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

The Secrets of Constellations

3/20/2023

0 Comments

Young Adult Romance

Date Published: 02-14-2023

Publisher: Fire & Ice YA (Melange)

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

The Secrets of Constellations was selected by Barnes and Noble as a Top Indie Book for February and March, and on Amazon, it hit #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release in Teen & YA Adoption.

Itâ€™s been sixteen years since Norae Whelanâ€™s adoption. Sheâ€™s conquered her past by baking her way through her challenges. All thatâ€™s left is culinary school, until a unique stranger offers her an opportunity to learn the truth of her birth and with it, the trial of facing down what she thought she left behind.

Her birth motherâ€™s hometown is a place where memories hide beneath the floorboards of an eclectic house. Inheriting a house and all its mysteries is one thing. The instant attraction to Orion Reise is another. Thereâ€™s only one problem. Orionâ€™s blind, and the reason behind it lurks through the downtown streets, dying to take him away.

With the end of summer fast approaching, Norae must make some big decisions. Sheâ€™ll have to decide if falling in love with Orion is worth the price of letting go of her past and embracing a potentially, disastrous future.

Review:

Norae was adopted at 2 years old, at 18 she loves her life with her adoptive parents, even if they are a little weird sometimes. Norae is applying to culinary school to pursue her dream of opening a bakery when she receives a visit from her birth mother's solicitor. Norae's birthday mother, BJ, has died and left Norae her house, under the condition that Norae lives there for three months before she decides what to do with it. Norae sees this as the perfect opportunity to find out about her past and then sell the house to pay for culinary school. However, Thatchor House has other plans for Norae when she arrives to find a house full of eccentric tenants.

The Secrets of Constellations is a heartfelt and emotional Young Adult story about finding what you need. Norae enters Thatchor house with a concrete plan, but has to quickly shift when she learns of all the others living there that BJ has taken in. Norae's journey is moving as she gets to know all the residents that BJ has taken. As Norae learns about each of the residents, she uncovers a little bit more about her birth mother. Norae is particularly drawn to Orion, a 19 year old who is blind and carrying around some heavy secrets. Norae and Orion have a tumultuous three months as Norae decides what to do with Thatchor house and Orion's past comes to a head. I really enjoyed the story line, but I do wish Norae had more growth in herself, she seemed to affect growth in those around her more than focusing on herself. With that, I really enjoyed the mix of characters at Thatchor house along with their occupations and issues that they faced.

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

About the Author

S. H. Clark is a romance author in the following sub-genres: young adult, contemporary, horror, and fantasy.

Clark lives in Southern California with her two cats and her beloved coffee maker. When she's not writing, which is rare, she's an elementary school teacher on one of California's Native reservations. She holds multiple secondary degrees, including an MFA in Creative Writing, has a bookshelf overflowing with paranormal romances, and loves to write to the sound of a thunderstorm.

It's been said Clark has attempted to conjure Cadbury Cream Eggs with her Harry Potter wand.

Contact Links

Purchase Link

a Rafflecopter giveaway

0 Comments

The Bridge to Magic

2/21/2023

0 Comments

Review:
Elika is an orphan on her dying world of Terren. Elika is part of Bad Penny's gang of thieves and Eli stalks the Bridge to the Deadlands waiting to take the possessions of those who cross it. The bridge appeared from magic years ago when those who were magic left Terren. Now, mankind blames magic for the deadly blight that is destroying their world. Eli blames the bridge for her troubles and takes out her anger on it, only to discover that she is magic as well. With Eli's discovery the blight creeps closer and people begin to distrust everyone around them as magic. Eli must decide if she wants to use her magic to fight for the survival of her world or try to purge it from herself.

The Bridge to Magic is an excellent fantasy highlighting the choice between accepting a new life and leaving behind everything you know. I was immediately taken in by the amazing world building. I could easily imagine the complex web that made up the bridge into the Deadlands and well as a busy city surrounded by a neverending chasm. The characters were all fully developed and memorable. I loved Eli's dedication to her gang and her steadfastness in her decisions. Although, this steadfastness is also part of Eli's problem with moving on. I enjoyed Bill Fisher's character as well along with his stories. I really liked Eli's time with Igla and I wish Igla could have taught Eli more about her past and magic. The ending was fast paced as the blight quickened and Eli was forced to make a decision between what is left of her world and what is beyond the Bridge. Overall, a thrilling fantasy of hope, fate and magic. I can't wait to read the rest of the series.

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

0 Comments

A Shape on the Air

2/13/2023

3 Comments

About the Book:
A Shape on the Air by Julia Ibbotson

Publication Date: October 9, 2021

Genre: Historical Mystery
Series: Dr. DuLac, Book 1

For fans of Barbara Erskine, Pamela Hartshorne, Susanna Kearsley, Christina Courtenay

Can echoes of the past threaten the present? They are 1500 years apart, but can they reach out to each other across the centuries? One woman faces a traumatic truth in the present day. The other is forced to marry the man she hates as the ‘dark ages’ unfold.

How can Dr Viv DuLac, medievalist and academic, unlock the secrets of the past? Traumatised by betrayal, she slips into 499 AD and into the body of Lady Vivianne, who is also battling treachery. Viv must uncover the mystery of the key that she unwittingly brings back with her to the present day, as echoes of the past resonate through time. But little does Viv realise just how much both their lives across the centuries will become so intertwined. And in the end, how can they help each other across the ages without changing the course of history?

Review:
Viv DuLac is an academic studying England's Dark Ages. After a sudden, heartbreaking breakup with her longtime boyfriend, Peter, Viv learns of his betrayal with her friend. With the news, Viv begins to have episodes where she becomes Lady Vivianne in 499 AD. Lady Vivianne lives near the Mere where Viv is and Vivianne is in a dire situation with a controlling man in her life. Viv continues to have episodes slipping into Lady Vivianne's life and learns of her troubles. Viv divulges her concerns to her friends, Ellie and Tilly and soon find that the local Reverend, Rory has slipped into the same time as Sir Roland, friend to Lady Vivianne. Viv and Rory figure out how to help Lady Vivianne and Sir Roland from their own time while discovering their own connection to the past.

A Shape on the Air takes the tale of the Lady of the Lake to another level with a time-slip element. This is a fast-paced and shorter novel with constant action. Right away, Viv is traumatically dumped and sent into a time slip. At first, I had a hard time understanding why Viv put up with Pete taking advantage of her after the breakup, but Viv's story fit so well with Vivianne's experience, that it began to make sense. As soon as Viv began to time-slip more frequently into Lady Vivianne's life, I was hooked into the common issue that was vexing the women in both time periods. I enjoyed visiting Lady Vivianne's time and being able to experience what was called the Dark Ages and challenging some of the views of that era. I also loved the integration of the Lady of the Lake myth and how it connected to Viv's experiences in the present day.

About the Author
Acclaimed, award-winning author Julia Ibbotson is fascinated by the medieval world and the concept of resonances across time. She read English at Keele University, England (after a turbulent but exciting gap year in Ghana, West Africa) specialising in medieval language, literature and history, and has a PhD in socio-linguistics. She wrote her first novel at 10 years of age, but became a school teacher, then an academic as a senior university lecturer and researcher.
She has published a number of books, including memoir, children’s medieval fantasy, a trilogy set in Ghana, and medieval time-slip, as well as academic works. Apart from insatiable reading, she loves travelling the world, singing in choirs, swimming, yoga and walking in the countryside in England and Madeira where she and her husband divide their time.

3 Comments

Sisters of Castle Leod

1/16/2023

2 Comments

Sisters of Castle Leod

by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard

Publication Date: January 19, 2023

Black Rose Writing

Genre: Historical Fiction

Finalist - 2022 American Writing Awards

Millions are fans of Diana Gabaldon's popular Outlander books and television series, but few know that Gabaldon's fictional Castle Leoch was inspired by a real Scottish castle, Castle Leod. The two sisters who lived there at the turn of the twentieth century were among the most fascinating and talked-about women of their era.

Lady Sibell Mackenzie is a spiritualist, a believer in reincarnation, and a popular author of mystical romances. Petite and proper, she values tradition and duty. Her younger sister Lady Constance, swimming champion and big game hunter, is a statuesque beauty who scandalizes British society with her public displays of Greek-style barefoot dancing. The differences between the sisters escalate into conflict after Sibell inherits their late father's vast estates and the title 3rd Countess of Cromartie. But it is the birth of Sibell's daughter that sets in motion a series of bizarre and tragic events, pitting sister against sister and propelling Sibell on a desperate mission to challenge the power of fate.

Sisters of Castle Leod, by award-winning author Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard, is the emotionally charged story of two sisters torn apart by jealousy and superstition, and the impossible leap of faith that could finally bring them together.

Available for Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Books-a-Million

Review:

Sisters Sibell and Constance Mackenzie have grown up in Castle Leod with their father, the Earl of Cromartie. Sibell, the older sister, has found solace in books and the mysteries of the castle. Differing from Sibell, Constance thrives on adventure, horseback riding, hunting and athletics. When it is time, their father decides that Sibell will inherit the estate and titles that go along with it. Sibell takes her duties seriously and seeks to care for the people and lands that she is given charge of. With her marriage to Lt. Col. Edward Blunt, Sibell also secures hydroelectric power for the people. However, when Sibell's first child dies mysteries shortly after her birth, Sibell blames Constance for setting a bizarre chain of events in motion. Sibell breaks contact with her sister and sets on a path of spiritualism, hoping to see her daughter once again. Meanwhile, Constance travels the world, seeking to live a healthy life. However, Sibell sees Constance's actions as constantly undermining her and attempting to gain the estate.

Castle Leod is the inspiration for the fictional Castle Leoch. However, Castle Leod was the home to two very real sisters with amazing and magical lives of their own. The writing immediately caught my attention with the story of Castle Leod's ghost, the Nightwatchman. Through this story, I could easily imagine the atmosphere of the castle and could easily see the distinct personalities of each sister. The story is told through Sibell's point of view alone, diving into Sibell's duties as Countess, emotions and journey into spiritualism. Constance is still a fully formed character and force within the book, her life could definitely carry a book of its own. I did enjoy reading about the sister's interactions and how it seemed that Constance may have been purposely pushing Sibell's buttons or that Sibell always saw the worst in her sister's actions. Sibell's spiritual journey was a large part of the story, I was taken in by the mystery of past lives as much as Sibell was and was equally amazed at her strength in realizing what was true and what she simply wanted to be true. In the end, Sisters of Castle Leod is about the bond of sisterhood and creating your own path in the world.

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

Praise

"Heartbreaking and redemptive...a thoroughly engrossing story that will have readers quickly turning the pages." -Megan Chance, bestselling author of A Splendid Ruin

"This expertly written novel is a beautiful example of how historical facts can be researched and transformed into a work of art. To say this novel was difficult to put down would be an understatement. From the first page, I knew this would become one of my favorite historical novels." -Sublime Book Reviews

"A magical, mystical, mesmerizing tale of two real-life noble sisters of Castle Leod, caught up in shocking passions that cast them in opposition, yet desperate for reconciliation." -Rebecca Rosenberg, triple-gold seed-winning novelist of Champagne Widows

"With shocking revelations and twists throughout the book, the reader is never sure what each new chapter will bring. Overall, with an excellent plot and character development, this book is awe-inspiring." -Pacific Book Review

"Whilst the historical element of this novel can easily be compared to some of the great historical novelists, like Sharon Kay Penman, the ghostly apparitions and contact with the spirit world add an original view of a woman who was, in so many ways, ahead of her time." -Readers' Favorite

"The stage is set for sibling rivalry [in this] grand novel about two fascinating sisters of the Scottish Highlands at the turn of the 20th century." -Sheila Myers, author of The Truth of Who You Are

"...a carefully researched historical novel with a touch of the supernatural." -Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Landscape of a Marriage: Central Park Was Only the Beginning

About the Author

Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard is the author of two Amazon bestsellers: THE BEAUTY DOCTOR, a compelling historical novel steeped in mystery with strong elements of a medical thriller (Readers' Favorite), and TEMPTATION RAG: A NOVEL, a resonant novel ... about the birth and demise of ragtime ... luxuriously crafted (Publishers Weekly). Her books have been finalists for the Eric Hoffer Book Award and National Indie Excellence Awards, received a gold medallion from Book Readers Appreciation Group, and been named a historical fiction Discovered Diamond.

Elizabeth and her family live near Phoenix, Arizona.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, December 19 Review at Passages to the Past Wednesday, December 21 Review at Books, Cooks, Looks Friday, January 6 Review at Novels Alive Thursday, January 12 Feature at I'm Into Books Friday, January 13 Instagram Feature at Dive Into a Good Book Monday, January 16 Review at 100 Pages a Day Wednesday, January 18 Review at Little But Fierce Book Diary Friday, January 20 Review at History from a Woman’s Perspective Monday, January 23 Review at jypsylynn Monday, January 30 Review at Rajiv's Reviews Thursday, February 2 Review at Coffee and Ink Friday, February 3 Review at Cover Lover Book Reviews

Giveaway

Enter to win a paperback copy of Sisters of Castle Leod by Elizabeth Hutchison Bernard! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on February 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.

2 Comments

The Rose and the Thistle

1/2/2023

1 Comment

About the Book:

Title: The Rose and the Thistle: A Novel
Author: Laura Frantz
Genre: Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Fleming H. Revell Co (January 3, 2023)
Length: (416) pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook
ISBN: 978-0800742669

In 1715, Lady Blythe Hedley's father is declared an enemy of the British crown because of his Jacobite sympathies, forcing her to flee her home in northern England. Secreted to the tower of Wedderburn Castle in Scotland, Lady Blythe awaits who will ultimately be crowned king. But in a house with seven sons and numerous servants, her presence soon becomes known.

No sooner has Everard Hume lost his father, Lord Wedderburn, than Lady Hedley arrives with the clothes on her back and her mistress in tow. He has his own problems--a volatile brother with dangerous political leanings, an estate to manage, and a very young brother in need of comfort and direction in the wake of losing his father. It would be best for everyone if he could send this misfit heiress on her way as soon as possible.

Drawn into a whirlwind of intrigue, shifting alliances, and ambitions, Lady Blythe must be careful whom she trusts. Her fortune, her future, and her very life are at stake. Those who appear to be adversaries may turn out to be allies--and those who pretend friendship may be enemies.

Review:
In the Jacobite rising of 1715 Lady Blythe Hedley's father is a wanted man for supporting the previous Stuart King. In an attempt to keep Lady Blythe safe, she is secreted away to her godparent's in Scotland. A tower room in Wedderburn Castle with her faithful lady's maid, Elodie is now Blythe's home. Blythe's arrival, however, provides to be on the unfortunate day of her godfather's death, leaving her safety to the new Lord Wedderburn, Everard Hume. Everard does not mean to make Blythe's life difficult, but with his new duties, several brothers to care for and impending war, Blythe does not always feel welcome at Weddurburn. The tides turn for Blythe as Everard further disguises Blythe as a tutor for the youngest Hume, Orin and Blythe and Everard can enjoy each other's company. As tensions rise between the Jacobites and the British, Everard is pushed into service and Blythe is increasingly in danger. Now, their feelings for one another add another layer to their predicament.

The Rose and the Thistle is a sweeping historical romance that takes place during the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715. I was immediately enamored by Blythe's character. I appreciated her distaste for the games of high society and her love of the outdoors, reading and learning. Blythe and Elodie's friendship was also endearing and true. I didn't previously know a lot about the Jacobite Rebellion and Blyth and Everard's points of view gave several insights into the feelings and motivations of the people and politics of the time. In addition, the author is a descendant of one of the Hume's exiled to America for his part in the Jacobite Rebellion. The writing reflected her passion for the characters, Weddurburn Castle and the upheaval that this time period caused. The romance between Blythe and Everard was sweet and took a natural progression as they were forced together, yet respected one another's boundaries and were able to get to know one another in a time of duress. With a surprising, suspenseful and exciting ending, I was captivated by The Rose and the Thistle.

PURCHASE LINKS
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

AUTHOR BIO

Christy Award-winning author, Laura Frantz, is passionate about all things historical, particularly the 18th-century, and writes her manuscripts in longhand first. Her stories often incorporate Scottish themes that reflect her family heritage. She is a direct descendant of George Hume, Wedderburn Castle, Berwickshire, Scotland, who was exiled to the American colonies for his role in the Jacobite Rebellion of 1715, settled in Virginia, and is credited with teaching George Washington surveying in the years 1748-1750. Proud of her heritage, she is also a Daughter of the American Revolution. When not at home in Kentucky, she and her husband live in Washington State.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

1 Comment

All The Lost Places

12/12/2022

2 Comments

About the Book:
⦁ Title: All the Lost Places: A Novel
⦁ Author: Amanda Dykes
⦁ Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
⦁ Publisher: ‎Bethany House Publishers (December 13, 2022)
⦁ Length: (400) pages
⦁ Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook
⦁ ISBN: 978-0764239502
⦁ Tour Dates: December 5 – December 19, 2022

BOOK DESCRIPTION
When all of Venice is unmasked, one man's identity remains a mystery . . .

1807
When a baby is discovered floating in a basket along the quiet canals of Venice, a guild of artisans takes him in and raises him as a son, skilled in each of their trades. Although the boy, Sebastien Trovato, has wrestled with questions of his origins, it isn't until a woman washes ashore on his lagoon island that answers begin to emerge. In hunting down his story, Sebastien must make a choice that could alter not just his own future, but also that of the beloved floating city.

1904
Daniel Goodman is given a fresh start in life as the century turns. Hoping to redeem a past laden with regrets, he is sent on an assignment from California to Venice to procure and translate a rare book. There, he discovers a city of colliding hope and decay, much like his own life, and a mystery wrapped in the pages of that filigree-covered volume. With the help of Vittoria, a bookshop keeper, Daniel finds himself in a web of shadows, secrets, and discoveries carefully kept within the stones and canals of the ancient city . . . and in the mystery of the man whose story the book does not finish: Sebastien Trovato.

ADDITIONAL INFO | BETHANY HOUSE PUBLISHERS | ADD TO GOODREADS

Review:

A storybook with no ending has been in Daniel's family forever. An heirloom his mother brought from Venice, it is one of Daniel's few possessions. After years of crime, Daniel is trying to atone for all of his past wrongs. One of his last tasks is to help his mother's shop. A unique opportunity arises when Daniel finds a man wanting to recreate Venice in California. The job includes a bevy of Daniel's talents, Italian translation, drawing, and finding the ending to a certain story. Daniel arrives in Venice and immediately digs into the story, The Book of Water, which tells a fairytale-like account of Sebastian Trovato. Daniel begins his adventure in Venice, digging deep into it's history looking for any information on the baby sent down the canal in a basket. During his search, Daniel uncovers much more than Sebastian's story and is able to find more of himself as well.

All The Lost Places is a masterfully written story within a story. I love dual-time stories and this one is perfectly done. I was held equally by both story lines and both Daniel's and Sebastian's characters and journeys. I was immediately taken in by the story of Sebastian floating down the canal in a basket and then of Daniel's quest to right all of his past wrongs. I was immersed in Venice in both time periods, the 1800's and early 1900's. Venice's beauty, architecture, culture, people and mysteries were brought to life. The mystery of Sebastian and the end of his story kept me in suspense the whole way through. I was delighted in how Sebastian and Daniel were connected. With themes of hope, redemption, love and finding yourself, All The Lost Places is an amazing story.

AUTHOR BIO

Amanda Dykes's debut novel, Whose Waves These Are, is the winner of the prestigious 2020 Christy Award Book of the Year, a Booklist 2019 Top Ten Romance debut, and the winner of an INSPY Award. She's also the author of Yours Is the Night and Set the Stars Alight, a 2021 Christy Award finalist.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

2 Comments

Down World

12/5/2022

0 Comments

Down World

It's been four years since Marina O'Connell's brother, Robbie died in an incident on the train tracks, now Marina is starting school at East Township High with the senior class that her brother should be in. East Township High is a scrabble of mazes, fake doorways and hallways that lead to nowhere since it was once a military base for scientific experiments during World War II. However, the hallways hold a dangerous secret, hidden portals to other dimensions called Down World. After a chance meeting with senior Brady Picelli and Robbie's friend Kieran, Marina is pulled into the dangerous and mysterious Down World. Marina discovers that Down World holds many secrets including secrets about her own family.

Down World is an exciting and fast-paced young adult science fiction thriller. From the time that Marina discovered the doors to Down World I was hooked on the worlds, how they worked, where they came from and what could happen in them. Marina's character is a very typical teen girl, focusing on romance and what someone might think of her at any point; however, she is also dealing with a lot of issues. She is still carrying around grief from her brother's death as well as dealing with her parent's depression from the event, when her brother died she also lost her core friend group and now needs to rebuild. Because of all of this, Marina very easily grabs on to the first person to pay attention to her, Brady. I was intrigued by the different realms in Down World, how they were all different and the consequences of going into the worlds. I do wish there was more explanation of how the worlds were built in the 1940's and why. I would love to know if they helped to alter World War II. I enjoyed the ending, the solution was appropriate and didn't leave everything perfect, but did fix what needed to be fixed.

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

Yesterworld

A little more than a year after Marina's last trip through the portals into Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow in the basement of her school, Marina is adjusting to her life with the consequences of the changes she made in the portals. Marina is now a senior in high school and making college plans. However, Marina has a new history teacher, Mr. Martel who might derail her plans to never go back through the portals. Mr. Martel has secrets and plans of his own concerning the portals and plans to drag Marina back through to help fix his own mistakes in the portals.

Yesterworld is the second book in the Down World series and I highly recommend reading the books in order to understand the portals and how they work. Yesterworld picks up soon after the events in Down World where Marina is trying to adjust to the changes she caused while in the portals. Marina believes that she stopped the portal to the corrupt Down World from being created. She soon learns from Mr. Martel, or rather Adam, that the Down World still exists and that his friend is trapped there. Yesterworld is action packed, suspenseful and full of surprises. It was interesting to see how Marina's current timeline was altered by her trips through the portals. The introduction of Adam's character brings another layer into the story and creates an unexpected relationship. I was a little unsettled by Marina and Adam's relationship; however, the portals do have that effect. I was glad to learn about how the portal formed and how they were tied to events during World War II. The creation of the portals also explains how the Down World became controlled by the Russians. The changes Marina and Adam made in the portals this time seemed to have caused even more changes, even though they fixed a bigger issue. I can't wait to see what happens next for Marina.

0 Comments

Mother of the River

12/1/2022

2 Comments

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the MOTHER OF THE RIVER by Emily McPherson Pre-Order Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

About The Book:

Title: MOTHER OF THE RIVER (Protectors #1)

Author: Emily McPherson

Pub. Date: March 7, 2023

Publisher: Eyebright Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

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

Inspired by traditional Irish Mythology, Mother of the River tells the story of a 17 year old girl in search of her missing mother when she stumbles upon a forgotten legend.

Ianthe was only six years old when her mother vanished and the strange statue appeared in the river near her home. Now, eleven years later, the statue stands as a memorial and a place where Ianthe often visits to tell her mother about her life. But when an old acquaintance returns to town and suggests the statue isn't just a statue, the presence of a mythical creature comes into question, and Ianthe begins to wonder what really happened all those years ago.

With her best friend Fintan by her side, Ianthe searches for a lost legend and discovers fantastical dangers, family secrets, and the magic of Ireland. But finding the myth may not be enough to mend the past. And finding the truth just may threaten her future.

May you have the hindsight to know where you've been, the foresight to know where you are going, and the insight to know when you have gone too far- Irish proverb

Review:

Everyday for the past eleven years Ianthe has visited the statue of her mother in the river. Ianthe's mother disappeared when she was six, now it is just her and her father, Evander. It isn't until a meeting with an old friend, Dubheasa, that Ianthe learns the legend of the Screch Sidhe. Dubheasa claims to have been captured by the enraged being before. Now, Ianthe believes that her mother is trapped in the stone statue and she must fight off the Screch Sidhe to get her mother back. With the help of her father and best friend, Fintan, Ianthe will learn of all the magic that Ireland holds and go on a quest to release her mother from the Screch Sidhe's hold.

Mother of the River is a young adult adventure filled with plenty of Irish Lore, hope, love and loss. I was captured by the sadness that surrounded the statue of Ianthe's mother and the mystery of her disappearance. From there, the story immersed me in a quaint Irish village and daily life which includes destructive visits from the Giant's men, communication from merfolk and helpful fairies. The pacing slowed a bit for me as Ianthe, Fintan, Evander and Fintan's dad, Sean went about their daily lives. The writing did however, deepen the character's connections to one another as bonds were strengthened and relationships were forged. The pace picked up as Ianthe, Fintan and Evander forged a plan to go after the Screch Sidhe and risked their lives fighting to save Ianthe's mother. I enjoyed learning of the Screch Sidhe's story and how she became a legend. Fintan and Ianthe's relationship was sweet and felt very natural. The ending was bittersweet and it is clear that this crew has more to explore and more problems to solve in upcoming books.

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

Book Teaser Trailer:

@therealemilymcpherson #booktok #youngadultbooks #fantasybooks #femaleprotagonist #irishmythology #motheroftheriver â™¬ Fallen down - Slowed - ã€ŒIncÃ¸rrectã€

INSERT YOUR EXCERPT OR REVIEW HERE!

About Emily McPherson:

Emily McPherson is an author for young adult readers with several fantasy projects in the works. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, she strives to normalize seeing characters of the rainbow on the page without harmful stereotypes. She is an Irish dancer with a slight obsession with mythological creatures. She lives in Connecticut with her husband, son, and - the real mythological creatures - her two rescue pugs.

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a $10 Amazon GC, International.

Ends December 10th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

11/21/2022	For the Love of Kidlit	Guest Post
11/22/2022	YA Books Central	Guest Post/IG Post
11/23/2022	A Dream Within A Dream	Guest Post
11/24/2022	The Momma Spot	Excerpt
11/25/2022	Jazzy Book Reviews	Excerpt/IG Post
11/26/2022	Books and Kats	Excerpt

Week Two:

11/27/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
11/28/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
11/29/2022	@allyluvsbooksalatte	IG Review/TikTok Post
11/30/2022	A Blue Box Full of Books	IG Review/LFL Drop pic
12/1/2022	100 Pages A Day	Review
12/2/2022	Kim"s Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
12/3/2022	beersbooksboos	Review/IG Post

Week Three:

12/4/2022	@froggyreadteach	IG Review
12/5/2022	@enjoyingbooksagain	IG Review

2 Comments

My Mother's Secret

11/22/2022

1 Comment

About the Book:
MY MOTHER’S SECRET: A NOVEL OF THE JEWISH AUTONOMOUS REGION
BY ALINA ADAMS

Publication Date: November 15, 2022
History Through Fiction LLC
Genre: Historical Fiction

With his dying breath, Lena‘s father asks his family a cryptic question: “You couldn’t tell, could you?” After his passing, Lena stumbles upon the answer that changes her life forever.

As her revolutionary neighbor mysteriously disappears during Josef Stalin’s Great Terror purges, 18-year-old Regina suspects that she’s the Kremlin’s next target. Under cover of the night, she flees from her parents’ communal apartment in 1930s Moscow to the 20th century’s first Jewish state, Birobidzhan, on the border between Russia and China. Once there, Regina has to grapple with her preconceived notions of socialism and Judaism while asking herself the eternal question: What do we owe each other? How can we best help one another? While she contends with these queries and struggles to help Birobidzhan establish itself, love and war are on the horizon.

New York Times Bestselling author Alina Adams draws on her own experiences as a Jewish refugee from Odessa, USSR as she provides readers a rare glimpse into the world’s first Jewish Autonomous Region. My Mother’s Secret is rooted in detailed research about a little known chapter of Soviet and Jewish history while exploring universal themes of identity, love, loss, war, and parenthood. Readers can expect a whirlwind journey as Regina finds herself and her courage within one of the century’s most tumultuous eras.

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKSHOP.ORG | INDIEBOUND

Review:
As Lena's father says his last words, he unleashes a secret that her mother has kept for Lena's entire life. As Lena's mother, Regina tells of her past, Lena learns about her mother's traumatic past. As a young woman, Regina was afraid that she would be the next target of Stalin's Terror Purge. Regina decides that it would be safest for her to escape to the Jewish Autonomous Region, Birobidzhan only to find a struggling community led by fear. Regina finds good in Aaron Kramer, who dares to speak up and share his ideas. When Aaron is punished with an enlistment in the Red Army, Regina follows him as a field nurse. When she is informed that Aaron has been captured, Regina makes her way on foot with her newborn daughter to the prisoner of war camp where he is being held. Now, Lena and Regina desperately try to find the man that Regina still loves.

My Mother's Secret is an inspiring story of hope, choices, courage and taking chances. I didn't know anything about the Jewish Autonomous Region, so this was a particularly enlightening story. I was constantly amazed by Regina's ability to keep going in the face of fear and tragedy. The part of the story that took place inside Birobidzhan was disheartening, yet expertly researched. I could feel the desperation and despair, yet the need to work together and persevere. While this section moved a bit slowly for me, it was important to learn about the experiences there and was an integral part of Regina's growth and decision making process. I was continually impressed with Regina as she found the courage to follow Aaron into war and continuously had the conviction within herself to keep going, even when the choices were heartbreaking. In the end, I was glad that hearing Regina's story led Lena to understand more about her mother and her decisions in raising her as well as examine her own choices in life.

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

About the Author
Alina Adams is the NYT-bestselling author of soap-opera tie-ins, figure-skating mysteries, and romance novels. Born in Odessa, USSR, Adams immigrated to the United States at age seven and learned to speak English by watching American Soap Operas. After receiving her B.A. and M.A. in broadcast communications at San Francisco State University, Adams worked in television as a writer and researcher. Years later she penned the As The World Turns book tie-in, Oakdale Confidential, which became a New York Times bestseller. Adams continued writing and is now a prolific and innovative writer who has authored more than a dozen books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her latest release, The Nesting Dolls, is a Soviet-Jewish historical novel published by HarperCollins in July 2020. Her upcoming novel, My Mother’s Secret: A Novel of the Jewish Autonomous Region, a follow-up to her previous historical novel, is set for release in November 2022. Adams lives in New York City with her husband and their three children.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

1 Comment

Miles and Miles of You

11/11/2022

1 Comment

Miles and Miles of You
Jennifer Bonds
Published by: Entangled: Amara
Publication date: November 7th 2022
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Get on board with @SoSavvyTraveler!

Lucy Gonzalez might have once been a stressed personal assistant, but now she’s hitched up her grandma’s bitchin’ vintage Airstream and hitting the road with all the best places to find cheap eats and see the sights on a shoestring budget.

And she has company along for the ride. If those thirst-worthy abs seem familiar, it’s because they belong to billionaire Miles Hart. True story, he used to be Lucy’s boss until she quit on him. Something about not being appreciated? Anyway, you will appreciate Miles—and his groveling—plenty on this trip.

Now, you have front-row seats to the hottest trip of the year. Sparks! Fireworks! Unexpected smooching! And you won’t want to miss the jaw-dropping surprise that will make this destination totally worth the hilarious journey…

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Review:

Lucy Gonzalez has spent the last several years of her life tirelessly scheduling the life of Triada executive, Miles Hart. As his personal assistant, she knows intimate details of Miles' life, but she seems to be background noise is his life. So, Lucy quits for her own venture, traveling cross country on route 66 in her grandmother's Airstream as the #SoSavvyTraveler influencer. However, just as Lucy is leaving, Miles realizes that he can't manage his life without Lucy. In an attempt to win her back to work, Miles invites himself on her road trip hoping that Lucy won't be able to turn down the bet he offers. Lucy is determined to make this work in her favor, but traveling in close quarters with the guy she's always had a crush on may not work out in Lucy's favor.

Miles and Miles of You is a super fun romance that goes from sweet to heat throughout the story. From the beginning, I knew Lucy would be a force to reckon with; although her job is to assist powerhouse billionaire Miles, Lucy is fierce, organized and knows what she wants out of life. The time on the road with Lucy and Miles was super fun, although it was a weird scenario for either character to agree to. I loved exploring Route 66 with Lucy and Miles, I just wish Miles had better intentions from the beginning. His backstory is intriguing, but it made his actions undesirable and unfair for Lucy. The steamy parts of the story were amazing and I enjoyed sinking into this romance from both Lucy and Miles' points of view.

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

Author Bio:

Jennifer Bonds is the USA Today bestselling author of sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real-life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway