Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Happy BOOK BIRTHDAY to... THE STRANGER I WED by Harper St. George - REVIEW!

Tuesdays bring the GOOD STUFF as far as readers are concerned, and today is no different because we're celebrating a BOOK BIRTHDAY! That's right! It's the latest release from a well known author and a part of her The Doves of New York series, which, if this title is any indication, is gonna be one to watch! Ladies and gents, don your finery, and toss your cares of idle gossip to the wind, as we shine the spotlight on today's pub day celebrant...

The Stranger I Wed

Harper St. George

9780593441008

Berkley

About the book...

New to wealth and to London high society, American heiress Cora Dove discovers that with the right man, marriage might not be such an inconvenience after all. . . .

Cora Dove and her sisters’ questionable legitimacy has been the lifelong subject of New York’s gossipmongers and a continual stain on their father’s reputation. So when the girls each receive a generous, guilt-induced dowry from their dying grandmother, the sly Mr. Hathaway vows to release their funds only if Cora and her sisters can procure suitable husbands—far from New York. For Cora, England is a fresh start. She has no delusions of love, but a husband who will respect her independence? That’s an earl worth fighting for.

Enter: Leopold Brendon, Earl of Devonworth, a no-nonsense member of Parliament whose plan to pass a Public Health bill that would provide clean water to the working class requires the backing of a wealthy wife. He just never expected to crave Cora’s touch or yearn to hear her thoughts on his campaign—or to discover that his seemingly perfect bride protects so many secrets…

But secrets have a way of bubbling to the surface, and Devonworth has a few of his own. With their pasts laid bare and Cora’s budding passion for women’s rights taking a dangerous turn, they’ll learn the true cost of losing their heart to a stranger—and that love is worth any price.

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Can I just say that I can't wait to continue following the Dove sisters?

It was a pleasure meeting the trio, even their slightly eccentric mother, as they stepped their newly wardrobe-d selves amongst the ton. Despite circumstances creating this venture, they're making the best of it, and, as luck would have it, it seems Cora may make a better match than she ever anticipated! Arrangements are made, secrets are whispered, and sparks fly, but the final curtain call will leave you with stars in your eyes.

A great addition to the genre and a MUST READ for Historical Romance fans!

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About the author....

Photo © Harper St. George

Harper St. George was raised in the rural backwoods of Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. These were settings filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel, which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since. She lives in the Atlanta area with her family and loves to hear from readers. Learn more online at www.harperstgeorge.com.

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Special thanks to Yazmine at Penguin Random House for the eARC for review. (THANK YOU!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available TODAY, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy now.

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

RRR presents... A Duke of One's Own by Emma Orchard - REVIEW!

Ladies and gents, it's time to catch up with Rachel's Random Resources as we help shine the bookish spotlight on a new Historical Romance title ready and waiting for you! Word to the wise, it's a little more scandalous than usual, but don't judge a book by its spice alone.... for you must consider the story! Today's ebook of choice and blog tour guest is...

A Duke of One's Own

Emma Orchard

About the book...

Summer, 1816. A notorious rebel is about to meet her match...

Lady Georgiana Pendlebury is no stranger to breaking the rules of polite society. But when a so-called ‘friend’ invites her to a clandestine party, Georgiana is shocked to discover the event is more scandalous than even she could have imagined. So when a mysterious stranger offers help, she accepts, not realising their encounter will turn her life upside down.

Later that summer, Georgiana is invited to attend a house party at an infamous castle in Yorkshire. The gathering is a loosely veiled effort to arrange a marriage for the Duke of Northriding, who desperately needs an heir. Duke Gabriel Mauleverer has a terrible reputation as a rake, and Georgiana is happy to be a guest purely for the entertainment, but upon arrival, she is shocked to discover that the Duke is none other than the stranger who rescued her weeks earlier.

As the other ladies vie for the Duke’s attention, Georgiana is desperate to avoid their shocking secret getting out. But she finds herself caught, unable to avoid Gabriel’s gaze. Are they a threat to each other? Or could they be the answer to each other’s greatest desires?

---> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---

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Do you like your Historical Romance with a healthy dose of spice? Well then, you've come to the right pantry! 😉

I admit, I was actually surprised by the amount of said spice, but still found the story delightful. Georgiana is a character you can't help but love. I mean, who didn't want to spread their wings and get stung in the process at some point in their lives... am I right? Such are the results of her adventure into an unsupervised party with A LOT more going on than silly gossip flying! Flames are fed, desires played out, and futures tainted with the afterglow of the night... but not all is lost. Some things were held on to, and some acquaintances may prove to be more than anticipated in times to come. Let's just say that it often proves that we find what we need in lieu of what we want when we stop looking.

All in all, a fun romp through the time period, and a great addition to the genre. True, it's spicier than some I've read, but there's still the appropriately scandalous reaction to a bared ankle... and who can resist setting the ton all a twitter!

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About the author...

Emma Orchard is the author of several well-reviewed regency romance novels published by Allison & Busby. In her other life she is a literary agent. Her first book with Boldwood is a raunchy romp set in Regency London.

Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ebook for review. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this promotion, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today and be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

Monday, April 22, 2024

AWARENESS TOUR: Play with Me by Kat Chen, Illustrated by Lorraine Nam - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Kick your Monday off right with an AWARENESS TOUR starring a adorable Board Book perfect for little ones just learning the ways of playtime, friendship, and balancing time! KEEP READING for a peek inside, and then stay focused because author Kat Chen is sharing a very special GUEST POST with us today all about how Kids Change Everything that you won't want to miss! After all is said and done, be sure to enter the giveaway before you whisk off to the other sites participating in The Children's Book Review tour!

Play with Me

Kat Chen

Illustrated by

Lorraine Nam

9780593659717

Rise x Penguin Workshop

About the book...

This board book series invites young readers to take part in a playdate activity of their choice, thereby empowering them with autonomy and validation. The picnic playdate models balanced and shared play, creating a positive experience that will provide readers with a reference for what caring and considered friendship looks like. Many toddlers and preschoolers consistently ask for someone to play with them, and this book provides just that for the quieter moments of the day. Simple language and gentle questions will help children develop their social skills by practicing conversations, all while engaging them in fun and familiar topics.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Bookshop.org

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*** GUEST POST ***

Kids Change Everything

...by Author Kat Chen

I was never a doting mother. I certainly loved my kids and did my best to provide a loving home for them. And, as far as I can tell, they’ve grown up to be happy, contributing members of society. But I had children because that’s what society—and most especially my mother—told me I should. I learned how to cook (badly), went to endless basketball and volleyball events, and drove car pool, all while breaking into the adult romance market as a novelist.

Yay me! Yay fulfilling career! And yay for healthy, happy children who grow up and move out.

And then my eldest daughter had my first grandchild.

It was a difficult pregnancy that resulted in a premature baby. Thankfully, Ellison is an unstoppable, vibrant, happy child as is her younger sister. And I’ve discovered that I really love my grandkids.

I mean really, really, really love them. Like I never did with my own children. Back then there was too much to do, too much responsibility, too much of everything for me to enjoy my kids. Now? I can play with the kids until I drop, and then drop them with their mother. Cue long nap, relaxing evening, and a full night of sleep.

Never had that as a mother. And I never had the drive to write books that help parents and kids interact. Overnight, I went from a novelist focused on how couples fall in love to someone who speaks in very simple sentences. Instead of devouring my favorite romance novels, I’m suddenly studying how picture books are created and how they fill very specific needs in a child’s growing awareness. Then I sit in my office and wonder how to write a story that makes kids smile.

Talk about a complete change of career! While my closest writer friends are expanding into film and television, I spend my time at the library reading dozens of picture books. I’ve gone low-tech, but I’m hooked. And studying picture books is how I fill my time away from my grandchildren who live many states away.

Here are some of the things I’ve learned in my studies.

Kids love questions. What cookie do you want? Do you like bananas? Do you see something special in the sky? Not only is this core to language development, it also gets them thinking about themselves and the world. It doesn’t have to be deep. In fact, at the beginning it should be very simple. What sock do you want? The green ones?
Picture books cover a wide variety of topics and not just simple things. In addition to fun stories about how life can go right or wrong, picture books include non-fiction, emotional development, gorgeous art, and fables both old and new. Wander through the kids section of your local library or book store. You’ll be surprised by what you see.
Novelty books aren’t just lift-the-flap books anymore. There are pop dots, finger puppets, counting beads, and of course all those electronic noise makers. It’s another way kids interact with what they’re reading. They have five senses, and kids want to use them all.
Play. Play. Play. Kids and adults learn the best when they play. Find the fun in the books. Even if it’s a serious book, the time with your child should be fun. Talk about what you see, what you read, and laugh about it. That’s the way to make books and your life happy.

Now you know my new philosophy in life. Play! Have fun! Because when I approach life as a kid, everything becomes a new toy. And a new career!

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About the author...

Kat Chen is the author of several bestselling contemporary and historical romance books. She also serves on the advisory board for Books for Newborns.

After becoming a grandmother and spending most of her free time helping with “the fun stuff”—conversations, crayons, and crawling—she was inspired to delve into children’s books and help kids master the art of simple conversation through shared play.

Learn more about Kat and her work at kat-chen.com.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

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About the illustrator...

Lorraine Nam is an illustrator based in Brooklyn, New York. She was born in Philadelphia and spent her childhood drawing pictures and folding origami to pass the time at her parents’ jewelry store. She now spends her days combining those two loves to create her illustrations.

She is the illustrator of the picture book biography on Neil deGrasse Tyson, Look Up With Me, and the upcoming Wei Skates On, by Olympic Gold Medalist Nathan Chen.

Learn more about Lorraine and her work at www.lorrainename.com.

INSTAGRAM | TWITTER

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--- GIVEAWAY ---

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win a signed copy of Play with Me and a $25 Amazon gift card!

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the author for sharing a bit of themselves with the guest post. (THANKS!) This post is sponsored by Kat Chen. The review and opinions expressed in this post are based on my personal view. For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

TOUR SCHEDULE

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

The Children’s Book Review

Book Review of Play with Me

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Me Two Books

Author Interview with Kat Chen

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Star Girls Magical Tale

Book Review of Play with Me

Friday, April 5, 2024

Book Zone Reviews