Blog Tour/Review: A Place for Miss Snow by Jennifer Moore

A Place for Miss Snow, by Jennifer Moore
2016, 224p, Clean Regency Romance
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the publisher for an honest review



Miss Diana Snow is everything a British chaperone should be—she finds satisfaction in order and depends wholly upon the rules of decorum as she negotiates the isle of Greece with her young charge. But Miss Snow's prim and proper exterior masks a disquieting past: orphaned and alone in the world, she has only her stiff upper lip to rely on. When a brief encounter with a handsome stranger challenges her rules of propriety, Diana is unwittingly drawn into an adventure that will turn her ordered world upside down.

Alexandros Metaxas is a Greek spy working to recruit individuals to the cause of revolution. His mission seems to be going perfectly until he encounters Diana Snow, a captivating—if slightly cold—beauty. When their paths cross again, the ill-fated reunion threatens all Alex has been fighting for. But more importantly, it places Diana's life in jeopardy. There is only one way to save her: they must put themselves at the mercy of the most powerful pirate family in the Mediterranean. Soon, Diana is plunged into a fantastic world of gypsy curses, blood feuds, and unexpected romance. But when a bitter vendetta places her in mortal danger, will she have the courage to fight for life and love?

This is a different type of regency romance since it's set in Greece so there aren't the traditional parties that go with the London scene. Diana Snow is an orphan who is a chaperone for Molly Campbell, the daughter of a British inspector-general, who they are currently visiting in Greece. One day, they meet Alexandros (Alex) Metaxas and Diana is intrigued by him, yet too proper to let him know that. When she sees him again, she follows him, and ends up being a prisoner of the pirates.

The book switches back and forth between Diana and Alex. Most of the book takes place as Diana is adjusting to her new life and the family she is assigned to help take care of. Meanwhile, Alex is working to recruit different groups to take part in a revolution. Their paths occasionally cross, so while there is some romance, it's pretty slow. From the conversations Diana had with other women early on, it was clear that she was struggling to fit in so it was easy to hope that she would find a place that was a better fit for her. It was fun to see the changes in her as the story progressed. This is a clean, enjoyable read with some twists and turns along the way to a happy ending!

Amazon * Deseret Book

Author Jennifer Moore
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Schedule:

*Sept. 5th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/ 

http://rockinbookreviews.com/ 

http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ 

http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ 

http://www.kindleandme.com/ 

*Sept. 6th: https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/
https://atransparentmom.com/
http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 7th: http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/
http://www.wishfulendings.com/
http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 8th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/
http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/
http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*Sept. 9th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/
http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/
http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/
http://fireandicereads.com/

Blog Tour/Review: Slave Queen by H.B. Moore

Slave Queen, by H.B. Moore
2016, 352p, Historical Fiction, Suspense
My Rating=5 Stars
Source: Received a copy from the author for an honest review



Special Agent Omar Zagouri’s latest case is his most dangerous—and his most personal yet. The discovery of secret sixteenth-century letters unveils a plot between the sultan Suleyman and his chief wife, Roxelane, to change the course of the Ottoman Empire. A descendent of Roxelane, Zagouri learns he has an enemy whose revenge has been centuries in the making.

Targeted by an antiquities collector who’s also descended from a chief rival for the ancient throne, Zagouri soon uncovers a modern-day conspiracy that threatens the lives of his family and the security of a nation.

To expose the plot, Zagouri must team up with Naim, the son of his nemesis, who heads an international black-market operation that may have ties to the killings. From ancient Constantinople to the present-day Middle East, Zagouri is on a collision course with history. Time is running out to solve a royal mystery and stop a ruthless killer—one who has Zagouri’s name on his hit list.

This is the third book in this series and is just as amazing as the first two!! Just like the first two books, there are three storylines--two modern-day and one from the sixteenth century. The two modern-day storylines come together as Omar and Mia team up with the son of his nemesis, Naim, and his friend Leyla. The historical storyline deals with a sultan and his chief wife, Roxelane.

While I love Omar and learning more about him, I always find myself fascinated with the historical storyline. I love the way Ms. Moore tells these stories. They come to life and I feel like I'm transported back to that time period. The story switches back and forth and she does a great job at ending each chapter just as it's getting good. But it works because I'm interested in the next chapter, too. And it continues that way until the very end.

Even though this is book three, you can start with this one since they each stand on their own. Omar and Mia are the two characters that are consistent throughout the series. Their relationship has changed somewhat since the first book, so if you want their complete history, you'll want to read these in order. If you enjoy historical fiction with suspense and romance, this is a series you will want to read! I'm hoping there will be more Omar stories in the future!

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestselling author of more than a dozen historical novels and thrillers, written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women's fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt, the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in Utah.

Email list  * Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Tour Schedule:

Tuesday 6th - Katie's Clean Book Collection

Wednesday 7th - Lisa is a Bookworm / LDS Writer Mom / Mel's Shelves 

Thursday 8th - Empower Moms

Friday 9th - My Book a Day

Saturday 10th - Wishful Endings

Blog Tour/Spotlight: Rice & Rocks by Sandra L. Richards; Illustrated by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan

BeachBoundBooks is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the charming children's book written by Sandra L. Richards and illustrated by Megan Kayleigh Sullivan, Rice & Rocks. The tour will run from August 23 - September 13, 2016.

About the Book

Title: Rice & Rocksl | Author: Sandra L. Richards | Illustrator: Megan Kayleigh Sullivan Publisher: Wise Ink Creative Publishing | Publication Date: August 23, 2016 Genre: Children's Picture Book | Number of Pages: 32

Book Description: 

Tradition takes flight in Rice & Rocks, a picture book celebrating culture and diversity.

Giovanni's friends are coming over for Sunday dinner, and his grandmother is serving rice and beans. Giovanni is embarrassed he does not like 'rice and rocks' and worries his friends will think the traditional Jamaican dish is weird. But his favorite Auntie comes to the rescue. She and Giovanni's pet parrot, Jasper, take him on a magical journey across the globe, visiting places where people eat rice and rocks. This exciting story celebrates the varied traditions of every culture while also highlighting the delicious similarities that bring us all together.

Take a look inside the book...

About the Author: Sandra L. Richards

Sandra L. Richards is the debut picture book author of Rice & Rocks. With Rice & Rocks, Sandra brings a unique contribution to the world of children’s books. An American-born daughter of Jamaican immigrant parents, she hopes the book will serve as an educational resource for families seeking to teach their children the value of their heritage and the importance of cultural diversity.

Learn more about Sandra at www.sandralrichards.com.

Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads | LinkedIn 

Amazon | Books a Million | Seattle Book Company

About the Illustrator: Megan Kayleigh Sullivan

Megan Kayleigh Sullivan graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 2012 with a degree in Illustration. She is currently working as a freelance illustrator and storyboard artist, and aspires towards a career in the film and animation industry as a concept artist, character designer, or visual development artist (or d., all of the above). She enjoys traveling, writing, telling stories, and hula-hooping.

Visit her at www.357meg.com.

LinkedIn | Instagram

Blog Tour Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice

Giveaway ends: September 13, 11:59 pm, 2016

Open to: Internationally

How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below.

Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Sandra L. Richards and is hosted and managed by Stacie from BeachBoundBooks. If you have any additional questions feel free to send an email to stacie@BeachBoundBooks.com.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Finale Blitz: Passion Flowers by Molly Charles

On Tour with Prism Book Tours.

Book Tour Grand Finale for

Passion Flowers

By Molly Charles

We hope you enjoyed this tour! If you missed any of the stops, go back and check them out...

Launch - Interview with the Authors

What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it?

Most of all we want our readers to be entertained, and maybe put Maui on their vacation bucket list! We’d like them to enjoy the time they spend in Deke and Leigh’s world, and if a deeper message lingers, even better. That family is important, but sometimes we all make wrong-headed assumptions. That it’s never too late to forgive, to change, and grow.

The Silver Dagger Scriptorium - Excerpt

In a perfect world, a woman afraid of water wouldn’t have to fly over two thousand miles of the stuff just to keep a promise.

My Devotional Thoughts - Are Two Heads Better Than One?

As co-authors we’re often asked how and why we write as a team. Is it easier? Faster? More effective? ‘Are two heads really better than one?’

The answer is, well . . . complicated.

EskieMama Reads - Excerpt

A tall lion of a man in a faded blue Aloha shirt and khaki shorts blocked the top landing. Sun-streaked hair too long to be businesslike. Scruffy three-day beard. All bronzed and hard-muscled, he was impossible to ignore—especially if you liked the type. Which she most certainly did not.

Harlie's Books - Review

"Overall, this is a great book that I would highly recommend to anyone. Great characters, brilliant story and a romance that slowly builds until…"

Nicole's Book Musings - Excerpt

Saturday night sounds. Deke’s personal symphony. Usually it soothed him. Tonight, his ex-wife’s letter burned in his pocket, and he was in no mood to be soothed.

underneath the covers - What’s in A Name?

As a romance writer, choosing a pseudonym can be a delicate process. What persona do you want to reflect? Sassy, sweet, exotic, naughty? Where on the shelves do you want readers to find you? In the ‘A’s, ‘M’s’ or ‘W’s? Or alphabetized next to your favorite author? Do you want to pay homage to family members, ancestral names, or cultural heritage?

Falling Leaves - Excerpt

She turned to go, but his arm encircled her shoulders and she was pulled to his side once again, pressing the flowers against her cheek, the fragrance from the leis teasing her nose. And once again, the sensation of intoxicating masculine strength and warm skin against warm skin scrambled her brains.

Life as Leels - Review

"Wow. This was quite the read! . . . This wasn’t just a romance – this was a romance; a mystery; and a little bit of action tossed in."

Passion Flowers

by Molly Charles

Adult Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 300 pages

August 10th 2016 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc.

Ambitious career woman Leigh Taylor Cole and laid-back islander Deke Kearney have nothing in common—except a sizzling chemistry that turns their lives upside down and makes Leigh question her promise to bring him home to Seattle.

But Deke's going nowhere with the uptight mainlander. Until, that is, kidnappers threaten his son's safety and send the threesome into hiding in a secluded up-island cabin.

Proximity and provocative Maui breezes work their magic, forging a passionate bond between Leigh and Deke and forcing Leigh to face her greatest fear. And eventually to unlock a secret buried so deeply in her past, she's hidden it even from herself.

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble│Wild Rose Press

Molly Charles is the pseudonym of team writers Jena MacPherson and Joanne Otness. Lifelong friends, the award-winning duo grew up in Washington’s wine country.

  

Jena was a staff editor and travel writer for Sunset Magazine in Seattle. Joanne was an international flight attendant for Pan American Airlines with travel assignments around the world. Both love travel, dogs of all shapes and sizes, gardening, the arts, double-tall Starbucks lattes, and writing Molly Charles books.

They are drawn again and again by the allure of the Hawaiian Islands, especially Maui—the setting for their current novel.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Jena's Facebook│Joanne's Facebook│Joanne's Twitter

Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon eGift Card and an ebook of Passion Flowers by Molly Charles

Open internationally

Ends September 9th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast: Aspen Everlasting by Kathryn Cooper

Aspen Everlasting by Kathryn Cooper

Water splashed on all sides then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river.

“No. NO. NO!” I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn’t work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river.

Aspen Foster thinks she’s just a normal sixteen-year-old, but when her car’s caught in a flash flood, Aspen and her sister discover the superhuman strength they never knew they had.

Soon Aspen learns she’s not normal at all. She’s an Evermortal fairy, with powers beyond her wildest dreams. But the more Aspen finds out about her family’s past, the more dangerous her future becomes.

This riveting fantasy is full of action, adventure, and romance. Suspenseful and exhilarating!


Praise for the Book
"Aspen Everlasting is a fun paranormal romance. This is the perfect fit for young teens as well as adults who want a clean romance that is entertaining to read." -Jessica from Books A True Story

"Aspen Everlasting is a quick read, and packed full of action and suspense. . . I can't wait to read more from Kathryn!" - Tammy from Bluerose's Heart

"I love this book so much! It was fantastic! It was so imaginative and different. I've never read anything like it before and it drew me in right away!" - author Shannen Crane Camp

Excerpts

"Want me to come with you?"
I looked up at his grin. Of course I did. I'd been crushing on him since we were ten. Six years was a long time to have a crush. But...
"You'd better not. I'm picking up three sophomore cheerleaders. There might be too much girl drama for you to handle."
He threw his head back and laughed, then stepped closer. "I think you're right. I'll see you tomorrow."
Aspen talking with Nate

A large puddle spread out in front of us on the road. It looked like we could make it through, so I pushed harder on the gas pedal. Water splashed on all sides but then took control of the tires. The car swerved right toward the river.
"No. NO. NO!" I turned the wheel toward the road. It didn't work. Fast running water pulled the car into the flooded river. The girls screamed as we rode the car like a water ride at an amusement park. My brain froze. I couldn't think of what to do. The river took control of the car, spinning us around.
Aspen with friends driving in a Texas flash flood

September 1st to 7th

Aspen Everlasting will be reduced to just 99 cents on Amazon!

Author Kathryn Cooper

Kathryn Cooper lives in the heart of Texas with her husband and four young boys. She has read and blogged about other authors' books for years. She is excited to finally have her own book out for readers. Aspen Everlasting is her first novel.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Instagram

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 9/19/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: She Stood for Freedom by Loki Mulholland

She Stood for Freedom: The Untold Story of a Civil Rights Hero, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, by Loki Mulholland; Artwork by Charlotta Janssen
2016, 64p, Non-Fiction
My Rating=4 Stars
Source: Received an Advanced Reader's Edition from the publisher for an honest review



Joan Trumpauer Mulholland grew up in Virginia in the 1950s and witnessed the injustice of segregation firsthand. As a teenager, she joined the Civil Rights Movement, attending demonstrations and sit-ins. Because of her passionate belief in the cause, she was involved in several important and historically significant events, including

• The Freedom Rides of 1961
• The Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins in Jackson, Mississippi in 1963
• The March on Washington with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1963
• The Selma to Montgomery March in 1965

Joan says, “Anyone can make a difference. It doesn’t matter how old or young you are. Find a problem, get some friends together, and go fix it. Remember, you don’t have to change the world . . . just change your world.”

Filled with original photography, images of historical documents, and breathtaking original artwork, She Stood for Freedom is a celebration of the effect a single life can have on the world.

This story centers around Joan Mulholland, a white woman who grew up in Virginia in the 1950's who was passionate about the Civil Rights Movement. She was committed to do what she could and never backed down, whether her life was in danger or she wound up in jail.

I read this book with my children and, even though it's not very long, it took us a while to read because we had some great discussions along the way. It's filled with short stories about some of Joan's experiences, with photos and typed or handwritten documents and letters to give a better feel for that time period. It was interesting to read about some of the historical events from her perspective. There were some stories that I wish had been a little longer.

It's an inspiring read with a great message! Joan felt like an ordinary woman that saw a problem and decided to make a difference. I love her final line: "Remember, you don't have to change the world...just change your world."

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Deseret Book

Praise:

“Evocative mixed-media collages tap into the turbulence of the events discussed; aqua, rust, and drab greens provide the only color, melding with photographs, drawings, maps, newspaper headlines, diary entries, and official documents. The clear, direct narrative contextualizes Joan’s actions within the larger movement while explaining words like segregation for young audiences." – Publishers Weekly

“Mulholland’s courage and determination are stressed and explained in terms that young readers can understand. The colorful cut-paper-collage illustrations by Charlotta Janssen feature photographs and scenes that should be familiar to those studying the time period. Joan Trumpauer Mulholland is not a name that is familiar in children's books; this is an excellent opportunity to correct an oversight." – Kirkus

"Unheralded heroes walk among us-and in Loki Mulholland's case, in his own family. His mother, Joan Trumpauer Mulholland, was an early civil rights activist who took Christian tenets to heart as a child. Evocative illustrations alongside shocking historic documents… Euduring message.” – Booklist

About the Author:

Loki Mulholland is an award-winning filmmaker. His film, An Ordinary Hero, tells his mother's story and is featured at the National Civil Rights Museum and at www.anordinaryhero.com. He is the Executive Director of the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation.

Release Day Blitz: The King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt

The King of the Friend Zone by Sheralyn Pratt

Esme Taylor has an amazing fiancé, a lifelong best friend, and a problem.

The problem stems from the fact that her best friend is named Hunter and, well. . .he’s kind of (totally) hot. It’s hate at first sight when her fiancé, Jon, and Hunter meet. Jon’s convinced that Hunter is in love with Esme, and that Hunter must be out of the picture if their upcoming marriage is to succeed.

Esme thinks Jon is paranoid.

The truth is, Jon’s not that far off. Hunter is in love with his best friend and always has been. What Jon has wrong, however, is that Hunter never had any plans of ruining Esme’s happily ever after. Hunter wants what’s best for Esme, even if that’s not him.

When Jon pushes hard to end Esme and Hunter’s friendship, opposition comes from the most unlikely of places. It’s an eccentric lady with a cookie cart who suggests a different solution to Esme’s problem: Hunter and Esme should give each other a chance.

They’ve both thought of the possibility over the years—of course they have. But with a ring already on Esme’s finger and a heap of hurt feelings and broken trust in the mix, there hasn’t been a worse time to explore the depths of their feelings for each other.

Both Esme and Hunter think it’s time to move on and leave childhood crushes in the past. The question is: Can one woman and the taste of one cookie change their minds?

Excerpt

While everyone around Hunter ate and drank, Hunter swirled the liquid in his glass and watched his friends and family interact with Jon.

The man was suave when he wanted to be; Hunter would give him that. He wore the right suits, said the right words, and charmed the right people.

What a hero.

He was also several inches shorter than Hunter, which meant Esme fit neatly against his shoulder as they stood and spoke with all their guests. Esme looked so content as she reclined against Jon, and Hunter wasn’t the only one who had noticed. The last person who had commented on Jon and Esme within Hunter’s earshot had called them “two peas in a pod” as if there were awards to be won in the category.

Well, there weren’t.

In that moment, Hunter was very glad he hadn’t been drinking that night, because otherwise he might have gone so far as announcing that fact to everyone. There are no awards for being two peas in a pod, everyone. Oh, and by the way, you should meet this guy when he isn’t trying to impress you. He’s a bit of a prick.

But, of course, no one wanted to hear that. No one wanted to hear anything from Hunter tonight except for a glowing toast endorsing the golden couple.

He still hadn’t written anything, although he had googled a generic speech and printed it out. It was in his pocket now, but he hadn’t practiced it and reading the prepackaged speech was pretty much out of the question now, thanks to his dyslexia. Reading on the best of days usually didn’t go that well for Hunter, but when he was seething mad?

Yeah, that wasn’t happening.

So he sat and swirled and watched and tried to imagine what in the world he could say that wouldn’t earn him more frowns than his jeans had already earned him.

Then it hit him: Why try? Why not be honest?

There wasn’t a face at this party that he hadn’t known for the better part of twenty years—well, except Jon. His smug mug was as new as it was unwelcome in Hunter’s book. But everyone knew Hunter and they’d know if he vomited some fake, glowing speech their direction.

So why should he?

Why not be honest?

The idea grew on Hunter as the night went on and the praise for Jon became more and more abundant. The clincher was when Jon’s best man stood up and gave a speech that proved he’d probably met Esme all of once, and everyone in attendance nodded and beamed as the guy praised Esme in the most generic of terms.

According to whatever the best man’s name was, Esme was kind and compassionate and a joy to all those who met her.

Seriously? The guy had clearly never been within earshot of Esme when an ice cream truck passed in July playing Christmas music. That would redefine the guy’s definition of “joy to all those around her.” Yet everyone ooohed and ahhhhed and clapped until the guy sat and Jon gave his bestie an appreciative slap on the back with a look that said, Well done.

Then everyone in the future wedding party looked at Hunter expectantly. It was his turn.

In that moment, Hunter had a choice to make. He could either repeat the same lame puffery the best man had, or he could give the speech that had been building up in him like a sneeze all night.

Be nice now and freak out later, or let it all hang out? That was the question. And one quick glance at Jon’s arrogant face gave Hunter his answer.

Author Sheralyn Pratt

Some describe Sheralyn as a girl who's been around the block and worked at every shop. This isn't far from the truth. Writing is what she loves most, however. There's a magical power in stepping into new perspectives time and again, and seeing the world through different eyes. Few things increase empathy more than walking in another's shoes for 100,000 words or so. At least that seems to be the trend so far.

Some random things to know about Sheralyn:

* She's a wanderer (geographically)
* She can write a novel, but doesn't have the attention span for one page in a journal
* She vehemently disagrees with Stephen King's stance that authors should not watch TV
* She is pretty much incapable of sleeping before midnight

Website * Twitter * Facebook

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Giveaway

Ends 9/23/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway