Saturday, January 23, 2021

The Thief of Blackfriars Lane Blog Tour & Giveaway by Michelle Griep

 



About the Book

Book:  The Thief of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian historical

There’s Often a Fine Line Between a Criminal and a Saint

Constable Jackson Forge intends to make the world safer, or at least the streets of Victorian London. But that’s Kit Turner’s domain, a swindler who runs a crew that acquires money the old-fashioned way—conning the rich to give to the poor. When a local cab driver goes missing, Jackson is tasked with finding the man, and the only way to do that is by enlisting Kit’s help. If Jackson doesn’t find the cabby, he’ll be fired. If Kit doesn’t help Jackson, he’ll arrest her for thievery. Yet neither of them realize those are the least of their problems.

 

Click here to get your copy!

MY REVIEW
The author did a wonderful job with the verbiage of the time period and descriptions of the way of life during that time. It helped make the story come alive. The storyline is filled with intrigue, suspense, and a chase through 1885 London's underground into a world of treachery and crime. 
 The main character, Jackson (a constable) goes on an adventure to capture whoever is behind the crime of some important missing men. What he finds is something more than he bargained for. He is led on a chase when he partners up with Kit, a woman with ties to the underground, but is a version of Robin Hood helping the poor. 
 The characters were quirky, humorous, going on unexpected adventures fraught with danger. There were lots of twists and turns in the story and times of great courage to do the right thing. A sweet romance starts to grow between Kit and Jackson as they fight for their life. The ending was surprising but wrapped everything up nicely and was an absolutely entertaining and inspirational read. Highly recommended. 
 I received an ARC and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. 

She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan.

 If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

 

 

More from Michelle

Zootopia in Victorian London

I admit it. I like kid’s movies. You know, the animated sort that entertain both young and old alike. One of my favorites is Zootopia, a rollicking adventure about a bunny whose dream it is to be a police officer and make the streets of the big city safe for all animals. In fact, I loved it so much that I thought why not set it in Victorian London?

So I did. 

And that’s what The Thief of Blackfriars Lane is all about, but that meant I had to do a little digging into the history of police force of the late 1800’s. Here’s what I learned…

The Metropolitan Police (founded in 1829 by Robert Peel) was composed mostly of young men, many of whom were recruited from rural areas. Few were from London, the philosophy being that they would thus be free from local patronage and influence.

It is a bit of an anomaly that hero Jackson Forge and his friend, Officer Baggett, carry a sidearm. Some did, but most relied on truncheons. It was up to the officer. Revolvers were usually only supplied after the death of a police officer by an armed criminal, at the discretion of the Divisional Officer, or if a constable requested to use one during night duty. In 1884, after the deaths of several police officers, the Home Office ordered nearly a thousand revolvers from Webley & Scott to be issued to branches of the London police. . .which is where I got the idea of a shipment of guns for the villain to attempt to steal.

Police detectives were recruited from within the ranks of existing uniformed officers. There were actually women on the force at the time, employed as police matrons. But these were behind-the-scenes workers, tasked with guarding women and children. If my heroine, Kit, were to be out in public, serving as Jackson’s assistant, she’d have to keep her job secret. The first female police officer wasn’t seen on the streets until 1919. 

And so, armed with that information, I wrote the adventures of not a police bunny and a con artist fox, but of Jackson Forge, a fresh-faced constable, and his thorn in the side, swindler Kit Turner. Snatch up your own copy and enjoy a visit to Victorian London!



                               Blog Stops

The Avid Reader, January 23

Bigreadersite, January 23

Inklings and notions, January 23

Bizwings Blog, January 23

Remembrancy, January 24

Connect in Fiction, January 24

deb’s Book Review, January 24

Blogging With Carol, January 24

She Lives To Read, January 25

Blessed & Bookish, January 25

Genesis 5020, January 25

Where Faith and Books Meet, January 25

Library Lady’s kid Lit, January 26

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, January 26

All-of-a-kind Mom, January 26

Locks, Hooks and Books, January 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 27

Reflections From My Bookshelves, January 27

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, January 27

CarpeDiem, January 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, January 28

For the Love of Literature, January 28

Sara Jane Jacobs, January 28

Connie’s History Classroom, January 29

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 29

Rachael’s Inkwell, January 29

Life of Literature, January 29

Betti Mace, January 30

Older & Smarter?, January 30

Texas Book-aholic, January 30

HookMeInABook, January 30

For Him and My Family, January 31

Tell Tale Book Reviews, January 31

Mia Reads, January 31

Godly Book Reviews, January 31

Through the Fire Blogs, February 1

KarenSueHadley, February 1

The Book Chic Blog, February 1

Melissa Wardwell’s Back Porch Reads, February 1

Artistic Nobody, February 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

Mamma Loves Books, February 2

Blossoms and Blessings, February 2

Splashes of Joy, February 3

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 3

Vicky Sluiter, February 3

Pause for Tales, February 3

The Write Escape, February 4

Wishful Endings, February 4

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 4

Hallie Reads, February 4

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, February 5

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 5

To Everything There Is A Season, February 5

Daysong Reflections, February 5

                             Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of The Thief of Blackfriars Lane!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/1062a/the-thief-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway








Saturday, January 9, 2021

Second Chance Christmas by Rula Sinara Book Blitz

 

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Second Chance Christmas
(Turtleback Beach #3)
By Rula Sinara
Contemporary Romance
Paperback & ebook, 384 Pages (Large Print)
January 1, 2021 by Harlequin Heartwarming

A beachside Christmas

Brings unexpected gifts!


A second chance. That’s what former navy SEAL Damon Woods asks for when Zuri Habib comes to Turtleback Beach with a nephew who looks just like him. After her sister’s death, Zuri believes Caden deserves to know his father—even if he did break her teenage heart. Can Damon and Zuri forgive each other and give a grieving boy the family he needs this Christmas?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Turtleback Beach
Book 1: Almost a Bride
Book 2: Caught by the Sheriff
Book 3: Second Chance Christmas

(Affiliate links include.)

Excerpt

DAMON FELT LIKE he’d had the air knocked out of him. Vera was dead? He was a father? He wasn’t sure which fact was tripping him more. He glanced over at the boy playing with Duck. The kid reminded him so much of his late, younger brother it hurt. He looked a lot like Damon, too. He knew it. The second he saw the boy and Zuri he knew in his gut something was wrong. She’d mentioned bringing a kid along, but Damon had assumed that meant she’d had a child in the years since he last saw her. He’d assumed that maybe she had a recent breakup and needed to get away. Lots of people came to the Outer Banks as an escape. His chest felt numb. He was a father and had been for the past twelve years and the truth had been kept from him? He’d been slammed and pulled under by monstrous waves before, but none had left his lungs feeling as useless as right now.

Throughout his training as a SEAL, through every covert operation overseas, through the past four years here as head of Turtleback Beach’s Ocean Rescue and Beach Patrol division...and all along he’d had a son. He muttered a curse and turned his back on her. He looked over the rough waters of the Atlantic, familiar with every square inch of the shoreline he lived on, yet fully aware that it never stayed the same. The ocean ebbed and flowed and changed its sands every day. He’d come to believe that he’d finally found stability in his life. What a lie. He should have known. He was trained to expect the unexpected. He just never thought it would involve a kid. Nor was he expecting it to involve the death of someone else from his past. He’d never quite gotten over the loss of his own brother. Or so many of his SEAL brothers in the line of duty.

“Are you sure?” The question sounded pathetic considering the boy’s looks. He had Woods in him all right. Those dark eyes, full lashes and the way his lips quirked and revealed dimples when he smiled were how everyone could always tell that Damon, Leo, Shawn and Lucas were brothers.

“That you’re the father? Absolutely. But you’re free to get tested.”

He might have to get tested if Vera didn’t have him listed on the birth certificate, but the boy was definitely a younger version of him...or more so, Lucas. He looked so much like a Woods that the sight of him opened an old wound. Lucas couldn’t have been much older than Caden when Damon had gotten word, while overseas, that he’d drowned. The memory still haunted him. Lucas had been the youngest of four. Damon, the oldest. And he still couldn’t get past the belief that, had he not escaped his home life the first chance he had, he’d have been around to save his little brother.

A lump rose in his chest and he tried rubbing it away but it grew and hardened when he turned and caught Zuri wiping her cheeks. She’d lost her older sister. He knew the pain she had to be going through. He sucked in a breath of salty air and tucked his hands in the pockets of his windbreaker to keep himself from wrapping his arms around her. There was a time when doing so would have felt natural and expected, but not anymore.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


National and USA Today Bestselling author Rula Sinara lives in rural Virginia with her family and crazy but endearing pets. She loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard, planting trees, raising backyard chickens and drinking more coffee than she'll ever admit to. Rula's writing has earned her a National Readers Choice Award and HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, among other honors. You can discover more about Rula at her blog A Writer’s Rush, on Twitter, on Facebook as RulaSinaraAuthor or on her website www.RulaSinara.com, where you can also sign up for her newsletter.


Blitz Giveaway


One winner will receive a Kindle gifted copy of Almost a Bride OR Caught by the Sheriff (winner's choice)

US only
Ends January 10, 2021

ENTER HERE
Grab Our Button!

Monday, January 4, 2021

Reviewer Tour of The Red Canary by Rachel Scott McDaniel




Music sparks her world, but can love ignite her heart?

In 1928, soot from the local mills and music from speakeasies linger in the Pittsburgh air. When the manager of The Kelly Club is found dead, nightclub singer Vera Pembroke is thrust into peril. As the only witness to the crime, she’s sentenced to hide away in the Allegheny Forest with a stuffy police sergeant as her guardian.

    Sergeant Mick Dinelo harbors a burning hatred for Pittsburgh’s underworld after the devastation it left on his life—and heart. He should be out exposing culpable gangsters rather than tending to the impetuous woman who defies his every effort to keep her safe.

    Mick and Vera must set aside their differences to solve the murder that someone wants to keep buried beneath the soot of Steel City.



To Purchase





ABOUT THE AUTHOR




Rachel Scott McDaniel is an award-winning author of

historical romance.


Winner of ACFW Genesis Award and the RWA Touched

By Love award, Rachel infuses faith and heart into each

story. 


She currently enjoys life in Ohio with her husband and 

two kids.


Rachel can be found online at http://www.RachelScottMcDaniel.com

on all social media platforms.




MY REVIEW



The story had the exciting backdrop of the Roaring Twenties, 1928 Pittsburgh. Vera, a singer in the Kelly Club is Angelo's girl. Little does she know what really goes on at the club. Sergeant Mick Dinelo visits the club undercover due to an investigation. Vera hears something she wasn't supposed to hear and know she is running for her life with Mick assigned to protect her. Mick is dealing with some demons of his own.

I loved the scriptural references throughout the story. The characters were amazing, the storyline intriguing with lots of action. I loved how the author gradually showed the budding romance between Vera & Mick. Vera's quirky and funny remarks were entertaining.

I was engrossed with the story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. The ending was surprising with lots of twists. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy and voluntarily choose to review it.

Sunday, January 3, 2021

Review of Covert Amish Christmas by Mary Alford


 

Fleeing to Amish country

might be the only way to survive Christmas…

Hiding in Amish country, former CIA agent Victoria Kauffman’s determined to find evidence to catch the corrupt agents who killed her partner. But when her Christmas refuge is discovered, the sole person she can trust is Amish widower Aaron Shetler. With ruthless—and dangerously powerful—enemies after them, Victoria must use all her training to make sure they live through the holidays.






About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author, Mary Alford, loves giving her readers the unexpected. Combining unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots that result in novels the reader doesn't want to put down.

Her titles have appeared on the USA Today Bestselling List, Publisher's Weekly bestselling list, and have finaled in the Daphne Du Maurier award of excellence in mystery, The Beverly, The Maggie, and The Selah Awards.


My Review

Victoria, a CIA agent who receives information on a conspiracy within the agency is trying to understand the proof left to her by another agent who died.  On the run, she flees to the Amish community and gains the help of Aaron.  Aaron and some of his friends and family try to keep her safe as she runs from her assailants. 

The story is highly suspenseful with lots of twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. Having Aaron be Amish gave another side to the storyline that I normally don't see in a suspense novel. His struggle with violence in order to protect Victoria showed true courage and conviction.  Victoria is carrying a secret that she keeps from Aaron that also adds mystery to the story.

Covert Amish Christmas is a page-turner steeped with intrigue, compassion, forgiveness, and faith.  The blossoming romance amongst all the turmoil gave another interesting quality to the story. 

The inspirational and uplifting message brought the story to life for me.  Very enjoyable and exciting read. Highly recommended.



Saturday, December 26, 2020

Bride by Blackmail Blog Tour & Giveaway by Debbie Lynn Costello

 



About the Book

 


Book: Bride by Blackmail

Author: Debbie Lynne Costello

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: September 15, 2020

 

A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass’s hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.

 

Click here to get your copy!


My Review
Charlotte despises Duncan and the last thing on her mind is marriage, especially to him. By deception, Duncan forces her into marrying him. When she finally does fall in love with him, she learns the truth behind the marriage and feels betrayed.

I loved how the author showed Duncan's struggle with his faith. The storyline is fraught with deceptions, lies, mistrust, and finally forgiveness.

I enjoyed getting to know the characters. I loved the spunkiness of Charlotte and her faith in God, although she had her moments of unbelief. I can't wait to read more of her work. Bride by Blackmail was inspirational and spiritual and I highly recommend it.

I was provided with a copy by the author and voluntarily choose to review it.

 

About the Author



Debbie Lynne Costello has been writing since the young age of eight. She went to college for journalism. She enjoys medieval settings and settings set in nineteenth-century Charleston, South Carolina. She loves the Lord and hopes to touch people’s lives through her stories. Debbie Lynne lives in the beautiful state of South Carolina with her husband of 40 years, their 4 children, 2 Tennessee Walking horses, 2 Arabians, a miniature donkey, 6 ducks, and 3 dogs.

 

More from Debbie

It is fun to build characters in books and one of the best ways is to show some sort of a hobby or skill that the particular character enjoys. In Bride by Blackmail, Charlotte and her sister, Nellie, are doing needlework on a tablecloth that they hope to have done by the holiday season. My grandmother who would be over a hundred today loved to do needlework. I have pieces from when she was young up until her later years when she did needlework on pillowcases to decorate them up as a Christmas present. But I also have pieces done by my great-great-grandmother and her sisters. They are cherished pieces I hope to hand down for generations. As part of my giveaway, I’ve purchased antique needlework and embroidered pieces to giveaway with the prizes.

Another fun way to build characters is to show something they love to eat. Nellie, who is a minor character, is visiting the hero’s home with her family. Duncan being from Scotland has scones on the breakfast menu. Nellie can’t get enough of the yummy biscuits and finds the servant enjoys helping her continue her indulgence even after she leaves.

 

SCONES

 

Preheat oven to 400

 

2 cups of flour

1/3 cup sugar

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp baking powder

½ cup sour cream

½ cup butter (hard)

½ cup cranberries

1 large egg

2 tsp. sugar (do not put this in with the dry ingredients. This is for topping.)

 

Mix together dry ingredients in large bowl. Once mixed well, cut hard butter into pats and drop into the bowl. Now cut the butter into the floured mixture until it is more like a crumble. Set aside.

 

In a small bowl, whisk together your egg and your sour cream until well mixed.

 

With a fork (no mixer!) blend the liquid mixture into the flour mixture, keep stirring until the mixture becomes one large ball. If you need to you can use your hands toward the end to make sure all the flour is in the ball.

 

On a lightly floured surface pat the dough out to about 3/4” thick. I try to make mine a rectangle for the next step. Once you have the thickness right, sprinkle with the remaining 2 tsps. sugar. Cut the dough into triangles and place on cookie sheet (you can use parchment paper on the cookie sheet). Be sure to place adequately apart on the sheet to prevent them touching when rising.

Bake approximately 15 minutes or until they are a beautiful golden color.

Allow to cool slightly. These are wonderful warm or cold!

                             Blog Stops

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 14

Hallie Reads, December 14

Sara Jane Jacobs, December 15

Novels Corner, December 15

Ashley’s Bookshelf, December 16

Connect in Fiction, December 16

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, December 17

Artistic Nobody, December 18 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

Britt Reads Fiction, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Simple Harvest Reads, December 19 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Rebecca Tews, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 20

Inklings and notions, December 21

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 21

Texas Book-aholic, December 22

Splashes of Joy, December 22

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 23

Vicky Sluiter, December 23

Labor Not in Vain, December 24

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, December 25

Connie’s History Classroom, December 26

Bizwings Blog, December 26

For Him and My Family, December 27

Maureen’s Musings, December 27

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Debbie is giving away the grand prize of a smartwatch!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/104ae/bride-by-blackmail-celebration-tour-giveaway













Tuesday, December 22, 2020

Merry Christmas -FREE Christmas Gifts from Bizwings Blog


             I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone that has visited my blog during 2020. I appreciate your support. 

             I was fortunate to blog about some awesome books during the year and wish to also thank the authors that scheduled a spotlight on my blog. I am honored.

            I know this has been a trying year for us all and wish all of you a happy and safe Christmas. Remember to focus on your blessing during the year, as I'm sure there are some among all the hardships as well.  God is still with us.  

            I want to give you three of my books FREE as a Christmas gift.  

            You can download the e-book from Amazon during Dec. 23rd to Dec. 27th.  I hope to give you an outlet for enjoyment if even for a short time. I pray that you find inspiration among the pages.


Christian Mystery/Suspense/RomancePigeon Bay is a safe, peaceful town. That is until a woman goes missing.

Samantha and Jonathan Winters arrive for a real estate convention and photoshoot. Will Jonathan’s pictures reveal more than he realizes?

Nina Dupree, a private investigator, and friend of the Chief of Police will lend a hand to help solve the case. Is this victim’s evidence tied to another unsolved event her father was examining?

What secrets are the members of the Belmonte family hiding? Another mansion full of buried mysteries is waiting, but will they remain so?

FREE



Christian Inspirational/Mystery/Romance

The Sanders Legacy begins. Soon after their wedding, Jason & Naomi move to the Pacific Cove Ranch. Naomi, giving up the city life she is accustomed to and trying to come to grips with the death of her sister, finds herself isolated and depressed.



Is her grief causing her to see things or is there some entity attached to the ranch house? Will she convince her husband and the owner of the ranch that there is a 100-year old mystery that she desperately wants to solve? Maybe, it’s the only way to regain her sanity.

FREE



Christian Inspirational/ Romance

Continuation of the Sanders legacy. In book 2, Jason and Naomi’s son graduates from college and returns to the Pacific Cove Ranch. He continues the legacy by choosing to work and plan his future there. Could the young woman, Amanda, crippled by a broken heart, become the woman of his dreams?


A series of devastating events happen to the family and their faith and ability to endure and go on is tested to their fullest. Can faith, friends, and love carry them through or will the struggles cripple them?

FREE