“Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” ― G.K. Chesterton

Thursday, October 12, 2017

An Amazing Debut Novel--"Lady Jayne Disappears" by Joanna Davidson Politano Review

 
 

My Review:

"Lady Jayne Disappears" by Joanna Davidson Politano is such an incredible book for so many reasons!!  I did not know anything about the author or the book going into it--except that I loved the cover and the back cover description.  This book is so well written and has such a great story with characters that you will fall in love with!

The opening of the story draws you in right away.  Ms. Politano uses vivid descriptions of Victorian England that make you feel like you are transported back in time.  There is an air of mystery and a gothic feel throughout, with hints of Dickens.   I find the premise and plot of this story fascinating and refreshing.  It is very original and well done. 

I love the characters in this story so much; each is interesting in his own right.  I’d love to gush more about the book’s plot, but it's hard to not say anything that would give the story away, so if the back cover description grabs you, you’ll love this book!  My inner bookworm was in heaven, reading about how Aurelie (our heroine), loves stories.  I love the way she thinks and interacts with others.  Aurelie also has a strong faith, prays and talks about God.  She repeats verses when she is going through hard times.  She is a character that I will not soon forget!

I highly recommend this book!  It has beautiful messages of identity, belonging and faith.  The mystery, twists and turns kept me reading until the last page.  I can't wait for the next book this author writes! 

Content: This is a clean read.

Rating:  I give this book 5 stars

Genre: Christian historical fiction; Victorian; Mystery; Romance

I want to thank Joanna Davidson Politano, Revell, and LibraryThing Early Reviewers 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.

Goodreads Description:

When Aurelie Harcourt's father dies in debtor's prison, he leaves her just two things: his wealthy family, whom she has never met, and his famous pen name, Nathaniel Droll. Her new family greets her with apathy and even resentment. Only the quiet houseguest, Silas Rotherham, welcomes her company.

When Aurelie decides to complete her father's unfinished serial novel, writing the family into the story as unflattering characters, she must keep her identity as Nathaniel Droll hidden while searching for the truth about her mother's disappearance--and perhaps even her father's death.

Author Joanna Davidson Politano's stunning debut set in Victorian England will delight readers with its highly original plot, lush setting, vibrant characters, and reluctant romance.



 
About the Author:  I’m a work-from-home mom of one super cute baby girl (pictures to prove it) and I write novels. I married my hero Vince, who is my love and my polar opposite. I write, he tears it up with the red pen. I break cars and other mechanical things, he puts them back together. He’s nailed the “speak the truth” thing, and I bring the “in love” part. But the real spark to our marriage is that he does not like chocolate and I…  like it a normal amount. We love and live from our little house in the woods near Lake Michigan, which is undergoing a constant renovation.


To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

Thursday, October 5, 2017

Helen R. Davis Blog Tour (Review of "The Most Happy") & GIVEAWAY!

 
 
Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R. Davis
Publication Date: December 2, 2015
Savant Books & Publications LLC

eBook & Paperback; 328 Pages

Genre: Alternative Historical Fiction



The first book of three in a richly imagined ancient world where the course of history is altered by one battle. In this world, Antony and Cleopatra triumph at the Battle of Actium, and Cleopatra emerges as a queen, stateswoman, and politician. Those around her come to life as the reader returns to those days to live them with her.

“The first in a series, Cleopatra Unconquered by Helen R. Davis is a treat for those fascinated by Egypt and the lost glories of antiquity. The author weaves the fruits of her careful research into a fascinating combination of both the historical fiction and fantasy genres. It gives readers a look into history as it was, as well as into what might have been.” – Elena Marie Vidal, author of The Paradise Tree

Amazon | Barnes & Noble



Evita…My Argentina by Helen R. Davis

Publication Date: February 10, 2017
Custom Book Publications
eBook & Paperback; 228 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction/Biographical



EVITA … My Argentina

Evita Perón tells her own spectacular story.

Tracing her life back to her humble beginnings, when she is abandoned by her father, Evita takes the reader on her journey to become an actress and later, to the pivotal moment when she meets Colonel Juan Perón. Never content to stay in her husband’s shadow, Evita reveals how she shares his belief that Peronism will help the working class. Eventually she begins doing work on her own as the president of the Society of Benevolence, helping the poor and winning the peoples’ trust.

As the times change and women get the vote, Evita becomes even more powerful, running the Ministries of Labor and Health, starting a foundation, and organizing the first female party, The Female Peronist Party.

A larger-than-life story, told in her own fictional words, the powerful novel is as educational as it is entertaining.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble


The Most Happy by Helen R. Davis

Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Callipe Editorial

Genre: Alternative Historical Fiction



Anne Boleyn is known throughout the world as the beheaded wife of King Henry VIII, a woman for whom Henry discarded a Spanish princess and who was later discarded for the woman who gave Henry his longed-for son. Love her or hate her, it cannot be denied her romance with Henry VIII changed the course of English and European, and perhaps World History, forever.
This is a novel that imagines Anne Boleyn giving Henry a son and taking the reins of power as Regent of England when Henry VIII perishes in a jousting accident.

Told in the voice of the infamous Anne Boleyn, we are treated to the 16th century world that has recently become famous through programs such as The Tudors. We meet Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, and many of the personalities of the mid-16th century albeit in an altered setting.

How would this era and time, a pivotal one in Western Civilization, have changed if one of the movers and shakers of the period, Anne Boleyn, had not been struck down in her prime by the man who once adored her?

Amazon

 
My Review of "The Most Happy"
 
"The Most Happy: An Alternate History of Anne Boleyn" by Helen R. Davis is an interesting story of what might have been.  Being a fan of the Tudor period, I really enjoyed reading Ms. Davis's alternate history.
 

Instead of being killed, Anne Boleyn gets to live and becomes Regent of England after Henry VIII is killed in an accident.  In this story, Anne is not the witch that she is normally portrayed as.  Far from being evil, Anne is shown as a real human being, with many good characteristics.  Anne reads her Bible, prays and is interested in the Reformation.  She also has her flaws.  She has doubts and fears and is very fearful of her position (as any wife of Henry VIII would understandably be).  I appreciate that Ms. Davis still tries to paint Anne in a very realistic way, but doesn't shy away from showing a sometimes selfish and mean Anne, whose character grows throughout the story.  I didn't like her character a lot in the beginning, but I appreciate the changes she makes in the end. 


I found it especially interesting to see Anne's relationships with the women who would have been Henry's other wives and how they all interact with one another.  The story is ironic at points in how things play out and it's even more fun to read if you come into this story knowing about the Tudors and Tudor history.  Ms. Davis does an excellent job of weaving history with fiction and creating a believable alternate history. 


Content: I give this story a PG-13 rating.  This being about the Tudor era, there is more content than in the books I normally review.  From the author: "There is some sex and violence but it happens off screen."


Rating: I give this book 3.5 stars.


Genre: Alternative Historical Fiction; Tudor; Medieval


I want to thank Helen R. Davis, Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, and Editorial Caliope 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

Helen R. Davis is an American author. Her first novel, Evita: My Argentina was previously published as Evita: My Life and republished with Custom Book Publications in Hong Kong. Her second novel, CLEOPATRA UNCONQUERED, which is the first in a series, imagines a world in which Antony and Cleopatra, rather than Augustus Caesar, are the victors of the Battle of Actium. the sequel, CLEOPATRA VICTORIOUS, will be released soon, followed by the titles CLEOPATRA MAGNIFICA and CLEOPATRA TRIUMPHANT. Her third novel, or at least, her third historical novel/alternate history, THE MOST HAPPY, will be published with Callipe Editorial, based out of Madrid Spain, on July 25th, 2017.

For more information, please visit Helen Davis’ website. You can also connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, September 25
Interview at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, September 26
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective (The Most Happy)

Wednesday, September 27
Review at A Bookish Affair
Guest Post at A Holland Reads

Thursday, September 28
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Cleopatra Unconquered)

Friday, September 29
Review at A Chick Who Reads (Evita)
Review at 100 Pages a Day (The Most Happy)

Monday, October 2
Review at Must Read Faster (The Most Happy)

Tuesday, October 3 Review at Book Nerd (Evita)

Wednesday, October 4 Review at Tudor Enthusiast (The Most Happy)

Thursday, October 5 Review at Faery Tales Are Real (The Most Happy)

Friday, October 6 Review at Pursuing Stacie (The Most Happy)

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away eBooks of Cleopatra Unconquered & Evita…My Argentina & a paperback of The Most Happy! To enter, please enter via the link below.

Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to residents in the 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.

Enter giveaway here: https://gleam.io/YXmvP/helen-r-davis

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Cover Reveal, Blog Extravaganza & GIVEAWAY for "A Mother for His Family" by Susanne Dietze!

 
About the Book/Synopsis: Lady Helena Stanhope’s reputation is in tatters…and she’s lost any hope for a “respectable” ton marriage. An arranged union is the only solution. But once Helena weds formidable Scottish widower John Gordon, Lord Ardoch, and encounters his four mischievous children, she’s determined to help her new, ever-surprising family. Even if she’s sure love is too much to ask for. All John needs is someone to mother his admittedly unruly brood. He never imagined that beautiful Lady Helena would be a woman of irresistible spirit, caring and warmth. Or that facing down their pasts would give them so much in common. Now, as danger threatens, John will do whatever it takes to convince Helena their future together—and his love—are for always.
 
 
About the Author: Susanne Dietze began writing love stories in high school, casting her friends in the starring roles. Today, she’s the author of several historical romances who’s seen her work on the ECPA and Publisher’s Weekly Bestseller Lists for Inspirational Fiction. Married to a pastor and the mom of two, Susanne lives in California and loves fancy-schmancy tea parties, the beach, and curling up on the couch with a costume drama and a plate of nachos. You can visit her at: Web Page // Facebook // Twitter // Goodreads // Pinterest
 
 
Susanne shared her Inspiration behind the cover in saying: "I love marriage of convenience stories and always wanted to write one! It’s always fun for me to read a book where the wedding happens at the beginning and things progress out of order with the couple: marriage first, then love. I was able to offer three scene suggestions for the cover, and the wedding was my first choice so I’m thrilled the amazing art department at Harlequin chose to work with it. It’s a hopeful scene, since both the hero and heroine, John and Helena, think getting married will be the answer to their problems: he needs a mother for his three kids and niece, and she needs a respectable home. However, they learn right away that saying “I do” might provide solutions to their immediate issues, but not all of them, and forging a family can be a challenge—one that both breaks and heals their hearts! I love looking at them in this scene and knowing they have adventures ahead that will bring them closer together!"
 
Bloggers Participating:
Anita @ A.M. Heath Blog
Trisha @ Joy of Reading
Cheryl @ Cheryl Book Blog
Bree @ Bibliophile

Here's the cover!

 
GIVEAWAY!
 
Click on the link to enter: http://bit.ly/2hLhuCX
 
 

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

"The Long Shadows of Summer" by Robin E. Mason Blog Tour and GIVEAWAY!

 
 
 


Series: Seasons
Genre:  
Historical
Publisher: Bird's Nest Books
Publication date:
 August 31, 2017
​The southern town of Saisons lies at the crossroads between North and South, progressive and genteel antebellum life. Between East and West, between history and heritage, and new frontiers. Downton Abbey meets Gone With the Wind.

It’s 1912, in a world where slavery is dying and women’s rights are rising, and four young women who once shared a bond—and experienced a tragedy—question their own truths.
Mercedes has always been an avid reader and devours each new Sherlock Holmes mystery as soon as she gets her hands on them. When one of her friends comes to her, Mercedes vows to keep Simone’s secrets and uncover the truth.
 
But as Mercedes plays detective to her friends’ questions, she discovers something far more shocking—she herself is not who she thought she was.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
​“I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!”

Ms. Mason has been writing since 1995, and began working in earnest on her debut novel, Tessa, in 2013.  Meanwhile, she cranked out a few dozen poems, made countless notes for story ideas, and earned her BFA in Interior Design.  Ms. Mason lived with depression for many years, and the inherent feelings of worthlessness and invisibility; she didn’t want to be who she was and struggled with her own identity for many years.  Her characters face many of these same demons.

Ms. Mason writes stories of identity conflict. Her characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, her stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. “I know, I write from experience.”

Ms. Mason has three novels previously published in the unsavory heritage series. Tessa, Clara Bess, and Cissy are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. She also has several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowers, as well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. She is currently working on The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, Book Two in her new series, Seasons. It releases in November, following The Long Shadows of Summer which releases in August. Books 3 and 4 in the series will be out in 2018.
 
 


Enter the giveaway HERE.


 


 

Thursday, September 21, 2017

"Stars in Their Eyes" by Pema Donyo Blog Tour & Giveaway!


Stars in Their Eyes by Pema Donyo

Publication Date: September 18, 2017
Crimson Romance
eBook; 120 Pages
 
Genre: Historical Romance
 
 
This beautifully sweeping story of dueling ambitions and restless hearts in the roaring twenties will captivate fans who loved the romance of the Oscar-winning film La La Land and Paula McLain’s bestselling novel The Paris Wife.
 
The bohemian salons and wild cabarets of 1920s Paris are just the place for Owen Matthews to pursue his writing and make the right connections in the literary scene. But six years after leaving Los Angeles and the love of his life, he still strives for success. Penning a new screenplay for his friend’s film might just help keep the lights on a bit longer in the City of Lights.
 
Iris Wong is used to sacrifice and rejection as an Asian-American actress. She’s determined to take full advantage of her new leading role in a Parisian silent film—and the director’s romantic interest in her. Playing the game almost guarantees she’ll be able to break through the industry’s racism and become the silver screen star she’s dreamed of being since she earned her first nickel as a Hollywood extra.
 
When these two star-crossed lovers unexpectedly reunite, they get a second chance to reconcile their hearts’ desires with their dreams of fame and fortune.
 
Sensuality Level: Behind Closed Doors
 

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | Google Play | iTunes | Kobo

 

About the Author

 
Pema Donyo is a full-time finance professional, part-time author, and at-all-times coffee lover. She believes creativity can be infused into all endeavors, whether building a brand new story world or solving a quantitative problem. She currently lives in San Francisco.
 
Pema’s novels include The Innocent Assassins, One Last Letter, and Revolutionary Hearts.
 
For more information, please visit Pema’s website. You can also find her on Twitter, Goodreads, and Amazon. Sign up to receive news & updates from Pema Donyo.
 

Blog Tour Schedule

 
Monday, September 18
Spotlight at Mello & June, It’s a Book Thang!
 
Tuesday, September 19
Review at Pursuing Stacie
 
Wednesday, September 20 Review & Interview at The Book Junkie Reads
 
Thursday, September 21 Spotlight at Faery Tales Are Real
 
Friday, September 22 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books
 
Monday, September 25 Review at Creating Herstory
 
Tuesday, September 26 Spotlight at A Holland Reads

Wednesday, September 27 Spotlight at Passages to the Past
 

Giveaway

 
During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 2 eBooks of STARS IN THEIR EYES! To enter, please click on the link below.
 
Giveaway Rules
 
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on September 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY.
– 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.
 

Wednesday, September 20, 2017

A Poignant Story of Love in the Post-Civil War South--"To Wager Her Heart" by Tamera Alexander Review




If you like the "When Calls the Heart" TV series, I think you'll really enjoy "To Wager Her Heart".
"To Wager Her Heart" by Tamera Alexander is the third book in the "Belle Meade Plantation" series.  It can also be easily read as a stand-alone.  I don't normally like to read a lot of books set in the U.S. during different war periods, but recently I've been picking more of these up and enjoying them more than I thought I would.  "To Wager Her Heart" is just such a book.  Tamera Alexander has a superb and engaging writing style and creates here a story that draws the reader in.  Her characters are also very well written and come to life on the page.  She is very good at writing swoon-worthy moments!  

"To Wager Her Heart" is set in the post-Civil War South.  It is fascinating to read about the South and what life was like for everyday people after the war ravaged their land and their hearts.  Ms. Alexander does such a great job portraying this "in-between" time where a lot of change is taking place, but there's also many people who still hold to the "old ideals", including the father of our main character (Alexandra). 

I love how Ms. Alexander incorporates real life into the fictional story, like the freedman's school that Alexandra teaches at (Fisk University) and the Jubilee Singers.  I love that the university emphasizes knowledge, not only of the basic subjects, but of Christ.  Despite these many good things, it was hard for me to read at points, due to the vivid descriptions and the heavy subject matter.  Like I said, it's not my favorite time period to read about, precisely because of all of weightier issues that come along with it.  But it is important to remember these periods in our nation's history as well and the courageous men and women who went before us. 

There are many important messages in this book.  Throughout the story, Ms. Alexander conveys the lesson that we're all created in God's image and it doesn't matter what color skin you have, which is still a very pertinent message today with the recent racial tensions and the white supremacy movement.  I was encouraged by Alexandra's struggle with fear after tragedy and how she is able to overcome that fear through her faith.  Tragedy, loss, love, overcoming, and justice are all themes that are woven into this amazing story! 

Content: This is a clean read, but it is more on the edgy, gritty side of Christian fiction.  One character was in a train accident and she often thinks about it or has flashbacks.  The descriptions of the accident and aftermath are very detailed and vivid.  The word "negro" is used in context.  There is talk about a woman's "assets" and the author implies that a character is a prostitute.  The prostitute propositions a man, and this man has been to a brothel before.  The Lord's name is taken in vain once.  A person accidentally gets drunk.  A man tries not to look at a woman's décolletage.  There is some sexual innuendo.  There is talk of how slaves used to commit suicide. 

Genre: Christian historical fiction; Romance

Rating: I give this book four stars. 

I want to thank Tamera Alexander, Zondervan, and the Fiction Guild 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: Tamera Alexander is a USA Today bestselling author and one of today's most popular writers of inspirational historical romance. She lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, not far from the Southern mansions that serve as the backdrop for many of her critically-acclaimed novels.

To purchase the book click here

To visit the author's website click here

Tuesday, September 12, 2017

A Rollicking Regency Spy Novel--"A Dangerous Engagement" by Melanie Dickerson Review





Have I mentioned before that Melanie Dickerson is one of my favorite authors?  Yes, I know I have a lot of favorites, but she is one of them and her newest book has a beautiful story, fantastic characters, and a gorgeous cover to boot!  I am also a lover of all things Austen and this series has many nods to Jane Austen's works. 

 "A Dangerous Engagement" by Melanie Dickerson is the third installment in "The Regency Spies of London" series.  This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but characters from the other books in the series do make appearances.  Ms. Dickerson has mentioned before that she has gotten inspiration from Jane Austen while writing the books in this series.  "A Dangerous Engagement" seems to have a lot of similarities to "Northanger Abbey" in particular.  There are also some characters that remind me of characters from "Pride and Prejudice" and a certain section of the story brings "Emma" to mind.  Ms. Dickerson inserts these tidbits from Austen, yet manages to weave her own delightful and unique story.  I love that she adds the whole concept of spies and mystery.  While some may find it a little slower than the first two books, it is still very good in its own right.  At points it is especially hard to put down, as many of the chapters end in cliff hangers or a suspenseful plot twist!

The characters in this book are my favorite part.  They are so well written and I really grew to love many of them and despise others.  Felicity, our heroine (who doesn't think she is one), is nervous and emotional in the beginning.  Her character changes a lot over the course of the novel and she is able to become more bold and courageous.  She is more interested in wanting to make something of her life and instead of obsessing over the latest fashion; she can be found studying Chinese to become a missionary in China and quoting Hannah More.  She often prays and learns to trust in God and look to Him when she feels anxious.  What a great character and encouragement for those of us who struggle with anxiety!  Philip, the hero, is very noble and has strong faith and morals.  I also have a feeling many of us bookworms will find a kindred spirit in Aunt Agnes (I don't want to say any more and risk giving spoilers). 

 "A Dangerous Engagement" is another terrific book by Melanie Dickerson!  It's a great read that can be enjoyed by young and old alike!

 Content: This is a clean read, suitable for middle grade to adult readers.  There is a mention that a character curses, but the curse isn't written.  There is an instance where a character hears that at some house parties men take “liberties” with women.  There is a reference to the marriage bed. 

 Genre: Christian historical fiction; Regency; Romance

 Rating: I give this book four stars.

I want to thank Melanie Dickerson, Netgalley, Waterfall Press and Brilliance 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:

Melanie Dickerson is an award-winning author who earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama.

She has taught in Georgia, Tennessee, Germany and the Eastern European country of Ukraine.

A member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and Romance Writers of America (RWA), she now spends her time writing and taking care of her husband and two daughters near Huntsville, Alabama.

To purchase the book click here

To visit Ms. Dickerson's website click here