tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55520209899141401752024-03-16T14:52:59.409-04:00Passages to the PastAmy's world of Historical Fiction book reviews, author news and future releases!Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.comBlogger2502125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-83458867050349812792023-05-01T14:11:00.001-04:002023-05-01T14:59:40.230-04:00Excerpt & Giveaway: Petunia 1949 by Leah Brewer<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-23604" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Petunia-1949_web.png" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Petunia 1949 by Leah Brewer</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: May 1, 2023</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123505908-proof"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
Spitfire, Petunia Hollings was born in 1935 in the deep South. She spends her childhood working the cotton fields and longing for her daddy to love her as he does her siblings.<br />
<br />
Spending time with her best friend Opal is one distraction Petunia looks forward to. Opal’s skin color was never a problem. Or so Petunia thought.<br />
<br />
After young love sweeps Petunia to a new life in Chicago, she learns to accept love as it’s offered instead of expecting more than one can give.<br />
<br />
When circumstances force her to return home, her friendship with Opal helps Petunia's fractured heart start to heal.<br />
<br />
Then a new, even more dangerous threat surfaces. Will Petunia find the strength to overcome the hatred surrounding her?<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/41R5KQr" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Amazon</span></a></h4>
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Excerpt</h3>
Petunia rolled over, and a wasp stung her right on the hip. She hopped out of the twin bed and landed a half-asleep gaze on the mattress. She better find the wasp before it got her again. <br /> <br />
Upon inspection, it wasn’t a wasp, after all. It was a stupid spring that dug into her side. Time to flip the mattress. If only her bones weren’t aching after working for hours in the field and garden, she’d do it now. <br />
<br />
She needed a day of fishing with her friends. Maybe she’d talk Mama into letting her skip out early to get them some supper one day this week. If not, she’d have to wait for the weekend, which would be better than not going at all. <br />
<br />
The back door slammed, and Petunia shot off the bed. It wasn't even five o'clock in the morning. Who would be up in the house? She slipped on her only pair of boots and tiptoed to the bedroom door. <br />
<br />
Voices drifted from the backyard. She eased the window up a notch and sat on the floor. She'd love to have a piece of cake to snack on. Or some pie. Her stomach complained by growling for what seemed like an entire minute.<br />
<br />That's what she got for thinking of sweets when she knew they didn't have stuff to make any of that right now. Maybe she'd take on some laundry from town to make enough money for another banana cake.<br />
<br />
The wind carried Mama’s voice through the open window. "Oliver Dewitt Hollings, I swear if I find out you've cheated on me with that Marshall woman, I'll kill you both!"<br />
<br />
Daddy balked. "Calm yourself down, woman!" His voice lowered, so Petunia leaned into the screen. "Ain't nothing going on between me and Gail."<br />
<br />
"Lies! She thinks she's better than me and our kids, but she looks at you like you're her man. Not mine!"<br />
<br />
Petunia clamped her hand over her mouth. Surely Daddy wouldn't cheat with that woman! <br />
<br />
"Your cockeyed notions are a pain in the neck, woman! I ain't tellin' you again. Nothing happened. Her leg’s broke anyways." <br />
<br />
Things got quiet for a few minutes. Petunia would give anything to see what was happening. Or hear what they whispered.<br />
<br />
Daddy spoke again, but his voice sounded different. "You ain't got a bit of room to talk about cheating. Not when one of the kids probably ain't even mine!"<br />
<br />
A crack sounded then Mama spoke between sobs. The hurt in her voice made Petunia’s heart lurch. "I told you my mama was a redheaded woman. Why do you keep accusing me of something?"<br />
<br />
"You say she was a redhead, but how do I know that for sure since we never met?"<br />
<br />
"Now you accuse me of lying about Mama's hair color?!?"<br />
<br />
Lloyd poked his head out of the little closet he called a bedroom. He walked over and slid down the wall, resting his hand on the floor beside Petunia's knee. "You shouldn't be listening to Mama and Daddy fight."<br />
<br />
Hot tears threatened to fall as her eyes searched Lloyd’s. "Am I Daddy's kid?"<br />
<br />
"Sure you are. Don't let his rantings bother you none.” He reached over and ruffled her hair. “Now go back to bed."<br />
<br />
"But Daddy don't think I'm his kid." Her voice came out flat even to her own ears. <br />
<br />
Lloyd’s shoulder raised in a half-shrug. "Who cares what he thinks? I sure don't. And if you ask me, you're lucky if you ain't his kid."<br />
<br />
Unable to hold the tears back, Petunia bolted off the floor and out the front door at a dead run. <br />
<br />
She ran until her legs were jelly, not caring she was in her slip of a nightgown. She had to get away from it all. And the bayou was the best place to do it. <br />
<br />
When she reached her destination, the sun peeked beyond the trees above the water. She stopped in her tracks and stared at the ball of fire's reflection. A fish jumped out and back into the water. Bright pink, orange, and yellow waves softly skidded in the circles the fish left behind. <br />
<br />
She rubbed the chill bumps that sprang onto her arms and breathed in the smell of early morning on the water. This right here was her happy place. <br />
<br />
It had been ever since Daddy got mad and cut down the swing Martin had set up in a tree for them to play on. That swing had been a piece of Martin after he passed away. Then Daddy took it away like everything else. All that had been left was ashes after he burned the swing in the woodpile. <br />
<br />
She allowed her mind to drift back to a time of carefree laughter and playing outside. Evelyn pushing her as high as she could go in their swing while Teresa pretended to have a tea party. Those days of carefree playing were few and had passed way too quickly. The memory shattered, and the people from those days seemed like colorful fragments of broken glass. Broken apart by too many days of mind-numbing work in the cotton fields.
She longed for a fishing pole to catch some good dinner and forget her worries. If her friend Opal was with her, she’d for sure fish. <br />
<br />
A branch cracked, and then someone cleared his throat behind Petunia. She spun around and met Verlon Marshall's questioning gaze. He raised his hands to display two cane fishing poles in one hand and a tackle box in the other. <br />
<br />
His eyebrows lifted as he set the tackle box at the water's edge. "Petunia? What in the world are you doing out here in your nightgown?"<br />
<br />
Volcanic heat traveled from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. "None of your business is what."<br />
<br />
He snickered and walked closer to where she stood. She bristled until he held his jacket out. "Put this on. You have to be cold."<br />
<br />
Swallowing down the smart remark, she accepted the jacket. "Thanks."<br />
<br />
He sat down on a log close to the water. "You didn't answer my question. Is everything all right?"<br />
<br />
She raised her chin. "Maybe I wanted to catch some fish."<br />
<br />
"Okay. Where's your equipment?" He craned his neck to look behind her. <br />
<br />
She rested her right hand on her hip. "My what?"<br />
<br />
"Tacklebox and fishing pole.” He scanned the area. “I don't see it."<br />
<br />
She stomped a foot, then instantly regretted it. "Because I didn't bring it!"<br />
<br />
He patted a space beside him on the log. "How about you join me then? Uncle Eddie was gonna come, but Aunt Gail needed his help with something."<br />
<br />
She glanced over his shoulder and shrugged. "I dunno."<br />
<br />
"Come on!" He pulled a fat worm out of a container. "You can keep whatever you catch."<br />
<br />
A good old piece of fried Perch sounded too good to pass up. And she’d always had a good time fishing with Verlon when they were younger. "All right then. But I ain't a baby. I can put the worm on my own hook."<br />
<br />
He raised his left eyebrow before handing her a pole. "Never said you was."<br />
<br />
Three hours later, she skipped home with a string of Perch, Crappy, and a Bass. She couldn't wait to show Lloyd! And Daddy would even be happy to see her if she brought home dinner!<br />
<br />
She walked past the barn, and loud crying caught her attention. She stuck her head in and sighed. Mama lay curled up beside the raggedy cat, bawling like an abandoned baby. Petunia meandered over to her and sat beside her.<br />
<br />Mama met Petunia’s eyes and raised her arms. Petunia wasted no time slipping into Mama's embrace and holding her close. <br />
<br />
"He left again, Petunia!" Mama got out between sobs. "Don't ever marry a man who don't love you with all his heart."<br />
<br />
Why would she say that? "Okay, Mama. I won’t.”<br />
<br />
She should’ve known. Her daddy was gone again. And it was all her fault.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Leah-Brewer.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Leah Brewer is a multi-genre author who writes clean novels. Even though she was the youngest of six and the only girl, she had a lot of time on her hands. She was born to her parents in a small town in Central Arkansas later in life. Growing up, you could find Leah playing make-believe near the White River or as she waded through water deep in the woods.<br />
<br />
Leah is a Writers Ink of Northeast Arkansas member and is currently working on her third installment in her Seeds of Faith series.<br />
<br />
Before she started writing, you could find Leah behind a computer working her telecommunications job that she’s had for over twenty-five years.<br />
<br />
Leah spends her spare time with her husband, Mark, their grown children, and her brand-new granddaughter, Charlotte.<br />
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You can find Leah at <a href="http://facebook.com/writingleahbrewer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">facebook.com/writingleahbrewer</a> or <a href="http://leahbrewerauthor.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">leahbrewerauthor.com</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 1</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 2</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://Instagram.com/tammyreads62" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy Reads</a><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wednesday, May 3</span></strong><br />
Review & Excerpt at <a href="https://connieshistoryclassroom.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Connie's History Classroom</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, May 10</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Older & Smarter</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, May 11</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.rajivsreviews.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rajiv's Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 12</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.girl-who-reads.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Girl Who Reads</a><br />
Review at <a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a copy of Petunia 1949 by Leah Brewer + $25 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/d3PGr/petunia-1949" rel="nofollow">Petunia 1949</a>
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</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI6i1TLotNldRaIsJa9-v4udE7jeKTK89Ur14ou8H2blyUWqfpWCXvimikQv_VUKeO_A6Swv3IOj6de549tGRLizVy3Av_we18vRwbZYqIA5Tzke9UvRxiSAsW53qo0IWs7WR7uUsSuPd-bK8msr8H4ifTUZiS7Uv0srBCS_USlD2khnctaHLZD-7/s645/petunia%201949_blog%20tour%20banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYI6i1TLotNldRaIsJa9-v4udE7jeKTK89Ur14ou8H2blyUWqfpWCXvimikQv_VUKeO_A6Swv3IOj6de549tGRLizVy3Av_we18vRwbZYqIA5Tzke9UvRxiSAsW53qo0IWs7WR7uUsSuPd-bK8msr8H4ifTUZiS7Uv0srBCS_USlD2khnctaHLZD-7/s16000/petunia%201949_blog%20tour%20banner.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-57861139246433756752023-02-22T12:52:00.005-05:002023-02-23T12:25:56.350-05:00Author Interview & Giveaway: The Rose of Washington Square by Pat Wahler<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylVX84szMBS5R0cnFBpZw-mcFxzSgEdRJJqB3NXnRqu-QcnK-vjg04QlT0g0eQlmHlWbCiSuNAOpQ2ysNp5dYG_7PprlXAwHhZVuEkUI1o_jukn_r8zf5MVMnZ6o7S7Aoc6NvQQY1oCDr3RdgqvSiIc6-NjsLvHCwwuBJ1mvEuCg7BQrbRKnWP3ey/s610/The%20Rose%20of%20Washington%20Square_web.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="610" data-original-width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylVX84szMBS5R0cnFBpZw-mcFxzSgEdRJJqB3NXnRqu-QcnK-vjg04QlT0g0eQlmHlWbCiSuNAOpQ2ysNp5dYG_7PprlXAwHhZVuEkUI1o_jukn_r8zf5MVMnZ6o7S7Aoc6NvQQY1oCDr3RdgqvSiIc6-NjsLvHCwwuBJ1mvEuCg7BQrbRKnWP3ey/s16000/The%20Rose%20of%20Washington%20Square_web.jpg" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O'Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll by Pat Wahler</h3>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: January 20, 2023</div><div style="text-align: center;">Evergreen Press</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/86203740-the-rose-of-washington-square"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<strong>She set out to make her way in a man's world, rising from obscurity into one of the most famous women of her era.</strong><br />
<br />
Self-taught artist Rose O'Neill leaves the Midwest for New York in 1893, determined to become an illustrator in a field dominated by males. Mindful of her duty to the impoverished family she left behind, Rose’s obligations require her to yield to the men who hold the reins of her career; as well as the men she grows to love.<br />
<br />
Yet despite every obstacle facing her, she excels at her craft, eventually designing a new character, the Kewpie. Her creation explodes into a phenomenon, but Rose’s disenchantment with the status quo fosters new ambitions. She must decide whether to remain within the boundaries dictated for her, or risk everything she’s gained to pursue the creative and personal passions that ignite her soul.<br />
<br />
With grit and tenacity, Rose O'Neill blazed an unforgettable path during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://books2read.com/u/mZ0aN2" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available in eBook</span></a></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
“Rose O'Neill was a trailblazer of her time, and her life is a testament to the power of perseverance in the face of impossible odds.”<br />
—Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House<br />
<br />
“A classic reinvention of the life of Rose O’Neill, the creator of the iconic Kewpie doll.”<br />
—Nina Romano, award-winning author of The Secret Language of Women<br />
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“From start to finish, this story honors the talent, devotion to family, and the success that was such a huge part of Rose O’Neill’s life.”<br />
—Readers’ Favorite<div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">Interview with Author Pat Wahler</h3><b>
Hello Pat and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about The Rose of Washington Square!</b></div><div>
<br />
Thank you so much for hosting me, Amy!<br />
<br /><b>
To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?<br /></b>
<br />
I’m a native Missourian with a family I adore. In addition to my family, my major interests lie in books and animals. Funny how books and animals tend to be two things that resonate with many of the writers and readers I know. <br />
<br />
As a kid, my mother took me to the library where I’d check out a stack of books each week. I’d read until she glared at me and ordered, “Get your nose out of that book and go outside!” I believe avid readers often transform into writers, and so it happened with me. <br />
<br /><b>
What inspired you to write about Rose O'Neill, the creator of the Kewpie Doll?<br /></b>
<br />
My first historical novel, I am Mrs. Jesse James, focused on a woman with Missouri ties. This worked out conveniently in terms of research as well as opening for me many venues who were interested in the book. I decided to find another woman connected with Missouri and Rose O’Neill quickly jumped to the top of my list. She lived a fascinating life; one that included much more than the Kewpies. From artist to sculptor to writer to philanthropist to activist and suffragist, it seemed to me Rose did it all.<br />
<br /><b>
What research did you undertake when writing the book?<br /></b>
<br />
I spent about a year reading and taking notes on anything I could find about Rose. Books, articles, and newspaper accounts to name a few. I spent a day at Rose’s home in Walnut Shade, Missouri, with incredible volunteers who are the keepers of Rose O’Neill’s legacy, before I started to write the story.<br />
<br /><b>
What was your favorite scene to write?<br /></b>
<br />
That’s almost like asking who’s my favorite child. If I have to choose, I suppose it would be the beginning, when Rose sets out full of hopes, dreams, and determination to make her way in a man’s world.<br />
<br /><b>
What was the most difficult scene to write?<br /></b>
<br />
There were several scenes related to deaths of people dear to Rose that were difficult, but the toughest death scenes related to two of Rose’s family members. I cried while writing both of them.<br />
<br /><b>
When did you know you wanted to be a writer?<br /></b>
<br />
As I mentioned earlier, I do think most avid readers at least consider the possibility of writing something of their own. I can remember at the age of six, writing five pages I illustrated, where Matt Dillon and Miss Kitty got married. (I couldn’t understand why the Gunsmoke writers couldn’t manage to make that happen when clearly it needed to!) As time went on I got braver (and a little smarter about writing stories) and began to submit my work. When the first piece was accepted, I was hooked. <br />
<br /><b>
What does your daily writing routine look like?<br /></b>
<br />
Routine? I’m supposed to have a routine? I tend to operate on deadlines, and sadly I cannot seem to multi-task. This means I need a project that’s been researched and outlined before I can actually write it. I do prefer to write in the morning when my mind is fresh, but I make a point of getting up periodically to walk, even if it’s only for five minutes. I found out the hard way that too much sitting is bad for the back. <br />
<br /><b>
Are you a pantser or a plotter?<br /></b>
<br />
I have to start with an outline to know where I’m going with a story, but when the book begins to take on a life of its own, I don’t mind making changes in the original plan. Perhaps that makes me a plantser? <br />
<br /><b>
Do you write in a linear fashion (scene by scene) or do you jump around?<br /></b>
<br />
My brain works best when I keep things in chronological order. If I have thoughts about a future scene, I’ll jot down notes on it to expound upon later, rather than risk forgetting an inspiration.<br />
<br /><b>
If your book were made into a movie, who would you cast?<br /></b>
<br />
That’s a tough one. Maybe Amanda Seyfried as Rose and Emma Stone as her sister Callista. I could envision Marcia Gay Harden as Meemie. I’d better stop there since it’s kind of fun (but time consuming) to Google people and try to match them up to my characters!<br />
<br /><b>
What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?<br /></b>
<br />
Trying to juggle too many balls. There are an unbelievable amount of hats that must be worn by a writer these days, and most of them don’t involve writing at all. I suspect this is not a challenge that’s unique to me. <br />
<br /><b>
Who are your writing inspirations?<br /></b>
<br />
Oh my. So many literary talents. Harper Lee boggled my mind with the simple beauty of her prose. Writers like Susanna Kearsley, Paula McLain, Kate Quinn, and Kate Morton never disappoint. <br />
<br />
What was the first historical novel you read?<br />
<br />
As I youngster, I gravitated toward historical fiction. Little Women. Black Beauty. Beautiful Joe. It seems I always enjoyed reading about the past. Probably my first adult historical novel was Gone With the Wind. I read it in middle school. <br />
<br />
What is the last historical novel you read?<br />
<br />
I just finished reading The Surgeon’s Daughter by Audrey Blake, and really enjoyed it.<br />
<br /><b>
What are three things people may not know about you? <br /></b>
<br />
In my former career, I spent decades as a Juvenile Officer, working with kids who had run afoul of the law.</div><div> <br />I’m a totally committed tea-drinker that cannot abide even the aroma of coffee.</div><div> <br />If life gave out a report card, I’d get an “F” for multi-tasking. In research mode I can’t do anything else. In marketing mode, same problem. Ditto with writing. Sigh.<br />
<br /><b>
What appeals to you most about your chosen genre? <br /></b>
<br />
I love reading and writing historical fiction because it brings the past to life in a way history books do not. It’s as simple as that. <br />
<br /><b>
What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?<br /></b>
<br />
I’m pulled most toward mid to late 19th century and early 20th century stories.<br />
<br /><b>
What do you like to do when you aren't writing?<br /></b>
<br />
I enjoy spending time with my family (I have the most adorable grandson who loves to read!) and I’m addicted to buying books. Stacks and stacks of books. <br />
<br /><b>
Lastly, what are you working on next?<br /></b>
<br />
I have in mind a woman I’d like to write about who made her mark in the field of medicine. However, as of yet I haven’t even started researching. (Did I mention I’m terrible at multi-tasking?)<br />
<br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/03_Pat-Wahler.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Pat Wahler is a Missouri native and avid reader. She is winner of Western Fictioneers' Best First Novel of 2018, a Walter Williams Award winner, and the winner of Author Circle Awards 2019 Novel of Excellence in Historical Fiction for I am Mrs. Jesse James.<br />
<br />
Pat has also authored a three-book contemporary romance series-the Becker Family Novels, and two holiday-themed books; all named Five-Star Readers’ Favorites. A frequent contributor to the Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, Pat is an avid reader with a special passion for historical fiction, women’s fiction, and stories with heart. She makes her home in Missouri with her husband and two rescue critters—one feisty Peek-a-poo pup and a tabby cat with plenty of attitude.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://patwahler.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://patwahler.com/blog/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Blog</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PatWahlerAuthor/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/PatWahlerAuthor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/patwahler/?hl=en" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/pat-wahler" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13504530.Pat_Wahler" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, February 20</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, February 22</strong></span><br />
Interview at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, February 24</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://www.thecaffeinatedbibliophile.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Caffeinated Bibliophile</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, February 27</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://createmt.wixsite.com/booksandbenches" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books & Benches</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, February 28</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.girl-who-reads.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Girl Who Reads</a><br />
Review at <a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, March 1</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
<br /><b><u>
Monday, March 6th<br /></u></b>Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlebutfiercebookdiary/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Little But Fierce Book Diary</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 6th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/axLaB/rose-of-washington-square" rel="nofollow">Rose of Washington Square</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-48069292549978202562023-02-15T09:17:00.009-05:002023-02-16T09:55:33.950-05:00Cover Reveal: The Orchid Hour by Nancy BilyeauToday on the blog I am stoked to share with you all the gorgeous cover for the upcoming release by Nancy Bilyeau, The Orchid Hour! I absolutely adore it and cannot wait to read it. I've read every book Nancy has written and loved them all, so this is one of my most anticipated reads of 2023! If you'd like to pre-order it now there is a special price for the eBook!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-23485" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/The-Orchid-Hour-cover_web.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Orchid Hour by Nancy Bilyeau</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: August 10, 2023</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lume Books</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Thriller</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/70121937-the-orchid-hour"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>There is a certain hour, in the dead of night, when the orchid’s scent can put you under a spell…</strong><br />
<br />
"<em>Nancy Bilyeau has created a beautifully layered and utterly seductive tale… and, at its living, tender heart, a strong-willed and magnetic heroine.</em>" – Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the Lie, finalist for the 2023 Sue Grafton Award<br />
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Nancy Bilyeau, author of The Crown and The Blue, returns with a tantalizing novel about one woman caught up in a secret nightclub that one can only reach through a certain florist on a cobblestone street.<br />
<br />
New York City, 1923. Zia De Luca’s life is about to be shattered. Having lost her husband to The Great War, she lives with her son and in-laws in Little Italy and works at the public library. But when a quiet poetry lover is murdered outside the library, the police investigation focuses on Zia. After a second tragedy strikes even closer to home, Zia learns that both crimes are connected to a new speakeasy in Greenwich Village called The Orchid Hour.<br />
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When the police investigation stalls, Zia decides to find her own answers. A cousin with whom she has a special bond serves as a guide to the shadow realm of The Orchid Hour, a world filled with enticements Zia has shunned up to now. She must contend with a group of players determined to find wealth and power in New York on their own terms. In this heady atmosphere, Zia begins to wonder if she too could rewrite her life’s rules. As she’s pulled in deeper and deeper, will Zia be able to bring the killers to justice before they learn her secret?<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>To be published August 10, 2023, in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia, in original paperback and ebook. </strong></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>The pre-order is on a special discount for the ebook: <a href="http://geni.us/TOHPre-Order" rel="noopener" target="_blank">geni.us/TOHPre-Order</a></strong></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise for Nancy Bilyeau</h3>
<strong>The Crown:</strong><br />
“Bilyeau deftly weaves extensive historical research throughout, but the real draw of this suspenseful novel is its juicy blend of lust, murder, conspiracy, and betrayal.”<br />
—O, The Oprah Magazine, pick of the month<br />
<br />
<strong>The Blue:</strong><br />
“Definitely a winner!”<br />
—Kate Quinn, author of The Diamond Eye<br />
<br />
<strong>Dreamland:</strong><br />
“I could practically taste the salt-water taffy and smell the ocean air as I read Bilyeau’s latest, set in 1911 Coney Island. Beautifully written and impeccably researched, DREAMLAND is a rollicking ride.”
—Fiona Davis, author of The Magnolia Palace<br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/03_Nancy-Bilyeau-257x300.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Nancy Bilyeau is a historical novelist and magazine editor based in New York. She wrote the Joanna Stafford trilogy, a trio of thrillers set in Henry VIII’s England, for Simon & Schuster. Her fourth novel is The Blue, an 18th-century thriller revolving around the art and porcelain world. Her next novel is Dreamland, set in Coney Island of 1911, to be published by Endeavour Quill on January 16, 2020. A former staff editor at Rolling Stone, Entertainment Weekly, and InStyle, Nancy is currently the deputy editor at the Center on Media, Crime and Justice at John Jay College and contributes to Town & Country, CrimeReads, and Mystery Scene magazine.</div>
<br />
To learn more, go to <a href="http://www.nancybilyeau.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.nancybilyeau.com</a>. You can follow Nancy on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/NancyBilyeauAuthor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Tudorscribe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/nancy-bilyeau" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4747988.Nancy_Bilyeau" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br /><br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">Cover Reveal Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, February 15</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, February 16</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://imintobooks.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I'm Into Books</a><br />
<a href="http://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gwendalyn's Books</a><br />
<a href="http://impressionsinink.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Impressions In Ink</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/catreader18" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Reading Getaway</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, February 17</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://Mirandasbookscape.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Miranda's Bookscape</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, February 18</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://onebookmore.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">One Book More</a><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sunday, February 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, February 20</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://thelitbitch.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Lit Bitch</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/booksintheirnaturalhabitat/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books In Their Natural Habitat</a><br />
<a href="http://www.historywomanperspective.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, February 21</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookworlder</a><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/amysbookshelf82" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amy's Bookshelf</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, February 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-30907888619568379572023-02-10T14:18:00.000-05:002023-02-10T14:18:04.747-05:00Excerpt & Giveaway: The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-23352" height="500" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Genes-of-Isis.jpg" width="331" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: August 28, 2018</div><div style="text-align: center;">Troubador/Matador</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fantasy</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40249794-the-genes-of-isis"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-11498 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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Akasha is a precocious girl, born into a world where oceans circulate in the sky waters. She dreams of releasing the Surge, the next evolutionary step for an embryonic human race. But it’s dormant, trapped inside every human.<br />
<br />
Horque is a Solarii, a tribe of angels who’ve manifested in human form and settled in ancient Egypt. Desperate to return home, they must first undo the devastation caused by the Helios, another tribe of angels who came to Earth to deliver the Surge and instead left humanity on the brink of extinction and sired a race of interspecies monsters: the hybrids.<br />
<br />
When Akasha foretells the falling of the sky waters and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Genes-Isis-Justin-Newland-ebook/dp/B07D7FMDZG?ref_=ast_sto_dp" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Genes-Isis-Justin-Newland-ebook/dp/B07D7FMDZG/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=genes+of+isis&qid=1671552295&sr=8-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></span></h4><h4 style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Author Justin Newland reads an excerpt from The Genes of Isis</span></b></h4><div><center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9jAcyq1958Y" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-20049" height="319" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/NOVELS-BY-JUSTIN-NEWLAND.png" width="625" /></div>
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Justin-Newland.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div><div>
<center></center>JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical fiction and crime, to supernatural thrillers and mystery. His stories deal with the themes of war, religion, evolution and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe.<br />
<br />
Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he found his way to the creative keyboard and conceived his debut novel, <em>The Genes of Isis</em> (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.<br />
<br />
Next came the historical fantasy, <em>The Old Dragon’s Head</em> (Matador, 2018), set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.<br />
<br />
His next historical fantasy, <em>The Coronation</em> (Matador, 2019), speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.<br />
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His fourth, <em>The Abdication</em> (Matador, 2021), is a supernatural thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith.<br />
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His work in progress is a two-book series, <em>The Island of Angels</em>, set in Elizabethan England. The first novel, <em>The Mark of the Salamander</em>, explores the significance of Francis
Drake’s circumnavigation of the world. The second, <em>The Midnight of Eights</em>, culminates in the repulse of the Spanish Armada in 1588.<br />
<br />
He was born three days before the end of 1953 and lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.justinnewland.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/justin.newland.338" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13741278.Justin_Newland" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
We have two copies of The Genes of Isis by Justin Newland up for grabs!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 10th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/F4aTq/the-genes-of-isis" rel="nofollow">The Genes of Isis</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23474" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/The-Genes-of-Isis_-Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
</div></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-17277294338880246372023-02-01T13:29:00.003-05:002023-02-01T13:29:21.854-05:00Kickstarter Book Blast: The White Sails Series by Emma Lombard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPEBZn7qj6MlcF50GD44XCZWt6xvHV8s3yP7Ayar9w3_EXiLCeaE5gM77j_V3IK0pPXRMpn1m0zFjyZaA1teP7DhfJ8TMcmxhZcdvl-07r6crN9pp5LBH5JRjccj_ZwP16Cc8oM1pWoSG83fPesshenm-S1d292IdFeCwFcZRkc4PkDrCQ6niu-Me/s886/Kickstarted%20Promo%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="886" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPEBZn7qj6MlcF50GD44XCZWt6xvHV8s3yP7Ayar9w3_EXiLCeaE5gM77j_V3IK0pPXRMpn1m0zFjyZaA1teP7DhfJ8TMcmxhZcdvl-07r6crN9pp5LBH5JRjccj_ZwP16Cc8oM1pWoSG83fPesshenm-S1d292IdFeCwFcZRkc4PkDrCQ6niu-Me/w490-h490/Kickstarted%20Promo%201.jpg" width="490" /></a></div><br /><h3 style="text-align: center;"><b style="font-size: x-large;">The White Sails Series: Special Hardback Omnibus by Emma Lombard</b></h3><div style="text-align: center;">If Bridgerton and Pirates of the Caribbean had a love child.</div><p style="text-align: center;">Are you a fan of sweeping romantic adventures?<br />
Do you fall for tall, brooding Naval Officers?<br />
Love a feisty female lead who makes you yell aloud?</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Then hop aboard Emma Lombard's hardback Collector's Edition of The White Sails Series, and batten down the hatches!</strong></p><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">But Why?</h3>
Well, firstly, let me tell you what my Kickstarter campaign isn't. It isn't a plea for donations, it's not a beg for money, and it's not just another retailer.<br>
<br>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Okay, so what is it then?</h3>
Kickstarter is a wonderful way for me to give more to my fans.<br />
<br />
It allows fans access to a special collector's edition that is not (and will never be) available from online retailers.<br />
<br />
It allows fans to have each and every copy personalised, which is just not doable on retailers.<br />
<br />
It also allows fans a more intimate view of the story behind my series.<br />
<br />
And best of all, it allows fans to get involved in my next series, whether through an exclusive sneak peek of the first draft or even having a character named after them.<br />
<br />
Oh, and did I mention there's an opportunity to win the original oil painting of the cover?<br />
<br />
Where else in the world do you get all this extra cool stuff thrown in just because you bought a book?<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">What's in it for you, Emma?</h3>
Without wanting to sound too cheesy, I'm beside myself to put such a pretty book out in the world. I'm mean, just look at that dreamy sunset! I'm not going to lie, I love a chunky book. This collector's edition fulfils my ultimate author dream—to be able to hold (and smell) a weighty tome. I'm not the only one—I've had folks walk up to my books at the market and pick them up just to smell them! My kind of peeps!<br />
<br />
I know it's taboo to talk about money, but the pledges received for this campaign will help me recoup some of the upfront expenses that I have already laid out, like editing, book cover design, audiobook narration, and it will give me the momentum I need to invest in those same services for my next series, The Gold Hills Series.<br />
<br />
You'll be helping keep the indie publishing ecosphere turning, which in turn lets me keep creating more stories.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">So, what's The White Sails Series about?</h3>
One of my readers described it best: If Bridgerton and Pirates of the Caribbean had a love child.<br />
<br />
The idea for this series was born from a tiny nugget of family gossip that my grandmother shared with me. She told me how my 3x great grandmother left her well-to-do family in England to elope with an English sea captain, and live aboard his ship with him.<br />
<br />
I took the basic concept of this story and had a blast creating an entirely fictitious imagining of what it might have been like for a woman to live aboard a ship in those days. Quite ironic considering that I get terribly sea-sick myself.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Curious? Never seen what a Kickstarter campaign looks like?</h3>
Just looking: Take an exclusive pre-launch look at Emma's campaign to see it in detail, click <strong><a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/emma-lombard-author/the-white-sails-series-special-hardback-omnibus-audiobook?ref=4hd9mv">HERE</a></strong>.<br />
<br />
Note: clicking on this link will not sign you up to anything, it's simply an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.<br />
<br />
To follow the campaign: Open the campaign, and click 'Notify me on launch' button at the top of the page<div><br />
Note: this will not commit you to any pledges, it's how you will be able to have ring-side seats to watch the campaign play out.<br />
<br>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Batten down the hatches, m’lovelies, for a chance to win an exclusive, personalised, hardcover Collector’s Edition of The White Sails Series: Fill out the entry form <strong><a href="https://forms.gle/Be1snbRhVZzcKyKY7">HERE</a></strong>.<br />
<br>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Blast Hosts</h3>
<a href="https://www.booksandbenches.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books & Benches</a><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
<a href="https://bookscookslooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Cooks, Looks</a><br />
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Elodie.Is.Always.Reading" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elodie’s Reading Corner</a><br />
<a href="http://www.caroleraesrandomramblings.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Carole's Ramblings</a><br />
<a href="https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Reading Getaway</a><br />
<a href="http://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gwendalyn's Books</a><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/bookishmya/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookish Mya</a><br />
<a href="https://imintobooks.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I'm Into Books</a><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading Is My Remedy</a><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
<a href="http://www.historywomanperspective.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
<a href="http://jorielovesastory.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jorie Loves a Story</a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23441" height="363" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/promo-2.png" width="645" /></div>
</div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-48428451152376895482022-12-30T14:35:00.002-05:002022-12-30T14:35:17.309-05:00Book Blast: The Lives of Lilly Parris by Daniel Sugar<center><img alt="" class="size-full wp-image-23364 aligncenter" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-One.jpg" width="350" /></center>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Salem Burning (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book 1) by Daniel Sugar</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: February 20, 2018</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">In 1692, a disreputable young man named Kyle Edwards breaks his engagement by accusing his fiancee, Lilly Parris, of witchcraft.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">Kyle is a liar; he does not believe in witchcraft, he is simply trying to get rid of Lilly. But Kyle is in for a shock because, as it turns out, Lilly really is a witch.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"Salem Burning" is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the Salem witch trials.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23366" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-Two.jpg" width="350" /></p>
<h3><center>The Witch And The Guillotine (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book 2)
by Daniel Sugar</center></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: January 26, 2019</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After narrowly escaping the horrors of the Salem witch trials, Lilly Parris comes of age in 18th Century France, where she is pampered by Louis XVI and pursued by one of history's greatest fiends: Maximilien Robespierre, the monster who sent thousands of innocent men, women and children to the guillotine.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"The Witch and the Guillotine" is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the French Revolution.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23365" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-Three.jpg" width="350" /></p>
<h3><center>The Witch and the Revolution (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book 3)
by Daniel Sugar</center></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: March 23, 2020</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the Tsar's subjects turn against him, Lilly Parris races to save Anastasia Romanov and her brother Alexis - the heir to the Russian throne.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Witch and the Revolution is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the Russian Revolution.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23363" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-Four.jpg" width="350" /></p>
<h3><center>The Witch And The Resistance (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book 4)
by Daniel Sugar</center></h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: November 13, 2020</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As the Allies prepare to liberate Europe, Lilly Parris learns of a diabolical Nazi plot.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"The Witch And The Resistance" is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the Second World War.</p>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23362" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-Five.jpg" width="350" /></center>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Witch And The Merry Monarch (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book 5)
by Daniel Sugar</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: August 16, 2021</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">After witnessing the execution of King Charles I, Lilly Parris tries to save the life of his son, Charles II.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">The Witch And The Merry Monarch is a fast-paced, brand-new take on the English Civil War.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23367" height="560" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Book-Six.jpg" width="350" /></p>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Witch And The Physician (The Lives Of Lilly Parris Book Six)
by Daniel Sugar</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: July 7, 2022</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">As fear grips London, Lilly Parris matches wits with one of history's most notorious serial killers.</p>
<p style="text-align: center;">"The Witch and the Physician" is a fast-paced, brand-new take on a killing spree that shocked the world.</p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Q7Z3V3B?binding=kindle_edition&qid=1672427548&sr=8-1&ref=dbs_dp_rwt_sb_pc_tukn" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author</h3>
Daniel Sugar has written for a number of celebrities and for several TV shows, including “The Tonight Show, With Jay Leno”. He has always been fascinated by witches, witchcraft, the Salem witch trials, and the French Revolution. The Lives of Lilly Parris includes six novels: "Salem Burning", "The Witch and the Guillotine", "The Witch and the Revolution", "The Witch and The Resistance", "The Witch and The Merry Monarch", and "The Witch and the Physician".
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Daniel-Sugar/e/B079YKGX6C/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/daniel.sugar.5872" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/1692SalemWitch" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17745774.Daniel_Sugar" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-75861521508986745852022-12-19T13:38:00.001-05:002023-01-05T12:19:38.221-05:00Review & Giveaway: Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-23240" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sisters-of-Castle-Leod_Cover_web.jpg" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: January 19, 2023</div><div style="text-align: center;">Black Rose Writing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62246660-sisters-of-castle-leod"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
<strong>Finalist - 2022 American Writing Awards</strong><br />
<br />
Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon's popular <em>Outlander</em> books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon's fictional <em>Castle Leoch</em> was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.<br />
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Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father's vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell's daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.<br />
<br />
<em>Sisters of Castle Leod</em>, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Available for Pre-Order<br /><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sisters-Castle-Elizabeth-Hutchison-Bernard/dp/1685130623" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sisters-of-castle-leod-elizabeth-hutchison-bernard/1142204809?ean=9781685130626" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Sisters-Castle-Leod/Elizabeth-Hutchison-Bernard/9781685130626?id=8648218826353" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Review</h3>
<b>Rating: </b>5/5<div>
<br /><b>Read this if...</b>you enjoy Historical Fiction, Scottish settings, and strong women.</div><div>
<br /><b>My thoughts: </b>Before I get to my review I just have to gush over this cover! It's fantastically atmospheric and captures the mood of the novel perfectly!<br />
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Having just read another novel that featured famous sisters, I was eager to see what the two sisters of Castle Leod had in store for me. I can tell you that I was not disappointed! <br />
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Set in the late 1800s in Scotland, Sisters of Castle Leod follows the lives of Sibell and Constance. When their father passes he names Sibell as the heir to the Castle and lands (due to a ruling by Queen Victoria), leaving Constance a sizeable fortune. This decision proves to be a breaking point for the once-close sisters, driving a wedge between them that will only grow larger as time goes on.<br />
<br />
I have not heard of either woman before, but Sisters of Castle Leod is based on a true story. Sibell Lilian Mackenzie was the 3rd Countess of Cromartie and one of the wealthiest landowners in Scotland. Unlike her responsible sister, Constance is more of a risk-taker and caused quite a few scandals. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know both of them and learning about their lives. <br />
<br />
The author has written a fascinating story about two strong, yet very different women, who try to forge their own paths and find their own truths.<br />
<br /><b>Recommend: </b>Most definitely! Grab a warm blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, and travel back to the Scottish Highlands!</div>
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<div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
"Heartbreaking and redemptive...a thoroughly engrossing story that will have readers quickly turning the pages." -Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin<br />
<br />
"This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels." -Sublime Book Reviews<br />
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"A magical, mystical, mesmerizing tale of two real-life noble sisters of Castle Leod, caught up in shocking passions that cast them in opposition, yet desperate for reconciliation." -Rebecca Rosenberg, triple-gold seed-winning novelist of Champagne Widows<br />
<br />
"With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring." -Pacific Book Review<br />
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"Whilst the historical element of this novel can easily be compared to some of the great historical novelists, like Sharon Kay Penman, the ghostly apparitions and contact with the spirit world add an original view of a woman who was, in so many ways, ahead of her time." -Readers' Favorite<br />
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"The stage is set for sibling rivalry [in this] grand novel about two fascinating sisters of the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century." -Sheila Myers, author of The Truth of Who You Are<br />
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"...a carefully researched historical novel with a touch of the supernatural." -Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park Was Only the Beginning<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-23272" height="282" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/sisters_banner01.jpg" width="645" /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Elizabeth-Bernard.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is the author of two Amazon bestsellers: THE BEAUTY DOCTOR, a compelling historical novel steeped in mystery with strong elements of a medical thriller (Readers' Favorite), and TEMPTATION RAG: A NOVEL, a resonant novel ... about the birth and demise of ragtime ... luxuriously crafted (Publishers Weekly). Her books have been finalists for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and National Indie Excellence Awards, received a gold medallion from Book Readers Appreciation Group, and been named a historical fiction Discovered Diamond.</div>
<br />
Elizabeth and her family live near Phoenix, Arizona.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://ehbernard.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/EHBernardAuthor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/EHBernardAuthor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16953486.Elizabeth_Hutchison_Bernard" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, December 19</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, December 21</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://bookscookslooks.com/sisters-of-castle-leod-by-elizabeth-hutchison-bernard-book-review/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Cooks, Looks</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, January 6</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, January 12</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://imintobooks.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I'm Into Books</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, January 13</strong></span><br />
Instagram Feature at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, January 16</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://stephaniesbookreviews.weebly.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">100 Pages a Day</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, January 18</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlebutfiercebookdiary/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Little But Fierce Book Diary</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, January 20</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.historywomanperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, January 23</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jypsylynn" rel="noopener" target="_blank">jypsylynn</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, January 30</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.rajivsreviews.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rajiv's Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, February 2</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee and Ink</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, February 3</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a paperback copy of Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/cNPu1/sisters-of-castle-leod" rel="nofollow">Sisters of Castle Leod</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-23343" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Sisters-of-Castle-Leod_Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
</div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-53836566493039609352022-12-19T08:00:00.002-05:002022-12-20T09:49:39.494-05:00Book Blast & Giveaway: A Gentleman Never...Forgets a Lady<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-23295" height="441" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/A-Gentleman-Will-Never…-Forget-a-Lady_web.jpg" width="315" /></div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">A Gentleman Will Never...Forget a Lady
by Emily Windsor</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: December 1, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Regency Romance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: The Governess Chronicles, Book 3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61434138-a-gentleman-will-never-forget-a-lady"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<br />
Get swept away to a romantic and rugged land in this joyful and heart-warming Christmas tale…<br />
<br />
Having lost her beloved, Lord Tristan, to a storm at sea, Lady Gwen Evans is planning a life of travel, writing books on her adventures.<br />
<br />
But will the arrival of a dark, scarred gentleman one December's eve disrupt all her plans?<br />
<br />
With wassailing on frosty nights, dragon myths in the snowy Welsh hills, a rather unladylike list of D.I.S.G.R.A.C.E. and Hide and Seek in the seductive dark, this will be a Christmas never to forget…<br />
<br />
‘Witty and wonderful. The storyline is unique and intriguing. And the amount of love in this story is absolutely beautiful.’ ★★★★★ Once Upon A Time<br />
<br />
“Christmas is but a few weeks away. A time for wonder.”<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise for ‘A Gentleman Will Never…Forget a Lady’</h3>
‘The only word that could describe this book is enchanting. I loved every moment.’ ★★★★★ Reading Rebel Reviews<br />
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‘…brimming with emotion. Filled with wonderful characters, secrets, longing, healing, new beginnings, ghouls, wassail… ’ ★★★★★ Flippin’ Pages<br />
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‘An achingly beautiful novel… I LOVED this book!’ ★★★★★ Gloria's Happily Ever Afters<br />
<br />
‘…breathtakingly resplendent. You will become just as enchanted with Windsor’s creations as I have been because it's utterly magical.' ★★★★★ sammstormborn reviews<br />
<br />
'Emily Windsor continues to write beautiful stories, and I was totally captivated by this one, as Tristan and Gwen found their way back to each other. I love the warmth, the family connections, and the satisfying resolution, which occurs during the Christmas holiday, the season of miracles.’ ★★★★★ Roses Are Blue Romantic Fiction Reviews<br />
<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B63DZYXP" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon US</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B63DZYXP" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Emily-Windsor.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Emily Windsor grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and strong tea.</div>
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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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://eepurl.com/gehNKr" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Newsletter</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/author/emilywindsor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://facebook.com/AuthorEmilyWindsor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook Author Page</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily-windsor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/EmilyWindsor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/LadyofWindsor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook Group</a> | <a href="https://uk.pinterest.com/EmilyWindsorBks/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/emilywindsorwritesregency/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Blast Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, December 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, December 20</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, December 21</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
<a href="http://www.historywomanperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, December 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gwendalyn's Books</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, December 23</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/booking.with.janelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Booking With Janelle</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, December 26</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://bit.ly/elodiesreadingcorner" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Elodie’s Reading Corner</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, December 27</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
<a href="https://www.thecozybookblog.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Cozy Book Blog</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, December 28</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, December 29</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee & Ink</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, December 30</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://instagram.com/Michelle_the_pa_loves_to_read" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Michelle the PA Loves to Read</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, December 31</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://lisaevrydayread.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lisa Everyday Reads</a><br />
<a href="http://whatisthatbookabout.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Is That Book About</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/AbXyx/a-gentleman-will-never-forget-a-lady" rel="nofollow">A Gentleman Will Never Forget a Lady</a>
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Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-29593429308705716852022-11-21T16:48:00.003-05:002022-11-21T16:48:32.125-05:00Spotlight & Giveaway: 1887: The Day They Turned off the Water by A.E. Wasserman<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-23234" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/1887-Cover.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">1887: The Day They Turned off the Water by A.E. Wasserman</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: October 4, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Archway Publishing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Thriller/Novella</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/62995444-1887-the-day-they-turned-off-the-water"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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This historical mystery thriller, a novella in the Langsford Mysteries, takes readers back to the American Old West where the fight for water in California is just beginning.<br />
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Spring 1887. Melting snowpack from the High Sierras will soon turn California’s central valley into lush fields, but an armed man with a Sharps rifle shut off a headwater gate to a watery-ditch and stood guard. After an unexpected confrontation with Double B Ranch owner, Jake Sanders, along with ranch-hand Kacha, this gunman now lies died and Jake along with wounded Kacha, are both jailed for murder.<br />
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The unscrupulous lobbyist who “steals to get the office and who gets the office to steal,” Billy “Boss” Carr, claims to know nothing about the man or the situation, in spite of owning the land where the headwater gate is. Water is profitable for Carr, however, and he is aligned with both the prosecutor and judge. It is up to Jake’s wife, Sally, to find a way to prove Jake and Kacha’s innocence: the truth of the matter. But with these powerful men stacking the odds against her, can she?<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“Few writers can do what Wasserman has done: weave a historical thriller around the early battles over California water rights and the entrenched racism toward Blacks and the region’s Native Americans. Authentic characters enrich this crisp, exciting legal/thriller.” - Pamela Sheppard, Publishing Consultant</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>“A thrilling read, with twists and turns up until the very end.” - Will Klipstine, Hollywood Screenwriter/Producer</strong></p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author</h3>
The daughter of a newspaperman, A.E. Wasserman grew up in a household filled with books and stories. At age 14, she wrote her first novella and never stopped writing.<br />
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She is the author of the mystery/thriller Langsford Mystery Series--think Sherlock Holmes meets Downton Abbey. When Lord Langsford stretches the boundaries of Victorian Society, he finds himself in dire situations and must save others as well as himself from spies, thieves, and murderers.<br />
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Wasserman's work, critically acclaimed as “richly atmospheric,” is being noticed by readers and critics alike, and has garnered international attention, not only in the U.S., but Europe and the U.K. as well. She recently received top honors from Writer’s Digest for her work.<br />
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After graduating from The Ohio State University, she lived in London, then San Francisco. Currently, she resides in Southern California with her family and her muse, a Border Collie named Topper.<br />
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Visit the author’s web site at <a href="http://www.aewasserman.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.aewasserman.com</a>. You can also find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Author-AE-Wasserman-923008814452621/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/aewasserman" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22956200.A_E_Wasserman" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a copy of 1887 The Day They turned Off the Water + a $50 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
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The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
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</div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-77716714716890458132022-11-21T14:15:00.003-05:002022-11-25T09:24:23.275-05:00Spotlight & Giveaway: Campbell's Boy by Mary Kendall<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-23236" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Campbells-Boy_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Campbell's Boy by Mary Kendall</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: November 21, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Moonshine Cove Publishing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
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Heartbreak...with an underlay of hope.<br />
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California plains in the 1850s. After losing his mother to cholera on the wagon train out west, Emmet Campbell mostly fends for himself in the boom town of Colusa, California where he and his busy and ambitious father settle.<br />
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Coming of age for Emmet means hiding in the corners of his father’s new saloon, scrounging for food in the local brothels and finding refuge in tunnels underneath Colusa’s Chinatown.<br />
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While fighting off town bullies, an evil Irish stepmother and his own learning disabilities, Emmet struggles to find his footing but never loses his curiosity about the world around him and the people in it.<br />
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When forced into a court case to establish his identity and rightful inheritance after the untimely death of his father, Emmet must find family and identity in places he might not have reckoned for. But can he?<br />
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With equal measures of the dark and the light, CAMPBELL’S BOY is a tender tale about a boy whose fractured beginnings lead him on a journey through life that reveals what it can mean to be human.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Mary-Kendall/e/B08XC562C8/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">Available on Amazon</a></h3>
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<center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y3BUSgAiEfg" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img height="249" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Mary-Kendall.jpg" width="274" /></div><p class="CDt4Ke zfr3Q" dir="ltr">Mary Kendall lived in old (and haunted) houses growing up which sparked a life-long interest in history and story-telling. She earned degrees in history related fields and worked as an historian for many years. Her fiction writing is heavily influenced by the past which she believes is never really dead and buried.</p><p class="CDt4Ke zfr3Q" dir="ltr">Fueled by black coffee and a possible sprinkling of Celtic fairy dust, she tends to find inspiration in odd places and sometimes while kneading bread dough.</p><p class="CDt4Ke zfr3Q" dir="ltr">The author currently resides in Maryland with her family (husband, three kids, barn cat and the occasional backyard hen) who put up with her mad scribbling at inconvenient hours.</p><p class="CDt4Ke zfr3Q" dir="ltr">THE SPINSTER’S FORTUNE , a mystery set in Georgetown, Washington DC, is her debut novel and is a twisty, tangled dive into a web of family deception murky with gothic undertones.</p><h4 dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.marykendallauthor.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mary.kendall.3152" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaryLavin49" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mary.kendall.author/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-kendall" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21221557.Mary_Kendall" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, November 21</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, November 25</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, November 29</strong></span><br />
Instagram Feature at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, December 1</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookworlder</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sunday, December 4</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading Is My Remedy</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, December 5</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://www.imintobooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">I'm Into Books</a><br />
Instagram Feature at <a href="https://Instagram.com/tammyreads62" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, December 8</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee and Ink</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, December 9</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>Enter to win a paperback copy of Campbell's Boy by Mary Kendall!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on December 9th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
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<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/IT7yI/campbells-boy" rel="nofollow">Campbell's Boy</a>
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Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-59138792937529284362022-09-19T13:21:00.002-04:002022-09-23T10:00:29.538-04:00Feature & Giveaway: Our Daughters' Last Hope by Elaine StockHello, dear readers! Today on the blog I am very excited to be featuring the newest release from author Elaine Stock during her current blog tour! You can read all about Our Daughters' Last Hope below and be sure to enter to win a copy!<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-23052" height="640" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Our-Daughters-Last-Hope_web.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Our Daughters' Last Hope by Elaine Stock</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: September 19, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amsterdam Publishers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction/WWII</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: Resilient Women of WWII, Book 2</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61778905-our-daughters-last-hope"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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A mesmerizing story, set during one of the world’s most harrowing carnages, of two mothers as they cross enemy lines for the sake of their daughters’ futures.<br />
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Amsterdam, the Netherlands 1940 Herta, and her family, Jewish refugees, are living contentedly until the Nazi invasion, which echoes the persecution and fear they experienced before fleeing Germany. Across town, another wife and mother, Julia, also faces upheaval when her husband becomes more involved in the Nazis’ effort in controlling the world.<br />
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When their husbands go missing, one accused falsely of crimes and the other to fight on behalf of the Nazis, Herta, despite the heartache, takes charge and places her daughters into hiding believing they’ll keep safe. Meanwhile, Julia, as the only parent home, chooses to redefine family. These unexpected developments bring Herta and Julia together… until their true identities surface and they’re thrown into dangerous consequences that could harm not only them but their daughters.<br />
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Following We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy, this story of friendship questions whether two mothers, acting to ensure their children’s future, can put aside the issues of faith and heritage that could bring the Nazis right to their doorstep.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B84GYC6F?tag=vangoghdrawin-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/our-daughters-last-hope-elaine-stock/1141845722?ean=9789493276420" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Our-Daughters-Last-Hope/Elaine-Stock/9789493276420?id=8592896474692#" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a> | <a href="https://www.bookdepository.com/Our-Daughters-Last-Hope-Elaine-Stock/9789493276420?ref=grid-view&qid=1659289794412&sr=1-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book Depository</a></span></h4><br />
<center><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QrrObbFL-jk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></center>
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Elaine-Stock.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Elaine Stock writes Historical Fiction, exploring home, family and friendships throughout time. She enjoys creating stories showing how all faiths, races, and belief systems are interconnected and need each other.<br />
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Elaine’s grandparents, on both sides of her family, narrowly escaped World War II by immigrating from Poland and Austria to the US. Fascinated by the strong will of people to overcome the horrors from this era, she wrote We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy inspired by her deaf great aunt who was left behind as a teenager in Poland and perished in the Holocaust, while her other deaf siblings were permitted to enter the US when their young ages helped them to circumvent medically-revealing exams. Other extended family members also remained in Poland to lose their lives in the Holocaust.<br />
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Although multi-published in award-winning Inspirational Fiction, and a past blogger and online magazine contributor, Elaine now pens novels for the General reading audience. She is a member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and The Historical Novel Society. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a city gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://elainestock.com/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9873485.Elaine_Stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elaine-stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Stock/e/B00PKTQ4CY" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, September 19</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, September 20</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Baker's Perspective</a><br />
Feature at <a href="http://whatisthatbookabout.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Is That Book About</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, September 26</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Page Ladies</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, September 27</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading Is My Remedy</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, September 29</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bookswritingandmore/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Writings, and More</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, September 30</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee and Ink</a><br />
Feature at <a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a copy of Our Daughters' Last Hope by Elaine Stock (paperback or eBook, winner's choice).<br />
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The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on September 30th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/pfKBi/our-daughters-last-hope" rel="nofollow">Our Daughters' Last Hope</a>
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</div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-1709925964369664362022-08-08T14:46:00.000-04:002022-08-08T14:46:20.178-04:00Review & Giveaway: Out of the Ashes by Samantha Grosser<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22772" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Out-of-the-Ashes.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Out of the Ashes: A Novel of WWII by Samantha Grosser</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: August 4, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61423954-out-of-the-ashes"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<em>England 1944. Amid the ruins of the Second World War, an illegal and tentative friendship begins.</em><br />
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War widow Clare Chapman is still grieving for her husband when the first German prisoners of war arrive in the village. Horrified by the presence of the enemy so close at hand, she knows it is only a matter of time until she is forced to face them.<br />
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German soldier Max Peterson has received no news of his family for almost two years when he arrives as a prisoner in England, and all he wants is to go home to Berlin to search for them. But meeting Clare Chapman in the village high street on a cold autumn morning changes everything. So begins an unexpected friendship.<br />
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Their secret doesn’t last. Shunned by family and friends for illegal fraternisation with the enemy, Clare risks losing all that she has. Then long-held secrets are brought to light and she must make a devastating choice.<br />
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In a world that has changed beyond recognition, can they find a way to build a future together, or will their happiness be destroyed by the burdens of the past?<br />
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<strong>An enthralling novel of love, forgiveness, and second chances perfect for fans of Deborah Swift, Sebastian Faulks and Ellen Feldman.</strong><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Out-Ashes-Novel-World-War-ebook/dp/B0B1Y9HLJX" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
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Review</h3><div>⭐⭐⭐⭐<br />
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First off, I have to comment on this cover. I loved it the first time I saw it but now that I've read the book I see more just how perfect of a cover it is! Like the story it houses, the cover is simple yet beautiful and alluring.<br />
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Out of the Ashes is the first book in Samantha Grosser's new WWII series and features Clare Chapman, a school teacher in a small farming town. She gets word that her beloved husband, the loal Vicar who volunteered to be a Chaplain in the war has been killed by the Germans. The family is of course devastated, especially Clare's son and her mother-in-law. Clare's relationship with her mother-in-law is already on tenterhooks and things get worse when German POWs are sent to work on their farm as decreed by the government. <br />
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Max is one of the German POWs sent to work on the farm. He is in a foreign land with no word on his family is and the local town people are unwelcoming to the enemy strangers. One day Max helps save one of the town's children from drowning and Clare is intrigued by him. Between stolen glances and secret talks they soon develop feelings for each other. Which puts Clare in an extremely precarious position with her son and MIL who see every German as the killer of their loved one. <br />
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The relationship between Max and Clare unfolds nicely and I greatly enjoyed reading about the farm and the Chapman family. Grossman's writing flows easily - it's easy to pick it up and get sucked into the story! I highly recommend Out of the Ashes and I look forward to the next book in the series!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Samantha-Grosser_web.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Samantha Grosser is a very British author who doesn’t function without tea. Having spent many years teaching English in Asia and Australia, she has made a permanent home in Sydney, Australia, where she now lives with her husband, son, and a very small dog called Livvy. She is the author of wartime dramas Another Time and Place, The Officer’s Affair, and Out of the Ashes, and the historical fantasy series Web of Witches. When she isn’t writing or reading (which isn’t often) you can find her either doing yoga, going for long walks, or watching old movies.</div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.samgrosserbooks.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/samgrosserbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/SamanthaGrosser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4492009.Samantha_Grosser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/samantha-grosser" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/grosser0312/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/samgrosserbooks/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a copy of Out of the Ashes by Samantha Grosser!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open internationally and ends on August 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/JLwqd/out-of-the-ashes" rel="nofollow">Out of the Ashes</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6_QFY-EwqCn6aRdfDiSE3WmY3hOfAOzM-0EkxFuSi0IEU93b4BQCTqlheysMX3tBC7ShcMEicy3bcxOectVbPUYzsCJH3YE3y0hq0RQVVBcPSBoBXqOkoG2C-CxPd0umhIvZXqtqA2xhm5jrzVw9MXonEKMKQTFv3lrGRVYXxxuyyX-HgqL3LFIb/s645/Out%20of%20the%20Ashes_Blog%20Tour%20Banner.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6_QFY-EwqCn6aRdfDiSE3WmY3hOfAOzM-0EkxFuSi0IEU93b4BQCTqlheysMX3tBC7ShcMEicy3bcxOectVbPUYzsCJH3YE3y0hq0RQVVBcPSBoBXqOkoG2C-CxPd0umhIvZXqtqA2xhm5jrzVw9MXonEKMKQTFv3lrGRVYXxxuyyX-HgqL3LFIb/s16000/Out%20of%20the%20Ashes_Blog%20Tour%20Banner.png" /></a></div><br /></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-34811506784191016752022-07-22T13:18:00.003-04:002022-07-22T13:18:16.853-04:00Feature & Giveaway: Love Ever Lasting by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. ShanniakHello, dear readers! The last book in Authors Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak's Bramley Hall Regency romance series, Love Ever Lasting, was released earlier this month and I am super excited to share the book with you all! We also have a giveaway so be sure to enter! If you enjoy clean, sweet, Regancy romances this series is definitely for you!<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22758" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Love-After-Lasting.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Love Ever Lasting by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: July 14, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Romance/Regency</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: Bramley Hall Regency Romance, Book 3</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61170396-love-ever-lasting"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
Miss Grace Buchanan has given up any hope of marrying. She's been too occupied raising her younger siblings while her drunkard father spends all of their funds. When a horrid sickness envelops the cottage, she meets the new Parson of Bramley, whom she's never forgotten. All she desires is an everlasting love, but with her family dynamics, it makes any sort of relationship a touch complex.<br />
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When tragedy is set to strike, Matthew Morten is called home suddenly. It's time for him to take his place as the parson of Bramley. With his meddling mother and a sickness that is sweeping through the town, Matthew has to lean on his faith to get him through. But when he sets eyes upon one industrious woman, he can't seem to keep her, nor her hazel eyes, far from his thoughts.<br />
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Will these two wounded souls find a Love Ever Lasting, or will responsibilities and family drama keep them forever apart?<br />
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Love Ever Lasting is a clean Regency Romance and the third book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Ever-Lasting-Bramley-Regency-ebook/dp/B09XJG648L/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Authors</h3>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22290" height="467" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michelle-Helen-Fritz.jpg" width="270" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>Michelle Helen Fritz</strong> was born and raised in Maryland and Arizona with lots of traveling throughout the States. She began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors and loves to see the process of an idea turn into a finished book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes, and the compelling women that tempt them, with a dash of intrigue, an abundant amount of romance, and scenes that hopefully make her readers swoon. She is the mother of four children whom she homeschools and currently resides in Maryland with her own jaunty hero who makes all of her dreams come true.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Author-Michelle-Helen-Fritz-111085181423828" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleFritzP1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormichellehelenfritz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22287 size-full" height="299" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/E.A.-Shanniak.jpg" width="300" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak</strong> is the author of the successful fantasy romance series – A Castre World Novel. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Georgia Romeo’s not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets. Ericka loves to write at her desk that her daughter’s cat destroyed. Fortunately for everyone, she can see over it.<br />
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Ericka resides in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two grumpy cats. The cats were her kids’ idea.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EAShanniakRomance" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/author_ea.shanniak/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, July 14</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://bookscookslooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Cooks, Looks</a><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://www.aubreywynne.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, July 16</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, July 18</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookworlder</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, July 19</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://Instagram.com/msdarcyreads" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Ms. Darcy Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, July 22</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="http://heidireads.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Heidi Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, July 25</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="https://lisaevrydayread.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Lisa Everyday Reads</a><br />
Review at <a href="http://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gwendalyn's Books</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, July 26</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pages and Paws</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, July 27</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
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The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 27th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/PDGYM/love-ever-lasting" rel="nofollow">Love Ever Lasting</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22973" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Love-Ever-Lasting_Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-82465312002178023052022-07-12T11:54:00.003-04:002022-07-12T11:54:36.600-04:00Feature & Giveaway: The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine HaasHello, dear readers! Today on the blog I am very happy to be hosting Lorraine Haas' blog tour & featuring her new historical, The Scent of Gardenias! You can read all about the book and enter to win a signed copy below! <br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22741" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/The-Scent-of-Gardenias.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: April 19, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Morewellson, Ltd.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction/Women's Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60744437-the-scent-of-gardenias"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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She had big dreams. But will war, tragedy, and naïveté ruin her aspirations?<br />
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America, the 1940s. Margaret Rose longs to escape her family’s poverty. So against her domineering father’s wishes, the determined young woman elopes with an older man. But shortly after the US enters WWII, her grand ambitions sink when her husband’s ship is torpedoed.<br />
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Training to become a nurse to give herself a future, Margaret’s despair deepens when she discovers she’s pregnant and must quit to have the baby. And now without income to support a child, the desperate widow marries a man who takes her far from home… and into disaster.<br />
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Will Margaret rise above catastrophic misfortune and create the life she deserves?<br />
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Poignant and heartfelt, The Scent of Gardenias chronicles the struggle of a Twentieth-Century woman carving a place in a society stacked against her odds for success. Inspired by her mother’s true story, Lorraine Haas lays bare a brave and challenging journey of grit and self-discovery you won’t soon forget.<br />
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<em>The Scent of Gardenias is a beautifully crafted women’s fiction novel. If you like raw emotional battles, family drama, and gut-wrenching dilemmas, then you’ll love Lorraine Haas’s tale of courage and tenacity.</em><br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09WT6697X" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1616734803" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Apple</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-scent-of-gardenias-lorraine-haas/1141303684?ean=2940161120354" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=h7pmEAAAQBAJ" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Google</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-scent-of-gardenias-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author</h3>
Lorraine Haas is a lover of life, learning, and leisure. She's been accused far too often of being a strong woman, and even that she was raised to be too "independent." She loves stories of women overcoming obstacles and thus, decided to write about them. She loves men--being married to one, the mother of one, and friends with many.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://lorrainehaas.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/lorrainehaasauthor" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/LorraineHaas3" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lorrainehaasauthorofficial/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lorraine-haas" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/22336183.Lorraine_Haas" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, June 27</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pursuing Stacie</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, June 28</strong></span><br />
Interview at <a href="https://www.aubreywynne.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance</a><br />
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<strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Wednesday, June 29</span></strong><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
Review at <a href="https://jenessa-d.medium.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book Reviews and More</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, June 30</strong></span>
Review at <a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, July 1</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, July 5</strong></span><br />
Guest Post at <a href="http://whatisthatbookabout.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">What Is That Book About</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, July 6</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://bookscookslooks.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Cooks, Looks</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, July 8</strong></span><br />
Interview at <a href="http://jathanandheather.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jathan & Heather</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, July 9</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Older & Smarter</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, July 11</strong></span><br />
Feature at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, July 12</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Baker’s Perspective</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a signed hardcover of The Scent of Gardenias by Lorraine Haas!<br />
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The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 12th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/95PbE/scent-of-gardenias" rel="nofollow">Scent of Gardenias</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22879" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/TSOG_Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-22430276145538706442022-06-24T09:08:00.000-04:002022-06-24T09:08:31.015-04:00Review & Giveaway: Small Eden by Jane Davis<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-22647" height="613" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Small-Eden_web.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Small Eden by Jane Davis</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: April 30, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rossdale Print Productions</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60736777-small-eden"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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A boy with his head in the clouds. A man with a head full of dreams.<br />
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1884. The symptoms of scarlet fever are easily mistaken for teething, as Robert Cooke and his pregnant wife Freya discover at the cost of their two infant sons. Freya immediately isolates for the safety of their unborn child. Cut off from each other, there is no opportunity for husband and wife to teach each other the language of their loss. By the time they meet again, the subject is taboo. But unspoken grief is a dangerous enemy. It bides its time.<br />
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A decade later and now a successful businessman, Robert decides to create a pleasure garden in memory of his sons, in the very same place he found refuge as a boy – a disused chalk quarry in Surrey’s Carshalton. But instead of sharing his vision with his wife, he widens the gulf between them by keeping her in the dark. It is another woman who translates his dreams. An obscure yet talented artist called Florence Hoddy, who lives alone with her unmarried brother, painting only what she sees from her window…<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘Life as it is, in all its terrible beauty.’ - Jean Gill, author of Historical Fiction series The Troubadours Quartet</strong></p><p style="text-align: center;"><strong>‘With an eye for precise detail balanced by a sweeping imagination, this beautifully constructed book is built on deep foundations.’ - JJ Marsh, author of the Beatrice Stubbs Series</strong></p><br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Review</h3>
<div>⭐⭐⭐⭐</div><br />
Small Eden was the first book I've read by Jane Davis and I can safely say it won't be my last! <br />
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Small Eden kicks off with a very emotional scene when Robert and Freya lose their two boys to Scarlet Fever. Freya is heavily pregnant at the time and is sent away with her daughter so they don't become sick also. While Freya mourns for them, Robert stocially busies himself with his successful medical business. Pleasure Gardens are all the rage at this time and Robert finds the perfect place to create one of his own as tribute to his sons. I've never read about pleasure gardens before so this was a real treat to learn about.<br />
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There is another storyline as well featuring Robert's mother Hettie who travels to Scotland to find out what happened to her father. I really enjoyed this as well and it brought another fascinating aspect to the book. <br />
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Davis is an exceptional writer that knows how to keep the reader engaged and can bring out all the emotions! Once I started reading it was hard to put down - I was compltely invested in the story and characters and enjoyed every minute I spent reading it. Highly recommended!<br />
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<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jane-Davis.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Jane Davis is the author of ten thought-provoking novels. Her debut, Half-truths and White Lies, won the Daily Mail First Novel Award and was described by Joanne Harris as ‘A story of secrets, lies, grief and, ultimately, redemption, charmingly handled by this very promising new writer.’ The Bookseller called her 'One to Watch.' In 2016, Writing Magazine named An Unknown Woman their Self-Published Book of the Year. Her 2018 novel Smash all the Windows won the inaugural Selfies (Best Independently Published Work of Fiction) Award at London Book Fair. At the Stroke of Nine O'Clock was shortlisted for the Selfies, is an Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice and was featured by The Lady Magazine as one of their favourite books set in the 1950s.<br />
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Jane lives in Carshalton, Surrey with her Formula 1 obsessed, star-gazing, beer-brewing partner, surrounded by growing piles of paperbacks, CDs and general chaos.<br />
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For further information, or to sign up for pre-launch specials and notifications about future projects, visit the author’s website at <a href="http://www.jane-davis.co.uk" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.jane-davis.co.uk</a>.<br />
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Be sure to follow Jane on <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jane-davis" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> for the latest on sales.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a signed copy of Small Eden by Jane Davis!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on July 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/Y9yIo/small-eden" rel="nofollow">Small Eden</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
</div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-35229165092658538502022-06-21T09:50:00.002-04:002022-06-21T09:50:17.443-04:00Book Blast: Journeys: The Archers of Saint Sebastian by Jeanne RolandHello all! Today on the blog I am very excited to be spotlighting a fascinating historical from Author Jeanne Roland. Journeys is the first book in the Archers of Saint Sebastian and is available now to read! Stay tuned for next month when she is on Blog Tour and be on the lookout for reviews and great posts!<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22802" height="640" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Journeys_web.jpg" width="414" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Journeys: The Archers of Saint Sebastian by Jeanne Roland</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: November 13, 2021</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nepenthe Press</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Renaissance Historical Fiction/Young Adult</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: Archers of Saint Sebastian, Book One</div>
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59568060-journeys"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-10765" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<strong>A barracks full of beautiful boys. A girl in disguise, living among them.</strong><br />
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<strong>It’s the 14th century, and the longbow is king. But in the northern European principality of Ardennes, archery isn’t just the nation’s defense. It’s the national obsession.</strong><br />
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<em><strong>MEET THE JOURNEYS</strong></em><br />
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<strong>12</strong> young Journeyman archers, the best in the country<br />
<strong>2</strong> years of public competitions, in which looks count almost as much as ability<br />
<strong>6</strong> will win a coveted membership in the Archers’ Guild of St. Sebastian<br />
<strong>1</strong> will become the prince’s new Guardsman<br />
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<strong>MEET MARIEKE</strong><br />
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15-year-old Marieke is as obsessed with St. Sebastian’s as everyone else in Ardennes. Only it’s the middle ages, and girls just don’t become elite archers. Except Marieke's prospects as a girl aren't promising either, after a well-timed kick from a mule has left her with a face that’s badly scarred and ruined for marriage. But when circumstances force her to leave her old life behind and flee to the guild for refuge, there are only two things Marieke really knows about the place. One is that a mysterious accident ended her own father’s time as a Journey. The other?
There are no women allowed inside St. Sebastian’s.<br />
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Marieke knows disguising herself as a boy and infiltrating the guild means embarking on a dangerous deception. But it may be her only chance to find out the truth about her father’s past and to stop a murderous plot from coming to fruition. When the dashing young Journeyman Tristan takes her under his wing as his squire, she’s got to stay – at least long enough to help him beat out his brutal arch-rival to win the competitions.<br />
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Keeping her identity a secret will be hard. Living in close quarters with a pack of gorgeous boys? That will be harder still. But the hardest thing of all will be keeping the vow she makes for herself: to see Tristan become the next Guardsman, without ever letting him find out she’s a girl - a girl, who loves him.<br />
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Part Robin Hood and part Princess Bride, with a pinch of Mulan and a dash of Cyrano de Bergerac in the mix, The Archers of St. Sebastian I: Journeys is a humorous action and adventure saga inspired by late medieval/early Renaissance Belgium and packed with romance, wit, and longbow archery. Perfect for adults who love young adult themes, Journeys is an escape into the past that reads more like romantic historical fantasy than pure historical fiction.<br />
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Unrequited love? Ugly heroines who stay ugly? Friendship, coming of age, romance, adventure, and plenty of archery competitions? A unique setting inspired by the glorious city of Bruges, with a richly imagined, immersive world set within the walls of a male-only archers' guild? Journeys: The Archers of Saint Sebastianhas it all, so if you're looking for a great escape, don your disguise and join Marieke as she enters the forbidden world of Saint Sebastian's, and prepare to fall in love with the Journeys - that is, the twelve best and most beautiful archers in all of Ardennes, the Journeyman archers of St. Sebastian's.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09L6KZ8D7/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">About the Author</h3>
Roland hails from Davis, California, where she spent most of her youth lounging at the pool, soaking up the sun, and daydreaming. She had a key ring that read 'I’m running away to join the circus,' and her favorite moment of the day was when the local movie theater went dark, and the slogan 'escape to the movies' appeared on the screen. As an adult, her passions include all things melodramatic and beautiful — everything from classic movies, British romantic poetry, ancient tragedy and epic, to Italian opera. She is now a professor of Classics in a small midwestern town, where she lives with her Greek husband, her fraternal twins, and a Bernese mountain dog named Franco Corelli.<br />
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Visit <a href="http://www.jeanneroland.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.jeanneroland.com</a> and <a href="http://www.nepenthepress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.nepenthepress.com</a> for more about Roland's upcoming projects. You can also follow her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jeannerolandwrites/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/booksbyjeanner" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jeannerolandwrites/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6470555.Jeanne_Roland" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br>
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<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22846" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Journeys_Book-Blast-Banner.png" alt="" width="645" height="287" />Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-20342169357754357182022-05-26T09:51:00.003-04:002022-05-26T09:51:37.931-04:00Cover Reveal: Love After Lasting by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. ShanniakToday on the blog I am excited to share with you all the cover for the third book in the Bramley Hall Regency Romance series by authors Michelle Helen Fritz and E.A. Shanniak! It releases on July 14th and is now available for pre-order so be sure to see the link below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4x9qkGb-2fEhpVxdkiIbTg6IltWicZPQ0Xd5-gce3j46LdcHq7zwg2ccycAEhWhVJm-LK5wPHrQzKpa4quRYI2Q-os4LkxHPnyf8sCkGqzx8zgd8q3ybk77EO5U5Io1-FU1JJD_oloaFREOE4Gi340c7-2kbQbSYGTInVJkI6oxr987hvB4PYc9a/s1500/LELSide.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1500" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4x9qkGb-2fEhpVxdkiIbTg6IltWicZPQ0Xd5-gce3j46LdcHq7zwg2ccycAEhWhVJm-LK5wPHrQzKpa4quRYI2Q-os4LkxHPnyf8sCkGqzx8zgd8q3ybk77EO5U5Io1-FU1JJD_oloaFREOE4Gi340c7-2kbQbSYGTInVJkI6oxr987hvB4PYc9a/w640-h590/LELSide.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h3><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: center;">Love After Lasting by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: July 14, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Romance/Regency</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: Bramley Hall Regency Romance, Book 3</div>
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Miss Grace Buchanan has given up any hope of marrying. She's been too occupied raising her younger siblings while her drunkard father spends all of their funds. When a horrid sickness envelops the cottage, she meets the new Parson of Bramley, whom she's never forgotten. All she desires is an everlasting love, but with her family dynamics, it makes any sort of relationship a touch complex.<br />
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When tragedy is set to strike, Matthew Morten is called home suddenly. It's time for him to take his place as the parson of Bramley. With his meddling mother and a sickness that is sweeping through the town, Matthew has to lean on his faith to get him through. But when he sets eyes upon one industrious woman, he can't seem to keep her, nor her hazel eyes, far from his thoughts.<br />
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Will these two wounded souls find a Love Ever Lasting, or will responsibilities and family drama keep them forever apart?<br />
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Love Ever Lasting is a clean Regency Romance and the third book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-Ever-Lasting-Bramley-Regency-ebook/dp/B09XJG648L/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available for Pre-Order</span></a></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Authors</h3>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22290" height="467" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michelle-Helen-Fritz.jpg" width="270" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>Michelle Helen Fritz</strong> was born and raised in Maryland and Arizona with lots of traveling throughout the States. She began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors and loves to see the process of an idea turn into a finished book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes, and the compelling women that tempt them, with a dash of intrigue, an abundant amount of romance, and scenes that hopefully make her reader’s swoon. She is the mother of four children whom she homeschools and currently resides in Maryland with her own jaunty hero who makes all of her dreams come true.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Author-Michelle-Helen-Fritz-111085181423828" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleFritzP1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormichellehelenfritz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22287 size-full" height="299" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/E.A.-Shanniak.jpg" width="300" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak</strong> is the author of the successful fantasy romance series – A Castre World Novel. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Georgia Romeo’s not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets. Ericka loves to write at her desk that her daughter’s cat destroyed. Fortunately for everyone, she can see over it.<br />
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Ericka resides in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two grumpy cats. The cats were her kids’ idea.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EAShanniakRomance" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/author_ea.shanniak/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-71529129864139039262022-05-23T10:55:00.001-04:002022-05-23T10:55:52.311-04:00Interview & Giveaway: We Shall Not Shatter by Elaine StockHello dear readers & Happy Monday! Today on the blog I am super excited to be hosting Author Elaine Stock, who is currently on a Blog Tour for We Shall Not Shatter! It's been getting great reviews so far and I hope you enjoy getting to know Elaine. Be sure to enter the giveaway below for a copy of the book + a $15 Amazon gift card!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_suaXFyl3Xar9a5Hx4b7jelEtbH3_2CxIA1sLV4OPUwYDh12sbnrIXpY3EqHwEVrfb5Kvrf3rDHtLaA4BmnyokDxSaSvvESGIdG1EZUyMqnxLIFgvIi6qAqNMN8SHUr8YupR3uOo48rFinn_v0-FoIvUdBC5Y2tw_-zP_P0x2yNG-9EQhlOiP4SX2/s700/we%20shall%20not%20shatter.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_suaXFyl3Xar9a5Hx4b7jelEtbH3_2CxIA1sLV4OPUwYDh12sbnrIXpY3EqHwEVrfb5Kvrf3rDHtLaA4BmnyokDxSaSvvESGIdG1EZUyMqnxLIFgvIi6qAqNMN8SHUr8YupR3uOo48rFinn_v0-FoIvUdBC5Y2tw_-zP_P0x2yNG-9EQhlOiP4SX2/w640-h366/we%20shall%20not%20shatter.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><b><i>
Hello Elaine and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about We Shall Not Shatter!</i></b><br />
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Thank you, Amy, for hosting me on your lovely blog and for all of your support behind We Shall Not Shatter.<br />
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To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?<br /></i></b>
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It’s so funny, but I must share that, at least for me, it’s easier to write a 300-something page novel than it is to talk about myself… Ever since I could recall, I’ve enjoyed creating stories. I’m sure having a mother who always read novels—while she wasn’t taking me weekly to the library—and an aunt who loved to orally tell stories deeply influenced my love of storytelling. In fact, during my school years, while others my age did kid-like pastimes, I enjoyed staying home and writing. Although I jumped from hobby writing to wanting to write for publication in my late 20s, it took several decades, navigating around “life,” to become a published author. After a false start in the romance genre, I did publish in Inspirational Fiction, though I discovered that I just didn’t have the right voice or interest to pursue it. Having devoured many historical fiction novels, and with We Shall Not Shatter’s premise brewing to the point of having to share it, I (carefully) leapt into the historical fiction genre, blended with women’s fiction, and know now that this is my true writing-home.<br />
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What inspired you to write We Shall Not Shatter?<br /></i></b>
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There are a lot of mysteries in my family, due to unfortunate circumstances such as the passing of my grandfather before my father was born. Sadly, with his death, also went the answers to much of my roots. What I knew was that my grandfather was one of a handful of siblings that accompanied his parents when they emigrated from Brzeziny Poland, arriving at Ellis Island on July 4, 1914 and permitted into the country the next day. He arrived on one of the last passenger ships allowed to cross the Atlantic before WWI broke out… makes me shudder to think what might have happened if my family remained behind in Poland. That said, though my grandfather was able to hear, he had several deaf siblings. At that time, deafness was seen by many countries as a liability and a socio-economic risk to those already living in the country. Fortunately, the younger deaf children circumvented the health inspections that likely would have rejected them. However, the oldest child who was deaf—my great aunt who was a young teen—wasn’t permitted into the country and remained in Brzeziny where, as a Jew and deaf and deemed as sub-human by the Nazis, she perished in the Holocaust, along with older relatives.<br />
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My great aunt inspired my character Aanya, though Aanya is totally fictional. My novel is not autobiographical, but instead is my attempt at a tribute to what Brzeziny had once been like, as well as to the strong spirit of my family.<br />
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What would you like readers to take away from reading We Shall Not Shatter?<br /></i></b>
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I hope the story uplifts and encourages readers to cling to their hope and determination to persevere during troubling times, that family and friendship is precious, and to make a good home wherever life places you.<br />
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What was your favorite scene to write?<br /></i></b>
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I have two, actually. First, is when Artur learns of Aanya’s deafness. And without giving it away (no peeking!), the very ending. Oh, I also enjoyed writing Zofia’s encounter with a stranger while she sailed on the St. Louis.<br />
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What was the most difficult scene to write?<br /></i></b>
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While I can’t really say “difficult,” I will admit to getting teary-eyed through some of what my characters had to experience by both the hands of what they thought were once good people and by the Nazi hands.<br />
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Are you a pantser or a plotter?<br /></i></b>
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Definitely a pantser! In the past, whenever I tried to outline and plot my stories, they failed miserably. I think it’s because I like to have the story and its characters dictate to me what direction it should go. For me, it’s just more fun that way.<br />
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What has been your greatest challenge as a writer? Have you been able to overcome it?<br /></i></b>
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Research. I was too intimidated by it. Although writing contemporary fiction does call for research, historical fiction demands researched accuracy that many fiction readers look forward to reading—and they know when something is amiss. I had thought wrongly that this research would overwhelm me and it kept me away for too many years of writing the genre that I loved reading. Lesson learned: make my research fun! And, it is.<br />
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Who are your writing inspirations?<br /></i></b>
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I’m not so sure I have author inspirations so much as having learned from these two: Danielle Steele’s earlier novels and Jodi Picoult. Both have taught me some distinct techniques, Ms. Steele on the art of storytelling and structure, and Ms. Picoult on packing a punch in characters’ emotions and timing it within sentence placement.<br />
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What was the first historical novel you read?<br /></i></b>
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I’m not sure of the very first historical novel I read, but I will say that John Jakes’ The Bastard series (Kent Family Chronicles) hooked me solidly on historical fiction. <br />
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What are three things people may not know about you?<br /></i></b>
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I sense that people often misjudge my quietness and aloofness to “having an attitude,” but rather, I’m a big introvert. Yet, get me around books and the topic of writing, and I’m flying a kite high in the air and can’t stop. LOL. I am not a fashionista, much preferring baggy pants and a sweatshirt. And, I love classical music and show tunes (because I also love watching movie musicals).<br />
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What appeals to you most about your chosen genre?<br /></i></b>
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Life is a mystery full of so much good battling against so much bad, and at any given moment throughout the day, both worldwide and within one’s own personal life. I’ve learned so much about this thing called life and how others have not only survived but thrived from reading both historical fiction and non-fiction that I’ve benefitted from. I’m an optimistic person by heart and hope I can encourage others to thrive as well.<br />
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What historical time period do you gravitate towards the most with your personal reading?<br /></i></b>
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Easy answer: WWII. There’s something extraordinary about the resilience of humankind against the backdrop of the opposite—evil—that I find encouraging and can apply in my everyday life.<br />
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What do you like to do when you aren't writing?<br /></i></b>
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In addition to reading, I enjoy walking (living in a rural area has some advantages!), discovering new independent bookstores and cafes, and exploring quaint towns with my husband.<br />
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Lastly, what are you working on next?<br /></i></b>
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I just wrapped up Book 2 of the Resilient Women of WWII, Our Daughters’ Last Hope, which will release on September 19th of 2022 and am writing Book 3, When We Disappeared.<br />
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I can't wait for that one! Thank you for stopping by today, Elaine!</i></b></div><div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22551" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/We-Shall-Not-Shatter_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">We Shall Not Shatter by Elaine Stock</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: May 15, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amsterdam Publishers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60283118-we-shall-not-shatter"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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An unforgettable story of friendship, family and hope as two courageous young women face one of history’s most horrific tragedies.<br />
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Brzeziny, Poland, 1939 Zofia’s comfortable-lifestyle overturns when her husband, Jabez, who monitors Nazi activity, has gone missing. Rather than fleeing the country with her young son, as she had promised Jabez who is fearing retaliation, she decides to stay. She cannot possibly leave her friend, Aanya. Since their childhood they have amazed fellow Brzeziners that it does not matter that Aanya is Jewish and deaf, and that Zofia is Catholic and hearing. Now, more than ever with war looming, Zofia will do whatever is necessary to protect her family and Aanya.<br />
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As both love and war approach their Polish town, Zofia and Aanya must make choices that will change the meaning of family, home, and their precious friendship. The journey, decisions and the no-going-back consequences the women face will either help them to survive—or not—as Hitler’s Third Reich revs up its control of the world.<br />
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Inspired by the author’s paternal heritage from Brzeziny, this is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of two women who are determined to remain united in friendship and to live freely despite the odds.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://getbook.at/WSNSes1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3s7KUMa" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></span></h4>
<p style="text-align: center;">Look for the Audio Book of all 3 books of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy to be released by Tantor Media, part of Recorded Books. They will be sold in both downloadable Digital formats, as well as CD audiobooks and will be sold on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, independent bookstores, and most any other of your favorite venues.</p>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
"For anyone who loved 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, this is another beautiful journey of not just one woman's story through the turbulent times of Nazi Germany, but two. A story which will touch your heart, and perhaps bring a few tears to wipe away, showing how love does indeed break barriers and sees beyond human labels and disabilities. You will absolutely fall in love with Zofia and Aanya, and how strong friendships were forged in the heat of oppression from Hitler's Germany despite their different faiths."<br />
<strong>-- Historical Fiction Company</strong><br />
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"Drawing from her own family's history, author Elaine Stock has created a compelling story of enduring friendship, heart wrenching sacrifice, and resilient strength. While set during one of the darkest moments on history's stage, We Shall Not Shatter's themes—conveyed through characters who will inhabit your heart—have much to say to readers in today's world, too."<br />
<strong>— Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org</strong><br />
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"Elaine Stock's novel, We Shall Not Shatter, the first of a promised trilogy, Resilient Women of WWII, is a poignant and heartfelt tale of perseverance, of friendship across boundaries, of making families in different ways, of horror and of healing. In the characters of Zofia and Aanya, and the families they make and lose in their native Poland, the barbarities of war, the added peril of Aanya's deafness, and their harrowing escape, the story is offset by the plot strands of Christians helping Jews, Germans helping Poles, hearing people cherishing the strength of the deaf, and the deaf healing others. This is a story not only of resilience, but of the victory of love and friendship over pain and suffering."<br />
<strong>— Barbara Stark-Nemon, author of the award-winning novels, Even in Darkness and Hard Cider, Speech-language therapist and Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing</strong><br />
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"We Shall Not Shatter is a compelling novel, inspired by real-life events in Brzeziny, Poland that so dramatically changed the fortunes of both a close-knit Jewish family and a Catholic family during the Hitler years. Elaine Stock's poignant narrative charts the despair, confusion and sheer will to survive during this terrible period in modern European history. This is a story that oozes tragedy, hope, love and courage in the face of adversity."<br />
<strong>— Ron Vincent, author of The House on Thrömerstrasse: A Story of Rebirth and Renewal in the Wake of the Holocaust</strong><br />
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"The story and its characters will linger in the reader’s heart for days... perhaps forever."<br />
<strong>— Patricia Bradley, Author of the Logan Point Series, Memphis Cold Case Novels, Natchez Trace Park Ranger Series</strong><br />
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"We Shall Not Shatter takes readers on a rare journey of life-tested relationships and uncompromising courage. Stock brilliantly creates a time and place that is terrible and heartbreaking only to reveal the beauty that awaits on the other side of devastation. This story will stay with you long after the last page is turned."<br />
<strong>— London Clarke, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Wildfell and The Meadows</strong><br />
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<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Elaine-Stock.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>Elaine Stock writes Historical Fiction, exploring home, family and friendships throughout time. She enjoys creating stories showing how all faiths, races, and belief systems are interconnected and need each other.<br />
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Elaine’s grandparents, on both sides of her family, narrowly escaped World War II by immigrating from Poland and Austria to the US. Fascinated by the strong will of people to overcome the horrors from this era, she wrote We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy inspired by her deaf great aunt who was left behind as a teenager in Poland and perished in the Holocaust, while her other deaf siblings were permitted to enter the US when their young ages helped them to circumvent medically-revealing exams. Other extended family members also remained in Poland to lose their lives in the Holocaust.<br />
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Although multi-published in award-winning Inspirational Fiction, and a past blogger and online magazine contributor, Elaine now pens novels for the General reading audience. She is a member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and The Historical Novel Society. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a city gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.<br />
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<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://elainestock.com/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9873485.Elaine_Stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elaine-stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Stock/e/B00PKTQ4CY" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sunday, May 15</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/diveintoagoodbook/">Dive Into a Good Book</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 17</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://novelsalive.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Novels Alive</a><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Baker’s Perspective</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 20</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.girl-who-reads.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Girl Who Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 23</strong></span><br />
Interview at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 31</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/reader_ceygo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reader_ceygo.</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a copy of We Shall Not Shetter + a $15 Amazon Gift Card!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/HbXvo/we-shall-not-shatter" rel="nofollow">We Shall Not Shatter</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22710" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/We-Shall-Not-Shatter_Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
</div></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-38312466231079334072022-05-19T10:06:00.004-04:002022-05-19T10:06:41.926-04:00Review & Giveaway: A Deadly Legacy by Malia Zaidi<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22409" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/A-Deadly-Legacy_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">A Deadly Legacy by Malia Zaidi</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: March 15, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback & eBook</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Mystery</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: A Lady Evelyn Mystery, Book 6</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59892777-a-deadly-legacy"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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A few months after the Carlisle Detective Agency opened its doors, Lady Evelyn and her partner, Hugh, are twiddling their thumbs. The cases are slow to trickle in, leaving the detectives feeling uninspired. So, when Evelyn's Aunt Louise asks her to join the local chapter of the Women's Institute, she has no excuse to decline the invitation. Yet what she expects to be a tedious gathering, turns out to be anything but. She meets former suffragettes and outspoken women, eager for change, forcing Evelyn to reexamine her own prejudices. A decidedly less welcome surprise is the body she comes across only a few days later. Evelyn need hardly be a professional detective to recognize a murder when she sees one. Amid planning her wedding and navigating family affairs, she sets out to solve the case. The investigation takes Evelyn and Hugh into the past, examining the war years, which left the present far from untarnished. Is the victim's history connected to her death? Could her involvement in the war have given someone a motive for murder? The questions pile up, and Evelyn and Hugh must race against the clock to discover the truth, before more lives are lost, not least, their own…<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deadly-Legacy-Evelyn-Mystery-Mysteries/dp/1667815016" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-deadly-legacy-malia-zaidi/1140801129" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Deadly-Legacy/Malia-Zaidi/9781667815015?id=7527678821482" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books-a-Million</a> | <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781667815015" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IndieBound</a> | <a href="https://www.target.com/p/a-deadly-legacy-lady-evelyn-mysteries-by-malia-zaidi-paperback/-/A-85997969" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Target</a> | <a href="https://www.walmart.com/ip/Lady-Evelyn-Mysteries-A-Deadly-Legacy-A-Lady-Evelyn-Mysteryvolume-6-Paperback-9781667815015/805732493?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Walmart</a></span></h4><br />
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Review</h3>
<div>⭐⭐⭐⭐</div><br />
"A detective's greatest challenge lies not in solving a crime, rather in honing her patience."<br />
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I love when a book has a strong opening, one that immediately grabs your attention and this book had just that! It was a dramatic and foreboding scene that makes you wonder just how in the world they ended up in that situation. So of course I had to read on to find out just that.<br />
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Evie has just opened up The Carlisle Detective Agency with her partner, Hugh, and is recently engaged to her fiance, David. The agency is a little slow with cases so when she is invited to attend a chapter meeting of the Women's Institute where women gather to help other women and to further the cause of women's rights, she accepts. When one of the members is found murdered she and Hugh investigate the case.<br />
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As this is a mystery novel I don't want to give too much away. I can say that I really enjoyed following Evie and Hugh as they navigate the investigation. This is the sixth book in the series so while I missed a lot of backstories, I don't feel that it hindered my enjoyment of the book. I would definitely like to go back and start at the beginning though because it's a great cast of characters! And I'd also love to see Evie's growth as an amateur sleuth.<br />
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The writing flows well and is an easy read and the author's knowledge of the time and setting shines through the pages. If you're looking for a fun historical mystery that will entertain and intrigue you, then you should definitely pick up A Deadly Legacy!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-14680" height="408" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/02_Malia-Zaidi.jpg" width="306" /></center><div><br /></div>
Malia Zaidi is the author of The Lady Evelyn Mysteries. She studied at the University of Pittsburgh and at the University of Oxford. Having grown up in Germany, she currently lives in Washington DC, though through her love of reading, she resides vicariously (if temporarily) in countries around the world.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/maliazaidiauthor/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MaliaZaidi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/maliazaidi/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14197546.Malia_Zaidi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, May 19</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 23</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="http://heidireads.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Heidi Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 27</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="http://www.thecaffeinatedbibliophile.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Caffeinated Bibliophile</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 30</strong></span><br />
Guest Post at <a href="https://www.thecozybookblog.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Cozy Book Blog</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 31</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://gwendalynbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Gwendalyn's Books</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, June 2</strong></span><br />
Guest Post & Excerpt at <a href="https://connie-oldersmarter.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Older & Smarter</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, June 4</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.historywomanperspective.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, June 6</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">bookworlder</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, June 9</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee and Ink</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win all 6 books in the Lady Evelyn Mystery series!<br />
<br />
Book One: A Poisonous Journey<br />
Book Two: A Darker Shore <br />
Book Three: The Study of Silence<br />
Book Four: The Golden Hour <br />
Book Five: The Quality of Mercy <br />
Book Six: A Deadly Legacy <br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on June 9th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/L54MD/a-deadly-legacy" rel="nofollow">A Deadly Legacy</a>
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<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22728" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/A-Deadly-Legacy_Blog-Tour-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-87211880541278749872022-05-09T12:53:00.000-04:002022-05-09T12:53:22.035-04:00Cover Reveal: The Sign of the Weeping Virgin by Alana WhiteI am so excited to share the wonderful new cover for The Sign of the Weeping Virgin! Now in paperback for the first time! Isn't it dramatic and atmospheric? I love it!<br>
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You can enter to win a paperback below, so be sure to throw your name in the hat!<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22582" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/The-Sign-of-the-Weeping-Virgin.jpeg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Sign of the Weeping Virgin by Alana White</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback Publication Date: May 2, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: The Guid’Antonio Vespucci Mysteries, Book 1</div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Mystery/Fiction</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60711644-the-sign-of-the-weeping-virgin"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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Florence, 1480: Guid’Antonio Vespucci is back in town. One man. One clue. One last chance to save the Republic.<br />
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Florentine investigator Guid’Antonio Vespucci returns to Italy from a government mission to find his dreams of peace shattered. Marauding Turks have abducted a young girl and sold her into slavery. Equally disturbing, a revered painting of the Virgin Mary is weeping in Guid’Antonio’s family church. Are the tears manmade or a sign of God’s displeasure with Guid’Antonio himself?<br />
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In a finely wrought story for lovers of medieval and renaissance mysteries everywhere‚ Guid’Antonio follows a spellbinding trail of clues to uncover the thought-provoking truth about the missing girl and the weeping painting’s mystifying tears‚ all pursued as he comes face to face with his own personal demons.<br />
<p style="text-align: center;"><em><strong>“Color, intrigue, and elegant prose bring the 15th-century City of Flowers to life.” —Brenda Rickman Vantrease, Bestselling Author of The Illuminator and A Far Horizon." -Historical Novels Review Editor’s Choice</strong></em></p>
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sign-Weeping-Virgin-Alana-White/dp/163988324X" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sign-of-the-weeping-virgin-alana-white/1112537321" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.indiebound.org/book/9781639883240" rel="noopener" target="_blank">IndieBound</a></span></h4>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Alana-White.jpg" /></div><div><br /></div>
Alana White is the author of the Guid’Antonio mystery series set in Renaissance Florence, Italy. The next title in the series, The Hearts of All on Fire, is coming soon. Like Guid’Antonio, Alana loves dogs. While he dwells in 15th-Century Florence with his brave cane corso Italiano, Alana currently lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, their cat, and two boisterous schnauzer boys.<br />
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For more information, please visit Alana White's <a href="http://alanawhite.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">website</a>. You can also find her on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authoralanawhite/?fref=ts" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlanaWhite1480" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/alanawhiteauthor/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/338557.Alana_J_White" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Cover Reveal Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 2</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/booking.with.janelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Booking With Janelle</a><br />
<a href="https://bonniereadsandwrites.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bonnie Reads and Writes</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 3</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacleomik33/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Page Ladies</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, May 4</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://booksramblingsandtea.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Ramblings, and Tea</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, May 5</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 6</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://jessicabelmont.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jessica Belmont</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, May 7</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 9</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bookworlder</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, May 10</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://jennifercwilsonwriter.wordpress.com/blog/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Historical Fiction with Spirit</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, May 11</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/reader_ceygo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reader_ceygo</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, May 12</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://coffeeandinkbooks.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Coffee and Ink</a><br />
<a href="http://impressionsinink.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Impressions In Ink</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 13</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pages and Paws</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
Enter to win a paperback copy of The Sign of the Weeping Virgin by Alana White!<br />
<br />
The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
<br />
<a class="e-widget no-button" href="https://gleam.io/Es9jT/weeping-virgin-paperback-cover-reveal" rel="nofollow">Weeping Virgin Paperback Cover Reveal</a>
<script async="true" src="https://widget.gleamjs.io/e.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22666" height="336" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/TSOTWV_Cover-Reveal-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-6398795988640838982022-04-22T13:36:00.001-04:002022-04-22T13:36:12.123-04:00Book Blast: The Professor's Lady by Holly Bush<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22127" height="640" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/The-Professors-Lady.jpg" width="427" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">The Professor's Lady by Holly Bush</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: January 25, 2022</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: The Thompsons of Locust Street, Book 3</div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Romance/Victorian</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59694922-the-professor-s-lady"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<em>Meet the Thompsons of Locust Street, an unconventional family taking Philadelphia high society by storm…</em><br />
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1870 Kirsty Thompson is determined to begin her own business bringing beloved Scottish fabrics and yarns to Philadelphia but first she must meet the men and women who weave the plaids and spin the wool. How will she ever escape her protective older siblings and sail to Scotland?<br />
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Albert Watson is a medical doctor focusing on research, especially that of Joseph Lister and his sterilization techniques. He speaks at universities in America and in England while visiting his London relatives. As he prepares to sail for just such an engagement, Kirsty Thompson boards his ship to beg him to take her with him. What’s a gentleman to do? Albert cancels his trip across the ocean to escort Miss Thompson back to Philadelphia and finds there is danger afoot for her and her family.<br />
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Soon he comes to realize there is also danger for his heart, even for a man who rarely pulls his nose from a medical journal. He finds himself unable to put Miss Kirsty Thompson out of his thoughts, where they belonged, because certainly a beautiful, ambitious, and charming young woman could have no interest in him. Or could she?<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Professors-Lady-Thompsons-Locust-Street-ebook/dp/B09M8WJJK7" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-professors-lady-holly-bush/1140541963?ean=2940161051276" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes and Noble</a> | <a href="https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-professor-s-lady" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Kobo</a></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div><h2 style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignright wp-image-19705" height="287" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Holly-Bush.jpg" width="250" /></h2></div>
“Love always has something to say. Sometimes it shouts from the highest hill, and sometimes it whispers so softly one must listen closely to hear. Do not turn away. It is a rare and precious commodity. Treasure it.” The Gentrys of Paradise<br />
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Holly Bush's historical romances are set during the turbulent and transformative years of the late 1800’s. The first two books in her newest series, The Gentrys of Paradise, released in the spring of 2017 and began with the novella Into the Evermore where readers meet Virginia horse breeders, Eleanor and Beauregard Gentry. The following books feature their children, Adam, Matthew, and Olivia. For the Brave is Matthew’s story and is the first full length book of the series. Olivia's book, For This Moment, released in the spring of 2018. The final book, For Her Honor, is now available.<br />
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The Crawford Family Series following the fortunes of the three Boston born Crawford sisters and includes Train Station Bride, Contract to Wed, Her Safe Harbor, and companion novella, The Maid’s Quarters. Cross the Ocean and Charming the Duke are both British set Victorian romances. Fan favorites stand-alone historical romance novels include Romancing Olive and Reconstructing Jackson. Holly's books are described as ‘emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance.’<br />
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She also writes General Fiction under the name of Hollis Bush.<br />
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Holly makes her home with her husband, one happy Labrador Retriever and a clever Jack Russell rescued from the pound, and two difficult cats in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at <a href="http://www.hollybushbooks.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.hollybushbooks.com</a>, on Twitter <a href="https://twitter.com/hollybushbooks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@hollybushbooks</a>, on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hollybushbooks/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and on Facebook at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hollybushbooks" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Holly Bush</a>. Follow Holly on her <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Holly-Bush/e/B006ZDTQ1A/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Amazon author page</a> to receive new release updates and on <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/holly-bush" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">BookBub</a> to check out her reviews and get sale information.<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Blast Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 11</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pursuing Stacie</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 12</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 13</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/booking.with.janelle" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Booking With Janelle</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 14</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://booksramblingsandtea.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Ramblings, and Tea</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 15</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Reading Getaway</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 18</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 21</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/agirlreadsbookss/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Girl Reads Bookss</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNRx35tUXiLD3_V8NAdJSK6Z1pjlf2g6ahlkltsQKvtYPz-8-aD7a--CC63PGDW1VY82YqwaPIB21gaooy5qmbYUF3PEQpFgs1HzguU8TXK-7ZkHcMbG-HcMHHZFls-5ml4GjFismli9Q-414dD3z99BZnlHhG7KAdBotpX-_X4muddsJhX7rqiE/s645/Book%20Blast%20Banner.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="645" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZhNRx35tUXiLD3_V8NAdJSK6Z1pjlf2g6ahlkltsQKvtYPz-8-aD7a--CC63PGDW1VY82YqwaPIB21gaooy5qmbYUF3PEQpFgs1HzguU8TXK-7ZkHcMbG-HcMHHZFls-5ml4GjFismli9Q-414dD3z99BZnlHhG7KAdBotpX-_X4muddsJhX7rqiE/s16000/Book%20Blast%20Banner.png" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-76720479599895252152022-04-19T10:02:00.003-04:002022-04-19T10:02:28.316-04:00Book Blast: We Shall Not Shatter by Elaine StockHello lovelies! Today on the blog I am super excited to share with you an intriguing historical that will be released on May 15th from Author Elaine Stock! It's available for pre-order so if you'd like you can treat your future self!<br>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-22551" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/We-Shall-Not-Shatter_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">We Shall Not Shatter by Elaine Stock</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: May 15, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amsterdam Publishers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Jewish Historical Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60283118-we-shall-not-shatter"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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An unforgettable story of friendship, family and hope as two courageous young women face one of history’s most horrific tragedies.<br />
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Brzeziny, Poland, 1939 Zofia’s comfortable-lifestyle overturns when her husband, Jabez, who monitors Nazi activity, has gone missing. Rather than fleeing the country with her young son, as she had promised Jabez who is fearing retaliation, she decides to stay. She cannot possibly leave her friend, Aanya. Since their childhood they have amazed fellow Brzeziners that it does not matter that Aanya is Jewish and deaf, and that Zofia is Catholic and hearing. Now, more than ever with war looming, Zofia will do whatever is necessary to protect her family and Aanya.<br />
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As both love and war approach their Polish town, Zofia and Aanya must make choices that will change the meaning of family, home, and their precious friendship. The journey, decisions and the no-going-back consequences the women face will either help them to survive—or not—as Hitler’s Third Reich revs up its control of the world.<br />
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Inspired by the author’s paternal heritage from Brzeziny, this is a heartbreaking yet beautiful story of two women who are determined to remain united in friendship and to live freely despite the odds.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Available for Pre-Order<br /><a href="http://getbook.at/WSNSes1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a> | <a href="https://bit.ly/3s7KUMa" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Barnes & Noble</a></span></h4>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
"For anyone who loved 'All the Light We Cannot See' by Anthony Doerr, this is another beautiful journey of not just one woman's story through the turbulent times of Nazi Germany, but two. A story which will touch your heart, and perhaps bring a few tears to wipe away, showing how love does indeed break barriers and sees beyond human labels and disabilities. You will absolutely fall in love with Zofia and Aanya, and how strong friendships were forged in the heat of oppression from Hitler's Germany despite their different faiths."<br />
<strong>-- Historical Fiction Company</strong><br />
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"Drawing from her own family's history, author Elaine Stock has created a compelling story of enduring friendship, heart wrenching sacrifice, and resilient strength. While set during one of the darkest moments on history's stage, We Shall Not Shatter's themes—conveyed through characters who will inhabit your heart—have much to say to readers in today's world, too."<br />
<strong>— Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org</strong><br />
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"Elaine Stock's novel, We Shall Not Shatter, the first of a promised trilogy, Resilient Women of WWII, is a poignant and heartfelt tale of perseverance, of friendship across boundaries, of making families in different ways, of horror and of healing. In the characters of Zofia and Aanya, and the families they make and lose in their native Poland, the barbarities of war, the added peril of Aanya's deafness, and their harrowing escape, the story is offset by the plot strands of Christians helping Jews, Germans helping Poles, hearing people cherishing the strength of the deaf, and the deaf healing others. This is a story not only of resilience, but of the victory of love and friendship over pain and suffering."<br />
<strong>— Barbara Stark-Nemon, author of the award-winning novels, Even in Darkness and Hard Cider, Speech-language therapist and Teacher Consultant for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing</strong><br />
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"We Shall Not Shatter is a compelling novel, inspired by real-life events in Brzeziny, Poland that so dramatically changed the fortunes of both a close-knit Jewish family and a Catholic family during the Hitler years. Elaine Stock's poignant narrative charts the despair, confusion and sheer will to survive during this terrible period in modern European history. This is a story that oozes tragedy, hope, love and courage in the face of adversity."<br />
<strong>— Ron Vincent, author of The House on Thrömerstrasse: A Story of Rebirth and Renewal in the Wake of the Holocaust</strong><br />
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"The story and its characters will linger in the reader’s heart for days... perhaps forever."<br />
<strong>— Patricia Bradley, Author of the Logan Point Series, Memphis Cold Case Novels, Natchez Trace Park Ranger Series</strong><br />
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"We Shall Not Shatter takes readers on a rare journey of life-tested relationships and uncompromising courage. Stock brilliantly creates a time and place that is terrible and heartbreaking only to reveal the beauty that awaits on the other side of devastation. This story will stay with you long after the last page is turned."<br />
<strong>— London Clarke, #1 Amazon bestselling author of Wildfell and The Meadows</strong><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Elaine-Stock.jpg" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Elaine Stock writes Historical Fiction, exploring home, family and friendships throughout time. She enjoys creating stories showing how all faiths, races, and belief systems are interconnected and need each other.</div>
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Elaine’s grandparents, on both sides of her family, narrowly escaped World War II by immigrating from Poland and Austria to the US. Fascinated by the strong will of people to overcome the horrors from this era, she wrote We Shall Not Shatter, Book 1 of the Resilient Women of WWII Trilogy inspired by her deaf great aunt who was left behind as a teenager in Poland and perished in the Holocaust, while her other deaf siblings were permitted to enter the US when their young ages helped them to circumvent medically-revealing exams. Other extended family members also remained in Poland to lose their lives in the Holocaust.<br />
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Although multi-published in award-winning Inspirational Fiction, and a past blogger and online magazine contributor, Elaine now pens novels for the General reading audience. She is a member of Women’s Fiction Writers Association and The Historical Novel Society. Born in Brooklyn, New York, she has now been living in upstate, rural New York with her husband for more years than her stint as a city gal. She enjoys long walks down country roads, visiting New England towns, and of course, a good book.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://elainestock.com/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/ElaineStock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9873485.Elaine_Stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a> | <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/authors/elaine-stock" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a> | <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Stock/e/B00PKTQ4CY" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a></span></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Blast Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 18</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://booksramblingsandtea.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Ramblings, and Tea</a><br />
<a href="https://booksintheirnaturalhabitat.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books In Their Natural Habitat</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 20</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.abakersperspective.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">A Baker’s Perspective</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://www.historywomanperspective.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 25</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 26</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 27</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://impressionsinink.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Impressions In Ink</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 28</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.instagram.com/reader_ceygo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reader_ceygo</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 29</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22623" height="525" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/We-Shall-Not-Shatter_Book-Blast-Banner.png" width="645" /></div>
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-81968617055066442232022-04-18T12:19:00.005-04:002022-04-21T10:06:09.002-04:00Review & Interview: Champagne Widows by Rebecca RosenbergHappy Monday, dear readers! Today on the blog I am excited to share my review of Champagne Widows and an interview with the author, Rebecca Rosenberg to celebrate the paperback release! I hope you enjoy it & be sure to enter the giveaway to win a copy of this amazing book! I highly recommend it to fans os historical fiction and badass women from the past that changed history!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-22462" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/CW_new-cover_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Champagne Widows by Rebecca Rosenberg</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Paperback Publication Date: February 25, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lion Heart Publishing</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/42042735-champagne-widows"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<em><strong>Triple-gold-medal-winning author Rebecca Rosenberg serves up a triumphant tale of talent and ambition, love and loss, betrayal and redemption, and accepting yourself and others for who they are.</strong></em><br />
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<strong>Champagne, France, 1800</strong><br />
Twenty-year-old Barbe-Nicole has inherited Le Nez (an uncanny sense of smell that makes her picky, persnickety, and particularly perceptive) from her great-grandfather, a renowned champagne maker.<br />
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Her parents, however, see Le Nez as a curse and try to marry her off to an unsuspecting suitor. But Barbe-Nicole is determined to use Le Nez to make great champagne. When she learns her childhood sweetheart, François Clicquot, wants to start a winery, she rejects her parents' suitors and marries François despite his mental illness.<br />
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<strong>The Widow Known as Veuve Clicquot</strong><br />
Soon, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot must cope with her husband's death. Becoming a widow known as Veuve Clicquot, she grapples with a new overbearing partner, the difficulties of making champagne and the Napoleon Codes preventing women from owning a business.<br />
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All this while her father takes a military uniform contract from Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who wages six wars against European monarchs, crippling Veuve Clicquot's ability to sell her champagne.<br />
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<strong>Challenging Napoleon</strong><br />
Using Le Nez, Veuve Clicquot struggles through unbearable hardships and challenges Napoleon himself. When she falls in love with her sales manager, Louis Bohne, who asks her to marry, she must choose between losing her winery to her husband, as dictated by Napoleon Code or losing Louis. In the ultimate showdown, Veuve Clicquot risks imprisonment and even death as she defies Napoleon.
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Champagne-Widows-First-Woman-Clicquot/dp/1732969914/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
<br /><h3 style="text-align: left;">
Review
</h3><div>⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐</div><br />
How I love Rebecca Rosenberg and her novels...let me count the ways...<br />
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For one, she chooses the most fascinating women from history to write about, women that were largely lost to history and now are getting their moment under the sun. First, she wrote about the wife of Jack London, Charmian, in The Secret Life of Mrs. London, and then Baby Doe Tabor in Gold Digger, and now we have Barbe-Nicole Cliquot, the woman who revolutionized the Champagne industry.<br />
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Barbe-Nicole inherited her sense of smell from her grandfather and promises her grandmother that she will use that to her advantage to create the best Champagne. With her talent for scent and her business acumen she excels, despite being the only woman in the industry. She is clever and smart and fiercely determined, both in business and her personal and love life. I just adored her!<br />
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The book also features the wily Emperor Napoleon as he sets out to conquer the world and how he threatens the future of Barbe-Nicole's company.<br />
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Having loved Rebecca's first two novels, I think this one may be my favorite. She is definitely an auto-buy author for me. When I read one of her novels I know I'm going to be entertained and educated, gripped and enthralled. Kudos to Rebecca for another winner! Highly recommended!<div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZrlD_csGDg/YWbmL9Y83dI/AAAAAAAAPO8/W2rYPHvxFu4sGtcQt8nhUjLd--IOR2k0ACLcBGAsYHQ/s700/Split%2BGrid%2BInterview%2BLinkedIn%2BPost%2BHeader%2B%252819%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="366" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZrlD_csGDg/YWbmL9Y83dI/AAAAAAAAPO8/W2rYPHvxFu4sGtcQt8nhUjLd--IOR2k0ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h366/Split%2BGrid%2BInterview%2BLinkedIn%2BPost%2BHeader%2B%252819%2529.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><b><i>Hello Rebecca and welcome to Passages to the Past! Thanks so much for stopping by today to talk about Champagne Widows!</i></b><br />
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Amy Bruno, Passages of the Past: To begin, can you please tell us a little about yourself and your writing?</b><br />
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Rebecca Rosenberg, award winning author: I am a champagne geek/lavender farmer/writer of historical fiction. Hard to tell which of these monikers fits better! We lived on our lavender farm in Sonoma Valley, next to Napa Valley, an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge. I’ve had delicious research exploring champagne houses here in wine country, or as properly called in the United States, sparkling wine houses. Champagne can only be called champagne if it comes from Champagne, France! I love to write about “glorious women of the past” whose stories have not been told, like Houdini’s wife, and Jack London’s wife in THE SECRET LIFE OF MRS. LONDON and Baby Doe Tabor in GOLD DIGGER.<br />
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Amy: What inspired you to write about Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, also known as "Grande Dame of Champagne"? </b><br />
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Rebecca: We’ve traveled to Champagne, France many times, even leading tours. We’ve prowled through the elegant champagne houses and mysterious wine caves. When I realized Veuve Clicquot, one of the best champagnes in the world, was the creation of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot in 1800, I started researching her life. Hard to do from the 1800’s!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7jD8d_r8lM/YWbmpN1xI2I/AAAAAAAAPPE/9cp-6oaosKcO6hpEj3m1Mh6Hxh5rl9LZACLcBGAsYHQ/s700/2.%2BBarbe-Nicole%2BSmelling%2BGrapes%2BAlamy%2Bpurchased%2Bshot%2Bfor%2Bwebsite.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E7jD8d_r8lM/YWbmpN1xI2I/AAAAAAAAPPE/9cp-6oaosKcO6hpEj3m1Mh6Hxh5rl9LZACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/2.%2BBarbe-Nicole%2BSmelling%2BGrapes%2BAlamy%2Bpurchased%2Bshot%2Bfor%2Bwebsite.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Amy: What research did you undertake when writing Champagne Widows?</b><br />
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Rebecca: I was lucky enough to meet with the historian of Veuve Clicquot winery, and they gave me a great tour of the city of Reims where she grew up. I was able to see/hear/smell all the things Barbe-Nicole experienced. We spent six weeks over a couple of years, researching. When I started writing the story, I naturally researched France in the 1800’s and discovered that Barbe-Nicole stared to make wine just as Napoleon was trying to conquer Europe with thirteen years of Napoleon wars! Furthermore, Napoleon knew her family and was very involved in champagne makers and developing that industry, because he knew champagne was very important to the French economy and could be used as a weapon against European countries, since they coveted it. I realized Napoleon influenced her story, yet I did not want him to dominate! I also loved how the arcs of Barbe Nicole and Napoleon turn out very differently!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGKrhVusxJU/YWbmzjDm3ZI/AAAAAAAAPPI/_CeVM8pJpQgbVICQ2BBhffwbQZkdxeBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s700/10.%2BNapoleon.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="467" data-original-width="700" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IGKrhVusxJU/YWbmzjDm3ZI/AAAAAAAAPPI/_CeVM8pJpQgbVICQ2BBhffwbQZkdxeBYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/10.%2BNapoleon.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b>Amy: In your research, did you find anything that surprised you about Barbe-Nicole? <br /></b>
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Rebecca: At the winery I discovered Barbe-Nicole Clicquot had a rare trait called Le Nez—the Nose which made her very good at blending champagne. I had a lot of fun with that characteristic of Le Nez, and how she turned it from a negative curse to a blessing. I think we are all born with unusual traits that can be negative or positive depending on what we do with it!</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7skNtUE84Y/YWbnM-O4kqI/AAAAAAAAPPU/_0ZPkVIPlS0FONAGALhprPmjNlD9DnjXQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1146/3.%2Bveuve-clicquot-vineyard-beforeharvest-2high.width-1920x-prop%2B%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="740" data-original-width="1146" height="259" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z7skNtUE84Y/YWbnM-O4kqI/AAAAAAAAPPU/_0ZPkVIPlS0FONAGALhprPmjNlD9DnjXQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h259/3.%2Bveuve-clicquot-vineyard-beforeharvest-2high.width-1920x-prop%2B%25281%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <b>Amy: How did Barbe-Nicole’s process for making Champagne differ from her competitors? <br /></b>
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Rebecca: Making champagne was brand new and very dangerous and unpredictable, actually! She was discovering more scientific methods of making it, ironically aided by Napoleon’s funding of champagne research. She was focused on making champagne clearer and eliminate the dead yeast that occurs in the bottle. Actually after the time period of this book, she invented the technique and tools for riddling, which trapped the dead yeast in the neck of the bottle for removal. That technique is still used today for clear champagne! Barbe-Nicole Clicquot also made the first Vintage Champagne from one year only—1813, the year of the Great Comet. Champagne is traditionally a blend of years and different grape varietals.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFEapDPqtg8/YWbnDovHlII/AAAAAAAAPPQ/HSsp1xZJynQGQRYsVJy6jDjOCwPVVun2gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1062/4.%2Bautunno%252CTaccuino_Sanitatis%252C_Casanatense_4182..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1062" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uFEapDPqtg8/YWbnDovHlII/AAAAAAAAPPQ/HSsp1xZJynQGQRYsVJy6jDjOCwPVVun2gCLcBGAsYHQ/w376-h400/4.%2Bautunno%252CTaccuino_Sanitatis%252C_Casanatense_4182..jpg" width="376" /></a></div><br /><b>Amy: What was your favorite scene to write? <br /></b>
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Rebecca: I love humor in books, and try to inject when I can, so I loved to write the scene where Barbe-Nicole is wooed by a pig farmer and she suffers with Le Nez! <br />
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Amy: What was the most difficult scene to write? <br /></b>
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Rebecca: There is a mysterious character called the Red Man who goads Napoleon to conquer Europe, and kill six million people. Every time the Red Man appears I feel my chest tighten. I wish Napoleon would not heed his advice!<br />
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Amy: Lastly, what are you working on next? <br /></b>
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Rebecca: I have two sequels to Champagne Widows series—for Madame Pommery and Lily Bollinger. And a sequel to complete for GOLD DIGGER, called SILVER DOLLAR. Great stories! But for now, I’m focusing on the first CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS!<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS awarded 2022 EDITOR’S CHOICE HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY! "Barbe-Nicole is a strong, determined woman, who defies Napoleon to make her winery a success. Fascinating details about winemaking: soil, climate, barrels, bottles, and the various grapes. All this and more affect the smell and flavor of the wine. I could smell the wine along with Barbe-Nicole, since Rosenberg's descriptions are so vivid. The narrative is interspersed with brief scenes about the rise and fall of Napoleon, and the Red Man, a devil figure disguised as a coachman, who encourages him to conquer Europe. The most moving parts are where Barbe-Nicole harvests grapes along with other women widowed by Napoleon's wars." ~ HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY EDITOR'S CHOICE<br />
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“This effervescent historical novel paints a richly detailed portrait of the enterprising Veuve Clicquot. The twinned plots of Clicquot and Napoleon Bonaparte’s rise and fall are filled with detail that give life to this far-off time. The prose is light, yet detailed, and peppered with moments of wry humor. Napoleon's characterization is well-crafted and give his character new life. Clicquot’s character is charming, and readers will love getting to know her. Rosenberg has a superb eye for blending humor with drama.” ~Publisher’s Weekly BookLife Prize<br />
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"Barbe-Nicole is captivating, particularly with her inheritance of "Le Nez" and the effect on her life. From grapes to pigs, the adventures she gets into with her nose are fascinating and are described in detailed and engaging ways. The champagne empire she builds is admirable, as is her relationship with Francois and its challenges. ~ WRITER'S DIGEST 2022<br />
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"For anyone who loves champagne, a must-read novel about Veuve Clicquot." ~ Judithe Little, best-selling author of The Chanel Sisters<br />
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"These first known women of Champagne/Sparkling winemaking may not have even realized how strong they were until they had to learn and do it all to survive for themselves and their wineries! Reading Champagne Widows makes it even more of an honor to learn a craft still dominated by men." ~ Penny Gadd-Coster, ExecutiveDirector of Winemaking, Rack & Riddle<br />
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"The sun-drenched vineyards of France, a real-life heroine who against all odds refuses to give up her dreams... and champagne. What's not to love? And that's just what Rebecca Rosenberg delivers in Champagne Widows. Barbe-Nicole Clicquot was a woman ahead of her time, a fascinating blend of ingenuity, heart, and sheer tenacity, with a nose for wine and a head for business. A 19th century widow who built an empire as war raged all around her. Note: This richly woven tale is best savored slowly, though with all delicious things, it won't be easy." ~ Barbara Davis, best-selling author of The Last of the Moon Girls<br />
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"Champagne Widows is a witty, accomplished novel, featuring a tough and charming heroine of the first order. One can't help but root for Barbe-Nicole, an astute businesswoman who brilliantly holds her own against none other than Napoleon Bonaparte. Although the events unfold two centuries ago, the story feels so modern, the characters could be your friends and neighbors. As easy to love as a glass of Veuve Clicquot, this may be Rebecca Rosenberg's best book yet." ~ Michelle Richmond, best-selling author of The Marriage Pact<br />
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"Champagne Widows is an inspired story based on the real-life Grande Dame of Champagne, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot Ponsardin, who built her famous champagne empire amidst the turbulence of 19th century France. Barbe-Nicole is my kind of heroine: a woman with passion, courage, family loyalty, and a killer business sense. Rebecca Rosenberg's sensual details make every scene of this intimate novel come alive. A true reading pleasure!" ~ Martha Conway, best-selling author of The Underground River and The Physician's Daughter<br />
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"Award-winning author, Rebecca Rosenberg returns with another Historical Fiction jewel in CHAMPAGNE WIDOWS. Meet the women who succeeded in creating world class champagne in a time men ruled business and society. Lovers of history, romance, and French culture will relish the multi-layered plot and cast of characters including the ultimate French icon, Napoleon Bonaparte." ~ Johnnie Bernhard, award-winning author of Sisters of the Undertow<br />
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"An epic story featuring love, family, and the sustaining power of courage. Champagne Widows takes the reader back in time for an intimate look at the building of the iconic brand Veuve Clicquot. In the aftermath of Napoleon's rise to power, Barbe-Nicole and her husband Francois share a vision of creating a champagne that will astound the world. Despite war, death, blockades, and failed harvests, Barbe-Nicole ultimately succeeds." ~ M.K. Tod, author of Paris In Ruins and award-winning blog A Writer of History<br />
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"Raise a glass to Veuve Clicquot and all the women from history to the present, who have broken the mold and overcome obstacles to succeed in all-male professions. Just as a champagne bottle pops bringing delectable flavors and delicious aromas, Rebecca Rosenberg delights the senses with her engrossing novel. She treats the reader to a perfect blend of history and story - with lots of champagne! Sit back and savor the tale of Veuve Clicquot. " ~ Linda Rosen, author of Sisters of the Vine<br />
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"Rebecca Rosenberg has penned a spectacular saga about the first "Champagne widow" of France, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot. With her gift, known as Le Nez (the nose), Barbe-Nicole can "smell the stink of a lie or the perfume of a pure heart. Or the heartbreaking smell of what could have been." Along with her expertise, she possesses courage and vision, overcoming incredible odds during the time of the Napoleonic Code, which left widows without property rights—in Barbe-Nicole's case, her Champagne business. Seamlessly interwoven with historical letters from Napoleon, the book sweeps the reader into the early nineteenth-century world. But it's her imaginative tale of Veuve Clicquot's personal life that captured me and wouldn't let go until the end, leaving me wanting more!" ~ Susan Cushman, author of John and Mary Margaret<br />
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"An independent woman of indomitable strength, determined to find her way in a man's world. Champagne Widows is vintage storytelling." ~ Jean M. Roberts, author of The Heron<br />
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"Rebecca Rosenberg transforms history into literary art. Her prose sparkles, bringing centuries-old characters to life with wit, heart and bon mots. Treat yourself to Champagne Widows, and marvel at Rosenberg's gift for making every sense sing." ~ Carol Van Den Hende, award-winning author of Goodbye, Orchid<br />
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"Like the best wines, Rosenberg's Champagne Widows will entice you with its complexity as it balances the story of a widow's determination to produce the world's greatest champagne in the face of Napoleon's path of destruction. If you love France, historical fiction, underdog stories, strong women, or wine, then pop a cork to celebrate this perfect blend of a novel." ~ Mary Helen Sheriff, author of Boop and Eve's Road Trip<div>
<br /><h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Rebecca-Rosenberg-239x300.jpg" /> </div><div><br /></div><div>California native Rebecca Rosenberg lives on a lavender farm with her family in Sonoma, the Valley of the Moon, where she and her husband founded the largest lavender product company in America. A long-time student of Jack London’s work and an avid fan of his daring wife, Charmian, Rosenberg is a graduate of the Stanford Writing Certificate Program. Her books include: GOLD DIGGER, the Remarkable Baby Doe Tabor, The Secret Life of Mrs. London, Lavender Fields of America, and the Champagne Widows series.<br />
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For more information, please visit Rebecca's <a href="http://www.rebecca-rosenberg.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">website</a> and <a href="http://www.rebecca-rosenberg.com/rebeccas-blog/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">blog</a>. You can also find her on <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Rosenberg/e/B075WGKJ3Y/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1547329543&sr=8-1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Amazon</a>, <a href="https://www.bookbub.com/profile/rebecca-rosenberg" rel="noopener" target="_blank">BookBub</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rebecca.rosenberg.novelist" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RebeccasNovels" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/rebeccarosenbergnovelist/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, and <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7652050.Rebecca_Rosenberg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Goodreads</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Blog Tour Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 18</strong></span><br />
Review & Interview at <a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 20</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://www.historywomanperspective.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">History from a Woman’s Perspective</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 22</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://booksramblingsandtea.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Books, Ramblings, and Tea</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 25</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://jenessa-d.medium.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Book Reviews and More</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 26</strong></span><br />
Guest Post at <a href="http://jathanandheather.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Jathan & Heather</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 29</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://jennifercwilsonwriter.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Historical Fiction with Spirit</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, April 30</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/probablyatthelibrary/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Probably at the Library</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 2</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://www.rajivsreviews.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Rajiv's Reviews</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, May 4</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/reader_ceygo" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reader_ceygo</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 6</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, May 7</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="http://www.instagram.com/mtmreads" rel="noopener" target="_blank">MTM Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, May 9</strong></span><br />
Review at <a href="https://Instagram.com/tammyreads62" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy Reads</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, May 13</strong></span><br />
Excerpt at <a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Giveaway</h3>
We have 2 paperback copies up for grabs! To enter, please <strong><a href="https://forms.gle/LxfjCnQQ1XarE3P1A" rel="noopener" target="_blank">sign up here</a></strong>.<br />
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*Disclaimer: Your email address will be added to Rebecca Rosenberg's newsletter mailing list.<br />
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The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on May 13th. You must be 18 or older to enter.<br />
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</div></div></div></div>Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-8959500390582913012022-04-16T11:05:00.003-04:002022-04-17T10:27:00.135-04:00eBook Sale! Anticipation by Melodie WinawerHeads up, book lovers! During the month of April you can pick up Melodie Winawer's newest release, Anticipation, for your Kindle for only $1.99! <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-22578" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Anticipation_web.jpg" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Anticipation by Melodie Winawer</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: November 2, 2021</div><div style="text-align: center;">Gallery Books</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Historical Fiction</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56898094-anticipation"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-11498" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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<strong>From the author of the “engrossing historical epic” (<em>Booklist</em>) The Scribe of Siena comes Anticipation, a thrilling tale set in the crumbling city of Mystras, Greece, in which a scientist’s vacation with her young son quickly turns into a fight for their lives after they cross paths with a man out of time.</strong><br />
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After the death of her beloved husband and becoming a single parent to her nine-year-old son Alexander, overworked scientist Helen desperately needs an escape. So when Alexander proposes a trip to Greece—somewhere he's always dreamed of visiting—Helen quickly agrees.<br />
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After spending several days exploring the tourist-filled streets, they stumble upon the ancient city of Mystras and are instantly drawn to it. Its only resident is Elias, a mysterious tour guide living on the city’s edges…both physically and temporally.<br />
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In 1237, Elias’s mother promised his eternal service to the Profitis Ilias in Mystras in exchange for surviving a terrible illness. But during his 800 years of labor, he’s had one common enemy: the noble Lusignan family. The Lusignan line is cursed by a deadly disease that worsens with each generation, and a prophecy hints that Elias’s blood is their only hope for a cure. He has managed to survive throughout the centuries, but the line has dwindled down to the last Lusignan and he is desperate to avert his family’s destiny.<br />
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When Elias runs into Helen, he meets his match for the first time—but he unwittingly puts both her and her young son in danger as a result. With time running out and an enemy after them, Elias and Helen are forced to choose between the city they love, and each other.<br />
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Blending the historical romance of Diana Gabaldon, the rich detail of Philippa Gregory’s novels, and Dan Brown’s fast-paced suspense, <em>Anticipation</em> is a thrilling and satisfying read like no other.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pick up <a href="https://amzn.to/3KAqqUj" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Anticipation</a> in eBook for only $1.99 thru April 30th!</span></h4>
<a href="https://amzn.to/3KAqqUj"><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22575" height="363" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ANTICIPATION-TW-Post-Asset-web.png" width="645" /></a><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">Praise</h3>
"Winawer (<em>The Scribe of Siena</em>) enthralls with this unique combination of history, romance, and the supernatural...Readers will be riveted from the first page."<em><strong>—Publishers Weekly (starred review and November Pick of the Week)</strong></em><br />
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"A sweeping saga spanning multiple centuries, <em>Anticipation</em> enthralled me with its scope. Yet Winawer’s gift as a writer also shines brightly in the small moments, like the shared joy between a mother and a child, or the meditations on loss of a grieving widow. Truly magical."<em><strong>—Fiona Davis, New York Times bestselling author of The Lions of Fifth Avenue</strong></em><br />
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“An epic historical novel that combines science, romance, and suspense.”<em><strong>—BuzzFeed</strong></em><br />
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"Melodie Winawer’s <em>Anticipation</em> is a compelling novel that weaves fantasy, philosophy, science, medicine, romance, and madness into a tapestry of intrigue and mystery. And, fittingly for a physician, Winawer ultimately writes a story of healing and hope. I loved every word and did not want it to end."<em><strong>—Robin Oliveira, bestselling author of My Name is Mary Sutter and Winter Sisters</strong></em><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Author</h3>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-22576" height="451" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Melodie-Winawer_Photograph-©-Dana-Maxon_web.jpg" width="300" /></center><div><br /></div>Melodie Winawer is the author of <em>THE SCRIBE OF SIENA</em> (2017), which was praised by <em>Publisher’s Weekly</em>, <em>Library Journal</em>, <em>Kirkus Reviews</em>, <em>Bustle</em>, and <em>Real Simple</em>, and was declared a “Must Read Book” by the <em>New York Post</em>. SCRIBE has been translated into German, Czech, Polish, and Norwegian. Winawer is also the author of the recently published <em>ANTICIPATION</em> (November 2021), which was a starred review Publisher’s weekly “Pick of the Week”, called one of the “Best books released in November” and “Best Historical Fiction Fall 2021” by <em>BuzzFeed</em>, and is now a <em>Target Recommends</em> Pick. Melodie is also a contributor to WE ALL FALL DOWN; STORIES OF PLAGUE AND RESILIENCE, an anthology of short stories by nine historical fiction writers. A physician-scientist and associate professor of neurology at Columbia University, Melodie has published over fifty scientific articles. To find the energy to write, she relies on unflagging enthusiasm and green tea. Melodie lives with her spouse and their three children in both New York City and Vermont.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://melodiewinawer.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/authorMelodieWinawer/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Facebook</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/melodiewinawer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/melodiewinawer/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a> | <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15401858.Melodie_Winawer" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></h4><br />
<h2>Book Blast Schedule</h2>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, April 16</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 18</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pursuing Stacie</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookworlder</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 20</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 21</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pages and Paws</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, April 23</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://crossmyheartbookreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sunday, April 24</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 25</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://jennifercwilsonwriter.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Historical Fiction with Spirit</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 26</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Reading Getaway</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 28</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://Instagram.com/tammyreads62" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Tammy Reads</a><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, April 30</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
Passages to the Pasthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16357366263195042306noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5552020989914140175.post-81431627691165765362022-04-14T13:43:00.004-04:002022-04-15T13:25:42.070-04:00New Release! Love That Lasts by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. ShanniakPlease join me in wiehsing a very Happy Book Birthday to authors Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak! The second book in their Bramley Hall Regency series, Love That Lasts, is out today! If you enjoy sweet, clean romances you should definitely pick this series up!<br />
<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft size-full wp-image-22594" height="600" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Love-That-Lasts_web.jpg" width="400" /></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">Love That Lasts by Michelle Helen Fritz & E.A. Shanniak</h3><div style="text-align: center;">Publication Date: April 14, 2022</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clear Spring Books LLC</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Genre: Regency Romance</div><div style="text-align: center;">Series: Bramley Hall Regency Romance, Book Two</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/60732491-love-that-lasts" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><img alt="" class="alignleft wp-image-11498 size-full" height="41" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Add-to-GR-Button.png" width="130" /></a></div>
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Miss Isabelle Pembroke has spent most of her life doing as she pleases and she most certainly never wastes time on the suitors who call for her hand. She’d rather be an old maid than saddled with someone unworthy of her company.<br />
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George Wallis is the fifth Earl of Hathwell who has spent his adult years marching in the regiment. Then disaster strikes and sends him home with a letter of honorable discharge. He is soon faced with a daunting title that he was never prepared for.<br />
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Attempting to escape unwanted memories, George succumbs to his vices. Leaving his country home he makes his way to London and attends one of the renowned gambling dens. Believing his hand is well in his favor, he wagers a bet that alters his life forevermore- one that saddles him with a wife that loathes the sight of him.<br />
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Can this forced match blend their hearts together and declare a Love That Lasts or will they throw down their cards before they’ve even tried?<br />
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Love That Lasts is a clean Regency Romance and the second book in a three-story series that will entertain and delight you with its swoon-worthy heroes and the compelling leading ladies that capture their hearts. Each book can be read as a standalone, but are best read in release order.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Love-That-Lasts-Bramley-Regency-ebook/dp/B09SNQ53KB/" rel="noopener" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Available on Amazon</span></a></h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">About the Authors</h3>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22290" height="467" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Michelle-Helen-Fritz.jpg" width="270" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>Michelle Helen Fritz</strong> was born and raised in Maryland and Arizona with lots of traveling throughout the States. She began her literary career as a personal assistant to Indie authors and loves to see the process of an idea turn into a finished book. Michelle loves to write about dashing heroes, and the compelling women that tempt them, with a dash of intrigue, an abundant amount of romance, and scenes that hopefully make her reader’s swoon. She is the mother of four children whom she homeschools and currently resides in Maryland with her own jaunty hero who makes all of her dreams come true.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Author-Michelle-Helen-Fritz-111085181423828" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleFritzP1" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormichellehelenfritz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>
<center><img alt="" class="aligncenter wp-image-22287 size-full" height="299" src="https://www.hfvirtualbooktours.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/E.A.-Shanniak.jpg" width="300" /></center><strong><div><strong><br /></strong></div>E.A. (Ericka Ashlee) Shanniak</strong> is the author of the successful fantasy romance series – A Castre World Novel. She is hobbit-sized, barely reaching over five feet tall on a good day. When she wears her Georgia Romeo’s not only does she gain an inch, she is then able to reach the kitchen cabinets. Ericka loves to write at her desk that her daughter’s cat destroyed. Fortunately for everyone, she can see over it.<br />
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Ericka resides in the small town of Coldwater, Kansas with her husband, two kids, two dogs and two grumpy cats. The cats were her kids’ idea.<br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/EAShanniakRomance" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Author Facebook Page</a> | <a href="https://www.instagram.com/author_ea.shanniak/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Instagram</a></span></h4>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">Book Blast Schedule</h3>
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 14</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://www.passagestothepast.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Passages to the Past</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Saturday, April 16</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://thebookjunkiereadspromos.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">The Book Junkie Reads</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Monday, April 18</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://myreadinggetaway.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">My Reading Getaway</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 19</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pursuingstacie.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pursuing Stacie</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Wednesday, April 20</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://coverloverbookreview.blogspot.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cover Lover Book Review</a><br />
<a href="https://www.aubreywynne.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 21</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://onebookmore.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">One Book More</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 22</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Chicks, Rogues, and Scandals</a><br />
<br />
<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Sunday, April 24</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://readingismyremedy.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Reading is My Remedy</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Tuesday, April 26</strong></span><br />
<a href="http://englishmysteriesblog.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Thursday, April 28</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://pagesandpaws.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Pages and Paws</a><br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Friday, April 29</strong></span><br />
<a href="https://bookworlder.wordpress.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Bookworlder</a><br />
<a href="http://celticladysreviews.blogspot.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">CelticLady's Reviews</a><br />
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