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

Her past…or her future? It's taken Amy Finley ten years, but she's finally ready to return to her hometown of Heartache, Tennessee, and face the past. She just never expected that would include reuniting with her high school sweetheart and now town sheriff, Sam Reyes. Or that Sam's latest case would lead right back to the darkest chapter in her life. The attraction between Amy and Sam is definitely still there, not to mention that she's sure she could quickly grow to love his cute baby son. But can he forgive her for keeping her secrets? Can she forgive herself? ​ Series: Heartache, TN, Book Four Publish Date: September 1, 2016 A READER'S OPINION Delightful and refreshing! Whispers Under a Southern Sky is a charming contemporary romance of forgiveness, trust, hope and second chances. I haven't read Joanne Rock's previous stories in her Heartache series, but I didn't have any trouble following her characters, Amy and Sam. Whispers Under a Southern Sky tells the story of Amy, who after an absence of ten years, returns to her hometown of Heartache to support her sister, Heather, in a judicial case. Except going back there means she'll remember secrets from her past that she would rather forget, but she needs to move on. Enters back in her life, Sam, the town sheriff, who will probably upset her even more. Is the flame still burning between these two? Will she forgive him? Will she trust him again? Their relationship is complicated because they are complex characters. Can they get a second chance and start fresh a new solid relationship that could end on a happy note! I really enjoyed this sweet and romantic tale! It's well written with a tight plot that caught my attention from the first page, until the very end. Format Read: E-Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 4 Stars | Content Rating: 4 1/2 Hears | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance

A STRANGER'S SMILE Christmas may be coming to Linavar, but Temperance Menzie is far from joyful. Grief-stricken over the death of her father at the hands of the Black Riders, she almost didn't see the wounded stranger in the woods. And now she's determined to give this braw, brooding Highlander the help she couldn't give her father. But there's a secret lurking in the depths of his blue-gray eyes. And Temperance won't rest until she uncovers it . . . A LOVER'S KISS A killer for hire. It's the last thing Cailean Grant ever thought he'd become, but being part of the Black Riders was his only way to survive. Now, his guilt grows day by day, along with his desire for the beautiful, brave lass nursing him back to health. As Christmas, the season of miracles, draws near and the truth of his identity threatens to come out, Cailean must risk the only thing he has left to lose-his heart. ​ Series: Highland Heirs A READER'S OPINION A Highlander's Christmas Kiss is a true gem, and one of the most enjoyable Highland romances I've read since Julie Garwood's Ransom . Paula Quinn pulled me into her meticulously woven story of intrigue and passion, laced with battle scars and a delectable supporting cast of characters. Cailean was an unexpected delight, atypical of many Highland romances where the man is roving about as he pleases with every pretty face he fancies. Not so Cailean, and I'll admit this particular trait endeared him to me all the more. Temperance is as unique as her name, strong and worthy of a man like Cailean. Neither is without blame or heartache, but when two grief-stricken and wounded souls find each other, the magic is indescribable. Their passion made my skin tingle and their tender love rose beyond a tumble in the sheets or a few spoken words. The Scottish Highlands are indeed a magical place, and one close to my own heart and soul, so I appreciated the author's respect for and description of the setting (though I would have loved a bit more). Her use of the dialect was just enough to bring the accents to life in my mind, but not so much that I was pulled from the story. A perfect balance. Poignant, sensual, adventurous, and with a keen attention to rich detail and compelling characters, Paula Quinn appears to have mastered the art of Highland romance. This is the first book I've read by the author, and now please excuse me while I go and buy more. Format Read: Mass Market Paperback Source: Provided by the publisher Content Rating: 5 Hearts BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM Historical/Highland Romance | Pub: September 27, 2016 | 342pp Format Read: Paperback | Source: Provided by the author or publisher #AReadersOpinion #HighlandRomance #HistoricalRomance

From Mary Frances Fisher comes her debut novel, Paradox Forged in Blood , a book based on true events and stories passed down from the author’s family. Comments Mary Frances, “Writing Paradox Forged in Blood was cathartic for me following the death of my mother—a wonderfully compassionate and caring woman who possessed the soul and spirit of a true Irish lass. It enabled me to cast her in a wonderful murder mystery at a time when the world was reeling from the Great Depression before being thrust into World War II. In spite of a world gone seemingly mad, she discovers that love, family, and a sense of humor brought much-needed sanity to an otherwise chaotic time.” A murder on Millionaire's Row. A killer's chilling words, "Shh. I know where you live." A woman tormented by her guilt-ridden past. A historical murder mystery, Paradox Forged in Blood is set in Cleveland, Ohio, during the late 1930s. Four decades after the murder of socialite Louis Sheridan, the cold case is resurrected with receipt of new evidence that transports detectives back to Nazi Germany. The only living witness, Ellen O'Malley, must confront a haunting secret and her complicit actions. Print Length: 377 pages Publication Date: August 24, 2016 Excerpt from Paradox Forged in Blood [On June 7, 1986], Ellen O’Malley Szabo thought to herself, for perhaps the hundredth time today, why couldn’t the past stay where it belonged? … Ellen knew her well-kept secret of more than 40 years would soon come to light and, with it, her complicit actions leading to murder . . . The Cleveland NorthShore Post ___________________________________________________ Saturday June 7, 1986 60¢ ___________________________________________________ Cold Case Unit Reopens 1939 Murder of Cleveland Socialite with Receipt of Missing Evidence Cleveland, Ohio.—Forty-seven years ago on December 23, 1939, socialites Louis and Marianne Sheridan attended a party leaving three people at home: Alice Webber, the housekeeper; Bridget, the Sheridan’s seven-month-old daughter; and Ellen O’Malley, the nanny. A neighbor [on Millionaire’s Row] heard a loud scream about 9 p.m. and called the police. Cleveland detectives Frank Szabo and Kevin Collins found the Sheridans’ front door open and two bodies lying in a heap just inside the foyer. Although Marianne was alive, her husband had sustained a fatal gunshot wound . . . Two days ago, Cleveland police received a package wrapped in the 1939 newspaper account of the murder. The anonymous submission contained a small handgun covered with a dried substance (believed to be blood), a black mask, and a sheet of paper with the cryptic hand-written message Forgive Me . . . READ MORE >>> Meet the Author Mary Frances Fisher, a lifelong resident of Cleveland OH, has spent the majority of her career as a legal nurse consultant and signed with Taxi Modeling and Talent Agency as a commercial print model in 2012. With Germaine Moody and writer contributions from over 100 countries, she co-authored her first published work in 2013, 50 Seeds of Greatness (www.50seedsofgreatness.com). Her additional writing experiences include several short stories published by Transcendent Publishing: "Earning My Wings" in Touched by an Angel: A Collection of Divinely Inspired Stories and Poems, October 2013; "Mercy's Legacy" in Best of Spiritual Writers Network 2013, December 2013; "Be Careful What You Wish For" in The Best of Spiritual Writers Network 2014, January 2015; and "The Gift" in Finding Our Wings: A Collection of Angelic Stories and Poems, March 2016. She has written a screenplay based on "Mercy's Legacy" and is working on a Paradox Forged in Blood companion novel, Growing Up O’Malley. Mary Frances lives in a suburb of Cleveland with her family. Connect with the author at www.maryfrancesfisher.com . #NewReleasePost #HistoricalFiction #GuestAuthor

THE BOOK She’s at the end of her rope . . . Charlie Anderson needs a farm hand. The moment the sexy, mysterious stranger sets foot on her grandparents’ land, inquiring about a job opening, he rattles her senses, her cage, and her equilibrium, the likes of which she’s never experienced before. She never anticipated her scandalous thoughts getting in the way. She’s terrified, but desire trumps fear, and she gives in to a sinful temptation. He has a hidden agenda . . . Alex McCray has a plan. A plan having nothing to do with romance. His discovery, that “Charlie” is a voluptuous, beautiful woman, leaves him shaken, and he needs to proceed with extreme caution. Working next to her, everyday, stirs up a raw hunger he desperately tries to ignore. And he should, since he has an ulterior motive. Alex should also resist her intoxicating sensuality, but he can’t, because he cannot get enough. A READER'S OPINION A sizzling and tender love story! On A Gamble by Rose Lange is a contemporary romance with a little spicy touch! I'm honored and happy to have been a reviewer for this romantic fiction story. Charlie, a beautiful woman, needs a man to help her on the ranch, and Alex, a sexy cowboy, needs a job! But when he applies for the job, he has an ulterior motive. When she first meets him, all hell brakes loose! Sparks flare to ignite a rich passion! The chemistry between Charlie and Alex is sizzling! The more time they spend working together the more the temptation becomes obvious! Charlie realizes that she's falling in love with Alex, but his lies and betrayal will break the trust she had in him. Lots of ups and downs in their lives . . . let's say it's a love/hate relationship. Will she give him a second chance and trust Alex again? I really loved On A Gamble . It's a cute and romantic love story. The love scenes are very well written with tenderness, humor and finesse. This is my second book by this author and I am looking forward to her other contemporaries. Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 5 Stars | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure BUY AT AMAZON | VIEW OUR RATING SYSTEM #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance

Vikings evoke images of strong men who allow nothing to stand in their way. They're not normally associated with tender feelings. Wildflowers conjure more personal and sentimental images. In BANISHED, a handful of bluebells picked from a meadow by childhood sweethearts becomes a symbol and eventually an acknowledgement of a love long denied. Audra longs to leave behind the life of an elite mercenary, a role forced on her after her father’s banishment from the Viking brotherhood. A journey from exile to the court of King Canute offers a new life, though she fears few men will want her once her history is known. The bloody feud that precipitated her father’s banishment resurfaces when she is unexpectedly reunited with a childhood sweetheart. Sigmar has always held her heart, but he is the son of her father’s enemy. Sigmar’s hopes for advancement in Canute’s service will be dashed if he obeys the dictates of family honor. Can Audra and Sigmar lay the hatreds of the past to rest, or will the Viking code of vengeance triumph? This novella first appeared in the anthology SIRENS OF THE NORTHERN SEAS. A READER'S OPINION Another great Viking adventure! BANISHED by Anna Markland, is the tale of a simple handful of Bluebells picked by Audra, the heroine and Sygmar, the hero, who both need to forget their pasts in order to move on with their lives. This short novella appeared in the anthology SIRENS OF THE NORTHERN SEAS. It's a beautiful Viking story filled with hope, passion and adventure. Who doesn't love Medieval romances? Banished is Audra and Sigmar's journey, which is filled with twists and turns! Audra only wants to forget her dark past as a mercenary and start a fresh new life. But she fears that men won't accept her with her secret past! Enters back in her life a long time sweetheart, Sigmar, the enemy's son. Their relationship is complicated, and almost impossible because both their families are feuding. Can Laura and Sigmar's love for each other bring back peace and harmony to these Viking families? Will destiny reunite these two beautiful souls? Anna Markland is an excellent storyteller and a talented writer of historical romances. This novella is action packed, very well written and documented with historical details that make this story simply fascinating to read. Lovers of Viking romances will love this short but captivating novella! ​​ Format Read: E-Book Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 5 Hearts | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalRomance

Having spent a lifetime in competition with his older brother Aaron--who always seemed to get the girl--Jack Peterson leaves the U.S. to become a foreign correspondent in the Middle East. When a roadside bomb forces him to return home to recover from his wounds, he quickly becomes the most celebrated journalist on television, and is awarded his own prime time news program. Now, wealthy and successful beyond his wildest dreams, Jack believes he has finally found where he is meant to be. But when a giant commercial airliner explodes in the sky over his summer house in Cape Elizabeth, all hell breaks loose as the wreckage crashes to the ground. He has no idea that his life is about to take another astonishing turn... ​ Meg Andrews grew up with a fear of flying, but when it meant she wouldn't be able to visit her boyfriend on the opposite side of the country, she confronted her fear head-on and earned her pilot's license. Now, a decade later, she is a respected airline crash investigator, passionate about her work, to the point of obsession. When she arrives in the picturesque seaside community of Cape Elizabeth to investigate a massive airline disaster, she meets the famous and charismatic Jack Peterson, who has his own personal fascination with plane crashes.As the investigation intensifies, Meg and Jack feel a powerful, inexplicable connection to each other. Soon, they realize that the truth behind the crash--and the mystery of their connection--can only be discovered through the strength of the human spirit, the timeless bonds of family, and the gift of second chances. ​ Series: The Color of Heaven Series, Book 11 A READER'S OPINION Intense and dramatic! I love Julianne MacLean’s books and style of writing. She is a talented author who writes stories filled with strong characters and beautiful emotions. She is also the author of great historical romances set in the Regency era, and Highlanders adventures. Be sure to read her whole series, The Color of Heaven ! Let yourself be swept away by Ms. MacLean's new novel The Color of a Promise! Once again, she really sent me on a roller coaster ride of emotions! In this 11th installment of the Color series we learn more about Jack Peterson, who we met in the 10th book, The Color of Forever . This time, it's his own journey with Meg Andrews in a heart-rending and complex love story. It's also about drama, soul searching and introspection. Jack leaves the U.S. to become a foreign correspondent in the Middle East, when a roadside bomb forces him to return home to recover from his wounds. But when a plane explodes in the sky over his summer house, his life will forever change. Meg grew up with a fear of flying, but now she is an obsessed airline crash investigator. Jack and Meg are thrown together after this plane crash. Ms. MacLean's entire series is a must to read! She never disappoints me. ​​ Format Read: Paperback Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 1 Heart | Reviewed by: Nicole Laverdure #AReadersOpinion #ContemporaryRomance

He wanted no woman, except one made of sails and wood and wind ... Handsome, wily Irish privateer Captain Brendan Jay Merrick is running from a painful past -- and fighting for a new nation's future when he arrives in the colonial town of Newburyport, Massachusetts, with plans for shipwright Ephraim Ashton to build his magnificent new schooner. Brendan's daring sea battles against His Majesty's fleet have made him a legend in his adopted country—but one look at the dashing stranger and Ashton's daughter Mira starts making plans of her own. . . . She wanted no man—but him. Brash, hot-tempered, and born at sea in a raging gale, Mira Ashton is more than most men can manage. Disguising herself as a crew member and sneaking aboard Brendan's newly-built Kestrel, she becomes the schooner's finest gunner . . . and the captain's most outrageous distraction. As desire ignites between them, Mira finds herself competing against Kestrel for Brendan's love. But when tragedy strikes, Mira must join forces with her mighty rival in a daring adventure that turns the tide of battle and brings glorious victory to the colonists, the captain . . . and the lady who has captured his heart. ​ Series: Heroes of the Sea, Book Two A READER'S OPINION Captain Brendan Jay Merrick is a rising Naval officer in the British Royal Navy, and just like his father before him, his love and mistress was the sea. An all around golden boy, loved and admired by all, he was going places. Nothing could go wrong for the young rising star until one fateful day he boards his old ship, of which the vile and cruel Captain Crichton is in command and who was caught whipping one of the sailors. What ensues is life altering for Brendan, who's shot and falls overboard. Years pass and Brendan and Crichton will meet again. Mira Ashton is a young woman you has guts is vulgar and unrefined not your typical young lady. Her father owns a ship-building company and her brother is a well known privateer, and Mira his best gunner. Mira doesn't ever back down from a challenge she defends the weak, loves rescuing cats, riding like the wind, and sailing with her brother. Mira first meets Brendan when her brother brings him in half drowned, and her fascination with him turns to instant attraction. Brendan doesn't know what to make of her; he only knows that he can't help the attraction that burns in his veins for her. Brendan has Mira's father build him the finest ship in America history, and Britain for that matter. So much adventure and breathless discription of battles fought of life and death only enhances the lure of Danelle Harmon's gift of story telling. Will Captain Crichton get his revenge on Brendan? Can Mira compete with Brendan's love of the sea? Follow Mira and Brendan through an epic adventure on the high seas! Beautiful story and breathtaking battles, and a love story that will leave you wanting more! Danelle Harmon is incomparable in capturing your heart with her magical storytelling. ​ Format Read: E-Book Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating: 5 Stars | Content Rating: 4 Hearts | Reviewed by: Maria Rose Dariotis #AReadersOpinion

A Royal Newfoundland Regiment Love Story In the summer of 1914, Daniel Beresford’s innocent love affair with the merchant’s daughter is discovered, forcing him to make an impossible decision to save his family from financial ruin. When news of the First World War reaches Middle Tickle, Daniel, who is torn between his love for Emma Tavenor and his responsibility to his family, enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment and departs for training. When Emma learns her father is to blame for Daniel’s unexplained departure, she follows him to England, hoping they’ll be reunited. Yet on the voyage, she discovers the regiment has been called up and is already engaged in battle. She realizes her only hope of finding Daniel is to join the Voluntary Aid Detachment and make her way to the Western Front. In 1916, on the eve of the Battle of the Somme, Emma and Daniel are reunited for a single, impassioned night near Beaumont-Hamel. Can the love they share survive the barriers of class and the horrors of battle? Or are their lives fated to join what would later be called a lost generation? A READER'S OPINION It is the most touching story I have ever read! A Splendid Boy , written by talented storyteller, Melanie Martin, is a captivating and very touching story of two beautiful souls who became heroes at the Battle of the Somme during the First World War. Their love for each other was so powerful that it survived the horrors and atrocities of the war. I'm overwhelmed with emotions, and I even cried during certain passages. A Splendid Boy is a little gem to discover! In the summer of 1914, two young people—Daniel and Emma—fell in love. To save his family from financial problems, Daniel leaves Emma and enlists in the Newfoundland Regiment to be sent to England to battle in war. Discovering he is gone, she enlists in the Voluntary Aid Detachment in hope of finding him alive among the chaos of wartime. In 1916, they meet for a brief moment, never to see each other again! Can their love to be strong enough to give them a second chance, against all odds? As soon as I started to read this touching story, I immediately got pulled into Daniel and Emma's beautiful journey of hope! Ms. Martin's research is well detailed and well written. This author is a very descriptive writer. I really enjoyed this dramatic story! ​ Format Read: Paperback Book Source: Provided by the author or publisher Reviewer's Rating : 5 Stars | Content Rating : 3 Hearts | Reviewed by : Nicole Laverdure #AReadersOpinion #HistoricalFiction

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

Highway to the Glaciers by Verna Cole Mitchell In memory do I recall Pictures, painted on my heart As we traveled to the top Of Canada's Glacier Highway. ​ Two rivers meet and travel side by side Til finally, they merge. White water races sunlight Down rugged canyon sides. Treacherous rocks, Jutting from swift streams, Await unwary rafters. Trees, like an old man's beard, Stubble the mountainside. Sand villages of wind's design Appear to be deserted. Trains chug along tunnel trestles Through granite walls. Hills of slag stand and wait For winter's icy hand to grip the roads. A tiny green church nestles prayerfully Deep inside a green valley. An antlered buck stands tall Against a sagebrush landscape. Communities of brilliant waterfalls Cascade with a roaring rush. Big-horned sheep families Nimbly traverse jagged cliffs. Mountain goats share the highway With caravans of cars, Loaded logging trucks And out-of-breath cyclists. Beyond pink-tufted plants And carpets of dainty white flowers, Hardy hikers climb steep trails. Mountains, sculpted by ice floe, Form the backdrop For quaint little towns. ​ ​ Poem from Word Tapestry , a book of poetry by Verna Cole Mitchell. ​ #PoetryCollection #Poetry #ThePoetsNook

Canadian author M.K. Tod joins us today to share with readers her beautiful novel, Time and Regret . When Grace Hansen finds a box belonging to her beloved grandfather, she has no idea it holds the key to his past—and to long-buried family secrets. In the box are his World War I diaries and a cryptic note addressed to her. Determined to solve her grandfather’s puzzle, Grace follows his diary entries across towns and battle sites in northern France, where she becomes increasingly drawn to a charming French man—and suddenly aware that someone is following her… Through her grandfather’s vivid writing and Grace’s own travels, a picture emerges of a man very unlike the one who raised her: one who watched countless friends and loved ones die horrifically in battle; one who lived a life of regret. But her grandfather wasn’t the only one harboring secrets, and the more Grace learns about her family, the less she thinks she can trust them. Release Date: August 16, 2016 Publisher: Lake Union Publishing eBook & Paperback; 366 Pages Genre: Historical Fiction Praise For Time and Regret “With fluid prose and a keen eye for detail, M.K. Tod takes readers on a decades-spanning journey of wartime loss, family secrets, and, ultimately, redemption.” – Holly Smith, Managing Editor, Washington Independent Review of Books “Spiced with mystery and a spark of romance, TIME AND REGRET is an immersive journey into one man’s brave but terrifying slog through the killing fields of France and Flanders during WWI. Tod’s prose brims with exquisite atmospheric detail, drawing the reader into an unforgettable story.” – Juliet Grey: author of the acclaimed Marie Antoinette trilogy “Time and Regret, equally captivating and suspenseful, presents well-drawn characters who strive to resolve past mysteries and overcome present obstacles. M.K. Tod is an impressively gifted storyteller who creates relatable conflicts and believable dangers. Highly recommended!” – Bestselling author Margaret Porter “Hugely satisfying – impossible to put down.” – Elizabeth St. John, author of The Lady of the Tower “Time and Regret is something as rare as a treasure hunt with heart. Between the gritty trenches of World War I, the romantic allure of present-day France, and the cut-throat New York arts scene, M.K. Tod has spun a gripping family drama that delves deeply into the effects of war on the human soul and takes us on an intriguing journey of self-discovery. It is a book rich in hard-won wisdom and crucial historical insights, and Tod’s perceptive voice leads us unfaltering through some of the darkest chapters in human history to a very satisfying conclusion.” – Anne Fortier, author of The Lost Sisterhood Meet the Author Time and Regret is M.K. Tod’s third novel. She began writing in 2005 while living as an expat in Hong Kong. What started as an interest in her grandparents’ lives turned into a full-time occupation writing historical fiction. Her novel, Unravelled , was awarded Indie Editor’s Choice by the Historical Novel Society. In addition to writing historical novels, she blogs about reading and writing historical fiction on www.awriterofhistory.com , reviews books for the Historical Novel Society and the Washington Independent Review of Books, and has conducted three highly respected reader surveys. She lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband and is the mother of two adult children. For more information visit M.K. Tod’s website . You can also find her on Facebook , Twitter , and Goodreads . Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/timeandregretblogtour/ Hashtags: #TimeandRegretBlogTour #Historical #Fiction #BlogTour #Giveaway #MKTod Twitter Tags: @hfvbt MKTodAuthor #HistoricalFiction #BlogTour