Her Unexpected Courtship Review

Wednesday, August 26, 2020

Isabel Reed has promised to marry for love. At present her heart belongs to the one companion she knows accepts all her eccentricities—her horse. So when her older brother threatens to trade the animal on a whim, Isabel must force aside her progressive beliefs and bargain to entertain her brother's flirtatious, albeit handsome, friend Lucas Ashcroft in exchange for keeping her horse.

Lucas is on the brink of madness—after a year’s worth of visits, he loves Isabel and is ready to propose. When it seems like she has finally come to feel the same, he foolishly believes he's won her heart.

After a botched proposal from Lucas, Isabel makes it her mission to prove his affections for her are misplaced. But Lucas is determined not to give up his pursuit, and as Isabel comes to know him and his heart, she must work to save herself from losing not only her horse, but the most equal love match she never thought possible.

Review -  Her Unexpected Courtship by Megan Walker was a fun escape read. It's the third book in the Promise of Forever After Series. Four characters share a "traveling" bracelet to help bolster their friendships and serve as a good luck charm as they navigate society and their own hearts. The characters were interesting and engaging. The story moved along quickly and the pacing seemed just right. The story and characters felt fresh and engaging. I was a little taken back by how cold Isabel's brother could be to his sister. Isabel learns more about herself and those around her. There was an interesting theme dealing with perceptions and dealing with grief. It was an interesting read that I would recommend trying. Click here to learn more about Her Unexpected Courtship.


Please note that I received a free e-book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links that help support the maintenance of this blog.

It Started in Budapest Review and Giveaway

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

 

Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can’t hold on much longer.

In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula. When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania, where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother immortal. Molly’s rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his own past. When he discovers Molly’s plan, Percy’s concern for the naive young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.

Review - This is not your typical romance. The main character, Molly, is unusual with several quirks and a shocking naivety about the difference between fantasy and reality. The story pace is quick and often relates to Dracula by Bram Stoker. This story would be good to read along with the classic Dracula. I felt like I was reading this story at the wrong time of year. It should be read around Halloween and not the summer. There seems to be other allusions to other monsters i.e Mummy, but I am not familiar enough with the Horror genre to know for sure. This felt very different from Daines's other books...more excitement, horror, naivety, and unusual characters. It's a clean, wholesome read. I would recommend it to Romance/Horror fans. To learn more, click here.

Enter the giveaway by filling out the rafflecopter below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway 
 

 

Please note that I received a free e-book to review, however, this is my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links. Please note that the giveaway is run by the publisher.

Romancing Her Rival Review

Friday, August 14, 2020

 He stole her inheritance. She stole his heart. 

Daphne Windham has depended upon one thing her entire life: inheriting her beloved great-aunt’s estate, Cheriton Hall. With her mother desperate to marry her off to the highest bidder, Daphne is relieved to escape to Cheriton for the summer—until she learns that her aunt has decided upon a different heir entirely. Cole Everard, the steward’s son and Daphne’s childhood friend. Former friend, that is. 

Raised on the grounds of Cheriton, Cole Everard never imagined he would be named heir, but he is determined to prove himself worthy of the position. Unfortunately, that is easier said than done, especially when Daphne arrives claiming he is anything but worthy. Instead of their close friendship, Cole is met with cold indifference—which would sting much less if he wasn’t entirely in love with her… 

Hurt and betrayed, Daphne believes her only choice is to undermine her new rival and reclaim what is rightfully hers. But that plan becomes increasingly difficult, what with Cole’s infuriating charm and kindness. When fate offers Daphne a second chance, will she take it or risk it all for the promise of love?

Romancing Her Rival is the second in a series of books about five friends. The other four novellas will be written by authors Sally Britton, Megan Walker, Heidi Kimball, and Arlem Hawks.

Review - Romancing Her Rival is a fun and quick romance. I loved that I could read it quickly and relax with a good story. The book was well-written, engaging and interesting. The characters were intriguing and engaging. I felt like the inheritance theme was on target with the time period. Jane Austen, Francis Burney and Maria Edgeworth addressed inheritance in their novels. The author willingly shows the characters good and bad traits as well as allows the characters room to grow and develop within the story. This is the second in a series of books. To learn more, click here


Please note that I received a free e-copy to review however this is my honest opinion. This post contains amazon affiliate links.

August Giveaways to Enter (low to moderate entry)

Tuesday, August 11, 2020

 


I like entering low to moderate entry giveaways and I share each month some of the blog or social media giveaways I've entered, thought someone else might be interested in entering or that have been submitted to me through bloggers. Check back often throughout the month to see if I have posted more giveaways. If you are hosting a family-friendly giveaway on your blog and would like to see it listed here, please contact me (via email). If you have a won a giveaway that I posted, please leave a comment and share that you won.

A Foreign Crown Blog Tour and Giveaway

Monday, August 10, 2020

Following a devastating series of misfortunes, Lady Aribella Bardsley has bravely shouldered the responsibilities of her household. But just as the bleakness of her situation threatens to overwhelm her, a summons arrives from the Queen with a providential offer: Aribella’s presence is requested as a lady-in-waiting at the palace. 

Prince Layton Wilhelm’s family has clung to their neutrality in the war for far too long. As the youngest of the King of Oldenburg’s eight sons, Layton is determined to prove his worth and is unwilling to turn a blind eye to Napoleon’s encroaching privateers. When Layton embarks on a journey to England, it is for one purpose: to petition the British navy for aid. But when he becomes acquainted with the lovely Lady Aribella, he cannot deny their powerful connection. Amid the intrigues and schemes within the walls of the palace, Layton and Aribella know a future together is impossible—but torn between loyalty and love, will they risk everything to follow their hearts?

Review - The romance was interesting, but when the author starting talking about the dynamics of the court, my interest shifted and I was more intrigued with the side drama than the romance. Johnson makes history come alive in her story. There was a lot of interesting dynamics and power plays with the English court. It was interesting to see the interpretation in fiction. After I finished the story, I read more about it online. It would be interesting to see if the author explores more courts in this series. Johnson makes historical settings come alive in her writing. The story was well written and was an interesting read. I would recommend reading it. To learn more, click here.

Enter to win a copy down below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Please note that I received an book for free, however, this is my honest opinion. Please also note that there are affiliate links in this post. The giveaway is run by the publisher.

 

 

Wander New York: Fitz in the City Blog Tour and Giveaway

Friday, August 7, 2020


ABOUT THE BOOKS

 Written by Reese Traves
Illustrated by Jon Traves
Publisher’s Synopsis: Fitz the Fox can’t wait to see all that New York City has to offer — but will he get to see the penguin feeding or will a subway snafu derail his plans? A whimsical, sight-seeing jaunt that encourages wonder with rhyming text, peppered with facts and trivia along the way!
Join Fitz as he visits the Statue of Liberty with her 8-foot long index finger, the bustling crowds of Grand Central Terminal, the wondrous, book-filled spaces of the New York Public Library, and marvels at the sky-scraping height of the Empire State Building.
Continue to wander with a walk from Manhattan to Brooklyn across the Brooklyn Bridge and visit the Bronx Zoo along with more iconic landmarks while exploring this exciting city!
Ages 3-10 | Good Avenue Books | August 10, 2020 | ISBN-13: 978-1734602104
Learn more here or here

 
 
 
OFFICIAL LINKS



GIVEAWAY

Enter for a chance to win a gorgeous Wander New York: Fitz in the City prize pack!
One (1) winner receives:
  • A hardcover copy of Wander New York: Fitz in the City autographed by author Reese Traves and illustrator Jon Traves.
  • A screen-printed Wander Often Wonder Always® tote from Hello Small World.
  • Three (3) Hello Small World greeting cards illustrated by Jon Traves.
  • An 8”x10” print of a scene from Wander New York: Fitz in the City signed by illustrator Jon Traves.

Two (2) winners will receive:
  • A hardcover copy of Wander New York: Fitz in the City autographed by author Reese Traves and illustrator Jon Traves.

Giveaway begins July 30, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends August 11, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway


TOUR SCHEDULE

July 30
The Children's Book Review
July 31
Barbara Ann Mojica's Blog
August 1
Over Coffee Conversations
August 2
Word Spelunking
August 3
Fairview Elementary School (Library)
August 4
icefairy's Treasure Chest
August 5
Library Lady's Kid Lit
August 6
Heart to Heart
August 7
Life Is What It's Called
August 8
J.R.'s Book Reviews
August 10
Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers
August 11
Confessions of a Book Addict

DISCLOSURE

This blog post is made possible in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Good Avenue Books.

Buckets Goes on A Winter Adventure Blog Tour and Giveaway

Friday, August 7, 2020

ABOUT THE BOOK
Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure Written by Taryn Crowder
Illustrated by Nidhom

Synopsis: Buckets is a curious French Bulldog, and he’s determined to find out where snow comes from! One wintry day, Buckets runs away from his home in Brooklyn in hopes of finding its origin…but what happens when he gets lost along the way? Buckets Goes on a Winter Adventure is a story of friendship and determination, and will encourage readers of all ages to explore the mysteries of the world around them.

Ages 4-8 | Mascot Books | October 1, 2019 | ISBN-13: 978-1643073699

Available for purchase here and here.



OFFICIAL LINKS



GIVEAWAY
Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of Buckets Goes On a Winter Adventure and a 16″ plush Buckets toy!

One (1) winner receives:
  • An autographed copy, by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes On A Winter Adventure
  • A 16″ plush Buckets toy 
Nine (9) winners will receive:
  • An autographed copy, by both Taryn Crowder and Buckets, of Buckets Goes On A Winter Adventure
Giveaway begins August 3, 2020, at 12:01 A.M. PST and ends September 3, 2020, at 11:59 P.M. PST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 
SCHEDULE
August 4 - Word Spelunking
August 13 - Heart to Heart
August 18 - Mommy Ramblings

Per FTC guidelines, This post was in partnership with The Children’s Book Review and Taryn Crowder..
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