Life of Literature

April 1, 2023March 28, 2023

The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright

Thank you for joining me today on my blog as I feature The Vanishing at Castle Moreau by Jaime Jo Wright, on tour with Austen Prose tours!

Book Facts

Title: The Vanishing at Castle Moreau
Author: Jaime Jo Wright
Genre: Historical Suspense, Historical Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication date: April 4, 2023
Length: 384 pages
Format: Hardcover, trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook
ISBN: 978-0764238345
Tour dates: March 27 – April 10, 2023

Book Description

A haunting legend. An ominous curse. A search for a secret buried deep within the castle walls.

In 1870, orphaned Daisy François takes a position as housemaid at a Wisconsin castle to escape the horrors of her past life. There she finds a reclusive and eccentric Gothic authoress who hides tales more harrowing than the ones in her novels. As women disappear from the area and the eerie circumstances seem to parallel a local legend, Daisy is thrust into a web that could ultimately steal her sanity, if not her life.

In the present day, Cleo Clemmons is hired by the grandson of an American aristocratic family to help his grandmother face her hoarding in the dilapidated Castle Moreau. But when Cleo uncovers more than just the woman’s stash of collectibles, a century-old mystery and the dust of the old castle’s curse threaten to rise again . . . this time to leave no one alive to tell the sordid tale.

Award-winning author Jaime Jo Wright seamlessly weaves a dual-time tale of two women who must do all they can to seek the light amid the darkness shrouding Castle Moreau.

About the Author

Jaime Jo Wright is the author of eight novels, including Christy Award and Daphne du Maurier Award-winner The House on Foster Hill and Carol Award winner The Reckoning at Gossamer Pond. She’s also the Publishers Weekly and ECPA bestselling author of two novellas. Jaime lives in Wisconsin with her cat named Foo; her husband, Cap’n Hook; and their two mini-adults, Peter Pan and CoCo.

Praise for the Book

“Wright (The Souls of Lost Lake) captivates with a thrilling tale of two women who get caught up in the secrets of a Wisconsin castle…The twisting, fast-moving plot is loaded with secrets, and the characters remain morally ambiguous until the end. Readers won’t want to put this down.”— Publisher’s Weekly

“Wright (The Premonition at Withers Farm) pens another delightfully creepy tale where nothing is quite as it seems and characters seek freedom from nightmares both real and imagined.”— Library Journal

“Jaime Jo Wright never disappoints, and The Vanishing at Castle Moreau is no exception. With real, flawed characters who grapple with real-life struggles, this gripping suspense novel will draw readers in from the very first page. Good luck putting it down. I couldn’t.”— Lynette Eason, bestselling author of the Extreme Measures series

Purchase Links

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My Thoughts

This book should come with a warning and that being you will not get any sleep for want of finishing this fantastic novel! I lost sleep staying up late reading and wished away the hours at work so I could get back to the story. It captured me from the very beginning, held me in its intense hold, and did not let up until the end. Per usual, this author does a phenomenal job of crafting two (well, actually three) storylines that slowly come together in a brilliance that I am amazed by every time I read a split time plot. I feel like I usually prefer one timeline over another, but in this novel, I actually really liked both Daisy and Cleo equally and loved their growth in the story. The suspense is thrilling and I honestly had no idea where the spooky surreal story was going until it was revealed at the very end. I loved the thread of faith and hope clearly woven in the novel as well. I also appreciate the way this author is not afraid to tackle some tough subjects and she stirred even more compassion in me for the difficulties in this novel. This book is captivating and marvelous and well worth the sleep I lost. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers, courtesy of Austen Prose Tours with Laurel Ann Nattress. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thanks for stopping by!

March 7, 2023March 7, 2023

Under Fire by Lynn H. Blackburn

About the Book

Special Agent Tessa Reed almost lost everything, but she has emerged from her painful past healed and healthy. That is, until she is placed on special assignment to assist with protecting the President of the United States and her past comes rushing back to haunt her. She is at least excited to work once again with her old friend USSS Special Agent Zane Thacker, who is tasked with protecting the President. As threats against the President intensify, Tessa and Zane must race against the clock to discover the enemy before it is too late.

About the Author

Lynn H. Blackburn is the award-winning author of Unknown Threat and Malicious Intent, as well as the Dive Team Investigations series. She believes in the power of stories, especially those that remind us that true love exists, a gift from the Truest Love. She lives in Simpsonville, South Carolina, with her true love, Brian, and their three children. Learn more at http://www.lynnhblackburn.com.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

It was easy to get sucked into this novel from the beginning pages of the prologue. I had one of those moments where I told myself I would just read a few chapters before bed and suddenly found myself devouring the book late into the night! I loved everything about this novel. The suspense has creative twists and turns that kept me guessing, the characters are flawed and real and easy to like, and both the romance and spiritual themes are woven into the plot so well that they added depth to the story without sacrificing any of the fast paced suspense. My favorite romance trope is great friends to lovers, and this novel had me cheering for Tessa and Zane from the beginning. Their witty banter is the perfect lightness to the suspense in the story. This has been a fantastic series and I am a little sad for it to end, but I can’t wait to see what this talented author pens next!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Favorite Quotes

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March 6, 2023March 13, 2023

Daughter of Eden by Jill Eileen Smith

About the Book

Eve is blessed with a wonderful husband and a beautiful garden beyond comprehension, a gift given to her by the Creator. Yet, with one choice one day, everything changes. She and Adam must now manage a completely new world with sin, pain, and sorrow. Despite the separation from the Creator in Eden, however, Eve begins to experience moments of closeness with Him, and she and Adam learn to survive in a world forever changed.

About the Author

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther’s Story, Miriam’s Song, and The Prince and the Prodigal. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn’t Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in biblical times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at http://www.jilleileensmith.com.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

This novel has fantastic descriptions that transported me to a fictional telling of the true story of Eve. I felt her emotions and her struggles as she went from the perfect Eden to a scary sinful world. I was struck for the first time, despite reading her story many times in the Bible, of the crazy circumstances Eve must have faced as one of two of the first humans on earth. Despite the realistic sin told in the novel, there is a thread of hope in the book, especially since we know that the enemy has already been defeated. I really liked the perspective of this book and once again, I felt like this author made the Bible come alive in a new way for me. I highly recommend this book to those who love Biblical fiction and also to those who want to give Biblical fiction a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thanks for stopping by!

February 27, 2023February 24, 2023

Cover Reveal: A Winter by the Sea by Julie Klassen

Thank you for joining me today on my blog as I feature a cover reveal for the talented Julie Klassen’s upcoming novel, A Winter by the Sea, the second novel in her On Devonshire Shores series, releasing December 5, 2023!

Book Details

Title: A Winter by the Sea
Series: On Devonshire Shores (Book 2)
Author: Julie Klassen
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Release date: December 5, 2023
Length: 448 pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade paperback, & eBook
ISBN: 978-1250867551

About the Book

When the Duke and Duchess of Kent rent neighboring Woolbrook Cottage for the winter, the Summers sisters are called upon to host three of the royal couple’s male staff in their seaside house. But they soon realize they’ve invited mysterious secrets and the sweet possibility of romance into their home.

Meanwhile, Emily Summers approaches a local publisher in hopes of fulfilling her dream of becoming an author. When he turns her down, his dashing competitor promises to consider her novel if she will first write a new Sidmouth guidebook for him. Emily accepts and begins researching with the help of the Duke of Kent’s handsome private secretary. But a surprise visitor from her past shows up at Sea View, leaving Emily torn between the desires she used to hold dear and her budding dreams for the future.

Return to the Devonshire coast with the Summers sisters, where loyalties are tested, secrets come to light, and new love emerges.

About the Author

Julie Klassen loves all things Jane—Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. Her books have sold more than a million copies and she is a three-time recipient of the Christy Award for Historical Romance. She has also been honored with the Minnesota Book Award, Midwest Book Award, and Christian Retailing’s BEST Award. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full time. She and her husband have two sons and live in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Purchase Links

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

And now… the book cover reveal!

I am blown away by how stunning this cover is!! Isn’t it lovely!? Tell me your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for stopping by!

February 27, 2023February 26, 2023

To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson

Thank you for joining me today on my blog as I feature To Win Her Hand by Jen Geigle Johnson, on tour with Austen Prose Tours!

Book Details

Title: To Win Her Hand
Series: A Gentleman’s Match (Book 1)
Author: Jen Geigle Johnson
Genre: Historical Romance, Regency Romance, Inspirational Fiction
Publisher: King’s Row Press
Publication date: December 15, 2022
Length: 272 pages
Format: Hardcover, Trade Paperback, & eBook
ISBN: 978-1737592174
Tour Dates: February 27 – March 13, 2023

About the Book

An expert at winning a woman’s hand. A woman who cannot be won.

Lord Featherstone has the world on his shoulders. Or at least his world. With two brothers and a failing estate he must make funds somehow. But what happens when he falls for a woman? Will his tactics work when the situation is so close and personal?

Everyone thinks Lady Loveluck is a wealthy widow. What they don’t know is that she is on the brink of hiring herself out as a Governess in order to pay for her next meal. The only thing keeping her from employment is a growing reputation as a matchmaker. As long as she never falls for another man, as long as she doesn’t allow herself to be fooled into marrying, she will be just fine.

But she never counted on being caught up in the beguiling tactics of London’s renowned and not so secret matchmaker for men.

About the Author

Jen Geigle Johnson is an award-winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy’s top award for Romance,

Jen has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. History is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well.

Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn’t stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Purchase Links

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Advance Praise

“I loved the character growth, watching them learn more about the other’s heart and hardships, and the realization that perhaps they had more choices than they first thought. Such a sweet regency. I’m so grateful I had the chance to read this one.”— Makayla Branson, Reading Past Bedtime
“The house party, the quiet moments, the collection of other characters, and much more all combined together made this is delightful read.”— Julie Carpenter, Goodreads
“Two matchmakers with a wager. What fun for all! [A] heart touching story.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads

My Thoughts

Witty banter and heart throbbing romance abound in this Regency novel! I really enjoyed the two main matchmaking characters and found their lively interactions to be entertaining. They are both facing financial situations that give their characters some realistic struggles, and they had sweet vulnerable moments woven among the humor to give the book some depth. Lord Featherstone’s sincere pursuit of Lady Loveluck is truly endearing. I found a few plot points a bit confusing and the story jumped around too much, especially with the secondary characters, but I did enjoy the novel overall. I think perhaps this first book was setting us up for future novels. I love Regency novels and this book has all the history, balls, gowns, and manors of that time period well described and incorporated. I wish the ending hadn’t been quite so rushed, but I’m hoping we read more of these two in the next book. For those who love Regency novels, give this one a try!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thanks for stopping by!

February 25, 2023February 24, 2023

Cover Reveal: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord by Celeste Connally

Thank you for joining me today on my blog as I share about an upcoming release by Celeste Connally, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, releasing November 2023!

Book Details

Title: Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord: A Mystery
Author: Celeste Connally
Genre: Historical Mystery, Regency Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Minotaur Books
Release date: November 14, 2023
Length: 304 pages
Format: Hardcover, & eBook
ISBN: 978-1250867551

About the Book

Bridgerton meets Agatha Christie in Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord, a dazzling first entry in a terrific new Regency-era cozy series with a feminist spin.

When Lady Petra Forsyth’s fiancé and soulmate dies just weeks ahead of their wedding, she makes the shocking proclamation―in front of London’s loosest lips―that she will never remarry. A woman of independent means, Petra sees no reason to cede her wealth and freedom to any man now that the love of her life has passed, nor does she intend to become confined to her country home. Instead, she uses her title to gain access to elite spaces and enjoy the best of society without expectations.

But when ballroom gossip suggests that a longtime friend has died of “melancholia” while in the care of a questionable physician, Petra vows to use her status to dig deeper―uncovering a private asylum where men pay to have their wives and daughters locked away, or worse. Just as Lady Petra has reason to believe her friend is not dead, but a prisoner, her own headstrong actions and thirst for independence are used to put her own freedom in jeopardy.

About the Author

Celeste Connally is an Agatha Award nominee, and a former freelance writer and editor. A lifelong devotee of historical novels and adaptations fueled by her passion for history—plus weekly doses of PBS Masterpiece—Celeste loves reading and writing about women from the past who didn’t always do as they were told.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Purchase Links

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

And now… the cover reveal!

Isn’t it gorgeous!? I can’t wait to read it!

Giveaway

Author Celeste Connally and her publisher Minotaur Books are generously offering a fabulous giveaway for you!

Giveaway Details:

Two (2) winners (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord. One (1) winner (selected at random by Rafflecopter) will receive one (1) advanced reader’s paperback copy of Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Lord and a gift prize package containing the following:

A Jane Austen ‘Obstinate, Headstrong Girl’ mug from the Jane Austen Centre giftshop.
A bookmark, and a bookplate signed by the author.
A medley of Harney & Sons teas in various flavors individually wrapped teabags.
A handmade ceramic tea tidy in the shape of a teapot for teabags.
A box of English tea biscuits.

The small print: Open from 12:01 am Pacific time 02/22/23 until 11:59pm Pacific time on 03/19/23. The giveaway is hosted by Celeste Connally and Minotaur Books. No purchase is necessary. Entrants must be 18 years or older. Open to US residents only. All information will remain confidential and will not be sold or otherwise used, except to notify the winner and to facilitate postage of the books and prizes to the winners. Void where prohibited. One giveaway item per eligible entrant. Visit author Celeste Connally’s website on March 20, 2023, to see if you won one of the three prizes.

Enter Here!

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February 23, 2023February 24, 2023

The Sound of Light by Sarah Sundin

About the Book

American physicist Dr. Else Jensen is doing research in Copenhagen and finds herself facing an imminent invasion from Germany, but she refuses to leave her hard work and flee to safety. She is intrigued by the mysterious and silent shipyard worker in her boardinghouse who has also chosen to stay in the city despite the turmoil. Baron Henrik Ahlefeldt has exchanged his nobility for anonymity in order to aid the Danish Resistance. As danger grows, Else and Henrik each face painful sacrifices with the hope of greater rewards.

About the Author

Sarah Sundin is the bestselling author of When Twilight Breaks, Until Leaves Fall in Paris, and the popular WWII series Sunrise at Normandy, among others. She is a Christy Award finalist and a Carol Award winner, and her novels have received starred reviews from Booklist, Library Journal, and Publishers Weekly, and have appeared on Booklist‘s “101 Best Romance Novels of the Last 10 Years.” Sarah lives in California. Visit http://www.sarahsundin.com for more information.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

Gripping and thrilling, this story grabbed my heart from the beginning and is still lingering with me long after I have finished. I love the way this author writes, poetic and lyrical with such rich descriptions and settings. The history is very interesting. I have read a lot of World War II books, but I don’t think I’ve read one set in Denmark and I found it very fascinating. And the characters are exactly what you want in a novel—a little flawed, a little messy, and a lot of amazing traits that made me fall in love with them. Else is my favorite because she is smart, independent, and bold. This novel tackles courage, faith, and conviction with ease, and I was so invested in the story, it made me cry more than once. I absolutely loved this novel and most highly recommend it!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Revell Publishing. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thanks for stopping by!

February 21, 2023March 20, 2023

The Maid of Ballymacool by Jennifer Deibel

About the Book

Brianna Kelly passes her free time working at Ballymacool House and Boarding School by exploring the grounds and looking for hidden treasure. When she finds a mysterious silver platter in the woods, she is determined to figure out its origin. She turns to handsome newcomer Michael Wray, who is the son of local gentry and recently returned to town to handle a family matter. However, both Brianna and Michael hold secrets that may change everything.

About the Author

Jennifer Deibel is the author of A Dance in Donegal (winner of the Kipp Award for Historical Romance) and The Lady of Galway Manor (a Parable Group bestseller). Her work has appeared on (in)courage, on The Better Mom, in Missions Mosaic magazine, and in other publications. With firsthand immersive experience abroad, Jennifer writes stories that help redefine home through the lens of culture, history, and family. After nearly a decade of living in Ireland and Austria, she now lives in Arizona with her husband and their three children. You can find her online at http://www.jenniferdeibel.com.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

I was so excited to be transported to picturesque Ireland with the help of this talented author once again. I think she does a fantastic job describing the scenery that serves as a perfect backdrop for this story. I really liked reading about Brianna. Despite difficult circumstances, she looks for ways to be happy and I was cheering for her to find her happily ever after throughout the novel. There is such tender forgiveness and restoration woven among the pages. I love how the author includes spiritual truths without seeming preachy. I was also captivated by the secrets and mystery in this novel and I could not put it down as I wished to know the ending. The romance is sweet and realistic. I truly loved this novel and I am looking forward to reading more by this author.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Favorite Quotes

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February 14, 2023March 8, 2023

Counterfeit Hope by Crystal Caudill

About the Book

Secret Service agent Andrew Darlington is sent to rural Indiana to investigate a counterfeit case, during which he clashes with a criminal family that has haunted him before. Lu Thorne was interested in testifying against the infamous Thorne family, but the Marshal assisting her suddenly ends up dead. Forced to work with Andrew, she worries that his secrets could destroy everything she has worked so hard for, and Andrew, too, starts to wonder if the widow Lu is hiding something as well.

About the Author

Crystal Caudill is the author of “dangerously good historical romance,” with her work garnering awards from Romance Writers of America and ACFW. She is a stay-at-home mom and caregiver, and when she isn’t writing, Caudill can be found playing board games with her family, drinking hot tea, or reading other great books at her home outside Cincinnati, Ohio. Find out more at crystalcaudill.com.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

An amazing story full of faith, forgiveness, and second chances, this novel grabbed my heart from the beginning and wouldn’t let go! I enjoyed the historical setting and thought the historical details were well told. I really liked the twists and turns of the mystery and had a hard time guessing the ending. My favorite parts of the novel, however, were the realistic characters and their deep struggles that spoke of trials, all told with a thread of hope in the story. I loved Lu and her growth as she learns about God’s great forgiveness. And the romance is slow burning and perfect as well. I found myself completely captivated by this book and I cannot wait to read what this talented author pens next.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Favorite Quotes

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February 13, 2023

The Last Chance Cowboy by Jody Hedlund

About the Book

After Catherine Remington helps deliver an infant in the middle of the night in a bad part of town, she finds herself suddenly witnessing a dangerous crime. Forced to escape the area, she decides to honor her patient’s last wish to bring the newborn infant to his father in Colorado. She is not sure what to expect, but she is not expecting the father to be the sheriff of Fairplay. Dylan McQuaid is stunned when Catherine shows up with an infant she claims is his son, but he wants to do the right thing and care for the baby. As Dylan and Catherine attempt to navigate the tricky situation, they form a bond that soon develops into something more.

About the Author

Jody Hedlund is the bestselling author of over 40 historical novels for both adults and teens and is the winner of numerous awards, including the Christy, Carol, and Christian Book Awards. Jody lives in Michigan with her husband, busy family, and five spoiled cats. Learn more at jodyhedlund.com.

Purchase Links

My Thoughts

Fantastic characters and sizzling romance abound in this novel! This is one of my favorite romance tropes. I really liked Catherine and her strength. She was such an easy character to cheer for throughout the novel. And I really enjoyed reading about Dylan’s continued journey towards redemption and forgiveness. Although this novel stands well on is own, I think the reader gets good background information on the characters in the earlier books. I thought the plot had some great twists that kept it interesting and surprised me along the way. This has been a fantastic series and I am somewhat sad that it is ending. Highly recommended!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.