My Book Reviews

Category: Historical Fiction

This category contains any posts published in reference to books of Historical Fiction genre.

A Most Unusual Duke by Susanna Allen

A Most Unusual Duke (Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde #2) by Susanna Allen

Release: December 28, 2021
Format: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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The Duke said he’d never get married.

The Prince Regent insists his cousin and fellow bear shifter, Arthur Humphries, the Duke of Osborn, take a mate to ensure the continuation of their species. After all, Arthur is an Alpha, so he must set a good example. The duke would very much prefer to continue his comfortable bachelor lifestyle. But the Prince Regent is not a bear to be poked.

Beatrice, the widowed Marchioness of Castleton, is in possession of a powerful secret. She knows all about Shifters, her horrible late husband being one of them. At any moment, Beatrice could reveal the secrets of the Prince and those like him, unless the Prince can make sure she marries another Shifter.

A marriage between the Duke of Osborn and Beatrice is far from ideal for either one, but at least they won’t fall in love right?

Witty, fantastical, and entirely unique, A Most Unusual Duke is perfect for readers looking for:

A delicious Regency romp with a paranormal twist, A devilishly handsome Alpha hero , A marriage of convenience, A magical world to sink your teeth into.

About the Author:

Susanna Allen moved to Ireland for twelve months in 1998. She gained a Master of Philosophy in Irish Theatre Studies from the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College. Then she embarked on a career in theatre criticism. Finally she moved into feature writing on all things cultural, as well as lifestyle oriented subjects for major Irish titles across newsprint and magazines.

She is the author of Drama Queen and The Fidelity Project, both published by Headline UK, and the soon to be republished That Magic Mischief. Her memoir, Many Brave Fools: A Story of Addiction, Dysfunction, Codependency and Horses is published by Trafalgar Square Books. It recounts the growth and insights she acquired after having taken up horse riding as an adult, post divorce.

Susan is living her life by reading, writing and horseback riding. She can generally be found on her sofa with her e-reader, gazing out a window and thinking about made up people; or cantering around in circles. She loves every minute of it!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

A Most Unusual Duke Review:

From wolves to bears, “A Most Unusual Duke” is a sweet, historical paranormal romance that I liked reading.

I enjoyed this book much better than the first book. I liked Beatrice and Arthur in the lead and thought the author did a nice role reversal from Felicity and Alfred from the first book. Arthur is timid compared to Alfred, and Beatrice is more confident and confident than Felicity. When they get married by convenience, I wondered how their dynamics would be together. The author progresses their romance nicely where you root for both the characters to see how similar they are and want them to get together. My favorite moments in the tale are when they get married, and Beatrice considers the potential to restore Arcadia, or when Arthur notices his feelings for Beatrice and wants to protect her.

Moreover, I enjoyed the sense of wholesomeness in the story, especially when Ursella, Charlotte, Ben, and the others enter the picture and the drama it pursues. The children (cubs) brought a sense of family to the tale, and I liked the large cast. At the same time, the author also adds the sizzling romance between Arthur and Beatrice. There is excitement in the plot towards the end, making the characters from the previous book come together. It was also lovely to see Bates, Alfred, O-Mara, and Felicity appear. On a side note, I also like how we get a sense of the bigger picture of the clan with the Alpha, Bela, Gamma, and Omegas.

Overall, “A Most Unusual Duke” is a charming continuation of the “Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde” series, and I wonder how the next book will proceed.

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of A MOST UNUSUAL DUKE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Most Unusual Duke (Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde #2) by Susanna Allen Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-4-2022
Fyrekatz Blog-Review-4-4-2022
The Reading Devil-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-4-5-2022
@theheavycrownreads-Review-4-6-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-4-6-2022
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review/IG Post-4-7-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt/IG Post-4-7-2022
Owl Abridged-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022
Angel’s Guilty Pleasures-Excerpt/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Quill Tree Fox-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt/IG Post-4-11-2022
Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf-Review-4-12-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-4-12-2022
Eli to the nth-Review/IG Post-4-13-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-13-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-14-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-4-14-2022
onemused -Review/IG Post-4-15-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 16, 2022
A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing by Susanna Allen

A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing (Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde #1) by Susanna Allen

Release: April 27th, 2021
Format: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

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A delicious mix of Regency romance and shapeshifting adventure from author Susanna Allen…

Alfred Blakesley, Duke of Lowell, has long been an enigma. No one dares to give a man of his stature the cut direct, but there’s simply something not quite right about him. What would the society mamas say if they learned that the something they sensed was the fact that Alfred is a wolf shifter…? He’s been looking for his mate for a long time, but not just any young lady will do for him, or for his pack.

Felicity Templeton has one goal: to remain unmarried. If she can manage that until her twenty-fifth birthday, she stands to inherit a large fortune. But when she meets Alfred, the dashing duke is determined to have her for his very own…and a wolf who’s a duke can be very persuasive..

About the Author:

Susanna Allen moved to Ireland for twelve months in 1998. She gained a Master of Philosophy in Irish Theatre Studies from the Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College. Then she embarked on a career in theatre criticism. Finally, she moved into feature writing on all things cultural, as well as lifestyle-oriented subjects for major Irish titles across newsprint and magazines.

She is the author of Drama Queen and The Fidelity Project, both published by Headline UK, and the soon to be republished That Magic Mischief. Her memoir, Many Brave Fools: A Story of Addiction, Dysfunction, Codependency, and Horses is published by Trafalgar Square Books. It recounts the growth and insights she acquired after having taken up horse riding as an adult, post-divorce.

Susan is living her life by reading, writing and horseback riding. She can generally be found on her sofa with her e-reader, gazing out a window and thinking about made-up people; or cantering around in circles. She loves every minute of it!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing Review:

The highlight of the book for me was Alfred and Felicity. I enjoyed the characters and their back story. Alfred struggles with his secret of being a Wolf Shifter while finding a mate, whereas Felicity needs to face the likes of Uncle Ezra and Rollo, who have devious plans for her.

The author also writes their romance nicely. I felt their romance to be dramatic and energizing when they meet at Livingston Ball. My favorite scenes in the story are when Alfred hears her taking a bath or Felicity first meets “Alfie” and is not intimidated by him. The author writes their romance with a touch of humor, and I found myself smiling in many scenes. Moreover, I also enjoyed the supporting characters. Mr. Coburn, Bates, and O’Mara protect Alfred, whereas Mary and Jemima stand by Felicity.

Perhaps the only downside to the tale is the pacing. At times, the pace staggers because of the dialogues and conversations that feel repetitive. For example, I didn’t need to read about Alfred talking about his feelings for Felicity to Bates and O’Mara in every other chapter. Moreover, I felt the author did not dwell on the paranormal elements much until later, and I still am not fully clear about it.

However, apart from that, I enjoyed the story. The story picks up in the second half, particularly when Felicity gets a letter from Cecil and faces challenges with Alfred. The author sets the pace for the next book in the end, making me want to pick up the next book and continue reading immediately.

Overall, “A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing” is a decent start to the “Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde” series, and I look forward to reading its continuation.

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of A MOST UNUSUAL DUKE, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on A Wolf in Duke’s Clothing (Shapeshifters of the Beau Monde #1) by Susanna Allen Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-4-4-2022
Fyrekatz Blog-Review-4-4-2022
The Reading Devil-Guest Post/IG Post-4-5-2022
More Books Please blog-Review/IG Post-4-5-2022
@theheavycrownreads-Review-4-6-2022
BookHounds-Guest Post/IG Post-4-6-2022
A Court of Coffee and Books-Review/IG Post-4-7-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt/IG Post-4-7-2022
Owl Abridged-Review/IG Post-4-8-2022
Angel’s Guilty Pleasures-Excerpt/IG Post-4-8-2022

Week Two:
Quill Tree Fox-Review/IG Post-4-11-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt/IG Post-4-11-2022
Nagma | TakeALookAtMyBookshelf-Review-4-12-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-4-12-2022
Eli to the nth-Review/IG Post-4-13-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-4-13-2022
The Momma Spot-Review/IG Post-4-14-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-4-14-2022
onemused -Review/IG Post-4-15-2022
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-4-15-2022

April 16, 2022
Grace Among Thieves by Kari Bovee

Grace Among Thieves by Kari Bovee

Release: February 15th, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Bosque Publishing
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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A priceless heirloom is worth its weight in life. Can she crack the case before she becomes a killer’s trophy?

Hollywood, 1924. Grace Michelle’s professional star has risen. Now a successful costumier for a major studio, the ambitious woman has just about everything she wants. But when the father she thought was dead reaches out to reconnect, the talented designer doesn’t know what to think… especially after his new wife is kidnapped.

Discovering her dad is mixed up with a stolen Russian artifact, Grace puts her sleuthing skills to work to rescue the abducted lady. But with a famous actress murdered in connection with the missing values and a man she put away stalking her for revenge, the frazzled amateur detective fears getting to the bottom of this crime will leave her six feet under.

Can she hunt down the treasure before it bankrupts the lives of everyone she loves?

Grace Among Thieves is the nail-biting third book in the Grace Michelle Mystery historical series. If you like bright-but-beset heroines, breathtaking twists and turns, and the glamor of a lost age, then you’ll adore Kari Bovée’s riveting tale.

About the Author:

When she’s not on horse riding in New Mexico or basking on white-sand beaches under the Hawaiian sun, Kari Bovée is escaping into the past. She then schemes murder and mayhem for her characters both real and imagined in her historical mystery novels.

Bovée writes the award-winning Annie Oakley mystery series and the Grace Michelle mystery series. In 2020 she took the First Place in category for the Chanticleer International Clue Awards for her book Folly at the Fair. In 2019 she got NM/AZ Book Awards Hillerman Award for her novel Girl with a Gun. It also won First in Category in the International Chanticleer Murder & Mayhem Awards. It was also a finalist in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Awards. Her novel Grace in the Wings won First in Category for the 2019 International Chanticleer Chatelaine Awards. Peccadillo at the Palace won Grand Prize in the 2019 Goethe Awards.

Bovée has worked as a technical writer for a Fortune 500 Company. She has written non-fiction for magazines and newsletters. Also she has worked in the education field as a teacher and educational consultant.

Website | Bookbub | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Twitter

Grace Among Thieves Review:

Since the beginning, I have been following the “Grace Michelle” series, and “Grace Among Thieves” is a beautiful addition to the series.

I adore the series because the author focuses on suspense and thriller and doesn’t convolute the plot with unnecessary details, like romance. While I loved Grace with Chet, the author doesn’t make them the center of attention in the series, which is one of the strong points. The series is mainly about Grace and how independently strong she is to solve the mystery. I love Grace in this new adventure, as she goes through a lot. She reunites with her estranged father and finds herself in another mystery as his wife goes missing.

Moreover, we also see a personal side to Grace as she includes a new member of her family, Stevie. I adored Stevie and enjoyed the drama he brings to Grace’s life, particularly his fights with Daniel. It was interesting to see how Grace balanced her work, family, and mystery and felt the pressure to maintain that balance. The author also adds a slightly supernatural side to the tale, and I loved the moments when Grace connects with Sophia. Even Miss Lange was a treat and added s touch of mystical presence to the story. As the story unfolds, we see that there are parallel layers to the plot, and the author does a beautiful job of connecting them all. There are shocking twists and revelations, which I always enjoy, and made the story so much fun!

I hope the author continues to write more books, and the series is not just a trilogy. Overall, from the Romanov Empire to escaped killers seeking revenge, “Grace Among Thieves” kept me entertained, and I finished it in one reading.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Grace Among Thieves by Kari Bovee Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Books Love And Understanding-April 4th
Rajivs Reviews-April 5th
Novels and Latte Book Club -April 7th
Subakka Bookstuff-April 9th
Geaux Get Lit-April 12th
Books and Coffee MX-April 14th

April 5, 2022
Dear Inmate by Lisa Boyle

Dear Inmate by Lisa Boyle

Release: March 15, 2022
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Lisa Boyle
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it on Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle

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Massachusetts, 1854. The anti-foreigner American Party, better known as the “Know-Nothings,” take power throughout the state. The city of Lowell elects Leonard Ward, a member of the party, as its mayor. Suddenly the “Know-Nothings” are everywhere. And they’re going after the Irish.

Rosaleen is ready to fight back. Emboldened by strange conspiracies about the Catholic Church, violent mobs and corrupt government officials are making life nearly unbearable for her people. Lowell’s newly-formed police department is committed to ridding the streets of “Irish filth,” beating and arresting anyone who crosses them. When Rosaleen uncovers a horrific truth, it will test her in ways she could never have imagined.

Targeted by dangerous opposition, she needs help. But are her friends as loyal as she believes?

About the Author:

Lisa Boyle has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Finksburg, Maryland, Lisa received a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s degree in international affairs from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. As part of her college program, Lisa traveled the Middle East and spent two months reporting on political and human-interest stories.

Various magazines and online publications have published her works. Also, she has held many different jobs over the years from cheesemonger to educator at the U.S.S. Constitution Museum. Moreover, Lisa and her husband Tim live in North Carolina with their daughter and a goofy-looking mutt named Lloyd. Signed, A Paddy is Lisa’s first novel.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Dear Inmate Review:

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I loved the first book, “Signed, a Paddy,” when I read it last year, and the author did a fantastic job in the sequel “Dear Inmate.”

What I appreciate in this book is how much research the author did in detailing the struggles of Irish Immigrants. I learned a lot from this book, like the Fugitive Slave Act and the “Know-Nothings.” Not only that, but the book also covers slavery and racism, which beautifully progresses the plot. Moreover, we also get details about paleontology and photography, and it was interesting to see how people from that time would have perceived these topics. The author writes the story in simple and short sentences, so the book feels like a breeze to read.

I adored Rosaleen in the lead and her headstrong attitude to take charge. The author also adds a dynamic cast of supporting characters who play equal importance to Rosaleen. On the one hand, we have Emmett, who shares a beautiful romance with Rosaleen, or Marie, who stays as her headstrong companion. I also cherished Mr. Joyce even though he appeared only for a few moments. Similarly, Nessa, Calvin, and Josiah were also memorable. Some notable moments in the tale were Rosaleen witnesses something shocking on her wedding day or the trial with George. As the story progresses, the author spins the plot to a thrilling climax that had me turning the pages to find out what happened.

Perhaps the only minor criticism I have of the tale is that I felt there were too many characters on the canvas. For instance, I didn’t think Ronan and Mairead brought any value to this book, and the author could have avoided them.

Apart from that, I love this series and cant wait to see what happens next.

Book Tour Schedule:

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Dear Inmate by Lisa BoyleTour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Rajivs Reviews https://instagram.com/rajivsreviews – April 1
Christina Luvs 2 Read https://instagram.com/christinaluvs2read – April 1
Reading Is My Remedy https://instagram.com/reading_is_my_remedy – April 9
Bookoholic Cafe https://instagram.com/bookoholiccafe – April 10
Cover 2 Cover Cafe https://instagram.com/cover2covercafe – April 15

April 1, 2022
The Next Ship Home: A Novel of Ellis Island

Next Ship Home

The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb

Release:February 8, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Source: Suzy approved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N,
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A young Italian woman arrives on the shores of America, her sights set on a better life. That same day, a young American woman reports to her first day of work at the immigration center. But Ellis Island isn’t a refuge for Francesca or Alma, not when ships depart every day with those who are refused entry to the country and when corruption ripples through every corridor. While Francesca resorts to desperate measures to ensure she will make it off the island, Alma fights for her dreams of becoming a translator, even as women are denied the chance.

As the two women face the misdeeds of a system known to manipulate and abuse immigrants searching for new hope in America, they form an unlikely friendship—and share a terrible secret—altering their fates and the lives of the immigrants who come after them.

Inspired by true events and for fans of Kristina McMorris and Hazel Gaynor, The Next Ship Home holds up a mirror to our own times, deftly questioning America’s history of prejudice and exclusion while also reminding us of our citizens’ singular determination.

About the Author:

Heather Webb is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of seven historical novels. In 2015, Rodin’s Lover was a Goodread’s Top Pick, and in 2018, Last Christmas in Paris won the Women’s Fiction Writers Association STAR Award. Meet Me in Monaco, was selected as a finalist for the 2020 Goldsboro RNA award in the UK, as well as the 2019 Digital Book World’s Fiction prize. To date, Heather’s books have been translated to over a dozen languages. She lives in New England with her family and one feisty rabbit.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Secret Next Door Review:

Firstly, I must commend the author for the research and details added to the story. From the descriptions, it is easy to make out that the author researched a lot about Ellis Island and New York and the immigrants during that time. The author beautifully incorporates this in her tale as we see how the characters adapt to their situations. Moreover, I loved the snippets of news articles the author inserted, like the ones of President Roosevelt, that gave the story an authentic feel. Reading this book inspired me to read more on the topic, which I found fascinating. The author even touches on extorting and selling immigrants, and some scenes were hard to imagine.

Moreover, the lead characters are lovely, and I was rooting for both Alma and Francesa. The two of them share a wonderful friendship right from the time they meet. Both of them face their struggles, where Alma lives under the shadow of her parents and has to be with John Lambert but wants to live her own life. You slowly see how she gains the confidence to make a change when she hears of the harassment of immigrants and wants to make a difference in Ellis Island.

Similarly, I loved Francesa and the new life our protagonist has to lead with the Lancasters. I loved Francesa throughout the tale, and she was my favorite character. You can see how she aspires and dreams for a better future and is hopeful, even if the present situation doesn’t feel like it. Some scenes that stood out for me were when Francesca reacts to Maria or when they have to deal with the inspectors.

Overall, I loved reading “The Next Ship Home” and found it gripping historical fiction.

Tour Schedule:

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Next Ship Home by Heather Webb Blog Tour hosted by Suzy approved Book Tours.

March 13, 2022
The Button Box by Bridget Hodder

The Button Box by Bridget Hodder

Release: April 1st 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
Source: Publisher
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N

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If a magical button and a mysterious cat could transport you to the past…would you save the future?

After Jewish fifth-grader Ava and her Muslim best friend Nadeem are called hateful names at school, Ava’s Granny Buena rummages in her closet and pulls out a glittering crystal button box. It’s packed with buttons that generations of Ava’s Sephardic ancestors have cherished. With the help of Granny’s mysterious cat Sheba, Ava and Nadeem discover that a button from the button box will take them back in time. Suddenly, they are in ancient Morocco, where Nadeem’s ancestor, Prince Abdur Rahman, is running for his life. Can Ava and Nadeem help the prince escape to Spain and fulfill his destiny, creating a legendary Golden Age for Muslims, Jews and Christians?

About the Author:

Bridget Hodder, a self-described dreamer and do-gooder, began her career as an Aztec archaeologist, translating ancient documents telling the stories of people from long ago. Then she realized she had her own tales to tell. She has a History degree from Mount Holyoke College, as well as M.A.s in Archaeology and Anthropology from UCLA and Vanderbilt University, where she chairs the Research & Education Advisory Board for the Vanderbilt University Graduate School.

Fawzia Gilani was born and raised in England where she became a teacher. She is the author of many children’s books, including A Treasury of Eid Tales, and is currently working on an Islamic fairy tale series. Also she serves as an international educational consultant with a PhD in children’s literature and character development. She is a Global Representative for the International Positive Education Network and works for the Abu Dhabi Education Council. Besides, she spends her time in the United Arab Emirates, Ohio, and England with her daughter and husband. She looks forward to the day when world conflict is no more.

Harshad Marathe is an illustrator and storyteller. A graduate of the M.F.A. Illustration as Visual Essay Program at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, he has illustrated many books. He has backpacked all over the world on a shoestring budget, taking in many diverse experiences. He lives in India.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website2

The Button Box Review:

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“The Button Box” is a delightful middle-grade novel that touches on fantasy, time travel, and historical aspects, and I learned a lot from it.

Firstly, I appreciate the author adding so many rich details about Jewish culture and the Arabic Languages. I had no idea about Sephardic Jew or the Kufic language until I read this book. It’s always a pleasure to learn while reading a compelling story, and I learned some words like Bismillah and Sabtah.

Secondly, I adored the characters, Ava and her cousin Nadeen go on a beautiful journey when they go through their Grandma Buena’s button box. Ava is adorable in the lead, and I enjoyed how she adapted to the situation. The author beautifully adds a touch of mystery with the humming button, and I loved the time travel aspect as Ava and Nadeem get transported into another era. The story takes full swing when Ava meets Ester and their friendship over their journey.

Thirdly, I enjoyed how the author depicted the historical landmarks and events in the story. It was fun to see Ava’s reaction when she first sees the Jewish Quarter, so she learns the significance of Saffron or how their prayers have not changed over the years. I also liked how the author immersed the mystery of Abdur Rahman as the prince in the story and provided a backdrop of him in real life. Moreover, we also learned about the Jewish culture in Spain, and I loved how the author brought everything together.

Overall, “The Button Box” is a beautiful, breezy, fun, and effective middle-grade novel that a reader of any age would enjoy and learn.

March 6, 2022
The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth

Release: December 01, 2021
Format: Audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Publishing, LLC
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible

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Constance Haltwhistle has three days to save her ancestral estate.

Constance is the last in a line of blue-blooded rogues in 1897 Yorkshire. Selling illegal firearms under her alias the “Brass Queen,” she has kept the coffers full. Due to an archaic law, however, she will lose everything unless she does the detestable…find a noble husband.

Torn between high society and the underworld, Constance throws herself a lavish coming-out ball to attract a suitable spouse.

Enter the thoroughly unsuitable and utterly frustrating US spy, J.F. Trusdale.

Tall, dark, and almost handsome, Trusdale is shadowing an imperial scientist who has developed an invisibility serum that could change the spy game forever.

She knows a liar when she sees one. He knows a fraud when he meets one.

About the Author:

ELIZABETH CHATSWORTH is a British author and actor based in Connecticut. She loves to write of rogues, rebels, and renegades across time and space. Elizabeth is a Writers Of The Future winner, a Golden Heart finalist, a Pitch Wars alumna, and a member of the SFWA. She’s the author of The Brass Queen (January 2021), an award-winning fantasy set in an alternate Victorian age. When she’s not writing, Elizabeth works as a voice-over actor. There’s a rumor she possesses the world’s best scone recipe.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Brass Queen Review:

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Invisibility serums, enigma keys, and dynamic characters make “The Brass Queen” an exciting novel to read.

Let me start by saying how much I enjoyed the author’s creativity. I love historical fiction, and the steampunk element gave this book a classic yet futuristic feel. The story’s plot is also unique, where you have invisible people attacking our duo, using futuristic tools that are purely fantastical.

The author also adds humor and romance in addition to the exciting plot. For instance, I found some scenes humorous, like when Trusdale meets her cousin and sees her mansion. Constance and Trusdale are such a beautiful dynamic. Initially, they don’t trust each other, but as they spend more time together on their mission, you see how close they become. Some of my favorite moments are how Trusdale and Constance get together when an invisible force attacks Trusdale and the exciting incident in the laboratory.

Similarly, I also enjoyed the additional characters. You have characters like Lucien and Erhard, who are cunning and manipulative, and you wonder how they would trick Constance on her mission. Then, you have characters like Hearn, a complete mystery, and you wonder what they would do. The author fills the story with fantasy where you have no clue how it would turn out.

However, while I enjoyed everything about the story, a few parts were complicated in the world-building, and I had to recall it. It would have been nice if the author toned it down a bit, as at times, I felt there was just too much happening, and I couldn’t grasp a few things.

Nevertheless, “The Brass Queen” is a compelling historical steampunk fantasy that I loved how the author executed.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Brass Queen by Elizabeth Chatsworth Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Novels and Latte Book Club -Feb. 6th
Geaux Get Lit-Feb. 11th
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 12th
Miss W Book Reviews-Feb. 12th
Megs Book Club-Feb. 17th
Delightfully Brittany-Feb. 23rd
Bookish Heidi-Feb. 24th
Carol Doscher-Feb. 26th
Biblio Reviews-Feb. 28th
Christina Luvs 2 Read-March 1st

February 13, 2022
The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney

The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney

Release: February 22, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Moonshine Cove Publishing
Source: Suzyapproved Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

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The summer of 1956, a brood of cicadas descends upon Providence Georgia, a natural event with supernatural repercussions, unhinging the life of Analeise Newell, an eleven-year-old piano prodigy. Amidst this emergence, dark obsessions are stirred, uncanny gifts provoked, and secrets unearthed.

During a visit to Mistletoe, a plantation owned by the wealthy Mayfield family, Analeise encounters Cordelia Mayfield and her daughter Marlissa, both of whom possess an otherworldly beauty. A whisper, a sense of déjà vu, and an act of violence perpetrated during this visit by Mrs. Mayfield all converge to kindle Analeise’s fascination with the Mayfields.

Analeise’s burgeoning obsession with the Mayfield family overshadows her own seemingly, ordinary life, culminating in dangerous games and manipulation, setting off a chain of cataclysmic events with life-altering consequences—all of it unfolding to the maddening whir of a cicada song.

About the Author:

Robert Gwaltney, a writer of southern fiction, is a graduate of Florida State University. He resides in Atlanta Georgia with his partner, where he is an active member of the Atlanta literary community. By day, he serves as Vice President of Easter Seals North Georgia, Inc., Children Services, a non-profit supporting children with disabilities and other special needs. Robert’s work has appeared in such publications as The Signal Mountain Review and The Dead Mule School of Southern Literature. Robert also serves as Prose Editor for The Blue Mountain Review.

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

The Cicada Tree Review:

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It’s been a while since I read a gripping gothic tale, and while “The Cicada Tree” is not your traditional gothic tale, it is simply mesmerizing.

How do I even begin to describe this book? When you start reading this story, you think it will just be a historical drama. But the author beautifully adds suspense, drama, and thrills and turns this into a spell-binding gothic tale. Add to that, and we also have mystical elements like nymphs and fairies to add to the magic.

The characters are dynamic, and I enjoyed ANaleise and Etta Mae in the lead. The author adds layers, like Analeise’s bond with her mother, her hatred towards her father, and her obsession with the Mayfields. For me, the story took off wonderfully when we met Cordelia, Marlissa, Virginia, and the others. Analeise’s emotions are raw, and I was surprised how I enjoyed her and how she sometimes scared me with her impulsive nature and wanted some people to die. Some notable moments are when she pushes Etta Mae or goes through the first day of school of being the “Bug Girl.”

The author also adds a sense of foreboding and suspense, mainly when she hears her mother’s dream fire song or witnesses the fire incident. Some shocking moments will make your jaw drop and contrast with beautiful moments that make you feel like reading a rich tale. I truly enjoyed the author’s style of writing. I had no idea where the story would go because this book was unlike anything I had ever read.

Overall, “The Cicada Tree” has a little of everything and is one of the best books I read this year.

Book Tour Schedule

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on The Cicada Tree by Robert Gwaltney Blog Tour hosted by Suzyapproved Book Tours.

Rozier Reads and Wine-Jan. 23rd
Nurse Bookie-Jan. 24th
Books and Coffee MX-Jan. 27th
Dani Reads-Jan. 28th
Bookish Heidi-Jan. 30th
Shooks Books-Feb. 2nd
Sarahs Bookstack-Feb. 2nd
Bookishly Becky-Feb. 4th
Biblio Reviews-Feb. 7th
Rajivs Reviews-Feb. 8th
Reecas Pieces Books-Feb.12th
Subakka Bookstuff-Feb. 16th
We Break For Books-Feb. 18th
Novels and Latte Book Club -Feb. 19th

February 8, 2022
Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver

Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver

Release: December 7, 2021
Format: Hardcover, paperback, eBook, audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, Audible, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD

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The tides of the Faerie War are turning, but at how high a cost for the Kasric family?

Justice Kasric, her siblings, and her parents are locked in combat on both sides of the Human-Faerie War. At fifteen, Justice may be the youngest ever Admiral to command her own ship and lead a resistance, but she has the magic and the will to do it. If only nearly every other member of her family weren’t either in immediate danger of dying-or attempting to kill her!

Forced to make dangerous pacts with more than one unpredictable ally, only Justice can decide how far she’ll go to save London. Is it worth sacrificing even a member of her own family?

About the Author:

CHRISTIAN KLAVER has been writing for over twenty years, with a number of magazine publications, including Escape Pod, Dark Wisdom Anthology, and Anti- Matter. He’s the author of The Supernatural Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, the Empire of the House of Thorns series, and the Nightwalker series, but has written over a dozen novels in both fantasy and sci-fi, often with a Noir bent. He worked as a bookseller, bartender and a martial-arts instructor before settling into a career in internet security. He lives just outside the sprawling decay of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Kimberly, his daughter Kathryn, and a group of animals he refers to as The Menagerie.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Justice at Sea Review:

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“Justice at Sea” is the exciting continuation in the “Empire of the House of Thorn” series and did not disappoint.

The author ups the game with thrills and adventure as the team goes to Stormholt and fights in the Faerie Wars and Wild hunt. There are shocking consequences which I didn’t expect, and I had no idea in which direction the author would take the story.

Moreover, the author also wrote the characters nicely. Justice shines once again in the lead as her responsibilities increase. I also liked Faith and Justice’s bond and found it to grow. Similarly, even new characters like Mog and the Lord of Thorns were interesting. I loved reading the continuation of Henry and Benedict and wondered what would happen to the cast.

Even world-building gets more extensive, like the way time moves. One of the highlights of the tale was how the author described the war and the strategies the Faerie devised. We have Hanged Dogs, Goblins and Trolls, and many more creatures. Memorable moments in the tale include gargoyles taking the father and Faith getting cut, which made the story exciting to read.

The only criticism of the tale is how the book focused more on justice than the earlier book. The first book, “Shadows Over London,” had more chapters for Henry and Benedict, whereas this book didn’t. Also, at times, the book is geared towards adventure rather than the characters’ development.

Apart from that, the story is excellent and ends on an exciting note once again. I am keen to read the continuation. Overall, “Justice At Sea” is a gripping addition to the series, and I look forward to the next book by the author!

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of JUSTICE AT SEA, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-10-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-12-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-13-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-14-2022

Week Two:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-17-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-1-18-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-19-2022
GivernyReads-Review-1-20-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-21-2022

Week Three:
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review/IG Post-1-24-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-1-25-2022
@sunnydeelights-Review-1-26-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-1-27-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-28-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-31-2022
Pick A Good Book-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-1-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-2-2022
More Books Please blog-Review-2-3-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-2-4-2022

Week Five:
@lexijava -Review-2-7-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-8-2022
BookHounds YA -Review-2-9-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-10-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-2-11-2022

Week Six:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022

January 26, 2022
Shadows Over London by Christian Klaver

Shadows Over London by Christian Klaver

Release: May 25, 2021
Format: eBook, audiobook
Publisher: CamCat Books
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon, Audible, B&N

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Justice Kasric’s world is turned upside down when her father forcibly bundles the entire family into carriages in the middle of the night and carts them off to a strange mansion on the outskirts of London. The Faerie are invading-and the Kasric siblings don’t even have a chance to stay neutral, because different members of their family are working for opposite sides.

But Justice isn’t your average fifteen-year-old girl growing up in Victorian London. She’s an irrepressible scoundrel, and she always has a plan. These qualities have ostracized her from the rest of the family before now, but even her older siblings look to her to help them escape. Justice certainly isn’t going to stay locked up once she discovers the world of Faerie, especially once she and her siblings discover magical talents they never knew they had.

About the Author:

CHRISTIAN KLAVER has been writing for over twenty years, with a number of magazine publications, including Escape Pod, Dark Wisdom Anthology, and Anti- Matter. He’s the author of The Supernatural Case Files of Sherlock Holmes, the Empire of the House of Thorns series, and the Nightwalker series, but has written over a dozen novels in both fantasy and sci-fi, often with a Noir bent. He worked as a bookseller, bartender and a martial-arts instructor before settling into a career in internet security. He lives just outside the sprawling decay of Detroit, Michigan, with his wife Kimberly, his daughter Kathryn, and a group of animals he refers to as The Menagerie.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Shadows Over London Review:

Click to view on Instagram

“Shadows Over London” is a gripping young adult fantasy novel filled with action and adventure. I never had a dull moment reading it.

When I initially started reading this story, I had no idea which direction it would go. I liked Justice (and her name) right from the get-go as she tried to find out what was happening. I also liked how the author narrated the story in terms of perspective. While the author writes a few chapters from Justice’s perspective, we also get events transpiring with the other characters. I liked how the author gave equal importance to Henry and Benedict, as there was something pivotal happening with them that all merged in the end.

Another exciting aspect was how the author kept shocking me with various twists and turns. Right from the beginning, I felt like I was at the edge of my seat when the carriage crashed and the siblings’ lives changed. Memorable moments that shook me were when they came across the corpses field or Henry’s time at Newgate. Even characters like Avonstoke and Victoria Rose were special. The author blends fantasy with adventure beautifully, and the second half is equally gripping as the team sets sail.

The only reason I gave this four stars is that it took time for me to understand what was happening. Initially, I felt that the author introduced many characters, including Divers and Sands (who I felt were unimportant). Hence, it took me a while to go with the flow. But once I figured out the cast, I enjoyed reading it a lot.

Overall, “Shadows over London” is an exciting start to the “Empire of the House of Thorn” series.

Giveaway Details:

2 winners will receive a finished copy of JUSTICE AT SEA, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Justice at Sea by Christian Klaver Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway!

Book Tour Schedule

Week One:
Rockstar Book Tours-Kickoff Post-1-10-2022
Mythical Books-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-11-2022
YABooksCentral-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-12-2022
Writer of Wrongs-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-13-2022
Two Chicks on Books-Excerpt-1-14-2022

Week Two:
Rajiv’s Reviews-Review-1-17-2022
Jaime’s Book World-Excerpt-1-18-2022
The Girl Who Reads-Review-1-19-2022
GivernyReads-Review-1-20-2022
Sadie’s Spotlight-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-21-2022

Week Three:
The Phantom Paragrapher-Review/IG Post-1-24-2022
Karen Dee’s Book Reviews -Review-1-25-2022
@sunnydeelights-Review-1-26-2022
Fire and Ice-Review-1-27-2022
#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog-Excerpt or Guest Post-1-28-2022

Week Four:
OneMoreExclamation-Review/IG Post-1-31-2022
Pick A Good Book-Excerpt or Guest Post-2-1-2022
The Momma Spot-Review-2-2-2022
More Books Please blog-Review-2-3-2022
Coffee and Wander Book Reviews-Review-2-4-2022

Week Five:
@lexijava -Review-2-7-2022
@jaimerockstarbooktours-IG Post-2-8-2022
BookHounds YA -Review-2-9-2022
Two Points of Interest-Review-2-10-2022
@jypsylynn -Review-2-11-2022

Week Six:
Books a Plenty Book Reviews-Review-2-14-2022

January 26, 2022