12/7/2021 SHADOWS OF SWANFORD ABBEY VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR Author: Julie Klassen Hosted By @austenprose

 

·         Title: Shadows of Swanford Abbey

·         Author: Julie Klassen

·         Genre: Regency Romance, Historical Suspense, Inspirational Fiction

·         Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (December 7, 2021)

·         Length: (416) pages

·         Format: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

·         Tour Dates: December 6-17, 2021

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Agatha Christie meets Jane Austen in this atmospheric Regency tale brimming with mystery, intrigue, and romance.

When Miss Rebecca Lane returns to her home village after a few years away, her brother begs for a favor: go to nearby Swanford Abbey and deliver his manuscript to an author staying there who could help him get published. Feeling responsible for her brother's desperate state, she reluctantly agrees.

The medieval monastery turned grand hotel is rumored to be haunted. Once there, Rebecca begins noticing strange things, including a figure in a hooded black gown gliding silently through the abbey's cloisters. For all its renovations and veneer of luxury, the ancient foundations seem to echo with whispers of the past--including her own. For there she encounters Sir Frederick—magistrate, widower, and former neighbor—who long ago broke her heart.

When the famous author is found murdered in the abbey, Sir Frederick begins questioning staff and guests and quickly discovers that several people held grudges against the man, including Miss Lane and her brother. Haunted by a painful betrayal in his past, Sir Frederick searches for answers but is torn between his growing feelings for Rebecca and his pursuit of the truth. For Miss Lane is clearly hiding something…

 

YOUTUBE VIDEO

Author Julie Klassen shares her inspiration for Shadows of Swanford Abbey

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPQ24y7dl-E

 

ADVANCE PRAISE



"A brilliant Agatha Christie-esque whodunit by reader favorite Julie Klassen. Set in the creepy atmosphere of an old abbey, Shadows of Swanford Abbey will keep you guessing until the very end. There's plenty of danger, intrigue, and—yes—romance to delight Regency-era lovers of all ages. Truly a don't-miss read!"—Michelle Griep, Christy Award-winning author of Once Upon a Dickens Christmas



“If you enjoy historical fiction with equal blends MYSTERY (suspense) and ROMANCE, then I recommend Shadows of Swanford Abbey with you wholeheartedly without any reservations. This may just be my FAVORITE Klassen novel yet.”—Becky Laney, Becky’s Book Reviews



“Once again Julie Klassen has delivered an intriguing book with all kinds of mystery and a few ghosts added in made it all worth the midnight oil I burned because I didn't want to put it down!”—Lori Parrish, Red Headed Book Lady

MY THOUGHTS:

       Thank you, Austen Prose, Julie Klassen, and Bethany House Publishers for the opportunity to read this book! It releases TODAY, and I am so excited for this amazing historical fiction mystery.

In Shadows of Swanford Abbey, Rebecca Lane comes back home urgently as her brother, the writer has been struggling with issues on his mental health. After many years of trying to be published, Rebecca is tasked to deliver his manuscript to Swanford Abbey. While there, she runs into an old beau, Sir Frederick, and things get complicated with a murder mystery.


I loved getting into the story and the writing was truly immersive and atmospheric - so perfect for these cold winter nights. The story and plotting was tight, characters incredibly believable and enjoyed to read, and a plus for the mental health inclusion especially for that time frame of the early 1800's period.


I highly recommend this wonderful novel by new to me author Julie Klassen.

 

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AUTHOR BIO

 

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold over a million copies, and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. The Secret of Pembrooke Park was honored with the Minnesota Book Award for Genre Fiction. Julie has also won the Midwest Book Award and Christian Retailing's BEST Award and has been a finalist in the RITA and Carol Awards. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota.

 

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11/12/2021 LOVE AND LAVENDER: A MAYFIELD FAMILY ROMANCE (Book 4) VIRTUAL BOOK TOUR

 

·         Title: Love and Lavender: A Mayfield Family Romance (Book 4)

·         Series: Proper Romance

·         Author: Josi S. Kilpack

·         Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction

·         Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing (November 2, 2021)

·         Length: (320) pages

·         Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

·         Tour Dates: November 1-28, 2021

 

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Hazel Stillman is a woman of rare independence and limited opportunities. Born with a clubbed foot, she was sent away as a child and, knowing her disability means a marriage is unlikely, she devoted herself to scholarship and education.

Now working as a teacher in an elite private girls' school, she is content with the way her story has unfolded. When her uncle Elliott Mayfield presents her with the prospect of a substantial inheritance if she marries, Hazel is offended. What kind of decent man would marry for her money? Besides, she loves her freedom as a professional, respected woman. When she hears rumors of the school possibly being sold, however, she knows she must consider all her options.

Duncan Penhale has a brilliant mind and thrives on order and process. He does not expect to marry because he likes his solitary life, shared only with his beloved cat. When Elliott Mayfield, his guardian's brother, presents him with an inheritance if he marries a woman of social standing, Duncan finds it intrusive. However, with the inheritance, he could purchase the building in which he works and run his own firm. It would take an impressive and intellectual woman to understand and love him, quirks and all.

Hazel and Duncan believe they have found a solution to both of their problems: marry one another, receive their inheritances, and then part ways to enjoy their individual paths. But when Uncle Mayfield stipulates that they must live together as husband and wife for one year before receiving their inheritances, Hazel and Duncan reluctantly agree. Over time, their marriage of convenience becomes much more appealing than they had anticipated. At the end of the full year, will they go their separate ways or could an unlikely marriage have found unsuspecting love?

ADVANCE PRAISE

“What a lovely romance. The historical details, the depth of the authentic characters, and the realistic dialogue all contribute to an immersive story. [A] beautiful and inspirational story about loving people just as they are.”— Katie Jackson, Regency Proofreading

“Phenomenal. This book was phenomenal. The very best in the series.”— Lyssa Armstrong, For Where Your Treasure Is

“This love story was unique and such an uncommon take on a marriage of convenience! [S]weet and well worth the wait!”— Ashley Johnson, Bringing Up Books

“Beautifully written, sensitive, poignant addition to the Mayfield Family series.”— Susan K., The Flipped Page

 

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY | BOOKSHOP | GOODREADS

 

REVIEW:

Oh my heart this book is so fun to read - and with my favorite trope fake dating/fake marriage in this historical fiction romance by Josi S. Kilpack it was everything I needed and loved. 

The story is about Hazel Stillman and Duncan Penhale whose situations in life find themselves in need of a spouse. The writing of the story and with characters that are unique, such as Hazel with her disability or Duncan and his neurosis and quirks (neurodiverse), causing their situation for a fulfilled marriage difficult and most likely impossible. The writing of each of the characters brings these two together in the most impactful way. I loved the pacing and the gentleness of the story - it is just absolutely beautiful. 

I highly recommend this beautiful novel by Kilpack for those that love non-traditional characters in a historical fiction romance genre. 

AUTHOR BIO

Josi S. Kilpack has written more than thirty novels, a cookbook, and several novellas. She is a four-time Whitney award winner, including Best Novel 2015 for "Lord Fenton's Folly, and has been a Utah Best of State winner for Fiction. Josi loves to bake, sleep, eat, read, travel, and watch TV--none of which she gets to do as much as she would like. She writes contemporary fiction under the pen name Jessica Pack.

Josi has four children and lives in Northern Utah.

 

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Book Tour Participants

• Nov 01          Storeybook Reviews (Review)
• Nov 01          Austenprose (Review)
• Nov 01          Getting Your Read On (Review)
• Nov 01          Wishful Endings (Review)
• Nov 02          Reading Ladies Book Club (Review)
• Nov 02          Bookworm Lisa (Review)
• Nov 02          Captivated Reading (Spotlight)
• Nov 02          Literary Time Out (Review)
• Nov 03          Timeless Novels (Review)
• Nov 03          Our Book Confessions (Review)
• Nov 03          The Bibliophile Files (Review)
• Nov 04          Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Excerpt)
• Nov 05          Heidi Reads (Review)
• Nov 06          Reading Is My Superpower (Review)
• Nov 07          Reading with Emily (Review)
• Nov 08          Austenesque Reviews (Review)
• Nov 09          Between the Lines Books 'n' Stuff (Excerpt)
• Nov 10          The Book Diva's Reads (Excerpt)
• Nov 11          Novels Alive (Review)
• Nov 11          Gwendalyn's Books (Review)
• Nov 12          Nurse Bookie (Review)
• Nov 13          Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)
• Nov 14          The Christian Fiction Girl (Review)
• Nov 15          Wishful Endings (Excerpt)
• Nov 16          A Bookish Way of Life (Review)
• Nov 17          Lady with a Quill (Review)
• Nov 18          Relz Reviewz (Review)
• Nov 19          The Lit Bitch (Review)
• Nov 20          Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Spotlight)
• Nov 21          For Where Your Treasure Is (Review)
• Nov 22          My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)
• Nov 23          My Bookish Bliss (Review)
• Nov 24          Laura's Reviews (Review)
• Nov 25          Library of Clean Reads (Review)
• Nov 25          The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)
• Nov 26          Books and Socks Rock (Excerpt)
• Nov 26          Greenish Bookshelf (Review)
• Nov 27          Literary Quicksand (Review)
• Nov 28          CozyNookBooks (Review)

12/01/2020 BLOG TOUR for GENTLEMAN JIM: A Tale of Romance and Revenge By MIMI MATTHEWS

 

Title: Gentleman Jim: A Tale of Romance and Revenge
Author: Mimi Matthews
Genre: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance
Publisher: Perfectly Proper Press (November 10, 2020)
Length: (376) pages
Trade Paperback ISBN: 978-1733056991
eBook ASIN: B0842YLCNF
Tour Dates: November 9 – December 6, 2020


She Couldn't Forget...

Wealthy squire's daughter Margaret Honeywell was always meant to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe, but it's bastard-born Nicholas Seaton who has her heart. Raised alongside her on her father's estate, Nick is the rumored son of notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim. When Fred frames him for theft, Nick escapes into the night, vowing to find his legendary sire. But Nick never returns. A decade later, he's long been presumed dead.

He Wouldn't Forgive...

After years spent on the continent, John Beresford, Viscount St. Clare has finally come home to England. Tall, blond, and dangerous, he's on a mission to restore his family's honor. If he can mete out a bit of revenge along the way, so much the better. But he hasn't reckoned for Maggie Honeywell. She's bold and beautiful--and entirely convinced he's someone else.

As danger closes in, St. Clare is torn between love and vengeance. Will he sacrifice one to gain other? Or, with a little daring, will he find a way to have them both?





ADVANCE PRAISE

"Tartly elegant. . . A vigorous, sparkling, and entertaining love story with plenty of Austen-ite wit."— Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Matthews ups the ante with a wildly suspenseful romance..."— Library Journal, starred review

"Equally passionate and powerful...Mimi Matthews proves once again that she is a master of historical fiction in Gentleman Jim."— Readers' Favorite

"Rollicking and romantic, passionate and intriguing...Regency romance does not get any better than Gentleman Jim."— Relz Reviewz

MY REVIEW:

I was craving for a Regency era romance and revenge, and Mimi Matthews delivered on this wonderfully addictive and suspenseful historical fiction, Gentleman Jim. 

When Margaret Honeywell's father dies, it was willed that she is to marry her neighbor, Frederick Burton-Smythe or lose all her assets. Her heart had always been set on Nicholas Seaton, the estate groom, rumored to be the illegitimate son of a notorious highwayman Gentleman Jim, who had been long gone, never returned, and presumed dead. 

I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book for the lovable and relatable heroine, a long lost love and fake identity trope, childhood friendship, second chance romance, and a villain that creeps under your skin. 

I could not stop turning the pages fast enough as I was swooning over Maggie and Nicholas' chemistry, their passion and love for each other. His return back to England and the twists and turns that follows is just written so remarkably I was hooked from the start. 

Matthews not only immersed me into the Regency era but also brought me alongside the characters that I loved reading about. Maggie is one of those characters that will stay with you long after you read this book and I thought she was so well written and really captured my heart alongside Nicholas as he rights all the wrong that has been done to him.

This was such a fantastic read I highly recommend - the romance is absolutely breathtaking as is many of the scenes in the book that read like a movie. This was an amazing read and should not be passed up especially if you enjoy reading historical fiction with amazing characters full of depth and heart.

AUTHOR BIO: 

USA Today bestselling author Mimi Matthews writes both historical nonfiction and award-winning proper Victorian romances. Her novels have received starred reviews in Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Kirkus, and her articles have been featured on the Victorian Web, the Journal of Victorian Culture, and in syndication at BUST Magazine. In her other life, Mimi is an attorney. She resides in California with her family, which includes a retired Andalusian dressage horse, a Sheltie, and two Siamese cats. Her next romance, The Siren of Sussex, will be out in 2022 from Berkley/Penguin Random House.



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GOODREADS

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE:



Nov 09 Relz Reviewz (Character Spotlight)

Nov 09 Life of Literature (Review)

Nov 09 Austenprose—A Jane Austen Blog (Review)

Nov 10 Savvy Verse and Wit (Interview)

Nov 10 Greenish Bookshelf (Review)

Nov 11 Library of Clean Reads (Review)

Nov 11 Silver Petticoat Reviews (Excerpt)

Nov 12 Bookworm Lisa (Review)

Nov 12 Heidi Reads (Review)

Nov 13 Lu's Reviews (Review)

Nov 14 The Green Mockingbird (Review)

Nov 15 Bookish Rantings (Review)

Nov 15 The Lit Bitch (Review)

Nov 16 The Historical Fiction Reader (Review)

Nov 16 Austenesque Reviews (Review)

Nov 17 Inkwell Inspirations (Review)

Nov 17 Robin Loves Reading (Review)

Nov 18 Christian Chick's Thoughts (Review)

Nov 18 My Jane Austen Book Club (Excerpt)

Nov 19 Laura's Reviews (Review)

Nov 20 Jorie Loves a Story (Spotlight)

Nov 20 Foxes and Fairy Tales (Review)

Nov 21 Gwendalyn's Books (Excerpt)

Nov 22 Romantically Inclined Reviews (Review)

Nov 22 Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina (Review)

Nov 22 Vesper's Place (Spotlight)

Nov 23 Fiction Aficionado (Review)

Nov 23 Historical Fiction with Spirit (Review)

Nov 24 Let Them Read Books (Interview)

Nov 25 The Caffeinated Bibliophile (Review)

Nov 25 So Little Time… (Spotlight)

Nov 27 Among the Reads (Review)

Nov 28 Chicks, Rogues and Scandals (Review)

Nov 29 Book Bustle (Review)

Nov 30 Cup of Tea with that Book Please (Review)

Dec 01 Nurse Bookie (Review)

Dec 02 Confessions of a Book Addict (Review)

Dec 02 Impressions in Ink (Review)

Dec 03 From Pemberley to Milton (Review)

Dec 04 Relz Reviewz (Review)

Dec 04 Rosanne E. Lortz (Review)

Dec 05 Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen (Review)

Dec 05 Probably at the Library (Review)

Dec 06 The Calico Critic (Excerpt)


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· Twitter handles: @MimiMatthewsEsq