"Becoming Mrs. Lewis" by Patti Callahan Review and Blog Tour

BECOMING MRS. LEWIS

About Becoming Mrs. Lewis: The Improbable Love Story of Joy Davidman and C. S. Lewis  

Hardcover: 432 Pages

Publisher: Thomas Nelson (October 2, 2018)

In a most improbable friendship, she found love. In a world where women were silenced, she found her voice.

From New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan comes an exquisite novel of Joy Davidman, the woman C. S. Lewis called “my whole world.” When poet and writer Joy Davidman began writing letters to C. S. Lewis—known as Jack—she was looking for spiritual answers, not love. Love, after all, wasn’t holding together her crumbling marriage. Everything about New Yorker Joy seemed ill-matched for an Oxford don and the beloved writer of Narnia, yet their minds bonded over their letters. Embarking on the adventure of her life, Joy traveled from America to England and back again, facing heartbreak and poverty, discovering friendship and faith, and against all odds, finding a love that even the threat of death couldn’t destroy.

In this masterful exploration of one of the greatest love stories of modern times, we meet a brilliant writer, a fiercely independent mother, and a passionate woman who changed the life of this respected author and inspired books that still enchant us and change us. Joy lived at a time when women weren’t meant to have a voice—and yet her love for Jack gave them both voices they didn’t know they had.

At once a fascinating historical novel and a glimpse into a writer’s life, Becoming Mrs. Lewis is above all a love story—a love of literature and ideas and a love between a husband and wife that, in the end, was not impossible at all.

Check out this audio clip of chapters 1 & 2: CLICK HERE

 

 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

 

My Review

I love C.S. Lewis and even studied his life and works in college—so when I heard there was a story about his wife, the book immediately became a highly anticipated read!  And upon reading “Becoming Mrs. Lewis,” I was happy to discover that the author, Ms. Callahan, possesses a superb and very engaging writing style!  

“Becoming Mrs. Lewis” by Patti Callahan is the story of Joy and how she became C.S. Lewis’s wife (hence the title).  It’s not as much a love story as more of a picture of Joy’s journey (intellectual, spiritual and physical).  Joy Davidman struggles with a lot at the beginning of the book.  It is a raw portrait of a woman in a bad situation, who sometimes makes wrong choices.  She tries to find God in the midst of her struggles and to make sense of things.  She is somewhat of a feminist and ahead of her time.  She has a lot of courage.  I love reading the letters between Joy and C.S. Lewis as she reaches out to him and they develop a strong friendship.  I did start to question her feelings for Lewis though and the decisions she made while still married to another man.  But I was so happy to see that she realizes her obsessive love for Lewis and that all of her life she’s been going to the wrong places to find the love she desires.  Instead of seeking men to find the love she needs, she needs to go to God for this love—and she does!  I was also happy that Lewis kept his distance and did not allow anything to happen while she was still married.

For all the C.S. Lewis fans, there are plenty of nuggets about Lewis sprinkled throughout the book, on both his life and writing.  Ms. Callahan obviously did extensive research.  I love getting to hear a lot of Lewis’s thoughts and references to his works.  His discussions with Joy are fascinating.  I especially love when they talk about and describe “fairy land” and their longing for it.  It is interesting to hear Lewis describe his conversion, which came about by a conversation with J.R.R. Tolkien (author of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”) about the One True Myth (Christ and the Kingdom of God).  I do remember hearing in college some controversial things about Lewis and his relationship with Joy.  Lewis wasn’t always a conventional, conservative Christian.  I think instead of trying to glorify Lewis and Joy, the author seeks to portray a portrait of two people with human sins and struggles, who also love God and have both contributed great works to Christian literature and thinking. 

Content: I give this book a PG-13 rating and it’s more geared towards adults.  Some examples of the content are: a child is physically abused; a man has PTSD; a woman’s husband has an affair and drinks; a woman curses, but the word isn’t actually written; a man attempted suicide in the past; a woman had an affair with a married man; a man smokes; the main character recalls her experience of seeing a person commit suicide; a reference to making love; the Lord’s name is taken in vain; talk of affairs and sex (nothing explicit).

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

Genre: Christian fiction; Historical fiction; Romance

I want to thank TLC Book Tours, Patti Callahan and Thomas Nelson for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

 

 

About Patti Callahan

Patti Callahan (who also writes as Patti Callahan Henry) is a New York Times bestselling author. Patti was a finalist in the Townsend Prize for Fiction, has been an Indie Next Pick, twice an OKRA pick, and a multiple nominee for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) Novel of the Year. Her work has also been included in short story collections, anthologies, magazines and blogs. Patti attended Auburn University for her undergraduate work, and Georgia State University for her graduate degree. Once a Pediatric Clinical Nurse Specialist, she now writes full time. The mother of three children, she lives in both Mountain Brook, Alabama and Bluffton, South Carolina with her husband.

Connect with Patti

 

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

 

Instagram Tour Stops

Monday, October 1st: @Rissi006
Monday, October 1st: @hollyslittlebookreviews
Tuesday, October 2nd: @thecaffeinated_bibliophile
Wednesday, October 3rd: @girlsinbooks
Wednesday, October 3rd: @readingbringsjoy
Thursday, October 4th: @bookishmadeleine
Thursday, October 4th: @ladyofthelibrary
Thursday, October 4th:: @theardentbiblio
Saturday, October 6th: @acozyreader
Sunday, October 7th: @theliterarybirds

Review Tour Stops

Monday, October 1st: View from the Birdhouse
Tuesday, October 2nd: @prose_and_palate and Prose and Palate
Wednesday, October 3rd: Book by Book
Thursday, October 4th: Amy’s Book-et List
Friday, October 5th: Running Through the Storms
Monday, October 8th: Really Into This and @mountain_reader_
Tuesday, October 9th: Blooming with Books
Wednesday, October 10th: @createexploreread
Thursday, October 11th: Jathan & Heather
Friday, October 12th: The Lit Bitch
Monday, October 15th: @kim_reads
Tuesday, October 16th: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
Wednesday, October 17th: Openly Bookish
Thursday, October 18th: Cheryl’s Book Nook
Monday, October 22nd: Fiction Aficionado
Monday, October 22nd: @novelmombooks
Tuesday, October 23rd: Read Eat Repeat
Wednesday, October 24th: Faery Tales are Real
Thursday, October 25th: Girl Who Reads
Friday, October 26th: What is That Book About

Review of Campaign Monitor-- A user-friendly email marketing platform provider!

 

I recently had the opportunity to test out an email marketing platform provider called Campaign Monitor.  I'm always trying to find better ways to promote my blog and Instagram, so I thought Campaign Monitor would be perfect for that.  Through Campaign Monitor’s web-based platform I’m able to send out a newsletter to promote both my blog and Instagram and update my followers on the different tours and giveaways happening on my blog and Instagram. 

With Campaign Monitor, I took advantage of the free trial, but did spend time also looking at what was included in their other packages.  Their Basic Package—$9 per month—includes email design tools, technical support, subscriber management and more, which I thought was a lot for the price!  You can see a list of the three plans and what they include here: 

 

https://www.campaignmnitor.com/pricing/

There is so much included in this platform, one could spend hours perfecting their campaigns and making them look professional.

I was able to create a test campaign from one of the many pre-made templates available on Campaign Monitor’s website (I chose a sample template that was promoting a deal on an organic juice because I’m all about organic and healthy foods!). I sent the campaign emails out to some of my family members.  The template was easy to use and I had several options for importing the list of email addresses or just entering them manually.  I thought a nice feature was that I could choose to send emails out to targeted audiences if I wanted.  You can also use apps connected to Campaign Monitor that help in this area.  I easily was able to name the campaign, use the provided ad and enter my recipients’ email addresses and the campaign was sent.  You can see a full list of Campaign Monitor’s features here:

https://www.campaignmonitor.com/features/
 

I was also impressed with the insights Campaign Monitor can give you once you’ve sent out your email campaign. These insights help you better your future campaigns.  I am hoping to spend more time on this site to use it as I mentioned above for my blog and Instagram.

I liked how much content this site has and how user-friendly it is!  I would definitely recommend it to anyone who has a business or website who wants to easily grow their product!

 

Disclosure:  This review has been provided at the request of Campaign Monitor and Anagram Interactive. I want to thank them both for their partnership and sponsorship.  A small amount was provided to me so that I could access all of the available features on their website. A positive review was in no way required as part of this partnership. The views expressed here are my own.  All pictures are from Campaign Monitor’s website and used with permission (except for the logo).
 

Link to the main site: https://www.campaignmonitor.com/b/

 

 

 

"A Duel for Christmas" Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

 

About the Book

Book Title: A Duel For Christmas
Author: Rosanne E. Lortz
Genre: Regency Romance, Romantic Suspense
Release date: October 1, 2019
 

After seven long years in Devon, Lady Maud Worlington returns to London to reclaim life on her own terms, but a nefarious shadow and the prospect of financial ruin dog her steps. An impulsive and unforgettable kiss under the mistletoe creates a connection with Geoffrey, the handsome, young Duke of Tilbury. Yet as pleasant as it is to have a suitor, Maud is not sure how a boy of one-and-twenty can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her.

The Duke of Tilbury considers himself as adept at managing matters as he is at swordplay, but his beautiful new acquaintance Lady Worlington has other ideas about how to manage her complicated life. Intrigued by their stolen kiss, Geoffrey pursues Lady Worlington’s affections, only to be foiled by the lady’s own doubts, by rivals for her hand, and by a sudden death that affects both their families. When Jacob Pevensey, the investigator from Bow Street enters the scene, the duke becomes a prime suspect in the murder case. Truths are unearthed that Geoffrey would rather keep hidden, and the twelve days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

Click here to purchase your copy!

 

 My Review

“A Duel for Christmas” by Rosanne Lortz is a wonderful read, especially for the holidays!  Although this is the third book in the “Pevensey Mysteries” series, it’s the first book from the series that I have read.  It can definitely be read as a standalone. 

I enjoy how “A Duel for Christmas” opens with a ball and how the book is sectioned off into the twelve days of Christmas.  One can never go wrong with a ball in my opinion!  Scenes at the ball remind me a lot of “Pride and Prejudice,” with a particularly great dance scene including witty banter.  The many familiar themes—a couple going from hating each other to loving each other, an annoying cousin who proposes marriage, an absent father, etc.—all brought me smiles with the nods to “Pride and Prejudice.”  Ms. Lortz has a special way with words and includes lots of Regency details.  However, I did feel the story is a little slow at times and I wanted to see more of Maud, one of the protagonists, in the second half of the story, which focuses more on the murder and investigation.

“A Duel for Christmas” has a great cast of well-written characters.  I enjoy the chemistry between the two main characters, Maud and Geoffrey.  It does feel a little weird that they have only had a few encounters before they feel they are in love with one another.  I understand the hasty marriage proposal and Maud’s dire situation, but the instant love is a little unrealistic for me.  I liked meeting Pevensey, who the series is named after, and I suspect he makes an appearance in the other books as well.  It is fascinating to see how the investigation surrounding the murder plays out.  I am very thankful there are no gruesome details or overly scary scenes.

Overall, “A Duel for Christmas” is a book filled with romance, mystery and history!  It’s a “Pride and Prejudice” meets murder mystery type of read, sprinkled with Christmas cheer! 

Content: I would give this book a PG-13 rating (but on the lower end of PG-13 spectrum).  Some examples of the content are: reference to a woman’s bosom; men gamble; people drink alcohol; the word bastard is used in reference to a man born out of wedlock; people get drunk; the words hussy and trollop are used; a man swears but the word is not actually written; God’s name is taken in vain; a woman talks about giving a man certain liberties; someone is pregnant out of wedlock; mention of sex and a man’s “needs” needing to be met.

Rating:  I give this book 3.5 stars.

Genre:  Historical fiction; Mystery; Romance

I want to thank Rosanne E. Lortz, Celebrate Lit and Madison Street Publishing for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

About the Author

Rosanne E. Lortz is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for ten years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently the Director of Academics and Admissions at Paideia Classical Christian School in Gladstone, Oregon.

Rosanne’s first book, I Serve: A Novel of the Black Prince, released in 2009. This book explores the tumultuous landscape surrounding the Hundred Years’ War and the Black Death and is a tale of arms, of death, of love, and of honor. In 2015, Rosanne began her Pevensey mysteries, novels of romantic suspense set during the British Regency (with inspiration from medieval characters and events). The first three titles are: To Wed an Heiress, The Duke’s Last Hunt, and A Duel for Christmas.

Guest Post from Roseanne

The year is 1120. The place is the English Channel. A ship puts off from the French port. The passengers have been drinking, far too heavily. A submerged rock shatters the hull of the ship. The vessel goes down into the watery depths, and with it the heir to the English throne.

This incident from Medieval history was the inspiration for my Regency novel, A Duel for Christmas. Set in the early 1800s, the novel has a dash of suspense, a few tablespoons of murder mystery, and a heaping cup of sweet romance all blended together to make the perfect holiday read.

Lady Maud Worlington has just returned to London, determined to reclaim life on her own terms, but when an impulsive and unforgettable kiss creates a connection with Geoffrey, the Duke of Tilbury, she must decide if he can prove an equal partner in life and the equal of all the forces mounted against her. A watery death, financial ruin, and a nefarious shadow from the past dog their steps as the Twelve Days of Christmas race toward a perilous end.

Blog Stops

 

A Baker’s Perspective, October 13

Just Commonly, October 13

Blogging With Carol, October 14

Remembrancy, October 14

Carpe Diem, October 15

Inklings and Notions, October 15

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 16

Ashley’s Bookshelf, October 16

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 17

Texas Book-aholic, October 17

All-of-a-kind Mom, October 18

Wishful Endings, October 18

Faery Tales Are Real, October 18

More Of Him, October 19

Just the Write Escape, October 19

Bibliophile Reviews, October 20

D’S QUILTS & BOOKS, October 20

Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, October 21

Lis Loves Reading, October 21

Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 22

Mary Hake, October 22

Two Points of Interest, October 22

Simple Harvest Reads, October 23 (Guest post from Mindy Houng)

Book by Book, October 23

proud to be an autism mom, October 23

Reader’s Cozy Corner, October 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 24

Janices book reviews, October 25

Bigreadersite, October 25

Godly Book Reviews, October 26

Living Life Free in Christ, October 26

Have A Wonderful Day, October 26

 

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Rosanne is giving away a $25 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/d434/a-duel-for-christmas-celebration-tour-giveaway

"The Game of Hope" by Sandra Gulland Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

 

THE GAME OF HOPE BY SANDRA GULLAND

 

Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Viking Books for Young Readers
Hardcover & eBook; 384 Pages

Genre: YA/Historical Fiction

 

 

For Napoleon’s stepdaughter, nothing is simple — especially love.

Paris, 1798. Hortense de Beauharnais is engrossed in her studies at a boarding school for aristocratic girls, most of whom suffered tragic losses during the tumultuous days of the French Revolution. She loves to play and compose music, read and paint, and daydream about Christophe, her brother’s dashing fellow officer. But Hortense is not an ordinary girl. Her beautiful, charming mother Josephine has married Napoleon Bonaparte, soon to become the most powerful man in France, but viewed by Hortense as a coarse, unworthy successor to her elegant father, who was guillotined during the Terror.

Where will Hortense’s future lie?

Inspired by Hortense’s real-life autobiography with charming glimpses of teen life long ago, this is the story of a girl chosen by fate to play a role she didn’t choose.

 

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | CHAPTERS | INDIEBOUND

 

My review

“The Game of Hope” by Sandra Gulland combines two of my favorite genres:  Young Adult and Historical fiction!  It is a coming of age story of Hortense de Beauharnais, the stepdaughter of Napoleon.  I feel like her story will resonate with a lot of readers.

It’s fascinating to see the events surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte and his leadership, as well as the aftermath of the French Revolution, through the eyes of his teenage stepdaughter.  I love how Ms. Gulland portrays the family and their relationships with one another.  There is often a lot of drama, but their relationships evolve throughout the course of the story.  Throughout these evolutions, one can sense the importance of family.  “The Game of Hope” also shows the value of remembering the past and forgiving.  I especially enjoy reading about the relationship between Hortense and her brother.  There are some great friendships and side characters as well.

“The Game of Hope” is rich with historical accuracy and details!  It’s also told in a way that will resonate with young adults (it’s not too bogged down with the details and it has faster paced chapters).  I find it fascinating to see what Hortense’s life would be like.  She experiences so many everyday things (like living at a boarding school and having her first crush); but also huge, out of the ordinary events (like surviving mobs and moving into a palace).  The story is a secular read, so it does contain some more content than the books I usually feature.  I think it would be appropriate for mature teens (see content below for more information).

“The Game of Hope” is a fascinating glimpse into the life of a teenage girl who finds herself caught in events beyond her control.  The book is a beautiful testament to family, friendship and learning to be confident in oneself. 

Content:  I give this book a PG-13 rating.  There’s more content in this book than the books I normally read, so rather than listing each instance, here’s a few examples:  talk of a woman’s menstrual cycle; a girl mentions she is chaste; the word Negro is used in context: a main character finds a book about sex and is disgusted; mention of demons and spirits; talk of people having affairs; people tell fortunes; the word whore is used; a girl refers to her breasts; a dress is low cut; talk of a person committing suicide; reference to people being drunk.

Rating: I give this book 4 stars.

Genre: Historical fiction; Young Adult

I want to thank Sandra Gulland, Penguin Teen, Penguin Random House and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.
 

 



Praise for The Game of Hope

“Gulland, who’s clearly done her research, includes plenty of documented moments and people from Hortense’s life, which cultivates a rich sense of atmosphere . . . Teen fans of historical fiction fascinated by the period will find plenty to appreciate here.” — Booklist

“Gulland has built a career writing historical fiction for adults … . Her pitch-perfect balance of lush period details and character-driven narrative shines again in The Game of Hope. — Quill & Quire

“[The Game of Hope] captures the essence of the period. It is not just a story about a girl; it is about the time; it is about the people whose lives she touched and about the changes spurned from the revolution. That is what makes it so grand and captivating.” — Cyn’s Workshop Review

“Sandra Gulland’s writing is enchanting and beautiful.” — Krimsuun Pages

About the Author

Sandra Gulland is an American-born Canadian novelist specializing in historical fiction. She is the author of the internationally bestselling trilogy of adult books based on the life of Josephine de Beauharnais Bonaparte, as well as two novels set at the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King. Her books have been published in sixteen countries, translated into thirteen languages, and sold more than a million copies worldwide.

Sandra Gulland’s novels include The Josephine B. Trilogy, The Shadow Queen, Mistress of the Sun, and The Game of Hope.

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 8
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, October 9
Review at A Bookish Affair

Wednesday, October 10
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, October 11
Excerpt at A Dream within a Dream

Friday, October 12
Review at Faery Tales Are Real

Monday, October 15
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, October 16
Review at Creating Herstory

Wednesday, October 17
Review at Reading the Past

Thursday, October 18
Interview at Creating Herstory
Review at Tar Heel Reader

Friday, October 19
Review at The Lit Bitch
Feature at View from the Birdhouse

Saturday, October 20
Review at Introvert Booklover

Sunday, October 21
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, October 22
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a copy of The Game of Hope to one lucky reader! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below (click on the direct link).

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 22nd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US Only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/competitions/wsvaE-game-of-hope

"Lady of a Thousand Treasures" by Sandra Byrd--Blog Tour (Review) & GIVEAWAY!

 

 

LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES BY SANDRA BYRD

Publication Date: October 9, 2018
Tyndale House Publishers
Hardcover, Paperback, & eBook; 480 Pages

Series: The Victorian Ladies Series, #1
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

 

 

Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIEBOUND

 

My Review

 

Sandra Byrd does it again with her newest book “Lady of a Thousand Treasures!”  Her first book in the “Victorian Ladies” series is full of mystery, history and romance!

Sandra Byrd is one of my favorite contemporary authors because she writes history with such a depth and knowledge that few others in the genre achieve.  “Lady of a Thousand Treasures” is a Gothic romance set in Victorian England and is a book to savor.  The opening scene of a gloomy funeral, complete with a raging storm outside, will immediately hook you.  Ms. Byrd uses amazing descriptions, bringing the reader into the story and time period. 

I love the main character, Eleanor, who really grows as a character throughout the story, both in her faith and as a person.  There is so much faith content in this story, which I love.  Eleanor prays, visits women in prison, asks the Lord for wisdom and guidance and quotes scripture.  I appreciate the realistic way she at time struggles in her relationship with the Lord.  Eleanor is also trying to test what’s true and what’s false, not only in antiquities, but also in people. She struggles with pride and striving to earn others’ approval; which was encouraging to me as well, as I’m often a people pleaser.  Eleanor’s love story is so romantic.  It’s probably the most well written swoon-worthy romance of the year!

“Lady of a Thousand Treasures” is a keeper for sure!  This Gothic, Victorian romance includes a good dose of mystery and danger, and has a beautiful message about leaving our burdens with the Lord and learning to discern the true from the false. 

Content: This is a clean read with a PG for content.  Some examples of the content are: mention of a man drinking himself to death; the devil is referred to; a man suggests a dalliance with a woman; a few subtle references to a couple’s wedding night.

 

Rating: I give this book 5 stars!

 

Genre: Christian fiction; Gothic; Romance; Victorian; Mystery

 

I want to thank Tyndale House Publishers, Sandra Byrd and Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the complimentary copy of this book for review. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I express in this review are my own. This is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s CFR 16, Part 255.

 

Praise for Lady of a Thousand Treasures

“Sandra Byrd’s amazing cast of characters and Victorian settings pull the reader right into the story. I became happily lost in this compelling, lovely book.” -Karen Harper, NYT bestselling author of The Royal Nanny

“Lady of a Thousand Treasures delivers mystery, romance, and suspense in a well-researched Victorian setting.” -Julie Klassen, bestselling author

“I’m always swept away by a Sandra Byrd novel, and Lady of a Thousand Treasures will be long remembered as one of Sandra’s best.” -Jane Kirkpatrick, NYT bestselling author of All She Left Behind

“Sandra Byrd is the rare writer whose evocative, prose grabs hold and doesn’t let go. The Victorian Ladies Series is off to a stunning start!” -Laura Frantz, author of The Lacemaker

“With stunning characters and impeccable research, Sandra Byrd has woven together an exquisite treasure hunt with an ending that will leave you breathless.” -Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Catching the Wind

“Sandra Byrd’s writing is an absolute piece of art! If I had to sum up this story all in one word, it would be satisfying.” -Michelle Griep, award-winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series

About the Author

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd has published more than fifty books over her editing and writing career. Her traditionally published books include titles by Tyndale House Publishers, Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, WaterBrook Press, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Bethany House. She’s also an independent author.

Sandra’s series of historically sound Gothic romances launched with the best-selling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor’s Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, published in 2017 and was named by the American Library Association’s Booklist as one of the Top Ten Inspirational Fiction books of the year.

Her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype. You can also connect with Sandra on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 9
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Review & Interview at Clarissa Reads it All

Wednesday, October 10
Review at Faery Tales Are Real

Thursday, October 11
Review at A Bookish Affair
Feature at Naomi Finley’s Blog

Friday, October 12
Review at Donna’s Book Blog

Monday, October 15
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen

Tuesday, October 16
Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots

Wednesday, October 17
Review at Among the Reads
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews

Thursday, October 18
Review at A Darn Good Read

Friday, October 19
Review at Jorie Loves a Story

Monday, October 22
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, October 23
Review at Locks, Hooks and Books

Wednesday, October 24
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Thursday, October 25
Feature at Let Them Read Books

Friday, October 26
Interview at Among the Reads

Monday, October 29
Review at Maiden of the Pages

Tuesday, October 30
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, November 1
Review at Bibliophile Reviews
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, November 2
Feature at Passages to the Past

Monday, November 5
Review at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, November 6
Feature at Hisdoryan

Wednesday, November 7
Review at The Book Mind
Review at LadyJ’s Bookish Nook

Friday, November 9
Interview at Jorie Loves a Story

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 5 copies of Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.

Giveaway Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 9th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US & Canada residents only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Direct Link: https://gleam.io/competitions/HQs53-lady-of-a-thousand-treasures