Reviews!

I am still having a difficult time concentrating on reading a book, I hope to get back into it at some point. Still doing book promotions just not reviews Thank you for your understanding during this difficult time. I appreciate all of you. Kathleen Kelly July 2024

12 December 2024

Vincent’s Women: The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent Van Gogh by Donna Russo Book Tour! @SilverDaggerBookTours #VincentVanGogh #HistoricalFiction #VincentsWomen @AuthorDonnaRusso

What if everything we think we know about Vincent van Gogh is all lies?

Vincent’s Women:

The Untold Story of the Loves of Vincent Van Gogh

by Donna Russo

Genre

 Historical Biographical Women’s Fiction

Donna Russo's 'Vincent's Women' is the untold story of Vincent's loves: how they shaped his life, his art, and his death. It writes against the 'myths, ' exploring the possibility that none of them are true. It is the only novel to bring into question his sexuality, how he lost his ear, who he lost it for, and how he might have died, all through the eyes of a woman. We learn of Her; we learn all of it through Her.

The story is guided by Johanna van Gogh Bonger, Vincent's sister-in-law, as she decides to reveal the truth about Vincent to her son. We are then taken on a journey through Vincent's life, each section bringing a pivotal moment of Vincent's life alive while showing us the part she played in bringing it about. Between each woman, our guide, Johanna, gives us the transitional periods, right up to his death, which is now in question.

Hundreds of the nearly thousand letters between Vincent van Gogh and his brother Theo, now considered one of the greatest documents of the human experience, were used to help construct this novel, its narrative, and dialogue, especially the dialogue of Vincent himself.

Vincent van Gogh is one of the most well-known artists of all time. The world knows of his madness, traumas, and suicide. But what if all that we know isn't true? What if this knowledge is based on rumors and nothing more? What if his true story is vastly different when based on factual material and forensic information? What if the truth of Vincent's life-his madness and his genius-is defined by his never-ending search for love?

Advance Praise:

“Arresting…masterful…  a provocative and compelling look at one of history’s most enigmatic artists.”  -Publishers Weekly

 “A symphonic novel that sheds new light on an elusive genius.” -Kirkus Reviews 

“Vincent’s Women represents historical fiction at its best…astute, thought-provoking, and revealing.” -Midwest Book Review

“One of the most wonderful books about an artist I have ever read." -Stephanie Cowell, Author of Claude and Camille: a novel of Monet, and Marrying Mozart. Recipient American Book Award.

“A powerful and satisfying read." -Lynn Cullen, Bestselling Author of The Woman with the Cure and Mrs. Poe

“The writing and dialogue are all so well done, and the use of a fictional narrative makes it all feel authentic. Very highly recommended.” -Readers' Favorite 5-star Review

“This novel is not just a book; it is a masterful painting in itself, portraying the vibrant, volatile, and often tragic life of one of history's most renowned artists.” -5-Star Amazon Review

“This is historical fiction at its best…a tour de force!” -5-Star Goodreads Review

“This is easily the best book I’ve read this year!” -5-star NetGalley Review

A Foreword Reviews Editorial Selection 

FINALIST Next Generation Indie Book Awards

Amazon * Apple * B&N *  Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

She held the squalling baby in her arms, one not of this world for more than seconds. Her grasp loose and low. Its warmth like that of the March wind.

“A fine, healthy baby you have there, missus.” The plump midwife wiped her hands of the blood and fluid upon a rag. “What will you be calling him?”

Anna looked down at her second-born son wiggling in her arms. The fuzz upon his head the red clay color of the Carbentus family. 

“Vincent. It is Vincent.”

“But—”

“Anna, are you sure?” Her husband stood in the doorway, his first glimpse of wife and son in his eyes. The white collar of his profession encircling his throat. “Is it wise, for you, for our son? This one lives. Should it bear the name of the one that did not?”

“It is Vincent,” Anna said. That and no more.

*

Months later the house echoed a repetitive refrain. 

“Missus, the babe needs you.”

“I am needed elsewhere at the moment.”

2

Dorus had thought it too soon. He’d agreed with the doctor. The midwife. 

The first Vincent had only been in the ground three months when Anna asked for the resumption of marital relations. She did not ask for the pleasure of it. She rarely thought of the pleasure. It was her duty. 

Anna never spoke of her pain. The depth of it. Her melancholia a family trait. One that slayed her stoicism. Dared to tremble her stiff upper lip. She need not speak of it. She could not. Emotions, especially dark ones, were meant to be hidden. Locked away inside. It was what she had been taught. It was what she would teach. 

No one ever taught her how to deal with the death of a child. 

In the three months after the birth and death of the first Vincent, Anna paid little attention to visitors. Made few visits.

She often sat at the piano for hours. Often playing the same gloomy tune. Again, and again.

Dorus,  a reverend three years her senior, knew. She could see the knowledge of her in his eyes. He knew her want was not of him but what he could give her.

Anna thought of another child not only as a panacea to her pain but as a replacement for what she had lost. 

If only it had worked.

*

“Vincent,” Anna called to her young son from the shadows of the open front door. Nicely. Others could hear. She hid in the darkness of the threshold. She hid her darkness.

“How many times have I said that you are not allowed to play with the street children?” Inside the parsonage, door closed, she spoke as she pleased. “Do you refuse to listen, or do you not understand?”

Five-year-old Vincent stared up at his mother. Did she see fear or anger in his eyes? He said not a word.

“You will ruin the family name associating with those dirty urchins.”

Their good name; a cross high up on a main wall. 

Vincent remained mute. Silence was an argument in itself.

Anna loved all her children. What mother did not? She did not love them all the same. She did not deny it. She did not apologize for it. She mothered them all, nonetheless. But not the same. Did she see him as a child much like the child she had been? Anna was one in this world that saw only what she wished to. She saw Vincent grow sullen and solemn, an unremitting challenge.

“If we could do whatever we wanted,” she warned him as she warned all her children, “unharmed, unseen, untroubled…wouldn’t we stray further and further from the right path?”

The child gave her not a word to whip him with.

“To the kitchen, Vincent,” she instructed. The words hissing out between her teeth. “You will scrub the floor. With your hands. On your knees.”

Vincent went without complaint. If only he had complained.


Donna Russo is the bestselling author of historical fiction, women’s fiction, and fantasy including the international bestselling Novels of Newport: Gilded Summers and Gilded Dreams as well as her latest release, Vincent’s Women.

 Her critically acclaimed work has been praised with multiple awards and has received a starred review in Publishers Weekly. (For more awards and reviews, please visit https://www.authordonnarusso.com/books). 

Additionally, Donna worked as a model and actor since the age of seventeen, working on such projects as Martin Scorsese’s The Departed and Showtime’s Brotherhood. Donna is also an award-winning screenwriter, ghostwriter, and painter. She holds two degrees from the University of Rhode Island. Her two sons Devon, an opera singer; and Dylan, a chef—will always be her greatest works.  

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#WomensFiction #biography #historicalbooks #books #readers #reading #booklovers #BookTour #Giveaway #bookbuzz #bookboost #bookrecommendations #BookBlogger #Bookstagram #bookish #Writersofinstagram

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$20 Amazon

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Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles by Peggy Joque Williams Audiobook narrated by Mallory Fuccella Blog Tour! @peggyjoque @thecoffeepotbookclub @cathiedunn

#HistoricalFiction #Versailles #LouisXIV #BlogTour #TheCoffeePotBookClub

 

Book Title

  Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles


Author

  Peggy Joque Williams


Publication Date

  May 9th, 2024


Publisher

Black Rose Writing


Pages

  389


Genre

Historical Fiction


Any Triggers

Rape Scene, Spousal Abuse



“A rich journey through 17th century France in all its aspects—its bucolic countryside, the still-unmatched splendor of the court of Louis XIV, and the struggling French colony in Canada.”
~ Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I, The Autobiography of Henry VIII & The Memoirs of Cleopatra


France, 1670. On her sixteenth birthday, Sylvienne d’Aubert thinks her dream has come true. She holds in her hands an invitation from King Louis XIV to attend his royal court. However, her mother harbors a longtime secret she's kept from both her daughter and the monarch, a secret that could upend Sylvienne’s life.


In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis's favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch's most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.


This debut historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the vibrancy and quandaries of 17th century life for a village girl seeking love and excitement during the dangerous reign of the Sun King.


Universal Buy Link

https://books2read.com/u/mqk0r9 


Barnes & Noble

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/courting-the-sun-peggy-joque-williams/1144842024?ean=9781685134129 


Bookshop.org

Black Rose Writing

https://www.blackrosewriting.com/historicaladventure/courtingthesun  


This title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.



Peggy Joque Williams is the author of Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles and co-author of two mystery novels, On the Road to Death’s Door and On the Road to Where the Bells Toll, written under the penname M. J. Williams.


She is an alumnus of Michigan State University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. 


A retired elementary school teacher and avid researcher, Peggy's fascination with genealogy and her French-Canadian, European, and Native American ancestry inspires her historical fiction. She lives in Madison, Wisconsin.


Website

https://peggywilliamsauthor.com/ 

Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/PeggyJoqueWilliamsAuthor/ 

LinkedIn

https://www.linkedin.com/in/peggywilliams7/ 

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/peggyjoque/ 

Threads

https://www.threads.net/@peggyjoque 

Pinterest

https://www.pinterest.com/Peggy_Joque_Williams 

Book Bub

  https://www.bookbub.com/profile/peggy-joque-williams 

Amazon Author Page

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Peggy-Joque-Williams/author/B0CV7S8M24 

Goodreads

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4900279.Peggy_Joque_Williams  


Tour Schedule Page




Jury Duty is Murder by Kate Damon Blurb Blitz!

 JURY DUTY IS MURDER

Kate Damon


Cozy Mystery


The verdict is in; a famed athlete is headed for prison. The jurors have done their job and are free to go back to their lives.


But after being sequestered for four months, life as some knew it no longer exists.


HAROLD ASHMAN’s house is almost destroyed by a careless driver. Exotic dancer, CEECEE LAINE, discovers that her boyfriend is two-timing her, and she no longer has a job. Actor ALEX MANNING learns his career is down the tubes, and 72-year-old, HELEN RYDER, discovers her family is plotting to put her in an old folks home.


Then things take a turn for the worse. When former jurors start dropping like flies, CeeCee, Helen, Harold, and Alex are convinced there’s a killer on the loose. Now the feuding foursome must find him before he kills them—or before they save him the trouble by killing each other.


 

While Helen kept the salesman occupied, we untied the rope that the CHP officer helped tie. Nervous, I glanced around. Sweat poured down my temples. My mouth felt dry. Any moment, I expected a black and white to come shooting toward us, sirens blaring. Only Helen and the salesman were inside the roped off area and they both had their backs toward us. A trailer truck marked Mattress Sale in big bold letters hid us from the street. Mattresses were piled high, creating a barrier between us and the furniture store behind us. After making sure that no one could see us and no security cameras were present, we reached into the bed of Harold’s truck and grabbed hold of Carter. Lifting him by the ankles, I was surprised at how cold he felt given

the hot day, how heavy. By the time we laid him out on top of the most expensive mattress we could find, we were both out of breath.



When Kate Damon is not writing, she and her husband enjoy RVing, spending time with family and friends, raising Monarch butterflies, and playing a wicked game of bridge.

Writing as Margaret Brownley, she has published more than 40 novels and is a New York Times bestselling author. Known for her memorable characters and humor, she is a two-time Romance Writers of America Rita finalist.


Not counting the book she wrote in sixth grade, and the puzzle of the missing socks, this is her first mystery.


Twitter

http//www.twitter.com/katejuryduty


Instagram

http://www.instagram.com/juryduty17


Tiktok

http://www.tiktok.comKatedamon1


Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565155275435



The author will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner.



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11 December 2024

First Drive by A Seph Vermillion Western Adventure Book 1 by David Fitz-Gerald Book tour! #FirstDrive @authordavefitzgerald @SilverDaggerBookTours

Grab your hat, step into your boots, and strap 

on those spurs. 

Your cow pony is saddled up and ready to ride

 the trail from 

San Antonio to Abilene.

First Drive

A Seph Vermillion Western Adventure Book 1

by David Fitz-Gerald

Genre

 Historical Western Adventure Fiction

Grab your hat, step into your boots, and strap on those spurs. Your cow pony is saddled up and ready to ride the trail from San Antonio to Abilene.

Seph Vermillion grew up dirt poor. As long as he can remember, he's been pushing a plow and arguing with a mule. A couple of times a year, a trio of bandits ravage the family farm and make off with their savings.

Pa never returned home after the war. Seph's siblings have been gone so long, he doesn't remember what they look like. When Ma dies after a long illness, Seph trades the family farm for a horse named Sheriff. The kid next door tells Seph about the Deatherage Longhorn Cattle Ranch. The allure of adventure beckons. They partner up and hit the trail. Lacking skills, they are the last cowboys hired and agree to work for half pay.

The outfit's top hand, Stoke Moreland, pranks, taunts, and threatens Seph. Why does the seasoned cowboy seem intent on driving him off? Seph doesn't know much about self-defense, but he is tired of being a victim and feeling violated. How long can he turn the other cheek?

The trail is fraught with hazards from perilous river crossings to the mother of all stampedes. When they realize they're being tracked, followed, and hunted, a growing sense of doom overwhelms the fledgling outfit of cowboys who are still wet behind the ears. The outlaws that plagued Seph's past have followed them and they are determined to take the herd. Their plan is simple: pit the cowboys against each other, pick them off one by one, and stampede the beeves.

Since they left San Antonio, the drovers have looked forward to whooping it up at the end of the trail. That was before somebody began killing cowboys. Now, Abilene seems like an impossible dream. Will anybody make it to the end of the trail?

Grab your slicker, fetch your bedroll, and swing up into the saddle. Sign on with the Dagger D, Angry R brand—First Drive is calling your name.

Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads

**FREEBIE ALERT!**

**Get the freebie prequel 

Farewell to Poesta Creek here!**

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/8i8386a45t

** And look out on the horizon for book 2 riding in soon! **

Dead Heat

Coming May 2025

PreOrder Here!


David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses

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#westernbooks #historicalbooks #cowboybooks #westernadventure #1800s #books #readers #reading #booklovers #BookTour #Giveaway #bookbuzz #bookboost #bookrecommendations #BookBlogger #Bookstagram #bookish #bookclub #MustRead @SilverDaggerBookTours #Writersofinstagram #AmReading #BookPromo #AuthorPromo #writingcommunity #readerscommunity  

April 23, 1868

The sharp crack of gunfire sliced through the air, jolting Seph Vermillion from a daydream. He sat up tall in the saddle. The skin on his forearms prickled. A familiar punch detonated in his gut. That blast in his belly signaled danger.

His ear twitched, and he blinked rapidly.

The first shot was followed by several more, each one closer than the first.

Seph glanced down at the buttstock of his rifle. His father called the Hawken Uncle Yves, but Seph never knew his grandfather's brother—or why his father had named it after his long-departed uncle. He considered drawing the gun from its scabbard.

His heart thundered in his chest. He glanced at his partner, Slaw. The look on his friend's face mirrored his own sense of dread.

They had hoped to avoid trouble on their journey to San Antonio.

The sound of pounding hooves on the trail behind them grew to a rumbling thunder. With an urgent nod, Slaw signaled a detour off the trail.

Seph dug his heels into the side of his claybank dun, a fast horse named Sheriff, and dropped the lead rope on his pack mule. Immediately, Seph was on the heels of his partner's horse, a dapple-gray called Win, short for Winter.

Dirt chunked from Win's hooves, pelting Seph. Seph hunched over Sheriff's neck and squinted, hoping to keep the gravel from stinging his eyes.

As they raced across rugged terrain, Seph spared a glance over his shoulder. Dread coiled in his belly at the sight of three familiar figures in hot pursuit. The approaching riders hooted, hollered, and howled.

These weren't random bandits. Seph knew these skunks all too well. He couldn't count the times they had raided the Vermillion family farm. They'd gallop into the barnyard, help themselves to whatever they wanted and ride away, heckling and cajoling. Seph was always left to deal with the aftermath.

But this time was different. Seph was no longer a helpless victim. Never again, Seph told himself. He gritted his teeth, urging Sheriff onward. Determination flowed through his limbs, and Sheriff lengthened his strides.

He was thrilled to own a horse that loved to run.

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