Month: June 2022

SNEAK PEAK: Upcoming Books I’m Reviewing #HistoricalNovelSociety

BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

*No book reviews included.

I’ve been busy reading and reviewing books for Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society, and while I can’t post the reviews until August, I am sharing the covers and descriptions of some of the books I have been reviewing for them this time around. I can’t give a star rating or any impressions of them yet, but they are coming after August 1st.

AMAZON DESCRIPTION

A ravishing young mind reader stalks the streets at night in kitten heels, prowling for men to murder.

A soft-spoken genius toils away in the city morgue, desperate to unearth the science behind his gift for shapeshifting.

It’s a match made in 1928 Chicago, where gangsters run City Hall, jazz fills the air, and every good girl’s purse conceals a flask.

Until now, eighteen-year-old Ruby’s penchant for poison has been a secret. No one knows that she uses her mind-reading abilities to target men who prey on vulnerable women, men who escape the clutches of Chicago “justice.” When she meets a brilliant boy working at the morgue, his knack for forensic detail threatens to uncover her dark hobby. Even more unfortunately: sharp, independent Ruby has fallen in love with him.
 
Waltzing between a supernaturally enhanced romance, the battle to take down a gentleman’s club, and loyal friendships worth their weight in diamonds, Ruby brings defiant charm to every page of Murder for the Modern Girl—not to mention killer fashion. An irresistible caper perfect for fans of The Gentleman’s Guide to Vice and Virtue, in an exquisite hardcover package with rose-gold foil.

AMAZON DESCRIPTION

It’s 1954. The place is Prosperity, North Carolina, a small farming community in Bliss County. Three teenagers, the 1953 championship-winning offensive backfield for Prosperity High, and lifelong friends, are unwilling participants in a horrific event that results in a young man’s death.

One of the friends harbors a tragic secret that could have prevented the crime. Divulging it would ruin his life, so he stays quiet, fully aware he will carry a stain of guilt for the rest of his life. The three buddies go their separate ways for almost a decade, before another tragedy brings them back to Prosperity in 1968. Now in their thirties, it is a time of civil and racial unrest in America.

They discover the man who committed murder back in ’54 is now the mayor. Worse, now he’s set his sights on Congress.

A Kind and Savage Place spans half a century from 1942 to 1989 and examines the dramatic racial and societal turmoil of that period through the microcosmic lens of a flyspeck North Carolina agricultural community.

AMAZON DESCRIPTION

Peggy Serrano couldn’t wait for her best friend to come home from the war. But the Jimmy Barnett who returns is much different from the Jimmy who left, changed so drastically by his experience as a medic in Europe that he can barely function. When he attempts the unthinkable, his parents check him into the VA hospital. Peggy determines to help the Barnetts unravel what might have happened to send their son over the edge. She starts by contacting Jimmy’s war buddies, trying to identify the mysterious woman in the photo they find in Jimmy’s belongings.

Seven years earlier, sensing the rising tide against her people, Gisela Wolff and her family flee Germany aboard the passenger ship St. Louis, bound for Havana, Cuba. Gisela meets Sam Shapiro on board and the two fall quickly in love. But the ship is denied safe harbor and sent back to Europe. Thus begins Gisela’s perilous journey of exile and survival, made possible only by the kindness and courage of a series of strangers she meets along the way, including one man who will change the course of her life.

Sunday Post: Hard Work Pays Off #SmokyMountains

BonnieReadsAndWrites36 Comments

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at the @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news and a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See the rules here.

I’m continuing with the new diet plan and I’ve lost 7 pounds so far, and I’ll weigh in again tomorrow. There’s a long way to go, but it’s a step in the right direction. The garden we planted recently is starting to grow and we’ve got some squash blossoms already and a few flowers on the tomatoes. It’s great to see efforts being rewarded.

Happy Father’s Day to my husband Doug, the rock of our family. I mentioned he had been painting his car, and it’s finished. I’m really proud of him.

I was in Blowing Rock, NC on the Blue Ridge Parkway the other day, and here are some pictures from an overlook. I’m blessed to live in such a beautiful area.

LAST WEEK ON THE BLOG

Things were a bit quieter on the blog this past week as I was busily finishing up reviews for the August edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. I will share the covers of some of the books I reviewed soon. I can’t post the reviews until after the magazine is published.

Monday I reviewed The Lives of Diamond Bessie by Jody Hadlock.

Wednesday I posted an excerpt of Bonds by Marie Ann Cope.

Self-Published Saturday I posted a review of Death at Dusbar College by Laura DiNovis Berry.

NEXT WEEK ON THE BLOG

Monday I will share the covers of the books I’ve been reviewing for the Historical Novel Society the past few months.

Wednesday I will review A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong

On Friday I will review The Hurricanes of Weakerville by Chris Rylander

On Self-Published Saturday I plan to review Downfall by Caleb Ward.

BOOKS I RECEIVED THIS WEEK:

A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA by Tessa Arlen from Random House for an Austenprose blog tour.

Have a great week everyone!

Self-Published Saturday: Death at Dusbar College #MiddleGradeFantasy #MagicalStories

BonnieReadsAndWrites5 Comments

Self-Published Saturday is my effort to help Self-Published/Indie authors. These authors have to do it all, from cover design to editing to marketing. If I can help even a little bit with the marketing, I’m happy to do it. This week’s feature is Death at Dusbar College, a magical adventure for middle grade readers.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Welcome to the world of Antyfas where invisible monkeys play and dragons fly! Cristiano has just turned eleven, and his aunt has invited him to visit her at the magical Dusbar College. Wondrous acts of magic and fantastical beasts await him, but can he solve the Grand Magician’s riddle?

BOOK REVIEW

This is a story for middle-grade readers about a magical college in the land of Antyfas, a place of fantastic wonders where magical animals abound. Cristiano is excited to visit his aunt at Dusbar College, and while there he gets a chance to solve a riddle for a special prize.

This is not a long book–only 78 pages in the hardcover edition, some of which are illustrations by Lee Thompson. I enjoyed the problem-solving process that Cristiano went through, which I think is a good example for younger readers. I also enjoyed the character of the great magician and the fun take on what it means to have a “frog in your throat.” I would have preferred more development of the characters, but maybe that will occur in subsequent stories.

Overall, this is a fun book for younger readers. There are some similarities to Harry Potter, and fans of that series may enjoy a visit to Dusbar College.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Inspired by all the ridiculous, frightening, wonderful, and adorable things she has discovered during her time on Earth, Laura DiNovis Berry writes what she hopes will be wonderful things for others to discover. See more about Laura and Antyfas on her website at berrysbooks.com

BUY LINKS

AMAZON|BARNES&NOBLE|APPLE BOOKS

*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!

Blog Tour and Exclusive Excerpt: Bonds by Marie Ann Cope

BonnieReadsAndWrites3 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

A four-century-old secret. A vampire curse.

Can she uncover the truth about her family before it destroys her?

Following the death of her grandmother, Becca Martin comes face to face with an ancestor she is unaware of; an ancestor who threatens her very existence.

Antony Cardover bears a vampire curse, and he will stop at nothing to sever his ancient bindings.

As she uncovers the dark truth about her family, can Becca embrace the legacy she now bears?

Or will the mistakes of the dead return to kill her?

If you like A Discovery of Witches and The Vampire Chronicles, you will LOVE Marie Anne Cope’s BONDS series.

Step into a world of magic, mystery and mayhem, buy BONDS today!

EXCERPT

Suddenly, she froze, her fork halfway to her mouth, her breath caught in her chest. She stared at Spook as he cowered down in the garden, his ears back, his teeth bared. The hairs on the back of Becca’s neck were now upright, and she shivered as a sudden draught wrapped itself around her. She caught the scent of him as the draught moved through her towards the patio doors, and she saw a dark shadow advance towards the threatened cat. The fork dropped from her hand as she raced towards the patio doors. She yanked the handle, but it was locked. She fumbled for the key. She always left it in the lock. It wasn’t there.

‘Noooooo!’ she screamed as the shadowy figure crouched down in front of Spook and leaned in really close to him.

‘Leave him alone!’ Becca shouted and banged on the glass, hoping to scare Spook, but it was almost like he was in a trance. He didn’t move a muscle. He didn’t even try to lash out.

Becca picked up a chair and smashed it as hard as she could against the glass, but it bounced off. She dropped to the floor sobbing as she watched the figure reach out towards Spook. Suddenly the cat took off, and the figure stood up and stared at Becca.

‘Noooooo!’ Becca screamed, as she stared into the eyes of Antony Cardover.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Marie Anne Cope is an author of contemporary and paranormal fiction. She grew up in Manchester, moving to North Wales in 2005, where she lives with her three cats, Jasmine, Texas, and Stoker.

She writes for women who want to read gripping stories that combine strong female leads with powerful, provocative storylines, which take them to the edge of their comfort zone.

Marie has always had an interest in the darker side of fiction—particularly in crime and the supernatural—but it wasn’t until her mid-twenties that she began taking a serious interest in writing. She published the first novel in her dark paranormal BONDS series in 2013 and followed it with the second and third novels in the quartet, BROKEN BONDS in 2015 and BONDS RE-BOUND in 2018. The journey ended with ETERNAL BONDS in November 2021, the Kindle edition reaching number one in both the Vampire Suspense and British Horror Fiction categories, as well as number three in Contemporary Fantasy Fiction.

The BONDS series is set against both contemporary and historical backdrops, following the story of the complicated and unusual relationship between Becca Martin, a reluctant witch forced to face up to who she is and accept her gift of the Craft, and Antony Cardover, a man who traded his soul for the chance of vengeance and paid the ultimate price – eternity bearing a vampire curse.

BONDS was a finalist for the 2020 Golden Stake Literary Award at the International Vampire Film & Arts Festival, as well as a quarter-finalist for the 2012 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award.

Marie has published two collections of dark short stories under the series title TALES FROM A SCARYGIRL. The first volume, entitled DARK AND SCARY, moves from the realms of the supernatural into the borderlands where folklore and superstition meet real-world fear, while volume two, entitled DARKLY SINSITER, delves into the darkest vaults of the human psyche, daring the reader to question what lies beneath the surface.

DARKLY SINISTER came out on Halloween 2020, with the Kindle edition reaching number one positions in the Horror Short Stories, British Horror Fiction and British & Irish Short Stories categories, as well as number two in Psychological Thrillers.

Under the pen name M A Cope, she has also published her first children’s book called THE MISFITS. The story follows an unlikely group of supernatural misfits as they embark on an adventure that teaches them it is okay to be different from who they are expected to be; the important thing is to be happy in their own skin.

Marie is working on several other projects at the moment, including a screen adaptation of BONDS and a contemporary romance novel called CHASING RAINBOWS.

At the heart of everything she writes is a simple aim – to tell stories that captivate the reader.

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BUY LINKS

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Book Review: The Lives of Diamond Bessie

BonnieReadsAndWrites11 Comments

This is another review I did for the May edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of the Historical Novel Society. It’s true crime meets magical realism. A fascinating combination.

In 1860s New York, Annie Moore is sent to a convent for fallen women after getting pregnant out of wedlock. After the nuns take her baby, she tries to find the child but ends up going into prostitution just to survive. She becomes Bessie and is soon highly sought after by men. She earns her own money, is showered with jewels, and gets the opportunity to travel. However, she longs for a different life. When the man who she thought would return her to respectability betrays her, she begins to seek revenge. Based on a true story, this is a captivating book with a surprise.

The first half of this book stays very true to the real-life story, but then there is a supernatural element that begins midway through. It makes the novel even more interesting and unpredictable. As Annie, the main character is treated abominably by society and the church. As Bessie, she is used by men and madams but still finds a measure of success. After marriage, she eventually realizes that her husband has no intention of living a normal life with her. But by then it’s too late. We travel with Bessie to Chicago, New Orleans, Cincinnati, and Texas, and then into the world of the paranormal as Bessie seeks revenge. The magical realism aspect of this story really sets it apart. The plight of women in those times is evident, and the theme of revenge is explored. This is an intriguing combination of genres—true crime, women’s fiction, and the paranormal—all woven into a compelling historical novel. Highly recommended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jody Hadlock’s love of history goes all the way back to junior high, when she was a member of the Junior Historians of Texas, so it’s no surprise her first novel is historical. She studied journalism at Texas A&M University and worked as a broadcast journalist and then in nonprofit public relations before turning her focus to fiction. She also writes screenplays and won the 2020 Dallas International Film Festival’s screenplay contest.

Jody’s Social Media: Instagram|Bookbub|Facebook|Website

BUY LINKS

AMAZON|AMAZON UK|B&N

Sunday Post: Productive Week

BonnieReadsAndWrites28 Comments

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted at the @ Caffeinated Reviewer. It’s a chance to share news and a post to recap the past week on your blog and showcase books and things we have received. Share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead. See the rules here.

This has been a busy week here at our house. I was swamped at work, so I didn’t get to do as much posting as usual. The new diet is going really well. I lost 5 pounds the first week, and I weigh in for the second time tomorrow. The prediabetes drug that I’m on, Metformin, has almost erased my appetite, which is amazing. I found a Facebook group that actually uses Metformin for weight loss.

I have to brag on my husband a little. This week he’s been painting his car! He was getting ready for a car show, but didn’t quite make it. However, the car is looking wonderful. A few weeks ago, he painted my 1999 Subaru. I am determined to use that little car a lot due to the high gas prices, and he made it look great.

That’s my little Subaru above. We call her Hazel. He did a great job! I’ll post pictures of my husband’s car after he gets finished. It’s a Dodge Magnum.

Last Week on Bonnie Reads and Writes

On Tuesday I reviewed Surviving the Wilderness by Maggie K. Black.

On Thursday I reviewed The Eleventh Commandment by Mary F. Burns.

And on Self-Published Saturday I put up a Review and a Spotlight.

I reviewed The Scarlet Forest by A.E. Chandler and I put up a Spotlight of Before by J. Kilburn.

Next Week on Bonnie Reads and Writes

I am currently finishing up eight reviews for the August edition of Historical Novels Review, the magazine of The Historical Novel Society. That is going to keep me busy until my deadline on the 15th.

However, on Monday I will be posting a review I did for the May edition. It is The Lives of Diamond Bessie by Jody Hadlock.

On Tuesday I will try to join Top Ten Tuesday if time permits.

On Wednesday I will post spotlights of some of the books I’ve read this time for HNS.

And on Self-Published Saturday I will review Death at Dusbar College, an indie, middle-grade fantasy/mystery set at a magical college.

Saturday is also open for Spotlights if anyone wants to submit one.

BOOKS I PICKED UP LAST WEEK

The Beach Trap was an approved request on Netgalley. It appears to be a different take on “The Parent Trap,” and I loved both versions of that movie.

Morganthau was a Netgalley widget sent from Random House. This is about an influential American family, and I had never heard of them, so I had to check it out.

Dark Blue Waves will be part of a Book Tour from HFVBT Tours. This one combines Jane Austen and time travel. What’s not to love?

Have a great week, everyone!

Self-Published Spotlight: Before by J. Kilburn #ComingofAgeStory #SmallTownFiction

BonnieReadsAndWrites3 Comments

*Not a book review

In the novel BEFORE, writer J. Kilburn brings readers a light-hearted and whimsical coming of age story that follows the adventures and misadventures of Just Regular Kids as they grow up in a pastoral and peaceful New England college town. Buckle your seatbelts – all may not be as it seems. Events in a far-away criminal underworld lurk in the background as these teenagers take their first steps into adulthood. Adventurous readers will discover that two Sweet Sixteens have a lot more in common with hardened criminals than you – or they – might realize…. Surprises are in store for everyone!

BEFORE both celebrates and indicts the sweet and sordid in small-town, everyday life. This Crime Fiction and Coming-of-Age mashup by J. Kilburn will leave you howling…while the questions and answers posed by this novel will have you re-examining the sunny streets and wildflower-filled lanes of your own neighborhood.

BEFORE by J. Kilburn is a READERS FAVORITE 5-star selection:
“Kilburn breathes life into [the characters] with some hilariously awkward scenes…. The dialogue… is probably among the top 1% in its sarcasm and authenticity.” – Jamie Michele for RF (Jan. 2022)

Edgy, relevant Teen Noir with characters who are loveable yet occasionally frightening – Kilburn’s novel BEFORE is wry and insightful New Adult fiction with dark roiling edges.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON|AMAZON UK|B&N

Self-Published Saturday: The Scarlet Forest #RobinHood

BonnieReadsAndWrites9 Comments

Self-Published Saturday is my effort to help Self-Published/Indie authors. These authors have to do it all, from cover design to editing to marketing. If I can help even a little bit with marketing, I’m happy to do it. This week’s feature is the audiobook of a wonderful Robin Hood retelling, The Scarlet Forest.

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

The Scarlet Forest takes us back to medieval times and into the lives of Robin Hood and Marian.  This version of the Robin Hood legend is true to the dialect and very well researched, bringing history and legend together in a wonderful way. This collection includes oft-told stories and new ones as well. We are sometimes treated to “a tale within a tale,” as Marian (Anne) or one of the other characters tell stories of their own. 

The characters come alive from the first page, as we are introduced to Robin and watch him assemble his band of merry men. It is set in the 13th century and is entwined with the history of that time.  I loved the way the concept of “merry men” is explained by the men themselves, that it is much more enjoyable to roam free in the forest than to labor endlessly for meager wages. 

The adventures are full of suspense and often a moral lesson, for Robin doesn’t just give money to the poor, he seeks justice as well in some of the tales. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator, Joel Benedict, does a great job despite difficult dialect.  Tales like this were originally conveyed orally, so I thought the audiobook was the perfect vehicle for this story.  I was spellbound throughout. This is a captivating adventure in Sherwood Forest and beyond with Robin Hood and those who loved him.  Want to go on an epic journey in medieval times and also learn some history along the way?  Pick up The Scarlet Forest.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A. E. Chandler holds a Master of Arts with Merit from the University of Nottingham, where she wrote her dissertation on the social history behind Robin Hood. While earning a BA in Ancient and Medieval Studies at the University of Calgary, she also took courses in publishing and creative writing.

Chandler has had short stories, poetry, and articles published, in addition to a book of collected non-fiction entitled Into the World, the Questionable Quizzes series, and the bestselling novel The Scarlet Forest: A Tale of Robin Hood. To get exclusive bonus content, including the original 2nd chapter of The Scarlet Forest, visit Chandler’s author website.

Living in England, and traveling in Europe, Asia, and Africa have also contributed to her stories and characters – she has been chased by a camel rider through the Sahara Desert, skated down a volcano in Sicily, and gotten unintentionally locked inside of a medieval prison in France. Currently, she lives in Calgary, where she is a visiting expert with the Glenbow Museum’s military collection, and writes historical fiction as well as contemporary fiction concerning history.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON|AMAZON UK|AUDIBLE

*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!

Book Review: The Eleventh Commandment #JohnSingerSargent #VernonLee

BonnieReadsAndWrites7 Comments

This is the fourth book in the John Singer Sargent/Violet Paget mystery series. The amateur sleuthing pair of artist John and writer Violet, who wrote under the name Vernon Lee, make a great combination. These lifelong friends are drawn into an archaeological mystery when John receives a package from an acquaintance, Moses Shapira. Shapira had recently been accused of promoting a fake manuscript of the ten commandments, with an eleventh commandment added! Is the package of leather strips that John received an original, or is it a fake? Not long after receiving the package, John and Violet learn of a suicide that could actually be a murder. In alternating chapters, we follow Moses Shapira as he discovers and tries to verify the manuscripts, and Violet and John as they investigate a possible murder and the origin of those same artifacts. This book can be read as a standalone.

The duo of John and Violet as amateur investigators is delightful. Their friendship and Violet’s insight make for an entertaining read. Their travels revolve around the arts and their investigation. Violet is an excellent narrator, and the book includes snippets about her work and John’s paintings. The fact that they were real-life friends who traveled extensively makes the books even more authentic. The mystery is intriguing and multi-layered. With Moses, we travel with Bedouin guides into the deserts of the Middle East, searching for treasures. With Violet and John, we visit Rotterdam and search for clues into a mysterious death. This is a captivating and multi-layered mystery with absolutely endearing main characters.

I received a free copy of this book from Word by Word Press via The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mary Burns’ varied writing experience includes more than twenty years in business and agency public relations and communications, including video scripts, radio commercials, annual reports, newsletters and executive speeches.  She managed the media coverage of the 1987 visit of Pope John Paul II to San Francisco, and was the producer of a local television morning talk show, Body and Soul.  She has run her own consulting business twice, alternating with corporate positions, and is currently pursuing several writing projects.

Mary’s creative fiction writing began with a short story that won a prize at the 2000 Mendocino (California) Coast Writers Conference.  Two other short stories garnered first places (see them at www.coffeehousefiction.com and www.jerryjazzmusician.com). She was an invited participant at the 2004 Squaw Valley Community of Writers conference in Lake Tahoe, California. Her first historical novel titled J-THE WOMAN WHO WROTE THE BIBLE, was published in July 2010 by O-Books Publishers, UK. She has just completed her fourth book in the JOHN SINGER SARGENT/VIOLET PAGENT MYSTERY SERIES.

For more information please visit Mary’s website.

BUY LINKS: AMAZON|AMAZON UK

LINK TO THE ENTIRE SERIES (CLICK IMAGE BELOW)

Book Review: Surviving The Wilderness by Maggie K. Black #Inspirational #Thriller #Romance

BonnieReadsAndWrites7 Comments

Jeff Connor is a former Master Corporal who has retreated from life, living with his daughter in a remote cabin in the wilds of Canada. Quinn Dukes is a wilderness guide who is taking a group of people on a survival trip. Former coworkers who did not get along, neither of them realize that danger and an evil person will cause their worlds to collide once again.

This is a captivating inspirational romantic thriller that will keep you guessing. The plot is full of twists and turns and includes kidnapping, hostage-taking, murder, and intrigue. The storyline is very clever and well put together. I thought I had it all figured out, but I didn’t. This really impresses me, because I can usually figure out who the “bad guy” is way before the end of the book.. There is a Christian message of faith and relying on God in both good times and bad. The topic of PTSD is also part of the story. Fans of romantic thrillers and wilderness adventures will enjoy this novel.

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

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Maggie K. Black is an award-winning journalist, self-defense instructor and romantic suspense author. Her writing career has taken her around the globe, and into the lives of countless grass-roots heroes and heroines, who are changing lives  in their own communities. 

She’s  lived in the United States, the Middle East and the United Kingdom, before making her home in Canada.

She is thankful to her readers for allowing her to turn the adventures and people that have inspired her, into fresh stories that make her pulse race and her heart soar.

BUY LINKS

AMAZON|AMAZON UK|B&N|APPLE BOOKS