27 February 2019

We Shall See the Sky Sparkling by Susana Aikin #WeShallSeetheSkySparkling #SusanaAikin #HFVBTPartner #HFVBTBlogTours @Susana_Aikin @hfvbt @KensingtonBooks



We Shall See the Sky Sparkling
by Susana Aikin

Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Kensington Publishing Corporation
Paperback & eBook; 416 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction
Set in London and Russia at the turn of the century, Susana Aikin's debut introduces a vibrant young woman determined to defy convention and shape an extraordinary future. Like other well-bred young women in Edwardian England, Lily Throop is expected to think of little beyond marriage and motherhood. Passionate about the stage, Lily has very different ambitions. To her father's dismay, she secures an apprenticeship at London's famous Imperial Theatre. Soon, her talent and beauty bring coveted roles and devoted admirers. Yet to most of society, the line between actress and harlot is whisper-thin. With her reputation threatened by her mentor's vicious betrayal, Lily flees to St. Petersburg with an acting troupe--leaving her first love behind. Life in Russia is as exhilarating as it is difficult. The streets rumble with talk of revolution, and Lily is drawn into an affair with Sergei, a Count with fervent revolutionary ideals. Following Sergei when he is banished to Vladivostok, Lily struggles to find her role in an increasingly dangerous world. And as Russian tensions with Japan erupt into war, only fortitude and single-mindedness can steer her to freedom and safety at last. With its sweeping backdrop and evocative details, We Shall See the Sky Sparkling explores a fascinating period in history through the eyes of a strong-willed, singular heroine, in a moving story of love and resilience.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million | IndieBound

Praise

"Aikin’s novel is expertly plotted and rife with historical details in both its English and Russian settings, making for a rich story of the prejudices women faced at the turn of the 20th century and how the class disparity in Russia ignited the flame of revolution." - Publishers Weekly 

 "Beginning and ending with letters written to her family, this novel has the feel of a serial drama. Readers of Pam Jenoff and Eva Stachniak will appreciate the strong-willed and artistically driven female character who finds her own way through difficult times." - Library Journal "

 . . . vivid and compelling - an exceptional woman on an extraordinary journey . . ." ~ Livi Michael, Author of War of the Roses Trilogy

  "Against the dramatic backdrops of a Russia on the brink of revolution and the colorful lives backstage of the London theatre circuit, Susana Aikin has created a feisty Edwardian protagonist whose trajectory still resonates with the predicament of women working in the arts today." ~ Sara Alexander, Under a Sardinian Sky and Four Hundred and Forty Steps to the Sea

  "We Shall See the Sky Sparkling kept me up at night until blurry eyed, cheering Lily on through all her wild adventures, until she becomes one of those rare heroines, a mature independent woman to admire." ~ Melissa Burch, Author of My Journey Through War and Peace

  "Susana Aikin's directorial eye is much in evidence in this sweeping saga. Her attention to period detail transports the reader on a filmic journey that is both astonishing and tragic. We Shall See the Sky Sparkling is a powerful meditation on the sacrifices women have made in pursuit of their dreams - sadly, as relevant in the early 21st century as a hundred years ago." ~ Helen Steadman, Best-selling Author of Widdershins and Sunwise 

 "We Shall See the Sky Sparkling is a vivid, thoroughly absorbing account of one woman's struggle to break from the rigid roles her social class and time period. Drawing from her family's history and a series of fascinating letters, Aikin crafts a marvelous tale of adventure, rebellion, and romance, on a captivating journey from the theaters of Edwardian London to tumultuous St. Petersburg and beyond. Lily shines as a heroine of uncommon strength--her struggle to protect and foster her independence , even as she navigates through great loves and treacherous times, is to be relished and remembered." ~ Suzanne Nelson, Author of Serendipity Footsteps

About the Author

Born in Spain of an English father and a Spanish mother, Susana Aikin is a writer and a filmmaker who has lived and worked in New York City since 1982. She was educated in both England and Spain; studied law at the University of Madrid, and later Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK. In 1986 she started her own independent film production company, Starfish Productions, producing and directing documentary films that won her multiple awards, including an American Film Institute grant, a Rockefeller Fellowship, and an Emmy Award in 1997. She started writing fiction full time in 2010. She has two sons and now lives between Brooklyn and the mountains north of Madrid. For more information, visit Susana Aikin's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Blog Tour Schedule

Wednesday, February 6
Review & Interview at Passages to the Past
Thursday, February 7
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books
Friday, February 8
Feature at What Is That Book About
Saturday, February 9
Feature at Broken Teepee
Monday, February 11
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Tuesday, February 12
Review & Guest Post at Clarissa Reads it All
Thursday, February 14
Feature at Queen of Random
Friday, February 15
Review at A Bookish Affair
Feature at Myths, Legends, Books, and Coffee Pots
Saturday, February 16
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Monday, February 18
Review at Diana_bibliophile
Tuesday, February 19
Guest Post at Jathan & Heather
Wednesday, February 20
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Thursday, February 21
Feature at The Lit Bitch
Feature at View from the Birdhouse
Friday, February 22
Feature at Maiden of the Pages
Monday, February 25
Review at Comet Readings
Tuesday, February 26
Feature at Christine’s Book Corner
Wednesday, February 27
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews
Thursday, February 28
Review at Oh, the Books She Will Read

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a paperback copy of We Shall See the Sky Sparkling! To enter, please use the Gleam form below.

   Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 28th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US only. – 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 has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. 
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26 February 2019

Finding Mercy by Riley Edwards Release Blitz! @rileyedwardsromance #ReleaseBlitz



Title: Finding Mercy (Next Generation, #3) 
Author: Riley Edwards 
Genre:  Romantic Suspense 
Release Date: February 26th 
Cover Designer: Lori Jackson 



DEA Jason Walker became a widower at Twenty-eight. Two years later he’s still torturing himself with guilt. They’d married young, and she’d been his first love, but her illness changed everything. They’d fought a losing battle and he’d held her to the very end. Now he just wants to be left alone with his misery and memories. Mercy James is no stranger to grief and loneliness. Her brother’s death of a drug overdose, and her police officer father’s death in the line of duty were the driving forces behind her pursuit of a career in the DEA. In spite of—or maybe because of—her past, Mercy doesn’t believe in feeling sorry for others, or for herself. When a case brings Jason and Mercy together, and their attraction heats up, can her tough, straightforwardness help Jason learn to live in the light again? He’d lost his first love, but is he ready for a forever love?









Riley Edwards is a bestselling multi-genre author, wife, and military mom. Riley was born and raised in Los Angeles but now resides on the east coast with her fantastic husband and children.
Riley writes heart-stopping romance with sexy alpha heroes and even stronger heroines. Riley's favorite genres to write are romantic suspense and military romance.





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Temptation Rag: A Novel by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard Book Tour and Giveaway! #TemptationRag #ElizabethHutchisonBernard #HFVBTBlogTours @ EHBernardAuthor @EHBernardAuthor @hfvbt

 

Temptation Rag: A Novel by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard

Publication Date: December 3, 2018
Belle Epoque Publishing
eBook & Paperback; 308 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction


From the author of The Beauty Doctor, Finalist for the 2018 Eric Hoffer Book Award, 2017 AZ Literary Awards, and a Medallion Honoree of the Book Readers Appreciation Group. 

 Seventeen-year-old May Convery, unhappy with her privileged life in turn-of-the-century New York City, dreams of becoming a poet. When she meets the talented young Mike Bernard, an aspiring concert pianist, she immediately falls in love. But after their secret liaison is discovered, neither is prepared for the far-reaching consequences that will haunt them for decades. As Mike abandons serious music to ruthlessly defend his hard-won title, Ragtime King of the World, May struggles to find her voice as an artist and a woman. It is not until years after their youthful romance, when they cross paths again, that they must finally confront the truth about themselves and each other. But is it too late? The world of ragtime is the backdrop for a remarkable story about the price of freedom, the longing for immortality, and the human need to find forgiveness. From vaudeville’s greatest stars to the geniuses of early African American musical theater, an unforgettable cast of real-life characters populates this richly-fictionalized historical saga.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Chapters | IndieBound

Praise for Temptation Rag

"Fascinating real-life characters make Temptation Rag an emotional and page-turning story of passion, ambition, and desire." - Megan Chance, bestselling author of Bone River and Inamorata "Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard captures the style of the ragtime era. Music, art and culture spring from every page of this delightfully artistic work." - Readers' Favorite Book Review, 5 stars "Terrific historical research and deft writing provide a striking portrait of racial and gender inequality in the ragtime era. An unforgettable and deeply human story." - Frederic Tulsky, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist "Ms. Bernard weaves her knowledge of music with true historical characters and fictionalized ones into a syncopated symphony of human drama." -Kathryn Wood, author of Sea Snow: the gentle haunting of a 19th century lighthouse "A gripping page-turner that has romance, history and music. A smart retelling of history through multiple points of view." - SA Examiner Book Review

 Read an Excerpt
She was trembling as she opened her purse, pulled out the wad of cash, and handed it to him. He counted it quickly and then stuffed it into a long pocket in the front of his butcher’s apron. He turned, opened the top drawer of the cabinet, and removed a white cotton gown.
“Everything off. Put this on with the opening in the front.”
Meekly, she took it from him. Her eyes on the floor, she waited.
“Miss Smith? Did you hear me? Disrobe and put on the gown.”
“I—I thought I’d have some privacy.”
“Please, young lady, let’s not be silly. We haven’t much time. There are others besides you needing to be seen.”
All of a sudden, the door opened. An elderly woman—the same one who had admitted May through the anonymous-looking locked door in front—poked her head around the corner.
“There’s a gentleman outside. Says he needs to see her”—she nodded toward May—“and right away. He’s very insistent.”
The man in the apron eyed May threateningly. “Young lady, I thought we made it clear that you were to come alone and tell no one. The last thing we need around here is trouble.”
“But I did come alone. And I didn’t tell a soul.”
“Well, obviously someone knows you’re here.” He turned back to the deliverer of this unwelcome news. “Did he give his name?”
“No, he was too busy swearing at me,” she replied indignantly. “I’ll try to find out. But he’s causing an awful commotion. We’ve got to get rid of him.” She ducked out, closing the door behind her.
“You understand, Miss Smith, that I will deny having had any intention of performing a procedure today.”
May barely heard him. She was too busy retracing every step she’d taken that morning. She had told Mrs. Eagleton that she was visiting with a friend for the day. She had the coachman drop her off in front of Rebecca Simmons’s house, and then, once he’d disappeared, she took a hansom cab directly here. There would have been no reason for anyone to suspect a thing.
Then it occurred to her—what if it was him? But no, he would be the unlikeliest of all. It had been more than a month since that awful morning in his apartment, the last time she’d seen him. They’d not communicated since. He surely had no interest in her comings and goings. And there was no way he could have figured out the situation she was in—even if he cared to know, which he clearly did not.
The woman appeared again. “He says he’s George Cornelius Convery, he owns half of Manhattan, and if I don’t take him to his daughter he’s going to have all of us thrown in jail.”
Oh, God! How had he known?
“The George Convery? He’s your father?” The man grabbed the file from on top of the cabinet and extracted a sheet of paper, which he tore into small pieces and discarded in a nearby trash bucket. He retrieved the cash he’d stuffed in his pocket and threw it into May’s lap. “Put it back in your purse. And hurry up about it.”
He turned to the woman still hovering anxiously in the doorway. “Go tell him that we haven’t touched his daughter. We never had any intention of doing so. As a matter of fact, we were about to send her away and contact the family.”
But there was no time to deliver his hurriedly contrived message. The next moment, George Convery burst into the room, wielding his ebony cane like a weapon, spewing more expletives than May ever could have imagined strung together in one sentence. There was no reasoning with him, nothing to do but allow herself to be dragged from the tiny room into the hall and out to the waiting carriage. Nothing to say but I’m sorry, Father. No one to offer a single word or gesture of comfort as they rode along in silence, headed back to the Converys’ Fifth Avenue mansion.
About the Author

 Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is an award-winning author of historical fiction. Her novel The Beauty Doctor is a suspenseful tale that takes place in the early days of cosmetic surgery—when the world of medicine was a bit like the Wild West and beauty doctors were the newest breed of outlaw. Temptation Rag: A Novel immerses readers in the bawdy atmosphere of vaudeville and early twentieth-century African American musical theater in a story about the price of freedom, the longing for immortality, and the human need to find forgiveness. Elizabeth currently lives in Arizona with her husband and their much-loved and very spoiled black Lab.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, February 18
Review at Passages to the Past
Tuesday, February 19
Review at Pursuing Stacie
Wednesday, February 20
Feature at The Book Junkie Reads
Excerpt at What Is That Book About
Friday, February 22
Excerpt at Maiden of the Pages
Saturday, February 23
Guest Post at The Chocolate Lady’s Book Reviews
Monday, February 25
Review at Peppermint Ph.D.
Tuesday, February 26
Excerpt at CelticLady’s Reviews
Wednesday, February 27
Interview at Passages to the Past
Friday, March 1
Review at View from the Birdhouse
Monday, March 4
Review at Macsbooks
Wednesday, March 6
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Friday, March 8
Excerpt at Broken Teepee
Tuesday, March 12
Review at Reader then Blogger
Friday, March 15
Review at Coffee and Ink

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away copies of Bernard's other novel, The Beauty Doctor. One paperback and two eBooks are up for grabs. To enter, please use the Gleam form below. 

 Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 15th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to US only. – 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 has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. 

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Herbs and Homicide (The Faerie Apothecary Cozy Mystery) by Astoria Wright Book Tour and Giveaway!

Herbs and Homicide (The Faerie Apothecary Cozy Mystery) by Astoria Wright

About the Book

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series 
Novelwright Mysteries (September 27, 2018) 
Paperback: 217 pages
ISBN-10: 1949453030 
ISBN-13: 978-1949453034 
ASIN: B07HR4D74K 
Looking for a unique paranormal cozy mystery series that's lighthearted and fun?
Settle into the cozy countryside of Moss Hill, where house-elves rent rooms, sprites live in gardens, a leprechaun is the best tailor in town, and a half-elf/half human named Carissa Shea owns a pharmacy known as The Seelie Tree Apothecary shop. Life couldn't be more idyllic for Cari, but healing humans and fae folk proves challenging at times, especially when secrets unfold in The Faerie Apothecary Mysteries.

About Book 1: Herbs and Homicide In the small town of Moss Hill, customers of all kinds visit Carissa Shea's Seelie Tree Apothecary Shop. That includes tall and short, young and old, human and faerie. Being half-elf/half-human herself, Carissa personally knows and cares for them all. So, when a grumpy brownie, a type of house faerie, named Miss Morgan dies in her shop, Carissa is devastated. As she learns more about her customer's death, she realizes Miss Morgan might have been the only thing standing between the Seelie, faeries of light and goodness, and the Unseelie, faeries of darkness and evil. On top of it all, the Sidhe guard, protector of all fae residents, rule it a murder and name Carissa as a suspect! Now she must prove her innocence and find the real culprit before it's too late - not just for her but for all of Moss Hill.
About the Author
Astoria Wright is the author of The Faerie Apothecary Mysteries, including the bestselling prequel novella Chaos in the Countryside. Intrigued by myths and inspired by cozy mystery writers before her, Astoria tries to combine two worlds with human and faerie neighbors trying to solve puzzling crimes on the fictional island of Moss Hill. She’s also a poet, which shows in the Moss Hill poetry anthology “written” by the characters in the series. Her goal is to bring Moss Hill to life in her stories, because who doesn’t wish we lived in a town with magical faeries as neighbors?
  • Author Links
Website: www.astoriawright.com 
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Astoria-Wright-2119028461648435/ 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AstoriaWright 
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18477858.Astoria_Wright

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
February 14 – A Chick Who Reads – REVIEW*
February 14 – 3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, & Sissy, Too! – SPOTLIGHT
February 15 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW*
February 15 – Ascroft, eh?  – CHARACTER GUEST POST
February 16 – Mythical Books – GUEST POST
February 16 – Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
February 17 – Babs Book Bistro – SPOTLIGHT
February 18 – Baroness’ Book Trove – REVIEW*
February 19 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW*
February 19 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 20 – The Self-Rescue Princess – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
February 20 – Lori’s Reading Corner – GUEST POST
February 21 – I’m All About Books – CHARACTER GUEST POST  
February 21 – A Cozy Experience – REVIEW
February 22 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
February 23 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
February 24 – StoreyBook Reviews – REVIEW
February 25 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – GUEST POST
February 26 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
February 26 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST
February 27 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
February 27 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

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