Monday, August 9, 2021

Book Tour & Excerpt : The Barrister and the Letter of Marque by Todd M. Johnson





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Synopsis

As a barrister in 1818 London, William Snopes has witnessed firsthand the danger of only the wealthy having their voices heard, and he's a strong advocate who defends the poorer classes against the powerful. That changes the day a struggling heiress, Lady Madeleine Jameson, arrives at his door.

In a last-ditch effort to save her faltering estate, Lady Jameson invested in a merchant brig, the Padget. The ship was granted a rare privilege by the king's regent: a Letter of Marque authorizing the captain to seize the cargo of French traders operating illegally in the Indian Sea. Yet when the Padget returns to London, her crew is met by soldiers ready to take possession of their goods and arrest the captain for piracy. And the Letter--the sole proof his actions were legal--has mysteriously vanished.

Moved by the lady's distress, intrigued by the Letter, and goaded by an opposing solicitor, Snopes takes the case. But as he delves deeper into the mystery, he learns that the forces arrayed against Lady Jameson, and now himself, are even more perilous than he'd imagined.


Excerpt

William glanced at his junior. “Edmund, you still appear skeptical.”

The young barrister toyed with stirring his tea. “Shouldn’t we consider the possibility that Lady Jameson also struggles with the truth, sir? I’ll admit to the clerk’s evasion at Newgate and that you heard threats from Bristol, but what proof do we have about any of this—other than a ship at dock that appears to be under guard?”

“How about the retainer Lady Jameson offered?” Obadiah demanded. “Why would anyone offer a hundred pounds to a barrister for a case that doesn’t exist?”

“I don’t know,” Edmund replied. “But I’m certain there are people willing to part with money to pursue a claim that’s only vapor. She may have other motives for hiring us.”

“Perhaps,” William acknowledged. “Even so, remember the other oddity here: the silence of the newspapers. As I said before, if the lady’s story is correct, we can assume the perpetrators have either been successful in preventing the newspapers from hearing of it or they have sufficient clout to silence the editors. Either possibility implies great resources, social station, or both. Gentlemen, we can chase our tails in this conversation for hours, but to determine whether there’s a true and defensible case, we have to first find Captain Tuttle and interview him.”

“How?” Obadiah asked. “Assuming he’s being hidden, what means do we have to flush him out?”

William smiled. “The boy vendor out front has given me an idea. The people holding Captain Tuttle in custody want the ship’s seizure and the arrests to remain quiet, so they must fear public knowledge and reproach. We need to force our adversaries to produce the captain and start the legal wheels rolling—where we can engage them. To do so, we need to pierce the silence, create public interest.”

“I don’t see how,” Edmund grumbled. “The newspapers aren’t likely to accept our word on events, even if they aren’t being silenced. And we can’t print the story ourselves.”

“Ah, Edmund, that’s where you’re wrong. I believe we can print the story ourselves, and must. The newspapers haven’t the only presses in town.”

“True. There is the Church. But I doubt they’d lend us their machines.”

“You miss my meaning.” William reached to the floor and picked up the book he’d just purchased, opening to the title page. “Publisher Wiscomb and Sons,” he read aloud.

Edmund shook his head. “Hire a book publisher to print broadsheets? Who’d pay attention?”

“Again you miss my meaning,” William replied. “I’d publish this story as a penny dreadful.”

Edmund and Obadiah looked on as though William had declared himself for Parliament.

“You’re joking!” Edmund cried at last. “You’d publish this tale as such trash? Who’d believe it? They’re less than a third factual on a good day!”

“And everyone’s secret pleasure,” William rejoined. “And you’re wrong: the public will believe it—or at least want to know if what it says is true. I already have the title: The Appalling True Story of the Unlawful Seizure of the Padget and Her Brave Crew, and the Imprisonment of Navy War Hero Harold Tuttle. I’ll write it myself. Perhaps with a little of your youthful energy to help.”

“How quickly could we get it released?” Obadiah asked, looking enthused.

“If I subsidize it, I’ll bet they’d have a volume on the street in two days.”

“We’ll be sued for slander if we can’t prove our facts,” Obadiah said.

“That won’t be possible. You can’t sue for slander if nobody names you as the bad actor, and we don’t even know the guilty parties. But we will need funds to feed the serial every day or two with new editions—at least until we shame the newspapers into taking up the story or force our opponents to respond. It won’t be cheap.”

“I like it,” Obadiah said.

“I don’t,” Edmund declared.

“So you’ve made clear, Edmund. Nevertheless, I’ll need your help for a couple of days getting this publication out.”

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

“Johnson debuts with a tense story of powerful interests teaming up to thwart a legal challenge in Georgian-era England…Johnson steeps his story in legal maneuvering, layers of intrigue, midnight chases, and even a hint of romance. While faith elements are subtle, this enthralling novel will appeal to fans of both legal thrillers and historical inspirationals.”— Publishers Weekly

“… a mystery worthy of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. This richly historical and lively paced story has all the makings of a modern classic.”— Jocelyn Green, Christy Award-winning author of Shadows of the White City

“At once atmospheric and gripping, Johnson's latest is a luminous and refreshing new offering in inspirational historical fiction.”Rachel McMillan, bestselling author of The London Restoration, and The Mozart Code

“A fascinating glimpse into a Regency London readers seldom see.”— Roseanna M. White, bestselling author of Edwardian fiction

 

About the Author

Todd M. Johnson is the author of three legal thrillers: The Deposit Slip (2012), Critical Reaction (2013), and Fatal Trust (2017), and The Barrister and the Letter of Marque (2021), his first foray into historical mystery. He has been a practicing attorney for over 30 years, specializing as a trial lawyer. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Minnesota Law School, he also taught for two years as adjunct professor of International Law and served as a US diplomat in Hong Kong. He lives outside Minneapolis, Minnesota, with his wife and daughter.

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Join the virtual book tour of THE BARRISTER AND THE LETTER OF MARQUE, Todd M. Johnson’s highly acclaimed historical mystery, August 2-15, 2021. Over twenty-five popular on-line influencers specializing in historical mystery, suspense, and inspirational fiction will join in the celebration of its release with an interview, spotlights, exclusive excerpts, and reviews of this new Regency-era novel set in London, England.

TOUR SCHEDULE 

Aug 2           The Readathon

Aug 2           From Pemberley to Milton

Aug 2           Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog

Aug 3           Life of Literature

Aug 3           Captivated Reading

Aug 4           Laura's Reviews

Aug 4           The Green Mockingbird

Aug 5           My Jane Austen Book Club

Aug 5           Reading is My Superpower

Aug 6           Among the Reads 

Aug 6           The Blue Stocking 

Aug 7           Gwendalyn's Books

Aug 7           Reading with Emily

Aug 8           Storeybook Reviews

Aug 8           Rosanne E. Lortz

Aug 9           Heidi Reads... 

Aug 9           Bookworm Lisa

Aug 10         The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Aug 10         Wishful Endings

Aug 10         My Bookish Bliss 

Aug 11         By the Book 

Aug 11         A Bookish Way of Life

Aug 12         Books, Teacups, & Reviews

Aug 12         A Darn Good Read

Aug 13         Fire & Ice

Aug 14         The Lit B****

Aug 14         The Book Diva Reads

Aug 15         Vesper's Place






Friday, August 6, 2021

Series Review: The Honeybee Sisters by Jennifer Beckstrand



My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it

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Synopsis

Smart, kind, and good-hearted, the three Christner girls are affectionately known as The Honeybee Sisters in the beloved Wisconsin Amish community where, under the care of their aunt, they've grown into skilled beekeepers--and lovely, sought-after young women . . .

Though she has blossomed into a beauty, Lily Christner doesn't really believe it. Deep down, she still feels like a lonely, gawky teenager. Maybe that's why she's all but promised herself to Paul Glick, the one boy who never teased her in her awkward girlhood--unlike Dan Kanagy, whose creative name-calling left her in tears many a time. Now he's back in town after two years away--and being surprisingly sweet, suspiciously attentive--and making Lily unsettlingly yet deliciously nervous. It seems Dan wants Lily's forgiveness--and her heart. But can he convince her--not to mention her protective schwesters and aendi--that despite the past, her future lies with him?

My Review

I'm such a fan of this author's writing style- vibrant characters with a wonderful sense of humor woven throughout as well as thoughtful and subtle life lessons. My dad had beehives so this aspect of the story appealed strongly to my sentimental side- there's nothing like fresh honeycomb! I loved that the sisters made so many tasty things with their honey. Lily is capable and compassionate with helping raise her sisters and running the farm with her aunt, but her vulnerabilities are holding her back with her boyfriend's manipulative behavior. It was frustrating to see her in that kind of relationship, but the author skillfully shows how she is caught in his web of emotional manipulation. Dan's determination and perseverance is admirable, and I loved his positivity and the light he brought to Lily's daily life. It really created a contrast that she couldn't ignore. Her supportive aunt and sisters have distinct and individual personalities, so I was excited to continue reading the series. A mystery of vandalism at the farm isn't resolved, but becomes an overarching subplot of the series.

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.



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Their bees produce the most delectable honey in all of Wisconsin. And the three Christner girls are fondly known as The Honeybee Sisters throughout their peaceful Amish community--where their spirited sweetness is attracting any number of hopeful suitors. . .

Lively, determined, and independent, Poppy Christner isn't about to let some vandal keep making mischief on her family's farm. She's been outrunning boys and standing up for picked-on children ever since she was a girl--no matter how much her prideful, arrogant schoolmate Luke Bontranger insulted her. So Poppy certainly doesn't need his interference now, especially since he's made it plain he prefers demure, ladylike companions. In fact, if Luke doesn't stop helping her find the culprit--and growing humble and remorseful--she'll be forced to notice how handsome his change-of-heart is making him. And that could mean falling in love--maybe for a lifetime…

My Review

Poppy is such a fun character- fiercely loyal to her sisters, determined to accomplish tasks she's told she can't or shouldn't do, and enjoys needling Luke and his ego. Somehow their mutual dislike gradually and naturally shifts to an unlikely friendship, then stronger feelings, but the path to love is anything but smooth for them, and plenty of conflict kept me glued to the pages as I read. There's something so satisfying about Luke's shift that leaves him desperate for Poppy's approval and affection. They have great chemistry! The vandalism at the farm increases even as Dan, Luke, and their friend Josiah become frequent visitors to help repair the damage and attempt to protect the sisters. Aunt Bitsy is a favorite- sassy and blunt and unpredictable, keeping the boys on their toes. Even the cats have vibrant personalities, and the humor woven throughout kept me smiling and chuckling, but never veered into slapstick territory. 

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.



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Affectionately dubbed The Honeybee Sisters in their Wisconsin Amish community, the three Christner girls are devoted beekeepers who are coming-of-age—and discovering the sweet surprise of love…
 
Shy, skittish Rose Christner is more comfortable tending to the beehives on the family farm and keeping her aunt’s unruly cats in line than attending social gatherings with the rest of the die youngie. A childhood trauma and secret shame keep her heart under lock and key, and Rose just can’t accept the sweet attention she’s receiving from a handsome neighbor. But the more she shies away from Josiah Yoder, the more their families sneakily plot to bring them together. And when a vandal who’s been plaguing the Honeybee Farm starts targeting Rose, Josiah’s steadfast protection—and patience—just may lead her into his waiting arms…

My Review

We don't fully understand why Rose is so withdrawn and nervous to the degree she is around others besides her family until this third book, and it was quite revealing. Josiah is the perfect match for her- endlessly patient, gentle and kind as he waits for her to be ready for his love. It was so sweet how he slowly develops a friendship with her, but her metal blocks prevent her from moving past her trauma and feelings of crippling guilt. Her aunt provides wisdom as Josiah learns the difference between sheltering Rose and supporting her. The suspense grows as the farm vandals grow bolder, and the climax brought more surprises and a resolution I didn't expect. This final book was more emotional and I loved the healing and empowerment Rose discovers within herself.

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: Matched and Married by Kathleen Fuller



My rating: 5 stars / It was amazing

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Synopsis

Margaret Yoder is a free spirit, to the worry of her mother. When her mother sees an advertisement encouraging want-to-be brides to visit the Amish community of Birch Creek, she forces Margaret to make another visit to her cousins, the Yoders. 

When Margaret arrives, she discovers everyone has marriage on their mind, except for Ezra Bontrager, who has problems of his own to deal with, and the last thing he needs is to be pressured into getting married. Since the advertisement was first placed, several women have arrived in Birch Creek, and Ezra sees that the tables have turned for the bachelors in his community. He finds Margaret refreshing, since she’s the one single woman who isn’t trying to pin him down as a husband. But that doesn’t mean he’s attracted to her . . . or does it?


My Review

It's always fun when the main character has some quirks, and Ezra is definitely unique. He's a workaholic on his father's farm, so much so that his family forces him to take a vacation from chores. He and Margaret meet while he is practicing foraging in the woods like his grandfather did, and an unlikely friendship blossoms... somewhat awkwardly. I enjoyed their mishaps, banter, and growing feelings as they continue to meet during Ezra's sabbatical. The concept of someone with a wonderful personality growing more attractive as you get to know them is one that Margaret discovers, and helps her realize what she really wants in her life. I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next in the series!

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 other books in An Amish Mail-Order Bride series . . .