The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey - blog tour/giveaway

 

The Call of the Sea

Author: Sian Ann Bessey

Publisher: Covenant

Published: November 1st, 2022    

FTC FYI: I received an ebook ARC from the publisher. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Summary

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd. 

 

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter—Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

Review

This is a beautiful book. I loved the history and the Gaelic names. I took the time to watch the YouTube video the author made to help with pronunciation. It really helped me enjoy the story more when I knew how to say the names in my head. “I have always loved the sea,” Leif admitted. “But as of late, I have wondered if there might be something more—something else for me.” I was instantly struck by how courageous and brave Leif was. His strength and growth was enjoyable to read. He was my favorite character and I looked forward to him being on the page. Rhiannon was so brave. Rhiannon has pain of loss and heartbreak but she is strong. She was also a joy to read. The author does a wonderful job of pulling you into the story. There are many exciting and page turning moments. I haven’t read many Viking books. But I felt Sian Ann Bessey did an amazing job with the story and characters. Purchase links Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback / Seagull Book / Deseret Book Author links Amazon author page / Website / Goodreads Giveaway

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Esperance by Heather Frost - blog tour

 

Esperance

Author: Heather Frost

Published: November 18th, 2022

Kindle/Paperback: 513 pages

FTC FYI: I received an eARC. No review was required. All views and opinions expressed are my own.

Book Summary
Twelve strangers. Six marriages. One year in Esperance.

Amryn has many reasons to hate the empire. Her latest is her forced marriage to General Carver Vincetti, better known as the Butcher. If he learns even one of her secrets, he will kill her. And Amryn has many secrets. Not only is she an empath with forbidden magic, she's also a newly recruited rebel intent on destroying the empire—starting at Esperance.

 

Carver knows the rebels have infiltrated the remote temple of Esperance. His job is to hunt them down before they can wreck the emperor’s new peace. Despite the demons that haunt him, Carver is intent on his mission—but he’s not prepared for Amryn. From her fiery red hair to her surprising wit, his new wife has captured his attention. The attraction that flares between them is undeniable. Now he just has to determine if she’s the enemy.

 

When the newly married couples become targets in a violent game, Esperance becomes more dangerous than anyone anticipated. Carver and Amryn are about to discover that no one is exactly who they appear to be—especially each other.

 

My review Esperance is easily one of the best books I've ever read. I have read book this author has written and her writing just gets better and better. Esperance grips you instantly. It is a very intriguing story with a page-turning plot. I made it to a certain point about midway through and I didn't stop reading until the end. I kept saying out loud, no way that just happened! And thought, what could possibly happen next. Carver and Amryn are stunningly awesome characters. Amryn is so great. She has a lot of secrets and the ending! Her and Carver are just perfect. Just WOW. Everyone at Esperance is important and just when you think you have things figured out... BOOM. This book gives one shocking twist after another and it is absolutely excellent.

5 out of 5 stars Purchase links Amazon Kindle / Amazon Paperback

Author links

Amazon author page / Goodreads / BookBub / Instagram

The Whisperer's Wish by Janilise Lloyd - cover reveal/giveaway

The Whisperer’s Wish
Janilise Lloyd
Publication date: March 21st 2023
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

For sixteen years, Laurelin Moore has been keeping a secret. She is a whisperer, and she knows that to reveal her gift now is a dangerous risk. Past whisperers have been exploited for their power. But Ausland’s queen is dead and acknowledging her magic is her only chance at becoming a Rook in the Pentax—a competition that will decide the kingdom’s next ruler. Laurelin isn’t in it for the crown, though. She’s after the wish that will be granted to the victor. A wish that would save her dying brother, Pippin.

Once chosen, Laurelin finds that there are dangerous undercurrents to the Pentax, and she is at the center of it. When she begins to search for answers, she discovers a secret with implications far beyond her brother’s life–or her own, for that matter. Now, she has to choose between saving Pippin or saving the kingdom she loves.

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Author Bio:

For most people, I think writing about oneself is difficult, and that’s no exception for writers. I must have written a dozen different versions of this. But hey, if you’re here, you must be interested in knowing a little about my life. If you’re curious about something that’s not covered here, shoot me a message through email or social media and I’ll be happy to answer!

I live in Northern Utah with my wonderful husband and our rambunctious toddler. We’re a family that likes to be on the go, so you’ll probably find us at the zoo, on a hike, or out for a run together. And yes, the housework suffers while we play. There are usually crumbs on the counter, dishes in the sink, and toys on the floor.

I graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in health education and history teaching. I taught junior high school for two years before switching careers. I now work from home for a local credit union and write down the stories in my head when I have time.

If you’re interested in seeing more about me, find me on Facebook or Instagram. @janiliselloyd

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Instagram

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