Category Archives: Uncategorized

Hot New Cosy Mysteries + $25.00 Giveaway!

Posted on by
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder
A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 3
by Kathy Manos Penn
Genre: Cozy Mystery
If it were up to her, they’d be singing carols and baking cookies.
Instead, they’re stockings-deep in a murder investigation…
Leta Parker is looking forward to her first holiday season in the Cotswolds. Prepping for the town’s tree-lighting ceremony, the village is enraged when the new American earl announces plans to develop his family’s estate into a resort. And when the brash successor is found dead in a ditch, it’s obvious this car crash was no accident.
Determined to unwrap the truth behind the tragedy, Leta enlists the help of the Little Old Ladies Detective Agency and her talking dog and cat. But with everyone in the charming hamlet a suspect, it’ll be tough to discover who’s not on Father Christmas’s naughty list.
Will Leta and friends deliver the gift of justice?
Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder is the third book in the delightful Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like clever senior women, deep friendships, and animals of the talking variety, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s yuletide whodunit.
Buy Whiskers, Wreaths & Murder for a holiday homicide today!
Pumpkins, Paws and Murder
A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 2
The Fall Fête isn’t very festive when an illusionist is discovered dead.
Can an expat and her talking pets crash the killer’s party?
Retirement in the Cotswolds has given Leta Parker a new lease on life. Growing close to her small-town pals, the former corporate trainer is thrilled to help them put on the village’s annual autumn celebration. But the punch goes sour when a friend’s estranged magician husband is found murdered.
With the newly widowed woman the prime suspect, Leta leaps into action with spunky friends and her talking dog and cat to clear her name. But when they trace the lecherous victim to England’s picturesque southern coast, they discover a long list of past lovers who’d be happy to see the sleight-of-wandering-hands womanizer permanently disappeared.
Can Leta expose the truth, or will this investigation be her final trick?
Pumpkins, Paws & Murder is the second book in the lighthearted Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like compelling characters, talkative four-legged friends, and journeys full of action and humor, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s playful tale.
Buy Pumpkins, Paws & Murder for a grand illusion of danger today!
Bells, Tails & Murder
A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 1
She crossed an ocean to start her life over.
Can she nab a killer before her quaint village becomes a graveyard?
Recently widowed Leta Parker desperately needs a change of scenery. Pursuing her lifelong dream of retiring to the Cotswolds, she leaves her soulless corporate hustle in Atlanta and moves to England with her talking dog and cat companions—Dickens and Christie. But she’s barely begun making new friends when she stumbles across her housekeeper’s body …
With several villagers pegged for the crime, Leta teams up with a retired English teacher and her sharp-as-a-tack octogenarian mother to track the killer before the trail goes cold. As the not-so-friendly local policewoman elbows them out and scandalous rumors plague the tight-knit community, it’s left to the ladies and their pets to sleuth for the truth.
Can Leta, Dickens, and Christie sniff out the culprit before the cute little town loses more than its charm?
Bells, Tails & Murder is the delightful first book in the Dickens & Christie cozy mystery series. If you like spunky literary women, amusing animal sidekicks, and inviting cultural backdrops, then you’ll love Kathy Manos Penn’s engaging page-turner.
Buy Bells, Tails & Murder to see the fur fly today!
A Dickens & Christie Mystery Box Set
Books I, II & III
If you like clever senior women, deep friendships, and amusing animal sidekicks,
you’ll love this cozy mystery series.
When tragedy rocks her world, Leta Parker hops across the pond to mend her soul. Will a murder in her tranquil hamlet upend her plans . . . or can she catch the killer and still be home for tea?
Dive into the first three books in the delightful Dickens & Christie mystery series. Do you like compelling characters, cultural backdrops, and talkative four-legged friends? Then you won’t want to miss these clever whodunits.
**Coming Soon!**
Collectors, Cats & Murder
A Dickens & Christie Mystery Book 4
Picture me sitting serenely at my desk surrounded by my four-legged office assistants. The dog warms my feet, and the cat provides the purr-fict background music. I sip hot tea, sift through handwritten notes, and place fingers on the keyboard as thoughts take shape. Such is the joy of writing.
As a child, I took a book everywhere—to family dinners, to doctor’s offices, and of course to bed. Years later, a newspaper article inspired me to put pen to paper and submit my thoughts—my words—to the editor. Before I knew it, I was writing weekly columns and blogs. Then came a book co-written with my dog. (What? Doesn’t everyone do that?)
Now I’m living a dream I never knew I had—writing cozy animal mysteries featuring a dog and cat who talk to their owner. If a dog can write a book, surely animals can communicate. Naturally, my office assistants help with the dialogue. And, yes, they are angling to be listed as co-authors.
By the way, if you can’t find me, I’m traveling in the UK doing research for my next mystery—don’t judge.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$25 Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

Hot New Romance + $10.00 Giveaway!

Posted on by
All Yours
Southern Gentlemen Book 2
by Ja’Nese Dixon
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Rules are meant to be broken, especially when it comes to this curvy chef and infamous playboy.
Miya Montgomery is the head chef and one-fifth of Southern Soul, a family-owned soul food restaurant. On the heels of a nasty breakup, Miya welcomes the shift in ownership and preparation for expansion. That’s before her brother, Kamal, calls home, his best friend, Dean.
Dean Wellington arrives in Houston, ready to consult the Montgomery family through its management transition, not expecting Little Miya to be the curvy bombshell who steals his heart on sight.
Ignoring their chemistry is impossible. Dean’s sweet smile and steamy eyes scorch through Miya’s clothes and her objections. However, her tattered heart is counting his casualties, refusing to be Dean’s next victim.
Kamal has a strict rule concerning his baby sister: Hands off. But since when has Dean met a rule he didn’t want to break. And Miya’s finding it harder to ignore his independence and Southern charm.
Dean’s hell-bent on making their own rules, and Miya’s worried that when he’s had his fill, he’ll leave her with an irreparable heart. But their late nights have her willing to play with fire, praying…she doesn’t get burned.
NOTE: This story was first featured as a novella in Romantically Ever After Boxed Set except this book is a full length 75k+ novel. You’ll recognize the story but you don’t’ want to miss seeing these two burn up your device. 😉
Play to Win
Southern Gentlemen Book 1
Kamal’s an ex-football player. Jayda’s a single mother uninterested in another relationship until she sees Kamal with her daughter.
Every rejection will only make his victory sweeter. He plans to lick, taste, and devour her like the delicacy she is until the world, her ex, and Jayda recognize his name tatted on every inch of her curvy body.
Kamal never plays by halves, and Jayda has a thing or two to show this deviously handsome player. But when the past runs an interference, they’ll learn in matters of the heart there are no rules.
USA Today Bestselling author, Ja’Nese Dixon pens tales of romance in various subgenres, including romantic suspense and sweet romance. But her favorites are the ones that manage to keep readers sitting on the edge of their seats lying to themselves about reading “just one more chapter”.
She is an avid reader and coffee drinker living in Houston, Texas with her husband, three children, and diva dog.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$10 Amazon

Hot New Cosy Mystery/Sweet Romance + $50.00 Giveaway!

Posted on by

Shadows in the Salon
Sugar Mountain Book 3
by Kirsten Fullmer
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Sweet Romance
“I loved this book! It’s the third book in a series in a little town where the characters are funny, smart, amazing, and unique!”- 5 star review
“One of my new favorites!”- 5 star review
A spooky mystery, a promising romance, and a secret society of scheming women…
The cozy town of Sugar Mountain, NC harbors a secret society of women. The society itself is not secret—it’s the devious work of the group that is mysterious.
Michelle owns the Salon, Shear Genius, on Sugar Mountain Main Street, a favorite with the tourists and locals alike. Lately she’s dealing with mysterious problems. She’s being plagued by spooky and unexplained goings-on. Is it a sign from beyond that she should rethink her life choices?
Matt Hopkins moved to Sugar Mountain after losing his business, but thanks to the lovely and talented Michelle, he is now building an amphitheater in town. It looks like things are finally going his way until Michelle is threatened by an eerie aggressor and the Mayor’s involvement spells trouble for his project. Will Matt be able to complete the Amphitheater and help Michelle, or will things with her fall apart as well?
Facing puzzling complications at every turn, The Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society go undercover to figure out who is threatening Michelle and the new amphitheater. If they’re not careful, the society may fall apart and Michelle and Matt might end a promising romance. Come along for the ride on this zany, enchanting, romantic cozy mystery!
**Only .99 cents!!**
Where There’s Smoke
Sugar Mountain Book 2
A picturesque mountain town, sparks of romance, a threatening mystery, and a secret society of devious women…
 
“Wonderful characters, a real mix of women with varied strength and foibles” 
-Goodreads review 5 stars
 
“I loved the first book in the Sugar Mountain series so I was excited to read the second installment and get back to investigating with the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society” – Goodreads review 5 stars
The cozy community of Sugar Mountain, NC harbors a secret society of women. The society itself is not secret—it’s the actual mission of the group that is devious.
 
Sugar Mountain is a sleepy town bursting with tourists. If you like quirky shops and original artwork, you’ll want to visit. But the local kindergarten teacher, Sarah, has a mystery on her hands. All she did was try to help the fire department and now she’s receiving threatening notes. Of course, she takes the frightening messages to her friends in the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society, but even their investigative skills fall short. How will they be able to find the person intent on holding back the fire department and frightening Sarah?
 
Hugh Brockman, the second in command at the firehouse, is taking extra shifts to cope with the shortage of firefighters. When he visits Sarah’s classroom to talk to her students about fire safety, he gets caught up with the lovely teacher and her cryptic mystery. He’s not happy that someone in town is threatening her with bodily harm, and he intends to find out who it is.
 
With every lead shot down and tensions running high, it’s up to the ladies of the society to go undercover in their own town to flush out the culprit. If they’re not successful, the fire department will continue to be undermanned, leaving Sugar Mountain is in danger and Sarah in peril.
 
Join in the continuing antics of the Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society and fall in love along with Hugh and Sarah in this heartfelt and comical romantic mystery.
 
 
**Only .99 cents!!**
 
 
Trouble on Main Street
Sugar Mountain Book 1
A cozy mountain town, a sweet romance, and a secret society of sneaky women…
 
The sleepy hamlet of Sugar Mountain harbors a secret society of women. Don’t misunderstand—the society itself is not secret—it’s the true nature of the group that is hush-hush.
 
Sugar Mountain is the kind of charming village that tourists adore. If you like small-town charm, quirky shops, and local art, this is the place for you. But when a blood smeared package shows up at the post office and it appears to be linked to a scheme that threatens Heidi Collinsworth’s historic home, the town takes on a sinister vibe. Heidi would lay odds that slimy Mayor Winslow is involved, but even with the enquiring skills of The Sugar Mountain Ladies Historical Society at work, proof is scarce.
 
The new guy in town, Adam Williams, is determined not to get involved in Sugar Mountain’s business. His last job in a big city planning office ruined his life, but Heidi needs his help. No matter how hard he tries to stay detached, Adam finds himself eyeball deep in Heidi’s problems, as well as the needs of her teenage son and a homeless dog.
 

With conflicting theories abound and tensions running high, it’s up to the ladies of the society to don disguises and go undercover. If they’re not careful, the town may fall to a wrecking ball, Heidi may fall for Adam, and the secret society will be exposed.


Meet the cast of colorful characters in this charming and zany introduction to a whole new series of romantic, cozy mysteries!


**Only .99 cents!!**
Goodreads * Amazon

 




Kirsten is a writer with a love of art and design. She worked in the engineering field, taught college, and consulted free lance. Due to health problems, she retired in 2012 to travel with her husband. They live and work full time in a 40′ travel trailer with their little dog Bingo. Besides writing romance novels, she enjoys selling art on Etsy and spoiling their three grandchildren.

As a writer, Kirsten’s goal is to create strong female characters who face challenging, painful, and sometimes comical situations. She believes that the best way to deal with struggle, is through friendship and women helping women. She knows good stories are based on interesting and relatable characters.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

 



Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!


$50 Amazon

a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Release: ‘Nothing Good Happens After Midnight’ + $20.00 Giveaway

Posted on by

Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
A Suspense Magazine Anthology
Genre: Suspense, Thriller
Edited by Jeffery Deaver
with stories by
Jeffery Deaver, Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Heather Graham,
Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart,
D.P. Lyle, Kevin O’ Brien, Hank Phillippi Ryan
The sun sets. The moon takes its place, illuminating the most evil corners of the planet. What twisted fear dwells in that blackness? What legends attach to those of sound mind and make them go crazy in the bright light of day? Only Suspense Magazine knows…
 
Teaming up with New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Suspense Magazine offers up a nail-biting anthology titled: “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight.” This thrilling collection consists of thirteen original short stories representing the genres of suspense/thriller, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy, and more.
 
Readers’ favorites come together to explore the mystery of midnight. The ‘best of the best’ presenting these memorable tales, include: Joseph Badal, Linwood Barclay, Rhys Bowen, Jeffery Deaver, Heather Graham, Alan Jacobson, Paul Kemprecos, Shannon Kirk, Jon Land, John Lescroart, D. P. Lyle, Kevin O’Brien, and Hank Phillippi Ryan.
 
Take their hands…walk into their worlds…but be prepared to leave the light on when you’re through. After all, this incredible gathering of authors, who will delight fans of all genres, not only utilized their award-winning imaginations to answer that age-old question of why “Nothing Good Happens After Midnight”—they also made sure to pen stories will leave you…speechless.
 
Contents:
INTRODUCTION By Jeffery Deaver
12:01 AM By Alan Jacobson
Cell Phone Intolerant by Kevin O’Brien
All Aboard by Hank Phillippi Ryan
Gone Forever by Joseph Badal
Night Shift by Linwood Barclay
Midnight in the Garden of Death by Heather Graham
The Sixth Decoy by Paul Kemprecos
A Creative Defense By Jeffery Deaver
After Midnight By Rhys Bowen
Easy Peasey by John Lescroart
TONIC by D. P. Lyle
Tonight is the Night by Shannon Kirk
ATM By Jon Land
 
 
Review From Publisher’s Weekly:
Most of the 13 all-original tales in this superlative anthology are unified by strange or unpleasant incidences occurring after the stroke of midnight. In contrast, Alan Jacobson’s thrilling “12:01 AM,” about a kidnapper patterning himself after a serial killer on death row, defies the perception that nothing good happens after midnight, as does John Land’s “ATM,” a redemption tale of a young man sent on a series of vague quests to improve people’s lives. Of special distinction are Linwood Barclay’s sublime nail-biter, “Night Shift,” about a newspaperman trying to stop a late-night caller from going on a killing spree, and Kevin O’Brien’s “Cell Phone Intolerant,” a darkly amusing vigilante tale of an anti–cell phone zealot whose crusade to punish inconsiderate people has shocking repercussions. Other standouts include Heather Graham’s disquieting spine-chiller, “Midnight in the Garden of Death,” in which high schoolers spend the night in a cemetery, and Deaver’s supernatural gothic, “A Creative Defense,” which underscores the power of music. This volume is guaranteed to keep readers burning the midnight oil well into the wee hours.
 
 
Additional Praise:
“Something very good happens after midnight…just pick up this brilliant book and be transported—and very afraid!”
—Peter James, UK #1 Bestselling Author of the Detective Superintendent Roy Grace Series
 
“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT is a treat—dark, chilling, and delicious. Grab it.”
—Meg Gardiner, Edgar Award-Winning Author of The Dark Corners of the Night
 
“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT proves that the witching hour still has the power to haunt in this suspenseful collection of stories by luminaries in the literary world. Inventive, twisted, and downright chilling, here is an anthology to be savored—well past midnight and into the dead of night.”
—James Rollins, #1 New York Times Bestseller of The Last Odyssey
 
“This anthology showcases some of the best talent in the thriller genre—or in any genre. Whether quirky or creepy, each story displays the talent and uniqueness of its author. And since all are so good, this collection is a delightful read.”
—Sandra Brown, #1 New York Times Bestseller of Thick as Thieves
 
“If you like intrigue and suspense, you’ll love this salmagundi of tense tales from some of today’s short story masters. This book is guaranteed to keep you awake until midnight and beyond.”
—Steven James, Bestselling Author of The Bowers Files
 
“Nothing Good Happens After Midnight is loads of fun. The stories from this lineup of all-star authors are a blast to read, with plenty of neck-snapping twists and heart-stopping thrills that will keep you turning pages way past the title’s witching hour.”
—Boyd Morrison, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“Readers rarely get a gift such as this—a superb collection from the giants of mystery and suspense.”
—Robert Dugoni, Bestselling Author of the Tracy Crosswhite Series
“Midnight is the magic switch. Safe becomes dangerous, good becomes evil, quiet turns raucous. When the clock strikes twelve in NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT, a talented crew of writers unleashes a maelstrom of thrills so intense, you will never sleep again. Unputdownable!” 
—K.J. Howe, International Bestselling Author of SKYJACK
 
“NOTHING GOOD HAPPENS AFTER MIDNIGHT is a treasure chest of novelties, curiosities and gems. From Kevin O’Brien’s ‘Cell Phone Intolerant’ to Shannon Kirk’s ‘Tonight is the Night’ and Jon Land’s surprisingly heartfelt ‘ATM,’ you’ll never step outside at night in quite the same way.”
—Joseph Finder, New York Times Bestselling Author of the Nick Heller Series
**scroll through the slideshow to find out more about the authors!!**
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
$20 Amazon giftcard,
Hardcover Copy of Nothing Good Happens After Midnight
– 1 winner each!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Guest Post By Best-Selling + Award -Winning Author, Paulette Harper

Posted on by

My Passion. My Pen. My Purpose.

By Paulette Harper

As an inspirational and fiction writer, I write to inspire and empower readers. I write because I feel I have message to share with readers not only to entertain readers but to help them grow spiritually. I love to mix real life stories into my fiction. Although each story is unique, we experience some of the same feelings, situations and challenges in life in which the reader can identify.

With the ability to craft fiction books, it gives me the opportunity to live through each character. I’ve been blessed to write in several different genre: Christian fiction, nonfiction and children. Although each genre is unique in their own way, I enjoy each one. Developing a craft for writing is an ongoing process. I’ve been able to gleam from so many others. I read books which helps me learn the craft as well.

When I pen a non-fiction book, I can go deep into my soul and the soul of the reader. My non-fiction books come from my own personal life experiences, research and biblical studies. I try to connect with readers in a place where the words in the book can leap off the pages and bring about a spiritual change as well as spiritual growth.  Everyone needs to be inspired, empowered and strengthen in every area of their lives and this is where my books are able to touch the readers. 

Inspirational New Release! + $15.00 Giveaway

Posted on by
The Scriptures in Color
by Paulette Harper
Genre: Inspirational Coloring Book
The Scriptures in Color is a beautifully collection of promises from the Bible. Inside the pages of this book are verses that will help you meditate on his word as you RELAX. UNWIND. BREATHE. Sometimes we need to block out the noise and spend some quiet time with the Lord. So grab your coloring pencils and let your imagination flow.
Paulette Harper is Amazon #1 two-time award-winning, best-selling author. She is a sought-after speaker and pastor. Her mission is to help women find hope through transformation, restoration and reclaiming their lives via workshops, conferences and seminars.
As a minister of the Gospel who devoted her life to sharing the message of hope on as many platforms as possible.
With God, on her side, she uses her gifts to inspire others to trust God, dream big, and never settle for anything less than God’s best for their lives.
She preaches live with purpose, don’t limit God, stay focused and allow God to take you places you have only imagined.
Remember, the best is yet to come.
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
$15 Bath & Body Gift Card

Book Review: Zikora: Short Story ( Woman’s Fiction) 5 Beautiful Stars

Posted on by
Zikora: A Short Story by [Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie]

I stumbled across this author about seven or eight years ago via my book club. Since then she’s gone on to be an award-winning and best-selling author. She just is amazing!! I love her. The women’s fiction and historical fiction genres are so blessed to have her. I am a great fan of her work, and always read so quickly. Last night I had the pleasure of listening to this short story on audio, the narrator really brought her work to life! I loved it. As an ‘Amazon Original Stories’ author I highly recommend this short read.

About The Book

The emotional storms weathered by a mother and daughter yield a profound new understanding in a moving short story by the bestselling, award-winning author of Americanah and We Should All Be Feminists.

When Zikora, a DC lawyer from Nigeria, tells her equally high-powered lover that she’s pregnant, he abandons her. But it’s Zikora’s demanding, self-possessed mother, in town for the birth, who makes Zikora feel like a lonely little girl all over again. Stunned by the speed with which her ideal life fell apart, she turns to reflecting on her mother’s painful past and struggle for dignity. Preparing for motherhood, Zikora begins to see more clearly what her own mother wants for her, for her new baby, and for herself.

This story really was an impactful one for me as a reader, and told from a very unique POV. Zikora is actually in labour with her first child, it’s an account of her rise and fall with the man she thought she loved, and that he loved her. It also showed how relationships between mothers and daughters can be hard. As always the author brilliantly touched on the cultural differences that many immigrants to the USA face. Without giving too many spoilers for a super short story, that can be read in just a few hours if that, I found it was incredibly well developed, engaging, and thought -provoking. What I found as I listened to the story is that it made me reflect and put myself in Zikora’s shoes, the author has crafted a story that many women, if not all could really understand even if they have never been in Zikora’s position. There were some touching, inspiring, and down right heart-tugging moments.

Zikora to me as a reader was in a period of transition, that every woman who decides to keep her pregnancy goes through, however it was unique for her due to the broken promises from her ex, difficult relationship with her mother, cultural differences in the USA, and a past event that happened when she was just nineteen. Overall, as I always say about Ms. Ngozi Adichie’s work, this for me was another stunning story that touches on so much reality. I highly enjoyed it 5 beautiful stars. I recommend this book to everyone who loves women’s fiction, with stories that show growth, challenges, and the heroine coming out the other side a new woman. Also most importantly if you love diverse stories showing different cultures, this is a good pick. As it’s a short story too if you have never read one of this author’s full novels, this would be an ideal place to start to get to know her.

Book Review: Just in Time ( Billionaire Romance Novella) 4 Really Cool Stars!

Posted on by

This is a totally new to me author, I found this novella as a free download on Amazon (still free now). Boy I’m glad I dived in, I found the story-line so relatable, in a lovely setting in Italy, and he is one cool billionaire!

About The Book

***For a limited time a FREE BONUS copy of Falling For You, another Take Me To Europe Series romance INCLUDED in this copy of Just In Time!***

KERRY
After David’s betrayal, the last thing I wanted to do was stay in Kansas. So I traded in my cheating husband for a one-way ticket to the land of gondolas, cobbled streets and…. sexy daring Italian men kissing me in doorways? Just one…one in particular…

LUCA
I’m used to it. Fast cars, glitzy galas and a few knockout supermodels on each arm. What I’m not used to is the bronze beauty I caught reveling in the sunlight. There’s something about the way she clings to me when I save her that makes me never want to let her go…

Passport ready? Follow Kerry and Luca to Venice in Veronica Maxim’s new billionaire romance series!

A FREE BONUS copy of Falling For You, another Take Me To Europe Series book INCLUDED in this ecopy! Both are standalone books with no cliffhangers.

This romance contains mature language and themes intended for 18+ audiences.

The first thing to say is, this is a steamy read! But there’s more to it there is a story here. I appreciated this, I find it a turn off sometimes when there’s so much sex, and no plot. The author did a good job at balancing the two. I really got into the story from the first few pages, the author’s writing style is easy and engaging. The story is told in first person from both Luca and Kerry’s point of view. I found Luca– the billionaire to be like-able, and really well developed. He was not arrogant, but yes he’s a man that ‘gets what he wants’. At the same time he was also very humble, as soon as Kerry stepped into his path, and he’s from a poorer background. I liked him as a billionaire. He really did his best to ‘change’ to gain Kerry’s trust.

Kerry for me was a like-able female and one that a lot of female readers probably could relate to, even if they’ve never been in her position in life. The author developed her POV, and experiences enough in this novella to relate.

Within the story there’s ‘insta-love’ but you can see why there’s a connection, it’s not silly and unbelievable, there’s twists, some unexpected ‘comebacks’ from secondary characters, a cool place in Europe to be transported to, and hot sex! Overall I enjoyed it, it was a free read and I have downloaded more of this author’s work. I recommend this novella to all those who love believable , multicultural, adult romance set in beautiful locations, and fans of ‘billionaire romance’ genre stories. At the time of review it’s still free, hit Amazon! Four really cool stars from me, I would have loved more to this story !

Book Review: A Painter in Penage 3.5 Stars! ( Historical Fiction) @clarefly @lovebooksgroup #lovebookstours

Posted on by

About the Book:

Sixteen-year-old Jasmine Barrington hates everything about living in Kenya and longs to return to the island of Penang in British colonial Malaya where she was born. Expulsion from her Nairobi convent school offers a welcome escape – the chance to stay with her parents’ friends, Mary and Reggie Hyde-Underwood on their Penang rubber estate.

But this is 1948 and communist insurgents are embarking on a reign of terror in what becomes the Malayan Emergency. Jasmine unearths a shocking secret as her own life is put in danger. Throughout the turmoil, her one constant is her passion for painting.

From the international best-selling and award-winning author of The Pearl of Penang, this is a dramatic coming of age story, set against the backdrop of a tropical paradise torn apart by civil war.

Buy Link 

https://amzn.to/3iyTFYD

3.5 Enjoyable Stars!

Thank you to Love Books Group Book Tours for my review copy, for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I was really drawn to the blurb of this story, and the part of the world it’s set in. I love, love, love historical fiction! The author has a wonderful way of painting the scenery of Africa and the contrast of Malaya, I really enjoyed this. I found the main character Jasmine to be a very deeply ‘sad’ young lady, trying to find her way in the world, and fit in. Painting seemed to be the medicine she needed to move forward. She was developed well. All the characters were engaging to read and enjoyable to get to know. I found them all well developed. I really enjoyed learning about the history of this part of the world in Malaya, how the Japanese and British really took over the land of the natives.

I found the story-line for the most part also very enjoyable, but the pace was a little slow for me. Which would be fine normally, I don’t mind slow burn if the story is unfolding as I read. With this story, considering how much happens, as I read I craved the pace and story to pick up. Or more directions and turns to Jasmine’s story earlier either one! The action happens around 60-70 percent in, and I found myself ‘waiting’ for something to happen or the story to move in a new, or exciting direction up to this point. When the story starts to pick up pace ( no spoilers) it was enjoyable, and ended how I imagined it would. Jasmine seemed to find her true love (painting), and goes for it. There’s also a few heart-string tugging moments too.

Overall as a first time reader of this author’s work I would give this novel 3.5 stars, it was an okay, enjoyable, heart-warming read. I would read more of her books and hope for more pace, because it is clear to see that she is a brilliant historical fiction writer. I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction, stories set in exotic places, distant lands, and those who love sweet, slow burn books, with ‘coming of age’ themes. This would be perfect .

Meet The Author

Historical novelist Clare Flynn is a former global marketing director and business owner. She now lives in Eastbourne on the south coast of England and most of her time these days is spent writing her novels – when she’s not gazing out of her windows at the sea.

Clare is the author of eleven novels and a short story collection. Her books deal with displacement – her characters are wrenched away from their comfortable existences and forced to face new challenges – often in outposts of an empire which largely disappeared after WW2.

Her latest novel, Prisoner From Penang, was published on 17th April 2020. It is set in South East Asia during the Japanese occupation in World War Two.

Clare’s novels often feature places she knows well and she does extensive research to build the period and geographic flavour of her books. A Greater World – 1920s Australia; Kurinji Flowers – pre-Independence India; Letters from a Patchwork Quilt – nineteenth century industrial England and the USA; The Green Ribbons – the turn of the nineteenth and twentieth century in rural England, The Chalky Sea – World War II England (and Canada) and its sequels The Alien Corn and The Frozen River – post WW2 Canada. She has also published a collection of short stories – both historical and contemporary, A Fine Pair of Shoes and Other Stories.

Fluent in Italian, she loves spending time in Italy. In her spare time she likes to quilt, paint and travel as often and as widely as possible. She is an active member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists Association, The Society of Authors, NINC and the Alliance of Independent Authors.

Get a free copy of Clare’s exclusive short story collection, A Fine Pair of Shoes, at www.clareflynn.co.uk.

Buy Link 

https://amzn.to/3iyTFYD

Historical Women’s Fiction:One Woman’s Journey From Sicily to America + $50.00 Giveaway!

Posted on by

Between the Cracks
One Woman’s Journey From Sicily to America Book 1
by Carmela Cattuti
Genre: Historical Women’s Fiction
Join Angela Lanza as she experiences the tumultuous world of early 20th century Sicily and New York. Orphaned by the earthquake and powerful eruption of Mt. Etna in 1908, Angela is raised in the strict confines of an Italian convent. Through various twists of fate, she is married to a young Italian man whom she barely knows, then together with her spouse, immigrates to the U.S. This novel is an invitation to accompany the young Angela as she confronts the ephemeral nature of life on this planet and navigates the wide cultural gaps between pre-World War II Italy and the booming prosperity of dynamic young America.
 
Author, artist, and teacher Carmela Cattuti created Between the Cracks as an homage to her great-aunt, who survived the earthquake and eruption of Mt. Etna and bravely left Sicily to start a new life in America.
 
 
 
The Ascent
One Woman’s Journey From Sicily to America Book 2
The sequel to Carmela Cattuti’s first novel, Between the Cracks,, this story invites the reader to accompany Angela Lanza as she builds her life in America during the first half of the 20th century. A Sicilian immigrant, she manages to assimilate into the social life of a small town outside of New York City. Through the horrors of war, domestic tragedy, and raising her sister-in-law’s children, hers is a successful immigrant experience. Angela seeks to transcend organized religion and develop her spirituality. She influenced three generations of Americans through her artistic sensibility and a sharpened intuition. The book parallels America’s growth with Angela’s growing sense of who she is in the world.
 
 
 
 
Carmela Cattuti started her writing career as a journalist for the Somerville News in Boston, MA. After she finished her graduate work in English Literature from Boston College she began to write creatively and taught a journal writing course at the Cambridge Center for Adult Education As fate would have it, she felt compelled to write her great aunt’s story. “Between the Cracks” has gone through several incarnations and will now become a trilogy. The second book is “The Ascent.”
The third book will be released in early 2021.
 
 
Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
 
$50 Amazon