Double the BOOK BIRTHDAY fun with Entangled Teen and Random House Graphic!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Post number two for the day and it has us just as excited as the first! Why? Great question! Well, you see, this time, we’re celebrating a DOUBLE BOOK BIRTHDAY and I am happy to report that I have in fact read BOTH titles, so I can get you between the pages and just as excited as I am! Sound good? FABULOUS! So, if you’re in the older teen and beyond age group (due to some content in all titles featured), let’s get this party started… 

So, first up...it’s actually a TWO part party because the actual book birthday celebrant is BOOK TWO in the planned trilogy, but I being the dedicated reader that I am (*ahem*...or the sheer fact that if there is the option for MORE READING, I’m definitely the one saying GIVE ME MORE!), I had to read the FIRST installment before I read the second. Is it required for your reading enjoyment? That’s debatable, but I will definitely say that not only will things make more sense, you’ll already be so revved for the next installment, you’ll forgo sleep to get to that final page! Ready, set, here we go... 

Ember of Night 

Ember of Night, Book 1 

by 

Molly E. Lee 

9781649370440 

Entangled TEEN 

This is your introduction to Harley, a seriously AWESOME female lead you won’t soon forget! Think Buffy before she knew what she was but with a murkier background, a tiny bit of a death wish, and a total desire to see all things evil put to rights. She has the same hardcore protection of loved ones build into her DNA, the same questionable choice in friends/acquaintances/boyfriends, and the same ability to smell BS a mile away...even if she doesn’t necessarily have a plan of attack on how to end it before it begins. She rides by the seat of her pants, but she kinda likes it that way too. I mean, she’d love a different life for herself, but she’ll make sure her little sister gets one...come heck or high water...which, by the way, both TECHNICALLY come! By book’s end, you’ll be on the edge of your seat as trusts are broken, alliances are made, and right becomes wrong and back again, all in an effort to stop something BIG, something DARK, something WORLD ENDING from coming to pass. Are they successful? Well...it all depends on how you look at it. 

Now, let’s get to the BOOK BIRTHDAY celebrant, as we dive into book 2... 

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Shadow of Light 

Ember of Night, Book 2 

by 

Molly E. Lee 

9781649371119 

Entangled TEEN 

About the book... 

I just saved the boy I’m falling for from a gruesome death by a demon. And what does he have to say? I’m the key to opening the gates of Hell. I mean, a thank-you would’ve been nice. Or another scorching-hot, forbidden kiss. Either way, destiny will have to find someone else to torment, because I’m so done.

Or I was, until my little sister starts cackling exorcist-style and stares at me with eyes that aren’t hers. They’re Marid’s, the Greater Demon I just kicked back to the dark realm he came from. Possessing Ray whenever he wants is his ultimate revenge.

The only way to break the tether between them includes a road trip through Hell, aka the Ather. I quickly discover nothing is as it seems in this place. Yeah, there are realms of terror, greed, and desire, but there’s also peace, and a beauty I never knew existed...and it’s eerily familiar.

With each obstacle we encounter, I slip a little further into the chaotic energy of my growing dark powers. And when an unexpected betrayal hits me square in the chest, I freefall into them.

Fate painted me as the monster of nightmares, and after this? Destiny is about to learn just how monstrous I can be. 

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Did I mention Harley is an ABSOLUTE BAD*SS?! Yeah because she is...but Draven is definitely up there in the ranks too, and this time around, they’ll need each other just as much, if not more, than last go round, and there is far more at stake! What? You thought the world ending scenario was a bad turn? You thought how far she went to try and save pretty much EVERYONE was over the edge? Honey, she redefines what an edge even is in this book, and with Draven in the mix, things are bound to get a bit hot and heavy. Did I mention how CURIOUS the twists and turns given to what we thought we knew about good and evil, heaven and hell (or rather Ather), or even those in charge of both? So good! It’s not remaking the wheel, and it’s FICTION, before anyone gets their hackles up about it, but it makes for some things to really think on and consider. I mean, why couldn’t there be darkness and light in everyone? It might really all depend on which side you listen to and how you use your power in the end. 

Trust me when I say, this is one not to be missed! The new friends she makes (just don’t call them that to their faces), the acquaintances we get to know better, the enemies we get closer than we ever dared, the history revealed, and the future we glimpse, all add up to a truly remarkable second installment that leaves you thirsting for more! All I can say is...WHY did I not read the first one sooner...and WHY isn't the third one out yet?!  

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...NOW FOR OUR SECOND BOOK BIRTHDAY CELEBRANT OF THE DAY…. 

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Fly by Night 

by 

Tara O’Connor 

9780593125304 

Random House Graphic 

About the book… 

In this environmental-thriller graphic novel with a supernatural twist, Dee must find out what happened to her missing twin. An amazing mystery filled with strange creatures, high school drama, and family, this darkly illustrated book shows us that monsters are all around us.

There are monsters in the woods.

While out searching desperately for her missing sister, Dee discovers something isn’t quite right in the woods. She is soon in a battle to save the pinelands, and she is finding more questions than answers. 

As time goes on, the only one thing Dee knows for sure is that there are monsters among us. But they aren’t who we should be afraid of…. 

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Honestly, I’ve not read many in this genre, and even less in this particular format, but while I’m a lightweight on those aspects, the story still packed a powerful punch! 

The dark graphics and limited color palette go far in both sharing and exploring the darkness that is the story unfolding as well as the emotions swirling around our leading lady, Dee. She’s suffered a terrible loss, and I admire her courage in coming back “home” to try and lend a helping hand to the search for her twin. Her home life wasn’t a walk in the park, but once the adults stepped out of their heads and into their hearts, they were able to come together enough to assist rather than resist. Speaking of resistance, it’s pretty much EVERYWHERE in this small town, from the disappearances to the big company trying to take over the pinelands and the severe lack of support the townspeople have in fighting them; it’s a battlefield that once was a town. Add to that the strange disappearances, occurrences, and things that go bump in the night, and you’ve got a mystery you didn’t know you were taking on...with the potential for DIRE consequences! 

I was taken aback by the strong environmental messages that ran right alongside the story because they made clear the changes that needed to be made while at the same time nature (and something darker) was whispering the same message for change.  I was befuddled as to the motives of those involved because money is one thing, but I just knew there was something more sinister lurking right before our eyes. I appreciated the myth/lore brought to life with a greater purpose, as well as the yin and the yang represented.  I agree with the tag line on the book...monsters aren’t always who or what they appear to be. The SCARIEST of them all can be sitting right beside you and you may never even know it... 

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Special thanks to Entangled Publishing and Penguin Random House for the copies for review. (THANKS!) For more information on these titles, the authors, or the publishers, feel free to click through the links provided above. All titles presented are AVAILABLE NOW, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite online or brick and mortar store today! 

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

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: The Friendly Bookshelf by Caroline and Katherine Brickley - REVIEW!

Hi guys! 

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. 

Today, we’re back with The Children’s Book Review as we shine the book spotlight on the PERFECT title for book lover’s of ALL AGES! It’s a book that really speaks to readers, and those that love all things BOOKS, because the magic and whimsy will touch your heart two fold! So, gather round readers, and get comfy in your favorite reading spot because it’s time to read a tale that features a friendly favorite of yours and mine, with today’s ebook of choice... 

The Friendly Bookshelf 

by 

Caroline and Katherine Brickley 

Illustrated by 

Daniela Pérez-Duarte 

9780997782714 

Blossom Children’s Media Group 

About the book... 

Meet Bibli, a brave little library bookshelf in search of a story about someone like him . . . 

Once upon a time, in a library like any other, there lived a little bookshelf named Bibli who carried a BIG question on his shelves: “Could there be a story somewhere about a bookshelf like me?” Bibli is told that bookshelves are supposed to hold stories, not have ones of their own. But everything changes when he meets Cassie, a girl longing for a friend just as much as Bibli longs for a story to relate to. Bibli learns that with kindness, confidence, empathy, and friendship, even your biggest dreams can come true—and that everyone has an important story worth sharing. 

The Friendly Bookshelf is a social-emotional learning (SEL) research-based book and the first-ever picture book about a bookshelf. Written to build self-confidence and self-esteem as well as encourage inclusivity, Bibli’s story empowers children to be brave, be a friend, and always be your-shelf! Readers will be inspired to go beyond the final page of the book and share their own stories, as well as be the pioneers of a kinder, more inclusive world where everybody (and every bookshelf!) belongs. 

AMAZON | BOOKSHOP 

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This adorable story is filled to the brim with kindness, friendship, inclusion, and bookish delights! Can you imagine if the bookshelves came to life in YOUR library? I mean, imagine the stories they could tell...but then again, what about their stories? That’s the bridge that this book builds...one between the shelves that hold our beloved wordy treasures and the readers themselves...while also showing how to be a true friend to one and all. I loved Bibli from the start, and while his actions were met with raised eyebrows, and words of caution, he knew deep down in his wood grained heart that the best way to make a friend was to be a friend. His kindness in sharing his space with a new reader made him shine. His ability to serve as a ladder for those reaching for more, whether it be a cat on an adventure, or a child on their tippy toes, made him glow. His curiosity about those stories told before him made him relatable, and the joy he experienced at hearing his own tale told had you sharing in his excitement. 

It reminds us that no one is too tall or too small, nor too young or too old, to lend a helping hand or make a friend. The world can be a harsh place, but the more kindness, the more friendliness, the more inclusiveness we inject in our every day lives, will go that much further in building a brighter tomorrow for all. So take a page from Bibli’s book, and share a smile today! 

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About the authors... 

Caroline and Katherine Brickley are twin sisters and the award-winning authors of The Blossom Shoppe and The Friendly Bookshelf. Inspired by their mother, who made up stories for them each night, the sisters spent their childhood coming up with stories of their own and bringing them to life. As they grew, so did their passion for storytelling, and in 2017 the sisters made it their full-time job by founding Blossom Children’s Media Group (Blossom) from their shared college dorm room. 

Now a multi-award-winning company known for excellence in children’s literature and family content, Blossom continues to bring children, families, and educators from around the world together through wholesome stories and inclusive community experiences. In their free time, Caroline and Katherine love to swim, travel, and spend time with friends and family, including their goldendoodle, Sugar, who served as the inspiration for the library dog featured in The Friendly Bookshelf. 

For more information, visit https://www.thefriendlybookshelf.com/. 

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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 publisher for the ecopy 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. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

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

TCBR AWARENESS TOUR: Merry Christmas, Eve! by Adam Wallace - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

I know, I know...we've already posted today, but the holidays are FAST approaching, and the book season has kicked into high gear, thus another post to delight and enchant you today!  This time around, we welcome The Children's Book Review!  The title's target audience is the kiddos, and MOST CERTAINLY the kiddos at heart!  Age is just a number after all, and keeping that spark of magic, that spirit of the season alive within us, goes a long way in keeping us younger than our years,   So, if you're ready, let's take a look between the epages of a very special holiday Picture Book that is ready and waiting to make your acquaintance this season...

Merry Christmas, Eve!

by

Adam Wallace

Illustrated by

Lena Bardy

9780648973737

Krueger Wallace Press & Riven Rock Projects

About the book...

“The day before Christmas is a very special day,

That never had its own name.

But that all changed when one special elf,

Rose to glory and fame.

Eve was an elf with such get up and go,

She worked hard and loved to play.

But the Head Elf ran Christmas with an iron fist,

And this was what he had to say…”

AMAZON

🎄   🎁   🎄   🎅   🎄   🎁   🎄

Each and every year, the holidays seem to come upon us faster and faster.  The calendar pages turn at a wild pace, all counting down to not only the end of the year, but the arrival of one particularly jolly man in red, generally known to be in the company of a few flying reindeer, who just so happens to associate with elves on a daily basis.  Those elves aren't just his neighbors or his friends, but his coworkers that help keep him and the entire holiday on track!  They take their jobs pretty seriously, but not overtly so, because all work and no play makes ANYONE a less than jolly, less than merry person of any size.  Taking the fun out of the holiday would make the Christmas spirit shrink in all of us...and then what would the holiday be like?  Well, thanks to one elf on a power trip, we're about to find out...but thanks to another elf that remembers the true spirit of the season, we may still be able to make merry and be bright.

This was a wonderful story filled with magically colorful illustrations that reminds us to think beyond the busy, and the rushing.  Take time for the things that really matter, like family, friends, caroling, holiday movies, ugly sweater days, family pj nights, and whatever else makes your holiday spirit soar...because the bigger the merriment, the greater the rewards, and the easier it is to keep that feeling alive throughout the year.

🎄   🎁   🎄   🎅   🎄   🎁   🎄

About the author....

Adam Wallace has written stories about elves before (How to Catch an Elf), but Eve is by far his favorite elf!

Adam also has a mother who still makes him write a letter to Santa every year, and puts a stocking at the end of his bed … he doesn’t mind!

With over 82 books published, Adam believes Eve can outshine them all!

For more information, visit adam-wallace-books.com

🎄   🎁   🎄   🎅   🎄   🎁   🎄

Enter for a chance to win a copy of Merry Christmas, Eve!

(3) Three winners receive:

A copy of Merry Christmas, Eve!

The giveaway ends December 16, 2021, at 11:59 P.M. MT.

Merry Christmas, Eve! Giveaway

🎄   🎁   🎄   🎅   🎄   🎁   🎄

Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the chance to bring this tour to you and to the publisher for the ecopy 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. Be sure to check out the rest of the stops on the tour for more bookish fun!

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

RRR presents... TONI'S BLIND DATE by Rosie Dean - GUEST POST + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we've got the BOOK SPOTLIGHT shining a title currently on tour with Rachel's Random Resources. It's a book that has our main characters rethinking their stance on dating...anyone...as fate takes a stab at their previously charted plans. Sound good? I thought so too! So, here's what we'll do. You read the synopsis, take a gander through the SPECIAL AUTHOR GUEST POST all about writing rituals, AND THEN...check out the giveaway for a chance to win! Ready, set, let's read all about it...

Toni’s Blind Date

by

Rosie Dean

About the book...

Toni Spielman and Will Thomas have no plans to date -- anyone -- but when fate throws them together on a TV dating show, they have to smile, pretend, and rethink their plans.

--->   GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY   <---

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~~~ GUEST POST with Author Rosie Dean ~~

Fragrance Unlocks Imagination

Like a lot of authors, I’m often asked if I have a writing ritual. The answer is…Yes!

I must start with coffee

If it’s chilly, I like a hot water bottle in the small of my back

I like classical or mood music playing softly in the background

I must have a mood enhancing FRAGRANCE – so I light an incense stick or switch on my essential oil diffuser.

Fragrance is very important to me. I would be devastated if I lost my sense of smell. I have all manner of sources for stimulating whiffs to improve my environment. (I’m not a fan of cheap supermarket air-fresheners, though…) I’ve discovered that if I burn incense or diffuse essential oils, my brain recognizes it’s time to write and loosens up the creative juices.

Scientific studies have proven that scents/odours are stronger triggers than any other sensory cue for recalling personally meaningful memories. I only have to smell fresh bread and I’m transported back to my childhood; fresh mint and I’m seeing new potatoes covered in butter and chopped mint from the garden. And I daresay, if I caught a whiff of Brut aftershave, I would be looking around to see if my dad were in the room. If I catch the smell of vomit, I’m waiting for the school caretaker to appear with a bucket of sawdust… (Anyone else remember that?)

Some people have one signature scent. They wear it every day. Maybe they know exactly who they are and how they want to present themselves to the world.  Maybe they just adore that fragrance and want it around them all the time. 

Either I’m more fickle or perhaps I have multiple-personality disorder – there are sixteen different perfumes on my dressing table – but I choose my daily perfume based on how I feel or how I want to feel. I have fragrances which I think are wrong to wear in the day – usually heavy, heady fragrances, which I picture as burgundy in colour (like Prada Amber). Then there are sharp, bright (very lime green) perfumes which I reach for on a summer’s day (Ô de Lancôme). 

A whole host of smells can remind me of Christmas, which I guess is the same for everyone. Why else would they promote pine/citrus/cinnamon fragranced pot-pourri? I even picked up some Winter Berry scented screen-wash in the supermarket, last week! Cigars aren’t very popular these days, but if I ever catch a whiff of one, I’m transported back to Christmas Days of my childhood, when cigars were shared by the men in my family. Coco by Chanel always makes me think of Christmas – thanks to a gift, years ago, from a boyfriend. If I could still find Avon’s Pretty Peach, that would probably evoke childhood Christmas memories too, and have me hunting for a Cadbury’s selection box.

My regular go-to fragrance is 24 Faubourg by Hermès (not to be confused with the courier company of the same name). It works day and night and I find it really special and comforting.

If I want my energy boosting, I reach for Ginger Essence by Origins. I take it with me on writing retreats because it peps me up and makes my eyes sparkle…okay, maybe that’s an exaggeration.

Oh, and I always like to wear the body lotion as well as the fragrance. Why? When I was an impressionable twenty-year old, I visited a well-known and exclusive London department store with a friend, who wanted to buy a new fragrance. The shop assistant did an excellent number on her, encouraging her to go for the body lotion, followed by a spritz of cologne and finally, a dash of high octane perfume on the pulse points. I can hear her now: ‘It’s so important to layer the fragrance for a lasting impression.’ Not to mention boosting her commission, I wanted to add. My friend couldn’t afford all versions – we were merely students at the time – but she did go for the body lotion and the cologne. I recall it was the original Opium by YSL. But the sales spiel stuck with me, and now I can afford it, I layer the fragrance.

So this week’s Rafflecopter prize is a copy of my romantic comedy,Toni’s Blind Date, and some Coco Mademoiselle body lotion by Chanel. It’s a lovely bright, youthful fragrance which I think works day or night.

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About the author...

Rosie writes romantic fiction with a sense of humour and, sometimes, a sense of the ridiculous; because we all know life and love aren't exactly how we'd like them to be.

She has won a Readers' Choice Award from Ancient City Romance Authors (part of Romance Writers of America) and been a finalist in the 2017 Maggie Awards for Excellence.

Before writing novels, Rosie wrote training courses and marketing copy for the corporate world - a far cry from teaching Art and Pottery, where her career began.

She lives on the Isle of Wight, within sight and sound of the sea, with her partner and her dog.

SITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

AMAZON PAGE | BOOKBUB | PINTEREST

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

...a paperback copy of Toni’s Blind Date...

...and a 200ML Coco Mademoiselle Body Lotion by Chanel!

(UK Only)

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Special thanks to Rachel at Rachel's Random Resources for the chance to bring this tour to you and to author Rosie Dean for the great guest post. (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 KNIGHT'S CONVENIENT ALLIANCE by Melissa Oliver - REVIEW + GIVEAWAY!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're back again with another Rachel's Random Resources tour, and this time around, we're back with a new Historical Romance that's ready and waiting for you to adventure through via Harlequin Books and Mills & Boon! It's set in Medieval times and though I've said it before, it bares keeping in mind, that I don't venture into this particular time period too often. However, the ones I have, penned by the author's I've read, I can honestly say, I wouldn't want to miss...and I don't want YOU to either (in more ways than one, so watch for the giveaway before you go)! So, without further ado, let's get between the pages of today's blog tour guest and ebook of choice...

The Knight's Convenient Alliance

by

Melissa Oliver

About the book...

The only man who’s tempted her…

...now poses as her husband!

When an injured knight arrives on Brida O’Conaill’s doorstep, the village assumes he’s her long-lost husband. But her only previous connection to Sir Thomas Lovent was an intense shared moment at a tournament years ago. Brida maintains the pretence while she nurses him, yet once he’s back to full, virile health, she cannot reveal Thomas is not her husband—or that she’s unmarried!—when everyone is expecting them to act like husband and wife…

MILLS & BOON | HARLEQUIN BOOKS

AMAZON UK | US

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Brida O'Connaill and Sir Thomas Lovent...

...two hearts thrown together by circumstance...

...but two souls that were meant to be..

...whether they can admit it or not!

The thing with these particular stories from author Melissa Oliver is that while there is a bigger picture going on all around them...you know, plots against peace, the king, and what have you...it doesn't take away from the romance at its heart. I loved Brida and Thomas' spark. Their witty banter and constant need to annoy each other to no end was delightful! It added a dose of fun, of humor, of something much needed to brighten the darker things that surrounded and haunted them both. The chance Brida took on living a lie to gain a modicum of freedom was understandable. The "unfortunate" assumption that the knight in poor health was the seed of that long held lie, story building. The dash for their lives, the near misses at meeting their maker earlier than planned, and the potential for a bittersweet ending to arrive unwanted, all went into making those tethers in your heart pull tight again and again. But by book's end, the fruit of their labors, however unintentional they may have been, see the light of day...and readers get something they could only truly hope for...with a side of entertainment to boot!

All in all, another great pair in the making from an author who spins the story round her characters with care, knowing that even though danger was at every turn, love, light, and laughter should rule the day...and the heart!

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About the author...

Melissa Oliver is from south-west London where she writes historical romance novels. She lives with her lovely husband and daughters, who share her passion for decrepit, old castles, palaces and all things historical.

Melissa is the WINNER of The Romantic Novelist Association's Joan Hessayon Award for new writers 2020 for her debut, The Rebel Heiress and the Knight.

When she's not writing she loves to travel for inspiration, paint, and visit museums & art galleries.

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN....

(1) of 3 paperback copies of The Knight's Convenient Alliance!

  (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

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... A LEAP OF FAITH AT THE VINEYARD IN ALSACE by Julie Stock - EXCERPT + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're exploring a new title currently on tour with Rachel's Random Resources! We've got the spotlight ready to shine and a special EXCERPT just waiting for you to devour, so, if you're ready, KEEP READING for some bookish fun and then some!

A Leap of Faith at the Vineyard in Alsace

by

Julie Stock

About the book...

It’s winter at The Vineyard in Alsace, and wedding bells are in the air

How do you know when you’re ready for love?

Ellie Robinson has spent her life running from commitment following the breakdown of her parents’ marriage when she was young. She doesn’t believe in happy ever afters and the last thing she wants is to settle down in one place when she could be travelling the world.

Having moved from place to place throughout his childhood, Henri Weiss now calls the vineyard in Alsace home, and he loves the stability the vineyard and the people on it give him. While he enjoys travelling, it’s always good to come home again.

Following an extended travelling trip together, Ellie and Henri find their differences more marked than before, despite their love for each other being even stronger. Then a series of shocks in Ellie’s personal life throws things into turmoil, leaving Ellie unsure as to how to get everything she wants. And Henri facing the loss of the future he has dreamed of.

Can Ellie and Henri reconcile their very different desires and take a leap of faith on their love for each other? Will they get the happy ever after they’ve both been longing for?

Escape to The Vineyard in Alsace once again for this uplifting, romantic read and enjoy Christmas at Domaine des Montagnes.

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

---> CHECK OUT THE 3 BOOK SERIES <---

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~~~   EXCERPT   ~~~

This extract is from the middle of Chapter 2 of A Leap of Faith at the Vineyard in Alsace. Henri and Ellie have just returned to the vineyard after being on their travels for five months, but while Henri is delighted to be back and ready to settle down, Ellie is restless and would be ready to go off travelling again at the first opportunity.

Henri

Henri strode away from his house the next morning towards the vineyard, feeling more conflicted than ever about where his relationship with Ellie was going. Even though they’d only been together for just over a year, for him there was no doubt that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, and he had expected her to feel the same when they got back from their trip. But she still didn’t seem ready to settle down with him. She had promised to get started on her blog idea today, but despite what he’d said, he wasn’t sure that would really be enough to help with her restlessness.

He turned onto the track that led to the vineyard estate. Just making this journey was usually enough to lift his spirits, even in the depths of winter as it was now when everything was dormant and almost all the leaves had fallen from the vines, but his mood was just too low today. The sky was dark and imposing, and it threatened to overwhelm him. He took in a deep breath and released it slowly, trying not to let his problems defeat him.

He was on his way to meet Thierry to catch up with him and to get his take on the situation with Ellie before going into the office. Thierry had been a good friend to him, and he trusted his judgment. Surely he would know what to do?

Lottie answered the door to him a few minutes later. It was the first time he’d seen her since finding out about the finances, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything to her about it outside of work. As it was, she had Marie balanced on her hip and looked flustered.

‘Hi, Henri, come on in. It’s lovely to see you.’ They exchanged kisses. ‘Sorry, I’ve been trying to get Marie to eat something all morning, but she’s playing hard to get today.’ She laughed but Henri could see how worn out she was.

‘Do you want me to try? It probably won’t work but it would give you a break at least.’

Lottie handed Marie over with a look of relief. 

‘Ça alors, haven’t you grown?’ Henri said as Marie settled into his arms. ‘I’m not sure I can still call you ma petite any more.’ He sat down at the table with Marie on his lap and pulled a bowl of what looked like porridge towards him. He didn’t fancy it much himself so he sympathised with little Marie. But he played the game of wanting to eat it, taking the spoon Lottie offered him.

‘Mmm, this looks delicious. Shall I try it first?’

The little girl studied him with big, round eyes. He popped a tiny spoonful in his mouth and was surprised to find it quite tasty. To his delight, Marie picked up her spoon from the bowl and helped herself to a spoonful as well.

‘Mmm,’ she copied, and they both laughed.

‘Isn’t that just typical?’ Lottie muttered. ‘Can I get you a drink, Henri? Thierry should be back from his inspection soon.’

‘Yes, please.’ He carried on eating alongside Marie, although trying to encourage her to eat more than him. She was soon bored though and fidgeting to get down. He set her down on the floor and watched as she crawled towards her toys. ‘She must be getting around a lot on her own now.’

‘Yes, she’s managing a few steps, so it won’t be too much longer before she’s fully walking. It’s a full-time job keeping our eyes on her at the moment.’

Thierry arrived back then, and at the sound of the door closing, Marie started crawling towards the hallway. Lottie followed behind her to alert Thierry.

‘Bonjour, ma petite,’ he cried as he came into the lounge, swooping down to pick her up for a cuddle. He rubbed his beard gently against her cheek and she giggled.

‘Salut, Thierry,’ Henri said when his friend came into view.

‘Hey, good to see you. You’ve caught the sun, mon ami.’ Thierry smiled as they exchanged a quick hug. ‘Is everything okay?’

‘Yes, yes. Just fancied a chat before work if you’ve got time.’

‘I was about to take Marie for a walk so I’ll leave you to it,’ Lottie said. 

Thierry helped her to gather her things and to pop Marie into the pushchair before kissing them both goodbye and closing the door.

‘So, how are things really? Are you settling back in okay?’ Thierry asked as he made another cup of coffee for himself.

Henri filled him in on the latest with him and Ellie since their return. ‘And with there being no money to pay for the work to be finished on the château, I’m worried she’s going to disappear off on her travels again, and if she does that, I’m sure that will be the end of everything between us.’

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About the author...

Julie Stock writes contemporary feel-good romance from around the world: novels, novellas and short stories. She published her debut novel, From Here to Nashville, in 2015, after starting to write as an escape from the demands of her day job as a teacher. A Leap of Faith at the Vineyard in Alsace is her eleventh book, and the third in the Domaine des Montagnes series set on a vineyard.

Julie is now a full-time author, and loves every minute of her writing life. When not writing, she can be found reading, her favourite past-time, running, a new hobby, or cooking up a storm in the kitchen, glass of wine in hand.

Julie is a member of the Romantic Novelists' Association and The Society of Authors. She is married and lives with her family in Cambridgeshire in the UK.

Website   |   Twitter

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YOUR CHANCE TO WIN...

...a signed copy of A Leap of Faith at the Vineyard in Alsace

plus some festive goodies!

(Open to UK Only)

Prize contains the following:

a signed paperback copy of A Leap of Faith at the Vineyard in Alsace

a sachet of Galaxy instant hot chocolate

a tin of RHS stem ginger cookies

a RHS Christmas bauble with a snowdrop decoration on it.

*Terms and Conditions –UK entries welcome. Please enter using the Rafflecopter box below. The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over. Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

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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 excerpt to share. (THANKS!) For more information on this title, the author, this tour, 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! 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 SNOW-KISSED PROPOSALS by Jenni Fletcher and Elisabeth Hobbes - REVIEW!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

First off, HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all my fellow readers stateside (or overseas) celebrating this day of giving thanks, togetherness, and, let's be honest...FEASTING! I hope your bellys are full, your spirits are high, and you're ready to slide into the next holiday season with good cheer to spare...and today's featured title is a perfect match to kick it all off!

We're welcoming back another Rachel's Random Resources tour, and a title from one of my favorite reading genres...Historical Romance...that just so happens to be celebrating its BOOK BIRTHDAY today! The book on tap is actually TWO stories in one giving you THAT much more reading enjoyment to look forward too...and without further ado, let's dive between the epages! Today's ebook of choice is...

Snow-Kissed Proposals

A snowy Victorian Christmas - Two festive short stories!

In The Christmas Runaway by Jenni Fletcher: wilful, independent heiress, Fiona MacKay, impulsively runs away to a remote Scottish tower where she’s trapped in the snow with equally headstrong, deliciously dishevelled Angus Drummond.

In Their Snowbound Reunion by Elisabeth Hobbes: fifteen years ago, Amy Munroe and Anthony Matthews were cruelly parted, and each blames the other. When Amy becomes Anthony’s new housekeeper, their passion is reawakened!

--->   SNAG YOUR COPY TODAY   <---

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Double your pleasure....double your holiday reading fun!

First up...THE CHRISTMAS RUNAWAY.

Once I got past the Scottish brogue of Angus, I was in love! Sorry, it's not my favorite accent, and reading it as authenically written as it was, I could totally hear it, BUT the character behind the voice was still someone I wanted to know. Well, okay, so I loved him AND loathe him because he falls victim to being an addle-witted twit on more than one occasion, and that's not even counting the times BEFORE he acknowledges his feelings! Moving on...our lady Fiona is hard to miss in her flashy hued colors, and when paired with her honesty infused tongue, she certainly makes an impression...and it was one I loved! I admire when authors write strong female characters, especially when the times they live in dictact that they should be quite the opposite. When you get a leading male that appreciates that as one of many beautific aspects of his potential match, it's heaven sent...hark the herald, and all that jazz, this is definitely one of those reads! Their ups and downs lead to a happily-ever-after eventually, but the close calls, misteps, and banter along the way are what make it truly enjoyable.

Secondly, we have...THEIR SNOWBOUND REUNION.

Amy and Anthony's story was one that I saw the fork in the road from a mile away, and yet, despite that fact, it didn't feel contrived. You just knew that eventually, the secrets would come out. The fallout from those unexpected revelations was realistic; the timing of the wool falling away from their eyes, perfectly in line. It was enjoyable watching them get to know each other again, even with the baggage they both carried. Seeing them let loose something amazing and in full color from the other was a gift. I especially liked the ice skating venture, and the indoor décor that stood witness to a reunion we never could quite hope against its passing. The eventual turn to family by book's end was just the ticket you were looking for.

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About the authors...

Jenni Fletcher is the award-winning author of 15 historical romances. She has been nominated for 4 RoNA Awards and won the Libertà Books Shorter Romantic Novel Award in 2020. She lives in Yorkshire with her family and can be contacted via Twitter @JenniAuthor and Facebook.

Elisabeth’s writing career began when she finished in third place in Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest in 2013. She was offered a two-book contract and consequently had to admit secret writing was why the house was such a tip. She is the author of numerous historical romances with Harlequin Mills & Boon covering the Medieval period to Victorian England, and a Second World War romantic historical with One More Chapter. She lives in Cheshire because the car broke down there in 1999 and she never left.  Catch up with her on Twitter @ElisabethHobbes and Facebook.

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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 tour, 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! Be sure to check out the rest of the tour for more bookish fun.

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