About the Book

Book: Flight

Author: Kristen Young

Genre: YA dystopian sci-fi

Release date: September 13, 2022

The Fight for What is Right is Also a Fight to Survive 

On the cusp of graduation, Cadence is finally feeling in control. She’s about to become one of the prestigious Elites working in the Hall of Love. Plus, she can take her place as a full member of the underground Sirens who meet secretly in Love City. She’ll finally be able to use her memory skills for good, instead of reporting people as a Watcher.

But a dangerous trap is set, throwing Cadence into unwelcome and unfamiliar territory. Someone in the Collective remembers things that could very well get her killed. The Muse is by her side, after all, but will she be protected when someone powerful wants her dead?

Cadence just wants to be normal, free from politics or squad intimidation. Will she be able to achieve her Elite dreams, or will sinister forces leave her running for her life?

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

A Scottish-born Australian author, Kristen Young has worked in children’s and youth ministry for decades. She writes fiction and non-fiction for teens, and always has a notebook on hand to capture stray story ideas. In her spare time she loves hanging out with her family, watching movies with subtitles, and enjoying a little too much chocolate.

More from Kristen

Interview with Kristen Young, author of Flight

 

Okay, so Flight is the final novel in the Collective Underground series. Was it hard writing the conclusion?

 

The funny thing is, Flight was originally book 1! I wrote the story ages ago, and the manuscript won a Caleb award for unpublished fiction. The prize for that was a manuscript assessment, which came back with the comments, “This is good, but it starts a little fast. Can you add some backstory?”

 

So the backstory turned into two books?

 

Yes! Of course, by the time I came back to Flight, there were so many more story threads to follow, so the final result is very different to the original.

 

What did you change?

 

Some of the characters in Apprentice and Elite needed to re-appear, and so I had to change some of that. Like Hodge, who didn’t exist when I wrote the first version of Flight. There was also quite a lot of unfinished business that carried over from the first two books, and I felt that they needed some resolution, too. I can’t tell you too many details, though, because that would spoil the fun.

 

What can we look forward to in the final installment?

 

More thrills, more plot twists, and maybe some love. Just a whole lot of excitement, really. But seriously, Cadence is thrown into some pretty difficult situations this time, and she has to re-evaluate her whole mission. There are also some pretty high-level plots going on in the government that might send her a bit of trouble, too…

 

Love? Does that mean what we think it does?

 

I’ve already said I can’t spoil the fun of reading.

 

Oh, go on. Tell us.

 

Sorry. You’ll just have to read it. 🙂

MY REVIEW

I remember how much I loved the previous books in this series and am excited to see what happens with Cadence. I do think it would be beneficial to read the previous books in this series in order to be able to understand what is happening. This book is the last in the series and will give readers an exciting adventure as we anticipate the ending. 

The big day is fast approaching for Cadence’s graduation. It seems like everything is falling into place for her to finally become an Elite working in the Hall of Love. I was excited for her but the author throws a curve ball and a trap is set that could endanger Cadence. Who sends her a code that sets up a cat and mouse scenario? I had my suspicion but with the author’s  brilliant writing  the story takes on secrets, danger and a question of who Cadence can trust. 

I loved following Cadence as she tries to stay hidden from the enemy who is hunting  her down. She encounters several people who I found to be intriguing. I especially liked Lark. She is there at the right time to help Cadence and brings her a safe place for now. With her injured leg she can’t do much.  Lark makes  her feel welcome in this secret underground environment.  Will Lark be someone who Cadence can depend on?

I like that the author has Wil and Cadence cross paths again. The people she is staying with seem to trust him, but she knows how deceitful he can be. It is hard for her to forget the things he did yet these people trust him. Cadence is having  a hard time understanding how Wil can be forgiven after she tells everyone about him.  When Cadence can’t hold her anger anymore she turns on Wil. She didn’t quite get the reaction she wanted and runs away from the scene. This reminded me of a recent encounter I had with someone. After being  verbally  attacked by someone, I decided to walk away yet was expecting someone to comfort me. When it didn’t happen I felt shame and hurt. Cadence must have felt the same as she thought perhaps others would see that Wil is not who he says he is. 

There is a lot going on in the story but one thing is clear. Faith and forgiveness are evident in this story as Cadence faces betrayal, danger and surprises that keep the story going. I loved how the author shows us how a person can be forgiven and changes into a person who wants to do right. The author also touches on worry. “We can’t extend our lives by worrying.” 

The ending is explosive, intense and dangerous as Cadence encounters  old friends that  come to help her. I am sad to see the series end but really  loved the characters and being reminded about forgiveness and trust. 

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, September 30

Artistic Nobody, October 1 (Author Interview)

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 2

For Him and My Family, October 3

Library Lady’s Kid Lit, October 4

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, October 5 (Author Interview)

deb’s Book Review, October 5

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 6

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 7

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 8

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 9

Blossoms and Blessings, October 10 (Author Interview)

Blogging With Carol, October 11

Simple Harvest Reads, October 12 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

A Baker’s Perspective, October 13

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Kristen is giving away  the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

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/21c36/flight-celebration-tour-giveaway

 

The Bride of Blackfriars Lane Kick-Off Package

About the Book

Book: The Bride of Blackfriars Lane

Author: Michelle Griep

Genre: Christian/Romance/Historical

Release date: September, 2022

Detective Jackson Forge can hardly wait to marry the street-sly swindler who’s turned his life upside down. Kit Turner is equally excited to wed the handsome detective, and what better way to show her love than providing him with a gift any man of the law would love? She determines to bring to justice the men who years ago maimed his brother—despite Jackson’s warning to leave the past in the past. As she digs into the mystery of what happened, she unwittingly tumbles into her own history and endangers her future happiness with Jackson.

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. She is the Christy Award-winning author of historical romances: A Tale of Two Hearts, The Captured Bride, The Innkeeper’s Daughter, 12 Days at Bleakly Manor, The Captive Heart, Brentwood’s Ward, A Heart Deceived, and Gallimore, but also leaped the historical fence into the realm of contemporary with the zany romantic mystery Out of the Frying Pan. If you’d like to keep up with her escapades, find her at www.michellegriep.com or stalk her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

And guess what? She loves to hear from readers! Feel free to drop her a note at michellegriep@gmail.com.

 

More from Michelle

A Visit to Borough Market

Whenever I skip across the pond, I make it a point to stop at the Borough Market for some great meals. This area was—and is—a popular place to shop and an absolute must-see for food lovers. From grocers, fishmongers, cheese sellers, and butchers to all kinds of ethnic eats, it’s hard not to want to sample everything. My personal favorite are the buddha bowls.

Believe it or not, Borough market has been in operation for the past thousand years. Yes, you read that correctly. It actually began as a bridge, constructed in 990. But let’s fast forward to the Victorian era, shall we?

 

In the nineteenth century, a railway viaduct was constructed through the middle of the market, which brought in more people—but also brought in more noise, soot, disruption, and crime. In such a hotbed of activity, it’s easy to imagine cutpurses and pickpockets of all sorts.

And that’s the perfect scene for a certain con-artist turned investigator to meet with an informant. In The Bride of Blackfriars Lane, Kit Turner is up to her old shenanigans, much to Jackson’s chagrin. You can visit Borough Market along with her in this wild ride through Victorian London. It’s just one of the many stops in a city that never gets old.

MY REVIEW

I’m glad to see the story continue with Kit and Jackson in this adventure. I remember Kit from the previous book and how street smart she is. Who would of thought that we would be witness the marriage between the feisty   Kit and Detective Jackson. But not all is easy going as these two seem to find trouble. At the start of the book we can get a feel of how the story will go. Kit never backs down and her determination could cause problems for her and Jackson. 

Kit and Jackson are gearing up for their big day, but Kit has a surprise in store that she thinks will be a great wedding present. I’m not sure she was thinking  clearly when she set out that  morning of her wedding , but if you know Kit nothing will stop her. I did like meeting Jackson’s brother and finding out what happened to him. Kit has such a big heart for him that she wants to find justice for him. The excitement grows as Kit finds herself in a little bit of a predicament. The author does a very good job of letting readers feel Kit’s fear as she tries to remove herself from danger. 

Because of Kit’s actions she may have lost the man she loves. On her wedding day she goes off to solve a case which to some  seem irresponsible. How will Jackson feel when he finds out why Kit didn’t show up for their wedding? Kit’s father doesn’t hold anything back as he confronts her and points out that her pride may cause her to lose Jackson. I think I heard Kit gasp at those words. Has there been a time when you let pride interfere with doing what was right? 

The story delivers a few surprises that had me turning the pages as fast as I could.  What Kit finds while she is trapped in a building will cause an avalanche of hurt and answers that have long been hidden. I loved how the author shows how important communication is in any relationship as Kit and Jackson try to get past their argument. The theme of trust and forgiveness is shown in the story by characters who must decide if they will swallow their pride and allow their hears to be softened.

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

Blog Stops

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, September 27

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 27

Life of Literature, September 27

All-of-a-kind Mom, September 27

Texas Book-aholic, September 28

Book Looks by Lisa, September 28

Bigreadersite, September 28

Betti Mace, September 29

Genesis 5020, September 29

Remembrancy, September 29

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 30

Christina’s Corner, September 30

A Baker’s Perspective, September 30

She Lives to Read, October 1

Inklings and notions, October 1

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 1

For Him and My Family, October 2

Blogging With Carol, October 2

Daysong Reflections, October 2

Hallie Reads, October 2

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, October 3 (Author Interview)

Where Faith and Books Meet, October 3

deb’s Book Review, October 3

Locks, Hooks and Books, October 4

Jeanette’s Thoughts, October 4

Holly’s Book Corner, October 4

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 5

Bizwings Blog, October 5

Back Porch Reads, October 5

Connie’s History Classroom, October 6

Books I’ve Read, October 6

Blossoms and Blessings, October 6

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 7

Splashes of Joy, October 7

Simple Harvest Reads, October 7 (Guest Review from Mindy Houng)

The Write Escape, October 8

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 8

Vicky Sluiter, October 8

Through the Fire Blogs, October 8

Pause for Tales, October 9

Cover Lover Book Review, October 9

Labor Not in Vain, October 9

Jodie Wolfe – Stories Where Hope and Quirky Meet, October 10

Melissa’s Bookshelf, October 10

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, October 10

A Good Book and Cup of Tea, October 10

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Michelle is giving away the grand prize package of a $25 Amazon e-gift card and a copy of The Bride of Blackfriars Lane!!

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/21aab/the-bride-of-blackfriars-lane-celebration-tour-giveaway

About the Book

Book: To Belong Together

Author: Emily Conrad

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release date: February 28, 2022

Fame and money have a way of complicating love.

Drummer John Kennedy can keep a beat, but he can’t hold a conversation, so he relies on actions to show he cares. Unfortunately, when he’s instantly intrigued by a spunky female mechanic, he can’t seem to convey the sincerity of his intentions. And the rejections don’t stop there. His own sister is pushing him away just when he could help her most. Erin Hirsh’s life would be easier if God hadn’t given her a love for cars. Only her father understood her, and she’s losing him to dementia. Her brief romances have always backfired worse than a mistuned engine, and she refuses to give John the chance to wreck her heart. A rock star with a supermodel ex can’t possibly see anything in her.

At least that’s what she thinks until they find common ground in faith and their worsening family situations leave them each longing for a place to belong. Could God intend for this pair of opposites to belong together?

To Belong Together is the second book in the Rhythms of Redemption Romances. The men of the rock band Awestruck have conquered the music industry, but to find redemption and love, they must each face the wounds of the past. Good thing no one—and no difficult situation—is too much for grace.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Emily Conrad writes contemporary Christian romance that explores life’s difficult, but relevant, questions. Though she likes to think some of her characters are pretty great, the ultimate hero of her stories (including the one she’s living) is Jesus. She lives in Wisconsin with her husband and their energetic coonhound rescue. She is the author of the stand-alone novel Justice and the Rhythms of Redemption Romance series, as well as a series of short stories, which she emails in installments to subscribers. Learn more about her and her books at emilyconradauthor.com.

 

More from Emily

Who are you?

 

On the surface, this is a simple question, but as it kept popping up in To Belong Together, I realized my characters kept asking it because their answers left them unsatisfied and insecure.

 

(Which is writer speak for: My brain kept circling back to the question because God had something to show me!)

 

At first, the answer for John seems to be that he’s a famous drummer. For Erin, it’s that she’s her father’s daughter (her father instilled her love of cars).

 

If someone I’ve just met asks me who I am, I usually say, “I’m Emily. I’m a novelist.”

 

I’m sure you have a way you describe yourself too.

 

These easy answers are helpful in conversation. In fact, I’d love for you to comment on this post with your answer, because it’s a point of connection with people we’re getting to know, and I love to get to know readers and other writers!

 

But, as I was writing To Belong Together, I realized anew that these things are not our identities. They are roles—roles we play in relationships, in our jobs, in our hobbies. Because a role is not the same as an identity, it can’t provide the lasting purpose, worth, and security we crave.

 

As believers in Christ, our eternal identity is that we are beloved children of God.

 

Because our roles take so much of our time and energy, and because they really do serve a purpose in conversation when we’re meeting someone new, I think it’s easy to lose sight of that greater identity.

 

At least, I know John and Erin struggled with it. (Again, writer speak for: I needed some reminders in this area!)

 

If you read To Belong Together, I hope you enjoy seeing that theme pop up throughout the novel and come away with a greater understanding of who you are in Christ. After all, that identity makes all the difference as we fill those beloved roles God’s blessed us with.

 

If you have a minute to introduce yourself in comments, I’d love to meet you!

MY REVIEW 

This is one of those stories that is a perfect example of opposites attract. I love how the author shows two characters from different lifestyles try to form a relationship. Erin is my favorite character because she is strong, independent and loves her family. As a woman who works on cars for a living she has this stigma placed on her. She was always helping her dad work on cars so it seemed natural that she would do it as a profession. Not everyone accepts her but she knows her dad supports her. As she faces him becoming less of himself due to dementia the memories are more precious to her now. Adding  to her worry is the realization that her parents may lose the home they have lived in for so long. How can she find a way to save their home and keep her dad in the place he feels most connected to?

John has one of those professions that  others envy. Being in a famous band as a drummer  has skyrocketed his fame and he finds it hard to not be noticed in public. I did chuckle when he brought his car in for service at the shop Erin works out. She has no idea who he is and that may have shocked his ego a bit. One thing the  author illustrates with John is the turmoil going on with John and his sister. His  faith for some reason doesn’t sit well with his sister and their relationship holds on by a thread. I sympathized with John as he is removed as a groomsman in his sister’s wedding. The bitterness she has towards him makes me wonder what she holds against him. 

The story is very emotional as Erin and John try to fit in. They each have doubts that  they are accepted by others and this causes a problem between the two of them. I see pride peeking through their relationship as well as trust issues and communication. If only they could see that God loves them and is accepted by Him. How many of us have this need to feel accepted? Do we have problems expressing how we feel? Do we feel unwanted and not worthy? The word rejection   plays a big part  in Erin and John’s life. They both are afraid of rejection so they find reasons why relationships go wrong. They don’t want to open their heart because fear keeps them in chains. 

I loved how the author gives readers an inside look at the struggles people face with insecurity and trust. We get so caught up in what other people think about us, we forget that God loves us unconditionally. 

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

Blog Stops

Inklings and notions, September 24

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 25

Texas Book-aholic, September 26

deb’s Book Review, September 27

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, September 28

Adventures of a Travelers Wife, September 29 (Author Interview)

The Sacred Line, September 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, September 30

Tell Tale Book Reviews, October 1 (Author Interview)

Artistic Nobody, October 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, October 2

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, October 3

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, October 4

For Him and My Family, October 5

Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen, October 6 (Author Interview)

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, October 7

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Emily is giving away the grand prize package of a 10 Amazon gift card, an electronic copy of To Belong Together, and 2 hand-painted and framed pine forest watercolors (US Only) or printable PDF downloads of the paintings (International)!!

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/21aaa/to-belong-together-celebration-tour-giveaway