 Blog tour hosted by Bird’s Nest Books “When you pretend to be something you’re not, it always finds you out.”  “Don’t ever be ashamed of who you are. Don’t ever, for anyone, hide your true self. Know your true self, and shine like God made you to be.” Today, I’m celebrating my debut novel’s fourth birthday. A brief word of explanation— Tessa, has a double birthday; at the prompting and with the help of a friend, I first released her in early March 2014, but for Kindle only. I quickly learned the value of having print copies, and with the help of that same friend (who did all the formatting for me) I released and had all the celebration in October. Tessa’s official book birthday is 31 October, which is fitting for the story—she assumed an identity not her own, thus “wearing a mask.”  So welcome to the celebration! Grab a mask, and a virtual cuppa tea and birthday cake! About the BookOne mother. Two daughters. One favorite. One not. When Cassie Barclay is presented with an opportunity – or is it a curse – she runs with it. She jumps into a new life, her sister’s life, and although at first, it holds appeal and promise, she soon realizes sometimes the fairy tale is tainted. Tessa is a story of love and trust, hope and faith. Of lies and betrayal and deceit. An unsavory heritage, a tragic incident. Lies unravel, secrets are uncovered, masks removed, and the truth - and love - prevail. A story of three generations of women, Tessa is a tale of family, the nuances, the hierarchy, the enmity. Tessa is Cassie’s story. About the Author “I’ve always had voices—er, stories in my head. I once said I should write them all down so someone could write them someday. I had no idea at the time that someone was me!” Ms. Mason writes stories of identity conflict. Her characters encounter situations that force the question, “Who am I really?” For all who have ever wondered who you are or why you’re here, her stories will touch you in a very real—maybe too real—and a very deep way. “I know, I write from experience.” Ms. Mason has seven novels, Tessa, Clara Bess, and Cissy, in the unsavory heritage series, and The Long Shadows of Summer, The Tilting Leaves of Autumn, The Silent Song of Winter, and The Whispering Winds of Spring in her Seasons series. All of Ms. Mason’s books are available on Amazon, both for Kindle and in print. She also has several poems included in an anthology, Where Dreams and Visions Live (Anthologies of the Heart Book 1) by Mary Blowers, as well as a short story, Sarafina’s Light, also in an anthology, Blood Moon, compiled by Mary Blowers. She is working on a on One for the Price of Two, the first story in her new series, FourSquare, to release next year. Behind the Scenes Facts About the Book
Evolution of a Cover dat first cover doh… Re-New Cover Reveal‘Dat first cover’ was my uneducated and oblivious attempt at cover design. The second try captured the essence I wanted, but didn’t convey well to the second and third books in the series. Number three was professionally done, but as lovely as it is, I still didn’t love it. I took the design back into my hands last year with the fourth cover, but it was missing something. Now, for Tessa’s birthday, she has a stunning new look!  And now for the cover reveal...   Isn’t she gorgeous!! Giveaway * runs through 7 November Birthday Blitz Bash for Robin E. Mason’s debut novel, #Tessa is under way, starting with this Blog & Social Media Blitz! Tessa is available on Amazon, both in print and Kindle format! (You may purchase the book HERE). Bird’s Nest Books is celebrating Tessa’s fourth birthday with a tour-wide #giveaway! Robin is gifting one reader a Prize Pack that includes: A signed print copy of Tessa 3 oz packette of Tessa’s Tea unsavory heritage mug necklace with paint palette pendant unsavory heritage bookmark three (3) framed mini art prints BONUS BOOKS from Heather Gilbert, Lisa Lickel, and Linda Rodante Ener the giveaway HERE. Giveaway is sponsored by Bird’s Nest Books, and is not affiliated by any social media venues. Open to US residents only. 
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About the Book When two people have walked through fire, can love bring the healing and help they need? Spurned by love, Lady Margaux Ashbury has no use for the other eligible gentlemen of London. Despite her beauty, her sharp tongue soon earns her a reputation as a dragon. Convincing her parents to let her retreat to their Scottish estate, a home for abandoned young women, Margaux feels she can do something meaningful with her life. At their wits' end, her parents believe a few months in seclusion will teach her to appreciate her privileged existence, and accept the next gentleman of worth who offers for her. Margaux has no plans to yield. But neither she nor her parents bargain for the proximity of the gorgeous, blue-eyed Scotsman on the neighbouring estate. Gavin Craig, content with his life as a country doctor, is unexpectedly thrust into the world of aristocratic society after the accidental deaths of his brother and nephews. With all the duties his new title entails, and his adoption of three orphans, Gavin desperately needs a wife. She should preferably be a lady, trained since birth to manage a noble house, servants and family. His former disdain for a marriage of convenience has been rapidly overcome by the colossal task of learning to run a large Scottish barony. One lovely candidate is right next door … except that she's inexplicably determined to be a spinster… About the Author Bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author’s books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen’s wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing. Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible. ReviewIn Through the Fire, book one of the A Series of Elements series, author Elizabeth Johns has written an excellent, fun, and a little bit suspenseful historical Regency romance novel. This novel is about one of a group of triplets. Although it’s a little bit unbelievable that it takes so long to locate the villains in the story, it does not greatly detract from this fun tale. It’s an enchanting, charming, and sweet romance story that readers will read fairly quickly and thoroughly enjoy. Readers of historical Regency romance, will want to pick up this delightful novel.
Genre: historical, Regency, romance, clean romance Publisher: Indie Publication date: March 11, 2016 Number of pages: 295 A review copy of this book was provided by the Clean Wholesome Romance Street Team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book A false engagement. A mysterious coast. Two reluctant hearts. Much to her father’s dismay, Miss Amelia Buxton aspires to become a spinster, just like her eccentric aunt. Growing up with parents who married for every reason but love, she has never seen a joyful marriage. When Amelia requests a summer trip to the legendary waters of Brighton, her father allows her the excursion, but with one requirement: she must return engaged, or agree to the proposal of the man of his choosing. Crawling with tourists, Brighton is not the town Adam Claridge had once loved. When his sister Eleanor disappears without warning, Adam is desperate to bring her home. In his search, he happens upon Miss Amelia Buxton, a young tourist that proves vital in his search for Eleanor. But Amelia is conducting a search of her own—a search for a husband—and Adam has little choice but to offer a fair trade: he will play the role of Amelia’s betrothed in exchange for her assistance in finding Eleanor. Convenient at first, Amelia and Adam’s arrangement quickly plummets into disarray. Falling in love had not been part of their bargain. About the Author Ashtyn Newbold grew up with a love of stories. When she discovered chick flicks and Jane Austen books in high school, she learned she was a sucker for romantic ones. When not indulging in sweet romantic comedies and regency period novels (and cookies), she writes romantic stories of her own across several genres. Ashtyn also enjoys baking, singing, sewing, and anything that involves creativity and imagination. Author InterviewCheck out the author interview HERE. ReviewIn her novel A Convenient Engagement, author Ashtyn Newbold has written a charming, light, sweet, and fun historical romance, with a bit of mystery. This story comes to life from page one and readers will immediately fall in love with the characters. Newbold has created a light and easy story that readers will easily be able to sit down and read. It has the perfect combination of romance and mystery to keep readers hooked. Readers of Newbold’s previous novels, as well as those that enjoy historical romance will not want to miss out on this delightful read!
Series: Brides of Brighton Genre: historical, romance Publisher: Indie Publication date: October 20, 2018 Number of pages: 184 Other books in the series: Marrying Miss Milton (November 2018) Romancing Lord Ramsbury (December 2018) An Unexpected Bride (January 2019) A review copy of this book was provided by the author. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. About the Book An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl. Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on. But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets. Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other. About the Author Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing and visual arts studio. They have three children.  ReviewAuthor Courtney Walsh has written an inspiring, powerful, and emotional story in her novel Things Left Unsaid. This story focuses the relationships between friends and family and overcoming the death of a loved one. This beautiful and stirring story is written from multiple points of view as it comes to life from the eyes of those grieving the loss of a daughter, sister, and best friend; those that have drifted apart and are trying to come back together again. This story will stir the heart, soul, and mind, causing readers to reflect on their own lives and the relationships of those around them. This haunting and heart wrenching story will draw the attention of readers and leave them wanting more from an astounding author. This is one of those stories that will be on the mind long after a reader turns the last page. Readers that enjoy contemporary, women’s fiction will not want to miss this fabulous story!
Genre: contemporary, women’s fiction Publisher: Waterfall Press Publication date: October 30, 2018 Number of pages: 349 A review copy of this book was provided by the author via NetGalley and the author’s street team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.  About the Book An emotional novel of family, friendship and forgiveness from Courtney Walsh, the New York Times bestselling author of Hometown Girl. Lyndie St. James is thrilled that her best friend, Elle, is getting married but unprepared for the emotional storm of the wedding week and returning to her childhood summer home of Sweethaven. The idyllic cottage community harbors some of her best—and worst—memories. It’s not only the tragic death of her childhood friend Cassie that has haunted her for ten years, it’s the other secrets she’s buried that have kept her from moving on. But Lyndie isn’t the only one with secrets. Cassie’s mother, father and brother, still struggling with the loss, have been drifting further and further apart. And Elle herself, the last to see Cassie alive, carries an impossible burden of guilt. Now reunited, each of them has a choice: to reveal the truths of that night or continue to live in its shadow. That means embarking on a personal journey of the heart—to escape the darkness and all its regrets and to finally come to terms with the past and, especially, with each other. About the Author Courtney Walsh is a novelist, artist, theater director, and playwright. Change of Heart is her fifth novel and is set in the same town as Paper Hearts. Her debut novel, A Sweethaven Summer, hit the New York Times and USA Today e-book bestseller lists and was a Carol Award finalist in the debut author category. She has written two additional books in the Sweethaven series, as well as two craft books and several full-length musicals. Courtney lives in Illinois where she and her husband own a performing and visual arts studio. They have three children.  
About the Book
This holiday season fall in love, with heartwarming tales of Christmases past in A Christmas Courting, an enchanting collection of Regency romances.
Love and Joy Come to You by Jennifer Moore Lord Covington has planned a quiet holiday with his grieving mother but finds his plans rudely disrupted when lovely Cassie Weatherby and her young siblings are invited for Christmas. Despite his reservations, however, he begins to recognize in Cassie a kindred spirit. A Christmas Courting by Chalon Linton When obligations keep her in London, Keturah Hensley sadly anticipates missing the festivity of Christmas at her family's country home and the company of her best friend, Christopher Shepherd. When she learns that Christopher will be joining her family in London for Christmas, she is delighted--but her elation is short-lived. Christopher is coming to Town to court the woman of his dreams, and Keturah fears she may have lost the chance to win his love. Mistletoe Memories by Jen Geigle Johnson From childhood, Patrick, Duke of Montrose, knew he'd found his perfect match in Lady Alice Tarrington. When he's sent on a grand tour, Patrick is confident he'll marry his sweetheart upon his return. But when he receives word that Alice is to marry another, will he be too late to claim her heart? Second-Chance Christmas by Heidi Kimball Francie and Gerard have been friends since childhood, but their friendship ended when she declined his heartfelt proposal of marriage. However, when her interactions with Gerard's holiday houseguests provoke in Francie unexpected jealousy, she realizes she must fight for Gerard's affections or risk losing him forever. About the AuthorsJennifer Moore
Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world that includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that is anything but romantic. Jennifer has a B.A. in Linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family, but most of the time wishes she was aboard a British frigate during the age of sail.
Chalon Linton
Chalon Linton was first introduced to Jane Austen by a dear friend and now she can’t get enough of handsome men in tailcoats. Her intrigue in the genre stems from a nostalgic longing for manners, wit, and true love. Fortunately, Chalon found her dashing gentleman, married him, and now lives happily ever after in Southern California.
Jen Geigle Johnson
Jen Geigle Johnson once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. Other vital things to know: the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. No mountain is too steep for her to climb, yet. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager.
Now an award-winning author and mother of six, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure. She is a member of the RWA, the SCBWI, and LDStorymakers. She is also the chair of the Lonestar.Ink writing conference. Heidi Kimball
At a young age Heidi perfected the art of hiding out so she could read instead of doing chores. One husband and three daughters later, not much has changed. She has an abiding love for peanut butter M&Ms, all things fall, and any book that can make her forget she’s supposed to be keeping her children alive.
Heidi recently received an offer to publish her first book, “Mended Affections,” and is enjoying the thrill of the author roller coaster ride. She lives just outside of Dallas, Texas. GiveawayTour Schedule
Oct. 22nd:
http://mybookaday.com/ https://brightlystreet.com/ https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/ http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/ http://www.kindleandme.com/ Oct. 23rd: https://www.wishfulendings.com/ https://www.lovebugsandpostcards.com/ http://empowermoms.net/ http://thethingsilovemost.com/ Oct. 24th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/ http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/ http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/ http://fireandicereads.com/ Oct. 25th: https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/ http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/ https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/ http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/ Oct. 26th: https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/ http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/ http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/ http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/ Oct. 29th: http://www.iamareader.com/ About the BookIn the face of the greatest evil, the cruelest dictator, a few brave men and women dared to resist. One of them was a German pastor and theologian. His name was Dietrich Bonhoeffer. To the Nazis, he was a traitor. To the 21st century church, he is a hero. To Maria von Wedemeyer, he was simply Dietrich—the man she loved. Based on detailed historical research, this is a true love story at once beautiful and heartrending. My Dearest Dietrich sheds new light on a world-famous theologian . . . and the woman who changed his life. About the Author ECPA bestselling author Amanda Barratt fell in love with writing in grade school when she wrote her first story – a spinoff of Jane Eyre. Now, Amanda writes inspirational historical romance, penning stories that transport readers to a variety of locales – from the sweeping coastline of Newport, Rhode Island, to the rugged landscape of Central Texas. Her novella, The Truest Heart, was a finalist in the 2017 FHL Reader’s Choice Awards. A member of American Christian Fiction Writers, she lives in the woods of Michigan with her fabulous family, who kindly put up with the invisible people she calls characters. These days, Amanda can be found reading way too many books, watching an eclectic mix of BBC dramas and romantic chick flicks, and trying to figure out a way to get on the first possible flight to England. And now for the cover reveal...  I think it's romantic! What do you think? When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2) by Pepper D. Basham -- Blog Tour Spotlight + Giveaway
10/23/2018
 Welcome to the Blog Tour & Giveaway for When You Look at Me by Pepper Basham, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours. About the Book Title: When You Look at Me (Pleasant Gap Romance #2) Author: Pepper Basham Publisher: Woven Words Publications Release Date: October 25, 2018 Genre: Inspirational Contemporary Romance An unexpected mother-to-be A romance-leery composer And a forgotten melody from the past that holds the keys to their futures When Julia Jenkins' great aunt dies and leaves her a Victorian mansion with decades of secrets, Julia never expects to unearth a World War 2 espionage mystery. Struggling with her own past since an assault left her pregnant, her future as a solo parent leaves her dreams uncertain. The inheritance from her great aunt gives Julia the ability to take a step back into her future, but also sends her into the discovery of a love story she’d never anticipated. As she goes through her aunt's treasured possessions, Julia uncovers some oddly written piano music with a musical code she can’t decipher on her own. Not to worry, introverted Englishman and composer, Henry Wright, is thrust on the scene by a pair of homespun matchmakers who know the ‘right’ man for Julia’s wounded heart. Henry arrives in Pleasant Gap with the task of composing the soundtrack for his best mate’s newest film. The Jenkins’ family’s southern welcome and gregarious personalities set his reticent nature on edge, but he’s inexplicably drawn to his gentle and music-loving hostess, Julia. Uncertain how to build a friendship with the wounded woman, and rather hopeless in communicating well through words, the bond of music becomes a bridge between her uncertainty and his awkwardness. But her broken past and his families’ expectations build a wall much greater than the cultures that separate them. As they work together to solve a musical mystery from the grave, will an unlikely romance from the past inspire their hearts to trust in a God who’s written the perfect melody for their lives? About the Author Pepper Basham is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance novels with grace, humor, and culture clashes. She’s a Blue Ridge Mountain native and an anglophile who enjoys combining her two loves to create memorable stories of hope. Pepper is also a mom of five, a speech-language pathologist, and a lover of Jesus and chocolate. She resides in Asheville, North Carolina with her family. Author InterviewCheck out the interview with the author HERE. Giveaway (1) winner will receive:
Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Enter the giveaway HERE. Tour ScheduleFollow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!
Night at the Opera (An American Heiress #1) by Stacy Henrie -- Blog Tour Review + Giveaway
10/19/2018
About the Book
From USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie, comes NIGHT AT THE OPERA, an American Heiress Novel.
NIGHT AT THE OPERA - An American Heiress Book 1 (1908) When American heiress Gwen Barton aids an injured gentleman in an opera box in London, she shares a kiss with the stranger that changes her life. More determined than ever to be herself, in spite of the limp she’s sustained since childhood, she will marry for love and not a title. She also resolves to learn the identity of the man she helped—and kissed. Surely he can’t be the irritating Avery Winfield, though. But as circumstances continue to throw Gwen and Avery together, she begins to wonder if there is more to this man than she first thought. While most of London only knows him as the nephew of a duke, Avery Winfield is actually working for the Secret Service Bureau to ferret out German spies from among the ton. It’s a profession that gives him purpose and a reason to remain a bachelor. But the more he interacts with Gwen Barton, an heiress from America, the more he begins to question his plans and neglected faith. Then he learns Gwen is the young lady from the opera box who helped him. Now his most important mission may have nothing to do with saving Britain from danger and everything to do with risking his heart for the woman he met that night at the opera.
GOODREADS | AMAZON
About the Author
USA Today bestselling author Stacy Henrie is the author of western romances and the Of Love and War series, which includes Hope at Dawn, a 2015 RITA Award finalist for excellence in romance. She was born and raised in the West, where she currently resides with her family. She enjoys reading, road trips, interior decorating, chocolate, and most of all, laughing with her husband and kids.
Review
From page one, readers will be captivated by Stacy Henrie’s Night at the Opera. This delightful story has everything a historical fiction reader loves. Set in Edwardian England, this novel is filled with sweet romance with a bit of intrigue and mystery to add an exciting and excellent twist to the story. Henrie is an excellent storyteller, causing readers to fall into her stories from the first page. The believable characters come to life through different point of view changes, strong emotions, and struggles, as they learn to lean on and trust in God. This is a novel that readers that enjoy Edwardian romance with a touch of mystery will thoroughly enjoy! Readers of Henrie’s westerns and WWI novels will also enjoy this change of scenery in Edwardian England!
Series: An American Heiress Genre: historical, romance, mystery, Edwardian Publisher: Mirror Press Publication date: October 16, 2018 Number of pages: 276 Other books in the series: 2-Beneath an Italian Sky (April 2019) 3-Among Sand and Sunrise (October 2019) A review copy of this book was provided by Mirror Press. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayTour Schedule
Oct. 15 - Books are Sanity / Heidi Reads
Oct. 16 - Literary Time Out / Why Not? Because I Said So Oct. 17 - Min Reads and Reviews / The Bibliophile Files Oct. 18 - Katie’s Clean Book Collection / Getting Your Read On / My Book a Day Oct. 19 - Singing Librarian Books / Wishful Endings About the Book After being branded during the battle of Jericho, Moriyah has had no prospects for marriage--until now. She hopes to please the man, but things go horribly wrong and she is forced to flee for her life. Seeking safety at one of the Levitical cities of refuge, she is unprepared for the dangers she faces, and the enemies--and allies--she encounters on her way. About the Author When she is not homeschooling her two sweet kids (with a full pot of coffee at hand), CONNILYN COSSETTE is scribbling notes on spare paper, mumbling about her imaginary friends, and reading obscure, out-of-print history books. There is nothing she likes better than digging into the rich, ancient world of the Bible and uncovering buried gems of grace that point toward Jesus. Although a Pacific Northwest native, she now lives near Dallas, Texas. Counted with the Stars is her first novel. ReviewA beautiful and inspiring story, Light on a Hill by Connilyn Cossette is an excellent start to a new series and will be sure to capture the heart of all biblical fiction fans! Cossette is an excellent storyteller, bringing to life stirring and enchanting stories from the bible. This story strongly focuses on having the faith to accept the purpose and importance of God’s plan and self-worth. Once readers pick up this book, they will absolutely not want to put down Cossette’s stunning tale until they turn they reach the last page. Even then they will want more! Readers that adore biblical fiction will be sure to fall in love with this author and her stories.
Series: Light of Refuge Genre: historical, biblical fiction, Christian Publisher: Bethany House Publication date: February 6, 2018 Number of pages: 352 Other books in the series: 2-Shelter of the Most High (October 2018) 3-Until the Mountains Fall (July 2019) A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher via the author’s launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. |