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Indian Paintbrush (Carson Chronicles #3) by John A Heldt-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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INDIAN PAINTBRUSH (The Carson Chronicles #3) by John A Heldt-Review, Interview & Giveaway

Indian Paintbrush
Carson Chronicles #3
by John A Heldt
Release Date: November 26, 2018
Genre: adult, historical, time travel

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 26, 2018

Arizona, December 1943. After surviving perilous six-month journeys to 1889 and 1918, the Carsons, five siblings from the present day, seek a respite in their home state. While Adam and Greg settle down with their Progressive Era brides, Natalie and Caitlin start romances with wartime aviators and Cody befriends a Japanese family in an internment camp. The time travelers regroup, bury old ghosts, and continue their search for their missing parents. Then old problems return, new ones emerge, and a peaceful hiatus becomes a race for survival. In INDIAN PAINTBRUSH, the sequel to RIVER RISING and THE MEMORY TREE, seven young adults find love and adventure as they navigate the home front during the height of World War II

••••••••

REVIEW: INDIAN PAINTBRUSH is the third instalment in John A Heldt’s adult, historical, time-travel series focusing on the Carson siblings-Adam, Natalie, Greg, Cody and Caitlin. INDIAN PAINTBRUSH can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty although I recommend reading the series in order for backstory and cohesion.

Note: Indian Paintbrush, the favorite flower of Caitlin Carson, is a short-lived, wildflower found in forest clearings and grasslands across the Western, and Southwestern United States

Told from several third person points of view INDIAN PAINTBRUSH follows the Carson siblings, a family of time travellers, as they go in search of their missing parents Tim and Caroline Carson. Months earlier, the siblings discovered their parents were missing but an itinerary of places and timelines found the family on a journey of their own. Starting in 2017, the siblings travelled back in time to 1889, 1918, and presently in the tumultuous era of 1943-44. Adam and Greg, having fallen in love, would bring their new significant others along for the ride.

When the Carson siblings entered the portal in 1918, they had no idea what to expect in 1943 Arizona, an era fraught with the uncertainty of war. The 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor resulted in the forced internment of Japanese, Americans, at the Butte Camp in Rivers, Arizona , as America prepared to go to war. Struggling to locate their parents, always one step ahead or behind, Natalie, Cody and Caitlin would each discover love, but not all loves are meant for a happily ever after.

John A Heldt’s pulls the reader into a turbulent past; an era of distrust and anxiety; the unpredictability of war; and the knowledge of what was, and what would never be. Secrets revealed, and threats from the past force the siblings to, once again, run for their lives but along the way, the Carson clan would welcome two new travellers on their voyage of discovery and love.

INDIAN PAINTBRUSH is a complex story line awash in colorful facts, historical fiction, and the possibility of what might have been. A contemporary family caught up in the past, the Carson siblings, know that to interfere in history, could mean a different outcome for everyone concerned. Knowledge is a powerful tool but to reveal what was and what will be places everyone in danger including the people they love. An amazing storyteller, John A Heldt pens a story of survival, loss, history and love.

Reading Order and Previous Reviews
River Rising
The Memory Tree
Indian Paintbrush

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

TRC: Hi, John, and welcome back to The Reading Café.

Congratulations on the recent release of INDIAN PAINTBRUSH.

For anyone who doesn’t know John A. Heldt, would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow John: Goodreads / Facebook / Website/Blog/ Twitter / Amazon / Instagram / Tumblr

John: I’m a married father of two grown daughters and a son and, as of August 15, the grandfather of a delightful little girl named Stella. Before turning to novel writing in 2011, I worked as a sports writer and editor for several newspapers in Oregon and Washington, where I was born and raised, and several more years as a reference librarian in Montana. I love traveling around the western United States, watching sports, cooking, and experiencing the great outdoors. I currently make my home in the Las Vegas, Nevada, area.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties did you encounter writing and publishing your first novel?

John: Like most authors starting out, I faced several. When I created The Mine in 2011 and early 2012, I did so without any formal knowledge of novel writing, publishing, or selling books in a competitive market. So I sought help where I could find it. Several friends and family members, including my (then) 17-year-old daughter Amy, provided much-needed help and guidance. With their assistance, I managed to produce a novel that is still selling today.

TRC: How did publishing your first book change your writing process?

John: I became much more disciplined and methodical. I evolved into a plotter who set time aside for specific tasks, outlined chapters in advance, and enlisted the help of others. I did what I could to learn from my mistakes and streamline the process of putting out a novel.

TRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of INDIAN PAINTBRUSH and the Carson Chronicles series?

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

John: The series is a family saga with a time-travel twist. In book one, River Rising, Adam Carson, a 27-year-old Arizona engineer in 2017, discovers that his missing parents are not victims of foul play but rather secret time travelers who became stuck in 1888. Armed with the knowledge he needs to find them, Adam convinces his younger siblings — Greg (25), Natalie (23), and twins Cody and Caitlin (17) — to join him on a rescue mission, which soon becomes a perilous life-changing journey that takes the travelers from the 1880s to 1918 and beyond. Indian Paintbrush is series’ third book. Set primarily in Phoenix, Arizona, in 1944, it focuses less on the search and more on the siblings as they get on with their lives in their grandparents’ time. Adam and Greg start families with their Progressive Era wives, Natalie and Caitlin strike up romances with wartime aviators, and Cody fights injustice as a regular visitor to an internment camp for Japanese Americans.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the series?

John: I plan two more books. Number four will be set in Boulder, Colorado, in the fall of 1962, during the height of the Cuban missile crisis. Book number five will be set in Maine in the summer of 1983 and be based on my own experiences as a camp counselor.

TRC: From where did you get the idea for the CARSON CHRONICLES?

John: I got it from reading John Jakes’ family sagas. He is the author of Kent Family Chronicles and the North and South trilogy. I love the way he tells stories.

TRC: What drew you to write a ‘time-travel’ series?

John: I did not decide to write any series until long after I published my first book. When I released The Mine in February 2012, I did not intend to write another book. I wrote The Mine primarily to check off an item on my bucket list. Then came a surprising number of sales and positive reviews. I reevaluated the situation and decided to keep going. Because I liked viewing history through modern eyes, I stuck with the time-travel theme and published The Journey (2012), The Show (2013), The Fire (2013), and The Mirror (2014) in short order. I also built on The Mine story by writing two novels (The Show and The Mirror) that completed a Smith family trilogy within a five-book series. I so enjoyed putting together the Northwest Passage series that I continued with the American Journey and Carson Chronicles series. I hope to create at least one more time-travel series before moving on to other things.

TRC: What kind of research/plotting did you do, and how long did you spend researching /plotting before beginning the CARSON CHRONICLES series?

John: I am a plotter of the first order. I spend dozens of hours researching and outlining books and series before I write a single word. I do this mostly for practical reasons. I want to get from Point A to Point B without getting lost or painting myself into a corner. When writing time-travel novels, authors must pay particularly close attention to detail and the established norms of the genre. To do otherwise is to invite unnecessary trouble.

TRC: Does historical accuracy play a large role in the CARSON CHRONICLES series? Do you believe an author should follow historical accuracy when writing a book or series about the past (regardless of genre)?

John: Yes to the first question and mostly yes to the second. I am a history buff who goes to great lengths to achieve historical accuracy in my works. On occasion, I will even change things that most readers would not notice or even care about. For example, when writing The Mine, I removed a reference to Glenn Miller’s “Chattanooga Choo Choo” from a chapter set in July 1941 because the song did not hit the airwaves until weeks later. That said, I understand the need to bend the rules on occasion. Though I believe authors should strive for historical accuracy as often as possible, particularly when presenting the big picture, I also think they should have some latitude when presenting the smaller stuff. I know I have strayed from the “rules” a few times. For example, in several of my works, I have set up humorous, sometimes poignant, encounters between my time travelers and celebrities. Scenes like these are what separate historical fiction from the just-the-facts-ma’am history most of us read in school.

TRC: What was the most challenging scene to write?

John: Without a doubt, it was the first chapter of Hannah’s Moon, the fifth and final book in the American Journey series. Based on a wrenching personal experience, it portrayed a young childless couple in a hospital room following the birth of their stillborn son. I spent more than a month working on that chapter because I wanted to get it right.

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

John: Yes. Readers are a lot like people looking for a new house. They first judge a product on its curb appeal and then decide whether to investigate what’s inside.

TRC: Do you believe the self-publishing industry hurts the traditionally published author, or publishing industry as a whole? If so, how or why not?

John: Yes and no. Some indie authors still publish poorly written works that reflect badly on their peers and the industry as a whole. Many others, however, do not. They make important contributions to the market by producing works — solid works — that might not have seen the light of day ten to fifteen years ago. They are writing books that readers want but could not always find in the past because of restrictions on genre, length, and content.

TRC: Do you listen to music while writing? If so, does the style of music influence the storyline direction? Characters?

John: No. I need quiet when writing. I simply cannot write or edit in an environment where there are distractions or background noises. That said, I listen to music — relevant music — when planning a book, plotting storylines, and creating characters. For example, when laying the groundwork for Class of ’59, a novel set mostly in a South Pasadena, California, high school in the spring of 1959, I compiled a soundtrack of 1950s songs and listened to it for hours. I wanted to get a feel for the times before writing the book.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception people have about authors?

John: I imagine it’s that our work is very exciting. In fact, it can be very boring. Writing a novel is a pedestrian exercise that requires gobs of time, quiet, and solitude. On the plus side, we have the chance to meet a lot of interesting people, particularly when marketing our books, and sometimes travel to interesting places when researching them. I have traveled to the primary settings of more than half of my thirteen novels and enjoyed every trip.

TRC: How should authors measure a book’s success?

John: I don’t know about other writers, but I measure a book’s success by the impact it has on readers. If a novel prompts people to read the next installment in the series, it has succeeded. If it does not, it has failed. As an author, I can tell you that there is no better feeling than producing something that complete strangers want to read again and again.

TRC: What is something that few, if anybody, knows about you?

John: I was a triple major as an undergraduate at the University of Oregon in the 1980s. I could not decide whether to major in journalism, history, or political science, so I attended school an extra year and earned a bachelor’s degree in all three disciplines.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

John: I am currently working on converting some of my early books to print. Almost all are available only in Kindle and audio format. I plan to market Indian Paintbrush in December and January and then turn my full attention to writing book four in the Carson Chronicles series. I expect to have the next book out by the summer of 2019.

TRC: Thank you, John, for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the new release. We wish you all the best.

John A Heldt is graciously offering the first three ebooks (mobi, epub or pdf) in the CARSON CHRONICLES Time Travel Series to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

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9. Giveaway open internationally

10. Giveaway runs from December 13-18, 2018

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The Other Miss Bridgerton (A Bridgerton Prequel) by Julia Quinn-Review & Excerpt Tour

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The Other Miss Bridgerton ( A Bridgerton Prequel) by Julia Quinn-Review & Excerpt Tour

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play / iBooks / Avon Romance

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 20, 2018

She was in the wrong place…
Fiercely independent and adventurous, Poppy Bridgerton will only wed a suitor whose keen intellect and interests match her own. Sadly, none of the fools from her London season qualify. While visiting a friend on the Dorset coast, Poppy is pleasantly surprised to discover a smugglers’ hideaway tucked inside a cave. But her delight turns to dismay when two pirates kidnap her and take her aboard a ship, leaving her bound and gagged on the captain’s bed…

He found her at the wrong time…
Known to society as a rascal and reckless privateer, Captain Andrew James Rokesby actually transports essential goods and documents for the British government. Setting sail on a time-sensitive voyage to Portugal, he’s stunned to find a woman waiting for him in his cabin. Surely, his imagination is getting the better of him. But no, she is very real—and his duty to the Crown means he’s stuck with her.

Can two wrongs make the most perfect right?
When Andrew learns that she is a Bridgerton, he knows he will likely have to wed her to avert a scandal—though Poppy has no idea that he is the son of an earl and neighbor to her aristocratic cousins in Kent. On the high seas, their war of words soon gives way to an intoxicating passion. But when Andrew’s secret is revealed, will his declaration of love be enough to capture her heart…?

••••••••

REVIEW: The Other Miss Bridgerton is a delightfully written romantic story that is unique and impossible to put down.

The story begins in early summer of 1786. Poppy Bridgerton was a headstrong young woman staying with her aristocratic aunt, Lady Bridgerton and had just finished doing the “season” thing. She was unattached and decided to visit her good friend who was about to have a child. She had taken to walks on the beach, but today she’d ditched her chaperone to explore some caves she’d found. She finds herself being kidnapped.

Captain Andrew James (Andrew Rokesby), is surprised when his men let him know they kidnapped a woman and she was in his cabin. He’s incredibly handsome, witty, well educated. In fact, unknown to Poppy, he’s a part of the Bridgerton’s neighboring family.

That’s the basic, and I do mean basic, setup. I won’t spoil this marvelously written story for you. Let me instead tell you what I found so fascinating.

Getting to know the irascible Poppy was delightful. She a character after my own heart. The original and interesting way the Julia Quinn sets the stage for these wonderful characters is excellent to say the least. Exploring Andrew was also delightful. His dual role in this is totally interesting. The conversations between Poppy and Andrew were, for me, reminiscent of those in my all time favorite The Wolf and the Dove. For anyone who hasn’t read it, it’s by Katherine Woodwiss and needs to be read by everyone.

I was asked to review this one for our favorite site, The Reading Café. However, I was having some issues with my email and ended up purchasing a copy to enable me to proceed with the review. I consider it an early Christmas present to myself. Yes, it’s that delightful. So not only am I reviewing for TRC, I’m a purchasing customer and happy about it. Will I be asking for the other Bridgerton books on my Christmas list? Of course, I will. I can’t wait to delve into more of these. I am an official Julia Quinn fan.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Georgianna S

He motioned with his arm, urging her a few more steps forward. “Careful,” he murmured.
Poppy looked to her toes. The deck came to an abrupt halt in front of her, its elevation dropping by several feet.
The captain hopped down. “The beakhead, my lady,” he said with a gallant wave to the triangular deck that formed the pointy front of the Infinity. He reached up and placed his hands on her hips to help her down.
But when she was steady, he didn’t let go.
“This is as far forward as one can stand on deck,” he told her.
She pointed to a spot a few feet ahead. “What about—”
“As one can stand safely on deck,” he amended. He adjusted their position so that he was standing behind her. “Now close your eyes.”
“But then I can’t see the stars.”
“You can open them later.”
She tilted her head to the left, right, and back again, as if to say, Oh, very well, but she closed her eyes.
“Now tilt your head up. Not all the way, just a bit.”
She did, and maybe it was that motion, or maybe it was just because she’d closed her eyes, but she felt instantly off-balance, as if something far greater than the ocean had stolen her equilibrium.
The captain’s hands tightened on her hips. “What do you feel?” he asked, his lips coming close to her ear.
“The wind.”
“What else?” She swallowed. Licked her lips.
“The salt in the air.”
“What else?”
“The motion, the speed.”
He moved his mouth closer. “What else?”
And then she said the one thing that had been true from the beginning.
“You.”


 

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand fashion, appearing on the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame, her books have been translated into 29 languages, and she currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

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A Duke Changes Everything (Duke’s Den #1) by Christy Carlyle-Review & Excerpt Tour

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A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING (Duke’s Den #1) by Christy Carlyle-Review & Excerpt Tour

A DUKE CHANGES EVERYTHING
(Duke’s Den #1)
by Christy Carlyle
Release Date : November 27, 2018
genre: adult, historical romance

Amazon  | Amazon.ca | Avon Romance  | ChaptersIndigo | Barnes & Noble  |  Google Play  |  iBooks

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 27, 2018

In the first novel in Christy Carlyle’s sizzling Duke’s Den series, three men, intent on making a fortune, discover irresistible opportunities . . .

Nicholas Lyon gambled his way into a fortune and ownership of the most opulent, notorious gentlemen’s club in England. But when Nick’s cruel brother dies, he inherits a title he never wanted. The sooner Nick is rid of the estate that has always haunted him, the sooner he can return to the life he’s built in London. But there’s one obstacle—the exquisite Thomasina Thorne.

When the new heir to the Tremayne dukedom suddenly appears in Mina Thorne’s life, she’s flustered. Not only is he breathtakingly handsome, but he’s also determined to take away her home and position as steward of the Enderley estate. If Mina learns what makes the enigmatic duke tick, perhaps she can change his mind—as long as she doesn’t get too close to him.

With each day Nick spends with Mina, his resolve weakens as their colliding wills lead to explosive desire. Could she be the one woman who can help him finally bury the ghosts of his past?

•••••••••

REVIEW: Nicholas “Nick” Lyon has earned the right to be a scoundrel, a rogue and cad. He may be second in line to a Dukedom, but he doesn’t want or need it, leaving that dreadful place as a young man, Nick finds his feet with two best friends, and they co own a gentleman’s club (name?) he is cold and unfeeling and lays that at his fathers feet. So when his older brother dies and leaves the “Tremayne” estate to Nick, he wants nothing to do with it, he intends to ride there, leave a caretaker (or steward) in his place, and return to London as quick as he can….. only he meets up with the resident steward, And it’s not a man, but a young woman, and add in the fact she’s half way up a tree and wearing breeches!!! With his interest momentarily intrigued he agrees to go back and listen to her case …..

Thomasina “Mina” Thorne hadn’t meant for her first meeting with the new duke to take place in a tree !!! She had planned to show him around and plead her case, she loved her job, her father had been steward before her, she knew the job and she knew she did it well.

The chemistry between Nick and Mina, is a slow but steady burn, he wants to get back to London, but is intrigued with the young “steward” at Tremayne, but the his past is full of pain, so there is no way he wants to stay, but Mina has such a way with her, that he begins to see his home in a different light. But is it enough to give up the gentleman’s club ? And will Mina actually give up get role at Tremayne ?

It’s a nice little story to read in this wet and cold weather ?

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Julie B ?

Nick looked at the dark drop of honey on her skin and his mouth watered. He licked his lips and looked into her eyes. The heat there made him want more. More moments like this with her. When there was no Enderley boxing them in, no duties that needed their attention. Just Mina and the odd, undeniable spark he’d felt between them from the day he arrived.

“I’d like a taste,” he told her quietly.

Mina bit her lip, and her brows dipped in concentration. She locked her gaze on his mouth and seemed to hold her breath as she slid a honeyed finger across his lower lip.

Nick swept his tongue out to taste and reached for her hand. Flavor burst inside his mouth in a shock of floral sweetness.

“Delicious,” he whispered before leaning closer, flicking his tongue out, and tasting the tip of her finger once more. “But I honestly can’t tell whether it’s you or the honey.”

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author CHRISTY CARLYLE writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there’s nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

AUTHOR LINKS

Website http://christycarlyle.com/
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/authorchristycarlyle/
Twitter https://twitter.com/writerchristy
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7793628.Christy_Carlyle
Amazon https://amzn.to/2zb2e7Y

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A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum – a Review

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A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

 

Description:
With few other options, Scarlet Worthington flees from her home in England to the wild Highlands of Scotland to help her sister run a school for ladies. There, Scarlet begins to rebuild her own shattered confidence by recruiting a fierce Campbell warrior to teach her and the students how to protect themselves from villains and scoundrels. The intimidating Aiden Campbell both infuriates Scarlet and ignites a fire inside her as she works closely with him to hone her new skills.

Burned in a fierce fire, set by English soldiers, Highland warrior, Aiden Campbell, has finally healed enough to take temporary command of his clan. That’s where his focus should be instead of dealing with the feisty, beautiful Sassenach who asks him to teach her students.

When Scarlet’s past stalks her up into Scotland, her nightmares come alive, and Aiden’s lessons are put to the test. With his own ghosts from the past making him despise English women, Aiden fights the inferno of passion that’s grown between them, a different kind of wild fire that could prove just as deadly.

Each book in the Highland Roses School series is STANDALONE:

* A Rose in the Highlands
* A Protector in the Highlands

 

Review:

A Protector in the Highlands by Heather McCollum is the 2nd book in her Highland Roses School series.  This book starts where the last book ends.  You don’t need to read the first one, but a little background info on the characters always helps (you find out why scarlet is running, and his Aidan gets his scars) 

Aidan hates the English with a passion. He holds them responsible for everything, and there is no way he is going to help a fiery English woman teach women to fight and defend themselves, but there is something that keeps draining Aidan back. 

Scarlet is running from her past, her saviour comes in the form of her sister (A rose in the highlands) she travels to Scotland to help her run a school for young ladies. But running from your past is sometimes easier said than done, and when it comes back to haunt her, she ya too sure of her options. 

The banter between Aidan and Scarlett is at first more enemy than friends, then realising the attraction between them, it turns, but both of them are fighting it, Aidan wants nothing more to do with the English, if she were a lass from Scotland, then there would be no issue, but trust is hard for Aidan. 

It’s another nice read, I find the enemy to friend a little boring and predictable, but I love the characters that the author has created. The highlands of Scotland come to life whilst reading it. 

It’s a fun afternoon read, and if you like your hero’s with trust issues and heroines with a shady past, then I’d recommend this one to you ?

Reviewed by Julie B.

 

 

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

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Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh – Review & Giveaway

 

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / iTunes / Google Play / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
During a rare white Christmas at Brambledean Court, the widow Elizabeth, Lady Overfield, defies convention by falling in love with a younger man in the latest novel in the Westcott series.

After her husband’s passing, Elizabeth Overfield decides that she must enter into another suitable marriage. That, however, is the last thing on her mind when she meets Colin Handrich, Lord Hodges, at the Westcott Christmas house party. She simply enjoys his company as they listen to carolers on Christmas Eve, walk home from church together on Christmas morning, and engage in a spirited snowball fight in the afternoon. Both are surprised when their sled topples them into a snowbank and they end up sharing an unexpected kiss. They know there is no question of any relationship between them, for she is nine years older than he.

They return to London the following Season, both committed to finding other, more suitable matches. Still they agree to share one waltz at each ball they attend. This innocuous agreement proves to be one that will topple their worlds, as each dance steadily ensnares them in a romance that forces the two to question what they are willing to sacrifice for love. . . .

 

 

Review:

Someone to Trust by Mary Balogh is the 5th book in her wonderful Westcott series.  I have loved every single book in this wonderful series, and I couldn’t wait for Elizabeth’s story.  She has always been the one person who was there to give support to each heroine, and now it was time for her own happy ever after.

When the last book left off, there was a last minute wedding (Viola & Marcel) at the Earl of Riverdale’s mansion, and we pick up at that point, where the entire Westcott family was in attendance. It is Christmas time, and everyone was enjoying the festivities.  Elizabeth Overfield, our heroine, helps Wren (Alexander’s wife) make sure everything goes right, including greeting all the guests.  She meets Colin Handrich (Lord Hodges), Wren’s younger brother, who does not know the many Westcott family members.  Elizabeth takes it upon herself to welcome and befriend Colin, and together a friendship develops, with them enjoying the festivities and their company.

Elizabeth, who is a widow, has decided the time has come for her to possibly accept another marriage proposal, as she is now 35, and time is running out.   Colin, is just stepping into the responsibility of being Lord Hodges and taking over their mansion, knows he has to start thinking about marriage, as he is 26 years old.

What follows is the friendship between Elizabeth and Colin grows, as each talk about their prior issues with relationships; such as her deceased ex abusive behavior, and Colin’s treatment by his family in his younger days.   At the balls, Colin always makes sure Elizabeth saves him the first waltz.  This was a very charming and fun story, as both Elizabeth and Colin begin to have feelings for each other, but continue to evade any possibilities because of the 9 year age difference.  Elizabeth accepts a proposal from another Lord, but when her prospective fiancée verbally treats her badly, Colin and Alexander come to her rescue, and Elizabeth breaks up with the other man. 

Elizabeth must endure the bad word of mouth gossip, and Colin is determined to make Elizabeth his wife, despite their age difference.  Will Elizabeth give in to her feelings Colin, and ignore that Society does not approve of an older woman marrying a younger man.

 I loved Elizabeth and Colin together (one of the best couples in this series), and enjoyed the fun and exuberance they had together. Colin was great, but I adored Elizabeth, as she was a great heroine, being fun, sweet, always helpful to others, and delightful.

It was wonderful to see all the Westcott’s again.  This is a big family, and we get to see many of them in each book.  The romance between  Elizabeth & Colin was wonderful to watch, with so many emotions, both sad and sweet.

I do not read a lot of historical romances, but I will read every book in this series. I can’t say enough about Mary Balogh’s writing, as the Westcott series is a ‘do not miss’.  If you enjoy regency romance with great couples and secondary characters, you should be reading this one.  Someone to Trust is another fabulous fun heartwarming story in this fantastic series.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Mary Balogh’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of SOMEONE TO TRUST to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9.. Giveaway runs from November 27 to 30, 2018

 

 

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My One and Only Duke / Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes-Reviews and Giveaway

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My One and Only Duke (Rogues to Riches #1) / Respect for Christmas by Grace Burrowes-Reviews and Giveaway

MY ONE AND ONLY DUKE
Rogues to Riches #1
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: adult, historical, romance
Release Date: November 6, 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

A funny thing happened on the way to the gallows…
One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he’s declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the vilest slums, and now he’s ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

There was just one tiny problem…
Jane Winston, the widowed, pregnant daughter of a meddlesome prison preacher, crosses paths with Quinn in jail. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers Jane marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they’ll actually have a future together.

They were wrong.
He’s a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She’s a minister’s daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

A funny thing happened on the way to the gallows…
One minute, London banker Quinn Wentworth is facing execution. The next, he’s declared the long-lost heir to a dukedom. Quinn has fought his way up from the vilest slums, and now he’s ready to use every dirty trick he knows to find the enemy who schemed against him.

There was just one tiny problem…
Jane Winston, the widowed, pregnant daughter of a meddlesome prison preacher, crosses paths with Quinn in jail. Believing his days are numbered, Quinn offers Jane marriage as a way to guarantee her independence and provide for her child. Neither thinks they’ll actually have a future together.

They were wrong.
He’s a wealthy gutter rat out for vengeance. She’s a minister’s daughter who must turn a marriage of desperation into a proper ducal union. Are they doomed from the start or destined for a happily-ever-after?

••••••••

REVIEW: My One and Only Duke is “A Rogue to Riches Novel”.

This wonderfully written, and the very interesting story has enough twists and changes to give you whiplash. It is set in the time of old King George and has plots within plots. I found it impossible to put down. I found it unique and thoroughly enjoyable.
I don’t do spoilers, I feel reading the book and experiencing the story for yourself is the most wonderful thing in the world. However, I can set up the gist of the story for you to show you what I loved about this book.

Quinn Wentworth in prison for a murder he didn’t commit and sentenced to be hanged. Quinn was raised a poor lad and made his fortune by learning and bettering himself beyond what most could accomplish. He has two sisters and a younger brother and has taken care of them his whole life. He and his partner are bankers with a thriving business and a fortune. Quinn is a generous man, but nobody’s fool. His execution has been delayed because the executioner has taken ill.

Jane Winston is the daughter of a minister who cares for the souls of the prisoners. She is taken into his cell (a comfortable area for a wealthy prisoner) to wait on her father to finish. Quinn objects, but treats her kindly as he found her pretty and interesting. She found him handsome and a little frightening (since he was a murderer).

They had an interesting conversation, each intrigued by the other. Jane had a hard time believing this man, so kind to those around him and well mannered, could have killed a man. He’s concerned about the boy that he’s come to know (Ned), and she says she’ll help him get out of prison and to Quinn’s family to be cared for. During a second visit, make arrangements for Ned, Quinn found out Jane is pregnant, and her husband is dead. He makes a generous offer to wed her before his death and make plans for her to have a house and money to live on. She surprised but having a way to live and raise her child makes her accept.

Behind the main characters, there is a sub-plot happening. It seams the Duke of Walden has died with no legitimate heirs. The Dukedom is in debt and Quinn is the only blood relative in line.

How all this comes about is remarkably well done with great development of the characters. Will they get to him in time? What sort of Duke will he be? Will Jane agree to remain his bride? Who did this to him? So many questions…treat yourself and find the answers by getting and reading a copy of this marvelous story!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

_____________

RESPECT FOR CHRISTMAS
by Grace Burrowes
Genre: adult, historical, Christmas, romance
Release Date: November 20, 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

Previously published in Virtues of Christmas.

Henrietta Whitlow is leaving behind the life of a very successful courtesan in hopes of making peace with her family in the shires. Michael Brenner’s family all but ignore him, despite his shiny new baronial title, and his errand along the Oxford road isn’t half so benign as Henrietta’s. While trying to settle a debt of honor involving Henrietta, Michael instead loses his heart and comes to understand the true meaning of holiday spirit.

••••••••••••

REVIEW: Respect for Christmas is a lovely romantic Christmas story.

Lord Michael Brenner, Baron Angelford is a titled Irishman with a lot of common sense and kindness He has a debt of honor to one Lord Beltram. Lord Beltram is an extremely unscrupulous man who long ago seduced his housemaid Henrietta Whitlow into his bed, then when tired of her sent her into a ruined life as a courtesan. Now he wants Michael to steal a book of bad poetry and sketches he’d written and given to Henrietta about their time together. Lord Beltram is afraid she’ll publish it and ruin his chances of securing a decent wife. Michael reluctantly agrees to settle his debt of honor to Beltram.

Henrietta Whitlow is a recently retired courtesan, whose only wish is to reconcile with her estranged father and family. She’s a kind person who knows her reputation is ruined, but who only wants to go back to the quiet life she was forced to leave hears ago.

I don’t do spoilers…so that’s as much detail as I will give. Author Grace Burrowes has written a heartwarming story of love and redemption, forgiveness and second chances. Just in time for the Christmas season! It’s not only well written, it’s compelling and scrumptiously romantic. I came to love both the main characters as they learned about each other. A wonderful story of how things can go wrong, and people aren’t always what you thought.

Do yourself a huge solid and cuddle up with this wonderful story.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Georgianna S

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Grace Burrowes’ bestsellers include The Heir, The Soldier, Lady Maggie’s Secret Scandal, Lady Sophie’s Christmas Wish and Lady Eve’s Indiscretion. Her Regency romances have received extensive praise, including starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist. Grace is branching out into short stories and Scotland-set Victorian romance with Sourcebooks. She is a practicing family law attorney and lives in rural Maryland.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Forever Romance and Hachette Books are graciously offering a paper copy of MY ONE AND ONLY by Grace Burrowes to TWO (2) lucky commenters at The Reading Cafe

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Grace Burrowes on Facebook .

4. Please follow HACHETTE Books on Facebook.

5. LIKE The Reading Cafe on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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9. Giveaway open to USA and CANADA

10. Giveaway runs from November 10-15, 2018

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Escaping Solitude (Escape Trilogy #2) by Sara Dobie Bauer-a review

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Escaping Solitude (Escape Trilogy #2) by Sara Dobie Bauer-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: RELEASE DATE October 29,2018

Ancient vampire Andrew escaped his tropical island exile with his beloved human sailor, Edmund. They’ve now returned to Andrew’s home in nineteenth-century New Orleans and must navigate not only their developing relationship—and equally haunted pasts—but also a hungry coven of vampires Andrew used to call friends.

Desperate to stay by Andrew’s side forever, Edmund examines the impressive coven library in search of an Elder, the only creature capable of turning Edmund. Although missing for centuries, Andrew believes an Elder must still survive somewhere; they just have to find him.

The search is put on hold when Edmund receives word that his mother is ill in London, and the lovers set off on an oceanic journey surrounded by new friends and old enemies. When things go terribly wrong, Edmund’s fragile human life hangs in the balance, and an Elder must be found or Andrew will be alone forever.

•••••••••

REVIEW: ESCAPING SOLITUDE is the second instalment in Sara Dobie Bauer’s historical ESCAPE paranormal, MM, erotic romance trilogy focusing on formerly exiled vampire Andrew, and twenty-eight year old, British naturalist Edmund. ESCAPING SOLITUDE should not be read as a stand alone as it picks up immediately following the events of book one-Escaping Exile.

NOTE: ESCAPING EXILE contains M/M and M/M/M/ sexual situations that may not be suitable for all readers.

Told from first person point of view (Andrew) ESCAPING SOLITUDE follows Andrew and Edmund as they begin their life together in Andrew’s hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana. No longer in exile Andrew is welcomed backed with open arms but Edmund’s presence is like a beacon to other vampires including Felipe, the consort to the vampire who sent Andrew into exile. Enamored with Michelle’s library of vampire lore, Edmund discovers the existence and whereabouts of an Elder vampire, a vampire with the ability to give Edmund a chance at forever with the man that he loves. What ensues is the growing relationship and love between Edmund and Andrew, and the potential fall-out as an accident threatens to end Edmunds life.

ESCAPING SOLITUDE is another quick and easy read; an erotic romance between vampire and human, with the possibility of a happily ever after. We are introduced to female vampire Michelle, and her consort Felipe, as well as the local boy-toys Gabriel and Danys, and their Irish madam May.

The world building continues to focus on Andrew and Edmund’s building relationship, their time together revealing a manic and inquisitive side of Andrew’s human lover, as well as the search for a vampire Elder. The premise is engaging; the romance is passionate and erotic without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text; the characters are colorful and charismatic. ESCAPING SOLITUDE ends on a cliff-hanger-you have been warned.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one ESCAPING EXILE

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

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The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Frederica Burghley wants to be married by Yuletide. Or else her father will set her up with one of his friends. The bonbon-loving illegitimate daughter of the duke wants to choose her own husband. Advertising in the newspaper seems like the way to go. But a sinister response, with threats against her life, leads her to enlist the help of her very handsome, dear friend Jasper Fitzwilliam, Lord Hartwell.

 

A father and widower, Jasper is not only tasked with keeping Frederica safe but also with helping his vibrant friend choose a suitable husband. The more he tries to keep the ever-surprising woman alive and find her a good match, the more Jasper realizes he cares for her. The two friends risk their lives for each other, so they should be able to risk their feelings for a chance at a deep and true love together. But he’s not looking for marriage and she’s not looking for convenience.

 

 

Review:

The Butterfly Bride begins with Frederica Burghley going up to her room, not feeling well.  The next thing she knows is that someone is coming in through her bedroom window.  Scared, but still feeling ‘off’, she flees her room, only to wake up some time later in a strange bed with none other than her longtime friend, Jasper Fitzwilliam.  Shocked to her core, she knows that if anyone finds out that she was alone with a man, even though she knows nothing happened, the scandal that followed would be, well, scandalous.  She convinces Jasper to climb out the window, and then makes her way back to her own room to discover that it has been ransacked and a treasured item that had belonged to her deceased mother had been taken.  Once her father, the duke, sees all of this, he makes the decision that she has to find a husband, or he’ll arrange one for her.

The duke is leaving on his own honeymoon, he entrusts her care and safety to Jasper.  Frederica finds herself, and those she cares for, threatened more than once.  Jasper vows that no harm will come to her on his watch, and also tries to help her find a suitable husband.  What he doesn’t realize is that the thing Frederica is most worried about is her heart………and his.

The Butterfly Bride is a nice addition to Vanessa Riley‘s Advertisements for Love series.  The first parts of the book were engaging and intriguing.  Frederica, being the product of an affair, has worked very hard to try and distance herself from said affair, all the while loving both of her parents dearly.  She’s feisty and loyal and tries to see the good in everyone.  Jasper, every so guarded, made me want to thump him a time or seventy.  I liked his character, but did not like the fact that it took him until almost the very end of the book to admit his love for Frederica.  I found the middle of the book repetitive and slow, but liked the overall story.  I did enjoy the two of them together, but I wished for more of a spark.  The revelation of the bad guy was satisfying, and as always, the secondary characters are well written and intriguing.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll enjoy the read.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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