Wednesday, October 28, 2020

Book Tour, Review & Giveaway: The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd #TheLightatWyndcliff #SarahELadd #HFVBTBlogTours


The Light at Wyndcliff by Sarah E. Ladd

Publication Date: October 13, 2020
Thomas Nelson
Paperback & eBook; 352 Pages

Series: The Cornwall Novels, Book 3
Genre: Historical Romance/Regency/Christian


Set in 1820s Cornwall, this Regency romance evokes the captivating worlds and delicious dramas of Jane Austen, Daphne DuMaurier, and Winston Graham.

Raised on the sprawling and rugged Wyndcliff Estate near the dangerous coast of South Cornwall, Evelyn Bray lives with her grandfather, a once-wealthy man reduced to the post of steward. Evelyn is still grieving her father’s death and her mother’s abandonment when a passing ship is dashed against the rocks. The only survivors, a little girl and her injured mother, are rescued and brought to Wyndcliff Hall.

Liam Twethewey is just twenty-two when he inherits Wyndcliff Estate from his great uncle. His optimistic plans to open a china clay pit to employ the estate’s tenants meets unexpected resistance, and the rumors of smuggling and illegal activity challenge his new-found authority. Though wise beyond his years, young Liam quickly finds himself out of his depth in this land where long-held secrets and high-stakes agendas make no room for newcomers.

Brought together by troubling questions surrounding the shipwreck, Evelyn and Liam uncover even darker mysteries shrouding the estate. But as they untangle truths from deceptions, their loyalties separate them—and their budding love might not be strong enough to overcome the distance.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

 

My Review

 
This third book in the Cornwall series is my favorite, with its Gothic tones from a stormy coastal setting and dangerous mystery, but balanced with lightness from the friendship that develops between Liam and Evelyn. He struggles with getting to the bottom of the nefarious activities happening on his new property, and she is dealing with difficult circumstances with her decline in society and abandonment by her mother. I loved how the characters are good, genuine people, and the conflict comes from external sources. They both still have personal development which brings depth and it was easy to connect with them and their emotions. The pace is steady throughout the book and I most enjoyed the quiet conversations that formed the foundation of Liam and Evelyn's relationship. A wonderfully moody and sweetly romantic Regency story!
 
 
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

 

Sarah E. Ladd has always loved the Regency period — the clothes, the music, the literature and the art. A college trip to England and Scotland confirmed her interest in the time period and gave her idea of what life would’ve looked like in era. It wasn’t until 2010 that Ladd began writing seriously. Shortly after, Ladd released the first book in the Whispers on the Moors series. Book one of the series, The Heiress of Winterwood, was the recipient of the 2011 ACFW Genesis Award for historical romance. Ladd also has more than ten years of marketing experience. She holds degrees in public relations and marketing and lives in Indiana with her family and spunky Golden Retriever.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, October 13
Review at Hallie Reads
Feature at Momfluenster

Wednesday, October 14
Review at McCombs on Main
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Review at Probably at the Library

Thursday, October 15
Review at Jessica Belmont

Friday, October 16
Review at Bitch Bookshelf
Review & Excerpt at Bookworlder
Review at View from the Birdhouse

Sunday, October 18
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Review at WTF Are You Reading?

Monday, October 19
Review at Book Bustle

Tuesday, October 20
Review at Books and Zebras
Review at Robin Loves Reading
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, October 21
Review at The Lit Bitch

Thursday, October 22
Review at Faery Tales Are Real
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Friday, October 23
Review at Lu Reviews Books

Saturday, October 24
Review & Excerpt at Nursebookie

Monday, October 26
Review at The Caffeinated Bibliophile
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, October 27
Review at Captivated Reading

Wednesday, October 28
Review at Heidi Reads

Thursday, October 29
Review at YA, it's Lit

Friday, October 30
Review at A Darn Good Read
Review at Read Review Rejoice

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away 5 copies of The Light at Wyndcliff! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on October 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Light at Wyndcliff 






Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: The Gathering Dark by Brett Armstrong

Quest of Fire Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour & Giveaway for Quest of Fire: Succession & The Gathering Dark by Brett Armstrong, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

 

ABOUT THE BOOKS

 
SuccessionTitle: Succession 
Series: Quest of Fire #0.5 
Author: Brett Armstrong 
Publisher: Expanse Books 
Release Date: November 10, 2020 
Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy 

Son of the Northern Realm’s Defender, raised among the dwarfs of Ordumair, Meredoch was anticipated to succeed his father. Some whispered he would bring the longed-for peace between Ordumair and their ancient foe, Ecthelowall. All of that changes when Ordumair’s Thane is killed and Meredoch and his family are exiled. From prestige to poverty, the young boy must chart a new course. 

As the years pass and the idol that was his father’s legacy tarnishes, his past threatens to resurface. An artifact of immeasurable worth to Ordumair is found and if recovered by the cruel Elder Ulster it means disaster for those Meredoch cares about. Battling creatures he believed only myths and racing Ulster’s minions to the prize, Meredoch must face the truth of his place in the world and claim his right of succession. 


  The Gathering Dark
Title: The Gathering Dark 
Series: Quest of Fire #1 
Author: Brett Armstrong 
Publisher: Expanse Books 
Release Date: June 24, 2020 
Genre: Christian Epic Fantasy 

Jason is an expert at running from his past. But when it catches up, he finds himself hiding in a peculiar inn listening to a tale from centuries past. 

The story is Anargen’s, a teen who is pulled from all he loves to follow his oaths of loyalty to the fabled King of the Realms. Together with his mentor, Cinaed, he rides north on a special quest to mediate peace talks between ancient foes—the men of Ecthelowall and the dwarfs of Ordumair. Nothing goes as planned. Many on both sides of the dispute despise Anargen’s Order. Worse, an arcane evil has returned to the North. This “Grey Scourge” seeks to ruin the peace talks and ensure a lost treasure held by the dwarfs is never found by those for whom it is meant. 

As Anargen’s story unfolds, Jason begins to wonder whether it is truly just a fable. He soon finds himself drawn into the conflict Anargen faced. A battle which has shaped and can destroy his world.

 

 
EXCERPT FROM THE GATHERING DARK
 

Anargen gasped, “Iaegon!” Without looking, he tried to follow after and crashed into Tengrath, who had moved ahead of him to maintain the perimeter.

This time Tengrath took a swing with his short sword, a kindness as his axe in the other hand could have made contact, and bellowed, “Fool! Hold your place or do me the courtesy of feeding yourself to those beasts farther away.”

There was no time to bicker. Anargen side-stepped the little fire spit of an Ord and plunged his Spiritsword forward. This forced the beast ahead of him to shift out of the way.

Anargen was a blur. The teen felt himself move faster than he understood possible. He made the distance seemingly in three strides where scores were required. Reaching the keep just in time, he grabbed Iaegon by the arm and spun the young Ord back and away from the door. “No,” he ordered.

Iaegon looked bewildered more than anything and couldn’t quite form a response. A howl from all too close wrenched Anargen’s attention elsewhere. His original foe, flanked by two newly arrived beasts, was stalking towards them. At his back, Anargen also heard the doors to the keep swing shut, and a loud thump indicated the door had been barred from inside.

“Cowards,” Iaegon muttered. “I tried to tell —”

“Run, now,” Anargen cut him off and shoved the Ord away. He had just enough time to leap off the keep’s dais himself as one monster crashed head first into the doors and almost battered them down.

Grasping the lad’s wrist, Anargen sprinted for the entry to the Fortress. Once more he ran faster than any time in his life but not nearly as fast as he had alone. Whether because of Iaegon’s added weight or something else, he knew he was only just keeping ahead of the werebeasts.

Caeserus and Terrillian were the last of the rearguard and already at the bottom of the stairs leading to the doors of the Fortress. They waved and shouted something Anargen couldn’t hear.

Three steps from the top stair, Anargen heard a whisper, more like a shout. He slung Iaegon forward to the stairs, spun and jabbed his Spiritsword forward. The werebeast crashed into Anargen like a boulder coming down the mountainside, and Anargen for a brief second was flying off his feet, his whole world formed of the beast’s fur and snow and the fire burning away at both. Then he crashed to the ground, and he felt the weight of the thing smashing him harder into the stones than he thought possible. Briefly the world lost focus. He bounced once, twice, and then skittered to a stop, pinned under the monster.

Lying there, only half-conscious, Anargen blinked, trying to see around him. To keep alert. His life depended on it and though he knew it, he didn’t think he could get up. Pain radiated all over. Holding on to consciousness felt like he was trying to wade through neck-deep mud. How long would it be till the monsters were on him?

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Brett Armstrong

Brett Armstrong has been exploring other worlds as a writer since age nine. Years later, he still writes, but now invites others along on his excursions. He’s shown readers haunting, deep historical fiction (Destitutio Quod Remissio), scary-real dystopian sci-fi (Day Moon and Veiled Sun), and dark, sweeping epic fantasy (Quest of Fire). Every story is a journey of discovery and an attempt to be a brush in the Master Artist’s hand. Through dark, despair, light, joy, and everything in between, the end is always meant to leave his fellow literary explorers with wonder and hope. Always busy with a new story, he also enjoys drawing, gardening, and spending time with his wife and son.

CONNECT WITH BRETT: Website | Facebook | Twitter


 

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a story inspired prize package including: • One copy of The Gathering Dark and Succession (Winner’s choice print or e-book) Custom signed bookplates for each if print chosen • One copy of Wardrobes, Wizards, and Halflings: A Faith in Fiction Devotional (Winner’s choice print or e-book) • Two pieces of book swag (winner’s choice from bookswag pics) • Flash Drive with Digital print of previously unreleased The Gathering Dark artwork, MP4 of Quest of Fire’s theme music “Lament for Father” and Digital poster “The Making of Wirgerd” describing the visual and story development of Succession’s monstrous villain!

Quest of Fire JustRead Giveaway

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 26, 2020 and last through 11:59 PM EST on November 2, 2020. 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 the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE


 

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

JustRead Publicity Tours 

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.






Friday, October 23, 2020

Book Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway: This Christmas by Laurie Winter #TCPrism

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

This Christmas
(The North Star Series #1)
By Laurie Winter
Contemporary Romantic Suspense
Paperback & ebook, 240Pages
October 20, 2020

'A beautiful story of loss and new love, set in a snow-capped mountain ski resort town.'

Celia Batista waited a long time for all three of her sons to be together for Christmas. But after one of her identical twins disappears without a trace, Celia must rely on Police Captain Luke Veldkamp for help. Despite Luke’s accusations that her other twin son is involved with organized crime, she falls for the handsome, Stetson wearing cop.

Luke Veldkamp is facing his first Christmas after the loss of his wife, working nonstop to avoid the holidays and his grief. His daughter, who’d moved home to care for her mom before her passing, pushes him to face his pain. Luke pushes back, telling her to return to college and regain her own life. If his own strife isn’t enough, the mission to locate the missing son of his beautiful neighbor grows more personal than any other case.

While Luke and Celia fight to keep their families from falling apart, they find comfort and strength in one another. And when love blooms between their children, Luke and Celia’s own relationship takes root and grows. But Celia is used to living on her own terms, and loving a man who has isolated his heart is a risk too great. Now, Luke must either confront his emotions or face a life without the woman he’s come to love.

(Affiliate link included.)
 

Excerpt

Celia crossed the street and headed toward the city park, which had the best wooded trails for running. The city usually did a good job keeping them clear of snow, and today was no exception. Her police detail parked in the lot, and she sent him a quick wave before stepping onto the path. Once free from surveillance, she loosened up and picked up her pace. The terrain sloped upward, and she fought to keep her breath steady. She wasn’t a fast runner by any means, and most of her students could probably beat her in a footrace, but for her, running was safer than skiing, as well as cheaper.

As she reached the halfway point of the loop, where an empty bench sat waiting for tired hikers, footsteps sounded from behind. Turning her head, she saw a large man about ten feet away. He had the ugliest face she’d ever seen. Her surprise turned to revulsion, and then to recognition. This was one of the men from Luke’s photographs.

Her heart beat increased in speed, along with her running pace. With fumbling gloved fingers, she reached inside the hoodie pocket for her cell phone. It slipped out of her grasp and onto the ground. She skidded to a stop and picked up her phone with a trembling hand. The sound of heavy breathing made bile rise in her throat. If she didn’t make it back to the beginning of the trail and out into the open soon, she might never get back.


About the Author



Laurie Winter’s head has always been full of stories. Then a dream gave her the inspiration to put her thought into written words, sharing a part of her heart and soul. Now, she creates authentic characters who overcome the odds and find true love. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. Please connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Bookbub.


Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a Loqi Reusable Shopping Bag with birds design, Soy Wax Candle - Snowflake and a $25 Amazon gift card (US only)

Ends October 28, 2020

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