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Daughter of Sand and Stone

12/13/2015

3 Comments

 
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Daughter of Sand and Stone: 

Publisher: Lake Union Publishing (December 1, 2015)

When Zenobia takes control of her own fate, will the gods punish her audacity?
Zenobia, the proud daughter of a Syrian sheikh, refuses to marry against her will. She won’t submit to a lifetime of subservience. When her father dies, she sets out on her own, pursuing the power she believes to be her birthright, dreaming of the Roman Empire’s downfall and her ascendance to the throne.
Defying her family, Zenobia arranges her own marriage to the most influential man in the city of Palmyra. But their union is anything but peaceful—his other wife begrudges the marriage and the birth of Zenobia’s son, and Zenobia finds herself ever more drawn to her guardsman, Zabdas. As war breaks out, she’s faced with terrible choices.
From the decadent halls of Rome to the golden sands of Egypt, Zenobia fights for power, for love, and for her son. But will her hubris draw the wrath of the gods? Will she learn a “woman’s place,” or can she finally stake her claim as Empress of the East?
“Richly detailed and meticulously researched—Libbie Hawker brings the ancient world vibrantly to life.” —Kate Quinn, national bestselling author of Lady of the Eternal City
“Libbie Hawker writes exquisitely layered historical novels with a deft, fresh voice. Her heroines are at once powerful and completely real, and she draws them with both compassion and a keen sense of observation of human nature.” —V. M. Black, New York Times bestselling author


Purchase Links
Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: 
Zenobia bat-Zabbai is the daughter of a powerful and well-loved Syrian Sheik in 260 A.D..  All of her life she has known that she is destined for more than to be a dutiful wife at the side of a not so powerful husband.  However, after her father goes to battle and does not return, Zenobia takes it upon herself to protect her city and fulfill her destiny.  Along with a guard, Zabdas, Zenobia rides through the desert, battles soldiers and brings back her brother-in-law to rule.  With her new found confidence, Zenobia is able to secure a powerful husband, who values Zenobia as a political confidant.  As a second wife, though, Zenobia has an opponent in Fairuza, the first wife.  As her husband’s powers grow, Zenobia believes more and more that she is destined to rule on her own.   When her time comes, her place as a woman will not be without challenge.

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I loved reading and learning about this powerful and courageous woman in history that I knew nothing about.  From the moment that a young Zenobia is introduced, I was in love with her strong sense of self, her pride and her confidence that she was destined to be more than a wife.  I also liked that though fiction, the author incorporated much about the actual Zenobia’s little known life into the story, the real Zenobia must have shared these traits with the character in order to have accomplished so much.  Zenobia’s story combines many elements, an exciting, educated heroine, who makes very thoughtful decisions, adventure and war, political intrigue, family drama and a bit of romance.  I was very happy with the way the romance between Zenobia and Zabdas is done; it is by no means the plot of the story, just another element in Zenobia’s life.   The ending moved very fast for me, and I almost felt like I was missing something, but I didn’t want to put it down.  Overall, a courageous, moving and bittersweet story of an important woman in history. 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 



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About the Author: 
Libbie Hawker writes historical and literary fiction featuring deeply human characters, with rich details of time and place. She is the author of ten novels, most of which take place in the distant past among ancient civilizations. She lives in the beautiful San Juan Islands with her husband.

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Connect with Libbie
Website | Facebook | 

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Decorum Blast

12/13/2015

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02_Decorum

Decorum: A Novel by Kaaren Christopherson

Publication Date: March 31, 2015
Kensington Publishing Corp.
Foramts: eBook, Paperback, Audio
Pages: 425
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance
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Kaaren Christopherson's brilliantly observed novel captures the glamour and grit of one of the world's most dazzling cities during one of its most tumultuous eras--as seen through the eyes of a singularly captivating heroine... In 1890s New York, beautiful, wealthy Francesca Lund is an intriguing prospect for worthy suitors and fortune hunters alike. Recently orphaned, she copes by working with the poor in the city's settlement movement. But a young woman of means can't shun society for long, and Francesca's long-standing acquaintance with dashing Edmund Tracey eventually leads to engagement. Yet her sheltered upbringing doesn't blind her to the indiscretions of the well-to-do... Among the fashionable circle that gathers around her there are mistresses, scandals, and gentlemen of ruthless ambition. And there is Connor O'Casey--an entirely new kind of New Yorker. A self-made millionaire of Irish stock, Connor wants more than riches. He wants to create a legacy in the form of a luxury Madison Avenue hotel--and he wants Francesca by his side as he does it. In a quest that will take her from impeccable Manhattan salons to the wild Canadian Rockies, Francesca must choose not only between two vastly different men, but between convention and her own emerging self-reliance.

Rules Of Decorum

A gentleman should not be presented to a lady without her permission being previously asked and granted. This formality is not necessary between men alone; but, still, you should not present any one, even at his own request, to another, unless you are quite well assured that the acquaintance will be agreeable to the latter. If you wish to avoid the company of any one that has been properly introduced, satisfy your own mind that your reasons are correct; and then let no inducement cause you to shrink from treating him with respect, at the same time shunning his company. No gentleman will thus be able either to blame or mistake you. The mode in which the avowal of love should be made, must of course, depend upon circumstances. It would be impossible to indicate the style in which the matter should be told... Let it, however, be taken as a rule that an interview is best; but let it be remembered that all rules have exceptions...
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOKS-A-MILLION | HUDSON BOOKSELLERS | INDIEBOUND | WAL-MART

Praise

“A story of discovery, entitlement and love.” – Northern Virginia Magazine “Remarkable in its similarities to the work of Edith Wharton. The reader feels drawn into a world of glamour, glitz, and supreme hypocrisy. Everything is permissible as long as one does not get caught. It is a drama of manners and the stakes are high—one misstep could mean social oblivion…[Decorum] will appeal to a wide range of readers, particularly those who enjoy period novels such as Age of Innocence and The Portrait of a Lady.” – The Historical Novel Society “Beautiful heiress Francesca Lund must figure out how to assert her ideas within the confines of 1890’s New York high society.” – Library Journal “Reminiscent of Washington Square but with a more modern heroine, Decorum illuminates the dark world beneath New York society. Christopherson incorporates a clever mystery and populates the novel with a large cast of characters.” - RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars

About the Author

03_Kaaren ChristophersonKaaren Christopherson is the author of Decorum—a novel about Gilded Age New York—that began taking form in 1999 during a course on writing historical fiction. From that moment, Connor O’Casey (who had been rattling around in her brain for months) finally appeared one night and said, “All right, woman. Here I am. What are you going to do about my story?” So she began to put his words on paper, and he hasn’t kept quiet since. Soon Francesca, Blanche, Tracey, Vinnie, and the rest of the characters began arguing, gossiping, loving, and forming themselves into Kaaren’s first novel. Kaaren has had a professional career writing and editing for over 30 years and is a senior editor for an international development nonprofit organization in Washington, DC. She has written fiction since her school days, story poems, children’s books, historical fiction, and time travel, and continues to be active in writer’s groups and writing workshops. In addition to her career as a writer, Kaaren was the owner of a decorative painting business. She loves to travel and prowl through historical sites, galleries, and museums. She is active in several churches in DC and in her local Northern Virginia community, where she shares her home with feline brothers, Archie and Sammy. A Michigan native, Kaaren received her BA in history and art and her MA in educational administration from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. For more information visit Kaaren Christopherson's website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Book Blast Schedule

Sunday, November 15 Seize the Words: Books in Review Tuesday, November 17 The Reading Queen Thursday, November 19 A Chick Who Reads Monday, November 23 Kinx's Book Nook Wednesday, December 2 Brooke Blogs Saturday, December 5 Room With Books Monday, December 7 The Absurd Book Nerd Tuesday, December 8 A Literary Vacation & The Lit Bitch Wednesday, December 9 CelticLady's Reviews Thursday, December 10 Book Nerd & Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Friday, December 11 To Read, Or Not to Read Sunday, December 13 The Maiden's Court Monday, December 14 100 Pages a Day & Boom Baby Reviews Tuesday, December 15 So Many Books, So Little Time Wednesday, December 16 What Is That Book About Thursday, December 17 With Her Nose Stuck In A Book Friday, December 18 Queen of All She Reads

Giveaway

To win a Paperback or AudioBook of Decorum please enter the giveaway via the GLEAM form below. Rules – Giveaway starts at 12:01am EST on November 15th and ends at 11:59pm EST on December 18th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open internationally. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Decorum Book Blast 04_Decorum_Book Blast Banner_FINAL
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Los Nefilim: Without Light or Guide

12/4/2015

1 Comment

 
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About the Book: 
• Print Length: 128 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager Impulse (November 3, 2015)
Always holding themselves aloft from the affairs of mortals, Los Nefilim have thrived for eons. But with the Spanish Civil War looming, their fragile independence is shaken by the machinations of angels and daimons… and a half breed caught in between. Although Diago Alvarez has pledged his loyalty to Los Nefilim, there are many who don’t trust his daimonic blood. And with the re-emergence of his father—a Nefil who sold his soul to a daimon—the fear is Diago will soon follow the same path. Yet even as Diago tries to prove his allegiance, events conspire that only fuel the other Nefilim’s suspicions—including the fact that every mortal Diago has known in Barcelona is being brutally murdered.

Purchase Links
Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Review: 
Picking up shortly after In Midnight’s Silence, Diago, a half angel and half diamon must prove his allegiance to the Nefilim, a group of angels that monitor demons.  With trouble brewing in both the supernatural realm and the mortal realm with the eve of the Spanish Civil War, Diago finds himself once again in the middle of a lot of trouble.  Everyone the Diago knows in Barcelona is being murdered; Diago, his partner Miquel and other Nefilim begin to investigate.  The issues that arise affect both the natural and supernatural realm and directly involve Diago and his son, Rafael.  Diago must figure out what is going on and how to stop it.
This book involved a lot more danger, intrigue and characterization.  The demons were more prolific in this book and the growing threat that not everyone is who they seem.  Diago and Miquel’s relationship grew even more for me, especially with the involvement of Rafael.  There was some truly touching moments as Rafael had figured out the relationship between the two.  The crime scenes and mystery built into this installment definitely amped up the excitement and led to more heart-pounding scenes as Diago tried to outsmart the daimons.  I’ll be looking forward to more Nefilim adventures.
 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 


About the Author: T. Frohock has turned her love of dark fantasy and horror into tales of deliciously creepy fiction. She currently lives in North Carolina where she has long been accused of telling stories, which is a southern colloquialism for lying. Check out more of her works and news at www.tfrohock.com.


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Book One of Los Nefilim: In Midnight's Silence

Review: 
Diago Alverez is half darkness and half light born of an angel and a daimon.  After centuries he has found his place with Nefilim and partner Miquel.  He is content to love Miquel and play music, until someone comes after Miquel and wants him to play both sides.  In order to save Miquel and an important person dug up from his past, Diago must make some difficult choices that will have an impact on the whole world.

This was a quick-paced short story that introduced me to the world of the Nefilim.  The writing drew me in with vivid descriptions of scenery and allowed me to get to know the characters quickly.  I was intrigued by Diago and Miquel’s relationship between a Nefilim and a half angel and half daimon.  Their histories each seem very diverse and I hope that we get to learn more.  In such a short work, it is difficult to do any huge twist, however I appreciated the straight-forward action as Diago raced to save the people he loved the most and make his decisions towards light or dark.
 
This book was received for free in return for an honest review. 


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

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