreadfully sorry.” She dropped the spoon into the bowl and grabbed a rag from a nearby wash basin, dabbing it across his face.
“Not that rag!” cried the cook. “It was only just used to mop the floors.”
Abby dropped it as though it had burned her, and Morgan tried not to cringe at the thought of filthy water coating his face.
Monsieur Roch retrieved a clean rag and held it out to him, appearing apologetic. He flicked another irritated glance at Abby before returning to his work.
As Morgan wiped the cream from his face, he wondered what Abby would do or say next. Offer another fumbled apology? Make her excuses and flee? Pretend the incident never happened and return to her labors? He never knew what to expect from her.
Her face scarlet, she cleared her throat and lifted her adorably determined chin. “You are most welcome, my lord.”
He raised a brow. “For what, my lady?”
“I have heard that cream does wonders for one’s complexion, and it seems the rumors are correct. Your skin appears much . . . creamier.”

   
  Praise for My Brother's Bride 
 I found this book to be completely unexpected. I have read all the historical novels by this author and they have all been fun and delightful reads and even though this book had those elements as well, it was definitely more emotional than I was expecting... I loved Abby’s quiet strength and Morgan’s protectiveness. These two were great together. ~Melanie   My to-read list is long but Rachael is one author I always bump to the top and put all other books on hold for. She never disappoints so it's no surprise that this is another top-notch offering from Rachael. I loved these characters and cheered for them as they overcame obstacles and circumstances that tried to keep them apart. My Brother's Bride is an awesome and needed addition to the clean romance genre. So many authors pump out books so fast that often I find the quality of their work is lacking. Since I read for entertainment I'm able to forgive a lot and typically just overlook the shortcomings that are prevalent with so many books in this genre. Thankfully that is not the case with Rachael's books. I'm grateful for the time she takes to ensure she offers her readers quality books with original storylines that won't disappoint. ~ Kathy  
     
  Giveaway Details 
 $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 12/16/18 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. 
Giveaway was organized by Kathy from 
I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.   

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Ghost by Henry Kellerman



Book Details:

Book Title: The Ghost by Henry Kellerman
Category: Adult Fiction, 266 pages
Genre: Mystery/ Thriller, Historical Fiction
Publisher: Barricade Books
Release date: August 7, 2018
Tour dates: Nov 26 to Dec 14, 2018
Content Rating: PG-13

Book Description:

Assassinations, a love story, a kidnapping, and many twists and turns characterizes this riveting novel of historical fiction, circa 1958, thirteen years post World War II.

Events are uncovered where The Ghost, a powerful Vatican Bishop, is sending assassins to retrieve a secret tailpiece – a hidden extension of the 1942 Wannsee Conference Papers that underpinned the Holocaust against Jews. Only two copies of this tailpiece remain where names of thousands of high level Nazis such as Eichmann and Mengele are listed along with their future destinations – should Germany lose the war.

At the same time, New York City detectives working with British M16 secret service, and Israeli Mossad agents, get Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal and his group, (including an Israeli sanctioned killer) involved in order to find and send the crucial coded microfilm to England’s renowned decryption center. Now, in 1958, these Jewish Nazi hunters will not forgive and not forget.

This story is newsworthy testimony regarding the villains who are actual historical figures and are named. Fitting it all together (as in the screenplay based on the story titled: “We Will Find You,”) is the avenging drama of the novel.

To read reviews, please visit Henry Kellerman's page on iRead Book Tours.



Buy the Book:





Meet the Author:


Dr. Henry Kellerman, psychologist/psychoanalyst/author, is a practitioner in New York City. His more than 50 years of treating individuals with a host of humanity's psychological/emotional struggles as well as his more than 30 books published, is testament to his virtuosity AND SKILL in the telling of compelling stories.


Enter the Giveaway!
Ends Dec 22, 2018


a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Review:

The Ghost is the first book I have read by Henry Kellerman. It begins in 1958 and involves events that happened during and after World War II. The Ghost refers to a dominant bishop from the Vatican. The story is quite a complex one with the ghost ordering assassins, post Holocaust, Nazi hunters, kidnappings, drama, suspense, and mystery.  Detectives and secret agents from all over the world are trying to figure out what is going on.

The Ghost is one of those books that keeps a reader engaged and makes them stay on the edge of their seat throughout while reading. I found the plot to be fast paced and a page turner. I did find it a little difficult to follow at times, but it quickly made sense to me and I caught as to what was going on. It is not a book that can be easily put down. I just had to find out what was going to happen next.

I thought The Ghost to be well written. Mr. Kellerman is obviously a talented writer and a natural storyteller. I would love to read other fictional works by him in the future. I found his writing to be quite unique and intriguing.

I am giving The Ghost four and a half stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy historical fiction that is suspense filled, adventurous, action packed, and has a fast paced twist.

The Ghost is most definitely not a book to be missed. It is a must read.

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

Book Blast and Giveaway: Paradigm Shift by STK Chan


This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. STK Chan will be awarding a $15 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.

Fighting what we've become.
An ancient dimension of dark echoes from the past.

Lisa and her family barely manage to escape an invasion from the Rebel army in their home of Malta. Shortly after this episode, she discovers Exo, the ancient dimension she cannot understand until her late 20s. Exo is made of memories of the past; it brings forth all the strong echoes we leave behind. Lisa desperately wants to resolve the conflicts of this inner world peacefully, but quickly learns she must fight the shadows in people's hearts, materialized through battle re-enactments, warfare and emotional turmoil.

Enjoy an Excerpt:

Soon the windows revealed smaller buildings and less crowded streets. The train grew emptier too. Lisa heard the monotonous hum of the wheels more clearly; it slowed her heartbeat down to a peaceful pace. In a flash, as she had done many times before, she crossed into what she believed to be a dreaming state of mind.

A dense forest surrounded her. It was cold, and patches of snow covered the ground.

It feels so real… But I wanted a nice view of wild, untamed mountains. And a waterfall. And why can’t I better control the season or the clothes I’m wearing? Lisa wondered, shivering a little. There! She finally spotted an exit from the curtain of trees.

Below, a large lake covered with floating sheets of ice lay at her feet. She was indeed on a mountain. The fresh air was freezing, but she breathed it in eagerly, ignoring the abundant vapors of her warm breath.

What could this resemble? Canada? Alaska? Lisa had learned that, by focusing very deeply with closed eyes, she could sometimes change her clothing or some of the details around her.

This time, only a long scarf appeared on her shoulders after she opened her eyes. “Not enough,” she said, shivering, but proceeded to walk along the cliff regardless. Minutes later, she stopped to take a better look into the distance. A boat? I don’t want to come across any other people this time...Ah, it’s just a log. She could not stand the cold any longer, so she thought about getting back.

Greg raised an eyebrow when he noticed her repeated blinking.

“Your lucid dreams again?”

Lisa nodded in confession.

“Where did you go this time?”

“Far…far from these many babylons.”

“Just another reason why we are a perfect match.” He smiled.

“They are so real. And they feel so long, though they really last just a fraction of a second.”

“Do you meet any people in there?”

“Yes, but I avoid them. It scares me to death how intense and unpredictable they are. Last week I met a tribe in Africa and before that I was in the middle of a medieval city.”

“Lucky you,” said Greg. “It’s a strange yet blissful anomaly, to escape reality like that.”

About the Author:
A fan of nourishing SF&F fiction. Seeker of essential truths in historical non-fiction. Exploring life for almost half a century. Delivering action and matters of the inner self. "Chan has license to be more philosophical and issue-oriented, and on the whole he blends together different genres well." (John Staughton, SPR)

Website: http://stkchan.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18365677.S_T_K_Chan

The book is $0.99 during the tour.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/PARADIGM-SHIFT-Future-comes-behind-ebook/dp/B07GVNH3GQ
Other book venues: http://stkchan.com/#shortcode-88edda7ce3603c2b9a964b5f0f2b8d1e

a Rafflecopter giveaway




DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!

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