About the Book: 
Publication Date: July 2014
Knight Media, LLC
Formats: eBook, PaperbackSeries: Tales From the Tudor Court
Genre: Historical Fiction

I have served three queens in my life. One was my sister, one was my savior, and one my bitterest enemy.

Knowing she was seen as a threat to the Queen she served, Lady Katherine Grey, legitimate heir to the throne, longs only for the comfort of a loving marriage and a quiet life far from the intrigue of the Tudor court. After seeing her sister become the pawn of their parents and others seeking royal power and then lose their lives for it, she is determined to avoid the vicious struggles over power and religion that dominate Queen Elizabeth’s court. Until she finds love—then Kat is willing to risk it all, even life in prison.

Tales From the Tudor Court Series
Book One: My Lady Viper
Book Two: Prisoner of the Queen



Review: 
Prisoner of the Queen had me gripped from the prologue. Eliza Knight has artfully told the story of ill-fated Katherine Grey, sister to the Nine-Days Queen, Jane Grey. 

As a lover of all things Tudor, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There is a fresh perspective on court life and several Queens through the eyes of Katherine Grey. Katherine, who had been inundated with Court Life since she was a child, is cousin to Queen Mary and Elizabeth. Katherine Grey is seen as a threat to the Crown, but all she wants in her life is to carry on a humble existence with the man she loves, Edward Seymour. The star-crossed lover's story is presented with historical accuracy, including some of the actual letters written by Jane and Katherine Grey as well as heartbreaking emotions. For any Tudor lovers, this is a new and exciting story from the Tudor court complete with intrigue, plotting and executions. 

This book was received as an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

About the Author: 
E. Knight is a member of the Historical Novel Society, Romance Writers of America and several RWA affiliate writing chapters: Hearts Through History, Celtic Hearts, Maryland Romance Writers and Washington Romance Writers. Growing up playing in castle ruins and traipsing the halls of Versailles when visiting her grandparents during the summer, instilled in a love of history and royals at an early age. Feeding her love of history, she created the popular historical blog, History Undressed (www.historyundressed.com). Under the pseudonym Eliza Knight, she is a bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author of historical and erotic romance.

For more information please visit E. Knight’s website and blog. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

About the Book:
Publication Date: May 27, 2014
Picador/Macmillan
Formats: eBook, Hardcover

READ AN EXCERPT.

A TALE OF SORCERY AND PASSION IN SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY LONDON—WHERE WITCHES HAUNT WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE AND HIS DARK LADY, THE PLAYWRIGHT’S MUSE AND ONE TRUE LOVE.

The daughter of a Venetian musician, Aemilia Bassano came of age in Queen Elizabeth’s royal court. The Queen’s favorite, she develops a love of poetry and learning, maturing into a young woman known not only for her beauty but also her sharp mind and quick tongue. Aemilia becomes the mistress of Lord Hunsdon, but her position is precarious. Then she crosses paths with an impetuous playwright named William Shakespeare and begins an impassioned but ill-fated affair.

A decade later, the Queen is dead, and Aemilia Bassano is now Aemilia Lanyer, fallen from favor and married to a fool. Like the rest of London, she fears the plague. And when her young son Henry takes ill, Aemilia resolves to do anything to save him, even if it means seeking help from her estranged lover, Will—or worse, making a pact with the Devil himself.

In rich, vivid detail, Sally O’Reilly breathes life into England’s first female poet, a mysterious woman nearly forgotten by history. Full of passion and devilish schemes, Dark Aemilia is a tale worthy of the Bard.

Selected by O, The Oprah Magazine as one of 17 Books You Won’t Be Able To Put Down!

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Review: 
Aemilia Bassano grew up in Queen Elizabeth's court.  She later becomes mistress to a much older Lord Hunsdon, the son of Mary Boleyn.  Lord Hunsdon takes Aemilia to a play where she meets a young playwright, Will Shakespeare. From the moment they meet, an anger and passion envelop both Aemilia and Will, and their love affair begins.  Shakespeare wrote of a Dark Lady... this tells of how dark Aemilia really might have been. 

I devoured this book!  I was thrown into Shakespearean London with a force.  There were engaging and very real descriptions of the city, houses, dress, characters and even the plague.   Aemilia's character felt raw and real.  She is described as a proto-feminist of her time and I felt connected to her cause to become a published and recognized poet and writer.  While some of the steps she takes to get there are brash, I think it just adds to the excitement of the story.  There is quite a bit of lewd language and erotic romance, which I'm usually not that into; however, it works for me and makes Aemilia more down to Earth.  There is a thread of the supernatural that is worked into the story, witchcraft is a theme throughout.  At first I thought it was just being used as part of  everyday Elizabethan society, but it is taken farther by Aemilia in her quest to save her son from the plague and later to be known as a writer.  It seems almost unnecessary, but ends up tying in nicely with the story of Macbeth.   As an added bonus for me, I enjoyed learning about Aemilia Bassano-Lanyer;  a real woman in history who may have played an important role in many of Shakespeare's writings.

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

About the Author:
Sally O’Reilly has received numerous citations for her fiction, which has been shortlisted for the Ian St James Short Story Prize and the Cosmopolitan Short Story Award. A former Cosmopolitan New Journalist of the Year, her work has appeared in The Guardian, The Sunday Times, the Evening Standard, and the New Scientist. She teaches creative writing at the Open University and the University of Portsmouth in England. Dark Aemilia is her U.S. debut.

For information and news please visit Sally O’Reilly’s website and the Dark Aemilia Facebook Page.

About the Book: 
MISTRESS OF LIES
Mistress of Fortune #2
Author: Holly West
Release Date: Sept, 29 2014
Publisher: Carina

London, 1679
Isabel, Lady Wilde, mistress of King Charles II, has made a good living disguised as fortune teller Mistress Ruby, counseling London's elite. But after the murder of one of her customers, business has taken a downturn, and Isabel is on the verge of accepting the king's offer to move into the palace.

Isabel's plans are interrupted when a beggar girl named Susanna shows up at her home, claiming to be her niece. Isabel always believed that her older brother, Adam, died alone during the plague. When Susanna reveals that Adam was actually murdered, Isabel is compelled to take up an impossible task: discover the truth about her brother's death, twelve years after it happened.

Isabel's investigation leads her through the gamut of London society, from bear-baiting matches and brothels to the realm of wealthy bankers. But as she uncovers her brother's dark secrets, Isabel begins to wonder whether the past is better left buried, especially when uncovering the truth could lead to her own funeral.



Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22602631-mistress-of-lies?from_search=true
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mistress-of-lies-holly-west/1119740520?ean=9781426899058
Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Mistress-Lies-Fortune-Holly-West-ebook/dp/B00KV62MPE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411390105&sr=8-1&keywords=mistress+of+lies


Review: 

Mistress of Lies picks up three months of Mistress of Fortune.  Lady Isabelle is confronted by a girl in rags who claims to be her niece, the child of her brother Adam who Isabelle believes died of the plague.  At first Isabelle thinks that the story is all made up, but the girl called Susanna has compelling evidence that Adam is indeed her father.  Susanna wants Isabelle's help, she says her father did not die of the plague, but was murdered.  When Susanna disappears, Isabelle is compelled to find her and solve the case of her brother's murder.

Another fun, fast-paced historical mystery.  Isabelle manages to get herself into trouble again as she uncovers all the layers surrounding her brother's death.  I enjoyed learning more about Isabelle's family and childhood as she dug into her brother's past.  This murder mystery is intriguing and delves into the intricacies of the  goldsmithing trade and the beginning of banking.  This was really interesting to me, I had no idea that goldsmith's became responsible for deposits of valuables.  A bit of the plague years are also looked into.  I wish Isabelle's relationship with King Charles would develop more, I really want to know what Isabelle decides to do about the important question that is asked of her!  Maybe we'll find out in another book...

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

Review of Book 1: Mistress of Fortune
During the reign of King Charles II of England, Lady Isabelle Wilde is one the King's many mistresses.  She also leads a double life as Mistress Ruby, a fortune teller and wise woman.  When one of Mistress Ruby's clients, Sir Edmund Godfrey,  comes to her for advice with knowledge of a plot to kill the King, Isabelle knows she must do something.  When Edmund is found dead, Isabelle and her aliases become embroiled in the plot.  

A fun, historical mystery with a strong female lead.  Though Isabelle is a mistress to the King, she is determined to make her own way in the world, even if that means donning a wig and makeup and reading a palm.  She also manages to help many other women with herbs and good advice.  I was pleased to learn that the murder of Sir Edmund Godfrey is a real historical mystery.  Many of the plot points within the story are true to history, with the exception of Isabelle's involvement.  William Bedloe's character is woven in quite interestingly, as a real player in the history, his fictional counterpart completes his role well.  

A nice look into the rule of King Charles II and one of the many plots that took place during this time in history.

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

About the Author: Holly West is a crime fiction writer based in Los Angeles. Her short stories appear in several anthologies and her debut historical mystery, MISTRESS OF FORTUNE, will be published by Carina Press in 2014.

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About the Book:
Title: Lobo Goes to the Galapagos (The Adventures of Lovable Lobo) 
Author: C.L. Murphy 
Publication Date: August 27, 2014 
Publisher: Peanut Butter Prose 
Pages:32 
Recommended Ages: 3 to 7

Summary: Lobo returns in this adventure, sweeter and a bit salty this time. This lil’ wolf pup finds that there’s nothing like a little sea air to bring out the best in him and his unlikely tag-alongs. Take a trip to the Galapagos with Lobo and his right-hand raven, Roxy, as they help an injured, new feathered friend return home. Lobo faces some fears and witnesses the joy that comes from helping others in this “birds of a different feather DO flock together” tale.



Buy the Book: Amazon | iTunes


Review: 
Lobo Goes to the Galapagos is a fun story about helping friends.  When a different kind of bird gets blown in during a storm, Lobo the Wolf pup and Roxy the Raven don't hesitate to help.  Bobby the Blue-Footed booby has broken his wing and needs to get home.  Lobo offers a ride and picks up some new friends on the way.  

I read this to kids aged 3-5. They loved the silly pictures and the alliteration in the names of the animals, especially coconut the crab.  Lobo provides a great adventure with a good message.  This is a good introduction to some animals as well as a different region of the world, the Galapagos islands.  

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

About the Author: 
While new to the children’s book writing and illustrating scene,C.L. Murphy (Cathy) has been doodling her way through life since she won a school wide poster contest in the third grade. She’s had the pleasure of working as an artist in residence, creating cartoons and painting murals with the children at local elementary schools. She adores the wonder and curiosity of young children.

She feels that creating picture books is something that she was destined to do, after years of filing away so many ideas, while raising her two sons. She is a member of SCBWI.

She lives amongst the wildlife in an enchanted forest in the beautiful Oregon wilderness with her husband and menagerie. She has always appreciated nature and animals have always played a major role in her life. The inspiration for the Lovable Lobo character came from a wolf that she raised for over 14 years.

Check out her book series and discover that you, too, will find Lobo lovable.

Book Website | Author Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About the Book:
 Publication Date: January 16, 2013
CreateSpace
Formats: eBook, Paperback

A forbidden friendship that blossoms into love is at the heart of this colorful historical novel.

Abigail Maduro arrives in the Danish West Indies on 1916 to live with her Aunt Esther, a bad tempered spinster, and her houseful of eccentric servants. Despite the island’s veneer of tranquility, St. Thomas is a hotbed of German spies who use their Hamburg-America steamers to aid the Kaiser’s war effort.

When a mysterious stranger suddenly appears in town, Abigail is drawn into the conflict. In the scholarly Erich Seibold, she finds the friendship and love she has been craving, even after she learns that Erich is really a deserter from a German U-boat. But their idyllic interlude comes to a crashing halt when the island’s German consul also discovers Erich’s identity, and blackmails him into committing sabotage. After a melee involving the Danish governor, Erich is thrown into prison, forcing Abigail to risk everything to save him. Action and adventure abound in this colorful historical novel that brings to life a fading West Indian sugar colony in the last days of Danish rule.

Praise for Spy Island

“Spy Island is an exciting adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I love being immersed in the world of the Caribbean during World War I, I felt like I was looking into a snapshot of the past. This book is full of adventure, exciting twists, just when I thought I had the plot figured out, it would change again. The descriptions, the characters, and the plot of this story all weave together into a tight package of fun that you do not want to miss.” The Howling Turtle Book Reviews

“Spy Island is a fun, fast read for any fan of historical fiction and adventure stories.” Lynne Hinkey, author of Marina Melee

“Spy Island hits that rare spot for me in historical fiction. Not only is it an entertaining story with lots of movement, but the authentic islandfeel and early 20th century world surround you. A great read!” Dianna Rostad, Amazon Reviewer

“From the first page, I was instantly thrown into Abby’s world and truly taken aback by the lovely descriptions ranging from those of Panama to those of life at sea to those of the Danish West Indies. Sophie really managed to make me feel like I was right there with the characters in this one and it added a lot to my enjoyment of the book. Spy Island is a thrilling and fast paced novel perfect for fans of historical fiction and mystery.” Lauren’s Crammed Bookshelf Blog

Buy the Book

Amazon US
Amazon UK


Review: 
Abigail Maduro lives a carefree life in Panama in 1916, she is the 16 year-old daughter of a wealthy merchant. That is, until her parents die in a tragic accident and her family lawyer leaves her with nothing to her name.  Abigail is shipped off to St. Thomas, where her Aunt Esther has reluctantly agreed to take her in.  Abigail immediately finds trouble upon the boat to St. Thomas and begins to search for German spies aboard.  The trouble follows Abigail when she gets to St. Thomas.  Not only is her Aunt Esther spiteful and abusive, but Abigail finds a German U-boat deserter to hide in her basement.  Luckily, Abigail has the help of Aunt Esther's staff, Nana Jane. 

Filled with spy intrigue from the beginning , the plot of Spy Island kept me interested throughout.  Abigail's character was a little hard for me to attach to and in the beginning of the book she seems much younger than her sixteen years.  However, this is also a coming-of-age story and Abigail does grow throughout.  This quote describes Abigail's character perfectly: " The truth is, when adventure calls, I race out and greet her.  Can I help it if I always forget to bring along my parasol?"  I was glad that Abigail found Erich, even though her decisions seemed ignorant at the time, Erich's character and backstory  shone through and provided for scheming and conspiracy.  I enjoyed learning about Danish West Indies during this time period, before they were part of the USA.  The history and setting was well researched and brought to life.  One thing that I wish was better in this one was the dialogue, something just did not seem natural about it, and at more than 300 pages this can become something difficult to overlook.  

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

About the Author:
 Sophie Schiller was born in Paterson, NJ and grew up in the West Indies amid aging pirates and retired German spies. She was educated at American University, Washington, DC and now lives in Brooklyn, NY.

You can find more information on Sophie Schiller and her novels at website. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.

Read an Excerpt: 
Suddenly, a posse of machete-wielding men appears out of nowhere. They offer to find the shooter and bring him to justice. My heart races as I catch the glimmer of the razor-sharp machetes in their muscular, outstretched arms. These men are after Erich and there’s no way to stop them.

I push my way through the crowd, attempting to flee to the safety of the Grand Hotel. All around me scuffles and brawls erupt among the outraged horde, while panicked faces emerge from windows and doorways, each one trying to make sense out of the confusion and strife. I crane my neck over the commotion, hoping to catch sight of the governor. Thankfully, he is still alive, although dazed with confusion. Two policemen haul him to his feet and lead him to the safety of Fort Christian. Still no sign of Erich anywhere. If Erich was indeed was the shooter, he has simply vanished.

Just then, someone screams, “There he is. Grab him!”

I look up. A dozen natives, all brandishing machetes, take off in hot pursuit of a solitary individual who resembles one of the Cha Cha’s from Frenchtown who is pushing his way across the square in horror. Making out his features is impossible as he has a scarf tied around half his face, rendering him unrecognizable. But by his size and height, I am pretty sure it is Erich. I yell for him to run faster, but my voice is drowned out by the deafening roar of the crowd.

Erich scales a low wall and races down the nearest alleyway with a posse of men in hot pursuit. His pursuers shake their fists indignantly, swearing and yelling out threats as they attempt to catch him. Somehow Erich is faster, remarkably agile and adept at outrunning an angry mob, but I know his life is in great danger. With no thought to my own safety, I chase after the posse, hoping I can somehow help to avert disaster.

Erich races down Norre Gade as if he’s on fire. He climbs up the steps of the Frederick Lutheran Church two at a time. When some of the men catch up with him, he swings around, kicking one in the chest and sending them all toppling backwards like a line of dominoes. Another one catches up with Erich, but receives a blinding punch in the face that sends him rolling down the steps like a broken wheel. Erich shakes his fist, then disappears inside the church, barring the door shut.

Another group of indignant citizens reaches the front door of the church and pounds on it with tremendous anger. They lunge at it, trying to push it open. All their force is no use; Erich has barred it from the inside with an iron rod. Amazingly, while they fumble with the front door, Erich slips out the back with the stealth of a mongoose and heads to the back of town.

I catch sight of him as he races down Kongens Gade, dodging bewildered donkey carts and flustered market women as he runs for his life. Just then, a thought occurs to me that by going through with Lothar Langsdorff’s diabolical plan, Erich has sacrificed his own life to save mine. My heart swells with love for him. Fueled by the hope that I can repay the favor, I follow the trail of angry natives intent on bringing justice down on Erich’s head, yet realizing I may never see him again.

About the Book:

Paperback: 336 pages 
Publisher: Broadway Books (September 2, 2014)


In I SHALL BE NEAR TO YOU, McCabe introduces us to newlywed Rosetta Wakefield. More accustomed to working as her father’s farmhand and happiest doing what others might call “man’s work,” Rosetta struggles with how to be a good wife to her childhood beau and new husband, Jeremiah. When Jeremiah leaves home to join the Union army, Rosetta finds the only way she can honor Jeremiah is to be with her husband—no matter what..

Cutting off her hair and donning men’s clothing, Rosetta enlists in the army as Private Ross Stone so that she might stand beside her husband. Joining, however, is the easy part, and now Rosetta must not only live and train with her male counterparts as they prepare for imminent battle, but she must also deal with Jeremiah, who is struggling with his “fighting” wife’s presence, not to mention the constant threat of discovery..

In brilliant detail, inspired by the letters of the real Rosetta Wakeman, McCabe offers a riveting look at the day-to-day lives of these secret women fighters as they defied conventions and made their personal contributions to history. Both a tender love story and a hard look at war, I SHALL BE NEAR TO YOU offers a unique exploration of marriage, societal expectations, and the role of women in the Civil War through the lens of a beautifully written novel..

Review: 
" ...there's still most men who can't see a thing a woman does, even when she's doing them right under his nose." 

Rosetta Wakefield loves her husband dearly, so much that she can not stand to be apart from him.  When her husband leaves early in their marriage to join the Union effort in the Civil War, Rosetta soon cuts her hair, dons men's clothing and trudges her way up to his camp in order to enlist and fight by his side.  

I love stories that tell of strong women throughout our history.  In I Shall Be Near To You, Erin Lindsay McCabe masterfully weaves the information we know of the countless real-life women soldiers from the Civil War into the fictional story of Rosetta Wakefield.  This was beautifully written and I had a hard time parting with Rosetta's story, even when it was heart-breaking.  I felt an instant bond to Rosetta's character within the first few pages.  She does not quite fit the role of a women for her time, she can't sit still, she says what she means, she would rather be outside doing men's work and she has strong emotions.  Rosetta's love for her childhood friend, Jeremiah is sweet but fierce and the bond is not forced. There are flashbacks throughout the book that give the inside look to their relationship, imperfections and all.  

One of the things that I have always wondered about women who have fought as males in the Civil War was how they managed to cover up their identities for so long.  McCabe tackles some of these issues with Rosetta, it of course helped that Rosetta was with her husband and was able to share a tent, but there were also other men from her town that knew her secret.  Rosetta had to bind herself, take care of her business farther away, and deal with her menstrual cycle.  She also had to learn how to not stand with her hand on her hip and run with a larger stride. Rosetta's time within the Union Camp and within battles was the most intriguing, giving an inside, intimate look to the time period and a camp during the Civil War. Rosetta drills with the men and learns to shoot, she also uses her limited cooking skills and cares for the wounded, she becomes a valuable part of her regiment.  

Compelling and unforgettable, Rosetta's story is valuable as insight into just one of the many women who fought in the Civil War under the guise of a male.  

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

About the Author:
Erin studied literature and history at University of California, Santa
Cruz, earned a teaching credential at California State University, Chico, and taught high school English for seven years. Since completing her MFA in Creative Writing at St. Mary’s College of California in 2010, Erin has taught Composition at St. Mary’s College and Butte College. A California native, Erin lives in the Sierra Foothills with her husband, son, and a small menagerie that includes one dog, four cats, two horses, numerous chickens, and three goats.

Connect with Erin
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest |Goodreads
 

About the Book: 
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Harper (August 26, 2014)

Set in a small coastal town in North Carolina during the waning years of the American Revolution, this incandescent debut novel follows three generations of family—fathers and daughters, mother and son, master and slave—characters who yearn for redemption amid a heady brew of war, kidnapping, slavery, and love.

Drawn to the ocean, ten-year-old Tabitha wanders the marshes of her small coastal village and listens to her father’s stories about his pirate voyages and the mother she never knew. Since the loss of his wife, Helen, John has remained land-bound for their daughter, but when Tab contracts yellow fever, he turns to the sea once more. Desperate to save his daughter, he takes her aboard a sloop bound for Bermuda, hoping the salt air will heal her.

Years before, Helen herself was raised by a widowed father. Asa, the devout owner of a small plantation, gives his daughter a young slave named Moll for her tenth birthday. Left largely on their own, Helen and Moll develop a close but uneasy companionship. Helen gradually takes over the running of the plantation as the girls grow up, but when she meets John, the pirate turned Continental soldier, she flouts convention and her father’s wishes by falling in love. Moll, meanwhile, is forced into marriage with a stranger. Her only solace is her son, Davy, whom she will protect with a passion that defies the bounds of slavery.

In this elegant, evocative, and haunting debut, Katy Simpson Smith captures the singular love between parent and child, the devastation of love lost, and the desperate paths we travel in the name of renewal.


Review: 
The Story of Land and Sea follows two generations of fathers and daughters and a mother and son. Asa is a small turpentine plantation owner who is raising a young daughter, Helen, by himself.  Helen is strong willed, independent and devout.  For Helen's tenth birthday, she is given a young slave, Moll, Helen and Moll have a push and pull relationship as they grow up together.  Moll is married off young and in short succession gives birth to a son, Davy, who is the only true love of her life.  Helen believes she won't find love, but falls for a former pirate and soldier, John.  John and Helen steal away on a ship where she becomes pregnant.  Years later, John is a single father to a rambunctious ten year old girl, Tabitha.  When Tabitha becomes ill, John believes the sea will be her salvation.  

A moving story of love, loss and moving on set in North Carolina around the time of the American Revolution.  Written with beautiful prose, the effects of death and loss for parents is explored.  This story is not told chronologically, but that doesn't matter.  The story begins with John and Tabitha, the focus is on their relationship.  At first, I thought that I was having a really hard time finding Tabitha's character and relating to her, but then I realized that is not the focus.  I did find it easy to feel John's overwhelming love and devotion to his daughter and the memory of his wife and that he was willing to do whatever necessary for her.  The story then moves to Helen as a young child where her relationship with her father is explored.  Helen and her father's relationship changes as Helen grows and finds her own relationship with John.  This was one of the best parts of the book for me, seeing their relationship grow.  The third part of the book focuses on Asa and John's relationship after they both have dealt with significant loss.  The tension of their dislike for one another is great but their similarities in grief and love for Helen and Tabitha binds them.  Moll and her son Davy are also an important focus, Moll faces a different kind of loss, although significant in her life.  Although, the loss of Davy is definitely one that is bittersweet.  

This is not a happy read, although it is an emotional story of struggle, loneliness and love.

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

About the Author: 


Katy Simpson Smith was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. She attended Mount Holyoke College and received a PhD in history from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars. She has been working as an adjunct professor at Tulane University and is the author of We Have Raised All of You: Motherhood in the South, 1750-1835. She lives in New Orleans.

Connect with Katy Simpson Smith through her website.


 Goodreads


Buy the Book: 
Amazon, IndieBound, and Barnes & Noble.

About the Book:
Publication date: July 7th 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame.Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past and can’t help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all.

Goodreads

Buy the Book:
-Amazon:http://www.amazon.com/Coral-Bone-Tiffany-Daune/dp/0993653707/ref=la_B00BJNZRS2_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1409664604&sr=1-1
-B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/coral-bone-tiffany-daune/1119944004?ean=9780993653704
 
Review:
Fifteen year-old Halen knows that something is different about her; she has enough magic sparking in her fingers to burn down a building, her hearing is good enough that she wears earplugs throughout her day and she can still hear whispers, lately she has been drawing detailed pictures of a boy who she has never seen.  Recently, Halen and her mom have moved back to Rockaway Beach, the place where Halen watched her father drown and Halen is having trouble keeping her powers at bay.  When a mysterious boy shows up at Halen's door one night, Halen jumps into the ocean to escape him and is transported to the realm of Elosia, a land of sirens.  In Elosia Halen finds out that she has been lied to all her life and that those closest to her have kept secrets from her about her destiny and the fate of Elosia. 

First of all, I have a huge case of cover love for this book!  I wasn't quite sure what exactly I was getting into with Coral and Bone, but I was pleased to find out that it is a young adult paranormal with a darker side.  I haven't read many YA books where mermaids and sirens are characters and I was happy to read about something a little different.  The mermaids and sirens aren't what I would have thought, they are uniquely done in a thoughtful, creative and surprising way.  I just wanted to give Halen's character a hug, for having been lied to her whole life she handles all of the situations that she has been thrown into pretty well.  It was nice that there was a touch of a romance, but it was not overdone, was not the driving factor and actually fit well into the plot line. There was a really interesting twist with the villain, Astair, also.  I'm still not quite sure how much of a villain he is  I do wish that Elosia was explored a little more, that realm seemed awesome!

About the Author: I write stories about magick, love and dark creatures lurking in the shadows. When I'm not lost in Edit Land you can find me reading a book from my towering TBR pile or at the movie theater nibbling licorice. I don't have a lucky number, but my favorite time is 11:11. I completely believe that the fortunes found inside cookies will come true and that you must be careful when wishing on stars. I live on an island, so if you want to visit you'll need a boat, and if you want to survive the passage, be sure to bring candy for the mermaids.  

Author links: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tiffany-Daune/395436080503637
https://twitter.com/TiffanyDaune
http://www.tiffanydaune.com/
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6904400.Tiffany_Daune

About the Book: 
Publication Date: April 1, 2014
Lion Fiction
Formats: eBook, Paperback
Genre: Historical Fiction
Series: The Northumbrian Thrones (Book 1)

Debut historical fiction series vividly recreating the rise of the Christian kings of Northumbria, England.

In 604 AD, Edwin, the deposed king of Northumbria, seeks refuge at the court of King Raedwald of East Anglia. But Raedwald is urged to kill his guest by Aethelfrith, Edwin’s usurper. As Edwin walks by the shore, alone and at bay, he is confronted by a mysterious figure–the missionary Paulinus– who prophesies that he will become High King of Britain. It is a turning point.

Through battles and astute political alliances Edwin rises to power, in the process marrying the Kentish princess Aethelburh. As part of the marriage contract the princess is allowed to retain her Christian faith. But, in these times, to be a king is not a recipe for a long life.

This turbulent and tormented period in British history sees the conversion of the Anglo-Saxon settlers who have forced their way on to British shores over previous centuries, arriving first to pillage, then to farm and trade–and to come to terms with the faith of the Celtic tribes they have driven out.

The dramatic story of Northumbria’s Christian kings helped give birth to England as a nation, English as a language, and the adoption of Christianity as the faith of the English.

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Review: 
I love reading historical fiction in order to learn about history I would have never otherwise be exposed to.  This first installment of The Northumbrian Thrones did just that. 

Telling the story of Edwin, the King who united Britain  in the 600's among a land divided by many rulers and religions. Exiled from his own kingdom, Edwin seeks refuge with King Readwald.  When King Readwald is coerced to give Edwin to his usurper, King Aethelfrith, a battle ensues.  Edwin comes out on top in the battle after a visit from a mysterious man who offers Edwin the Kingdom in return for the worship of a new God.  

 I wasn't sure how well I would do relating to a story about people so long ago, but with a dramatic story line that at some points seemed magical and intriguing characters with powerful motivations, this time period came to life.  Edwin's quest to become the High King of Britain is worth being told, he uses both strength and intelligence to unite the kingdom.  When he marries Aethelburh from Kent, he is not only open to allowing her to practice her religion of Christianity, but Edwin is open to learning more about it as well as learning how to read and write. I would be really interesting to know more about Aethelburh's story! One of my favorite characters was Edwin's protector Forthred, he felt very real in addition to being brave and selfless.  At the end I found out that Forthred was real, but named Lilla.  All of the old English names and pronouciations were a bit tricky for me in the beginning (and there is a guide), but I got a hang of it eventually.  Bound to fulfill his promise to a mysterious man long ago, Edwin does his best to unite the rest of his people under this new religion.  With a tumultuous ending, Britain is left in an uncertain state and I'll be looking forward to reading the next installment.

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

About the Author: Edoardo Albert is a writer of Sri Lankan and Italian extraction based in London. The best response to his writing was when he reduced a friend to helpless, hysterical, rolling-on-the-floor-holding-his-stomach laughter. Unfortunately, the writing in question was a lonely hearts ad. He hopes to produce similar results in readers, without inadvertently acquiring another wife.

For more information, please visit Edoardo Albert’s website. You can also connect on Facebook and Twitter.

About the Book: 
Publication Date: May 3, 2013
Publisher: Press 53
Paperback; 190P
ISBN: 978-1935708834
Genre: General Fiction/Literary

A Hero for the People: Stories of the Brazilian Backlands is Arthur Power’s debut collection of short stories set in Contemporary Brazil, where he and his wife lived for almost 30 years.

“Set in the vast and sometimes violent landscape of contemporary Brazil, this book is a gorgeous collection of stories-wise, hopeful, and forgiving, but clear-eyed in its exploration of the toll taken on the human heart by greed, malice, and the lust for land.” (Debra Murphy, CatholicFiction.net).

Praise for A Hero for the People: Stories of the Brazilian Backlands“This is a remarkable collection. The Brazil that Arthur Powers brings to life in these stories is a testing ground for the human heart, an alarmingly real place where the extremes of poverty and opulence, iniquity and justice, hate and love, bring his characters—and readers—face to face with life.” —Bernardo Aparicio García, Publisher of Dappled Things

“A Hero for the People is a stirring narrative about the people, history, and culture of Brazil. At root are the working-class men and women who sparkle with delight and labor in pain—and the reader is implicated intimately in their elemental emotions and vital experiences. This is a book where otherwise parched historical details become life stories worth imbibing, remembering, and repeating.” —Gregory F. Tague, Professor of English, General Editor of Editions Bibliotekos

“Arthur Powers is more than a totally captivating, adventurous storyteller. He is a wonderfully accomplished writer who enriches the reader’s experience of life, and is a mighty skillful reporter who knows the ins and outs of people and places. While his locations are often fascinatingly exotic, more importantly his people are always engagingly real! In short, Powers is in that rare company of authors who are impossible to put down!” —John Reid, director of the Tom Howard/John H. Reid Short Story Contest

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Review: 
A Hero For the People turned out to be not at all what I was expecting from this story collection, but really glad that I got a chance to read them.  Many stories have a haunting beauty quality to them and could easily be classified as thrillers.   Since Arthur Powers spent his time in Brazil serving with the Franciscan Friars, I was expecting more stories of helping people and hopefully some stories of the landscape.  These stories are in here, but my favorites were more of the chilling variety.   Here are short recaps and reviews of the stories I thought were the most intriguing: 

The Bridge sets the tone of the work that Arthur is doing in Brazil, some of the desperate situations that people in the area are in as well as the setting of the backlands and the character of the people who live there .  This story is a bit of a whopper to begin with, but definitely grabbed my attention.  

The story Hate alone is well worth the read.  A haunting story of hate and greed and how it can affect a person.  Definitely worth it, even if it read as a stand-alone.

Two Foxes is an endearing story of a farmer's relationship with the animals around him, for better or for worse.  

Another chilling story, Famine shows the power of hunger and how far a group of people will go for the opportunity to eat.

Overall, a collection of heart-wrenching, heart-pounding and heartbreaking stories from the far reaches of Brazil that opened my eyes to what life is like in that region of the world.

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

About the Author
Arthur Powers went to Brazil in 1969 and lived most his adult life there. From 1985 to 1997, he and his wife served with the Franciscan Friars in the Amazon, doing pastoral work and organizing subsistence farmers and rural workers’ unions in a region of violent land conflicts. The Powers currently live in Raleigh North Carolina.

Arthur received a Fellowship in Fiction from the Massachusetts Artists Foundation, three annual awards for short fiction from the Catholic Press Association, and 2nd place in the 2008 Tom Howard Fiction Contest. His poetry, fiction, and essays have appeared in many magazines & anthologies. He is the author of A Hero For The People: Stories From The Brazilian Backlands (Press 53, 2013) and The Book of Jotham (Tuscany Press, 2013).

Author Links
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