What happens when happily ever after starts to unravel?

Eliyana Ember doesn't believe in true love. Not anymore. After defeating her grandfather and saving the Second Reflection, El only trusts what's right in front of her. The tangible. The real. Not some unexplained Kiss of Infinity she once shared with the ghost of a boy she's trying to forget. She has more important things to worry about--like becoming queen of the Second Reflection, a role she is so not prepared to fill.

Now that the Verity is intertwined with her soul and Joshua's finally by her side, El is ready to learn more about her mysterious birth land, the land she now rules. So why does she feel like something--or someone--is missing?

When the thresholds begin to drain and the Callings, those powerful magical gifts, begin to fail, El wonders if her link to Ky Rhyen may have something to do with it. For light and darkness cannot coexist. She needs answers before the Callings disappear altogether. Can El find a way to sever her connection to Ky and save the Reflections--and keep herself from falling for him in the process?

GOODREADS | AMAZON

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | AMAZON | WEBSITE

In book two, Unraveling, in the Unblemished series by Sara Ella, readers continue the story from the previous novel Unblemished.  Once again Ella captures the attention of readers with her fabulous storytelling skills, bringing to life the story and creating ways for readers to connect to her intriguing and fascinating characters.  This story also has plenty of action and fantasy, as well as romance that will cause them to not want to put the book down.  This story is about true love unraveling and trying to pick up the pieces.  Ella’s writing is enamoring and creative in a way that cause readers to come back for more and not want to put the book down.  Readers will definitely not want to miss the continuation and second installment to the Unblemished series!
 
Series: Unblemished
Genre: fantasy, contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins
Publication date: July 11, 2017
Number of pages: 356
 
Other books in the series:
1-Unraveling
3-Unbreakable
 
A review copy of this book was purchased for review.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Eliyana has always recoiled from her own reflection in the mirror. But what if that were only one Reflection—one world? What if another world existed where her blemish could become her strength?

Eliyana is used to the shadows. With a hideous birthmark covering half her face, she just hopes to graduate high school unscathed. That is, until Joshua hops a fence and changes her perspective. No one, aside from her mother, has ever treated her as normal. Maybe even beautiful. Because of Joshua, Eliyana finally begins to believe she could be loved.

But one night her mother doesn’t come home, and that’s when everything gets weird.

Now Joshua is her new, and rather reluctant, legal Guardian. Add a hooded stalker and a Central Park battle to the mix and you’ve gone from weird to otherworldly.

Eliyana soon finds herself in a world much larger and more complicated than she’s ever known. A world enslaved by a powerful and vile man. And Eliyana holds the answer to defeating him. How can an ordinary girl, a blemished girl, become a savior when she can’t even save herself? 

GOODREADS | AMAZON

Once upon a time, SARA ELLA dreamed she would marry a prince (just call her Mrs. Charming) and live in a castle (aka The Plaza Hotel). Though her fairy tale didn’t quite turn out as planned, she did work for Disney—that was an enchanted moment of its own. Now she spends her days throwing living room dance parties for her two princesses and conquering realms of her own imaginings. She believes “Happily Ever After is Never Far Away” for those who put their faith in the King of kings.

GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | AMAZON | WEBSITE

 Author Sara Ella has crafted a story that readers will be on the edge of their seat for, in her debut novel Unblemished.  From page one, Ella captures the attention of readers with her excellent storytelling and beloved characters.  This contemporary young adult fantasy romance novel is one that adults and youth alike will thoroughly enjoy.  Filled with plenty of action and magic, this story comes to life from the pages.  This story is set in a place we all know, NYC, at least we all think we do, until Ella adds her own twist and everything changes.  Readers will not want to miss this exciting tale and first installment of the Unblemished series.
 
Series: Unblemished
Genre: fantasy, contemporary, romance, Christian
Publisher: Thomas Nelson/Harper Collins
Publication date: October 11, 2016
Number of pages: 352
 
Other books in the series:
2-Unraveling
3-Unbreakable
 
A review copy of this book was purchased for review.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Selling stories is a deadly business

Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.

During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | ​WEBSITE

Check out the interview with the author HERE.

From page one, Lindsay A. Franklin does a fantastic job of capturing the attention of her readers so they are drawn in and do not want to put this book down until the last page is turned.  Franklin is an excellent storyteller.  And in her debut novel, The Story Peddler, readers will come to know and love her relatable characters.  Not only are the characters excellent and come to life from the pages, but the setting and the beautiful magic throughout the story will keep readers coming back for more.  This is a story that readers will come to love and not want to put down!
 
Series: The Weaver Trilogy
Genre: fantasy, fiction, young adult
Publisher: Enclave
Publication date: May 1, 2018
Number of pages: 336
 
Other books in the series:
2-The Story Raider (Release TBD)
 
A review copy of this book was provided by the author’s street team.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Title: The Story Peddler
Series: The Weaver Trilogy, Book 1
Author: Lindsay A. Franklin
Publisher: Enclave Publishing
Release Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy

​Selling stories is a deadly business.
 
Tanwen doesn’t just tell stories—she weaves them into crystallized sculptures that sell for more than a few bits. But the only way to escape the control of her cruel mentor and claw her way from poverty is to set her sights on something grander: becoming Royal Storyteller to the king.
During her final story peddling tour, a tale of treason spills from her hands, threatening the king himself. Tanwen goes from peddler to prey as the king’s guard hunts her down . . . and they’re not known for their mercy. As Tanwen flees for her life, she unearths long-buried secrets and discovers she’s not the only outlaw in the empire. There’s a rebel group of weavers . . . and they’re after her too.

​TO PURCHASE A COPY
Amazon l ChristianBook l Book Depository l Itunes

Lindsay A. Franklin is a best-selling author, award-winning editor, and homeschooling mom of three. She would wear pajama pants all the time if it were socially acceptable. She lives in her native San Diego with her scruffy-looking nerf-herder of a husband, their precious geeklings, three demanding thunder pillows (a.k.a. cats), and a stuffed wombat with his own Instagram following.

​CONNECT WITH AUTHOR:
​Website | Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Instagram

Check out the author interview HERE.

Enter the giveaway HERE.

Genre:  Young Adult, Regency, Romance
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Publication date: April 10, 2018

Sixteen-year-old Adam Garrow ran away when he learned the truth about his father and his inheritance. After six long years away from his family’s estate, Adam returns to make amends with his parents and help his brother, Phillip, grow into his role as head of the estate. Before he even makes it to the door, a chance meeting with one Solana Rosenlund–his intend from before his self-imposed exile-sparks a fire in his heart that will not be quenched. But before they truly get a chance to explore their feelings for each other, Adam is devastated when ahead injury results in Solana forgetting that they had ever met.

Things only get worse when Phillip’s business venture to Morocco is commandeered by pirates. Adam and his friend Ian O’Connor leave England to rescue Phillip, and in doing so discover a sinister plot that threatens the Garrow estate and all those they left at home. Through conspiracy, sabotage, and kidnapping, can all three men survive what fate has thrown at them and find their way back to the women they love?

Chelsea Curran lives in the desert valley of Arizona. Though secretly a romantic, she used to spend most of her time brooding over the idea of love until her college roommates (now best friends) introduced her to the exciting and fantastic world of romance novels. When she’s not teaching, dancing, painting, laughing or baking cookies, she’s in her blanket fort giggling over the handsome hero capturing the fair lady’s heart. And no matter how old she gets, that will never change.
​
Countless authors have inspired to her to write stories for those who seek the same ideas that brought her comfort, joy and hope for the future. By experience, she believes one good book can change a person’s life forever.

​FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Check out the author interview HERE.

Slowly, her senses began to disappear one by one. First, her sight. Then sound, and then feeling. Though the taste of smoke lingered on her tongue, all she could comprehend was the sound of cries in the distance.
Then she felt two strong arms carry her away from the nightmare she fell into. She was weightless and at peace. Then all at once, her breath returned.
Her senses followed too quickly, but what stood out the most was pain. She opened her eyes and was not surprised at all to see who rescued her.
“Thank the Lord,” Adam said, pulling her tightly against his chest.
She gasped for air again, and he helped her to lean forward, relieving some of the pressure off her lungs.
“Adam!” a voice called. His brown eyes moved from hers to the distance. Then, gently, he laid her back down, pulling himself up.
“Don’t leave me,” she said, her voice hoarse and barely a whisper.
He hesitated, returning to his knees. Although her vision was dimmed, she could still make out the relieved look in his eyes.
He pulled her up so she rested against his side. Taking a deep breath, despite the smoke, she could smell the tangy citrus of oranges on his clothes. It was comforting. It smelled like home during the springtime.
“Adam!” someone screamed again, more desperately this time.
“We’re here!” he called back.
The sky was getting darker by the minute from the black stacks of smoke in the air.
The firelight’s glow became more prominent and cast a silhouette on a figure that hurried into view.
“She’s alive,” Adam said.
The other voiced cursed. “What happened to you?” She was also waiting for an explanation, but he ignored the question.
“We need to get her out of here, Phillip” he said.
She felt him shift his arms underneath her shoulders and legs.
“Wait,” Phillip said.
“We can’t wait! Now please help me.”
“Your hand, Adam! You’re burned.”
“I’m fine,” he said, but the coughing fit that followed contradicted what he said.
“She needs to be attended to first.”
“I will take her. Get to the stream and cool your skin.”
Without answering, Adam struggled to his feet with her still in his arms. She heard him grunt as her weight was transferred into another set of arms.
“Make sure she’s safe,” he ordered.
Those were the last words Solana heard until her senses dulled into dim voices and rough movements. Eventually it grew more difficult to separate reality from her dreams. And through all the fog, she attempted to hold onto the vision of the strange man holding the torch. She tried her best to hold onto it, fighting to stay conscious so she could tell someone what she saw. But like the rest of the world, the vision had slipped away, and she finally closed her eyes in blissful sleep.

​April 16-Reading Is My SuperPower | Bookworm Lisa
April 17-Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations | Faery Tales Are Real
April 18-Singing Librarian Books | Remembrancy
April 19-Heidi Reads… | Locks, Hooks and Books
April 20-Reading, Writing & Stitch-Metic | Red Headed Book Lady
April 21-Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen | Paulette’s Papers

Book Title:  The Progeny: A Novel by Tosca Lee
Series: Descendants of the House of Bathory (Book #1)
Category:  YA Fiction,   352 pages
Genre:  Thriller, (YA-leaning), Slight paranormal
Publisher:  Howard Books
Release date:  May 2016
Tour dates: March 26 to April 13, 2018
Content Rating: PG

​From New York Times bestselling author Tosca Lee comes a story of love, ancient secrets, and survival. Book 1 in the House of Bathory duology.

When you wake up, you remember nothing. Not your name, or where you were born, or the faces of the people you knew. Just a single warning written to yourself before you forgot it all:

"Emily, it’s me. You.

Don’t ask about the last two years… Don’t try to remember and don’t go digging. Your life depends on it. Other lives depend on it.

By the way, Emily isn’t your real name. You died in an accident. You paid extra for that."

You start over in a remote place with a new name, a fresh life. Until the day a stranger tells you you’re being hunted for the sins of a royal ancestor who died centuries before you were born.

You don’t believe him, until they come for you. Now you’re on the run.

Every answer you need lies in a past you chose to erase. The only thing you know for sure is that others are about to die and you need those memories back.

But first, you have to stay alive.

GOODREADS | AMAZON

"Superior storytelling."  - Publishers Weekly

"One of the most gifted novelists writing today." -Steven James, bestselling author 

Tosca Lee is the award-winning, New York Times bestselling author of the House of Bathory Duology (The Progeny and Firstborn, currently in development for television),Iscariot, The Legend of Sheba, Demon: A Memoir, Havah: The Story of Eve, and the Books of Mortals series with New York Times bestseller Ted Dekker (Forbidden, Mortal, Sovereign). A notorious night-owl, she loves watching TV, eating bacon, playing video games and football with her kids, and sending cheesy texts to her husband.

You can find Tosca at ToscaLee.com, on social media, or hanging around the snack table. (And be sure to check out Ismeni, the free e-short prequel to The Legend of Sheba!)
 
Get your copy of The Progeny HERE.  (Kindle readers: now you can enjoy special insights in the author’s highlighted comments!) ​

Check out the interview with the author HERE.

"Be warned: once you start this book, it’s impossible to put down!” 
- Maria V. Snyder, New York Times bestselling author of Poison Study 

“Intriguing and romantic, I literally couldn’t put it down.”
- Jennifer L. Armentrout # 1 New York Times bestselling author 
 
"Irresistible..."
- Publishers Weekly

"[A] complex thriller with various turns and twists...A great choice for readers who enjoy their psychological thrillers with a historical twist."
- Library Journal

"Exciting...action packed…intriguing.” 
- Romantic Times Book Reviews

"Filled with intrigue, romance, and reversals fans are sure to love."
- Family Fiction

"The Progeny has risen to the top of my favorites list…I devoured every word of it.”
- Book Reporter

The Center

No one speaks when you enter the Center for the last time. There’s no need. You’ve gone through the counseling, tests, and a checklist of preparations to get the plastic bracelet you wear the day of treatment. The one that saves a life. They don’t need to know why you’re doing it any more. Or that you lied about it all. Just the scratch of the stylus as you sign your name on the screen one last time.

A nurse takes me into a room and I lie down on the table. I give her the sealed packet—the only thing I brought with me. There’s cash, meds, and an address inside, the one for “after.” It’s a thousand miles away. She’ll pass it to the companion assigned to me. No point meeting her now.

I’m 21 years old and my name doesn’t matter because it’s about to be erased forever. I’m choosing to forget the ones I love, and myself, in the process.

They say your life flashes before your eyes when you die. But they don’t tell you that every detail comes screaming back to life. That you taste each bite of every meal you savored, feel the shower of every rain you walked in… smell the hair against your cheek before that last, parting kiss. That you will fight to hold on to every memory like a drowning person gasping for poisoned air.

Then everything you knew is gone. And you are still alive.

For now.

He’s taken her as his prisoner. But she’s holding his heart captive. In gaining their freedom, will they lose what matters most?

When Lady Olivia’s castle is besieged, she and her sister are taken captive and held for ransom by her father’s enemy, Lord Pitt. Loyalty to family means everything to Olivia. She’ll save her sister at any cost and do whatever her father asks—even if that means obeying his order to steal a sacred relic from her captor.

As Lord Pitt’s commander, Sir Aldric is in charge of the beautiful but feisty new prisoner. He has his hands full attempting to keep Lady Olivia out of trouble. When Lord Pitt throws her in the dungeon and threatens to hang her for stealing, Aldric conceives a plot to save Olivia’s life—betrothal to him.

Can Olivia give up the prestigious match her father has arranged with a wealthy marquess in order to marry a lowly knight like Aldric? And can Aldric move beyond his past mistakes to embrace love again? When loyalties are tested, they’re thrust into danger that could cost them their love and their lives. ​

GOODREADS | AMAZON

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | ​INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Book four in Jody Hedlund’s An Uncertain Choice medieval, young adult, historical romance, series, A Loyal Heart, is a fun adventure and an absolute delight to read from cover to cover.  It is filled with wonderful and exciting characters, plenty of action and escapade, and of course an endearing love story.  From page one, this is an exciting and fun story that readers will not want to put down.  Hedlund has a way with storytelling that draws readers in, not wanting to put the book down until the very last page is turned.
 
Series: An Uncertain Choice
Genre: young adult, historical, medieval, romance, Christian
Publisher: Northern Lights
Publication date: March 6, 2018
Number of pages: 310
 
A review copy of this book was provided by the author’s review team.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

Corbin’s simple rose was supposed to drive the princess away. He never wanted her to choose his gift—or him. After all, no one would choose to marry a beast. With her fiery temper, though, Princess Rose isn’t so perfect herself. Corbin and Rose might be stuck living with each other, but no one can force them to fall in love.

​GOODREADS | AMAZON

Jessilyn Stewart Peaslee was born the fourth of seven children into a family of avid readers, music lovers, movie quoters, and sports fans. Jessilyn graduated from Brigham Young University with a BA in English. She loves going on dates with her husband and playing with her five adorable, rambunctious boys. Jessilyn grew up in the beautiful high desert of Southern California and now resides in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. As you read this, she is probably folding laundry . . . or should be. Current Residence: Saratoga Springs, UT.

​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | AMAZON | WEBSITE

Author Jessalyn Stewart Peaslee has written an excellent twist on a well-known and beloved fairytale.  Both teens and adults alike will thoroughly enjoy this delightful, sweet, and somewhat spunky retelling of Beauty and the Beast.  From page one Peaslee sucks readers into her story, hooking them so they don’t want to put it down, not even when they reach the end.  The characters in this story are charming and come to life through Peaslee’s wonderful storytelling.  It is a story filled with exhilarating and enticing characters and a romantic and magical story.  Readers will not soon forget this splendid twist on this top favorite fairytale.  This is the type of novel that will keep readers dreaming of their own magical fairytale romance and happily ever after.
 
Genre: young adult, fantasy, fairytale, retelling
Publisher: Sweetwater Book a division of Cedar Fort
Publication date: January 9, 2018
Number of pages: 263
 
A review copy of this book was provided by Cedar Fort.  A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

From Sellout to hero, by way of the den. Braxton Luther finds himself in the crossfire of a new order, and discovers apathy is a dangerous option.

​GOODREADS | AMAZON

J. Rodes lives on the wide plains somewhere near the middle of Nowhere. A coffee addict, pickleball enthusiast, and storyteller, she also wears the hats of mom, teacher, and friend. Mostly, she loves Jesus and wants to see the kids she’s honored to teach fall in love with Him too.

​​GOODREADS | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE

Check out the interview with the author HERE.

The Uncloaked
Uncloaked? What was that?
Tristan smirked. “Clearly. Family?”
“All Uncloaked.”
“Noted.” He leaned over Kipper, who cowered like he expected a blow. “Fix it, boy. You’re in our sights.”
Kipper didn’t respond. I detected a tremble in the boy’s hands, but he held a strong gaze. A gaze that seemed somehow familiar in nature. I glanced to Eliza. She was biting her lip as she kept her eyes fixed on Kipper. My view widened, encompassing both of them. His eyes darted to her, and she nodded ever so slightly.
Wait. What just happened? My chest expanded with a fierceness I hadn’t anticipated. I zeroed back in on Eliza, wanting to take her by the arm and pull her to my side. What was this guy doing, looking to Liza for strength? She didn’t have any to spare. And she’s mine.
Wasn’t she?
“What do you expect me to say?” Kipper’s weak voice ripped me out of my Braxtonian-centered universe.
Tristan still hovered over the guy. “Show us a sign of loyalty.”
“What do you want?”
“I think you’ll find life much easier if you comply.” Tristan tapped Kipper’s tab. “Try it. See what happens when you check the correct box.”
My attention dropped to my own tab. The correct box. Not the right box—as in what is true of you, but the correct box—as in PC.
Congratulations, Citizen.
The words burned in my vision.
Check a box. Get on with your life.
My own voice echoed in my ears. Was it really that easy? We were living like impoverished beggars at the Knights’ house, and it could have been avoided by checking the correct box?
“I won’t.” Kipper’s meek voice beckoned my attention again.
The air seemed to turn cold and hard. Eliza pulled in a long breath and held it. I scowled, first at her and then at Kipper. Tristan looked to his right and then to his left. The bulky guys flanking him returned his glance with smirks.
He smacked Kipper on the back of his head, sending the kid’s face toward the desk. “It’s your funeral.”
I assumed that was figurative. Couldn’t be anything but, despite the zinging sense of fear rising in my chest. Not in this country.

Tearing the Veil
Braxton
Why would she even think about the Pride? Didn’t she understand that I lived in a nightmare? How could two sisters be so completely different anyway?
Hannah was headed for trouble. She needed to leave. Soon. Now.
But for the moment, I had to protect her. I owed Eliza at least that much. No, I owed her so much more than she understood, than anyone understood, and the guilt sat like a slow burn in my stomach every single day.
God, is she still alive? She had to be alive. She still called to me in my dreams.
My attention fell back to Hannah, who sat stiff by my side. The girl was spinning in her head like a tire on a bicycle, and because she was way too much like me, I could guess what she was thinking.
“It isn’t better out there.” I tipped her chin so I could see her eyes—something I usually tried to avoid. They looked like Eliza’s, and I hated the ache that pressed into my chest. But I needed to make sure she was listening. “You’ve got to believe me on this. It’s not what you think. Stay with your family. Go to the Refuge.”
She stared back at me, but not like Eliza would have. Eliza would listen—hear what I was saying and process it intelligently, which was why she could always come up with a logical answer to my dumb schemes. Hannah…well, she processed with emotion, just like me. There was no reasoning with emotion.
I sighed and began transferring the food I’d squirreled away from the Den to her burlap sack. “You’d better get going. Remember, never the same place two times in a row, okay?”
Still stiff, she stood and, with a cool nod, took the sack. Not listening. Not good.
“Hannah, wait.” I couldn’t let this happen. “I need to speak with your dad. Tell him I asked for him to meet me next time. Okay?”
She dipped one curt nod.
Great.
“I really need to talk to him…alone,” I said, knowing that last part was going to spark her defiance.
An icy stare was her only response. So not like Eliza.
I pushed my fingers through my hair, stuffing a growl down into my chest. “Do you even know why you’re mad?”
She spun on her worn-out tennis shoe, and I watched her shoulders, jammed straight and rebellious, as she wove through the trees.
Fine. Just as long as she was stomping back to the cellar. She had no business thinking about the Pride.

Charging the Darkness
Braxton
She leveraged another shove against my chest and then ran.
Who could blame her? How could God let this happen?
I pressed my back against the brick wall lining the hallway so I wouldn’t have to look at Hulk and slid to the floor. He’d taunted her since we were kids. The bully. The beast. He’d targeted her once the Party had taken over, hell bent to see her broken.
And she had broken.
So had he.
We had been right. Hulk had been in DC when the explosion had released the virus. Charlotte must have sent him away when she realized what had been done. But it’d been too late. He’d been exposed. And now here he was, dying alone. No one to mourn his cruel life. No one to care if Eliza interceded for him or not.
I cared though. Something in me knew this decision of hers would chart a new course for her future. The one she was choosing was dark and lonely, and my heart ripped thinking of her chained to that path. The other was steep and difficult, and I resented that it was so unbelievably hard.
But there was life beyond the hard. And if the old Eliza were here, and I was in her place right now, stepping onto the path she was choosing, I knew what she would have done.
She would have fought for me to live.

​January 8-Soulfully Romantic
January 9-Smiling Book Reviews
January 10-Book by Book | Flowers of Quiet Happiness
January 11-Just Commonly ​
January 12-Remembrancy
January 13-The Green Mockingbird
January 15-amandainpa
January 16-Fiction Aficionado | A Baker’s Perspective
Janaury 17-Singing Librarain Books
January 18-Henry Happens
January 19-Reader’s Cozy Corner
January 20-Pause for Tales