15 November 2018

Elizabeth's War by D.L.Rogers Blog Tour and Giveaway! @hfvbt @DLRogersBooks


ELIZABETH’S WAR BY D.L. ROGERS

Publication Date: June 1, 2013
Paperback, AudioBook, & eBook
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Read the complete first chapter here.

 In a time when raiders, bushwhackers, and Redlegs rode the Cass County, Missouri, countryside bringing fear and destruction with them, Elizabeth Miers and her family barely survived into the next day. When the enemy, in the form of Elizabeth’s neighbors, comes a-calling more than once with mischief on their minds, Elizabeth fights back to keep her children safe against men she once called friends.
On August 25, 1863, following the issuance of General Order No. 11 by Union General Thomas Ewing, thousands of women, children, and the elderly were forced to vacate their homes in the brutal summer heat within fifteen days. With determination and a plan, Elizabeth sets out on a sixty-mile trek toward St. Clair County. Carrying enough prepared food and water on a rickety built sled to reach her aunt and uncle’s farm, she prays her kin are there to welcome them, not knowing whether they lived through the burning of Osceola two years prior—or not.
Facing more than just the lack of food and shelter and the unbearable heat, they’re set upon by raiders and foraging soldiers who try to take more than just their meager provisions. Much more. Left with little after their supplies are stolen and their property destroyed, Elizabeth and her fellow travelers continue south, facing more indignities before their journey is done.
Through Elizabeth and the thousands of other refugees that traveled ahead of and behind her, feel what they felt in the wake of General Order No. 11, an order that took everything and left them destitute and afraid they wouldn’t live to see one more day.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND


CROSSFIRE IN THE STREET BY D.L. ROGERS

Publication Date: June 7, 2018
Paperback & eBook
Genre: Historical Fiction
Read the first two chapters here.


The Civil War yielded many bloody battles and the Battle at Lone Jack was among the worst. Fought across a sixty-foot strip of dusty road, brothers fought brothers, neighbors fought neighbors, cousins fought cousins, and the blood of horses and men ran together in the street under the blistering August sun.
The Green family tried to keep from being caught up in the war headed for their doorstep, but their efforts were lost—even before the Yankees came to town.
In their youthful exuberance and ignorance, sixteen and fifteen year old Hank and Jesse sneak into town to watch the battle—and find more trouble than they bargained for. Pete, the oldest brother, joins the Rebels and fights to save his life—and that of his brothers. Cora, the oldest daughter on the cusp of becoming a woman, loves a boy who runs off to fight with the Federals—and breaks her heart.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND


About the Author

Although born in New Jersey of parents from New Jersey and Tennessee, it was just a matter of time before Diane’s “southern” blood revealed itself. And reveal itself it did, in a passion for all things western and related to the Civil War. Having learned a great deal in her research since her historical journey began, especially in the midwest, Diane has attempted to portray both the west and the war from numerous points-of-view, which is not always the same history as what has been previously portrayed–or taught.
As a kid, Diane played Cowboys and Indians more than she did Barbie, and as she got older, she and her cousin (whose parents were reversed) gave themselves the moniker of “Yebels.” The question of what it would have been like during the Civil War years, when friends and family fought on opposite sides of the war, festered inside Diane until she answered her own question in the form of the novels she writes of the west and Civil War, where everyday people, regardless of what “side” they were on, when faced with difficult situations, rose to the challenge, and survived.
Now living south of Kansas City, Missouri, on fourteen acres of property, when Diane’s not writing or marketing, she enjoys sitting on her front porch, reading when she can or just watching her horses in the pasture and multitude of cats in the yard. When she does venture into town, it’s to work at a lawfirm on the Plaza, or visit her two children and five grandchildren.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 5
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Elizabeth’s War)
Tuesday, November 6
Interview at Passages to the Past
Wednesday, November 7
Excerpt at T’s Stuff
Feature at Maiden of the Pages
Review & Excerpt at The Book Junkie Reads (Crossfire in the Street)
Thursday, November 8
Review at Locks, Hooks, and Books (Elizabeth’s War)
Friday, November 9
Review at Bri’s Book Nook (Elizabeth’s War)
Monday, November 12
Review at The Reading Woman (Elizabeth’s War)
Tuesday, November 13
Feature at Book Nerd
Wednesday, November 14
Excerpt at Passages to the Past
Thursday, November 15
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review at The Book Junkie Reads (Elizabeth’s War)
Friday, November 16
Review at Pursuing Stacie (Crossfire in the Street)
Monday, November 19
Review at Bri’s Book Nook (Crossfire in the Street)
Tuesday, November 20
Review at Locks, Hooks, and Books (Crossfire in the Street)

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below.
Giveaway Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to US residents 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.
D.L. Rogers
Direct Link: https://gleam.io/competitions/yeU0E-dl-rogers
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14 November 2018

In Defense Of Guilt by Benjamin H. Berkley Blog Tour! info@benberkley.com

Representing a man accused of throwing his wife overboard, chic attorney Lauren Hill begins to artfully present her case. But when Judge Howell seems to morph into God, Lauren’s life of infidelity, poor parenthood, and self-absorption is questioned by the Almighty, who charges Lauren with committing the seven deadly sins. But is this real or fantasy? Is Lauren on the edge of a nervous breakdown, or is God presiding and ultimately deciding Lauren’s fate? InDefense of Guilt is a gripping story of self-discovery, justice, and ultimately about love.

This is a great book for those who love legal thrillers of John Grisham, and Scott Turow.

Praise 'In Defense Of Guilt' by Benjamin H. Berkley

“Through edgy protagonist and defense attorney Lauren Hill, Berkley places us in the midst of a murder trial that could itself be the backbone of an exciting legal thriller – but the metaphysical twist that threatens to change the trial into Hill’s own Judgment Day takes In Defense of Guilt to the next level.”-Christopher Leibig, Author, Almost Mortal  (2016 Indie Book Award)
“In Defense or Guilt is a fast-paced legal thriller with a spiritual twist. Benjamin Berkley has crafted a main character who fears no consequences until she goes on trial before the “ultimate arbiter.” She defends her client accused of murder while wrestling with her own demons of infidelity, greed and lust. Is salvation the light at the end of the tunnel? Well written and highly recommended. Congratulations to my fellow colleague for such a masterful first endeavor.”-Melanie Bragg, Author Crosstown Park, an Alex Stockton legal thriller
“With IN DEFENSE OF GUILT, Mr. Berkley has written a compellingly unconventional courtroom drama. This unique and fascinating story keeps the reader guessing from beginning to end, while offering an inspirational message that extends far beyond theguilt or innocence of the accused. A truly enjoyable read.”-John J. Jessop, Author of Deadly Pleasure  and the Guardian Angel series 

Read an Excerpt

Chapter Six

What constitutes a fair trial? It usually depends upon which side you ask. Ask one hundred different individuals, and you will likely get one hundred different responses.
Dillon Bradley simply wanted to see justice carried out. For him, it wasn’t how many checkmarks were in the win column, although that did matter to the voters in November. Grieving parents wanted answers, and he believed they deserved to have them. He also believed he and his team would be able to provide them, or at least a majority of the important ones. A guilty verdict would, in theory, clear most of them.
As flawed as the law could sometimes be, Bradley believed the American justice system was the fairest in the world. Granted, he realized the evidence in the present case was somewhat sketchy; however, he honestly believed he had enough to sway a jury and get a conviction.
For Lauren, on the other hand, it was all about winning. She never took a case based on whether she believed in her client’s innocence. She didn’t take one because she was defending a tarnished honor. That was irrelevant to her. She took it based solely on the evidence provided. If she believed the prosecution would not be able to prove beyond reasonable doubt the accused’s guilt, the system worked. All must, by law, be represented and offered a fair trial, and since that was the case, Lauren Hill gave it everything she had. Getting paid handsomely to do so sweetened the deal.
Lauren saw her performance in court as a game of strategy, a chess match. She dressed the king, the defendant, putting him or her in the best possible light, and then stood like a knight in front of him, defending the accused to the very best of her ability. She had a perfect record to uphold. Was it realistic to think it would remain perfect throughout her entire career? Certainly not. It was her job to put off the inevitable as long as she could. And right or wrong, it was her feeling that she wasn’t going to lose this one, either. But she had to admit her opponent was formidable. Could she beat Bradley yet again?
Bradley crossed the floor, carrying a large timeline graph. He handed it to Osterman to set it up, but not before complimenting the young protégé on the fine job he had done. While Jack set up the chart, Bradley told the court to strike Osterman’s previous question.
Lauren sat tensed, ready to pounce.
Bradley began, “Your Honor, I would like to submit into evidence this chart: a timeline of sunrises and sunsets for the latitudes and longitudes of the week of the fateful cruise, specifically, the last day Mrs. Amanda Maze was seen alive.”
“I will allow. Please, continue.”
Lauren leaned over to Ryan and mockingly mouthed yippee to him. He chuckled. She glanced at Maze. He was still fidgety but silent. Out of the corner of her eye, she could swear God was sitting at the bench giving her a stern look, but when she turned, it was only Judge Howell staring at her, eyebrows raised in stern warning. Lauren sat up and faced forward.
Turning to the deputy security chief, Bradley asked, “Mr. Ross, can you see this chart well enough?”
Ross answered in the affirmative.
“It’s a graph that marks the times of sunrises and sunsets the week of the cruise. The time of the sunrise on the day Mrs. Maze was last seen is in red. Can you see this?”
“Yes.”
“What time does it say the sun rose the morning you spoke to Mr. Maze?”
Squinting, Ross answered, “Six twenty-three.”
“Six twenty-three, yes, thank you. So, it must have been somewhere within forty-five minutes to an hour, at the latest, between the time Mr. Maze, by witness account, left the casino and the time you spoke with him on deck, correct?”
“Yes, I suppose so.”
“And did you ask him to account for the time?”
“Yes, yes, I did.”
“Where did the defendant say he was for that short duration?”
Maze, under his breath, said, “Lost on deck during the fog.”
“He didn’t.”
“He didn’t? What do you mean, he didn’t? He must have said he was somewhere.”
“Just that he was lost on the ship.”
“Lost?” Bradley chuckled. “Isn’t it rather difficult for one to get lost on a ship?”
Everyone—reporters, spectators, lawyers—snickered. All, that is, except the parents of the deceased. Unable to bear the mocking laughter, Maze jumped up.
“It was foggy. I was lost in it trying to find the cabin. I loved my wife. I loved her. You don’t kill what you love!”
Judge Howell stood, furiously banging her gavel, as Ryan practically tackled him.
“ORDER! ORDER IN THE COURT! MR. THOMPSON AND MS. HILL—PLEASE—” Judge Howell paused.
Ryan assertively ushered Maze to the back of the courtroom and the exit. Bradley folded his arms, exceptionally pleased with himself.
“—CONTROL YOUR CLIENT!” Judge Howell bellowed.
“Yes, Your Honor,” Lauren offered.
Amused by the way Ryan was holding onto the back of Maze’s jacket, as if he were throwing outside a dog that had snuck into the house and soiled the carpet, the armed deputies at the rear of the courtroom opened the doors ahead of them. Once Ryan and Maze were outside, the guards, grinning widely, quickly closed the doors. Lauren was now alone and in her comfort zone. For a few moments anyway, she was in her element and could focus her attention solely on the proceedings.
Bradley’s Cheshire cat smile didn’t amuse the judge. “If you’re through grinning, Mr. Prosecutor, you may continue any time you are ready.”
Ryan Thompson was furious with Maze, and as he talked to him in a barely controlled voice, his face was flushed and his forehead wrinkled. Had he not been in a professional setting and his job not depended upon him keeping his cool, Ryan would likely have decked the guy. Maze’s untimely explosion had not only made him look foolish in the eyes of the court and jury, but it had also put the defense team fighting for him in a poor light. Now Lauren was going to have to scramble. Bad enough she was obviously under a great deal of stress as it was. Maze’s only job was to sit quietly and remain composed. If he could not do so on his own, it was up to his defense team to make sure he obeyed all guidelines. Maze’s frustrated tirade had done him no favors. The only things Maze had accomplished were to anger Judge Howell, make the jury believe he was unstable, and give Prosecutor Bradley an upper hand.
“We’ve told you before, you cannot spout off like that. What don’t you understand? The only logical conclusion a jury can make when you pull a stunt like that is you’re uncontrollably angry, a loose cannon. You don’t want them to believe you killed your wife.”

GUEST REVIEW

In Defense of Guilt by Benjamin H. Berkley
Review by Katy
Wow. That's the main thing I have to go with as a takeaway from this novel. Just the word, 'Wow.' A stunning story about a woman's internal war and her relationship with God.
Lauren Hill is an attorney who is defending a client who is accused of throwing his wife overboard his boat and killing her. Lauren is a good attorney, and she's sure she can win the case but she has a lot of inner struggles that present themselves masterfully and thoughtfully on the page.
One day while she is defending her client in court, Lauren has a vision of the judge for the case turning into God. Except, she has to ask herself, is it a vision? Or is it real? It turns out her client can see God in the courtroom, too. Are they both crazy? It isn't long before Lauren's inner struggles are brought to light, all her worst traits are revealed and she is left spiritually naked in the middle of the courtroom.
I can't say that I'm a particularly religious person, but this book moved me in a way no other book ever has before. There is just something about a high-powered, high-paid, ball-bursting female attorney having to confront her own inner demons that spoke to me as a woman in today's society. There seems to be such a disconnect between the business world and the spiritual world these days and this book really investigates that disconnect and artfully raises questions about it.
I loved Lauren as a character and was fascinated by her life even if some of it made me cringe to imagine. I'm definitely giving this five stars. I would recommend this to absolutely anyone that loves an inspiring novel or is just interested in a pretty powerful look at society and womanhood.
From as far back as he can remember, Benjamin Berkley was fascinated by the law. Growing up in Long Beach, New York his daily schedule revolved around grainy black-and-white reruns of Perry Mason who, with the help of Della Street, solved the most complicated of crimes imaginable. It was therefore no surprise to his family and friends that Berkley chose law as his career path, now practicing for over 40 years. 

“In Defense of Guilt” is Benjamin Berkley’s second novel. He is also the author of four self-help books and is a contributing writer for the Huffington Post. Berkley lives in southern California with his wife Phyllis and their cat Riley. He has two grown children and is always bragging about his five amazing grandchildren. www.benberkley.com
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$50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Sponsored By: Shoe Finale

Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy

About Shoe Finale:
Shoefinale.com is mainly aimed at people who are searching for a special type of shoe in mind, whether it be athletic footwear, Zumba shoes, bunions, or for flat feet, that’s the gist of things I write about. Within these pages you can browse through and see the specialist advice, reviews and buying guides for all the things you don’t find on the mainstream retailers. I hope my website provides you with all the information you require; your search for the right shoes will hopefully “finale” here. Read more About Us here!

Winner Will Receive:

a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

This is the perfect time to win some money for holiday shopping! This $50 Amazon Gift Card will be sent in the form of a code to be applied to your account for easy spending!

Open To Worldwide entries and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 11/14 9:00 AM EST through 12/12 11:59PM EST
Disclosure: Love, Mrs. Mommy and all participating bloggers are not held responsible for sponsors who do not fulfill their prize obligations. This giveaway is in no way endorsed or sponsored by Facebook or any other social media site. The winner will be randomly drawn by Giveaway Tools and will be notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to reply before a replacement winner will be drawn. If you would like to participate in an event like this please contact LoveMrsMommy (at) gmail (dot) com.
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Homicide in Herne Hill by Alice Castle Book Tour and Giveaway!


Homicide in Herne Hill
Beth Haldane, SE21’s premier – and only – single mum amateur sleuth, is really pleased to find a new friend at the school gates, in the shape of irrepressibly bouncy Nina. As well as a way with words, Nina has a puzzle she wants Beth to solve, centred on the solicitor’s office where Nina works in Herne Hill.

But as the mystery thickens, threatening to drag in not just Nina and her boss, but the yummy mummies of Dulwich, too, Beth is about to find out just how far some people will go to keep up appearances. 

Join Beth in this fourth instalment in the London Murder Mystery series for her toughest case yet.
Purchase Link  - myBook.to/homicideinhernehill
Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07GPGBSC6
Author Bio – Before turning to crime, Alice Castle had a long career as a feature writer on national newspapers including the Daily Express, The Times and The Daily Telegraph. Alice grew up in south London and, after a brief stint in Brussels (where her first novel, Hot Chocolate, is set) she is back where she belongs, dreaming up adventures for her heroine, amateur detective and single mum Beth Haldane. Alice is married with two children, two stepchildren and two cats. Find out more about her London Murder Mystery series on her website, www.alicecastleauthor.com. Death in Dulwich was published in September 2017 by Crooked Cat Books and was #1 in the Amazon Satire/Detective charts in the UK, US, Canada, France, Spain and Germany. The Girl in the Gallery came out in December 2017 and the third in the series, Calamity in Camberwell, was published on 13th August 2018. Revenge on the Rye will follow in 2019, with more books in the pipeline.
Social Media Links – http://www.alicecastleauthor.com
Giveaway – Win a signed copy of Homicide in Herne Hill (Open Internationally)
*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 I reserve 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 I will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.


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