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Tuesday, March 21, 2023

Blog Tour: Madame Pommery by Rebecca Rosenberg

Posted By amy @ 10:11 am | 1 Comment

Madame Pommery
by Rebecca Rosenberg

Publication Date: March 21, 2023
Lion Heart Publishing

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

Champagne, France, 1860. Madame Pommery, an etiquette teacher and orphanage founder, loses her husband and is forced to support her family. With no experience, the forty-year-old widow decides to make champagne. Her unique vision is to change it from a sweet dessert beverage to a dry, crisp wine to be enjoyed anytime. When champagne makers refuse to teach her their craft, she forges ahead on her own and secretly begins the excavation of champagne caves under the Reims city dump.

Soon after, her son and her entire crew are conscripted to fight the Franco-Prussian war, leaving Madame Pommery alone to struggle with her champagne dreams. After Napoleon and a hundred thousand French troops are captured, the Prussians invaded France, and Prussian General Frederick Franz occupies Madame Pommery’s house as his army headquarters. Undaunted, Pommery uses her secret wine caves to hide the Francs-Tireurs, resistance fighters for France, while she plans to build a spectacular castle winery above the caves.

But when her former lover, a Scottish Baron, unexpectedly proposes marriage, Madame Pommery must choose between nobility and her passionate quest for fine champagne and the most beautiful winery in the world.

Based on a true story, Madame Pommery is a heroic novel about a mother and widow who fights the Prussians, the social class system, champagne patriarchs, and champagne tastes to create a champagne legacy.

“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?” Barbara Davis, Best-selling author of The Echo of Old Books

Amazon

About the Author

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.

For more information, please visit Rebecca’s website and blog. You can also find her on Amazon, BookBubFacebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, March 21
Review at Amy’s Booket List

Wednesday, March 22
Review at Books, Cooks, Looks

Thursday, March 23
Review at A Girl Reads Bookss

Friday, March 24
Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, March 27
Review at Novels Alive
Review at Book Reviews and More

Tuesday, March 28
Review at With A Book In Our Hands

Thursday, March 30
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Friday, March 31
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Monday, April 3
Review at My Reading Getaway

Friday, April 7
Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective

Monday, April 10
Excerpt at I’m Into Books

Friday, April 14
Review at Novel Nerd Blog

Wednesday, April 19
Excerpt at Books, Cooks, Looks

Thursday, April 20
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, April 21
Review at Passages to the Past

Giveaway

Enter to win a Champagne Swag pack including champagne earrings, champagne jellybeans, and champagne ornament.

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 21st. You must be 18 or older to enter.

Madame Pommery

Monday, March 20, 2023

Blog Tour: Nothing Left But Dust by Melissa Geissinger

Posted By amy @ 11:01 am | No Comments

Nothing Left But Dust
by Melissa Geissinger

Publication Date: April 18, 2023

Genre: Young Adult/Historical Fiction

Nothing Left But Dust is a powerful tale of love, loss, and hope set against the backdrop of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.

Follow Jo, a young woman struggling to heal after her Papa’s death, as she tries to break free of her uncle’s indentured servitude and secure an apprenticeship at a mapmaking shop.

And Otto, a privileged young man with dreams of running away to become an artist, as he battles to escape the clutches of a ruthless crimp who means to have him shanghaied.

When the city is struck by the devastating earthquake on the morning of April 18th, their lives are forever changed. While it sets Otto free, it takes everything Jo holds dear and unearths a dark family secret.

As they traverse the burning ruins of the city in search of answers, Jo and Otto must find the strength to survive and the courage to confront their families, all while navigating the unfamiliar landscape of falling in love.

Nothing Left But Dust is a must read for fans of Young Adult Historical Fiction. It’s an edge-of-your-seat, coming-of-age survival story that will leave you inspired by the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

About the Author

Melissa Geissinger is descended from survivors of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and is herself a wildfire survivor. A neurodivergent optimist, Melissa is predisposed to following her dreams as well as every shiny side quest along the way. She lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her partner, her five-year-old heart warrior son, and a menagerie of fur kids. She enjoys the outdoors, soaking up knowledge, and connecting with other passionate creators. Nothing Left But Dust is her first novel.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Thursday, March 9, 2023

Justin Newland Historical Fantasy Blog Tour

Posted By amy @ 10:15 am | No Comments

The Genes of Isis
by Justin Newland

Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Troubador/Matador

Genre: Historical Fantasy

 

 

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.

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.

When Akasha foretells the falling of the sky waters and falls in love with Horque, her life becomes an instrument for apocalyptic change.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

 

The Old Dragon’s Head
by Justin Newland

Publication Date: October 8, 2018

Genre: Historical Fantasy

 

 

Constructed of stone and packed earth, the Great Wall of 10,000 li protects China’s northern borders from the threat of Mongol incursion. The wall is also home to a supernatural beast: the Old Dragon. The Old Dragon’s Head is the most easterly point of the wall, where it finally meets the sea.

In every era, a Dragon Master is born. Endowed with the powers of Heaven, only he can summon the Old Dragon so long as he possess the dragon pearl.

It’s the year 1400, and neither the Old Dragon, the dragon pearl, nor the Dragon Master, has been seen for twenty years. Bolin, a young man working on the Old Dragon’s Head, suffers visions of ghosts. Folk believe he has yin-yang eyes and other paranormal gifts.When Bolin’s fief lord, the Prince of Yan, rebels against his nephew, the Jianwen Emperor, a bitter war of succession ensues in which the Mongols hold the balance of power. While the victor might win the battle on earth, China’s Dragon Throne can only be earned with a Mandate from Heaven – and the support of the Old Dragon.

Bolin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, mirroring Old China’s endeavour to come of age. When Bolin accepts his destiny as the Dragon Master, Heaven sends a third coming of age – for humanity itself. But are any of them ready for what is rising in the east?

Amazon US | Amazon UK

The Coronation
by Justin Newland

Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Matador
Paperback & eBook; 299 pages

Genre: Historical Fantasy

 

 

It is 1761. Prussia is at war with Russia and Austria. As the Russian army occupies East Prussia, King Frederick the Great and his men fight hard to win back their homeland.

In Ludwigshain, a Junker estate in East Prussia, Countess Marion von Adler celebrates an exceptional harvest. But this is soon requisitioned by Russian troops. When Marion tries to stop them, a Russian Captain strikes her. His Lieutenant, Ian Fermor, defends Marion’s honour, but is stabbed for his insubordination. Abandoned by the Russians, Fermor becomes a divisive figure on the estate.

Close to death, Fermor dreams of the Adler, a numinous eagle entity, whose territory extends across the lands of Northern Europe and which is mysteriously connected to the Enlightenment. What happens next will change the course of human history…

“The author is an excellent storyteller.” – British Fantasy Society

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Barnes and Noble

The Abdication
by Justin Newland

Publication Date: July 28, 2018

Genre: Historical Fantasy

 

 

The town of Unity sits perched on the edge of a yawning ravine where, long ago, a charisma of angels provided spiritual succour to a fledgeling human race. Then mankind was granted the gift of free will and had to find its own way, albeit with the guidance of the angels. The people’s first conscious act was to make an exodus from Unity. They built a rope bridge across the ravine and founded the town of Topeth. For a time, the union between the people of Topeth and the angels of Unity was one of mutual benefit. After that early spring advance, there had been a torrid decline in which mankind’s development resembled a crumpled, fading autumnal leaf.

Following the promptings of an inner voice, Tula, a young woman from the city, trudges into Topeth. Her quest is to abide with the angels and thereby discover the right and proper exercise of free will. To do that, she has to cross the bridge – and overcome her vertigo. Topeth is in upheaval; the townsfolk blame the death of a child on dust from the nearby copper mines. The priests have convinced them that a horde of devils have thrown the angels out of Unity and now occupy the bridge, possessing anyone who trespasses on it. Then there’s the heinous Temple of Moloch!

The Abdication is the story of Tula’s endeavour to step upon the path of a destiny far greater than she could ever have imagined.

Amazon US | Amazon UK

About the Author

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.

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, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies.

Next came the historical fantasy, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall.

His next historical fantasy, The Coronation (Matador, 2019), speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution.

His fourth, The Abdication (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.

His work in progress is a two-book series, The Island of Angels, set in Elizabethan England. The first novel, The Mark of the Salamander, explores the significance of Francis
Drake’s circumnavigation of the world. The second, The Midnight of Eights, culminates in the repulse of the Spanish Armada in 1588.

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.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Monday, March 6, 2023

Blog Tour: Tomorrow We Will Know by Sandra Worth

Posted By amy @ 8:34 am | No Comments

Tomorrow We Will Know: A Novel of Imperial Constantinople 1453
by Sandra Worth

Publication Date: February 27, 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

In this suspenseful and passionate portrayal of Constantinople in 1453 – a moment in time that mirrors our own – Emperor Constantine XI of Eastern Rome, deserted by the West, battles to defend his civilization against the onslaught of mighty Ottoman invaders. But when war comes, a heartrending love triangle enmeshes Constantine, his beloved military commander Justiniani, and Zoe, the woman they both love. With life, death, and the fate of the empire hanging in the balance—just as he is on the verge of victory—Emperor Constantine is confronted with an impossible choice that threatens everything he holds dear. The mystery why Constantinople fell when victory was nearly attained has baffled historians for centuries. Here is what they missed.

From award-winning author and “gifted literary talent” Sandra Worth comes a heart-wrenching wartime epic of love, suspense, passion, and survival that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and illuminates a little-known part of history with powerful insights into our own moment in time.

Amazon

Praise

“One of the best historicals that I have ever read… a truly moving story. In some instances her description is sheer poetry. Months after reading TOMORROW WE WILL KNOW, thinking about the story still evokes a strong emotional response.” –Professor Tamara Kaupp, San Jacinto College (ret.)

“In TOMORROW WE WILL KNOW Sandra Worth gives us a sweeping saga of empire and love. Worth deftly portrays the battles that will eventually bring Constantinople down – but more importantly she makes us care about the fall of the city through her vivid… and deeply human characters. By the time a blood-red eclipse of the moon brings fear to both rulers – Christian and Ottoman… readers will be biting their nails and holding their breaths.” — Sophie Perinot, author of Medicis Daughter and The Sister Queens

“TOMORROW WE WILL KNOW reveals a richly detailed but little-known history of Christian Constantinople in 1453 as its few defenders battle the mighty Ottomans for their right to exist. Sandra Worth’s best work yet will have the reader racing through the pages to see what happens next – to Constantinople, to Emperor Constantine, to his valiant military commander, and to Zoe, the woman who is their inspiration and they both love.” –Cheryl Bolen, New York Times and USA bestselling author of My Lord Protector

“From her heartfelt historical characters embroiled in a moving love triangle, to the escalating suspense of the final battle that will determine the fate of the Eastern Roman Empire, the author – with impeccable research and inspired storytelling – captured this reader, bringing new excitement to the historical fiction genre.” –Robin Maxwell, Los Angeles Times and Amazon #1 bestelling author of The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn and Jane: The Woman Who Loved Tarzan

“TOMORROW WE WILL KNOW is an utterly compelling novel, rich in detail, meticulously researched, and beautifully crafted. Sandra Worth’s skill as historian and storyteller is evident on every page. Not to be missed.” –Tasha Alexander, New York Times Bestselling author of Secrets of the Nile

About the Author

Sandra Worth is the award-winning internationally published author of six historical novels on the Wars of the Roses chronicling the demise of the Plantagenet dynasty and rise of the Tudors, three with the Penguin Publishing Group U.S.A. Her historical articles have appeared in Ricardian magazines and journals. After a ten-year absence from the book world filled initially with research trips to Greece and Turkey and later with grave illness in the family, she is back with Tomorrow We Will Know: A Novel of Imperial Constantinople 1453, her seventh book and first foray into the Europe-Ottoman conflict. She holds an honors B.A. in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto and has won a bouquet of coveted book awards and prizes for her work. Sandra is aware that her degree has little to do with historical fiction but after a brief stint in the financial field, she embraced her childhood passion of writing with renewed dedication, because storytelling is so much more.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Blog Tour: The Good Time Girls by K.T. Blakemore

Posted By amy @ 12:11 pm | 1 Comment

The Good Time Girls
by K.T. Blakemore

Publication Date: April 4, 2023
Sycamore Creek Press

Genre: Historical Fiction/Western
Series: Wild-Willed Women of the West

 

 

A novel of wild women, the bonds of friendship, a harrowing road trip, and help found in the least likely places.

In 1905 Kansas, ex-dancehall girl and outlaw Ruby Calhoun has settled into a (mostly) quiet and (mostly) lawful life. But out of the blue her past comes hustling into town when her ex-friend and ex-dancehall partner, Pip, shows up with a grim message and dangerous mission: Cullen Wilder, an old enemy with a long memory, wants them dead and the only way to survive is to kill him first.

With Cullen’s henchman hot on their heels, Ruby and Pip hightail into the hinterlands of Kansas to save another friend from Cullen’s vengeance. Unprepared for the journey, their trip is filled with mishaps and mayhem, blunders and bounders, con artists and the circling noose of the law.

Through it all, Ruby is tormented by the memories of her life years ago in Arizona Territory, when the upstairs girls at the Paradise Saloon and Dancehall kept her safe, and the dreadful day when it all went wrong.

Will Ruby have the guts to face her turbulent past, or will she cut and run like a coward one more time?

Pre-Order on Amazon

Praise

“Magnificently written, Good Time Girls is a tough, gritty and often humorous wild ride of danger, death, narrow escapes and yes, love. K.T. Blakemore owns the time period as if she had lived through it, and the characters as if she knew them personally. Open up the book, but hang onto your hat.” – James Robert Daniels, bestselling author of The Comanche Kid

“The Good Time Girls is an expertly crafted tale of two women whose endearing friendship aids them in conquering their fears and the men who made them. Told in humorous, and sometimes touching, McMurtry-esque prose, this book will keep you entertained and glued to your chair far into the night. If you like bold women and stories of the West, you will love this literary adventure!” – Kari Bovee, award-winning author of the Annie Oakley Mystery Series and the Grace Michelle Mysteries

About the Author

K.T. Blakemore grew up in the west and never left. Her novel THE GOOD TIME GIRLS is the first in the Wild-Willed Women of the West Series, featuring women who take no prisoners and succeed through sheer grit, determination, and a parcel of luck.

She also writes award-winning historical suspense and young adult historical fiction under the pen name Kim Taylor Blakemore. Awards have included a Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award, Tucson Festival of Book Literary Award, and a WILLA Award for Best YA Fiction.

Memberships include Historical Novel Society, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Women Writing the West.

She has hung her hat in California, Colorado, and currently the Pacific Northwest. The rain does not deter her research whether it be train timetables from 1905 or the best way to catch a loose horse.

K.T. also runs the Novelitics ranch, providing developmental editing, workshops, and a writing community for novelists.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | BookBub | Amazon | Goodreads

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Book Blast: The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam

Posted By amy @ 9:00 am | No Comments

The Romanov Heiress
by Jennifer Laam

Publication Date: March 20, 2023

Genre: Historical Fiction/Russian

 

 

Four sisters in hiding. A grand duchess in disguise. Dark family secrets revealed…an alternate future for the Romanov sisters from Jennifer Laam, author of The Secret Daughter of the Tsar and The Lost Season of Love and Snow.

With her parents and brother missing and presumed dead, Grand Duchess Olga Romanova must keep her younger sisters safe. The Bolsheviks are determined to eliminate any remaining holdovers from the tsarist regime, hunting down the last Romanovs and putting them to death. Now living in England, the Romanov sisters remain hidden to protect their identities, even as isolation strains their relationships.

But they can’t distance themselves from the world forever.

Olga learns that a peer of the realm has accused the late Empress Alexandra of betraying Russia and her allies during the Great War. Under the spell of the scheming Grigori Rasputin, Alexandra disclosed military secrets to the enemy and pursued a separate peace with Germany. If this rumor becomes history, it will destroy her legacy and her family’s future.

Disguised as “Olivia,” a wartime nurse turned maid, Olga accepts a position in Lord Hammond’s household. There, she works to discover the truth about her mother. When Olga meets his lordship’s heir—an alluring, enigmatic war veteran—her situation grows even more precarious. Could she fall for the son of her new enemy? As she learns more about the tragedies of his past, Olga realizes the connection between their families is more complicated than it appears.

Amazon

About the Author

An avid history nerd long fascinated with the Romanov sisters, Jennifer Laam’s next books, including THE ROMANOV HEIRESS (March 2023), will explore their stories with several “what-ifs.”

A proud native of Stockton, CA, Jennifer currently lives in Sacramento with a spoiled tabby cat named Jonesy. When not reading or writing, she enjoys planning cosplay for the next San Diego Comic-Con, experimenting with vegetarian recipes (to mixed results), and obsessing over House Targaryen or Baby Yoda.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Book Blast Schedule

Monday, March 6
Reading is My Remedy
Books In Their Natural Habitat

Tuesday, March 7
Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Wednesday, March 8
Robin Loves Reading

Thursday, March 9
The Lit Bitch
Jorie Loves A Story

Friday, March 10
History from a Woman’s Perspective

Saturday, March 11
Lisa Everyday Reads

Sunday, March 12
Books Less Travelled

Monday, March 13
A Girl Reads Bookss
Passages to the Past

Tuesday, March 14
I’m Into Books

Wednesday, March 15
My Reading Getaway

Thursday, March 16
The Book Junkie Reads

Friday, March 17
Impressions in Ink

Saturday, March 18
The Girl Who Reads

Sunday, March 19
Amy’s Bookshelf
CelticLady’s Reviews

Giveaway

Enter to win an eBook of The Romanov Heiress by Jennifer Laam!

The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on March 19th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

The Romanov Heiress

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Cover Reveal: The Orchid Hour by Nancy Bilyeau

Posted By amy @ 5:40 am | No Comments

The Orchid Hour
by Nancy Bilyeau

Publication Date: August 10, 2023
Lume Books

Genre: Historical Thriller

 

 

There is a certain hour, in the dead of night, when the orchid’s scent can put you under a spell…

Nancy Bilyeau has created a beautifully layered and utterly seductive tale… and, at its living, tender heart, a strong-willed and magnetic heroine.” – Emilya Naymark, author of Behind the Lie, finalist for the 2023 Sue Grafton Award

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.

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.

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?

To be published August 10, 2023, in the U.S., the UK, Canada, and Australia, in original paperback and ebook.

The pre-order is on a special discount for the ebook: geni.us/TOHPre-Order

Praise for Nancy Bilyeau’s Other Books

The Crown:
“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.”
—O, The Oprah Magazine, pick of the month

The Blue:
“Definitely a winner!”
—Kate Quinn, author of The Diamond Eye

Dreamland:
“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

About the Author

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.

To learn more, go to www.nancybilyeau.com. You can follow Nancy on Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Cover Reveal Schedule

Wednesday, February 15
Passages to the Past

Thursday, February 16
I’m Into Books
Gwendalyn’s Books
Impressions In Ink
My Reading Getaway

Friday, February 17
Miranda’s Bookscape
Dive Into a Good Book

Saturday, February 18
One Book More
CelticLady’s Reviews

Sunday, February 19
The Book Junkie Reads

Monday, February 20
The Lit Bitch
Books In Their Natural Habitat
History from a Woman’s Perspective

Tuesday, February 21
Bookworlder
Amy’s Bookshelf

Wednesday, February 22
Reading is My Remedy

Monday, February 6, 2023

Blog Tour: The Rose of Washington Square by Pat Wahler

Posted By amy @ 7:17 am | 2 Comments

The Rose of Washington Square: A Novel of Rose O’Neill, Creator of the Kewpie Doll
by Pat Wahler

Publication Date: January 20, 2023
Evergreen Press

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

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.

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.

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.

With grit and tenacity, Rose O’Neill blazed an unforgettable path during the tumultuous times of the early 20th century.

Available in eBook

Praise

“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.”
—Kathleen Grissom, New York Times bestselling author of The Kitchen House

“A classic reinvention of the life of Rose O’Neill, the creator of the iconic Kewpie doll.”
—Nina Romano, award-winning author of The Secret Language of Women

“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.”
—Readers’ Favorite

About the Author

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.

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.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | BookBub | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 20
Review at Dive Into a Good Book

Wednesday, February 22
Interview at Passages to the Past

Friday, February 24
Feature at The Caffeinated Bibliophile

Monday, February 27
Excerpt at Books & Benches

Tuesday, February 28
Review at Girl Who Reads
Review at Reading is My Remedy

Wednesday, March 1
Review at Novels Alive

Monday, March 6
Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary

Giveaway

Enter to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!

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

Rose of Washington Square

Sunday, February 5, 2023

Blog Tour: A Duke at the Door by Susanna Allen

Posted By amy @ 7:50 am | No Comments

A Duke at the Door
by Susanna Allen

Publication Date: August 23, 2022
Sourcebooks Casablanca

Genre: Historical Romance/Regency
Series: Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde, Book 3

 

 

Fans of Bridgerton won’t want to miss this steamy paranormal historical romance from author Susanna Allen! The Regency has gone wild in the third book in the Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde series, featuring:

• A shifter duke who’s been denying his lion form
• The beguiling lady who sees the truth
• A ticking clock that could mean the end for the duke
• The irrefutable love that might save them both

After being captured and held captive in a traveling menagerie, Alwyn Ap Lewin, Duke of Llewelyn, refuses to shift into his lion form. The longer he denies his inner lion, the sicker he gets, but he’d rather die free than be captive ever again.

The denizens of Lowell Close live in fear and suspicion of Alwyn―except for lady apothecary Tabitha Barrington. Tabitha, alone, can help the shapeshifting duke, and with her by his side, the Wild Lion of Wales discovers he has something to live for, and to fight for, after all.

“Entertaining and charming… Allen continues to claim new territory in the world of paranormal Regency.” ― Kirkus Reviews

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | IndieBound

About the Author

Suse moved to Ireland for twelve months — in 1998. Having gained a Master of Philosophy in Irish Theatre Studies from the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, she embarked on a career in theatre criticism, eventually moving into feature writing on all things cultural, as well as lifestyle-oriented subjects for major Irish titles across newsprint and magazines.

​Writing as Susanna Allen, she is the author of a Regency Era Historical-plus-Shifters series, The Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde; published by Sourcebooks. The first two titles, A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing and A Most Unusual Duke, are available now; A Duke at the Door debuts in August 2022.

That Magic Mischief, originally published by Crimson Romance, has been reissued by Ally Press.

Writing as Susan Conley, she is the author of Drama Queen and The Fidelity Project, both published by Headline UK. Her memoir, Many Brave Fools: A Story of Addiction, Dysfunction, Codependency… and Horses is published by Trafalgar Square Books and recounts the growth and insights she acquired after having taken up horse riding as an adult, post-divorce.

Suse is living her life by the three Rs: reading, writing and horseback riding, and can generally be found on her sofa with her e-reader; gazing out a window and thinking about made-up people; or cantering around in circles. She loves every minute of it!

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Monday, January 30, 2023

Kickstarter Blast: The White Sails Series by Emma Lombard

Posted By amy @ 12:16 pm | No Comments

The White Sails Series: Special Hardback Omnibus
by Emma Lombard

If Bridgerton and Pirates of the Caribbean had a love child.

Are you a fan of sweeping romantic adventures?
Do you fall for tall, brooding Naval Officers?
Love a feisty female lead who makes you yell aloud?

Then hop aboard Emma Lombard’s hardback Collector’s Edition of The White Sails Series, and batten down the hatches!

But Why?

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.

Okay, so what is it then?

Kickstarter is a wonderful way for me to give more to my fans.

It allows fans access to a special collector’s edition that is not (and will never be) available from online retailers.

It allows fans to have each and every copy personalised, which is just not doable on retailers.

It also allows fans a more intimate view of the story behind my series.

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.

Oh, and did I mention there’s an opportunity to win the original oil painting of the cover?

Where else in the world do you get all this extra cool stuff thrown in just because you bought a book?

What’s in it for you, Emma?

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!

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.

You’ll be helping keep the indie publishing ecosphere turning, which in turn lets me keep creating more stories.

So, what’s The White Sails Series about?

One of my readers described it best: If Bridgerton and Pirates of the Caribbean had a love child.

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.

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.

Curious? Never seen what a Kickstarter campaign looks like?

Just looking: Take an exclusive pre-launch look at Emma’s campaign to see it in detail, click HERE.

Note: clicking on this link will not sign you up to anything, it’s simply an exclusive behind-the-scenes look.

To follow the campaign: Open the campaign, and click ‘Notify me on launch’ button at the top of the page

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.

Giveaway

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 HERE.

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