Tell Tale Book Reviews

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Delia And The Drifter by Melody Carlson (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

3/6/2021

An arranged marriage to save the family from ruin?

Delia Blackstone knows what her mother is up to—she intends to marry her off to an older man who is all fortune and no future. And Delia’s having none of it.

When a mysterious visitor appears on the family doorstep and offers an opportunity for Delia to travel from Pennsylvania to Colorado, Delia knows it is time for her to strike out on her own and discover a new life. Along the way she encounters a handsome drifter who captures her heart. But is he interested in trading his exciting life of adventure for love?

Two murders, a missing will, and a number of puzzling relationships are enough to unsettle anyone—even smart, capable Delia. Who can she trust? And can she trust her heart in matters of love?

Genre: Historical Romance (Western)
Release date: February 15, 2021

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

She's a lady. He's a drifter. Can they find love?

I originally picked up Delia And The Drifter for two reasons, it's a Melody Carlson book and I love the name Delia. The title completely caught my attention and I was treated to a story that matched it perfectly.

I've mostly read Melody Carlson's contemporary books but I did enjoy this historical romance slash western. Delia and Wyatt were such fun to get to know. From the streets of Pittsburgh to Colorado ranchland to the Alaskan goldfields, these two manage to find adventure at every turn, not to mention danger and romance!

Though not always 100 percent historically accurate Delia And The Drifter was an entertaining mix of light and dark, romance and mayhem, and it reminded me much of the Christian historical romances that I enjoyed so much as a teen.

Delia And The Drifter was a pleasant way to while away a few hours on a dreary late winter day. It was an easy read, somewhat on the lighter side, and a nice start to Melody Carlson's new Westward To Home series. I'm now curious to find out what happens in the next book...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Delia And The Drifter by Melody Carlson a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Melody

I love historical stories about women. Particularly ones in the American frontier and old west. Probably because I grew up hearing pioneer stories from my grandparents, whose parents arrived in covered wagons. But contributions made by pioneering females is often overshadowed by their male counterparts.

That’s why I enjoy researching and telling these fictional yet reality-based stories of women who lived and loved and did their part to settle the frontier. To me they are the unsung heroes of the West.

Melody Carlson

Melody Carlson has written more than 200 books (with sales around 6.5 million) for teens, women, and children. That’s a lot of books, but mostly she considers herself a “storyteller.” Her young adult novels (Diary of a Teenage Girl, True Colors etc.) appeal to teenage girls around the world. Her annual Christmas novellas become more popular each year. She’s won a number of awards (including RT’s Career Achievement Award, the Rita, and the Gold medallion) and some of her books have been optioned for film/TV. Carlson has two grown sons and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and yellow Lab dog.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Melody is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/1089b/delia-and-the-drifter-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Through the Fire Blogs, February 24
lakesidelivingsite, February 24
For Him and My Family, February 24
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 25
Blogging With Carol, February 25
She Lives To Read, February 26
Texas Book-aholic, February 26
Pause for Tales, February 26
Inklings and notions, February 27
The Meanderings of a Bookworm, February 27
deb’s Book Review, February 28
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 28
CarpeDiem, February 28
Betti Mace, March 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 1
Artistic Nobody, March 2 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, March 2
Simple Harvest Reads, March 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, March 3
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, March 3
Older & Smarter?, March 4
Connie’s History Classroom, March 4
Christian Bookaholic, March 5
Book Bites, Bee Stings, & Butterfly Kisses, March 5
Sara Jane Jacobs, March 5
Tell Tale Book Reviews, March 6
Labor Not in Vain, March 6
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 7
Connect in Fiction, March 7
A Modern Day Fairy Tale, March 8
Splashes of Joy, March 8
Hallie Reads, March 8
Batya’s Bits, March 9
Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, March 9

Oregon Trail photo is from the National Archives and is in the public domain.
Original caption: "The Covered Wagon of the Great Western Migration. 1886 in Loup Valley, Nebr."

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Movie Review - Dolphin Island (Giveaway)

3/5/2021

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Dolphin Island

After losing her parents, 14-year-old Annabel lives with her grandfather on an island paradise. She's surrounded by an extended family of loving but quirky neighbors and her best friend -- a dolphin named Mitzy. However, everything soon changes when her maternal grandparents arrive with a shifty lawyer to bring her back to New York. It's now up to Annabel and her friends to figure out how to save the day and prove that love conquers all.

Dove-approved for all ages!
Winner of Best Feature Film - Christian Film Festival 2021

Purchase Dolphin Island after its on-demand release March 2nd,
and watch from the comfort of your own home!

Purchase

FREE Discussion Guide

“5 OUT OF 5 STARS” “RECOMMENDED FOR AGES 7 TO 18, PLUS ADULTS. IT IS FAMILY FRIENDLY AND HIGHLIGHTS THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY” -Kids First!

“A HEARTWARMING TALE OF LOVE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, WILL BE ENTERTAINING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY”
- Dove Foundation

My Review

What a fun adventure for the whole family!

OK, I'll admit it. I picked out this movie because it had 'dolphin' in the title. Like any little kid I just couldn't resist it... And I was most pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this cute tropical adventure! I wasn't the only one, though, everyone in my all adult household liked it!

A few things that I really appreciated about Dolphin Island:
-The filming location. Obviously not an indoor set/stage. Nope, this movie has some of the most gorgeous scenery and it gets its time in the spotlight.
-The movie is family oriented and has a Christian vibe to it without being too preachy.
-The liberal use of humor, Jonah 'Grandpa' is snarky and gets some of the absolute best lines. He had my family laughing quite often and he fast became my favorite character.

Shakespeare it is not, thank goodness, but Dolphin Island is a fun and entertaining family movie that is sure to appeal to kids and even grab the attention of adults. It's cute, it's adorable, and hey, the dolphin even gets to save the day...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Dolphin Island 4 Bark rating.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Entertainment Squad for providing this product/product information for review. Opinions are 100%
my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

It's Time For 2 Giveaways!

1.
Click below for an opportunity to win!

Giveaway

2.
Enter to win a digital code for Dolphin Island
(North America ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#DolphinIslandMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork

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2021 Birthday Celebration - Guest Post from Amy Lillard (Giveaway)

3/4/2021

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Renewed faith and happiness await three generations of women in this heartwarming
series from Amy Lillard, set in the Oklahoma Amish community of Wells Landing . . .

With her daughter newly married, widow Charlotte Burkhart should have been content to find a companion for her later years in Amish widower Glenn Esh. Yet, Charlotte longs for more than life has offered her thus far. When she discovers a baby on her doorstep, the child seems like the miracle Charlotte’s been praying for. Unfortunately, Glenn doesn’t feel the same way. What’s a single woman aching to experience motherhood once more to do?

From the moment Paul Brenneman sees Charlotte Burkhart with a new baby, he senses his lovely neighbor and the sweet child are meant to be. Which is why he offers to marry Charlotte and make her adoption dreams come true. No stranger to heartache himself, the stalwart widower knows second chances don’t happen every day—especially not with a woman like Charlotte, the first woman in a long time who has him taking a leap of faith that happily-ever-after is still possible . . .

ASIN: B08CBNY8B5

Pre-Order

Affiliate link used.

Guest Post from author Amy Lillard

What would happen if someone left a baby on the porch of an Amish home? That was the question that sparked my latest book, A New Love for Charlotte. You may remember Charlotte Burkhart from Loving Jenna and Romancing Nadine. Charlotte has been going through many changes both mentally and physically. Jenna, her special needs daughter has gotten married and moved out. Nadine, her mother-in-law, will be remarrying shortly, leaving Charlotte alone in the house she thought they would all live in forever. Add in the stress of menopause and Charlotte’s swimming in changes.

But Charlotte is nothing if not resourceful and she knows that she’ll have to make some changes in her life to fight the changes that are coming. That’s why she sets her sights on marrying Glenn Esh. Glenn is handsome, fancy Amish. Charlotte knows that God means for her to have someone in her life and Glenn seems like the perfect candidate. But when a baby is dropped on her doorstep, it’s her next-door neighbor, Paul Brenneman who lends a hand.

Paul has loved Charlotte from afar, biding his time before letting her know of his feelings. But when she tells him of her plans for her and Glenn, Paul realizes he’s waited too late.

Only the miracle of a sweet bundle of joy that was left for them to find can make Charlotte understand that God was in charge all along.

I can’t wait to share Charlotte’s story! The book is available for pre-order now and will be released on March 30, 2021.
Happy reading, everyone!

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Amy Lillard is generously giving away a print copy of A New Love For Charlotte

(USA ONLY)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Just Read Audiobook Tour - Love Amid The Ashes by Mesu Andrews

3/3/2021

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Genre:
Historical / Biblical

Love Amid The Ashes
Treasures Of His Love book 1
by Mesu Andrews

-From Goodreads-

Readers often think of Job sitting on the ash heap, his life in shambles. But how did he get there? What was Job's life like before tragedy struck? What did he think as his world came crashing down around him? And what was life like after God restored his wealth, health, and family? Through painstaking research and a writer's creative mind, Mesu Andrews weaves an emotional and stirring account of this well-known story told through the eyes of the women who loved him. Drawing together the account of Job with those of Esau's tribe and Jacob's daughter Dinah, Love Amid the Ashes breathes life, romance, and passion into the classic biblical story of suffering and steadfast faith.

ISBN-13: 9780800734077

Can two hurting people find Love Amid The Ashes?

Love Amid The Ashes was actually the first Mesu Andrews book that I ever read. Her historical accuracy, strict adherence to Biblical truth, and her vivid word-painting captivated me in a way only a few Biblical fiction authors have ever managed to do. I was hooked.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Mesu Andrews

Author Website

I can tell you this, though, listening to the audiobook of Love Amid The Ashes was like experiencing an entirely new story. The way the narrator brought the story to life was perfect. She didn't just read the story, she TOLD the story! The depth of emotion she brought to her narration was exquisite! And if there's one thing Dinah and Job's story is, it's emotional. From the guilt and rejection heaped onto Dinah to Job's agonizing pain and losses. You will become so invested in their tale that you will just about put on your own sackcloth and ashes!

As you can probably guess, I not only like the narrator but I am a big fan of Mesu Andrews's books. I haven't read one yet that I didn't love! The raw emotion in her stories is heart-wrenching and inspiring. As with her other books, Love Amid The Ashes is a powerful novel, a moving story, and one you won't soon forget. And if you listen to this audiobook version of Mesu Andrews's book it's even more riveting and unforgettable...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Love Amid The Ashes by Mesu Andrews a 5 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden

3/3/2021

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Genre:
Historical Romance

A Gilded Lady
Hope And Glory book 2
by Elizabeth Camden

-From Goodreads-

Caroline Delacroix is at the pinnacle of Washington high society in her role as secretary to the first lady of the United States. But beneath the facade of her beauty, glamorous wardrobe, and dazzling personality, she's hiding a terrible secret. If she cannot untangle a web of foreign espionage, her brother will face execution for treason.

Nathaniel Trask is the newly appointed head of the president's Secret Service team. He is immediately suspicious of Caroline despite his overwhelming attraction to her quick wit and undeniable charm. Desperate to keep the president protected, Nathaniel must battle to keep his focus fully on his job as the threat to the president rises.

Amid the glamorous pageantry of Gilded Age Washington, DC, Caroline and Nathaniel will face adventure, danger, and heartbreak in a race against time that will span the continent and the depth of human emotion.

ISBN-13: 9780764232121

Will circumstances drive them apart?

OK, can I just start off with a confession? Good. I almost was not looking forward to reading A Gilded Lady. There, it's out! As much as I enjoy Elizabeth Camden's books and as much as I loved the first book in the Hope And Glory series, I just did NOT like Caroline Delacroix in The Spice King. My opinion now that I've finished A Gilded Lady? Well, I still think that Caroline is spoiled and demanding but she really grew on me in a way I never expected.

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Author Website

One of the things I love most about an Elizabeth Camden book is just how much I learn about history. She blends entertaining fiction with historical fact so skillfully that you can't help but be excited by the tiny details and what you might learn on the next page. When I started this book I did have vague knowledge of President McKinley's trip across the US and I knew that he was assassinated while in office, but that's about it. But there was so much more to know, about the president and his wife, about the Secret Service, about Washington D.C., and all sorts of fascinating things!

I am really getting into the Hope And Glory series, each story has been fascinating and thought-provoking, and I absolutely can't wait for the next book so I can finally find out the answers to the overarching storyline of the mysterious third Delacroix sibling. If you like historical romance haven't read A Gilded Lady yet I would definitely recommend adding it, and the rest of Elizabeth Camden's wonderful Hope And Glory series, to your TBR list...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden a 4 Bark rating.

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WORD Wednesday - March 3rd, 2021

3/3/2021

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Book Review - When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin

2/28/2021

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Genre:
Historical Romance

When Twilight Breaks
by Sarah Sundin

-From Goodreads-

Munich, 1938. Evelyn Brand is an American foreign correspondent as determined to prove her worth in a male-dominated profession as she is to expose the growing tyranny in Nazi Germany. To do so, she must walk a thin line. If she offends the government, she could be expelled from the country--or worse. If she fails to truthfully report on major stories, she'll never be able to give a voice to the oppressed--and wake up the folks back home.

In another part of the city, American graduate student Peter Lang is working on his PhD in German. Disillusioned with the chaos in the world due to the Great Depression, he is impressed with the prosperity and order of German society. But when the brutality of the regime hits close, he discovers a far better way to use his contacts within the Nazi party--to feed information to the shrewd reporter he can't get off his mind.

This electric standalone novel from fan-favorite Sarah Sundin puts you right at the intersection of pulse-pounding suspense and heart-stopping romance.

ISBN-13: 9780800736361

Can they live long enough to do the right thing?

I first learned about WWII in Europe and the Holocaust through the lens of a children's version of Corrie ten Boom's The Hiding Place, I was about 7 or 8. I read the adult version by the time I was 10. For me, those horrible events and the heroism of people like the ten Booms are very real. As an adult I listened to a woman tell her story of witnessing Kristallnacht when she was a young German girl. Those events caused Hitler's ideology of hate to fail with her, instead she learned to love every human no matter their ethnicity, politics, or religion. Those true stories have stayed with me, and will continue to do so for the rest of my life.

This Book received a 5 Bark rating.

Sarah Sundin

Author Website

And, though fictional, I suspect that When Twilight Breaks will stay with me for a long time as well. I originally picked it up only because it was a Sarah Sundin book and she is one of my favorite WWII fiction authors. I was in for a surprise when I started reading When Twilight Breaks. It's a little different in tone than most of Sarah Sundin's books, a bit darker I think, but that makes it all the more hard hitting.

I ran the gamut of emotions while reading When Twilight Breaks. The insidious hatefulness of the Nazis was hard to read sometimes, but what was even more difficult to hear was just how many Americans were fooled into admiring the regime. But, before you think this new novel from Sarah Sundin is all doom and gloom, it's not. She richly describes the scenery and traditions of Germany and the story itself is also entertaining in addition to thought provoking. When Twilight Breaks is a must read for fans of WWII fiction and of Sarah Sundin. It's riveting. It's gripping. It's real history...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives When Twilight Breaks by Sarah Sundin a 5 Bark rating.

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Book Review - Obsession by Patricia Bradley

2/27/2021

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Genre:
Romantic Suspense

Obsession
Natchez Trace Park Rangers book 2
by Patricia Bradley

-From Goodreads-

Natchez Trace Ranger and historian Emma Winters hoped never to see Sam Ryker again after she broke off her engagement to him. But when shots are fired at her at a historical landmark just off the Natchez Trace, she's forced to work alongside Sam as the Natchez Trace law enforcement district ranger in the ensuing investigation. To complicate matters, Emma has acquired a delusional secret admirer who is determined to have her as his own. Sam is merely an obstruction, one which must be removed.

Sam knows that he has failed Emma in the past and he doesn't intend to let her down again. Especially since her life is on the line. As the threads of the investigation cross and tangle with their own personal history, Sam and Emma have a chance to discover the truth, not only about the victim but about what went wrong in their relationship.

ISBN-13: 9780800735746

Past and present crimes merge into Obsession...

Obsession was the right title for this book! That is for sure! It was so delightfully chilling and stalkerish creepy!

What I really enjoyed about this book was the the variety of suspects. Often I can pick out the villain fairly early on but this time around there were several suspects, each of them acting equally, well, suspicious, so I had to put some extra guesswork into it. Patricia Bradley certainly delivered a few surprises and twists along the way!

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Patricia Bradley

Author Website

If I were to pick a single word, other than Obsession, of course, that would best describe this book 'forgiveness' would win hands down. Patricia Bradley runs her characters through the wringer and takes them on a journey of forgiveness, of each other, of those who have hurt them deeply, and of themselves. Yes, sometimes the hardest person to forgive is not just the person we should have been able to trust the most, but it can also be yourself.

I enjoyed this second book in the Natchez Trace Park Rangers series, so fun to have the archaeology angle in this one, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more of said series...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Obsession by Patrica Bradley a 4 Bark rating.

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E-Book Review - From Rome With Love by Kate Lloyd

2/27/2021

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Genre:
Romance

From Rome With Love
by Kate Lloyd

-From Goodreads-

Lucy Goff's new job caring for the quirky daughter of a wealthy Seattle couple comes with an unexpected perk: being whisked off to Rome the week before Christmas. Putting up with fifteen-year-old Tabatha's mood swings, not to mention Lucy's own fear of flying, is worth the opportunity to explore The Eternal City.

But Lucy's dreams of a relaxing European vacation are upended almost as soon as they arrive. Tabatha's parents disappear, and Tabatha herself turns out to be more than a handful. The only person Lucy can turn to is Mario, the smooth and handsome Italian who volunteers to be their personal tour guide. Can she trust him? And what about Brad, the old boyfriend who wants to pick up where they left off?

When a mysterious painting opens up painful family secrets, it seems as though Lucy's romantic holiday is over for good. Instead, she must confront not only her employers, but also her own feelings about love and loyalty. Is she ready to see that Christmas is just the beginning?

ASIN: B08K2VDYKC

Will she find more than she expected in Rome?

This Book received a 4 Bark rating.

Kate Lloyd

Rome is a city that I've just not thought very much about, ancient and full of history as it is, but author Kate Lloyd brought The Eternal City to life in such a vivid way that I now can't help but want to visit it. Though, if I ever do I will watch my suitcase like a hawk so there won't be any odd surprises!

At times I had a mixed reaction to Lucy. She is stronger than she thinks and I loved her determination to not make the same mistakes again. She genuinely cares for Tabatha even when the teen is being a real pill, which is frequently. But, oh! She made me so mad when she wouldn't put a stop to the way one of the men in her life treated her. Girl, get some backbone!

From Rome With Love was an enjoyable read. It's a bit romance, a tad women's fiction, a touch of suspense, and more of a clean read than anything else. The setting is fascinating, the characters are flawed enough to be real, and I just like Kate Lloyd's straightforward tone in her storytelling.

If you are looking for an escape from all the tough stuff going on right now and want a chance to travel, even if it's only through fiction, may I recommend From Rome With Love, it's a fun read!

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives From Rome With Love by Kate Lloyd a 4 Bark rating.

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2021 Birthday Celebration - Spotlight Butterfly Kisses & Windsong by Lynnette Booner (Giveaway)

2/26/2021

1 Comment

He’s a staid, by-the-book doctor.
She’s a free-spirited artist.
Together, they share a son.

Right out of high school, Shiloh Finn moved to Europe to attend her dream art-school, leaving her son, Quin, for his father to raise. Now, changed by Jesus, she’ll do anything to be part of Quin’s life again. Move back home. Give up painting. Even—dare she say it—risk her heart by spending time with Quin’s father.

Michael Stanton, Micha to his friends, thought he’d stopped longing for his son’s mother. But now, Shiloh is back home, invading his well-ordered life with her free spirit and silvery laughter, and filling him with nostalgia for years-gone-by. And, heaven help him, his son has discovered the joys of butterfly kisses and is putting his matchmaking skills to good use—or bad, depending on one’s perspective. On some days, Micha feels a little of both.

This contemporary, sweet, clean romance takes you to small-town America, where
the river serenades and birdsong fills the air, all the neighbors knoweach other's
business, and the police chief's biggest worry is where to find his next fishing hole.

ASIN: B08VNRGNVG

It's Time For A Giveaway!

Lynnette Bonner is generously giving away an e-book copy of Butterfly Kisses & Windsong

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Lady Wynwood's Spies: Archer by Camillie Elliot (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

2/26/2021

1 Comment

She met him again by shooting him.

Part one in a Christian Regency Romantic Adventure epic serial novel with a supernatural twist. After four seasons and unmarried because she is taller than most of her dance partners, Miss Phoebe Sauber receives the shocking news that she is being callously banished from her father’s estate because he is remarrying. Feeling betrayed by her father and by God, and wanting to escape her family’s presence, she attends an archery tournament with her friends.

But her perfect aim fails her, and her arrow hits a piece of paper held by Mr. Michael Coulton-Jones, whom she hasn’t seen much in society in several years. But strangely, her arrow tears a section of the paper with a partial symbol that looks eerily familiar to her.

He met her again while searching for a killer.

Michael had quit his work as a spy for the Foreign Office when his brother was poisoned. His search for the murderer leads him to Apothecary Jack, a criminal underworld leader with a penchant for poisons, who is gathering a powerful army through an alchemical potion that can give men supernatural strength.

But his path unexpectedly crosses again with Miss Sauber, who saves him from a trap laid by Jack. She and her Aunt Laura, Lady Wynwood, have found a vital connection to Apothecary Jack and the mysterious group he works for.
Now Michael, who had vowed to never again allow civilians to come to harm, must work with a nobleman keeping dangerous secrets, a human lie detector, a chemist, a fellow former spy, and the one woman he’s never allowed himself to get close to.

And it is only this ragtag group that stands against a traitorous organization that could enable Napoleon to conquer the world.

Genre: Christian Historical Romantic Suspense
Release date: December 8, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

They will have to work together...

I've read a couple of Camille Elliot's romantic suspense books, written under another name, but Lady Wynwood's Spies: Archer is the first one that I've read of her Regencies. But trust me, this book just ain't a normal historical romance. Nope, this one adds a healthy dose of suspense and some elements that are reminiscent of Speculative fiction.

Part of what first attracted me to Lady Wynwood's Spies: Archer was the pretty cover, oh, and I loved the title as well. The idea of a woman having a crew of spies was intriguing and sounded like fun reading. And it was quite the story. I was never sure exactly what to expect from Camille Elliot and her characters, an afternoon tea or a life-or-death narrow escape. What I did figure out fast was to always expect the unexpected.

I will take the time to give you a quick warning. This is the first book in a serialized series, meaning there is some resolution but the overarching plot will not conclude until the final installment.

If you are looking for a Regency Era historical romance, but enjoy a good twist, you should look into Camille Elliot's serialized Lady Wynwood's Spies, especially book one, Archer.

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Lady Wynwood's Spies: Archer by Camille Elliot a 4 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Camy

I love Regency romances! I started reading them when I was 13 years old and haven’t stopped since.

There’s something about the Regency time period and culture that’s glamorous and decadent and the epitome of elegance. The resplendent dresses! The brooding, romantic Lord Byron and the distinguished Beau Brummell! Dashing naval captains and army lieutenants, glittering ballrooms and winsome debutantes!

The flip side of my personality loves romantic suspense and action adventure. I love seeing strong women face danger with courage and smarts, and strong men willing to do anything to protect their loved ones and fight for justice.

So, basically, the Lady Wynwood’s Spies series grew out of my desire to see Mission: Impossible in the Regency era!

My Regency “IMF” team is brought together when my spinster heroine, a botanist and a skilled archer, discovers that her late uncle had ties to a mysterious group. She goes to her aunt’s best friend, a gentleman who has secretly been a spy for decades, and he forms his team of ex-agents and uniquely gifted civilians to battle this group of alchemists who want to ensure that Napoleon wins the war with England. (Cue the Mission: Impossible theme music!)

I’ve also structured the series a little differently. It’s a very long serial novel, similar to a Japanese manga or light novel series, with 12 volumes that each have a completed story arc, but the main plot isn’t resolved until the end.

I hope you’ll join me on this epic Regency romantic adventure!

Camy Tang (Camille Elliot)

Camy writes Christian contemporary romance and romantic suspense as Camy Tang and Regency romance as USA Today bestselling author Camille Elliot. She lives in San Jose, California, with her engineer husband and rambunctious dog. She was a staff worker for her church youth group for over 20 years and she currently plays on one of the Sunday worship teams.

Visit her websites at http://www.camytang.com/ and http://www.camilleelliot.com/ to read free short stories and subscribe to her quarterly newsletter.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Camy is giving away the grand prize
of a 1-year subscription to Kindle Unlimited!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/1074a/lady-wynwood-s-spies-1-archer-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 15
CarpeDiem, February 15
Hebrews 12 Endurance, February 16
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 16
Artistic Nobody, February 17 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)
Inside the Wong Mind, February 17
Through the Fire Blogs, February 18
Mia Reads, February 18
Sara Jane Jacobs, February 18
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 19
HookMeInABook, February 19
Betti Mace, February 20
Inklings and notions, February 20
Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 21
Texas Book-aholic, February 21
Connie’s History Classroom, February 22
The Artist Librarian, February 22
Pause for Tales, February 22
For Him and My Family, February 23
Labor Not in Vain, February 23
deb’s Book Review, February 24
Fiction Book Lover, February 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 25
Just Your Average reviews, February 25
Simple Harvest Reads, February 25 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 26
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 26
Blossoms and Blessings, February 27
Britt Reads Fiction, February 27
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 28
A Good Book and Cup of Tea, February 28
Blogging With Carol, February 28

1 Comment

Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - The Rubber Band by Christy Hoss (Interview, Guest Post, Giveaway)

2/24/2021

5 Comments

THE RUBBER BAND

What do Roadkill Rocky, Bossy Becca, and Pinhead Eddie have in common? Nothing. A rag-tag bunch of elementary school kids come together to form a rock and roll band and enter the Sun Valley talent contest. Will they be strong enough to overcome prejudice and see the dream of winning through, or will an unforeseen medical emergency break the bond of the band?

Genre: Middle Grade
Release date: July 31, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

Interview with Christy

#1. What was the inspiration for this book?
As a teacher, I watched a third-grade rock band perform “Born to be Wild” in a school talent show. I had so much fun enjoying their performance, I asked the Rubber Band to play at my 50th birthday party. I couldn’t shake the idea of what a great middle grade book this would make. Correcting papers one day, my eyes wandered to a forgotten rubber band on the floor. It was then I connected the dots to come up with the main premise for The Rubber Band of Eddie getting in trouble for shooting a rubber band at Becca, then sitting in the principal’s office and seeing the contest sign.

#2. What drew you to write in this particular genre?
I was an elementary school teacher for 12 years then quit to work as a substitute to support my writing career. I am unemployed now because of COVID. When I was working, I derived my characters and the outrageous situations from the many children I encountered over the years. It’s not hard to describe characters or choose them when I have yearbooks full of faces and stories, some of which actually happened to me.

My favorite genre is middle grade. I have seen firsthand how children fall in love with reading, can’t get enough of books and actually walk around at recess with open books in their hands! This genre is full of surprises, some magical, some realistic, and is short enough to read in a day and write in a month. I grew up thinking when I became a writer that I would write romance novels. In writing middle grade novels, I’m encouraged that the process doesn’t take as long as a 400-page novel does. Middle grade has become my favorite because secretly, I am still a little girl bottled up in an adult and this genre allows me to indulge my inner child and fulfill my second-grade dreams of being an author.

#3. Do you have favorite character(s) in this book?
My favorite character is Eddie, the good-hearted kid who never gets in trouble but when he does, he finds a way to make good happen out of it. When Eddie is hospitalized with a life-changing disease, he thinks he’ll have to give up the contest dream until his band friends tell him elsewise. I was diagnosed with Eddie’s disease 30 years ago and thought it was the end of the world. Before I left the hospital, I determined I would never let it get the best of me. Later in life, my son was diagnosed at eleven. Eddie represents my son and will always remain my favorite character, although Roadkill is catching up. I fell in love with his character writing the second book in the Rubber Band series, The Rubber Band Stretches- Rocky’s Story, due out early 2021.

#4. What do you hope your readers will take away with them when they read this book?
I hope my readers will dare to dream big dreams and work hard to achieve them no matter what comes their way. Eddie almost gives up taking the band to the contest he dreamed of winning when he is diagnosed with a lifelong disease. Instead, he is inspired by his friends to keep working on the dream to see it through. We are given dreams for a purpose, to become who God gifted us to be. Never let your dream go. I believe when we work toward fulfilling our dreams, we find our path in life, especially if we are guided by God.

#5. How did you name your characters?
Some of my characters are named after actual students. Some I made up, like Roadkill Rocky, yet others are derived from my childhood.

#6. Tell us something funny, sad, embarrassing, whatever, that happened involving this book.
I was able to connect with my second-grade teacher, Mrs. Olson when my hometown Thief River Falls, Minnesota paper wrote a feature article on me. Mrs. Olson inspired me to be a writer when I won first place in a writing contest in her class. She told me I was destined to be a writer and I never forgot those words that gave my little heart a dream to pursue.

#7. Tell us a little about yourself, your family, friends.
I live in Northern California, married to the love of my life for 31 years, I have three adult children, two rescue dogs and one diabetic alert dog, Aiden who has saved my life countless times by smelling my blood sugar dropping and alerting me before it becomes dangerous.

#8. If you could change one thing in your life, past or present, what would it be?
I would have started my writing career sooner. But all things happen according to God’s perfect timing for those who love Him and with this series, His hand has definitely been in it from the beginning.

#9. What one piece of advice would you like to give readers?
Dreams are God-given and worth chasing. Never give up on them.

#10. Share with us a thought, Bible verse, whatever is on your mind/heart.
Romans 8:28 God works all thing together for good for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. When I was discouraged in the hospital with a diagnosis of diabetes, I cried out to God and the Bible opened to Isaiah 41:9-10, telling me not to be afraid, and that God would give me strength and hold me with His righteous right hand.

More from Christy

Noodles is the reason I am a writer. Noodles was my childhood dog’s name. I loved her oodles and oodles. She was a dachshund, not a poodle. I often drew her in my doodles. (Can you tell I’m an elementary school teacher?) A few short years ago, when I was in second grade, I entered a class writing contest. My story was five sentences long but won first place. The teacher told me I was destined to be a writer. That encouragement never left me. I grew up in the small town of Thief River Falls, Minnesota, and always loved writing in school, especially fiction. I wrote stories for my friends and for myself to create situations I could only dream of. As an adult, I moved to California, determined to live for God. He led me back to college where I fell in love with writing again. I won a state-wide award for my feature article in the JC’s newspaper, confirming my heart’s desire. Fast forward through marriage, kids, and a teaching job—my friends begged me to write about a recurring night dream I had, which was like watching the ending of a suspense thriller movie. Through writing conferences, critique groups and late nights, I wrote Palms of Death by starting at the end and working my way backwards. After rewriting it several times, I self-published it in 2018. At my first major writers’ conference, the Lord undeniably called me to write. So, the real reason I write is not because of Noodles, but because I want to always be a faithful follower of Jesus Christ and wholeheartedly follow His direction. That’s my story, just a bit of the whole kit and caboodle.

Christy Hoss

Christy caught the writing bug in second grade after winning a prize for a five-page story about her dog, Noodles. Mrs. Olson told her she was destined to be a writer and that dream never left her thoughts. After teaching elementary school for fifteen years, Christy fulfilled her childhood dream with her debut novel, The Rubber Band. She substitute teaches to support her writing career, deriving writing inspiration from the students and situations she encounters.

At age twenty-five, she was diagnosed with type-one diabetes but refuses to let it limit her. Her diabetic alert dog, Aiden, has saved her life uncountable times and will appear in future installments of The Rubber Band. Christy lives by this equation: Living + diabetes = LIVE-abetes.

Christy is a freelance editor and writes children’s Bible stories for Focus on the Family ClubHouse magazine and has written articles for Guideposts. She is a featured speaker for conferences, retreats and special events.

Christy lives in Northern California with Kevin, the love of her life. They have three grown children.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Christy is giving away the grand prize of $25 Amazon gift card!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/10869/the-rubber-band-celebration-tour-giveaway

Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, February 19
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, February 20
Adventures of a Travelers Wife, February 21 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, February 21
Texas Book-aholic, February 22
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, February 23
Tell Tale Book Reviews, February 24 (Author Interview)
Sara Jane Jacobs, February 25
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 26
Wishful Endings, February 27 (Author Interview)
For Him and My Family, February 27
Inklings and notions, February 28
deb’s Book Review, March 1
Locks, Hooks and Books, March 2
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, March 3
Artistic Nobody, March 4 (Guest Review from Joni Truex)

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Monday Movie - February 22nd, 2021 (Love Is A Ball)

2/22/2021

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Love Is A Ball
starring
Glenn Ford ■ Hope Lange ■ Charles Boyer

(1963)

The hilariously mad story of all the best things in life that are not free... and the one thing that definitely is!

On the French Riviera, a professional matchmaker assisted by an American adventurer arranges for convenience marriages between titled impoverished aristocratic men and rich low-bred women.

Ever get so bored that you watch a movie you probably wouldn't have under normal circumstances only to find that you really like it? Love Is A Ball was one of those for me. Normally I'm not a fan of either Glenn Ford or Charles Boyer, but I was bored. But, then again, boredom has actually lead me to several good Glenn Ford movies, The Gazebo, It Started With A Kiss, and this one, to name a few.

I watched this movie when I was in need of what I call “a fluff piece.” And Love Is A Ball is exactly that. Light, easy to watch, fun, amusing, humorous, and with the very necessary happy ending. A little while after I watched it I also put it on for my parents to watch. A little surprisingly, they seemed to enjoy it as much as I did and I heard more than one chuckle during some of the funnier moments. Of course, it is hard not to laugh at this little group of so charmingly mercenary people.

I will note that if you have little kids this 60s rom-com is aimed at adults, it's a little PG-13 in nature though it is implied only and absolutely nothing is shown. Seriously, you have to admire the extra skill it took to tell this kind of a story and get it by the censors.

Though I thought Hope Lange was a trying a little too hard to be Sandra Dee, and I could definitely have seen Maurice Chevalier in Charles Boyer's role, I did get a kick out of it. Oh, and if you choose to watch Love Is A Ball yourself, pay attention to the scenes with Hope Lange driving Glenn Ford and you just might recognize some of the scenery....To Catch A Thief, anyone? Oh, one more thing, you just gotta dig those snazzy race cars! There's some real automobile history there....

1 hour 51 minutes

Principal Cast

Glenn Ford...John Lathrop Davis
Hope Lange...Millicent 'Millie' Mehaffey
Charles Boyer...M. Etienne Pimm
Ricardo Montalban...Duke Gaspard Ducluzeau
Telly Savalas...Dr. Christian Gump (Millie's uncle)
Ruth McDevitt...Mathilda
Ulla Jacobsson...Janine
Georgette Anys...Mme. Gallou
Robert Bettoni...Milkman
Mony Dalmès...Mme. Fernier
Laurence Hardy...Priory
Jean Le Maitre...Carlo
André Luguet...Maurice Zoltan

Filming Location(s)

Nice, Alpes-Maritimes, France
The South, France

Trivia

Based on a novel by Lindsay Hardy called "The Grand Duke and Mr. Pimm"

Glenn Ford was 17 years older than Hope Lange. Despite this age gap, Ford outlived Lange by 20 years, passing away in 2006 at age 90, three years after Lange died in 2003 at age 70. Ricardo Montalban was 13 years older than Lange, and also outlived her, in his case by 18 years, passing away in 2009 at age 88. Of the four actors portraying the two couples, Ulla Jacobsson had the shortest lifespan, passing away in 1982 at age 53.

This was originally announced as a Blake Edwards picture with Alec Guinness and Peter Ustinov starring.

WATCH ONLINE

WATCH ON DVD

Affiliate links used.

Thanks to IMDB.com for most of the info for this movie.

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2021 Birthday Celebration - Cover Reveal & This or That Interview with Margaret Daley

2/21/2021

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Cover Reveal

Family Feud. Attraction. Murder.

Maggie Somers returns from her grandfather’s funeral to find his house trashed. Zach Collier, the grandson of her family’s nemesis, stands in the middle of the mess looking as guilty--and handsome--as sin. For decades the two families have feuded over the priceless diary of Father Santiago. Zach’s grandfather has also recently died, and he believes the deaths are somehow connected. The diary's discovery along with a possible treasure map is what destroyed the family friendship.

Danger is everywhere when Zach and Maggie realize they're not the only ones looking for the treasure. If they are ever going to find answers to their grandfathers' deaths and unravel the ancient diary's secrets, they must put aside their anger. It doesn't take long to realize the killer is now after them. Will Maggie and Zach learn to trust each other before the treasure and their lives are lost?

ASIN : B08W4SKSQJ

Buy at Amazon

This or That Interview
with author Margaret Daley

#1. Coffee or Tea?
I love tea. I don’t drink coffee.

#2. Print or E-reader?
I like both of them.

#3. Ice Cream or Pie?
I like both. My favorite is having vanilla ice cream on top of a slice of pecan pie.

#4. Early Bird or Night Owl?
I’m a Night Owl. While I taught school, I was an Early Bird but not now.

#5. Introvert or Extrovert?
Extrovert. I love meeting people.

#6. Historical or Suspense?
Definitely suspense. That’s what I love to write and read.

#7. Green or Pink?
Pink. My office has walls painted pink.

Margaret Daley

Margaret Daley, a USA Today’s Bestselling author of over 110 books (five million plus sold worldwide), has been married for over forty-nine years and is a firm believer in romance and love. When she isn’t traveling or being with her two granddaughters, she’s writing love stories, often with a suspense/mystery thread and corralling her cat who thinks she rules the household.

To find out more about Margaret visit her:
Website ■ Facebook ■ Twitter ■ Goodreads ■ BookBub

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Celebrate Lit Blog Tour - Of Gold And Iron by Nicki Chapelway (Review, Guest Post, Giveaway)

2/21/2021

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“Swear on something else. Swear on your humanity.”

I suddenly find it very hard to swallow. My humanity? With a jolt I realize that there are far greater things at risk here than just my life. I’m in the faerie world, anything could happen. Even immortality.

The Otherworld is the home of the faeries, deceitful, decadent, and deadly. As the next in line to be-come Guardians, Jaye and her brother Thomas are tasked with defending the human world from all things magical. But when a routine scouting mission ends with them trapped in the Otherworld, it becomes pain-fully clear that someone doesn’t want them to leave the world of the faeries. Determined to not become an immortal’s pawn, Jaye kidnaps Ravven Crowe, an arrogant solitary faerie, so that he can guide them safely home. But things quickly go from bad to worse when they are captured by the Winter Court and embroiled in a plot to start a faerie civil war. Thomas is enslaved by an Unseelie faerie, and it seems that the only way to save her brother and avoid a war is for Jaye to ally herself with Ravven.

The faeries are governed by a set of strict laws. For their own safety, the Guardians have their own rules. But with Thomas’s life hanging in the balance there is only one way to save him that does not include breaking the faerie’s Fair Law, a crime that ends in death. Together Jaye and Ravven must compete in a series of deadly tests given by the faerie courts in order to earn Jaye the right to be named the Fair Assassin and wield the Blade of Gold and Iron. As the Fair Assassin she will be permitted to kill any faerie she so chooses, but first she has to live long enough. Walking a fine line between destruction and further entanglement with Crowe, Jaye is going to have to break her own rules if she wants to win. She must trust a faerie. Her life and humanity depend on it.

Genre: Young adult, fantasy, romance, mythology/folklore, faerie
Release date: Sept 20, 2020

Click here to get your copy!

My Review

Someone is out for their blood...

I'm going to start of this review by saying how mad I am at the author! How could she do this to me?! How could Nicki Chapelway get me so invested in the story and then end the story the way she did? How can she leave me in this cruel state of wondering and waiting, desperate to know what happens next with Jaye, Ravven, Thomas, and the others?

OK, dramatic intro aside, Of Gold And Iron was a surprisingly good book. I ran the gamut of emotions while reading it, pretty much like the heroine, Jaye, does as she 'lives' the story. I was completely immersed, sometimes in spellbound horror, in the faerie's Otherworld realms. The worldbuilding was excellent, varied, detailed, interesting, but the author did not get bogged down in the minutiae of it. Very easy to visualize in your mind's eye. And Jaye herself? Well, she managed to surprise me at every turn.

And, while I'm thinking of it, I want to mention how much I appreciated Nicki Chapelway's portrayal of faeries and the Otherworld. Not the cutesy tiny winged creatures we are used to, no, these are the manipulative, spiteful, and even vengeful, beings of Irish legend. And in my estimation this is what made this YA book so good.

If you are up for a clean read YA fantasy tale of danger, intrigue, and maybe a little romance, I'll suggest you check into Of Gold And Iron, the first book in Nicki Chapelway's exciting Of Dreams And Nightmares Trilogy...

Tell Tale Book Reviews gives Of Gold And Iron by Nicki Chapelway a 4.5 Bark rating.

(I received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are entirely my own.)

More from Nicki

I find mythology fascinating, and one of my favorite mythological creatures are faeries (and dragons, but this book is mostly about faeries—although there is at least one dragon…). Growing up as a self proclaimed tom boy, I found faeries to be boring and trite creatures, all sparkle and not enough teeth. I preferred elves with their factions: wood elves, light elves, dark elves, high elves… etc.

Tolkien has inspired so much about my fantasy worlds—actually he is directly responsible for why I write fantasy—and because of that I adopted his own source of inspiration for many of the events of Middle Earth: myths.

I started reading up on myths, especially Celtic which is where Tolkien derived some inspiration for his elves (the elf part is of course Norse, but the returning to the Undying Lands is based on the mysterious disappearance of the Tuatha De Danan in Celtic myths which were originally considered to be gods but later became known as a type of faerie). As I dug deeper into Celtic myths and started reading Irish folklore, I came across creatures that were so complex that one individual could have the characteristics of light, dark, high, and wood elves all meshed together. I became fascinated by these walking contradictions. Immortals that can be harmed by such mortal things as iron and bread. Tricksters who cannot lie. Beings with powerful magic, but governed by a very strict set of laws and compelled into obedience.
And much, much scarier than the faeries I grew up hearing about.

Irish mythology gave me everything I needed, from many different forms of faeries to defining characteristics and names. All I had to do was fit them into my world… and come up with a plot and characters, of course, but those I actually got from a dream.

Nicki Chapelway

Nicki is a twenty-something author of clean YA speculative fiction. She has been writing since she was eleven years old, and has published several works including portal fantasies such as A Week of Werewolves, Faeries, and Fancy Dresses and A Certain Sort of Madness; as well as Winter Cursed a dark fantasy Snow White retelling.
Nicki lives in Ohio where she spends far too much time watching TV and sleeping. She listens to music basically all the time, and adores obsessing over mythologies, her shows, and her slew of fictional boyfriends. When not writing, she can usually be found at her desk with either a paintbrush or a pen in her hand.

It's Time For A Giveaway!

To celebrate her tour, Nicki is giving away the grand prize package of signed paperbacks of Nicki’s other three novels, a limited edition art print for Of Gold and Iron, and a coaster!!

Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries!

https://promosimple.com/ps/10746/of-gold-and-iron-celebration-tour-giveaway