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Congratulations to Kate Robbins, author of The Serpent , winner of the July 2021 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! Thank you to all those who voted and supported the wonderful authors and their books! Cover designed by Wicked Smart Designs . Want to keep helping authors? Share this post and their books with your friends! A little book love goes a long way. Vote in the new cover contest > BOOK INFO Title: The Serpent Author: Kate Robbins Series: Spirits of the Norse, Book 1 Genre: Viking / Scottish Historical Romance Release: September 15, 2021

Voting is open for the August 2021 book cover contest. View the finalists, support these terrific authors, and c ast your vote on the cover contest page.

A Reader's Opinion A witty and rousing western romance from a talented writer. When it comes to enjoying a story, I look primarily at the story itself and the characters. In the case of This Gun for Hire , both were a hit. I spent a couple of lazy weekend mornings in bed just to finish, and it was well worth my time. Goodman has a talent for perfectly balance romance with adventure, wit with seriousness, wickedness with tenderness, and independence with partnership, and she does so in a way that keeps the reader guessing and wanting more. I love Quill McKenna as the hero. He is just the right amount of tough and tender. Calico Nash makes for an interesting heroine, and her chemistry with Quill is spot on. I enjoyed the conversations with between the primary and secondary characters; plenty of humor and sarcasm. You do have to pay attention or you might miss who is saying what, but the witty dialogue is perfect. If you're in the mood for a rollicking good time, then pick up a Jo Goodman western romance novel. Be warned, the book is super steamy. This Gun for Hire McKenna Novels, Book 1 Jo Goodman, a premier writer of western romance and the author of In Want of a Wife , is back with a sensational new novel for fans of Linda Lael Miller and Joan Johnston. He’s got a job to do… Former army cavalryman Quill McKenna takes pride in protecting the most powerful man in Stonechurch, Colorado: Mr. Ramsey Stonechurch himself. But the mine owner has enemies, and after several threats on his life, mines, and family, Quill decides to hire someone to help guard the boss’s daughter. Only problem is the uncontrollable attraction he feels toward the fiery-haired woman who takes the job. …but she’s a piece of work. Calico Nash has more knowledge of scouting and shooting than cross-stitching, but she agrees to pose as Ann’s private tutor while protecting her. But between her growing attraction to Quill and the escalating threats against the Stonechurches, Calico will soon have a choice to make—hang on to her hard-won independence or put her faith in Quill to create the kind of happy ending she never imagined… Book Info Genre: Historical Western Romance Release: April 7, 2015 Publisher: Berkley Format Read: Paperback Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: MK Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice-cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . This book was reviewed on the original Books & Benches site, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes, and to give new life to an older book. Star ratings are removed from reposted reviews.

A Reader's Opinion Delicious and delightful, A Reckless Match is a historical romance worthy of the name. Ruthless rivals indeed! The Davies and Montgomerys have existed side-by-side, feuding, pranking, and cavorting for far too long, but if Gryff and Madeline have anything to say about it, the feud is about to get more interesting. I found everything about this book delightful, as it took me back to many of my favorite classic historical romances. It normally takes me a bit of time to get through a digital book (paperback love here), but I could not stop swiping the pages. It’s a toss-up at times who I liked better, but Gryff ended up at the top because, darn it, he’s irresistibly charming (the shawl scene is most excellent). His banter with Madeline is so much fun because they each give as good as they get. Of course, we know they are going to have a happy ending, but the tension and chemistry leading up to that ending are perfectly paced. The author dangles just enough here and there to keep the reader wanting more. In terms of sexual content, the passion feels natural, rather than added by rote, which is refreshing. I appreciate the author’s balance between giving the reader enough to want to pull out the fans without overdoing it. There's plenty going on in the story to keep the reader engaged on every level. It has been too long since I’ve come across an author who delivers a classic-style romance like this (right up there with my favorite Malory novels by Johanna Lindsey), and I am thrilled to have this introduction to Bateman’s writing. I will be reading every book in this series because I absolutely must know what is going to happen with the Davies and Montgomerys next! A Reckless Match is a fun and scintillating ride that is sure to delight fans of historical romance. I dare you not to fall in love. A Reckless Match Ruthless Rivals, Book 1 Meet the Davies and Montgomery families - two households locked in an ancient feud, destined to be on opposing sides forever. Until now... CAN LIFELONG HATE Madeline Montgomery grew up despising––and secretly loving––the roguish Gryffud “Gryff” Davies. Their families have been bitter rivals for hundreds of years, but even if her feelings once crossed the line between love and hate, she’s certain Gryff never felt the same. Now, she’s too busy saving her family from ruin to think about Gryff and the other “devilish” Davies siblings. Since he’s off being scandalous in London, it’s not like she’ll ever see him again... TURN TO TRUE LOVE As the new Earl of Powys, Gryff Davies planned on spending his post-war life enjoying the pleasures of London. But when an illegal duel forces him to retreat to his family’s Welsh castle, he realizes the only exciting thing in the dull countryside will be seeing the fiery Maddie Montgomery. Thoughts of his nemesis sustained Gryff throughout the war; but the girl he loved to tease has grown into a gorgeous, headstrong woman – who loathes him just as much as she ever did. Will secret tunnels, dangerous smugglers, and meddling from their feuding families be enough to make Maddie and Gryff realize that their animosity is really attraction...and maybe even love? A Reckless Match is the first in a new regency romance series by Kate Bateman about two feuding families, and reunited childhood enemies whose hatred turns to love. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Regency Romance Release: Sept 28, 2021 Pages: 336pp Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Reviewed by: MK Content Rating: 5 Hearts - Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice-cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. (Reviewer's Note: There is only one graphic scene, but there is more than one passionate embrace. Falls somewhere between 4 and 5 Hearts). View rating system NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion A stunning and compelling story of survival, devastation, love, and hope, Colors of Truth beautifully intertwines history with fiction in a book not to be missed. Civil War-era books are some of my favorite, and this beautiful and heartwarming story that is almost difficult to describe. There is a lot happening, and I liked the incorporation of Irish immigrants, their fates and hardships, and how they overcame the conflicts thrust at them. The storytelling is wonderful and there is a lot of interesting historical detail about the time period and events. Alexander does not shy away from truth, and shows us how important it is to remember history. She's truth to history and true to her convictions. The author makes you feel like you are there and going through everything with the characters. It shows how deplorable people can be, and how kind and generous others are. Colors of Truth is a well-written book that can't be summed up in a few sentences; there is a lot going on, and one cannot fully appreciate it until one immerses themselves into the author's words. The Carnton series is worth the read and highly recommended. Colors of Truth A Carnton Novel Twice delayed by Tamera's former publisher, and finally cancelled when Tamera refused to rewrite real history, Colors of Truth is a powerful novel you won't want to miss! In a town battered and bruised by war, one woman embarks upon an impossible search—and one man must face the past in the very place that almost destroyed him. Tennessee, 1866. According to the last letter Irish immigrant Catriona O'Toole received from her twin brother, Ryan, he was being dispatched to Franklin, Tennessee, where—as a conscripted Confederate soldier—he likely endured the bloody Battle of Franklin that claimed the lives of thousands. Catriona leaves behind the lush green of their Irish homeland in search of him, with nothing to her name except the sum of cash Ryan sent to their family. Now the sole provider for her seven-year-old spitfire sister, Nora, Catriona hopes to reunite the siblings—the only surviving members of their devastated family. Wade Cunningham is a former Federal soldier who now works for the newly formed United States Secret Service and is trying to uncover counterfeiting rings in the postwar South. In order to infiltrate their sophisticated enterprise, he must pose as a former Confederate in Franklin—a town where counterfeit greenbacks run rampant. When Wade meets Catriona, he is immediately intrigued by her and the little redheaded scamp in her care—but what he doesn't anticipate is that the cash in Catriona's possession is some of the most convincing counterfeit money he's ever seen. Soon the object of Wade's affection is also the suspect in a major crime—one he's expected to prosecute. With rich historical detail and multifaceted prose, USA TODAY bestselling author Tamera Alexander tells a riveting tale of truth, betrayal, and unlikely romance that unveils the many shades of God's perfect redemption. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Christian Fiction Release: Sept 20, 2020 Pages: 522pp Publisher: Fountain Creek Press Format Read: Paperback Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: Kathy Content Rating:* N/A - No Sex; No Violence Reviewer's content note: This is a wholesome book in terms of romance. When you read a book filled with history, there are going to be events that make the heart pound, but there's nothing graphic. Some may consider events violent and others may not. Suitable for all adult readers. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion A captivating medieval story of truth, honor, trust, and love! I thoroughly enjoyed Heart of the Highlands: THE RAVEN, written by April Holthaus. I like reading Medieval romance not only for the romance but also for the period of history. This one is the prequel, set eight years before Ian’s story, The Beast , the first story of the Protectors of the Crown series. Set in 1529, England and Scotland, in a world divided by politics and religion, young King James V faces a threat; his own people are rebelling against him. So he decides to recruit the best Highland warriors for his protection and calls them the Protectors of the Crown. These men will be loyal to the king without fail. The Raven tells the story of Eamon MacLeish, a warrior, personal guard, and advisor to the king, and Adelyn Scott, a lady of royal blood who must keep her identity secret. Adelyn arrives at Edinburgh Castle to ask for protection from men who accuse her of murdering her late husband. As she meets James’s personal guard, Eamon, their eyes meet and attraction is immediate as sparks flare. However, he cannot afford to fall in love with her, as he has commitments to the king, but his feelings are so strong enough to make him question those commitments. Will he choose to become her protector and prove her innocence? Each moment they spend together brings them closer. Is love possible for these beautiful souls from different backgrounds? Will they ever find a way to defy the odds? Will King James intervene in their new relationship? Will Adelyn ever find peace and feel safe with Eamon? Follow their journey and let yourself be carried away in their beautiful adventure. April Holthaus is a very talented author and descriptive writer. Her novels are always a treasure to uncover. Heart of the Highlands: The Raven She's accused of murder. He's accused of treason. When faced with those who convict them, will they be able to escape or will they be punished to death? A Highland tale of mystery, murder and love. Forced to wed a ruthless English Lord, Adelyn Scott welcomed death over marriage, but had no idea her wish would come true until she discovered her husband’s body lying dead in his chamber on the night of their wedding. As commander for the king’s personal guard, Eamon MacLeish’s loyalty has never been questioned. Until the day a mysterious woman arrived seeking an asylum and stole his heart. As Adelyn and Eamon piece together clues surrounding her husband’s murder, Eamon must choose between his loyalty or his heart. For one path would ultimately lead to her death, and the other path leads to his. Heart of the Highlands: The Raven is the prequel to the Protectors of the Crown Series. BOOK INFO Genre: Historical Medieval Romance Release: Aug 1, 2021 Pages: 336pp Publisher: Grey Eagle Publishing Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 5 Hearts - Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice-cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. View rating system NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

Vanessa Kelly joins us with The Highlander's Irish Bride , a novel in her deliciously passionate Clan Kendrick series. Highlanders? Yes, please! The Highlander's Irish Bride The latest in bestselling author Vanessa Kelly’s intoxicating Clan Kendrick series shines a light on the most respectable member of the Kendrick clan—and the independent woman who stole his heart . . . Miss Kathleen Calvert may be the daughter of an Irish aristocrat, but she has no intention of acting like one. All she desires is to return to her family’s estate to raise horses and manage her father’s magnificent gardens. But when a scandal threatens her reputation, her parents order her to a remote Scottish estate, hoping she will finally learn to behave like a proper lady. To make matters worse, her escort is a handsome Highlander who just happens to be the most boring man in all of Scotland . . . After a youth of dangerous and wild escapades, Grant Kendrick surprised his family—and himself—by becoming a successful businessman and the most respectable Kendrick brother. But does that matter, when the beautiful and free-spirited Kathleen deems him a stodgy bore? Luckily, he gets the chance to prove her wrong when their carriage is ambushed by thieves. But it will take all his ingenuity to protect the beautiful lass who has stormed her way into his heart—and to convince her that a life with him will be a love-filled adventure . . . AMAZON | BAM | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKSHOP | HUDSON BOOKSELLERS | INDIEBOUND | TARGET | WALMART Q&A with Author Vanessa Kelly What makes The Highlander’s Irish Bride special or unique to you? It’s part of my Clan Kendrick Series, which features the adventures—romantic and otherwise—of seven Highlander brothers. Although I enjoyed writing all my books, this series is a true high point for me. It has captured my creative soul, and the characters are now a real part of my life—they feel like family to me! In The Highlander’s Irish Bride, I take the quiet Kendrick brother (Grant), the one who has focused his life on devotion to family and duty to work, and send him on a grand adventure. As a person who has always felt a strong sense of obligation to my family and work, the character of Grant spoke to me. I wanted him to break out of the mold, experience LOTS of feelings, and fall madly in love with a woman who will bring love and joy into his life. Grant is a total sweetie, but he’s a guy who doesn’t think he’s very lovable (I think a lot of us feel the same about ourselves). So I wanted to give him the kind of love and romance that he so richly deserved! What do you hope readers will take away from this book? That adventure and love are waiting just around the corner, but sometimes you have to push past the boundaries of your comfort zone to find them. My hero and heroine are people of courage and heart, but both have also gotten stuck in a certain ways of thinking and living. Sometimes you have to do the opposite of what feels comfortable to get the life you want! Do you share any personality traits with Grant or Kathleen? I definitely lean more toward Grant than Kathleen. He’s very organized, responsible, and duty bound. I relate to that. I’m the kind of person who wants everything organized and all questions answered. I’m also a person who has trouble saying no, and that’s totally Grant. In his case, it’s because he never wants to disappoint anyone, or let her/him down. Kathleen is more of a free spirit; I was a bit like her when I was younger, but now I’m a Grant kind of person—which I suppose means I should go on a few more adventures! What books are you currently reading? Why did you choose them? Right now I’ve got two books on the go. The first is Plain Jayne , by Hillary Manton Lodge, and the other is Star of Persia , by Jill Eileen Smith. A few years ago I read Lodge’s Jane of Austin : A Novel of Sweet Tea and Sensibility, which is a contemporary version of Sense and Sensibility. I loved the author’s writing style and her ability to tell an updated Austen story in a way that was refreshing, charming, and still totally modern. So I’m now going through Lodge’s backlist. Star of Persia is historical fiction about Queen Esther. I love fiction about Biblical characters, and the story of Esther is fascinating, dramatic, and inspiring. So both books are keeping me entertained and up at night! 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? I’d say my books are both plot-driven AND character-driven, although plot tends to help me focus in the early stages. I do a lot of pre-writing and research, which includes character biographies and temperament profiles, and I also outline and write a comprehensive plot synopsis for my editor. By the time I actually start writing the story, I have a pretty big notebook full of materials that guide me. I am naturally a plotter and an organizer, so doing a lot of work up front gives me a level of security through any rough spots. If I am hitting a wall, I can fall back on my synopsis or my notes to pull me through the tricky bits. Then I clean up and clarify plot and character issues in the revision stage. I try to just plow ahead with the first draft, ignoring any problems that might cause me to freeze up. One problem I do have is that I write VERY long. Sometimes my first drafts are so long that it’s kind of ridiculous. The charitable term for this process is “discovery writer.” I guess that’s accurate. Sometimes I have to write a lot of words, circling a problem, until I figure out what’s going on. So I always end up cutting A LOT of words in the revision process. It can be an annoying process, but it seems to be the one my brain likes to do. :) The Author Vanessa Kelly is a USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author who was named by Booklist, the review journal of the American Library Association, as one of the “New Stars of Historical Romance.” Her Regency-set historical romances have been nominated in a number of contests, and she has won multiple awards, including the prestigious Maggie Medallion for Best Historical Romance. Her books have been published in nine languages. Vanessa’s first Clan Kendrick book, The Highlander Who Protected Me, was a USA Today, Barnes & Noble, and BookScan bestseller. The Highlander’s Christmas Bride, her latest book, hit the top 50 on both the Barnes & Noble mass-market bestseller list and on BookScan. The Renegade Royals Series was a national bestseller, as was The Improper Princesses Series. My Fair Princess was named a Goodreads Romance of the Month and is a USA Today and BookScan bestseller. When she’s not dreaming of plots for her next Regency novel, Vanessa is writing USA Today Bestselling books with her husband, under the pen name of V.K. Sykes. You can find Vanessa at vanessakellyauthor.com or at vksykes.com. For all of Vanessa’s latest news and contests–and to receive a free story–please sign up for her newsletter on her website. CLAN KENDRICK FACEBOOK GROUP | FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Romance Release: July 27, 2021 Pages: 377pp Publisher: Zebra Books (Kensington) Type: Novel Content Rating: 5 Hearts View our rating system Tour Giveaway During the Blog Tour, the author is giving away a paperback copy of The Highlander’s Christmas Bride & The Highlander’s English Bride & a $20 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please click the button below. The giveaway is open internationally and ends August 13, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

We are pleased to introduce you to Jeanne Matthews as we put the spotlight on her historical mystery novel, Devil by the Tail . With an intriguing title like that, you'd better keep on reading! Devil by the Tail What’s a 20-something Union war widow to do in 1867? Start up her own detective agency with a former Reb P.O.W. of course! Quinn Sinclair, who uses the name Mrs. Paschal professionally, and her wryly observant partner Garnick get two cases on the same day - one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, another to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. As the detectives dig deeper, they unearth facts that tie the cases together in disturbing ways. This tantalizing tale of 19th Century Chicago comes complete with corrupt politicians, yellow-press reporters, gambling parlors, and colorful bawdyhouse madams. At every turn in the investigation, Quinn discovers more suspects and more secret motives for murder. Not least among her worries, someone seems intent on murdering her! AMAZON | APPLE | BARNES AND NOBLE | KOBO Q&A with Author Jeanne Matthews What has been your greatest pleasure in writing Devil by the Tail ? In a word, learning. I had no intention of writing an historical novel, but inspiration came when I accidentally discovered that an army of battle-hardened Irish veterans of the American Civil War invaded Canada in 1866. Say what? It’s true. Not just once, but five times. The idea was to hold the territory hostage until England granted independence to Ireland. The plan failed, of course, but I’d become curious. Further research revealed that this radical organization, known as the Fenian Brotherhood, had its roots in Chicago, a post-war boom town crackling with excitement. It had everything a mystery novelist could possibly desire – plotting Irish fanatics, displaced Confederate prisoners of war, Allan Pinkerton’s newly established detective agency, a burgeoning population of immigrants and industrialists, corrupt politicians, rampant crime, and hundreds of saloons, gambling dens, and bawdy houses to provide the newspapers with outrageous stories of murder and all manner of immorality. Do you remember the moment when you first considered yourself a writer? In third grade, my teacher assigned her class of eight-year-olds the task of writing their autobiography. I tackled the project with enthusiasm. Life experience at that stage of my career was a little thin, but I made up for it with a string of invented episodes in a kind of precocious gonzo style. I don’t remember what grade the teacher gave me, but she scrawled across the top of my paper, “You’ve got flair!” I didn’t know what “flair” was, but when I looked it up it sounded like the beginnings of a writer. What is your favorite quote? Either Flannery O’Connor stole the line from E.M. Forster or Forster stole it from Flannery, but it sums up my writing process perfectly. “I don’t know what I think until I see what I say.” It answers another question. Do I work from an outline or just wait to see where an idea takes me? I wait for the surprise. I have the characters in mind. I know the time and the place. In Devil by the Tail, it’s 1867 Chicago and my two protagonists couldn’t be more different. Quinn Sinclair is the young widow of a Union soldier whose failure to leave a will has left her in the lurch. She wants to be independent of her condescending in-laws and she needs an income. Having worked briefly in the female bureau of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, she has developed a craving for adventure. Gabe Garnick is an unvarnished ex-Confederate POW haunted by all the death he saw in the war. His wife died of typhoid while he was interned. As he says, he’s “on his own hook,” no reason to return home and no plans for the future. Quinn persuades him to join her and start their own detective agency. When these two walked onto the page and began to react to each other, I waited to see what happened. The tension they generated kept me writing for almost 300 pages and already I’m contemplating a sequel. What story are you working on next and what inspired it? Another scourge of the 19th Century was “resurrectionists.” Medical schools needed cadavers in order to study the human anatomy and the public, especially those with strong religious beliefs, remained squeamish. Where there’s a need, there will always be opportunists to fill it and the business of body snatching sprang up across the country. Cemeteries erected gates and often hired armed guards to protect the graves. I thought Garnick & Paschal’s next case might begin when they are hired to apprehend a group of grave robbers who’ve been digging up bodies in Chicago’s famous Oak Woods Cemetery. I don’t know what they’ll unearth. See answer to 3, above. How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have? Two. I worked for litigators for twenty years and seldom a day went by that I didn’t fantasize about murder. When I retired, I wrote a blood-curdler in which I bumped off a lawyer on almost every page, each one killed by an ever more gruesome method. It was wonderful therapy, satisfying in the extreme, but the body count was just too high. Agents who read the manuscript registered fear and alarm. My novel of revenge against the legal profession seems destined to remain locked in a desk drawer, but the experience exorcised my demons. I went on to write five travel-related mysteries featuring Dinah Pelerin, each book set in a different country and chock-full of local lore. Then I got hooked on the story of those hapless Irish revolutionaries hell-bent on freeing Ireland and wrote my second so-far unpublished book. I say “so far” because it may become the prequel to Devil by the Tail. It tells the back story of how Quinn and Garnick met and solved her father’s murder by outwitting the Fenians, a spy sent from England to infiltrate the Fenians, the Pinkertons who were investigating the Fenians on behalf of the Canadian government, the emissary of the American president who secretly approved the Fenian raids, and the arms smugglers who betrayed the Fenians. Whew! That’s a lot to fit between the covers of one book. I may have to cut a few chapters. Like they say, too many Fenians spoil the broth. The Author Jeanne Matthews graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Journalism and has worked as a copywriter, a high school English and Drama teacher, and a paralegal. An avid traveler and crime fiction reader, she is the author of the Dinah Pelerin international mystery series. She currently lives in Washington State with her husband, who is a law professor, and a Norwich terrier named Jack Reacher. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS Genre: Historical Mystery Release: July 20, 2021 Pages: 252pp Publisher: D. X. Varos, Ltd. Type: Novel Content Rating: PG-13 (Non-Descriptive Sex; Some Violence) View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of Devil by the Tail by Jeanne Matthews! We have 2 copies up for grabs! The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends July 30, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

A Reader's Opinion A gripping mystery with a mix of suspense and adventure that will grab your interest! This is the first time that I read a book by author Jeanne Matthews, and what a nice surprise! As soon as I started DEVIL BY THE TAIL, it grabbed me and didn’t let go until the very end. It's a page-turning, whodunnit mystery with a lot of suspense! It's also a captivating and fast-paced story. Overall, this was an enjoyable and very quick read. I'm glad this novel has Quinn as a strong leading heroine! Lovers of mysteries set during the nineteenth century are in for a treat. Set in 1867, Chicago, Quinn Sinclair aka Mrs. Paschal, started her own detective agency with Garnick as her partner. They embark on a journey of investigations filled with twists and turns and lots of obstacles in their way. Their investigation will send them chasing clues after clues to discover who the murderers are. The detectives take on two cases on the same day—one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, and the other to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. Quinn is a widow by the Civil War who was trained in Chicago by the Pinkerton detective agency. Garnick is a widower and ex-soldier whose specialty is investigation. As they start working together, their new relationship slowly builds up! Will they discover the secrets, lies, and mystery revolving around the crimes that they are investigating? Lots of twists and turns! Devil by the Tail A Garnick & Paschal Mystery What’s a 20-something Union war widow to do in 1867? Start up her own detective agency with a former Reb P.O.W. of course! Quinn Sinclair, who uses the name Mrs. Paschal professionally, and her wryly observant partner Garnick get two cases on the same day - one to help a man prove he didn't kill his wife, another to help a lawyer find reasonable doubt that his client killed her ex-lover's new bride. As the detectives dig deeper, they unearth facts that tie the cases together in disturbing ways. This tantalizing tale of 19th Century Chicago comes complete with corrupt politicians, yellow-press reporters, gambling parlors, and colorful bawdyhouse madams. At every turn in the investigation, Quinn discovers more suspects and more secret motives for murder. Not least among her worries, someone seems intent on murdering her! Genre: Historical Mystery Release: July 20, 2021 Pages: 252pp Publisher: D. X. Varos, Ltd. Format Read: E-book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: PG-13 (Non-Descriptive Sex; Some Violence) Note: We do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

We are excited to feature Andie Newton's The Girls from the Beach, a story of war, four American nurses, and the men they risked their lives to save. Girls from the Beach ‘We’d heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies…’ In 1944, four American nurses disappeared for five days. No one knew what happened to them. Until now. When Kit and Red set foot on French soil during the Normandy landings, they know they have to rely on each other. As they head for the battlefield, their aim is simple: save lives. But when they’re called away on a top-secret mission to patch up a few men behind enemy lines, everything changes. Alongside fellow nurses, Roxy and Gail, they’re told to prepare for the worst, trading in their nurses’ fatigues for civilian clothes and hiding medical supplies under their skirts. But it’s a lie. Their real mission tasks them with the impossible – to infiltrate the Reich and steal something the Nazis desperately need to win their losing war. In an ultimate test of courage and comradeship, each woman must decide what she is prepared to risk and what she has to live for. AMAZON | APPLE | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKBUB | GOOGLE | KOBO Enjoy an excerpt from . . . The Girls from the Beach Prologue New York 1989 The delivery arrived just after lunch: a bulky cardboard box wheeled in on a dolly by a man dressed in a brown uniform. The reporter sent for it that morning from the storage unit where it had sat for over five years, paying extra to have it messengered express. He jumped up from his chair where he’d been anxiously waiting, and peeked through his office blinds, watching the delivery man weave his way through the second-floor newsroom, past the drum of electric typewriters and correspondents on phones. He tipped the messenger well; it wasn’t every day a reporter was hand-delivered the story of a lifetime—the kind that made you wonder, the kind that made the little hairs on the back of your neck stand up—the kind that made you question what you knew about the war and its heroine nurses. The box belonged to his mother, and he felt a pang of remembrance when he saw her handwriting next to the curling postage stamps. He didn’t think much of the box at the time she’d sent it to him; it was something to go through later. But when his boss asked him to work on a series of stories about WWII nurses, he remembered what his mom told him about the women who disappeared. He used his scissors like box cutters to cut through the tape, knowing curious reporters on the other side of the door were listening, and probably drooling. He stood back after looking inside, hand over mouth; there was more than he expected. He dug in with both hands, sifting through old photographs of his mother’s field hospital and women of the 45th, letters, and medals, and notes. And a single diary entry dated 1945. We’d heard stories about the nurses in tent seven. A secret mission, stolen money, and spies, some of them posing as soldiers. One thing I know for certain: Kit was involved. She might be the only person who can shed light on those five days in September and tell the world what happened when the women went missing. End of Excerpt Excerpt © Andie Newton. Shared with permission. ‘A wild ride of a book, laced with beautifully flawed characters, impeccable research and a story that will make you cry with tears of joy and sorrow. A resounding five-star read!’ – Terry Lynn Thomas, USA Today bestselling author of The Silent Woman The Author Andie Newton is the USA Today bestselling author of The Girl from Vichy and the author of The Girl I Left Behind. Andie holds a Bachelor degree in History and a Master in Teaching. She would love to say she spends her free time gardening and cooking, but she’s killed everything she’s ever planted and set off more fire alarms than she cares to admit. Andie does, however, love spending time with her family, trail running, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS | BOOKBUB Genre: Historical Fiction/WWII Type: Novel Publisher: Aria Publication Date: July 8, 2021 Content Rating: PG View our rating system ‘ The Girls from the Beach is a unique and incredibly imaginative story inspired by the nurses who worked on the front line in World War Two. It is action-packed and full of unexpected drama around every turn – I just had to keep reading to find out what was going to happen next! Readers who enjoyed Newton’s earlier books will be sure to love this one’ – Louise Fein, bestselling author of People Like Us Tour Giveaway Enter to win a paperback copy of The Girls from the Beach ! The paperback will be shipped to the winner at the end of the year. The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on August 5, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. This giveaway is sponsored by the author and hosted by Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Thank you for visiting and reading! Feel inspired? Want others to experience the book magic? We hope you'll support this author by sharing with your friends. Have you read the book? Let us know your thoughts!

A Reader's Opinion A heartwarming holiday romance! I really enjoyed A Lot Like Love , the first book in Jennifer Snow's Blue Moon Bay series, so I was excited to read the second installment, A Lot Like Christmas . Jessica and Mitch, the lucky main characters, share an emotional and romantic story with highs and lows that will keep you reading till the end. A well-written and heartwarming story that is sure to put you in a feel-good mood! This is a perfect read for any time of the year, and bonus, it has super charming characters. Jessica is the owner of a successful bakery set in Blue Moon Bay, and she specializes in wedding cakes. After a few romantic failures, she decides that love is not for her. However, when she bakes wedding cakes for her friends, she has a heavy heart and says no to love . . . until a handsome doctor walks into her shop. Mitch, a doctor with Doctors Without Borders, is visiting his hometown for the holiday break, and as far as he’s concerned, there’s no time to fall in love. He prefers to stay free to travel whenever he wants to live his passion as a doctor. When he meets Jessica, it's love at first sight for both of them. But, when small-town life becomes a bit too boring for the adventurous doctor, will he pick up and go or change his mind about love and settling down? Will the spirit of Christmas work its magic again? Find out in A Lot Like Love. Each book in the Blue Moon Bay series can be read as a standalone novel. A Lot Like Christmas Blue Moon Bay Series, Book 2 This Christmas season, love comes where you least expect it. For Jessica Connolly, there is no better place than her coastal hometown of Blue Moon Bay. She has a wonderful family, supportive best friends, and a successful bakery on Main Street. Unfortunately, every time she designs one of her ex-boyfriends' wedding cakes, she's reminded just how unlucky she is with love...and that she's a good luck charm for men to find their happily ever after. With someone else. The minute they break up. So she's decided to be done with love. Dr. Mitch Jameson is more comfortable traveling the world with Doctors Without Borders than staying in one place. He just needs to survive the holidays in his small hometown before he can leave again. The beautiful, intriguing bakery owner with an aversion to dating might be just who he needs to occupy his restless heart. From sipping hot chocolates at the local festival of lights to early morning dessert deliveries, Jessica and Mitch rediscover the spirit of the holidays. But when the 25 days of Christmas are over, will their romance be over, too? BOOK INFO Genre: Contemporary Holiday Romance Release: September 28, 2021 Pages: 336pp Publisher: Entangled-Amara Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher (NetGalley) Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 5 Hearts—Pull out your fans and grab a glass of ice cold water because this book is steaming hot! One or more graphic sex scenes. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Mary Morgan has truly worked her magic again! Let yourself be swept away through time to Scotland, and enjoy the wonderful conclusion to the world of the Dragon Knights. Mary Morgan has outdone herself with Dragon Knight's Ring , her fifth story and last installment! Lovers of time travel romance filled with magic, dragons, druids, and faes are in for a treat! It tells the story of Adam MacFhearguis, a lost soul who is seeking redemption and a fresh start. He decides to travel as a crusader by making vows of poverty and prayer, to seek forgiveness. Adam only wishes to forget his past! However, destiny has other plans for him. Standing near the famous standing stones in Scotland, magic will happen again! He will be thrown forward to the future! Enters Meggie! The first time she met him, Meggie felt a powerful power of attraction towards Adam. She becomes very intrigued by this charming man. Will they get a second chance? Can their love survive along their journey filled with twists and turns? Will we meet again, Dragon Knights, Angus, Duncan, Stephen and Alastair? Will the order defeat evil? Mary Morgan is one of my favorite authors of time travel romance; she nicely weaved her rich characters into an exciting story of fiction, magic, and romance. She also added a dash of humor that created some cute and funny scenes. She never disappoints this reader. Dragon Knight's Ring Order of the Dragon Knights, Book Five They were called the Dragon Knights . . . Death destroyed their love. Yet, can a trio of Fenian warriors roll back time to reunite two lost souls? Crusader, Adam MacFhearguis is on one last quest to the standing stones in Scotland where he seeks to bury the past. However, a silent prayer sends him to an unknown future and to his beloved Meggie. When he uncovers a shocking revelation, Adam questions everything about the woman he thought he knew and loved. He may have traveled the veil of ages, but time is now his enemy. Margaret MacKay lives a life in the future without the memories of her past—her death. When Adam arrives at her door confessing he knows her, she is confused and wary. With each passing day, she yearns to learn more from this stranger. Yet, when a truth is revealed, can she trust the man to unlock the chains from her mind and heart? Will love free the bonds to unite the two lovers who were doomed centuries ago? Or will evil finally claim victory over the Dragon Knights? BOOK INFO Genre: Time-Travel Scottish Romance Release: August 12, 2016 Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc. Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure Content Rating: 3 Hearts—Chemistry is a little sweet and little spicy. A touch of detail, but the stuff that makes us blush is behind closed doors. NOTE: Ratings are only provided for content (sex, violence, language, etc.). We do not give star ratings on this blog, though reviewers may do so on retail outlets and Goodreads. We review and share only those books we have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more . This book was reviewed on the original Books & Benches site, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes, and to give new life to an older book. Star ratings are removed from reposted reviews.