Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: An Opportune Proposal by Ann Elizabeth Fryer

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for An Opportune Proposal by Ann Elizabeth Fryer, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: An Opportune Proposal
Series: The Butterton Brides #3
Author: Ann Elizabeth Fryer
Publisher: Independently Published
Release Date: January 18, 2024
Genre: Christian Historical/Regency Romance

Vicar's daughter Jane Hartford is invited to stay at Butterton Hall, the home of a distant cousin who promises to introduce her to polite society. When strange things begin to happen, Jane suspects that she isn't wanted at Butterton Hall after all. 

Questions abound as deaths increase. How is her life connected to those of the Banbury scandal? Who can she trust? And why is she now in danger? 

She finds an unlikely ally in Lord Camden's handsome solicitor as he makes a gallant effort to protect her. Will an opportune proposal keep her safe?  

Book series best enjoyed in order.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

 

Excerpt

 

He shook his head. “You would not be safe.” He continued, “At Lord Sherborne’s urging, I’ve purchased a common license.”

My breath caught. I repeated his words, “A common license?” He spoke of a union. Of marriage.

“It is only fair.” He pushed a hand through his hair again. “I’m the one who brought you here into this dark lair. I take full responsibility for your safety.”

My face burned. “I would not force you to suffer the consequence of an unwanted marriage.”

“Suffer?” Amusement bent around his lips. He bent to my ear. “I assure you, being married to you would be no trial.”

“We haven’t known each other but a few weeks, and yet—” I stumbled through the tangled vines of my thoughts and feelings.

He finished my sentence. “And yet I feel as though we’ve known each other forever. I’ve never met a better woman.” His voice grew serious and quiet. “Nor do I wish to meet another. You’re all I have ever hoped for.”

 

More Books In This Series

 

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About the Author

Ann Elizabeth Fryer loves nothing more than using story and romance to relay the depths and graciousness of a Father who holds us securely in the palms of His hands. Daydreaming her surroundings from a young age, she's lived in historic homes most of her life and regularly participates in backyard archaeology. When she's not writing historical projects, her contemporary novels show a flavor of her forever-passion for all things old. Ann, her husband, and three children make their home in small-town Illinois where they can hear church bells keep time and tradition.

Connect with Ann by visiting annfryerwrites.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win paperback copies of all three books in the Butterton Brides series!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 16, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 23, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton by Susan L. Tuttle, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton
Series: The Treasures of Halstead Manor
Author: Susan L. Tuttle
Publisher: Kregel
Release Date: January 16, 2024
Genre: Women's Fiction / Romance

In her search for a rare gem, will Everleigh end up uncovering the true treasure of her heart? 

Personal care nurse Everleigh Wheaton knows it only takes a few well-placed lies to ruin a reputation. She's experienced it time and time again. But there's a silver lining to repeatedly proving herself: she's confident and self-reliant. 

When she loses yet another job and an enigmatic stranger offers her a potential way out, she's game. After all, she loves a good mystery, and an invitation to visit the legendary Halstead Manor is irresistible. But she's not about to let her guard down--especially with the other women who received the same invitation. 

A strange voice on the phone tells them he's gathered the three of them to work together as treasure hunters. The first assignment requires Everleigh to be a traveling nurse for retired FBI agent Gertrude Levine, who has one cold case she just can't let go of: the Florentine diamond that went missing when the Austrian Empire fell. 

With Everleigh's keen ability to solve puzzles, Natalie Daughtry's vast knowledge of history, and Brooke Sumner's connections to the antiques world, they're bound to track down the diamond. Except that Gertie's nephew, Niles Butler, doesn't trust Everleigh's innocent act . . . even if he finds himself falling for her. Worse, Everleigh's walls of self-preservation may doom the entire team. 

Hints of real-life historical events combined with contemporary characters make this first book in the Treasures of Halstead Manor series a masterful blend of romance, mystery, and strong female friendships. Readers of authors like Denise Hunter and Nicole Deese who enjoy unfolding relationships and the organic discovery of God's love will relish this new series.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | ChristianBook | Bookshop

 

Excerpt

Until her debacle with Palmer this afternoon, the manor had been the hot topic. Speculation became that the Forsythes willed the home to their grandchildren in Scotland, which is why it remained vacant. For a brief stint in the nineties and another in the early two thousands, the house held signs of life, although the town never saw whoever inhabited it. Then, earlier this year, the doors opened once more. Renovations began taking place. Lights shone through the windows at night. But again, the new owner remained an unknown. Had someone purchased the home? Did it still remain in the Forsythe family? Though theories ran rampant, no one had learned the name of the person behind Halstead Manor’s reawakening.

She held up the thick white card, zeroing in on the signature. If she had to guess, the person bringing life back to the manor was named Caspar. And she had between now and tomorrow morning to collect any information she could on him. She loved a good puzzle, and this invitation presented her with one she had every intention of solving. 

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About the Author

Susan L. Tuttle is a pastor's wife, mom, and the director of women's ministry at her church near Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her previous work includes the Count on Love series, and the Carol Award finalist Love You, Truly.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanltuttle.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a signed, print copy of The Rare Jewel of Everleigh Wheaton + book-themed goodies!

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 15, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 22, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Tour & Review: The Lily of Ludgate Hill by Mimi Matthews

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Fortune favors the bold—but is a confirmed spinster daring enough to loosen the reins and accept a favor from the wicked gentleman who haunts her dreams?

Lady Anne Deveril doesn’t spook easily. A woman of lofty social standing known for her glacial beauty and starchy opinions, she’s the unofficial leader of her small group of equestriennes. Since her mother’s devastating plunge into mourning six years ago, Anne voluntarily renounced any fanciful notions of love and marriage. And yet, when fate puts Anne back into the entirely too enticing path of Mr. Felix Hartford, she’s tempted to run…right into his arms.

No one understands why Lady Anne withdrew into the shadows of society, Hart least of all. The youthful torch he once held for her has long since cooled. Or so he keeps telling himself. But now Anne needs a favor to help a friend. Hart will play along with her little ruse—on the condition that Anne attend a holiday house party at his grandfather’s country estate. No more mourning clothes. No more barriers. Only the two of them, unrequited feelings at last laid bare.

Finally free to gallop out on her own, Anne makes the tantalizing discovery that beneath the roguish exterior of her not-so-white knight is a man with hidden depths, scorching passions—and a tender heart.

My Review

I loved the dynamic between Anne and Hart! It's like a combo second chance romance/enemies to lovers story. There are a variety of complications that they are each dealing with in their own lives, and it's when they begin to help instead of hinder that their banked feelings flare back to life. Family loyalty is strong in both- Anne with placating her long-grieving eccentric mother, and Hart with secretly supporting his father's mistress and children through the stain of trade. Anne has her friends to turn to, but Hart has been shouldering his burdens on his own, until he impulsively confides in Anne. While their strong feelings for each other have always been there, there are past hurts and misunderstandings that need to be resolved and forgiven before they can move on to begin afresh in their romance. I was glued to the pages through their obstacles and adventures, easily connecting with their emotions. I'm so excited for Stella's story in the next book!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Don't miss the previous books in the Belles of London series . . .

 

 

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats.

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VICTORIAN READING ROOM

Join Mimi at her Victorian Reading Room Facebook Group for exclusive access as she shares her love of writing, historical romance, Victorian fashion, brooding heroes, independent heroines, and of course, her beloved pets!

ADVANCE PRAISE

“It is truly a wonder how Matthews can consistently craft fresh romances featuring unique, multidimensional characters who face huge obstacles to their relationships. [A] lovely story of secrets and love lost and found.”— Booklist (starred review)

“Sparkling…Historical romance fans are sure to be moved.”— Publishers Weekly

“Matthews delivers another richly detailed and emotionally tender closed-door romance.”— Kirkus Reviews

“An engaging series installment offering a second chance at love to a spunky heroine and a hero with hidden depths.”— Library Journal

“No one writes Victorian romance like Mimi Matthews, and her Belles of London series just keeps getting better! "— Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author

“Mimi is truly a national treasure. All of her books are filled with such delicious chemistry and heart, and her writing is superb. This one is another winner. Highly recommend.”—Isabel Ibañez, #1 New York Times bestselling author of What the River Knows

 

 

Review: Windsong Manor by Julie Wright

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

A young widow. A gentle stable master. A secret that could change everything. Will Nora dare risk her heart?

The London Countryside, 1820

Eleanora Coventry comes from a life of title and privilege, but even that isn’t enough to prevent her from being wed at sixteen to a controlling and dismissive husband. So when she finds herself a widow at only twenty-seven, the idea of choosing her own path forward both thrills and terrifies her. She knows how to be a daughter and a wife and mother, but she has no idea how to be Eleanora.

She moves her son and daughter to her late husband’s country estate, where she meets Ridley, the young stable master. He is ruggedly handsome, but also kind, and Eleanora finds herself drawn to him. There is only one problem: Eleanora has a title, and Ridley does not.

Ridley Ellis has a way with horses. Even the most spirited stallions trust his soft voice and gentle touch. He has the same effect on people, and when he first lays eyes on Eleanora, he is smitten by her beauty. But he quickly discovers it will take more than soft words to gain her trust—Lord Coventry had been cruel to people and animals alike. But the closer he gets to Eleanora, the more he is willing to share his heart, and more importantly, his secret.

In a world where title and privilege mean everything, will Eleanora and Ridley risk it all to find happiness? Or will the shadows of their pasts destroy everything they hope to build together?

My Review

This is such a lovely story of healing and restitution as Eleanora rehabilitates her defiant and arrogant son along with her husband's recently orphaned illegitimate daughter. Windsong Manor is a refuge from the influences that have poisoned her son's mind, and while her progress is slow, she can sense what is right for him. I admired her fortitude in taking in her husband's daughter, providing her not just with shelter, but eventually with compassion and love. The stablemaster Ridley is such a strong influence for good in each of their lives. He's humble, yet confident, and has a way of putting things in perspective and providing encouragement and support in becoming their best selves. I loved the relationships he developed with Eleanora and her children, and his protective nature as they face trials. All along there is a sense that Ridley is more than what he seems, and I was gratified with how it all worked out in the end.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Once Upon a Dickens Christmas by Michelle Griep

My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

Synopsis

Three Delightful Christmas Tales from Beloved Storyteller Michelle Griep
 
Pour yourself a cuppa, get lost in the merriment of the season, and enjoy a Dickensian Christmas in three stories from fan favorite Michelle Griep:
 
12 Days at Bleakly Manor

Brought together under mysterious circumstances, Clara and Ben discover that what they’ve been striving for isn’t what ultimately matters. What matters most is what Christmas is all about . . . love.
 
A Tale of Two Hearts

Pleasure seeker William Barlow needs a wife immediately to gain his uncle’s inheritance, and Mina Scott is just the girl to make him look respectable—too bad she turns him down. Ought he give her a second chance?
 
The Old Lace Shop

Recently widowed Bella White is finally freed from the domination of the overbearing men in her life, but when she enters into a business partnership with the handsome Edmund Archer, she begins to wonder if marriage is worth a second chance.

My Review

I enjoyed reading these three stories that have a strong Dickens vibe of Victorian England, focusing on individuals who are struggling, especially of the middle and lower classes. The plots were engaging and the characters interesting. I didn't quite connect with their emotions, but was interested in how each story would turn out. The settings are easy to envision with the author's descriptions and the historical details. A trio of holiday tales that complement each other well.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Review: All’s Fair in Love and Christmas by Sarah Monzon

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

Every December two things are guaranteed for graphic designer Mackenzie Graham--Christmas celebrations and the annual promotion at her workplace. Those two things are by no means mutually exclusive. In fact, the better an employee is at harnessing the Christmas spirit, the more likely they'll win the new job. With her social anxiety, Mackenzie never thought she'd be a contender in her company's holiday competition, so how exactly has she found herself dueling her workplace crush with wrapping paper tubes and using tinsel as her weapon of choice for a much-needed raise?

Jeremy Fletcher's life is meticulously planned out, including how to win this year's promotion at work. Not only will the new position fulfill some of his career goals, but the raise will help him as a single guardian to his twin niece and nephew. Jeremy has barely noticed Mackenzie Graham around the office, but now that she's his rival, he can't stop thinking about her. Her quirkiness intrigues him, and he's afraid that if he can't get his head on straight, the job isn't the only thing he'll end up losing to Mackenzie.

My Review

So sweet, so funny, so festive! I loved the opposites-attract theme with Jeremy and Mackenzie both trying their best to get an edge over the other in the unofficial competition for a promotion. I appreciated that it wasn't merely for personal ambition, but each of them provide support for family members and are thinking of them as they pursue the advancement. Jeremy is a friendly and charming guy, but some of his missteps prevent him from getting past Mackenzie's protective shield. The social anxiety she experiences also makes it difficult for others to get to know her better, but getting out of her comfort zone and making Christmas special for her coworkers helps her in ways she did not expect. I loved that she had a close friend who is always ready for shenanigans and keeps her grounded when worries are overwhelming. When Jeremy and Mackenzie slowly open up and see the deeper layers in each other, their attraction and chemistry develops naturally to something more, and their work relationship shifts as well. There is a lovely balance of humor, romance, angst, and emotion in this holiday heart-warming story that is perfect to read any time of the year!

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

Book Tour & Review: The Seamstress of Acadie by Laura Frantz

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.

As summer takes hold in 1755 and British ships appear on the horizon, Sylvie encounters Blackburn, who warns her of the coming invasion. Rather than participate in the forced removal of the Acadians from their land, he resigns his commission. But that cannot save Sylvie or her kin. Relocated on a ramshackle ship to Virginia, Sylvie struggles to pick up the pieces of her life. When her path crosses once more with William's, they must work through the complex tangle of their shared, shattered past to navigate the present and forge an enduring future.

My Review

Once again Laura Frantz has transported me to an era that I knew little of, to a setting I knew nothing of, and enriched my reading experience with vibrant characters and history that everyone should learn about. The pace of the book begins slowly as we get to know Sylvie and her family, living in a lush and idyllic land, but surrounded on both sides by warring French and English. Despite their neutrality, they were unjustly driven from their homes and thrust into the lives of refugees. The contrast between Sylvie's beautiful "before" life and the harsh, heartbreaking reality of "after" is so great, and I gained a small sense of and vast sympathy for what millions of displaced people have felt over the ages. The author illustrates the historical backdrop with a variety of individuals that bring the story even more to life, and represent so many different perspectives and circumstances of the time. Sylvie and Will's unlikely and seemingly impossible connection brings miracles into both their lives, as they strive to support the Acadians within their reach. I loved their sweet and gentle romance that grew despite the outside influences and prejudices that they overcame as they were vulnerable and trusted each other with their devastating losses. This is a story that brought so many emotions, and filled my spirit with gratitude for the strength and endurance of our forebears who continued on in faith and hope through trials, injustices, poverty, illness, and grief.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.

About the Author

Bestselling, award-winning author, Laura Frantz, has been writing stories since age seven. She is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century and her novels often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. Though she will always consider Kentucky home, she and her husband live in Washington State.

According to Publishers Weekly, "Frantz has done her historical homework." With her signature attention to historical detail and emotional depth, she is represented by Janet Kobobel Grant, Literary Agent & Founder, Books & Such Literary Agency of Santa Rosa, California. Foreign language editions include French, Dutch, Spanish, Slovakian, German & Polish.

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PRAISE FOR THE SEAMSTRESS OF ACADIE

“Frantz’s atmospheric writing is easy to sink into, from the grimness of the disease-riddled voyage to the ethereal Acadian landscape. While William and Sylvie’s romance is a slow burn, there’s a rewarding payoff to this tale of second chances born from tragedy. Frantz’s fans won’t be disappointed.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“This book is undoubtably one of the best books I've ever read. I loved the faith thread, I loved the light in the darkness theme, I loved the characters, I loved the hope brimming from almost every page. I loved the growth (through every struggle and triumph), and I loved the history embedded into each detail.”— Tasha, The Clean Read Book Club 

 

“Fantastic story! The beautiful writing engages the reader from the beginning... Laura Frantz's books are exceptional because they evoke an abundance of emotions beyond the typical novel. I highly recommend this book to all historical fiction readers.”— Milena Bookish, Goodreads

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier

Welcome to the Blog Tour for The Missing Link by Natasha D. Frazier, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: The Missing Link
Series: The Langston Sisters #3
Author: Natasha D. Frazier
Publisher: Encouraging Works
Release Date: November 28, 2023
Genre: Romantic Suspense

Now that her sisters, Crystal and Ava, are moving on with their lives, it's time for Layla Langston to do the same. 

Experiencing burnout and lack of purpose, Layla is ready for a change and leaves Langston Brands to live life on her own terms. 

She dares to pursue her own dreams--dreams that lead her to start a new career as a journalist and thrust her in the middle of a murder investigation that just may put her life in danger. 

Mason Sterling's goal is twofold -- to get the best story possible and make Houston's local congresswoman pay for her crimes. What he doesn't want or need is anyone to tag along in the process. But when his boss hires Layla, and Mason is tasked with being her mentor, fighting their growing emotional bond is the least of his problems. 

He'll have to keep her safe to make a future with her a possibility.  

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

 

Excerpt

Mason paced the vinyl flooring for far too many minutes. He’d never understood why hospitals even had emergency rooms because he’d never seen anyone acting with enough urgency—and his father being injured was an urgent matter.

Mason approached the nurse again. “Ma’am, I’m here to see Walter Sterling. Where’s the doctor?”

Another nurse walked into the area, and the desk nurse seemed relieved. She approached Mason. “May I have your name?”

“Mason Sterling. Walter Sterling is my father. I need to see him.”

She tapped the screen on an electronic tablet. “The doctor will be out to see you shortly. Please follow me.”

The nurse led him to a more private area and disappeared. How many more times did he have to hear the doctor would be out before he actually saw him or her?

Mason huffed and paced for another twenty minutes in the small space. He stopped short when an older Black woman wearing a white coat entered the room. When they locked eyes, his feet couldn’t move fast enough to get to her.

“I’m Mason Sterling. Is my father okay? When can I see him?”

He searched her eyes for any sign of his father’s health status, but her face was as emotionless as the nurse who led him into the room minutes ago.

“Hi, Mason. I’m Dr. Riley.” She gestured toward a nearby chair. “Please have a seat.”

“I’d rather stand. When can I see him?”

“I’m sorry, Mason. Your father didn’t make it.”

Mason stood paralyzed.

Unable to move.

Unable to speak.

Unable to think.

She continued talking, but the words tumbled out of her mouth like puzzle pieces of the same color. He couldn’t decipher a single word. Blood rushed to his brain. His heart raced fast enough for him to believe he’d need a hospital bed.

A knot formed in Mason’s throat that he couldn’t swallow. If he did, tears would overtake him. Pain settled there. His stomach taut. All of his muscles tightened.

Mason belted out, “No.” Air barely escaped his lungs as he had to force himself to breathe.

The pain in his chest was just as real physically as it was emotionally. His heart ripped into pieces. That was the only explanation for the stabbing sensation in his chest. His eyes stung as tears spilled down his cheeks soaking his collar.

He finally sat in that chair Dr. Riley suggested he take. She’d mentioned something about whether there was someone else she could call for him. Usually, his father would be that person, and now he had no one.

 

More Books In This Series

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About the Author

Natasha D. Frazier fell in love with love around the age of twelve because of artists like Babyface, Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and New Edition. Around sixteen when her mother purchased a romance novel and left it lying around the house untouched, Natasha read it and a spark for the written word had been ignited.

Natasha believes that writing is one of her purposes and contributions to the world. She feels accomplished when she can get a few words written and like blah when life gets in the way. Her hope is that at the end of every novel, readers will feel like they’ve been wrapped in a cozy blanket with a mug of their favorite coffee/tea/warm drink. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she is likely watching movies with her family. Natasha resides in Richmond, TX with her husband, Eddie Frazier, Jr. and their three children, Eden, Ethan, and Emilyn. Her greatest joy and commitment is to her family who she hopes to inspire above all else. One of her many mottos in life is: Faith removes limitations. Natasha and her family attend Parkway Fellowship in Richmond, TX, where she volunteers as a small group leader for elementary students. Natasha is also a member of the Houston Area Alumni Chapter of Jackson State University and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 

Connect with Natasha by visiting natashafrazier.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes book-related swag & a signed print copy of The Missing Link

(1) winner will win a $10 Amazon gift card

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight January 8, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 15, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

 

Review: The Sea Below My Toes by Charlotte Guillain, illustrated by Jo Empson

My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

Synopsis

From the Look Closer series, this richly illustrated concertina book takes you on a journey through the deep dark waters, all the way down to the seabed, before floating back up to the surface.

A follow-up to The Street Beneath My Feet, The Skies Above My Eyes and The World Around Me, this visually stunning book ventures to the very bottom of the sea on a journey of discovery.

Through the waves and into the deep, you’ll spot all kinds of weird and wonderful marine creatures, explore the seabed and discover the impact humans have had on the underwater world.

As you dive below the surface, past sea otters playing in fields of giant kelp, you will see sea lions and shoals of mackerel playing in the shallows, before passing orcas hunting in pods in the deeper water.

As well as animals, discover the technology which is used under the sea, from scuba breathing apparatus to oil pipelines and deep sea submarines.

As you reach the very bottom of the sea, the 'twilight zone' where very little light can filter through, you will meet the mysterious creatures of the deep such as lanternfish and the luminous swell shark.

This book is part of the Look Closer series, a set of concertina books which help teach us about the mysteries which can be found in the world around us.

My Review

This book is gorgeous! The pages are thick and sturdy, definitely a must with the accordion design. The artist and author take the reader on a journey beginning at the surface and then descending deeper and deeper, sharing not only sea life but also the way humans explore the ocean. This is the first book I've read that focus on both! I think it's perfect to engage a variety of interests. Once the reader reaches the deepest point, the journey ascends until we reach the surface again, making it feel like we were taken on a wonderful expedition. The art is exquisite and the information shared is interesting and engaging. The book is large, and even though the cover is presented vertically, it is held and read horizontally, with the spine at the top. The accordion pages can be flipped one at a time, and also unfolded into a long, connected, dual-sided piece of art.

Disclosure statement: A complimentary copy of this book was provided from a tour group, publisher, publicist, or author, including NetGalley, OR was borrowed from the library, including OverDrive, OR borrowed from Kindle Unlimited, OR purchased. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are unbiased and my own.