Month: March 2022

Self-Published Saturday: Loveda Brown: The Lover’s Knot #HistoricalMystery #Freebook

BonnieReadsAndWrites4 Comments

Self-Published Saturday is my effort to help self-published authors with one of their most daunting tasks of all–marketing. If I can help even a little bit, I’m happy to do it. Below is a book description, review and buy links for Lover’s Knot, the fifth book in the Idyllwild Mystery Series by Jolie Tunnell.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Loveda Brown is a bridesmaid in the tiny mountainside town of Idyllwild, California, as yet the Wild West of 1912, but with the wedding only three days away, a guest drops face-first into the chicken salad. Is it misdiagnosis or murder? Between a fortune teller, a nosy newspaper reporter, four physicians, and an overbearing aunty, Loveda wanders a maze of deceit to uncover the killer before the bride pays the ultimate price for a secret in the groom’s past.

BOOK REVIEW

Loveda Brown, Lover’s Knot is the fifth book in a series but can easily be read as a standalone. Although I had not read any books in this series before, I was easily swept into this novel, with its quirky cast of characters and compelling storyline. Loveda is a strong woman at a time when men ruled the roost, and she is quick to sniff out a mystery. When a woman dies under suspicious circumstances, Loveda is not content with the explanations of the men present and sets out to investigate for herself. Full of fun, intrigue, twists, turns, and even some fortune-telling, this book will keep you entertained. I found the writing to be exceptional. It grabs you and takes you on an adventure that can be both humorous and perilous. I felt transported back to 1912 to this tiny town in the west. Will I seek out the rest of this series to read? That’s no mystery. You bet I will.

My only slight criticism is on the cover. The cover itself is very pretty, especially when displayed in a set with the other books in the series. But the author’s name is too small and hardly visible. I suggest the author make her name larger on the cover. And that’s my only critique. Shout your name out, Jolie! You’re a talented writer.

I downloaded this book via Kindle Unlimited, but this book is FREE to everyone until midnight tonight! Get your copy while you can!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jolie Tunnell brings the past to life in a historical mystery series with a voice all her own. Author, freelance writer, blogger, and professional mom, she lives in Southern California with her hubby, five kids, and a pear-shaped cat. Minus the murders, Idyllwild has been her summer retreat for years.

Cozy up with a cuppa and enjoy her mountaintop mysteries with a feisty small-town community, hidden villains, and the unsinkable Loveda Brown. She offers readers a historical whodunnit with the flavor of turn-of-the-century Wild West.

Visit her website to find her blog, newsletter, sales calendar, and upcoming new releases!

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BUY LINKS

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Link To Buy Entire Series

*If you buy the book(s), please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books.  Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.

*Please click on the “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress followers. A little bit of help from all of us will help self-published authors go a long way!

Blog Tour and Book Review Historical Fiction: The Postcard from Italy

BonnieReadsAndWrites10 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Italy, 1945. ‘Where am I?’ The young man wakes, bewildered. He sees olive trees against a bright blue sky. A soft voice soothes him. ‘We saw you fall from your plane. The parachute saved you.’ He remembers nothing of his life, or the war that has torn the world apart… but where does he belong?

England, present day. Antique-shop-owner Susannah wipes away a tear as she tidies her grandmother’s belongings. Elsie’s memories are fading, and every day Susannah feels further away from her only remaining family. But everything changes when she stumbles across a yellowed postcard of a beautiful Italian stone farmhouse, tucked away in Elsie’s dressing table. A message dated from World War 2 speaks of a secret love. Could her grandmother, who never talked about the past, have fallen for someone in Italy all those years ago?

With Elsie unable to answer her questions, Susannah becomes determined to track down the house and find a distraction from her grief. Arriving at what is now a crumbling hotel by the sparkling Italian sea, she feels strangely at home. And after an unexpected encounter with handsome wine waiter Giacomo, she can’t tell if it’s his dark eyes or his offer to help solve her mystery that makes her heart race.

Together they find a dusty chest tucked in a forgotten corner of the building. The white silk of a World War 2 parachute spills out. And the Royal Air Force identity tag nestled in the folds bears a familiar name…

With Giacomo by her side, and before it’s too late for her grandmother, can Susannah discover the truth behind a shocking wartime secret at the heart of her family? Or will it tear her apart?

An absolutely stunning page-turner that will sweep you away to the olive groves and majestic views of the Italian coast. Perfect for fans of Kathryn Hughes, Fiona Valpy and Victoria Hislop.

BOOK REVIEW

Full of family secrets, mystery, and lies, Postcard from Italy takes us to the beautiful Italian seaside towards the end of World War II. A young man wakes with no memories of who he is, and by the time he discovers the truth, it is too late. He has fallen completely in love. When his former life calls him back and his memories return, what does he do? In the present day, Susannah chases a family mystery from England to Italy and finds a lot more than she bargained for.

I enjoyed the description of the Italian seaside and definitely felt transported there. The concept of forgetting your old life and embracing a life that is not yours is compelling. The conundrum of regaining memories and then having to choose between the former life and the new is intriguing and does not disappoint here. There is also another element in memory loss: As a young man loses his memories temporarily, an elderly gentleman’s recollections are fading away forever. The character development in the 1945 timeline is very strong. Overall, this is compelling, heart-breaking, family-based historical fiction. It’s about navigating a no-win situation the best way you possibly can. And it’s about how an accident can change a family forever.

I received a free copy of this book via Bookouture. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Angela Petch

Angela Petch is an award-winning writer of fiction – and the occasional poem.

Every summer she moves to Tuscany for six months where she and her husband own a renovated watermill which they let out. When not exploring their unspoiled corner of the Apennines, she disappears to her writing desk at the top of a converted stable. In her Italian handbag or hiking rucksack, she always makes sure to store a notebook and pen to jot down ideas.

The winter months are spent in Sussex where most of her family live. When Angela’s not helping out with grandchildren, she catches up with writer friends.

Angela’s gripping, WWII, Tuscan novels are published by Bookouture. While her novel, Mavis and Dot, was self-published and tells of the frolics and foibles of two best friends who live by the seaside. Angela also writes short stories published in Prima and People’s Friend.


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BUY LINKS

Amazon

Audio:

UK
US

Self-Published Spotlight: Village Teacher by Nguyen Trong Hien (Neihtn) is #Free right now!

BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

Self-Published Spotlight is my effort to help promote self-published books. Today Neihtn, who also writes as Nguyen Trong Hien, is in the Spotlight! The ebook of Village Teacher is FREE on Amazon from today until March 18th! Pick up your copy at the link below.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

At the end of the 19th century, during the early years of French colonization, a village teacher participates in the palace examinations in the imperial city of Hue, Vietnam. There he meets a young Vietnamese-French woman. Despite their attraction for each other, a series of trials and adversities challenge them both. Set against a well-detailed background of political intrigue and social prejudice, their love faces opposition from family and society, as people they never suspect as enemies threaten to put an end not only to their relationship but also to his life.

My 5-STAR review of Village Teacher is here.

PICK UP VILLAGE TEACHER FREE HERE

Again, the promotion lasts through March 18th.

Self-Published Spotlight: The Essential Social Skills Handbook for Teens by Richard Meadows

BonnieReadsAndWrites2 Comments

Self-published Spotlight is my effort to help indie authors promote their books. Below we have an important book that helps teens who are struggling with anxiety and social skills.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Have you been missing out on getting what you want most in life because you lack confidence or are shy? Do you want to have the confidence to do anything you want and not care about what others think of you? Then keep reading….

When I was a shy overweight kid who lacked confidence:

I was always the last person to be picked for the soccer team.

I was afraid of looking like an idiot for asking a question out loud in front of everyone in class.

I thought I could never become the person I dreamt of becoming: the confident and badass person who doesn’t care about what other people think.

I stood in a corner at the party afraid to talk to the girl that I liked.

If you can relate to what I’m talking about and you would like to transform yourself then this book is a must-read for you….

These are just some of the problems I faced as a teen. I made it my mission to figure out what was making me anxious and what was holding me back from doing all the things I wanted to do. I‘ve now come a long way since and I want to help you.

In this handbook, you’ll discover:

  • How to communicate and get the message across even when you feel like no one will understand you.
  • Exercises used even by the U.S. Navy Seals unit uses to remain calm under pressure.
  • The one simple word fix to your sentences that will take your communication to the next level and grasp anyone’s attention.
  • How to work with your parents even if you feel like they don’t get you at all or can’t help.
  • Absolutely everything you need to know to achieve every single goal and ambition you have.
  • Bonus templates for parents and teens to help with goal setting, planning, and mindset transformation.

Attention Parents! There’s also an addendum with special advice and tips for you to help the teens in your life develop stronger social skills and overcome anxiety.

am eternally grateful to my parents as they played an instrumental role in my personal and social growth. I want to share with you everything my parents, counselors and mentors did right and a few tweaks and improvements that in retrospect would have helped me gain confidence faster.

I guarantee you that this book will work for you because:

  • I’m not going to bore you with facts. I’ll tell you about the challenges and problems I faced, how I overcame them and how you can too.
  • If you’ve tried all other self-help books and have not found them useful, this book will work for you because this is not a self-help book, it is a book to help you take specific action using templates to start today and get closer to your goal today.
  • Even if you don’t like to read books or read in general, this book will work for you because this book is easy to read and relatable.
  • Even if you’ve tried all the mainstream advice, this book will work for you because the advice is relevant for the 2020s.
Richard Meadows

Follow Richard Meadows on Social Media

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BUY LINKS

Amazon

Amazon UK

Audiobook on Audible

Self-Published Saturday: The Modern Christ

BonnieReadsAndWrites11 Comments

Self-Published Saturday is my effort to help self-published/indie authors. These authors have to do it all, from editing to cover design to marketing. If I can help even a little bit with the marketing, I’m happy to do it. Below is my review of The Modern Christ by Dan Hambright. It’s a modern take on the story of Jesus.

BOOK REVIEW

The Modern Christ is the story of Jesus, but set in modern times.  Imagine if Jesus was born to Mary in our time, and then imagine it’s set in America.  In this retelling of the story of Christ, Jesus is born to Mary in the 1980s in a car dealership in Bethlehem, PA. It is the exact story of Jesus with a modern twist, but contains the same message of a virgin birth, the Son of God, and His sacrifice. 

One thing that was important to me about this book was that the basic story of Christ was not changed.  The people around him didn’t change either.  Mary, Joseph, the apostles, John the Baptist, and even a couple of presidents with the last name of Herod are all in the book.  It’s wild to see Jesus with a cell phone and riding in cars, but the heart of the story is still there.  It’s proof you can put Jesus in any time and the result will be the same.  He will serve as a sacrifice for the sins of the world. I think it’s a unique perspective that could make Him seem more relatable to the people of today. After all in His day, He was modern. This is a thought-provoking take on the story of Jesus.  The story of Christ is always going to get five stars from me. Highly recommend.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dan Hambright believes the best books are the ones that stay with you long after you’ve turned the final page, and as an author, he strives to influence his readers in the same way with each of his novels. When he’s not writing, you can find him hiking through the state parks of Oklahoma, playing sports with his son, having deep, philosophical conversations with his daughter, or spending time with his beautiful and amazing wife. He lives in Yukon, Oklahoma with his wife and two children.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

*Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read the book for free.

*If you buy the book, please leave reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, as well as anywhere else you review books.  Some people feel very daunted by writing a review. Don’t worry. You do not have to write a masterpiece. Just a couple of lines about how the book made you feel will make the author’s day and help the book succeed. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it.

*Please click on the “share” buttons below and share these books with your Twitter, Facebook, and WordPress followers. A little bit of help from all of us will help self-published authors go a long way!

Book Review: Under A Sky of Memories

BonnieReadsAndWrites3 Comments

This is another review I did for the February edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. It is set during World War II, but has a take on it I haven’t seen before. There are so many books coming out that are set during World War II that I really look for unique perspectives before I decide to read them. This is based on a true story.

In 1943, three nurses from different backgrounds meet at training in Kentucky and become part of the 807th Medical Air Evacuation Transport Squadron, charged with transporting the wounded to safety during World War II. Evelyn has been caring for her father and sisters after the death of her mother and has finally left to make her own way in the world. Dot was jilted by her fiancé on the eve of her departure, but is still clinging to her engagement ring, afraid to admit the truth. Vita was born in high society and is used to the finer things, but left it all to pursue a different path. Together the three women face incredible danger when their transport plane crashes in Nazi-occupied Albania. Based on a true story, this historical thriller follows a group of nurses and medics, and their flight crew, as they attempt to survive in harsh conditions with the enemy in constant pursuit.

This is a thrilling novel full of suspense, intrigue, and romance. It is told from three points of view—Evelyn, Dot, and Vita—which is crucial in making a more compelling story. The three main characters are well-written and captivating, and the romances are engaging and believable for the circumstances. The true events, expertly woven together with fictional characters, make for a fascinating read. Descriptions of the harsh conditions and perilous journey make you feel as if you are there, and the author does not hold back on the agony, suffering, and physical toll of such a situation. This adds another layer of authenticity to this book. Under a Sky of Memories takes us through snowstorms, dangerous terrain, and bullet fire during a perilous attempt at survival, and throws in romance and heartache along the way. Highly recommended for fans of World War II fiction.

I received a free copy of this book from Lake Union Publishing via Historical Novels Review Magazine. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Soraya M. Lane graduated with a law degree before realizing that law wasn’t the career for her and that her future was in writing. She is the author of historical and contemporary women’s fiction, and her novel Wives of War was an Amazon Charts bestseller. Soraya lives on a small farm in her native New Zealand with her husband, their two young sons and a collection of four legged friends. When she’s not writing, she loves to be outside playing make-believe with her children or snuggled up inside reading.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Website

Facebook

Twitter

BUY LINKS

Amazon *Kindle Unlimited subscribers can read this book for free.

B&N

#Book Review – Another Time, Another Place by #Jodi Taylor

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UPDATE: Because Jodi Taylor has a new book (Book 13) in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series coming out next month, I’m republishing my review of Book 12. As I say below, I drop everything to read the next Jodi Taylor book, and I will drop out of sight in April as soon as Book 13, A Catalogue of Catastrophe, is released. I usually get it read in one day. The thing I love most about Jodi’s books in this series is that they each come with many well-researched history lessons.

Whenever Jodi Taylor, my favorite author, publishes a book, I drop everything and read it. I also listen to the audiobook version. I currently have the Kindle version and the audiobook version of this new book already. A signed paperback is also winging its way to me right now. I’m a bit of a Jodi Taylor fangirl. However, I love her books, and historical fiction with a time travel subgenre is my favorite thing to read. She also writes in other genres and I love those series too. Check out my review below.

BOOK REVIEW

St. Mary’s is back, but in turmoil, and even more than usual. Max finds herself sacked (again), and her new job may be just what she needs. Markham has gone into the wind, fleeing shadowy government figures, and his replacement is not the sharpest pencil in the box. Clive Ronan is gone, but newer, maybe even deadlier, foes are waiting in the wings. More tumultuous changes occur, and it is uncertain if St. Mary’s will survive. 

As always, the characters are well developed and interesting. The story is engaging and kept me on the edge of my seat. Max is outraged in this one, and an outraged Max cannot be missed. The history of the time periods visited is well researched and I always learn something new. I always drop everything to read the latest Jodi Taylor book, and I am never disappointed. 

This is book 12 in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series. It is important to read them in order. It is not a standalone. The St. Mary’s crew is a madcap, crazy group of time-traveling historians (don’t call it time travel) who “investigate historical events in contemporary time.” Anyone who is just starting this series needs to begin with the first book, “Just One Damned Thing After Another.” I envy you the experience of reading this series for the first time.

In addition to reading the Kindle edition, I also listened to the Audiobook, narrated by Zara Ramm. Zara does an outstanding job, as usual. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi Taylor is the author of the bestselling Chronicles of St Mary’s series, the story of a bunch of disaster-prone historians who investigate major historical events in contemporary time. Do NOT call it time travel!

Born in Bristol and educated in Gloucester (facts both cities vigorously deny), she spent many years with her head somewhere else, much to the dismay of family, teachers and employers, before finally deciding to put all that daydreaming to good use and pick up a pen. She still has no idea what she wants to do when she grows up.

JODI”S WEBSITE: You can buy signed books and merchandise here.

JODI TAYLOR’S SOCIAL MEDIA

JODI TAYLOR BOOKS

FANS OF THE CHRONICLES OF ST. MARY’S SERIES (This is run by Jodi’s agent and is a really great site. Jodi also comments on here)

JODI TAYLOR BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP

THE SPOILER GROUP – JODI TAYLOR’S LATEST BOOK This group is for those who love spoilers. Enter at your own risk.

BUY ANOTHER TIME, ANOTHER PLACE

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

BUY THE FIRST BOOK IN THE ST. MARY’S SERIES (Happy Reading, You Will Love It!) (Ignore the first two reviews that say there’s a lot of sex. There is one scene, and it’s very mild.)

BUY A CATALOGUE OF CATASTROPHE, the newest adventure in the Chronicles of St. Mary’s series.

Self-Published Spotlight: Stories from Ecuador by Tyrel Nelson

BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

Self-published spotlight is my effort to help promote self-published books and share them with others. Next, Tyrel Nelson is in the spotlight! Below is a book cover, description, trailer, giveaways, and buy links for Stories from Ecuador, which is about Tyrel’s year in South America as an English teacher.

“Stories from Ecuador: A Collection by Tyrel Nelson” was recently selected as a Global (South America) and Silver (Travel) Winner in the 2021-2022 Reader Views Literary Awards!

In Stories from Ecuador, one gets a glimpse into Tyrel Nelson’s background as well as his life as an English teacher during the 2007 and 2008 school years. They also become familiar with his host community of Cuenca. Through more than thirty illustrative vignettes, the author sprinkles Spanish, photos, and pieces of his personality to set the table for the audience as they meet the neighbors, nationals, and fellow foreigners who enriched the Minnesotan’s 365 days in South America. On hikes, horseback, buses, and boats, readers follow Nelson to popular destinations, not to mention the hidden hamlets that surround his town.

Reader Views March Giveaway

Readers’ Favorite Monthly Book Giveaway

BUY LINKS

Amazon
Apple
B&N
Other Retailers

Book Review: High Stakes

BonnieReadsAndWrites4 Comments

This is the story of five women in a literary agency and how they cope with double standards, sexual harassment, marital problems, and abuse. It is set during the height of the “me too” movement and shows how each woman deals with these issues.

The newest employee, Jane, comes from a life of privilege, is not worried about losing her job, and is not about to take sexual harassment and abuse. When she stands up against a boss who won’t take no for an answer, she knocks over the first domino, and an avalanche follows.

What was made most evident when the abusive actions of one of the bosses at the agency are brought to light is that other people in power knew or suspected and did nothing. I think that is a true representation of what goes on in these situations in real life. In my opinion, the abuser’s business partner who turned a blind eye to it all is just as guilty and should have been prosecuted too. Although this is a strong story with a good message of women banding together and fighting back, I feel Ms. Steel wasn’t hard enough on the business partner in this novel.

Overall I would recommend this to anyone interested in women’s fiction and the “Me too,” movement.

I received a free copy of this book from Random House via Netgalley. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

About the Author

Danielle Steel has been hailed as one of the world’s most popular authors, with nearly a billion copies of her novels sold. Her recent many international bestsellers include Against All Odds, The Duchess and The Right Time. She is also the author of His Bright Light, the story of her son Nick Traina’s life and death; A Gift of Hope, a memoir of her work with the homeless; and the children’s books Pretty Minnie in Paris and Pretty Minnie in Hollywood. Danielle divides her time between Paris and her home in northern California.

Buy Links

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Apple Books
Books A Million

Self-published Spotlight: Love Potion Just in Time by Kerri Hunter

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

Savannah knew that money and magic didn’t mix, but the Inn needed Katrina’s money and Katrina needed the love potion. What could possibly go wrong? Well, the love potion for starters, and now Savannah’s in a race against time to find the antidote. Meanwhile, she’s falling for Rylan but will he still feel the same once the love potion is reversed?

READ THIS ON KINDLE VELLA

On Kindle Vella, the first three episodes are free, and then you purchase additional episodes (chapters) with tokens. It costs $1.99 for 200 tokens. 200 tokens is enough for 8 chapters. Amazon may give you free tokens to start.