Book Blog Tour Stop - Diana Gabaldon, author of "Outlander"

Today I'm pleased to host a book blog tour stop for legendary author, Diana Gabaldon, creator of the beloved "Outlander" series.

About The Book:

Claire Randall is leading a double life. She has a husband in one century, and a lover in another.

In 1945, Claire Randall, a former combat nurse, is back from the war and reunited with her husband on a second honeymoon–when she innocently touches a boulder in one of the ancient stone circles that dot the British Isles. Suddenly she is a Sassenach—an “outlander”—in a Scotland torn by war and raiding border clans in the year of our Lord…1743. Hurled back in time by forces she cannot understand, Claire’s destiny in soon inextricably intertwined with Clan MacKenzie and the forbidden Castle Leoch.

She is catapulted without warning into the intrigues of lairds and spies that may threaten her life …and shatter her heart. For here, James Fraser, a gallant young Scots warrior, shows her a passion so fierce and a love so absolute that Claire becomes a woman torn between fidelity and desire…and between two vastly different men in two irreconcilable lives.

My Thoughts:

I remember reading "Outlander" when it was first released in 1991 and being amazed at how thrilling the story was. And a revisit to this classic story reveals that it is still one of the most incredible novels I've read in my lifetime of reading.

Gabaldon combines romance, adventure, para-normal, fantasy and history together for a tale that has proven to be timeless in it's appeal to readers.

Congratulations to Diana on the 20th anniversary of the release of "Outlander."  May you continue to have success with your fabulous books for another 20 years or more!


About The Author:

:

Diana Gabaldon is the author of the award-winning, #1 NYT-bestselling OUTLANDER novels, described by Salon magazine as “the smartest historical sci-fi adventure-romance story ever written by a science Ph.D. with a background in scripting “Scrooge McDuck” comics.”

The adventure began in 1991 with the classic OUTLANDER (“historical fiction with a Moebius twist”), has continued through six more New York Times-bestselling novels–DRAGONFLY IN AMBER, VOYAGER, DRUMS OF AUTUMN, THE FIERY CROSS, A BREATH OF SNOW AND ASHES, and AN ECHO IN THE BONE, with nineteen million copies in print worldwide

The series is published in 26 countries and 23 languages, and includes a nonfiction (well, relatively) companion volume, THE OUTLANDISH COMPANION, which provides details on the settings, background, characters, research, and writing of the novels.   Gabaldon (it’s pronounced “GAA-bull-dohn”—rhymes with “stone”) has also written several books in a sub-series featuring Lord John Grey (a major minor character from the main series): LORD JOHN AND THE PRIVATE MATTER,  LORD JOHN AND THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE BLADE,  and LORD JOHN AND THE HAND OF DEVILS.   Another Lord John book, LORD JOHN AND THE SCOTTISH PRISONER, will probably be published in 2011).

Returning to her comic-book roots, she has also written a graphic novel titled THE EXILE (set within the OUTLANDER universe and featuring the main characters from OUTLANDER), but told from the viewpoint of Jamie Fraser and his godfather, Murtagh.   The graphic novel is illustrated by Hoang Nguyen, published by Del-Rey.

Gabaldon is presently working on the third Lord John novel (LORD JOHN AND THE SCOTTISH PRISONER), and  the eighth book in the OUTLANDER series.  In addition, she is working on a contemporary mystery series, set in Phoenix, and has written Highly Scholarly Introductions (with masses of footnotes) to recent Modern Library editions of Sir Walter Scott’s IVANHOE and Thomas Paine’s COMMON SENSE.

Dr. Gabaldon holds three degrees in science: Zoology, Marine Biology, and Quantitative Behavioral Ecology, (plus an honorary degree as Doctor of Humane Letters, which entitles her to be “Diana Gabaldon, Ph.D., D.H.L.”  She supposes this is better than “Diana Gabaldon, Phd.X,”) and spent a dozen years as a university professor with an expertise in scientific computation before beginning to write fiction.  She has written scientific articles and textbooks, worked as a contributing editor on the MacMillan ENCYCLOPEDIA OF COMPUTERS, founded the scientific-computation journal SCIENCE SOFTWARE QUARTERLY, and has written numerous comic-book scripts for Walt Disney.  None of this has anything whatever to do with her novels, but there it is.

She and her husband, Douglas Watkins, have three adult children and live mostly in Scottsdale, Arizona.

You can visit Diana online at http://www.dianagabaldon.com/

My thanks to Pump Up Your Book Promotion for including me on this book blog tour. I received a copy of "Outlander" for review and was not compensated for my opinion.

Blood of the Rose by Kate Pearce

Normally, I would look at a vampire-themed book, and say "nope, not my cup of tea!"  But author Kate Pearce has turned me into a Tudor-vampire-fan!

Kate's first book, "Kiss of the Rose," introduced her readers to Lady Rosalind Llewellyn, an accomplished druidan vampire hunter and her unlikely love interest Sir Christopher Ellis, an equally talented Druid slayer. Rosalind and Christopher team up in order to protect King Henry VIII from a rouge band of vampires who are determined to rule England.

In the second book in the "Tudor Vampire Chronicles" series, "Blood of the Rose," the now betrothed Rosalind and Christopher are reunited after more than a year apart when a new threat against King Henry arises once again. This time the threat involves the object of King Henry's affection, the lovely and seemingly innocent Anne Boleyn, but Anne might not be as innocent (or as young) as she seems, especially when she shows a definite taste for blood.

As Rosalind and Christopher struggle with learning to trust each other, they must question the loyalty of everyone surrounding the King and his intended new queen.  Life is certainly never dull when there's a vampire or two around!

Kate Pearce's "Tudor Vampire Chronicles" series is so creatively written that you almost forget you are reading a vampire-themed novel. I love how she is incorporating each of King Henry VIII's wives as the centerpoint of each novel. Combining fast-paced action with historical facts and a generous helping of romanctic escapades, Kate continues to thrill and chill her readers with this original and clever series.

The next book, "Mark of the Rose," is coming in August!  I can't wait!!

About the Author:

Kate Pearce was born into a large family of girls in England, and spent much of her childhood living very happily in a dream world. Despite being told that she really needed to ‘get with the program’, she graduated from the University College of Wales with an honors degree in history.

After graduation, real life did intervene and she ended up working in finance which was not the greatest career choice for a would-be writer!

A move to the USA finally allowed her to fulfill her dreams and sit down and write that novel. Along with being a voracious reader, Kate loves trail riding with her family, ‘western style’ in the regional parks of Northern California

Kate writes in several different romance sub-genres under different names. She is a member of RWA and is published by Kensington Aphrodisia, Ellora’s Cave and Virgin Black Lace/Cheek.

My thanks to Nancy Breland Public Relations for the review copy of this book. I was not compensated for my opinions.

CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT: 100+ Books; Where Are You Reading?; Mystery/Suspense; ARC Reading; Romance Reading.

Special Valentine's Day Edition of Five Questions With ...Eloisa James!

I am thrilled beyond words to be hosting bestselling romance author Eloisa James here today! She has graciously agreed to particpate in my new feature, Five Questions With ..., and without further ado ....

Here's Eloisa!

1. At what age did you know that you wanted to be a writer? 

Eloisa:  I can only say that I dreamed of being a writer shortly after I learned to shape words on a page.  One of my clearest early memories is writing a novel that I intended (and did) sell to my mother for 10 cents.  It began with my heroine, who was "incorrigible."  That was a new word for me, and I still remember carefully writing it down in loopy handwriting.

2.  At what point in your career did it finally sink in – “hey, I’m famous,” and did it make a difference in your writing?

Eloisa:  That is still sinking in... I grew up with a dad who won the American Book Award for Poetry, so I may have a skewed version of what makes a writer famous—and I'm not there yet!  One of my funniest memories was being at a conference with my husband a few years ago.  Alessandro is an academic, and sometimes we manage to overlap conferences, since academics and writing conferences generally head for the same places.  He came back to the hotel room and reported that a couple of women had pointed him out as "Mr. Eloisa."  It made me almost fall off the bed laughing—but at the same time, I remember thinking that people must be starting to know who I am.  I can't say it's changed my writing any, though.  The goal of any writer is to be read, to have an audience.  So I write the best that I can, hoping that each book will find an audience.

3.  Who are some of your favorite authors? Who inspires you?

Eloisa:  I read a huge amount of romance.  For over three years, I've been writing a monthly romance column for the B&N Review page (it appears on the first Monday of every month for a week).  That means that publishers send me just about every romance published in America, which is a huge gift.  I find my inspiration and my favorite authors by reading all the time.   Some of my closest friends are also (imo) the best writers out there:  Christina Dodd, Teresa Medieros, Lisa Kleypas, Connie Brockway, Julia Quinn.  Connie, Julia and I wrote a "novel-in-three-parts" together—The Lady Most Likely—that spent a happy four weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.  We wrote together because we thought it would be great fun, but also because we find each other's writing inspirational.

4.  What do you have coming up in the future?

Eloisa:  At the moment I'm deep into fairy tales, and absolutely loving them.  I've written my own versions of Cinderella (A Kiss at Midnight), as well as a novel called When Beauty Tamed the Beast, the title of which speaks for itself.  At the moment I'm just finishing a version of The Princess and the Pea, and I'm dreaming up The Ugly Duckling.  And...Julia, Connie and I have come up with another idea for a "novel-in-three-parts," so I'll be writing with friends again as well!

5. What advice would you have for anyone wanting to break into the writing biz today?

Eloisa:  The publishing business is really difficult at the moment.  Publishers are being torn between bankrupt booksellers (goodbye, Borders) and the electronic book trend.  No one knows exactly what is going to happen.  But I firmly believe that there will always, always be a market for a fabulous story—the kind that grips a reader and doesn't let her go, even if there are dishes to be washed, and sleep to be had, and perhaps even teens whining for attention.  That book will always sell.  So: apprentice yourself to the books that caught you, as a reader.  Figure out why you couldn't put them down and then apply that lesson to your own work-in-progress.  The worse thing a writer can do, in my opinion, is isolate herself in order to preserve her voice.  Your voice will take care of itself; you need to learn from the experts.  Second bit of advice:  join the RWA, or whatever professional writing association is linked to your genre.  There's nothing better than advice from the trenches, from published authors who are out there talking to readers, editors, publishers, and agents.

Thank you so much, Eloisa, for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions. My thanks also to Pam Jaffee of Harper Collins/Avon for coordinating this effort!  You are both the best!

No one tells a romantic story quite like Eloisa James, and her latest book, "When Beauty Tamed The Beast," is one of her best!  This story is a charming retelling of the classic fairy tale, "Beauty and The Beast," with a definite Eloisa twist! 

If you love fairy tales with a seductive hero and a fiesty heroine, then "When Beauty Tamed The Beast" will be a guaranteed delight!

Here's a little about the book:

Miss Linnet Berry Thrynne is a Beauty . . . Naturally, she's betrothed to a Beast.
 
Piers Yelverton, Earl of Marchant, lives in a castle in Wales where, it is rumored, his bad temper flays everyone he crosses. And rumor also has it that a wound has left the earl immune to the charms of any woman.
 
Linnet is not just any woman.
 
She is more than merely lovely: her wit and charm brought a prince to his knees. She estimates the earl will fall madly in love—in just two weeks.
 
Yet Linnet has no idea of the danger posed to her own heart by a man who may never love her in return.
If she decides to be very wicked indeed . . . what price will she pay for taming his wild heart?

Check out Eloisa's website at http://www.eloisajames.com/ for more information on her books and upcoming projects.

My thanks to Avon Books for the review copy of this book! I was not compensated for my opinion.

Be sure to check out the special Valentine's Day Books With Love Giveaway Hop, where I'll be giving away two copies of "When Beauty Tamed The Beast!"  Click on the button in the sidebar for more information on how to enter!

Happy Valentine's Day and Happy Reading, Ya'll!

Waiting on Wednesday: Secrets of a Proper Countess by Lecia Cornwall

In keeping with my "Romance Month" theme, the upcoming romance release that I am looking forward to is:



Coming March 29, 2011!!

About The Book:

There are secrets we take to the grave...
and some we just take to bed.

Cinderella meets the Scarlet Pimpernel...

If Lady Isobel Maitland is caught even speaking to an incorrigible rogue like the Marquess of Blackwood, she stands to lose everything she holds dear. Strict rules in her husband's will ensure that if she remarries or even forms friendships her mother-in-law does not approve of, then she will never see her young son again.

But one night, in a dark garden at a masquerade ball, Isobel gives in to temptation, and lets an innocent flirtation turn into seduction.

Phineas Archer, the notorious Marquess of Blackwood, may hold the reputation as the worst rake in London, but as a spy for the crown, he merely plays the role of a fool to learn the most closely guarded secrets of the ton.

As a new threat to England's success in the war against Napoleon emerges, Phineas must foil a plot to kidnap the exiled Bourbon heir to the French crown. Every clue seems to lead to his mysterious lover, but while Phineas can spot trouble a mile off, and see through the cleverest of disguises, he cannot find any trace of his elusive femme fatale. No man alive would imagine the prim widow Maitland could be his dream lover. But behind the mask and the secrets, Isobel is everything Phineas has ever desired....


Sounds Delicious, doesn't it?  Check out Lecia's website at www.leciacornwall.com for more info on this debut author and her upcoming release!

My thanks to Avon Romances for the advance reading copy of "Secrets of a Proper Countess!

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine (http://breakingthespine.blogspot.com/), that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. Check out Jill's website to see what other bloggers are looking forward to!

The Scent of Jasmine by Jude Deveraux

About The Book:

Would you risk your life—on the love of a lifetime?

Charleston, 1799: A daughter of Southern gentility and a gifted painter, Catherine Edilean Harcourt has no lack of suitors at home in Virginia, waiting to fulfill her dream of marriage and family. But Cay’s adventurous spirit, fostered by growing up with her three brothers, is piqued while visiting her godfather in South Carolina. Bedridden with a broken leg, he asks Cay to fill in for him on an urgent task: on her way to a fancy dress ball, she must deliver a packed horse to an old friend’s son—who also happens to be an escaped convict charged with murdering his wife!

Cay agrees to the plan, which doesn’t go at all as planned . . . whereupon she finds herself fleeing Alexander McDowell’s captors, riding blind into the night with the fugitive Scotsman. Though she should fear him, Cay finds herself overwhelmingly attracted to Alex, and drawn into his tale of misguided justice and his innocence as they seek refuge in the steamy Florida everglades.

Will trusting him be the worst mistake of her life? Or will falling in love be the salvation both of them have been looking for?

My Thoughts:

I absolutely love Jude Deveraux's Edilean series, and found "The Scent of Jasmine," the fourth book, to be as entertaining and delightful as the first three books!  I loved how fiesty and headstrong Cay Edilean Harcourt is, and how loving and protective Alex McDowell was towards her in this story. And, as usual, Jude Deveraux's magic way with words pulls the reader into the adventure and touches their hearts with the romance between the characters.

If you haven't read the first three books (Lavendar Morning, Days of Gold, and Scarlet Nights), don't worry - "The Scent of Jasmine" can stand on its own as a charming novel. But do yourself a favor and read the other books as well!  You'll be glad you did!

For more information on Jude Deveraux's work, and for chance to purchase a special Edilean novella in Vook format, entitled "Promises," check out her website at http://www.judedeveraux.com/

My Thanks to the publisher for the review copy of this book!

CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT: 100+ Books; Where Are You Reading?; Southern Lit; Romance Reading:

Wedding of the Season by Laura Lee Guhrke

Can one woman survive losing the perfect bridegroom not once, but twice?

 

Synopsis:

 Abandoned at the altar . . .

 Lady Beatrix Danbury had always known she would marry William Mallory. She'd loved him forever and she'd never doubted he loved her, too. But when she made him choose between their life together or his lifelong dream, Will chose the latter . . . and left two weeks before their wedding.

Return of the duke . . .

Will has no illusions that Beatrix would welcome him back with open arms, but six years did not dim his love or desire for her. The only problem is, she's about to marry someone else. Someone safe and predictable . . . the complete opposite of Will. But can he stop the wedding of the season and win Beatrix back, or is it just too late?

My Thoughts:

I was totally charmed by "Wedding of the Season," finding it full of romance, a little mischief, and a lot of good fun!  Laura Lee Guhrke populates her story with personable characters and provides a fascinating setting for this story of love lost and love found again.

Fans will be overjoyed to know that the second book in the "Abandoned At The Altar" series, "Scandal of The Year," will be released at the end of this month!  Guhrke tells Beatrix's cousin Julia's story and it promises to be a doozy!

For more information on Laura Lee Guhrke's books, visit her website at http://www.lauraleeguhrke.com/

My Thanks to Avon Books for the review copy of this book! I was not compensated for my opinion.

 CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT: 100+ Books; Where Are You Reading?; Romance Reading:

The Lady Most Likely ...By Julia Quinn, Eloisa James and Connie Brockway

About The Book:

Three of the brightest stars of historical romance invite you to a party at the country home of the Honorable Marquess of Finchley
 
Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife, so his sister hands him a list of delectable damsels and promises to invite them— and a few other gentlemen—to her country house for what is sure to be the event of the season.
Hugh will have time to woo whichever lady he most desires . . . Unless someone else snatches her first.
The invitation list includes:

• The horse-mad but irresistibly handsome Earl of Briarly
• The always outspoken Miss Katherine Peyton
• The dashing war hero Captain Neill Oakes
• The impossibly beautiful (and painfully shy) Miss Gwendolyn Passmore
• The terribly eligible new Earl of Charters
• The widowed Lady Georgina Sorrell (who has no plans to marry, ever)

And your hostess, Lady Carolyn Finchley, an irrepressible matchmaker who plans to find the lady most likely . . . to capture her brother’s untamed heart.

My Thoughts:

I love romances, particularly historical ones, and I found "The Lady Most Likely ..." to be one of the liveliest, most charming triple-play romance novels that I have read in a good long while. There is humor, adventure and, of course, romance galore to be found among these three distinct stories.

Best-selling authors Julia Quinn, Eloisa James, and Connie Brockway - who are no slouches when it comes to their own romantic series and books - absolutely sparkle with this novel. You can tell these three ladies must have had a ball writing these stories together, because it shows in their vibrant delivery and the over-all feeling of "a good time was had by all" that is reflected among the pages.

What a grand way to start off the New Year with this darling of a romance!  I highly recommend it to all!

My Thanks to Avon Books for the review copy of this book!  I was not compensated for my opinion.

 

CHALLENGE FULFILLMENT:
100+ Books
Where Are You Reading?: Yorkshire Dales, England
Romance Reading:

This review will move over to my Sharon's Romantic Garden page when the next romance review runs.

Special  Note:

I am featuring two copies of  "The Lady Most Likely ..." as my giveaway prize in the New Year's Reading Resolution Giveaway Hop which runs this week.  Be sure to click on the button on my sidebar to enter!

A Wallflower Christmas by Lisa Kleypas

I love historical romances, and was delighted to find this holiday-themed Victorian by Lisa Kleypas!

 
About The Book:

The magic of Christmas
Rafe Bowman has just arrived from America for his arranged meeting with Natalie, the very proper and beautiful daughter of Lady and Lord Blandford. His chiseled good looks and imposing physique are sure to impress the lady-in-waiting, and if it weren’t for his shocking American ways and wild reputation, her hand would already be guaranteed. Before the courtship can begin, Rafe realizes he must learn the rules of London society. But when four former Wallflowers try their hand at matchmaking, no one knows what will happen…
 
BEGINS under the mistletoe
Winning a bride turns out to be more complicated than Rafe Bowman anticipated, especially for a man accustomed to getting anything he wants. However, Christmas works in the most unexpected ways, changing a cynic to a romantic…and inspiring passion in the most timid of hearts.

My Thoughts:

Although I had not read the previous four books in Lisa Kleypas' Wallflowers series, I was able to pick right up on who was who and what was going on in this delightfully charming Christmas tale. Kleypas takes her readers along to an old-fashioned Victorian Christmas as the Wallflowers initiate Miss Hannah Appleton into their very chummy sisterhood as she falls head over heels in love with the dashing Rafe Bowman. Just 200 pages in length, this short novel is sure to entertain fans of historical romance.  (Plus I am madly in love with this gorgeous cover! Doesn't it look Christmasy?)

About the Author:

Lisa Kleypas is the RITA Award–winning author of twenty-one novels. Her books have been published in fourteen languages and are bestsellers all over the world. She lives in Washington State with her husband and two children.
 
Check out her website at http://www.lisakleypas.com/

I'll be reviewing Lisa's 2nd holiday novel, Christmas Eve At Friday Harbor, in the next few days!

I received this book from St. Martin's Press for review. I was not compensated for my opinion.

Book Blog Tour Stop for "Nightingale" by Susan May Warren

Today, I am pleased to host the book blog tour stop for Susan May Warren's book, "Nightingale." 

This fascinating book, set during World War II, is a heart-touching story about impossible love. I was captivated by Warren's ability to draw her readers into the time period, and the depth and personalities of her characters which made them seem so real.  

About the Book:

Esther Lange doesn’t love her fiancé—she’s trapped in an engagement after a mistaken night of passion.

Still, she grieves him when he’s lost in battle, the letters sent to her by the medic at his side giving her a strange comfort, so much that she strikes up a correspondence with Peter Hess, an Iowa farmboy. Or is he?  Peter Hess is not who he seems. Indeed, he’s hiding a secret, something that could cost them both their lives, especially when the past comes back to life. A bittersweet love song of the home front war between duty and the heart...a battle where only one will survive.

Don’t miss book 1 in this stand-alone collection, Sons of Thunder.

About The Author:

Susan May Warren is the RITA award-winning author of twenty-four novels with Tyndale, Barbour and Steeple Hill. A four-time Christy award finalist, a two-time RITA Finalist, she’s also a multi-winner of the Inspirational Readers Choice award, and the ACFW Book of the Year.

Susan's larger than life characters and layered plots have won her acclaim with readers and reviewers alike. A seasoned women’s events and retreats speaker, she’s a popular writing teacher at conferences around the nation and the author of the beginning writer’s workbook: From the Inside-Out: discover, create and publish the novel in you!. She is also the founder of www.MyBookTherapy.com, a story-crafting service that helps authors discover their voice.

Susan makes her home in northern Minnesota , where she is busy cheering on her two sons in football, and her daughter in local theater productions (and desperately missing her college-age son!) A full listing of her titles, reviews and awards can be found at: http://www.susanmaywarren.com/.

Link To Purchase the Book:  http://www.christianbook.com/nightingale-susan-warren/9781609360252/pd/360252?event=AFFp=&

The Letters From Home Giveaway!

Enter the Contest: Nightingale is about letters, the power of written correspondence to convey thoughts and emotions to those far away. And sometimes near. Letters are forever, they are something we savor and pull out to read again and again. They are often cherished and kept in a special place.

To celebrate the release of Nightingale, Susan would like you to write a letter. One grand prize winner will receive a Flip HD Camcorder. 5 runner's up winners will win a signed copy of Nightingale. There are two ways to enter the contest by writing letters.

1. Write a letter to a soldier. At the end of the contest we’ll print out and mail your letter for you.

2. Write a letter to a friend, loved one, family member, enemy. Tell them something you wished you’d told them before. Tell them you love them, or maybe how they touched your life. Perhaps an apology is in order or a thank you. Or perhaps you'd like to relate a funny tale or just share life. Whatever it is, submit it here along with your email address and we’ll send it for you. 

Enter here or at the SHARE page on the Brothers in Arms website. Or simply click on the button to the right.

To Check Out Other Blogs featuring "Nightingale," click on the link below:

http://www.litfusegroup.com/Blog-Tours/nightingale-by-susan-may-warren.html)

My thanks to Amy at Litfuse Group for including me in this book blog tour. I received a book from the publisher for this review and was not compensated for my opinion.

Blue Bells of Scotland by Laura Vosika - Book Blog Tour Stop!

I'm so very pleased today to host a book blog tour stop for the amazing book, "Blue Bells of Scotland" by Laura Vosika.

This fascinating book is filled with history, romance, mystery and humor as well as a bitof time traveling to boot! I literally could not put this book down and spent the entire night in Inverness, Scotland until the wee hours of the dawn with the fabulous cast of characters that author Laura Vosika has created.

I was especially impressed at the way Vosika wove into the story an underlying story of faith, and how important his relationship with God was to Naill, the Scottish Warrior who had been plunked down in the middle of today's world. It's not "in your face," but the message of hope is there, as comforting and warm as an inspirational message should be. Very well done.

"Blue Bells of Scotland" is the first book in Vosika's Blue Bells Trilogy, and I, for one, can't wait until the next installment!
Here is a little more about the book:

Shawn Kleiner has it all: money, fame, a skyrocketing career as an international musical phenomenon, his beautiful girlfriend Amy, and all the women he wants—until the night Amy has enough and leaves him stranded in a Scottish castle tower.

He wakes up to find himself mistaken for Niall Campbell, medieval Highland warrior. Soon after, he is sent shimmying down a wind-torn castle wall into a dangerous cross country trek with Niall’s tempting, but knife-wielding fiancee. They are pursued by English soldiers and a Scottish traitor who want Niall dead.

Thrown forward in time, Niall learns history’s horrifying account of his own death, and of the Scots’ slaughter at Bannockburn. Undaunted, he navigates the roiled waters of Shawn’s life—pregnant girlfriend, amorous fans, enemies, and gambling debts—seeking a way to leap back across time to save his people, especially his beloved Allene. His growing fondness for Shawn’s life brings him face to face with his own weakness and teaches him the true meaning of faith.

Blue Bells of Scotland is both a historical adventure and a tale of redemption that will be remembered long after the last page has been turned.

About the Author:

Laura Vosika grew up in the military, visiting castles in England, pig fests in Germany, and the historic sites of America’s east coast. She earned a degree in music, and worked for many years as a freelance musician, music teacher, band director, and instructor in private music lessons on harp, piano, winds, and brass. Laura is the mother of 7 boys and 2 girls, and lives in Minnesota. Visit her website at http://www.bluebellstrilogy.com/

 Check out this book trailer!


My thanks to Dorothy Thompson at Pump Up Your Book Promotions for inviting me to participate in this tour, and to Laura Vosika for the review copy.

 I was not compensated for my opinions. I am an Amazon Associate and any sales of this book connected to this review will result in a nominal compensation.

A Hellion In Her Bed by Sabrina Jeffries - a sneak peek at an upcoming release!

Earlier this year, I was pleased to review Sabrina Jeffries’ book “The Truth About Lord Stoneville,” the first book in her new series “Hellions of Halstead Hall.” It was a terrific book about the Sharpe family, five orphaned children who have grown up with a family secret that threatens to haunt them for the rest of their lives. Raised by their grandmother, as the Sharpe’s grew up, she issued an ultimatum to them all – they must get married by the end of the year, or she will disinherit them all. She’s a tough ol’ broad, that Grandmother Plumtree!

The first book was about Lord Stoneville, the eldest brother of the brood and his adventures and journeys that brings the love of his life into his heart and family.

Now it’s time for brother Jarret’s story in “A Hellion In Her Bed.”

Synopsis:

Furious at his grandmother s ultimatum to marry or lose his inheritance, Lord Jarret Sharpe wagers his luck and his heart at the card table against a most unlikely opponent. Mired in scandal after his parents mysterious deaths, notorious gambler Lord Jarret Sharpe agrees to tamely run the family brewery for a year if his Machiavellian grandmother rescinds her ultimatum that he marry.

But the gambler in him can t resist when beguiling Annabel Lake proposes a wager. If she wins their card game, he must help save her family s foundering brewery. But if he wins, she must spend a night in his bed. The outcome sets off a chain of events that threatens to destroy all his plans . . . and unveils the secret Annabel has held for so long.

When Jarret discovers the darker reason behind her wager, he forces her into another one and this time he intends to win not just her body, but her heart.

My Review:

I thoroughly enjoyed this second installment about the Hellions of Halstead Hall! 

Sabrina Jeffries’ is a master storyteller, as the many books to her credit can attest, and “A Hellion In Her Bed” is no exception. She offers enough back story from the previous tale to catch the readers up on what has been going on in the Sharpe family, and then she whisks her readers away on a new adventure that is just a dazzling and exciting as the first.

Jeffries’ heroes are handsome, a little caddish, but kindhearted and dedicated to their family.  I loved the feisty character of Annabel Lake, and her ferocious at protecting her family’s name and her determination to save the family business.

It was fascinating to read about the ale-brewing industry in Regency England, and Jeffries includes a lively (and true) side story about the alligator at the town market that adds to the fun!

So, with a little humor, a lot of romance, a dash of history and the ever-present suspense of the Sharpe parent’s mysterious deaths – and you have a great novel that will entertain and intrigue! And it’s guaranteed to will make you as impatient for the next installment as I am! (which, according to Jeffries’ website (http://www.sabrinajeffries.com/ ), is to be titled “To Woo a Reluctant Lady” and will be out Jan. 18!) 

“A Hellion In Her Bed” comes out this Tuesday, September 21^st!

Check out this video of Sabrina Jeffries talking about this new book!

My thanks to Nancy Berland Public Relations for the advanced reader’s copy of this book!  I was not compensated for my opinions.

Day Six of My Giveaways! Historical Romances up for grabs!

Today's Winner:
Mary of Bookfan!!
(Winner determined by Random.org)


It's Day Six of my weeklong anniversary celebration!

First of all - a HUGE thank you to all my followers, readers, book buddies and friends! Your encouragement and support make blogging about something I am passionate about - books and reading - a pleasure!

Next - to celebrate this milestone, I will be holding a week of giveaways! From September 2nd to September 9th, each day I will post a different giveaway that readers can enter to win and each day's giveaway will also include a specially handpainted "Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews" tote bag!

And if that wasn't fun enough! At the end of the weeklong festivities, there will be a Grand Prize and a Runner-up Grand Prize to be drawn from all of the week's entries!

Want to know what the prize is?

My good friends at HarperCollins/Avon/William Morrow Books have donated at brand new Sony E-Reader Daily Edition as the grand prize, and as a runner-up grand prize - a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Today's giveaway features four historical romances with four different members of the British aristocracy!

Thank you to Avon Books for contributing these books for giveaway!


Just fill out the form below, and you're entered! Become a follower and earn 2 more entries! Tell me how you found my blog and there's another entry for you!

So enter every day, tell your friends, spread the word!

As an added bonus, my friends at FreshFiction.com are holding THREE incredible giveaways to help me celebrate my blog-aversary! Here are the links to those contests!

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2835

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2836

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2834


Contest has been completed.

Day Four giveaway - The first three books in Stephanie Lauren's "Black Cobra Quartet"!

TODAY'S WINNER:
TISH HOAR
(Winner determined by Random.org)


It's Day Four of my weeklong anniversary celebration!

First of all - a HUGE thank you to all my followers, readers, book buddies and friends! Your encouragement and support make blogging about something I am passionate about - books and reading - a pleasure!

Next - to celebrate this milestone, I will be holding a week of giveaways! From September 2nd to September 9th, each day I will post a different giveaway that readers can enter to win and each day's giveaway will also include a specially handpainted "Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews" tote bag!

And if that wasn't fun enough! At the end of the weeklong festivities, there will be a Grand Prize and a Runner-up Grand Prize to be drawn from all of the week's entries!

Want to know what the prize is?

My good friends at HarperCollins/Avon/William Morrow Books have donated at brand new Sony E-Reader Daily Edition as the grand prize, and as a runner-up grand prize - a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Today's giveaway features the first three books in Stephanie Lauren's "Black Cobra Quartet"! 

Thank you to Avon Books for contributing these books for giveaway!

Just fill out the form below, and you're entered! Become a follower and earn 2 more entries! Tell me how you found my blog and there's another entry for you!

So enter every day, tell your friends, spread the word!

As an added bonus, my friends at FreshFiction.com are holding THREE incredible giveaways to help me celebrate my blog-aversary! Here are the links to those contests!

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2835

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2836

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2834

Contest has been completed.

Day Three Giveaway - Set of six Julia Quinn romances! Still celebrating my anniversary!

TODAY'S WINNER:
Lacey Weatherford!
(Winner chosen with random.org)


It's Day Three of my weeklong anniversary celebration!

First of all - a HUGE thank you to all my followers, readers, book buddies and friends! Your encouragement and support make blogging about something I am passionate about - books and reading - a pleasure!


Next - to celebrate this milestone, I will be holding a week of giveaways! From September 2nd to September 9th, each day I will post a different giveaway that readers can enter to win and each day's giveaway will also include a specially handpainted "Sharon's Garden of Book Reviews" tote bag!

And if that wasn't fun enough! At the end of the weeklong festivities, there will be a Grand Prize and a Runner-up Grand Prize to be drawn from all of the week's entries!
Want to know what the prize is?

My good friends at HarperCollins/Avon/William Morrow Books have donated at brand new Sony E-Reader Daily Edition as the grand prize, and as a runner-up grand prize - a $50 gift card to Barnes and Noble!

Today's Giveaway is very special!  I have six, yes 6! Julia Quinn books to give to a lucky winner!! 

Thank you to Avon Books for contributing these books for giveaway!


Just fill out the form below, and you're entered! Become a follower and earn 2 more entries! Tell me how you found my blog and there's another entry for you!

So enter every day, tell your friends, spread the word!

As an added bonus, my friends at FreshFiction.com are holding THREE incredible giveaways to help me celebrate my blog-aversary! Here are the links to those contests!

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2835

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2836

http://freshfiction.com/contest.php?id=2834

Contest has been completed.

The Hidden Sun by J, Lloyd Morgan - Book Blog Tour Stop

I'm so pleased to introduce you to a wonderful new book, The Hidden Sun by J. Lloyd Morgan. This richly woven tale of romance and intrigue is a beautifully told by a master storyteller.

About The Book:

The kingdom of Bariwon is at a crossroads. Ever since Eliana was born, she has been primed to become the kingdom's leader. But she is not to rule Bariwon alone. A contest of sorts, called the Shoginoc, is to be held when Eliana turns twenty one. The victor gains the right to marry Eliana and become king of Bariwon. Rumor has it that the favorite to win the Shoginoc is Daimh, son of malevolent Governor Abrecan. However, Eliana has fallen in love with her personal guardian, Rinan. She is torn between renouncing her title to be with the man she loves or marrying to keep the kingdom out of the hands of those who would rule it unjustly. A plan is hatched to keep her in power while allowing her to marry Rinan, but little does she know the impact this deception will have on everyone in Bariwon for years to come.

My Thoughts:

"The Hidden Sun" is a delicately crafted fairy tale that both adults and young adults will find charming and intriguing. With just the right elements of romance, adventure, suspense and, of course, a happy-ever-after ending, this classicly=told tale is a refreshing change of pace in a world that today is so overwrought with troubles and woe.

As the father of four daughters, J. Lloyd Morgan must have had some special insight to the world he has created in this very special book. It is a enchanting novel guaranteed to please the most finicky princess in the castle, a story for girls, young and old, to enjoy and savor for years to come.

About The Author:

Author J. Lloyd Morgan is an award winning television director. He graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Communications and a minor in English. Morgan has lived all over the United States, but now resides in North Carolina with his wife and four daughters. He is currently working on a sequel to The Hidden Sun.

Check out his website at www.thehiddensun.com for more information on the book, as well as a few special goodies!




I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated for my opinion.

Special thanks to Tristi Pinkston Book Blog Tours for inviting me to participate in this book blog tour!