Thursday, June 30, 2022

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
GenreParanormal, 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 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 
Jose and the Pirate Captain

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

Jose and the Pirate Captain by Arnon Z. ShorrAbout 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/

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

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.

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

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 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 
Speakeasy

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

[video width="1920" height="1080" mp4="https://www.virtualauthorbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/SPEAKEASY-VIDEO-L-F.mp4"][/video]

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

Speakeasy by Elyse DouglasAbout 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

Buy Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

Amazon

Giveaway Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

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

Follow Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus May 3 Kickoff & Guest Post Stephen Matlock May 4 Review & Interview Bee BookPleasures.com May 6 Review Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews May 17 Review Avonna Loves Genres May 18 Review & Excerpt Lu Ann Rockin' Book Reviews May 24 Review & Guest Post Leslie StoreyBook Reviews May 25 Review Laura Lee Celticlady's Reviews May 27 Guest Review Denise Amazon June 1 Review Katy eBook Addicts June 3 Guest Review DT Amazon June 7 Review Sal Bound 4 Escape June 8 Guest Review Wendy Wall-Wall Books June 15 Review Carole Rae's Random Ramblings June 17Review Betty Goodreads June 23 Review Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus June 28 Review Amy Locks, Hooks and Books June 29 Review & Excerpt Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

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. 

Tuesday, June 28, 2022

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales by Anne E Beall


Join us for this tour from June 13 to July 1, 2022!

Book Details:
 
Book Title:  Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales by Anne E. Beall
Category:  Adult Non-Fiction (18+),  126 pages
GenreFeminist, Fairy Tales, Literary Criticism
Publisher:  Independent Publishing
Release date:  November 17, 2018
Content Rating:  PG + M. Some fairy tales are a bit gruesome but there is no bad language or explicit sex. 

 Book Description:

Did Cinderella live happily ever after? You might think so until you look more closely at the hidden messages in beloved fairy tales. In this book, fairy tales are analyzed in terms of the underlying messages about marriage, agency, power, suffering, and good versus evil, with a focus on how male and female characters differ in each of these areas. The analysis is a data-driven approach that provides clear evidence for the hidden messages in these beloved tales. The end conclusion is not whether fairy tales are good or bad but rather what messages they deliver about life, even if unintentionally.

Buy the Book:
Amazon
add to Goodreads

 

Meet the Author:

A leader in the field of market research and one of the few female CEOs in the industry, Anne E. Beall is the author of 10 books in business, gender studies, and mindfulness, including Cinderella Didn’t Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales and The Psychology of Gender. Her book Heartfelt Connections was named one of the top 100 Notable Indie books in 2016 by Shelf Unbound, and she has published nearly a dozen business articles in noted journals. Her books have been featured in People Magazine, Toronto Sun, Hers Magazine, and Ms. Career Girl, and she has been interviewed by NBC, NPR, and WGN. Having received her PhD in social psychology from Yale University, Anne resides in Evanston, Illinois and is the founder of the market consultancy company Beall Research.

connect with the author:   website ~ facebook ~ twitter goodreads

Tour Schedule:

June 13 – Jazzy Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 13 - Literary Flits – book review / giveaway
June 15 – Deborah-Zenha Adams – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway
June 15 - Viviana MacKade – book review / giveaway
June 16 – Cheryl's Book Nook – book review / giveaway
June 16 - Sadie's Spotlight – book spotlight / giveaway
June 17 – Confessions of the Perfect Mom – book review
June 17 – Kam's Place – book review
June 20 – Mostly Mystery Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 20 - A Mama's Corner of the World - book review / giveaway
June 21 – Splashes of Joy – book review / giveaway
June 21 - Lamon Reviews – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 22 – Novels Alive – book review / giveaway
June 22 - The Girl Who Reads – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 23 – fundinmental – book spotlight / giveaway
June 24 – Chit Chat With Charity – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 24 - Gina Rae Mitchell - book spotlight / guest post / giveaway
June 27 – My Fictional Oasis – book review
June 27 - Books for Books - book spotlight
June 28 – Locks, Hooks and Books – book review / giveaway
June 28 - My Reading Getaway – book review / author interview / giveaway
June 29 – Lisa's Reading – book spotlight / giveaway
June 29 - Rockin' Book Reviews – book review / guest post / giveaway
June 30 – Lynchburg Reads – book review / giveaway
June 30 - Library Lady's Kid Lit – book review / guest post / giveaway
July 1 - Cover Lover Book Review – book review / giveaway
July 1 - Celticlady's Reviews – book spotlight / giveaway
July 1 - Adventurous Jessy – book review / giveaway
 

Enter the Giveaway:

 

CINDERELLA DID NOT LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER Book Tour Giveaway

 


 

My Review: 

Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales is not my usual genre that I would normally read. It is, also, the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by Anne E. Beall. I thought the author gave me some new insights about life and the beloved fairy tales that I have enjoyed reading in the past. It gave me a new outlook on them while the scrutinizing, examining and evaluating those stories. It was interested on how the author sees the good vs evil and the happy endings to them. At times, I did feel as though it was a little over the top what the author was saying. However, I did mostly understand and agreed. It was entertaining to see the possible hidden meanings and did make me think a little bit more behind it. Overall, it was fascinating to read. 
 
I am giving Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales three and a half stars. Readers who enjoy reading books about analyzing real life versus fairy tales we all have loved through the years. I would be curious to see what other books Anne E Beall will come up with next. This one is worth a read. 

I received a paperback copy of Cinderella Didn't Live Happily Ever After: The Hidden Messages in Fairy Tales 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: Legacy of Love by Renae Brumbaugh Green

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Renae Brumbaugh Green

Genre: Historical Romance

Release date: June 14, 2022

She’s struggled her entire life to overcome her parentage.

Skye Stratton is nearly perfect. Or at least, she tries to be. She carries the Stratton name, but everyone knows her true half-breed heritage. When she completes her education and is hired as a teacher at the local school, she hopes to finally find acceptance in the town. But when most of her class elects to stay home rather than be taught by an Indian, she knows things will never change.

Alan McNaughten went to Washington, D.C. to make a difference. Instead, he finds himself entrenched in political lies, manipulation, and deceit. When he finds a way to return home to Texas as an Indian Agent, he leaps at the chance. Even if he must hurt an innocent woman to secure his position.

But when the lovely Miss Stratton agrees to teach for the Alabama-Coushatta Reservation, Alan knows he’s gone too far. He’ll do anything to protect her from further heartache and harm. But what will happen when she learns the truth about her position…and the truth about him?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Renae Brumbaugh Green is an ECPA Bestselling Author, award-winning humor columnist, and wannabe superhero. She lives in Texas with her handsome, country-boy husband, four nearly-perfect children and one nearly-perfect son-in-law, and far too many animals. When she’s not writing, Renae teaches online classes and tries to be rugged without chipping her nail polish.

 

More from Renae

Enough

All my life, since I can remember, I’ve been told I’m part Native American. My great-great grandmother on my mother’s side, they said, was full-blooded Comanche. So even though I am blonde and fair (I have glow-in-the-dark skin) I believed them. I told people, and laughed at their sideways looks. I was proud of my heritage.

Then I took one of those Ancestry DNA tests. Nope. Not one drop of Native American in me. According to the test, I’m English, Scottish, Irish, and Swedish. And yes, I am the biological child of my father (very blonde and fair) and my mother (brunette, with high cheekbones). So I guess it’s just the way the genetic dominoes fell. When I got my mom’s half, I apparently didn’t get the Native American part.

I’m not sure how the science of DNA works, but I will tell you I feel extremely connected to Skye, the heroine of Legacy of Love. She’s a perfectionist. I’m a perfectionist. She thinks she has to perform to be accepted. I do, too. Though she’s always been loved, she struggles to fit in, to feel like she’s really a part of things. Ditto.

Skye’s journey is both difficult and beautiful. It helps that there’s a dreamy beaux (or three!) along the way. But in all the hardship and heartache, she finds herself. And she finds that she’s enough, exactly as she is. Most importantly, she finds a relationship with the One who created her and loved her before time began.

I hope you enjoy Skye’s journey in book two of The Stratton Legacy series. If you haven’t read book one, I encourage you to do so—you’ll meet Skye as a child. More than anything, I hope you’ll glean some beautiful truths along the way.

You are precious.

You are loved.

You are enough.

Blog Stops

Guild Master, June 20 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 20

Texas Book-aholic, June 21

lakesidelivingsite, June 22

Lighthouse Academy, June 23 (Guest Review from Marilyn Ridgway)

Betti Mace, June 24

Inklings and notions, June 25

For Him and My Family, June 26

deb’s Book Review, June 27

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 28

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 29

Connie’s History Classroom, June 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, July 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, July 2

Pause for Tales, July 3

Miriam Jacob, July 3

Giveaway


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

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

https://promosimple.com/ps/1eff8/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway


My Review

Legacy of Love is the second installment from Renae Brumbaugh Green’s series, The Stratton Legacy. I really enjoyed the first book, Legacy of Honor, and enjoyed this one even more. I adored Skye and Alan’s story. I loved Skye and my heart broke for her as she is faced with discrimination but admired her courage, determination and bravery. I found this to be a beautiful story of reminded of some valuable life lessons: the power of forgiveness, how to overcome the past, and learning to discover yourself. 

I am giving Legacy of Love a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading clean Historical Romance. I look forward for the next release from The Stratton Legacy series to see what happens next. 

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