The Rustic Reading Gal: June 2019

Thursday, June 27, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: The Electrical Menagerie (The Celestial Isles #1) by Mollie E. Reeder

Book Beginnings is a weekly meme hosted by Rose City Reader that asks you to share the first sentence (or so) of the book you're reading. Friday 56 is hosted by Freda's Voice and asks you to grab a book (any book), turn to page 56 or 56% in your ereader and share a non-spoilery sentence or two.

This week I'm sharing The Electrical Menagerie (The Celestial Isles #1) by Mollie E. Reeder. It's so good! One of the best books I've read, for sure.

About the Book

The Electrical Menagerie, one-of-a-kind robotic roadshow, is bankrupt.

Sylvester Carthage, illusionist and engineer, has the eccentric imagination the Menagerie needs to succeed creatively -- but none of the people skills. Fast-talking Arbrook Huxley, meanwhile, has all the savvy the Menagerie needs to succeed commercially -- but none of the scruples.

To save their show, Carthage & Huxley risk everything in a royal talent competition, vying for the once-in-a-lifetime chance to perform for the Future Celestial Queen. In this stardust-and-spark-powered empire of floating islands and flying trains, The Electrical Menagerie's bid at fame and fortune means weathering the glamorous and cutthroat world of critics, high society, and rival magicians -- but with real conspiracy lurking beneath tabloid controversy, there's more at stake in this contest than the prize.

Behind the glittery haze of flash paper and mirrors, every competitor has something to hide... and it's the lies Carthage & Huxley tell each other that may cost them everything.

Book Beginning

Sylvester had a book about birds, and the book said that the bones of birds were hollow.

Watching starlings from the window, he considered the diagrams and envied the concept. Birds went freely, in their lightness somehow stronger than any forces that wanted to pull them down. Tethered - flightless - he remained trapped behind the high and imposing arched window of his second-story bedroom.

Friday 56

Huxley sat in a chair in the dining car and didn't move for at least half an hour. Dominic came in, trundling about like he always did, as if nothing was wrong. Took out a silver dustpan and a small broom. Swept up the pieces of the broken teacup, and then began to dust the furniture.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Boundary Broken (Boundary Magic #4) by Melissa F. Olson

About the Book

Years ago, boundary witch Allison “Lex” Luther made a promise to an alpha werewolf. Now, just when the supernatural community in Colorado is enjoying a period of hard-won peace, the alpha turns up at Lex’s door to call in his marker. Two of his pack members have disappeared in the Colorado sand dunes, and he needs safe passage to hunt for them.

With her friend Simon Pellar along for backup, Lex ventures into the dunes to search for the missing couple…but what they find is only the opening move in an ambitious assault against those who hold power in the Colorado Old World. An old enemy has returned to tear their peace apart, and Lex is soon embroiled in politics she doesn’t understand, from a time before she had magic.

To save her friends and her way of life, Lex will have to cross every line she’s drawn since learning what she is—and it may still be too late.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I enjoyed this fourth installment of the Boundary Magic series, but not quite as much as the previous ones. It moved at a fast pace, held my attention, and set things up nicely for the next book.

It was great being back in Boulder, CO with Lex and the gang, but I had a major issue with something that happened. I'm not going to say what it was because it'd be a major spoiler. But, yeah, I had to take off a star for that. If this had been my first time reading a book in this series, I probably wouldn't have finished it. Four books in and I'm invested in these characters and want to know how things turn out for them. But it bothered me so much. I'm conflicted.

NOTE: This book contains strong language.

Three Stars

Tuesday, June 25, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke

Can't Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Wishful Endings that spotlights and discusses the books we're excited about that we've yet to read. Generally, they're books that are yet to be released. It's based on Waiting on Wednesday, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

This week I'm featuring Heart of the Curiosity by H.L. Burke releasing June 27.

About the Book

The secret lies with the Heart.

Born with a magical knack for manipulating emotions, Leodora’s only dream is to ensure her talented little sister dances on the biggest, brightest stage in the Republic: The Curiosity, a grand old theater of tradition and innovation. After escaping a cruel carnival, Leo secures her sister a place in the Curiosity’s chorus line, and herself a job as a professional audience member, swaying the crowd’s mood with her magic. The girls have a home for the first time in their lives.

Then a tragic accident darkens the theater. A greedy businessman begins blackmailing Leo, and financial woes threaten to close the show forever. The Curiosity’s sole hope lies in a mythical power source hidden beneath the maze-like passages and trapdoors of the theater—the Heart. And Leo’s only friend Paxton, nephew of the theater’s stagemistress, is the key to finding it.

While Leo and Paxton hunt for the Heart, the blackmailer’s threats loom larger. Mysterious figures, cryptic clues, and deadly traps hinder the search at every turn. If the friends cannot recover the Heart in time, Leo and her sister will be cast out of the only home they’ve ever known, and the final curtain will fall on The Curiosity.

Enter a world reminiscent of The Greatest Showman, with a puzzle worthy of Sherlock Holmes and National Treasure, in this new Steampunk Fantasy from H. L. Burke.

Why I Need It

First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I could just keep staring at it! So pretty! I'm a big fan of steampunk, so I'm always on the lookout for new and interesting books in that genre. This one sounds so good! And with a synopsis that concludes by saying, "a puzzle worthy of Sherlock Holmes and National Treasure", how can I resist?

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Wander Canyon Courtship (Matrimony Valley) by Allie Pleiter

About the Book

They can’t let this wedding happen
But Matrimony Valley has only happy endings

Baker Yvonne Niles has nothing in common with cowboy Chaz Walker—except the upcoming marriage of her aunt to his stepdad. Convinced the two aren’t right for each other, Chaz and Yvonne are determined to halt the wedding. But between the cake and family drama, they’re discovering an undeniable attraction. Can an unlikely match ever become a recipe for happiness?

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I always look forward to a new Allie Pleiter book with great anticipation. I zoom through the pages becoming completely absorbed in the story and leave with a feeling of profound happiness when I reach the conclusion. Wander Canyon Courtship is no different.

We're back in the wedding-themed small town of Matrimony Valley in this third installment of the series. No worries though if you haven't read the previous two books. This stands alone perfectly fine.

I didn't know what to think of Chaz, at first. He came across a bit gruff, a curmudgeon, you might say. But once I got to know him, once I saw the multiple layers he was hiding, I could understand where he was coming from and why he acted the way he did. And I ended up firmly on his side.

Yvonne is kinda his opposite in demeanor, but, really, they're perfect for each other. While they get off on the wrong foot to begin with, and definitely have their ups and downs, they do share something big in common; their belief that his stepdad and her aunt shouldn't be getting married so quickly. What follows is a sweet and romantic story full of hurts and triumphs. A story that any fan of contemporary romance is sure to love.

I received a copy of this book from the author and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Four Stars

Thursday, June 20, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Between Frames (The City Between #4) by W.R. Gingell

This week I'm sharing Between Frames (The City Between #4) by W.R. Gingell.

About the Book

Two fae is company, but a company of fae is trouble.

Which is exactly what we’ve got. Trouble, I mean. Well, and fae. Lots of fae.

Something or someone is stalking and killing high-level fae around Hobart—tearing out hearts and leaving a trail of bloody bodies behind. Fae don’t like it when they’re the ones getting killed, so of course they came to hire my owners.

Owners, you ask?

Hi. I’m Pet. No, that’s not my name. I am a pet.

My owners? They’re fae. Well, two fae and one stroppy vampire.

Welcome to the world Between.

Book Beginning

It's always during dinner that stuff happens. More specifically, it's always the dinners that JinYeong picks.

Friday 56

"Don't irritate Athelas," Zero said.

"I'm not irritating him, I'm hugging him," I protested, but I let him go.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Plan of Action (Lantern Beach P.D. #5) by Christy Barritt

About the Book

The thrilling conclusion to the Lantern Beach PD series is finally here!

A missing Navy SEAL. Danger at the boiling point. The ultimate showdown.

When Police Chief Cassidy Chambers’ husband, Ty, disappears, her world is turned upside down. His truck is discovered with blood inside, crashed in a ditch on Lantern Beach, but he’s nowhere to be found. As they launch a manhunt to find him, Cassidy discovers that someone on the island has a deadly obsession with Ty.

Meanwhile, Gilead’s Cove seems to be imploding. As danger heightens, federal law enforcement officials are called in. The cult’s growing threat could lead to the pinnacle standoff of good versus evil. A clear plan of action is needed or the results will be devastating.

Will Cassidy find Ty in time, or will she face a gut-wrenching loss? Will Anthony Gilead finally be unmasked for who he really is and be brought to justice? Hundreds of innocent lives are at stake . . . and not everyone will come out alive.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Wow! What an intense, heart-pounding conclusion to the Lantern Beach P.D. series. I was completely riveted from beginning to end and had an incredibly difficult time pulling myself away to tend to “real life” matters.

The stakes have never been higher when Police Chief Cassidy Chambers' husband Ty goes missing. I've gotta say, this book seriously stressed me out! My anxiety was off the charts and my heart was racing. I haven't been this stressed out while reading a book in a long time.

All in all, this series was so great! I loved it and highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys great, suspenseful mysteries. I can't wait to see what Christy Barritt comes out with next!

4.5 Stars

Tuesday, June 18, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Murky Waters: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere

This week I'm featuring Murky Waters: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere releasing June 23.

About the Book

Bad boys can catch you, hook, line, and sinker . . .

Kyra had always been the baby. Third mermaid daughter of three, she had been overprotected since birth. More interested in boys and makeup than adventures like sister Zoe or inheriting command of Sirenia like Ava, she studies underwater dance at the academy and spends her spare time flirting with mermen. But when she catches a member of Poseidon’s security team dismantling the safe that protects the mermaid treasures, she fears the worst. The problem? Thanks to her practiced naiveite, nobody takes her warning seriously.

What happens when a sweet mermaid suspects corruption in the ranks?

If you’re that mermaid, you might have to grow up fast.

Kyra embarks on a double life: Lolita by day, Mata Hari by night. Navigating cloudy waters tainted by the ink of squid intended to hide the merman’s trail, she leaves the safety of Sirenia and follows his path . . . until that path leads to his dead body. With an unknown killer inside Sirenia, Kyra knows no one is safe. Lacking the drive and bravery of her two older sisters, she uses her purity to discover the truth, but what happens when her childlike charm hooks a dangerous killer? Hidden reserves of courage could save her life . . . or leave her dangling on the line.

Why I Need It

I recently finished the first book in this series and LOVED it! It was so fun, quirky, and unique. It was fascinating learning about the underwater community of mermaids and I'm so excited I don't have long to wait for this sequel!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, June 17, 2019

Review: Tails from the Deep: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere

About the Book

Three sisters vying for attention.

One matriarch to keep them in line.

A world of adventure filled with nefarious characters, hidden secrets, mysterious activities, and sunken treasure.

Sunken treasure?

Yes, sunken treasure. Because this is the ocean, where pearls are common, crimes are not, and mysteries lurk behind every cluster of coral.

Welcome to Sirenia, the mermaid colony in unchartered waters!

TAILS FROM THE DEEP - Mermaid Mystery #1

There's something fishy going on at the edge of Sirenia...

Zoe wasn't looking for trouble. As the middle daughter in a family of three mermaid sisters, she never gets the attention she deserves. She spends her days frolicking with sea creatures by the sunken battleship that sits at the edge of Sirenia, and her nights being lectured about danger. But when she finds a diver trapped in the kelp by the wreckage, she overcomes her shock to free him. The problem? The only available tool to cut him loose is the knife in the body on the ocean floor by his feet.

What happens when a mermaid saves dangerous stranger?
If you're that mermaid, you might have to solve a mystery to save yourself.

Zoe learns the diver is a detective tasked with solving the dead man's murder. Being in the unique position of finding evidence underwater, Zoe volunteers to help . . . until she finds a clue that links the body to her older sister. Now the only way to ensure the safety of her sister--and protect the mermaid colony she always dreamed of leaving behind--is to discover the dead man's identity herself. Zoe is used to being invisible around the other mermaids, but what happens when her sleuthing for clues exposes herself to the humans who may be responsible for a murder? With the evidence hidden in the ocean floor, digging for clues could lead to an early grave . . . in Davy Jones's Locker.

You'll love splashing around in the virtual world of Sirenia, because mermaid mysteries are the perfect escapist fiction.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm a huge fan of this author's Sylvia Stryker series and was so curious when I first heard about her new mermaid cozy series. I just had to read it as soon as it came out. This first installment was awesome! It's fun, fresh, unique, and so, so good.

Sirenia is a fascinating place full of wonder. It's quite a neat underwater society. And the whole mermaid mythology was really cool. It was fun learning all about them.

Tails from the Deep is the perfect summer read. I enjoyed my time spent in the pages of this novella so much. My only complaint is that it had to end so soon. I'm very much looking forward to the sequel!

Four Stars

Thursday, June 13, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Plan of Action (Lantern Beach P.D. #5) by Christy Barritt

This week I'm sharing Plan of Action, the exciting conclusion to the Lantern Beach P.D. series by Christy Barritt.

About the Book

Book Beginning

Moriah Gilead held her breath as she watched the figure descend the steps into the dark, cave-like bunker. She blinked, the glaring daylight behind the man preventing her from seeing any of his features.

Friday 56

Dietrich looked like he forced a smile. "We have nothing to hide."

Oh, Cassidy would bet they did. This place had so much to hide. The question was: Where were they keeping their secrets?

What have you been reading lately?

Review: All Systems Red (The Murderbot Diaries #1) by Martha Wells

About the Book
"As a heartless killing machine, I was a complete failure."

In a corporate-dominated spacefaring future, planetary missions must be approved and supplied by the Company. Exploratory teams are accompanied by Company-supplied security androids, for their own safety.

But in a society where contracts are awarded to the lowest bidder, safety isn’t a primary concern.

On a distant planet, a team of scientists are conducting surface tests, shadowed by their Company-supplied ‘droid — a self-aware SecUnit that has hacked its own governor module, and refers to itself (though never out loud) as “Murderbot.” Scornful of humans, all it really wants is to be left alone long enough to figure out who it is.

But when a neighboring mission goes dark, it's up to the scientists and their Murderbot to get to the truth.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I've been meaning to read this for what seems like forever. I've heard so many good things about it. There's been so much praise and I wanted to see what it was all about. Yeah, I understand it now. It's such a fun read! It's not a genre I read much of, but I probably should. I enjoyed it so much!

Murderbot is something else, lol! Hilarious without really meaning to be, oddly caring, totally awkward, and weirdly relatable. That probably sounds really strange, but trust me. Read the book and you'll understand.

There was mystery and intrigue, too, that had me reading as fast as I could. All in all, this was an awesome read, even better than I expected.

Here's a few of my favorite quotes:

I could have become a mass murderer after I hacked my governor module, but then I realized I could access the combined feed of entertainment channels carried on the company satellites. It had been well over 35,000 hours or so since then, with still not much murdering, but probably, I don't know, a little under 35,000 hours of movies serials, books, plays, and music consumed. As a heartless killing machine, I was a terrible failure.

So, I'm awkward with actual humans. It's not paranoia about my hacked government module, and it's not them; it's me. I know I'm a horrifying murderbot, and they know it, and it makes both of us nervous, which makes me even more nervous.

“All right,” she said, and looked at me for what objectively was 2.4 seconds and subjectively about 20 excruciating minutes.

Everyone stood there, quiet. I could tell from their expressions they were all thinking hard. The HubSystem that controlled their habitat, that they were dependent on for food, shelter, filtered air, and water, was trying to kill them. And in their corner all they had was Murderbot, who just wanted everyone to leave it alone so it could watch the entertainment feed all day.

4.5 Stars

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: She Walks in Love (Protectors of the Spear #2) by MaryLu Tyndall

This week I'm featuring She Walks in Love (Protectors of the Spear #2) by MaryLu Tyndall releasing June 17.

About the Book

She must protect the Spear of Destiny at all costs
He must bring the lady safely home
But the powers of darkness chasing them have other ideas

Lady Cristiana D'Clere, the new protector of the Spear, is on the run from the steward of her estate, who has kept her drugged for years. All she ever wanted was to be safe, marry well, and raise a bevy of wee ones. Instead, she is far from home, chased by men intent on killing her and stealing the Spear of Christ for its incredible powers.

Sir Jarin the Just has never forgotten the woman who stirred his heart like no other. Determined to find and restore her to her proper place as Lady of Luxley Castle, he sets out on a journey fraught with more dangers than he ever could have foreseen. The biggest danger is to his heart, for he has vowed to remain unfettered and never surrender his freedom to a woman.

Though the Spear protects the couple along their journey, Cristiana must learn to trust the One whose blood stains the relic, while Jarin must learn to rely on powers far above his own knightly skills. For the dark magic that is chasing them may take all the powers of heaven to defeat.

Why I Need It

It's been almost three years since the previous book, She Walks in Power, was released and I've been anxious for this sequel ever since. I bet it'll be worth the long wait, though. I'm excited for it!

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Review: Spindle (Two Monarchies Sequence #1) by W.R. Gingell

About the Book

"A roller-coaster ride of creative and fantastic fairy tale retelling!" -Wishful Endings Book Blog

What do you do when your prince is not a prince, your hair won’t stop growing, and someone has cursed you to sleep for 300 years?

If you’re Polyhymnia, you get up with the help of a kiss or two, trailing your hair behind you, and find out who did it. You try not to get killed in the process.

And you definitely try not to fall in love with the incredibly irritating wizard who woke you and apparently needs to keep kissing you to keep you awake...

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm a huge fan of this author's Between series and wanted to try something else from her. Spindle was awesome! It's weird, a little wacky, and I loved every second of it.

This book plops the reader right into things and it took me a bit to really get my bearings, to figure out what was going on. But that was part of the fun. Poly's missing a lot of her memories, so as she slowly starts remembering, things begin to take shape and make more sense. I was reading as fast as I could to try to figure everything out.

Spindle has a bit of a Sleeping Beauty feel to it, but Poly's not a princess and Luck's not the prince. I found the nod to the classic tale to be so great. I had such a fun time reading it and am anxious to check out the rest of the series.

Four Stars

Monday, June 10, 2019

Review: The Number of Love (Codebreakers #1) by Roseanna M. White

About the Book
Three years into the Great War, England's greatest asset is their intelligence network--field agents risking their lives to gather information, and codebreakers able to crack every German telegram. Margot De Wilde thrives in the environment of the secretive Room 40, where she spends her days deciphering intercepted messages. But when her world is turned upside down by an unexpected loss, for the first time in her life numbers aren't enough.

Drake Elton returns wounded from the field, followed by an enemy who just won't give up. He's smitten quickly by the intelligent Margot, but how can he convince a girl who lives entirely in her mind that sometimes life's answers lie in the heart?

Amid biological warfare, encrypted letters, and a German spy who wants to destroy not just them but others they love, Margot and Drake will have to work together to save themselves from the very secrets that brought them together.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

I'm at a loss for words to describe how wonderful this book was. To say it's good is a vast understatement. I've loved all of Roseanna White's books, but this one takes the cake. She's out done herself here. The Number of Love is my favorite one yet. In fact, I think it's the best book I've read this year (and I've read quite a few great ones).

Time flew by while I was reading. I'd look up at the clock and be shocked by how much time had passed. I was completely immersed in the story, feeling as if I was right there, back in 1917, with these characters.

With a sarcastic wit and a sharp, brilliant mind, Margot's a leading lady unlike any other. The way that her mind worked, her way with numbers, was so fascinating. Drake was a perfect match for her. His respect and his patience with her was so sweet. And I have to say, I loved all the appearances of the characters from some of White's previous books. It was so fun to see them again.

I can't recommend this highly enough. It was exciting and romantic and just an all-around awesome story. It's one not to be missed!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Five Stars

Saturday, June 8, 2019

Stars Descend Blog Tour: Guest Post on Space Elves

I'm excited to share with you a guest post about space elves from author Kara Jaynes! First, here's what the book's about.

About the Book
The elves have come down from the sky in their ships, their countenances full of light and their bodies, power. But they rule over us humans with iron fists, and without mercy.

Vampires stalk the streets, lurking in shadows and the cover of darkness. Their lust for blood is never sated, and the nights are filled with the screams of their victims.

I’m just a street rat, a trash picker. I didn’t expect him to choose me. The Prince of Elves could have anyone, so why me?

Even as my heart sings at the elf’s close proximity, I still love the boy who left me, disappearing into the city’s corrupt underworld. I don’t even know if he’s still alive.

Stars reign. Rebellion brews. And with my already uncertain future disintegrating into chaos, I don’t know who to turn to, or who to trust.

Amazon (Available on Kindle Unlimited!)

Guest Post on Space Elves

The elves in Stars Descend aren’t the sort that lives in the forests or underground. These elves are from space. They look the way one might expect. They’re generally tall and beautiful, with striking features and piercing eyes. They’re physically powerful and wield magic. They are also similar to aliens you might read about in a sci-fi novel since they come from another world, but rather than destroying humanity and stripping Earth of its resources; the elves believe their calling is to nurture, heal and protect planets that are struggling to survive. They’re hardcore environmentalists.

The king of the elves has several sons, and as they’ve come of age and earned the privilege to serve, has sent them to various planets that have needed their aid.

Eldaren is the youngest of the king’s sons and has been assigned to serve on our planet Earth, in a dystopian future where humans have all but ruined civilization through war amongst each other and depleting their resources. By the time the elves arrive, humans are in dire straights.

Eldaren hopes to change things for the better, not only to help the humans, but to prove himself to his king, and his people. But he discovers that humans are remarkably averse and resistant to change, and things don’t work out the way he expects.

I chose elves to be the race to nurture Earth for a couple of reasons. One, because I knew from the moment the story idea sprang to my mind that elves would be involved in the story, but also because traditionally—in folklore and other stories—their sort and fae—and one could argue that elves are fae—have always seemed a little more in tune with nature, than other mythical creatures or humans.

About the Author

Kara Jaynes is a fantasy and children's book author. She loves rainy days, long walks, and fairy tales. She's been writing since she was very young, and has more stories in her head than she could possibly write.

Facebook —Instagram —Twitter—BookBub —Amazon Author Page

Party Time!

Calling all book readers! Join author Kara Jaynes as we chat about her urban fantasy novel STARS DESCEND on June 12th from 8 PM to 10 PM EST (5 PM PST and 6 PM MDT).

Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with Kara, games, and giveaways.

Special guests Janeen Ippolito and Sarah Ashwood will also be sharing their books and joining in the fun.

RSVP HERE

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 3^rd

Laura VanArendonk Baugh: Guest Post about Vampires
Geeky Mythology: Book Review

Tuesday, June 4^th

Storyteller Princess: Book Review Spotlight

Wednesday, June 5^th

She Hearts Fiction: Guest Post on Vampires

Thursday, June 6^th

Between the Lines: Guest Post on Seattle, Washington

Friday, June 7^th

Cobonham: Book Review

Saturday, June 8^th

The Rustic Reading Gal: Guest Post on Space Elves
HEA Club Blog: Book Spotlight

Sunday, June 9^th

All the Ups and Downs: Guest Post on Paranormal Creature
Cheryl M-M's Book Blog: Book Review

Monday, June 10^th

Kandi J Wyatt, where fantasy and reality meet: Book Review & Character Interview with Sol
J.L. Mbewe: Book Spotlight

Tuesday, June 11^th

The Book Sprite: Guest Post about Overcoming Prejudice

Wednesday, June 12^th

Urban Fantasy Investigations: Author Interview
The Hero’s Tale: Book Review
Stars Descend Facebook Party

Thursday, June 13^th

Unicorn Quester: Character Interview with Eldaren

Friday, June 14^th

Betwixt the Pages: Book Review
Sarah Ashwood: Character Interview with Stella
Unicorn Quester: Video Review

Saturday, June 15^th

Unicorn Quester: Blog Tour Wrap-Up

Thursday, June 6, 2019

Book Beginnings + Friday 56: Tails from the Deep: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere

This week I'm sharing Tails from the Deep: A Mermaid Cozy Mystery by Diane Vallere. It's a really quick and unique read. I had such a fun time with it.

About the Book

Book Beginning

I hated being told what to do. Mother thought it was unseemly for a mermaid to show interest in something that came from the human world, but just because I was a mermaid didn't mean I couldn't be curious about other things.

Friday 56

I left Sirenia and swam to Mad Midge, who assigned two electric eels to accompany me. The eels provided enough light to illuminate my path. I could trust these fish to keep my secret since eels weren't able to talk. Everybody knew that.

What have you been reading lately?

Review: Living Lies (Harbored Secrets #1) by Natalie Walters

About the Book

In the little town of Walton, Georgia, everybody knows your name--but no one knows your secret. At least that's what Lane Kent is counting on when she returns to her hometown with her five-year-old son. Dangerously depressed after the death of her husband, Lane is looking for hope. What she finds instead is a dead body.

Lane must work with Walton's newest deputy, Charlie Lynch, to uncover the truth behind the murder. But when that truth hits too close to home, she'll have to decide if saving the life of another is worth the cost of revealing her darkest secret.

Debut novelist Natalie Walters pulls you to the edge of your seat on the first page and keeps you there until the last in this riveting story that will have you believing no one is defined by their past.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Living Lies was a marvelous debut from author Natalie Walters. The writing was so great. I was immediately pulled into the story and completely invested in the characters' lives. And these characters! Oh my! They were so realistic in their struggles and hardships, triumphs and joys.

This novel tackles some difficult subjects (depression, PTSD, mental illness) with authenticity and grace. These topics should be brought into the light more often and I appreciated the way it was handled here.

I greatly enjoyed my time reading this book. The mystery was good and the suspense kept building. I've definitely found a new author to add to my auto-buy list. I can't wait for book two!

I received a copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my honest opinion.

Four Stars

Tuesday, June 4, 2019

Can't Wait Wednesday: Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano

This week I'm featuring Finding Lady Enderly by Joanna Davidson Politano releasing August 20.

About the Book
Raina Bretton is a rag woman in London's east end when a handsome stranger appears in a dank alley and offers her a glittering smile and a chance for adventure. Rothburne Abbey has a unique position for her, one that will take her away from her hardscrabble life and give her a chance to be a lady. Things she could only dream of might be coming true. But some dreams turn out to be nightmares.

Though Raina has traded squalor for silk and satin, something about the abbey is deeply unsettling. As she wrestles with her true identity, the ruin, decay, and secrets she finds at the heart of the old mansion tear at her confidence and threaten to reveal her for who she really is. Only one man stands between her and the danger that lurks within--and only if he decides to keep her biggest secret hidden.

Why I Need It

I'm so intrigued by the premise. And I love the cover. It's got a mysterious and haunting vibe that has me so ready to dive into the pages.

What upcoming release are you excited about?

Monday, June 3, 2019

Review: Cameo Courtships: 4 Stories of Women Whose Lives Are Touched by a Legendary Gift

About the Book

A Family Heirloom Inspires Romance

In 1851, a special cameo is gifted by Queen Victoria to Letitia Newton, who though considered an old maid, meets the perfect gentleman minutes after donning. Told by the Queen the cameo is to be shared, Letitia gifts the "Victoria Cameo" to a woman in her family, hoping adventure and romance will follow each of its subsequent wearers.

PINNED ABOVE HER HEART by Susanne Dietze
1851 – Pittsburgh, PA
After receiving the Victoria Cameo, aspiring journalist Clara Newton works to expose a smuggler, but reporter Byron Breaux must break the story first or lose his job. Working together is out of the question until they learn secrets that threaten Clara’s father. . .and her heart.

TAMING PETRA by Jennifer Uhlarik
1875 – Colorado Territory
Trouser-wearing frontierswoman Petra Jayne Hollingsworth has no intention of donning the heirloom cameo, but when a crooked brothel owner steals the treasure, securing its return becomes Petra’s highest priority. Assisting her, Reverend Dustin Owens is appalled to learn the price of its ransom is that Petra must work in the brothel. He may save the woman’s virtue, but can he help Petra regain her cameo and rediscover her faith?

MEET ME AT THE FAIR by Kathleen Y’Barbo
Spring 1885 – New Orleans during the 1884 World’s Fair and Cotton Exposition
It takes a Pinkerton to find a Pinkerton, and Ethan Butler has been charged with finding Elizabeth Newton. Just when he locates her, the cameo he is to deliver is stolen. It appears his previous case has discovered his presence in New Orleans, but he can’t return to that case until the cameo is found. With Miss Newton as a reluctant partner in crime fighting, can Ethan Butler locate the cameo and its thieves without losing his heart?

LENDING MY HEART by Debra E. Marvin
1895 – Pittsburgh, PA
The arrival of a handsome Scottish administrator ruins Miss Bertie Hart’s dream to oversee the new Carnegie Library children’s department. Yet bristly Mr. Russell Smart’s working-class determination and his love of books make him the perfect partner to better the lives of Pittsburgh’s poor. As for a partner in life? Not even her Victoria Cameo can narrow the social chasm he and her father keep between them.

Amazon / Goodreads

My Thoughts

Cameo Courtships was a lovely collection of four stories featuring a cameo gifted from Queen Victoria that's passed down through the generations.

I love this kind of collection where there's a common thread, an object, connecting them all. It's so much fun to see it with different characters, in different situations, and different settings. From England to Pennsylvania, Colorado to Louisiana, and back to Pennsylvania again, I enjoyed reading the journey the cameo went on and “meeting” the people it affected.

All four of these stories were so good! I highly recommend Cameo Courtships to anyone who loves historical fiction.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.

Four Stars