30 December 2015
Announcing the 2016 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, hosted by Passages to the Past!
Wow, it's that time again! I am thrilled to announce the 2016 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge, hosted by Passages to the Past! Sign Ups are open and ready for all that would like to join the challenge.
Here are the Reading Challenge details:
Each month, a new post dedicated to the HF Challenge will be created. To participate, you only have to follow the rules:
- Everyone can participate, even those who don't have a blog (you can add your book title and thoughts in the comment section if you wish)
- Add the link(s) of your review(s) including your name and book title to the Mister Linky we’ll be adding to our monthly post (please, do not add your blog link, but the correct address that will guide us directly to your review)
- Any sub-genre of historical fiction is accepted (Historical Romance, Historical Mystery, Historical Fantasy, Young Adult, etc.)
During the following 12 months you can choose one of the different reading levels:
20th century Reader - 2 booksVictorian Reader - 5 books
Renaissance Reader - 10 books
Medieval - 15 books
Ancient History - 25 books
Prehistoric - 50+ books
To join the challenge you only need to make a post about it, add your link in Mr. Linky below or just leave a link to your blog if you are not yet ready to post about it yet. If you don't have a blog you can just leave a comment for this post saying that you are joining.
The challenge runs from January 1st to December 31st, 2016.
I look forward to having you join me in reading and enjoying the best in historical fiction over the 12 months.
Don't forget to grab the Reading Challenge Button below! And please share about the Reading Challenge to your fellow friends and readers!
The Ice Queen: Book Two of Odd Tangle-Hair's Saga By Bruce Macbain Spotlight
Blank Slate Press eBook & Paperback;
285 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction
The second volume of Odd Tangle-Hair’s Saga takes up Odd’s adventures as a skald (court poet) in the land of the Rus. Here he is drawn into a dangerous love affair with the passionate and cunning Princess Ingigerd of Novgorod, and is forced to break with his sworn lord, Harald the Ruthless. Along the way, Odd devises a stratagem to defeat the wild Pechenegs, nomadic warriors of the Russian steppe, and goes off on a doomed mission to explore the distant reaches of the Black Sea. The novel concludes with Odd sailing into the harbor of Constantinople, bent on a secret mission, which will almost certainly cost him his life. Eager, curious, quick-witted—and sometimes wrong-headed—Odd Tangle-Hair recounts his story with candor, insight, and always an ironic sense of humor.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | INDIEBOUND
About the Author
From boyhood, Bruce Macbain spent his days in reading history and historical fiction. The Greeks and Romans have held a special fascination for him, and this led to earning a master’s degree in Classical Studies and a doctorate in Ancient History. Along the way, he also taught English as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Borneo. Later, he taught courses in Greek and Roman civilization at Boston University, and published a few dense monographs, read by very few. In recent years he has turned to writing fiction, a much more congenial pursuit, beginning with two historical mysteries set in ancient Rome (Roman Games and The Bull Slayer). Now, he has turned his attention to his other favorite folk, the Vikings. Odin's Child , the first novel of Odd Tangle-Hair’s Saga, was published in May, 2015 and is now followed the sequel, The Ice Queen. A concluding volume will follow next year. Bruce spends his spare time in the kitchen, cooking spicy food.WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS
Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, December 14Review at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Tuesday, December 15
Interview & Giveaway at Oh, For the Hook of a Book
Wednesday, December 16
Spotlight at Puddletown Reviews
Spotlight & Giveaway at Unshelfish
Thursday, December 17
Interview & Giveaway at Room With Books
Sunday, December 20
Spotlight at Layered Pages
Tuesday, December 22
Review at Book Nerd
Monday, December 28
Review at A Book Geek
Review at The Absurd Book Nerd
Tuesday, December 29
Spotlight at CelticLady's Reviews
Guest Post at The Absurd Book Nerd
Wednesday, December 30
Review at A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Thursday, December 31
Review at Boom Baby Reviews
At the Water's Edge by Sara Gruen Guest Review! @saragruen #AttheWatersEdge
The Book
After embarrassing themselves at the social event of the year in high society Philadelphia on New Year’s Eve of 1942, Maddie and Ellis Hyde are cut off financially by Ellis’s father, a former army Colonel who is already embarrassed by his son’s inability to serve in WWII due to his being colorblind. To Maddie’s horror, Ellis decides that the only way to regain his father’s favor is to succeed in a venture his father attempted and very publicly failed at: he will hunt the famous Loch Ness monster and when he finds it he will restore his father’s name and return to his father’s good graces (and pocketbook). Joined by their friend Hank, a wealthy socialite, the three make their way to Scotland in the midst of war. Each day the two men go off to hunt the monster, while another monster, Hitler, is devastating Europe. And Maddie, now alone in a foreign country, must begin to figure out who she is and what she wants. The novel tells of Maddie’s social awakening: to the harsh realities of life, to the beauties of nature, to a connection with forces larger than herself, to female friendship, and finally, to love.
The Review
“The monster – if there was one – never revealed itself to me again. But what I had learned over the past year was that monsters abound, usually hiding in plain sight.”
And so concludes the most original story about World War II that I have ever read. There is something about life during WWII that always seems to take on a romance unmatched by any other era and Sara Gruen showcases her talent for beautifully telling a love story in At the Water’s Edge.
In this gripping tale of heartbreak, privileged American Madilyn Hyde and her husband Ellis (and their goofy playboy bestie, Hank) embark on a journey to the Scottish Highlands to redeem themselves. Or, at least that’s what the men set out to do – Madilyn just goes along for the ride.
And what a ride it turns out to be.
With hopes of redeeming himself in his father’s eyes, Ellis Hyde takes his best friend and his wife on an adventure to a world where dinner is rationed, rules are strictly followed, and tomorrow isn’t a promise. His quest – to film the Loch Ness Monster. What seems like a fun adventure quickly turns into a nightmare.
Gruen writes a gripping and compelling story of folk lore that all at once examines the dynamics of female friendship, love and loyalty and more importantly – how one chain of events can shape the lives of so many.
I was beyond excited to read this novel – every Gruen book (and I’ve read them all) grabs me on page one and I am unable to tear myself from her words. She writes with such depth and detail that it is easy to imagine yourself living inside the pages. And her clear love for animals has endeared me to her work. This one, however, was difficult to get into – maybe I was thrown by the nature of the “animal” in this one. The Loch Ness Monster is a thing of the past, a mythical creature, a passing thought. But, I read on and soon found myself unable to stop.
At the Water’s Edge will keep you at your seats edge as Gruen paints the portrait of a woman in the most precarious situation – halfway around the world from home. Watch yourself fall in love with Madilyn as she falls in love with a life she would have never imagined. With a war raging and monsters taking on different forms, Gruen’s graceful narrative will propel you through a story that parallels that of the war. It’s a story within a story. A tragic love story in its purest form. While this is not my favorite work by Gruen, it’s a close second. But it is, by far, the most unique story I have read that takes place during WWII – an era that epitomizes the idea of monsters being real. Usually hiding in plain sight…
The Author
http://www.saragruen.com/
Reviewed by guest reviewer, Kate Kelly
This book was received for review from Netgalley for an honest opinion.
Reviewed by guest reviewer, Kate Kelly
This book was received for review from Netgalley for an honest opinion.
Welcome to the Who Loves Halos Giveaway! @las930
Welcome to the Who Loves Halos Giveaway!
Halos sent me this awesome gift basket and we get to give one away!
Well I could not get the picture of all the Halos because someone got into them first!
I can't blame them, Who doesn't love Halos?
I have to buy these the minute I see them in the store because they disappear around our house!
I can never say no because they are so good and so good for us that we have these as much as possible.
Pick some up and you will see how quickly they disappear in your home!
Halos® mandarins are Mother Nature’s perfect snack—sweet, juicy, seedless, and easy for little hands to peel. Even better, these li’l guys are 100% California born and raised, and absolutely, positively Non-GMO Project verified. So be sure to enjoy Halos® when they’re in season, from November through April.
Let me show you what else they sent me.
This cool light up glass, lights up orange, makes it perfect with their logo!
Next this really nice Halos hat! My daughter already stole it!
The perfect sunglasses! Do not want all that orange blinding you!
Halos bag to carry my Halos home in!
A reusable lunch bag! To take your Halos to work or school in!
Now how would you like to win what I received?
1 winner will receive everything!
GIVEAWAY
Hosted by:
Sponsored by:
ALSO I WANT TO GIVE A HUGE THANKS TO ALL THE AWESOME PROMOTING BLOGGERS! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR INVITING YOUR FOLLOWERS TO ENTER!
This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. You are not eligible if you have won a prize from any of the sponsors in the last 12 month.This Giveaway is valid in the Continental United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 1/15/16. The winners will have 48 hours to email theirinformation back to las93063 at gmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Laura Smith at las930 (at)gmail (dot) com or contact the owner of the blog you are entering on!
Also we all “love it if you like us” on Facebook! If you like our blogs on social media it helps us bring you only the best giveaways and more of them!
The Edge of Madness - A Thriller & Horror Anthology Release Date: March 1, 2016
The Edge of Madness -
A Thriller & Horror Anthology
Release Date: March 1, 2016
MARCH MADNESS as you’ve NEVER seen it…
15 COMPLETE NOVELS AND NOVELLAS FROM YOUR FAVORITE AUTHORS IN ONE PRETTY PACKAGE.
Kick off Spring 2016 with a collection of macabre, suspenseful and disturbing thriller/horror stories from around the globe — some of which you might be able to read with the lights off. The rest are going to scare the bejeezus out of you! One thing is guaranteed: once you've read them, you won’t ever be the same!
A mix of previously-released stories and never-before seen tales, this set holds fifteen new worlds to explore — fifteen incredible experiences to bombard your senses, fifteen sets of characters to love, hate and run from — and who could ask for more?
The perfect companion for a leisurely weekend of mayhem is at your fingertips — one-click your copy today!
THIS BOX SET INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING TITLES:
13 — Julie Elizabeth Powell
SLOTS — R.E. Hargrave
SPLIT — Michele E. Gwynn
NO CALLER ID — Ruby West
SECRETS ROOM — Kim Faulks
BLOOD CROW — Cleve Sylcox
BLOOD IS POWER — Ella Medler
DUPLICITOUS — Stephanie Nett
A CRYSTAL SNOWFLAKE — Holly Barbo
LOST SHADOWS — Julie Elizabeth Powell
TROPICAL NIGHTMARES — Kelly Cozzone
DIRTY BUSINESS — Julie Elizabeth Powell
MY DAYLIGHT MONSTERS — Sarah Dalton
NORTH BY NORTHEAST — Cherime MacFarlane
CAPTIVE (Book 1 of A New Life Series) — Samantha Jacobey
RATED MA 18+ for mature content, V — violence, S — graphic sexual situations, L — vulgar language. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18. Reader discretion is advised.
RELEASED by PERMISSION — All works in this box set have been professionally proofed by Paper Gold Publishing, unless this service was expressly refused by the author. Some stories are written in American, some in Australian, and some in British English. The authors have chosen to stay true to their heritage.
All rights reserved.
Pre-order links:
Amazon - http://amzn.to/1NHkE0j
B&N - http://ow.ly/VUOrE
SPECIAL for Kobo customers only!!
We are doing a gift with purchase for those who Pre-Order from Kobo – so be sure to sign up for your gift if you use them as your vendor…http://ow.ly/We6Mq
Rafflecopter - Over 50 winners will be drawn - get your entries today!!!
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/996a8ed464/?
http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/996a8ed464/?
29 December 2015
Shannon Hollow: Book Club Edition by Chelsey Cosh Spotlight!
Title: Shannon Hollow: Book Club Edition
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Page Count: 790 (paperback)
Publication Date: October 20, 2015
ISBN-13: 978-1515206767
ISBN-10: 1515206769
Synopsis:
A generational saga that spans from the dirty thirties to modern day, Shannon Hollow tells the story of a small Utah community and its eclectic mix of residents. From the spoiled and insatiable housewife to the dancing coal miner's daughter, each has their own little secret to protect. Faith is tested. Love is put to the limits. Truth is discovered. Welcome to Shannon Hollow.
Available on Amazon in both e-book and paperback form, Shannon Hollow deals with extremely controversial themes, like anti-Semitism, homophobia, racism, and class issues, in Utah's less-than-pristine history. “Shannon Hollow may draw from real-life events,” author Cosh said, “but the book is fiction. I tried to grab the essence of what it would be like to live in each era in Utah. But if you're asking whether or not the characters are real people, they're not. I would say they're amalgamations of so many various people I've encountered that they're Frankenstein versions of anyone by this point. Just like the book as a whole, the characters are works of fiction with true elements."
Author Bio:
Chelsey Cosh has been writing all her life. Cosh is a first-generation Canadian novelist and journalist. She worked as entertainment editor and co-webmaster of Canadian literary magazine What If, before she began writing novels. Her work often focuses on different worlds and walks of life colliding. Cosh was raised and lives in rural southeastern Ontario.
Chelsey Cosh
Author of Shannon Hollow and Reel Talk
Web: randcbooks.com
Twitter: @RandCBooks
Facebook: R and C Books
Top 12 Places to Visit in Texas by #JodyRookstool Review
As a lifelong Texan, Jody Rookstool is the perfect person to seek for information regarding a state so vast that it seems impossible that anyone could possess such an intimate knowledge of every place worth visiting. In this book, Rookstool provides readers with an in-depth look at some of the most interesting places to visit in Texas, including roadside attractions, art installations, historic locations and iconic pop-culture destinations. Covering the entire state from east to west and north to south, Rookstool’s book succeeds in bringing the vibrancy of Texas to life while informing the reader of every last detail regarding each individual destination.
In “Jody Rookstool's Top 12 Places to Visit in Texas,” readers will learn everything they need to know about some of the most fascinating locations in Texas, including Padre Island National Seashore, Cadillac Ranch, Washington on the Brazos, Moody Gardens, Space Center Houston and The Hill of James Magee, along with so many others ranking among the top 12 places to visit in Texas. With rare insight into each location’s history and a focus on establishing the unique characteristics of each destination, Rookstool makes it easy for readers to understand why each place is worthy of its place among the top destinations in the state. Readers will surely come away from reading this book with a clear desire to see all that Texas has to offer to both first-time visitors and longtime residents alike.
An ideal read for anyone planning a trip to, through or within Texas, this book does not do much to dispel the oft-repeated notion that “everything is bigger in Texas.” Rookstool mentions that the state has far more to offer than just the 12 destinations included in this book, noting that Texas is home to so much diversity and successfully attracts so many wonderful people from all over the world that there are new places worth checking out that seem to spring to life overnight. Rookstool focuses on offering a representative cross-section of Texas destinations, detailing a balanced mix of traditional locales, cultural attractions and natural settings reflecting every beautiful aspect of the massive Lone Star State.
About the Author
Jody Rookstool is a native Texan whose passion for travel and DIY projects led to a career as a professional blogger. Though she started out with no intention other than to share her insight and experience with others, her talent for DIY and for arts and crafts became a frequent source of inspiration for those who read her blog. That talent, along with her ability to provide easily understood online instruction, served as the foundation for a new career path for Ms. Rookstool. She put more time into her blogging and quickly realized the potential for success offered by her burgeoning writing career.
After enjoying initial success with her DIY and craft blog, Ms. Rookstool began to tackle other subjects she felt equally passionate about. The most natural choice to add to her repertoire was on the subject of her home state, Texas. Her efforts in compiling the best of Texas led to an opportunity to publish a travel guide on the Lone Star State, which included a number of her preferred destinations that many travelers may have been previously unfamiliar with. While her book focused mostly on places to visit while in Texas, her blog focuses on anything and everything having to do with her home state.
As a DIYer, Ms. Rookstool is an innovator who has been able to simplify some of the most seemingly complex projects so that they are accessible to a broader audience. Ms. Rookstool has enjoyed exceptional success because of this specific skill, as her readers know each project they take on will be clearly explained and easily understood.
http://www.amazon.com/Jody-Rookstools-Places-Visit-Texas/dp/1517387264/After enjoying initial success with her DIY and craft blog, Ms. Rookstool began to tackle other subjects she felt equally passionate about. The most natural choice to add to her repertoire was on the subject of her home state, Texas. Her efforts in compiling the best of Texas led to an opportunity to publish a travel guide on the Lone Star State, which included a number of her preferred destinations that many travelers may have been previously unfamiliar with. While her book focused mostly on places to visit while in Texas, her blog focuses on anything and everything having to do with her home state.
As a DIYer, Ms. Rookstool is an innovator who has been able to simplify some of the most seemingly complex projects so that they are accessible to a broader audience. Ms. Rookstool has enjoyed exceptional success because of this specific skill, as her readers know each project they take on will be clearly explained and easily understood.
http://jodyrookstool.com/
http://jodyrookstool.com/new-book/
https://jodyrookstool.wordpress.com
The Review
Top 12 Places to Visit in Texas by Jody Rookstool, is a very short but incisive read about places that are popular attractions to visit in the state of Texas.
The places listed in the book are:
Padre Island National Seashore
Moody Gardens in Galveston
Space Center Houston
The Lights of Marfa
Dinosaur Valley State Park in Glen Rose
The Hill of James Magee
Cadillac Ranch
Gorman Falls in Colorado Bend State Park
The Big Texan Steak Ranch
Fort Worth Stockyards
Enchanted Rock State Natural Area
Washington on the Brazos
I have never been to Texas but if I were to go, these would certainly be some areas that I would love to visit. Of course there are a lot more places to visit, depending on what you are interested in, in Texas and this little book gives the reader an idea of what is available. I read this book in one sitting and enjoyed it. If you are looking for some ideas on what to see in Texas, if you are a visitor or resident, this book will give you an idea, great descriptions and links to visit.
I received a copy of this book for review and for my honest thoughts.
28 December 2015
Blogger Opp ~ Two Rivers Coffee Giveaway (2 Winners!) Sign Ups Close 1/05 #TwoRiversCoffee
Deliciously Savvy Is Hosting a New Giveaway for 2 Lucky Winners To Receive The Two Rivers Coffee Premium Coffee Only Single Serve Gift Box (21 Count) with an ARV of $20 Each. Total Prizes $40 ARV. Now.... I Need Your Help Promoting As You All Rock! I Can Never Do It Without Each and Every One of You So Thank You!
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2 Lucky Winners Will Receive Two Rivers Coffee Premium Coffee Single Serve Gift Box For Keurig (21 Count) ARV $20 Each (Total ARV $40)
Now…. Deliciously Savvy Needs Your Help Promoting! I cannot do it without each and every one of you so please sign up today! Thanks so much!
1 FREE Link For Agreeing To Post Giveaway On Time and Promote 3 to 4 times a week Via Social Media. (Choose from Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest ONLY)
PLUS Snag a 2nd & 3rd FREE Link If You Post The Announcement (Choose From Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest OR Instagram)
Co-Hosts Wanted & Needed ~ $4 for 5 links of your choice (and I mean any you choose other than Google+). You can do Facebook Comments, Blog Comments, Giveaway Entries, Daily Votes, Social Media Follows of your choice, Secret Word Pages ANYTHING! PLUS the 3 FREE links above gives you 8 Links Total! Co-Hosts will also be promoted via graphics and link backs to their site via extra follow pages & Co-Host Pages! (# of extra follow pages depends on # of sign ups so promote, promote, promote!) Co-Hosts are not required to post announcement but it is greatly appreciated!
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Sign Ups Close ~ 1/05 @ 11:59PM EST
Open To US and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates: 1/07 9PM EST until 1/21 11:59PM EST
Savvy Challenge!!! The Blogger With The Most Referrals will Receive a FREE Co-Host Spot On This Giveaway OR Giveaway of Winners Choice! Promote Away and Make Sure They Know To Say You Sent Them! Minimum of 5 referrals to win free spot on next promotion or promotion you choose.
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