Celticlady's Reviews

19 January 2023

His Castilian Hawk By Anna Belfrage Narrated by Greg Patmore Blog Tour! @abelfrageauthor @cathiedunn@annabelfrageauthor @thecoffeepotbookclub

Book Title: His Castilian Hawk

Series: The Castilian Saga

Author: Anna Belfrage

Narrator: Greg Patmore

Publication Date: Audio version, November 3, 2022

Publisher: Timelight Press

Page Length: Audio book

Genre: Historical Fiction, Medieval Historical Romance

For bastard-born Robert FitzStephan, being given Eleanor d’Outremer in marriage is an honour. For Eleanor, this forced wedding is anything but a fairy tale.

Robert FitzStephan has served Edward Longshanks loyally since the age of twelve. Now he is riding with his king to once and for all bring Wales under English control.

Eleanor d’Outremer—Noor to family—lost her Castilian mother as a child and is left entirely alone when her father and brother are killed. When ordered to wed the unknown Robert FitzStephan, she has no choice but to comply.

Two strangers in a marriage bed is not easy. Things are further complicated by Noor’s blood-ties to the Welsh princes and by covetous Edith who has warmed Robert’s bed for years.

Robert’s new wife may be young and innocent, but he is soon to discover that not only is she spirited and proud, she is also brave. Because when Wales lies gasping and Edward I exacts terrible justice on the last prince and his children, Noor is determined to save at least one member of the House of Aberffraw from the English king.

Will years of ingrained service have Robert standing with his king or will he follow his heart and protect his wife, his beautiful and fierce Castilian hawk?

The Kindle ebook of this title is available to read on #KindleUnlimited.

Universal Link: http://myBook.to/HISHAWK

Audible Amazon:

Bingebooks :

NOOK (Barnes and Noble):

Chirp:

Libro:

Anna Belfrage

Had Anna been allowed to choose, she’d have become a time-traveller. As this was impossible, she became a financial professional with two absorbing interests: history and writing. Anna has authored the acclaimed time travelling series The Graham Saga, set in 17th century Scotland and Maryland, as well as the equally acclaimed medieval series The King’s Greatest Enemy which is set in 14th century England.

Anna has also published The Wanderer, a fast-paced contemporary romantic suspense trilogy with paranormal and time-slip ingredients.

Her Castilian Heart is the third in her “Castilian” series, a stand-alone sequel to her September 2020 release, His Castilian Hawk. Set against the complications of Edward I’s invasion of Wales, His Castilian Hawk is a story of loyalty, integrity—and love. In the second instalment, The Castilian Pomegranate, we travel with the protagonists to the complex political world of medieval Spain. This latest release finds our protagonists back in England—not necessarily any safer than the wilds of Spain!

Anna has also authored The Whirlpools of Time in which she returns to the world of time travel. Join Duncan and the somewhat reluctant time-traveller Erin on their adventures through the Scottish Highlands just as the first Jacobite rebellion is about to explode!

All of Anna’s books have been awarded the IndieBRAG Medallion, she has several Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choices, and one of her books won the HNS Indie Award in 2015. She is also the proud recipient of various Reader’s Favorite medals as well as having won various Gold, Silver and Bronze Coffee Pot Book Club awards.

Find out more about Anna, her books and enjoy her eclectic historical blog on her website, www.annabelfrage.com

18 January 2023

Daisy Does it Herself by Grace Player Blog Tour!

Daisy Does it Herself

Sometimes, the Last Place You Intended to Go is Exactly Where You Need to Be.

When 26-year-old Daisy's life in London comes crashing down around her, the only thing she can think of is getting away - far away. That's how she found herself stumbling off a train in England's picturesque Peak District - 150 miles from home, with no idea why she'd gone there and even less idea how she intended to get home.

As Daisy explores the gorgeous village of Upper Finlay, she glimpses the possibility of a different life. The Derbyshire Dales offer up new friends, new opportunities, and a distractingly dishy object of attraction in the form of local bookstore owner Alex (and his bumbling Great Dane.) When Daisy discovers Alex’s business is in trouble, she steps in to save the day.

But London's Calling - literally. The life Daisy ran away from is calling her back. Why then, is she so reluctant to heed its call?

Daisy's got a decision to make: Will she play it safe, and return to what she knew? Or is she brave enough to take a leap of faith and create a bold, new life for herself in the last place she'd ever expected?

Daisy Does it Herself is a sweet, uplifting romantic comedy about the power of self-confidence, friendship and of course love! Fans of warm and witty romantic comedies with a guaranteed happily-ever-after will be entranced.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086HTRDQD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B086HTRDQD

Universal Link: https://mybook.to/daisy

Gracie is the author of the romantic fiction novel Daisy Does it Herself.

Gracie loves to create strong, quirky heroines and hopes to introduce you to your latest book-boyfriend crush.

She makes her home in the stunning Peak District in Derbyshire. Where she lives with her partner — amid ongoing negotiations over the size of her book collection and whose job it is to take out the bins!

Social Media Links –

https://twitter.com/GraciePlayer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20170609.Gracie_Player

https://www.gracieplayer.com/mailing-list/

Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain Guest Review & Excerpt!

Princess Adele’s Dragon (Witches and Dragons Book 1) by Shirley McLain

Publisher: Shirley’s Book (July 23, 2022)
Category: Sword & Sorcery, Fantasy/Romance
Tour dates: January 3-31, 2023
ASIN: B0B7GMCDJ5
Available in ebook only, 220 pages

Description Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain

With the possibility of death before her, Princess Adele sets out to slay the dragon to save her Kingdom.

What she discovers in her quest changes her and the King’s life forever. We follow the lives of the Royalty of Valdoria as their world is threatened. In this medieval story, there are good guys, bad guys, white and black magic as well as goats and dragons. Read this story of love, hate, danger, and evil.

You will turn the page so you can find out what happens next in this gothic adventure.

Excerpt Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain

Miranda stepped through the door into the room, calling out Adele's name. The rising sun gave enough light in the place for her to realize Adele's empty bed. I guess she woke up early and went downstairs to eat breakfast with the King.

While in the room, she made the bed and straightened up anything that looked out of place. Afterward, she made her way to the kitchen for her breakfast. As she ate her gruel, a maid came in to ask if anything was needed. Miranda asked, "Rose, did you see the Princess in the dining room? When I went to wake her, the bed was empty."

"No, ma'am, she wasn't in the dining hall. Only His Majesty and Lord Ashmore," Rose said.

Now, what is she up to? I'll let His Majesty know what is happening, and Lord Ashmore. Miranda finished her breakfast and then made her way to the dining hall.

She entered the spacious room through the archway. The two men remained at the table talking. "Excuse me, Your Highness, Lord Ashmore."

"Yes, Miranda, what do you need?" Lord Ashmore asked as he stood by the King’s side.

The king’s counselor was a striking figure of a man in his middle fifties. He had a full head of salt and pepper hair and vivid grey eyes. His body remained muscular even in his advanced years.

"I'm sorry to disturb you, but I can't find the Princess. Miranda moved closer to the two men as she spoke. Have either of you seen her this morning?"

"No, I haven't seen her since yesterday at the evening meal. What about you?" The king asked Lord Ashmore.

"I haven't seen her either. Now go away, Miranda, and leave us to do our work."

"Yes, My Lord, Your Highness. She backed up a few steps before turning and leaving the room. Why does Lord Ashmore sound so angry when he speaks where others can hear?

Miranda went to the stables to check if Champion remained in his stall. She knew he wouldn't be there. As she looked over the gate into the stall, she felt the need of a man pressed against her.

She wasn't surprised because she knew his touch well. She smiled as she turned, pressing her mouth to his.

© Shirley McLain

Review Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain

“Guest Review by Laura Lee

Told through multiple point of views, 'Princess Adele's Dragon,' by Shirley McLain is the type of fantasy novel that can be enjoyed on many levels. Firstly, the setting. The kingdom of Valdoria is as rich and thought-provoking as any classic fantasy land. While reading, I could easily picture myself there fighting dragons or tending to cattle.

Secondly, the characters. I absolutely loved Princess Adele and her kick-butt attitude. I loved that she was a trained fighter (how often do you see that in female characters in fantasy books? Not very often, I can tell you!) and that she also had a sympathetic and very soft side.

I really appreciated Prince Anthony and his story, as well. What a great hero! He reminded me a lot of the hero, Westley in the cult classic novel, 'Princess Bride,' the way he was torn from his love and eventually returned a much different, darker man.

Adele and Anthony had an admirable love that waited for years, but didn't completely take over the plot once they were reunited. I appreciated how developed and subtle the plot was.

The revelation that Miranda, one of Adele's closest friends was secretly attempting to steal the throne took me by surprise and made me grieve for their friendship, despite only seeing it for a short while in the beginning of the book. On top of this, the usage of the dragon and Anthony's need to use it to help secure the kingdom was masterful.

I really enjoyed this book and I think any lovers of fantasy, adventure or romance would, too! McLain has really created a very special world within these novels and I hope to read more of it in the future!

I will most certainly be looking for the second book in this series whenever it is announced!

About Shirley McLain

Shirley McLain is a retired RN, wife, mother, and grandmother of six and Great Grandmother to four, three boys and one girl.

She is currently living in Sapulpa, Oklahoma where she is enjoying her retirement to the fullest. She was born in California but lived her growing years in Oklahoma. She has done extensive travel within the United States and learned to appreciate each state for its own beauty. Her dream trip is to see Spain and Italy at a slow pace.

Shirley has published a young adult mystery called “Crimes and Retribution”, a book of short stories called, “Shirley’s Short’s and Flashes” and a Christian poetry book called, “Verses For My King.” “Dobyns Chronicles” is a historical fiction in which you follow a family through troubling times. She has published her educational fiction about Bullying. It is for ages 10 to Adult to help them deal with bullying in school. She is now working on a book of short stories called “Shirley’s Compilation of Short Stories,” which is stories of different genres. She plans on having this book out in December 2022.

Shirley’s love of travel, adventure and writing have created works that will hold your attention, and leave you wanting more.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShirleyMcLain93
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShirleysBooks/

Buy Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain

Amazon

Giveaway Princess Adele's Dragon by Shirley McLain

This giveaway is for 3 ebook copies and is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on February 1, 2023 midnight, pacific time. Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Jan 3 Kickoff & Interview

Bookgirl Amazon & Goodreads Jan 4 Review

Nora S. Storeybook Reviews Jan 5 Guest Review & Excerpt

Gud Reader Goodreads Jan 6 Review

Suzie My Tangled Skeins Book Reviews Jan 9 Review & Guest Post

Linda Goodreads Jan 10 Review

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Jan 11 Review & Excerpt

DT Chantel Amazon & Goodreads Jan 12 Review

Mark Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Jan 13 Guest Review

Lora ettria.com Jan 16 Review & Excerpt

Kimberly Amazon Jan 17 Review

Laura Lee Celticlady’s Reviews Jan 18 Guest Review & Excerpt

Gary L. Amazon & Goodreads Jan 20 Review

Sal Bound 4 Escape Jan 23 Guest Review

Gracie Goodreads Jan 24 Review

Lisa’s Writopia Jan 25 Guest Post

Bee Book Pleasures Jan 26 Review & Interview

Lisa’s Writopia Jan 30 Review

Murder of Pearl: A Silverman Sisters Cozy Mystery (Pearl Party Cozy Mysteries) by Nellie H. Steele Book Tour!

About Murder of Pearl

Murder of Pearl: A Silverman Sisters Cozy Mystery (Pearl Party Cozy Mysteries)

Cozy Mystery 1st in Series

Setting - Fictional estate of Willow Lake Estate

A Novel Idea Publishing, LLC (October 21, 2022)

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 182 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1951582780

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1951582784

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 202 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1951582675 ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1951582678

Digital ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B5Y497HD

The world’s her oyster…until someone is stabbed with her shucking knife.
With a struggling pearl party business, sisters Kelly and Jodi Silverman are thrilled to land a weekend long jewelry party at a large estate. But the gothic house, complete with its weeping woman fountain, gives Kelly a bad vibe.
A nasty storm strands them at the spooky mansion. And when the birthday gal is found with Kelly’s shucking knife poking from her chest, they’re not only stuck in the creepy house with a murderer roaming the halls, but Kelly’s accused of the crime.
Can Kelly and Jodi piece together the limited clues, prove their innocence and stay alive? Or will this pearl party be their last?
If you love comedy mystery a la Clue, you’ll love Murder of Pearl, Book 1 in the Pearl Party Cozy Mystery series!

Award-winning author Nellie H. Steele writes in as many genres as she reads.

Addicted to books since she could read, Nellie escaped to fictional worlds like the ones created by Carolyn Keene or Victoria Holt long before she decided to put pen to paper and create her own realities. When she’s not spinning a cozy mystery tale, building a new realm in a contemporary fantasy, or writing another action-adventure car chase, you can find her shuffling through her Noah’s Ark of rescue animals or enjoying a hot cuppa (that’s tea for most Americans.) Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Goodreads, Bookbub, Pinterest and Tiktok.

Check out all Nellie's offers at www.anovelideapublishing.com/novels or at her blog, Nellie’s Book Nook, available at www.nelliesbooknook.com!

Author Links

Webpage: http://www.anovelideapublishing.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NellieHSteele/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NellieHSteele

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19769743.Nellie_H_Steele

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelliehsteele/

TOUR PARTICIPANTS

January 16 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 16 – Lady Hawkeye – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 16 – Mythical Books – REVIEW

January 17 – Literary Gold – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 17 – Maureen’s Musings – SPOTLIGHT

January 17 – Jane Reads – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 18 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog – SPOTLIGHT

January 18 – Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 19 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 19 – Ascroft, eh? – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 19 – Novels Alive – REVIEW – SPOTLIGHT

January 19 – Baroness Book Trove – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

January 20 – Rebecca M. Douglass, Author – REVIEW, AUTHOR INTERVIEW

January 20 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – CHARACTER GUEST POST

January 20 – Sapphyria’s Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 21 – Socrates Book Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

January 21 – I’m Into Books – SPOTLIGHT

January 21 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT

January 22 – The Mystery of Writing – AUTHOR GUEST POST

January 22 – Diana’s Book Journal – SPOTLIGHT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

An author signed copy of Murder of Pearl.

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The Testing of Rose Alleyn by Vivien Freeman Blog Tour!

The Testing of Rose Alleyn

England in the year 1900. A vibrant young woman must take control of her destiny.
Vivien Freeman’s atmospheric novel brings late Victorian England hauntingly to life in the mind of the reader. In this beautifully written romance, we explore the choices facing an independent-minded woman at a time when women struggled for self-determination.

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Testing-Rose-Alleyn-Vivien-Freeman-ebook/dp/B09MSLY8YB/

https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-testing-of-rose-alleyn/vivien-freeman/9781739781408

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Testing-Rose-Alleyn-Vivien-Freeman/dp/B09M7JN1Z9/

Extract from The Testing of Rose Alleyn by Vivien Freeman

It is May 1900. Since January, sixteen-year-old Rose Alleyn has been living at Mrs Fuller’s hostel for young women, in the market town of Widdock. Rose has walked home from her work as an assistant at Pritchard’s Bookshop. The five other tenants are already home.

As soon as I have closed the front door of Apple Tree House, the kitchen door flies open.

‘Yes, it is,’ Winnie calls back into the room. ‘Come on, Rose, we’ve been waiting for you.’

What she means, I discover after I’ve flung my hat and coat on the hallstand, is that although the four factory girls have eaten their first course and Lettie is just finishing hers, they are holding back from pudding because, as Meg tells me, we have a treat.

‘So, your rhubarb tart lives to fight another day,’ says Priscilla, with a smirk in my direction. She starts clearing the dirty plates, as I sit down to eat my dinner.

Jenny, who is Priscilla’s office colleague at the toothbrush factory, comes in at the back door having fetched Mrs. Fuller from her studio in the garden. ‘What’s all this about?’ she asks. ‘I can’t wait to be enlightened.’

It turns out that Winnie and Meg have received an official commendation from their company, Hallambury’s, which produces medicines and surgical equipment. They used to work in the packaging department but were promoted to the office, where they have been working for three months now. Not only are their posts confirmed but, because their pharmaceutical knowledge is so good, since they are the daughters of a chemist, they have been told that they may draft proposed replies to enquiries and instructions to be enclosed with orders.

‘Though our manager, Mr. Dixon, will have to approve and sign the letters, of course,’ says Meg.

‘He put the idea forward to the Chairman, so he’s just as pleased as us.’

‘I bet he is,’ says Priscilla, ‘if you care to think about it.’

But the rest of us are congratulating the two sisters.

‘We thought it was a rather special day,’ says Meg.

‘So, we rushed down during lunch break and begged Askey’s to put these aside to pick up on the way home,’ says Winnie bearing in from the scullery, to our gasps of anticipated pleasure, a double-tiered cake-stand upon which are seven mouth-watering Swiss buns, arranged to point outwards as if offering their slim fingers for our delectation.

Mrs. Fuller has fetched the finest tea plates from the dresser and, offered first pick, takes her bun and raises it by the underside aloft as if it were a wine glass. ‘A toast to all you clever girls,’ she says. ‘Two scientists, two assistants in interesting shops and two office clerks. I call that impressive. To all six of you!’

Lettie can hardly wait till our bedroom door is shut for the night. ‘Did you see her face – ‘ she breathes, ‘you know, when Mrs. Fuller - ?’

‘I know.’ I say no more, uneasy as I always am, that we might be overheard by someone passing on her way to or from the bathroom.

‘She looked as if she was sucking on a sour lemon. Trust her to be so jealous of Meg and Winnie’s good fortune, she couldn’t be pleased about Mrs. Fuller’s toast to us all.’

I simply nod and go to use the bathroom myself.

It is true that, in response to Mrs. Fuller’s rousing affirmation of our achievements, Priscilla’s first expression, swiftly blanked, did not echo the appreciation on everyone else’s faces, but Lettie’s deduction doesn’t quite add up, and I don’t want to dwell on any further interpretations. What remains uppermost in my mind’s eye is how, when Mrs. Fuller included Priscilla and Jenny in the toast, Jenny’s smile froze, as if in shock.

Vivien Freeman grew up in North London and graduated in Art History from the University of East Anglia before settling in Ware, Hertfordshire. A published poet as well as a novelist, she taught Creative Writing for many years and has an M.A. in Scriptwriting from Salford University. She now lives in rural Wales in the Vale of Glamorgan with her husband, the poet, John Freeman.

Happy Days by Clare Hawken Cover Reveal!

Happy Days

Meet Steph Barnacle, an English teacher at a private school, married to Dan. Her son has just left for university, her life is feeling a bit stale … and something weird is going on with the skin on her neck. And then Charles Kurmudge, the man she’s never forgotten, walks back into her world.

Charles’s life has blown up spectacularly – he’s lost his job, his house and his marriage. Determined to get back on track, he’s changed career. He’ll now be working for Steph, whose heart he broke over twenty years ago. He still finds her very attractive. What a shame she’s married.

Her husband, Dan, knows he loves Steph more than she loves him. And now that Charles is back in his wife’s orbit, he’s worried about their marriage. But surely Steph wouldn’t dream of leaving him for Charles, who’d treated her so badly … would she?

Can Steph resist her first love? Or will she give him a second chance?

Publication Date: 3rd February

You can order here:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BSDPGWMD

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BSDPGWMD/

Clare Hawken was born in Zambia and has lived in England, France and Australia. She now lives in Wiltshire with her family and a stubborn springer spaniel. She writes about families, relationships, and the blind spots, mistakes and mishaps that can change life in a heartbeat. Apart from writing, she enjoys reading voraciously across a wide range of genres; other people's gardening efforts; and long walks, if she can persuade the dog to

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