Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Book Review: Teacups and Temptations by Kate Ellington

Teacups and TemptationsTeacups and Temptations by Kate Ellington
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Thoroughly enjoyable, sweet romance!

Teacups and Temptations is a new historical romance by Kate Ellington, and I was thoroughly charmed by the fun, young protagonists and their innocent yet ill-considered plans for an unchaperoned month-long stay at a country home. The story is lighthearted, with plenty of amusing and innocent escapades and cautiously developing romantic feelings, perfect for an entertaining and satisfying sweet romance.

Molly Merriwether and her best friend, Caroline Darby, have waited with great anticipation for their planned visit to Waverly Hall so Caroline can further her acquaintance with the eligible son of the house, Benedict Clarke, with whom she’s exchanged letters since meeting the previous summer. But when they are finally on their journey, their chaperone, Caroline’s Aunt Hazel, falls ill but sends the girls ahead with the belief that Benedict’s parents will be there to ensure all the proprieties are met. However, when the girls reach Waverly Hall, they discover the elder Clarkes are away with only Benedict, his older brother, Frederick, and a school friend, Roger, to host them. Molly and Caroline convince themselves that since Aunt Hazel will surely be along in a day or so, it would be alright for them to remain at the house alone with the young men, and besides, who would ever find out?

Molly is the youngest child and only daughter in her family with three older brothers who have, undoubtedly, helped shape her confident and bold personality and, most assuredly, fueled her unique interest in seeing the inside of a tavern for herself. She naively risks her reputation and that of her best friend, Caroline, when she champions their plan to remain at Waverly Hall when they discover the parents of Caroline’s potential beau are not in residence when they arrive sans an ailing Aunt Hazel, who had been left to recuperate at an inn.

Molly is determined that her friend should have the opportunity to get to know Benedict, the young man her parents have tentatively selected as her match, trusting no one will ever find out they stayed under the same roof with three eligible bachelors without a proper chaperone. While the five young people play fast and loose with the proprieties (Molly does get to visit a tavern!), they conduct themselves with proper decorum.

I enjoyed the typical girl talk between Molly and Caroline about the progress of Caroline’s and Benedict’s relationship and the fun and, often, awkward moments Molly shared with Roger and his loving and loyal companion dog, Penny. The back and forth, ups and downs, and restrictions on behavior maintain a delightful tension, as does the interesting side story involving the maid, Kitty, and the housekeeper, Mrs. Lane. While the romances aren’t love at first sight, the characters have to work out their feelings for themselves before pursuing their hearts’ desires; these slow-burn relationships kept me fully engaged and hoping for a HEA.

I recommend TEACUPS AND TEMPTATIONS to readers of historical romances.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.


View all my reviews

Monday, November 25, 2024

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Scars of the Heart by Bob Van Laerhoven


SCARS OF THE HEART

by Bob Van Laerhoven

November 25 - December 6, 2024 Virtual Book Tour

Synopsis:

cover

Why can people be so cruel to each other? In his search for answers, Bob Van Laerhoven concentrates on individuals, but ideologies, religions, and political structures shimmer in the background.

Through ten stories set in different countries and eras, Van Laerhoven takes us through the destructive consequences of our passions as a common thread, from contemporary Syria to Algeria in the 1950s, and the civil war in Liberia to the uprising in Belgian Congo in the 1960s.

The ten stories in SCARS OF THE HEART highlight the dark side of love, which fuels our violence, inner loneliness, and greedy egos.

Praise for Scars Of The Heart:

SCARS OF THE HEART received a New York Book 2024 Festival Honorable Mention in the category Anthologies/Compilations and a Gold Book Award 2024 from Literary Titan.

"SCARS OF THE HEART Heart by Bob Van Laerhoven is a compelling collection of short stories that delve into the profound impacts of war... The settings range from the war-torn Middle East to World War II and Nazi Germany, bridging past and present to create relevant and relatable narratives. I finished the book with immense respect for the author's raw and heartbreaking portrayals of reality. The non-war stories are equally compelling, showcasing Van Laerhoven's versatility and skill in crafting riveting tales. Fans of Roald Dahl or Edgar Allan Poe will appreciate the beautifully crafted stories in SCARS OF THE HEART. For those who enjoy well-constructed plots and complex characters, this collection is a must-read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can endure the psychological turmoil and pain depicted, as it offers profound insights into the atrocities and resilience of life." ~ 5-stars Literary Titan Review

"In SCARS OF THE HEART, Bob Van Laerhoven has taken a most controversial subject and written ten short stories around it. Each story is unique in its own right but the same theme is carried through each one. The author holds the reader's attention in each story for different reasons... Each story has a different tale and lesson to be learned and each title is more intriguing than the last. Bob Van Laerhoven has highlighted the atrocities that were committed during the various wars throughout the ages, how nobody is ever allowed to forget them, and how it affects vulnerable youngsters growing up as they learn the truth--as seen through the eyes of a relative, family friend, or even history--of what happened to their family, village, and country. This is a most interesting anthology and will give readers much food for thought. It is a profound read and I will be sure to reread some of the more intriguing stories because there is so much to learn from them." ~ Reviewed by Bernadette Longu for Readers' Favorite - 5 stars

"Mr. Van Laerhoven is an artist with words who paints in all mediums.
He also has the ability to make you think and feel.
In this collection of short stories his talent is on display with a heavier hand in horror and angst, and it works well. There is no sugar coating what the characters see and do, and yet it is so real, you can picture each part of it, and will find the stories will not go away when you finish them...
These stories are wonderful, unsettling, and should be on your list to read. Highly recommended." 
~ Hussong's Cantina – Amazon.com

"SCARS OF THE HEART is a collection of short stories by Bob van Laerhoven that explores the darker sides of the human psyche and the complex nature of human relationships. Laerhoven brings together narratives on the themes of love, loss, revenge, and redemption. Each story is complete on its own, yet together, they paint a vivid picture of the scars that life can leave on the heart.
While SCARS OF THE HEART is an intriguing collection, some readers may find the intensity and dark themes challenging. Laerhoven does not shy away from depicting violence and emotional suffering. While these align with the subject of the stories, they can be unsettling. Additionally, the complex nature of some stories may require careful reading to fully appreciate the symbolism they embody. For fans of thought-provoking and emotionally resonant fiction, I give it five stars out of five." 
~ 5-Star Review David Ikediuwa – Goodreads

Book Details:

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Suspense-Drama, Historical Literary Fiction
Published by: Next Chapter
Publication Date: May 28, 2024
Number of Pages: 245
ISBN: 9784824193995 (ISBN10: 4824193990)
Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Kobo | Goodreads

 

Author Bio:

A full-time Belgian/Flemish author, Laerhoven has published (traditionally) 44 books in Holland and Belgium. As a freelance travel writer, he explored conflicts and trouble spots across the globe from the early 1990s to 2003: Somalia, Liberia, Bosnia, Sudan, Gaza, Iran, Iraq, Mozambique, Kosovo, and Myanmar… to name a few. Echoes of his experiences on the road trickle through in his novels.

Catch Up With Bob Van Laerhoven:
www.BobVanLaerhoven.be
Goodreads
BookBub - @BobvanLaerhoven
Instagram - @bobvanlaerhoven
Threads - @bobvanlaerhoven
Twitter/X - @bobvanlaerhoven
Facebook

 

 

Review:

5 stars!

A fascinating collection of short stories from a master storyteller. 

Scars of the Heart is a collection of short stories by Bob Van Laerhoven that sweep the reader from wherever they are to a fascinating, often gut-wrenching, reality in venues around the globe, both past and present. Each tale is a gem that evokes an emotional response that will stay with readers long after the pages are turned. 

The stories, for the most part, are set in far-flung locations, the very corners of the world, many in war zones, with the conflicts being the catalysts for what is to come. In other tales, the war is in the mind of the narrator, who may be fighting a losing battle against betrayal or guilt. Diverse settings and cultures enhance the atmospheric nature of the tales as the author reveals the characters’ struggles and insights, often with surprising twists at their conclusion. His writing made each narrator come to life and solidified their situations and surroundings so concretely I felt present in the story. 

With his vividly constructed scenes and realistic portrayals of people on the edge, I recommend SCARS OF THE HEART to readers of fiction, suspense, psychological thrillers, horror, and fans of short stories.



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Review Tour & Giveaway: Plenty by Kelly K. Lavender

PLENTY

by
Kelly K. Lavender


*DSLV Horror / Thriller
Publisher: Lightning Storm Literary Press
Publication Date: June 6, 2015
Page count: 309 pages

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!


SYNOPSIS:

She wasn’t seeking a knight...She only needed a sword.

"...This is a hardcore story and not for the faint of heart. I had to read it in two sittings since I was crying so much I couldn't see the screen..." 
4* rating Long and Short Reviews.

When tragedy affects his life, an unconvicted, "politically-shielded" professional killer blames and hunts a young woman. He pursues sweet revenge. Her beloved adoptive family circle the wagons around her. This time, for him, it's more than a job. It's a welcomed war. Can the family survive? How?  

In Prosperity, Texas, charm begins at the county line, a large mint green sign reads: "Wholesome Living in a Storybook setting". A town park - resplendent with yellow, pink and red roses, a white gazebo, a stout limestone footbridge, a pond flanked by Weeping Cherry trees and nesting Mallard ducks - locks-in the message.

Yet, beneath the idyllic sugar-coated appearance, plenty of problems plague Prosperity - political corruption, an influx of illegal drugs, road rage, theft, prostitution and pornography. Sheriff Gordon has put his stamp on Prosperity - reaping huge profits in the process. His go-to-enforcer, Bruce, a cocaine-addicted, misogynistic, hit man maintains law, order and iron-fisted justice as per Gordon's aggressive agenda.

Camille, a gorgeous, lonely, young woman has caught the unwavering eye and attention of Gordon's son, Grant. Handsome, wealthy, powerful, sadistic Grant and naive Camille become a couple in spite of Gordon's fury. Camille has also enchanted Ben, Bruce's only son, and Grant's best friend.

Crippled by circumstances - trafficking, adolescence, immaturity, a bad romance, a lack of education and ambition, how can she prevail?

Can this nightmare become any more hellish? Yes.

For mature audiences only. DLSV.

Inspired by a true story of a tyrannical crooked Kentucky Sheriff and a conversation with a distraught mother of a sex trafficked teen during a book tour.

*DLSV

  • D – Sexual or suggestive dialogue/Drugs
  • L – Coarse or crude language
  • S – Sexual situations
  • V – Violence

CLICK TO PURCHASE!


READ AN EXCERPT:

“Whaaaaat now?” she said with a roll of her eyes as she placed her hands in her lap. 

  “I think you’ll enjoy meeting this group of teens. They’ve made some bad life decisions, experienced challenges at home, and you, well . . . you’ve had a bad start but you’ve managed to survive to craft another day to create a promising future for yourself. You can reassure them and help them. And given the fact that you’re nineteen years old, they’ll look up to you as a cool adult,” Mark preached. 

  “Yeah, maybe,” Camille muttered before looking out the window. “So, do you consider me to be one of your wayward teens?” 

  “I think you’ve gotten a bad start and made a bad decision to become Grant’s girlfriend. Given all of that, I think you’ll tap into your personal power, and I hope to help you do that.” 

  Camille turned her nose up and sniffed before she said, “By the way, you could improve the looks of this yawner car if you’d remove the bee and the white saddled horse attached to the dash. Are you competing for a nerd award?"


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kelly K. Lavender’s fascination with fiction began in middle school when she entered a book-reading contest and won. When college professors spotlighted her writing in the classroom, it triggered her interest in becoming a novelist. As an ardent fan of the resonating narrative and the cliffhanger, she decided to dedicate herself to becoming a skilled writer. She continued to pursue her education at UCLA Extension where her writing earned praise from an award-winning author/professor.When did she dare to dream large? An epiphany occurred when she read that one of her favorite authors, Nicholas Sparks, began his work career with a Finance degree, also graduating with honors. Actually, he earned a living in Pharmaceutical Sales before becoming an author. Despite chuckles and setbacks, she had a burning desire to write. She lovingly labeled it – “a calling, a compulsion and an obsession.”

One of the high points of her journey occurred when Kelly paid an Industry Creative to analyze her novels. In the Executive’s written comprehensive assessment of both books, she declares, “…Beautiful Evil Winter may work best as a feature film while Plenty has potential as a TV series… Both projects might have appeal for actresses with their own production companies. Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Selena Gomez and Sandra Bullock come to mind…” The expert storyteller’s impressive credentials include: Creative Executive on SALT, The Bone Collector, Revenge – tv series, and script consultant for Kevin Costner.

On a personal level, Kelly credits her horse life with shaping her personality by making her confident, thoughtful, resilient, relentless and disciplined. As an avid, lifelong equestrian, rural life with horses proved to be a perfect backdrop for indulging her insatiable desire to craft quality novels. In fact, she wrote Beautiful Evil Winter, her first paperback, while training for competition and managing the family ranch. Moreover, her horsey background helped her enrich the lives of her big dog rescues through Obedience, Nose Work and Agility classes.

 

REVIEW:

A violent tale of the vulnerable victim of a cruel, corrupt sheriff who fights back! 

Camille White had been a rebellious teenager, a product of disinterested, self-absorbed parents. But after her father is sent to prison and her mother commits suicide, she is taken in by Grammy Barbara, whose steady patience and love turns the young girl’s life around. Inspired to help younger teens avoid her mistakes, overcome drug addiction, and escape similar unhealthy existences, Camille volunteers to be the teenage outreach coordinator for the police department, where she meets Grant Griffin, the son of the sheriff. Grant and Camille are on fire for each other, but his father is completely against their relationship, deeming Camille an unfit whore and addict and not good enough for his son. However, he quickly realizes he can use her weaknesses to further his corrupt activities and keep his son in line doing his bidding. But one night, Gordon Griffin goes too far, and Camille decides that enough is enough. 

Plenty by Kelly K. Lavender is shorter length, hard-core novel of betrayal, cruelty, sex, drugs, and murder. The narrative is gritty, the action violent and messy, and many of the characters depraved. Camille, the people who try to help her, and even Grant suffer, including death, at the hands of the evil sheriff with so much power within his grasp. The author deftly connects the storyline dots and ties together a number of disparate plot points. 

PLENTY is recommended for readers of domestic horror. Sensitive readers should be aware the content of the story includes suicide, suicidal thoughts, sexual abuse and assault, on-the-page murders and deaths, strong language, and other violence.


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Book Blast & Giveaway: Our Global Crisis by Brian D. McLean

Our Global Crisis
by
Brian D. McLean

Non-Fiction / Climate Change
Publisher: Tellwell Talent
Publication Date: October 16, 2024
Page count: 612 pages

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions. 
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!

SYNOPSIS:
     

Modern society has reached a critical juncture in its existence. Like past civilizations ours has reached a point where its future is far from certain, with its decline, or even collapse, being distinct possibilities.

The Incas, the Mayans, the Romans, the Rapanui, and many others, had seemingly successful societies, yet collapsed when faced with challenges that threatened their continued existence.

Are we to suffer the same fate? What could possibly cause our downfall?

Climate change and environmental issues? Perhaps. It is now almost a certainty that these events are destined to inflict catastrophic damage to our global society. Our coastal cities and island nations, as well as our global economy and agricultural output, will be irreparably damaged. Many of Earth's species, as well as the lives of many millions of people, will be displaced or lost forever.

Such a fate may still be averted, but that opportunity has largely passed. Even if we are able to correct the climatic and environmental issues threatening our society, we must still recognize and address the ultimate source of our problems. For if we fail, a far worse fate potentially awaits us.

Our Global Crisis is an eye-opening look at the common weakness shared by societies and civilizations both past and present. But analysis of the problem alone will not solve the global crisis we now face. Thus, the final chapter is dedicated to the simple, yet critical solutions, necessary for our very survival.
CLICK TO PURCHASE!



READ AN EXCERPT:

Humans stand at the pinnacle of evolutionary success. Highly intelligent and curious, with the capacity to reason, it is within our nature to be caring and compassionate. Capable of modifying our environment, we have created an interconnected global society of such magnitude and complexity that it stands apart from all others that have come before it. Yet our society has reached a critical stage in its development. Like past civilizations, ours has reached the point where it is most susceptible to failure.

We face this critical point in our continued existence due to shortcomings in our nature. For although we are the product of countless millennia of evolutionary improvements, we are nevertheless an imperfect species.

Our imperfections have contributed to our setbacks on many occasions. Civilizations and complex societies, including, the Incas, the Mayans, the Romans, the inhabitants of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and others, all suffered significant setbacks, or collapse, seemingly at the height of their existence. Our global community too, now faces its own challenges.

The question we must ask ourselves is: Do we have the desire and the willingness to change, not only our society, but the very nature of who we are? Changes that will allow us to thrive and adapt to realities we face as we enter the Anthropocene era. The answer?

Perhaps.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Brian McLean, ART, is a former Medical Laboratory Technologist and Information Systems Specialist. Drawn by his passion for the outdoors, he shifted from a successful career to spend nearly two decades working for a family-run orchard business. A passionate conservationist and environmentalist, Brian is also a keen observer of human nature and humanity's interaction with the biosphere. Based on those observations, he has been meticulously compiling and crafting Our Global Crisis over the last 22 years. Currently, he is working to restore riparian and temperate forest ecosystems affected by clearcut forestry practices, and when he needs to decompress, he spends time under the stars delving into his other passion, astrophotography.




GIVEAWAY!

The author will be awarding a $10 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner. 



Sunday, November 24, 2024

Book Review: Hands On Homicide (Massage and Murder Mystery, #1) by Sarah Hualde

Hands On Homicide: A Christian Cozy Mystery with a Superpower Twist (Massage and Murder Mysteries)Hands On Homicide: A Christian Cozy Mystery with a Superpower Twist by Sarah Hualde
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Nice debut for this cozy Christian mystery series with a unique paranormal twist!

Hands On Homicide is the first book in author Sarah Hualde’s new Massage and Murder Mystery series, cozy Christian mysteries with a unique paranormal twist. With its engaging main characters, intriguing murder mystery, and subtly faith-forward approach, the story was compelling and hard to set down.

Corky Hobbs is a massage therapist, and readers are immediately aware that she has a special gift: knowing exactly how to help her clients when they come in for a massage. She doesn’t understand how she knows, but her intuition is spot-on regarding where tension and stress have settled in their muscles. When Corky interrupts a murder while working late one evening at the spa, she’s almost killed, and the near-death experience somehow enhances her healing skills to include seeing someone’s inner thoughts and memories when she touches their skin. Because she can’t control it, the new ability feels intrusive, even making her nauseous when the person’s thoughts come flooding in: a curse rather than a gift. However, when the investigation falls to the inept local deputy, Corky and her best friends know that it is up to them to find the killer before the killer tries to finish off Corky for good, and she’s going to have to use her new-found talent.

She’s supported by her two best friends, sister and brother, Stella and Steve Michaels. Stella, who works at the same spa, finds Corky the night of the attack just in time and takes charge of the investigation, while Steve, as a student chef, provides sustenance and tries to curb his sister’s more reckless ideas. There are also some deeper feelings bubbling just below the surface between him and Corky.

The plot sticks pretty close to only the characters who were present at the spa immediately prior to the murder, so there’s not a lot of exposition creating the small town of Deadhorse Canyon or introducing background characters. There’s a great conflict side story involving the spa’s beautiful but toxic receptionist for whom Corky’s long-time boyfriend dumped her. Melanie is a real piece of work, and Brett, the ex, is weak and shallow. Honestly, they’re perfect for each other. The murder occurs early in the book, so the rest of the story is Corky testing her new ability and narrowing down a controlled number of suspects. There are hints in plain sight as to who the killer is, so sharp-eyed armchair detectives have a good chance of figuring it all out.

I recommend HANDS ON HOMICIDE to cozy mystery readers who enjoy a faith-forward story and a TOUCH of paranormal elements in their books.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

View all my reviews

Book Review: The Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens

The Best General in the Civil WarThe Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Fictionalized yet riveting story of the life of General George Thomas and his service to the Union during its most critical times.

The Best General in the Civil War by Conrad Bibens is the fictionalized yet riveting story of the life of General George Thomas and his critical contributions in service to the country before, during, and immediately after the Civil War. The author has General Thomas tell his own tale from childhood to post-Civil War using the device of an imaginary writing of a memoir, as dictated to his wife, Frances Kellogg Thomas, in response to an inflammatory newspaper article five years after the end of the war. In truth, Thomas destroyed his personal papers prior to his death.

While the name of George Thomas has been overshadowed by that of Ulysses Grant and William Sherman, many historical observers and scholars of the war paint Thomas as the true reason for many of the Union’s critical victories. Readers are presented with the facts from Thomas’s perspective about his experiences during the war. His words are those of a proud and confident storyteller, giving voice to his successes and disappointments, many of which came at the hands of supposed friends and representatives of the government of which he served. I came away with a very different view of what this war was like, with details of dismissed strategies and missed opportunities, miscommunications, ineffective leadership, and poor decisions on both sides of the conflict. Battles are tense and exciting and described with a clear choreography that even I, unskilled and uneducated in such, could follow and envision.

The story is as exciting as any adventure tale, often evoking emotional responses to events long past, especially when discussing the gut-wrenching decisions our ancestors made to stay with the United States or secede. The tale brought to life the fact that these fighting men had all been classmates or had served together previously before facing each other from opposite sides. It is often pointed out that families were split apart, with brothers fighting brothers, but usually, this is intoned in very general terms. This book names names, families where this actually occurred, making this tragedy personal and all the more heartbreaking. I didn’t know that President Lincoln himself had a brother-in-law who sided with the Confederates and was killed in action fighting against Union troops. Thomas was separated from all but one of his brothers for the rest of his life and vilified by the people of his home state of Virginia for staying true to his military oath.

I recommend THE BEST GENERAL IN THE CIVIL WAR to readers of historical fiction, especially those interested in the Civil War.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.

Content Warning: slavery, war, death, Ku Klux Klan




View all my reviews

Saturday, November 23, 2024

Book Tour & Giveaway: A Reckoning of Souls by Harrison Edwards


A Reckoning of Souls
The Battle for Humanity Has Begun
by
Harrison Edwards

Sci-Fi / Fantasy
Publisher: Bright Communications
Publication Date: September 18, 2024
Page count: 304 pages

SCROLL DOWN FOR GIVEAWAY!

SYNOPSIS:

WOULD YOU SACRIFICE AN ENTIRE CITY TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE?

A massive explosion rips through the outdoor seating area of a popular restaurant in downtown Trondheim. Two days later, fourteen people are found dead in a church along a remote section of coastline. The souls of the victims have been ripped from their bodies. Moments later a spirit from the Otherworlds steps through the Black Void to find the ancient relic that killed them.

On a secluded island in the Arctic Circle, a troubled man sees a world that has lost its way and feels compelled to change that. He plans to wield the formidable power of a mysterious artifact to reshape the moral fabric of eight billion unsuspecting souls—knowing that his actions will wipe out the inhabitants of an entire city.

David Skye and Jade “Epiphany” Hendrix set out to stop him and save the lives that would be lost if he were to succeed. Their efforts to do that are complicated by Kari Salversen, a dedicated police detective with the Norwegian Police Service. She believes David and Epiphany are involved in a recent string of deadly attacks and is determined to apprehend them.

A reckoning of souls is quickly approaching, as the battle for humanity unfolds in the snowy, arctic fjords of Norway, and the vast spirit realms of the Otherworlds. The possibility of a peaceful future for billions of souls and the lives of tens of thousands of innocent people are both at stake. In a clash that pits two opposing sides against each other, which one is on the more righteous path?

CLICK TO PURCHASE!

 

ENJOY AN EXCERPT:

          Beyond thick veils of falling snow, a darkness awaited. There was no avoiding it, no turning back. David Skye had an uneasy feeling about what he’d find, yet he pushed forward anyway. Visibility worsened with each pass of the wiper blades as they swished from side to side, leaving smears of frozen snow across the windshield. He wrapped his fingers tightly around the steering wheel, doing his best to keep the vehicle from veering off the slick, snow-covered road. David desperately wanted to press down harder on the accelerator, but he thought better of it as he fought to guide the Toyota 4Runner
along the deserted stretch of highway that hugged the northern coastline of Tjeldøya Island.

         “There it is, up ahead, on the right,” Epiphany said.

         The sound of her voice momentarily broke David’s concentration. The silhouette of the old church, its spire reaching into the cold, cloudy sky, stood out against the backdrop of the waterway and the mountains. A heavy, gray fog rolled in off the water. David slowed the vehicle and slid to a stop in the church parking area just off the main road, where he saw six or seven parked cars. The vehicle had barely stopped when Epiphany flung open the passenger door. She leapt out of the 4Runner, swung the door shut, and sprinted down the path leading to the church. David watched her disappear into the snow and mist, vanishing like a specter leaving this world for the next. A transient thought darted through his mind. He had barely been with Epiphany for more than a few days, and given their circumstances, he hoped they’d somehow manage to stay alive for a few more.



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Harrison Edwards lives in eastern Pennsylvania with his wife and their black Lab, Deacon. Harrison’s writing is a blend of science fiction and urban fantasy. Subject matter for his stories comes from deep interests in science, technology, and mythology. When he’s not compiling and developing ideas for future novels, you can find him composing original works of contemporary instrumental music for his next CD release.

 

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RABT Book Tours & PR 

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Plausible Deception by Dwain Lee

 

Plausible Deception
by
Dwain Lee

About Plausible Deception

 

Plausible Deception
Mystery/Detective/LGBT/Quozy
Setting: Primarily Los Angeles/Anaheim CA; Louisville KY; New York NY
Publisher: Butler Books (October 15, 2024)
Paperback: 332 pages
ISBN 978-1-964530-02-4

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SYNOPSIS:

There’s only one Jackson Stradivarius.

Welcome to the arcane world of handcrafted, professional violins. Master luthier Greg Zhu and his husband, Presbyterian minister Dan Randolph, travel to Los Angeles, where Greg’s newest design is competing for recognition from the Violin Society of America. Only a handful of participants know that the Jackson is at the conference, but the owner offers Greg the rare opportunity to examine it—and Greg is the last person in the room before the violin disappears. Greg and Dan team up with the authorities to clear Greg’s name, catch the thief, and recover the priceless violin before it is lost to the arts and antiquities black market.


Click to Purchase!


Author Guest Post

Please welcome Reverend Dwain Lee, author of today's featured book, to the blog!

When I was in the process of leaving the architectural profession to enter seminary and eventually ordained ministry, I told a friend about it and said that it probably sounded like an odd shift. “Not really,” he replied. “You’re just moving from one profession where no one listens to you, to another one.” It wasn’t entirely accurate on either side of the equation, there was certainly enough truth to it that his comment stuck with me.

That was 17 years ago, and I can look back on the experience and say that it has been, and continues to be, an amazing ride.

At the same time that I was preparing for the ministry, I began to come to terms with my own sexuality. After years of denial and repression, I finally admitted to myself that I was gay and began coming out to a handful of people even before graduating from seminary. I finally fully came out at the same time that I was seeking my first ordained call following graduation. As you might suspect, coming out as a gay minister is not really a career-enhancing situation, even after my denomination officially permitted LGBTQ+ ordained leaders. Considering how difficult it would be to find a “first call” as a gay man, even in a relatively progressive denomination, one ministerial colleague suggested “Couldn’t you just stay in the closet for a few years, build up some experience and reputation, and then come out? Because you’re about the straightest gay guy I’ve ever met.” I realized his misguided comment was meant as a compliment, but I told him that that misunderstanding about what gay men were like – or that we fit some monolithic stereotype at all – was precisely why I *had* to come out.

Despite the numerous difficulties and frustrations that coming out caused, I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve provided pastoral care to individuals great and small, in congregations large and small. I’ve also served as a hospital chaplain in a Level 1 Trauma Center for a time. Throughout this journey, my own personal faith has evolved, deepened, and strengthened. I hope that along the way, I’ve had a similar positive effect on the people whose lives I’ve touched, and whose lives have touched my own.

That hope is at least half question. Retirement from this second career is still measured in years away, but not a lot of them, and as I look back on it all there are times when I wonder if all the struggles I’ve endured in this – and there have been many - have been worth it. Have I really made a difference in the world, or at least in the lives of individuals – my children, my husband, parishioners, friends?

That exercise of introspection has been a major point of origin for writing my debut book, Plausible Deception (https://www.butlerbooks.com/plausible-deception.html ) . On one level, the plot of this mystery focuses on the professional world of my husband, George Yu, an internationally respected violin maker, who is the real-life inspiration for the character of Greg Zhu. The two main characters in the book are only slightly fictionalized versions of the two of us, and together they become involved in the mystery surrounding the theft of the world-renowned Jackson Stradivarius violin. Weaving through that plot, though, the story examines very serious issues including racism, xenophobia, homophobia, and sexism, among other things, all in a manner integral to the story.

Beneath all of that, though, are those personal thoughts of mine regarding the meaning and significance of my own actual life. In this book, readers will meet the Rev. Dan Randolph, the fictionalized version of me, and learn a bit about his gradual morphing from very conservative to very progressive theologian and pastor, and his own internal questioning about the significance of his own life. I hope that in subsequent books, readers will follow that journey along with Dan – and me – as that question continues to play out in various mysteries.

At the same time, this book, as with subsequent books that will form a series, will examine the relationship of the two main characters: a compassionate but blunt, sometimes sarcastic architect/minister with a  dry sense of humor and a colorful vocabulary; and his husband, a brilliant Asian-Canadian engineer/violin maker who often comes at the world in very different ways than his husband. One of them came out in their 30s; the other had been married previously and raised a family before coming out in their mid-50s, and those differences add to the interplay – sometimes tenuous – between the two men. The book also teases out the relationship between Dan and his two adult children, with whom he has good relationships, but still are relationships with baggage.

I hope that readers will find the plot of the book interesting, informative, and engaging, while at the same time a warm and fun look into the lives of these two men and their life together. 



About Dwain Lee

 
Dwain Lee grew up in Masontown, Pennsylvania, where his first job was working as a coal miner during the summers of his high school years. He graduated from Penn State University, majoring in architecture, and he owned and operated his own architectural firm in Columbus, Ohio for twenty years. During the thirty years that he lived in Columbus, he raised a family and also served as President and Chairman of the Board of Montana de Luz, an orphanage in Honduras for children living with HIV/AIDS. Transitioning out of the architectural profession, he obtained a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary and for many years has served as an ordained Presbyterian minister and pastor. In addition to more typical pastoral duties, a large part of his time in ministry has focused on social justice issues, including LGBTQ+ equality, refugee and immigrant issues, and racial justice. Dwain has two amazing, wonderful adult daughters, Erica and Andrea. He and his husband, George Yu, an internationally recognized violin maker, currently live in an old double-shotgun house in the eclectic Germantown/Schnitzelburg neighborhood of Louisville, Kentucky. In addition to writing, he enjoys spending time with George traveling, gardening, doing never-ending home renovation projects, camping, and yoga.



Tour Participants

November 14 – Boys' Mom Reads! – REVIEW
November 15 – Jody's Bookish Haven – SPOTLIGHT
November 16 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 17 – Frugal Freelancer – SPOTLIGHT
November 18 – Books, Ramblings, and Tea – SPOTLIGHT
November 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
November 20 – StoreyBook Reviews- CHARACTER GUEST POST
November 21 – Deal Sharing Aunt – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
November 22 – Celticlady's Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
November 23 – Guatemala Paula Loves to Read – AUTHOR GUEST POST
November 24 – Sapphyria's Book Reviews - SPOTLIGHT
November 25 – Never Hollowed By The Stare – SPOTLIGHT
November 26 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
November 27 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR INTERVIEW


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Friday, November 22, 2024

Virtual Book Tour & Giveaway: Loving Lizzie Finn by Tamara Hughes

Loving Lizzie Finn
by
Tamara Hughes

Romance / Historical Romance
Publication Date: November 19, 2024
Page count: 263 pages

This post is part of a virtual book tour organized by Goddess Fish Promotions.
Click on the tour banner to see the other stops on the tour.

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SYNOPSIS:

Lizzie Finn grew up in a brothel, and she’s reminded of that fact every day. She dreams of finding a job and becoming independent. Only then can she be free of her aunt’s disdain. First, she must find an employer who won’t turn her away because of her past.

Byron Greeley is determined to save his family’s business after Lizzie’s uncle falsifies the amount Byron owes on a loan from the bank. Determined to find proof of Teague’s perfidy, Byron slips into the banker’s house and rummages through the study only to be discovered by Lizzie, a red-haired beauty who utterly captivates him.

Byron offers Lizzie a job in exchange for information about her uncle, and because she believes her uncle is innocent, she agrees. When Teague discovers Lizzie and Byron’s growing affection, he threatens to destroy Byron and his family, insisting Byron is exploiting her. Is Teague’s warning well-founded? Are Byron’s feelings for Lizzie true, or is Byron using her for his own gain?

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ENJOY AN EXCERPT:

“What are you looking for then?”

He raised a clumsy finger to his lips. “A secret ledger.” As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted them. Cursing beneath his breath, he shook his head. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

She stepped to the side as if to give him room. “Go home. You’re drunk.”

Heaving a sigh, Byron made no move to follow her directive. “Please don’t tell your uncle I was here.”

“I make no promises. Now, if you will.” She waved her hand toward the door. Her movements were graceful, mesmerizing.

Byron rubbed his forehead to clear his thoughts. He’d made a mess of things. He shouldn’t have come here. He shouldn’t have gulped down that bottle of rum. “You don’t understand.” Maybe if he explained, she would keep his secret. “Your uncle has hoodwinked me. H-he changed our loan agreement after it was already signed, making the amount I’m expected to pay almost double of what it was. The agreement is due in only two months.”

“My uncle is an honorable man. He wouldn’t do such a thing.”

Sudden exhaustion swamped him, and Byron sank into the desk chair. “I don’t know why he forged the agreement. Why now? Why my business?”

Byron studied the beauty in the doorway. Her demure nightclothes gave her an aura of innocence. His angel.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


A small-town girl with a big imagination, Tamara Hughes had no idea what to do with her life. After graduating from college, she moved to a big city, started a family and a job, and still struggled to find that creative outlet she craved. An avid reader of romance, she gave writing a try and became hooked on the power of exploring characters, envisioning adventures, and creating worlds. She enjoys stories with interesting twists and heroines who have the grit to surmount any obstacle, all without losing the ability to laugh.

To learn more, stop by her website: www.tamarahughes.com.



GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY! GIVEAWAY!

The author will be awarding a $20 Amazon/BN gift card to a randomly drawn winner.




Book Review: Our Lady of the Overlook by R.L. Carpentier

Our Lady of the OverlookOur Lady of the Overlook by R.L. Carpentier
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Twisting tale of deception, long-held secrets, and murder in the rural Catskill Mountains of New York.

Our Lady of the Overlook is the twisty new murder mystery by author R.L. Carpentier about both a cold case and a recent murder that eerily mimes its 40-year-old, unsolved predecessor. The story uniquely features several generational pairs of law enforcement officers: the men who were involved in the 1980 cold case and their progeny now working in the same department. With little to go on but an unrelenting need to know the truth, it is the rookie officer, the son of the late police chief, who shoulders this character-driven tale of secrets and deception.

Young Michael Ellis is the new man at the Hunter Police Department, a small collection of villages in the Catskill Mountains of New York. Mike is the son of the town’s revered former chief of police, the legendary Charlie Ellis, a father he feels he never really knew nor whose expectations he ever fulfilled. Initially, the young man is socially awkward and tentative in his interactions with others, physically uncomfortable and clumsy under the necessary accouterments of his uniform. Honestly, he is not the picture of a potentially successful police officer. Still, he seems to perform his duties well, is determined to maintain a low profile, and begins to make friends among his coworkers. It was great to watch as the story progressed how much he changes as he confronts the ghosts of his past and uncovers the surprising truths behind the murders on the Overlook hiking trail.

Just as Mike is gaining his footing on the job, a true-crime podcaster researching “Jane Doe of the Overlook,” a 40-year-old, unsolved murder of an unknown young woman that haunted his father until his untimely death, approaches him for his help. Although intrigued and never having heard of the murder before then, he refuses to participate, wanting to focus on his new career and remain out of the limelight. Days later, though, Mike, just like his father before him, discovers the body of a young woman on the hiking trail up to the Overlook, circumstances eerily similar to the earlier murder. Reluctantly, he agrees to act as the department liaison with the investigator from the state, a man with a reputation for self-promotion and a history of latching onto the easiest suspect found, whether there’s supporting evidence or not. From that point forward, Mike can never be certain who to trust, and mistakes in judgment obscure his path to resolving either crime and place him in jeopardy.

The author surrounds Mike with well-developed secondary characters, many with seemingly ulterior motives, and some of the best scenes in the book are between him and the men and women working to solve the two cases. One of my favorites, for the setting and the absolutely sparkling banter, is when Mike and his fellow officers and their older relatives, former officers, gather at the library to finally team up and devise a plan of action.

While the ending doesn’t suggest a sequel, I would enjoy reading more about Mike and what may have happened after the events of this book. I recommend OUR LADY OF THE OVERLOOK to mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.


View all my reviews