The Ones We Trust by Kimberly Belle

When former DC journalist Abigail Wolff attempts to rehabilitate her career, she finds herself at the heart of a US army cover-up involving the death of a soldier in Afghanistan—with unspeakable emotional consequences for one family. As the story of what happened comes to light, Abigail will do anything to write it.

The more evidence she stumbles upon in the case, the fewer people it seems she can trust, including her own father, a retired army general. And she certainly never expected to fall in love with the slain soldier’s brother, Gabe, a bitter man struggling to hold his family together. The investigation eventually leads her to an impossible choice, one of unrelenting sacrifice to protect those she loves.

Beyond the buried truths and betrayals, questions of family loyalty and redemption, Abigail’s search is, most of all, a desperate grasp at carrying on and coping—and seeking hope in the impossible.

Paperback: 304 pages

Publisher: Mira (July 28, 2015)

 *****

It's been a week now since I finished this book and I still struggle to put into words my thoughts.  The problem is that I have much to say but feel I would give too much of the story away if I let loose.  Suffice to say that I absolutely LOVED this book!  

Kimberly Belle has a writing style that I like.  The plot here was interesting and not overly political.  The story was realistic and believable, I was totally captivated here and read this book in 2 days - I was so invested here that I had to find out what was going on.  With the seriousness of the story the times of comical relief were welcomed and needed (the ping pong balls were a hoot).

Abigail is a very likeable character, right from the very first chapter I connected and wanted to keep on reading.  She is gutsy, brave, compassionate and the seeker of truth.  Overcoming tragic events she is just starting to get her groove back, but still gun shy.  But her hand is forced and she has no choice once she starts digging.  I liked her drive and determination for the truth, even when family might be involved.

It wasn't just Abigail's character that was developed nicely but also that of Gabe, you could feel his struggles at losing a brother and the frustrations of not knowing the truth.  His mother, though not as predominately focused on here, but in what little time she was included it wasn't hard to know her and her feelings.

I loved the ending, it finished off nicely.  Here is where I really want to say more, as a mom of 4 boys the closer I got to the end the more emotional it became for me.  There was one scene that just stayed with me for days afterwards. The author writes with such feeling that it was like I was there, a part of this story.

In regards to profanity, I'm not a big fan of it.  I tend to avoid books laced in it (as well as movies), with books it is easier to tone out.   What I am getting at here is that yes there are a few times profanity is used, not a huge amount I could count on one hand the amount of times used.  My big problem with it is how it's used, does it goes with the story.  In The Ones We Trust the very few times used it was in the right context, the substitution of a 'fluff' word would have stood out more disrupting the flow of story.  And this story flowed along perfectly with no jagged edges poking out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Secrets are a sneaky little seed.  You can hide them, you can bury them, you can disguise them and cover them up.  But then, just when you think your secret has rotted away and decayed into nothing, it stirs back to life.  It sprouts roots and stems, crawls its way through the mud and muck, growing and climbing and bursting through the surface, blooming for everyone to see.  That's the lesson here.  The truth always come out eventually.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I reviewed Kimberly Belle's debut The Last Breath last year, she now stands as one of those authors whose future books will automatically be added to my reading list.  Thank you to TLC Tours for allowing me to review this for them.  Tomorrow I have to privilege of hosting a guest post with the author.

 

Purchase Links

Amazon | Indie Bound | Barnes & Noble

Kimberly Belle grew up in Eastern Tennessee, in a small town nestled in the foothills of the Appalachians. A graduate of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Georgia, Kimberly lived for over a decade in the Netherlands and has worked in marketing and fundraising for various nonprofits.

 She’s the author of two novels, THE LAST BREATH and THE ONES WE TRUST (August 2015). She divides her time between Atlanta and Amsterdam.

 

Keep up with Kimberly:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

 

Kimberly Belle’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Tuesday, July 28th: Books a la Mode – author guest post

Wednesday, July 29th: Life is Story

Thursday, July 30th: Sara’s Organized Chaos

Tuesday, August 4th: Mom’s Small Victories

Thursday, August 6th: Kritter’s Ramblings

Friday, August 7th: Romancing the Book – review & interview

Monday, August 10th: Books and Spoons

Monday, August 10th: Just One More Chapter

Tuesday, August 11th: Just One More Chapter – author guest post

Tuesday, August 11th: Jorie Loves a Story – author guest post

Wednesday, August 12th: Bibliotica

Friday, August 14th: From the TBR Pile – review and author Q&A

Monday, August 17th: Feminist Reflections

Wednesday, August 19th: Read Love Blog – author guest post

Thursday, August 20th: The World As I See It

TBD: Diary of a Stay at Home Mom

Waiting on Wednesday: Stars over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill  at  Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   

 This week I am waiting for:

Paperback, 400 pages

Expected publication: January 5th 2016 by NAL

In this new novel from the acclaimed author of Secrets of a Charmed Life, two women working in Hollywood during its Golden Age discover the joy and heartbreak of true friendship.

Los Angeles, Present Day. When an iconic hat worn by Scarlett O’Hara in Gone With the Wind  ends up in Christine McAllister’s vintage clothing boutique by mistake, her efforts to return it to its owner take her on a journey more enchanting than any classic movie…

Los Angeles, 1938.  Violet Mayfield sets out to reinvent herself in Hollywood after her  dream of becoming a wife and mother falls apart, and lands a job on the film-set of Gone With the Wind. There, she meets enigmatic Audrey Duvall, a once-rising film star who is now a fellow secretary. Audrey’s zest for life and their adventures together among Hollywood’s glitterati enthrall Violet…until each woman’s deepest desires collide.  What Audrey and Violet are willing to risk, for themselves and for each other, to ensure their own happy endings will shape their friendship, and their lives, far into the future. 

                    What are you waiting for?

Enchantress of Paris by Marci Jefferson

Fraught with conspiracy and passion, the Sun King's opulent court is brought to vivid life in this captivating tale about a woman whose love was more powerful than magic.

The alignment of the stars at Marie Mancini's birth warned that although she would be gifted at divination, she was destined to disgrace her family. Ignoring the dark warnings of his sister and astrologers, Cardinal Mazarin brings his niece to the French court, where the forbidden occult arts thrive in secret. In France, Marie learns her uncle has become the power behind the throne by using her sister Olympia to hold the Sun King, Louis XIV, in thrall.

Desperate to avoid her mother's dying wish that she spend her life in a convent, Marie burns her grimoire, trading Italian superstitions for polite sophistication. But as her star rises, King Louis becomes enchanted by Marie's charm. Sensing a chance to grasp even greater glory, Cardinal Mazarin pits the sisters against each other, showering Marie with diamonds and silks in exchange for bending King Louis to his will.

Disgusted by Mazarin's ruthlessness, Marie rebels. She sacrifices everything, but exposing Mazarin's deepest secret threatens to tear France apart. When even King Louis's love fails to protect Marie, she must summon her forbidden powers of divination to shield her family, protect France, and help the Sun King fulfill his destiny.
 

Hardcover, 336 pages

Expected publication: August 4th 2015 by Thomas Dunne Books 

arc via netgalley

****
  France is not one of my regular stomping grounds, it's when my reading of English HF overlaps that I get my taste of the french.  I am trying to change that and what better place then with Marci Jefferson's Enchantress of Paris.  Having heard of the Sun King before but not knowing much background I looked forward to this book.  I'll admit it was the cover that initially caught my eye - look at it, gorgeous, then the author.  I've heard so many good things about her debut Girl on the Golden Coin but haven't read it yet.  Since reading Enchantress of Paris that book has been moved closer to the top of my tbr pile.  I had the privilege of meeting the author in Denver recently where we talked about this book (why didn't I take a pic?!).

The Mazarin's are also unknowns to me and I love that aspect of 'first time'.  There are no preconceived notions, no likes or dislikes just an open mind taking everything in.  It wasn't hard to like Marie, to dislike her uncle and be totally captivated with this book.  Marie is strong willed, independent and clashes so much with the Cardinal who is the opposite, ruthless and just as strong willed, a rather powerful man.

Anything I've read about French kings has always been how they lack control of their future, how then bend to the wishes of others (this is where I think of the English kings who married whomever they wanted to, so why can't the french do that too?)  Why couldn't Marie and the King would just run off and marry? The author does a great job of explaining the why and why not.  Her knowledge of the time period is evident and also the amount of research that went into writing this book.

This wasn't just an entertaining read but an educational one as well. Highly recommend to those that like character driven stories and the French court.
 

Review/Giveaway: The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach by Pam Jenoff

Adelia Montforte begins the summer of 1941 aboard a crowded ship bound for America, utterly alone yet free of Fascist Italy. Whisked away to the seaside by her well-meaning aunt and uncle, she slowly begins to adapt to her new life. That summer, she basks in the noisy affection of the boisterous Irish-Catholic boys next door, and although she adores all four of the Connally brothers, it’s the eldest, Charlie, she pines for. But all hopes for a future together are throttled by the creep of war and a tragedy that hits much closer to home.

Needing to distance herself from grief, Addie flees – first to Washington and then London, where the bombs still scream by night – and finds a passion at a prestigious newspaper. More so, she finds a purpose. A voice. And perhaps even a chance to redeem lost time, lost family – and lost love. But the past, never far behind, nips at her heels, demanding to be reckoned with. And in a final, fateful choice, Addie discovers that the way home may be a path she never suspected.

Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: Mira (July 28, 2015)

arc via netgalley

****

Recently a friend made a comment about this book, how once she starts a Pam Jenoff book it grabs her and she can't stop reading.  This being my first book by this author my anticipation was peaked and I wasn't disappointed, I agree with my friend as I needed to find out what was going to happen to Addie.

Set against the backdrop of World War II we are first introduced to Adelia as a young teen being shipped off to relatives in the US from Italy.  With the war going on across the ocean it isn't long before those in the US are affected as well.  But this book is more a story of Addie's search to belong, of love and loss and making hard decisions.  I liked Addie, she was determined but vulnerable at the same time, running from grief and pain she ends up in England searching for something and not even sure herself what it is.  With the war going on things change in a heartbeat as is the case here.

I enjoyed the authors writing style, it was smooth and it wasn't hard to lose track of time while reading.  The plot was interesting, unique in some ways but also a little predictable, but not enough to hamper my enjoyment.  I think the only issue I had with this book was the timing, at times feeling like many years have gone by since tragedy stuck but it was only 2 years which I felt was a little rushed for what took place to actually happen.  I won't go into detail here for fear of spoilers.

The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach reminds the reader about second chances and the power of healing - a powerful combination here that works.

 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is a beautiful story of love and redemption about a woman struggling to find her voice and her way amidst the turmoil of World War II.”—Kristin Hannah, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is a heartfelt, stirring love story set against the turbulent backdrop of war-torn Europe and the American home front.  Jenoff’s meticulous research, a feisty heroine, and a sweeping plot makes this book a real page-turner.   A lovely story with a delicious and unexpected ending, The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach is definitely one for my keeper shelf.”—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author

“Pam Jenoff’s unforgettable story of a life disrupted by the chaos of war held me captive from beginning to end. When it comes to bringing an era to life, this author has no peer. It’s a powerful, moving drama of love, loss and redemption—heartbreaking, authentic and ultimately uplifting.”—Susan Wiggs, #1 New York Times bestselling author

“I won’t soon forget Adelia Monteforte, the strong, loving and compassionate heroine in Pam Jenoff’s The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach. I was moved by Adelia’s courage as she navigates family, career and a tender, surprising romance, all in the shadow of World War II. A warm and heartfelt story of emotional survival.”—Diane Chamberlain, bestselling author.

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

 

  Pam Jenoff is the Quill-nominated internationally bestselling author of The Kommadant’s Girl. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from George Washington University and a master’s degree in history from Cambridge, and she received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania. Jenoff’s novels are based on her experiences working at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat for the State Department handling Holocaust issues in Poland.

She lives with her husband and three children near Philadelphia where, in addition to writing, she teaches law school.

 

Connect with Pam

Website | Facebook | Twitter

TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:

Monday, July 27th: Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, July 28th: Raven Haired Girl – review and guest post

Tuesday, July 28th: The Lit Bitch

Wednesday, July 29th: Bewitched Bookworms – excerpt #1

Thursday, July 30th: Book Reviews and More by Kathy – excerpt #2

Friday, July 31st: Lavish Bookshelf

Saturday, August 1st: Romantic Historical Reviews – excerpt #3

Monday, August 3rd: Just One More Chapter

Monday, August 3rd: Books a la Mode – author guest post

Tuesday, August 4th: The Romance Dish

Wednesday, August 5th: Bibliotica

Thursday, August 6th: Mom in Love with Fiction

Monday, August 10th: Read Love Blog – author guest post

Tuesday, August 11th: West Metro Mommy Reads

Wednesday, August 12th: Let Them Read Books – Q&A or guest post

Friday, August 14th: Written Love Reviews

Monday, August 17th: A Chick Who Reads

Monday, August 17th: Luxury Reading – guest post

Tuesday, August 18th: A Novel Review

Wednesday, August 19th: Savvy Verse and Wit

Thursday, August 20th: A Literary Vacation

Friday, August 21st: Kritter’s Ramblings – Review and Q&A

Monday, August 24th: One Curvy Blogger

Tuesday, August 25th: The Reading Date

Wednesday, August 26th: Time 2 Read

Thursday, August 27th: Life is Story

Friday, August 28th: Bookshelf Fantasies

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: The Lady Bornekova by Sara R. Turnquist

The red-headed Karin is strong-willed and determined, something she inherited from her father. She tries to keep her true nature a secret to avoid being deemed a traitor by those loyal to the king. Karin and her father butt heads over her duty to her family and the Czech Crown. She is then sequestered to the Royal Viscount’s hunting lodge.

Not aware of everything that is happening, she becomes the target of an individual with murderous intent. Her heart soon becomes entangled though her father intends to wed her to another. The turmoil inside Karin deepens and reflects the turmoil of her homeland, on the brink of the Hussite Wars.

Publication Date: July 14, 2015 (tentative)
Publisher: Clean Reads (formerly Astraea Press)
Format: eBook

Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

The Lady Bornekova Available at

Amazon

Sara is originally from Clarksville, TN. After a short stint in Memphis, TN where she earned a degree in Biology and began a career as both a Zoo Educator and a Sleep Technician, she then followed a dream to work for a large zoo in Orlando, FL as an Educator. Once she and her husband started their family, they moved back to Clarksville. However, they still spend a portion of their year in Orlando, FL where she still works seasonally with the same zoological institution. Sara and her husband now enjoy a full life with their three beautiful and very active children. Sara enjoys many creative outlets – singing, piano, drawing, drama, and organizing anything. And even though she has enjoyed her career as a Zoo Educator, Sara’s great love of the written word continued to draw her to write. She has always been an avid reader and, for many years, has been what she terms a “closet writer”. Her travels and love of history have served to inspire her to write Historical Fiction. Sara has made several trips overseas to the Czech Republic for short stints in the summer over several years. Her time among the Czech people and the landscapes of the country inspired her and greatly influenced her work on her debut novel, The Lady Bornekova, set in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.

For more information please visit Sara Turnquist’s website. You can also follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

click on banner for more stops on this tour

Giveaway

Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on July 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open internationally.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Audio review/Giveaway: Blackwell's Paradise by V.E. Ulett

“Not for the faint hearted – Captain Blackwell pulls no punches! Prepare for a right roaring romp in the company of two of the most captivating characters in historical fiction.” - Alaric Bond, author of Turn A Blind Eye, and the Fighting Sail Series

Relive the pleasure of falling into the past with the author of Captain Blackwell’s Prize, in Volume II of Blackwell’s Adventures.

The repercussions of a court martial and the ill-will of powerful men at the Admiralty pursue Royal Navy captain James Blackwell into the Pacific, where danger lurks around every coral reef. Even if Captain Blackwell and Mercedes survive the venture into the world of early nineteenth century exploration, can they emerge unchanged with their love intact. The mission to the Great South Sea will test their loyalties and strength, and define the characters of Captain Blackwell and his lady in Blackwell’s Paradise.

 

• Narrated by: V. E. Ulett
• Length: 12 hrs and 59 mins 
• Unabridged Audiobook


Release Date:06-30-15
Publisher: Eva Ulett
audiobook provided as part of tour (via author)
***1/2 

Blackwell's Paradise is the second book in V.E. Ulett's Blackwell's Adventure Series.  Though I haven't read the first, Captain Blackwell's Prize, I had no problems following the storyline here.

Blackwell's Paradise takes place on the high seas in and around Hawaii.  There is a nice balance here between adventure and historical romance, which meshed together nicely.  This is my first time reading V.E. Ulett and I was impressed.  She gave a vivd picture of life not just the sea but the Hawaiian Islands as well.  It wasn't hard to visualize some of the history through the original inhabitants customs and way of life.

The plot was interesting and played out nicely, lots of action with a realistic story.  I like both Mercedes and James and the way they interacted not just with each other but their circumstances.

I listened to the audio version for this one but as I continue on with this series I will opt for the book version.  The pace of the audio was slow and I found myself  upping the speed, otherwise I would have found it annoying - 13 hours for a 300 page book is too long (imho).

Highly recommend this book to those that like historical romance along with lots of action.

 

PRAISE

“This entire trilogy has lots of adventure, lots of romance, and lots of wonderful settings that will thrill any historical fiction reader.” – Meg Wessel, A Bookish Affair


“A real pleasure to read, this book can stand alone, although I recommend reading the previous volumes to see additional development of the main characters.” – Jeff Westerhoff, Historical Novels Review

AMAZON (KINDLE) | AMAZON (PB) | BARNES & NOBLE (PB) | BARNES & NOBLE (NOOK) | ITUNES

A long time resident of California, V.E. Ulett is an avid reader as well as writer of historical fiction. Proud to be an Old Salt Press author, V.E. is also a member of the National Books Critics Circle and an active member and reviewer for the Historical Novel Society.

Eighteenth and nineteenth century journals and letters inspired the writing of CAPTAIN BLACKWELL’S PRIZE. The sequels takes Captain Blackwell and Mercedes to the far side of the world, on new personal and cultural adventures. Coming soon from V.E. Ulett, a historical adventure with a fantastic edge.
For more information visit V.E. Ulett’s website.

You can also find her on Facebook, Amazon, and Goodreads.

BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE

Monday, July 27

Spotlight & Excerpt at Unshelfish

Spotlight & Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Tuesday, July 28

Review & Excerpt at Oh, For the Hook of a Book

Wednesday, July 29

Review at Book Nerd

Review at Just One More Chapter

 Thursday, July 30

Spotlight at A Literary Vacation

Friday, July 31

Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Sunday, August 2

Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog (Blackwell’s Paradise Audio Book)

Monday, August 3

Review at Beth’s Book Nook Blog (Blackwell’s Homecoming)

 

GIVEAWAY

To enter to win a paperback of Blackwell’s Paradise, please enter via the GLEAM form below.
Rules
– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on August 3rd. You must be 18 or older to enter.
– Giveaway is open to residents in the US, UK, Canada & Australia only.
– Only one entry per household.
– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion
– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

Blackwell's Homecoming

Waiting on Wednesday: My History: A Memoir of Growing Up by Antonia Fraser

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill  at  Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   

 

 This week I am waiting for:

Published October 13th 2015 by Nan A. Talese

Hardcover, 320 pages

The acclaimed New York Times bestselling author shares vivid memories of her childhood and recalls the experiences that set her on the path to a writing life.

     Since receiving Our Island Story by H. E. Marshall as a Christmas present in 1936, Antonia Fraser's profound love of history has been a constant in her remarkable life. The book made such an impression that it inspired her to write Mary, Queen of Scots thirty years later.
     Born into British aristocracy, the author's idyllic early childhood was interrupted by a wartime evacuation to North Oxford. The relocation had profound effects on her life, not the least of which was her education at a Catholic convent, and eventual conversion from the Protestant faith to Catholicism. Her memories of holidays spent at Dunsany Castle and Pakenham Hall, a stint as "Miss Tony" selling hats in a London department store, and her early days working in publishing are all told in her singular, irresistible voice.
     My History is truly a remarkable work, a personal and heartfelt memoir that is also a love letter to a British way of life that has all but disappeared. Anglophiles, history lovers, and Downton Abbey fans are sure to be enthralled.

What are you waiting for?

Review/Giveaway: Alchemy's Daughter by Mary A. Osborne

In medieval San Gimignano, Italy, daughters of merchants are expected to marry. But Santina Pietra cares only for Calandrino, a brilliant young scholar who is preoccupied with his ancient alchemical texts.

Soon Santina meets Trotula, the village midwife, who might or might not be a "strega," a witch. Trotula challenges her to forget Calandrino and become the woman she is meant to be. Some say she is a victim of the midwife’s spell, but Santina is determined to follow in Trotula’s footsteps even as calamities strike.

Paperback, 1st, 288 pages

Published May 15th 2015 by Lake Street Press 

print copy provided as part of tour

*****

The HF genre is lacking for YA, which is a shame.  I really wish there were books like Alchemy's Daughter around when I was a teen, maybe if I started sooner my tbr pile wouldn't be so large.

Though labeled YA this book will appeal to adults as well.  Taking place in Italy it's evident the author not only knows her  time period and subject matter but she has a passion for it as well.

Santina is a strong character, I really liked her.  I liked her courage to stand up for what she believed in.  Her love for Calandrino was played out nicely, they got to know each other, we watched the affection develop between them in a genuine manner.  But she was also vulnerable and scared at times not knowing where to turn and who to trust just added the realistic factor to this book.

The plot was interesting and kept my attention throughout.  I always find herbal medicine fascinating, with the poultice and mixing to create healing, especially in this book as the Black Plague played out.

This was a fast paced book that had me caring (and not caring) about characters and their lives.  The ending was perfect and actually left me a little stunned because I didn't see that coming and I love it when an author does that to me.

Highly recommend to lovers of HF regardless of age. 

Where to buy the book:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
Book Depository

Mary A. Osborne is the multiple award-winning author of Alchemy's Daughter and Nonna’s Book of Mysteries. A graduate of Rush University and Knox College, where she was mentored in the Creative Writing Program, Ms. Osborne is a registered nurse and holds degrees in chemistry and nursing. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as Hektoen International, Newcity, and the Examiner.com. Ms. Osborne lives in Chicago.

 Connect with Mary: Website  ~  Facebook  ~  Twitter

July 13 - Studentessa Matta - review 
July 13 - Babs Book Bistro - review / author interview / giveaway
July 14 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway
July 14 - Dreams Come True Through Reading - review
July 15 - Confessions of a Reader - review / author interview
July 15 - Il Mio Tesoro - review / author interview
July 16 - ABookGeek - review / giveaway
July 16 - Girl With Camera - review / giveaway
July 17 - Unshelfish - review / guest post / giveaway
July 20 - T's Stuff - review / guest post / giveaway
July 21 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway
July 21 - In This World of Books - review / giveaway
July 22 - A Simple Life, really!? - review
July 22 - Jayne's Books - review 
July 23 - Griperang's Bookmarks - review / author interview / giveaway
July 23 - Essentially Italian - review / author interview / giveaway
July 24 - Vic's Media Room - review / 
July 27 - The Autistic Gamer - review
July 27 - Svetlana's Reads and Views - review
July 28 - Just One More Chapter - review / giveaway
July 29 - Pure Jonel - review / guest post / giveaway
July 30 - Jorie Loves a Story - review 
July 31 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Spotlight: An Immortal Descent by Kari Edgren

As a goddess-born healer, Selah Kilbrid wants nothing to do with the goddess of death and disease, nor any of her human progeny. But when the two people she loves most disappear—her dearest friend Nora Goodwin and her betrothed Lord Henry Fitzalan—Selah has no choice but to leave London in pursuit of Death’s most powerful daughter.

Accompanied by a ragtag group of travelers, Selah follows a treacherous path across the Irish Sea to the long-forgotten prison of a witch who once nearly destroyed Ireland. Selah would face any danger to protect those she loves, but what if it means unleashing a greater evil on the human world? Could she risk the lives of many to save a few, or are some sacrifices too great?

Publication Date: July 6, 2015
Publisher: Carina Press
eBook; ASIN: B00XCYM8XS

Series: Goddess Born, Book Three
Genre: Historical/Fantasy/Romance

An Immortal Descent Available at

Amazon
Barnes & Noble
iTunes

Kari Edgren is the author of the Goddess Born series. In 2010 and 2011 she was a semifinalist for the Amazon Break Through Novel Award. In 2013, she was a RWA Golden Heart finalist. Ms. Edgren enjoys writing both historical and contemporary fiction, so long as there’s a paranormal twist. She resides on a mountain top in the Pacific Northwest where she spends a great deal of time dreaming about the sun and torturing her husband and children with strange food and random historical facts.

For more information please visit Kari Edgren’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.

Sign up for Kari Edgren’s Newsletter.

An Immortal Descent Blog Tour Schedule

Tuesday, July 7
Spotlight at Passages to the Past

Thursday, July 9
Spotlight at Genre Queen

Friday, July 10
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Saturday, July 11
Review at 100 Pages a Day

Thursday, July 16
Review at Book Lovers Paradise

Thursday, July 23
Spotlight at Broken Teepee

Monday, July 27
Spotlight at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, July 29
Review at Book Nerd

Thursday, July 30
Review at Mel’s Shelves

Sunday, August 1
Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book!

Monday, August 3
Review at Peeking Between the Pages

Tuesday, August 4
Review at I’d So Rather Be Reading
Excerpt at Romantic Historical Reviews

Wednesday, August 5
Spotlight at Unshelfish
Spotlight at A Literary Vacation
Spotlight at CelticLady’s Reviews

Thursday, August 6
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Excerpt at Raven Haired Girl

Friday, August 7
Excerpt at Layered Pages
Review at The True Book Addict

Tuesday, August 11
Review at A Book Geek
Review at Let Them Read Books

Lost in the Barrens by Farley Mowat

Awasin, a Cree Indian boy, and Jamie, a Canadian orphan living with his uncle, the trapper Angus Macnair, are enchanted by the magic of the great Arctic wastes. They set out on an adventure that proves longer and more dangerous than they could have imagined. Drawing on his knowledge of the ways of the wilderness and the implacable northern elements, Farley Mowat has created a memorable tale of daring and adventure. 


When first published in 1956, Lost in the Barrens won the Governor-General’s Award for Juvenile Literature, the Book-of-the-Year Medal of the Canadian Association of Children’s Librarians and the Boys’ Club of America Junior Book Award.

Hardcover, 244 pages

Published June 1st 1956 by Little Brown and Company (first published 1956) 

Canadian Library Association Book of the Year for Children Award (1958) 
hardcover - personal library
*****

When I think of great Canadian authors Farley Mowat always comes to mind.  He was well known for his books on Northern Canada and the great outdoors as well as animal stories for kids (though enjoyed by all ages).

I found the HC 1st edition at one of my favorite thrift stores which is apparently the same copy hubby had as a kid.  It is illustrated and added that extra spark to this coming of age story.

I loved this book! and could see myself reading it again and again.  It's a story of the friendship between Awasin (A Cree Indian) and Jamie (former city boy).  What starts out as a two week trip turns into so much more.  Set in the the harsh wilderness of the Artic I had no problem visualizng so much, and could feel the cold bitter winter.

The different backgrounds of these 2 lads and their wisdom (or lack thereof at times) balanced the plot.  A story of friendship not just between Jaime and Awasin but between people and the land.  This is really my first glimpse at the Cree tribe ad I enjoyed learning of their customs, superstitions and way of life. It's about survival when hope is dim and working as a team, having respect for nature and each other.

Though this is an older book, first published in 1956, its an adventure that you don't see much of these days.  I highly recommend Lost in the Barrens not just to MG and up but adults as well.  Farley Mowat has a way with words that I like, he tells it like is in a real and believable manner.   His appreciation for nature is evident in his writing.

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Farley McGill Mowat was a conservationist and one of Canada's most widely-read authors.

Many of his most popular works have been memoirs of his childhood, his war service, and his work as a naturalist. His works have been translated into 52 languages and he has sold more than 14 million books.