Review & Giveaway: The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George


The Devil and the Heiress by Harper St. George

Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Berkley Publishing

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses, Book 2
Genre: Historical Romance


Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience.

No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw's ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author--if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn't insist on coming with her.

Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her--by his side, near his heart, in his bed.

Though Christian's burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It's going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter's love is true...

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Review

★★★★★

The Devil and the Heiress is another hit for Author Harper St. George!

Like Julia Roberts in My Best Friend's Wedding (which I adore), I used to not be into the "icky love stuff" BUT authors like Mimi Matthews and Harper St. George have completely changed that! Harper is definitely a new auto-buy author for me.

Hot off the heels of her amazing debut, Harper returns with an undeniably fabulous story featuring Violet, who is sister to August from The Heiress Gets a Duke (also highly recommended). Now that August has been married off, it's now Violet's turn, much to her dismay. She wants to be a writer and not pawned off to a man she does not live but her father needs connections for his business and his needs prevail, as they often did at that time. I will say that when reading books like this it gets my rage just exploding! It kills me that women were just commodities back then - to be bartered and traded and used as bargaining chips to further men's ambitions.

Enter Christian Halston. Swoooooon is the correct way to feel when he pops on stage. His family's debts have left him short with money and unable to keep up his estate so he is looking for a wife that will come with an inheritance. He's met Violet a few times and finds her intriguing, so she would be the most perfect match.

When Violet hears that her father has agreed to marry her to a vile man (oh how I wanted to jump into the pages and throttle him!), she decides to make a break for it. And I'm like " YES, girl..RUN!"

Christian of course is eager to help her escape, but not for the reasons she believes. What follows...well, you will just have to read it and see! Bwahahaha!

What I can tell you is that it's a hell of a read...fun, sexy, and the chemistry between Christian and Violet is off the charts!

It's the perfect read for the beach or pool, at least the heat can hide your hot flashes :) You seriously should pick this series up!

About the Author


Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, June 29
Review at Reader_ceygo
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Probably at the Library

Wednesday, June 30
Excerpt at SplendeurCaisse
Review at Two Bookish Babes

Thursday, July 1
Review & Interview at Books & Benches

Friday, July 2
Review at The Romance Dish
Review at Madwoman in the Attic

Monday, July 5
Review + Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner

Tuesday, July 6
Review at andreajanel_reads

Wednesday, July 7
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Thursday, July 8
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, July 9
Review at Nursebookie

Monday, July 12
Review at Anna’s Book Blog

Tuesday, July 13
Review at Bookworlder

Wednesday, July 14
Review at Lu Reviews Books

Thursday, July 15
Review at Novels Alive

Monday, July 19
Review at The Lit Bitch
Review at Into the Hall of Books

Wednesday, July 21
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Thursday, July 22
Review at McCombs on Main

Friday, July 23
Review at Chasing Leslie
Review at Amy's Booket List

Monday, July 26
Review at Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals

Tuesday, July 27
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Devil and the Heiress

Excerpt & Giveaway: Devil by the Tail by Jeanne Matthews

Hello, dear readers! Today on the blog I am super excited to share an excerpt from Devil by the Tail with you! Authro Jeanne Matthews is currently touring the blogosphere for her new release and is getting great reviews! I hope you will check it out and be sure to enter the giveaway!


Devil by the Tail: A Garnick & Paschal Mystery by Jeanne Matthews

Publication Date: July 20, 2021
D X Varos, Ltd

Genre: Historical Mystery


What’s a 20-something Union war widow to do in 1867? Start up her own detective agency with a former Reb P.O.W. of course!

Quinn Sinclair, who uses the name Mrs. Paschal professionally, and her wryly observant partner Garnick get two cases on the same day - one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, another to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. As the detectives dig deeper, they unearth facts that tie the cases together in disturbing ways.

This tantalizing tale of 19th Century Chicago comes complete with corrupt politicians, yellow-press reporters, gambling parlors, and colorful bawdyhouse madams. At every turn in the investigation, Quinn discovers more suspects and more secret motives for murder.

Not least among her worries, someone seems intent on murdering her!

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Excerpt


[Quinn] slept with the derringer under her pillow and woke at six to the complaints of a jay outside her window. Happily, the boarding house had invested in wire cloth for the windows to keep out flies and mosquitos, so the night had passed in relative comfort. However the sun was already beating through the lace curtains and left no doubt that it was going to be another scorcher.

The aroma of Mrs. Mills’ coffee roused her to a pleasant state of alertness. Her landlady had a percolating machine, which meant fewer grounds to pick out of one’s teeth, and she was a fine baker, as well. Quinn looked forward to her morning slice of Sallie Lunn or apple crumb pie. But it was the feeling of waking up free and independent, accountable to nobody but herself that gave her the most satisfaction. If she could make a success of the detective agency, it would go a long way toward making up for those years she languished in her mother-in-law’s elegant tomb of a house.

She donned a modest gray dress she’d worn during her half-mourning, braided her russet mane, and pinned it under a prim spoon bonnet. She didn’t want to be mistaken for a nymph of the pavement as she walked in a neighborhood teeming with brothels. She didn’t discount Winthrop’s admonition, or Garnick’s advice to beware of Gentle Annie. Last summer Annie took a horsewhip to her faithless lover, Cap Hyman, and flogged him through the streets, a ferocious show of love that persuaded him to ask her hand in marriage. In spite of the madam’s legendary antics, or perhaps because of them, Quinn looked forward to the adventure.

About the Author


Jeanne Matthews graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and has worked as a copywriter, a high school English and Drama teacher, and a paralegal. An avid traveler and crime fiction reader, she is the author of the Dinah Pelerin international mystery series. She currently lives in Washington State with her husband, who is a law professor, and a Norwich terrier named Jack Reacher.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 20
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Booking With Janelle

Wednesday, July 21
Review at Bibliostatic
Feature at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Thursday, July 22
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Friday, July 23
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Saturday, July 24
Review + Excerpt at Older & Smarter

Monday, July 26
Review at Amy's Booket List

Tuesday, July 27
Review + Interview at Books & Benches

Wednesday, July 28
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Thursday, July 29
Review at Novels Alive

Friday, July 30

Review at The Enchanted Shelf
Review + Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of Devil by the Tail by Jeanne Matthews! We have 2 copies up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Devil by the Tail

Review & Giveaway: The Girls from the Beach by Andie Newton


The Girls from the Beach by Andie Newton

Digital Publication Date: July 8, 2021
Paperback Publication Date: January 2022
Aria Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction


'We'd heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies...'

In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now.

When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they're called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes.

Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they're told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses' fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it's a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war.

In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for.

Praise for The Girls From The Beach

'One of my favorite books of 2021 and a true must-read for all fans of the genre. It's not just a story of friendship, but a story of patriotism, heroism, and selfless sacrifice in the name of freedom. Absolutely riveting!' – Ellie Midwood, USA Today bestselling author of The Violinist of Auschwitz

'A wild ride of a book, laced with beautifully flawed characters, impeccable research and a story that will make you cry with tears of joy and sorrow. A resounding five-star read!' – Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman

'What a story! The Girls from the Beach took me on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense. The Girls from the Beach is a testimony to courage, integrity and female friendship. And that ending – wow!' – Gill Thompson, bestselling author of The Oceans Between Us

'The Girls from the Beach is a unique and incredibly imaginative story inspired by the nurses who worked on the front line in World War Two. It is action-packed and full of unexpected drama around every turn – I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! Readers who enjoyed Newton's earlier books will be sure to love this one' – Louise Fein, bestselling author of People Like Us

Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | BookBub | Google | Kobo


Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Andie Newton is back again with another exciting, fascinating historical featuring some of the bravest women I've ever read about!

The book kicks off in 1989 with a reporter on the trail of a "story of a lifetime". His boss has asked him to write a piece on nurses in WWII he remembered a box that his mother had sent to him containing information and photos of when she was a nurse at a field hospital. He finds a diary that mentions the mysterious incident involving a group of nurses who went missing for five days, and that a woman named Kit may know what happened.

The book alternates between that time and back in 1944 where Kit, Red, Roxy, and Gail are nurses on the front line. One day they are asked to go on a secret mission to help tend to wounded soldiers behind the enemy lines, and despite the danger in that they agree, but they later find out what their true mission is, and it's even more complicated than they ever expected.

This book was a nail-biter for sure! Andie's writing is so good - she literally drops you into the scene like you are there, especially the scenes where the women are on the front lines, with explosions and death all around. I could see it playing in front of me like a movie!

This is a wonderfully unique historical that even readers who are "WWII'd out" can appreciate. It's a tale of the bravery of women, friendship, and fighting for your country. I highly enjoyed it and definitely recommend you checking out!

About the Author


Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Vichy and the author of The Girl I Left Behind. Andie holds a Bachelor degree in History and a Master in Teaching. She would love to say she spends her free time gardening and cooking, but she's killed everything she's ever planted and set off more fire alarms than she cares to admit. Andie does, however, love spending time with her family, trail running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 19
Review at Books, Writings, and More

Wednesday, July 21
Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Friday, July 23
Review at Passages to the Past

Monday, July 26
Excerpt at Books & Benches

Friday, July 30
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, August 1
Review at Girl Who Reads

Monday, August 2
Review at Novels Alive
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Thursday, August 5
Review at Two Bookish Babes
Review at A Soccer Mom's Book Blog

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of The Girls from the Beach! The paperback will be shipped to the winner at the end of the year.

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 5th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Girls from The Beach

Book Blast: The Amber Crane by Malve von Hassell

Hello, dear readers! Today on the blog I am excited to tell you all about the newest release from Malve von Hassell! The Amber Crane was released in June and is getting stellar reviews! I can't wait to read it myself as I loved her last book, Alina!


The Amber Crane by Malve von Hassell

Publication Date: June 25, 2021
Odyssey Books

Genre: Historical Fiction


Chafing at the rules of the amber guild, Peter, an apprentice during the waning years of the Thirty Years' War, finds and keeps a forbidden piece of amber, despite the risk of severe penalties should his secret be discovered.

Little does he know that this amber has hidden powers, transporting him into a future far beyond anything he could imagine. In dreamlike encounters, Peter witnesses the ravages of the final months of World War II in and around his home. He becomes embroiled in the troubles faced by Lioba, a girl he meets who seeks to escape from the oncoming Russian army.

Peter struggles with the consequences of his actions, endangering his family, his amber master's reputation, and his own future. How much is Peter prepared to sacrifice to right his wrongs?

Paperback | eBook


About the Author


Malve von Hassell is a writer, researcher, and translator. Born in Italy, she spent part of her childhood in Belgium and Germany before moving to the United States. She lives in Southampton, New York, close to the ocean and a bay beach where she meets flying sea robins and turtles on her morning walks with her rescue dog Loki. She enjoys reading, playing chess with her son, gardening, anything to do with horses, and dreams of someday touring Mongolia on horseback. Her works include the children's picture book, Letters from the Tooth Fairy, written in response to her son's letters to the tooth fairy; The Falconer's Apprentice, her first historical fiction novel for young readers; The Amber Crane, a historical fiction novel set in Germany in the 17th century, and Alina: A Song for the Telling, a coming-of-age story of a young woman from Provence in the 12th century who dreams of being a musician.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads


Book Blast Schedule

Wednesday, July 21
Passages to the Past

Thursday, July 22
Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Friday, July 23
Bookworlder

Saturday, July 24
Reading is My Remedy

Monday, July 26
Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, July 27
Reader_ceygo

Wednesday, July 28
Pursuing Stacie

Thursday, July 29
Coffee and Ink

Friday, July 30
The Enchanted Shelf

Guest Post & Giveaway: Burning Ground by D.A. Galloway

Hello, dear readers! Today on the blog I am happy to be hosting author D.A. Galloway who is currently on blog tour for his debut historical, Burning Ground.

D.A. will be talking with us today about The Hayden Expedition and he has created a wonderful map which traces the actual path of the Hayden Expedition through Yellowstone, coupled with the key events and locations that occur in Burning Ground as Graham travels with this group in 1871.

I hope you enjoy the post!

The Hayden Expedition of 1871: A principal reason Yellowstone was established as America’s first national park
by D.A. Galloway, author of Burning Ground


Much of the settling of the American West in the mid-1800’s can be traced to a desire to find the best routes from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Coast. After the Civil War, Congress passed legislation for a series of surveys that were sponsored by the Department of the Interior. Teams of explorers and scientists were commissioned to map and photograph the vast wilderness areas between the Rocky Mountains and the Pacific Ocean.

In the spring of 1871, Congress allocated $40,000 to finance a large survey led by Dr. Ferdinand Hayden, a regional geologist with the USGS. He selected 32 members for his survey team, which included friends and colleagues, previous survey participants, and a few political patrons.

Hayden was able to transport his large party at no cost to Utah using the Union Pacific and Central Pacific Railroads, then formed a large pack train that traveled from Salt Lake City to the Yellowstone region. The team was afforded protection from hostile Indians by a contingent of the second cavalry based in Fort Ellis, Montana.

The map below shows the route of the Hayden Survey in red (overlaid on a modern map of the park) as it entered the region and traversed through uncharted wilderness during the summer of 1871. I have also included the location of key events depicted in Burning Ground as the protagonist Graham travels with the expedition.


William Henry Jackson, a photographer, and Thomas Moran, a renowned painter from Philadelphia, were key members of the expedition. The artistic contributions of these two men undoubtedly influenced members of Congress to vote for passage of the National Park Preservation Act in 1872, which led to the establishment of Yellowstone as the first national park. In addition, thousands of samples of plants, rocks, geothermal waters, and wildlife collected by the survey team were donated to the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Below are some photos taken by William Henry Jackson in 1871.

(Courtesy of Yellowstone’s Photo Collection, National Park Service)


Annie, first boat on Yellowstone Lake by William H. Jackson. 1871

Crater of Castle Geyser by William H. Jackson. 1871

William H. Jackson – self portrait

A copy of an original watercolor sketch by Thomas Moran

(Great Springs of the Firehole River. Thomas Moran. 1871.)

Great Springs of the Firehole River (Grand Prismatic Spring)

One survey member, mineralogist Albert Peale, was a student of Hayden's at the University of Pennsylvania. Peale kept a detailed private journal of the expedition, which revealed key insights into the daily activities of the survey team.

Peale’s journal entries were key references as I wrote Burning Ground. I imagined my protagonist Graham interacting with members of this crucial scientific expedition as they spent over a month mapping the landscape and exploring the region around Yellowstone Lake. I coupled the actual events of the Hayden Expedition in 1871 with my own experiences in Yellowstone (during the summer of 1977) to construct an historically accurate perspective of the landscape and the wonders of the land the year before it was officially set aside as a park.

I hope you will consider reading Burning Ground. Discover the perils of an active geothermal area when there were no boardwalks, no automobiles, and no park rangers. Only raw beauty and potential danger. Perhaps you will fall in love with Yellowstone - like Graham fell in love with Makawee!


Burning Ground by D.A. Galloway

Publication Date: July 1, 2021

Series: Frontier Time Traveler, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction


Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever?

Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings.

Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey.

Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier - one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region.

Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians.

Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision.

Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future?

Praise

"When I finish a genuinely great read, it leaves me with a sense of melancholy because the adventure the author took me on through his work is now over, and I'm left wanting more. Burning Ground is exactly that sort of book. After Graham is set upon his course by his mentor Redfield, the rest of the novel is a page-turner; the action is nearly non-stop, and the situations which arise are entirely realistic and believable. Galloway's descriptions of late 19th century frontier life are vivid and detailed. It is clear that authenticity was an important goal, and Galloway hit the mark in descriptions of equipment, clothing, firearms, and other hardware. I felt as if I were there with the protagonist Graham, and when I turned the last page I was indeed filled with melancholy, proof of an excellent novel." - Brian R. Smith, Author of Samworth Books, A Descriptive Bibliography of the Small Arms Technical Publishing Co.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the story! I was amazed at the depth of Galloway's research, which extended far beyond the Hayden survey. The details on so many things the protagonist Graham experienced in Yellowstone all ring true. I especially liked the presentation of Henry Elliott, William H. Jackson, and Thomas Moran. Each person was presented in an unvarnished manner that was quite believable. Overall, the characterization of Lieutenant Doane is painfully accurate. The author captured the spirit of a man who felt entitled and was egotistical." ~ Kim Allen Scott, author of Yellowstone Denied: The Life of Gustavus Cheyney Doane


Amazon | Barnes and Noble



About the Author


David Galloway grew up in rural Pennsylvania near Gettysburg. After a long career in the paper industry and writing a bestselling non-fiction book, Safety WALK Safety TALK, he decided to follow a once dormant dream of writing a novel.Burning Ground was inspired by two memorable summers of his youth.

As a teen, David worked on a fruit farm in Pennsylvania. It is here he met Redfield, a Crow Indian who lived a simple life but had a profound effect on the way David saw the world.

As a young man, he spent a summer in Yellowstone National Park, providing guided boat tours on Yellowstone Lake. When he was not on duty, David explored all corners of that magnificent land, often in the backcountry. His love for our nation’s first national park is rooted in these experiences.

David is currently working on the sequel to Burning Ground, tentatively titled Fatal Ground.

He enjoys reading about adventurers and explorers, traveling internationally, riding a recumbent tandem bike, and spending time with his grandsons.

David lives in Springboro, Ohio with his wife Leesa.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon Author Page


Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 6
Review at Passages to the Past

Saturday, July 10
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, July 11
Review at Carole's Ramblings

Thursday, July 15
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, July 20
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Friday, July 23
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, July 28
Guest Post at Hoover Book Reviews

Friday, August 6
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

Enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Burning Ground


Book Blast: The Girls From The Beach by Andie Newton

I am super excited to tell you that The Girls from the Beach by Andie Newton is now out in eBook from Aria Fiction! I started reading it the other day and it's fabulous! I definitely recommend you picking it up!


The Girls from the Beach by Andie Newton

Digital Publication Date: July 8, 2021
Paperback Publication Date: January 2022
Aria Fiction

Genre: Historical Fiction


'We'd heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies...'

In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now.

When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they're called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes.

Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they're told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses' fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it's a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war.

In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for.

Amazon | Apple | Barnes and Noble | BookBub | Google | Kobo

Praise for The Girls From The Beach

'One of my favorite books of 2021 and a true must-read for all fans of the genre. It's not just a story of friendship, but a story of patriotism, heroism, and selfless sacrifice in the name of freedom. Absolutely riveting!' – Ellie Midwood, USA Today bestselling author of The Violinist of Auschwitz

'A wild ride of a book, laced with beautifully flawed characters, impeccable research and a story that will make you cry with tears of joy and sorrow. A resounding five-star read!' – Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman

'What a story! The Girls from the Beach took me on a rollercoaster ride of mystery and suspense. The Girls from the Beach is a testimony to courage, integrity and female friendship. And that ending – wow!' – Gill Thompson, bestselling author of The Oceans Between Us

'The Girls from the Beach is a unique and incredibly imaginative story inspired by the nurses who worked on the front line in World War Two. It is action-packed and full of unexpected drama around every turn – I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! Readers who enjoyed Newton's earlier books will be sure to love this one' – Louise Fein, bestselling author of People Like Us

About the Author


Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Vichy and the author of The Girl I Left Behind. Andie holds a Bachelor degree in History and a Master in Teaching. She would love to say she spends her free time gardening and cooking, but she's killed everything she's ever planted and set off more fire alarms than she cares to admit. Andie does, however, love spending time with her family, trail running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | BookBub


Book Blast Schedule

Thursday, July 8
Novels Alive

Friday, July 9
Bookworlder
Passages to the Past

Monday, July 12
Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, July 13
Books, Writings, and More
Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Wednesday, July 14
A Baker's Perspective

Thursday, July 15
Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Saturday, July 17
Older and Smarter
What Is That Book About

Cover Reveal: The Factory Girl and the Fey by Nadine Galinsky Feldman



The Factory Girl and the Fey by Nadine Galinsky Feldman

Publication Date: October 14, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction/Fantasy

Jane Thorburn straddles two worlds: her life as a “factory girl” in Scotland’s mills, and her birthright as fairy royalty. Abandoned by her parents as an infant, and uncertain about the true motives of the Fey, she learns to depend only on herself. All she wants is to be a great weaver and to maintain her independence. The Fair Folk, fighting for their very survival, have other plans for her, as does the handsome and charismatic Robert Stein. What life will she choose? And will she even have a choice? A historical fantasy inspired by the author’s ancestors, The Factory Girl and the Fey is an affectionate tribute to the women who helped fuel Scotland’s Industrial Age, from the workers to the poets…and to the Fey who remind us that magic is real when we believe in it.

About the Author


Nadine Galinsky Feldman is an author of women's and historical fiction. Her novel What She Knew was a finalist in the 2016 Next Generation Indie Book awards. The Foreign Language of Friends was a finalist in the 2012 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, Chick Lit category. It was also named a Gold Medal Winner, Women's Issues, in the 2011 eLit Book Awards. As an editor, Nadine produced Patchwork and Ornament: A Woman's Journey of Life, Love, and Art by Jeanette Feldman, which won the 2010 Indie Excellence Award for Best Memoir. Her first book, When a Grandchild Dies: What to Do, What to Say, How to Cope, provided grief support to an underserved population. When not working on her many writing projects, Nadine loves traveling, gardening, genealogy, and yoga. She lives in the beautiful Hudson Valley of New York state.

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Cover Reveal Hosts

Books, Cooks, Looks
Books, Ramblings, and Tea
CelticLady's Reviews
Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals
Donna's Book Blog
Gwendalyn's Books
Historical Fiction with Spirit
Jessica Belmont
Michelle the PA Loves to Read
momma_doc_reads
Passages to the Past
Pursuing Stacie
Reader_ceygo
Reading is My Remedy
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The Enchanted Shelf
Two Bookish Babes
What a Whimsical Life

Review & Giveaway: Burning Ground by D. A. Galloway


Burning Ground by D.A. Galloway

Publication Date: July 1, 2021

Series: Frontier Time Traveler, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction


Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever?

Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings.

Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey.

Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier - one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region.

Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians.

Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision.

Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future?

Praise

"When I finish a genuinely great read, it leaves me with a sense of melancholy because the adventure the author took me on through his work is now over, and I'm left wanting more. Burning Ground is exactly that sort of book. After Graham is set upon his course by his mentor Redfield, the rest of the novel is a page-turner; the action is nearly non-stop, and the situations which arise are entirely realistic and believable. Galloway's descriptions of late 19th century frontier life are vivid and detailed. It is clear that authenticity was an important goal, and Galloway hit the mark in descriptions of equipment, clothing, firearms, and other hardware. I felt as if I were there with the protagonist Graham, and when I turned the last page I was indeed filled with melancholy, proof of an excellent novel." - Brian R. Smith, Author of Samworth Books, A Descriptive Bibliography of the Small Arms Technical Publishing Co.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the story! I was amazed at the depth of Galloway's research, which extended far beyond the Hayden survey. The details on so many things the protagonist Graham experienced in Yellowstone all ring true. I especially liked the presentation of Henry Elliott, William H. Jackson, and Thomas Moran. Each person was presented in an unvarnished manner that was quite believable. Overall, the characterization of Lieutenant Doane is painfully accurate. The author captured the spirit of a man who felt entitled and was egotistical." ~ Kim Allen Scott, author of Yellowstone Denied: The Life of Gustavus Cheyney Doane


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Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Burning Ground is the debut novel by D.A. Galloway and what a debut it is!

When Graham Davidson is young he and his family are hit with tragedy after tragedy, leaving Graham to carry around enormous guilt. He wants to find his place in the world and has a passion for forestry. He beings working at a farm and meets a Crow Indian named Redfield that teaches him about their ways. They grow close and one night Redfield tells him about a "vision quest" where you can connect with spirits.

When Graham is at school at Penn State (which was where my grandfather went to school) he notices an ad to work as a Dock Worker at Yellowstone National Park. He needs the money to help with school so he quickly signs up.

One night when there is a full moon Graham tries the "vision quest" ritual and wakes up the next day, he's suddenly 100 years back to the past. He's in a Military camp and decides to join them. The Hayden Expedition is there checking out the area for the new Yellowstone National Park. That's where the action takes off as Graham has to deal with a lieutenant that does not like him, falls for a Crow woman, and fights off a huge bear.

I thoroughly enjoyed D.A. Galloway's writing and the photos he included in the book. I am very impressed that this is his first book and can't wait for more from him! If you're looking for a unique and fascinating read, check out Burning Ground!

About the Author


David Galloway grew up in rural Pennsylvania near Gettysburg. After a long career in the paper industry and writing a bestselling non-fiction book, Safety WALK Safety TALK, he decided to follow a once dormant dream of writing a novel.Burning Ground was inspired by two memorable summers of his youth.

As a teen, David worked on a fruit farm in Pennsylvania. It is here he met Redfield, a Crow Indian who lived a simple life but had a profound effect on the way David saw the world.

As a young man, he spent a summer in Yellowstone National Park, providing guided boat tours on Yellowstone Lake. When he was not on duty, David explored all corners of that magnificent land, often in the backcountry. His love for our nation’s first national park is rooted in these experiences.

David is currently working on the sequel to Burning Ground, tentatively titled Fatal Ground.

He enjoys reading about adventurers and explorers, traveling internationally, riding a recumbent tandem bike, and spending time with his grandsons.

David lives in Springboro, Ohio with his wife Leesa.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 6
Review at Passages to the Past

Saturday, July 10
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, July 11
Review at Carole's Ramblings

Thursday, July 15
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, July 20
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Friday, July 23
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Wednesday, July 28
Guest Post at Hoover Book Reviews

Friday, August 6
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

Enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Burning Ground

Interview & Giveaway: Erin's Children by Eileen O'Finlan

It's a fun day on the blog today! I have two posts to share with you and the first up is an interview with Author Eileen O'Finlan who is currently touring the blogosphere for Erin's Children! I hope you enjoy the interview and be sure to enter the giveaway!


Hello Eileen and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Erin’s Children!

Thank you. It's a pleasure to be here!

To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?

Sure. I was born and raised in central Massachusetts. Both of my parents were from Vermont and loads of relatives live there, so Vermont is like a second home for me. I earned my undergraduate degree in history and my master's degree in pastoral ministry. I work as an administrative assistant for the Diocese of Worcester and facilitate online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio.

My published novels are historical fiction, which is my favorite genre though I may add some other genres in the future. I especially enjoy setting novels in New England, probably because it is where I've lived my whole life so I know it best and love it. I love how a story takes on a life of its own as I'm writing. The characters often surprise me by doing things I never expected.

Erin’s Children is the sequel to your last novel, Kelegeen. What inspired you to write the series? Will there be a 3rd book?

As I neared the end of writing Kelegeen I started getting ideas for things that could happen to my characters but they were too far in the future to include in that book. I purposely ended Kelegeen in a way that begged for a sequel so I could get to all the stuff I couldn't put in the first book.

I think there will be a third book, but it will be set a little later with more of a focus on the next generation.

What research did you undertake when writing Erin’s Children?

All the normal historical research for the time period – food, clothing, the current events and politics of the time, etc. In addition, since I was setting Erin's Children in Worcester, Massachusetts, the city in which I work and very close to where I live, I did a lot of research on the history of Worcester in the 1850s. Besides books I made some field trips to the Worcester Historical Museum and Salisbury Mansion. I also took a walking tour of the Crown Hill historical district with a guide from Preservation Worcester. Crown Hill is the location where a few of my main characters live and work. A wonderful gentleman who lives there took me on a two hour tour of his home which is still very much as it was when it was built in the 1850s. That house became the home of Hiram Archer in Erin's Children.

What would you like readers to take away from reading Erin’s Children?

Erin's Children deals with the experience of the Irish who immigrated to America during the Great Hunger (aka Irish Potato Famine). That's where the title comes from – the Irish immigrants are the children of Erin (Ireland). They came because things in Ireland were so bad that for many it was their only chance for survival. Over a million Irish died during the Great Hunger and another million left the country. Upon arriving in America, they faced enormous prejudice and open hostility as they attempted to find work and a place to live and adjust to their new home while at the same time deal with the trauma from which they'd escaped. They endured the concerted efforts of the “Know Nothing” political party that was determined to send them back to Ireland. I hope readers will appreciate the hardships they faced and overcame and recognize what grit and determination it takes for all immigrants, no matter where they're from or when they came, to make their way in a new land.

What was your favorite scene to write?

It's hard to choose a favorite, but I loved writing about Kathleen's introduction to an American Thanksgiving.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Probably the scene where Kathleen meets up with Meg after leaving the boarding house. I rewrote that multiple times before I was happy with it.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I don't think I had a specific “aha” moment. I've been making up stories in my head for as long as I can remember. Whenever we had to write something for a school assignment, mine would almost always be the one the teacher read to the class, but I didn't think of it as anything special since it came naturally to me. I think I decided that I wanted to write novels sometime in my early twenties. I started reading Writer's Digest Magazine and books on writing. The first book-length piece I wrote was a middle grade story about summer camp. It wasn't very good, but I completed an entire novel and that alone told me that I was capable of doing it. Later, I joined a writing group which I stayed with for many years. My writing improved greatly because of that group. I finished Kelegeen while in that group. I missed it so much that a few years ago I started a new one. We meet once a week at my house to write and critique. We had to stop when the pandemic hit, but we've just resumed and it is fabulous to be writing together again.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

Since I work a full-time job I have to grab time for writing when I can. I am not a morning person, so my writing is usually done in the evenings. When I'm really into a story time can get away from me. I've been known to glance at the clock thinking an hour or two has passed only to find that it's 2:00 in the morning, I've been writing for hours, and I have to get up for work in the morning.

What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?

Time constraints are my biggest challenge. As mentioned in my answer to the previous question, I have to write in the evenings. I long for the day when writing is my full-time job. I'm also challenged by the need to do my own marketing. That is not my forte, but it is necessary. I had to endure a steep learning curve and I still feel as though I'm banging my head against a brick wall with it most of the time.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Louisa May Alcott, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Charlotte Bronte, Diana Gabaldon, Alice Hoffman, John Jakes, Phillipa Gregory, Stephen King, Anne Rice to name a few.

What was the first historical novel you read?

I think it was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott.

What is the last historical novel you read?

Hour of the Witch by Chris Bohjalian.

What are three things people may not know about you?

I was a gymnast when I was in my tweens and teens. When I was very young I lived in a haunted house. I wish I could have an exact replica of my grandmother's house built so I could live in it.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I get to live vicariously in another time period without having to personally experience the unpleasant things of the time. Those things may be in the story, but I don't have to live with them every day in reality. I think many people romanticize the past, thinking of it as quaint, charming, and oldy-timey” not realizing it was quite often dirty, smelly, difficult, and dangerous. I confess to having been like that myself which is how I fell in love with history, wishing I could have lived at the time of Little Women. That was before I really started studying history. What I learned disabused me of my romantic ideas but also gave me a deeper appreciation and respect for the people of the past.

What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?

The 19th century is my favorite, but the writing is more important for me than the time period. I want to read a good story no matter when or where it is set.

What do you like to do when you aren't writing?

Read, naturally! I'm a huge cat lover so I love spoiling my adorable calico Maine Coon. I enjoy spending time with family and friends, crafts, music, museums, and historical houses.

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I'm currently researching for my next historical novel. It will have a dual timeline of 1830 and 1973, set in Vermont, with the New England Vampire Panic as its focus.

I'm also working on revisions to a story told from the perspective of two highly anthropomorphized cats. It's hard to describe the genre for that story except to say it's women's fiction or domestic fiction except with animals instead of people.

I've enjoyed chatting with you today! Thanks for having me!

Thank you for stopping by!


Erin's Children by Eileen O'Finlan

Publication Date: December 1, 2020
BWL Publishing, Inc.
Paperback & eBook; 433 pages

Genre: Historical Fiction


In 1851 Irish Famine survivor, Meg O'Connor, buys passage to America for her younger sister, Kathleen, and arranges employment for her as a maid. Kathleen's feisty spirit soon puts her at odds with her employers, the bigoted and predatory Pratts. Driven from their home, Kathleen ends up on a wild adventure taking her to places she could never have imagined.

As a domestic servant in the Worcester, Massachusetts home of the kindly Claprood family, Meg enjoys a life beyond her wildest imaginings. Yet she must keep her marriage to Rory Quinn a secret. Rory, still in Ireland, eagerly awaits the day he will join her. But as the only jobs open to Irish men pay poorly, Rory's imminent arrival threatens to plunge her back into dire poverty.

On the eve of the Civil War, while America is being rent asunder by the fight over slavery, Irish Catholics wage their own war with the growing anti-immigrant Know Nothing party. Through grave doubts, dangers, and turmoil, Meg and Kathleen must rely on their faith and the resilient bonds of sisterhood to survive and claim their destinies in a new and often hostile land.

Available on Amazon

About the Author


Eileen O’Finlan lives in central Massachusetts with a calico Maine Coon cat named Autumn Amelia who likes to "help" her with her historical research and writing mostly by shoving her research books onto the floor, sleeping on her keyboard, and demanding treats at inopportune moments. Eileen loves Autumn Amelia.

Eileen also loves history which is why she went back to college in her late twenties to earn an undergraduate degree in it. She later returned to college for a Master's degree in Pastoral Ministry. Now she teaches online courses for the University of Dayton, Ohio. Seems she can't get enough of college.

She also can't get enough of books - reading and writing them. And cats. She can't get enough of cats. Since she's had at least one since the age of six, she can't comprehend life without a cat.

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Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 28
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Tuesday, June 29
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, June 30
Review & Excerpt at Niki Loves to Read

Thursday, July 1
Review at Two Bookish Babes
Excerpt at CelticLady's Reviews

Monday, July 5
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Tuesday, July 6
Interview at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, July 7
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 7th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Erin's Children

Book Blast & Giveaway: Shades of Gray Trilogy by Jessica James

Today on the blog I am very excited to be hosting the Book Blast for the new trilogy set for the Shades of Gray series by Jessica James!


Shades of Gray Civil War Trilogy by Jessica James

Publication Date: June 29, 2021

Genre: Historical Fiction

They started as sworn enemies. Can they open their hearts to love?

Shades of Gray Trilogy is sweeping Southern fiction that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.”

The Civil War Trilogy takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the enemy he has vowed to his men he would destroy.

This poignant tale of dueling principles, impossible choices, and enduring love is will keep readers thinking about it long after the last page is turned.

Duty Bound: Takes readers across the rolling hills of Virginia in a page-turning tale of action and adventure as a Union spy spars with a renowned Confederate cavalry commander. Gallantry and chivalry are put to the test when Colonel Alexander Hunter discovers that Andrea Evans is not only the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect, but is the Union spy he has vowed to his men he would destroy.

Honor Bound: This volume follows Union Spy Andrea Evans as she finds herself recuperating from an injury in the home of her enemy, Colonel Alexander Hunter. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the lives of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever.

Glory Bound: The series culminates in this emotional final volume that reflects the sacrifices of both sides and proves there can be no bond stronger than that which unites enemies. Immortal love, whence it flows, can never die.

If you want to give this Trilogy a try without buying all the books, the volumes are available individually here:

Duty Bound (Vol 1)
Honor Bound (Vol. 2)
Glory Bound (Vol. 3)



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Praise for Shades of Gray

“It is a book that I think could have the impact of a ‘Gone With the Wind.” – J. Noyalas, Assistant Professor of History

“The best Civil War fiction book since Cold Mountain.” – J. Bibb, SCV, Trimble Camp 1836

“A classic love story as much as it is a war story.” – Civil War Book Review

“Andrea and Alex will surely take the place in my heart of Rhett and Scarlett as the perfect Civil War fictional love story!” – A. Deyarmin, Reviewer

“I am reluctant to admit I enjoyed it (Shades of Gray) more than Gone With the Wind! This book takes you through so many emotions!” – Reviewer

“Not since reading Gone With the Wind have I enjoyed a book so much as Jessica James’s Shades of Gray! I could not put Shades of Gray down, from start to finish!” – S. Winch

“If you want to read a book you will never forget and will think about for months after reading it, read Shades of Gray. The book took my breath away. Honestly, you will not sleep.” – A Bookworm’s Dinner Blog

“This is what epic stores are made of. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book … especially if you love The Civil War. I will not get rid of this one. It is a keeper that I will read time and time again.” – T. Weatherby

“I’m a civil war historian with roots deep in the southern states and I couldn’t put this book down. I’m not usually into books with a romantic element, but Shades of Gray really is that good!” – B. Webb

Shades of Gray, first published in 2008, was later published as Noble Cause, with a new happily-ever-after ending. Destined for an honored place among the classics of the American Civil War, the Shades of Gray Trilogy is a book to read, and keep, and remember forever.


About the Author


Jessica James is an award-winning author of suspense, historical fiction, and military fiction ranging from the Revolutionary War to modern day. Her highly acclaimed Civil War novel Shades of Gray won numerous national literary awards, and is often compared to Gone with the Wind.

By weaving the principles of courage, devotion, duty, and dedication into each book, James attempts to honor the unsung heroes of the American military--past and present--and to convey the magnitude of their sacrifice and service. Her novels appeal to both men and women and are featured in library collections all over the United States including Harvard and the U.S. Naval Academy.

James resides in Gettysburg, Pa., and is a member of the Military Writers Society of America, NINC, Sisters in Crime, and the Romance Writers of America. She is a two-time winner of the John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction, and was featured in the book 50 Authors You Should Be Reading, published in 2010.

Sign up for her free newsletter at www.jessicajamesbooks.com and ask for a free copy of From the Heart: Civil War Love Letters and Stories. You can also find Jessica on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Book Blast Schedule

Tuesday, June 29
Novels Alive

Wednesday, June 30
A Darn Good Read
Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Thursday, July 1
Bookworlder

Friday, July 2
Pursuing Stacie

Monday, July 5
Passages to the Past

Tuesday, July 6
Books & Benches

Wednesday, July 7
Jessica Belmont

Thursday, July 8
Reading is My Remedy

Saturday, July 10
Books, Cooks, Looks
Reading Is My SuperPower

Giveaway

Enter to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Shades of Gray

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