Category: Uncategorized

Review: The Bride Prize: Allan’s Miscellany 1839 by Sandra Schwab

Goodreads Blurb

It’s 1839, and Lord Eglinton’s tournament in Scotland is the most anticipated event of the year: he and some of his noble friends will don medieval armor and joust like knights of old.

Does this mean a revival of true chivalry? Miss Florence Marsh thinks it might.

Or is the tournament mere tomfoolery and the greatest folly of the century? Mr. Robert Beaton thinks it is.

But when Flo and Robbie meet at Eglinton Park, they’ll soon learn that a dash of romance can make the greatest differences look rather small and that true love might find you in the most unlikely place.

If only Robbie wasn’t working for that scandalous new magazine Allan’s Miscellany! If only Flo’s father didn’t detest the periodical press!

And if only they had remembered to bring an umbrella!

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Such a sweet little book. I enjoyed the romance in this novel. There is so much chivalry that has been mostly gone in our current century. Truly enjoyed how two characters from different backgrounds were able to fall in love in just one day. My heart melted when Miss Florence saw her picture painted in the magazine. Mr. Robert drew her with such delicacy and grandeur. She couldn’t believe she made such an impression. I enjoy Mr. Robert, when he was trying to keep her dry from the rain and puddles. Truly, a man doesn’t need a title to be loving and caring.

Author Biography

Sandra Schwab has been delighting readers with her unusual historical romances since 2005. She particularly likes the quirky bits of history, so in her books, you’ll find Roman pet eels, Regency gentlemen with green hair, and medieval tournaments in Victorian Britain. She writes both m/m and m/f historicals – happy endings always guaranteed!

She lives in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, with a sketchbook, a ukulele (well, more than one), and an ever-expanding library.

Review: Hopscotch Homicide by Kathi Daley

Goodreads Blurb

When Zoe finds the body of the lunch lady on the hopscotch course the week before the new school year, she is pulled into a mystery that will find her volunteering as soccer mom, classroom mom, and PTA board member. It’s funny, it’s family, it’s a Zak and Zoe murder investigation.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Another amazing addition to the series. It just keeps on getting better. So many suspects were in this story. I just could not figure out who the killer was. The story about Mrs. Brown made me very sad that she ended up losing a child and went obsessing over other children in the community. So many people had great motivation to get rid of her. Horrible cook with not much liking. Was happy to see Zoe and Zack have more time to themselves. I’m glad that they are enjoying life with their extended family.

Author Biography

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn’t writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she’s not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Review: Mad for the Plaid by Karen Hawkins

Goodreads Blurb

Nikolai Romanovin, a royal prince of Oxenburg, has travelled to the deepest wilds of Scotland to rescue his grandmother the Grand Duchess, who was abducted while visiting an old friend in the Highlands. Wanting to avoid an international incident, Nik plans to quietly slip into enemy territory disguised as a groom at Castle Cromartie. But his plans go awry when he falls under the cool gray gaze of the laird’s daughter.

Pragmatic and clever, Mairi MacKenzie has been left in charge of the family estate and her unruly grandmother in her father’s absence. Something about the new groom catches her eyes, and makes her think he’s not who he pretends to be—and even more shockingly, stirs her senses. Is it his obviously educated manners? His arrogant, non-servant-like presence? It’s certainly not his towering, powerful form, or slumberous, inviting green eyes!

After confronting the imposter and learning the truth, Mairi agrees to help Nik—for she, too, understands difficult relatives and would do anything for family. Soon their secret partnership leads to growing respect, searing kisses, and then something far more perilous. And when their quest turns dangerous, Mairi and Nik must discover this unknown enemy while facing the dangerous demands of their own unruly hearts.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

I loved that this book started off with letters back and forth with Prince Nikolai and Lady Ailsa. It was great to see how annoyed they were with each other without them meeting in person. I loved that Lady Ailsa was a character who was strong-willed, determined, and a fighter. I’m not sure that in this time period, a woman can run a castle, especially without being wed. The story was charming. Loved that I got to see a happily ever after since the story brought betrayal even from within a trusted protector.

Author Biography

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Karen Hawkins writes novels that have been praised as touching, witty, charming, and heartwarming. A native Southerner who grew up in the mountains of East Tennessee where storytelling is a way of life, Karen recently moved to frosty New England with her beloved husband and multiple foster dogs. The Dove Pond books are a nod to the thousands of books that opened doors to more adventures, places, and discoveries than she ever imagined possible.

Cover Reveal: Remedy by Emily Bridget Taylor

Remedy by Emily Bridget Taylor

Cover Reveal: 3rd April

Genre: Poetry

Pages: 134

Blurb

Fallen from the heights of love

to the depths of madness,

she flees to the endless,

wailing moor.

There is nothing here but shadows,

a lantern – her white dress flickering in the wind.

There is nothing here but shadows,

a lantern – and you.

In your hands are her confessions.

Between your fingers, a book of prayers.

Drink the shadows with her –

and you will taste the fullness of light.

Remedy is a collection of poetry for those who refuse to be extinguished. It is a story told in four parts, each part mending a different kind of pain. Remedy will take you by the hand through the falling, severing, healing, and resurrecting – giving you the courage to begin again.

“Taylor’s voice soars to new heights. Remedy is soul-food,

scars and all” – Scott-Patrick Mitchell, author of Clean

Author bio


Emily Bridget Taylor is a poet, artist and performer. Her words and imagery are inspired by honey-filled days of light and love, and the dark hours between – the duality that is Life’s gift. In the wake of the pandemic, Emily began sharing her poetry online. What followed was a surprising, magical journey in which her words and images resonated around the world. Her poetry collection Remedy, art series Remedy for Walls and performance poetry touch on themes of love, trauma, self-care and healing. Her artistic calling is to dissolve shame in all its forms. Follow her journey at www.emilybridgettaylor.com and @emilybridgettaylor on socials.

Cover Reveal: The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel by Jeffrey Ashkin

The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel by Jeffrey Ashkin

Cover Reveal 2nd April

Genre: Thriller / Mystery

Publisher: Ink Smith Publishing

Blurb

Best-selling author, Jonthan Sendel has been murdered. Now, his clone must solve the mystery.

In the near future when someone is murdered, a clone of the victim can be commissioned to help police solve the crime. This process is costly, tedious and not always successful. Memory lapses, mental implosions, and rouge clones are not uncommon. It’s risky, but Jonathan has the money, the fans, and the means, and so his clone must navigate a treacherous labyrinth of secrets to reclaim the life stolen from him and put his murderer behind bars.

Before his untimely death, Jonathan was stuck in a rut. His marriage was failing, writer’s block had his Jim Starlight series at a deadend, and his affair with a college student was about to go public. When his charred remains are found inside his remote cabin it’s clear that the murderer is someone in his inner circle.

His clone only has a matter of days to unravel the mystery before he loses the vast fortune he spent his entire life, the first one, building. As he uncovers his previous life’s transgressions, the people he trusted most may have some unsavory opinions about clones. Jonathan must take his investigation into his own hands to have a chance at life.

The Second Life of Jonathan Sendel is a twist-filled murder mystery, that examines the life of a beloved celebrity tarnished by scandal and the painful process of coming to terms with one’s own demons.

Review: Daniel E. Greene: Studios and Subways by Daniel E. Greene and Maureen Bloomfield

Goodreads Blurb

Celebrating the Life and Art of an American Master!

“Here is a picture that demonstrates classical mastery and offers allusions to the history of art, all the while acknowledging the art and issues of its time.” -p66

From one of America’s most accomplished artists and a pioneer of figurative realism, this unprecedented collection celebrates a body of work spanning six prolific decades. A brilliant collaboration between the artist and art critic Maureen Bloomfield, this impressive monograph features more than 200 of Daniel E. Greene’s best oil paintings and pastels–from the underworlds of pool halls, carnivals, and New York subways, to classically posed nudes and the elite culture of auction houses. Also included are his still lifes, self-portraits, and commissioned portraits of such illustrious subjects as Eleanor Roosevelt, Ayn Rand, and astronaut Walter Schirra Jr.

Essays offer an intimate look at the techniques, ideas, and influences–contemporary and historical–behind these provocative paintings. Equally fascinating is Greene’s personal starting with his early days in Cincinnati and drawing quick-portraits of tourists on Miami Beach…to his time at the Art Students League in New York, his stint in the Army, and his distinguished teaching career at the League and the National Academy of Design. Reflecting a lifetime of dedication and originality, Daniel E. Studios and Subways is the definitive study of this legendary artist, full of insight and inspiration for artists and art-lovers alike.

My Review: Rated 4 out of 5 stars

Mr. Greene knows how to view what he sees and bring the beauty out. This wonderful book filled with many of his portraits from his early days in painting until recently really focuses on simplicity, beauty, and humans at their best moments. He did such amazing paintings that would focus on the person or the backdrops. He did self-portraits of himself, famous people, and his students. He loved to paint about carnivals, auction houses, pools, and loved just stopping at any location to create what he saw. His paintings were vivid with bright colors, at times dark and even nude. He loved to replicate what he imagined and things from the past brought back to this century. Art comes in different forms, and Mr. Greene knows how to create an image for all to admire and love.

Cover Reveal: The Rumble and the Glory by Ja Huss

BOOK DETAILS:

The Rumble and the Glory
by JA Huss
Publication date: June 27, 2024
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:

Deep in the hills of West Virginia, three small towns have found a way to flourish in the face of extreme poverty. Disciple runs a side-show tent revival that brings in millions of dollars a year. Bishop flaunts traditional ways in the vein of Colonial Williamsburg, luring weary city people to the slow-living lifestyle. And Revenant offers them an experience of sin filled with tattooed bikers and live-music dive bars.

It’s a sacred trinity that worships the almighty dollar and everyone plays their role like a well-trained Broadway actor.

But these hills have secrets, and so do the people. 

Twelve years ago, when he was just eighteen and dreaming of a future with his high school sweetheart, Collin Creed learned something about himself. Something so disturbing he left Disciple to join the Marines and didn’t once look back. But all that came to a screeching halt with the congressional hearings, forcing Collin to return home and rebuild his black-ops empire brick by brick.

Lowyn McBride’s heart broke when Collin shut her out and left town without an explanation just as they were getting ready to start their adult lives together. The death of her mother the following year was a make-or-break moment and Lowyn rose to the occasion, giving up her university education to parent her younger sister while building an empire of her own as a specialty antiques dealer.

Anger and desire, guilt and shame—the return of the enigmatic Collin Creed ignites the town and sparks an explosion of emotions inside Lowyn. But he’s not the only one with a secret in his past. Lowyn has always played the good girl to Collin’s bad-boy reputation. But it turns out—she’s just like everyone else up in these hills—not as wholesome and pure as she looks.

 

The Rumble and the Glory is a cinematic and spicy small-town secret, second-chance romance wrapped up in a cloak of mystery and suspense. It honors the themes of found family, redemptive anti-hero, and is filled with bigger-than-life, morally-grey characters against a backdrop of deceit and deception.

 

TROPES:

Small Town Secrets

Enemies to Lovers

Morally Grey

Found Family

Second Chance

Childhood Sweethearts

Anti-Hero

Pre-order:

AMAZON: https://geni.us/RumbleAmazon
NOOK: https://geni.us/RumbleNook
APPLE: https://geni.us/RumbleApple
KOBO: https://geni.us/RumbleKobo

THIS BOOK WILL ONLY BE AVAILABLE AT NOOK, KOBO, AND APPLE ON PRE-ORDER and will release two days early at those distributors. It will go into Kindle Unlimited on the stated release day of June 27, 2024.

AUTHOR BIO:

JA Huss is a scientist, New York Times Bestseller, USA Today Bestseller, and a cowgirl who rides English. Five of her books were optioned for TV/film, several of her audiobooks have been nominated for the Audie and SOVA Awards, and she was a RITA Finalist in 2019. She has been an indie author in both fiction and non-fiction for seventeen years and lives on a ranch in Colorado with her family, horses, dogs, goats, donkeys, and chickens.

Author links:
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/1SW2AB0
Website: https://www.jahuss.com
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2uO4NgR
Audible: https://smarturl.it/p994eo
Facebook: http://on.fb.me/PPpkr3
FB Fan Group: http://bit.ly/3697FlW
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JAHuss
Instagram: http://bit.ly/350gUF5

Cover Reveal: Sweetheart by Cookie O’Gorman

BOOK DETAILS:

Sweetheart
by Cookie O’Gorman
Publication date: April 25, 2024
Genres: Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:

Sweetheart (suh-weet-hart): Someone who is kind, friendly, and/or lovable. For reference, see Scarlett Kent.

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Kent likes the idea of love—in theory. She’s just never had time for romance. Voted Most Likely to Succeed, founder of a youth mentoring program, and an aspiring professional violinist, Scarlett has goals—and a list of “firsts” she’d like to complete before graduation.

One thing that’s not on her list: Falling for Sam Bishop.

Flirtatious jocks who sleep through class aren’t her type—no matter how good Sam looks in his jersey. But when her car breaks down, Sam stops to help…which leads to an unexpected offer.

Sam volunteers to help Scarlett complete her list. In return, she’ll help him win back his ex.

It’s a sweetheart deal that should benefit everyone.

But between kissing lessons and pretend dates, Scarlett realizes Sam is the perfect fake boyfriend. And if she’s not careful, he could be her first real heartbreak.

This book features two souls who’re meant to be, one fake arrangement, so many heart-melting kisses and answers the question:

What happens when a perfectionist falls for a player?

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/210269980-sweetheart

AUTHOR BIO:

Cookie O’Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl’s Guide to Being Bad, WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, and FAUXMANCE are out now!  She is also the author of NA sports romances, The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, and The Sweetest Game.

Author links:
http://cookieogorman.com/
https://twitter.com/CookieOwrites
https://www.facebook.com/cookieogorman
https://www.bookbub.com/profile/cookie-o-gorman
https://www.instagram.com/cookieogorman/
https://mailchi.mp/bdb1d9c56ae7/the-cookie-jar
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14924267.Cookie_O_Gorman

Review: Some Writer! The Story of E.B. White by Melissa Sweet

Goodreads Blurb

“SOME PIG,” Charlotte the spider’s praise for Wilbur, is just one fondly remembered snippet from E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web. In Some Writer!, the two-time Caldecott Honor winner Melissa Sweet mixes White’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell his story, from his birth in 1899 to his death in 1985. Budding young writers will be fascinated and inspired by the journalist, New Yorker contributor, and children’s book author who loved words his whole life. This authorized tribute is the first fully illustrated biography of E. B. White and includes an afterword by Martha White, E. B. White’s granddaughter.  

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

When art is combined with a biography, it becomes a work of art. It is absolutely the most spectacular biography I have ever read with pictures of E.B. White and beautifully created scrapbooks with vivid illustrations. Any lover of E.B. White books and poems should definitely read this wonderful book. Melissa worked very hard to create a book that simply gave us Mr. White’s true meaning of life through his thoughts, stories, pictures, and most of all, his wonderful children’s books. White was a free spirit who loved animals, the environment, and calmness. He loved to share with others his poems and stories while not looking to receive anything in return. He was a person who lived simply and enjoyed sharing life. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Author Biography

Melissa Sweet grew up in a suburban neighborhood that had lots of kids, kick-the-can games on summer nights, and Percy’s candy store right nearby.

Later she received her Associate’s Degree from Endicott Junior College in Beverly, Massachusetts, and studied art at the Kansas City Art Institute.

Sweet began began illustrating children’s books in 1986 and has illustrated more than 60 books. Her work can also be seen in magazines, on posters, children’s toys and food packaging.

Sweet’s signature style of whimsical watercolors is often enhanced by collage art when she finds objects and details that are appropriate to the story.

Sweet lives with her husband and step-daughter in a small coastal Maine village near a working harbor. Above her drafting table there’s a quote from the poet Mary Oliver: “To pay attention, this is our endless and proper work.”

Sweet says “That’s good, because I often find myself taking walks, gardening, biking, but I’m taking it all in and it somehow shows up in my books.