Monday, October 31, 2022

BLOG TOUR - Beneath His Silence



DESCRIPTION:

Will Seeking Justice Lead to Her Own Demise?
 
A Gothic-Style Regency Romance from a Promising Young Author
 
Second daughter of a baron—and a little on the mischievous side—Ella Pemberton is no governess. But the pretense is a necessity if she ever wishes to get inside of Wyckhorn Manor and attain the truth. Exposing the man who killed her sister is all that matters.
 
Lord Sedgewick knows there’s blood on his hands. Lies have been conceived, then more lies, but the price of truth would be too great. All he has left now is his son—and his hatred. Yet as the charming governess invades his home, his safe cocoon of bitterness begins to tear away.
 
Could Ella, despite the lingering questions of his guilt, fall in love with such a man? Or is she falling prey to him—just as her dead sister?

 

BOOK TRAILER

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jRejDwS4tc

 

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR HANNAH LINDER

https://austenprose.com/2022/10/10/an-exclusive-interview-with-hannah-linder-author-of-beneath-his-silence/

 

ADVANCE PRAISE

• "Fast-paced danger and suspense from an exciting newcomer to Regency fiction."— Julie Klassen, award-winning author of A Castaway in Cornwall

 

• "A strong story of loss and forgiveness, resentment surrendered to faith, and the mercy of God. Readers will enjoy this turbulent mystery with a smile-worthy ending."— Kristen Heitzmann, Christy Award-winning author of Secrets and The Breath of Dawn

 

• "This book has everything I love...a dark and broody hero, a spunky heroine on a mission, and a deeply delicious creepy manor home. Beneath His Silence is a rather gothic tale set in Regency England, filled with plenty of intrigue, danger, and romance to make for a very satisfying read."— Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Lost in Darkness

 

PURCHASE LINKS

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MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   Beneath His Silence
Author:  Hannah Linder
Publisher:  Barbour Fiction
Genre:   Historical Fiction
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages:   320
Date of Publication:   November 1, 2022
My Rating:   4 Stars

This is a wonderful debut regency story that is full of mystery. In fact it is a story of revenge that turns into a story of redemption. Ella has her reasons for taking on a job as governess for Henry. She is determined to discover what happened to her sister and this job caring for Henry’s son Peter should give her an inside look at what is going on in Henry’s home with hopes of discovering secrets of the past in a story that definitely gives off Gothic vibes. 

Finding the answers that she seeks is not easy for Ella. In fact, Henry has a hard shell around him that is nearly impossible for her to crack. In fact, there was a lot of friction between Ella and Henry. Even so, there was a draw between them and it was questionable whether or not they would recognize it to the degree where they could work past the secrets that could definitely keep them apart.

As much as I loved Ella for her determination, and Henry for his stoicism, there is another notable character in this book, and that is young Peter. He was a true sweetheart and in some ways was the catalyst that made what was happening between Ella and Henry work.

Aside from the mystery, aside from the romance, aside from the danger, aside from the relationship that developed between Ella and Peter, there was the backbone of faith in the story that drew everything together. This is what turned this book into a wonderful redemption story. Hannah Linder has done a fabulous job with this beautiful story and I definitely look forward to reading more from her in the future. 

Many thanks to Barbour Fiction and to Austen Prose for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



Please enjoy my YouTube video review - 




AUTHOR BIO


Hannah Linder 
resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels. She is a double 2021 Selah Award winner, a 2022 Selah Award finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Hannah is a Graphic Design Associates Degree graduate who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a local photographer and a self-portrait photographer. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments--piano, guitar, and ukulele--songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. 

 

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Review - A Quiet Retreat

Title:  A Quiet Retreat
Author Kiersten Modglin 
Genre:   Psychological Thriller 
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   280
Date of Publication:   October 31, 2022
My Rating:   5 Stars 
DESCRIPTION:

You are cordially invited to visit the new Black Hills Manor Writing Retreat.


That’s how it all begins—with a simple invitation.


For five authors, it’s meant to be the start of a restful week, filled with free food, drinks, and likeminded company.


But shortly after their arrival, things take an unsettling turn.


Broken property, missing items, and strange noises are just some of the odd occurrences that have each member questioning their companions. As suspicions mount, the authors are pitted against each other.


Whom can they trust in a house full of strangers?


With tensions rising, the writers find themselves in the middle of their own mystery. Death, terror, and despair are common elements in their books, but at Black Hills Manor, the murders being plotted are their own. 



MY THOUGHTS:

Death comes naturally to the five authors attending what should be a quiet retreat. Natural when it comes to the mystery novels  they write. However, their fictional mysteries are about to become all too real to each and every one of them. Kill or be killed. What will it be for each of them? Tragically, they are all soon to find out.


After five authors have received an invitation to the Black Hill Manor Writing Retreat, all expenses included, what could go wrong?  First a stranger is spotted outside a window at night. Then one of the authors noted have gone missing. Will things get any worse for these authors? Even to the point with one of them possibly losing their lives?

 

This intriguing story by the brilliant Kiersten Modglin is delivered mainly from the perspective of Blakely, one of the authors, as well as a secondary viewpoint from the past. These contrasting narratives make this book even more compelling. Then, factoring in some well-placed twists in this fabulous story, it was one that was impossible to put down. This compelling read led to an utterly exciting ending. This latest book by her blew me away! If you haven't read a book by Kiersten Modglin, then you are missing out. 


Many thanks to Kiersten Modglin
 for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kiersten Modglin is an Amazon top-30 bestselling author of award-winning psychological thrillers and a member of International Thriller Writers. Kiersten lives in Nashville, Tennessee with her husband, daughter, and their two Boston Terriers: Cedric and Georgie. She is best known for her unpredictable suspense and her readers have dubbed her 'The Queen of Twists.' A Netflix addict, Shonda Rhimes super-fan, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her nose in a book.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kierstenmodglinauthor 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kmodglinauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierstenmodglinauthor

Saturday, October 29, 2022

BLOG TOUR - The Girlfriend


DESCRIPTION:

My husband’s dead. She’s at my door. She owns my home…

The doorbell rings, just days after my beloved husband’s sudden death. I don’t recognise the woman on our doorstep, with her buttery blonde highlights, a diamond bracelet identical to my own and a bouncing baby boy in her arms.

As I show her inside, I notice her eyes grow wide as she takes in our spacious hallway, and the big squashy sofas that we all used to pile on. She glances at the silver-framed family photos and my little daughter hiding behind my skirts.

She looks at me, her blue eyes serious. ‘I’m sorry’ she says. ‘I know this will be hard to hear. But I am your husband’s girlfriend. And this is his son.’

My world implodes. And then she tells me that she owns our home – and that she’s not going anywhere…

An utterly gripping psychological thriller from the number one bestselling author of The Marriage. If you like Gone GirlThe Girl on the Train and Lisa Jewell then you will be hooked by The Girlfriend.

BUY LINK:

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   The Girlfriend 
Author:  K. L. Slater
Publisher:  Bookouture
Genre:   Psychological Thriller
Format:  Kindle ARC
No. of Pages:   320
Date of Publication:   October 27, 2022
My Rating:   5 Stars 

Jennifer is about to be displaced. Her husband has died and his “girlfriend “ arrives at her door with some hard-hitting news. Sara informs Jennifer of some disturbing facts. First of all, she tells Jennifer that she was her husband Cole’s girlfriend. And, the baby in her arms, Rory…Cole’s son. And, if those things weren’t shocking enough, Sara says she owns Jennifer and her children’s house lock, stock and barrel. 

With Jennifer about to lose her home, Sara comes up with a plan. They can play happy families by Sara moving in with them. Jennifer can stay in the lovely house and Rory can get to know his half-siblings. Jennifer might feel cornered, but she agrees to let Sara and Rory move in. 

Things do not go smoothly. In fact, they get rather strange almost from the start. While also, while Jennifer is navigating the new living arrangements, she also is contending with major changes with her son Miller. What has created these changes in him?

This book is not a domestic drama. It is a psychological thriller, and with good reason. The twists and turns in this book are truly shocking. In fact, they are utterly jaw dropping. The rapid changes in this book reminded me of a speeding train that is going faster and faster and suddenly goes off the rails. Jennifer is riding that uncontrollable train and a Sara plays the conductor.  

This book was one thrilling read that I simply could not put down. The devious nature in which K. L. Slater writes never ceases to amaze me. I love the way she wrote all of the characters in this compelling read, presenting shock after shock with the creative and unique scenario that she gifted her readers. I adore her writing and don't ever read the blurb when accepting any of her books for review, because I know I will be in for a treat, and that is exactly what happened with The Girlfriend.

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40 she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.


Sign up to be the first to hear about new releases from K.L. Slater here: https://www.bookouture.com/kl-slater

Friday, October 28, 2022

BLOG TOUR - The Dilemma


DESCRIPTION:

My child means everything to me. But saving his life means destroying my best friend’s family…

I didn’t plan to fall pregnant, but when I found out, I was overjoyed. Even though I’d be going it alone, I swore I’d give my baby everything they needed.

But I didn’t know who the man I met on that sweltering summer night, the father of my child, really was.

I decided to keep his secret to protect the innocent… but then my beautiful baby was born with a rare illness, desperately needing a transplant.

Now, as I gaze into my son’s wide and trusting eyes, I know the choice I have to make: for the sake of my precious little boy, I have to destroy my friend’s happiness.

But when the truth comes out, what if saving my baby means losing him forever?

An absolutely gripping and emotional read about the choices and sacrifices we make for those we love. Fans of Liane Moriarty, Amanda Prowse and Susan Lewis will love The Dilemma.

Buy Link:

Audio Links:

Listen to a sample here:

You can sign up for all the best Bookouture deals you'll love at: http://ow.ly/Fkiz30lnzdo

MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   The Dilemma
Author:  Julia Roberts
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Women’s Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages:   194
Date of Publication:   October 26, 2022
My Rating:   5 Stars 

Charlotte’s ten-year relationship with partner Zack is over. Desperate to be a mother, Charlotte is devastated that all of their efforts to have a child were for naught. After many tries and fails, Zack tells Charlotte that they will never be parents. He had a vasectomy. Shocked, betrayed and unforgiving, Charlotte ends their relationship. 

One night while away on a trip, completely out of character for her, Charlotte has a one-night stand with a man named Justin. This would have long-range consequences for Charlotte, although she had no way of knowing at the time. Charlotte is now pregnant, and she soon shockingly discovers who it was that she slept with. This truly places Charlotte in a dilemma, thus the apropos title of this effective read. 

In fact, the father of her baby is only one of several dilemmas Charlotte will be facing. With her son being born with a rare disease, quite naturally, Charlotte will make the best decisions she can for her child, even if it means revealing the truth of that single night, something that could cost her dear friendships. 

One thing is for certain in this stellar read by Julia Roberts. Secrets find their way to the surface, especially when critical decisions could save a precious life. This story definitely has moral consequences facing the characters, but also has a very strong emotional edge that begs this story to work out for all involved, especially the innocent child in all of this. 

Julia Roberts is a brilliant author who has presented readers with yet another evocative story, one that pulled me in right from the start. I loved the various dilemmas facing Charlotte and other characters in this book, and I stayed invested because I just had to see how everything would work out. Needless to say, I was not disappointed. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Julia was born in West Bridgford, Nottinghamshire, and began her career as a professional singer/dancer. This enabled her to travel the world in her late teens storing up experiences she has since included in her writing.

Following roles as a hostess on The Price is Right and a member of the Beadle’s About ‘hit squad’ in the 1980s, she became a TV Presenter and filmed features for Sky Sports before launching the QVC shopping channel in 1993 where she still presents today. Having always wanted to write, she penned her first book, a memoir sold on QVC, in 2013 and has since written seven full length novels, two novellas and several short stories.

http://www.juliarobertsauthor.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JuliaRobertsTV
https://www.instagram.com/juliagroberts/
https://twitter.com/JuliaRobertsTV

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Thursday, October 27, 2022

BLOG TOUR - Under a Brighter Sky

Title:   The Watchmaker’s Daughter
Author:  Dianne Haley
Series:  The Resistance Girl #1
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Historical Fiction 
Format:  Kindle
No. of Pages:   291
Date of Publication:   April 25, 2022
My Rating:   5 Stars 

DESCRIPTION:

Hiding the worn piece of paper among her father’s watch deliveries, her eyes fill with tears at the memory of her brave friend walking towards the Nazi soldiers, and the sharp sound of gun fire. Her friend sacrificed herself so that she could deliver this message. But if she hands it over, the love of her life will die…

1942, Geneva: As her radio crackles with heart-breaking news from occupied France, Valérie Hallez gazes towards the snow-covered Alps after a long day helping her father, a local watchmaker. With a Nazi invasion looming, she is sick with worry for the future of her country, and for Philippe, her childhood sweetheart with soft brown eyes. Valérie might not be able to join the army like him, but she is determined to play her part in the fight against evil…

In defiance of her father, Valérie helps the French Resistance by smuggling messages among her father’s watch deliveries. And when darkness falls, she risks everything to hide Jewish refugee children in his old workshop. Philippe fears for her safety, as her work for the Resistance could come with a heavy price. But nothing will stop her delivering vital information and getting terrified children to safety before they are sent back to the Nazis.

But when Valérie is entrusted with an urgent letter for the Allies, she finds herself in an impossible position. The information it contains could alter the course of the war. But if she hands over the message now, it will cost Philippe his life. With Nazi spies closing in on her, Valérie must act now… But can she really trust the man she loves, and will she find a way to save both him and her country before it’s too late


MY THOUGHTS:
 
In this incredible debut novel by Dianne Haley, we meet the incredibly strong Valérie as she uses deliveries on her bicycle for her fathers watch making business to smuggle secrets in the role that she finds herself playing in the Resistance. While Valérie places herself in danger time and again, she is desperately missing her sweetheart Philippe. They both are playing dangerous roles in this devastating war and it is unlikely that they’ll ever be reunited. 

Under the guise of her father’s watchmaking business, Valérie places herself in danger time and again, especially helping young Jewish children by having them in her fathers workshop. She does whatever she can to get these children to safety even when Phillipe warns her of the dangers involved. 

In this compelling read the level of danger never drops, the level of fear never lets up, all while Valérie’s strength shines through again and again. While it is abundantly clear that she will have a difficult time, she showed that she would take any measures she could to help as many people as she could. I was so glad to have read this first book in this series and was very pleased to be able to go right into book number two to see what else what other dangers faced Valérie and whether or not she would ever be reunited with Phillipe. 

**Featured Blog Tour Post**


DESCRIPTION:
 

1943, Nazi-occupied France. Clinging to her little girl’s hand, a young woman runs through the forest and stumbles in the dark. Behind her there are angry shouts in German and shots ringing through the pine trees. Her heart in her mouth, she prays desperately that her husband and son are safe, and that they will see each other again…

As the mountains come alive with bright alpine flowers, Jewish families flee into Switzerland from Nazi-occupied France. Young Resistance fighter Valérie Hallez has hidden Pierre and his little son in the dusty attic of her mother’s bookshop. At night, by flickering candlelight, Pierre tells Valérie of his fear that his precious wife and daughter have been captured. And as they both look to more hopeful days ahead, Valérie writes letters to her soldier fiancé Philippe, dreaming of the day when they can be safely reunited.

With the police going door to door hunting refugees, Pierre and his son must go further into Switzerland before they are caught. But Pierre will not leave without his wife and daughter, and nobody in the Resistance knows what has happened to them. Desperate to reunite the family, Valérie puts herself in more and more danger. But when Philippe discovers that the Germans have her listed as a key Resistance fighter, he begs her not to go back to the border. If she does, he might never see her again.

Valérie knows the Nazis will kill her if they find her, but she cannot bear to abandon the mother and child. Breaking her promise to Philippe, she crosses over into France to look for them. But one of Valérie’s friends in the Resistance is betraying secrets to the Nazis, and her life is in terrible danger. When Philippe hurries to save her life, will they both survive? And will Valérie’s efforts to reunite the family be in vain?

A completely unputdownable and heart-wrenching novel about a woman who risks everything to reunite a family torn apart by war. Fans of The Alice Network, The Nightingale and We Were the Lucky Ones will be swept away by Under a Brighter Sky.

 

Buy link: https://geni.us/B09YM8TDJHsocial


MY THOUGHTS:
 
Title:   Under a Brighter Sky
Author:  Dianne Haley
Series:  The Resistance Girl #2
Publisher:  Bookouture 
Genre:   Historical Fiction 
Format:  Kindle ARC 
No. of Pages:   265
Date of Publication:   October 24, 2022
My Rating:   5 Stars

Valérie‘s story continues in this impressive second book by Dianne Haley. Valérie has already proved her strength and doing what she can to fight against the Resistance. Valérie now finds herself struggling to keep a father and his son safe in Nazi-occupied France. She has a plan that will get them safely to Switzerland. However, the father, Pierre, refuses to leave without his wife and daughter. Valérie does what she can to keep the pair safe all while trying to locate the rest of his family.

Meanwhile, Valérie continues with letters to her fiancé Philippe, hoping against hope that they can also be reunited and this gives her further drive to continue to help Pierre and his son. She has faced danger time and again playing whatever role she can when it comes to resisting against the Germans, but her new endeavor just might cost her everything. In fact, her identity is threatened to be revealed to the Germans. Will Valérie and Philippe ever be reunited or will she find herself captured with the eventual loss of her life?

Despite the danger, Valérie makes every endeavor to locate Pierre’s family. This heart-wrenching read by Dianne Haley was incredibly tense. Spying against the Germans was dangerous in and of itself, and watching Valérie’s activities between the French and Swiss borders pretty much had me biting my nails. The fact that there just may be a traitor in their midst only increased the danger and devastating nature of this compelling book. The Watchmaker’s Daughter and Under a Brighter Sky are both amazing books in the Resistance Girl trilogy with the third book set for release in April, Light to Guide Us Home. 

Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.

Please enjoy my YouTube video review - 



ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from the north of Scotland, Dianne now lives with her husband in Edinburgh and has two grown-up children. After a thirty-year business career in London and Edinburgh when Dianne wrote between projects, she is now writing full-time.

Dianne and her family have been visiting the area round Lake Geneva since 1992 and love the Alps in all seasons. The inspiration for her series set in WW2 Switzerland came from a drive through Geneva’s old town on a rainy October evening, the cobbled lanes a perfect setting for secrets and hiding places.

Author social media 

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dhaley30

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dianne-Haley-Author-105318942048374 

Website: www.diannehaley.com

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