We're thrilled to announce 19 stunning new editions in our Autumn Collection! Featuring the first illustrated edition of The Left Hand of Darkness, two more golden age crime classics by Josephine Tey, and our first Max Hastings - which are your favourites? https://t.co/JiaDsKzKlP pic.twitter.com/kwfsm8NNwM— The Folio Society (@foliosociety) September 5, 2018
This blog is a roundup of books and gifts that celebrate the love of reading as more of a lifestyle and not just a hobby. So grab a cup of tea, a novel, and get cozy.
Sunday, September 30, 2018
I Heart The Folio Society's Autumn Collection!
Lusting for Covers - Dark Steel: A Dark Sons Novel de Russe Legacy Book 7 by Kathryn Le Veque
Why am I lusting for this cover?
I'm a sucker for scantily clad muscular men with swords. I loved this book as well and gave it 4/5 stars. The main knight of the story, Dane pictured above, was a hardcore fighter on the inside, but soft and surprisingly lovable on the inside. Just how I like my knights :-)
From the publisher...
"The Dark One’s adoptive son, Dane Stoneley, finds his own epic love story in Dark Steel….
1512 – Dane Stoneley de Russe is a hardcore knight, bred for battle. His father, Gaston de Russe, is called The Dark One, a knight so deadly and legendary that he is more myth than man.
Dane has a lot to live up to.
In a nasty battle on the Welsh marches, Dane is forced to make a bargain with the dying Duke of Shrewsbury. On his deathbed, he rewards Dane with his only child, his heiress. Now, it is Dane who will inherit the Dukedom of Shrewsbury and become a powerful man in his own right.
It is a gift that any man would be glad to accept, and Dane is no exception. Except for the marriage part. Focused on the dukedom he will inherit, he gives little thought to the means by which he will acquire it and only on his wedding day does he catch a glimpse of his bride, the Lady Grier de Lara, for the first time.
Then, the situation changes markedly.
Grier is a lovely young woman, raised in a Welsh convent when her mother died, and far removed from her father and his English legacy. Thrust into a marriage she didn't want, she is nonetheless intrigued with her new husband, handsome Dane. As Dane and Grier come to know one another, feelings develop that neither one of them can admit. When rumors of a Welsh uprising against Shrewsbury began to circulate, it is Grier who decides to involve herself where she doesn’t belong – in her husband’s war plans.
Enter a great world of Medieval pageantry and battles, where love crosses lines and battlefields, and where betrayal is inevitable as two countries remain at odds. Can Dane and Grier overcome the prejudices they’ve always been taught in order to love their enemy?"
1512 – Dane Stoneley de Russe is a hardcore knight, bred for battle. His father, Gaston de Russe, is called The Dark One, a knight so deadly and legendary that he is more myth than man.
Dane has a lot to live up to.
In a nasty battle on the Welsh marches, Dane is forced to make a bargain with the dying Duke of Shrewsbury. On his deathbed, he rewards Dane with his only child, his heiress. Now, it is Dane who will inherit the Dukedom of Shrewsbury and become a powerful man in his own right.
It is a gift that any man would be glad to accept, and Dane is no exception. Except for the marriage part. Focused on the dukedom he will inherit, he gives little thought to the means by which he will acquire it and only on his wedding day does he catch a glimpse of his bride, the Lady Grier de Lara, for the first time.
Then, the situation changes markedly.
Grier is a lovely young woman, raised in a Welsh convent when her mother died, and far removed from her father and his English legacy. Thrust into a marriage she didn't want, she is nonetheless intrigued with her new husband, handsome Dane. As Dane and Grier come to know one another, feelings develop that neither one of them can admit. When rumors of a Welsh uprising against Shrewsbury began to circulate, it is Grier who decides to involve herself where she doesn’t belong – in her husband’s war plans.
Enter a great world of Medieval pageantry and battles, where love crosses lines and battlefields, and where betrayal is inevitable as two countries remain at odds. Can Dane and Grier overcome the prejudices they’ve always been taught in order to love their enemy?"
Lusting for Covers is a weekly meme, held on Sunday, that allows bloggers to share their current cover obsession with fellow book lovers.
This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
The Bowes Inheritance by Pam Lecky
Last Day!— Pam Lecky (@pamlecky) September 30, 2018
The Bowes Inheritance is now available on #NetGalley for download and review.
Award winning #Victorian #RomanticSuspense
BRAG Medallion Award / Shortlisted Carousel Aware Prize /Longlisted HNS Indie Awardhttps://t.co/GFeGjcM86G pic.twitter.com/ywLhHsAogc
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Which Romance Novel Has The Best Opening? - Video
From Read Bliss:
"Read Bliss visited RWA this year to ask romance authors and readers a very important question...which romance book has the best opening?"
Friday, September 28, 2018
By Love Divided: The Lydiard Chronicles 1630-1646 by Elizabeth St. John
"Her world and characters are so real I wanted to remain there. A fantastic read."— Elizabeth St.John (@ElizStJohn) September 28, 2018
- Historical Novel Society -#HistoricalFiction #Stuarts
$2.99 Kindle + $7.48 AUDIBLE
FREE #KUhttps://t.co/Daz97I3VIe pic.twitter.com/vmxvcswJgJ
Tuesday, September 25, 2018
Book Review of Those Who Go by Night by Andrew Gaddes #ThoseWhoGoByNight #NetGalley
Those Who Go by Night by Andrew GaddesMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and would recommend it to anyone who loves medieval historical fiction, a little bit of romance, and a murder mystery.
The author weaves in the history of the times so well that all the descriptions seamlessly fit the story. He isn’t trying too hard to stick in every detail he can about 14th century England, just because he can; his writing style just lends to second-nature historical story telling.
The characters are fun and unique. It did take me a few chapters to keep everyone straight, especially all the bishops, friars, and monks. But once I caught on, I was hooked until the very end.
I received an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
View all my reviews
Sunday, September 23, 2018
Currently reading: Those Who Go by Night by Andrew Gaddes
Currently reading: Those Who Go by Night by Andrew Gaddes https://t.co/eRydlLQ070 via @goodreads #ThoseWhoGoByNight #NetGalley— Gina - Tea+Book+Blanket (@teabookblanket) September 23, 2018
All About Romance's List of Upcoming October Releases
Looking ahead... AAR staffers choose the books they're most looking forward to reading in the coming weeks as we look at what's Coming Soon for October.— All About Romance (@AllAboutRomance) September 23, 2018
What's on your must have list?https://t.co/kwlE9GughG pic.twitter.com/ltUlvwLs7I
Saturday, September 22, 2018
Medieval Romance Novels Coming in October 2018
Every month there are so many historical romance novels being released and it can get a bit overwhelming trying to pick which ones to read. So I've gone through Amazon's "Coming Soon" list for the medieval romance sub-genre and picked out 3 (so far) novels that strike my fancy. I've included links to any reviews that I've found in the book blogosphere.
Let me know if you've read any of these novels or if I've left one off the list that you think definitely belongs!
This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
Release date: October 30, 2018
From the publisher...
"New York Times bestselling author Hannah Howell returns to the breathtaking Scottish Highlands with the unforgettable Murray clan, and the stunning Annora MacKay who cannot resist the desire an alluring stranger offers . . .
Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking—or longing—for him . . .
James Drummond, once a laird, now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him—his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love . . ."
Reviews on Goodreads
Review on Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog
Note: The covers are different for the different book versions (i.e. paperback vs. kindle)
Annora MacKay senses a disturbing evil in Dunncraig Keep, the estate acquired by her cousin, a cruel and ruthless man. Only her affection for the tiny girl he claims is his daughter stops her from fleeing. Then a mysterious woodcarver arrives at the castle, and she cannot stop thinking—or longing—for him . . .
James Drummond, once a laird, now an outcast, wants what was stolen from him—his good name, his lands, and his child. His disguise for getting into Dunncraig is step one of his plan, but the enticing raven-haired woman who cares for his daughter is an unwelcome surprise. For he has come seeking justice, not love . . ."
Reviews on Goodreads
Review on Celtic Barb's Tartan Book Review Blog
Note: The covers are different for the different book versions (i.e. paperback vs. kindle)
Release date: October 30,2018
From the publisher...
"A fierce Englishwoman on the run
A Highland Laird who needs a proper wife
And a desire neither can resist
A Highland Laird who needs a proper wife
And a desire neither can resist
Athena Trappes thinks she's in love...until she discovers the scoundrel only wanted her as his bit on the side. Enraged, she does what any spirited Englishwoman would do: set fire to his belongings, incur his dangerous wrath, and flee—immediately. With nowhere else to turn, she seeks freedom in the wilds of Scotland.
Highland Laird Symon Grant lost his wife years ago, and it's his duty to find another. Athena is not exactly what the clan has in mind for him, but Symon's heart burns with unexpected passion for the woman who would risk everything to be free.
Highland Weddings Series:
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Book 5)"
Highland Spitfire (Book 1)
Highland Vixen (Book 2)
Highland Hellion (Book 3)
Highland Flame (Book 4)
Between a Highlander and a Hard Place (Book 5)"
Release date: October 30, 2018
From the publisher...
"Bestselling author Vanessa Kelly returns with an enthralling new series about the men of the Kendrick clan—and the women who claim their hearts . . .
Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man can help her—Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .
Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that’s simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . ."
Lady Ainsley Matthews, heiress and darling of the ton, was expected to make a magnificent match. Instead she’s hiding on a remote Scottish estate, terrified that her vicious former fiancé will use her pregnancy to force her into marriage. One man can help her—Royal Kendrick, son of a distinguished Highland clan. Though a mistake drove them apart long ago, Royal is the only person Ainsley trusts to protect her baby—even if that means agreeing to never see either of them again . . .
Scarred in body and soul by war, Royal suddenly has a purpose—caring for an innocent babe and thereby helping the woman he can’t stop loving. But when Ainsley ultimately returns to Scotland, determined to be a real mother to her child in spite of the risk, there’s only one solution: marriage. And only one likely outcome: surrendering to the desire that’s simmered between them for so long, no matter how dangerous it may be . . ."
Saturday, September 15, 2018
Book Review of the Search for Rasha by Paul Skousen
"The Search for Rasha is an exotic historical adventure that will take you on a harrowing journey through Egypt, past the pyramids and the lush Nile river, fueled by one man’s inexorable drive to save his lover from danger."
Book Summary...
I was very much looking forward to this book set in ancient Egypt, which is one of my favorite periods in history. Overall, I really enjoyed this story with its vivid descriptions of everyday life along the Nile. I'd recommend it if you're a fan of historical fiction and a good love story.
I truly enjoyed the story as Bassam traveled through the ancient ports of Egypt to search for his kidnapped love, Rasha. The inclusion of ancient places, such as Noph, Cyene, Ale'ksandria, Nub'ah, Atbara, and ‘Adan were a fun treat. And perhaps my favorite were the descriptions of the river horses and krokodilos found in the Nile.
The author creatively used scrolls to tell the story, which is actually more historical fiction than romance. The plot was more about the journey to preserve the love already between Rasha and Bassam as opposed to witnessing them fall in love from the beginning.
The history that is all tied together at the end was a pleasant surprise and makes finishing the book very satisfying. It is obvious that the author did extensive research to add the details found in this story.
The secondary character, Shamar, may have been my favorite. He was hard on the outside but soft and caring on the inside. The banter between Fawzi, Ammar, and Bassam was always fun and brought a lighthearted vibe to their dangerous journey.
I didn’t realize until I was a few chapters in that this is book #3 in the series. It absolutely worked as a stand alone novel, but I’m sure the story would’ve been more enjoyable if I had known the backstories and had read through more character development. So I would recommend reading the first 2 books in the series, which I will definitely do!
I give this truly enjoyable story a 4/5. I did not give it a 5 because at times it felt a little slow moving with the long journey along the Nile.
My favorite quote was: “…the desert continues her slow crawl northward, ever laboring to bury the trespass of men.”
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Paul B. Skousen
enjoys visiting the Middle East for archeology
digs or just renewing friendships. He
is a journalist by trade, received an MA at
Georgetown University, worked as an analyst
at the CIA, and was assigned to the
Situation Room as an intelligence officer
at the White House. He is a professor of
communications, and the author of the
three-volume Bassam series and several
non-fiction books on politics and history
Find the Search for Rasha on goodreads
And here are more reviews from around the web:
Review from Reader's Favorite
Review from Dawning of a Brighter Day
Reviews and author information from the publisher, Izzard Ink
Release date: October 30, 2018
 |
This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
Book Summary...
"The Search for Rasha is the breathtaking third installment in the epoch Bassam Saga. The frantic race to find Rasha before her captors spill her blood concludes with a desperate climb up the midnight side of the great pyramid of Khufu. Only silence and stealth give hope to the one-way dash up the ancient stone blocks. Just one slip stood between life and certain death some 400 feet below on the shrouded desert floor.
The Bassam Saga is a three-part series that takes 17-year old Bassam from his home and his love interest, 15-year old Rasha, on a two year trek with her father, Zafir, from the high deserts in Saudi Arabia to the grand trading city of Ch’ang, China. Along the way, Bassam is taught the secrets cryptically recorded in seven secret scrolls, ancient scrolls that claim to hold the grand keys to prosperity and peace.
Misfortune befalls the caravan and Zafir must return to their home in Rekeem. Along the way an urgent message of an attack on their village sends Bassam on a new urgent rescue mission to find his beloved Rasha. From the head waters of the Nile to a dangerous escape up the dark side of the Great Pyramid, we learn of the ultimate fate of Bassam and his Rasha. It is an historical adventure, trial by fire, and message of timeless value, for all ages."
Gina's Thoughts...
I was very much looking forward to this book set in ancient Egypt, which is one of my favorite periods in history. Overall, I really enjoyed this story with its vivid descriptions of everyday life along the Nile. I'd recommend it if you're a fan of historical fiction and a good love story.
I truly enjoyed the story as Bassam traveled through the ancient ports of Egypt to search for his kidnapped love, Rasha. The inclusion of ancient places, such as Noph, Cyene, Ale'ksandria, Nub'ah, Atbara, and ‘Adan were a fun treat. And perhaps my favorite were the descriptions of the river horses and krokodilos found in the Nile.
The author creatively used scrolls to tell the story, which is actually more historical fiction than romance. The plot was more about the journey to preserve the love already between Rasha and Bassam as opposed to witnessing them fall in love from the beginning.
The history that is all tied together at the end was a pleasant surprise and makes finishing the book very satisfying. It is obvious that the author did extensive research to add the details found in this story.
The secondary character, Shamar, may have been my favorite. He was hard on the outside but soft and caring on the inside. The banter between Fawzi, Ammar, and Bassam was always fun and brought a lighthearted vibe to their dangerous journey.
I didn’t realize until I was a few chapters in that this is book #3 in the series. It absolutely worked as a stand alone novel, but I’m sure the story would’ve been more enjoyable if I had known the backstories and had read through more character development. So I would recommend reading the first 2 books in the series, which I will definitely do!
I give this truly enjoyable story a 4/5. I did not give it a 5 because at times it felt a little slow moving with the long journey along the Nile.
My favorite quote was: “…the desert continues her slow crawl northward, ever laboring to bury the trespass of men.”
I received an advanced reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Bassam Saga Series...
About the Author...
Want to learn a little more?
Find the Search for Rasha on goodreads
And here are more reviews from around the web:
Review from Reader's Favorite
Review from Dawning of a Brighter Day
Reviews and author information from the publisher, Izzard Ink
Reviews of Outlaw King by Julie Johnstone
Reviews of Outlaw King from around the book blogosphere...
This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
Summary from the publisher...
"She’s the weapon intended to destroy him. He’s the key to her freedom.
Dark days have come to medieval Scotland, and fierce warrior Robert the Bruce would do anything to release his country from English rule—and not just because he’s the rightful heir to the Scottish throne. As the bloody war rages on, enemies on both sides of the fight surround him, and Robert must dance a dangerous line between truth and deception. One misstep could topple his nation and cost him his life, yet one woman tempts him—and threatens his mission—as no other ever has.
Elizabeth de Burgh longs for freedom in a time when women have none. So when she finds herself ordered by her ruthless father and her godfather, the King of England, to seduce the leader of the Scottish rebellion and reveal his secrets, she yearns to fight back against their cruel plot. But they threaten to kill her beloved cousin, leaving her no choice but to comply. As she grows close to Robert and the mask that hides the man who would be king is peeled away, she cannot imagine aiding in the destruction of the noble Scot bent on liberating his people.
Bound by duty and honor but ensnared by passion, Robert and Elizabeth must determine if they are each other’s biggest threat or greatest source of strength. And moreover, they must decide how much they are willing to risk for the one thing neither ever imagined they’d find with the other—extraordinary, boundless love.
Outlaw King can be read as a standalone historical romance."
Friday, September 14, 2018
A Mistress for Penndrake by Tammy L. Bailey - Video Book Trailer
[Video credit: Tammy L. Bailey]
This blog post contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission to fund my tea habit if you use these links to make a purchase. You will not be charged extra.
Summary from the publisher...
"The Marquess of Wesley is out for blood. For a year, Lord Wesley has tried to undo the devastation his father left to Penndrake, their ancestral home, only to discover the man gambled it away right before his death. Now Wesley is being blackmailed by the new owner into marrying a woman he’s never met in order to get it back. But his intentions are less than honorable…
At one and twenty, Miss Kate Holden intends to become a governess, having sworn off all men years ago. However, her plans are halted when she receives a daunting letter from her cousin about a Lord Wesley. Ignorant of the name, and the devilish marquess that wears it all too well, she nearly ends up compromised. Refusing to fall prey to Wesley’s skillful seduction, Kate decides to turn things around on the rake. But the high-stakes game between them soon leads to her losing the last thing she expected…her heart."
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