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Congratulations to Karen Witemeyer, author of The Heart's Charge , winner of the June 2021 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! Thank you to all those who voted and supported the wonderful authors and their books! 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 >

An American heiress, a wickedly handsome earl, and a Scottish estate . . . We're excited to share Harper St. George's newest novel in The Gilded Age Heiresses series. Don't miss The Devil and The Heiress . The Devil and the Heiress Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience. No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw’s ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author–if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn’t insist on coming with her. Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her–by his side, near his heart, in his bed. Though Christian’s burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It’s going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter’s love is true… AMAZON | APPLE | BARNES AND NOBLE | BOOKS A MILLION | KOBO | TARGET | WALMART In the author's words . . . Q&A with Harper St. George Does writing energize or exhaust you? This is such an interesting question because, honestly, it does both. Writing is a little bit like exercising for me: I don’t always look forward to doing it, but I like how I feel having done it. Don’t get me wrong, I love writing, but as with anything you have to do every day there are some days I look forward to it more than others. When I’m writing a scene that has been on my mind since I first conceived of these characters, then it’s almost an euphoric experience. It can feel amazing to write a scene that gets a character to that next level of their arc. But then there are the scenes where I just cannot see what is supposed to happen. The characters aren’t talking to me and I don’t know how to them where they need to be. Those are the scenes that are draining and exhausting. Please, tell us a little something about The Devil and the Heiress. The Devil and the Heiress is the second book in my Gilded Age Heiresses series. This series follows the Crenshaws, a new money family from New York who have brought their daughters to London to find titled husbands in need of their wealth. The daughters have other ideas, however, and don’t give into their parents’ marriage plans so easily. Violet, the youngest daughter, wants to be a published author and she doesn’t believe that a noble husband (or almost any husband, really) would not support her plans. She is in the process of writing a romantic novel based on her experiences as an American heiress during the London season. The male protagonist in her book is based on the devilishly handsome Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh. She never expects their attraction to lead to anything, but when her parents arrange a marriage for her and she decides to run away, Christian appears to help her escape. Over the ensuing road trip, she realizes that her fascination with him can’t be denied. Little does she realize that Christian has his own reasons for helping her and they are anything but altruistic. What story are you working on next, and what inspired it? I’m currently working on the third book in this series, The Lady Tempts an Heir . This story is about the Crenshaw heir, Max, and Lady Helena, a woman he meets while visiting his family in London. Helena is a young widow and is very active with a charity that helps unwed mothers and their children. Since this is a somewhat scandalous and radical undertaking, particularly for an unmarried woman, she finds herself in need of a temporary engagement to soothe her parents and donors. The mid-to-late 19th century saw a dramatic increase in charitable organizations. The industrial revolution, while creating a larger middle class than the world had ever seen, deepened the problems of the poor. Filth and pollution filled the streets and air at a rate never seen before, and there were no systems in place to deal with them. More children were being abandoned by parents due to an increasing inability to see to their care properly. This was before a standard hour workday/workweek was created. Helena’s character was inspired by social reformers like Octavia Hill and Florence Nightingale who saw the problems exasperated by industry and sought to relieve them. Books & Benches: Thank you, Harper, for sharing The Devil and the Heiress with our readers. It's been a pleasure having you with us, and the whole series sounds wonderful! The Author Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband’s amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at www.harperstgeorge.com . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram , Pinterest , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Romance (Victorian/Scottish) Type: Novel Publisher: Berkley Publication Date: June 29, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card! The giveaway is open to US residents only and ends on July 27, 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. Enter the Giveaway > Thank you for visiting and reading! 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 This marriage of convenience may bloom into true love with time! This is the first time that I read a book written by this new-to-me author, Harper St. George, and I didn't know what to expect. THE DEVIL AND THE HEIRESS is such a beautiful surprise! This one is the second story in the Gilded Age Heiresses series, and it was so much fun to read. The story lures the readers into a fast-paced adventure that you won't be able to put down . . . I couldn't read fast enough! The chemistry between Violet Crenshaw and Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, was slow to sizzle with only a kiss or two to start, and not enough romantic moments for me personally. Of course, in the last chapters, a magical scene brought it together. American heiress Violet Crenshaw is very rich because her family owns the Crenshaw Iron Works. The Crenshaw’s want to marry their two daughters into aristocracy. August got matched in the first book and now now it’s Violet’s turn! She wants to avoid a marriage of convenience with a man she doesn't love and wishes to pursue a career as a writer. So, she concocts a plan and runs away. Christian needs an American Heiress for his plan because he needs funds to renovate and refurbish the small Scottish estate he inherited. Violet's father finds Christian a suitable match for her fortune, so he negotiates a deal with him. Omg, her father forces this marriage of convenience on her, only to improve his social status, power, and wealth. While running away, she happens to meet the Earl of Leigh, and he offers her a ride in his carriage. That's when the fun begins between the devil and the heiress as they pose as husband and wife! A marriage of convenience with its ups and downs blooms with time, and everyone is in for a surprise! The Devil and the Heiress Sparks fly when a runaway heiress bargains with a devilish rogue to escape a marriage of convenience. No one would guess that beneath Violet Crenshaw's ladylike demeanor lies the heart of a rebel. American heiresses looking to secure English lords must be on their best behavior, but Violet has other plans. She intends to flee London and the marriage her parents have arranged to become a published author--if only the wickedly handsome earl who inspired her most outrageously sinful character didn't insist on coming with her. Christian Halston, Earl of Leigh, has a scheme of his own: escort the surprisingly spirited dollar princess north and use every delicious moment in close quarters to convince Violet to marry him. Christian needs an heiress to rebuild his Scottish estate but the more time he spends with Violet, the more he realizes what he really needs is her--by his side, near his heart, in his bed. Though Christian's burning glances offer unholy temptation, Violet has no intention of surrendering herself or her newfound freedom in a permanent deal with the devil. It's going to take more than pretty words to prove this fortune hunter's love is true.... Amazon | Bookshop Historical Romance | Pub: June 29, 2021 | Berkley Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, 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're thrilled to welcome Kaki Warner with an excerpt from her newest Brides of Rough Creek Texas novel. If you haven't picked up a Kaki Warner book, now is your chance! Home to Texas She’s his last case, he’s her fresh start—two troubled ex-soldiers find new purpose and a second chance at love in this new contemporary western romance from award-winning author Kaki Warner. Lieutenant KD Whitcomb had mapped out her career from West Point to the Pentagon. But when an injury under questionable circumstances forces her to leave the army, her dreams fall dead at her feet. Feeling lost and needing to rediscover the tough woman beneath the uniform, she heads back to the family ranch in Rough Creek. Only two things get her through the nightmares and sleepless nights: the support of her family and the CID officer investigating the incident in Afghanistan. He infuriates her. Makes her laugh. Gives her hope. Richard Murdock is struggling, too. There’s something fishy about this last case…and the threats coming from Afghanistan aimed at both him and KD. He’s ready to leave the army and make a new start. But how will he protect KD? And what should he do about the growing attraction between them? He’s been burned before. But there's something about KD's vulnerability and strength that calls to him, and he'll do whatever it takes to protect her and give her a chance to build new dreams…including helping her start a PTSD equine therapy program at the Texas ranch. If they can overcome the threats against them and heal old wounds, this second chance might be better than they ever dreamed. Get Your Copy Amazon | Bookshop | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | More options > Add to Your Reading List Add to BookBub | Add to Goodreads Enjoy an Excerpt from Home to Texas Army Second Lieutenant KD Whitcomb drifted on a cold dark sea, lulled by the steady hum and beep of machines beside her bed. She knew she was in a hospital room with a window looking out onto the nurses’ station. But she didn’t know how long she’d been there or even what country she was in. Nothing made sense and thinking was too hard. Occasionally nausea or deep, throbbing pain awoke her. She would become groggily aware of movement, hands touching her while voices spoke in hushed tones. Then a warm rush, and she would sink back into the uncaring, unfeeling drift. It was never dark. Sometimes the room was so bright it hurt to open her eyes. But occasionally, during the hush of night when the lights were dimmed, she could keep her eyes open for brief periods. During one of those times, she saw a man standing in the hall, watching her through the window. He had a stern, unsmiling face. Not in an army uniform. Black polo and ball cap. No scrubs or stethoscope. She didn’t know who he was, or why he watched her so intently. It worried her, the not knowing. But all she could do was close her eyes and hope he went away. Later—an hour, a day? —the pain came back. She grew anxious, waiting for the warm rush that promised oblivion. Instead, she sensed a hovering presence nearby and forced open her eyes. The man in the black shirt stood by the bed, looking down at her with cold, blue eyes. She blinked, not sure if he was real, or what he wanted. Then she saw the badge and holstered pistol on his belt and in an instant, she was back in Afghanistan. A child crying. Gunshots. Blood. Pain. Take him! Fear clutched at her throat. She sucked in air, her mind reeling. Then voices intruded, jerking her back to her hospital bed. Frantically, she looked around, saw the man talking to her nurse, but all she heard was the roar of blood past her ear. Before she could bring her thoughts in focus, the nurse hurried away. The man stayed. Still half-trapped in Afghanistan, she struggled to speak. “Captain…” she managed in a raspy whisper. He stepped closer. “Say again?” She licked cracked lips. “Captain . . . Mouton . . .” He shook his head. “I’m sorry. She didn’t make it.” KD clenched against a crushing despair. Her stomach rebelled. She grappled for the gray bowl wedged by her pillow and vomited up dark, bitter bile. A wide hand supported her back until the retching stopped, then took the bowl away. Trembling with exhaustion, she slumped back against the pillows, eyes closed. “Should I get the nurse?” a deep voice asked. She was afraid to move her head. Every time she did, it felt like her brains had liquefied and were sloshing around inside her skull. “No.” After a moment, she opened her eyes. A beard-stubbled face hung over her. Tired blue eyes. Not as grim or threatening as when she’d first seen him. But she knew who he was now, and why he had come. “Am I…in trouble?” “Should you be?” When she didn’t answer, he pulled a small notebook and pen from his pocket. “If you’re up to it, Lieutenant, I have a few questions.” “You’re . . .CID?” He nodded. “Warrant Officer Murdock.” Tears welled. “I shouldn’t have . . . left her. . . “ He bent closer. “Left who?” “She sent me . . . to find . . .the boy.” She was so weary she could barely form a thought. “I didn’t see . . . the gun.” She was dying. Sinking. Her lids felt heavy as stone. “What boy?” The drone of his voice faded as darkness sucked her down. When next she opened her eyes, he was gone. But she knew he’d be back. He was with Criminal Investigations. He would want to know it all. Her nurse bustled in. “How’s the pain, Lieutenant?” “Five,” KD lied. She could handle pain. Needed it to stay alert. Because when Murdock returned with his questions, he would expect her to relive that bloody, terrifying day when everything fell apart. End of Excerpt. Excerpt Copyright ©Kaki Warner. Shared with permission. The Author Kaki Warner is a RITA-winning author of numerous romance novels. A longtime resident of the Pacific Northwest, she lives on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains in Washington, but Kaki grew up in the Southwest and is a proud graduate of the University of Texas. Kaki is also the author of the following series: Blood Rose Trilogy, Heroes of Heartbreak Creek, and Runaway Brides. View Kaki's Books > Genre: Contemporary Western Romance Type: Novel Publisher: Berkley Publication Date: June 29, 2021 Series: Brides of Rough Creek Texas, book 2 Content Rating: 4 Hearts/Mild View our rating system Thank you for visiting and reading! 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 delightful combination of trust and romance with an unexpected twist! In Blind Faith , the male character is the focus, but the story alternates sometimes between another female character who was part of his past because of a bond that united them. This does not affect the romantic story between the two main characters John and Alena. Alexa Aston does a marvelous job weaving parallel plots with a common theme. She has a wonderful way of writing historical fiction with a twist that captivates her readers with strong, likable characters. She never disappoints. Lawmen of the West is a series to watch for; I truly loved the first story, Runaway Hearts , and this one was just as romantic and refreshing as the first adventure! Blind Faith, set in California 1854, tells the story of John Harper, a U.S. Marshall assigned to the case of Senator Braden Reynolds's kidnapping with his young son Johnny. While searching for them, he is shot by a member of the gang and left for dead, until Alena McClaine rescues him and his horse. Alena heals him while falling in love with this charming man who became blind from having been shot. Alena is a determined and brave heroine, and a painter under a pseudonym because female artists were not recognized enough during that time. Together, they embark on a roller-coaster ride of trials as they search for the senator and his son. Spending time together, she cares for him and he develops powerful feelings for her. Blind Faith is a western historical romance that features a hero of the American West as a lawman and a strong and independent heroine that will bring back love in his life. They are beautiful together! I'm sure readers of western romance will love Blind Faith. Blind Faith A wounded horse. A half-dead man. She thinks she can save the horse. She doubts the man will survive . . . Painter Alena McClaine’s world turns upside down when an unconscious rider arrives on his injured horse at her isolated California cabin. Both the animal and the stranger sport bullet wounds. Much to her surprise, the man lives—and hasn’t a clue about his identity. Even worse, he’s now blind. As the stranger recovers from his head and shoulder wounds, Alena finds herself falling in love. He remembers his name—and then his mission. John Harper recalls pieces of his past as a beautiful woman nurses him back to health. Finally, he remembers he is a U.S. marshal hunting a vicious gang of outlaws who have kidnapped a United States senator—the very man who married John’s childhood sweetheart. He located the gang, only to be shot before he could rescue the senator and his young son. When his sight returns, John knows he must head to the gang’s hideout and attempt to rescue their captives despite his bum shoulder. Alena, a crack shot, insists on going with him. The secrets and lies that await them test their new and fragile love. Blind Faith is a standalone western historical romance from Alexa Aston’s Lawmen of the West series, which features heroes of the American west in various law enforcement positions and the strong heroines who bring love into their lives. Get Your Copy Historical Western Romance | Pub: July 13, 2021 | Oliver Heber Books Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Paula Brackston seamlessly transitions between past and present in The Secrets of the Chocolate House, a tale that draws the reader into its magical story and keeps them engaged to the end. Xanthe is a twenty-first century, time-traveling heroine who hears whispers from the past, thanks to her special ability to "hear an object singing." Determined to rescue the man she loves, she follows a discovered antique chocolate pot back to the seventeenth-century where she will face greater challenges than before. Will she destroy her chances to save Samuel and return home to her time? The settings are always described with just enough vivid detail so you have a good picture, but not so much that you lose the story. The characters, both past and present, add wonderful color to the foundation of this interesting book, and for someone like me who doesn't normally read time-travel, the author has managed to capture my imagination. I want more! Don't miss the fascinating Found Things series. Secrets of the Chocolate House New York Times bestselling author Paula Brackston’s The Little Shop of Found Things was called “a page-turner that will no doubt leave readers eager for future series installments” (Publishers Weekly). Now, Brackston returns to the Found Things series with its sequel, Secrets of the Chocolate House . After her adventures in the seventeenth century, Xanthe does her best to settle back into the rhythm of life in Marlborough. She tells herself she must forget about Samuel and leave him in the past where he belongs. With the help of her new friends, she does her best to move on, focusing instead on the success of her and Flora’s antique shop. But there are still things waiting to be found, still injustices needing to be put right, still voices whispering to Xanthe from long ago about secrets wanting to be shared. While looking for new stock for the shop, Xanthe hears the song of a copper chocolate pot. Soon after, she has an upsetting vision of Samuel in great danger, compelling her to make another journey to the past. This time she'll meet her most dangerous adversary. This time her ability to travel to the past will be tested. This time she will discover her true destiny. Will that destiny allow her to return home? And will she be able to save Samuel when his own fate seems to be sealed? Amazon | Bookshop Romantic Fantasy/Time-Travel | Pub: Dec 15, 2020 | 336pp | St. Martin's Press Format Read: Hardcover | Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: MK | Content Rating:* N/A *This is a clean read appropriate for all audiences. N/A: No Sex; No Violence 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 Lady Sybil Douglas, part of the notorious clan Douglas, has been abandoned to fend for herself. Her brothers are scoundrels who have used their sisters as pawns for their gain have fled for France after falling from grace with the Queen (who happens to be her brother's—Archie—wife). Sybil's life at court is in turmoil. She needs to escape Scotland but is not sure how. Her rescue comes in the form of a hulking highland warrior, Rory Mackenzie. Rory has traveled to claim his betrothed and is in a hurry to get back to the Highlands. Sybil, having the smarts to realize this is her chance, she grabs it, even though she knows of the small detail that can void the contract, but she'll deal with it later. Rory is the half brother to the heir of the Mackenzie clan. A skilled warrior he needs to find his brother and help secure his position as Chieftain to their clan. Their uncle Hector is evil and wants the position for himself. Running from the Queen's men and trying to avoid capture feeds the already smouldering passion for Sybil and Rory. Finally on Mackenzie land, they realize that they're not out of danger . . . someone wants them dead! Deceit, betrayal and murder is high. Will Rory and Sybil be torn apart by lies and betrayal? Can they fight for the love that can be theirs? Margaret Mallory weaves a magical tale of a brawny highlander and a captivating, smart, and sassy young woman. A fantastic fast-paced read you won't be able to put down! Claimed by a Highlander THE DOUGLAS LEGACY The Douglas sisters, beauties all, are valuable pawns in their family's bitter struggle to control the Scottish Crown. But when their enemies strike, each Douglas lass will find she’s been left to face them alone. CLAIMED BY A HIGHLANDER Lady Sybil Douglas’s fall from court favorite to royal enemy is swift after her brothers are charged with treason and flee Scotland. When a huge Highland warrior appears claiming they are bound by a marriage contract, she’s desperate enough to ride off with him. She’ll worry later about how to escape the wedding. The last thing Rory MacKenzie needs is a pampered Lowlander wife. He traveled to Edinburgh in the hope of dissolving the ill-begotten marriage contract. But now that the Douglas men have abandoned his would-be bride, he’s honor-bound to protect her. Sybil and Rory fight scorching passion on their perilous journey to the MacKenzie castle, where murder and intrigue await. When everything is at risk, will they rely on each other and claim their unexpected love before it’s too late? Series: The Douglas Legacy, Book Two Get Your Copy Historical Romance | Pub: July 25, 2016 | 330pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis As of August 2020, 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 . This book was reviewed on the original Books & Benches site in 2016, 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 This is a great tale for paranormal fans! Operation Wildcat , written by author Megan Michelau, is a fun and fast-paced shapeshifter paranormal romance! It's also a nice introduction to her new series. If you love the world of shifters, like the leopard and jaguar, this short novella will surely please you! It’s a quick read. I could not put it down, and read it in one shot! Operation Wildcat tells the story of Jess and Caleb. Set in the small town of Blackford, where lives a community of person-shifters, Jess, a leopard shifter, lives quietly with her family and friends, when suddenly, some of them disappear. Caleb, a man on a mission for the Keystone military unit, enters their world to investigate the murders. When one of them is abducted, the shifter community will unite their forces along with Caleb's help, and try to find the betrayer. Just follow their adventure filled with love, danger and a dash of humor. Beautiful chemistry between Caleb and Jess. We also, meet these charming characters, Caleb's best friends, who are also shifters, Tucker and Cherry! Will Caleb be able to protect Jess and her family? Can their love be strong enough to create a long lasting bond? I like Ms. Michelau's style of writing, “The shifter dripped sex appeal and an aura of danger, making her want to purr!” Perfect blend of romance and paranormal! Some love scenes sizzle! Operation Wildcat Jess Baker thought being a leopard shifter in the small town of Blackford was the most exciting thing that was ever going to happen to her. She wanders through her days blissfully unaware of the dangers lurking behind the seemingly peaceful façade of her hometown. When the mysterious Caleb Marsh waltzes into her family’s diner, her attention is irreversibly drawn to him. Little does she know the intriguing stranger will be the key to her survival. Caleb Marsh is a man on a mission. He’s been charged with the job of finding the men responsible for shifter deaths throughout the country. When he stumbles upon a local shifter willing to assist in any way she can he can’t refuse her. The lines between duty and love begin to blur and Caleb must do what he does best to protect not only her, but the shifter community as well. Will their bond be severed or will love triumph? Series: A Keystone Novel, Book One Get Your Copy Paranormal Romance | Pub: March 2, 2016 | 126pp | Atria Books Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts* | Read by: Nicole Laverdure *As of Aug 2020, 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 . This book was reviewed on the original Books & Benches site sometime in 2016, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes.

Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future? Burning Ground Does time heal all wounds? Or do some last forever? Pennsylvania, 1971: Graham Davidson is a young man with survivor’s guilt after the death of three siblings. Estranged from his father and seeking a direction in his life, Graham learns about vision quests from a Crow Indian. He secures seasonal employment in Yellowstone National Park and embarks on a spiritual journey. Wyoming Territory, 1871: Under a full moon at a sacred thermal area, Graham finds himself in Yellowstone a century earlier – one year before it was established as a national park. He joins the Hayden Expedition which was commissioned to explore the region. Although a military escort provides protection for the explorers, the cavalry’s notorious lieutenant threatens Graham. His perilous journey through the future park is marred by a horrific tragedy in a geyser basin, a grizzly bear attack, and an encounter with hostile Blackfeet Indians. Graham falls in love with Makawee, a beautiful Crow woman who serves as a guide. As the expedition nears its conclusion, Graham is faced with an agonizing decision. Does he stay in the previous century with the woman he loves or travel back to the future? Available July 6, 2021 AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | KOBO “I thoroughly enjoyed the story! I was amazed at the depth of Galloway’s research, which extended far beyond the Hayden survey. The details on so many things the protagonist Graham experienced in Yellowstone all ring true. I especially liked the presentation of Henry Elliott, William H. Jackson, and Thomas Moran. Each person was presented in an unvarnished manner that was quite believable. Overall, the characterization of Lieutenant Doane is painfully accurate. The author captured the spirit of a man who felt entitled and was egotistical.” ~ Kim Allen Scott, author of Yellowstone Denied: The Life of Gustavus Cheyney Doane Meet the Author David Galloway grew up in rural Pennsylvania near Gettysburg. After a long career in the paper industry and writing a bestselling non-fiction book, Safety WALK Safety TALK, he decided to follow a once dormant dream of writing a novel. Burning Ground was inspired by two memorable summers of his youth. As a teen, David worked on a fruit farm in Pennsylvania. It is here he met Redfield, a Crow Indian who lived a simple life but had a profound effect on the way David saw the world. As a young man, he spent a summer in Yellowstone National Park, providing guided boat tours on Yellowstone Lake. When he was not on duty, David explored all corners of that magnificent land, often in the backcountry. His love for our nation’s first national park is rooted in these experiences. David is currently working on the sequel to Burning Ground , tentatively titled Fatal Ground . He enjoys reading about adventurers and explorers, traveling internationally, riding a recumbent tandem bike, and spending time with his grandsons. David lives in Springboro, Ohio with his wife Leesa. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon Author Page Publication Date: July 6, 2021 Genre: Historical Fiction Series: Frontier Time Traveler, Book 1 Content Rating: Click here to learn more about content ratings. 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 Against all odds, they were meant to be together! If you are looking for a captivating Medieval adventure with a twist, then Kathryn Le Veque's novel The Splendid Hour is a must-read. The characters are emotionally intense and endearing! That's one of the reasons I love reading her novels so much; each time she takes me on an amazing emotional journey. This author never ceases to amaze me! Against all odds, the hero and heroine's love story has many twists and turns but is sure to end well. This seventh story in The Executioner Knights series is a passionate tale of Medieval romance at its best with a well-developed blend of politics and religions. The Splendid Hour tells the story of Peter de Lohr is an Executioner Knight and a powerful one, although he is the illegitimate and eldest son of Christopher de Lohr. Marriage is expected of Peter until he meets sweet and gentle Liora, a Jewish girl and daughter of a jeweler to the King. They first meet during an awkward and funny moment when Peter is hiding from a woman who is pursuing him. It's love at first sight for Liora and Peter! Although he is Christian and she Jewish, odds are against them from the start. Will they go quietly or fight for their unusual love story? And at what cost? Will their different religions or cultures unite or pull them apart? Will the King try to keep them apart? Since King John is very suspicious of Christopher, he proposes bargains, bribes, and promises to get him on his side. Will his tactics work on Christopher? What will happen to Peter if he marries Liora? Despite everything, their love for each other is strong and will survive! The Splendid Hour It’s Christopher de Lohr’s bastard son, Peter, in a tale that could change the stars of the House of de Lohr forever… When religion and politics don’t meet, it’s an explosion that could tear the Executioner Knights – and England – apart forever… Peter de Lohr is the illegitimate son of the greatest knight in the realm, though he has been accepted by his father. Not only accepted – embraced. Peter is well-loved by everyone, an enormous and powerful knight in the image of his famous sire. He is also an Executioner Knight, and one of the very best. A great marriage is expected of him, it is presumed, to the daughter of a high-placed warlord. Until he meets Liora ben Thad. Petite, raven-haired and blue-eyed, Liora is the exquisite and glamorous daughter of a very prosperous goldsmith. She is also a Jewess, her father being a jeweler to the king. It is a time of great prosperity for the Jews of London, with King John being surprisingly fair to them, far more equitable than to some of his own barons. When Peter sees Liora, all other women – and quite possibly his plans for the future – cease to exist. But that comes at a price. The high-placed warlord and his daughter will not go quietly and they certainly will not relinquish a prize like Peter de Lohr to a woman of lesser social status. So begins a plot to separate Peter from Liora, a sinister plan that will threaten the House of de Lohr and the Executioner Knights… and everything they believe in. One that puts Peter right in the line of fire. Will two cultures, and two religions, and a royal order keep Peter and Liora apart? Or will their love find a way? Watch the Executioner Knights take sides in this delicious – and unusual – love story. Get Your Copy Medieval Romance | Pub: June 24, 2021 | Dragonblade Publishing Format Read: E-book | Source: Provided by the publisher via NetGalley Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure As of Aug 2020, we do not give ratings to books, except for content. We review and share only those books our reviewers have enjoyed and think others will enjoy, too. Learn more .

A Reader's Opinion Paula Brackston's signature style comes to life in her enchanting Found Things series. Magic meets mystery in The Little Shop of Found Things , a page-turning tale of time-travel, history, and a glimmer of romance. Starting over is rarely easy, but when you have a special gift for "hearing things sing," running an antique shop becomes a gateway to the past. Travel through time to seventeenth-century England with Xanthe, a likable and interesting heroine who, after touching a chatelaine,* unleashes a series of events that forces her back in time in order to keep those she loves safe. A ghost tasks the gifted heroine with saving her daughter in the past, and Xanthe employs newfound detective skills in order to do as the ghosts wants, but also survive so she can return to her time. Vivid descriptions of past and present draw the reader into a unique story worth reading. Time travel is not often on my to-read list, but a few authors have mastered it well enough to keep the reader engaged and believing that magical glimpses into the past can happen. Brackston is one such author. *A chatelaine is a decorative belt hook or clasp worn at the waist with different chains hanging from it that carry keys, charms, or other items . The Little Shop of Found Things New York Times bestselling author of The Witch's Daughter Paula Brackston returns to her trademark blend of magic and romance guaranteed to enchant in The Little Shop of Found Things , the first book in a new continuing series. An antique shop haunted by a ghost. A silver treasure with an injustice in its story. An adventure to the past she’ll never forget. Xanthe and her mother Flora leave London behind for a fresh start, taking over an antique shop in the historic town of Marlborough. Xanthe has always had an affinity with some of the antiques she finds. When she touches them, she can sense something of the past they come from and the stories they hold. When she has an intense connection to a beautiful silver chatelaine she has to know more. It is while she’s examining the chatelaine that she’s transported back to the seventeenth century where it has its origins. She discovers there is an injustice in its history. The spirit that inhabits her new home confronts her and charges her with saving her daughter’s life, threatening to take Flora’s if she fails. While Xanthe fights to save the girl amid the turbulent days of 1605, she meets architect Samuel Appleby. He may be the person who can help her succeed. He may also be the reason she can’t bring herself to leave. The story continues with book two in the Found Things series, Secrets of the Chocolate House . Amazon | Bookshop Romantic Fantasy/Time-Travel | Pub: Oct 16, 2018 | 320pp | St. Martin's Press Format Read: Hardcover | Source: Reader's personal library Reviewed by: MK | Content Rating:* N/A *This is a clean read appropriate for all audiences. N/A: No Sex; No Violence 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 .

Experience the Wicked Waywards in the The Devil's Own by Liana LeFey. The Devil's Own All hell breaks loose in Harper’s Grove when the devil falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint… Lord Devlin Wayward, gambler and dedicated rake, returns home for the first time in years only to land himself in deep trouble when he ends up with a broken leg. Unable to travel to London to seal an important deal that will make or break his fortune, Devlin persuades his identical twin, Daniel, who happens to be the parish vicar, to take his place in London while he temporarily minds his flock. Miss Mary Tomblin is taken with the devastatingly handsome reverend, who represents everything she desires in a husband after narrowly evading a ruthless rake last Season. But the vicar rebuffs every advance—until he suddenly accepts her help with pastoral duties while his broken leg heals. Mary seizes the chance to show the good reverend what an excellent helpmeet she will be. The devil takes on the role of village vicar and discovers it’s nowhere near as easy as he imagined—especially when he falls in love with an angel who mistakes him for a saint. AMAZON | BARNES AND NO BLE | ENTANGLED PUBLISHING “The book allowed the reader a good look at the future books about the Wayward Family and an enjoyable read as a new novel in a new series.” — Martha L, NetGalley Meet the Author As a romance author, I delight in crafting incendiary tales that capture the heart and the imagination, taking the reader out of the now and into another world. Regardless of whether you choose to dive into the past, leap into the future, or lose yourself in another realm entirely, between the pages you’ll find deep emotional journeys and passionate romance! The splendor of the Georgian period (1714-1837) provides a lush, glittering backdrop for my sizzling historical romances. Between the pages of my early Georgian pieces you’ll find sensuous lovers, lavish royal courts, and deadly intrigues. My Regencies look back to an era of refined manners and strict propriety, while revealing the secret, wicked desires of its elegant ladies and courtly gentlemen. In my sci-fi romances, love transcends all boundaries and spans a future of endless possibility based on what we’re learning about our universe today. My fantasy romances will take you on a quest through realms both familiar and unknown, with characters and creatures from myth and folklore, and of course include powerful magic paired with that most potent of all enchantments: love. I live in Central Texas with my dashing hero/husband of 20+ years and our beautiful daughter. I’m also privileged to serve (and it is most definitely servitude) one spoiled-rotten feline overlord. I adore chocolate and just about anything involving the words “salted caramel.” When my brain is too fried to weave stories, I read (of course), watch movies or binge-watch television series, make jewelry, sketch, write music, practice calligraphy, write letters to friends, and knit scarves. WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS Publication Date: June 14, 2021 Entangled/Amara 304 pages Series: The Wicked Waywards, Book One Genre: Historical Romance/Regency Content Rating: 5 Hearts Click here to learn more about content ratings. 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!