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A Reader's Opinion Highlander Neacal MacDonald was a broken man in spirit and body. He was a spy for the King but was betrayed, caught and tortured by his family's enemy clan, the MacRankins. Although broken in body and madness stirring his mind and spirit, he can't fully chase his demons away. Trying to be the best chief for his clan is difficult when everyone has you labeled the mad chief. Anna Douglas is traveling with a group of ministrels, and has the voice and face of an angel, and she's the only one that can chase his madness away. But who is Anna and who is she running from? What are her secrets? Secrets that can have a devastating effect and can bring death and destruction to everyone close to her. She dares not succumb to the attraction and desire that she feels for Neacal, even though it feels so right. Neacal can't seem to get Anna out of his mind and every time they are together he feels consumed with desire like never before. Treachery, deceit and a race for time are working against them, enemies death and destruction seem inevitable! Join Neacal and Anna as they fight for their happily ever after! Vonda Sinclair is a magnificent story teller, and she captures every emotion the hero and heroine are feeling. Fast-paced and exhilarating till the very end. Highly recommended. Highlander Unbroken Torture has driven Neacal MacDonald to the brink of madness. As the new chief of the MacDonald clan, Neacal will do whatever it takes to honor his late father and to help his clan thrive. But whispers of his madness abound and many in his clan turn traitor, wanting MacDonald of Sleat to lead them instead. Conflict ignites between the bitter rivals when Sleat garners the help of the man who tortured Neacal in the past. Can one woman's song pull him back and begin to heal his soul? Everything has been ripped from Anna Douglas except her angelic voice and the will to survive. When she meets Neacal, she recognizes something familiar in him—stark loneliness and pain. His past could be even more tragic and tarnished than hers. No one must learn her true identity or about the brutish man declaring she is his wife, for he will stop at nothing to reclaim her. Though Neacal vowed to never trust a woman again, he cannot resist the secrets in Anna's eyes or her spellbinding song, which threatens to break down the icy walls surrounding his tormented heart. Series: Highland Adventure, book 8 Get Your Copy Medieval Scottish Fiction | Pub: May 10, 2016 | 268pp Format Read: E-Book | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 4 Hearts* | Read by: Maria Rose Dariotis *As of Aug 2020, we no longer 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.

"All-in-all, The Forsaken Children was a heart-wrenching, soul-rending, tragic story that needed to be told of all the “forgotten children” of several generations. Ms. Finley was brilliant in her depictions and descriptions. " — Novels Alive The Forsaken Children A riveting tale of endurance and resilience, illustrating the spirit of a child and the bond between siblings. It’s 1921. Fifteen-year-old Hazel Winters and her six-year-old brother, William, are placed on a ship by an organization that relocates British orphans and children of poverty to new homes in Canada. Arrivals in the new land are exported to distributing houses, where devastation and heartache greet the youngsters as headmistresses govern their fate. The assurance of a better life across the ocean is far from what Hazel experiences. Through hardships and loneliness, she is determined to survive. Finding refuge in memories of the past, she clings to the dream of returning to her homeland while preserving a reunion in her heart. In 1890, orphaned Charlotte Appleton and her sister Ellie were scooped up from London’s streets and sent to new homes across the ocean. Although mere miles kept them apart, Charlotte never knew her sister’s whereabouts until a chance interaction reunites them. Together the siblings vow to make a difference for the families and home children of an institution in Toronto, Ontario. Can an unexpected guardian give Hazel renewed strength and resolve for a future of promise? Based on the child emigration movement that occurred from 1869 through the late 1930s, this poignant tale follows the lives of siblings who were burdensome byproducts of Britain's poverty. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIGO | INDIEBOUND | GOOGLE PLAY Enjoy an Excerpt from The Forsaken Children Inside her office, Miss King gestured to the chair in front of the desk before circling to seat herself. She peered across the desk at Colleen, who sat with her hands clasped tightly in the folds of her stained blue dress. “It saddens me to inform you that your children are no longer here,” Miss King said. “Not here? What do you mean?” Heart racing at the news, Colleen scooted to the edge of her chair. “We expected you weeks ago. The agreement was a few weeks, and from the records, I can see it’s been over a month. We aren’t a boarding house.” “But if not here, where are they?” Tears collected in her throat. “I suppose they are comfortable and enjoying the luxuries of their new homes.” “New homes? But—” “Mrs. Winters, you are a widow without means to care for your children; it’s our duty to help get children off the street.” “But orphans. My children aren’t orphans.” “No, but you abandoned them and in the eyes of the government that makes them orphans. Don’t you wish a better life for them, where—” Colleen jumped to her feet. “Their life is with me. I’m their mother. No one will love them as I will.” Limbs trembling, she pressed her palms against the desktop to steady herself before narrowing her eyes at Miss King. “Tell me where my children are. Tell me now!” Her voice resounded throughout the small office. Miss King rose, towering over her. “Calm yourself, or I will have you removed without the answers you seek.” Colleen heaved a sigh, fighting back the tears. “Where are they?” Her voice hitched. “Please, I beg you, tell me.” “I suppose they would have landed in Canada by now.” A rift opened in her heart. Her voice barely a whisper, she said, “Canada?” “That’s right. The children will be awarded to new families.” “It can’t be. I am their mother. I promised them. I…” The room spun, and Miss King and everything around her receded. Legs buckling, she plunged into a sea of darkness. End of Excerpt Excerpt Copyright ©Naomi Finley. Shared with permission. The Author Naomi Finley is an award-winning author living in Northern Alberta. She loves to travel and her suitcase is always on standby awaiting her next adventure. Naomi’s affinity for the Deep South and its history was cultivated during her childhood living in a Tennessee plantation house with six sisters. Her fascination with history and the resiliency of the human spirit to overcome obstacles are major inspirations for her writing and she is passionately devoted to creativity. In addition to writing fiction, her interests include interior design, cooking new recipes, and hosting dinner parties. Naomi is married to her high school sweetheart and she has two teenage children and two dogs named Egypt and Persia. For more information, please visit Naomi Finley’s website . You can also find her on Facebook , Instagram , and Goodreads . Genre: Historical Fiction Type: Novel Publisher: Huntson Press Publication Date: April 13, 2021 Series: The British Home Children, book 1 Content Rating: PG View our rating system Tour Giveaway Enter to win a mystery box of goodies + a copy of The Forsaken Children by Naomi Finley! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 23, 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!

"Robyn DeHart is the unequivocal queen of the unconventional and adventurous historical romance!" (Goodreads reviewer). Enter the exciting world of the Lords of Vice! Meet the Ladies of Virtue... specially trained to discreetly take down criminals with their parasols and hairpins. Together they form a pact to single out one man each whom they can help rise above his vice to become the gentleman he was destined to be. The Virgin and the Viscount As a Lady of Virtue, Matilda Brooks swears to reform the most despicable man of her acquaintance, her brother-in-law, Sullivan Chase, Viscount Glenbrook. Well he may not be the most despicable, but he is certainly arrogant, flirtatious, and entirely too charming. To make matters worse, he has the irritating tendency to poke fun of her and rile her emotions as no other man does. However, when she confronts him, he laughs off her concern about his slothful ways. But when a carriage accident forces Sullivan to play knight to Tilly’s damsel, his unexpected act of chivalry ends up costing them both their freedom. Her compromised reputation and his honorable declaration forces them into a marriage neither of them wants. Which is most inconvenient, given that she has sworn to despise him forever. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOOGLE | APPLE (iBOOKS) | KOBO Add to Goodreads The Author A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ’s and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn’t be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers’ Weekly claims her writing to be “comical and sexy” while the Chicago Tribune dubs her “wonderfully entertaining.” Robyn is an award-winning author as well as being a four-time RT Bookclub Reviewers’ Choice award nominee, and a three-time RomCon Reader’s Crown nominee. When not writing, you can find Robyn hanging out with her family, husband (The Professor) a university professor of Political Science and their two ridiculously beautiful and smart daughters. They live in the hill country of Texas where it’s hot eight months of the year, but those big blue skies make it worth it. Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Newsletter Genre: Historical Romance/Regency Type: Novel Publisher: Entangled; Scandalous Publication Date: April 12, 2021 Series: Lords of Vice, Book 4 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View our rating system 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 I'll admit that I wanted to read this book based solely on the cover, but the true prize is between the pages. Thomas De Quincey is more fascinating as a character in Morrell's book than the real man. Layers of mystery unravel as we follow De Quincey through the wretched streets of London and into the lives of the upper classes. The secondary characters are a delightful surprise as each one crops up, adding a new dimension to the story. A remarkable blend of history, murder, and thrills, all executed seamlessly. This was my first David Morrell book, but it won't be my last. Thriller meets Victorian England in Inspector of the Dead , and I don't believe readers will be disappointed. Inspector of the Dead David Morrell’s MURDER AS A FINE ART was a publishing event. Acclaimed by critics, it made readers feel that they were actually on the fogbound streets of Victorian London. Now the harrowing journey continues in INSPECTOR OF THE DEAD. The year is 1855. The Crimean War is raging. The incompetence of British commanders causes the fall of the English government. The Empire teeters. Amid this crisis comes opium-eater Thomas De Quincey, one of the most notorious and brilliant personalities of Victorian England. Along with his irrepressible daughter, Emily, and their Scotland Yard companions, Ryan and Becker, De Quincey finds himself confronted by an adversary who threatens the heart of the nation. This killer targets members of the upper echelons of British society, leaving with each corpse the name of someone who previously attempted to kill Queen Victoria. The evidence indicates that the ultimate victim will be Victoria herself. Brilliantly merging historical fact with fiction, Inspector of the Dead is based on actual attempts to assassinate Queen Victoria. Amazon | More at Mulholland Books Historical Thriller/Victorian | Pub: March 24, 2015 | 367pp | Mulholland Books Format Read: Hardcover| Source: Provided by the author or publisher *As of Aug 2020, we no longer 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 between 2015-2016, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes.

We're thrilled to welcome David James Warren, author of No Unturned Stone , hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours ! The continuing adventures of Rembrandt Stone from the creative minds of James L. Rubart, Susan May Warren, and newcomer David Curtis Warren, writing collectively as David James Warren. No Unturned Stone The One Rule Is, Don’t Mess With The Past But he did, and now ex-detective Rembrandt Stone is reaping the devastation of ignoring those words when he traveled back in time to solve the one case that had haunted his dreams. Yes, he solved the crime. Yes, he saved lives. But Rembrandt returns to find the unthinkable has happened and his life has shattered. There’s only one answer: break the rule again. Go back in time once more, fix what went wrong, save what went right, and yeah, in his spare time solve another brutal crime. But it’s not so easy to change time, especially when time turns you into a target. And of course there’s the strong possibility if he goes again, he’ll never get back. Get ready for your mind to be blown in Book 2 of the time-travel suspense series, The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone. Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble “So, I read this book in one sitting. ONE. I never do that, ever. Seriously, ever. It's that good.”— The Cozy Bookworm Enjoy an Excerpt from No Unturned Stone Just try and outrun your demons, I dare you. I sit in my daughter’s upstairs bedroom, in my half-remodeled craftsman, the morning bright against the window, holding a black teddy bear in my shaking hands. Gomer, a throwaway gift to my then four-year-old daughter, almost an afterthought I picked up from a drugstore as I raced home from work on a long-ago birthday. A white star is embedded in the toy’s fur, and this version of Gomer still has both eyes. They stare at me, black, glassy. Shocked. It’s all wrong. Please, God, let me wake up. It’s a fear that stalks every man, at least the ones like me, middle aged, married, a father of one, trying to frame his life into something that resembles success. A fear that, despite his heroic attempts, and as much as he tries to live in the light, his mistakes will find him. And the price of those mistakes will cost him everything. The voice that confirms it is seven years old, a deafening memory deep inside my head. “But daddy, you’re a detective. You know how to find things.” Overnight my life has imploded. My house is now a war zone, the product of fury and panic, the drawers opened, dumped out, my office bearing the wreckage of my disbelief. I spent the past hour digging through my belongings—our belongings—to find anything that might give me answers. My seven-year-old daughter, Ashley, has vanished. End of Excerpt Copyright © 2021 by TriStone Media Group, LLC and David James Warren. Shared with permission. BOOKS IN THIS SERIES CONNECT WITH REMBRANDT STONE: Website | Instagram Ten Things Readers Probably Don’t Know About Me Susie 1. I lettered in football. 2. I’ve been sky diving. 3. I have 2 literary dogs--Water Mitty and Jubal Sackett 4. I’m a massive fan of Quantum Leap (who isn’t?) 5. I love to watercolor paint in my off time. 6. I’m a closet fantasy reader. 7. I watch sailing shows on YouTube at night to relax. 8. I dream of sailing the world with my husband. 9. I ‘m a scuba diver…and ran out of air will 100 feet down in the Mediterranean Sea. 10. I’m a little bossy. :) Jim 1. I used to be a semi-pro magician and was invited to perform for George W. Bush during his first presidential run. 2. I’m a scuba diver. 3. I crushed three fingers on my right hand when I was one and a half years old but a miracle happened and the fingers healed and grew like normal. 4. I’ve almost drowned—twice. 5. I used to be on air at a Seattle radio station. 6. I have no concept of how long things are going to take. 7. I love cake, but I don’t need the cake. (Frosting!) 8. I barely passed math in high school. (And no, I’ve never used any of the things I almost learned.) 9. I can juggle. 10. If I’ve been to a place once I can find my way there again. (But I can’t keep track of anything in my home.) David 1. I fast regularly 2. I have one pointed ear 3. I love reading and writing poetry 4. I like to swim in jeans 5. I chew my nails 6. I was a theater minor (even though I can’t dance) 7. My chess.com rating is about 1350. (Good, but not great.) 8. As a kid, I loved playing with Legos and Bionicles. 9. I almost never look at social media. 10. I’ve been to more than 10 different countries. TOUR GIVEAWAY (1) winner will receive a print copy of Cast the First Stone & No Unturned Stone ! Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight April 6, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 13, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here . Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops! The Authors writing as David James Warren James L. Rubart is 28 years old, but lives trapped inside an older man’s body. He’s the best-selling, Christy Hall of Fame author of ten novels and loves to send readers on mind-bending journeys they’ll remember months after they finish one of his stories. He’s dad to the two most outstanding sons on the planet and lives with his amazing wife on a small lake in eastern Washington. More at http://jameslrubart.com/ CONNECT WITH JAMES: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Susan May Warren is the USA Today bestselling, Christy and RITA award–winning author of more than eighty novels whose compelling plots and unforgettable characters have won acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. The mother of four grown children, and married to her real-life hero for over 30 years, she loves traveling and telling stories about life, adventure, and faith. For exciting updates on her new releases, previous books, and more, visit her website at www.susanmaywarren.com . CONNECT WITH SUSAN: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter David Curtis Warren is making his literary debut in these novels, and he’s never been more excited. He looks forward to creating more riveting stories with Susie and Jim, as well as on his own. He’s grateful for his co-writers, family, and faith, buoying him during the pandemic of 2020, and this writing and publishing process. CONNECT WITH DAVID: Instagram Title: No Unturned Stone Series: The True Lies of Rembrandt Stone #2 Author: David James Warren Publisher: TriStone Media Release Date: April 6, 2021 Genre: Time Travel Detective Series Content Note: PG View our rating system 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 For me, this story really began once Della arrived in Scofield. At 8,000 ft elevation, the mining camp didn't seem to offer much that would entice a teacher from the city. I felt as though Della endured that first sight simply because she didn't feel turning back was an option, but you soon see her sense of adventure and her willingness to not give up. Owen Davis is a charmer and I enjoyed his banter with Della. Where I admired Della's courage and strength, Owen was my favorite. Despite his difficulties, he makes room in his life for hope. I enjoyed the blending of cultures and most especially the history behind the mining disaster. The author made this event feel very real and I found myself feeling the same emotions as the characters. The romance is present, but it burns slowly and sweetly. The author definitely has a talent for writing and keeps the pace of the story going from chapter to chapter. "Live a little and laugh some more"—my favorite line from the book! Note from Reader: This book has a good deal of religion in it. It didn't bother me, but it is present. I feel that it adds to the story rather than overpowers it, but that is just this reader's opinion. My Loving Vigil Keeping Della's giving up all the comforts of bustling Salt Lake City to teach school in a rural coal mining camp. Little does she know, she may soon be giving up her heart as well. But when tragedy strikes in the Scofield Mine, Della's life will be changed forever. Based on true events, this thrilling new romance from award-winning and bestselling author Carla Kelly is a must-read! Get Your Copy | Add to Goodreads Historical Romance/Religious Fiction | Pub: August 14, 2012 | 364pp | Cedar Fort, Inc. Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher Content Rating: 1 Heart* | Read by: MK *As of Aug 2020, we no longer 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 between 2012-2016, and has been reposted on the new blog for indexing purposes.

Duke of Disrepute Who doesn’t love a duke? How about five of them? Welcome to bestselling author Alexa Aston’s new Regency romance series, the Dukes of Distinction! These five aristocrats all come with nicknames Polite Society has bestowed upon them. Renown. Charm. Disrepute. Arrogance. Honor. A beautiful widow at the mercy of selfish relatives . . . A duke broken by a terrible secret . . . Lady Elise Ruthersby is with child when her husband is killed, and the family awaits the birth to see who will be the new earl. A daughter arrives, relegating Elise to the status of a servant as she becomes the unpaid governess to her two nephews. Weston Wallace, the Duke of Treadwell, learns a devastating secret about his fiancée the night before their wedding, causing him to break their engagement. He becomes London’s most notorious rake, with a rule that he only beds a woman once. When Elise and her daughter are trapped in a carriage struck by a flaming tree in a perilous storm, Weston rescues the pair. Years of cynicism fall to the wayside as he becomes captivated by the beautiful widow and her enchanting daughter. Weston decides he must marry the woman who has thawed his cold heart without scaring her away because of his vile reputation. The two strike a bargain where Elise will help Weston navigate the Marriage Mart during the upcoming Season if he will help her find a husband. Little does the unsuspecting widow know that London’s most infamous womanizer has already decided who his duchess will be. Can the Duke of Disrepute convince Elise that he’s a changed man—due to love? Find the answer in The Duke of Disrepute, Book 3 in the Dukes of Distinction . Each book in Dukes of Distinction is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited. Amazon The Author Award-winning and internationally bestselling author Alexa Aston lives with her husband in a Dallas suburb, where she eats her fair share of dark chocolate and plots out stories while she walks every morning. She’s a binge fiend (The Crown and Ozark are favorites) who enjoys travel, sports, and time with her family. Her historical romances bring to life loveable rogues and dashing knights, while her contemporary romances are light and flirty and sometimes contain a bit of suspense. Her series include Soldiers & Soulmates, Hollywood Name Game, and The St. Clairs. Website: alexaaston.com Genre: Historical Romance Type: Novel Series: Dukes of Distinction Publication date: April 6, 2021 Content Rating: 5 Hearts View rating system

Voting is open for the April 2021 book cover contest. View the finalists and c ast your vote on the cover contest page.

Congratulations to Toni Mount, author of The Colour of Evil , winner of the March 2021 Readers' Choice Cover Contest! This was a close contest with a lot participants, so thank you to all those who voted and supported the wonderful authors and their books! Vote in the new cover contest >

We're thrilled to welcome Jo Ann Brown, author of A Wish for Home , on her tour hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours ! A Wish for Home Caught between who she is…and who she was. Lauren Nolt hasn’t forgiven the Amish community of Lancaster County for shunning her parents. But returning as a successful Englischer working for large developers is just what she needs to get a promotion and give her parents the life they deserve. Coming face-to-face with her childhood bully, Amish widower Adam Hershberger, is the last thing she wants. Yet when her world’s shaken by a shocking discovery, Adam’s the only one she can confide in… Adam’s never forgiven himself for the part he played in Lauren’s past, nor what drove him to do it. But as developers threaten his great-grossdawdi’s farm, she’s the only one who can help. And with his little girl determined to bring him and Lauren together at every turn, keeping his distance is impossible. Now they must learn to trust each other—even as their secret feelings grow stronger. But is love enough to bridge the gap between their very different worlds? Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound | Walmart | BookBub The trade paperback version of A Wish for Home is available exclusively at your local Walmart or Walmart.com “ A Wish for Home is a moving, fast-paced story about family, secrets, misunderstandings, and figuring out what matters most. This stirring romance is sure to capture readers' hearts.”— Suzanne Woods Fisher, author of Mending Fences Enjoy an Excerpt from A Wish for Home Where was a fairy godmother when she needed one? Or a lamp with a genie ready to pop out and grant her three wishes? Lauren knew what the very first one would have been. She wanted to be anywhere but where she was now. Stuck in a storm with Adam Hershberger instead of being at her comfy hotel in Lancaster, reviewing the materials for her presentation tomorrow morning. She couldn’t say such things to the man staring at her as if she were some bug. She doubted he’d understand. He’d get the urgency of preparing for her meeting, but not the fairy-tale references. When her parents had jumped the fence and Lauren had entered a public high school, she’d had to take a crash course in the common cultural references everyone else took for granted. She’d read every fairy tale and watched endless Disney movies in an effort to figure out what her new classmates were talking about. Of course, she’d never believed those charming tales were true, but right now she sure wished one or two of them were. She could have used a magic carpet to fly her to Lancaster. Explaining what had happened to her boss Patrick Giacchino—Don’t call me Pat!—was something she didn’t look forward to doing either. No one was ever supposed to bring him bad news. She guessed her rival Cassie filled his ears with everything he wanted to hear, so Lauren would have to choose her words carefully. Her boss wasn’t her problem now. Adam Hershberger was. She didn’t lower her eyes as he continued to stare with his cool, brown eyes. He’d tried to intimidate her before, and she wouldn’t let him do that again. Not with his steady gaze and not with his unexpected good looks. The last time she’d been in his company, he’d been a pimply-faced kid. His face hadn’t been as sculpted. He’d seldom smiled. The few times he had was when he was about to do something to annoy her or Naomi. Or when he was exulting with his friends about what nasty thing one of them had done to aggravate her and Naomi. She couldn’t help wondering whom Adam had convinced to marry him. Though he didn’t wear a wedding ring—no plain man did—his beard, which followed the strong line of his jaw, was an announcement to the world he’d spoken his vows with his chosen bride. Whom had he married? End of Excerpt Copyright © 2021 by Jo Ann Brown. Shared with permission. TOUR GIVEAWAY (1) winner will receive a print copy of A Wish for Home ! Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight March 30, 2021 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on April 6, 2021. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US/CAN only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here . Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops! The Author Publishers Weekly bestselling author Jo Ann Brown has created characters and stories for as long as she can remember. After college, serving as a US Army quartermaster officer, getting married and increasing her blessings with three children, she sold her first book in 1987. Since then, she has sold over one hundred titles. RT Book Reviews called her “a truly talented author.” She loves teaching and established the romance writing course at Brown University. She divides her time between Florida and Massachusetts with her husband of over forty years. Find out more about Jo Ann and her books at www.joannbrownbooks.com . Title: A Wish for Home Series: Secrets of Bliss Valley #1 Type: Novel Author: Jo Ann Brown Publisher: Love Inspired Trade Release Date: March 30, 2021 Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance/Amish Content Note: 1 Heart View our rating system 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!

"This is the crown of excellence...A brilliant conclusion to the series, [it] is a must-read. It can be read as a standalone, too. Fans of Diana Gabaldon will swoon over Return of the Raven." — N. N. Light's Book Heaven Return of the Raven Margaret, Lady Ravenwood, is trapped in a loveless marriage and firmly entrenched in the medieval world. Along comes Griffin Nightshade, a historian from the future whose soul resonates with hers. He persuades her to return with him to the 1950s, but heeding her heart means courting danger from a curse that could spell her doom. Haunted by his parents' sudden deaths, Griffin knows all too well the pain born of love lost. He guards his emotions, but Margaret delves deep and goes straight to the soul. She's hard to resist…and harder to set free. The heart's desire and history's demands don't always agree. Yet true love is eternal. Amazon | Apple | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Google Add to Goodreads In the author's words . . . Return of the Raven is the fifth and final book in my medieval/time travel romance series, The Novels of Ravenwood. I do feel a sense of accomplishment, but it’s bittersweet. Tears welled in my eyes a number of times as I wrote the last two chapters, and at one point, I bawled like a baby. But I also smiled a great deal. I’d done justice to the characters and the overarching story I envisioned when first plotting the series years ago. Enjoy an Excerpt from Return of the Raven Held in the ballroom of a nearby hotel, the after-party boasted a band of musicians, savory food, a variety of drinks, and a three-tier, white-frosted cake. After consuming a sizeable portion of said cake and a goodly amount of fruit punch, Margaret sat beside Griffin against the wall, watching the other guests and the happy couple interact. The bride and groom took to the dance floor and moved as though they were one body, which in essence they now were. Frank and Hannah also danced, talking and laughing as they often did around the manor. Oh to be so happily joined with another. If only… There it was again: the recurring, inevitable “if only.” Her nights were full of them. She lay in bed staring up at the darkened canopy, wishing he were there beside her. Perhaps ʼtwas wanton and wrong, or by some standards, ridiculous. But the heart wants what it wants. Hers wanted Griffin. Not just for a day or even a year but forever. She loved him. ʼTwas as simple—and as complicated—as that. He turned to her now, and his warm, brown eyes sparkled with an invitation. “Shall we dance?” Her stomach dropped. “I don’t know how.” He gestured to the dancing couples. “Look at the other women. And see that little boy and girl? If they can do it, so can we. You’ll put your left hand on my shoulder, and your right hand will hold mine. Then you’ll move your feet when I do. Don’t worry. I’ll guide you.” “Well…” The need to touch him, to feel his hands on her again, outweighed her doubt. “I’ll try.” He led her to the dance floor, and she did as he instructed. Leisurely, they began to move. Always the teacher. What might I learn in your bed? Heat flushed her cheeks. Thankfully, the dance was slow; perfect for a beginner such as she. But the gentle pace enfolded them in a mantle of intimacy. “This song is called ‘When I Fall in Love.’” His voice was soft and low. “Fall?” He nodded in silence. Aye, ʼtis very much like falling. Like stepping off the side of a cliff. Once you take that step, there’s no turning back and no stopping what’s to come. What would come of her feelings? Heartache? “The melody is pleasing.” “I’ve always thought so.” She looked up at him and gazed into his eyes. “You were right. Dancing isn’t as difficult as I thought.” A grin escaped her lips. “Of course, ʼtwould be easier in different shoes.” Her “kitten heels” turned every step into a dare. His smile stole her breath. “They’re not very practical, are they?” “No. Nor are they comfortable.” She longed to kick them off and wiggle her cramped toes, but that must wait till later. “You look lovely, though.” Suddenly, the discomfort seemed worthwhile, and her heart shifted to a rhythm livelier than their dance. “Thank you. You look good yourself.” “Thank you. You smell nice, too. Roses?” “Aye.” His scent seemed an intoxicating mixture of nutmeg, cinnamon, and musk. “A new bubble bath.” “I trust you had a better experience this time around.” She gave him a rueful grin. “Easier perhaps, but not better. You weren’t there.” His eyes darkened, beckoned her into their depths. “Meg.” He sounded breathless. Her heart fluttered. “I should’ve made some excuse to summon you again. Would you have come?” “I would have.” “Would you have helped me from the tub?” “If you needed help.” Everything else in the ballroom faded into insignificance. There was only him. “What if I needed another kiss?” His gaze dropped to her lips. “No one needs a kiss.” “I beg to differ.” She needed so much more than that. Her stomach quivered. “But mayhap I should beg for something else.” “Such as?” His husky voice caressed her ears. “Use your imagination, Griff. You’ll think of something.” He pulled her closer. The heat of his body mingled with hers. “You really shouldn’t say such things.” “Why not? I’m thinking them.” And feeling things I never dreamed I could. Until you. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. You’re dangerous.” End of Excerpt Excerpt Copyright © Judith Sterling "Inventive and action-packed...Sterling entertained us with her extensive research...as well as her delicious sense of humor. On a scale of 1 - 5, Return of the Raven earns a 6." — Wild Women Reviews Enter to win an autographed copy of Return of the Raven! The giveaway is open to the US only and ends on April 9, 2021. You must be 18 or older to enter. Void where prohibited by law. A purchase does not alter your chances of winning. This giveaway is sponsored by the author. Enter by completing the form below. You may earn a bonus entry by commenting and telling us what you like about time-travel romance. If commenting, use the same first name as entered on the form. Meet the Author Judith Sterling is an award-winning author whose love of history and passion for the paranormal infuse everything she writes. Whether penning medieval romance (The Novels of Ravenwood) or young adult paranormal fantasy (the Guardians of Erin series), her favorite themes include true love, destiny, time travel, healing, redemption, and finding the hidden magic which exists all around us. She loves to share that magic with readers and whisk them far away from their troubles, particularly to locations in the British Isles. Her nonfiction books, written under Judith Marshall, have been translated into multiple languages. She has an MA in linguistics and a BA in history, with a minor in British Studies. Born in that sauna called Florida, she craved cooler climes and lived in England, Scotland, Sweden, Wisconsin, Virginia, and on the island of Nantucket. She currently lives in Salem, Massachusetts with her husband and their identical twin sons. Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Bookbub Title: Return of the Raven Author: Judith Sterling Genre: Time-Travel Romance with Paranormal Elements Publisher: Wild Rose Press Release Date: February 17, 2021 Type: Novel 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!

"...superbly crafted ... an irresistible story..." — Matthew Lewis, Author of non-fiction histories and historical fiction The Colour of Evil Share Seb Foxley’s latest adventures in the filthy streets of medieval London, and meet his fellow citizens, both the respectable and the villainous. Every Londoner has money worries and talented artist and some-time sleuth, Seb Foxley, is no exception. When fellow craftsmen with debts to pay are found dead in the most horrid circumstances, fears escalate. Only Seb can solve the puzzles that baffle the authorities. Seb’s wayward elder brother, Jude, returns unannounced from Italy with a bride upon his arm. Shock turns to dismay when life becomes more complicated and troubles multiply. From counterfeit coins to deadly darkness in London's worst corners, mysterious thefts to attacks of murderous intent, Seb finds himself embroiled at every turn. With a royal commission to fulfil and heartache to resolve, can our hero win through against the odds? Goodreads | Kindle Unlimited | Paperback In the author's words . . . I love the history of England and in particular London, I seem to be able to bring the stinking street of medieval times to life and I love sharing these scenes and the characters that inhabit them to life. I've taken my hero, Seb, from a crippled young man to a respected business man, meeting with royalty and dealing with villains in equal measure. I love sharing my enthusiasm for history with others. Enjoy an Excerpt from The Colour of Evil In the tunnels under the Tower of London We four – Adam, Thaddeus, Gawain and I – found a court with a narrow alley leading off, towards the Tower. It fit Mistress Alder’s description well enough. At the end was a hovel: little more than a few timber palings nailed together. But it proved to be the concealed entrance, as I had been told. ‘I cannot go in there.’ I eyed the narrow cleft that led off into absolute darkness. ‘I have been lost in these tunnels ’neath the Tower a year since. It was terrifying; blacker than hell itself. I will not do so again.’ ‘Come on, Seb. I never had you marked out for a coward,’ Adam said. ‘Besides, this time there are three of us and we each have a torch to light our way. And this can’t be the same tunnel since the Tower is over yonder.’ ‘And how else will we unravel this mystery?’ Thaddeus added. ‘You want answers, do you not? As we all do.’ ‘Aye, but not down a tunnel... See Gawain? He has better sense. He wants no part of this, wise dog that he be.’ It was true for Gawain’s tail and ears were drooping and he had come but half a pace within the hovel. He whimpered at the prospect. ‘Gawain can wait here for our return. Have courage, cousin: we’ll come to no harm.’ ‘How can you know? Who can tell what dangers may lurk within? We be in search of an evil-doer. If he lies in wait for us...’ ‘How can anyone be lying in wait? Nobody knows we’re coming.’ Adam was peeved at my reticence. ‘I do not like the feel of this place.’ ‘Stop it, Seb. I’m going in and Thaddeus is coming with me to sort this matter out, once and for all. Is that not so, Thaddeus?’ My cousin seemed to have taken charge, eager for adventure. The bailiff nodded agreement as Adam took flint and tinder and lit our torches. ‘You can come with us, or wait here or go home; whatever you please,’ he said, waiting as the flames caught and settled. ‘Come along, Thaddeus. We’ve wasted too much time as it is.’ I watched as my cousin and my friend squeezed their way through the narrow entrance, pushing aside the nailed boards that had concealed it, disappearing from my sight. Only then did it occur to me: it was likely a black maze beyond; how would they find their way back out of the labyrinth? ‘Wait! I have chalk to mark the walls.’ I rummaged for the piece of soft white rock within my scrip. Afore I realised, I was hastening after them; chalk in one hand and a lighted torch in the other. A yard or two into the tunnel, I paused to mark a bold chalk cross upon the wall to the left hand, then followed on, hearing the footsteps and voices ahead of me. Every twenty paces or thereabouts, I marked another cross – Our Lord’s symbol to guide us back to the light when this devil’s enterprise was done. It was as well that I had thought to use the chalk forewhy my torch illumined many a side passage, leading off on either hand, into oblivion. We might so easily take a wrong turning upon our return for the tunnels seemed a nest of entangled serpents, all entwined. We were together now, Adam and Thaddeus having waited for me to catch up. Assiduously, I continued to mark the wall. In places this proved difficult, where I had to scratch away the slime; in others the stones were dry but crumbling to dust. I feared a roof fall might happen at any moment but kept silent regarding my anxieties. As it was, my cousin had named me for a cowardly fellow. It concerned me greatly that we had not the least idea of our destination nor what we would find there. How might we know if we were but seeking spectres and phantasms? Was there anything to be found down here? Mayhap, we were cursed to wander in this foul place, forever lost in darkness. I checked my wild thoughts, meandering like these tunnels. All will be well, I told myself. I wiped sweat from my brow. ‘Look to our torch flames,’ I said. No longer bright yellow, they burned a dull, amber hue. ‘If we hope to find some alchemical process being conducted, then that requires fire. Fire makes smoke and, since no one could see and breathe in thick smoke, there must be a vent or chimney through which it makes its escape. I sense we be too far underground by now for either case. If such work goes on here, it must be in one of the side passages closer to the entrance. Nobody would bring a still, furnace, charcoal and equipment so far as this.’ ‘They could put it in a barrow. The passages are wide enough,’ Adam said, ‘I think we should go a way farther. After all, these tunnels must have been built to serve a purpose once.’ ‘I don’t know... ’Tis airless in here,’ Thaddeus said, sagging against the wall, knocking loose a shower of dust which set us coughing. ‘I’m getting breathless just walking.’ He was correct and Adam agreed. ‘Call me coward, if you will,’ I said. ‘But I think we must go back. There be evil here; I sense it surrounding us. Besides, I do not feel so good.’ Only as I spoke the words did I realise it was the case. My head ached and was rapidly filling with cobwebs, making clear thought more difficult by the moment. ‘Let’s get out of here,’ Thaddeus insisted. ‘Seb’s right. I’m feeling strange too. Come on.’ The bailiff turned his back and began to retrace his steps. He held his torch, ever dimmer now, so it shone upon the wall, searching out the chalk crosses. Much in need now of fresh air and – in my case – daylight, we went eagerly, although a strange lethargy began to drag at my heels. The others were slowing also and I found myself ahead of them both upon our retreat. Then came disaster. Of a sudden, I could not see any chalk crosses. I searched the walls, frantic to rediscover our holy guidance. My first panicked conclusion dawned: ‘Someone has followed us,’ I cried, ‘Erasing the marks I made. I know not which way... and what of the one who pursues us? Where is the devil? God save us! What can be done now? We be lost!’ My head spun; a flood of despair and dizziness nigh knocked me to the ground as if a flesh and blood assailant attacked me. I wish it had been so. I might defend myself against a fist or a club but against these invisible foes what could I do? ‘On your feet, cousin,’ Adam demanded, dragging at my arm. ‘Come! We’re not done for yet.’ He and Thaddeus pulled me upright, though neither man looked much better than I felt. Sweat ran from Adam’s face and his skin looked an odd hue in the ever-diminishing torchlight. ‘We need to get out before the torches give up.’ Thaddeus took a wheezing breath and was next to stumble. It needed all our strength to get him to stand. We were unsteady, staggering against one another like vintners who had garbled their own wares to excess. ‘We must have taken a wrong turn,’ I gasped. ‘So no crosses... if we keep going... upon an upward slope... we must reach the streets... once more.’ I prayed my befuddled mind was making sense enough to get us out of this accursed place. Else we would die, cursed, down here. End of Excerpt Copyright © 2021 by Toni Mount. Shared with permission. Download your copy of The Foxley Letters ! A Sebastian Foxley Medieval Mystery FREE BOOK Why not visit Sebastian Foxley’s web page to discover more about his life and times? www.SebastianFoxley.com . The Author Toni Mount earned her Master’s Degree by completing original research into a unique 15th-century medical manuscript. She is the author of several successful non-fiction books including the number one bestseller, Everyday Life in Medieval England , which reflects her detailed knowledge in the lives of ordinary people in the Middle Ages. Toni’s enthusiastic understanding of the period allows her to create accurate, atmospheric settings and realistic characters for her Sebastian Foxley medieval murder mysteries. Toni’s first career was as a scientist and this brings an extra dimension to her novels. It also led to her new biography of Sir Isaac Newton. She writes regularly for both The Richard III Society and The Tudor Society and is a major contributor of online courses to MedievalCourses.com. As well as writing, Toni teaches history to adults, coordinates a creative writing group and is a member of the Crime Writers’ Association. Learn more at http://tonimount.com . Title: The Colour of Evil Series: Sebastian Foxley series of medieval mysteries, book #9 Type: Novel Author: Toni Mount Publisher: Madeglobal Publishing Release Date: March 25, 2021 Genre: Historical Mystery Content Note: PG-13 (1) View our rating system 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!