THE BOOK An unorthodox woman with a restless spirit… In her youth, Evarette D’Auvrecher was nicknamed the “restless fire” child. Now a woman grown, she retains that fiery nature. Many men seek her hand in marriage. They want her beauty, generous dower and an alliance with her influential family. They expect from her a meek spirit and implicit obedience - the hallmarks of a proper noblewoman - but she hungers for a man who desires her for herself. Meets a warrior with a sense of inadequacy - and a slightly misplaced sense of humor. Sir Javain d’Olgeanc is a powerful knight whose strength lies in battle strategy and the leadership of warriors. Then his father falls ill and he is called home to care for and protect hearth, home - and heaven forbid, helpless, defenseless innocents - a task for which he has little training. To make matters worse, he must manage this feat while falling in love with an unconventional beauty and staying one step ahead of a murderer. Fate brings them together. Sensual attraction binds them. But they might well kill each other before love can claim them. A READER'S OPINION Enjoyable Read! This is the first time that I read a book written by Màiri Norris ! The Trouble with Roses is a short novel filled with intrigue, adventure and romance. I liked the characters Evarette and Javain. The plot is well developed and filled twists & turns, treachery and betrayal. The Trouble with Roses is the third story in the Ballads of the Roses series. Since I love historical romances with a touch of Medieval, I decided to give this author a chance to discover her style of writing. This author has a very descriptive way with details, which makes this tale more fascinating. Evarette is a feisty woman in search of a man who will desire her for herself and soon, Javain, warrior knight, enters her life. Will destiny reunite these two against all odds? Just follow their journey! Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating: 3 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

THE BOOK The Wild Geese Series A READER'S OPINION A masterpiece of an Irish tale! If you believe in Christmas magic, then Kathleen's Mirror will please you! Cynthia Owens is a talented storyteller, and she never disappoints me. I can also mention that she has outdone herself with this 5th touching story! The Wild Geese series tells the story of Irish young men forced to leave Ireland during the great famine and start a new life in America. In each story we follow one of them, their family and friends, and also the women who will enter their lives. The parallel between the life journey of Nuala and Braden and the tale of the magic mirror adds a fantastic and mysterious touch without breaking the pace of the story! This author really wrote a touching and heartwarming Irish romance! Get ready to go on a roller coaster ride of emotions! Some scenes are very emotional and you might shed a tear or two. Let's start at the beginning! Nuala, Roisin's sister whom we met in the 3rd story, My Dark Rose , had learned what poverty was, but now as a young woman she only dreams of marrying a wealthy man. Will she realize what love is all about? While Braden, Nuala's brother and Joe's best friend, feels responsible for failing his family. To redeem himself, he needed to find his lost sister Mary. Will he find her? Who is she? Let's say that Nuala and Braden's relationship is very complex. He always loved her, but felt he wasn't ready to marry yet, while Nuala was afraid to love someone, fearing loosing him later on. As time is spent together during their journey of ups and downs, they will discover the meaning of true love, trust, hope, and family ties. Loved the secondary characters, like Mary! Will fate and the magic of Christmas reunite these two beautiful souls who are afraid of love? The Wild Geese series is a must to read! I highly recommend Cynthia Owens’s books! Give her books a chance, you won’t regret it! Star Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure COMING SOON! | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Look into Kathleen’s mirror… Brought up in poverty, Nuala Donavan dreamed of finding a wealthy man to take her away from her ordinary life and shower her with luxury. Love was definitely not part of her plan. …and take a chance on love… Braden MacGuire has been crushed by the knowledge that most of his family died because of him. His only goal has been to find the little sister who disappeared into the mean streets of New York…until he falls desperately in love with a beautiful, vulnerable red-haired lass. Can an enchanted mirror, an ancient carved brooch, and the magic of Christmas bring these two together? Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ChristmasBook #HistoricalRomance

Legendary Bastards of the Crown Series Book 1 A READER'S OPINION Cambria, 1366 From Vengeance and Strife Legends are Born. Three brothers band together for vengeance runs deep in their veins! Triplets born and meant to die at birth by their superstitious father the King. Rowen the Restless, Rook the Ruthless, and Reed the Reckless, are destined to be legends as their mother had professed. But a devastating secret was revealed that changed the course of their lives. Lady Cordelia, a widow, plans to entice the king with her dowry to allow her the choice of her next spouse—preferably someone young—but alas, plans have a way of being thwarted. A chance meeting with a handsome blonde rogue at an inn, piques her curiosity and she follows him. It doesn't take Cordelia long to realize he's the Demon Thief! Rowen has no choice but to kidnap the bewitching Cordelia. He steals a kiss . . . and more. She's definitely gotten under his skin! A plot is in the works and with Cordelia as the pawn, will Rowen win the game? Can he betray his brothers and accept the King's terms? Will his destiny be fulfilled? Follow Rowen and Cordelia on the journey to their happily ever after. Elizabeth Rose is a sensational author who never disappoints! Reviewer's Rating : 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating : 4 Hearts | Reviewed by : Maria Rose Dariotis BOOK SYNOPSIS Rowen the Restless is one of the bastard triplets of King Edward III. At birth, the king ordered them killed, fearing the superstitions of triplets being evil spawns of the devil who would only bring him bad luck. However, someone didn't want the babies to die, and the boys' lives were saved in secret. Now, over two decades later, Rowen and his brothers, Rook and Reed, are out for vengeance on the man who sired them and wanted them dead. Finally finding out the truth of being the English king's bastards on the night of Burnt Candlemas ten years earlier, the young boys' lives changed drastically as they were split apart in the turmoil that devastated their homeland of Scotland. Being stolen and raised by pirates, Rowen now commands a ship and works with his brothers who live in the crypts and the hills, to steal from the king and bring the riches to the Scots instead. No one knows that the legendary Demon Thief who manages to always disappear before he is caught, and who can even change his hair color from blond to red to black, is not one man, but three brothers, each with a small army of their own. Lady Cordelia of Whitehaven is a young widow who wants nothing more than to have children. She happens to end up in the wrong place at the wrong time and before she knows it, she's been taken captive by a pirate who has stolen her dowry that she plans on using to convince the king to let her marry a new husband of her own choosing. The sea captain is handsome and exciting, and protects her from being ravaged by his crew. While he's mysterious, Cordelia realizes he is very restless and has deep, dark secrets that disturb him. She hopes to uncover the secrets of the restless sea lord because she sees a noble man trapped inside, making him more of a prisoner than her. Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

Please join us in welcoming author Nancy Fraser from Canada to Books & Benches for an interview. Annette is a Romance Review Readers’ Choice nominee and author of Moving On and Woman of Substance . "Every reader of Annette Bower's powerful, third prairie romance will fall for Will, a challenged and challenging idealist and Tiffany, a plumber and sculptor torn between duty and desire. Their destinies merge, seem to part, then come together again in a story as old as the horizon yet as fresh as the crocus lifting its head beneath a young sun." — Byrna Barclay Q&A with Annette Bower What can you tell us about your latest release? On August 3, 2016 I happy danced when Fearless Destiny published by Soul Mate Publishing appeared on the virtual book shelves. Close to Christmas, I will have an added thrill of opening a box of print books. When I thought about writing this book I wanted a heroine who had chosen a different career. Tiffany working along side of her father as the owner of the family plumbing business came to me. Past assumptions have been that sons would follow in the family business however Tiffany’s younger brother has asthma so he would not be able to work beside Dad. Even though the story is set today, women working in a male field are considered unusual. Tiffany’s childhood sweetheart decided he didn’t want a wife who came home with odors associated with plumbing. After the breakup, business was slow and her parents decided that she could be spared from the business and explore her artistic side, because Tiffany had always used scraps of metal and created sculptors. Tiffany revels in her independence and growth in her artistic talents. She’s on her way home to share good news about a mural commission with her parents and have a short rest before she returns to Winnipeg to begin using this old artistic method in a new way. Of course this is when things change again. Tiffany meets Will Cleaver who becomes her mentor about life. What are three things people may not know about you? Although I always wrote, I was afraid to believe I could be a writer because I couldn’t spell my way out of a paper bag. Nor do I understand grammar mechanics. Finally, after computers were invented with spell check and I realized I could hire editors my fledging confidence grew. I spent a day at a potash solution mine as research for Fearless Destiny . I’m pale in this picture because it was at the end of the tour and I almost fainted from the heat. My handsome guide almost had to do the fireman carry up a few flights of stairs. I have never cooked a turkey. My husband enjoys cooking so I’ve allowed him to develop those talents without encroaching on the kitchen territory. I can set a mean table. Do you consider your books plot-driven or character-driven? I consider my books character-driven. Even though in my romance novels there is a Happy-ever-after, I find my characters first. I need to know them well and what their growth will be. In Woman of Substance, Robbie needs to understand other women’s daily life. There are many different body shapes and the person in them is worth knowing. In Moving On, Anna needs to find her way out of grief and back into a world with a future love. And in Fearless Destiny, Tiffany needs to learn to put her needs as an artist first, even though all of her life she has been, someone’s daughter, sister, friend, fiancé, she is discovering that she is a person. What is your favorite non-writing pastime? I have two favorite pastimes. One at home and that is walking around my city and discovering new areas to me, or driving to a town and watching people in their communities. My second is travelling and doing the same, walking around the city and watching people in their communities. The problem with this is that I am directionally challenged and end up discovering new areas by mistake. More than likely not where I wanted to go but enjoyable anyway. Recently, I went to visit my cousin on her farm. I had specific directions and instead of putting the information in my GPS, I decided to go the old fashion way with a map with highlighted highways and directions of where to turn on grid roads. I ended up lost in a town without cell service. I drove with my arm out the window looking for service so I could text my cousin and ask how to find my way. She said, “Stay where you are, I’m coming to get you.” This is the village I found myself in. "This is a beautifully written love story. I have a vivid picture of the characters in my head. I love the way the author makes you reflect on larger social issues – the challenge of living with a disability, the consequence of industrial progress on a small community – while taking you on a heart-warming journey. Would be a wonderful book club book." — Amazon Reviewer Fearless Destiny From the Romance Review Readers’ Choice nominee, Annette Bower, comes a new small-town romance, Fearless Destiny . Tiffany George, riding high on her commission as a fresco artist, returns home for some deserved rest and relaxation. The drive proves uneventful until she rescues Will Cleaver on the side of a highway. While savoring memories of a kiss and a well-formed butt, her future goals do not include a romance. Once in town, she discovers the hopes and dreams of her community hinge on the development of a new resource mine and Will’s designed neighborhood. Her parents demand she give up art and resume her working partner role in the family business. Tiffany finds herself pulled by her community roots and stretched by her newly discovered independence. Will knows about taking charge of destiny. He models the courage she uses to become the woman she needs to be. GET THE BOOK The Author Annette Bower’s day-to-day experiences as a nurse, administrator, town councillor, teacher’s assistant and student means that her stories are the real thing because they are about you and your neighbors. Her short stories and novels are read around the world. Her romance novels are set in Saskatchewan because she believes home is as enticing as anywhere else in the wide world she has visited. Visit the author at www.annettebower.com . #AuthorInterview #ContemporaryRomance

THE BOOK Highland Bodyguards, Book One A READER'S OPINION Scottish Highlands 1314 One man's burning desire to protect and love a woman means he's willing to betray his honour to King and country! Ansel Sutherland is an elite warrior and one of Robert the Bruce's right hand men, having fought numerous battles by his side, and is a man of honor and integrity. When he's tasked with a mission of protecting the bastard son of the hated English Earl of Lancaster, Ansel takes his mission to heart. His devotion to King and country is legendary . . . after all he is the only one of the group of men who hasn't succumbed to love and married. He's not like them . . . or is he? Lady Isolda of Embleton has mystery written all over her with her stiff backbone and English manners, but all is not as it seems. Hiding behind the title of "Lady" has helped to keep her secrets hidden. Vulnerable and alone, she needs to keep the illusion of security and a strong front, but when her life and the life of the only person that means everything to her in the world, is threatened, she can not reveal the truth, even to the handsome barbarian sent to protect her. If only the attraction she feels for the rugged Highlander wasn't so hard to resist, but her wanton desires are her downfall. Ansel is drawn to Isolda and can't keep his hands to himself, and the attraction is mutual. She's in his blood. His honour will be tested and making her his own is inevitable. But with love comes trust. Can Isolda trust Ansel with her secret or will it be their destruction? Can this honour-bound Highlander be the protector of her heart? One sensational roller coaster ride of emotions after another. Emma Prince is a phenomenal writer! Reviewer's Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 4 1/2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Maria Rose Dariotis BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS The Battle of Bannockburn may be over, but the war is far from won. Her Protector… Ansel Sutherland is charged with a mission from King Robert the Bruce to protect the illegitimate son of a powerful English Earl. Though Ansel bristles at aiding an Englishman, the nature of the war for Scottish independence is changing, and he is honor-bound to serve as a bodyguard. He arrives in England to fulfill his assignment, only to meet the beautiful but secretive Lady Isolda, who refuses to tell him where his ward is. When a mysterious attacker threatens Isolda’s life, Ansel realizes he is the only thing standing between her and deadly peril. His Lady… Lady Isolda harbors dark secrets—secrets she refuses to reveal to the rugged Highland rogue who arrives at her castle demanding answers. But Ansel’s dark eyes cut through all her defenses, threatening to undo her resolve. To protect her past, she cannot submit to the white-hot desire that burns between them. As the threat to her life spirals out of control, she has no choice but to trust Ansel to whisk her to safety deep in the heart of the Highlands… Print Length: 366 pages Publication Date: May 19, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #HighlandRomance #5Stars

THE BOOK A Scandalous Kisses Novel A READER'S OPINION A real page turner! Emotionally suspenseful Regency novel! Barbara Monajem is a new author for me. Therefore, I didn't know what to expect of her book, Love and the Shameless Lady . What a beautiful surprise! Now I know for sure that I'll check her next book! This novel has a plot so intriguing that I kept turning page after page, and it kept my interest until the end. It's a wonderful historical tale filled with suspense, emotion, humor, and of course romance. This author did not disappoint me! It tells the story of Daisy and Julian. Daisy, a disgraced lady, is resigned to work at a inn during the day while at night, writes romantic stories with a spicy touch! Julian is the perfect gentleman, and a scholar excelling in espionage. While investigating to find smugglers, he meets Daisy and soon becomes very intrigued by this mysterious woman. When he discovers that her life is being threatened, he will try to protect her by gaining her trust. Is the death threat that Daisy received related to the stories she wrote? As time goes by, they will share secrets that will create a stronger relationship that could bloom to love. Sparks flare all over! Some scenes sizzle! Beautiful chemistry between Daisy and Julian! I really enjoyed Love and the Shameless Lady ! I haven’t read her two previous stories in her Scandalous Kisses series. Can it be read as a standalone? Yes, definitely! I will surely watch her next books! Star Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating : 5 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS Disgraced lady Daisy Warren serves ale in a tumbledown inn, sings crude songs for the smugglers, and writes romantic novels in her spare time. Shunned by her own class, she’s resigned to her lowly life—until someone tries to kill her. Gentleman spy Sir Julian Kerr noses out seditionists and traitors. When he visits the inn to investigate two suspicious Frenchmen, he meets the lovely but hostile Daisy. He doesn’t intend to get involved with her—but then he learns that someone is threatening her life. He wants to find out more—it’s part of his investigation. He wants to protect her—he’s a chivalrous man. He wants her. But will Daisy’s bitter past allow her to risk love again? Print Length: 248 pages Publisher: Soul Mate Publishing, LLC Publication Date: November 9, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #RegencyRomance #HistoricalRomance #5Stars

Please welcome author Christi Corbett who joins us as part of our Montana Author Month. Montana fiction written by authors who have lived in or spent a significant amount of time in the state. Christi answers the question . . . What do you love most about the time you’ve spent in Montana? My husband and I and our twins lived in Great Falls, Montana. It's an amazing city. There were so many things to do with our twins—we especially loved the Charles Russell museum, specifically seeing his actual painting studio—as well as even more areas to explore once we left the city limits. Montana is a huge state filled with things to do and see, and during our time there we managed to show our twins a lot! Our favorite experience was visiting the First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park in Ulm and then driving by the field filled with prairie dogs as far as the eye could see. We made some great family memories at that park! I've included a photo from one of our visits to the buffalo jump. I took this picture as I followed my husband (on the right), his brother, and our twins as we all walked along the jump's ridgeline. Our twins are between them, enjoying the sights and sounds of the day. I enjoyed living in Great Falls so much that I set my third book, A Mountain Man's Redemption , in and around the city. The above image is from the author of her family at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park. Visit the author at https://christicorbett.wordpress.com . A MOUNTAIN MAN'S REDEMPTION by Award-Winning Author Christi Corbett Eighteen years ago, Philip Grant—overcome with regret for what he couldn’t foresee and memories of what he couldn’t prevent—abandoned all to live the solitary life of a fur trapper. Years spent roaming ridgelines and riverbanks in Montana Territory left his body weary and his confidence weak, so he decides to turn in his last bundle of furs and await the inevitable in a cabin. Alone. Then a body-shaped lump wrapped in a quilt changes everything. Philip discovers a battered woman and her infant son, on the run from a ruthless abuser with a penchant for whiskey. Seventy miles of snow-covered mountain peaks and windswept flatlands stand between them and safety—the woman’s aunt’s house. Can Philip trust in his newfound faith to lead the way? Fin A Mountain Man's Redemption on Amazon . #GuestAuthor #MontanaAuthor

Please join us in welcoming historical romance author Kara Griffin to Books & Benches for a 5 Question Q&A. “WOW! Fast paced, well written with well-developed, strong-willed, engaging and dangerous characters.” —Amazon Customer 5 QUESTIONS FOR KARA GRIFFIN In 250 words or less, what can you tell us about your newest release? My latest book release, Conquered Heart, tells the story of a Highlander sent in service to Robert the Bruce. Graeme’s life hasn’t always been easy, but then he meets Kerrigan who affects his heart and brings about a sense of peace to him. Together they must abide by the promises they’ve made, but in a perilous time, it is not so easy. Woes abound and their love is tested by events that force them to concede to their hearts. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’m working on book 2 of the Legend of the King’s Guard series. This is Liam and Makenna’s story. It’s a darker story than the first book and full of heart-wrenching events. Makenna must get through to Liam’s Unbreakable Heart or lose him forever. Do you consider your books plot-driven or character-driven? Is that how you naturally write, or do is there a purpose for what you chose? My books are definitely character-driven. When I visualize the story, it’s always the characters who speak their will to me. I usually write a sentence or two for each chapter and then write from the cuff. Sometimes it’s not easy because the characters can be uninspiring. What type of hero do you like best? I adore heroes who are tough, but sentimental, yet aren’t afraid to give their heart. The warriors I write are often war-wearied men who are affected by uncontrolled events. I cannot help but give them a partner who will help and gives/shows them how to love. What is the most important thing that you have learned in your writing experience, so far? Patience. Which is extremely rough for me. I’m very impatient and want success, much like many authors out there. I write because of the joy, primarily, but I would love to have success as an author. So each day, I take a deep breath, cross my fingers, and go forth. THE AUTHOR Kara Griffin is the author of the highly acclaimed Pith Trilogy and The Gunn Guardsman series. Both series has received tremendous praise from reviewers and readers. She has been writing for over 17 years, publishing over 15 novels, and has a true passion for writing historical stories filled with love, friendship, and honor. She's been married for over 27 years and has raised 3 daughters, who are on their own paths to love. Her first grandchild arrived early this summer, a wee hero who is the joy of her life. Family is extremely important to her. Visit the author's website . FEATURED BOOK Conquered Heart "Kara Griffin has done a superb job researching the Scottish time period and has a way of bringing you instantly right into the story." — Amazon Customer In protecting the King of Scotland, Graeme Cameron will do whatever it takes to ensure Robert the Bruce’s safety. He and his comrades become the victim of circumstance and are now exiled. As they hide, they realize others are worse off than they and hire themselves out as mercenaries. Kerrigan Campbell is desperate to find her laird and protector’s son. Then she hears of the legendary king’s guard and seeks them out. She runs across their leader in the midst of a battle, but he’s not what she expects. When she and Graeme find an abandoned bairn, he bids her to help him locate its mother and in return he’ll recapture her laird’s son. Graeme has many a challenge before him – how to keep he and his friends from being executed for doing their duty, aiding the sweet lass in recovering her charge, finding the bairn’s mother, helping their king defeat England’s army, and gaining a pardon for their involvement in the king’s misdoings. There’s one challenge that thwarts him and that’s Kerrigan. She’s conquered his heart and more . . . ​ Date Published: August 6, 2016 Series: Legend of the King's Guard series, book 1 #AuthorInterview

From the author of The Poland Trilogy and winner of a gold medal awarded by The American Institute of Polish Culture, James Conroyd Martin delivers an "alternately romantic and brutal love story" set in 1683 and seeped in European history. THE BOOK On the eve of September 11, 1683, a massive Muslim Ottoman horde was besieging the gates of the imperial city of Vienna and had been doing so since the previous July. Now, however, they were just hours from capturing this capital of the Holy Roman Empire. The Turks’ intent was to bring Islam to all of Europe, and this city was seen by East and West alike as the gateway. With the window of time closing for Vienna, the walls were about to be breached on September 12 when the vastly outnumbered Christian coalition, led by Polish King Jan III Sobieski and his famous winged hussars, descended Kahlenberg Mountain to engage the Turks in an attempt to lift the siege. As crucial and consequential as the 1066 Battle of Hastings, the ensuing battle changed the course of European history. (Was it the first 9/11? Some people believe that the date for the September 11th attack in 2001 was chosen to symbolically resume the effort that began in 1683.) Aleksy, a dark-complected Tatar raised by a Polish peasant family, holds in his heart the wish is to become a Polish hussar, a lancer who carries into battle a device attached to his back that holds dozens of eagle feathers. As a Tatar and as a peasant, this is an unlikely quest. When he meets Krystyna, the daughter of the noble who owns the land that his parents work, he falls hopelessly in love. But even though she returns his love, race and class differences make this quest as impossible as that of becoming a hussar. Under the most harrowing and unlikely circumstances, one day Aleksy must choose between his dreams. Publication Date: September 1, 2016 Paperback; 358 Pages ISBN13: 9780997894509 Genre: Historical Fiction BUY AT AMAZON | ADD TO GOODREADS Praise for The Boy Who Wanted Wings “A poor archer in medieval Poland takes aim at the love of his life in this epic novel from Martin. The anxious Aleksy Gazdecki, a young farmhand, embodies the ethnic and political tensions of Europe during the reign of the Ottoman Empire. The believability of this novel, which is sprinkled with period-specific details, is never in question. Martin sets the stage so tidily that the plight of Aleksy and Krystyna, who desire to move beyond the social classes that keep them apart, transcends the historical moment. Sprawling but never slow, the plot moves naturally from battle to intimacy and back again. A gripping, transporting story of self-determination set against fate.” ~ Kirkus Reviews “Amidst class and religious warfare, this alternately romantic and brutal love story is also a reminder that the struggle between Christianity and Islam is a great deal older than 2001. Culminating in the re-creation of the Siege of Vienna in 1683, where monstrous killing was perpetrated in the name of God and power, this is a meticulously researched and convincingly written tale of love’s triumph that will surprise historical fiction readers with its little known historical backdrop. In an ethnically diverse Poland that is now long gone, the main characters struggle with loyalties to family, race, and country as they come to understand that no fear or evil is unchangeable.” ~Leonard Kniffel, Past Editor in Chief of American Libraries Director, Polish American Librarians Association ABOUT THE AUTHOR James Conroyd Martin is the award-winning author of The Poland Trilogy ( Push Not the River, Against a Crimson Sky , & The Warsaw Conspiracy ), a saga inspired by the diary of a countess in 1790s Poland. Hologram: A Haunting was inspired by a house he lived in in Hammond, Indiana. He currently resides in Portland, Oregon. For more information please visit James Conroyd Martin’s website . You can also connect with him on Facebook , Twitter , and Goodreads . This release day blast is hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours . #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour #GuestAuthor

Believing he is cursed, Tristram, Lord Trevena, the Earl of Longstone, agrees to do just one favor for a friend, to dance with the man’s sister, but the beautiful and headstrong Isabel Albryght will settle for no less than claiming his lonely heart. A PROPHECY FORETOLD Raised by her doting older brother, Isabel Albryght grew up cosseted and protected. She enjoyed her life in the country, her books and her freedom. Then Weston married. Within months Isabel's best friend married. It seemed it was time for Isabel to marry, too, except, socially awkward and a bit too keen for most of the ton, she proceeded to have the most horrible season on record…until she was approached by Tristram, the Earl of Longstone. Two dances. That was all Tristram could offer anyone when considering his family curse, which had taken all he loved in the last ten years, so his promise to the beautiful Miss Albryght’s brother was simply that. The ton would soon see she was a desirable partner, her awkwardness would fade and other young swains would beat feet to her doorstep. But then he held her in his arms, and the delightful Isabel became his beating heart. Headstrong and full of passion, she believed she might waltz them away from Death. She alone could tempt him to try. A READER'S OPINION Tristram, Lord Traverna is the Earl of Longstone, and the last living member of his family. A curse and a waltz has Tristram cursing the fates. Believing that anyone he loves will come to a tragic death has him running away from what could be the love of his life. Lady Isabel Albright is beautiful, kind-hearted, and loves the country and her books. She longs for love and family—the kind her brother and her best friends have found. Accepting a wager with her brother, Weston, that if she loses, she has a season. Wager lost, she has to endure the ton. Poor Isabel is socially awkward and nervous, not one of the ton's darlings, and she suffers through humiliating events. Her brother, being the overprotective type, asks his best friend Lord Traverna to help. Only two dances should help and maybe change her luck. Lord Traverna is a lost man . . . that's all it took to loose his heart! Can he walk away from the woman of his dreams? Will Isabel let the only man that makes her heart come alive like the best book in the world? Can true love break the bonds of the curse? Alanna Lucas pulls the heartstrings in this love story! Truly an enjoyable read. This is what true romance is—falling in love with love! Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 2 Hearts | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRoma

THE BOOK In a town ruled by sin, will he earn her love or her lies? Dodge City, Kansas – 1877 A READER'S OPINION A fun western romance! Between Love and Lies is a beautiful tale written by Jacqui Nelson, and set in Dodge, Kansas in 1876-1877. This story is a fun read filled with suspense and packed with action—a real Old West adventure. The heroine is a survivor and a brave young woman for that period of time. This tale tells the story of Sadie Sullivan and Noah Ballantyne during the days of Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson. On May 1st, 1876, Sadie's whole world came crumbling down when Noah's herd of longhorns destroyed her home. She is devastated of losing her independence but still has the will to survive! Now a year later, living in Dodge, this man re-appears in her life, but what will happen? He feels so responsible, and only wishes to help and protect her. Let's say that Dodge city is a wild place for a young woman like Sadie, where anything can happen. When Noah discovers where Sadie works, he'll feel even more responsible. Will Sadie forgive him? There is beautiful chemistry between Noah and Sadie. Will they get the chance to know each other better? Can they find love in a sin city like Dodge? Jacqui Nelson is a very descriptive author. Lovers of western romances are in for a treat with Between Love and Lies ! If you loved it, don’t forget to watch for Between Home and Heartbreak ! Reviewer's Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Content Rating: 4 1/2 Stars | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS In a town ruled by sin, will he earn her love or her lies? Dodge City, Kansas – 1877 Sadie Sullivan lost everything when a herd of longhorn cattle bound for Dodge City trampled and destroyed her farm. Now she works in Dodge—one of the most wicked and lawless towns in the West—at the Northern Star saloon. But her survival in this new world of sin and violence depends on maintaining a lie so deadly it could end her life before the town of Dodge can. The one man capable of unraveling all of Sadie's secrets is Noah Ballantyne, the Texan rancher whose herd destroyed her home. Back in town and taking up the role of deputy alongside legendary lawman Bat Masterson, Noah vows he won't leave until he's made things right. But with the saloon’s madam unwilling to release Sadie and a rich cattle baron wanting her as well, the odds aren’t in favor of finding love…or leaving town alive. #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalWesternRomance

THE BOOK Marie was the child's only hope. A READER'S OPINION No brakes allowed on this ride! Since All Is Passing has you going at full throttle with no sign of slowing down. So much happens in the first few pages and chapters: accidents, death, and kidnappings. "Oh, my!" I devoured this book, and I'm chomping at the bits to read more from Elizabeth Delisi. Even though the story deals with heavy topics such as, death, grief, kidnapping, being a victim, etc., Ms. Delisi adds little touches of humor that jump out and surprise you. The humor lightens what could be a very dark and grim story. You mainly find the humor in the witty banter between Marie and Officer Chris. Officer Chris is a handsome, protective, and caring man with a great work ethic. Chris's determination at work does cause some conflict between him and Marie, but that is all thrown out the window when he realizes she's in danger. Marie is a little broken down by life and grief, but she is a strong, funny, and do-right woman. Marie's convictions to do the right thing are the reason she ends up on a one-woman rescue mission to save a kidnapped child. I loved the blossoming relationship between Marie and Chris. It was a light in the center of a grief-stricken black hole. The story is clean, but beware! There are a couple of scenes where the bad guy tries to hurt Marie, but they're not too graphic. The ending had me sighing with relief and happiness that the horror was over and new beginnings could be seen in the horizon. Since All Is Passing will delight those who love a smidgen of romance with their fast-paced, suspenseful thrillers! Star Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating : 2 Hearts | Reviewed by : Rose Milligan BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM BOOK SYNOPSIS When Marie Kenning witnesses the kidnapping of a child, she relives the horror of the death of her own child and husband. Officer Chris Whitley takes on the case—and an interest in Marie—but evidence quickly indicates the child is dead. Days later, Marie stumbles across the kidnapper and his very-much-alive victim. Unable to convince the man she loves of the truth, Marie sets out alone on a dangerous cross-country mission to save the child. Print Length: 163 pages Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing Publication Date: May 18, 2016 Format Read : E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher. VIEW FTC DISCLAIMER REGARDING BOOK REVIEWS Receive our weekly roundup of posts, reviews, interviews, and special deals directly in your inbox. Delivered once a week—no spam . #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomanticSuspense #RomanticThrillers