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Burning Ground

7/23/2021

1 Comment

 
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About the Book:
BURNING GROUND 
BY D.A. GALLOWAY
Publication Date: July 6, 2021
Series: Frontier Time Traveler, Book 1
Genre: Historical Fiction


Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever?

Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings.
Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey.

Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier – one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region.

Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians.
Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision.

Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future?
If you like the historical time travel adventure of Outlander or enjoyed the movie Dances with Wolves, then you’ll love Burning Ground!


Praise

“
When I finish a genuinely great read, it leaves me with a sense of melancholy because the adventure the author took me on through his work is now over, and I’m left wanting more. Burning Ground is exactly that sort of book. After Graham is set upon his course by his mentor Redfield, the rest of the novel is a page-turner; the action is nearly non-stop, and the situations which arise are entirely realistic and believable. Galloway’s descriptions of late 19th century frontier life are vivid and detailed. It is clear that authenticity was an important goal, and Galloway hit the mark in descriptions of equipment, clothing, firearms, and other hardware. I felt as if I were there with the protagonist Graham, and when I turned the last page I was indeed filled with melancholy, proof of an excellent novel.” – Brian R. Smith, Author of Samworth Books, A Descriptive Bibliography of the Small Arms Technical Publishing Co.
​
“I thoroughly enjoyed the story! I was amazed at the depth of Galloway’s research, which extended far beyond the Hayden survey. The details on so many things the protagonist Graham experienced in Yellowstone all ring true. I especially liked the presentation of Henry Elliott, William H. Jackson, and Thomas Moran. Each person was presented in an unvarnished manner that was quite believable. Overall, the characterization of Lieutenant Doane is painfully accurate. The author captured the spirit of a man who felt entitled and was egotistical.” ~ Kim Allen Scott, author of Yellowstone Denied: The Life of Gustavus Cheyney Doane

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE


Review:
Graham Davidson is a college student in Pennsylvania, 1971.  He is carrying a large amount of survivor's guilt after the death of his three siblings and yearns to make something of his life.  When working on a farm Graham meets Redfield, a Crow Indian who tells Graham of a vision quest that he believes Graham is part of.  When Graham receives a job offer to work in Yellowstone for the summer, Graham decides to follow Redfield's advice for undertaking a vision quest of his own and complete a spiritual journey.  Graham's vision quest transports him to 1871, where he is found next to a geyser by a member of the Hayden Expedition.  The Hayden Expedition was a federally funded geological expedition to explore and  survey what would become Yellowstone Park.  Graham joins the expedition as a civilian and is able to help with his modern knowledge of Yellowstone's geography.  Graham also becomes close to the expedition's two Crow guides, Makawee and Rides Alone. He knows that he can confide in them about his vision quest as well as have them help him find his way home.  As Graham spends a month with Makawee, they fall in love; however, Graham's time in 1871 is coming to an end and he must make a decision to complete his vision quest on the next full moon.  

Burning Ground is an exciting time travel adventure romance.  Graham's story grabbed me from the very beginning with the death of his little brother.  His character is well written and easy to relate to as Graham goes through a rollercoaster of emotions.  I enjoyed watching Graham grow and evolve in his vision quest and was astounded at the descriptions while exploring Yellowstone.  I knew nothing of the Hayden Expedition and was excited to learn about how the National Park was formed.  The author has included many of the real people who were on the expedition as characters and I liked being able to see the group dynamics between the many different characters including geologists, guides, artists and mule handlers.  The descriptions of Yellowstone before it was a park were amazing; I could easily visualize the geysers, waterfalls, and the obsidian outcropping.  It was also interesting to see the interactions with the Native Americans in 1871, Makawee and Rides Alone were amazing characters who were able to find a place within changing society while still keeping their traditions.  Graham and Makawee's relationship progressed very naturally and I was surprised at where it took them.  I can't wait to read more of their journey in the rest of the Frontier Time Traveler Series.

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

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About the Author

David Galloway grew up in rural Pennsylvania near Gettysburg. After a long career in the paper industry and writing a bestselling non-fiction book, Safety WALK Safety TALK, he decided to follow a once dormant dream of writing a novel. Burning Ground was inspired by two memorable summers of his youth.

As a teen, David worked on a fruit farm in Pennsylvania. It is here he met Redfield, a Crow Indian who lived a simple life but had a profound effect on the way David saw the world.

As a young man, he spent a summer in Yellowstone National Park, providing guided boat tours on Yellowstone Lake. When he was not on duty, David explored all corners of that magnificent land, often in the backcountry. His love for our nation’s first national park is rooted in these experiences.

David is currently working on the sequel to Burning Ground, tentatively titled Fatal Ground.

He enjoys reading about adventurers and explorers, traveling internationally, riding a recumbent tandem bike, and spending time with his grandsons.

David lives in Springboro, Ohio with his wife Leesa.
​
WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE

Burning Ground
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The Book of Uriel

7/8/2021

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I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the THE BOOK OF URIEL by Elyse Hoffman Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

 

About the Book

Title: THE BOOK OF URIEL

Author: Elyse Hoffman

Pub. Date: January 26, 2021

Publisher: Project 613 Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 373

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

Read for FREE with a Kindle Unlimited Subscription!

“An otherworldly tale with indelible characters in a realistic wartime setting. Hoffman’s novel sublimely fuses world history and Jewish folklore.”---Kirkus Reviews

In the fires of World War II, a child must save his people from darkness...

Ten-year-old Uriel has always been an outcast. Born mute in a Jewish village known for its choir, he escapes into old stories of his people, stories of angels and monsters. But when the fires of the Holocaust consume his village, he learns that the stories he writes in his golden notebook are terrifyingly real.

In the aftermath of the attack, Uriel is taken in by Uwe, a kind-hearted linguist forced to work for the commander of the local Nazi Police, the affably brutal Major Brandt. Uwe wants to keep Uriel safe, but Uriel can't stay hidden. The angels of his tales have come to him with a dire message: Michael, guardian angel of the Jewish people, is missing. Without their angel, the Jewish people are doomed, and Michael's angelic brethren cannot search for him in the lands corrupted by Nazi evil.

With the lives of millions at stake, Uriel must find Michael and free him from the clutches of the Angel of Death...even if that means putting Uwe in mortal danger.

The Book of Uriel is a heartbreaking blend of historical fiction and Jewish folklore that will enthrall fans of The Book Thief and The World That We Knew.

Praise for THE BOOK OF URIEL:

"A dark book that shows WWII in all its harsh truth, but tucks in beacons of hope and a little boy with a beautiful soul who can see angels."--C.G. Drews, author of A THOUSAND PERFECT NOTES and THE BOY WHO STEALS HOUSES. 

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"A mesmerizing work of historical fiction. The author has magically combined history with fantasy, resulting in an irresistibly engrossing story. Hoffman is a born storyteller, and she executes her ideas in a sound, beautiful way." --Readers' Favorite

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"'The Book of Uriel' is a story that could become a cult classic! It has all the imaginings of 'Pans Labyrinth' and all the emotions of 'The Book Thief'...If you like historical fiction mixed with fantasy, this one may be for you."--Devoured Pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"This book was thrilling and downright addictive. Setting it down was not an option after I picked it up. Uriel's story is absolutely gripping. A story of bravery and sacrifice, that takes the reader on an emotional journey."--Jessica Belmont

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"This is an intricately woven tale that shows the cruelty of the Nazis and the horrors of the holocaust while at the same time portraying the spiritual war that is being fought alongside the physical war. Hoffman weaves together historical facts, the Bible, and Jewish folklore to create a written tapestry that you won't want to put down. Her ability to combine historical fiction with a rich spiritual world is awe-inspiring...Fans of the Book Thief will love The Book of Uriel."--Bonnie Reads and Writes

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"This book grabs you from the start. What starts as a heartbreaking opening quickly turns to a ray of hope. Angels, both good and bad, the Nazis, a reluctant linguist, and one unlikely hero populate this story...the pacing is perfect, and you get so wrapped up in the story once you start. The descriptions make you feel like you're in the story itself, and I definitely recommend this!"--The Faerie Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Hoffman's 'The Book of Uriel' combines history and Jewish mysticism in a fantasy tale about the Holocaust, the best and worst of the Angels, and the indomitable strength and resiliency of the human spirit...The concept in less able hands would have been sure to fail, but Hoffman brings a ring of absolute authenticity to every page...This is a beautifully-written story, well-balanced, and heartfelt."--NetGalley Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Read it in one whole day and was hooked from the very beginning that is how good this book is. This is one of those books that you just go into without knowing very much but come out of it having had an experience."--Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"The text grabbed me from the first paragraph and although this was shocking, the power of the images and writing made it impossible to stop reading. I cannot recommend this book highly enough."--NetGalley Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"If you are reading the reviews to try and see if you should read it, yes, yes you should. Especially would recommend to lovers of The Book Thief."--Goodreads Reviewer

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"Hoffman creates an incredibly thrilling and addictive read that is impossible to put down...'The Book of Uriel' shows how faith, hope, determination, and setting aside one's hate can change the world for the better. This is a story that is worth every word, every page, and every second spent reading."--Goodreads Reviewer

 

REVIEW:



Uriel's small town of Zingdorf, Poland has been attacked; the buildings have all been burned to the ground and the people have been killed.  Ten year old, mute Uriel survives, clutching his small golden book of stories that he has written.  As Major Brandt, commander of the local Nazi Police and his new linguist, Uwe, drives through Zingdorf they stop to inspect the damage. Uwe notices the small, seemingly lifeless boy and is disgusted by what his countrymen have done.  As he recovers, Uriel is visited by the Angels and is given a gift to protect him, keeping Uriel unseen by anyone wishing to harm him.  Uriel hurries to follow the car with Major Brandt and Uwe.  To Uriel's surprise, Uwe can see him and promises to harbor Uriel in his room within the Major's house.  As Uriel explores, he finds Samael, the Angel of Death and is given a series of tasks by Samael in order to save his people.  With the help of Uwe and his gift from the Angels, Uriel sets off to complete his tasks.  Meanwhile, Uwe, inspired by Uriel's courage, finds his own ways to thwart Major Brandt and help the Jewish people who have survived. 

  The Book of Uriel is a unique story combining historical fiction and Jewish mysticism into an engrossing novel about courage and hope during World War II.  From the very beginning, Uriel's character grabbed me.  Since he is mute, all of the story from Uriel's point of view is his inner monologue  which is a wonderful look into Uriel's childlike innocence as well as overwhelming maturity in all of his actions.  From meeting Angels to interacting with Uwe, outsmarting Brandt and completing Samael's mission, Uriel acts with conviction, single-mindedness and acceptance of what he needs to do.  The writing incorporated the mystical elements seamlessly, especially during World War II, where unbelievable atrocities are happening, Angels waging a war of their own does not seem far-fetched.  The missions that Uriel was sent on by Samael were exciting and unexpected.  I loved Uriel's stories as a way to share more about the Jewish religion as well as bond Uriel and Uwe.  I enjoyed watching Uwe transform as he gained courage to fight back against Brandt as well.  Uwe's care for Uriel was heartfelt and authentic, creating just as amazing story as Uriel's quest.  With an unexpected ending and a different viewpoint of World War II, The Book of Uriel is a beautiful story of hope and courage in a time of hate.

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

 

About Elyse:

Elyse Hoffman strives to tell historical tales with new twists: she loves to meld WWII and Jewish history with fantasy, folklore, and the paranormal. She has written six works of Holocaust historical fiction: the five books of The Barracks of the Holocaust and The Book of Uriel.

Stay up to date with: Facebook, Twitter, BookBub, and Goodreads.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 



Giveaway Details:

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

7/5/2021

YABooksCentral

Excerpt

7/6/2021

BookHounds

Excerpt

7/7/2021

Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers

Review

7/8/2021

100 Pages A Day

Review

7/9/2021

Rajiv's Reviews

Review

Week Two:

7/12/2021

@autumn.booked

Review

7/13/2021

@minnesota_mailer

Review

7/14/2021

Don't Judge, Read

Review

7/15/2021

Popthebutterfly

Review

7/16/2021

@curlygrannylovestoread

Review


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Barking at the Moon

7/3/2021

1 Comment

 
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About the Book: 
“Barking At The Moon:A Story of Life, Love, and Kibble”
Greenleaf June 2021
with Foreword from W. Bruce Cameron, author of A Dog’s Purpose

How do you housebreak a dog in a hurricane?

When Riley comes into her family’s life, award-winning humor columnist Tracy Beckerman realizes she got a lot more than she bargained for. From tracking wet cement through the house to shredding the family’s underwear, Riley is a one-dog wrecking ball. Yet this lovable retriever also brings joy, laughter, and a renewed sense of wonder into the household.

At times hilarious and heartwarming, Barking at the Moon speaks to life’s growing pains, and to mothering children both human and furry. With Beckerman’s trademark wit and heart, she reminds us that no matter what stage of life we’re in, we can learn a lot from the dogs who teach us how to stop and enjoy the ride.




​
Review: 
Author Tracy Beckerman has always known that she wanted a dog.  When she finds a breeder with Flat Coated Retrievers, Tracy knows that she has found her next family member. With two young children at home already, Tracy brings home a puppy named Riley and things go about as smoothly as expected.  

Barking at the Moon is a humorous, heartfelt and utterly relatable memoir about life with a dog.  Anyone who has ever opened their home to a dog knows the highs and lows as well as love that comes with it.  Tracy shows how love can be multiplied even through housetraining, destroyed furniture, dirty rugs and mysterious illnesses.  Tracy tells the story of her family's life with Riley, welcoming you into her home like a good friend.  Filled with life lessons and love, Tracy shares engaging, charismatic and entertaining stories of taking care of her menagerie during a brutal storm,  discovering your dog's niche in life, and reasons why your dog might have to wear your son's underwear.  Also sharing the tumultuous emotions of going through the loss of a pet and the eventual recovery, Barking at the Moon is a must-read for any dog lover.  

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

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About the Author: 
​

TRACY BECKERMAN is an award-winning author, speaker, and syndicated humor columnist who has appeared on NBC’s Today Show, CBS Sunday Morning, and Good Day New York. Her numerous honors for writing include the prestigious Writer’s Guild of America award, a CLIO, and a New York Emmy®.


Tracy is also the author of the humor book, “Lost in Suburbia: A Momoir: How I Got Pregnant, Lost Myself, and Got My Cool Back in the New Jersey Suburbs” (Perigee Books, 2013). Her first book, “Rebel without a Minivan: Observations on Life in the ‘Burbs,'' was released in 2008.  ​

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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.  

    ​https://share.simonandschuster.com/stephanierhildreth

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