Blog Tour: The Secret of Drulea Cottage by Claire Kohler

Posted on August 19, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Goddess Fish Promotions, Historical fantasy, review

Title: The Secret of Drulea Cottage

Author: Claire Kohler

Genre: Historical Fantasy

Blurb:

Briony Fairborn, a midwife in eighteenth-century Scotland, comes from a family shrouded in scandal. Left with only one friend after her mother’s death, she has little hope of gaining any others, let alone finding a husband. Instead, Briony tries to live a quiet life and avoid her neighbors’ ridicule as much as possible.

But things in Everton take a drastic turn when a storm brings foreigners to the village docks.

On the night Santiago Mendes arrives, he comes with a broken ship, a broken leg, and a broken spirit that Briony finds herself profoundly drawn to. Her scarred heart slowly starts to open, and although Briony suspects he may be hiding something, she cannot help but dream of the possibility of love.

That is, until another stranger appears in town, intent on repaying a childhood debt. A dangerously handsome stranger who shows Briony that she’s even more different than she could have imagined. And that her past is far darker than she realized.

Magic, romance, and political intrigue collide as the secrets surrounding one Scottish woman begin to unravel. Secrets that she may not be ready to face.

Excerpt:

Screams drew Briony from her state of shock. They pierced the darkness as terribly as the lightning hitting the ground.

Except ’tis na just hitting the ground anymore! She gasped at the sight of flames rising from the town below. Her neighbors were flying through the streets in a panic, and Briony could see why: the tailor shop and the McGuffs’ house were alight!

Fergus! Briony forgot about Niall and charged down the hill with nary a care for her own well-being. All she could focus on was the thought of the little boy potentially trapped and scared. She reached the burning house and stepped inside. “Hello! Fergus?! Is anyone in here?”

Most of the fire was above her, hungrily swallowing the thatched roof. The smoke was so thick within the confined space that Briony struggled to breathe. Only a few licks of flame had reached the floor, and they were quickly spreading toward the McGuffs’ table.

“H-Here!” came a voice. Whoever it belonged to was too hoarse to identify. Briony covered her mouth with her hand and made her way forward, edging around the blazing table.

Briony hastened into the back bedroom, her eyes flicking between the open window and two beds before landing on their target: Penelope McGuff. The woman was on the ground, facedown. The rest of the family was nowhere in sight.

“Mistress McGuff!” Briony dropped to her knees and grabbed the woman’s hand, but Penelope didn’t stir.

CRASH!

About the Author:

Claire Kohler grew up in Mooresville, NC, as the eldest of four daughters. Her love of stories began at an early age, and as a child, she could often be found borrowing way too many books from the library and scribbling away in a journal.

In 2016, Claire became a full-time middle school English teacher in a public school. In her second year of teaching, she also taught social studies. After becoming pregnant in 2018, Claire decided to shift careers and become an online ESL teacher so that she could also take care of her newborn at home.

She now lives in Statesville, NC, with her husband, two children, and three cats. She is also an active member of Christ Community Church Mooresville, where she often serves as a Bible study and small group leader.

Claire plans to continue creating exciting historical fantasy novels and potentially branching out into other genres as well.

Website Link: https://secretdruleacottage.wixsite.com/clairekohlerbooks

Facebook Link: https://www.facebook.com/Claire-Kohler-Books-100151582291586

GIVEAWAY:

Claire Kohler will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Blog Tour: Down Salem Way by Meredith Allard

Posted on August 17, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, review

Title: Down Salem Way (The Loving Husband Series)

Author: Meredith Allard

Blurb: How would you deal with the madness of the Salem witch hunts?

In 1690, James Wentworth arrives in Salem in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with his father, John, hoping to continue the success of John’s mercantile business. While in Salem, James falls in love with Elizabeth Jones, a farmer’s daughter. Though they are virtually strangers when they marry, the love between James and Elizabeth grows quickly into a passion that will transcend time.

But something evil lurks down Salem way. Soon many in Salem, town and village, are accused of practicing witchcraft and sending their shapes to harm others. Despite the madness surrounding them, James and Elizabeth are determined to continue the peaceful, loving life they have created together. Will their love for one another carry them through the most difficult challenge of all?

Buy Links:

Universal links:

Down Salem Way: https://books2read.com/u/4XQdqL

Her Dear and Loving Husband: https://books2read.com/u/49NXzk

Her Loving Husband’s Curse: https://books2read.com/u/baZ576

Her Loving Husband’s Return: https://books2read.com/u/31l5vD

Review:

A heart rending start to a promising series, Down Salem Way is told from the perspective of James Wentworth, a man living in Salem during the time of the witch trials, and his wife, Elizabeth. I really enjoyed this historical novel along with the paranormal twist, and it makes me want to read the rest of the series to find out what happens next.

Meredith Allard About the Author:

Meredith Allard is the author of the bestselling paranormal historical Loving Husband Trilogy. Her sweet Victorian romance, When It Rained at Hembry Castle, was named a best historical novel by IndieReader. Her nonfiction book, Painting the Past: A Guide for Writing Historical Fiction, was named a #1 New Release in Authorship and Creativity Self-Help by Amazon. When she isn’t writing she’s teaching writing, and she has taught writing to students ages five to 75. She loves books, cats, and coffee, though not always in that order. She lives in Las Vegas, Nevada. Visit Meredith online at http://www.meredithallard.com.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.meredithallard.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormeredithallard

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-allard-0a8a5821/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/meredithallard

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/meredith-allard

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Meredith-Allard/e/B000APN2C8

Blog Tour: The Lady Who Knew Too Much by Alyson Chase

Posted on August 1, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Goddess Fish Promotions, historical romance, review

Title: The Lady Who Knew Too Much

Author: Alyson Chase

Genre: steamy historical romance

Blurb:

He’s an ex-boxer. She sips tea at philosophical salons. And when these two opposites meet, their lives will never be the same.

Lady Juliana knows someone is trying to kill her father. The problem is getting anyone to believe her. Her father thinks she’s imagining things. Her brother that she’s seeking attention. And the man her brother hired to bring her back home…well, he thinks nothing much of her at all.

Brogan Duffy has clawed his way up from the streets to become the lead investigator on his very first inquiry case. The fact that it is to retrieve a spoiled aristocrat playing at intrigue is of no consequence. Nor is the fact that she beguiles him like no other woman. He has a job to do, and he won’t let anything stand in his way, not even this illogical attraction.

But Juliana might not be imagining the threat. And when it’s her life that’s on the line, Brogan has to decide to what lengths he’ll go to keep her safe. Because in order to resolve this make-or-break case in his career, Brogan might have to hazard more than his heart. And with some gambles, there’s no going back…

Amazon Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Lady-Who-Knew-Too-Much-ebook/dp/B094TH9B8

Review:

Book One in the Agents of Desire series, The Lady Who Knew Too Much puts two headstrong main characters at odds, both of whom have a fiery attraction to the other. I loved the contrasting personalities of Brogan and Juliana, along with the suspense thrown in of trying to find out who is after Juliana’s father. Coupled with steamy interludes, this novel is sure to please historical romance fans who love independent heroines and gruff, muscular heroes.

Excerpt:

She rose and faced her friend’s floor-length mirror. She imagined a tall, burly figure, and dipped a deep curtsy. “Why yes, I would love to dance.”

A hard blue gaze flashed across her imagination. Those eyes belonged to someone completely inappropriate, but this was her fantasy, so she let them linger in her mind. She closed her own eyes and began to sway to the music. She raised her arms, as though holding her imaginary man, and fell into the rhythm of the dance.

The hem of her skirts whisked across the carpet. She hummed along with the music and wondered what it would feel like to have such strong arms wrapped around her body. The men of her acquaintance were all slender and sensitive.

Perhaps she should expand her acquaintance beyond philosophical societies. The male members were all kind and intelligent, but none of them sent a shiver straight down her spine with merely one glance. Perhaps—

One thick band, hard as iron, wrapped around her waist. One rough hand gripped her own, engulfing it.

Her eyes flew open.

The pair of piercing blue from her imagination met her gaze.

A shiver raced down her spine.

“My lady.” Mr. Brogan Duffy, inquiry agent and the man featured much too prominently in her dreams, inclined his head. “I’ll take this dance.”

About the Author:

Alyson Chase lives in Colorado. A former attorney, she happily ditched those suits and now works in her pajamas writing about men’s briefs instead of legal briefs. When she’s not writing, she’s probably engaged in one of her favorite hobbies: napping, eating, or martial arts. (That last one almost makes up for the first two, right?) She also writes humorous, small-town, contemporary romance novels under the name Allyson Charles, and paranormal romances as A. Caprice.

You can catch up with her at: https://www.allysoncharles.com/alyson-chase-1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlysonChaseAuthor/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/1alysonchase

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBDDk6MbGufWiwi9cydVbZg

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/alysonchaseauthor/boards/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/alyson-chase

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Blog Tour: The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker by A.B. Michaels

Posted on June 14, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, review

Title: The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker (The Golden City, Book Six)

Author: A.B. Michaels

Blurb:

While exploring the remote possibility of contacting her dead husband through a spirit medium, a young widow is pronounced insane and committed to an asylum against her will. As she struggles to escape the nightmare she’s been thrust into, she is stripped of everything she holds dear, including her identity and her reason to live. The fight to reclaim what is rightfully hers will test every aspect of her being, up to and including her sanity. Is she up to the task, or has her grip on reality already slipped away?

Book Six of The Golden City series, The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker explores two major forces of early twentieth century America: the religious movement called Spiritualism and treatment of the mentally ill. Like all of A.B. Michaels’ novels, it is a stand-alone read.

Series Buy Links (In order):

The Art of Love: https://books2read.com/u/4ERKKe

The Depth of Beauty: https://books2read.com/u/bpzaal

The Promise: https://books2read.com/u/bwoaaP

The Price of Compassion: https://books2read.com/u/4XQrr7

Josephine’s Daughter: https://books2read.com/u/4NwxxY

The Madness of Mrs Whittaker: https://books2read.com/u/4AOeeK

Google Play:

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=e9wxEAAAQBAJ

Apple:

http://books.apple.com/us/book/id1571131123

Review:

An absolutely captivating early 20th century historical fiction novel set in California, The Madness of Mrs. Whittaker had me hooked from the first page. I felt every emotion of Mae’s struggles, and Mrs. Michaels is certainly a talented author, tying the story into the historical context of the time. I’m a great fan of novels taking place in early San Francisco, as I’m from the Bay Area myself! I admired the strong, female characters, and struggled with great anger at the inequalities facing women at the time. This is certainly well-worth the read for any historical fiction fan and I will be checking out the rest of the series! This is a standalone novel.

About the Author:

A native of California, A.B. Michaels holds masters’ degrees in history (UCLA) and broadcasting (San Francisco State University). After working for many years as a promotional writer and editor, she turned to writing fiction, which is the hardest thing she’s ever done besides raise two boys. She lives with her husband and two spoiled dogs in Boise, Idaho, where she is often distracted by playing darts and bocce and trying to hit a golf ball more than fifty yards. Reading, quilt-making and travel figure into the mix as well, leading her to hope that sometime soon, someone invents a 25+ hour day.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.abmichaels.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ABMichaelsBooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/A.B.MichaelsWriter/

Pinterest: pinterest.com/abmichaelsbooks

Book Bub: bookbub.com/profile/a-b-michaels

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/A.-B.-Michaels/e/B00KFLJ2QW

Goodreads: goodreads.com/abmichaels

Blog Tour: Saving Grace by H D Coulter

Posted on May 27, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical romance, review

Title: Saving Grace: Deception. Obsession. Redemption.

(The Ropewalk series, Book 2)

Author: H D Coulter

Blurb:

Beacon Hill, Boston. 1832.

“You are innocent. You are loved. You are mine.”

After surviving the brutal attack and barely escaping death at Lancaster Castle, Beatrice Mason attempts to build a new life with her husband Joshua across the Atlantic in Beacon Hill. But, as Beatrice struggles to cope with the pregnancy and vivid nightmares, she questions whether she is worthy of redemption.

Determined to put the past behind her after the birth of her daughter Grace, Bea embraces her newfound roles of motherhood and being a wife. Nevertheless, when she meets Sarah Bateman, their friendship draws Bea towards the underground railroad and the hidden abolitionist movement, despite the dangerous secrets it poses. Whilst concealed in the shadows, Captain Victor Hanley returns, obsessed with revenge and the desire to lay claim to what is his, exposes deceptions and doubts as he threatens their newly established happiness.

Now, Beatrice must find the strength to fight once more and save Grace, even if it costs her life.

Ropewalk; Rebellion. Love. Survival (The Ropewalk Series, Book 1) is only 0.99 on ebook during the tour. Here are the buy links:

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08MKZW4S5

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MKZW4S5

Universal Link to other bookshops: https://books2read.com/u/bxjlQd

Review:

Check out my review of the first book here!
fivestars
So, I don’t want to give away too much, since you really need to read the first book as well, but all I can say is, DAMN! When is book 3 coming? Cause it need it, like, yesterday! Amazing historical fiction. This is definitely an author to watch.

About the Author:

Hayley was born and raised in the lake district and across Cumbria. From a young age, Hayley loved learning about history, visiting castles and discovering local stories from the past. Hayley and her partner lived in Ulverston for three years and spent her weekends walking along the Ropewalk and down by the old harbour. She became inspired by the spirit of the area and stories that had taken place along the historic streets.

As a teacher, Hayley had loved the art of storytelling by studying drama and theatre. The power of the written word, how it can transport the reader to another world or even another time in history. But it wasn’t until living in Ulverston did she discover a story worth telling. From that point, the characters became alive and she fell in love with the story.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://hdcoulter.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/coulter_hd

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hd.coulter/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hdcoulter

Sign up to Hayley’s newsletter between now and May 30th to be placed into a giveaway raffle for a personalised BookBox, including a signed copy of Ropewalk and Saving Grace.

http://eepurl.com/hjgxYf

Blog Tour: Of Love and Vengeance by Louise Lyndon

Posted on May 23, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Goddess Fish Promotions, historical romance, review

Title: Of Love and Vengeance

Author: Louise Lyndon

Genre: Historical Romance

Blurb:

Forced to marry Lord Aymon to ensure her young nephews survival, English Lady Laila vows undying hatred for the Norman she holds responsible for the deaths of so many innocents. Discovering Aymon has committed an act of treason gives her the chance to seek vengeance he deserves. But can Laila let Aymon die at the hands of the king once she learns the truth?

A hardened Norman warrior, Lord Aymon has lived through atrocities no man ever should. With the invasion of England over, all he wants is a quiet life and a wife who will give him heirs and obey his every command. Instead, he finds himself wed to feisty and outspoken Laila. But when she learns the truth of his treasonous act, can Aymon count on her to keep his secret?

FREE for the duration of the tour!
Buy Link: https://books2read.com/Of-LoveandVengeance

Review:

This historical romance fondly reminded me of ones I had read when I first started delving into the genre, especially A Year and a Day by Virginia Henley. I liked the characters, even though they did things a bit backwards from the traditional romances. I very much enjoyed Laila as a character and Aymon had redeeming qualities. Some of the historical elements were a bit stretched and there were a few editing/proofreading niggles that pulled me a bit away from the narrative at times, but the love story was still very beautiful.

Excerpt:

Laila swallowed hard, hoping to choke down the words which threatened to hurtle from her mouth in defense of her home. She inhaled deeply. And when she was sure she was not going to blurt the words she so desperately wanted to shout, she said simply, “Only three serfs remain, and they are hunting. They will return shortly,” she lied.

“They dare leave the Lady of the manor unprotected?”

Laila would have been deaf not to hear the derision in his voice. “Although, you hardly need protecting, do you? And your husband? Where is he? Is he hunting, too?”

“I do not have a husband.”

He nodded his head in understanding. She was unwed; a lone woman with no one to protect her. She was at his complete mercy. She knew it. He knew it.

The rasp of his strong fingers against his day old stubble filled the silent great hall. With his mind seemingly made up, he strode toward the door. “It’s too late to do anything about it today, but be ready first thing on the morrow.”

Laila followed close on his heels. “Ready for what?”

Without missing a step, he threw over his shoulder, “Our wedding.”

About the Author:

Louise grew up in country Victoria, Australia, before moving to England, where for sixteen years she soaked up the vibrancy of London and the medieval history of England. She has since returned to Australia and now lives in Melbourne.

Her obsession with all things medieval continued upon her return and shortly after settling back in to Aussie life she wrote the first of the two Warriors In Love novels – Of Love and Vengeance (book 1), and Of Love and Betrayal (book 2).

Louise temporarily re-joined the 21st century with a soon to be released new series – Justice Served. Book 1 – Nowhere to Hide is scheduled for release in 2021.

Not yet ready to leave modern times Louise has started work on a new series, Shame Defy about rock gods and their journey to finding “the one”. Book one is scheduled for release in 2022.

Connect with Louise via:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100005458125421

Email – louiselyndonauthor@gmail.com

Website – http://www.LouiseLyndon.net

GIVEAWAY:

Louise Lyndon will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Blog Tour: The Shadow of Versailles by Cathie Dunn

Posted on May 20, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, review

Title: The Shadows of Versailles

(An Affair of the Poisons Book One)

Author: Cathie Dunn

Blurb:

Dazzled by Versailles. Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge.

When Fleur de La Fontaine attends the court of King Louis XIV for the first time, she is soon besotted with handsome courtier, Philippe de Mortain. She dreams of married life away from her uncaring mother, but Philippe keeps a secret from her.

Nine months later, after the boy she has given birth to in a convent is whisked away, she flees to Paris where she mends gowns in the brothel of Madame Claudette, a woman who helps ‘fallen’ girls back on their feet.

Jacques de Montagnac investigates a spate of abducted children when his path crosses Fleur’s. He searches for her son, but the trail leads to a dead end – and a dreadful realisation.

Her boy’s suspected fate too much to bear, Fleur decides to avenge him. She visits the famous midwife, La Voisin, but it’s not the woman’s skills in childbirth that Fleur seeks.

La Voisin dabbles in poisons.

Will Fleur see her plan through? Or can she save herself from a tragic fate?

Delve into The Shadows of Versailles and enter the sinister world of potions, poisoners and black masses during the Affairs of the Poisons, a real event that stunned the court of the Sun King!

Buy Links:

Is your book on Kindle Unlimited? – Yes.

Universal Link (if you have it): Amazon: https://mybook.to/ShadowsVersailles

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08LHC27F7/

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LHC27F7/

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B08LHC27F7/

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/gp/product/B08LHC27F7/

Review:

Certainly one of the most intriguing periods in history, The Shadow of Versailles takes the reader directly into Louis XIV’s dazzling and dangerous court. Jacques de Montagnac is faced with uncovering a mysterious string of poisonings and disappearing infants, but will someone he holds dear be at the center of it all?

Personally, I thought Jacques should have featured more heavily in the blurb, because he is the main character of this series. Fleur is a sympathetic character, driven by revenge and subject to the burdens of women at the time. I felt deeply for her plight and immense sadness at her fate. I would be very keen to continue reading about Jacques and his further investigations of the poisonings at Versailles and I look forward to the next book in the series. This will appeal to historical mystery lovers with a penchant for reading novels set at the time of the Sun King.

About the Author:

Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance.

Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing, with a focus on novel writing, which she now teaches in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites.

Her stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past.

Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

After nearly two decades in Scotland, she now lives in the historic city of Carcassonne in the south of France with her husband, two cats and a rescue dog.

Social Media Links:

Website: http://www.cathiedunn.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cathiedunn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CathieDunnAuthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cathiedunnwrites/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.fr/cathiedunnwrites/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/cathie-dunn

Amazon Author Page: https://author.to/CathieDunn

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5066224.Cathie_Dunn

Blog Tour: Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton

Posted on May 11, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, review

Title: Under the Light of the Italian Moon

Author: Jennifer Anton

Genre: Historical Fiction

Blurb:

A promise keeps them apart until WW2 threatens to destroy their love forever
Fonzaso, Italy, between two wars

Nina Argenta doesn’t want the traditional life of a rural Italian woman. The daughter of a strong-willed midwife, she is determined to define her own destiny. But when her brother emigrates to America, she promises her mother to never leave.

When childhood friend Pietro Pante briefly returns to their mountain town, passion between them ignites while Mussolini forces political tensions to rise. Just as their romance deepens, Pietro must leave again for work in the coal mines of America. Nina is torn between joining him and her commitment to Italy and her mother.

As Mussolini’s fascists throw the country into chaos and Hitler’s Nazis terrorise their town, each day becomes a struggle to survive greater atrocities. A future with Pietro seems impossible when they lose contact and Nina’s dreams of a life together are threatened by Nazi occupation and an enemy she must face alone…

A gripping historical fiction novel, based on a true story and heartbreaking real events.

Spanning over two decades, Under the Light of the Italian Moon is an epic, emotional and triumphant tale of one woman’s incredible resilience during the rise of fascism and Italy’s collapse into WWII.

Review:

(I had reviewed this novel previously for Readers’ Favorite. While I am unable to post my review on Goodreads or Amazon, due to their reviewer guidelines, I’m happy to present it here.)

Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton is a beautiful historical fiction novel about the life of Nina Argenta. Growing up in a small village in Italy, Nina’s mother is the local midwife, a strong woman who has delivered many babies and overcome many hardships. As Nina grows, Adalaisa, her mother, asks her to stay in the village after her brother goes off to American. Young, at the time, Nina agrees, but then she falls in love with Pietro Pante. He decides America is the future for him, so he leaves, but then ends up returning to marry Nina. Nina, however, knows she must remain for her mother. This, at times heart breaking and hopeful novel spans the course of two world wars as Nina and Pietro struggle with their lives apart, and through many tragedies.

Under the Light of the Italian Moon by Jennifer Anton kept me captivated from the first page. Like a slow burning candle, the story of Nina and Pietro is told with skillful prose and historical accuracy to the time. I really loved how Miss Anton presents a realistic narrative, as well as showing how different generations deal with the hardships of war and maintaining relationships from a great distance. My favorite character was Nina and Pietro’s daughter, Laisa. I found her courage and steadfastness a good contrast to Nina’s sometimes instability with all the tragedy befalling her. I would definitely recommend this novel to someone who appreciates a carefully woven story, without rushing to a quick ending.

Buy Links:

Amazon: getbook.at/JAnton

Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3n1nDqC

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/under-the-light-of-the-italian-moon/jennifer-anton//9789493231009

Bookshop.org (U.S. only): https://bit.ly/3ofS39T

I am Books Boston: https://bit.ly/2Z0mWUO

About the Author:

Jennifer Anton is an American/Italian dual citizen born in Joliet, Illinois and now lives between London and Lake Como, Italy. A proud advocate for women’s rights and equality, she hopes to rescue women’s stories from history, starting with her Italian family.

Social Media Links:

Website: www.boldwomanwriting.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/boldwomanwrites

Facebook: www.facebook.com/jenniferantonauthorpage

Instagram: www.instagram.com/boldwomanwriting

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/janton1468/_created/

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jennifer-anton

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jennifer-Anton/e/B08RL6HBDN%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2XsHt3F

Youtube: https://bit.ly/3i9XvZA

Blog Tour: Dawn Empress by Faith L. Justice

Posted on May 5, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Coffee Pot Book Club, historical fiction, review

Title: Dawn Empress: A Novel of Imperial Rome (The Theodosian Women, Book Two)

Author: Faith L. Justice

Audiobook narrated by Kathleen Li

Genre: Historical Fiction

Blurb:

As Rome reels under barbarian assaults, a young girl must step up.

After the Emperor’s unexpected death, ambitious men eye the Eastern Roman throne occupied by seven-year-old Theodosius II. His older sister Pulcheria faces a stark choice: she must find allies and take control of the Eastern court or doom the imperial children to a life of obscurity—or worse. Beloved by the people and respected by the Church, Pulcheria forges her own path to power. Can her piety and steely will protect her brother from military assassins, heretic bishops, scheming eunuchs and—most insidious of all—a beautiful, intelligent bride? Or will she lose all in the trying?

Dawn Empress tells the little-known and remarkable story of Pulcheria Augusta, 5th century Empress of Eastern Rome. Her accomplishments rival those of Elizabeth I and Catherine the Great as she sets the stage for the dawn of the Byzantine Empire. Don’t miss this “gripping tale” (Kirkus Reviews); a “deftly written and impressively entertaining historical novel” (Midwest Book Reviews). Historical Novel Reviews calls Dawn Empress an “outstanding novel…highly recommended” and awarded it the coveted Editor’s Choice.

Review:

Focusing on a little-known woman in Roman history, Dawn Empress takes us into the life of Pulcheria Augusta, who was co-ruler of Eastern Rome, along with her brother, Theodosius. Initially, I was struck by Pulcheria’s dedication to her faith, as it felt a bit overwhelming, especially when it led to the persecution of others, but I recognize that, at the time, that wasn’t radical in the slightest. There were parts I felt a bit dry and sometimes repetitive, especially when it came to religion, but the conflicts between Pulcheria, her brother, and her brother’s wife made for some interesting reading, as well as learning how the power was balanced between the eastern and western parts of the Roman empire at the time. Understandably, the novel does jump a bit, having to cover over fifty years of history, but it’s clear the author certainly knows her Roman history and has dedicated a great deal of time to be as accurate as possible within the scope of the historical fiction genre. That is something I fully appreciate.

Buy Links:

Print/eBook

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0917053265

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0917053265

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0917053265

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B089J6R3YZ

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dawn-empress-faith-l-justice/1136976264

Waterstones: https://www.waterstones.com/book/dawn-empress/faith-l-justice/9780917053146

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dawn-empress-a-novel-of-imperial-rome

Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/book/dawn-empress-a-novel-of-imperial-rome/id1511991657

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1020223

Books A Million: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Dawn-Empress/Faith-L-Justice/9780917053146

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/book/460186605/Dawn-Empress-A-Novel-of-Imperial-Rome

Audiobook:

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/Dawn-Empress-A-Novel-of-Imperial-Rome-Audiobook/B08WLZ4M28

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/audiobook/id1549846649

Nook Audiobook: https://www.nookaudiobooks.com/audiobook/1028557/dawn-empress

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/audiobooks/details/Faith_L_Justice_Dawn_Empress?id=AQAAAEBc9QS1SM

Kobo Audio: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/audiobook/dawn-empress

BingeBooks: https://bingebooks.com/book/dawn-empress

Chirp: https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/dawn-empress-by-faith-l-justice

Scribd: https://www.scribd.com/audiobook/491435814/Dawn-Empress-A-Novel-of-Imperial-Rome

About the Author:

Faith L. Justice writes award-winning historical novels, short stories, and articles in Brooklyn, New York where she lives with her family and the requisite gaggle of cats. Her work has appeared in Salon.com, Writer’s Digest, The Copperfield Review, and many more publications. She is Chair of the New York City chapter of the Historical Novel Society, and Associate Editor for Space and Time Magazine. She co-founded a writer’s workshop many more years ago than she likes to admit. For fun, she digs in the dirt—her garden and various archaeological sites.

Social Media Links:

Website: https://faithljustice.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/faithljustice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/faithljusticeauthor/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-l-justice-53974719/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fljusticeauthor/

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/kindle-dbs/entity/author/B003FWNP9S

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3268206.Faith_L_Justice

Blog Tour: A Reckless Heart by Jennifer Wilck

Posted on April 27, 2021 by heatherosborneauthor under Blog Tour, Contemporary Romance, Goddess Fish Promotions, review

Title: A Reckless Heart

Author: Jennifer Wilck

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Blurb:

Meg Thurgood, former society girl, took the blame for her friend and paid a steep price. Now all she wants is solitude and a chance to rebuild her life. She thinks she’s found that in an isolated house she rents from a mysterious stranger.

Simon McAlter has hidden in his house on the coast of Maine since a fire left him scarred. A successful landscape architect who conducts his business and teaches his classes remotely, he’s lost his inspiration and is trying to pretend he’s not lonely.

Simon’s new neighbor is more than he bargained for. When he learns Meg’s secret, will he retreat into the shadows or will he learn to see past the surface and trust in Meg’s love?

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Reckless-Heart-Scarred-Hearts-Book-ebook/dp/B08X429BMX/

Excerpt:

“Let’s watch a horror movie.” Meg flopped on the couch and wiggled into the soft cushions. 

There was a beat of silence before Simon turned away from her and poked at the logs in the fireplace, sending sparks up the chimney. “I’m not a big fan of horror movies.”

She liked horror movies because the monsters were obviously fake. You didn’t have to dig deep, to wonder about anything. It was black and white. Meg’s heart constricted. She hadn’t thought about it from Simon’s perspective. Did he consider himself a monster? Could this amazing man see himself in those movies? Her throat thickened. She wanted to run away and cry. But he’d think she ran from him. With a deep breath, she sorted through the list of her favorites in her mind and threw away several until she thought of the perfect one.

“How about Dracula?” Her voice rasped past the emotion, but she forged ahead. “The old one. It’s totally cheesy, which makes it funny. ‘I vant to suck your blood!’ ” she said with a fake accent.

“Do you?” he asked.

Returning the poker to the rack, he walked toward her, and held out his arm, wrist up. She took it in her hand. His skin was warm beneath her fingers, his pulse steady, and the hair on the other side of his arm was wiry. She stroked her thumb along the inside of his wrist. His breath stuttered. She wondered what he’d do if she kissed him. Desire flooded through her. Never mind him, what would she do?

“Next time,” she said. She was brave, but maybe not that brave, at least not yet.

Slowly, he lowered his arm to his side, but remained close enough his knees brushed hers. His skin was flushed, his eyes ablaze. Heat pulsed between them. After a moment, he stepped away, as if he wasn’t brave enough either. “Do you want popcorn?”

Review:

A heartwarming romance of two people trying to rebuild their shattered pasts, A Reckless Heart will appeal to contemporary romance readers everywhere. I particularly enjoyed the small town beach setting and the gradual transformation of both characters into trusting each other and themselves. Although Meg was the clear main character, and we got small glimpses into her life before Simon, I would have liked there to be more depth to both her and Simon. It felt like key parts of their past lives were missing and only briefly touched on. I would have liked to see them have a final heart-to-heart, just to get all of those emotions out. However, that did not take away from my enjoyment of the novel. I would certainly read more by this author in the future.

About the Author:

Jennifer started telling herself stories as a little girl when she couldn’t fall asleep at night. Pretty soon, her head was filled with these stories and the characters that populated them. Even as an adult, she thinks about the characters and stories at night before she falls asleep or walking the dog. Eventually, she started writing them down. Her favorite stories to write are those with smart, sassy, independent heroines; handsome, strong and slightly vulnerable heroes; and her stories always end with happily ever after.

In the real world, she’s the mother of two amazing daughters and wife of one of the smartest men she knows. She believes humor is the only way to get through the day and does not believe in sharing her chocolate.

She writes contemporary romance, many of which feature Jewish characters in non-religious settings (#ownvoices). She’s published with The Wild Rose Press, as well as indie, and all her books are available through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.jenniferwilck.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jennifer-Wilck-201342863240160/

Newsletter: https://www.jenniferwilck.com/contact.html#newsletter

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JWilck

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferwilck/

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jennifer-wilck

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