HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY to... Road Trip with a Rogue by Kate Bateman!

Time to blow up the balloons, hang the streamers, and pull out the party hats, as we get out celebration vibe 😎 on with the latest release from author Kate Bateman...

Road Trip with a Rogue

Her Majesty's Rebels, Book 3

by

Kate Bateman

St. Martin's Press 

About the book...

Mistakenly holding up the coach of the man who broke her heart is bad enough, but having to endure his sinfully alluring company all the way to Scotland is Daisy Hamilton’s worst nightmare . . . and her most secret desire.

A midnight mishap.

Daisy Hamilton’s new mission for King & Co., London’s premier private investigation firm, is simple: stop heiress Violetta Brand from eloping. But her case is derailed when she mistakenly holds up the carriage of Lucien Vaughan, Duke of Cranford—cynical war hero, infamous libertine, and the very man who broke her heart five years ago.

A reluctant road trip.

Lucien’s determined to see his lovestruck nephew married to Miss Brand, but the unexpected appearance of Daisy— the one woman he’s never been able to forget—could ruin his plans. As they follow the runaway couple together, Lucien decides that delaying the headstrong Daisy by any means possible—including seduction—will be his absolute pleasure . . . and hers.

A dangerous desire.

After Daisy’s reputation is threatened, Lucien makes a scandalous claim, but when an unexpected enemy threatens her life, he realizes she’s the only woman for him. Their past encounters have made Daisy almost as jaded about love as Lucien himself, and it’s going to take action, not words, to convince this knife-wielding hellion to risk her heart on him again...

💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜

Oh how I simply adore a good Historical Romance! It never fails to hit the spot when you've got a great writer at the helm, or pen, as it were.   Here, we've a dashing male leadon a mission, a memorable non-shrinking violet female lead with her own directive, a tangle that could only happen between the pages, and sparks aplenty to keep you burning through the pages! 🔥 It's a series I've loved following as it's grown, and one I'd definitely recommend whether you're already a fan of the author, or just starting out.  😀 

💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜

About the author...

KATE BATEMAN (also writing as K. C. Bateman) is a bestselling author of historical romances, including her RITA®-nominated Renaissance romp, The Devil to Pay, the Ruthless Rivals series...

💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜 💙 💜

Special thanks to Sara and the St. Martin's Press team for the eARC and the chance to bring this title to you! (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the series, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now wherever books are sold. 

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

RRR presents... NEW RECRUITS AT GOODWILL HOUSE by Fenella J. Miller - REVIEW!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we’re shining the book review spotlight on another Historical Fiction title set to whisk you away to another time and place, when the world was on edge, and tomorrow was even less promised than today. Let’s join this Rachel’s Random Resources tour already in progress as we feature today’s ebook of choice... 

New Recruits at Goodwill House 

by 

Fenella J Miller 

About the book... 

May 1940 

There are new residents at Goodwill House – WAAF drivers Camilla ‘Millie’ Cunningham and Diane Forsyth, both eager to do their bit for the war effort and excited to be helping the brave boys who fly.

And when Millie meets dashing and heroic Spitfire pilot Ted Thorrington, they strike up an instant connection. But with Hitler gaining more ground in Europe, there is danger brewing across the Channel in Dunkirk and Ted is required to fly more and more dangerous sorties, risking his life every time.

With their hearts and lives on the line, the courage of the girls in blue will be tested like never before… 

AMAZON

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

The thing about Historical Fiction is that no matter how many you’ve read, there’s always a new take to be had, a new viewpoint to see it from, another story to tell. 

I enjoyed the story within the story effect, seen here. It wasn’t just about the war efforts, but about the lives of these “girls in blue” and those around them. We’ve got the spirit of Goodwill House threatened thanks to the passing of the owner, and the unfortunate lack of means left behind. We have the new residents, both looking forward to their tour of duty, and yet unsuspecting of the atrocities of war they will have to withstand, nay conquer along the way. We have the affairs of the heart that are bound to blossom in times of hardship in order to bring some beauty to the ugliness of the events unfolding, and yet with those glorious feelings there is the added worry as their heart goes with them on every mission. 

So you see, fair readers, it was as much a story of the actions taken in the name of protecting your fellow man, as it was of the laughter, love, and memories made despite the bad times. It reminds us that we are all stronger than we think, smarter than we give ourselves credit, and built with the capacity to be fierce in nature while loving with all of our hearts. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

About the author... 

Fenella J. Miller is the bestselling writer of over eighteen historical sagas. She also has a passion for Regency romantic adventures and has published over fifty to great acclaim. Her father was a Yorkshireman and her mother the daughter of a Rajah. She lives in a small village in Essex with her British Shorthair cat. 

FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER

NEWSLETTER SIGN UP

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ecopy 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!

RRR presents... THE WOMAN WITH THE MAP by Jan Casey - REVIEW!

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we've teamed up with Rachel's Random Resources to bring you a new release via Aria, an imprint of Head of Zeus books. It's a Historical Fiction novel that takes you in, heart and soul, making you a part of the story for better, or worse. The moment you begin, you won't be able to stop turning pages, or rather flicking epages, as you're engrossed in the lives of a family, a neighborhood, a country as it's torn apart by war and slowly put back together again. Ladies and gents, today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The Woman with the Map

by

Jan Casey

Aria

About the book...

February 1941

The world is at war and Joyce Cooper is doing her bit for the war effort. A proud member of the Civil Defence, it is her job to assist the people of Notting Hill when the bombs begin to fall. But as the Blitz takes hold of London, Joyce is called upon to plot the devastation that follows in its wake. Night after night she must stand before her map and mark the trail of loss and suffering inflicted upon the homes, families and businesses she knows so well.

February 1974

Decades later from her basement flat Joyce watches the world go by above her head. This is her haven; the home she has created for herself having had so much taken from her in the war. But now the council is tearing down her block of flats and she's being forced to move. Could this chance to start over allow Joyce to let go of the past and step back into her life? An emotional and compelling historical fiction novel perfect for fans of Fiona Valpy, Mandy Robotham and Catherine Hokin.

--> GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY <---

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've thoroughly enjoyed my fair share of Historical Fiction titles, but this one falls distinctly in the category of LOVED.

I felt like we truly were a part of Joyce's family, as if she, or a family member, would pop through the doorway and say "Gina, love...where are you off to today" at a moment's notice. I could feel the intensity of the moments as the war drew its dark cloak around them, and the dedication they showed to their duties not only for their community, but their own peace of mind. I mourned for the lives lost of those we barely knew, and those we knew all too well. When Joy and Flo didn't see eye to eye, it felt like we were a third sibling unsure where to throw our loyalties...though I must admit, I stood firmly with Joyce on the whole Vernon issue. When there were moments to celebrate, no matter how small, they felt bright and picture perfect. You could feel the mirth in their midst, the come togetherness making things that much more memorable to help bring a drop of joy to the even darker days ahead.

To think that things like this actually came to pass...uncertainty of your next hour, let alone future; day after day of death and despair; stolen moments turn lifetime memories...and sadly still do, was heart wrenching...but the author wove her spell around us so well that we could see the beauty through the tragedy. The celebrations that happened in spite of it all. The ultimate triumph at the end of so many years of loss. The ability to hang on to ones humanity in the face of true evil. We also see the effects of such loss on the heart, and how it can inadvertently have us drawing into our own protective shells, as it were...and how the kindness of a few strangers reaching out a helping hand can truly propel us towards finding ourselves once again.

That's what this book is truly about. It's one woman's journey through heck and back as she touches so many lives, and is in turn touched by them. It's about how even the most open of hearts can build a wall of protection, and sometimes we need help to tear it back down again. It was a pleasure getting to know Joyce, as well as her friends, family, and fellow colleagues, in both times of joy and times of pain because we know full well the strength of the human heart to pull us through, and the power of love to mend it all again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author...

Jan Casey's novels, like her first-The Women of Waterloo Bridge-explore the themes of how ordinary people are affected by extraordinary events during any period in history, including the present. Jan is fascinated with the courage, adaptability and resilience that people rise to in times of adversity and for which they do not expect pay, praise or commendation. Jan is also interested inwriting about the similarities as opposed to the differences amongst people and the ways in which experiences and emotions bind humans together.

Jan was born in London but spent her childhood in Southern California. She was a teacher of English and Drama for many years and is now a Learning Supervisor at a college of further education.

When she is not working or writing, Jan enjoys yoga, swimming, cooking, walking, reading and spending time with her grandchildren.

Before becoming a published author, Jan had short stories and flash fictions published. Social Media

TWITTER

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (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!

TLC Book Tours presents... THE BACHELOR BETRAYAL by Maddison Michaels - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're teaming up with TLC Book Tours and Entangled Publishing to celebrate the latest addition to the Secrets, Spies, and Scandals series from author Maddison Michaels!  It's a story that throws punches without apologies, both literally and figuratively, and has two characters that are so stubbornly set in denying their own desires while chasing their shared quarry, they're burning up from the inside out.  Ladies and gents, get ready for some historical spy games the likes of which you've never seen (or at least I haven't!) as we dive between the epages of today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The Bachelor Betrayal 

Secrets, Scandals, and Spies, Book 2

Entangled: Amara

Publication date: February 14, 2022

About the book...

He wants justice

Underestimating Marcus Black is the last thing his enemies ever do. After all, the respected Earl of Westwood is a deadly threat… when her Majesty needs him to be. And his only goal is to avenge his brother’s murder. Which would be much easier if the viciously-skilled Lady Kaitlyn Montrose wouldn’t swoop in, knee him in the bollocks, and then run off with his only lead…

She wants revenge

Kat is determined to avenge her beloved uncle’s murder and nothing will stop her. Especially not the devastatingly handsome, and equally lethal Marcus Black. The fact that he’s after the same target is a complication she hadn’t planned on. And as much as she enjoys taunting him, she has a job to do—one that doesn’t include sparring with the infuriating man at every turn. Except Kat has a new plan… one that Marcus will just hate.

Now they’ll have to work together… if they don’t kill each other first

Individually, Marcus and Kat are deadly. If they worked together, they could be unstoppable. But when attraction gets in the way of vengeance, it’s more than hearts on the line. And only one person can win…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's not often a story starts off with a lady trapped in a train car with two miscreants that mean her harm...and SHE'S the one that comes out on top!  Not to mention the time she goes climbing in moonlight, encounters an unexpected, yet not completely unwelcome, spy of the male persuasion with the same lofty goal for the evening...and leaves him behind in pieces, even if only for a moment, as she escapes with her prize.  No siree, this is not a book like you've, or at least I've, read before...and I gotta say, me likee!

Kat is deadly with a dagger, though just as capable with simply her wits and well tailored clothing, thanks to her late Uncle Victor.  He's late not by time, but by circumstance...which gives us the plotline for Kat's revenge streak.  She grew up unlike most ladies of her station, and yet can blend into any social occasion or situation necessary.  She's sharp, and always in control...at least, she was...though the same can be said of the one causing the inner chaos she's trying to tamp down.  That chaos goes by the name of Marcus, and he has his own agenda for seeking the shared foe they are aiming for.  She wants to make them pay in blood, while he wants to see them pay for the rest of their days.  A role reversal for sure, but I can't say I blame either of them, considering the circumstances.  The thing is, while their teaming up is the best possible pooling of resources to get their man, they created a new obstacle to overcome as they inadvertently fan the flames of their hearts.  Trust me when I say, it's a pleasure to watch because you keep moving towards the inevitable, but you're never left hanging because you're so caught up in the storyline outside of their potential.

All in all, a great read from start to finish, and a series that I for one will be checking out the further adventures of in the near future...because hello, I haven't read the first book and I'm dying to see what happened there!  Recommended for adult Historical Fiction fans.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author...

RUBY award-winning author MADDISON MICHAELS writes sexy history with a dash of mystery! Indoctrinated into a world of dashing rogues and feisty heroines when she was a teenager, Maddison loves reading and writing historical romance.

Maddison’s historical novels are her way of time traveling back to Victorian London to experience a cornucopia of intrigue, romance and debauchery all from the comfort of her living room! Oh and she always starts her day with a cup of liquid gold… coffee (just quietly, she’s addicted to the stuff)!

She absolutely loves to hear from her readers and you can find her on Facebook at MaddisonMichaelsAuthor or FOLLOW her on BookBub.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Lisa at TLC Book Tours and the Entangled Publishing team for the ebook for review. (THANKS!) 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. This title is available now via Entangled Amara, so click on over to your favorite online retailer to snag your copy today! Be sure to CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE TOUR making its way through the blogosphere for more bookish fun!

Monday, February 14th: @nerdy_book_lover_1987

Tuesday, February 15th: @readinginfairyland

Wednesday, February 16th: @nsiabblog

Thursday, February 17th: @angelareadsbooks

Friday, February 18th: @barr_bookworm

Saturday, February 19th: @a_bookish_dream

Sunday, February 20th: @everlasting.charm

Monday, February 21st: @1bookmore

Wednesday, February 23rd: @bookworm.struggles

Thursday, February 24th: Reading Reality

Monday, February 28th: @kingarthurof_cat_onsville

Wednesday, March 2nd: @reading.with.rylanne

Thursday, March 3rd: What is That Book About

Friday, March 4th: @temmathomas

Monday, March 7th: @andkellyreads

Wednesday, March 9th: @aparanormalromance

Friday, March 11th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Sunday, March 13th: Subakka.bookstuff Blog

Monday, March 14th: From the TBR Pile

Monday, March 14th: The Romance Dish – spotlight

Monday, March 14th: @lowkey.bookish

Wednesday, March 16th: @plottrysts

Friday, March 18th: @loveofmuse

Sunday, March 20th: @shopcoffeekids

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

HFVBT presents... THE LADY TEMPTS AND HEIR by Harper St. George - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hello, hello!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...BIG emphasis on the insatiable part today!

As promised, blog tour number three is making its presence known, and if you didn't check out the other posts today, feel free to click back around to them after you finish this one because there's a little something for everyone.  Anywho, back to THIS post...as we welcome back Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and a newly released title via Berkley Books!  It's the third installment in The Gilded Age Heiresses series from author Harper St. George, and I can certainly reassure you that while a series, it stand perfectly well on its own two feet...much like our titled Lady of the hour!  So, if you would be so kind, KEEP READING as we explore between the pages of today's ebook of choice...

The Lady Tempts an Heir

by

Harper St. George

Publication Date: February 22, 2022

Berkley Publishing

Series: The Gilded Age Heiresses, Book 3

Genre: Historical Romance

About the book...

A fake engagement brings together a lady with bold and daring dreams, and the heir whose heart she captured—perfect for fans of Bridgerton!

Tall, dark, and brooding—to say that American Maxwell Crenshaw stood out in the glittering ballrooms of London is an understatement. He vowed never to set foot in England again, but when a summons from his father along with an ultimatum to secure his legacy has him crossing the Atlantic for the last time, reuniting him with the delectable Lady Helena March, he can’t deny the temptation she presents. Or the ideas she inspires…

Lady Helena March is flirting with scandal. Instead of spending her time at teas and balls in search of another husband, as is expected of a young widow, Helena pours her energy into The London Home for Young Women. But Society gives no quarter to unmarried radicals who associate with illegitimate children and fallen women, and Helena’s funding is almost run out. So when the sinfully seductive Crenshaw heir suggests a fake engagement to save them both—him from an unwanted marriage and her from scorn and financial ruin—Helena finds herself too fascinated to refuse the sexy American.

As their arrangement of convenience melts oh so deliciously into nights of passion, their deception starts to become real. But if Max knew the true reason Helena can never remarry, he wouldn’t look at her with such heat in his eyes. Or might the Crenshaw heir be willing to do whatever it takes to win the one woman he’s never been able to forget…

Amazon | B & N | Books-a-Million | Bookshop | Hudson Booksellers | IndieBound | Powell's | Target | Walmart

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***   Praise for The Lady Tempts an Heir   ***

“With sizzling chemistry, brilliant banter, and an unapologetically strong, feminist heroine, Harper St. George sets the pages ablaze!”—Christi Caldwell, USA Today bestselling author of Along Came a Lady

“Harper St. George just gets better and better with every book, penning the kind of page-turning stories that you will want to read again as soon as you finish each one. Max and Helena are my new favorite couple in the series.”—Lyssa Kay Adams, author of Isn’t it Bromantic?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I've never had the pleasure of watching Bridgerton...but I've always wanted to.  According to the brag line, it's a perfect fit for fans, so that leaves me with two things...an increased desire to watch the show I've longed to, and the chance to share my adventure between the pages of this fabulous story!  First things first though, it's definitely meant for adult audiences because there are a few scenes that would bring a blush to most readers faces, but the story...oh that glorious story...you won't be able to turn or flick pages fast enough!  

Lady Helena was a gem.  She wasn't the most fortunate in love...as of yet...but her stars could have been painted worse.  Despite being widowed at a young age, it also gave her unexpected freedom in some things she would not have previously been able to gain favor in.  Now, before you get all excited, she was still a "prisoners" of the times and those times didn't cater to women having much say or power, but she knew her mind and was certainly capable of pursuing her dreams for a better tomorrow for those viewed as lesser or outcasts.  I admired her drive, and her dream...as well as her will power.  *ahem*  May I present the other piece of this puzzle of the heart, Maxwell Crenshaw.  He's in the market for a bride, whether he likes it or not, and is being ultimately manipulated by his father as the man threatens things he has no business sticking his nose into.  But Max isn't the son that bows to every parental whim...and his sharp mind, and shrewd business skills have come up with a plan that ultimately solves everything.  Or does it?  He knew what he was getting into...or at least he thought he knew before his heart decided to get in the game...and while the lady is willing to play his game so everyone wins, they may BOTH find that the endgame they sought is no longer as clear cut.

I'm telling you, this pair was meant to be whether they will admit it or not!  The banter, glances, and heated moments will have you holding your breath until all their defenses fall down, while the forward thinking of the characters have you holding your head up with pride. The side characters are nothing to write off either, from Max's sisters to Helena's parents, and everyone in between; they leave an impression whether they came for a page, or the length of the story.  A definite recommendation for Historical Fiction fans, and a series I entirely intend to explore!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About the author...

 

Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting 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 husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, February 22

Review at Chasing Leslie

Guest Post at Novels Alive

Excerpt at Bookoholic Café

Wednesday, February 23

Review at Michelle the PA Loves to Read

Thursday, February 24

Review at Books In Their Natural Habitat

Friday, February 25

Review at Bookworlder

Review at Pinkcowlandreads

Sunday, February 27

Review at Debjani's Thoughts

Monday, February 28

Review at Novels Alive

Review at Anna's Book Blog

Tuesday, March 1

Review at Fringe Book Reviews

Wednesday, March 2

Review at A Girl Reads Bookss

Thursday, March 3

Review at Dive into a Good Book

Friday, March 4

Review at The Literary Assistant

Review at View from the Birdhouse

Monday, March 7

Review & Excerpt at Elodie’s Reading Corner

Tuesday, March 8

Excerpt at Aubrey Wynne: Timeless Romance

Wednesday, March 9

Review at Gwendalyn's Books

Thursday, March 10

Excerpt at SplendeurCaisse

Review at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Friday, March 11

Review at The Lit Bitch

Monday, March 14

Review at Cross My Heart Writing & Reviews

Tuesday, March 15

Excerpt at Lisa Everyday Reads

Thursday, March 17

Excerpt at Coffee and Ink

Review at Bonnie Reads and Writes

Friday, March 18

Review at Reader_ceygo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

***   Giveaway   ***

Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

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

The Lady Tempts an Heir

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as the ecopy for review. (THANKS!) For more information about this title, the author, the publisher, this tour, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above. This title is available now so get spirited away and snag your copy today!

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

RRR presents... LOVE IN A TIME OF WAR by Adrienne Chinn - REVIEW!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we’re catering to the Historical Fiction fans among you (*raises hand*) with a moving tale that takes place across generations, and will steal moments from your day as you get lost between the pages in the best way possible. Ladies and gents, without further ado, let’s break the spine...or rather, flick the epage on today’s blog tour guest and ebook of choice... 

Love in a Time of War 

by 

Adrienne Chinn 

One More Chapter |  Harper Collins

About the book... 

Three sisters 

The Great War 

The end of innocence… 

In 1913, in a quiet corner of London, the three Fry sisters are coming of age, dreaming of all the possibilities the bright future offers. But when war erupts their innocence is shattered and a new era of uncertainty begins. 

Cecelia loves Max but his soldier’s uniform is German, not British, and suddenly the one man she loves is the one man she can’t have. 

Jessie enlists in the army as a nurse and finally finds the adventure she’s craved when she’s sent to Gallipoli and Egypt, but it comes with an unimaginable cost. 

Etta elopes to Capri with her Italian love, Carlo, but though her growing bump is real, her marriage certificate is a lie. 

As the three sisters embark on journeys they never could have imagined, their mother Christina worries about the harsh new realities they face, and what their exposure to the wider world means for the secrets she’s been keeping… 

AMAZON  EBOOK:  UK  |  US  |  CA  |  AU

AMAZON  PRINT:  UK  |  CA  |  AU

WHSMITH  |  GOOGLE BOOKS  |  B&N  |  CHAPTERS

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

This is a not a story for the faint of heart. 

This is a not a story for someone looking for a flash in the pan sort of tale. 

This is a story for the dedicated reader. The reader who loves nothing more than getting lost between the pages, pouring over someone else’s lives, experiencing their greatest joys and sorrows, traversing the world both in time and place...while never leaving the comfort of your favorite reading spot. 

The story of the Fry sisters is intense, taking us from their mother’s eventful past to present day for them all, as war breaks out across their homelands. Each sister will follow her own path, much like their mother before them, but they all do it with a shared inner strength and conviction for what they believe in...including their feelings towards love. Their mother, Christina, is understandably jaded by life, but only learns the true meaning of the word, and feelings associated to it, once it’s too late to be shared. Etta follows her artistic desires and holds close to her heart tragic truths best shared, all in the name of love, and being loved, though it seems belief in a thing, or in love, even that which seems fated, can pull through. Jessie comes to terms with her own colored prejudices just in the nick of time, but her path towards a fulfilling future was no less littered with obstacles. Celie was perhaps the one I felt for the most, not only because there were so many things kept from her, but her ending, her story rather, while pleasant, still broke my heart. I’d feel wrong if I left our Gerald, their father. He was such a kind-hearted man, and only wanted what was best for his girls. It was clear that his heart beat, his essence beat within each of them, come what may. 

All in all, the Fry sisters were a remarkable trio, as were their parents, fellas, and friends made along the way. There is nary a soul not worth mentioning, but that would remove some of the beauty for all of you with their introductions, so I’ll leave you to discover the rest on your own. Suffice it to say when I found out it was the beginning of a saga, I was rather pleased, and more than happy to leave a spot on my wish list for whenever that title becomes known. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

About the author... 

Adrienne Chinn was born in Grand Falls, Newfoundland, grew up in Quebec, and eventually made her way to London, England after a career as a journalist. In England she worked as a TV and film researcher before embarking on a career as an interior designer, lecturer, and writer. When not up a ladder or at the computer writing, she often can be found rummaging through flea markets or haggling in the Marrakech souk. Her second novel, The English Wife -- a timeslip story set in World War II England and contemporary Newfoundland -- was published in June 2020 and has become an international bestseller. Her debut novel, The Lost Letter from Morocco, was published by Avon Books UK in 2019. Her latest novel, Love in a Time of War, set during WWI, is the first in a series of three books based around the changing lives of three English sisters and their half-Italian mother, with a timeslip to 1890s Capri and London. 

SITE  |  FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  INSTAGRAM

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (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!

WHAT'S THE BUZZ?: Hold My Place by Cassondra Windwalker - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're spreading a little pre book birthday BUZZ for a short story coming THIS TUESDAY (01/25/22) via Black Spot Books.  It's a Fiction novel that walks the line of Psychological Thriller and Paranormal like a well versed aerial artist, allowing the story within to take you where it may with surprising results.  Ready to explore?  Here we go.  Ladies and gents, prepare to explore obsession on a whole new level as we step between the epages of today's featured title...

Hold My Place

by

Cassondra Windwalker

Black Spot Books

About the book...

Obsession never dies.

When librarian Sigrun falls head-over-heels for the sophisticated and very married Edgar Leyward, she never expects to find herself in his bed—or his heart. Nevertheless, when his enigmatic wife Octavia dies from a sudden illness, Sigrun finds herself caught up in a whirlwind romance worthy of the most lurid novels on her bookshelves.

Sigrun soon discovers Octavia wasn’t Edgar’s first lost love, or even his second. Three women Edgar has loved met early deaths. As she delves into her beloved’s past through a trove of discovered letters, the edges of Sigrun identity begin to disappear, fading into the women of the past. Sigrun tells herself it’s impossible for any dark magic to be at play—that the dead can’t possibly inhabit the bodies of the living—but something shadowy stalks the halls of the Leyward house and the lines between the love of the present and the obsessions of the past become increasingly blurred—and bloody.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you're like me, the title intrigued you...because HELLO...bookworm!  It evoked a certain curiosity because bookmarks are used to hold your place, temporarily...and the way the plot unfolds, is very much indicative of that meaning.

Sigrun was a unique character and certainly not your typecast librarian, but today's world shouldn't be surprised by that at all because it takes all types to make this world go round, and judging a book or person by their cover is so last century.  Anywho, she's her own person and very much a live wire...which sparks all the brighter when she happens upon another soul that she feels drawn to down to her very bones.  It doesn't matter that he's married, he being Edgar, or that the other woman (or rather, the first woman, aka his wife) even visits the class she is attending simply to be closer to him.  It's enough to spend time with him...for now.  The thing is, if distance makes the heart grow fonder...constant awareness and exposure apparently makes the heart grow obsessive...and that obsession has bigger outcomes than simply getting what she thinks she wants.  You see, there are other forces at work here, things her friends have tried to warn her about despite not knowing the whole story because red flags are red flags, but when the heart wants what it wants...reason goes out the window.  Too bad that reason was the only thing left to hold on to...

I won't go into further detail for the sake of the story, as it is best experienced first hand.  However, I will say, though intriguing and twisty, I find myself decidedly on the other side of obsession...or at the very least tales of.  The only single mindset, the object of their attention being pretty much the only things they focus on...it just doesn't hit the right notes for this reader...but to each their own and if it IS your cup of tea, than this is definitely one you shouldn't skip out on!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to the Black Spot Books team for access to the ecopy for review.  (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to celebrate its BOOK BIRTHDAY this Tuesday, 01/25/22, via Black Spot Books, an imprint of Vesuvian Books, so mark your calendar or pre order your copy today!

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

RRR presents... A WINTER WEDDING AT MISTLETOE GATE FARM by Helen J. Rolfe - REVIEW!

Hi there! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we’re on board with another Rachel’s Random Resources tour as we shine the book spotlight on a wintery read set to warm hearts this holiday season. It’s the next instalment in the Heritage Cove series, so if you’ve read others, you’ll be in the know regarding who’s who and what’s what, but even if you’re only starting out, you’ll catch on quickly as it reads perfectly fine as a stand alone. Ladies and gents, gather your cold winter gear as we step into today’s ebook of choice... 

A Winter Wedding at Mistletoe Gate Farm 

by 

Helen J. Rolfe 

It's almost Christmas in Heritage Cove - the village tree is all lit-up, the bakery is full of festive treats, the tea rooms and waffle shack are welcoming locals inside out of the cold, and for some of the residents of the Cove, snow might not be the only thing they're wishing for this year...

Tilly is overjoyed when an estranged relative comes to Heritage Cove wanting to make amends. But as she lets him in to her life and Tilly’s Bits ‘n’ Pieces - the shop she owns and loves - her friends aren’t so sure whether everything is quite as it seems.

Benjamin’s parents run Mistletoe Gate Farm, selling Christmas trees, wreaths and mistletoe. Benjamin has always thought his family was as firmly rooted in the ground as the rows of Norway Spruce and Fraser Firs. But when he finds a letter that rocks his world he realises he may not be able to do anything to prevent the changes coming their way.

Benjamin and Tilly have been falling for one another since the summer but will family complications put an abrupt stop to what is looking like a burgeoning romance?

With festive cheer weaving its way through the Cove as two local favourites plan their wedding, there’s more than one relationship that could receive a little Christmas magic… 

Amazon UK  |  US

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

It was wonderful watching Benjamin and Tilly’s story unfold. Word to the wise, if you’re looking for something other than slow and steady, the romantic aspect won’t be your cup of tea...however, there’s still plenty going on where that came from! 

On Tilly’s side of things, we have her shop, the adorably named Bits ‘N’ Pieces, and the progress she’s making with both stock, and growth, as well as the future she’s planning for it. Then there’s the unexpected visitor from her family’s past that is there to reconnect and make amends...though I too found it oddly suspicious that Tilly’s dad never mentioned him before. My mind wandered in one direction with this storyline, and the author took it in another direction, but it still felt right with the gut feelings you have with this particular person. 

On Benjamin’s side of things, we’ve got the changes going on at the Christmas tree farm, the unexpected uncovering of even bigger changes in the works within his own family dynamic, and what the future might bring for them all. I can honestly say, I’m not certain I could have kept as quiet about the discovery he made, nor held by tongue as well as he did regarding Tilly’s family, but it did make me respect Benjamin all the more. 

All in all, it was an idyllic trip to a town riddled with family traditions that reminds us that blood is not always thicker than those we choose to make our family, and friends, at least good ones, are worth their weight in gold. Look for the happy ending when all is said and done, and plenty of mistletoe! 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

About the author... 

Helen J Rolfe writes contemporary women's fiction and enjoys weaving stories about family, friendship, secrets, and community. Characters often face challenges and must fight to overcome them, but above all, Helen's stories always have a happy ending. 

Location is a big part of the adventure in Helen's books and she enjoys setting stories in different cities and countries around the world. So far, locations have included Melbourne, Sydney, New York, Connecticut, Bath and the Cotswolds. 

FACEBOOK  |  TWITTER  |  SITE

INSTAGRAM  |  BOOKBUB

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you. (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. Be sure to check out the rest of tour for more bookish fun!

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