"WEREGIRL"--The bestselling novel from C. D. Bell will get your heart racing and blood pumping as you fall in love with Nessa Kurland. Part werewolf romance, part teen thriller, WEREGIRL tells one girl's story of growth in the face of danger, rivalry, transformation, and love. A beautiful meditation on coming of age, told through a fantasy lens.

 

Weregirl

Nessa Kurland is running for her life...

High school junior Nessa Kurland is a cross-country runner with her eyes set on one thing: a college scholarship as her one-way ticket out of Tether, Michigan, a town on the brink of shutdown since it was devastated by corporate polluter Dutch Chemical.

Talented teammate Cynthia invites Nessa on a nighttime run through Tether's overgrown forest trails. But she speeds ahead, leaving Nessa alone to discover a trapped wolf. Nessa tries to free the animal but is badly bitten, seemingly ruining her hopes for a strong fall season.

Instead, Nessa's freakishly quick recovery is followed by improved running times. All her senses are heightened. Nessa has transformed.

She has become a werewolf...

In her new state, Nessa learns that Tether has many secrets. What is really going on at the small-town clinic? Can she decipher what the wolf pack she's been running with is trying to tell her? Nessa must navigate true human darkness and the uncertainty of young love, while making peace with her new, wild nature.

"Weregirl is not a love story as Twilight was--nor does it fall victim to the dreaded love triangle that many other YA novels make the focal point. Ultimately, Nessa feels like a real girl, with all of the flaws, desires, and confusing feelings that real girls her age have." --Revelist

"A heart-gripping story of danger and magical transformation." --Eliot Schrefer, two-time National Book Award Finalist and author of Rescued

"A fresh and unique approach to the werewolf genre...Nessa's growth into a more confident young woman [is] sure to inspire young readers." --YABooksCentral

"Supernatural fans of all ages will thoroughly enjoy the exciting, dramatic saga of a young woman's dual quest to master her own wild gift and uncover the sinister secret lurking within her dilapidated hometown. An exciting, dramatic story featuring a courageous and resourceful heroine, Weregirl is highly recommended for both high school and public library fantasy collections." --Midwest Book Review

"I literally devoured [Weregirl] in one sitting." --WanderedSouls Book Blog

"The writing is incredible, especially when it gets to the action-packed scenes. I couldn't stop reading. I was desperate to find out what happens next!"--MyTrendingStories Blog

"My faith in the paranormal genre was restored by this book and has easily become one of my favorites." --ChildishlyPassionate Book Blog

"...a solid story with engaging characters..." --Publishers Weekly

"Weregirl is like a superhero origin story and a mystery wrapped in a supernatural guise. For those tired of the typical supernatural YA novel, this book is your answer." --Bookseller at VJ Books

"...stunning cover! So beautiful, definitely one of my favorite covers of the year. Weregirl is a fantastically written book...a must-read novel." --The Giggling Bookworm Blog

 

 

Chimera

The forest is full of secrets...

Nessa Kurland is adjusting to life as a weregirl—she is transforming with ease and running with a pack she cares for deeply. Her boyfriend Luc is a fellow shifter, and Paravida, the corporation responsible for unethical genetic experiments on the residents of Tether, has pulled out of town, leaving the community safe.

But that’s just how it appears on the surface.

Nessa returns home from a run with the pack to find an FBI raid and the shocking news that her mother Vivian is being held without bail for violations so serious she may be facing life in prison. What did Nessa’s mother, a small-town vet tech, do to threaten Homeland Security? Vivian’s secret past leads Nessa to discover there is more to her own story than she ever imagined.

The wolves that are running through Tether’s woods are not the same pack Nessa knew before. These are not all natural wolves. And they are breeding.

Nessa’s transformation is only just beginning.

In CHIMERA, the second installment in the Weregirl trilogy, Nessa confronts the truth of who she is, where she comes from, and what she has to do to survive.

 

 

Typhon

Three sisters, together for the first time since birth: Nessa Kurland, a werewolf with powers she has learned to control. Delphine, who grew up knowing there was more to their family's story than was being said. And finally: the chimera, a construction of their father's lab, whose very existence threatens them all.

Now that all three live at their father's property and laboratory facility in the Pacific Northwest, what will the family's future hold?

Nessa has begun summoning a new skill that she does not understand: halos of color are appearing around people and animals, but what do they mean? And why are the darkest shadows surrounding Delphine?

Who are the kids that lurk in the dark corners of the woods? Are there other wolves and shifters that Nessa doesn't know about?

Daniel Host, Nessa's father, has called together a group of special researchers and scientists to view the ultimate creation. All eyes are on him.

And a storm is coming...

In WEREGIRL: TYPHON, the epic conclusion of the WEREGIRL Trilogy, Nessa must decide between science, magic, and family...and she must stop the evil that threatens all three.

 

C. D. Bell

 

When she's not biking the streets of Brooklyn, NY, you can find C. D. Bell writing in a decrepit RV clinging to the side of a hill in upstate New York, trying to teach herself to watercolor, or inventing her own recipes. She is a voracious reader of anything and everything fantasy, supernatural, or romance. And she swears that the monsters she often writes about are not real— at least she hopes not.

http://www.weregirl.com

 

"THE HISTORIAN"--a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula--Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel is an adventure of monumental proportions, a relentless tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present, with an assurance that is almost unbearably suspenseful-and utterly unforgettable

 

The Historian

Late one night, exploring her father’s library, a young woman finds an ancient book and a cache of yellowing letters addressed ominously to ‘My dear and unfortunate successor’. Her discovery plunges her into a world she never dreamed of – a labyrinth where the secrets of her father’s past and her mother’s mysterious fate connect to an evil hidden in the depths of history.

The letters provide links to one of the darkest powers that humanity has ever known-and to a centuries-long quest to find the source of that darkness and wipe it out. It is a quest for the truth about Vlad the Impaler, the medieval ruler whose barbarous reign formed the basis of the legend of Dracula. Generations of historians have risked their reputations, their sanity, and even their lives to learn the truth about Vlad the Impaler and Dracula. Now one young woman must decide whether to take up this quest herself-to follow her father in a hunt that nearly brought him to ruin years ago, when he was a vibrant young scholar and her mother was still alive. What does the legend of Vlad the Impaler have to do with the modern world? Is it possible that the Dracula of myth truly existed-and that he has lived on, century after century, pursuing his own unknowable ends? The answers to these questions cross time and borders, as first the father and then the daughter search for clues, from dusty Ivy League libraries to Istanbul, Budapest, and the depths of Eastern Europe. In city after city, in monasteries and archives, in letters and in secret conversations, the horrible truth emerges about Vlad the Impaler's dark reign-and about a time-defying pact that may have kept his awful work alive down through the ages.

Parsing obscure signs and hidden texts, reading codes worked into the fabric of medieval monastic traditions-and evading the unknown adversaries who will go to any lengths to conceal and protect Vlad's ancient powers-one woman comes ever closer to the secret of her own past and a confrontation with the very definition of evil. Elizabeth Kostova's debut novel is an adventure of monumental proportions, a relentless tale that blends fact and fantasy, history and the present, with an assurance that is almost unbearably suspenseful-and utterly unforgettable.

REVIEWS

“Kostova has done something quite extraordinary... She has refashioned the vampire myth into a compelling contemporary novel, a late-night page-turner that will be sure to make you lose some precious hours of sleep.... She sets up the scene beautifully, and her description of the count himself is masterful, down to every bone-chilling detail.... Kostova tells her otherworldly tale with great assurance and considerable style.” — June Sawyers, San Francisco Chronicle

 

“Hypnotic . . . a thrill ride through history.”— The Denver Post

 

“Part thriller, part history, part romance . . . Kostova has a keen sense of storytelling and she has a marvelous story to tell.” — Baltimore Sun

 

 

Elizabeth Kostova

 

 

 

Elizabeth Kostova was born Elizabeth Z. Johnson in New London, Connecticut and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee where she graduated from the Webb School of Knoxville. She received her undergraduate degree from Yale University and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, where she won the 2003 Hopwood Award for her Novel-in-Progress. She is married to a Bulgarian scholar and has taken his family name.

Her first novel, The Historian, was published in 2005 and it has become a best-seller.

In May 2007, the Elizabeth Kostova Foundation was created. The Foundation helps support Bulgarian creative writing, the translation of contemporary Bulgarian literature into English, and friendship between Bulgarian authors and American and British authors.

Kostova released her second novel The Swan Thieves on January 12, 2010. Her third novel, The Shadow Land, was released in 2017. 

 

http://www.theswanthieves.com

"HALF PAST DEAD"--quite an appropriate title for this paranormal romance anthology from authors Zoe Archer and Bianca D'Arc--in each of the stories the zombified hero is not really human, but not really dead--both "men" retain enough of their humanity to not only be heroic, but romantic as well (see my review)

 

Half Past Dead: The Undying Heart / Simon Says (The Blades of the Rose, #0.5; Guardians of the Dark, #1)

There are good guys, there are bad boys, and then there are men with a danger all their own—these are the ones who take you places you never imagined…and will never forget.

“The Undying Heart” by Zoe Archer

Samuel Reed had no idea magic existed, until it almost destroyed him. Thirsting for vengeance against the enemy who made him something less than human, Sam returns to England and crosses paths with Cassandra Fielding. His best friend’s little sister has become a fearless woman on a dangerous mission of her own. And against all odds, she sees past what he’s become, and stirs a desire he thought he’d lost forever…

“Simon Says” by Bianca D’Arc

Special Forces soldier Simon Blackwell ended his affair with Mariana Daniels three years ago, but he hasn’t stopped protecting her. Mariana has no knowledge of the dark, deadly creatures that lurk in the forest surrounding her clinic, or of the mysterious powers that make Simon the only one who can defeat them. But soon he’ll have no choice but to reveal the truth, and urge her to trust in an explosive passion that never faded…

MY REVIEW:  "Half Past Dead" is quite an appropriate title for this paranormal romance anthology from authors Zoe Archer and Bianca D'Arc. In each of the stories the zombified hero is not really human, but not really dead. Both "men" retain enough of their humanity to not only be heroic, but romantic as well. Actually, they are intensely erotic. Who knew? Zoe Archer's story, "The Undying Heart", is the prequel for her "Blades of the Rose" series, and it takes place in the Post-Civil War Era. Samuel Reed served valiantly in the War Between the States, only to be betrayed, murdered, and made one of the living dead by his own villainous commanding officer. After years of struggle, he is able to control his own will and seeks to destroy the man who defiled his existence along with the lives of so many of his fellow soldiers. His search brings him face-to-face with Cassandra Fielding, the sister of his best friend, Charlie, whose battle injuries were too severe for his body to be reborn as undead. Cassie does not turn away from Sam, even though she fully realizes that he is no longer a living, breathing man--he has no heartbeat. She is also on a mission, working for a select, secretive society, and she and Sam are after the same man. As they work together to bring an end to a heinous evil, feelings from their youth bloom and mature into a powerful passion. If they succeed in their quest, will they find a way to let love win its own war? Bianca D'Arc's contemporary story, "Simon Says", features a special ops superman, Simon Blackwell, who was bitten by a zombie and lived to tell the tale. Not only lived, but did not lose his humanity. After being quite ill from the bite, he bounced back stronger than ever with unusual physical abilities and the capability to quickly heal from injuries. His unique resistance to the zombie virus makes him unequaled as a hunter of the undead, and it also brings him back in contact with Dr. Mariana Daniels, the woman he turned away from after he was stricken. The explosive chemistry between them is just as hot, and the love they had never acknowledged is as deep as it is unspoken. When the threat of the undead comes too close to Mariana, Simon goes into overdrive when it comes to protecting his woman. She is only too glad to have Simon back in her life, even if he is now a different man. Together, they must eliminate the zombie warriors that threaten their community. If they survive, will they have a future together? "Half Past Dead" is the first book that I have ever read which features zombies as romantic heroes. Zombies--intensely erotic--who knew? 

 

Zoë Archer

 

Zoë Archer is a RITA award-nominated romance author whose stories are about smart, capable heroines and the heroes who love them. She is the author of the acclaimed Blades of the Rose series, as well as the Hellraiser, and Nemesis Unlimited series, among others. She also writes Regency-set romances as Eva Leigh. Visit her on the Web at http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/ 

 

Bianca D’Arc

 

Bianca enjoys mixing her real-world knowledge of science with imaginary worlds in her writing. A former chemist, she tends to mix genres, concentrating most of her writing in the paranormal, sci fi, fantasy and futuristic realms, with some contemporary and urban fantasy thrown in for fun."

https://www.biancadarc.com/ 

"American Wonders Collection"--from author Regina Scott--inspirational historical romance--the national parks--beauty of nature, wonder, adventure, romance--an exploration of the history of these national treasures, with stories set in the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Mount Rainier (see my reviews)

  

A View Most Glorious

Headstrong Coraline Baxter has worked all her life to be more than the spoiled socialite others expect. When her fellow suffragettes in Tacoma, Washington, suggest that she should climb to the top of Mount Rainier to prove that a woman can do anything, she instantly resolves to do it. And if she can climb Mount Rainier, her mother promises to stop pressuring her to get married to the wealthy Cash Kincaid. All Cora needs is a guide to get her to the top of the mountain.

Nathan Hardee may look like a mountain man, but he once ruled the halls of high society. He left all that behind after his father broke under financial pressure from Kincaid. To best Kincaid now, Nathan agrees to guide Cora up the mountain.

Climbing Rainier will require all of Cora's strength and will lead her and Nathan to rediscover their faith in God and humanity. These two loners make unlikely partners in righting a wrong and may just discover that only together is the view most glorious.

"Unputdownable! A View Most Glorious is historical romance at its best."--Amanda Cabot, bestselling author of Dreams Rekindled

"A View Most Glorious is, indeed, glorious! This adventure-filled tale with its wonderful characters will have you holding your breath as Coraline faces more opposition than what the mountain can throw at her."--Kit Morgan, USA Today bestselling author  

MY REVIEW:  Author Regina Scott brings her remarkable "American Wonders Collection" to a close with Book Three, "A View Most Glorious". In Tacoma, Washington of 1893, Miss Coraline Baxter is very much a young woman of the times--caught between the suffragette movement and the lingering views of "a woman's place" still held by older society women like her own mother. Cora's father had deserted them when Cora was only six, and a year later, they received word of his death. Her mother's second husband had been a drinker, and after his death, she and Cora were evicted from their home. Fortunately, Cora's second stepfather, Winston, was both kind and wealthy, and he and Cora had a close relationship. A request from her fellow suffragettes for her to climb Mt. Rainier as a way to bring attention to their cause has Cora searching for a knowledgeable guide. Her mother's opposition to the idea is accompanied by her demand that Cora agree to marry the rich and eligible Cash Kincaid if she can't complete the climb. Winston arranges a meeting with a most reputable and reliable guide, Nathan Hardee. Skeptical of Cora's ability to physically meet the demands of the climb, he at first refuses the offer. However, he changes his mind when he learns that Cora's mother is pressuring her to marry Kincaid, a man whom Nathan despises. Nathan was once the son of a wealthy society family, and like many others his family had endured great losses in the financial panic of the era. His own father had amassed a great debt and then taken his own life. Nathan had turned his back on society then, and turned toward a new life as an outdoorsman. If helping Cora was a way to keep Kincaid from gaining what he desired, then Nathan would do his best to safely guide her up and down the mountain and back to her home and family. When Cora and Nathan begin their grand adventure, they have no idea that it will turn out to be a journey of a lifetime for them both. As they make their way along the trail, they get to know each other as they also learn more about themselves. The misconceptions they first had of each other begin to fade away, and in their place comes awareness and appreciation. Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the mountains, they also feel an affirmation of their faith. Can it be that their "view most glorious" will open their eyes to the truth around them and lead to a loving and happy future with each other? I highly recommend the "American Wonders Collection"--three stand alone works with the common theme of national parks--for those who love American history and inspirational romance.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books  

Nothing Short of Wondrous

It is 1886, and the government has given the US Cavalry control of Yellowstone. For widowed hotelier Kate Tremaine, the change is a welcome one. She knows every inch of her wilderness home like the back of her hand and wants to see it protected from poachers and vandals.

Refused a guide by Congress, Lieutenant William Prescott must enlist Kate's aid to help him navigate the sprawling park and track down the troublemakers. But a secret from his past makes him wary of the tender feelings the capable and comely widow raises in him. As they work together to protect the park and stand firm through injustice and tragedy, they may just find that two wounded hearts can share one powerful love when God is in control.

"Set against the splendid backdrop of Yellowstone National Park, this book will delight readers with its poignant story of love, hope, and the possibilities of second chances."--Jen Turano, USA Today bestselling author

MY REVIEW:  I love learning about American history, and books set in the late 1800's are among my favorite reads. "Nothing Short of Wondrous" is Book Two in author Regina Jennings' "American Wonders Collection Series". The story takes place in Yellowstone National Park in 1886, during a time when the US government sent the Calvary to safeguard the park and its animals. Widow Kate Tremaine has her hands full raising her young son, Danny, running her hotel, the Geyser Gateway Inn, and protecting the park. Lieutenant Will Prescott needs Kate's help as a guide and instructor to help him and his men learn the ways of the park. He has no authorized funds to pay her, but in exchange for her assistance, he will help her with repairs and upkeep at the inn. Working together and spending time in each other's company sparks an awareness and attraction between Will and Kate. When Kate's husband died, her life changed in ways she never expected. Will is still dealing with an incident from his past which set him back personally and professionally. When Danny is abducted, Will and Kate must stand strong in their faith in each other and in their own spiritual faith to bring Danny safely home. Author Regina Scott has done a wonderful job of creating compelling characters and infusing her story with fascinating historical detail. Readers will also enjoy the first book in the series, "A Distance Too Grand". The "American Wonders Collection Series" is highly recommended for lovers of inspirational historical romance.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books

 

 

A Distance Too Grand

Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession--starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn't realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.

Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart. He can't afford to be distracted during this survey, which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.

As dangers arise from all sides--and even from within--Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

Praise for A Distance Too Grand

"Scott dazzles in the opening to her exciting new American Wonders Collection."--Booklist starred review

"Set against the backdrop of an expanding American West, this first in a new series from Scott will satisfy readers looking for a gentle love story and a gumption-filled heroine ready to explore the world."--Library Journal 

 

Regina Scott

 

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .  

"Reach Out, Gather in: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home"--through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action in this 40-day journey of hospitality and will help you with the how to and why of reaching out to others in meaningful ways--includes recipes (see my review)

 

 

Reach Out, Gather in: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home

Like most women, you want to open up your home and connect with others. But you don't think you have the time or ability. Along comes Reach Out. Gather In.

Through devotionals and practical tips, New York Times bestselling author Karen Ehman will inspire you to put love into action in this 40-day journey of hospitality. Karen will help you with the how to and why of reaching out to others in meaningful ways. This book--part devotional, part practical handbook--will help you find loving ways to feed both the bodies and souls of the people whom God has placed in your life. In Reach Out. Gather In., Karen will share:

· some of her favorite recipes and hospitality traditions
· ideas for menu planning and themed gatherings
· sorta-from-scratch shortcuts for busy days when you need something delicious in a snap
· motivating stories and biblical inspiration
· space for answering reflective questions so you can journal your own 40-day excursion
· sidebars on decluttering and cleaning strategies

This beautiful book highlights the why of hospitality, so that your home and life will grow to be a place where the gospel is displayed, drawing others closer to Christ and making a difference for eternity.

 MY REVIEW: Hospitality can be defined as "treating strangers and friends alike--welcoming one another into our homes and lives". In "Reach Out, Gather in: 40 Days to Opening Your Heart and Home", bestselling author Karen Ehman has created a spiritually encouraging devotional journal to help readers learn how to reach out to others with confidence, compassion, and care. While including inspirational Biblical references, the author writes in a warm, personable manner that truly makes you feel welcome. Her tips for feeding body and soul also include wonderful recipes like these: "Wild Rice Chicken"; "Oatmeal Dinner Rolls"; "Farmers Market Muffins"; "Italian Stuffed Shells"; "Seven Layer Salad"; "Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars"; "Apple Crumble Pie"; "Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread"; "Vintage Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake"; and much more. The author definitely offers "food for thought", and this book will make a lovely gift to yourself and to others as well.

Book Copy Gratis Bethany House Books

REVIEWS

“Karen Ehman’s books are always delightfully full—helpful, useful, playful, meaningful. Every chapter is brimming with personal experiences, practical tips, and deliciously simple recipes. Reach Out, Gather In is an ideal source of encouragement for those of us who might not have the spiritual gift of hospitality but really want to make others welcome. Friends, this is the book we’ve been waiting for.”—Liz Curtis Higgs, bestselling author of Ruth

“Karen is masterful at inspiring us to open our homes for heartfelt hospitality as well as beautifully showing us how to do this simply and with a generous heart. This book is soul-filling and heartwarming.”—Sally Clarkson, host of the At Home With Sally podcast, author of Desperate, Own Your Life, and Awaking Wonder

“As someone who’s intimidated by hospitality, I need a guide, someone inspirational as well as practical. Karen Ehman will give you the confidence and courage you need to open your door and your heart in ways you’ve longed to but never knew how—until now.”—Holley Gerth, bestselling author of You’re Already Amazing and life coach

“We all want to make a difference in others’ lives, but so often we miss the opportunity right in front of us. Reach Out, Gather In is a compelling invitation to engage with the people who are a part of our every day and watch how God can use our simple acts of kindness to change a life! The best part? Karen Ehman has lived this way of life for years, and now she is showing us how we can too.”—Ruth Schwenk, cohost of the Rootlike Faith podcast, author of The Better Mom Devotional, and co-author of In a Boat in the Middle of a Lake 

 

Karen Ehman

Karen is a New York Times bestselling author with Proverbs 31 Ministries as well as a writer for Encouragement For Today, an online devotional that reaches over four million readers daily. She is also a contributing teacher for the First 5 app, a bible-study tool with over two million users. She has authored fifteen books including KEEP IT SHUT: What to Say, How to Say It and When to Say Nothing at All and the ECPA 2020 book of the year Settle My Soul: 100 Quiet Moments to Meet with Jesus. She has been featured on numerous media outlets including TODAY Parenting, FoxNews.com, Redbook.com, Crosswalk.com, and HomeLife Magazine.

Karen has been married for over a quarter-century to her college sweetheart Todd and is the mom of three and mother-in-law of two. She resides in central Michigan where she enjoys collecting vintage Pyrex dishes, strolling area farm markets, and processing life with family, friends, and anyone else who gathers around her Mid-century dining room table for a taste of Mama Karen's cooking.

You can connect with Karen at karenehman.com where she helps women to live their priorities and love their lives, reflecting the gospel as they do.

"The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas"--a heart-warming holiday anthology featuring bestselling author Jodi Thomas--in these Texas-set stories of romance and adventure, the Civil War is over, Christmas is coming—and it’s time for three rugged fighters to find love (see my review)

The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas

FATHER GOOSE by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jodi Thomas

Dispirited by war, when Trapper Hawkins accepts a job hauling five little rich girls to Dallas, all he cares about is the money. He doesn’t expect they’ll awaken his spirit—or that their intriguing nursemaid, Emery, will awaken his heart. And when danger strikes as Christmas Eve nears, he definitely doesn’t expect Em and the girls to risk their lives—for him . . .

THE MISTLETOE PROMISE by Sharla Lovelace

A catastrophic storm, an ailing herd, and a failing cattle ranch have left Texas rancher Josie Bancroft in danger of losing everything her father worked for. Still, she’d rather die than merge with her neighbor rancher Benjamin Mason, the man who broke her heart years ago, on Christmas Eve. As old sparks fly and secrets are revealed, however, Ben is determined to help Josie—and prove that this time around can be different. That the misunderstandings of Christmas past need not define their future...

CHRISTMAS ROAD by Scarlett Dunn

Yellow Fever has hit Clint Mitchum’s Texas hometown and taken his father and siblings, leaving Clint ever more cynical. Racing homeward to be by his mother’s side, Clint finds only a note from her, asking that he help her caregiver, a young woman named Amelia. Assuming his mother has passed, in his grief Clint ventures out to search for Amelia—and finds the best of gifts—just in time for Christmas... 

MY REVIEW:  A new book from beloved best-selling author Jodi Thomas is always a treat--you'll find a little spice along with the sweet--and you can expect dashes of the unexpected to keep you on your reader's toes. "The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas" is a delightful holiday anthology set in Post-Civil War Texas featuring charming tales from Ms. Thomas and two other gifted storytellers--Sharla Lovelace and Scarlett Dunn. In "Father Goose", from Jodi Thomas, Trapper Hawkins is emotionally adrift after the end of the war. With no family and no home, he finds work here and there to keep himself going. A chance to earn a big payday for safely transporting five young girls home to their wealthy father's ranch in time for Christmas seems like a way for him to make a new start in life--even if danger lurks along the way. A pretty young widow, Mrs. Adams, agrees to accompany Trapper and the girls in exchange for a ride to Dallas. Emery Adams is no widow--she is a young woman escaping a life of sad servitude, and just like Trapper, she hopes for a new beginning. Neither of them could have imagined the surprises they would encounter, including just how remarkable and resourceful five little girls can be. A possibility of a bright and happy future begins to emerge--if they can just survive the journey. "The Mistletoe Promise", from Sharla Lovelace, offers a second chance at love for neighboring ranchers Josie Bancroft and Benjamin Mason--if only they can overcome the heartache of the past. Ben wants to help Josie secure her struggling ranch, but more than that, he longs to set to rights the painful circumstances which have kept them apart for years. As secrets come to light and truths are revealed, it may just take a Christmas miracle for the love that was once so strong to once again shine so bright. In "Christmas Road", a former soldier receives an urgent message from his mother to return home as his family has been devastated by the Yellow Fever epidemic. Filed with regrets for staying away so long, Clint Mitchum hastens to his family's ranch and finds it abandoned, but there are fresh graves in the family burial plot. A note left by his mother pleads with him to make sure her caretaker, Amelia, is safe and well. Clint sets out on a journey that will help him resolve his past and find new hope with a chance for a future filled with love and joy. Those who enjoy historical western romance and carry the holiday spirit in their heart will find much to appreciate in "The Cowboy Who Saved Christmas".

Review Copy Gratis Author
 

About the Authors

 

 

Jodi Thomas is a New York Times bestselling author and fifth-generation Texan who sets many of her award-winning stories in her home state, where her grandmother was born in a covered wagon. A multi-RITA® Award-winner and member of the prestigious Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame, she’s written over 50 novels with millions of copies in print. Jodi lives in Amarillo, Texas and can be found online at JodiThomas.com.

 

 

 

Sharla Lovelace is the bestselling, award-winning author of sexy small-town love stories. Being a Texas girl through and through, she’s proud to say she lives in Southeast Texas with her retired husband, a tricked-out golf cart, and two crazy dogs. She is the author of stand-alone novels including the bestselling Don’t Let Go, the exciting Heart of the Storm series, and the fun and sexy Charmed in Texas series. For more about Sharla's books, visit SharlaLovelace.com. 

 

 

Scarlett Dunn is the acclaimed author of historical Western romances including the Langtry Sisters series and the McBride Brothers trilogy. She lives in Kentucky surrounded by all manner of wildlife and enjoys long “God walks” where most inspiration strikes. Possessing an adventurous spirit, and a love of history, particularly the pioneers of the West, she has a special place in her heart for all cowboys, past and present. Readers can visit her online at ScarlettDunn.com.

Neil Diamond - Christmas Medley

"BURDEN OF PROOF"---bestselling and award-winning author Davis Bunn invites you into a world of intrigue as a man held captive by his failure learns how to move forward with hope (see my review)

 

Burden of Proof

The one thing he needs is a second chance. But it's the one thing he can never get--or so he thinks. 

Three weeks after his twenty-third birthday, Ethan missed the chance to save his brother's life when he was murdered on the steps of the courthouse in Jacksonville, Florida. Ever since that fateful day, Ethan has sensed a deep disconnect between the man he should have been and the one he has become. His days play out a beat too slow, his mind replaying the scene of his failure again and again.

But when his brother's widow appears, asking for his help in uncovering what was really behind his brother's death, Ethan is stunned to hear that she and her late husband were involved in a much larger case than he knew--one that threatens the global power structure. As Ethan joins the search for answers, he will enter into his own past--and discover a means of redeeming his future.

MY REVIEW: In "Burden of Proof", author Davis Bunn takes readers on an intense, thought-provoking journey through time and one man's conscience. Ethan Barrett has lived a life of missed chances, lost opportunities, and regrets. He remains haunted by the mystery of his brother Adrian's tragic death more than thirty years ago. Now, at the age of fifty five, Ethan has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. As he tries to come to grips with his fate, he receives a surprise visit from his brother's widow, Sonya, and his niece, Delia. Sonya is a scientist in the field of quantum physics, and she knows that Ethan is dying. She makes him a startling proposition--she can send him back in time to save his bother's life and change destiny. Ethan's own life won't be extended, but will he find redemption? Will he fall back into the same old bad habits, or has he learned how to truly care for others--can he make a difference? Fans of science fiction and time travel will appreciate Davis Bunn's storytelling in this inspirational suspense thriller.

Book Copy Gratis Revell Books via LibraryThing

PRAISE FOR "BURDEN OF PROOF"

"Bunn continues to astonish with his vision. In Burden of Proof, he explores fundamental issues of human relationships, regret, and the need we all share to gain wisdom. I was profoundly moved."--Joseph Raia, chair, American Bar Association International Law Section

"Burden of Proof hit me with the emotional equivalent of a Mack truck. Beautiful and complex characters and plot. I loved this story and its profoundly personal message. Wonderful!"--Sarah Gunning Moser, president, Lighthouse for Literacy

"Burden of Proof beautifully demonstrates that a life spent in pursuit of selfish ends holds the makings of profound emptiness. Bunn's rich characters and compelling plot beautifully reveal how hope is still possible, even here."--Dr. Brian J. Grim, president, Religious Freedom & Business Foundation

"Bunn has outdone himself this time. Burden of Proof kept me hooked from the very first page. This legal thriller invites us to consider the nature of the world itself. Bunn has opened my mind to a new vision of the human spirit."--Jeffrey Aresty, president, Internet Bar Organization

"Novels with otherworldly themes normally are not my cup of tea, but Bunn's latest work is an amazing exception. The way he brings together all the story's various components is truly memorable."--Carol Johnson, founder, The Christy Awards 

 

Davis Bunn

Davis Bunn is an internationally-acclaimed author who has sold more than seven million books in twenty languages.

Honored with four Christy Awards for excellence in historical and suspense fiction, Davis was inducted into the Christy Hall of Fame in 2014.

His bestsellers include The Great Divide, Winner Take All, The Meeting Place, The Book of Hours, and The Quilt. A sought-after lecturer in the art of writing, Bunn was serves as Writer in Residence at Regent's Park College, Oxford University.

Davis Bunn also writes under the names Thomas Locke (for his epic fantasy and techno-thriller novels) and T. Davis Bunn (for books published prior to 2002).

http://www.davisbunn.com

"Drake Isle Series"--from author Allie Boniface--small-town contemporary romance set on the New England coastline with a little bit of mystery and a lot of second chances (see my reviews)

Finding You (Drake Isle Book 2)

 

When Piper Townsend fell to her death twelve years ago, she took Trey’s secrets with her. He’s never trusted another woman. Until now.

Lillian arrived on Drake Isle twenty years ago pregnant, broke and alone. Since then she’s raised twins and opened a renowned beauty salon. Fiercely independent, she has no interest in settling down. Then she meets Trey.

Trey lives a jet-set lifestyle on the mainland, a billionaire who's hidden a shockingly abusive childhood from the world. His best friend, the only woman who knew his secrets, died in a tragic accident twelve years earlier. Since then he's mastered the art of carefree living, with little emotion and no commitment.

Their attraction is instant. Their desire is powerful. But when Trey's former life catches up with him, it threatens to destroy everything they’ve built together. Can two people from different worlds find love on Drake Isle, or will past secrets tear them apart for good?

If you like small town island romance, second chances, and a hint of mystery, then you'll love Book Two in the emotional Drake Isle series.

MY REVIEW: Author Allie Boniface returns readers to the beautiful Drake Isle community on the Massachusetts coast with "Finding You". Appealing characterizations and compelling story elements make for an involving tale of unexpected love with the hope of new beginnings. Lillian Santini had not meant to end up on Drake Isle, but that's just where a wrong ferry ride had landed the broke and overwhelmed pregnant young woman. Twenty years later, she was a successful businesswoman with a hair salon of her own, and she was the proud mother of grown-up twins, Matt and Sarah. Their father, a married man who had misled Lillian, had never been a part of their lives. Lillian had settled in to the quaint little village and made a steadfast friend in Tilly Drake, who ran a B&B and also rented a house on her property to Lillian. Trey Jeffries, who had attended college on the isle, had made a fortune at a young age. Visiting with friends, he meets Lillian, and despite her being eight years his senior, sparks immediately fly between the two. Trey sets out to woo Lillian, and she finds him oh-so-hard to resist. Each of them have issues from their childhood which have shaped their outlook on life and the way they interact with others. Lillian has a mistrust of men due to the way she was treated by the twin's father. Trey's childhood was filled with abuse, and later, the one person he trusted the most, his college friend, Piper Townsend had died in a mysterious incident on the college campus. Her death had not only devastated Trey, it had rocked the whole community and the college had closed. Now,with a reopening of the university and a new investigation into Piper's death, the truth may finally come to light. Is the love between Lillian and Trey strong enough to make peace with the past and open the way to a bright and happy future? "Finding You" is Book Two in the "Drake Isle Series", and readers will also enjoy Book One, "Because of You".

Book Copy Gratis Author

 

Because of You (Drake Isle Book 1)

Ten years ago, Piper Townsend fell to her death from the top of a fraternity house, and no one on Drake Isle has ever been the same. Blake Carter's fraternity was scandalized. Misterion College closed down altogether. And Blake's girlfriend, Emerson Doyle, fled the island after her best friend died and never looked behind her.

Now they're back.

Blake's the CEO of a multi-million dollar tech firm looking to relocate to the island. Emerson owns a yoga studio in the building he wants to buy. They haven't spoken in ten years. They're on opposite sides of the bargaining table.

But old flames die hard.

And the more Blake and Emerson fight both the past and each other, the more they realize that coming to terms with tragedy is their only chance of finding love again... 

MY REVIEW:  Author Allie Boniface begins her new contemporary romance "Drake Isle Series" with "Because of You", an intriguing second-chance love story. Carrying the weight of a painful past makes it hard to move forward. A decade ago, Emerson "Emmy" Doyle and Blake Carter were college sweethearts, very much in love, and looking toward the promise of a bright future together. Just as their time at Misterion College, located on beautiful Drake Isle on the Massachusetts coast, was coming to a close, an unthinkable tragedy occurred. Emmy's best friend, Piper Townsend, fell to her death from the roof of the fraternity house of which Blake was the president. Losing Piper was more than just a great personal loss for Emmy--the resulting turmoil and scandal eventually closed the college, and the effects spread wide through the community. Blake's family had deep roots in Drake Isle, and his corporate executive's father attempts at damage control had separated Emmy and Blake, who were each grieving in their own way. Now, ten years have passed, and Misterion College is set to reopen. Blake is sent to Drake Isle by his father to obtain the ideal property for their software company, which will serve the IT needs of the college. The problem is, that ideal property is the site of Emmy's yoga studio. The reunion between Blake and Emmy is an electric shock to them both--especially when Emmy learns the real reason for his sudden reappearance. The same need, want, and awareness of each other is still as vibrant as ever, but there is much for each of them to reconcile. Is that once great love still alive, and is it strong enough to overcome all the obstacles they face? "Because of You" is a very well-written story, told in three viewpoints: Emmy, Blake, and Tilly Drake, a longtime resident--and observer--who runs a cozy B&B on the island. The mystery element of Piper's death is left open, with a new investigation beginning that will be further explored in the next book in the series, and I look forward to a return visit to Drake Isle.

Book Copy Gratis Author

 

COMING IN 2021 

Ghosts of You (Drake Isle Book 3)

 

Quinn’s world shattered when his college girlfriend fell to her death. Will returning to Drake Isle help him find closure or raise unanswered questions about the night she died?

Quinn Nolan lives a solitary life outside Chicago, working as a contractor and moonlighting as a ghost hunter. When he hears about the haunting of the Delta Eta Chi fraternity house -- and that a local billionaire is offering a hefty cash prize to anyone who can stay in the house overnight -- he decides to return to Drake Isle. With over a decade of paranormal study, maybe he can get to the bottom of the hauntings...or make contact with the woman he’s never gotten over.

Local science teacher Polly Parker has heard all the stories of Drake Isle’s haunted house, and she spends her days trying to explain away the ghostly sights and sounds. When she finally gets the chance to prove that Piper’s ghost is a figment of local imagination, her overnight companion is none other than Piper’s long-lost college boyfriend, a ghost hunter still pining over his first love.

As the theories grow and the ghostly sightings multiply, Quinn and Polly find themselves drawn to each other despite their opposing beliefs. When their night in the Delta house turns sinister, can they put aside differences to save each other? Or will the secrets of Piper’s death reach beyond the grave and prevent them from ever finding happiness? 


ALLIE BONIFACE


 

USA Today best-selling author Allie was born and raised in a very small town in upstate New York, which probably explains her fascination with the magic of small town life.

She earned her B.A. in English, with a minor in Education, from the University of Rochester in New York and then moved to Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where she earned her M.A. in English Literature.

Since 1997, Allie has enjoyed life in the northern NYC suburbs, where she lives with her husband and teaches high school English during the day. When she isn't teaching, she's writing about small towns (with lots of secrets and spice!). Copy and paste this link into your address bar to sign up for Allie's newsletter and receive notices for upcoming releases, fun giveaways, contests, review opportunities, and more! http://eepurl.com/9TO79

http://www.allieboniface.com/

"The Lantern"--by Deborah Lawrenson--A modern Gothic novel of love, secrets, and murder—set against the lush backdrop of Provence, France (see my review)

 

The Lantern

When Eve falls for the secretive, charming Dom, their whirlwind relationship leads them to purchase Les Genevriers, an abandoned house in a rural hamlet in the south of France. As the beautiful Provence summer turns to autumn, Eve finds it impossible to ignore the mysteries that haunt both her lover and the run-down old house, in particular the mysterious disappearance of his beautiful first wife, Rachel. 

Whilst Eve tries to untangle the secrets surrounding Rachel's last recorded days, Les Genevriers itself seems to come alive. As strange events begin to occur with frightening regularity, Eve's voice becomes intertwined with that of Benedicte Lincel, a girl who lived in the house decades before. 

As the tangled skeins of the house's history begin to unravel, the tension grows between Dom and Eve. In a page-turning race, Eve must fight to discover the fates of both Benedicte and Rachel, before Les Genevriers' dark history has a chance to repeat itself. 

"In the tradition of Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca, a modern gothic novel rich in atmosphere and suspense, set in the lush countryside of Provence--a beguiling story of love, scents, secrets, and murder

Drawn to a confident and artistic wealthy older man she barely knows, bookish Eve recklessly embarks on a whirlwind affair that soon offers a new life and a new home--Les Genévriers, a charming yet decaying hamlet nestled amid the fragrant lavender fields of Provence.

But with autumn's arrival the days begin to cool--and so, too, does Dom. Though Eve knows he bears the emotional scars of a failed marriage--which he refuses to talk about--his silence arouses suspicion and uncertainty. And, like its owner, Les Genévriers is also changing. Bright, warm rooms have turned cold and uninviting; shadows now fall unexpectedly; and Eve senses a presence moving through the garden. Is it a ghost from the past--or a manifestation of her current troubles with Dom? Can she trust Dom--or could her life truly be in danger?"

--Garth Stein, author of "The Art of Racing in the Rain"

MY REVIEW: Reading "The Lantern", by Deborah Lawrenson, was sometimes difficult, and often frustrating. There are wonderful elements present in the work. The lush beauty of Provence, France and all its bounty is the key to why the characters remain at a location where horrific events occur. The story is told in two different first-person narratives from different time frames in the same setting. Each one of their stories is evocative and intriguing. However, the book advances in a "two steps forward, one step back manner". The narrative of one of the characters proceeds to an involving point, and then abruptly the next chapter picks up with the other character. The evolution of the story does not flow smoothly. Near the end of the book, when more information is revealed about all of the characters, the story line begins to become more cohesive. Definitely Gothic, but not great Gothic. A provocative read, best undertaken when it can be read with few interruptions. I am sure that any five people who read this book will have five different opinions. That is not a bad thing, because it means the author left a vivid impression.

Book Copy Gratis Amazon Vine

Deborah Lawrenson

 

Deborah Lawrenson spent her childhood moving around the world with diplomatic service parents, from Kuwait to China, Belgium, Luxembourg and Singapore. She studied English at Cambridge University and worked as a journalist in London. She has written eight novels and her writing is praised for its vivid sense of place.

Deborah is married with a daughter, and lives in Kent, England. Deborah's novels include "300 Days of Sun", "The Lantern", and "The Sea Garden".

https://www.deborah-lawrenson.co.uk/

"Plain Bad Heroines: A Novel"-by Emily M. Danforth--The award-winning author of "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" makes her adult debut with this highly imaginative and original horror-comedy centered around a cursed New England boarding school for girls—a wickedly whimsical celebration of the art of storytelling, ill-fated love, and the rebellious female spirit

 

 

Plain Bad Heroines

Our story begins in 1902, at The Brookhants School for Girls. Flo and Clara, two impressionable students, are obsessed with each other and with a daring young writer named Mary MacLane, the author of a scandalous bestselling memoir. To show their devotion to Mary, the girls establish their own private club and call it The Plain Bad Heroine Society. They meet in secret in a nearby apple orchard, the setting of their wildest happiness and, ultimately, of their macabre deaths. This is where their bodies are later discovered with a copy of Mary’s book splayed beside them, the victims of a swarm of stinging, angry yellow jackets. Less than five years later, The Brookhants School for Girls closes its doors forever—but not before three more people mysteriously die on the property, each in a most troubling way.

Over a century later, the now abandoned and crumbling Brookhants is back in the news when wunderkind writer, Merritt Emmons, publishes a breakout book celebrating the queer, feminist history surrounding the “haunted and cursed” Gilded-Age institution. Her bestselling book inspires a controversial horror film adaptation starring celebrity actor and lesbian it girl Harper Harper playing the ill-fated heroine Flo, opposite B-list actress and former child star Audrey Wells as Clara. But as Brookhants opens its gates once again, and our three modern heroines arrive on set to begin filming, past and present become grimly entangled—or perhaps just grimly exploited—and soon it’s impossible to tell where the curse leaves off and Hollywood begins.

A story within a story within a story and featuring black-and-white period illustrations, Plain Bad Heroines is a devilishly haunting, modern masterwork of metafiction that manages to combine the ghostly sensibility of Sarah Waters with the dark imagination of Marisha Pessl and the sharp humor and incisive social commentary of Curtis Sittenfeld into one laugh-out-loud funny, spellbinding, and wonderfully luxuriant read.

Reviews

 

"Emily Danforth's ingenious, jaw-dropping novel is a time-hopping epic about the history of a cursed New England girls' school, doomed lovers, and an equally cursed modern-day retelling via film, plus yellow jackets. Hell, those yellow jackets! The expertly rendered characters are as heartbreaking as they are written with an integrity of vision that saturates every page. Plain Bad Heroines is a queer roar and it's terrifying and it's a goddamned triumph." (Paul Tremblay, author of A Head Full of Ghosts and The Cabin at the End of the World)

“Plain Bad Heroines wears its brilliance lightly and like the Black Oxford apples described in these pages, it's dark, sweet, and addictive. Emily Danforth displays all the gothic wit of Edward Gorey and all the soaring metafictional ambitions of David Mitchell, alongside a generosity and humanity that is uniquely her own. Simply one of the best books I've read in the last decade.” (Joe Hill, New York Times bestselling author of The Fireman)

“Brimming from start to finish with sly humor and Gothic mischief, Plain Bad Heroines is a brilliant piece of exuberant storytelling by a terrifically talented author.” (Sarah Waters, New York Times bestselling author of The Little Stranger and Fingersmith)

“About as sweeping a plot as one can get . . . the book is very much worthy of a read—and a perfect escape for these times.” (Entertainment Weekly)

“Stuffed with footnotes, and stories inside stories inside stories, Emily M. Danforth’s follow-up to The Miseducation of Cameron Post is a queer Gothic coming-of-age story set at a cursed New England boarding school for girls. There are just a few sequences of words that fire up my pleasure centers the way that description does.” (Vulture, 19 Books We’re Excited to Read This Fall)

“A delicious horror comedy with enough stories within stories to make even Inception seem straightforward. . . . Add in some stunning illustrations, and this book becomes the year's must-read horror novel.” (Popsugar, Our 35 Picks for the Fall's Most Exciting New Books)

“A short list of things you’ll find in this novel: curses, lesbians, gilded-age society scandals, yellow jackets, a heaping dose of snark, and the nagging sense that the line between what’s real and what isn’t has been blurred. . . . It’s the perfect autumn read for you and your best friend that you’re secretly in love with, trust me.” (Buzzfeed, 38 Great Books to Read This Fall, Recommended by Our Favorite Indie Booksellers )

“A delicious Gothic tale . . . a tasty brew of creepy shuttered prep school, creepy reopened prep school, queer feminist legacy and modern adaptation of said legacy . . . will make you crave more of Danforth’s smart, funny prose.” (Bethanne Patrick, Washington Post)

Emily M. Danforth

 

Emily M. Danforth's first novel--"The Miseducation of Cameron Post"--is a coming of GAYge story set largely in Miles City, Montana, the cattle ranching town where she was born and raised. It was made into a feature film of the same name in 2018.
Emily's second novel is a sapphic-gothic-comedy titled "Plain Bad Heroines", which is set largely in Rhode Island, the state where she's lived for almost a decade with her wife Erica and two dogs, Kevin and Sally O'Malley.

Emily has her MFA in Fiction from the University of Montana and a Ph.D in English-Creative Writing from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. For several years, she was an Assistant Professor of English at Rhode Island college. Emily has also worked as a lifeguard, a swim instructor, a bartender, a waiter, an aquatics director at a YWCA, a door-to-door salesperson (for one summer in college), and a telemarketer (for about 2 weeks in college).

Emily' favorite slasher movie is April Fool's Day (1986).

Her favorite drink is iced coffee with extra ice. (Followed closely by the Aperol Spritz.)

http://www.emdanforth.com/

Neil Diamond With The London Symphony Orchestra (Album Teaser)

"The Little Book of Life Skills: Deal with Dinner, Manage Your Email, Make a Graceful Exit, and 152 Other Expert Tricks"--by Erin Zammett Ruddy--with tips from leading experts in every field, "The Little Book of Life Skills" is the practical guide on how to solve the trickiest tasks in your day and make life a little easier (see my review)

The Little Book of Life Skills: Deal with Dinner, Manage Your Email, Make a Graceful Exit, and 152 Other Expert Tricks

We all have areas of our lives that make us feel disorganized, unprepared, or stressed out. From creating a calmer morning routine to setting yourself up for a good night's sleep, and everything in between, there are easy and proven ways to do things better. Whether you need advice on how to end an argument, iron a shirt, or keep your inbox under control, Erin Zammett Ruddy has spoken to experts including Rachael Ray, Dr. Oz, Arianna Huffington, and condensed their wisdom into easy to follow steps for all of life's simple and not-so-simple tasks, such as:

• Working from Home Effectively
• Keeping a Houseplant Alive
• Giving Constructive Feedback
• Arranging the Perfect Cheese Board, and many more

The Little Book of Life Skills offers simple strategies for being better grown-ups. It's the perfect guide for anybody who wants to get organized, be more efficient throughout the day, and finally learn the best way to fold that feisty fitted sheet.

MY REVIEW: When the weight of your "to do", "should do" "must do" list becomes overwhelming, don't give up. Instead of looking at the overall picture as one big responsibility, do what you can do--when you can do it. Learning to handle day-to-day life issues with confidence instead of panic is essential in today's world. Author Erin Zammett Ruddy offers "The Little Book of Life Skills: Deal with Dinner, Manage Your Email, Make a Graceful Exit, and 152 Other Expert Tricks"--a guide to practical problem solving that is filled with humor and personal insights. The chapters include: "Wake Up and Get Ready for the Day"; "Get from Point A to Point B"; "Work Smarter"; "Have a Productive Work Day"; "Get Organized at Home"; "Make Chores Easier"; "Clean Anything"; "Be Handy"; "Dinnertime"; "Hosting (and Guesting)"; "Self-Care"; "Up Your Personal Game"; "Up Your Interpersonal Game"; and "Finish the Day Strong". Each of the more than 150 "issues" begins with positive actions to help resolve the matter, and is then linked to an expert and explained in common-sense detail. Sometimes, you'll find a bonus tidbit of extra helpful information. The randomness of the wide range of topics is part of the fun. I laughed, and I learned.

 

Book Copy Gratis Grand Central Publishing

Reviews

 

"Never quite learned how to fold a sheet, end a tiff or stay productive working from home? Baffling basics, both large and small, are demystified here."―-People

"If you've ever struggled with making a great cheese board, exiting a party gracefully, or keeping a houseplant alive (um, guilty!), this is the book for you."―-Rachael Ray, Rachael Ray Magazine

"Wise ways to have a calmer morning, end an argument, clean your shower and more are covered in the fabulous Little Book of Life Skills."―-Parents

"I'll never iron a shirt the same way again"―-Rachel Hardage Barrett, Editor-in-Chief of Good Housekeeping

Erin Zammett Ruddy
 

Erin Zammett Ruddy writes frequently for Glamour, Dr. Oz’s The Good Life, Redbook, Fit Pregnancy & Baby, Marie Claire, Self, InStyle, HGTV and others. While a contributing editor at Parenting, she launched the “Mom Without A Filter” blog and currently writes about parenting for YAHOO! In 2010, she helped create and write the Glamour cookbook 100 Recipes Every Woman Should Know. Before going freelance in 2008, Zammett Ruddy was an editor for eight years at Glamour, where she wrote the award-winning Life With Cancer column and the daily blog of the same name. In 2005, her acclaimed book My So-Called-Normal Life: How I Learned to Balance Love, Work, Family, Friends and Cancer at 23 was published by The Overloook Press. She is a 14-year leukemia survivor and sits the board of directors for both The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s New York City chapter and Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, founded by Denise Rich. Erin is a frequent guest speaker, has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for cancer research and has appeared on several television programs, including Nightline, The Today Show, Dateline and Good Morning America. Her story was featured in the documentary Crazy, Sexy, Cancer. The University of Tennessee graduate lives on Long Island with her husband and three young children.

http://www.erinzammettruddy.com/ 

Heartlight (Classic Diamonds) the voice, the words, the music, the heart...always...

"HENCH"--from author Natalie Zina Walschots--"The Boys" meets "My Year of Rest and Relaxation" in this smart, imaginative, and evocative novel of love, betrayal, revenge, and redemption, told with razor-sharp wit and affection, in which a young woman discovers the greatest superpower—for good or ill—is a properly executed spreadsheet.

 

Hench

Anna does boring things for terrible people because even criminals need office help and she needs a job. Working for a monster lurking beneath the surface of the world isn’t glamorous. But is it really worse than working for an oil conglomerate or an insurance company? In this economy?

 As a temp, she’s just a cog in the machine. But when she finally gets a promising assignment, everything goes very wrong, and an encounter with the so-called “hero” leaves her badly injured.  And, to her horror, compared to the other bodies strewn about, she’s the lucky one.

So, of course, then she gets laid off.

With no money and no mobility, with only her anger and internet research acumen, she discovers her suffering at the hands of a hero is far from unique. When people start listening to the story that her data tells, she realizes she might not be as powerless as she thinks.

Because the key to everything is data: knowing how to collate it, how to manipulate it, and how to weaponize it. By tallying up the human cost these caped forces of nature wreak upon the world, she discovers that the line between good and evil is mostly marketing.  And with social media and viral videos, she can control that appearance.

It’s not too long before she’s employed once more, this time by one of the worst villains on earth. As she becomes an increasingly valuable lieutenant, she might just save the world.

A sharp, witty, modern debut, Hench explores the individual cost of justice through a fascinating mix of Millennial office politics, heroism measured through data science, body horror, and a profound misunderstanding of quantum mechanics.

Reviews

“This book is fast, furious, compelling, and angry. It's a beautiful deconstruction of the superhero genre, and I'm only a little annoyed that I didn't think of it first.”(Seanan McGuire, New York Times bestselling author)

“Get ready to root for the bad guys.” (Jennifer Estep, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Crown of Shards series )

"Hench is an engrossing take on the superheroic. It's smart and imaginative; an exemplary rise-of-darkness story, one I won't soon forget...I honestly can't wait to see what Natalie Zina Walschots does next with the genre." (NPR Books)

“This Anti(super)hero tale is jam-packed with action and fueled by Anna’s breathless, dizzying, exhilarating rage. Anna faces off with the supernatural, but she feels so very real as she rockets along on her furious and furiously-paced trajectory. Hench is a ride—I loved it.” (Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Never Have I Ever )

"Walschots playfully pokes at both office politics and comic book absurdity while offering gripping action and gut-wrenching body horror. The inventive premise, accessible heroine, and biting wit will have readers eager for more from this talented author." (Publishers Weekly (starred review))

"A fiendishly clever novel that fizzes with moxie and malice." (Kirkus Reviews (starred review))

“Sharp, unexpected & hilarious—HENCH takes the classic superhero story and cleverly turns it on its head. A delightfully twisted adventure that will make you want to root for the bad guys.”(Peng Shepherd, author of The Book of M)

"Witty and inventive . . . the pleasure of the novel is the slow rollout of the rules. Creating a universe involves inventing lots of little problems, and the solutions here don’t disappoint." (New York Times)

"Smart, witty, and at times bloody, this book will please comic book fans who wish to take a jab at the superhero tropes, as well as readers who enjoy dark humor with a bit of satire tossed into the mix." (Library Journal (starred review))

" In this refreshing, subversive, and darkly humorous debut novel, poet and journalist Walscholts slowly reveals the nuances of her superpower-filled world, keeping readers guessing. Hench reads like a comic without the illustrations and is packed with subplots and rapid-fire wit. With a diverse and inclusive cast of characters, Walschots' original tale performs a brilliant and exciting variation on the superhero trope and is not to be missed." (Booklist (starred review)) 

 

Natalie Zina Walschots

  

Natalie Zina Walschots is a writer and game designer whose work includes LARP scripts, heavy metal music journalism, video game lore, and weirder things classified as "interactive experiences." Her writing on the interactive adventure The Aluminum Cat won an IndieCade award, and her poetic exploration of the notes engine in Bloodborne was featured in Kotaku and First Person Scholar. She is (unfortunately) the author of two books of poetry: Thumbscrews, which won the Robert Kroetsch Award for Innovative Poetry, and DOOM: Love Poems for Supervillains. Natalie sits on the board of Dames Making Games, a space for queer and gender-marginalized people to create games freely, where she hosts interactive narrative workshops. She plays a lot of D&D, participates in a lot of Nordic LARPs, watches a lot of horror movies and reads a lot of speculative fiction. She lives in Toronto with her partner and five cats. This is, arguably, too many cats.

http://nataliewalschots.com/ 

"The Lost Apothecary"--by Sarah Penner--A forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary…

 

 

The Lost Apothecary

In this addictive and spectacularly imagined debut, a female apothecary secretly dispenses poisons to liberate women from the men who have wronged them—setting three lives across centuries on a dangerous collision course

Rule #1: The poison must never be used to harm another woman.

Rule #2: The names of the murderer and her victim must be recorded in the apothecary’s register.

Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.

One cold February evening in 1791, at the back of a dark London alley in a hidden apothecary shop, Nella awaits her newest customer. Once a respected healer, Nella now uses her knowledge for a darker purpose—selling well-disguised poisons to desperate women who would kill to be free of the men in their lives. But when her new patron turns out to be a precocious twelve-year-old named Eliza Fanning, an unexpected friendship sets in motion a string of events that jeopardizes Nella’s world and threatens to expose the many women whose names are written in her register.

In present-day London, aspiring historian Caroline Parcewell spends her tenth wedding anniversary alone, reeling from the discovery of her husband’s infidelity. When she finds an old apothecary vial near the river Thames, she can’t resist investigating, only to realize she’s found a link to the unsolved “apothecary murders” that haunted London over two centuries ago. As she deepens her search, Caroline’s life collides with Nella’s and Eliza’s in a stunning twist of fate—and not everyone will survive.

With crackling suspense, unforgettable characters and searing insight, The Lost Apothecary is a subversive and intoxicating exploration of women rebelling against a man’s world, the destructive force of revenge and the remarkable ways that women can save each other despite the barrier of time.

 

Reviews

 

"In The Lost Apothecary, Sarah Penner convincingly weaves three heroines and two timelines into one tale of poison, revenge, and the silent network of women helping other women in a world stacked against them…. A bold, edgy, accomplished debut!" —Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author of The Alice Network and The Huntress

"Dark, clever, and wickedly fun, The Lost Apothecary is a true page-turner. Sarah Penner has given us a puzzle box of women's lives, betrayal, power, and history. It's a book that slyly asks what any of us deserve and if, sometimes, that might not be a little poison." —Erika Swyler, bestselling author of The Book of Speculation

“Filled with fascinating historical detail... With gathering intensity, author Sarah Penner builds toward a heart-pounding, satisfying conclusion. A skilled, captivating debut that celebrates the strength of women across the centuries.” —Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names

"Penner's debut had me completely under its spell. The women of The Lost Apothecary, separated by centuries, seek both revenge and truth in this powerful story. Riveting and utterly original." —Fiona Davis, bestselling author of The Dollhouse

"Sarah Penner kept me guessing until the last page of this addictive, atmospheric novel… Meticulously researched, The Lost Apothecary is both a cure for idleness and a recipe for intrigue. Prepare to be consumed by this carefully plotted, propulsive debut." —Amy Meyerson, bestselling author of The Bookshop of Yesterdays

"An intoxicating debut, The Lost Apothecary is a riveting tale of poisons and potions and dark deeds in the name of survival.” —Heather Webb, bestselling co-author of Meet Me in Monaco

Sarah Penner

 

Sarah Penner is the debut author of The Lost Apothecary, to be translated in eleven languages worldwide. She works full-time in finance and is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Women's Fiction Writers Association. She and her husband live in St. Petersburg, Florida, with their miniature dachshund, Zoe. To learn more, visit slpenner.com.

https://www.SarahPenner.com

"Rock Solid Bounty Hunters Series"--contemporary romantic suspense by author Jenna Night--from Harlequin Love Inspired Suspense: Courage. Danger. Faith.

 

Fugitive Chase

She’ll need a cowboy bounty hunter’s help

to escape a criminal out for revenge…

After her cousin’s abusive ex-boyfriend jumps bail and threatens Ramona Miller for breaking them up, she’s determined to help the police catch him—if he doesn’t kill her first. Bounty hunter Harry Orlansky’s on the job when he saves Ramona from his mark. But Harry can’t protect her forever…and until he captures Ramona’s relentless stalker, neither of them will be safe.

 

 

Hostage Pursuit

When her mother’s abducted,

they’ll risk everything to save her.

Bounty hunter Daisy Lopez is closing in on two bail-jumping mob hitmen when they kidnap her mother and demand she stop the hunt. But with fellow bounty hunter Martin Silverdeer at her side, she intensifies her efforts instead—and becomes a target. Can Daisy and Martin rescue her mother and foil attempts on their lives before it’s too late?

 

Jenna Night

 

Jenna Night comes from a family of Southern-born natural storytellers. Her parents were avid readers and the house was always filled with books. Now wonder she grew up wanting to tell her own stories. She's lived on both coasts, but currently resides in the Inland Northwest where she's astonished by the occasional glimpse or a moose, a herd of elk or a soaring eagle 

https://www.jennanight.com/home.html