Author Archives: heatherosborneauthor

Death of an Alchemist Blog Tour!

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02_Death of an AlchemistDeath of an Alchemist: A Bianca Goddard Mystery (Bianca Goddard Mysteries, Book 2)
by Mary Lawrence

Publication Date: January 26, 2016
Kensington Books
Hardcover & eBook; 304 Pages

Genre: Historical Mystery

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In the mid sixteenth century, Henry VIII sits on the throne, and Bianca Goddard tends to the sick and suffering in London’s slums, where disease can take a life as quickly as murder…

For years, alchemist Ferris Stannum has devoted himself to developing the Elixir of Life, the reputed serum of immortality. Having tested his remedy successfully on an animal, Stannum intends to send his alchemy journal to a colleague in Cairo for confirmation. But the next day his body is found and the journal is gone.

Bianca, the daughter of an alchemist, is well acquainted with the mystical healing arts. When her husband John falls ill with the sweating sickness, she dares to hope Stannum’s journal could contain the secret to his recovery. But first she must solve the alchemist’s murder. As she ventures into a world of treachery and deceit, Stannum’s death is only the first in a series of murders—and Bianca’s quest becomes a matter of life and death, not only for her husband, but for herself…

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Praise for The Alchemist’s Daughter (Bianca Goddard Mysteries, Book 1)

“A realistic evocation of 16th century London’s underside. The various strands of the plot are so skillfully plaited together.” —Fiona Buckley

“Mystery and Tudor fans alike will raise a glass to this new series.” —Karen Harper

About the Author03_Mary Lawrence

Mary Lawrence studied biology and chemistry, graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Cytotechnology. Along with writing and farming, Lawrence works as a cytologist near Boston. She lives in Maine. The Alchemist’s Daughter is the first book in the Bianca Goddard Mystery series.

For more information please visit Mary’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 21
Review at Broken Teepee

Tuesday, March 22
Review at With Her Nose Stuck In A Book
Guest Post at Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus More

Wednesday, March 23
Review at A Book Geek

Thursday, March 24
Interview at Books and Benches

Friday, March 25
Review at Book Nerd
Interview at The Book Connection

Monday, March 28
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne

Tuesday, March 29
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective

Wednesday, March 30
Review at A Holland Reads

Thursday, March 31
Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft’s Blog

Friday, April 1
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

To enter the Death of an Alchemist giveaway, please use the GLEAM form below. Four winners will receive a signed copy and the Grand Prize Winner will receive a signed copy plus a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on April 1st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US addresses 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.

Death of an Alchemist Blog Tour

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Forgetting Tabitha Blog Tour

Posted on by under Blog Tour

02_Forgetting TabithaForgetting Tabitha
by Julie Dewey

Publication Date: December 29, 2015
Holland Press
eBook & Paperback; 280p

Genre: Historical Fiction

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Raised on a farm, Tabitha Salt, the daughter of Irish immigrants, leads a bucolic and sheltered existence. When tragedy strikes the family, Tabitha and her mother are forced to move to the notorious Five Points District in New York City, known for its brothels, gangs, gambling halls, corrupt politicians and thieves.

As they struggle to survive in their new living conditions, tragedy strikes again. Young Tabitha resorts to life alone on the streets of New York, dreaming of a happier future.

The Sisters of Charity are taking orphans off the streets with promises of a new life. Children are to forget their pasts, their religious beliefs, families and names. They offer Tabitha a choice: stay in Five Points or board the orphan train and go West in search of a new life.

The harrowing journey and the decision to leave everything behind launches Tabitha on a path from which she can never return.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Kobo

Review

3 blog stars
Upon beginning my read of this book, I really got into the story of Tabitha, later renamed Mary by the orphan train organizer, Sister Agnes. I do know a fair bit of the history at this time, and I found the first part really kept to the historical details. I felt sad for Tabitha when she lost her mother to an infection, as disease was so rampant in the industrialized areas during and after the Civil War.

As the novel went on, I found myself becoming less connected to Tabitha, as the perspective of the novel shifted to the other characters, and some parts even seemed far-fetched or historically inaccurate, such as the portion on suggesting Gert receive hypnotherapy, which was widely shunned as charlatanism in America at the time, and mostly practiced in Britain and France. I do understand this is historical fiction, but things like this stick out to me as not consistent with the history of the time. There are some graphic scenes, almost too graphic, so I would not recommend this novel to anyone under the age of 18.

I personally feel the author could have done well sticking to the story of Tabitha, seeing the world through her eyes as she traveled west. I feel some of the other characters were introduced to give the story conflict that may have not been needed. It would have been interesting to have a historical note at the end as well, talking about the goal of the orphan trains, and how the children were often not forgotten by biological parents, who later tracked them down. Overall though, this was an entertaining, quick read, with an insight to a program that lasted until the 1930s, the precursor to the welfare system we know now.

About the Author03_Julie Dewey

Julie Dewey is a novelist who resides with her family in Central New York. Her daughter is a singer/songwriter, and her son is a boxer. Her husband is an all-around hard working, fantastic guy with gorgeous blue eyes that had her falling for him the moment they met.

In addition to researching and writing she is an avid reader. She is also passionate about jewelry design and gemstones. She loves anything creative, whether it be knitting, stamping, scrapping, decoupaging, working with metal, or decorating.

Visit her at www.juliedewey.com to get your reading guide for this book and to read an excerpt from One Thousand Porches, her second novel. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, March 10
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne

Monday, March 14
Review at A Chick Who Reads

Thursday, March 17
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Sunday, March 20
Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book

Monday, March 21
Review at The Baking Bookworm

Tuesday, March 29
Review at Beth’s Book Nook

Thursday, March 31
Review at Impressions in Ink

Wednesday, April 13
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

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America’s First Daughter Blog Tour!

Posted on by under Blog Tour

Americas First Daughter - feature tour banner

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Blog Tour for Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER, a historical fiction novel is published by William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins, and releasing March 1, 2016! AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER is a compelling, richly researched novel by bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Drawing from thousands of letters and original sources, the authors reveal the fascinating, untold story of Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph, Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter. Patsy was one of the most influential women in American history: not only the progeny of a founding father – and the woman who held his secrets close to her heart – but a key player in the shaping of our nation’s legacy. And her story is one seldom told, until now. Make sure you grab your copy today!

Review

five star blog

From the beginning of this novel, I was enraptured. There is nothing more I appreciate than a well-researched, knowledgeable author. In this case, I was lucky enough to get two! I love historical fiction, and have actually been suffering a bit of a downward slump in my reading. This book drew me out! Patsy is a likable character, yet still flawed. Dray and Kamoie show how a young girl learned and blossomed into a young woman, all in the shadow of her famous father. I loved the letters preceding each chapter, giving small snippets of Patsy and Jefferson. Any history lover will fully appreciate this beautiful novel, and I eagerly await the authors’ next collaboration (please let there be one!).

 

Americas First Daughter - cover

 

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Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie’s AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER Blog Tour Schedule:

February 29th

What Is That Book About – Guest Post

Only One More Page – Review

A Fortress of Books – Excerpt

For the Love of Books & Alcohol – Review

March 1st

My Girlfriends Nook Korner – Review

Talking Books Blog – Excerpt

Smexy& Fabulous – Excerpt

Ramblings From This Chick – Excerpt

March 2nd

Maari Loves Her Indies – Excerpt

This Wacky Momma Reads – Review

Roxy’s Reviews – Excerpt

Brooke Blogs – Excerpt

March 3rd

A Diary of a Book Addict – Review

E-Reading After Midnight – Guest Post

Small Review – Guest Post

March 4th

Sassy Moms Say Read Romance – 2 Reviews

Leeanna.me – Review

Creative Madness Mama – Excerpt

March 5th

A Dream Within A Dream – Guest Post

Chick with Books – Review

Vagabonda Reads – Review

March 6th

Mama Reads Hazel Sleeps – Review

Movies, Shows & Books – Excerpt

Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne – Review

I Read Indie – Excerpt

March 7th

No BS Book Reviews – Interview

My fictional escape – Review

Words with Sarah – Review

March 8th

The Maiden’s Court – Review

Unabridged Chick – Review

The Book Cellar – Interview

Becky on Books – Review

March 9th

Sofia Loves Books – Review

A Soccer Mom’s Book Blog – Review

One Book At A Time – Review

Curling Up by the Fire – Review

March 10th

A Bookish Affair – Interview

Curled Up and Cozy – Review

Into the Hall of Books – Review

Margie’s Must Reads – Review

March 11th

Book Talk – Review

JB’s Book Obsession – Excerpt

Genre Queen – Review

Leigh Anderson Romance – Interview

 

 

America's First Daughter - Quote 1

 

 

About AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER:

In a compelling, richly researched novel that draws from thousands of letters and original sources, bestselling authors Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie tell the fascinating, untold story of Thomas Jefferson’s eldest daughter, Martha “Patsy” Jefferson Randolph—a woman who kept the secrets of our most enigmatic founding father and shaped an American legacy.

From her earliest days, Patsy Jefferson knows that though her father loves his family dearly, his devotion to his country runs deeper still. As Thomas Jefferson’s oldest daughter, she becomes his helpmate, protector, and constant companion in the wake of her mother’s death, traveling with him when he becomes American minister to France.

It is in Paris, at the glittering court and among the first tumultuous days of revolution, that fifteen-year-old Patsy learns about her father’s troubling liaison with Sally Hemings, a slave girl her own age. Meanwhile, Patsy has fallen in love—with her father’s protégé William Short, a staunch abolitionist and ambitious diplomat. Torn between love, principles, and the bonds of family, Patsy questions whether she can choose a life as William’s wife and still be a devoted daughter.

Her choice will follow her in the years to come, to Virginia farmland, Monticello, and even the White House. And as scandal, tragedy, and poverty threaten her family, Patsy must decide how much she will sacrifice to protect her father’s reputation, in the process defining not just his political legacy, but that of the nation he founded.

 

 

America's First Daughter - Tour Quote 2

 

 

Author pic- Stephanie DrayAbout Stephanie Dray:

STEPHANIE DRAY is an award-winning, bestselling and two-time RITA award nominated author of historical women’s fiction. Her critically acclaimed series about Cleopatra’s daughter has been translated into eight different languages and won NJRW’s Golden Leaf. As Stephanie Draven, she is a national bestselling author of genre fiction and American-set historical women’s fiction. She is a frequent panelist and presenter at national writing conventions and lives near the nation’s capital. Before she became a novelist, she was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the stories of women in history to inspire the young women of today.

 

 

Website |Newsletter | Facebook |Twitter | AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER Website

 

 

Author Pic - Laura KamoieAbout Laura Kamoie:

Laura Kamoie has always been fascinated by the people, stories, and physical presence of the past, which led her to a lifetime of historical and archaeological study and training. She holds a doctoral degree in early American history from The College of William and Mary, published two non-fiction books on early America, and most recently held the position of Associate Professor of History at the U.S. Naval Academy before transitioning to a full-time career writing genre fiction as the New York Times bestselling author of over twenty books, Laura Kaye. Her debut historical novel, America’s First Daughter, co-authored with Stephanie Dray, allowed her the exciting opportunity to combine her love of history with her passion for storytelling. Laura lives among the colonial charm of Annapolis, Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

 

Website |Newsletter | Facebook |Twitter | AMERICA’S FIRST DAUGHTER Website

 

 

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Daniel’s Erotica Sale Blitz

Posted on by under Sales Blitz

DE Facebook cover

The future, backwater village may be sleepy, but its people are hot blooded and passionate. Feel the heat at Daniel’s Fork!

A compilation of some of the spicy scenes from the Daniel’s Fork universe by Zeecé Lugo!

Now 99 cents until March 8th! Grab a copy here: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BA7DMAQ/

About the Author:

authorZeecé Lugo was born in Puerto Rico, grew up in Brooklyn, and lived in many places. She spent seven years in the U.S. Air force, taught for many years in Miami, and even spent a year working for the IRS.

Her early love was reading. The worlds of Pern, Middle-earth, St. Mary Mead, and Shrewsbury Abbey had an incredible influence and hold on her imagination.

She wrote her first novel, Daniel’s Fork, in two months, spending long hours at her task. During that time, she ensconced herself in her bedroom with her computer, barely coming out to grab a cup of coffee or a snack. One day, her nearest neighbor came desperately knocking at her bedroom window, afraid that Zeecé might be dead; no one had seen her for days!

Daniel’s Fork was meant to be the first book in a romantic trilogy. Little did Zeecé know that stories have a way of going where they want to go. Daniel’s Fork turned out to be a journey to the future past! It is a sexy mystery set in the future, giving birth to a fictional universe: the Daniel’s Fork universe.

http://zeecelugo.net/

Maria V. Snyder Blog Tour!

Posted on by under Author Feature, Blog Tour

I am absolutely honored to be part of the blog tour for Maria V. Snyder’s newest book, Night Study (review coming soon!). I have been a fan of Miss Snyder’s work for as long as I can remember, starting with her first novel, Poison Study. I remember receiving a copy from my mom for Christmas and diving right in to the world of Yelena and Valek. I am not often a fan of fantasy, as many people know, but I make a HUGE exception for Miss Snyder!

usI was lucky enough to meet her in Edinburgh last year, and it was definitely a treat! So, this is an incredible thing to get to blog about her again!

Night Study is a continuation of the Study series and The Chronicles of Ixia. We continue to follow the adventures of Yelena, once poison tester for the Commander of Ixia, a land where magic is forbidden. It is preceded by Poison Study, Magic Study, Fire Study, and Shadow Study, as well as a handful of other books about the characters of Ixia and Sitia, the country to the south where magicians flourish.

I don’t normally gush, but I’m gushing now! This is a series I fell into and I kept falling! Yelena is everything I want in a heroine, and Valek, well, he’s totally swoonworthy! So, it is with pride, I share this blog piece by Maria V. Snyder!

 

Ten reasons why girls can enjoying reading fantasy just as much as boys

The fantasy genre encompasses such a wide range of sub-genres and styles, that it can appeal to every reader at every age.  Below are my top ten reasons to read fantasy:

  1. Escape from reality – every day life can be a drag and fantasy can be a grand escape.
  2. Magic – this adds more conflict and tension to a story and the variety of solutions can be quite clever.
  3. Horses and other magical creatures – who doesn’t love dragons?
  4. Magical worlds – experience a world that is unlike ours.
  5. Your own problems pale in comparison – think about it – dealing with a problematic co-worker is nothing compared to fighting demons/evil wizards/corrupt monarchs for the fate of the world and your very own survival.
  6. Cool weapons – people just don’t have sword fights anymore.
  7. No internet – imagine being able to disappear without a trace. (this doesn’t apply to urban fantasy or any fantasy in a contemporary setting)
  8. Supernatural creatures – vampires, werewolves, and Fae, oh my!

And here are a few reasons for the girls:

  1. Strong female protagonists – fantasy has changed over the last couple of decades and now has many strong and intelligent women in the leading role.

Hot guys – Valek, Ari, Janco, Devlen, Kade, and Kerrick (If you don’t know who they are, then might I strongly suggest you read my Study books, Glass books, and Healer series ;).

 

You can get the Study series on Amazon, and Night Study is now available!
Night Study jacket

(Isn’t this a gorgeous cover!? Gotta love purple 😉 )

Happy Reading, my lovelies!

Author Feature: Brooke May

Posted on by under Author Feature

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Author ProfileOn behalf of Iron Claude Author Services, I am proud to present Brooke May, a contemporary romance author!

You can find her here:

 

Her books:​​​​​​​​

MyCowboy-EmmaAndCade~*~My Cowboy~*~

Growing up in Northeastern Wyoming, Emma Price has always known that the ranching way of life is never easy. After losing her dad, her brother’s illness and now the risk of losing everything that means something to her, Emma is in for a fight. What started off as a routine day of checking on her horses, turned her world upside down with the arrival of an old crush.

Cade Masters spent the last ten years running. After a great tragedy struck unexpectedly he hit the road thinking no one cared. Now he is back and wanting the life he use to have on the Price Ranch. How will Emma handled her life now that Cade is back in it and wanting to pick up where he left off?

Will Emma forgive him and allow him into her heart again or will she push him away?
Life can change at the drop of a hat and the unexpected always takes you by surprise.

My Cowboy _8e copy~*~Faith in My Cowboy~*~

Maddi Barnett was used to living a solitary life until a handsome soldier cowboy saved her. Feelings she never knew started to blossom in her life.

A happy life is what she wanted with Tucker Price, even after his injury. And they seemed completely set up for a life together, until tragedy hit and things changed drastically.
Tucker loses his way and pushes Maddi away. Unsure on what to do, Maddi is faced with two choices; give up and move home or fight for her love.

Can Maddi heal from the heartbreak and possibly save Tucker? Will others cause untold damage to save a relationship for them?

Faith is a strong thing; it helps the weak become stronger, others grow in the belief of another, and sometimes you need enough to help heal someone you love. And that’s why Maddi has faith in her cowboy.

**Faith in My Cowboy is part of a series, it is book two of the My Cowboy Series. But it can be read as a stand-alone, but for a better grasp of the story, please read after My Cowboy. Has HEA.**
18+ audience
Loved By My Cowboy Teaser 2 copy

~*~Loved by My Cowboy~*~

Six years ago, Libby Jones’ life was turned on it’s head. Abandoned and pregnant, Libby changed her carefree, reckless life for both her and her son. There would be no more random hookups and no more partying. Dylan’s entrance into her life was a blessing and changed everything in her life. Yet, nearly six years later, Libby is still discovering how much things in the past had changed her. The strong person Libby once was is now lost and confused with a man who wants nothing more than to love her and Dylan.

Justin Foster has always been interested in Libby, past and present, and he has never hidden that fact. He’s back in Elk Field for good now and has his sights on finally getting Libby as his. He will do anything and everything to prove to her that he has changed and they could be wonderful together.
Twists, turns, and crazy surprises await Libby. Is she ready for the ride?

War and Me Book Blast and Giveaway

Posted on by under Book Blast

02_War and MeWar and Me
by M.A. Wood

Publication Date: September 26, 2013
eBook; 200 Pages
ASIN: B00FGJLG08

Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction/Romance

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Flying model airplanes isn’t cool, not for fifteen-year-old girls in the 1940’s. No one understands Julianna’s love of flying model airplanes but her dad. When he leaves to fly bomber planes in Europe forcing Julianna to deal with her mother’s growing depression alone, she feels abandoned until she meets Ben, the new boy in town. But when he signs up for the war, too, she has to consider whether letting her first love drift away would be far easier than waiting for the next casualties.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author03_M.A. Wood

Marcy Blesy is the author of several middle grade, young adult, and new adult novels and short stories. Her picture book, Am I Like My Daddy?, helps children who experienced the loss of a parent when they were much younger. She has also been published in two Chicken Soup for the Soul books as well as various newspapers and magazines. By day she runs an elementary school library and enjoys spending time with her husband and two boys.

Marcy is a believer in love and enjoys nothing more than making her readers feel a book more than simply reading it. She likes to connect with her readers via twitter (@marcyblesy), email (mablesy(at)yahoo.com), or her blog(www.marcyblesy.com).

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, February 15
A Chick Who Reads
Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 16
A Holland Reads
CelticLady’s Reviews

Wednesday, February 17
Beth’s Book Nook Blog
The Never-Ending Book

Thursday, February 18
A Book Geek
What Is That Book About

Friday, February 19
So Many Books, So Little Time

Monday, February 22
#redhead.with.book
Queen of All She Reads

Tuesday, February 23
Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, February 24
The Reading Queen

Thursday, February 25
Boom Baby Reviews

Friday, February 26
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne

Giveaway

To win a $10 Amazon Gift Card please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below.

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 26th. 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.

War and Me

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The Gilded Cage Cover Reveal!

Posted on by under Cover Reveal

02_The Gilded CageThe Gilded Cage
by Judy Alter

Publication: April 2016
eBook & Paperback

Genre: Historical Fiction

Born to a society and a life of privilege, Bertha Honoré married Potter Palmer, a wealthy entrepreneur who called her Cissy. Neither dreamed the direction the other’s life would take. He built the Palmer House Hotel, still famed today, and become one of the major robber barons of the city, giving generously to causes of which he approved. She put philanthropy into deeds, going into shanty neighborhoods, inviting factory girls to her home, working at Jane Addams’ settlement Hull House, supporting women’s causes.

It was a time of tremendous change and conflict in Chicago as the city struggled to put its swamp-water beginnings behind it and become a leading urban center. A time of the Great Fire of 1871, the Haymarket Riots, and the triumph of the Columbian Exposition. Potter and Cissy handled these events in diverse ways. Fascinating characters people these pages along with Potter and Cissy—Carter Harrison, frequent mayor of the city; Harry Collins, determined to be a loser; Henry Honoré, torn between loyalties to the South and North; Daniel Burnham, architect of the new Chicago—and many others.

The Gilded Cage is a fictional exploration of the lives of these people and of the Gilded Age in Chicago history.

“The Gilded Cage is a wonderful recreation of early Chicago and the people who made it what it is. Central character Cissy Palmer is a three-dimensional, real, vibrant person. The Gilded Cage is fiction, but firmly based on fact—the Chicago Fire, the prisoners from the War Between the States interred in Chicago, the newcomer Potter Palmer, the explosive growth of wealth in a prairie town, deep poverty adjacent to great riches—the American experience laid bare. You don’t have to be a Chicagoan to love this book.” -Barbara D’Amato, author of Other Eyes

About the Author03_Judy Alter

Judy Alter is the award winning author of fiction for adults and young adults. Other historical fiction includes Libbie, the story of Elizabeth Bacon (Mrs. George Armstrong) Custer; Jessie, the story of Jessie Benton Frémont and her explorer / miner / entrepreneur / soldier / politician husband; Cherokee Rose, a novel loosely based on the life of the first cowgirl roper to ride in Wild West shows; and Sundance, Butch and Me, the adventures of Etta Place and the Hole in the Wall Gang.

For more information visit Judy Alter’s website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Goodreads.

Cover Reveal Schedule

Monday, February 15
Passages to the Past

Tuesday, February 16
The Never-Ending Book

Wednesday, February 17
The Reading Queen

Thursday, February 18
Book Nerd

Friday, February 19
A Book Geek

Saturday, February 20
With Her Nose Stuck In A Book

Monday, February 22
The Maiden’s Court
To Read, Or Not to Read

Tuesday, February 23
Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne

Wednesday, February 24
100 Pages a Day

Thursday, February 25
Reading Is My SuperPower

Monday, February 29
A Holland Reads

Wednesday, March 2
CelticLady’s Reviews
A Literary Vacation

Thursday, March 3
She is Too Fond of Books

Friday, March 4
I Heart Reading

04_The Gilded Cage_Blog Tour Banner_FINAL

 

Daughter of Destiny Blog Tour!

Posted on by under Release Blitz

02_Daughter of DestinyDaughter of Destiny (Guinevere’s Tale, Book One)
By Nicole Evelina

Publication Date: January 1, 2016
Lawson Gartner Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 326 Pages

Genre: Historical Fantasy

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Before queenship and Camelot, Guinevere was a priestess of Avalon. She loved another before Arthur, a warrior who would one day betray her.

In the war-torn world of late fifth century Britain, young Guinevere faces a choice: stay with her family to defend her home at Northgallis from the Irish, or go to Avalon to seek help for the horrific visions that haunt her. The Sight calls her to Avalon, where she meets Morgan, a woman of questionable parentage who is destined to become her rival. As Guinevere matures to womanhood, she gains the powers of a priestess, and falls in love with a man who will be both her deepest love and her greatest mistake.

Just when Guinevere is able to envision a future in Avalon, tragedy forces her back home, into a world she barely recognizes, one in which her pagan faith, outspokenness, and proficiency in the magical and military arts are liabilities. When a chance reunion with her lover leads to disaster, she is cast out of Northgallis and into an uncertain future. As a new High King comes to power, Guinevere must navigate a world of political intrigue where unmarried women are valuable commodities and seemingly innocent actions can have life-altering consequences.

You may think you know the story of Guinevere, but you’ve never heard it like this: in her own words. Listen and you will hear the true story of Camelot and its queen.

Fans of Arthurian legend and the Mists of Avalon will love Daughter of Destiny, the first book in a historical fantasy trilogy that gives Guinevere back her voice and traces her life from an uncertain eleven year old girl to a wise queen in her fifth decade of life.

Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Paperback) | Barnes & Noble

Review
five star blog

I do not know much about the Arthurian legends, aside from the obvious, but I thoroughly enjoyed Daughter of Destiny. Guinevere’s character was much more developed than what is known about her, and it makes her more human in a way. The reader can see what she was like before becoming Arthur’s wife. I was intrigued by the role of Morgan, I hope her character comes into play more in the future books of the series. A quick read, I would be more likely to class this as historical fantasy than historical fiction, but that doesn’t diminish the style and skill of this author in any way. A wonderful novel for anyone who enjoys the Arthurian legends.

Praise

“A gripping read that brings a wonderfully depicted Guinevere tumbling out of the shadows of myth.” – Anna Belfrage, author of The Graham Saga

“Nicole Evelina shows a deep and passionate love for the Arthurian world, and her re-weaving of the story of Guinevere and Arthur makes for enjoyable reading. With more volumes to come, if you like stories of Camelot, ancient priesthoods, magical Avalonian dreams and embattled romance, this is for you.” – John Matthews, author of ‘Arthur of Albion’ and ‘The Camelot Oracle’.

“Colorful and exciting…love all the characters. You will have a ball with this book.” – Serena Scott Thomas, actress and audio book narrator

About the Author03_Nicole Evelina

Nicole Evelina is St. Louis-born historical fiction and romantic comedy writer. Her first four books are coming out in 2016:

1. Daughter of Destiny (January 1 – This is the first book of an Arthurian legend trilogy that tells Guinevere’s life story from her point of view)
2. Camelot’s Queen (March 23 – The second book in the trilogy)
3. Been Searching for You (May 23 – a contemporary romantic comedy that won in the single title romance category of the 2015 Great Expectations Contest (sponsored by North Texas RWA) and the 2015 Gold Rose Contest (sponsored by Portland RWA) and is a finalist in five others.
4. Madame Presidentess (July 25 – Historical fiction about 19th century American Presidential candidate Victoria Woodhull, the first American woman to run for President)

She hopes to have the final book in Guinevere’s Tale available in late 2016 or early 2017.

Nicole is a member of and book reviewer for the Historical Novel Society, and Sirens, a group supporting female fantasy authors, as well as a member of the Romance Writers of America, Women Fiction Writers Association, the St. Louis Writer’s Guild, Women Writing the West and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

She is one of only six authors who completed the first week-long writing intensive taught by #1 New York Times bestselling author Deborah Harkness in 2014. Nicole has traveled to England twice to research the Guinevere trilogy, where she consulted with internationally acclaimed author and historian Geoffrey Ashe, as well as Arthurian/Glastonbury expert Jaime George, the man who helped Marion Zimmer Bradley research The Mists of Avalon.

Her website/blog is http://nicoleevelina.com and she can be found on Twitter as well as on Pinterest, Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Tumblr.

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 8
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Spotlight at Unshelfish

Tuesday, February 9
Review at Bookish
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Wednesday, February 10
Review at Curling up by the Fire
Guest Post at To Read, or Not to Read

Thursday, February 11
Review at Just One More Chapter

Friday, February 12
Review at Broken Teepee
Interview at Author Dianne Ascroft’s Blog

Monday, February 15
Review at Laura’s Interests
Review at Puddletown Reviews

Tuesday, February 16
Interview at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, February 17
Review at Eclectic Ramblings of Author Heather Osborne
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 18
Review & Interview at Singing Librarian Books

Friday, February 19
Review at Book Nerd

Monday, February 22
Review at Seize the Words: Books in Review

Tuesday, February 23
Review at The Baking Bookworm
Review at The Hive at Black Tea & Milk

Wednesday, February 24
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, February 25
Review at A Literary Vacation
Review at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Friday, February 26
Review at History From a Woman’s Perspective
Guest Post at One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Giveaway

To win a paperback copy of Daughter of Destiny (Guinevere’s Tale, Book One) by Nicole Evelina please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Two copies are up for grabs!

Rules

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 26th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US 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.

Daughter of Destiny

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His Confession Release Blitz

Posted on by under Release Blitz

Release Blitz

 

Release Blitz

His Confession

by

Sophia Valentine

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Blurb

When Gabriella Woods finds matches from a gentlemen’s club in her fiancé’s pocket, her suspicions require a search for answers.

At the club, she realizes it’s not her fiancé’s fidelity that can’t be trusted…

It’s her own.

Darion Milano is daring, intriguing, and unpredictable…

Unable to get him out of her head—and against Darion’s explicit warning—Gabi begins a torrid affair. No longer fighting the urge to enter the depth of his dark and mysterious lifestyle, she indulges in his most intimate desires.They become the most exciting, wild, infatuated couple everybody knows.

Until his confession changes everything…

Her heart is telling her to stay.

Her instinct is telling her to run.

She can never match his outrageous ex-wife and become the fun, fearless woman he craves…

Or can she?

Discover a world of sex, secrets, and seduction.

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PreOrder Now

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Trailer

 

 

Meet the Author

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Sophia Valentine grew up in England. Studying English language and literature, as well as law, she worked in a solicitors for many years before moving to Spain. She does however still visit the UK, which in a way, will always be home.

Returning to her lifelong passion of writing books, she’s also a weekly columnist for The Ibizan newspaper on: lifestyle and fashion. Her other interests include reading, shopping and a nice glass of wine to shows such as Sons Of Anarchy, Dexter, Gossip Girl and SATC. She’s a social media addict, and loves connecting with new people.

For more information, please visit: http://www.s-valentine.wix.com/books. If you join her newsletter, you will be the first to receive sneak peeks of chapters, teasers, news, giveaway prizes and more!

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Author Links

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What Others Are Saying About His Confession

 

 

His Confession was a surprisingly engaging read with believable characters who were easy to connect with.It dealt with subjects a little different to what I’m used to, but the author did a great job of pulling me into her world.” – Mia Hoddell, YA/NA author.

”His Confession pulled me through from the first paragraph! The enigmatic Darion practically leapt off the pages and I could picture his every move and facial expression clear as day in my head! This story is definitely one to add to your “want-to-read” list-especially if you love a captivating plot as well as scenes so hot that they fog up your glasses. I don’t want to say too much and spoil it for future readers but DARION and GABI put Christian and Ana to SHAME! Enough said. LOL.” – Kiarra M. Taylor, contemporary romance author of THE QUARTER CHANGE.

”I loved it and I’m excited to read more to find out what happens. Darion is a great guy who was hurt badly and doesn’t know how to handle, which in steps Gabi. Love love love her! Hopefully she fights for him! When does the next book come out, as I’m dying to know what comes next! I also hope the girls get their own stories.” – Susan Flynn, Beta reader Writers club.

”S. Valentine does an exquisite job at creating a dynamic between two characters, both His Confession is book one in The Black Door Trilogy. It is a fast paced story that is full of hotness and anticipation that heats you up from your head to your toes. Gabi, is tired of always playing it safe. Darion, has demons that he can no longer control.When these two get together, boundaries are pushed, control is tested and emotions run from different worlds, that goes beyond a physical attraction.runs wild.” – AV. Scott, author of High Heels & New York.

A brilliant book which leaves you wondering what happened in Darion’s past that has left him so wary and so afraid to put himself and his heart out there not to mention to put his faith and trust in Gabi, the one woman whose managed to penetrate the walls he’s built.I can’t wait for book 2 and I’m hoping that Darion and Gabi can overcome the obstacles that stand in front of them, including Eva, Darion’s ex wife.” – Rebecca Barber, author Nobody’s Obligation.

Giveaway

OMPETITION! WIN BOOK SWAG!

 

Fancy being entered into a prize draw to WIN book swag, consisting of: signed paperback, bookmark, postcards, stickers, key-rings, a bracelet and more, then follow the below instructions:

> LIKE S. Valentine’s author page: Author Page

> Follow S. Valentine on Twitter: Twitter

Take two seconds to enter your email and sign up to S. Valentine’s newsletter to receive FREE book chapters, teasers, prize competitions, and important book news.

 

COMMENT WITH YOUR EMAIL ON S. VALENTINE’S FACEBOOK PINNED POST TO SHOW THAT YOU HAVE ENTERED THE COMPETITION!

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