Review: Kiss of the Spindle by Nancy Campbell Allen

 My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Doctor Isla Cooper is cursed. Literally. Each night, at the stroke of midnight she falls into a death-like sleep from which she cannot be awakened for six hours. To make it worse, the curse has an expiration date--after a year, it becomes permanent. And the year is almost up.

In a desperate attempt to find Malette--the witch who cursed her--Isla blackmails her way onto Daniel Pickett's private airship bound for the Caribbean, only to discover she's traveling with three illegal shapeshifters and the despicable Nigel Crowe, a government official determined to hunt down and exterminate every shapeshifter in England. Isla and Daniel must work together to keep the identities of the shapeshifters hidden while coming to terms with their own hidden secrets, and their blossoming attraction to each other.

Filled with suspense, intrigue, and plenty of romance, Kiss of the Spindle is steampunk Sleeping Beauty story. It is a race against the clock as Isla and Daniel try to hunt down the elusive Malette before Isla's death-like sleep becomes permanent.


My Review

Wow. This is the first steampunk book I've ventured to read, and it was such a fun ride! It took me a little bit to get comfortable with the some of the terminology and concepts, but the story and characters immediately grabbed me and pulled me into the intriguing plot. I loved Isla's grit, confidence, and determination. I loved Daniel's strength, charisma, and protective nature. I loved the dynamics between the passengers on the airship, the race against time, and the mysterious spell that Isla is desperate to reverse. The friendship and romance between Isla and Daniel develops naturally but swiftly, and their chemistry was amazing! I appreciated that they allowed themselves to be vulnerable with each other; it instilled a foundation of trust in their relationship that made the quick timeline work for me. The adventure was epic and this book would make such a great movie! Highly recommend!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first book in the Steampunk Proper Romance series . . .

Synopsis

Jane Eyre meets Beauty and the Beast

When Lucy Pickett arrives at Blackwell Manor to tend to her ailing cousin, Kate, she finds more than she bargained for. A restless ghost roams the hallways, werewolves have been reported in the area, and vampires lurk across the Scottish border. Lord Miles himself is clearly hiding a secret. He is brash and inhospitable, and does not take kindly to visitors—even one as smart and attractive as Miss Pickett. He is unsettled by the mysterious deaths of his new wife, Clara, and his sister, Marie. Working together, Miles and Lucy attempt to restore peace to Blackwell Manor. But can Lucy solve the mystery of Miles? Can she love the man—beast and all?

Review & Giveaway: Veins of Gold by Charlie N. Holmberg

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Desperate to save her siblings from poverty, a young woman discovers magic fueled by gold . . . and a love for the man who wields it.

Abandoned by their father for the gold rush, Gentry and her siblings labor to survive alone in the inhospitable west. When bizarre natural disasters begin wreaking havoc on the land, Gentry discovers a world of magic. Desperate for help, she accepts aid from a mysterious stranger.

Winn not only sees the magic, but controls its hunger by feeding it gold—the very thing Gentry’s father left to acquire. But the earth’s unrest only grows worse, and Gentry’s fear leads her to a terrible choice: marry a wealthy man she does not love, or trust in Winn’s unpredictable power to save her family.

My Review

This is the first book I've read by the author, and I didn't really know what to expect, other than she had great reviews from reader friends and authors. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of writing, and was easily drawn into the story and its characters. I always enjoy a western setting, and the addition of the paranormal/magic element made it exciting and new, with lots of unknowns. It was a nice balance of 1800's reality and imaginative fantasy. Gentry is strong and devoted to her family, and their increasingly desperate circumstances worry her to the point of anxiety. She has support from the Mormon family who adopted her half brother, and they help keep her grounded and hopeful. Winn is charming and sweet, and Gentry doesn't quite know what to make of her new friend. There are themes of self-reliance, trust, grief, and forgiveness that brought depth to the story. The concept of gold mining and the effect it had on the spirit of the land was intriguing, and I liked the way the author wove in elements of a Native American tribe, the crickets, and the seagulls- nods to the rich history of Utah. I'm looking forward to reading more from this author!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

About the Author

Born in Salt Lake City, Charlie N. Holmberg was raised a Trekkie alongside three sisters who also have boy names. She is a proud BYU alumna, plays the ukulele, owns too many pairs of glasses, and finally adopted a dog. Her fantasy Paper Magician series, which includes The Paper Magician, The Glass Magician, and The Master Magician, has been optioned by the Walt Disney Company. Her stand-alone novel, Followed by Frost, was nominated for a 2016 RITA Award for Best Young Adult Romance, and her novel The Fifth Doll won the 2018 Whitney for Speculative Fiction. She is a board member for Deep Magic Ezine and lives with her family in Utah.

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July 16th: Book Geek Reviews

July 17th: Katie’s Clean Read Collection / Min Reads and Reviews

July 18th: Wishful Endings / The Bibliophile Files

July 19th: Heidi Reads... / Books in the Skye

July 20th: R.Q. Woodward / Bookworm Lisa

Review: Where the Fire Falls by Karen Barnett

Book Two in the Shadows of the Wilderness series

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Stunning Yosemite National Park sets the stage for this late 1920s historical romance with mystery, adventure, heart, and a sense of the place John Muir described as "pervaded with divine light."

Watercolorist Olivia Rutherford fashioned her image as an avant-garde artist to appeal to the region's wealthy art-collectors. When she lands a lucrative contract painting illustrations of Yosemite National Park for a travel magazine including its nightly one-of-a-kind Firefall event, she hopes the money will lift Olivia and her sisters out of poverty.

After false accusations cost him everything, former minister Clark Johnson has found purpose as a backcountry guide in this natural cathedral of granite and trees. Now he's faced with the choice of becoming a National Parks Ranger, but is it his true calling?

As Clark helps open Olivia's eyes to the wonders of Yosemite, she discovers the people are as vital to the park's story as its vistas-- a revelation that may bring her charade to an end.

My Review

There are two things I especially appreciated about this book- that it's set in Yosemite, a place I've visited several times, and that the main character Olivia is an artist. The author really made the time period come to life, and though it's not my favorite era for fiction, once Olivia got to Yosemite and began to shed her flapper girl facade, I was a happy camper ;) She really undergoes quite a transition,  from fearful and desperate to courageous and confident. Clark's frank demeanor influences her to make the effort to get in touch with the spirit of the landscape, enabling her paintings to evoke more emotion and touch the viewer. Clark is on his own spiritual journey, seeking for guidance with his purpose and future. These two lost and hurting souls have a bit of a rocky start, but in time form a friendship as they learn to trust and reveal their hidden secrets. There is plenty of intrigue and angst while Olivia faces pressure from various sources, all of which is balanced nicely with the beauty and grandeur of the location. I loved all the little nuggets of history of Yosemite's early days as a National Park sprinkled into the story, and it made me look forward to camping and backpacking there again.

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

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Don't miss the first book in the Shadows of the Wilderness series . . .

Book One

Read my 4 star review

Synopsis

In 1927, Margie Lane, an avid naturalist, convinces her Senator father to procure her a position at the fledgling Mount Rainier National Park. Since Ranger Ford Brannon lost his father in a climbing accident, he doubts his ability to protect the park and its many visitors. He certainly doesn't relish the job of watching over an idealistic and privileged young woman with no practical survival skills.
 

When Margie's former fiance sets his mind on developing the Paradise Inn and its surroundings into a tourist playground, Margie and Ford will have to work together to preserve the beauty and simplicity of this mountain hideaway, but the developer's plans might put more than just the park in danger.

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: Loving Grace by April Smith

Welcome to the Loving Grace by April Smith blog & review tour plus giveaway, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Loving Grace  
Author: April Smith  
Publisher: Ambassador International  
Release Date: March 20, 2018  
Genre: Christian Fiction, Young Adult Romance

Grace Summer lands herself in a melon load of trouble when she becomes torn between the boy of her dreams and the boy almost next door.

As the newly crowned Watermelon Queen, she is thrust into the spotlight, meets the dreamy Warren Hartley, and continues trying to get over an accident that rocked her world. Mix in working with Beau Baron who Grace happens to fight with just about as much as breathing and the metaphorical sparks fly.

Like most things in life, Grace must learn to take the good with the bad. While the good is the handsome and fun Warren Hartley, the bad is Beau Baron—or at least being around his annoying and rude self way more than she would like. For Beau, Grace is nothing more than aggravating and an irritating reminder from the night of the accident.

Tensions soar as Grace and Beau fight to love themselves and maybe, just maybe, each other.  

PURCHASE A COPY: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository | CBD

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EXCERPT

“Just remember to make the connections with everyone I told you about.” 

“Mom, you’re making her nervous,” Bennett says, thankfully interrupting anything else she was going to say. 

“We’ll see you in the conference room for your speech,” Mrs. Baron says. 

I give them a thumb’s up and head into what is supposed to be finger foods and light conversation. What I find is each girl working the room and chatting with each judge individually. It’s like that trash TV speed dating show, where everyone gets five minutes with their possible date, and then they have to switch. People on the show are aggressive and pushy—only it’s worse than that in here. I fight the urge to become a wallflower and head over to the first available judge I see. 

“Hi. I’m Grace Summer.” I grin before offering my hand for a handshake.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

April Smith grew up spending summers working on her best friend’s family watermelon farm and she was one of those watermelon queens she writes about. She has her undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in the Art of Teaching.  

CONNECT WITH APRIL: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Ambassador International is giving away:

(1) JustRead Summer Fun Book Box, which features Loving Grace as well as at least 4 quality items which complement the story. Find out more here.

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. US only. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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Check out the tour landing page at JustRead for the full schedule!

Book Blitz & Giveaway: CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE series by Patrick Higgins

Welcome to the CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE series blitz and GIVEAWAY, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the blink of an eye, life as humanity had known it was forever changed when the Great Disappearing Act came to pass. More than one billion people either vanished or were killed in the aftermath of the Rapture. Suddenly banks and businesses were closed. ATM machines were no longer spitting out cash. Credit cards were no longer being accepted. With humanity separated from their assets, world leaders had to find a way to bring the world back online, so to speak, to prevent a global recession from swallowing them whole. An emergency summit was called for at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. With NATO and UN embargoes temporarily lifted from all insurgent countries, leaders from every nation were expected to attend. Little did most know who would rise up to lead the way, or how quickly he would do it...

PURCHASE: GOODREADS | AMAZON

 

BOOKS IN THIS SERIES

Series Purchase Links: Goodreads | Amazon

CHAOS IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE: PART SIX – THE SEALING releases Autumn 2018!

Each day of the blitz spotlights a different book from the series - follow along with the tour to learn about each of the first five books individually! 
 

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Patrick Higgins is the author of "The Pelican Trees", "Coffee In Manila", the award-winning "The Unannounced Christmas Visitor", and the award-winning prophetic end times series, "Chaos In The Blink Of An Eye." While the stories he writes all have different themes and take place in different settings, the one thread that links them all together is his heart for Jesus and his yearning for the lost. With that in mind, it is his wish that the message his stories convey will greatly impact each reader, by challenging you not only to contemplate life on this side of the grave, but on the other side as well. After all, each of us will spend eternity at one of two places, based solely upon a single decision which must be made this side of the grave. That decision will be made crystal clear to each reader of his books.  

CONNECT WITH PATRICK: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
 

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

Patrick Higgins is giving away to one (1) winner:

• $50 Amazon gift card &
• the first five books in the Chaos series

Open Internationally as long as recipient can accept a gift card from US Amazon. Books available in winner's choice of ebook or print, although ebook only for international winner.  

Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight July 16, 2018 and last through 11:59pm July 23, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

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Check out the full schedule at the tour landing page!

New Release & SALE: The Irresistable Groom by Cami Checketts

 

Have you read Cami Checketts? Her books are recommended by many of my trusted Goodreads friends. Can't beat the sale price!

The Irresistible Groom is on sale for just 99 cents today! 

 

The Irresistible Groom by Cami Checketts 

A vivacious sports agent loses her memory and her safe, perfectly-planned life. The only hope is a tough security specialist who for some reason she’s never allowed herself to fall for. Claire Tucker is a feisty and successful sports agent. When she wakes up with amnesia she has to rely on a handsome security specialist, which doesn't seem too bad ... until she learns she's known him for years and has repeatedly turned him down. When Brig proves irresistible to her, she realizes she needs to guard her heart until she gets some answers or her past will catch up to her. Brig Hunsaker has everything he needs, except the sassy lady he’s had a crush on for years. When Claire is injured, and the hospital staff believe he’s her fiancé, he finally gets the chance to protect her and prove he’s worth taking a chance on. 

Get it now on AMAZON

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Spotlight, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Celery Patch by Samantha Bayarr

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the Book Blitz for

The Celery Patch

By Samantha Bayarr

Learn more about the start of this new Amish romance series with
a touch of mystery, read an excerpt, and enter the giveaway below...

The Celery Patch

(Amish Acres #1)
By Samantha Bayarr
Amish, Christian Romance

Paperback & ebook, 265 Pages
June 21st 2018

When a celery patch mysteriously crops up overnight in the Yoder's field, it attracts some unwanted suitors competing for Naomi's hand.

Someone has grown an oversized patch of celery in Naomi's family field and now she's being accused of trying to "catch" a husband. Will rumors spread by a jealous friend damage her reputation and threaten her chances of marrying the man she loves?

Goodreads│Amazon

Excerpt

“I’m getting married this wedding season, too!” Naomi Yoder blurted out before she could stop the words from pouring from her lips.

Her sister, Ruthie, sucked in her breath and covered her mouth, then quickly recovered from the shock.

Her best friend, Katie Troyer, squealed and pulled Naomi into a hug. “So he asked you, then?” Katie gushed, a giggle exploding from deep within her.

Not exactly!

Ruthie sat across from them. “Who asked you? Jeremiah?”

Naomi nodded, enjoying the attention she was getting over her fake announcement.

Annie Lapp, who’d walked over to their house to discuss a community quilt project, sank into the wicker chair nearest the swing where Naomi and Katie sat. “I don’t believe you, Naomi; you’re a liar!”

Naomi felt her blood run cold despite the heat of the morning sun beaming across the covered porch; her heart drummed against her ribs like a team of horses galloping at full speed. Of course, it was a lie, but she didn’t have much experience with lying the way Annie did; was it possible the girl’s bad habits were rubbing off on her? She hadn’t meant to say it, especially in front of Annie, who was the biggest gossip in the community. If only Katie hadn’t made her jealous with her own wedding news to Benjamin Mast. Not only had it made her worry that she was the last to make such an announcement from her age group, but Naomi just couldn’t take another minute of Annie’s or her sister’s teasing.

Hearing the word spinster coming from her own sister’s mouth had caused her to overreact, and now it was too late to take it back. Not only would Annie tell the entire community about her lie, but she would also add her own lies to make the situation worse. Annie annoyed her with her constant invasive prying, just so she’d have something to gossip about. Well, this time, Naomi had gone and given her plenty to wag her tongue about.

About the Author

Samantha Bayarr, a former Paralegal, became the first Independent Author of Amish Fiction when she published Little Wild Flower in paperback in 2005. Since then, she has written over 130 Christian Fiction Books in Contemporary Romance, Historical Romance, Western & Cowboy Romance, Amish Romance, and Amish Suspense.

She lives in an historic home in a small town in Florida with her husband, John Foster, who writes children's books. Samantha illustrates her husband's books, the first in the series entitled: Walla Walla and the Great Pirate Adventure. Check out these wonderful stories with a Christian message and over 50 full-color illustrations in each book.

Samantha Bayarr founded Livingston Hall Publishers in 2002. Named after her great, great grandfather, Edward Livingston Hall, who owned a publishing house in the late 1800's, until his passing; Samantha resurrected this legacy as a way of honoring him for passing onto her his love for the written word.

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Blitz Giveaway

1 winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally

Ends July 20th

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