100 Pages A Day.... Stephanie's Book Reviews

Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish

4/20/2022

Review:
Octopus, seahorse and jellyfish are three ocean animals that evoke mystery and wonder whenever we can glimpse a look. Their beauty and diversity reels you in for a closer look. In Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish photographer David Liittschwager reveals the work of 12 years of specialized photography of these beautiful creatures. All of the animals are pictured on white backgrounds through a photographic technique of using condenser lenses that allows light to be focused on the camera lens, increasing the contrast allowing for all of the animals' details and intricacies to come forward. Each chapter focuses on one type of animal and is accompanied by an essay by an expert in the field to give context and information about the animal, it's environment and special features.

Through the photography, the octopus dances across the page and stares into your eyes. Their amazing skin texture and tentacles can be seen up close and in astounding detail. The seahorse, seadragon and pipefish are pictured much bigger than their actual size so that their graceful shapes, intricate patterns and delicate features can be appreciated. A wide variety of jellyfish are featured with close ups of tentacles, bells, and their overall lack of body parts is apparent. I was intrigued by their many different forms and ways to reproduce for a creature that seems so simple. I had no idea that there were eternal jellyfish or that they went through so many different phases to become the final form that we know as a medusa. Overall, Octopus, Seahorse, Jellyfish is an amazing display of photography that allows these animals to shine and creates a call to protect these creatures that we share the Earth with.

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Alone Out Here

4/20/2022

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the ALONE OUT HERE by Riley Redgate Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: ALONE OUT HERE

Author: Riley Redgate

Pub. Date: April 5, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 400

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

What do you stand for, when you're one of the last left standing?

The year is 2072. Soon a volcanic eruption will trigger catastrophic devastation, and the only way out is up.

While the worldâ€™s leaders, scientists, and engineers oversee the frantic production of a space fleet meant to save humankind, their children are brought in for a weekend of touring the Lazarus, a high-tech prototype spaceship. But when the apocalypse arrives months ahead of schedule, First Daughter Leigh Chen and a handful of teens from the tour are the only ones to escape the planet.

This is the new world: a starship loaded with a catalog of human artifacts, a frozen menagerie of animal DNA, and fifty-three terrified survivors. From the panic arises a coalition of leaders, spearheaded by the pilotâ€™s enigmatic daughter, Eli, who takes the wheel in their hunt for a habitable planet. But as isolation presses in, their uneasy peace begins to fracture. The struggle for control will mean the difference between survival and oblivion, and Leigh must decide whether to stand on the side of the mission or of her own humanity.

With aching poignancy and tense, heart-in-your-mouth action, this enthralling saga will stay with readers long after the final page.

Reviews:

"Redgate explores what makes us human and what makes us teens with excruciating precision, revealing the bestâ€•and worstâ€•of both. A fast-paced, beautifully put together story of a girl getting it done."â€•E. K. Johnston, New York Times #1 best-selling author of Star Wars: Ahsoka

"With its diverse cast of characters and near-future plot line, this book would make a good addition to collections with established audiences for science fiction stories and titles featuring strong examples of female empowerment."â€•School Library Connection

â€œAn enthralling adventure thatâ€™s at once intimate and cinematic, with heart-pounding twists and vividly drawn characters. Redgateâ€™s gorgeous prose poses fascinating questions about the future.â€â€•Romina Russell, author of the New York Times best-selling Zodiac series

â€œStunning, visceral, and utterly gripping, Alone Out Here is a vivid look at human determination when forced to survive the impossible. Leigh Chen is a leader unlike any other as she navigates dwindling resources, betrayal, and the ultimate question of what it means to be human.â€â€•C.B. Lee, author of the Sidekick Squad series

â€œUtterly absorbing, and packed with heart, action, and questions that lingered long past the final page. I read it in a single day.â€â€•Amie Kaufman, author of the Aurora Cycle and the Elementals trilogy

Review:

It's the year 2072 and the world knows that in the near future there will be a massive volcanic eruption that will mean the end of life on Earth. A global plan is in place to build rockets to send some people to the nearest inhabitable planet. When an eruption happens months too early, 53 of the kids whose parents are working on the rocket prototypes are the only survivors. They boarded the prototype Lazarus that they were there to tour and launched into space on a journey of over 1000 years. Luckily, Eli, the pilot's daughter, is onboard along with Leigh Chen, First Daughter of the US President. Leigh is well trained as a politician, to say the right thing at the right time, to give answers that aren't really answers and calm everyone's nerves. Eli, who has never had friends her own age, relishes her position of power and becomes the de facto leader of the group of kids from around the world. Leigh is appointed Chief of Staff, a voice to Eli's one-sided decisions based solely on survival. However, as tensions rise within the group over everything from time in the VR simulator to food to turning around to rescue an astronaut that may still be aboard a space station, Leigh begins to question her decisions and find a voice of her own.

Alone Out Here is a suspenseful and realistic young adult science fiction story of survival. I loved the premise of Earth's political leaders being woefully underprepared for a climate catastrophe and unable to come to consensus on how to solve it without greed and corruption taking hold. A bunch of teens and pre-teens aboard a spaceship alone goes about as well as anyone would expect as they try to survive with limited resources, constant power struggles, differences in opinion and trying to manage the grief and disbelief of their planet and everyone on it being destroyed. The characters were a very diverse group since they were children of Lazurus' engineers, scientists, pilots and World Leaders. Leigh and Eli's characters were focused on the most as their seemingly similar personalities diverged as they discovered who they truly were aboard the Lazarus. I enjoyed watching Leigh develop from a people pleaser into a person who could still help others while being true to herself. Her relationship with Anis was also well done, helping her realize her potential while not overtaking the story. Eli's character is interesting, at first it seems like she is the only one willing to make difficult decisions and have a plan, but as she becomes more powerful, her decisions seem more and more self-serving. While being set in space in a not-so-distant future, Alone Out Here still deals with very real teen issues such as depression, addiction, friendship and romance in thoughtful ways. With a thrilling and unexpected ending, Alone Out Here is an exciting young adult science fiction drama.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About Riley Redgate:

Riley Redgate majored in Economics at Kenyon College and is now based in Chicago, where she was an apprentice with the Onion. She is the author of the critically acclaimed Seven Ways We Lie; Noteworthy, a Kirkus Reviews Best Teen Book and NYPL Best Book; and Final Draft, a Bank Street Book of the Year.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of ALONE OUT HERE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
4/2/2022	The Reading Devil	Excerpt/IG Post

Week Two:

4/3/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt/IG Post
4/4/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review/IG Post
4/5/2022	boozybook blog	Review/IG Post
4/6/2022	@theheavycrownreads	Review
4/7/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
4/8/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
4/9/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post

Week Three:

4/10/2022	The book review crew	Review/IG Post
4/11/2022	Celia's Reads	Review/IG Post
4/12/2022	Tween 2 Teen Book Reviews	Review
4/13/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
4/14/2022	Emmiepooh2	Review
4/15/2022	Excuse Me, Iâ€™m Reading	Review
4/16/2022	laura's bookish corner	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

4/17/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	Review
4/18/2022	A Backwards Story	Review/IG Post
4/19/2022	@the.page.sage	TikTok Review/IG Post
4/20/2022	100 Pages A Day	Review
4/21/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post
4/22/2022	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
4/23/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review

Week Five:

4/24/2022	@jypsylynn	Review
4/25/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
4/26/2022	@thebookishfoxwitch	Review/IG Post
4/27/2022	onemused	Review
4/28/2022	Do You Dog-ear?	Review
4/29/2022	Momfluenster	Review
4/30/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

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Secrets of Rosenli Manor

4/19/2022

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About the Book:

SECRETS OF ROSENLI MANOR
BY HEIDI ELJARBO
Publication Date: March 29, 2022
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: Mysteries of the Modern Ladies’ Society #1

Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor.
Betrayal and trust go hand in hand in the first book of Heidi Eljarbo’s new turn-of-the-century series.

It’s 1898, and Lilly has spent most of her life motherless and living with a father who never looks for a silver lining. When her great-aunt Agatha passes, Lilly’s existence takes a drastic turn. She packs her few belongings and moves into the old lady’s magnificent estate, Rosenli Manor.

In the days that follow, Lilly tries to understand who Agatha really was, and hidden secrets slowly rise to the surface. Her great-aunt’s glamorous legacy is not quite what Lilly had imagined. She must trust in newly forged friendships, and to her surprise, she discovers what it means to truly fall in love. But not everyone is happy about the new mistress of Rosenli.
Intrigue, mystery, and a touch of romance in the Norwegian countryside fill the pages of Secrets of Rosenli Manor.

“Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a delightful mystery about finding what was lost and the power of friendship. The sweet romance added a refreshing dimension to the theme of competent and capable women at a time when females were denied a proper voice. Eljarbo’s lovely writing brings the quaint Norwegian village alive through a cast of characters that will charm the reader from beginning to end.” -Julie Daines, bestselling author of Eleanor and the Iron King

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Review:
After Lilly Larsen surprisingly inherits her Aunt Agatha's estate, she has a lot of decisions to consider. Lilly is already an accomplished woman in 1898 Norway with an advanced degree and job in accounting, but is unsure that she can take on the entirety of her Aunt's household and business. With the entire rest of the family feeling like they have been cheated out of a substantial inheritance, Lilly must follow the advice of her Aunt's letters, her new friends at Rosenli and most importantly, her heart.

Secrets of Rosenli Manor is an exciting, fast paced and heartfelt mystery with plenty of adventure. Lilly's character is intelligent, caring and open minded for her new opportunity. I really enjoyed the letters that Aunt Agatha left for Lilly. The letters were compelling and helped Lilly dive into her adventure as well as lead her to solving the many mysteries surrounding Rosenli Manor, Aunt Agatha's life and her own. The town of Glass Cove seemed charming and idyllic, I do wish there were more descriptions of the countryside and architecture so I could get a better sense of place. If the description hadn't said it was set in Norway, it could have been anywhere in Europe. Overall, Secrets of Rosenli Manor is a dramatic quest with great characters and a wonderful focus on expanding women's rights. I'll definitely want to read more of the Mysteries of the Modern Ladies' Society series.

About the Author

Heidi Eljarbo writes historical fiction. She grew up in a home filled with books and artwork and she never truly imagined she would do anything other than write and paint. She studied art, languages, and history, all of which have come in handy when working as a freelance writer, magazine journalist, and painter.

After living in Canada, six US states, Japan, Switzerland, and Austria, Heidi now calls Norway home. She and her husband have a total of nine children, thirteen grandchildren—so far—in addition to a bouncy Wheaten Terrier.

Their favorite retreat is a mountain cabin, where they hike in the summertime and ski the vast, white terrain during winter.
Heidi’s favorites are family, God’s beautiful nature, and the word whimsical.

If you would like to know more, please visit Heidi’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

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Into the Forest

4/13/2022

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About the Book:

For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth—from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone.

For nature and science enthusiasts, as well as photography lovers, Into the Forest is a beautiful and edifying gift to give or cherish.

Review:
Into the Forest explores the wonders of forests through beautiful photography and the latest scientific knowledge. The different chapters dive into different parts that make up the forest: trees, earth, water, air and fire before combining them into a chapter on the forests that we know and love. Throughout the chapter there are absolutely stunning photographs of forests from full landscapes down to the microscopic level, favorite forest quotes as well as up-to-date knowledge of forest ecology and stories of well-known trees.

Into the Forest focuses on the interconnectedness of the forest and the many ways that plants, animals, fungus, bacteria, microbes and weather interact. Combining stories, anthropology and science, the world of the forest becomes alive and it's importance is revealed. One of the main points that Into the Forest drives home is all the ways that the forest benefits humans. From medicines to food and materials to releasing chemicals that improve our mental health, the forests have always been there for us, despite our best efforts to destroy it. Some of my favorite parts were learning more about how trees communicate through different fungus, how soil bacteria has helped to develop vaccines, how trees have adapted to seemingly impossible environments, how trees create lasting aromas and the stories of famous trees that have helped to shape history.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

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My Queen, My Love

4/4/2022

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MY QUEEN, MY LOVE: A NOVEL OF HENRIETTA MARIA
BY ELENA MARIA VIDAL
Publication Date: November 25, 2021
Mayapple Books
Paperback & eBook; 284 pages
Series: The Henrietta of France Trilogy Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction/Biography

The youngest daughter of Henri IV, the first Bourbon King of France, Henriette-Marie always knew she would have to marry a prince. When the Prince of Wales, Charles Stuart, travels through Paris he sees her dancing at the Louvre and within two years a marriage is arranged. However, Henriette is Catholic and Catholicism is banned in England. In preparing to become Queen of England, Scotland and Ireland, Henriette has no idea of the obstacles that must be overcome before she can find happiness with Charles. The main hindrance, she soon realizes, is not the difference in religion but Charles’ best friend, George Villiers, the handsome Duke of Buckingham, who is resolved to subdue Henriette to his will. Buckingham forgets that Henriette is also half Medici and underestimates her determination to succeed as well as the depth of her love for Charles. My Queen, My Love is the first novel in the Henrietta of France Trilogy by acclaimed author Elena Maria Vidal. It describes the early years of the tumultuous marriage of Charles I and Henrietta Maria which preceded the English Civil Wars of the Seventeenth Century.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

Praise
“Elena Maria Vidal’s new historical novel captivated me from the beginning. The fascinating story of the often tumultuous life of Henrietta Maria of France, a devout Catholic Queen living in post-Reformation England, is beautifully written. This will especially be appreciated by readers who want to immerse themselves in the world of 17th century England and France. The characters are well-developed and believable. I highly recommend this remarkable book to all who enjoy a compelling story.” —Ellen Gable, award-winning author

“Like the works by Sharon Kay Penman and other exceptional historical fiction authors, My Queen, My Love takes the reader on an intense journey back in time, allowing the reader to feel immersed in the era, the events, the people, the loves and the tragedies (and so much more). Beautifully told.” —Readers’ Favorite

“With My Queen, My Love, E.M. Vidal has brought Henrietta Maria’s passion and character to life with remarkable skill.” —Andrea Zuvich, author of Sex and Sexuality in Stuart Britain

“Elena Maria Vidal envelops readers in period detail with each rustle of silk, every whispered prophecy. A richly told tale of intrigue and betrayal, loyalty and hope, My Queen, My Love rushes headlong towards the tumultuous history of the English Civil War.” —Mary Jo Anderson, author of Male and Female He Made Them

“Henrietta Maria’s life is so richly improbable that it’s unusual that she hasn’t attracted the attention of more historical novelists. Now, we have an exciting, beautifully-researched, and sympathetic first installment in a new trilogy inspired by this remarkable seventeenth-century queen.” —Gareth Russell, author of A History of the English Monarchy: From Boadicea to Elizabeth I and An Illustrated Introduction to the Tudors

Review:

Henriette was the youngest daughter of King Henri IV of France and Marie de Medici. At 13, she caught the eye of Charles Stuart, Prince of Wales. At 15, Henriette is married to Charles and becomes Queen Henrietta Marie. While Charles and Henriette did find love for one another early on; their relationship is plagued with difficulties. Henriette has difficulty assimilating to England and learning the language. Henriette is Catholic and was promised in her marriage contract that she could continue to practice, but Charles is Anglican. Lastly, Charles' best friend, the Duke of Buckingham seems to be purposely causing Henriette trouble at every turn. With Buckingham leading a seemingly ill-fated war against her home country, Henriette's life seems to be ill-fated; however, Henriette is determined to persevere.

My Queen, My Love is the first book in a trilogy about the life of Henrietta of France. This book focuses on Henrietta's early marriage to Charles Stuart. The writing incorporated intricate historical detail and I love that Henriette was the focus of the story. Henriette is very innocent yet determined and much smarter than most people probably realized. I was intrigued by Charles and Henriette's tumultuous marriage. It seemed that they truly loved one another, but were greatly affected by religious differences, and meddling by the Duke of Buckingham. I would have loved to have some insights into the Duke of Buckingham's actions, maybe a chapter of two from his point of view. With a surprising ending leading into a turbulent time in England's history, I am excited to see where Henriette's story leads next.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author

Elena Maria Vidal was born in Florence, Oregon in 1962 but grew up in Frederick County, Maryland. She received her BA in Psychology from Hood College and her MA in Modern European History from SUNY Albany. She has been a member of the Secular Order of Mount Carmel since 1986. Elena enjoys cooking, gardening, opera and working with the elderly. She lives on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with her family. She is currently engaged in writing a historical fiction trilogy about Queen Henrietta Maria. Elena’s Tea at Trianon blog deals with social, religious and political issues as well as history. My Queen, My Love is her fifth novel and sixth book.

For more information please visit Elena’s website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

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Easy Does It

3/22/2022

1 Comment

About the Book:

I always wanted to live at the beach. It had been my dream since I was a little girl. I longed to experience the sand and sea. My heart’s desire was to become a famous artist who painted scenes with palm trees and blue waters. Finally, I was moving to a coastal town. It was only three hours from where I grew up, but it might as well have been paradise with how excited I was… From the moment I got off the ferry, I was sure this island would be my new home. I knew I had finally found my muse. What I didn’t know was that I would also find my soulmate.

Review:
Tess Cohen and her sister Abigail are moving to the small coastal town of Galveston, Texas for the summer of 1968. They are looking to put some distance between themselves and their parents, but only manage about three hours from their hometown of Starks, Louisiana. Tess dreams of painting coastal scenes along the shore and Abigail will return to college after the summer. Tess didn't count on Billy Castro coming into her life. Billy has been collecting debts and after he gets into a fight with one of the boys from Marvin Jones' Bank Street Boxing Club, Billy is recruited by Marvin to train with him. Billy and Tess' relationship grows. Although Tess doesn't know if she'll be staying in Galveston past the summer and Billy believes that he is not good enough for a woman like Tess.

Easy Does It is the first book in the Bank Street Stories Series. I believe it does a lot of set up for the next nine books in the series that follows the same family. This is a sweet romance that focuses on how Tess and Billy met, formed a relationship and made a life together. While their relationship was sweet and it was nice to see two people from what seemed like opposite sides of the track come together, there wasn't really any conflict in the story. I was surprised that everyone was accepting of their quick romance, especially in the 1960's. I did like the setting of Galveston in 1968. I got a good small town feeling with the hardware store, apartments, boxing club, diner and dances. I liked Tess and Billy as well but wanted a little more from their characters other than Tess was a sweet, helpful twenty-two-year-old who enjoys painting and Billy had a difficult childhood and now enjoys boxing. This is a shorter book, and a lot is told rather than shown, so I wasn't pulled into the story as much as I wanted. Overall, a sweet and easy to read romance that is set up for many books in the series.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About the Author:
Brooke St. James was born to write a love story. A USA Today bestselling author and Amazon Kindle All-Star with 2 million copies sold, Brooke writes contemporary romance novels with Christian and inspirational themes and happy endings. She was born and raised in south Louisiana but has had the opportunity to travel and live throughout the U.S. An avid reader, writer, audio book addict, and fan of all things artistic, she constantly has her hands in some creative activity. She has written and published more than 70 books. She’s currently back home in Louisiana enjoying life with her husband, children, and two lazy dogs. To find out more about Brooke, visit brookesaintjames.com and follow her on Facebook (facebook.com/ brookesaintjamesauthor) and Instagram (@brooke_stjames).

Giveaway:
Leave a comment below for a chance to win a paperback copy of Easy Does It!
One paperback copy is available. Please leave your email address when filling out the comment form. Shipping available to USA/CAN only.

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Carnival of Ash

3/3/2022

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About the Book:
THE CARNIVAL OF ASH
BY TOM BECKERLEGGE
US Publication Date: March 15, 2022
UK Publication Date: March 17, 2022
Rebellion Publishing/Solaris
Hardcover; 528 pages
Genre: Renaissance Historical Fiction

An extravagant, lyrical fantasy about a city of poets and librarians. A city that never was.

Cadenza is the City of Words, a city run by poets, its skyline dominated by the steepled towers of its libraries, its heart beating to the stamp and thrum of the printing presses in the Printing Quarter.
Carlo Mazzoni, a young wordsmith arrives at the city gates intent on making his name as the bells ring out with the news of the death of the city’s poet-leader. Instead, he finds himself embroiled with the intrigues of a city in turmoil, the looming prospect of war with their rival Venice ever-present. A war that threatens not only to destroy Cadenza but remove it from history altogether…

“A gorgeous, immersive triumph of Renaissance-flavored worldbuilding” — Publishers Weekly, starred review

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | BOOKSHOP | INDIEBOUND | TARGET

Review:
Cadenza is a city ruled by words. Poets, writers and storytellers vie for power by sharing their works. Libraries and printing presses create the economy. Cadenza's Artifex Tommaso Cellini, an adept poet, dies mysteriously on the day Carlo Mazzoni arrives in town trying to find his place among the wordsmiths. Cellini is replaced by an Artifex more worried about budget numbers than words and the city rebels. Soon crime, plague and internal strife plague Cadenza as they prepare for war against the invading Venice.

Carnival of Ash is the story of a fictional city that is at its apex only to fall spectacularly and possibly begin to rise from the ashes. Written in Cantos, each Canto shows a point of view from a different citizen of Cadenza. As the Canto's continue, the character's stories begin to combine. Even though there are about a dozen characters and different stories to keep track of, the story seems to not be about the characters as much as the city itself and what can happen without a well-rounded society. The writing was verbose and pompous, fitting for characters who lived in a city of words; however, I expected some more word play, lightheartedness and poetry. The characters were all interesting and unique, each with their own flaws and failings. I felt most drawn to Vittoria's character and the tragedy of her circumstance. I was entranced by her story and how her words eventually took over. Carlo and Ercole, the gravedigger were another great pair. Carlo, who seemed doomed from the beginning, slowly finds his place. Ercole, an alchemist in a city of words brings in the next era. Carnival of Ash is an unexpected work with violence, ego and destruction.; it may not be for everyone but was an interesting read.

About the Author

Thomas Beckerlegge grew up in a market town in the northwest of England, dreaming of becoming a writer. He studied history at Jesus College, Oxford and won the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize for his first novel, Darkside, at the age of 25, writing as Tom Becker. Tom lives in London with his wife, baby son, and a horde of shadowy creatures that he keeps confined within the pages of his notebook. You can follow Tom on Twitter and Goodreads.

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In Blood & Ice

2/23/2022

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the IN BLOOD & ICE by Susan Person Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About the Book:

Title: IN BLOOD & ICE (A Vampire Ice Age Novel - Book 1)

Author: Susan Person

Pub. Date: December 27, 2021

Publisher: Person Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 408

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo

Alliances. Betrayals. Poison.For a hundred years, vampires and humans alike have been struggling to survive a brutal ice age.

When blood stores dwindle, Josie is sent on a mission to secure human donors to supplement the failing supply.

But her ex-lover Vin is part of the crew, and after the mission is sabotaged, she finds herself fighting for more than just survival.

When asked to join the expedition to the old compound, Vin didnâ€™t hesitate. Maybe if he can succeed, heâ€™ll win back the love he once lost.

But betrayal at the highest levels will threaten his efforts and shake the very foundations of the vampire race. If they can find a way to reverse the ice age, then they might all survive. But will the long buried secrets they uncover pull Josie and Vin apart?

In Blood & Ice is the first book in the A Vampire Ice Age paranormal romance series by Susan Person. If you like vampire romance, secrets, and a bad-ass heroine leading the way, this book is for you.

Pick up In Blood & Ice to start this dark and powerful series by Susan Person today.

Pre order book 2, Reclamation in Ice now!

Review:

Hundreds of years in the future, climate change has created an ice age and the human population struggles to survive. Vampires, easily able to survive the harsh conditions have risen from the shadows to turn some humans and use the rest as a source for blood. Now, the human population is dwindling and vampires are facing a blood shortage. Josie, daughter or Ezra, the leader of the Western International Nation is sent on a mission to secure human donors. On Josie's team are Killian the Killer and Vin, Josie's ex-boyfriend. Among her team's personal problems, it seems that they have been set up as soon as they reach the old base camp. Josie and Vin are separated from Killilan and they are left to discover another dangerous faction of vampires that holds secrets to Vin's past and Ezra's plans for the future of vampires and humans alike. With no choice but to revolt against her father, Josie plans a revolution with Vin, Killian and new friend, Natasha at her side.

In Blood & Ice is a unique vampire story with the intriguing incorporation of climate change that brought vampires to power. There was a lot to explain in this book and it was managed without a huge info dump, although the pacing did slow down a bit in the middle. I was interested in the differences between born vampires, created vampires and Rogues as well as how vampires managed to reproduce. The politics of the vampire world seem complex as well as their relationship and necessary balance needed with humans. This tangled web was a large plot point of the book and eventually unravelled as Josie, Vin, Killian and Natasha tease out the trail of secrets, lies and deceptions that have been built up. What they find is only the beginning however as the women in the group find that their bodies have been experiments for Ezra as well. I enjoyed all the main characters, especially Josie and Natasha who were strong women, not only physically but mentally as they overcame multiple challenges, were able to reevaluate their preconceived notions, forgive and trust in one another. With vampire wars, romance, mystery and secrets, In Blood & Ice is an entertaining paranormal read.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

About Susan Person:

Susan Person is a multi-contest finalist in the paranormal and dark paranormal romance categories. A former member of Romance Writers of America, she served on the PRO Steering Committee for several years. Recently, she returned to college to pursue a degree in anthropology and graduated in May 2021. Susan enjoys meeting writers and readers alike at conferences. Her grandmother's love of Harlequin novels was passed on to her, and she was fascinated by paranormal worlds and mythology. The combination of the two led her to the paranormal romance genre. She knew at an early age she wanted to write powerful heroines and fulfills that dream today by writing empowered heroines who take charge in their paranormal worlds.

Susan grew up on a thoroughbred horse farm before moving to the big city of Dallas. She considers herself a Texan but is loyal to her home state of Arkansas. A lover of travel, she has visited several countries with many more to go on her list. She particularly loved dowsing at Stonehenge and seeing the Eiffel Tower light up at night. The outdoors are a place Susan finds inspiration and can often be found in a park, at the lake, or on a road trip. She especially loves the mountains. Furry animals hold a special place in her heart. Dogs tend to seek her out as a friend, and she gladly returns their friendship.

Giveaway Details:

5 winners will win a finished copy of IN BLOOD & ICE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

2/21/2022	The Reading Devil	Guest Post/IG Post
2/22/2022	Sadie's Spotlight	Guest Post/IG Post
2/23/2022	BookHounds	Guest Post/IG Post
2/24/2022	100 Pages A Day	Review
2/25/2022	boozybook blog	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

2/28/2022	thepaperworlds	Review
3/1/2022	@reading.late.into.the.night	Review/IG Post
3/2/2022	The Momma Spot	Review
3/3/2022	Take A Look At My Bookshelf	Review
3/4/2022	Vamplit	Review

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Hemingway's Daughter

2/15/2022

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Historical Fiction
Date Published: July 10, 2021

Finn Hemingway knows for a fact that she's been born at the wrong time into the wrong family with the wrong talents, making her three dreams for the future almost impossible to attain. She burns to be a trial lawyer in an era when Ruth Bader Ginsburg is being told to type and when a man who is 500th in his law school class is hired over a woman who is first in hers. She yearns to find true love when the family curse dictates that love always ends for the Hemingways, and usually, it ends badly. And finally, she'd give up the first two dreams if she were able to triumph on the third. She longs to have an impact on the only thing that matters to her father: his writing. To accomplish that would require a miracle. All three dreams are almost impossible, but it's the "almost" that keeps Finn going. Ernest Hemingway had three sons but ached to have a daughter.

This is her story.

Review to come!

Purchase Link Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hemingways-Daughter-Christine-M-Whitehead-ebook/dp/B094G5ZV8F/

About the Author
I get my best ideas in the barn as I groom my horse, Nifty. The dogs keep a careful distance as I lift a hoof, scrape it out, then move on to the next one. The repetition soothes me. I begin to dream about women like me, women on the edge, restless women who still want to trust that there is love out there, and that being sentimental is not always contemptible, and that good men are not so hard to find if you keep slogging along, seeking a melody to fit your words. So that’s who and what I write about: restless women searching.

Contact Links
Website: https://christinewhitehead.com/

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Midnight In Everwood

2/3/2022

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About the Book:
A spell-binding retelling of The Nutcracker, filled with enchanted toys, decadent balls, fierce feminine friendships and a forbidden romance. For fans of The Toymakers, Caraval and The Bear and the Nightingale.

There’s nothing Marietta Stelle loves more than ballet, but after Christmas, her dreams will be over as she is obligated to take her place in Edwardian society. While she is chafing against such suffocating traditions, a mysterious man purchases the neighbouring townhouse. Dr Drosselmeier is a charming but calculating figure who wins over the rest of the Stelle family with his enchanting toys and wondrous mechanisms.

When Drosselmeier constructs an elaborate set for Marietta’s final ballet performance, she discovers it carries a magic all of its own. On the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve, she is transported to a snowy forest, where she encounters danger at every turn: ice giants, shadow goblins and the shrieking mist all lurk amidst the firs and frozen waterfalls and ice cliffs. After being rescued by the butterscotch-eyed captain of the king’s guard, she is escorted to the frozen sugar palace. At once, Marietta is enchanted by this glittering world of glamorous gowns, gingerbread houses, miniature reindeer and the most delicious confectionary.

But all is not as it seems and Marietta is soon trapped in the sumptuous palace by the sadistic King Gelum, who claims her as his own. She is confined to a gilded prison with his other pets; Dellara, whose words are as sharp as her teeth, and Pirlipata, a princess from another land. Marietta must forge an alliance with the two women to carve a way free from this sugar-coated but treacherous world and back home to follow her dreams. Yet in a hedonistic world brimming with rebellion and a forbidden romance that risks everything, such a path will never be easy.

Purchase Links: HarperCollins | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Review:
Marietta Stelle has led a privileged life in Edwardian England. As the daughter of a Baron she has been given a good education, every convenience she can imagine and has been able to follow her dream of dancing. However, as Marietta's 20th birthday approaches, her parents expect her to take her place in society, give up her dancing and marry someone worthy of her social standing. An opportunity presents itself as the Stelle's receive a new neighbor, Dr Drosselmeier who is now an inventor. Dr Drosselmeier finds Marietta to be exactly what he wants, but not as an equal partner, he wants someone to control. When Marietta rebuffs his proposal she is sent into another world of Dr Drosselmeier's creation. The town of Everwood seems like a magical dream where candy fills the streets and magic is everywhere. Marietta has simply traded one gilded cage for the other as King Gelum takes Marietta as his own toy and forces her to perform at his will. With the help of her fellow captives, Pirlipata and Dellara, the women will change their fates and that of Everwood.

Midnight in Everwood is a fierce retelling of the Nutcracker with absolutely delicious writing and surprising characters. From the time Marietta entered the scene, I knew she would be a force. I loved her passion for dancing and how she never stopped fighting for the future she wanted. Marietta states "When she danced, she had a voice. And nothing was more fearsome than a silent future." Marietta's station in society has awarded her immense privilege, yet she was still trapped by her parents' wishes. It isn't until Dr Drosselmeier enters that she realizes her strength. Dr Drosselmeier is a perfectly sculpted villain, attractive and mysterious with a magical skill of creating worlds in his inventions. Everwood is crafted as a magical land of candy where I could envision the palace and multiple balls perfectly. As a dancer, I could also see Marietta's choreography play out in my head. King Gelum ruled tyrannically and the people of Everwood suffered. Many things in Everwood reminded me of pre-revolutionary France. Marietta soon learned what real imprisonment was, but she also learned of rebellion, sisterhood and fighting for the greater good, including herself. It was great to see Marietta impassioned and form relationships with Dellara and Pirlipata. Planning their escape was suspenseful and heart pounding. I was pleased to see that she used what she learned in Everwood and was able to turn it against Dr Drosselmeier in the end. I don't know if there will be another book, but I would love to see what happened to each of the three women after their escape and if Marietta was able to return.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.

Author Links: website and Instagram

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Hi there! I'm Stephanie and I obviously love reading. As, the title suggests, I read at least one hundred pages a day. I enjoy most book genres; however, my favorites are historical fiction, fantasy, science fiction, thriller, horror and YA. I also read a lot of non-fiction science and gardening books for my occupation. I enjoy reviewing books and as always, any book that I receive for free is read in return for my honest review.

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