Tag: Fiction

Scams Against Indie Authors Are On The Rise–Protect Yourself.

BonnieReadsAndWrites15 Comments
An image that says Fraud Alert with a Gavel next to it. This is an alert about Scams Against Indie Authors

Watch out for scams against Indie authors! I have been getting a lot of emails lately from “book review teams” and “book marketers” about what a genius writer I am and how their “review team” can help make my book a best-seller. The catch: I haven’t published a book! So it was easy for me to spot the scam, but it’s not always so easy for published authors. Here is some help below:

Indie authors have long been targets for scams, but the rise of AI tools has made these frauds more personalized, professional-looking, and harder to spot. Scammers use AI to scrape data from Amazon listings, author websites, social media, and Goodreads to create author-specific pitches, generate convincing emails, and show fake reviews, phony staff photos/testimonials, and even fake websites. These scams exploit authors’ dreams, often collecting upfront fees in the thousands while delivering nothing—or worse, damaging reputations.

Top Scams Against Indie Authors

  1. Fake Book Marketing and Promotion Services (Scams Against Indie Authors)
    Scammers send glowing, AI-generated emails praising your book (often quoting your own blurb back at you) and promising massive exposure: BookBub features, Goodreads promotions, social media blasts, newsletter swaps, podcast interviews, or “Amazon optimization.” They charge hundreds or thousands upfront but deliver fake engagement (e.g., bot reviews that violate platform rules) or nothing at all. These have exploded in 2024–2025, with authors reporting daily spam.
  2. Bogus Publishing or Vanity Press Offers
    False companies (e.g., networks like Melbourne Book Publisher, Aussie Book Publisher, or First Page Press) pose as legitimate publishers with polished websites featuring AI-generated staff photos, fake testimonials (sometimes stealing real authors’ images/names), and cloned book catalogs. They charge for “hybrid” publishing, editing, or distribution but provide substandard (or no) services. Recent global operations in Australia, the UK, and New Zealand have used virtual offices and AI-altered imagery to appear credible.
  3. Book Club or Interview Scams
    Emails from “book club members” or “podcast hosts” gush about loving your book and invite you to join a discussion—for a fee (e.g., $500–$2,000 to “cover costs” or reach thousands of readers). The clubs are fake, often with AI-generated profiles and Discord servers full of bots.
  4. Book Review Teams, Private Reader Communities, or Private Review Groups: The scammer contacts you personally, often impersonating a real author, marketer, or curator of a “private community” of avid readers (e.g., “2,000+ book devourers”). They offer to share your book with their “team” or “club” for reviews, sometimes inviting you to a Discord server or group chat where fake members chime in with enthusiasm. There’s a fee—often $20–$50 per review, or hundreds/thousands upfront for a batch (e.g., 40–100 reviews). Payment is requested via wire transfer, Upwork, PayPal, or other hard-to-reverse methods. Once paid, you get nothing (they ghost you), or they post a few low-quality/AI-generated reviews that Amazon quickly detects and removes as fake. In worse cases, they pressure you for more money or threaten negative reviews if you don’t pay. This is a variation of broader marketing scams, often traced to organized groups (including in Nigeria or the Philippines) using AI to personalize pitches and generate fake content. It’s exploded in recent years because indie authors need reviews to boost visibility and sales on Amazon.
  5. Deceptive Freelance Services (Editing, Covers, etc.)
    Some “editors,” “designers,” or “ghostwriters” advertise human work but secretly use AI tools, delivering low-quality results while charging premium rates. Others falsely accuse legitimate authors of using AI to extort or harass.
  6. Related Threats (Indirect Scams on Authors)
    AI enables mass plagiarism: scammers paraphrase your book slightly and republish it under fake names, or flood Amazon with AI-generated “summaries/biographies” to steal sales. This crowds discoverability and can lead to wrongful AI accusations against real authors.
  7. The Famous Author Scam: You’ve probably seen it: Suddenly, a “famous author” like Liane Moriarty, Colleen Hoover, or another bestseller starts following you on social media. Then comes the friend request, a glowing comment, or a DM saying something like, “I loved your book!” or “Tell me about your writing journey…”But here’s the catch: It’s almost always a fake account run by scammers (often the same Nigerian groups behind those personalized marketing emails we talked about before). They use the real author’s photo, copy old posts, and sometimes even AI to make it look legit. The goal? Build trust super fast, then either: Refer you to their “amazing” book marketer or agent (who charges thousands upfront for fake services like bot followers, phony promotions, or worthless “email blasts”) or Offer to promote your book themselves—to their huge audience—for a fee. Or they might pivot to other scams, like fake reviews, book club invites, or even investment schemes. The Writer Beware Blog has a great article on this, and I encourage you to check it out.

Why Indie Authors Are Prime Targets: Self-publishing means handling your own marketing and services, so authors often seek help—and scammers know this. AI lowers the barrier: bad actors can automate personalized spam at scale, making old generic scams (e.g., Nigerian-style emails) look sophisticated.

How to Protect Yourself

  • Unsolicited offers asking for money upfront? Almost always a scam. Legitimate agents, publishers, or promoters don’t cold-email demanding payment.
  • Verify everything: Reverse-image search photos, check Writer Beware, the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) watchdog directory, or Reedsy. Google the exact email text—scams often reuse templates.
  • Too much flattery or guarantees? Red flag. No one can promise bestseller status or specific reviews.
  • Use trusted resources: For marketing/services, stick to vetted providers (e.g., Reedsy, ALLi-approved). Report scams to Amazon, FTC, or your local authority.
  • Stay informed: Follow blogs like Anne R. Allen, or Writer Beware because new scams pop up all the time.

Not All Paid Reviews Are Scams

  1. Reputable paid editorial reviews (disclosed as paid, often used for blurbs or your book’s Amazon “Editorial Reviews” section): Kirkus Indie, Foreword Clarion, Publishers Weekly BookLife, or Midwest Book Review. These cost $200–$500+, provide honest critiques (can be negative), and carry weight with readers/libraries.
  2. Free or mid to low-cost ARC (Advance Reader Copy) services: Platforms like NetGalley, Booksprout, StoryOrigin, Hidden Gems, or BookSirens distribute your book to real readers/bloggers in exchange for honest reviews—no guarantees, no payment to reviewers.
  3. Organic methods: Build a mailing list, offer free promo days on Amazon, join reader groups on Goodreads/Reddit/Facebook, or reach out to book bloggers directly.
  4. Always be wary of unsolicited offers, especially if they sound too good (e.g., “guaranteed” reviews or bulk from a “team”). Check resources like Writer Beware for the latest alerts—they’ve documented these review team scams extensively. If something feels off, delete and move on—your book deserves real readers, not scammers’ empty promises!

I know Netgalley can be more pricey. I would recommend BookSirens as a low-cost option with good results. I am a reviewer for both of them. I haven’t personally checked out BookSprout, Hidden Gems, or StoryOrigin, so if any of you have, please comment below with your experience.

**I got some of the information regarding scams against Indie Authors from Grok AI. (AI is not all bad and can be helpful if used in the right way).

My reviews are free of charge and voluntary. See my Review Request Policy here.

Historical Fiction Book Reviews: The Winds of Freedom Series

BonnieReadsAndWrites6 Comments

I love writing reviews of Historical Fiction books for the Historical Novel Society! Below are reviews of Books Two and Three in the Winds of Freedom series by Beth Kanell. My review of Book One, The Long Shadow, is here.

Book Description (Historical Fiction)

Alice Sanborn, seventeen years old in October 1852, expects Abolitionist political operative Solomon McBride to court her. Surely he visits for more than her insight and family connections in the Vermont farming village of North Upton! When Almyra Alexander, niece of the local minister, arrives in North Upton, she brings Boston sophistication and advanced political ideas. Temperance! Voting rights for women! Alice wants it all and Almyra’s friendship, too-but is this newcomer a rival for Solomon’s affections?

Friendship with Caroline Clark looks safer. Newly returned to the village, Caroline is deaf and fluent in American Sign Language, which Alice quickly learns. Her friends and her demand for Abolition propel Alice into action. Assist neighbors at risk? Rescue a horse? Capture an arsonist? She’s on it. Betrayal and danger lie ahead. Yet the three young women race into the righteous battle. For Alice and her friends, there’s no other choice. **Historical Fiction**

Book Review (Historical Fiction)

In this second book of the series, we see Alice trying to deal with a great loss. She is also hoping for a romance with Solomon McBride, with whom she shared an adventure in the wilds between Canada and Vermont in Book One.

As in the first book, we learn a lot about Vermont farm life at that time. Even more interesting is the work Alice’s family is doing in the Abolitionist movement and their fight to help free the enslaved. This brings an old friend, Sarah, back into Alice’s life, as the efforts to free Sarah’s family are still ongoing. The Temperance movement of the time also comes to the forefront, as new Temperance laws have important consequences.

Throughout the book, Alice tries to find chances to see Solomon, who is working in the Abolitionist movement behind the scenes. But she also does as much as she can to help the movement herself. Book Two also introduces two new friends, kind and gentle Caroline, who is deaf, and Almyra, a precocious and well-to-do thirteen-year-old with a somewhat absent family.

I enjoyed the descriptions of Vermont life at that time, and the opportunities Alice had to help others, regardless of race or physical challenges. This is a transitional book in the series, as Book Two often is. It is enjoyable, and is really a coming-of-age story for Alice and a glimpse at the future she wants to build. Recommended to all fans of YA Historical Fiction.

Book Description (Historical Fiction)

Home-brewed medicines, a mysterious family of women making them, and a threat to the local funding of the Abolition movement. Fifteen-year-old Almyra Alexander struggles with all of these, as well as adapting to the rough, unpolished life in a northern Vermont village. She’s determined to become a minister, like her politically involved but very absent father. Moving in with her aunt and uncle in Vermont seems the quickest way towards her goal of becoming a minister. **Historical Fiction**

Book Review (Historical Fiction)

In Book 3, our protagonist from Books 1 and 2, Alice Sanborn, has gone west with to teach and to further the cause of freedom. We are now looking at North Upton, Vermont, through the eyes of Almyra Alexander. Almyra is from a prominent Boston family, but has decided to stay with her aunt and uncle in North Upton.

Almyra has already been introduced to the abolitionist movement and begins to step into Alice’s shoes by helping wherever she can. This includes a secret visit on horseback and hiding money for the movement underneath her underwear in a saddlebag! Almyra also begins to get to know the Hall family, a mother and her daughters who have arrived to help Matthew Clark in his inn. Mrs. Hall is skilled in creating herbal remedies, and Almyra learns their value from her. Young Susannah Hall works with horses and wears pantaloons most of the time, often causing raised eyebrows around town. She eventually proves to be a great help to Almyra. Almyra also becomes better acquainted with Alice’s brother John.

I liked watching Almyra adjust to a more country life, and enjoyed how she learned from her aunt and uncle. Her ambitions to be a minister at that time when few women were allowed in that vocation were intriguing. She is even given a chance to preach from her uncle’s pulpit, which I thought was unusual for the time. Her aunt and uncle are good mentors to her, both in the home and out. . I missed Alice as a protagonist, but we are somewhat kept up with her activities via letters to Almyra from Alice and others.

Although there is a change in protagonists in this one, this is a strong continuation of the series. I do hope we get to see Alice again in future books. What I like most about this whole series is that we are walked through the history of the abolitionist movement in Vermont. At the same we watch all the pieces fall in place that will lead to the U.S. Civil War. This is an enjoyable and well-researched young adult series that I highly recommend. **Historical Fiction**

About the Author

Storytelling is Beth Kanell’s native language – and she learned it from her mother, who taught her to fill in the blanks as a story emerged. As a single parent in Vermont, for years she told stories “on the side” and developed a specialty in tales for teens (always starting with something scary!). Endlessly in love with Vermont, she began bringing the most fascinating parts of its history into her narratives, and discovered that what she really likes after all is writing fiction that explores the lives of young people caught up in the force of change. She is also a non-stop mystery reader, so she grapples for new and unusual plot twists, as well as the magic of the Green Mountain state.

Click on each cover below for a link to each book in The Winds of Freedom serieson Amazon.

Indie Spotlight: Free Book! Path of Treasures by Gail Meath

BonnieReadsAndWrites12 Comments

*Indie Spotlight is my effort to help Indie authors with marketing. You can help too by sharing this post far and wide. Below please see a book description and links for Path of Treasures by Gail Meath. It is FREE and rest of today and tomorrow.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Erie Canal with this riveting historical murder mystery.

The only man who can save them was hired to kill them.

Erie Canal, 1852. Sara grew up on the canal and loves working as a mule driver on Streeter’s Ark, a small cargo boat. She was raised by the crusty, old peg-legged captain, Jeremiah Streeter, and Sam, the Ark’s bully. In all her nineteen years, she never gave a rat’s ass where she came from…not until their helmsman is murdered.

Bounty hunter Wolfe McKay has another job to do. An easy job. Kill the crew on Streeter’s Ark and collect his bounty from the wealthy railroad tycoon who hired him. Easy, hell. After he lands a job on the Ark, he discovers the misfit crew are nothing at all what he expected. And they’re turning his life upside down.

Follow the loveable Sara, Cappy, and Sam on Streeter’s Ark as they travel from Albany to Buffalo and back again with Sara’s unknown past putting them in danger every step of the way.

LINK TO FREE BOOK

*Click on the images below to get the ebook FREE on Amazon all through today and tomorrow only.

BEFORE YOU GO

If you read this book, please remember to leave a review on Amazon. It does not have to be long or fancy. Just a sentence or two will do, and it will help the author so much. The more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it. Please also share this post with your social media followers so they can get a free book too!

Indie Spotlight: Book Review of When Secrets Bloom by Patricia Furstenberg

BonnieReadsAndWrites25 Comments

Indie Spotlight is my effort to help promote Indie books. You can help too by sharing this post with all your social media followers. Below see my review of an amazing novel, When Secrets Bloom, the first book of a new series set in 15th Century Transylvania.

BOOK DESCRIPTION (FROM AMAZON)

Transylvania, 1463. A land of fortress cities, whispered heresies, and shadows cast by Vlad Dracula (the man, not the vampire.)

Kate Webber, a 28-year-old Saxon healer, has always lived between reverence and suspicion. Her gift with herbs and midwifery makes her indispensable – and dangerous – in Kronstadt (today Brașov) , a medieval city where fear rules and women are silenced. Her marriage to the powerful, secretive Magyar promised safety, but instead bound her voice.

One bitter Advent night, Kate breaks her husband’s command and saves a dying mother and child. Her defiance sparks awe in some, fury in others. The jealous town physician seizes his chance to destroy her. Rumors flare. A mob gathers. And Kate’s only ally is Iancu – her childhood friend turned militia captain – whose return stirs memories of freedom, laughter and forbidden longing.

Elsewhere in the city, Moise, a Jewish apprentice at the printing press, witnesses a cloaked Shaman haunting the square. When a rare manuscript vanishes, Moise discovers a dangerous secret: a book men will kill for. His search entwines his fate with Kate’s – until both stand accused in a city hungry for scapegoats.

On the day of execution, Kate chooses defiance again. She saves a child. Moise is framed. And in the shadows of fortress walls, a legacy map begins to reveal itself – a secret hidden not in books, but in the hearts of those who guard them.

BOOK REVIEW

When Secrets Bloom is Book One in Patricia Furstenberg’s series, Blood of Kings, Heart of Shadows. The beauty of the writing captured me immediately. A gifted Saxon healer in Krondstadt, Transylvania, who is told she can’t save the “wrong” people on a holy night, Kate does it anyway, at the threat of brutal 15th-Century justice, an example of which is here: “The air thickened in my throat for just a moment. Not because I feared fire, but because I had seen it all before. I knew what it smelled like when flesh blackened. When screams were choked by smoke.” This one quote shows us the fear and brutality of the time.

I could fill this entire review with amazing quotes, and here is one more: “To me Father had always been a pillar–weathered but unbroken. Yet in that moment, against the tide of self-interest, he seemed smaller. Not less, but alone. Like the last tower still standing after the fortress has fallen.” This is just one example of how Furstenberg, throughout this work, displays her strong ability to use people, places, and nature itself to not only convey meaning, but to pull the reader in and show them the story.

The novel’s characters are all intriguing. The relationship between Kate and Iancu is one of longing and regret. This book is not full of love scenes, but whenever they are together, the intensity and deep feelings between them are clear to see. The most mysterious character is the Shaman. He pulses throughout the novel, shadowy and dark, described as an almost mythical figure. But who is he? We first meet the Shaman when we meet Moise, a Jewish apprentice who seems to see the Shaman at every turn, and who begins a search for a missing book that will draw him to Kate. Other characters, many dark, greedy, and judging, seem to be everywhere, and the history of Transylvania at that time flows through it all.

This novel is what happens when exquisite writing meets meticulous, caring research. I look forward to Book Two in the series. Highly recommended.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patricia Furstenberg is a Romanian historical fiction, contemporary and children’s books author who resides in South Africa. Patricia penned the Amazon bestseller Joyful Trouble, page-turner Silent Heroes, beloved children’s literature The Cheetah and the Dog, new releases When Secrets Bloom, Dreamland and Transylvania’s History A to Z: 100 Word Stories.

Amazon Bestseller author, Top 100 Romanians from Everywhere Category Art 2023, Spillwords Press Awards MMXXIII Author of the Year, Patricia Furstenberg writes with passion about history that blends with fiction, about war heroes, human or canine, while the poetry she pens is sometimes incisive, sometimes humorous.

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | LINKEDIN

PURCHASE ON AMAZON

BEFORE YOU GO

**If you read the book, please leave a review on Amazon. It is so important for Indie authors because the more reviews a book has, the more Amazon will promote it. Please also remember to share this post with your social media followers in order to get the word out about this great book.

Amanda in Ireland by Darlene Foster: Indie Spotlight

BonnieReadsAndWrites14 Comments

Indie Spotlight is my effort to help Indie authors with marketing. You can help too by sharing this post far and wide. See below my review of Amanda in Ireland, part of a wonderful series for middle-graders by Darlene Foster that takes kids (and adults) all over the world with Amanda as she travels and solves mysteries.

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Twelve-year-old Amanda Jane Ross is invited to be a bridesmaid for her cousin’s wedding in Ireland! She falls in love with the Emerald Isle the moment she lands in Dublin. The warm, friendly Irish people immediately make her feel at home. Towering castles, ancient graveyards, and the stunning green countryside are filled with fascinating legends, enthralling folktales, and alarming secrets.

Things take a dark turn when disaster strikes. Amanda wonders if there will be a wedding at all. As she joins the search for a missing horse, she stumbles upon a world of screaming banshees, bloody battles, and dangerous peat bogs. The closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous things become. Will she become another body in the bog?

BOOK REVIEW

This is another wonderful installment of the Amanda series. We travel with Amanda to her cousin’s wedding in Ireland, and immediately plunge into a mystery, as a valuable horse is missing, and so is the bride! Amanda begins to investigate, but along the way she (and we) learn so much about this beautiful country.

Readers learn something on almost every page as Amanda tours important Irish museums and landmarks, visits a farrier who explains his job to her, and learns about figures in Irish folklore, such as Cu Chulainn, a mythological warrior. One of the most devastating periods of Irish history, the potato famine, is explained to Amanda as well. The mystery is well written and engaging. There are insightful discussion questions at the end of the book which are great for retaining the information learned.

Mystery, history, and travel fans of all ages will enjoy this latest Amanda adventure. Although this is Book 11, they can all be read as standalones. I highly recommend this series to kids, parents, grandparents, and everyone who loves history and travel.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Growing up on a ranch near Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, Darlene Foster dreamt of writing, traveling the world, and meeting interesting people. She also believed in making her dreams come true. It’s no surprise she’s now the award-winning author of Amanda Travels, a children’s adventure series featuring a spunky twelve-year-old who loves to travel to unique places. Readers of all ages enjoy following Amanda as she unravels one mystery after another. When not traveling herself, Darlene divides her time between the west coast of Canada and the Costa Blanca, Spain with her husband and entertaining rescue dogs, Dot and Lia. http://www.darlenefoster.ca

PURCHASE LINKS

LINK TO AMANDA IN IRELAND

LINK TO THE WHOLE AMANDA TRAVELS SERIES

BEFORE YOU GO

If you read the book, be sure to leave a review on Amazon and/or wherever you purchase books. Reviews are so important to Indie authors, as Amazon will promote a book depending on how many reviews it has. Also please remember to share this post with all your social media followers so this book gets as much exposure as possible.

Book Review: Out of Time by Jodi Taylor

BonnieReadsAndWrites12 Comments

BOOK DESCRIPTION

The Time Police don’t think twice about jumping to the past. But, this time, the past has come to them…

What connects a dead dinosaur in Wales with Romulus the founder of Rome, a plot to murder the Princes in the Tower and a shocking cover-up at TPHQ?

It sounds like a joke. It isn’t.

The Time Police are determined to find the answers, helped – and occasionally hindered – by a certain wayward member of St Mary’s and a recently reunited Team 236. Will they succeed before Time runs out?

And, as if all that wasn’t enough, something somewhere in the Timeline is wrong. Very, very wrong. What is the Time Map trying to tell them?

BOOK REVIEW

In this sixth Time Police book, a chilling and horrible secret from the past comes to light, and it will shock almost everyone, except the two who already knew. At the same time, a dead dinosaur has been found in Wales, and it’s no fossil. A team is assembled to find out why, and Commander Hay reluctantly turns to an expert who has actually seen dinosaurs in person, Madeline Maxwell, better known as Max from St. Mary’s, As for Team Weird, Matthew gets trapped in the time map, and Luke is still sorting out his feelings for Jane as they head to St. Mary’s to pick up Max. Wait until they discover who is behind the dinosaur appearances and what their plans are next!

Jodi Taylor is a genius at combining history, time travel, and hilarity with a big dose of sadness and tears. She will literally leave you laughing and crying in many different times and places. Max, the main character from The Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, usually pops up in the supporting cast of the Time Police books, but this time she has a starring role, and you don’t want to miss it. As always, there are big revelations, and I was shocked more than once. The Princes in the Tower are mentioned in The Chronicles of St. Mary’s, and they come up in this book as well, in a very disturbing way. There are bloody battles and a heart-touching moment, but the end will surprise everyone. As always with Jodi Taylor’s books, I’m sorry the story came to an end, and I can’t wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher, Headline. My review is voluntary, and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jodi Taylor is a British author best known for her Chronicles of St. Mary’s series, which originated from her love of history and a self-published first novel, Just One Damned Thing After Another. Before becoming a full-time writer, Taylor had a long career in local government, working as a facilities manager for North Yorkshire Libraries. She retired in her early 60s to run a hotel in Turkey, where she started writing, and has since sold over a million books. 

  • Early life and career: Born in Bristol, she worked for the North Yorkshire County Council for almost 20 years, including as a library facilities manager. She also spent time in the RAF.
  • Path to writing: After retiring, she moved to Turkey and, finding herself bored, decided to write a book at age 60. Her first novel, Just One Damned Thing After Another, was self-published online.
  • Publishing success: The book’s unexpected success led to a publishing deal with Accent Press, which was later followed by a contract with Headline Publishing Group.
  • Current status: As of 2024, Taylor lives in Gloucestershire. She is the author of several successful series, including the Chronicles of St. Mary’s, the Time Police series, and the supernatural thriller series featuring Elizabeth Cage.
  • Writing style: Her work is characterized by a blend of humor, history, and adventure. Taylor is known for engaging directly with her readers and attributes her success to them. 

JODI’S SOCIAL MEDIA

Substack | Facebook | Instagram

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Google | Kobo

Sunday Post and Sunday Salon: Ouch!

BonnieReadsAndWrites21 Comments

Well I had my oral surgery on Tuesday, and it still hurts pretty badly. I had a cyst removed from my jaw and a molar that the cyst had compromised taken out. I have slowly been transitioning to eating again but my jaw just aches most of the time. I’m hoping this pain goes away soon. I have a hard time sleeping because of it, and I’ve been sleeping in the reclining love seat so I don’t accidentally roll over on my left side, which hurts my “newly operated on” jaw.

The leaves are slowly starting to turn here in Western North Carolina, so I hope to be able to post some great photos soon, and maybe even some Fall inspired poetry. For now, here’s a picture of an interesting sky Doug took outside our home the other day. It was getting ready to storm.

BLOG ACTIVITY

We have had some great new Indie releases in the last couple of weeks. I did a Release Day announcement for The Weight of Snow and Regret by Elizabeth Gauffreau on October 1st. I also did a Release Day post and Review of A Bloody Banquet by Gail Meath on October 10th. Amanda in Ireland by Darlene Foster was also released on October 1st and I’m reviewing that this coming week. I’ll participate in Top Ten Tuesday if time permits. I also hope to get even more Indie reviews in.

NETGALLEY HAUL

The Valley of Vengeful Ghosts: (I hope this one isn’t too close to horror, but it looked interesting and more “paranormal” than horror. Horror can affect my dreams so I avoid it if it’s too dark and/or bloody) In the aftermath of her mother’s death, Eleanor is unmoored. For years, her mother orchestrated every detail of her life—from meals, to laundry, to finances—so that Eleanor could focus on her career as a therapist. Left to navigate the world on her own, Eleanor clings to her mother’s final directive: use her inheritance to buy a house.

Desperate to obey her mother one last time, but finding few options she can afford, Eleanor impulsively buys a model home in a valley-turned-construction site, a picturesque development steeped in a shadowy history. It feels like a fresh start, until the rain comes—an endless, torrential downpour. As water seeps in through the house’s cracks, the line between what is real and what is not begins to blur. Haunted by the stories of her clients, a stream of workmen and bureaucrats she can’t trust, and visions of ghosts from her past and present, Eleanor’s reality unravels, and she is forced to reckon with the secrets she’s buried and the desperate choices she’s made.

The Lumber Baron’s Wife: (Jumped on the chance for the forthcoming book by my favorite Christian author, Lynn Austin).

1873. After a devastating loss, Hannah Wagner never imagined she’d leave her comfortable home for the harsh, unfamiliar wilderness near Lake Michigan. But when Henry Abernathy—a friend of her husband, John—offers them a fresh start in a booming lumber town, where John’s skills as a doctor are sorely needed, Hannah reluctantly agrees. There, she meets Kate, Henry’s spirited, much younger wife. Kate’s sharp tongue and outsider status have made her unwelcome among the town’s elite, and when she begins confiding in Hannah, it’s clear her marriage is not what it seems . . . and that a secret from her past could destroy everything.

Present day. Ashley Gilbert never planned to settle in Michigan, but when her husband lands his dream job as a conservationist, she agrees to follow. While restoring their historic home—built in the 19th century for a doctor and his wife—Ashley becomes captivated by its past and its connection to the nearby Abernathy mansion, now being transformed into a museum. While volunteering with the restoration, she stumbles upon the unsolved mystery of Kate Abernathy’s disappearance. What begins as curiosity soon becomes a quest for the truth—one that will connect her to two women whose stories and struggles echo and inspire her own.

HOW WAS YOUR WEEK?

*Sunday Post is hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewer and Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at ReaderBuzz.

Book Review: Julia by Heather B. Moore

BonnieReadsAndWrites14 Comments

*Below is a review of Julia that I did for The Historical Novel Society.

BOOK REVIEW

The top of the image has pink and white 50's style tile with a black and white checkerboard border. The book cover of the book Julia is in blue, with an outline of a woman, war planes, and a rolling pin.

Julia is biographical fiction that follows Julia Child from the 1940s until after her cooking show begins in 1963. An afterword describes the remainder of her life. The novel starts with wealthy Julia McWilliams, long graduated from Smith College, deciding what to do with her life. She tries to get into the WAC and the WAVES, but finds out that at 6’2”, she is too tall. She then ends up with the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), which would later become the CIA. She starts out in Washington D.C., but is eventually transferred to India, and then Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where she meets Paul Child, her future husband. After the war, Paul is working in Paris, where the food adventures of Julia Child begin.

This is lovely historical fiction that draws us into Julia’s world. While everyone knows about her cooking, the details of her life in the OSS, trusted with America’s secrets during WWII, are lesser known and very intriguing. The wealthy daughter of a real estate mogul and an heiress, Julia did not have to go to work during the war, but she wanted to serve her country. She grew up with a cook, and she and Paul frequented the restaurants of Paris. She did not have to learn to cook, especially at a prestigious French cooking school. She did the things she did out of passion, not necessity, and her warm, passionate personality comes alive in this book, as does her close, loving relationship with her husband, Paul. After the war, we follow Julia from the first days of cooking school to writing a cookbook and then hosting a television show. The book is well-researched, but it manages to stay warm and inviting, just as she was. Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley and The Historical Novel Society. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather B. Moore is a USA Today bestseller and award-winning author of more than ninety publications. Heather writes primarily historical and #herstory fiction about the humanity and heroism of the everyday person. Publishing in a breadth of genres, Heather dives into the hearts and souls of her characters, meshing her love of research with her love of storytelling.

Her historicals and thrillers are written under pen name H.B. Moore. She writes women’s fiction, romance and inspirational non-fiction under Heather B. Moore, and . . . speculative fiction under Jane Redd. This can all be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom. Heather attended Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican School of Jerusalem in Israel. Despite failing her high school AP English exam, Heather persevered and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Brigham Young University in something other than English.

Heather is a hybrid author, traditionally publishing with Thomas & Mercer, Kindle Press, StoryFront, Shadow Mountain, Covenant Communications, Tantor Audio, Brilliance Audio, Cappelen Damm, and Amazon Crossing. Foreign publications include Das Grab der Konigin (Germany), Drommen om lykke (Norway), and Sommer og kjaerlighet (Norway). Heather also independently publishes through Mirror Press. She is represented by Dystel, Goderich, and Bourret Literary Agency. Foreign rights or subsidiary rights inquiries, please contact Lauren Abramo: labramo (at) dystel (dot) com

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BUY LINKS

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Sunday Post and Sunday Salon: Hug Your Loved Ones

BonnieReadsAndWrites19 Comments

This past week was a week of rest, and I’m also getting prepared for a couple of outpatient procedures in the next couple of weeks.

Doug’s birthday was Friday, and I think he likes his new IPAD! Happy Birthday, Doug! I love you so much.

Book News: I’m currently doing a lot of editor and reviewer work for the Historical Novel Society’s November issue, and it has kept me quite busy. That issue comes out November 1st.

LAST WEEK ON THE BLOG

I posted about the horrific death of Charlie Kirk, which I watched online, unfortunately, not realizing what I was going to see. If you watch a man bleed out, it affects you, believe me. I will be watching his memorial service today. He was a great Christian man who will be missed.

NEXT WEEK ON THE BLOG

I will be reviewing the three books below and also participating in Top Ten Tuesday.

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BOOK HAUL

Vera always knew she didn’t fit in. When she learns that she is meant to be in another time, she leaps at the chance to embrace a new life in a world of valor, intrigue, and unexpected magic in this bold and romantic retelling of Arthurian legend . . .

22-year-old Vera is at a crossroads: waiting tables, grieving her previous relationship, and jogging aimlessly each morning as if toward an uncertain future. Then an odd man shows up at her workplace, insisting that she was once the legendary Queen Guinevere of Camelot, and that her lost memories hold the key to changing both the past and the present. Somehow, it all feels like the direction she’s been looking for. But when she asks the mysterious man to tell her more about Lancelot, Arthur, and a faithless queen, he can only say that much of what she’s heard about Camelot is wrong. The truth, he claims, is something she must see for herself.

After jumping through a portal in Glastonbury’s historic center, Vera is not prepared for what she finds. Magic is everywhere, but a curse on the kingdom means it dwindles every day. She has no idea how to perform a queen’s duties. Her fast friendship with Lancelot sets gossip flowing, and the stranger she must call “husband” often refuses to meet her eye. Arthur is a puzzle: cold, forbidding, and, while angry to her face, keeps leaving secret tokens of tenderness in her chambers. Worst of all, Vera’s memories—and the answers locked within them—show no signs of returning. If Vera is truly destined to save Camelot, she’ll have to trust her instincts. And her king will have to trust her . . .

I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEK, and hug those close to you!

Sunday Post is hosted by The Caffeinated Book Reviewer. Sunday Salon is hosted by Deb at Readerbuzz.

Indie Spotlight: The Human Countermove

BonnieReadsAndWrites11 Comments

Indie Spotlight is my effort to help Indie authors with the daunting task of promoting their books. You can help too by sharing this post far and wide. Below is a book description, author bio, and book links for The Human Countermove by Logan Sidwell. I will post the book review in November. The Human Countermove is a science fiction novel about a world where AI has taken over. That used to be a farfetched idea, but now it seems plausible.

In a nation ruled by AI Minds, productivity is everything—even play.

Once a legend in the world of strategy games, Zouk Solinsen is now just another burnout in a society obsessed with efficiency. But when the Minds announce a high-stakes tournament—with a seat on the ruling council as the prize—Zouk is drawn back into the fray, determined to reshape the future.

With help from the enigmatic Torrez Institute, Zouk racks up early victories against the Minds. But when Maya Torrez reveals the cost of her support—a violent coup against the Minds—he rejects it and strikes out alone.

Now, with no allies, dwindling resources, and a nation on the brink, Zouk faces the biggest game of his life—and a final, impossible choice: reform the system from within, or burn it all down.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Logan Sidwell is a science fiction and fantasy author based in Utah. He got his start simulating makeshift Star Trek missions and voicing quirky aliens over the mic—a passion that evolved into building immersive educational simulations. With a background in computer science and a lifelong love of storytelling, he writes speculative fiction that explores the boundaries of technology and human ingenuity.

BOOK LINK

*Click on the cover below to view this book on Amazon

** Kindle Unlimited Subscribers can read The Human Countermove for free.

Dark blue background with the title The Human Countermove in white and light blue lettering.

BEFORE YOU GO

If you decide to read this book, make sure and leave a review. It helps authors so much. And thank you for also sharing this post with your social media followers.