The Perils of Pauline by Collette Yvonne

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're jumping into the land of Romantic Comedies with a Fiction selection via the folks over at Astor + Blue Editions.  The star is the sophomore release of an author that is new to me but not new to the writing scene.  The work is filled with curious characters, a love triangle/square, and many life lessons to learn.  Ready to delve between the pages and see what's to discover?  Let's!  Today's book of choice is....

The Perils of Pauline

by

Colette Yvonne

9781938231868

Astor + Blue Editions

About the book...

Life seems "picture perfect" for Army veteran Pauline Parril--a solid career, a loving (though slightly absent) husband, two adorable young children.  Perfect that is, until the usual Friday meeting at the office ends with a termination letter.

As Pauline navigates the difficulties of unemployment, she finds the handles of her world turning upside down. Her estranged daughter, Serenity, returns home with shocking secrets.  Her husband, Donald, is not at all who she knows him to be, and a handsome stranger opens her eyes to the complex worlds of poetry and temptation.

In this uproarious female comedy of just how one event can change the course of...well everything.  The Perils of Pauline follows an intrepid every-woman as she marches through the pressures of building the "perfect life," finding there's actually more to discover about yourself than you dreamed, and constantly answering the scariest question of adulthood: "What now?"

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The title is very appropriate as the perils that Pauline faces versus those we, the readers, face flip back and forth throughout the story.  Allow me to illuminate....

Pauline's actual perils...

...DID the husband actually cheat?

...should SHE in fact cheat?

...what direction is her life headed in thanks to the rundant status her career was put in?

...how to keep the household running as a party of one...willingly?

...how to center herself when all the crazy begins to simply get to be too much?

All valid situations simply multiplied when we factor in two pregnancy scares (one with BUMP results), a teenage daughter plus two little ones, a job hunt, a degree quest, and a whole lot of temptation.  She's got great friends to help ground her, but sometimes making lemonade out of life's lemons...just doesn't cut it.

This reader's peril...

...a lack of intimacy with the story when it comes to her and the hubs.

I get it, marriages sometimes fall apart for seemingly no reason, but the complete shut down of communication, the lack of even drawn out arguments or lengthy discussions seemed to harbor the story's true development.  We get it; Mr. Poetry is dashing and romantic and not-really-any-of-those-things-once-the-silent-retreat-is-introduced (can you imagine a weekend -- or longer -- with NO speaking, texting, emailing, ANYTHING? *faints*).  He's an ace in the personal attention department and a breath of fresh air compared to stuffy old Donald...but, I just couldn't accept how shut down that existing relationship was.  If it was me, I'd be having an all out blowout just to get SOME conversation going.  Better to know what you're dealing with than agonize or the what ifs, right?  For as strong a character as Pauline is, she doesn't...and it just felt wrong.

In the end, I didn't feel cheated by the book as a whole, just by the bits.  Pauline was a smash as the leading lady and I loved the combination of rough-and-tumble her with the girly her that made her...well, HER.  I just wish that there had been more communication between her and her significant other.  Such as it was, we were left guessing as to the circumstantial evidence found just as much as Pauline with no real clearing up in sight until book's end. The romantic tryst serves its purpose (to liven things up) but the real nitty gritty, the soul of the story in the end can be summed up by saying it's a woman's journey to finding herself.  No more, no less.  Recommended read for Fiction, Women's Fiction, and Contemporary Romance fans that like a bit of comedy in their read.  

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About the author...

Collette Yvonne has written more than 150 articles published in Ontario's Dailies.  Her short story, Snapshots for Henry, was made into a short film directed by Teresa Hannigan and received a 2007 Genie nomination for Best Live Action Short Drama.  More of Yvonne's short stories, including From the Cottage Porch and Wild Words 2010 appear in published anthologies.

She graduated from Toronto's York University, and lives in Ontario.

SITE   |   FACEBOOK   |   TWITTER

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Review copy received courtesy of Shelby at Astor + Blue Editions.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the publisher, or the author, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title reached its book birthday January of this year, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing. Oh and as of the time of this post, there was a SPECIAL DEAL going on at the publisher's site for a FREE ebook with paperback purchase!  You're welcome!  ^_^

Until next time...happy reading!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Looking for Jane by Judith Redline Coopey

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're playing host to a stop along the Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tour starring the works of author Judith Redline Coopey.  Have I sampled her writing before?  No, but when reading about the titles in the spotlight, I knew I had to feature this particular one.  Ready to get your read on?  Here we go!  Today's blog tour guest and book of choice....

Looking for Jane

Publication Date: December 21, 2012

Fox Hollow Press

Formats: ebook & Paperback

Pages: 238

Genre: Historical Fiction

READ AN EXCERPT.

“The nuns use this as their measuring stick: who your people are. Well, what if you don’t have no people? Or any you know of? What then? Are you doomed?” This is the nagging question of fifteen-year-old Nell’s life. Born with a cleft palate and left a foundling on the doorstep of a convent, she yearns to know her mother, whose name, she knows, was Jane.

When the Mother Superior tries to pawn her off to a mean looking farmer and his beaten down wife, Nell opts for the only alternative she can see: she runs away. A chance encounter with a dime novel exhorting the exploits of Calamity Jane, heroine of the west, gives Nell the purpose of her life: to find Calamity Jane, who Nell is convinced is her mother.

Her quest takes her down rivers, up rivers and across the Badlands to Deadwood, South Dakota and introduces her to Soot, a big, lovable black dog, and Jeremy Chatterfield, a handsome young Englishman who isn’t particular about how he makes his way, as long as he doesn't have to work for it. Together they trek across the country meeting characters as wonderful and bizarre as the adventure they seek, learning about themselves and the world along the way.

Buy Looking for Jane:

  Amazon   |   Barnes & Noble

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It's a simple question really, but when not all the players are known, it makes the journey to the answers THAT much more curious.  Such is the case here for little Nell and from the sound of things, it's gonna get a lot harder before any of the easy arrives.  Very interested to see if what she uncovers shapes her more than the self imposed quest itself.

What say YOU readers?

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About the Author

Judith Redline Coopey, born in Altoona, PA holds degrees from the Pennsylvania State University and Arizona State University. A passion for history inherited from her father drives her writing and a love for Pennsylvania sustains it. Her first book, Redfield Farm was the story of the Underground Railroad in Bedford County, Pennsylvania. The second, Waterproof, tells how the 1889 Johnstown Flood nearly destroyed a whole city and one young woman’s life. Looking For Jane is a quest for love and family in the 1890s brought to life through the eyes of Nell, a young girl convinced that Calamity Jane is her mother. Her most recent work, The Furnace: Volume One of the Juniata Iron Trilogy, is set on an iron plantation near where she grew up and tells the story of an ill conceived marriage of convenience as it plays out over a lifetime. As a teacher, writer and student of history, Ms Coopey finds her inspiration in the rich history of her native state and in stories of the lives of those who have gone before.

For more information please visit Judith Redline Coopey's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

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Judith Redline Coopey Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 16

Spotlight at Literary Chanteuse

Spotlight at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, March 17

Review, Interview, & Giveaway at A Virtual Hobby Store and Coffee Haus (The Furnace)

Wednesday, March 18

Spotlight & Giveaway at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time

Thursday, March 19

Review at 100 Pages a Day (Looking for Jane)

Friday, March 20

Review at Rainy Day Reviews (Waterproof)

Monday, March 23

Review, Interview, & Giveaway at A Virtual Hobby Store and Coffee Haus (Looking for Jane)

Wednesday, March 25

Interview at Layered Pages

Friday, March 27

Spotlight & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing

Saturday, March 28

Spotlight at Mythical Books

Monday, March 30

Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection

Spotlight at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Tuesday, March 31

Review at Beth's Book Nook (Looking for Jane)

Review, Interview, & Giveaway at A Virtual Hobby Store and Coffee Haus (Waterproof)

Wednesday, April 1

Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story (Redfield Farm)

Guest Post at A Literary Vacation

Friday, April 3

Review at Book Babe

Saturday, April 4

Review at Book Nerd (The Furnace)

Monday, April 6

Review, Interview, & Giveaway at A Virtual Hobby Store and Coffee Haus (Redfield Farm)

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Special thanks to Amy at HFVBT for the chance to bring this book to the forefront for you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, or the other works by this author, please be certain to stop by the other amazing sites along the tour.  

Until next time...happy reading!

Fairytales BEWARE: Snitch & Sneer Hit the Hood by Julia Dweck

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

 

Today, we're taking a look at the latest release from Sleep Sheep Productions and author Julia Dweck.  That's right!  She's back and bringing the humor in the first volume of an all new series for readers of all ages.  Ready to take the plunge?  Here we go!  Ladies and gents, get ready to meet our fun-yet-crazy hosts for this trip through Fairy Tale Land and today's eBook of choice...

 

 

 

Snitch & Sneer Hit the Hood

Fairytale Crashers, Volume 1

by

Julia Dweck

Illustrated by

Daryll Collins

Sleepy Sheep Productions

 

Once upon a time,  There was a little girl who ADORED wearing red.  She loved it SO very much that they called her Little Red Riding Hood...whether or not it was her color was debatable though.  So goes the story of Snitch and Sneer crash landing in their first Fairytale Land adventure.  With as much humor as can be mustered (and let's face it, that's A LOT of humor), they reveal the story of Little Red for what it truly is....an imaginative tale for certain, but fraught with much absurdity.  Hey, it's not truly my statement, the author says as much at the close!  If you really think about it though, I mean REALLY dig into it, it is pretty hard to believe.  Who is really going to mistake their Grandma for a wolf?  Why on earth does the wolf want to wear old granny clothes just for another meal?  Of course we can always start with the obvious question of how in the world of make believe is the wolf TALKING to begin with....but that's beside the point, we are in the land of imagination after all.

 

As we skip merrily through the epages, one can't help but love the sarcasm, chuckle at the whit employed, and smile at each bright and cheery animated drawing.  From Little Red's outrage of a BLUE hoodie being suggested for her wardrobe to Grandma's outrage at missing out on her lottery check (don't ask, just read!), each page is depicted in an almost comic book panel styling and...it works!  You can follow the flow of the story accurately while taking in all the details and subtleties utilized in bringing the underlying FUNNY out of this story.  Bookmarks up to both the author and illustrator on a job well done!

 

 

 

 

 

ARC eBook for review received courtesy of author Julia Dweck.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her other works, the publisher, or the illustrator, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is becoming available as we speak in eBook form with the paperback book following soon, all via Sleepy Sheep Productions.  Want to reach out to Snitch & Sneer with your questions or comments?  Visit them on FACEBOOK and while your there, don't forget to enter to win an S&S T-shirt (one of which will be given out randomly over the next two months!).  Be sure to keep an eye out for the next release coming soon, entitled Storm the Castle!  Can't wait to see what this duo has to say about THAT one...

 

Until next time...happy reading!

 

 



BLOG TOUR: Heartbreak Hotel by Deborah Moggach

Hiya guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're welcoming a blog tour via The Overlook Press starring a newly published title you may want to put on your radar...we shall see.  It comes to us from an author whose work you may not think you know, but you do, in one media form or another, and that knowledge can set the bar pretty high.  Does this one leap over the mark with flying colors?  Only one way to find out.  Ladies and gents, pack your bags for the English countryside as we welcome today's book of choice....

Heartbreak Hotel

by

Deborah Moggach

9781468310573

The Overlook Press

About the book...

When retired actor Buffy decides to leave London and move to rural Wales, he has no idea what he is letting himself in for.

In possession of a run-down bed and breakfast that leans more toward the shabby than the chic and is, quite literally, miles from nowhere, Buffy realizes that he needs to fill the beds—and fast. Otherwise, his vision of the pastoral countryside will go up in smoke.

Enter a motley collection of guests: Harold, whose wife has run off with a younger woman; Amy, who’s been unexpectedly dumped by her (not-so) nebbishy boyfriend and Andy, the hypochondriac postman whose girlfriend is much too much for him to handle. But under Buffy’s watchful eye, this disparate group of strangers finds that they have more in common than perhaps they first thought.

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Well, since my baby left me,

I found a new place to dwell.

It's down at the end of lonely street

at Heartbreak Hotel.

You make me so lonely baby,

I get so lonely,

I get so lonely I could die.

Sorry, I couldn't resist.

The name of the book definitely invites this song into my head despite my less-than-rabid fan status of "the King".  Anywho, back to the read.

This book actually left me in more of a heartbreak status than I had hoped.  I think it was my own expectations of it being more along the lines of The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (of which I saw, but did not read), of which it both was and wasn't.  There is a slightly run down Bed & Breakfast (versus hotel) in England (not India) in need of a new owner, a bit of TLC, and most importantly...GUESTS.  There is a leading man (older and wiser in years) searching for a new beginning; a place he can call his own and cast off the shadows of the lives he has lived thus far.  The guests that show up are a mixed bag for certain (same), some sharing in heartbreak, others simply acting to fit in (both same).  These same said guests along with instructors end up inadvertently sprucing up the place (same!) while on their life escape and learning weeks/weekends.  There are laughs to be had (Toni and Andy's little tryst), characters to note (Voda), connections made (Amy and our own Momma's boy), new paths to be traveled, and all seemingly put in motion by the B&B that won't be put to rest....BUT, my trip was not all elation and spots of wonderment.

For the life of me, I could not really stay connected with the book.  First of all, the assortment of odd and unusual names, especially our lead, Buffy.  Sorry, I was left thinking Angel or Spike would show up at any moment...perhaps a generational thing.  About halfway through, I felt lost.  It seemed as if things were just getting good and then all of a sudden, it all fell apart at the seams.  The people connections just weren't hitting it for me any longer.  The story line seemed to disappear right before my eyes.  It was like everything was happening at once and from several angles and yet nothing seemed to actually be accomplished.  The saddest and biggest let down though was the ending.  Everything else put aside, I felt like Buffy's attachment to a particular character didn't fit his persona.  

All in all, I don't regret my time at the Heartbreak Hotel but I can't say that I'd like to stay again either.  It might have been a matter of preconceived notions, and then again...it may not.  One final note, we all know how covers can change from ARC to the FINAL print (or at least the one shown on the publisher's site).  This one kept its basic layout but the inclusion of the male and female images in the windows (for me) took away from the visual draw.  The ARC cover included elements from the story that allowed you to discover their meaning or placement along the way.  Just an observation but worth the note.  Whatever your take on the information shared today, I invite you to draw your own conclusions.  After all, we each are the only true readers of our hearts.

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About the author...

Both my parents were writers – my father wrote naval history, biographies and children’s books; my mother wrote and illustrated children’s books. I had three sisters, and we grew up to the sound of typewriters tapping in the veranda, where our parents sat side by side, working. I wasn’t a particularly writerly child, however. I preferred playing with cars and animals. I didn’t like girly things and my hero was William Brown.  I went to Bristol University, worked in publishing for a bit, did some waitressing, taught riding, trained as a teacher, and then got married. In the mid-70s I went to live in Pakistan for two years. After an English upbringing this was incredibly liberating and it was here that I started writing – both articles for Pakistani newspapers and my first novel.  I began writing screenplays in the mid-eighties and like moving back and forth, between the interior world of the novel and the conflict-driven life of drama. I also like actors because they call me “darling”, and I try to appear as an extra in my own shows.

My children have long since grown up and in 2014 I re-married – to a motorbike and movie journalist called Mark Williams – and moved to his town in the Welsh Marches. Proving that it’s never too late to start another life…

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Special thanks to Josie at The Overlook Press for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, please be sure to click through the links above.  This title celebrated its book birthday earlier this month, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

Bring the Joys of Reading to Every Moment with GoneReading.com!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're aiming to satisfy your bookish side not with a book review, but with a product review.  Now, before you stop reading, I haven't passed over to the dark side or anything (though I hear they DO have cookies!), trust me on this one; in fact, this is more of a reunion.  

That's right! Today's spotlight is shining on the fabulous site of bookish fun, GoneReading.com!  If you haven't heard of them or checked out their site, you best be on your way...after today's post of course.  Oh, and make sure there is room on your wish list because not only will you be shopping to satisfy your own interests, but to spread the joys of reading.  

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About GoneReading.com....

"Unlike other shopping sites, GoneReading was founded specifically to spread the magic of reading in the developing world.  That’s why we’ve pledged 100% of after-tax profits to fund reading related charities, especially the work of our good friends at READ Global and Ethiopia Reads.

Although we have a particular fondness for the printed book, GoneReading supports all types of reading formats, including e-readers, tablets, printed books, newspapers and magazines.  We believe that access to great writing – regardless of the format in which it is consumed - is what really matters most."

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 My acquaintance turned friendship with the site started back in 2012 (wow, it's been THAT long?!) when the Founder and CEO, Mr. Brad Wirz contacted me regarding the possibility of a spotlight post.  I was more than happy to assist as I had been recently perusing their wares (thanks to Alexia's Books & Such...another great bloggy friend) and creating a wish list I was more than happy to share.  This connection was to be the first but not the last collaboration I would have with them...

Fast forward to 2013 and what was I doing?  Reading another email, agreeing to check out an intriguing little item, and telling all of you about the FUN-tastically fabulous things the GoneReading team was up to now, including the MAJORLY awesome Book Plates and Platters!

No really....they are TOO CUTE!  Fashion, function, and bookishly delicious.  Now, let's step into current times.  Enter one email circa 2015, one offer my book loving soul couldn't resist, and finally, one post to highlight the fun that was had.  So, here we are and here we go!  

First, a box arrived....

...then, I opened said box.

What to my wondering eyes should appear?  Two FAB items that I now hold dear....the first of which compliments my book platter rather nicely, and would certainly work wonders on getting your morning cup of joe to you a little more literarily.  Ready, set, drink up with the....

Great "First Lines" of Literature Mug!

Imagine a hot cup of your favorite liquid refreshment (or cold...cold would work too) in a lightweight mug covered in the first lines of many famous works.  My favorite?  Oh, buddy...too hard to REALLY choose, but if pressed I could narrow it down to A Christmas Carol and A Tale of Two Cities.  What can I say, I'm a Dickens Fan!  

But I digress, this wonderful thirst quencher of style was not the only item in the mysterious box.  No, no no...there was one other.  Something that would allow me to bring the magic of books with me everywhere I go.  What was that item?  Why it was the...

"Paperback" Cologne Spray

from the Demeter Fragrance Library

Now this isn't a scent for every reader, but I found it to be rather nice.  The literature states that it has "a romanticized scent of ink and paper with a touch of violet and potpourri; many reviewers also detect a hint of vanilla."  I can't argue with that but I also smell a hint of something a little heavier, along the lines of Sandalwood but not quite.  It is unique for certain and though it may not smell like EVERY book you've ever read, it will bring you back to your bookish center one sniff at a time.  I tried to take a picture of me spraying the perfume but they all ended up looking wonky.  Who knew spray mist didn't capture well on camera?  So, you'll just have to envision me spritzing some of this fab fragrance on and jetting out for a long day at work (or play) but never having my beloved books more than a breath away.

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GoneReading founder Brad Wirz with some readers,
on a volunteer trip in Honduras

Special thanks to Brad Wirz for the chance to review these wonderful products, for spreading the joys of reading with this fun site, and for fostering the connections he makes in the bookish community throughout the years.  (YOU ROCK!)  For more information on the products I've mentioned here today, the site, its mission, or to add additional items to your "must have" list, feel free to click through the links provided above. 

Until next time, let your bookish flag fly....and happy reading!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: The Countess' Captive by Andrea Cefalo + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today. we're playing host to a stop along the Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours tour for book 2 of The Fairytale Keeper series.  Remember book 1?  (If not, click here for a refresher.)  It was a retelling of Snow White.  This time around, we're living it up with Cinderella and she's much more ambitious than the Disney-fied version we've all grown to love.  Ready?  Set?  READ!

The Countess' Captive

by

Andrea Cefalo

Publication Date: February 14, 2015

Scarlet Primrose Press 

Formats: eBook; Paperback 

Pages: 232 

 Series: Book Two, Fairytale Keeper Series 

Genre: Young Adult/Historical/Fairytale Retelling

 

During March of 1248, Adelaide Schumacher-affectionately called Snow White-has lost so much: her mother, her possessions, and now her home. Adelaide hates abandoning her home city, her family’s legacy, and her first love, Ivo. More than anything, she hates her father growing closer to her mother’s cousin, Galadriel. Adelaide plots to end their tryst before her fate is sealed, and she never sets foot in Cologne again. But good and pious can only get Galadriel so far. Never again will she be destitute. Never again will she be known by the cruel moniker, Cinderella. Never again will someone take what is rightfully hers. No matter what it takes. The Countess’ Captive is the much anticipated follow-up to The Fairytale Keeper and is book two in The Fairytale Keeper series. The novel combines Grimm’s fairytale characters with real historical settings and events to create a tale that leaves the reader wondering where fact ends and fiction begins.

Amazon   |    Barnes and Noble    |   Smashwords    |   Kobo

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Praise for The Fairytale Keeper Series

“A…resonant tale set late in the 13th century… with unexpected plot twists. An engaging story of revenge.” –Publisher’s Weekly

 “Great historical fiction. Strong emotion injected into almost every page.” –Amazon Vine Reviewer 

“…a unique twist on the Grimm’s Fairy Tales. Part fairy tale retelling, part historical fiction… The Fairytale Keeper is a story of corruption.” -Copperfield Historical Fiction Review

 “The story that Cefalo weaves is intriguing and leaves you hanging on, wanting more.” -Hooked to Books Book Review Blog

 “…it doesn’t feel like any retelling. Because it’s not. The Fairytale Keeper is its own unique story…very entertaining, containing a strong female role, a sweet romance, and much more.” -Lulu The Bookworm Book Review Blog

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About the Author

Andrea Cefalo is an award-winning author and blogger on Medieval Europe. The next three novels in The Fairytale Keeper series will debut in 2015 and 2016. She resides in Greenville, South Carolina with her husband and their two border collies. For more information please visit Andrea Cefalo's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

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The Countess' Captive Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, March 23 

Review at Library Educated 

 Review at A Chick Who Reads 

  Tuesday, March 24 

 Guest Post at What Is That Book About 

 Spotlight at A Literary Vacation 

  Wednesday, March 25 

 Review at Back Porchervations 

 Spotlight at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers 

  Thursday, March 26 

 Review at Cheryl's Book Nook 

  Friday, March 27 

 Review at Bibliotica 

 Review at With Her Nose Stuck in a Book 

  Saturday, March 28 

 Spotlight at Romantic Historical Fiction Lovers 

  Monday, March 30 

 Review at 100 Pages a Day - Stephanie's Book Reviews 

  Tuesday, March 31 

 Review at Bookish 

  Wednesday, April 1 

 Review at Shelf Full of Books 

  Thursday, April 2 

 Guest Post at The Lit Bitch 

  Friday, April 3 

 Spotlight at Caroline Wilson Writes 

  Monday, April 6 

 Review at A Bibliotaph's Reviews 

  Tuesday, April 7 

 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective 

  Friday, April 10 

 Review at Boom Baby Reviews

Monday, April 13 

 Review at Brooke Blogs 

  Tuesday, April 14 

 Review at A Leisure Moment 

  Wednesday, April 15 

 Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book 

  Thursday, April 16 

 Spotlight at Books and Benches 

  Friday, April 17 

 Review at A Book Drunkard

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Giveaway

To enter to win a Fairytale Keeper Clutch Purse & $25 Amazon Gift Card please complete the giveaway form below. 

  * Giveaway is open to US residents only. 

 * Giveaway ends at 11:59pm on April 17th. 

 * You must be 18 or older to enter. 

 * Only one entry per household. 

 * All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. 

 * Winner will be chosen via GLEAM on April 18th and notified via email. Winner have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. 

 * Please email Amy @ hfvirtualbooktours@gmail.com with any questions.

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

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Special thanks to Amy at Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours for the chance to bring this promotion to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the other stops along the way, future promotions, or the author, feel free to click through the links included above.

Until next time...happy reading!

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: First Time in Forever by Sarah Morgan

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're saying HELLO to a blog tour that's bringing a little sweet, a little sexy, and a whole lot of story.  It's the starting book in an all new series and from the sound of things, it's gonna me good.  Ladies and gents, mostly my lady friends, join me in welcoming today's book of choice to the spotlight....

First Time in Forever

Puffin Island Series, Book 1

by

Sarah Morgan

9780373785049

Harlequin

About the book...

Windswept, isolated and ruggedly beautiful, Puffin Island is a haven for day-trippers and daydreamers alike. But this charming community has a way of bringing people together in the most unexpected ways.

It’s been a summer of firsts for Emily Donovan. From becoming a stand-in mom to her niece Lizzy to arriving on Puffin Island, her life has become virtually unrecognizable. Between desperately safeguarding Lizzie and her overwhelming fear of the ocean–which surrounds her everywhere she goes–Emily has lost count of the number of “just breathe” pep talks she’s given herself. And that’s before charismatic local yacht club owner Ryan Cooper kissed her.

Ryan knows all about secrets. And it’s clear that newcomer Emily–with her haunted eyes and the little girl she won’t let out of her sight–is hiding from something besides the crazy chemistry between them. So Ryan decides he’s going to make it his personal mission to help her unwind and enjoy the sparks. But can Puffin Island work its magic on Emily and get her to take the biggest leap of trust of all–putting her heart in someone else’s hands?

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Well now let's see...

...I'm liking the sound of our leading lady.  It seems she has a good head on her shoulders even with additional responsibility thrust upon her.  Our potential leading man seems rather charming and I applaud his mission to help Emily find the magic of life once again.  Will she be able to trust this stranger with more than friendship?  Who knows...but I for one am adding this book to my wish list to find out.

How about you?

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About the author...

Sarah Morgan is a USA TODAY bestselling author who writes hot, happy, contemporary romance, and her trademark humor and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. Described as “a magician with words” by RT Book Reviews, she has sold more than 11 million copies of her books. She has been nominated three years in succession for prestigious RITA® Awards from the Romance Writers of America and won the award twice: in 2012 for her book Doukakis’s Apprentice and in 2013 for A Night of No Return. She also won the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their Top Pick slot.

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Special thanks to Amanda at Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc for the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this promotion, those forthcoming, the author, the publisher, or the title itself, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title was released earlier this month via Harlequin, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

Until next time...happy reading!

PRE-PUB PARTY: A Ghostly Grave by Tonya Kappes

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're welcoming the week by diving into the second release in Tonya Kappes' latest series, A Ghostly Southern Mystery.  As with the first installment, you're in for murder, mystery, laughs, and a little love all centering around the death of one....Chicken Teater.  *blink*  Yep.  That's his name alright.  Let's read about the book, then I'll fill you in on the details.  Today's book of choice is....

A Ghostly Grave

A Ghostly Southern Mystery, Book 2

by

Tonya Kappes

About the book...

There's a ghost on the loose—and a fox in the henhouse.

Four years ago, the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home put Chicken Teater in the ground. Now undertaker Emma Lee Raines is digging him back up. The whole scene is bad for business, especially with her granny running for mayor and a big festival setting up in town. But ever since Emma Lee started seeing ghosts, Chicken's been pestering her to figure out who killed him.

With her handsome boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, busy getting new forensics on the old corpse, Emma Lee has time to look into her first suspect. Chicken's widow may be a former Miss Kentucky, but the love of his life was another beauty queen: Lady Cluckington, his prize-winning hen. Was Mrs. Teater the jealous type? Chicken seems to think so. Something's definitely rotten in Sleepy Hollow—and Emma Lee just prays it's not her luck.

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Oh my word!
The little town of Sleepy Hollow is certainly ANYTHING but sleepy here recently, and that's without the dearly departed putting their two cents in.  This time around, Chicken Teater is in need of Ms. Emma Lee Raines' services but if you think it's going to be a walk in the park, think again.  If you read book one, you know that Emma Lee has had to deal with cantankerous spirits before but this one has a one track mind and it's all about the chicken.  No, not him as in "Chicken" but the fowl, or rather the prize winning Lady Cluckington.  He doted on this chick to the extent of her being the only other soul to ride in his fancy smancy convertible, at least until he up and kicked the bucket.  It was proclaimed a natural death due to illness, but with Chicken unable to rest, something is amiss and Emma Lee is just about the only one with her head on straight enough to figure things out.  

Why would I insult the other parties involved like that?  Oh well, let's see here...Granny is running for mayor while almost running fellow citizens over with her moped.  Then there's the widow Mrs. Teater who shows one face to the world and another more pageantry one to Duckie (the woman does have some affection for men named after birds).  Emma Lee gets caught up in the hubbub while trying to uncover clues, pretty much getting her feathers plucked in the process (think hair dye, extreme plumage, and coaching from a former beauty queen with ill intentions), and coming close to losing her head.  The Sheriff that's stolen her heart is the only thing between her and an untimely end.  Here's hoping he gets there in time....
*gulp*

The writing is consistent with the last book, while the plot walks the same course as the first release.  Character wise, we're getting to know the residents of Sleepy Hollow more and skeletons are emerging from closets that we knew not existed.  Does it work?  Yes indeed!  You'll laugh as Emma Lee tries to walk the line between sane-average-girl and the In-Betweener that she's become, in high heels and a feathered dress no less!  The action picks up towards book's end with a surprising twist you won't see coming.  Recommended read for Mystery fans who love a little laugh, humor, and a paranormal twist in their reads.  I for one will be keeping an eye out for the next release with a spot on the wish list ready and waiting.

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About the author...

Tonya Kappes has written more than fifteen novels and four novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers, and one ex-stray cat in northern Kentucky. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full-time but can be found at all of her guys’ high school games with a pencil and paper in hand. More than anything, Tonya loves to connect with readers, with a loyal ‘street team’ of fans and followers on social media. Be sure to check out her Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest posts! 

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Special thanks to Andrea at HarperCollins Publishers for the ARC for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, their full catalog, the author, or what's coming next for Emma Lee Raine, be sure to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to hit bookstore and virtual shelves 03/31/15 (as of this post) via Witness Impulse, so be on the lookout for it near you.

Until next time...happy reading!