Happy Friday and welcome to First Line Fridays! Today I'm posting a line from The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond by Jaime Jo Wright. First Line: Gossamer Grove, Wisconsin 1907 Libby Sheffield had never stopped to wonder what she would take specific note of if she ever stumbled upon a dead body. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops.
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About the Book
Hadley Baker can’t believe her boyfriend finally invited her on a fancy hotel dinner date only to break up with her in public. Even more unbelievable is the moment FBI Agent JD Byers finds her crying in the women’s restroom and demands she evacuate. Seconds after JD ushers Hadley outside, an explosion shatters the building. Could her life be any more disastrous?
Hadley Baker can’t believe her boyfriend finally invited her on a fancy hotel dinner date only to break up with her in public. Even more unbelievable is the moment FBI Agent JD Byers finds her crying in the women’s restroom and demands she evacuate. Seconds after JD ushers Hadley outside, an explosion shatters the building. Could her life be any more disastrous? JD didn’t anticipate seeing Hadley, the beautiful schoolteacher, again after he saved her from the hotel attack. But soon after her ex-boyfriend became a lead suspect of the hotel bombing, the man turned up dead—and now it seems that Hadley herself is a target. Determined to keep her safe, JD shelters Hadley as they join forces to put together the pieces of the perplexing case. When they discover the horrifying truth behind her ex-boyfriend’s nefarious work, Hadley realizes her life is far from the only one being threatened. Countless others are in danger, and she and JD may hold the key to saving them. About the Author
Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. She is a five-time Whitney Award winner and has written more than twenty-five bestselling novels.
Review
From the very beginning, Mistaken Reality by Traci Hunter Abramson is a thrilling and fast paced story that will capture the attention of readers. This is a great story with a plot that thickens with the adventures of several different characters, bringing this enticing story to life. This story is about living a life of danger, creating a page turning and suspenseful read. Abramson has crafted a story that will keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Genre: contemporary, romance, suspense Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: October 1, 2019 Number of pages: 312 A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayAbout the BookSecond chances often come from surprising places. Will the Duke find another chance at love when everything seems to be combining against him? Gerald feels as though he’s lost everything when his wife takes her last breath. Amelia’s world turns upside down when the Duke of Granbury steps into her tea shop and leaves with her heart. But when a secret from Amelia’s past unveils possibilities, will the duke get a second chance at love from an unexpected source? Buy this first book in a Regency romance series for a taste of deep loyal friendship, beautiful second chances, and the path to heal a heart. About the AuthorAn award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards, Jen Geigle Johnson discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She knows all about the sound a water-ski makes on glassy water and how to fall down steep moguls with grace. 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. Now, 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. Author InterviewCheck out the interview with the author HERE. ReviewJen Geigle Johnson has written a charming easy read in her book The Duke’s Second Chance. A huge theme and focus in this story is family. It’s about love and losing that love, but being able to find love and roance again. Although Johnson has readers hooked from the turn of the first page, the strength of this emotional connection does not last the entirety of the story, fading a little bit as the story continutes. But the story still is still one that readers will enjoy, with its relatable characters and sad, but enjoyable tale. Readers will look forward to another book in this delightful series. Series: Lords for the Sisters of Sussex Genre: regency, romance Publisher: Indie Publication date: October 8, 2019 Number of pages: 137 Other books in the series: 2-The Earl’s Winning Wager 3-Her Lady’s Whims and Fancies 4-Suitors for the Proper Miss 5-Pining for Lord Lockhart 6-The Foibles and Follies of Miss Grace A review copy of this book was purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayEnter the giveaway HERE.
First Line Fridays -- Four Dreams of You
10/11/2019
Happy Friday and welcome to First Line Fridays! Today I'm posting a line from Four Dreams of You by Sondra Kraak. This is book four in the Love that Counts Series. First Line: Connecticut, April 1893 Failure meant death. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops. About the Book
Reluctantly returning to London for yet another Season, shy Nora Hamilton has nearly given up hope that she will ever find the love match she longs for. After all, the one man she does harbor feelings for—her closest friend, James—has made it perfectly clear he views her as just that: a friend. With James traveling half a world away and Nora's father pressuring her to marry for wealth and status, Nora is forced to set aside her desire for love and accept the future she has always dreaded.
Until James returns unexpectedly and Nora's feelings once again rush unbearably close to the surface. Determined to save what is left of their friendship, Nora ignores her own heart and allows herself to be swept up in the London Season, soon finding herself the object of two very different gentlemen's affections. Though she should be thrilled, both men come with a glaring fault: neither is the one man who holds her heart. But there is much more at stake than heartbreak. When long-kept secrets are laid bare, Nora must face the fears that have plagued her all her life and decide what true love is worth. About the Author
Joanna Barker was born and raised in northern California. She discovered her love for historical fiction after visiting England as an eleven-year-old, and subsequently read every Jane Austen book she could get her hands on. After graduating Brigham Young University with a degree in English, she worked as an acquisitions editor before devoting herself full-time to writing. She enjoys music, chocolate, and reading everything from romance to science fiction. She lives in Utah and is just a little crazy about her husband and two wild-but-loveable boys.
Review
From page one, this sweet regency romance will charm readers. The story is about high society, London, and the Season and feeling pressured to get married. But it’s also about family, friends, and finding true love amid heartbreaking and trying secrets. This novel is sweet and captivating as readers fall in love with the characters and watch their relationships develop and change throughout the story. This is the type of story that keeps readers engaged and not wanting to set the book down with the wonderful characters, romance, and storytelling. Readers will absolutely adore this delightful regency romance story!
Genre: historical, regency, romance Publisher: Covenant Communications Publication date: October 1, 2019 Number of pages: 256 A review copy of this book was provided by Covenant Communications. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayAbout the BookA stylish 1930’s mystery set in Oxford with a love triangle, a murder, and a cast of eccentric suspects. Fans of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane will love this tale! “Vandagriff’s atmospherics are first rate. She amazes me.”—Anna Stone. After Miss Catherine Tregowyn, poet, and Dr. Harry Bascombe, her bête noire, discover a body in the Somerville College chapel, they are declared suspects in a murder inquiry. How can they prove their innocence? The pair decide they must launch their own investigation into the strangling of Oxford don, Agatha Chenowith. But working as a team will not be easy. Their relations are anything but cordial. It is not long before they uncover motives aplenty. Apparently, Dr. Chenowith was not at all what she seemed. As the surprises about the victim’s secret life multiply, they are awash in a sea of suspects. Into this scenario sails the former love of Catherine’s life as he returns from Kenya. Is she going to give Rafe another chance to break her heart? He convinces her to give him a six-month trial, and eager to show his worth, he joins in the investigation. Rafe offers to fly Catherine and Harry in his de Havilland six-seater to the Isle of Man where they must pursue a lead. Inevitably, Rafe and Harry square off in a battle for Catherine’s affections. Meanwhile, playing detectives proves to be a dangerous pursuit. Catherine and Harry shortly embroil themselves in a plot much larger than mere murder. No one wants to hear their theory, however. It contains truths too painful to contemplate. And it makes Catherine and Harry’s lives expendable. Releaseing November 6, 2019. Pre-order your copy HERE. About the AuthorG.G. Vandagriff is the author of twenty-four books and is an Amazon #1 Bestselling Author. The Last Waltz, the first novel in her 20th Century Historical Romance Series won the Whitney Award for Best Historical Novel in 2009. There are now two more books in that series—Exile and Defiance. Nine of her novels are Regency romances, compared by critics to the witty novels of Georgette Heyer. She has also written a lively genealogical mystery series featuring Briggie and Alex, two whacky widows, as sleuths. Other genres she writes in include Contemporary Romance, Women’s Fiction, and Suspense. GG graduated from Stanford and received her master’s degree from George Washington University. She worked as an associate editor at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, an assistant treasurer in the Harvard Treasurer’s office, a bond analyst at Fidelity Investments, and an international banker for Continental Illinois National Bank (later acquired by Bank of America). She and her husband David are the parents of three children and six grandchildren, her greatest joys in life. Her favorite novel? Jane Eyre. She also loves Florence, Sundance Resort, The Voice, hot chocolate, lilacs, and dachshunds. Find out more about her books, download a free novella, and sign up for her newsletter at http://ggvandagriff.com. Also, be the first to know when Vandagriff’s next book is available by following her at http://bookbub.com/authors/G.G.Vandag... to receive new releases and discount alerts. And now for the cover reveal...This cover is so fun! And don't you just love that blue dress!! Pre-order GiveawayWhen you pre-order the book, take a screenshot of the Amazon "thank you" page, post it in the comments on the post on GG Vandagriff's Author Facebook Page and be entered in the drawing to win a $30 Amazon gift card!
Giveaway will run October 10-13 with the winner announced on October 14th. Welcome to the Blog Blitz and Giveaway for Edge of Truth by Kimberly Rose Johnson, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours! About the BookTitle: Edge of Truth Series: Law Enforcement Heroes Author: Kimberly Rose Johnson Publisher: Sweet Rose Press Genre: Romantic Suspense Release Date: August 6, 2019 Two DEA agents. One undercover mission. Lives changed forever. The DEA sends two of its best agents, Kara Nelson and Jeff Clark, to Central Oregon, to shut down a major drug ring. Kara and Jeff usually work alone, but Operation Trail Ride throws them undercover together in a way neither of them expected. A notorious Miami drug lord wants Kara dead. Can these agents pull off the greatest acting job of their lives—and manage the sparks flying between them? Or will they die trying? Edge of Truth is the first book in the Law Enforcement Heroes series. A romantic suspense series with nail biting suspense and a splash of romance. If you like engaging characters, small-town antics, and page turning suspense, then you’ll love Kimberly Rose Johnson’s Law Enforcement Heroes series. About the AuthorAward-winning author Kimberly Rose Johnson married her college sweetheart and lives in the Pacific Northwest. From a young child, Kimberly has been an avid reader. That love of reading fostered a creative mind and led to her passion for writing. She especially loves romance and writes contemporary romance that warms the heart and feeds the soul. Kimberly holds a degree in Behavioral Science from Northwest University in Kirkland, Washington, and is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers. You can sign up for Kimberly's newsletter via her website at: https://kimberlyrjohnson.com/ ExcerptKara stared out the window at the breaking waves along Vero Beach. Much like the shells being pummeled ashore, her body had taken a beating when the bomb exploded. She glanced at Jeff who sat nearby—her constant companion since last week. He said it was a miracle she was alive—according to her doctor, he was right. But if God cared whether she lived or died, why had He let this happen? An entire year undercover wasted. She’d been up for the challenge because the payoff would have been huge. They were within hours of taking down the biggest drug lord in Florida. How had her cover been blown? She’d racked her brain for the past week and a half, trying to figure it out. Luis Alvarado had welcomed her into his organization. After months of grooming, she’d worked her way up the ranks—a whole year wasted! She slammed her fist on the cushion beside her. Giveaway(1) winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card Enter via the Rafflecopter giveaway below. Giveaway will begin at midnight October 7, 2019 and last through 11:59 pm October 14, 2019. Open internationally as long as winner can accept gift card from US Amazon. Void where prohibited by law. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here. Tour StopsMy Fair Spinster (The Spinster Chronicles #4) by Rebecca Connolly -- Blog Tour Review + Giveaway
10/5/2019
About the BookSeries: The Spinster Chronicles Genre: Adult, Historical, Regency, Romance Publisher: Phase Publishing Publication date: October 1, 2019 The spinster next door…Grace Morledge is a failure. Or so her father believes, as she is unmarried despite her advantages. In his mind, Grace must have significant flaws to be a spinster and something must be done about them. To her mortification, he demands she be fully examined and all flaws recorded. And the man he chooses is the worst possible candidate of all.Aubrey Flint, Lord Ingram, has known Grace since childhood, but he never anticipated Lord Trenwick demanding he examine her for flaws. How can perfection have faults? Reluctantly, he accepts the assignment, and finds far more than he bargained for, and perfection becomes more and more tempting. About the AuthorRebecca Connolly writes romances, both period and contemporary, because she absolutely loves a good love story. She has been creating stories since childhood, and there are home videos to prove it! She started writing them down in elementary school and has never looked back. She currently lives in the Midwest, spends every spare moment away from her day job absorbed in her writing, and is a hot cocoa addict. Author InterviewCheck out the interview with the author HERE. Snippet“They were smart to include you.” Grace jerked slightly to look at him again. “What?” He nodded fervently. “I mean it. Georgie is no fool, Grace, and I have no doubt she made a study of the other unmarried women in Society. You are the best of the lot. It was only natural they should choose you.” Her heart leapt for joy and seemed to be burning within her. “You don’t know the rest of the lot, Aubrey.” “Don’t have to,” he quipped. “I know you.” Oh, but the look in his eyes made her feel like a lovesick girl of twelve again, and it was all she could do to keep from smiling an accompanying lovesick smile that would have been entirely too obvious. Not that she was lovesick. She was simply touched. And embarrassed. And perhaps a bit feverish. That was all. Aubrey blinked and the look was gone. He slapped his thighs and rose fluidly, running a hand through his hair and disheveling it in a way that reminded her of the boy she had known in Derbyshire, and her heart lurched. “Well, I suppose that’s enough for today,” he rambled, his words not quite as crisp as normal. “I will see you tomorrow at the Sterlings’, and I will assess your interaction with various people at that point.” Grace slowly rose, watching Aubrey curiously. “Very well. Miranda will be there, you know. We could confront her.” “Yes, yes, excellent thought,” he replied absently. “I’ll bring my suit of armor for whatever she tosses in retaliation.” Grace laughed at the image that brought, and Aubrey seemed to shudder at it. “Right,” he said, turning to her and bowing. “Good day, Grace.” “Good day, Aubrey.” He left before she finished, and she stared after him, still curious. What in the world? Then her mother crossed the corridor, casting another knowing look at Grace. All curiosity and delight evaporated swiftly, and Grace snapped back into discontent, moving quickly towards the music room. He was not good for her. He couldn’t be. ReviewMy Fair Spinster, the fourth book in The Spinster Chronicles by author Rebecca Connolly is an absolutely splendid read. This story is absolutely hilarious and is an absolute delight from cover to cover. And the banter between the two main characters is absolutely fabulous! The story is about a young woman, Grace, who although is very accomplished is yet to marry, so her father hires someone to inspect her for flaws. This is such a crazy and funny idea and Connolly pulls it off exceptionally. The characters in this story, some we have met in previous novels in the series, are excellently written, as well as entertaining. Readers will thoroughly enjoy this wonderful Regency romance! Series: The Spinster Chronicles Genre: historical, Regency, romance Publisher: Phase Publishing Publication date: October 1, 2019 Number of pages: 307 Other books in the series: 1-The Merry Lives of Spinsters 2-The Spinster and I 3-Spinster and Spice A print review copy of this book was provided by the author via SLB Tours, as well as an e-copy purchased for review. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. GiveawayEnter the giveaway HERE. Giveaway ends October 5 at 11:59pm MT. Giveaway is subject to policies HERE. Tour ScheduleHappy Friday and welcome to First Line Fridays! Today I'm posting a line from Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano. First Line: Spitalfields, London's East End, 1871 For one blessed moment I was beautiful. What are you reading? What is your first line?
Open the book nearest you and post the first line in the comments below... Then head on over to Hoarding Books and link up! And then hop around the linky to visit other blog stops. About the BookThis Christmas, Sadie Hoffmiller Cunningham is making a list and checking it twice. For the first time since she and Pete married five years ago, their combined families are gathering for the holidays in Fort Collins, Colorado, for a party that would make Santa and Mrs. Claus proud. She just has to bake the famous Cunningham Candy Cane Cake, make sure the looming snowstorm doesn't derail everyone's travel plans, and oh, yes, solve one teensy-tiny mystery before the big day. At ninety-four and nearly blind, Mary, Sadie's friend and neighbor, knows this will be her last Christmas. When Sadie learns that someone has stolen antique Christmas ornaments from Mary's tree, she vows to find the thief, no matter what. The ornaments had been appraised at more than $40,000, but they were worth even more to Mary, who had intended to bequeath them to her great-granddaughter, Joy, as a final gift. With Pete in Arizona wrapping up a case of his own, it's up to Sadie to question the residents of Nicholas House, where Mary lives, and deduce who had the means and the motive to steal heirloom ornaments during what should be the most wonderful time of the year. When stories of other thefts surface, Sadie feels like she's creating a "naughty" list that could rival Santa's. Identifying the thief, recovering the ornaments, and restoring them to Mary's tree in time will take a Christmas miracle—and maybe a few extra-special cookies. About the AuthorJosi S. Kilpack hated to read until her mother handed her a copy of The Witch of Blackbird Pond when she was 13. From that day forward, she read everything she could get her hands on and credits her writing “education” to the many novels she has “studied” since then. She began writing her first novel in 1998 and has written twenty-five novels, one cookbook, and been part of multiple collaborations since then. She is a four-time Whitney Award winner and Best of State winner in Fiction. Josi currently lives in Willard, Utah, with her husband and children. When Kensington Press picked up her first national women's fiction novel, As Wide as the Sky, Josi was in need of a pen name to differentiate between her other genres. For years, Josi has bee called Jessica Pack by people who hear her name but don't know her, it made her new pen name easy to choose. ReviewJosi S Kilpack’s The Candy Cane Caper is a splendid combination of holiday read and cozy mystery that readers will delight in from cover to cover, especially with the return of Sadie. This story is about finding some holiday ornaments that have disappeared. They belong to an older lady that is about to pass away and her friends and family want to find them before she realizes they are missing so they can make this the best Christmas for her before she passes. This story has a huge theme of being with the ones you hold dear, both friends and family, during the holiday season. Readers will be thrilled with this exciting Sadie cozy mystery.
Series: A Culinary Mystery Genre: contemporary, cozy mystery, holiday Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publication date: October 1, 2019 Number of pages: 320 Other books in the series: 1-Lemon Tart 2-English Trufle 3-Devil’s Food Cake 4-Key Lime Pie 5-Blackberry Crumble 6-Pumpkin Roll 7-Banana Split 8-Tres Leches Cupcakes 9-Baked Alaska 10-Rocky Road 11-Fortune Cookie 12-Wedding Cake A review copy of this book was provided by the author via her launch team. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own. |
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