Showing posts with label Julie Daines. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Julie Daines. Show all posts

Thursday, December 15, 2022

Meriden Park by Julie Daines -- blog tour giveaway

 

Meriden Park

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: December 5th, 2022

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

Summary

Following her childhood rescue from the gutters of Calcutta, Mary Grace has lived an astonishing rags-to-riches tale. The Wellings raised the half-Indian orphan with all the love and care the childless couple possessed, allowing her to grow into a beautiful and refined woman. But upon Mr. Welling's death, it is time for Mrs. Welling to take Mary home to England- home to Meriden Park.

Despite her genial nature, Mary is received with suspicion by the villagers. For his part, however, Mr. Robert Markham is intrigued by the curious new beauty in town. Determined to make her acquaintance, he offers Mary a bargain she can't
refuse: a hot cross bun for a kiss. That seemingly innocent exchange is the first of many encounters between Robert and Mary, whose friendship blossoms into love during long walks in the privacy of Sherwood Forest. But the shadows of the forest hide a sinister secret, one Mary fears Robert might be a part of. As the mystery of the recent string of murders creeps closer and closer, Robert and Mary are drawn into a dangerous game, and unless she can unearth the truth, the couple risks losing one another forever.

My review


I have been patiently waiting (and sometimes not so patiently waiting) for this book to release. Julie Daines's books are must-reads for me and I was so excited for this to come out. I was not disappointed. This book has everything. Intrigue, banter, romance, and humor. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I laughed and smiled at Mary. She is so funny, and oh so brave. I loved her journey. Mary had nicknames for those people she lived with or encountered. I thought she was lovely. Robert was also wonderful. Each character was a joy to read. Anne especially. I was also pleased with how some other relationships in Mary's life unfolded. I loved the Shakespeare that came from Robert's theater mother. (She was also very enduring.) My favorite things were the wonderful descriptions of Sherwood Forest. I have always loved Robin Hood stories and it was lovely to have a book that referenced him.
 

5 out of 5 stars

Purchase links

Kindle / Amazon Paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author links

Amazon author page / Facebook page


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Thursday, December 13, 2018

From Ash and Stone by Julie Daines -- blog tour

From Ash and Stone

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: December 1, 2018

ISBN13: 9781524407469

Paperback: 240 pages

FTC FYI: I received a copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Lady Margaret Grey of Hartfell wants for nothing. The daughter of a knight, she has a loving family, wealth, and even a secret romance with the blacksmith's son. But all that is torn from her one fateful night when her home is attacked and her family killed. She is left with nothing but bitterness, an unwavering mistrust of men, and a strange and mysterious curse that allows her to feel the thoughts of anyone who touches her.

Now, after six years away, Margaret is returning home for one reason: revenge. She hopes that by avenging her family's deaths, she will somehow be freed from her curse. But it won't be easy. The identities of the raiders are still unknown, she has little left to her name, and traveling alone in the Northumbrian hills during the border wars is dangerous. Matters are further complicated by handsome Angus Robson, a Scotsman whose charm threatens to distract her from her plans. But the raiders are closer than she knows, and Margaret soon realizes that what she believed to be a curse may be the key to finding those she seeks. One touch will reveal the truth.


My review

This book is amazing. I loved everything about it. There is intrigue and mystery with every turn of the page. Right away, the reader is introduced to Margaret. She is amazing! Stubborn and enchanting. Her curse is very mysterious and I loved how she is hesitant to use it, even though it would help her in her quest to find those who killed her family. I enjoyed how the author waited to explain what happened to Margaret and her family. It was a wonderful way to keep me reading and reading. The plot and pacing of this book are expert! I also enjoyed Angus's character. He is a wonderful hero, who tries as hard as he can to help Margaret. I looked forward to every page he was on. 

5 out of 5 stars. 

Purchase links

Amazon e-book / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author links

Goodreads / Amazon author page / Website

Schedule




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Monday, October 30, 2017

Timeless Romance Anthology: Happily Ever After Collection -- Giveaway

Timeless Romance Anthology: Happily Ever After Collection

Authors: Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, Annette Lyon

Published: October 24th, 2017

ebook: 300 pages

FTC FYI: I received a review copy, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

Six brand new fairy tale romance novellas by Jessica Day George, Julie Wright, Sarah M. Eden, Julie Daines, Heather B. Moore, and Annette Lyon.

MAIL-ORDER PRINCESS by Jessica Day George: Elise flees her small kingdom and arrives in the New World with only her two trunks and seven swans—her seven brothers to be exact. But Elise will do anything to get her brothers away from their cruel stepmother’s curse, even if it means accepting the long-distance marriage proposal to a former count turned farmer. 

THE MILLER’S DAUGHTER by Julie Wright: When Isa meets Thomas Rumple, she is quickly infatuated with his good looks and natural charm, until she learns his true identity. Due to a wild claim by her insufferable father, Isa’s life is threatened by the king if she can’t spin a room full of straw into gold, and Thomas may be the only one who can save her. 

THE PEBBLED PATH by Sarah M. Eden: Deep in the heart of a mysterious forest, Gretel trades her freedom to save her beloved father from the spell of an evil enchantress. Even attempting to escape would cost her father his life. Gretel’s determination to fulfill her promise wavers when she meets Hansel, a young man who captures her heart. For, she loves him too dearly to put his life in danger, and he loves her too much to simply leave her to her fate.

BLACK FERN by Julie Daines: Rós is desperate to find work in order to care for her ailing father and younger sisters. She applies to the mysterious owner of a crumbling castle and is soon swept up in dark secrets. Unsure if the owner of the castle is man or beast, Rós determines to help him at all cost. She soon discovers that the cost may be too great, even for her.

SCARLET by Heather B. Moore: When Scarlet needs to fetch a healing tonic on the night when the wolves are at their most dangerous, she has no choice but to apply to her nemesis, August, for help. He agrees to help her, but they encounter a pack of wolves that put up a fierce fight, marking Scarlet as their newly targeted prey. 

SO RARE A POWER by Annette Lyon: Stella knows she’s taking a risk each time she meets Patrick in the rose garden that they’ve cultivated together. And no matter how much her mother will disapprove of their relationship, Stella can’t deny her feelings for him. When the Snow Queen steals away Patrick to drain him of his powers of creating beauty and life, Stella must decide what she’s willing to risk to rescue him.

My Review

Fairy tale retellings are my favorite books to read and six of them written by some of my favorite authors, makes this book even more wonderful. All six books are written well and are very enjoyable. When I started reading each story, I felt the stories and characters were well established and I was able to follow the stories with ease. I instantly was drawn into each story and thoroughly enjoyed each author’s take on these classic fairy tale stories. I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite, as each novella was so well done. I loved each one for the unique and creative stories they were. 

5 out of 5 stars.

Author links are available on the author's story description

Purchase Link

Amazon

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Thursday, August 10, 2017

Havencross by Julie Daines -- Blog tour/giveaway

Havencross

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: August 1, 2017

ISBN13: 9781524403324

Paperback: 224 pages

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher, all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Goodreads Summary

When a shocking scandal involving her father spreads through London society, Elaine Cardinham and her parents are forced to retreat to their country home in Cornwall for refuge. But Havencross is no sanctuary for Elaine. She is haunted by the mysterious disappearance of her brother—and the heartbreak she left in her wake all those years ago. It has been five long years since Gareth Kemp last saw Elaine—when she rejected his marriage proposal. Her reappearance convinces him of one thing: he has never stopped loving her. To put his feelings for her aside, he focuses his attention on the dangerous smuggling plaguing the Cornish coast. As Elaine attempts to run from her past, she ventures ever closer to a dangerous truth—and Gareth may be the only one who can save her from a deadly finish.

My Review

Julie Daines is one of my favorite authors.  Her books are always wonderful.  I absolutely loved Havencross.  I could tell Julie researched thoroughly for this book and it paid off.  The setting itself was a character.  With the beautiful descriptions and details, I could picture Cornwall.  The story is beautifully told and I loved the suspense that was throughout the book as well.  Elaine was a strong, smart and caring character.  All of the characters were written well.  Gareth was especially wonderful. I loved the seeds of hints that were planted along the way.  I was not surprised by the "bad guy", but wow, so many exciting scenes and heart-pounding suspense kept me reading and reading and reading until I was done.  

5 out of 5 stars.  Everything this author writes is perfect!

Author Links

Website / Twitter / Goodreads / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Tour Schedule




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Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Unraveled by Julie Daines -- Spotlight/Sale


I'm excited to announce the E-Book sale of 
Unraveled by Julie Daines. 
I reviewed this book when it came out and I loved it.  
Check out my review here.
Grab it up now while it is at the discounted price!
Amazon link: https://amzn.com/B00HS7SS20

Monday, June 13, 2016

Willowkeep by Julie Daines -- Blog Tour

Willowkeep

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: June 1, 2016

ISBN13: 9781524400408

Paperback:

FTC FYI: I received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Charlotte Darby’s ship is sinking. Penniless and alone, she is struggling to care for herself and her young sister in the harsh seaport town of Kingston upon Hull. When a solicitor from London brings news that she is the heir to a vast estate in Kent, it seems her days of rough seas are over. Willowkeep is prosperous and grand, far too much for a shipping merchant’s daughter to manage, and she quickly comes to rely on the help of Henry Morland, the estate’s kind and handsome steward.

Henry has worked hard his entire life, but all the money he’s saved won’t be enough to get his father out of debtor’s prison. Henry’s fondness for Charlotte and her sister is only another reminder of his low status and lack of money. Though he is willing to do whatever it takes to keep Charlotte happy and looked after, as the county’s wealthiest lady, she can never be his.

Courted by a charming man of the ton, threatened by those desperate to get their hands on her money, and determined to keep her sister safe from the same fate that cost her the rest of her family, Charlotte turns to the ghost of the beheaded queen, Anne Boleyn, for help. But no matter the size of the fortune, life—and love—are never smooth sailing.

My Review

I was instantly drawn into this book.  The characters were fascinating and well written.  Of course, I would read anything from this author, I truly love her books. Charlotte's character was intriguing and I loved her back story.  I appreciated how her "secrets" were revealed later on and loved the letters to Anne Boleyn, that was really fun.  I loved her devotion to her sister and the author notes at the end were very touching.  I did suspect a certain character's "intentions" early on, but I really liked how the plot all came together.  I loved Henry, another wonderful character full of selflessness and kindness.  I loved the author descriptions throughout and especially the detail of the Willowkeep estate.  I loved the story and the ending was wonderfully satisfying.

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Seagull Book







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Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Eleanor and the Iron King by Julie Daines -- Blog Tour

Eleanor and the Iron King

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: August 1st, 2015

Paperback: 224 pages

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-237-0

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

Eleanor de Lacy is forced into an arranged marriage with her father’s greatest enemy, Brac Goch, the Welsh king. All Eleanor knows of Brac is that he is a ruthless, war hungry man.

Eleanor arrives at the Welsh castle of Bryn Du already expecting the worst. When the ghost of Brac Goch’s first wife appears and warns her that the Welsh king is not to be trusted, all of Eleanor’s fears are confirmed.

As the countdown to her wedding day approaches, Eleanor must figure out who is lying, who is telling the truth, who is loyal, and who is the traitor--and most of all, if she can love an enemy king.

My Review

Julie Daines has done it again.  This book is amazing and I loved every page.  Eleanor and the Iron King has everything a reader could ask for and more.  The setting is a character itself, it was like I was there in the castle.  Eleanor was a fascinating character.  Honestly, I will read anything Julie writes, her books are magical.  Isn't this cover absolutely gorgeous!

5 out of 5 stars.

Author Links


Purchase Links


Schedule
*August7th: http://www.iamareader.com/http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/


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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance -- Blog Tour/Giveaway


Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance



Published: January 1st, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62108-934-6

Paperback: 162 pages

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

They say a rose by any other name would smell as sweet, but as mistaken identities abound, three heroines will put this age-old adage to the test! Showcasing a trio of LDS fiction’s finest authors, Love Unexpected: A Storybook Romance is a heartwarming collection of short stories that begs the question: can true love really conquer all?

Storybook Romance by Melanie Jacobson —New York City book editor Ellie Hanover has discovered a groundbreaking manuscript that may be just what she needs to save her job. But when her anonymous correspondence with the author begins to develop into more than a professional relationship, Ellie is left wondering if her real find is actually Mr. Right.

He Loves Me Not by Jennifer K. Clark —When Kenedee spies her boss leaving flowers on her desk, she’s swept into a whirlwind of infatuation. If only he didn’t have a girlfriend . . . Undeterred, the young woman enlists in the scheme her employer’s brother has put in motion for the company’s sake in hopes that she can win over the man of her dreams. But even foolproof plans can go awry.

Fools of Us All by Julie Daines —The course of true love is never smooth, as Jane discovers when a case of mistaken identity results in a date with the man she’s admired from afar for years. But she knows all too well that masquerading as her twin sister can only go on for so long before the truth comes out.

My Review

I very much enjoyed these three romance novellas from these great authors.  I have read books from each of these ladies, so I was looking forward to these novellas.  Each were very well written.  Each read quickly and had fantastic characters.  I love and appreciate clean books that have great stories, and these novellas did not disappoint.  I especially liked the settings.  Storybook Romance was especially fun, seeing as how being an editor would be my dream job.  But, Ellie did not have my dream boss.  In He Loves Me Not, it would be very fun to live and work in Moab.  And in Fools of Us All, I actually felt really sorry for Jane.  I was pleased with how she finally makes a decision about one particular person in her life (and it wasn't the cute doctor).  Jane was an amazing girl who takes care of her mother after the accident that killed her father.  This story was a little more deeper than the others, only because of what Jane has and had to endure.  Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of romance and mistaken identities to go around!

4 out of 5 stars.

Purchase Links


For author links, please look at the author's name at the top.

Blog tour schedule

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Friday, March 21, 2014

Unraveled by Julie Daines


unraveled_coverUnraveled: A Tale of True Love

Author: Julie Daines

Publisher: Covenant

Published: February 20th, 2014

ISBN13: 978-1-62108-627-7

Paperback: 200 pages

FTC FYI: Received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads Summary

"It's thoroughly researched, expertly crafted, and it will sweep you off your feet with its beauty." -UCW

When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed--but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son--Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect.

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit. After all, she can't wear the shoes forever.

My Review

Bronwen is a girl who has seen rough times.  After sickness crippled her legs and killed most of her family, all her mother and her had were each other.  We meet Bronwen and her mother on a stormy night where her mother tells her the faerie folks will be out causing mischief.  No sooner does she say that, when the Grey Maiden, the Gwyllion, appears at their door.  They give her shelter from the storm, all while the Gwyllion keeps staring at her crippled legs.  This irritates Bronwen, but she prepares a room for her to sleep.  While she is getting it ready, the Gwyllion comes to her tell her she knows what it is she wants.  Bronwen is surprised by this, but knows that she must watch her while Bronwen is on the swifts.
"Before she could leave the room, the Gwyllion spoke again.  Nothing more than a whisper, yet her words filled the room.  "Who would want a crippled wife?"
 Bronwen's head snapped up.  She had never said those words out loud.  Not to anyone.  Not even her mother.  She already knew the answer.  It was why she wept sometimes at night.  Why she hated the boys in the village who looked at her, then looked away.  If she were whole, they would be vying for her favor even though they were all below her station.
She answered the Gwyllion's question.  "No one."
 "And yet you dream," the faerie witch said.  "The stars do not shine on dreamers.  They shine on those who see the truth." (page 6 - 7)"

The next morning Bronwen sees that the Grey Maiden is gone, but she has left Bronwen a gift, old shoes.  Her curiosity gets the best of her, and she tries them on.  The pain she experiences nearly knocks her out, but the pain is from her legs healing.  She can stand and walk.    Bronwen and her mother travels to town to present her to the king since she is of age.  She meets the king's son, Urien, but recognizes Rhys from back home.  She quickly decides to lie about her family name, in hopes that Rhys won't recognize her.  And what happens next, starts a chain of events that tangle of web of more lies that have a hard time being unraveled.  Bronwen gets herself in a mix of trouble, and tries to find her way out, but the only one who can save her is herself.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  A fabulous read full of faerie legend and folklore.  It is also a story of a girl who doubts herself and others because of her limitations.  I loved the lessons that Bronwen learns.  Even though it takes something pretty drastic for the truth to finally come out, I love how it all unravels.  Julie did an amazing job with this book.  There is heart, humor, adventure and characters that surprised me.  Very enjoyable read. 

Author Links


Purchase Links

Monday, February 24, 2014

Unraveled by Julie Daines -- Book Blitz


About UNRAVELED: When sickness swept through Bronwen’s family, it took the life of her father, brother, and sister, and left her permanently crippled. On the stormy eve of her sixteenth birthday, a faerie-witch gifts her a pair of enchanted shoes. Bronwen slips them on and is healed--but only when the shoes are on her feet. Her grace and beauty catches the eye of the king’s son--Urien, a handsome young man who prides himself on having everything perfect. 

When Rhys, an old acquaintance and Captain of the Guard, recognizes Bronwen, he threatens to tell Urien her secret. Desperate to keep her deformity hidden and not to lose the love of handsome Urien, Bronwen quickly finds herself tangled in a web of lies and deceit.

Release date: February 2014
Publisher: Covenant Communications, Inc.
Genre: YA Fantasy/Farytale
ISBN: 9781621086277

This or that question.  Heads or tails?  Heads.  And the number 7.  




Buy Links:





About Julie Daines: Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.
She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her verveine.
Social Media Links:

Twitter: @juliedaines



Book on Goodreads: Unraveled
Author on Goodreads: Julie Daines
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