Friday, June 18, 2021

About the Book

Book: Island Charm

Author: Audrey Wick

Genre: Christian Contemporary Beach Read

Release date: May 14, 2021

An imposter in paradise.

When Anna Worthington’s twin sister gets jilted by her fiancé, Anna steps in with a plan for a girls’ Key West getaway instead of a honeymoon trip. Yet when her twin has her own crisis of commitment and doesn’t board the plane, Anna finds herself on a romantic getaway that she’s forced to navigate alone.

A vacation romance with an expiration date.

Gunnar Lockhart, whose specialty is island tourism, is the perfect match for helping Anna complete her vacation bucket list, but time together forges a connection more personal than either anticipate. As they make island memories, Anna has to untangle her mixed emotions. Are her feelings toward Gunnar real? Or like her sister’s wedding day, has this connection been doomed from the start?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Audrey Wick is a full-time English professor at Blinn College and author of women’s fiction/romance. Her writing has also appeared in college textbooks, and she is a guest blog columnist with Writer’s Digest. Wick believes the secret to happiness includes lifelong learning and good stories. But travel and coffee help. She has journeyed to over twenty countries—and sipped coffee at every one. See photos on her website audreywick.com and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @WickWrites.

More from Audrey

“The Importance of Setting in Fiction Writing”

My favorite element in writing a novel is setting. Making places come alive through storytelling brings special joy, and I’m fortunate to be able to do that in the pages of Island Charm.

Island Charm is my first beach-read, a standalone contemporary novel set in Key West. Key West is a small island in the Florida Keys, an archipelago that stretches west from the southern peninsula of Florida. The Keys dangle into the Gulf of Mexico like a string of island pearls. Key West is the last on the strand.

I first experienced Key West in the summer, but years later, I traveled back in winter. Whether its July or January, Key West is beautiful anytime of year. What I like best about the island is its walkability. It’s roughly four miles long and one mile across, making it easy to explore on foot. The boardwalk, docks, piers, and public beaches means there is plenty to experience. Fantastic views stretch in all directions.

Additionally, the island has an impressive literary history. Authors including Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Shel Silverstein, Philip Burton, Judy Blume, and Meg Cabot have all called the island their home at one time or another. It’s easy to see why my heroine, Anna, is so taken with the scenery, just like these writers. I hope readers will be as well!

Follow Anna as she explores Key West in Island Charm. Thanks for traveling with me through the pages, and I hope readers enjoy their time on the island.

MY REVIEW

This has been a nice, easy, sentimental journey to finding yourself. Things don’t always turn out the way we want and Anna is on her way to an adventure of a lifetime. Her sister’s wedding doesn’t happen and Anna finds herself on a flight to Key West. I liked how Anna’s sister gave her a chance to refresh and perhaps find happiness as she travels in her place .

I could feel the breeze against my face as Anna started exploring the quaint island. It was funny that the luggage she was stuck with happens to be her sister’s honeymoon attires. I think she may need to do some shopping for more presentable ensembles. The story is rich in island history and I would love to visit it someday. It sounds so relaxing and a place to really let go of your problems.

Gunnar is definitely a good character with his charm and knowledge of the island. As Anna and Gunnar start to get acquainted you can tell there is chemistry between them. I liked that they took things slow and spent lots of time talking and getting to know each other better. The part about Anna’s desire to make jewelry from shells was very interesting. The author takes us on a walk along the beach as Anna and Gunnar discover what the ocean has washed up. I love collecting seashells when I go to the beach. It’s like a small gift from God as He shares the wonders of the world He made.

There is one character in the story that was so sweet I have to mention him. Jack is an older man who has no family so Gunnar has been watching out for him. When an unexpected emergency happens with Jack it causes Gunnar to miss a very important date. Oh how I cried as Anna’s heart breaks. She feels rejected and gives up on ever finding happiness. The rest of the story I will leave for readers to enjoy. This has been a nice book with a message of trust, never giving up and following your dreams.

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

Blog Stops

Texas Book-aholic, June 19

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 20

The Meanderings of a Bookworm, June 20

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 21

Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, June 22

Reflections From My Bookshelves, June 22

The Write Escape, June 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 24

Mypreciousbitsandmusings, June 24

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 25

Inklings and notions, June 26

Blogging With Carol, June 26

For Him and My Family, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Simple Harvest Reads, June 28 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)

deb’s Book Review, June 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 30

Kayem Reads , June 30

CarpeDiem, July 1

Genesis 5020, July 1

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, July 2

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Audrey is giving away the grand prize package of a CD that includes a digital copy of Island Charm as well as multiple full-length novels also published by Pelican Book Group!!

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/10db6/island-charm-celebration-tour-giveaway

Thursday, June 17, 2021

About the Book

Book: Murder at Madison Square Garden

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Historical Mystery

Release date: July 15, 2020

The dream of a lifetime becomes a nightmare.

Photojournalist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer’s career has hit the skids thanks to rumors of plagiarism. With any luck, a photo spread with Charles Lindbergh at the America First Rally will salvage her reputation. After an attempted assassination of Lindbergh leaves another man dead, Teddy is left holding the gun. Literally. Can she prove her innocence before the police lock her up for a murder she didn’t commit?

Private Investigator Ric Bogart wants nothing to do with women after his wife cleaned out their bank account and left him for another man, but he can’t ignore the feeling he’s supposed to help the scrappy, female reporter who is arrested for murder at the America First rally. Can he believe her claims of innocence and find the real killer without letting Teddy steal his heart?

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Bestselling author of over twenty books, 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 currently working with the curator to create her first exhibit, Shaped by Conflict that will be on display from May 1 to June 15, 2021. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland, and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historical 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 readers:

I grew up in New Jersey and often went into New York City for school field trips and family visits. One of my favorite places to go was Madison Square Garden. I have lots of happy memories, so I wondered if I could possibly set a book there. I spent a lovely afternoon digging into the building’s past and learning about the important, historic events that took place there. When I discovered that aviator Charles Lindbergh spoke at the Garden about the controversial topic of U.S. isolationism prior to America’s entry into WWII, I knew I had the beginning of a story.

My protagonist came about during one of my shifts as a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII. While talking to one of our guests about our wartime print and broadcast journalism display, the conversation turned to the role that women played. Therese Bonney was a one of the photojournalists highlighted in the exhibit. As I studied her picture, I was struck by her determination in the set of her jaw and look in her eyes. My protagonist Theodora “Teddy” Schafer was born.

I enjoyed my trip down Memory Lane at the Garden during my research and had fun subjecting Teddy to uncomfortable situations as she tried to prove her innocence. But most of all, I hope her story honors the men and women who served in countless ways during this difficult time in history.

Enjoy Murder at Madison Square Garden.

Linda

MY REVIEW

This has been a wonderful story set during the time of Charles Lindbergh. I loved the way the author writes her stories that come to life with historical facts mixed in with fiction. I enjoyed getting to know Teddy and how she struggled trusting anyone. She does not have much faith and wavers on it constantly. Her gift as a photojournalist is something she enjoys. I would call it being at the wrong place at the wrong time for Teddy as the story takes on mystery and intrigue. Teddy is determined to prove her innocence but she lacks trust and this will hamper her in many ways.

Ric is someone I would want on my side. Trying to help Teddy stay out of jail for murder gives him a run for his money. They clash many times and I loved their sarcastic banter between them. Teddy can be quite frustrating at times. The author weaves a story that shines with the backdrop of the era and makes you feel like you have traveled back in time.

It is a great story that has many suspects and touch’s on what war does to some people when they come home. Many men came back angry, depressed and a feeling of loneliness. I’m glad the author included this in the story to help us remember those who served and the sacrifice they made for us. I was surprised at who ended up being the guilty person.

One of the best parts of the story for me was witnessing two characters learning to forgive as one of them surrenders their life to God. The faith element in the story is written well and pulls the characters together in a way that helps you understand the struggles they both have faced. I will say this is one of my favorite books for the year.

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

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, June 15

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, June 16

The Avid Reader, June 16

Daysong Reflections, June 17

Texas Book-aholic, June 18

Vicky Sluiter, June 18

Inklings and notions, June 19

For Him and My Family, June 20

Blossoms and Blessings, June 20

Betti Mace, June 21

deb’s Book Review, June 22

Blogging With Carol, June 22

Locks, Hooks and Books, June 23

Connie’s History Classroom, June 24

Gina Holder, Author and Blogger, June 25 (Author Interview)

Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, June 25

A Modern Day Fairy Tale, June 26

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 26

Musings of a Sassy Bookish Mama, June 27

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, June 28

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Visa 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/10d57/murder-at-madison-square-garden-celebration-tour-giveaway

Wednesday, June 16, 2021

About the Book

Book: Stealing the First Mate

Author: Tabitha Bouldin

Genre: Christian Contemporary Romance

Release date: June 29, 2021

Sometimes, happily ever after is as elusive as a pirate’s treasure.

Darcy Riggins dove headfirst into the online dating pool and sank. Every time.

Her lifelong dream of becoming a wife and mother becomes more elusive every year. So, taking the lack of a Mr. Right in her life as a decided “No!” from God, Darcy gives up altogether.

Single and happy is not an oxymoron. Right?

Nigel Jones has loved Darcy for ages, but her father (his boss, of course) ordered him to keep his feelings to himself, thanks to a stupid mistake that Darcy (thankfully) doesn’t know about. Too bad her dad does.

Being single and content turns out to be tougher than Darcy imagined, and when she begins doubting everything she’s ever known, Nigel decides it’s time to admit his mistakes, tell the truth, and trust God for the outcome.

In this “forbidden-love-meets-friends-to-more” novel, Stealing the First Matecontinues the Elnora Island romances of the Independence Islands Series featuring five islands, six authors, and a boatload of happily-ever-afters.

The Independence Islands Series: beach reads aren’t just for summer anymore.

Click here to get your copy!

About the Author

Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has been writing since 2015. When she’s not homeschooling her kids, you’ll find her curled up with a book. Tabitha’s genre of choice is Contemporary Christian Romance which she describes as: Adventure with heart.

More from Tabitha

I love the friends-to-something-more trope. There’s something invigorating about the challenges of stepping into a different kind of relationship with someone you already know and trust. The risk of losing the friendship if things go badly comes to the forefront and each character has to decide if they’ll take the risk or keep things as they are.

For Nigel and Darcy, there’s the added difficulty of Nigel’s unrequited love. They’ve been best friends forever, and he’s loved Darcy all that time. And she’s clueless! How does that happen?

I wish I could say this story came from my own experience, but that isn’t the case. While my husband and I knew each other for several years before we started dating, we were hardly friends. High school social circles are brutal things. Plus, he had a crush on my cousin, and I was dating someone else.

But it all worked out.

And we’re best friends now.

When it came time to write Stealing the First Mate, I knew Nigel and Darcy were friends. It wasn’t until I worked my way through the first chapter that the depth of their relationship started to emerge, and I realized they were best friends. Darcy runs to Nigel for advise (even dating advise, which became really awkward for Nigel).

Darcy has been looking for Mr. Right so long she can’t see the truth staring back at her in Nigel’s eyes.

Writing their story is one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve had in writing.

MY REVIEW

There is nothing better than reading a story from this series. This one is particularly good because it has our two main characters as best friends. Nigel and Darcy have been friends since first grade. I thought it was so cute that they bonded and still to this day rely on each other. I have lost contact with all my friends from elementary school but still remember some of them. With a job as pirates on Darcy’s dad’s boat they seem to do most everything together.

Darcy sure puts up a fight about her feelings for Nigel and it did become frustrating at times. I know she was in love with Nigel but she keeps dating other people. She is looking for the right one. Guess she doesn’t know that she already has him. Darcy for some reason doesn’t think she is good enough for someone. Every date she goes on she finds fault with them. I think it is just a reason for her to avoid rejection and hurt.

Nigel is sure who he wants to spend the rest of his life with, but Darcy doesn’t get it yet. I love these type of stories because we get a glimpse into their past and see how God works things out for good. There is a secret he has been keeping from Darcy and when it is exposed I felt such empathy for Nigel. Darcy’s dad has something against Nigel and knows his secret. What is sad is that Darcy’s dad could have helped Nigel at a time he needed it most. The word judgmental plays a big part in this story and the author gives a great lesson on how it affects others.

I loved the faith element in the story and how it shows how God is there in our darkest moments. He heals our broken heart and exposes the enemies lies. Nigel was my favorite character because he was a compassionate person who always tried to protect Darcy from harm. The ending is good and made me smile. This is another great story in an amazing series.

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