Silencing the Siren Epic Book Launch

 

About the Book

Book: Silencing the Siren

Author: Denise L. Barela

Genre: Christian Historical Mystery, Fairytale

Release date: January 4, 2022

Andrew Grayson thought he had everything… until he met her.

The indulged son of wealthy parents, Andrew has always gotten whatever he wanted almost before he knew he wanted it—clothes, gadgets… even a car! What more could a young man desire?

Enter Annabel Thompson. Freakshow mermaid extraordinaire… in a wheelchair!

Of course, her beauty attracts him. How could it not? Add to that a kind heart, and Andrew can’t help but fall for her.

Annabel’s connection with the freakshow repels his parents and their society friends. They want him to sever all ties with her and his new friends. Oh, and marry the “right” girl with the “right connections.” But he won’t do it. He’ll defy them and marry his little mermaid.

When Annabel turns up missing, declared dead, things don’t add up, Andrew begins asking some difficult questions, the most important being, “What happened to the little mermaid of the Coney Island freak show?”

Find out in this next book in the Ever After Mysteries, combining beloved fairy tales and mysteries. Silencing the Siren offers a retelling of “The Little Mermaid” that will keep you gripped to the edge of your seat as you watch the story unfold.

 

BOOK EXCERPT

 

As time went on, he began to notice the lack of loyalty in those he had deemed his friends. 

This left a gaping hole in his heart. Was it so wrong to want friends that liked him for who he was 

rather than what he could buy them? 

The corners of his mouth turned down, and Andrew turned back around to face the subway. 

His kept a brisk pace to avoiding being late, but he also didn’t want to ruin his image by running all 

the way to the platform. That wouldn’t be very becoming of a gentleman. 

He slipped himself into an empty seat at the back of the subway and removed his hat. He set 

the object on lap before taking in his surroundings. All around him were people his parents always 

warned him against associating with. However, Andrew was never one to give much care to the rules 

his parents established. It wasn’t that he meant to be rebellious, well, maybe he did, but it wasn’t that 

difficult to do given the number of rules set in place. He could breathe wrong, and they’d be right 

there to correct him on how to properly breathe. It’s a wonder he hasn’t suffocated yet. 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Denise Barela’s passion for fiction, her faith, and general creativity define her life. In all things, she strives to glorify God, though especially in and through her writing. She has spent the past six years working for a publicity company and five years working as the head editor for a publishing company. With an MFA in Creative Writing and a Professional Writing certificate, Denise enjoys using her education and work experiences to help authors achieve their own writing dreams. When she’s not working away at her desk, you might find her reading a good book or following Alice down the rabbit hole…

 

About the Book

Book: The Traveler

Author: E.B. Dawson

Genre: Crossworlds Fantasy

Release date: September, 2017

WHAT IF YOU COULD TRAVEL TO ANOTHER WORLD IN YOUR DREAMS?

In the modern nation-state of Riyen, few people dream anymore, and those who do are prescribed medication. But when Anissa Robson begins to dream of a strange jungle after the death of her mother, she neglects to report it. Feeling lost and alone in the waking world, she embraces her new dream world, until reality begins to cross over.

When Anissa stumbles upon evidence that her own government has known about Angapo for years, she uncovers a conspiracy that will change her life forever.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

E.B. Dawson was born out of time. Raised in the remote regions of a developing nation, traveling to America was as good as traveling thirty years into the future. Now she writes science fiction and fantasy to make sense of her unusual perspectives on life. Her stories acknowledge darkness, but empower and encourage people to keep on fighting, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be. She currently lives in Idaho with her family and her cat Maximus.

 

More from E.B. Dawson

G.K. Chesterton once wrote that “The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” I rather suspect that Aslan would have agreed. In fact, he says something very similar when he explains to the Pevensies why he brought them to Narnia in the first place. It is also why I wrote The Traveler. The vivid, broken, beautiful, dangerous world of this book is completely of my own creation, and yet you will pick up the clear echoes of the world you know, and my hope is that it will allow you to see it with new eyes.

 

Born in a developing nation to expatriate parents, I traveled a lot as a kid. There really is no way to describe what it is like to grow up between two vastly different countries and multiple cultures. By the time I was seven I was more familiar with the concepts and consequences of political coups, religious persecution, colonization, regional famine, and ethnic discrimination than I was with Sesame Street or Winnie the Pooh.

 

I grew up surrounded by dozens of Non-Governmental Organizations like humanitarian groups and mission organizations, and military troops from multiple nations. This is probably why almost all my books have a political element that examines the relationships between parties with opposing interests. But my chief interest is and always will be exploring the impact an individual can have when surrounded by (and sometimes at the mercy of) forces beyond their control.

 

In The Traveler (and its two sequels) I invite you on a journey to examine the relationships between nations, individuals, and cultures. This series is truly about adventure and the spirit and wonder of traveling to new lands and how it can impact your perspectives and priorities. Sprinkle in some fantasy and advanced technology and you have the recipe for a transportive, emotionally rich, thought provoking story unlike any you’ve read before. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. And I hope it makes you look at the world around you with fresh perspective.

MY REVIEW 

This is one fantasy story that kept me on my toes. The author describes another place that seems almost realistic and could be out there somewhere. The universe is huge and we have not seen but a speck of it. My dreams can be disturbing at times so I know how Anissa feels as her dreams become more vivid. 

The house she resides in gave me the creeps. I don’t want a house that has feelings and control over my life. There is something very strange going on and Anissa was going to explore what it was. She feels lost at times, but I admired her attitude of never giving up. She was someone to be reckoned with and others were starting to take notice. 

The time travel was very intriguing and I loved how the author used it in the story. What really caught my attention was the political aspect of the story. Anissa isn’t quite sure where she stands and that is what pushes the story forward. Will she take a side ? Does she believe everything being told to her? It was nice to have a character that asked questions, analyzed them and thought for herself. 

The author delves into some hot topics that were handled well and not pushed aside as an afterthought. There are several other characters that burst through on the pages which I kinda wanted to know more about. In the end, I liked the book but feel I am left with unanswered  questions. It’s the perfect setting to launch the next book and I will be anxiously awaiting it. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 10

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 11

Blogging With Carol, December 11

Rebecca Tews, December 12

Inklings and notions, December 13

For Him and My Family, December 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 15

Texas Book-aholic, December 16

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 17

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 18

deb’s Book Review, December 19

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 20

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 21 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 22

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, December 23

Mary Hake, December 23

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, E.B. is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/14830/the-traveler-celebration-tour-giveaway

 The Debutante's Code by Erica Vetsch // I read with Audra Tour, Review and Giveaway!

Jane Austen meets Sherlock Holmes in this new Regency mystery series
 
Newly returned from finishing school, Lady Juliette Thorndike is ready to debut in London society. Due to her years away, she hasn't spent much time with her parents, and sees them only as the flighty, dilettante couple the other nobles love. But when they disappear, she discovers she never really knew them at all. They've been living double lives as government spies--and they're only the latest in a long history of espionage that is the family's legacy.
 
Now Lady Juliette is determined to continue their work. Mentored by her uncle, she plunges into the dangerous world of spies. From the glittering ballrooms of London to the fox hunts, regattas, and soirees of country high society, she must chase down hidden clues, solve the mysterious code her parents left behind, and stay out of danger. All the while, she has to keep her endeavors a secret from her best friend and her suitors--not to mention the nosy, irritatingly handsome Bow Street runner, who suspects her of a daring theft.
 
Can Lady Juliette outwit her enemies and complete her parents' last mission?
 
Best-selling author Erica Vetsch is back with a rollicking, exciting new series destined to be a hit with Regency readers who enjoy a touch of mystery in their love stories. Fans of Julie Klassen, Sarah Ladd, and Anne Perry will love the wit, action, and romance.
 
Click here to read an excerpt.

MY REVIEW

This has been quite an adventure into the world of spies. I was thrilled to have Lady Juliette at the center of the story. She is kind and generous and missing her parents. It was strange that they took off so quickly with an excuse that for me sounded made up. There is something lingering in the air that smells like deceit and danger as  Juliette finds her life jumbled up in her Uncle’s questionable actions. 

The story moves at a nice pace  and I was intrigued  by the robberies  that took place in places that should have better protection than it did. Who is behind the thefts and why does Juliette seem to always be in attendance with the thefts happen? The author does a great job of leaving hints as to what is happening but I sure couldn’t figure all of it out. I was taken aback when I found out about Juliette parents. How had they managed to keep this secret from their daughter all these years? Now they need her help to protect them and others from being exposed as spies. 

I loved how the artwork was used to hide codes that could cost people their lives if they were found out. Decoding is now up to Juliette as she is in danger and forced to help the enemy. 

Daniel is a welcome addition to the story as he tries to prove he can solve the case of stolen art and jewelry. He focuses on Juliette and her uncle thinking  they  may be behind everything. He hopes to be wrong because along the way, he has developed feelings for Juliette. It is a great adventure that keeps readers guessing til the end where the author gives us a few surprises. I am hoping she will continue the story in  a new book  because I need to find out a few things about Daniel. I also must know if Juliette and Daniel become more than acquaintances. 

I received a copy of this book from Read With Audra Blogger Program. The review is my own opinion. 

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate.
 
Vetsch is the author of many novellas and novels, including the popular Serendipity & Secrets Regency series and the new Thorndike & Swann Regency Mystery series
 
Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks.
 
Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Enter here: https://www.audrajennings.com/2021/11/enter-erica-vetschs-cozy-up-with-good.html
https://www.ericavetsch.com/giveaway.html

 

About the Book

Book: Legacy of Love

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Fiction

Release date: December 8, 2020

Will their love come at a cost?

Escaping Boston to avoid a marriage of convenience aimed at garnering society’s respect for her family name in the shadow of her father’s war profiteering, Meg Underwood settles in Spruce Hill, Oregon. Despite leaving behind the comforts of wealth, she’s happy. Then the handsome Pinkerton agent, Reuben Jessop, arrives with news that she’s inherited her aunt’s significant estate, and she must return home to claim the bequest. Meg refuses to make the trip. Unwilling to fail at his mission, Reuben gives her until Christmas to prove why she should remain in Spruce Hill and give up the opportunity to become a woman of means. When he seems to want more than friendship, she wonders if her new-found wealth is the basis of his attraction.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. A volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII, Linda is a former trustee for her local public library. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where her favorite activities include exploring historic sites and immersing herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 

More from Linda

Dear Reader:

 

Have you ever dreamed of winning the lottery?

 

Last year, that happened to someone at work. Not millions, but a significant amount of money. As a result, she immediately cut her hours to part-time and began to do things she hadn’t been able to. Her good fortune prompted a lot of conversations among my colleagues about what they would do if they came into a large sum of money.

 

Those discussions inspired the plotline for Legacy of Love, but instead of winning the lottery my main character comes into a large inheritance. As a result, everyone treats her differently and weighs in on what she should do. Her friendships are affected, and her life is turned upside down. She was happy before the inheritance, however the money would allow her to perform acts of kindness. But at what cost?

 

I hope you enjoy Hannah’s story.

 

Blessings,

Linda Shenton Matchett

MY REVIEW 

This is a quick read packed  with a cast of wonderful characters. The author is one of my favorites when it comes to historical fiction. Her ability to capture the feel of this time period warrants applause. I was transported back to a time where a small town was thriving and the cafe was booming with business. I have always wondered how difficult it must have been to cook long hours in a place that was busy, hot and at times overwhelming.

Meg is a delightful character who  works hard and is content to be away from city life in Boston. Her reason for leaving everything behind is centered on a pre arranged marriage. I liked how she refused to to be married to someone she didn’t love. Her family must have been hurt when she left, but she prays that someday they will understand. 

Rueben intrigued me because of his job with the Pinkerton Agency. They are well know to catch bad guys but also find people who others can’t track down. His visit to Meg’s town is met with opposition as he tries to convince Meg to come back to Boston to secure an inheritance. There is a good reason she should go, but her refusal doesn’t quite sit well with Rueben. 

The story focuses on which one can prove their reason to stay or go. Rueben at first sees Meg  as another assignment , but will sparks fly between the two? Meg is very content where she is working at the cafe and  is not interested in anything that involves going back to a place she feels is not home. It was fun to see how these two interact and  the struggles they faced. Will love conquer all? 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, December 14

Texas Book-aholic, December 15

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 16

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, December 16

For Him and My Family, December 17

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 19

Artistic Nobody, December 20 (Spotlight)

Betti Mace, December 20

deb’s Book Review, December 21

Connie’s History Classroom, December 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 23

Bizwings Blog, December 24

Mary Hake, December 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 26 (Spotlight)

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 27

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Visa Gift Card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/14836/legacy-of-love-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

About the Book

Book: The Next Fithian

Author: Rick Barry

Genre: YA Christian Science Fiction

Release date: September 14, 2021

Was this a new life — or a death sentence?

When Rankin Johnson boards a flight to Israel, he expects an adventure in archeology. But the airplane comes under attack and explodes in midair. Rankin shouts, “God, I’m yours!” Instantly, he’s in some other place. An angel informs Rankin the Lord is pleased to accept his offer. He dubs Rankin “the next Fithian” — a messenger from God, not to Earth, but to planet Zemna in the alternate dimension. What happened to the previous Fithian? “He was killed,” the angel says before vanishing.

On Zemna, Rankin finds a perplexing, violent world. Futuristic technology mingles with primitive ways. Also, a bizarre symbol—the Intersection of All Things—has appeared on his left palm. It’s a tool to aid his mission, but how? Rankin is supposed to share God’s message with this planet. Instead, he becomes a slave. What he really wants is a trip back to Earth.

With the aid of Prahv and Theena, a brother and sister who become his best friends, Rankin escapes. He hopes to fulfill his mission and return home as fast as possible. But now there’s a price on Rankin’s head. More than one Zemnan would rather kill him for the reward than hear what he has to say.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Rick Barry has climbed mountains, jumped from perfectly good airplanes, toured World War 2 battlefields, and visited Eastern Europe over 50 times in Christian ministry. He has a degree in teaching foreign languages and speaks Russian. His fiction and non-fiction have been published by Kregel Books, Focus on the Family, JourneyForth Books, Answers in Genesis, and others. His previous novels are Kiriath’s Quest, Gunner’s Run, The Methuselah Project, and Methuselah Project S.O.S.

 

More from Rick

Years ago, I received an unexpected phone call. Michael Ross, then-editor of Focus on the Family’s Breakaway magazine, asked me to brainstorm a big, bold adventure for teens: “Maybe fantasy. Maybe science fiction. Maybe both mixed together. I don’t know. Just make it big!”

Such an intriguing challenge! I accepted the assignment and developed a 3-part Christian sci-fi story, The Next Fithian. Those three installments reaped enthusiastic reactions from readers. However, after Part 3, that assignment was done. I moved on.

As years passed, my Fithian characters refused to let me forget them. They kept coming to mind, urging me to create an exhilarating, novel-length adventure for them. At first, I refused. I was giving priority to my novels about World War II airmen.

However, whenever I attended homeschool conferences to sign books for shoppers, teens visited my table to talk. What were those teen guys and girls wearing? T-shirts portraying the Avengers, Spider-Man, Captain America, the Hulk … It was obvious what kinds of adventures captivated these young adults. I wondered—what kind of uplifting novel could I pen for Christian fans of the Marvel universe?

In reply, my thoughts jumped back to The Next Fithian, a story brimming with action, adventure, danger, faith—plus a positive role model. This time, I yielded and began brainstorming ways to extend the original 5,400 words into an 80,000-word sci-fi novel with a Christian worldview. I didn’t want simply to create a gripping adventure. I wanted to give readers something unique. I wanted to touch their emotions, to make them laugh, to make them cry, to inspire them, and make them ponder things they had never considered before. I also wanted to transport them to another world where they might see better how to live in our own real world.

Responses from volunteer readers give me hope that The Next Fithian: An Ordinary Teen on a Strange, New World will appeal to diverse readers, both teens and adults. One teen, Kaden E. wrote, “WOW! I just finished the book, and boy was it fantastic!” Another teen, Victoria S. declared, “Rankin is exactly the kind of protagonist we need—he’s mentally, emotionally, and spiritually mature; intelligent; and compassionate.” Adult test reader Marali S. emailed, “I enjoyed this! You must write more!” Another, Jude U., wrote, “I pronounce excellence! The ‘romance’ was sweet and just enough.”

A mix of other test readers gave similar encouragement. So, even though my target audience is young adults, I hope adults will also enjoy it, just as adults enjoyed 17-year-old Katniss Everdeen of Hunger Games fame.

Christian sci-fi might not be your style, but pause and think—maybe you know a young adult who might benefit from such a story?

MY REVIEW 

The creativity of this story is sure to grab the attention of science fiction fans. With a Christian theme it is perfect for young adults and adults. I loved our main character because he is chosen to spread the Word in a world unlike anything seen before. 

The minute the plane is in trouble, Rankin is thrust into a place where he is challenged and sent on a mission that astounds him. Leaving his family behind  he begins his journey. Now I’m not sure I would be as calm as he seemed when he finds out that he has been chosen by the Creator to share a message. I enjoyed reading  about Zemma and it’s vast difference from Earth. Danger awaits him as word gets out that he has arrived. 

What I liked most about the story was the reminder that we all have been called to be disciples and share His Word  with others. Rankin is obedient and says, “God, I’m yours.” Would we be brave enough to do the same? Could we go to a foreign place and speak about God? I like how the author uses a seventeen year old to explore what it would be like to follow His lead and overcome obstacles that could harm him. His faith is strong and his urgency to succeed is important to him. I enjoyed reading how Rankin became more sure of himself as he fights for the truth to be told. 

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, December 13

Texas Book-aholic, December 14

Inklings and notions, December 15

For Him and My Family, December 16

deb’s Book Review, December 17

Locks, Hooks and Books, December 18

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, December 19

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, December 20

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, December 21

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, December 21 (Author Interview)

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, December 22

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, December 23

Simple Harvest Reads, December 24 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, December 25

Beauty in the Binding, December 26 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, December 26

Giveaway

To celebrate his tour, Rick is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon gift card and signed copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/14834/the-next-fithian-celebration-tour-giveaway