Review: A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens


A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens

Publication Date: August 16, 2021
Atomic Alchemist Productions, LLC

Series: Time Traveler Professor, #3
Genre: Historical Fiction


The secret diaries of John Patrick Scott pick up at the close of 1917. British intelligence sends Scott to work undercover in Berlin with his old partner-in-crime, Wendell Mackenzie, as his outside contact in Paris. Back on the Western Front, Scott discovered his ability to see the ghosts of the dead. Unsure if that’s a blessing or a curse, he takes this one-step further, employing spirits in the world of deception and intrigue. As the Russian monarchy crumbles and the Red Baron meets his final match, for Scott, true love is always beyond arm’s reach. His long-lost patrons and paramours, Sophia and Francois PoincarĂ©, resurface but as potential enemies of the Crown.

Arthur Conan Doyle vows to retrieve his stolen time machine from H.G. Wells. Scott is still at odds with Doyle, who still refuses to publicly acknowledge his contributions for ghostwriting Sherlock Holmes, and Doyle encounters Harry Houdini in the most unlikely of places. Get ready for a wild ride. Time Traveler Professor, Book Three: A War in Too Many Worlds, pairs murder, mayhem and mysticism in a mashup where The Lost World meets The Island of Doctor Moreau. Stayed tuned for Book Four, The Story Beyond Time, the final book in this epic series.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

"Meticulously researched and wholly evocative of its time period; rich detail, immersive atmosphere and clever use of documented Victorian interests in the paranormal give Crowens’s latest novel distinct authenticity. The difficult task of channeling such bold and beloved icons as Doyle, Wells and Houdini is confidently and capably handled. Brimming with specificity, historic flavor and intriguing supernatural fancy, A War in Too Many Worlds is an impressive feat of fact weaving into fiction; sure to please history buffs as well as the more fantastical at heart in equal measure." -Leanna Renee Hieber, award-winning, bestselling author of the Strangely Beautiful and Spectral City series

"Pack your best time-traveling attire, your sense of humor, and your open mind. A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens, the third book in the Time Traveler Professor series, is a vibrant, explosive treatise on the intersection of magic, science, and spirituality. The book is both a loving nod to an era when magic and science were separated by a hairsbreadth, and a Jungian exploration of time, memory, and mysticism. Though the topics are erudite, the author’s wit and humor combined with karmic twists, musical accompaniment, and a historical who’s who, keep the book moving to its thrilling and unexpected climax. The entire series is highly recommended, and I can't wait to see what happens next." -Kerry Adrienne, USA Today bestselling author of more than thirty books in a wide range of genres, including paranormal romance, historical romance, LGBT, horror, and fantasy

"This genre-bending trip through time and space offers the same delightfully loopy charm as a Doctor Who episode—but with its own irresistible allure, as if Douglas Adams and Jules Verne collaborated with a little help from Kafka. Crowens jumps effortlessly from the mournful haunts of Berlin during the Great War to the unpredictable travels of H.G. Wells and Arthur Conan Doyle. Exotic—and yet strangely familiar—characters keep popping up to entertain us. However, even among the amusements are laments of lost loves and lost opportunities—along with ghosts (both real and imagined)—all of which elevate the story. Indeed, together with the many fantastic elements, we are moved by the strivings and desires of the all-too-human characters, who will stick with you long after you get to the last page." -R.J. Koreto, author of the Lady Frances Ffolkes and Alice Roosevelt historical mysteries

"Take your favorite elements for a paranormal mystery adventure— from Victorian times into the 20th century, historical (and then some) characters like Conan Doyle, Jung, Houdini, and a few surprises. Add the MacGuffin of a mysterious red book, and you will understand the delights of Elizabeth Crowens’s series featuring the Time Traveling Professor. Things come to a head in the third book in this delightful series. If you need to escape this world for a bit, try the one she has so beautifully built for you." -Jim Freund, host of radio program Hour of the Wolf, now for 50 years

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐

First, let me say that A War in Too Many Worlds has to be one of the most unique historicals I've read to date! It combines time travel, the paranormal, historical events, literature, famous authors and historical figures, mystery, and adventure! It's the third book in Crowen's Time Traveler Professor Series. Don't worry if you haven't read the first two books, the author provides a good summary of them at the start of the book. Although the author does suggest for readers to read the series in order. And I mean to definitely pick those up and see how this all began.

The book starts off in 1917. The Bolsheviks have overthrown the Russian government. The main protagonist, John is on his way to visit his close friend Arthur Conan Doyle. And along with him is his spiritual guide, Finn aka Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock is John's constant companion and provides guidance.

Doyle's time machine is missing and he suspects it was taken by H.G. Wells who wants to use it to travel back in time to retrieve an important red book. The time machine however proves unreliable and takes them to random times and places.

I don't want to give too much away, but trust me it's a fast-paced interesting read. I enjoyed Crowen's writing and you can tell that vast research has been done. There's a lot going on in the book but that just keeps the pages turning.

If you're looking for an out-of-the-box historical series, pick these up!

About the Author


Over 20 years in the entertainment industry, a black belt in martial arts, and a Sherlock Holmes enthusiast. Credits include: Black Belt Magazine, interviews for Black Gate Magazine, short stories in the Hell’s Heart and the Bram Stoker Award nominated anthology, A New York State of Fright, and two award-winning alternate history novels, Silent Meridian and A Pocketful of Lodestones and A War in Too Many Worlds being released in August 2021. She also writes in the Hollywood mystery genre. Member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, the Horror Writers Association, and winner of the 2020 Leo B. Burstein/MWA-NY Scholarship. She also writes in the Hollywood mystery genre and can’t stay away from black humor.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads


Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, August 16
Feature at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Tuesday, August 17
Guest Post at Novels Alive

Thursday, August 19
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy

Sunday, August 22
Guest Post at The Cozy Book Blog

Tuesday, August 24
Review at Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Monday, August 30
Review at Passages to the Past

Tuesday, August 31
Interview at Passages to the Past

Saturday, September 4
Review at Booking with Janelle

Friday, September 10
Feature Coffee and Ink
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of A War in Too Many Worlds by Elizabeth Crowens! We have 6 copies up for grabs!

The giveaway is open to residents in the US & Canada only and ends on September 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

A War in Too Many Worlds

Book Blast: The Rake of Hearts by Emily Windsor


The Rake of Hearts by Emily Windsor

Publication Date: August 23, 2021
Senara Press Ltd

Series: A Lady to Suit, Book 2
Genre: Regency Romance


When the heart is afire...
By his own admission, Lord Ernest Brook is a rake. With sapphire gaze, sinfully handsome looks and a duke for a brother, the pleasures of London have come with ease...apart from one. Ever since the gauntlet of her first wintry dismissal was thrown, the widowed Hebe Lock has stirred his deepest desires, but just what would it take to woo such a woman?

Sparks will fly.
Hebe Locke has vowed to never again fall for a scoundrel after her brief marriage to one left her broken and haunted. Now she finds comfort with paintbrush and canvas, but as a female artist in a male world, commissions are as rare as a ballroom without rakes.

A castle of enchantment.
As the heat of late summer warms the land, an ancient, moated castle plays host to a widow and a rake, both concealing passions contrary to their reputations. But as Lord Ernest awakens Hebe's desire and thaws her frozen emotions, can she hold true to her vow? Or can this rake win the one heart he yearns for?

Sensual Regency romance with warmth and wit, this tale also includes a disreputable aunt with a secondary love story, Cotswold country fairs, sinful masquerades and...a goat.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

A Lady to Suit Series

1 - The Duke of Diamonds - Out now!
2 - The Rake of Hearts - Out now!
3 - The Earl of Spades - Coming soon
4 - The Prince of Clubs - Coming soon

Praise

“Five gleaming stars for this amazing Regency romance.” -Bookbub Reviewer

If you love historical romance, you can’t do without this wonderful book.” -Goodreads Reviewer

“This is a beautiful historical romance where our author paints a picture just as well with her words as our heroine with her sketches.” -Bookbub Reviewer

“A little masterpiece.” -Bookbub Reviewer


About the Author


Emily Windsor grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and strong tea.

Unfortunately, you couldn’t study Regency slang, so she did the next best thing and gained a degree in Classics and History instead. This ‘led’ to an eight-year stint in engineering.

Having left city life, she now lives in a dilapidated farmhouse where her days are spent writing, fixing the leaky roof, battling the endless vegetation and finding pictures of well-tied cravats.

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Book Blast Schedule

Friday, August 27
Novels Alive
Bonnie Reads and Writes
What Is That Book About
Chicks, Rogues and Scandals

Saturday, August 28
Pursuing Stacie
Passages to the Past
Reading is My Remedy
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Sunday, August 29
Coffee and Ink
Saynab Reads Books
The Cozy Book Blog
CelticLady's Reviews

Giveaway

Enter to win a $15 Amazon Gift Card & an eBook of The Rake of Hearts!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 29th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Rake of Hearts

Interview & Giveaway: Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

Happy FriYAY, dear readers! Today on the blog I am very excited to share my interview with Author Elizabeth Bell with you! She is currently on blog tour for Necessary Sins and has graciously stopped by to tell us more about it!

This is a wonderful historical that I loved and that has received fabulous reviews from other readers. You can read my review here.

We also have a giveaway on Instagram! Pop over to enter to win an eBook! Enter here.

Interview with Elizabeth Bell

Hello Elizabeth and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Necessary Sins!

Thank you, Amy! I’m happy to be here.

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

I work in a university library, a researcher’s dream. I’m the author of The Lazare Family Saga, a historical fiction series that follows a multiracial family struggling to understand where they belong in the young United States. Two of the books were Editors’ Choices in the Historical Novels Review—all that research paid off.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

Since childhood. I remember in the second grade, my teacher would give us vocabulary words, and we were supposed to use each one in a sentence to show we understood what they meant. No matter how disparate the words were, I’d fit them into a story. At the age of fourteen, I chose a pen name and vowed to become a published author.

What research did you undertake when writing Necessary Sins?

The four-book Lazare Family Saga took me twenty-eight years to write. About a decade of that was researching, writing, and rewriting Necessary Sins. My father was raised Catholic, but I was raised Protestant, so most of traditional Catholicism was foreign to me. I really wanted to get into the mindset of someone dogmatic so I could unpack and unravel those beliefs. I attended Masses in Latin. I read memoirs by priests and former priests. I read hundreds of books on everything from the Haitian Revolution to Charleston architecture to mixed-race people “passing” as white to the Oregon Trail. I studied 18th and 19th century paintings, clothing, furniture, food, transportation, medicine—you name it! If it was familiar to my characters, I had to know about it. I did genealogical research on a real family who appear as supporting characters in Necessary Sins, the family of horticulturalist Philippe Noisette. I read whole books about roses and visited the places where Noisette roses are still grown in my adopted state of Virginia: the Lewis Gintner Botanical Garden outside Richmond and the Thomas Jefferson Center for Historic Plants near Charlottesville. Best of all were my research trips to the South Carolina Lowcountry, where I got to walk Longitude Lane in Charleston and the beach on Sullivan’s Island.

What inspired you to write Necessary Sins?

When I was eight years old, my parents took me to visit Charleston, South Carolina. I fell in love with the architecture and the gardens, the flora and fauna, the beaches and the food. I knew I had to set a story there.

Who are your writing inspirations?

Initially, Colleen McCullough’s The Thorn Birds, Alex Haley’s Roots, and John Jakes’s North and South. Later historical novels that inspired my work were Jewell Parker Rhodes’s Douglass’ Women, James Welch’s Fools Crow, and Kathleen Grissom’s The Kitchen House.

What is the last historical novel you read?

A Sitting in St. James, Rita Williams-Garcia’s outstanding family saga published a few months ago, set mostly in Louisiana on the eve of the Civil War. Full of fascinating, despicable, complex characters—including a bitter, racist French noblewoman who fled the Haitian Revolution, a striking parallel to my character Marguerite Lazare.

How did you come up with the title?

The concept of “necessary sins” is straight from my research. Near the novel’s climax, Joseph discovers the writings of 14th-century anchoress and mystic Julian of Norwich. Her Revelations include the line “Sin is necessary, but all shall be well.” Then Joseph sings the Exultet hymn, part of the Easter Vigil Mass, which includes the line “O truly necessary sin of Adam…” My priest protagonist, Joseph Lazare, has been trying to live a life without sin, but he comes to understand that that’s not only impossible but wrongheaded. Good can come from bad. When we screw up, we learn—and hopefully we become more compassionate.

What was your favorite scene to write?

I’m particularly fond of a certain scene at the end between Joseph and his soulmate Tessa. I had so much fun with the double entendres that Joseph doesn’t consciously realize are double entendres—but I trust my readers do!

What would you like readers to take away from reading Necessary Sins?

I want to transport my readers to the 18th-century Caribbean and to 19th-century Charleston. I want to make my readers’ hearts race. I want them to rejoice and grieve with my characters. I hope I draw readers out of their comfort zones. I hope they see American history in a vivid new way and not just through rose-colored glasses. I hope that my readers walk away with more empathy for their fellow humans.


Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

Publication Date: August 7, 2019
Claire-Voie Books
eBook & Paperback; 490 Pages

Series: Lazare Family Saga, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction


In antebellum Charleston, a Catholic priest grapples with doubt, his family's secret African ancestry, and his love for a slave owner's wife.

Joseph Lazare and his two sisters grow up believing their black hair and olive skin come from a Spanish grandmother—until the summer they learn she was an African slave. While his sisters make very different choices, Joseph struggles to transcend the flesh by becoming a celibate priest.

Then young Father Joseph meets Tessa Conley, a devout Irish immigrant who shares his passions for music and botany. Joseph must conceal his true feelings as Tessa marries another man—a plantation owner who treats her like property. Acting on their love for each other will ruin Joseph and Tessa in this world and damn them in the next.

Or will it?

Necessary Sins is the first book in the sweeping Lazare Family Saga that transports readers from the West Indies to the Wild West, from Charleston, Paris, and Rome into the depths of the human heart. Passion, prejudice, secrets, and a mother's desperate choice in the chaos of revolution echo through five generations. If you enjoyed The Thorn Birds or the novels of Sara Donati, dive into Elizabeth Bell's epic historical fiction today.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

“A feast of a novel by an extraordinary new voice. Haunting, meticulously researched, and exquisitely told through characters so human you’d swear they have beating hearts.” — Kathleen Grisson, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House

"From the ashes of rebellion to heart-rending forbidden love, Necessary Sins is a work of art. Bell's voice is a refreshing addition to the genre, and the breadth of her research is impressive. A strong start to a promising series." -- Jessica Cale, bestselling author of Tyburn

"A taut, compelling family drama with a fresh and intriguing setting. Necessary Sins will be a welcome read for fans of historical fiction." -- Olivia Hawker, internationally bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night

"A gripping family saga with complex characters, Necessary Sins is lushly detailed and beautifully written. I look forward to following the fortunes of this antebellum family in future volumes." -- Susan Higginbotham, author of The First Lady and the Rebel

"In antebellum South Carolina young Joseph Lazare discovers a secret that would ruin his family. Driven to atone, he becomes a priest, only to fall in love with a married woman. In this carefully researched historical novel Bell examines the way race, religion and class weave a web that Joseph may never escape. A thoughtful, vividly imagined and engrossing historical novel, highly recommended." -- Sara Donati, internationally bestselling author of The Gilded Hour

About the Author

Elizabeth Bell has been writing stories since the second grade. At the age of fourteen, she chose a pen name and vowed to become a published author. That same year, she began the Lazare Family Saga. It took her a couple of decades to get it right. New generations kept demanding attention, and the saga became four epic novels.

After earning her MFA in Creative Writing at George Mason University, Elizabeth realized she would have to return her two hundred library books. Instead, she cleverly found a job in the university library. She works there to this day.

Elizabeth is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, and she loves chatting with fellow readers, writers, and history buffs. Visit her at elizabethbellauthor.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, August 4
Review at The Cozy Book Blog

Friday, August 6
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Monday, August 9
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Wednesday, August 11
Interview at Books, Tiaras, and Lattes

Friday, August 13
Review at Coffee and Ink

Monday, August 16
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, August 20
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, August 25
Review at Robin Loves Reading


Excerpt & Giveaway: Cad's Trilogy by Cheryl Holt


Cad's Wish (Book One)

Publication Date: August 16, 2021


New York Times bestselling author, Cheryl Holt, delivers her new and dazzling ‘CADS’ trilogy, three lush novels filled with drama, heartache, and love forevermore…

Hunter Stone is London’s most notorious cad. He’s lived a life of debauchery and vice, and he’s the most dedicated bachelor in the kingdom. He’s renowned for his wicked ways, and he always has a beautiful woman on his arm to keep him company. But when his father suddenly inherits the family’s earldom—an elevation that was completely unexpected—Hunter is next in line to be earl. He has to marry quickly to secure the title and inheritance. What’s a cad supposed to do?

Hannah Graves is a modern, independent young woman. She thinks men are fools and idiots, and she’s decided to avoid the path to matrimony that most females are forced to walk. When her father died and left her a small inheritance, she fled her rural life in the country and used the money to open a bookshop in London. She’s proud of herself and delighted with the strong choices she’d made, but it’s not easy to be a female proprietor in a man’s world, and she constantly dances on the edge of fiscal ruin.

When Hannah meets Hunter, sparks fly and passion ignites. But Hunter’s corrupt reputation precedes him, and he represents everything she detests in a male. But he’s a handsome, wealthy scoundrel who always gets exactly what he wants. When he sets his eye on Hannah, how can she resist?


Cad's Pick (Book Two)

Publication Date: August 16, 2021


New York Times bestselling author, Cheryl Holt, delivers the second novel in her new and dazzling ‘CADS’ trilogy.

Warwick Stone is a rich, handsome cad. He revels in outrageous ways and enjoys his reputation as a scoundrel. But when his father suddenly inherits the family’s earldom—an elevation that was completely unexpected—Warwick has to marry in a hurry and start siring some heirs. As the consummate bachelor, who never expected to wed, the whole notion of matrimony is exhausting. He figures he’ll quickly pick a fetching debutante with a good dowry, and he’ll become a husband by expending as little effort as possible.

Wilhelmina Dobbs had an odd childhood. Her father was a famous artist, but a flawed and damaged man. As a girl, she followed him across Europe, standing in the background as he painted masterpieces and disgraced himself with his extravagant habits. After his death, she retired to the country to live quietly and paint too. After watching her father regularly disgrace himself, she’s sworn off all men. She can’t imagine ever marrying and intends to remain a spinster.

When Wilhelmina crosses paths with Warwick, sparks fly and passion ignites, but his corrupt reputation precedes him. He represents everything she detests in a male, but he’s spoiled and determined, and he always gets exactly what he wants. When he decides he wants Wilhelmina, how can she resist?

Excerpt from Cad's Pick


Chapter One

“No. Absolutely not.”

Warwick Stone glared at his father, Neville, but Neville could never be shamed or cowed. He glared back, his expression bland and infuriating.

“Why would you automatically refuse?” Neville asked. “You haven’t heard me out.”

“And I don’t intend to hear you. Hunter told me you were about to start nagging.” Hunter was Warwick’s older brother. “Your badgering worked on him, but it won’t work on me.”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yes, I’m very sure.”

They were sequestered in a parlor at his father’s newly-inherited town house, seated side by side on comfortable chairs. A warm fire burned in the grate to ward off the evening chill. For once, they were alone, which was odd. They were rich and entitled, so they carried on extravagantly, liking to loaf and wager at their favorite clubs and haunts. It meant they were constantly surrounded by hordes of people.

Neville, especially, like being in a crowd and the center of attention, so it was an unusual moment, and Warwick was trying to cherish it. But he and Neville had a difficult relationship, so their interactions were never smooth.

“Our situation has changed,” Neville said.

“I realize that fact. I’m not a dunce.”

“That might be debatable.”

Warwick had just returned from an extended holiday in Scotland where he’d reveled outrageously. The end of the stay had culminated with his winning a thousand pounds in a reckless hundred-mile horse race. His friends were still agog over it. It was the sort of antic he and his male kin were renowned for pursuing, and over the centuries, it had delivered all sorts of ruin.

He became more absurd by the month, and it was really quite amazing that he’d lived to be twenty-nine. Yet if he was negligent and foolish, he blamed Neville.

His father had been a worthless parent, and he’d provided no guidance or supervision whatsoever. Warwick’s mother had died when he was small, and he and his two brothers, Hunter and Sheridan, had grown up at Neville’s country estate of Stone Manor, while Neville had caroused in London.

He’d paid servants to raise them, and they’d been a lazy, unscrupulous bunch who’d had little interest in managing, and no ability to control, three rambunctious boys. Warwick and his brothers had wandered like a trio of abandoned wolf pups. There had been no challenge they didn’t accept and no feat they wouldn’t attempt.

As adolescents, then adults, they’d simply continued their rash routines, but their deeds were ever more dangerous. They had too much time on their hands, and they were much too brave. They loved trouble and mischief, and they exhibited an irrepressible amount of daring-do that could be astonishing.

Their impulsive conduct was only matched by their immoral tendencies. They possessed all of Neville’s worst traits and very few of his good ones. Actually, Neville didn’t have many good traits. He gambled and chased loose women, and he rarely engaged in any other endeavors. Even though he was fifty, he was still a debauched wretch—and he was proud of it.


Cad's Choice (Book Three)

Publication Date: August 16, 2021


CHERYL HOLT delivers the third and final novel in her fun and dazzling CADS trilogy…

Captain Sheridan Stone sails the Atlantic as a privateer who harasses enemies of the British Crown. He’s not a pirate, but he’s close enough. He lives a life of adventure, danger, and violence, but he was wounded in a battle. It’s left him weary, and he’s thinking of retiring and returning to England. He might even be ready to marry and settle down, but his bride would have to be the perfect girl from the perfect family.

Miss Sophia Cantwell is a poor relative with no dowry or prospects. Her father was a dreamer and schemer, and she’s possessed of his wanderlust and grandiose ideas. She wishes she’d been born a man so she could shuck off society’s restrictions and have the exciting future she’s always envisioned for herself.

When Sheridan meets Sophia, there’s an instant attraction, but he’s an earl’s son, and he’s convinced himself that he will wed very high. Sophia has nothing he wants, so she could never be the bride he imagined. But she just might be the woman who could make him happy forever.

Pick up the Cad's Trilogy on Amazon



About the Author



Cheryl Holt is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author who has published over fifty novels.

She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age forty, with two babies at home, she started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended up taking a detour into romance where she was stunned to discover that she has a knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.

Her books have been released to wide acclaim, and she has won or been nominated for many national awards. She is considered to be one of the masters of the romance genre. For many years, she was hailed as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and she’s also revered as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.

She lives and writes in Hollywood, California, and she loves to hear from fans.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Friday, August 6
Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 1)
Review at Across the Sky in Stars (Book 1)

Saturday, August 7
Excerpt at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Monday, August 9
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Review at Rajiv's Reviews (Book 1)

Tuesday, August 10
Feature at The Cozy Book Blog

Wednesday, August 11
Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 2)

Thursday, August 12
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 1)

Friday, August 13
Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner (trilogy)

Sunday, August 15
Review at Booking With Janelle (Book 3)

Monday, August 16
Review at The Enchanted Shelf (trilogy)

Tuesday, August 17
Excerpt at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, August 18
Review at Rajiv's Reviews (Book 2)

Thursday, August 19
Feature at Reading is My Remedy

Friday, August 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 2)

Monday, August 23
Review at Chasing Leslie (trilogy)

Wednesday, August 25
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Thursday, August 26
Review at Rajiv's Reviews (Book 2)

Friday, August 27
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Book 3)

Giveaway

9 winners will receive a copy of Cad's Wish and 1 grand prize winner will win all three books! To enter, please leave a comment below with your email address. Please note, your email address will be added to the author's newsletter mailing list.

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

Review: Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell


Necessary Sins by Elizabeth Bell

Publication Date: August 7, 2019
Claire-Voie Books
eBook & Paperback; 490 Pages

Series: Lazare Family Saga, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction


In antebellum Charleston, a Catholic priest grapples with doubt, his family's secret African ancestry, and his love for a slave owner's wife.

Joseph Lazare and his two sisters grow up believing their black hair and olive skin come from a Spanish grandmother—until the summer they learn she was an African slave. While his sisters make very different choices, Joseph struggles to transcend the flesh by becoming a celibate priest.

Then young Father Joseph meets Tessa Conley, a devout Irish immigrant who shares his passions for music and botany. Joseph must conceal his true feelings as Tessa marries another man—a plantation owner who treats her like property. Acting on their love for each other will ruin Joseph and Tessa in this world and damn them in the next.

Or will it?

Necessary Sins is the first book in the sweeping Lazare Family Saga that transports readers from the West Indies to the Wild West, from Charleston, Paris, and Rome into the depths of the human heart. Passion, prejudice, secrets, and a mother's desperate choice in the chaos of revolution echo through five generations. If you enjoyed The Thorn Birds or the novels of Sara Donati, dive into Elizabeth Bell's epic historical fiction today.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

Praise

“A feast of a novel by an extraordinary new voice. Haunting, meticulously researched, and exquisitely told through characters so human you’d swear they have beating hearts.” — Kathleen Grisson, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House

"From the ashes of rebellion to heart-rending forbidden love, Necessary Sins is a work of art. Bell's voice is a refreshing addition to the genre, and the breadth of her research is impressive. A strong start to a promising series." -- Jessica Cale, bestselling author of Tyburn

"A taut, compelling family drama with a fresh and intriguing setting. Necessary Sins will be a welcome read for fans of historical fiction." -- Olivia Hawker, internationally bestselling author of The Ragged Edge of Night

"A gripping family saga with complex characters, Necessary Sins is lushly detailed and beautifully written. I look forward to following the fortunes of this antebellum family in future volumes." -- Susan Higginbotham, author of The First Lady and the Rebel

"In antebellum South Carolina young Joseph Lazare discovers a secret that would ruin his family. Driven to atone, he becomes a priest, only to fall in love with a married woman. In this carefully researched historical novel Bell examines the way race, religion and class weave a web that Joseph may never escape. A thoughtful, vividly imagined and engrossing historical novel, highly recommended." -- Sara Donati, internationally bestselling author of The Gilded Hour

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

There is nothing that will grab my attention more than a hefty family saga filled with drama, secrets, and family dynamics, so I was very excited to finally read Necessary Sins and happy to report that it checked all the boxes!

The author takes us back to Antebellum South and delivers a raw glimpse into the times back then. It features the Lazare family and spans decades and locations. It tackles some pretty harsh topics such as slavery and racism which were hard to read and I definitely went through some tissues in a few scenes. Religion is also a strong theme in the novel, with the devout Joseph. A recently discovered secret about his heritage has caused him inner turmoil about who he is and his religion. His faith is tested even more when he falls in love with a married woman.

Necessary Sins is a door-stopper of a book but the pages go by quickly as the author keeps the reader entranced in the story. It's obvious that she poured her heart and soul into this novel and I'm excited to read the next book in the series!

This is a historical fiction saga not to be missed!

About the Author

Elizabeth Bell has been writing stories since the second grade. At the age of fourteen, she chose a pen name and vowed to become a published author. That same year, she began the Lazare Family Saga. It took her a couple of decades to get it right. New generations kept demanding attention, and the saga became four epic novels.

After earning her MFA in Creative Writing at George Mason University, Elizabeth realized she would have to return her two hundred library books. Instead, she cleverly found a job in the university library. She works there to this day.

Elizabeth is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, and she loves chatting with fellow readers, writers, and history buffs. Visit her at elizabethbellauthor.com. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, August 4
Review at The Cozy Book Blog

Friday, August 6
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Monday, August 9
Review at Rajiv's Reviews

Wednesday, August 11
Interview at Books, Tiaras, and Lattes

Friday, August 13
Review at Coffee and Ink

Monday, August 16
Review at Passages to the Past

Friday, August 20
Review at Passages to the Past

Wednesday, August 25
Review at Robin Loves Reading


Interview & Giveaway: The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Hello, dear readers! Today on the blog I have an excellent interview with author Vanessa Kelly that I am so excited to share with you! Vanessa is currently on a Blog Tour for the newest installment in her Clan Kendrick series, The Highlander's Irish Bride.

I hope you enjoy getting to know Vanessa and don't forget to enter the giveaway!



Hello Vanessa and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Highlander’s Irish Bride!

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

I write Regency and Scottish historical romance, also set in the Regency Era. I enjoy writing funny, warm-hearted characters, and books with adventure, a bit of suspense, and a lot of romance.

What inspired you to write the Clan Kendrick series?

It’s loosely based on one of my favorite movie musicals from childhood, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. It features seven brothers from a close-knit clan, and it also spins off from an earlier series, The Renegade Royals. I love writing stories about families, especially big families that have lots of quirky and interesting characters. I also love Scotland, so I thought it was high time to move my writing north to that wonderful setting and culture.

Have you always been interested in Highlanders?

My paternal grandmother’s family was Scottish, by way of Glasgow and probably the Highlands. So, for me, interest in Scotland was always lurking in the background. My first historical love, however, was Regency England. So it took awhile for me to merge the two.

What was your favorite scene to write?

That’s hard to pin down, but probably the silly cricket match in front of Kendrick House in Glasgow. Absolutely everything goes wrong, and the heroine finds herself in the middle of a ridiculous altercation with the neighborhood grump. It’s about to turn into a pitched battle when the hero appears and gets everyone sorted. It was fun to figure out the logistics and write a comical scene that also displayed my hero’s strong qualities and his ability to manage tricky situations.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Sex scenes are always difficult for me to write. I want them to be sensual and loving, but really say something about the characters. I find them tough because there are a lot of (excuse the pun) moving parts to a good sex scene.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always been a writer, even from elementary school. It’s probably the thing I do best, so it’s been part of my identity for most of my life.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

It changes depending on what I have to do and what other things are going on in my life. I try to write at least a few hours, most days, and it’s usually in the afternoon. I’m not a morning person. But if something else comes up, then I just double up the next day and do more writing. I try not to stress about it too much.

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

I am what’s charitably called a “discovery” writer. Which means I have to write a lot of words to figure out who my characters are, and what they should be doing. That means I can get 70K words down on paper and still only be halfway through my plot. I write a LOT of words that end up on the cutting floor. I wish I could write more economically, but that doesn’t seem to be the way my brain works. So it’s just something I have to factor into my schedule and deadlines.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I love many authors, all sorts, and I really admire those with a truly spectacular talent—authors like Georgette Heyer, Elizabeth Peters, Mary Stewart, or Deborah Harkness, for instance. Their books are groundbreaking and practically create new genres.

What was the first historical novel you read?

I think it was Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer.

What is the last historical novel you read?

Jewel of the Nile, by Tessa Afshar

What are three things people may not know about you?

I have fibromyalgia, I can’t eat garlic or onions, and I live in Canada.

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

History—I love the Regency period.

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

It varies. I love Regency and Victorian settings, but I also enjoy books set in the Biblical Era and ancient Rome.

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

Read, watch TV, and chat with friends—hopefully in person, soon!

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’m working on the next book in the Clan Kendrick Series, which is about Braden Kendrick, who is a doctor and scientist.


The Highlander's Irish Bride by Vanessa Kelly

Publication Date: July 27, 2021
Zebra Books
Paperback & eBook; 352 pages

Series: Clan Kendrick, Book 4
Genre: Historical Romance/Scottish


The latest in bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s intoxicating Clan Kendrick series shines a light on the most respectable member of the Kendrick clan—and the independent woman who stole his heart...

Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family’s estate to raise horses and manage her father’s magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland...

After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family—and himself—by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart—and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure...

Amazon | BAM | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop | Hudson Booksellers | IndieBound | Target | Wal-Mart


About the Author


Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages.

Vanessa’s first Clan Kendrick book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, her latest book, hit the top 50 on both the Barnes & Noble mass-market bestseller list and on BookScan. The Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller.

When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes.

You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa's latest news and contests--and to receive a free story--please sign up for her newsletter on her website.

Clan Kendrick Facebook Group | Facebook Author Page | Pinterest | Instagram | Goodreads


Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 27
Excerpt at Novels Alive
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Wednesday, July 28
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Review at Gwendalyn's Books
Interview at Books & Benches
Review at Debjani's Thoughts
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Thursday, July 29
Review at The Romance Dish

Friday, July 30
Excerpt at Reading is My Remedy
Excerpt at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews

Monday, August 2
Excerpt at SplendeurCaisse
Review at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Tuesday, August 3
Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Wednesday, August 4
Review at Novels Alive

Thursday, August 5
Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner

Friday, August 6
Review at Two Bookish Babes

Saturday, August 7
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Monday, August 9
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Wednesday, August 11
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, August 12
Review at Amy's Booket List

Friday, August 13
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour, we are giving away a paperback copy of The Highlander’s Christmas Bride & The Highlander's English Bride & a $20 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

The giveaway is open internationally and ends on August 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Highlander's Irish Bride



Interview & Giveaway: Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar

Hello, dear readers! I hope you all had a great weekend. I am kicking off the week by sharing with you an interview with Author Rachasel Huszar who is currently on Blog Tour for her new release, Then Came the Thunder! I hope you enjoy getting to know Rachael as much as I did and be sure to enter the giveaway!


Hello Rachael and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Then Came the Thunder!

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

My name is Rachael, I’m 30, and I’ve always had lots of fun with writing as a hobby. It wasn’t until the pandemic happened and I found myself with lots of spare time that I wondered if I could take my writing more seriously. THEN CAME THE THUNDER actually began its life as a script, and I used to just have it on my Drive and read it for fun or to cheer myself up. Since I was still doing that years after I’d written it, I knew I had something worthwhile and characters I loved that I could turn into a full novel.

What inspired you to write Then Came the Thunder?

I love ‘feel-good’ media, and shows/movies that are easy to watch, without sacrificing intrigue, action, or drama. Think Virgin River, or Anne With an E. I wanted to write something that had that same sort of slow burn plot with a strong setting and cast. Once I settled on the 1860s as an era, ideas just kept coming.

I absolutely love the title, how did you come up with it?

Thank you! I wish I had a cooler story to tell about the title, but it did just sort of come to me. Thunderstorms play a pretty pivotal role in the town of Three Willows, where the book takes place, and they end up serving as an important clue. I’ll leave it at that! You can expect to see the same sort of title formula for the remainder of the trilogy!

What research did you undertake when writing Then Came the Thunder?

I ended up looking a lot into the structure of the US before and during the Civil War. THEN CAME THE THUNDER is set in the New Mexican Territory, before it became a state, so I had to look into how territories were involved in the war. One of my favorite things I’ve done for research is visit the Texas Civil War Museum. I learned so much about the army’s medical practices during that time period. I’m glad I was able to get some of that information into the book.

What would you like readers to take away from reading Then Came the Thunder?

I’d like if readers took away the notion of giving people (including yourself) chances. You never know who might surprise you when you let yourself open up.

What was your favorite scene to write?

My favorite scene is one I called “CSI Willow Ridge” in my outline. After a certain event in town, Jessalyn, the main character, Sam, her boarder, and Roger, the assistant priest, team up to investigate. But, also, it’s 1862, so there’s no technology to help them out. Writing three very different people doing a task together and working with all the character dynamics and relationships in play was a blast.

What was the most difficult scene to write?

Endings are a big challenge for me, even during the outline stage. I can usually get to the 75% mark of a story confidently, and then just feel totally lost on how to bring it all to a close. I’m happy with the way THUNDER ends, but figuring out the timing of it all was tough.

When did you know you wanted to be a writer?

I started with fanfiction in high school, and tested out some original ideas when I met some fellow writer friends in college. I’d say it wasn’t until 2020 that I really felt confident enough to push myself a little harder, share my story with people I trusted, and give myself a chance. There’s so much advice for new writers out there that focuses on mistakes and pitfalls and what is and isn’t bad, it can be scary. I’d love to tell more novice writers out there that it’s okay to like your work.

What does your daily writing routine look like?

I work full time, so I’m usually only able to write on the weekends. I’m part of a weekly Shut Up & Write group that meets virtually, and I would guard that hour of writing time with my life. Sometimes it’s the only chance I have to work. Plus, I’ve met some amazing friends and writers through that group.

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

Honestly, sharing. I’m a pretty private person, and I’m not a fan of making mistakes, and I tend to keep my work to myself. Either because I think it isn’t good enough, or I don’t think other people would be interested or care. Pushing past that boundary has been really eye-opening, and this writing adventure has brought it a lot of unexpected support, and even helped me reconnect with old friends.

Who are your writing inspirations?

I’m a lifelong fan of Laini Taylor. I remember reading LIPS TOUCH THREE TIMES and feeling for the first time that words could be art. N.K. Jemisin is another favorite author of mine, I find her work completely inspirational as to what one can to with one’s writing style, as well as how to subvert it and keep the reader guessing.

What was the first historical novel you read?

The first novel I can remembering reading that struck me with a sense of existing in a certain time and place was THE THIEF LORD by Cornelia Funke. It’s more on the contemporary side (not to mention with a magical twist), but it painted such a vivid picture of Venice that I remember portions of that book to this day. Not to mention, I’m hoping to learn Italian someday!

What is the last historical novel you read?

A WITCH IN TIME by Constance Sayers. This was an absolute combo of historical adventures, chronicling the life(lives) of Helen Lambert, who has lived in 1890s Paris, 1930s Hollywood, and 1970s LA for reasons I would never give away.

What are three things people may not know about you?

My favorite animal is the lobster, I have a growing collection of taco-themed memorabilia, and I’m a big fan of late night baking, especially things like bread and pretzels. It’s just much more fun to do at night!

What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?

I love the transportive nature of historical novels, and as a hardcore fantasy fan, I love giving things a magical/speculative/supernatural twist. Settings are characters in themselves, and the more flavor you can give them, and the people who live there, the more connected the reader will feel. That makes it all the more fun to turn things upside down!

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

I was never the biggest historical reader, but my shelves have completely expanded within the last few years! One of my favorite quarantine purchases was a mystery box of 20 vintage historical romances from an indie bookstore that I’m working my way through. In general, I’m a big fan of music/movies/style from the 1970s, so I’d love to read more books set around then!

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

I enjoy swimming, and I am slowly but surely teaching myself to roller skate! I have the bruises to prove it!

Lastly, what are you working on next?

I’m working on the final chapters of THEN CAME THE THUNDER’S sequel, which I’m hoping I’ll be able to move into production before the end of the year, and after that will be Book 3!


Then Came the Thunder by Rachael Huszar

Publication Date: July 2, 2021
eBook; 160 pages

Series: Three Willows, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fantasy


Jessalyn Joy loves her husband, but she can’t help the feelings that arose when he volunteered for the Union army. When he comes back to her in a box instead of on his feet, those feelings complicate even more.

Jessalyn’s mourning period is cut short when something begins to attack the livestock in their small town, and greater dangers begin to threaten their provincial life. Thrown together with the new reverend, one of her own students, and a strange man somehow related to her husband’s passing, Jessalyn must find a way to stop the evils that threaten her husband’s first and ultimately last home.

Set in the Southwestern home front, Huszar blends a taste of fantasy into a startling down-to-earth world, creating a high stakes adventure for this strong female protagonist and her band of amateur sleuths.

Amazon

About the Author


Rachael Huszar kept her life steeped in stories from a young age, and she began her own journey in story-making when she reached adulthood. In the time since, she has taken up swimming, roller skating, and consuming tabletop RPG streams. She spends the bulk of her time with her dog, Silo, and works full time as a designer in Dallas, Texas.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads


Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 26
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, July 27
Review at momma_doc_reads

Thursday, July 29
Guest Post at Novels Alive
Excerpt at Wishful Endings

Friday, July 30
Review at Bonnie Reads and Writes
Excerpt at Reading is My Superpower
Excerpt at Books, Ramblings, and Tea

Saturday, July 31
Excerpt at Bookworlder

Monday, August 2
Interview at Passages to the Past

Thursday, August 5
Review at Novels Alive

Wednesday, August 4
Excerpt at The Cozy Book Blog

Sunday, August 8
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Monday, August 9
Guest Post & Excerpt at Lalitha's World of Serenity

Wednesday, August 11
Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Friday, August 13
Interview at Reader_ceygo

Monday, August 16
Review at Rajiv's Reviews
Review at The Enchanted Shelf

Giveaway

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Then Came the Thunder


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