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

GIVEAWAY!
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The Danger with Diamonds by Traci Hunter Abramson Sian Ann Bessey blog tour/giveaway

 

The Danger with Diamonds

Authors: Traci Hunter Abramson and Sian Ann Bessey

Publisher: Covenant 

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

Summary

When Lars Hendriks arranges to meet Marit Jansen in Vienna, he is hoping their friendship will blossom into romance. What he doesn’t expect is a surprise visit from his cousin Cole or the loose diamonds he brings with him.

As a CIA operative, Cole Bridger is used to uncertainty, but when his work takes him back to Vienna, he looks forward to reconnecting with Isabelle Roberts, the fellow agent he dated briefly before duty took him away from Austria. Unfortunately, his silence over the last few months has created a chasm that he can’t cross without help. He barely takes a step toward repairing the damaged relationship when a brazen jewel heist seemingly links Cole, Lars, Marit, and Isabelle to the crime. The group is drawn into a deadly mystery, and once again, the treasures of Falcon Point are threatened. It doesn’t take long for them to realize they have stumbled upon something far bigger and more dangerous than a simple robbery. And someone on the inside knows it.

Review

The Danger with Diamonds should have been titled Don’t Many Any Plans Until You’re Done Reading. I really enjoyed the action scenes, mixed with some great romance of the two couples, and their developing relationships. I loved how the authors would change of point of views during the highest peaks of action. It made the book impossible to put down. I think my favorite character was Isabelle. She’s tough as nails, and vulnerable at the same time. Marit was also amazing. So smart and aware, all the time. Don’t get me wrong, the cousins were great too. But I can’t really talk about my other favorite characters without spoilers. This was a great read, full of action, exciting twists and turns and excellent, smart characters.

5 out of 5 stars!

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Deseret Book / Seagull Book

Author links

Goodreads / Traci's Amazon author page / Sian's Amazon author page

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The Holly and the Ivy -- blog tour/giveaway

 

Spend the holidays with four of your favorite historical romance authors, whose stories of Yuletide romance will brighten the season with humor, hope, and the promise of true love.

 

“The Holly and the Ivy” by Sarah M. Eden

As nursemaid to the eight-year-old Duke of Kielder, Robbie will spend her holidays with her young charge as a guest of Lord and Lady Jonquil. While the couple makes the child’s holiday magical, the handsome gardener works his own magic on nurse Robbie’s heart.

 

“A Season to Love” by Anneka Walker

Alice Hunt is searching for a Christmas miracle: a husband of her choosing. With the threat of an arranged marriage looming, she looks to an unlikely matchmaker for help.

 

“A Twist of Christmas” by Dana LeCheminant

A Christmas house party offers two members of the ton an irresistible opportunity: a weekend of anonymity. But their charade comes with unexpected romantic consequences.

 

“Hiding Christmas” by Esther Hatch

Celebrating Christmas in Scotland will only invite persecution. But that never stopped Kirstine's English grandmother. When they are almost caught, Kirstine is forced to beg the help of the one man she cannot abide.

My review

This book is a collection of four wonderful novellas from four talented authors. Each story is beautifully written. I really enjoy novellas, I love how each story moved along with great pacing and never felt rushed. The characters were enduring and memorable. (I especially loved young Adam.)

5 out of 5 stars

Purchase links

Amazon Kindle / Amazon paperback / Seagull Book / Deseret Book

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Cover reveal for A WALTZ WITH TRAITORS by AL Sowards

 I am so excited to share with cover with you!

Here is some info about the book first.

A WALTZ WITH TRAITORS by AL Sowards coming March 2023.

Sometimes the road to freedom is a six-thousand-mile-long railroad track. Sometimes the road to love is even longer.

The Former Russian Empire, 1918

Czech soldier Filip Sedlák never wanted to fight for the Austro-Hungarian Empire. So at the first opportunity, he defected to the Russians. Now he and others like him have formed the Czechoslovak Legion. Their goal: leave the chaos of Russia, sail to France, and help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, thereby toppling a hated empire and winning an independent Czechoslovakia.

With the fall of the tsar, Nadia Linskaya’s life is in ruins. Her family is dead, her lands are confiscated, and her aristocratic world is gone forever. But Nadia is determined to elude the Bolshevik agent who destroyed her family and find a way to survive in this changed world.

When Nadia takes refuge with the Czechoslovak Legion, the last thing she expects is an ally. But when Filip proposes a sham marriage to ensure her safe passage across Siberia, she takes it. Neither Filip nor Nadia expect real love, not when the legion has to take over the longest railroad in the world—and then hold it against Bolshevik counterattacks, partisan sabotage, allied intrigue, and a set of brutal Siberian winters. At risk is the future of Czechoslovakia, the fate of Russia—and their hearts.

And here it is!

Shield and Blade by Heather Frost

 

Shield & Blade

Author: Heather Frost

Release Date: July 14th

Paperback/EBOOK: 241 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

Summary

His to protect

When Vera broke Venn’s heart, he was shattered. When she was abducted by mercenaries, he vowed to tear Mortise apart to find her. Now, reunited, he is determined to keep her safe–and win back her heart. Of course, things are never that simple.

Hers to defend

Vera has regretted hurting Venn ever since that fateful night in Wexon, but finding the right time to tell him is proving difficult. Traveling with him to Duvan should give her the perfect opportunity, but things take an unexpected turn when they find young children abandoned near a roadside.

Theirs to save

Helping the children isn’t in question, but the detour leads Venn and Vera into the heart of a sinister mystery. The truth they fight to uncover could change everything in Eyrinthia–and may cost them their lives.

***Shield & Blade is book 3.5 in the Fate of Eyrinthia YA fantasy romance series. It is best enjoyed after reading Royal Captive.***

My review

Wow! I need a minute to catch my breath. This book (novella) is quite amazing and hard to put down. As with Frost’s other books in this series, the characters leap off the page and the action is page turning. I loved Venn and Vera's journey back to each other. The children and the story that came from it was a wonderful addition. I didn’t want it to end but I had to know what happened! Trust me, read this series. 5 out of 5 stars. This series is amazing. I 100% recommend it.  Purchase links Kindle / Amazon Paperback Author Links Amazon author page / Website