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Thursday, December 14, 2023

The Warsaw Sisters

 


On a golden August morning in 1939, sisters Antonina and Helena DÄ…browska send their father off to defend Poland against the looming threat of German invasion. The next day, the first bombs fall on Warsaw, decimating their beloved city and shattering the world of their youth.

When Antonina's beloved Marek is forced behind ghetto walls along with the rest of Warsaw's Jewish population, Antonina turns her worry into action and becomes a key figure in a daring network of women risking their lives to shelter Jewish children. Helena finds herself drawn into the ranks of Poland's secret army, joining the fight to free her homeland from occupation. But the secrets both are forced to keep threaten to tear the sisters apart--and the cost of resistance proves greater than either ever imagined.

Shining a light on the oft-forgotten history of Poland during WWII and inspired by true stories of ordinary individuals who fought to preserve freedom and humanity in the darkest of times, 
The Warsaw Sisters is a richly rendered portrait of courage, sacrifice, and the resilience of our deepest ties.

My thoughts: I have read a lot of books, both historical fiction and non fiction, about WWII and how hard Poland was hit. Despite having read a lot, I felt like this book gave me a new appreciation of the role that the Polish people played in the war. Especially those who resisted. I like that the story is told from both of the sister's points of view, giving it even more depth. 
This story was a little hard for me to get into initially, but I'm glad I stuck with it, since it's a wonderful story of goodness in a dark hour of history. 

I received this book from Revell. This is my honest review.

Purchase a copy here! This post contains affiliate links.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023

Never Hire A Hero

 

Never Hire a Hero JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Never Hire a Hero by Regina Scott, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Never Hire a Hero

Title: Never Hire a Hero
Series:
Fortune's Brides: Guarding Her Heart #3
Author:
Regina Scott
Publisher:
Edwards and Williams
Release Date:
December 11, 2023
Genre:
Sweet Regency Romance

Three children and a marriage of convenience may be his biggest challenge yet 

A former elite soldier, Stephen Roth was trained to be ruthless as he served as bodyguard for kings and princes. So why would his English patroness, Lady Belfort, and her cat, Fortune, arrange for him to take a position as the tutor to the heir of Alldene Castle and the boy’s siblings? And why does the children’s mother, Lady Alldene, look at him with shining eyes, as if he could be some sort of hero? This was not the sort of challenge he bargained for! 

A peer in her own right, Thea, Countess of Alldene, was raised in Alldene Castle and taught how to rule over it. But nothing prepared her for the death of her husband and the villainy of the man he appointed as guardian for her children. If a tutor with a razor-sharp gaze will prevent that man from taking her sons away from her, she’s willing to put up with Roth’s rough-shod ways. 

But the castle holds a secret that may prove Thea’s undoing. When danger threatens, she turns to the one man who might be able to keep them all safe. Could a marriage of convenience over Christmas prove that heroes can turn up in the least likely places? 

If you like warm, witty historical romances, with a touch of mystery, then you’ll love this historical romance by an award-winning, bestselling author. 

“All readers who love Regency and historical romances need to pick up stories by Regina Scott. The author has never disappointed me. I am very happy to recommend any of her novels.” – Huntress Reviews 

Hire yourself a hero, today.

My thoughts: I haven't read the previous stories, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this book! I look forward to going back and reading the first two books. I loved the premise, that there are several men who have been displaced due to the Napoleon wars and need a new career. Lady Belfort and her cat, Fortune, step in and help Stephen Roth find a job in England that suits him well. I loved the strength of character that he possesses, and how Thea recognizes that her boys needs someone to help guide them. I enjoyed the bit of mystery as well. This is a wonderful story, with excellent characters. I highly recommend picking it up!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKSGoodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

More Books in This Series

 


About the Author

Regina Scott

Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first novel was published, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She now has now published more than 65 works of warm, witty romance and more than 1 million copies of her books are in reader hands. She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has learned to fence, dressed as a Regency dandy, driven four in hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course.

Connect with Regina by visiting reginascott.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Giveaway

(3) winners will win ebook copies of all 14 books in the Fortune's Brides series!

Never Hire a Hero JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 13, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 20, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Books will be delivered via BookFunnel. No country restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Monday, December 11, 2023

Home from the Storm

 

Home from the Storm JustRead Blog + Review Tour

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Home from the Storm by Laurel Blount, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Home from the Storm

Title: Home from the Storm
Series:
Johns Mill Amish Romance #4
Author:
Laurel Blount
Publisher:
Berkley
Release Date:
December 26, 2023
Genre: Inspirational Romance Amish

In this stirring Amish romance about love and second chances, a shunned man returns to protect the wife he left behind—and falls in love with the family he never knew he had. 

After a senseless loss, hotheaded Caleb Hochstedler left his Amish faith and his young wife to seek justice. Two years later, he tracks his parents’ killer back home to Johns Mill, where he’s astonished to learn he’s the father of twins. Now he's determined to protect his children and the woman he still loves—if she’ll let him. 

Her new husband’s abandonment broke Rhoda Lambright’s heart and proved her father, the bishop, right. Such a stubborn man could never be happy among the peaceful Amish. When Caleb unexpectedly returns, Rhoda is caught between her rock of a husband and a very hard place. 

Her church forbids divorce and requires forgiveness, so Rhoda lets Caleb back into their home. But can she ever let him back into her heart? One thing’s for certain sure. This second chance will take all the faith they can find.

My thoughts: What an emotional roller coaster! I can only imagine what both characters are feeling, as they have been put in a tough situation by the murder of Caleb's parents, his search for justice, and his shunning. It would be hard to suddenly be on your own, as Rhoda is, when Caleb is shunned. The author does a wonderful job of writing a story full of mystery, suspense, and heart. The mystery that has been woven through the other books in the series is finally going to get some answers. I thought that this was a wonderful, well written mystery. I look forward to reading more by the author!

I received this book from Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Bookshop | BookBub

More Books In This Series

Shelter in the Storm   


About the Author

Laurel Blount

Award-winning author Laurel Blount writes inspirational romances full of grit and grace—with characters who’ll walk right off the page and into your heart! She lives on a farm in Georgia with her husband, their four fabulous kids, and an assortment of ridiculously spoiled animals.

An enthusiastic multi-tasker, Laurel writes for both Berkley/Penguin Random House and Love Inspired/Harlequin. She’s a Publishers Weekly best-selling author and the recipient of ACFW’s Carol Award, The New England Reader’s Choice Award and GRW’s Maggie Award. She’s represented by Jessica Alvarez of Bookends Literary Agency.  

Home from the Storm is Laurel’s twelfth book—and more stories are in the works! Stay tuned!

Connect with Laurel by visiting laurelblountbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will win print copies of Shelter in the Storm, Strength in the Storm and Courage in the Storm plus a $25 Amazon gift card!

Home from the Storm JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight December 11, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 18, 2023. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

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Friday, December 1, 2023

Battle for the Crown



Battle for the Crown JustRead Blog Tour

Welcome to the Blog Tour for Battle for the Crown by Dawn Shipman, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Battle for the Crown

Title: Battle for the Crown
Series:
Lost Stones of Argonia #3
Author:
Dawn Shipman
Publisher:
Elk Lake
Release Date:
October 16, 2023
Genre: YA Fantasy (Clean)

“Adventurous quests, prophetic stones, and forbidden romance! Who could possibly ask for more?” —Lindsay A. Franklin, Carol Award–winning author of The Weaver Trilogy

She’s only seventeen—too young to die. 

But the wizard, the ambitious king, and their marauding Borags must be stopped. Fulfilling the prophecy is the only way to defeat them, and after scouring Argonia for the missing gemstones, Lyric and her companions are just steps away from the final, crucial battle. 

If they fail, the world they love will sink into a dark night of destruction. 

If they fail, they will almost certainly die. 

But Lyric is a king’s daughter, and long ago she chose this path. Terrified or not, she will see it to its end, because sometimes, sacrifice is the only way forward. 

Dark magic, tragic loss, and tender romance abound in this gripping conclusion to the Lost Stones of Argonia trilogy.

My thoughts: Battle for the Crown is a wonderful conclusion to the trilogy about Princess Lyric and her band of friends. I enjoyed reading more about their quest, as it takes the reader through quite the journey! The author does a wonderful job with the fantasy style world. While this is a great YA series, it's a wonderful, engaging story for readers of all ages! It has a wonderful variety of characters, as well as a lot going on throughout the course of the story. I highly recommend picking it up!

I received this book through Just Read. This is my honest review.

PURCHASE LINKSGoodreads | Amazon

More Books in This Series

 


About the Author

Dawn Shipman

Dawn Shipman knew she wanted to be a writer since Mrs. Juell’s 10th grade Creative Writing class. Since then, she’s written stories, poetry, plays, puzzles, quizzes, and a mass of magazine articles, including interviews, how-tos, and personal experience stories. She believes freelance writing is the ideal occupation for those who are nosy by nature and like asking personal questions.

She is the author of a YA Fantasy series–The Lost Stones of Argonia–-with Elk Lake Publishing in Massachusetts. 

Dawn makes her home in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where she lives with her long-haired, IT-guy husband, a gregarious German Shepherd, two disdainful cats, and four horses–two large ones and two very small (but mighty!) ones. She loves reading, writing, riding, and traveling. 

Connect with Dawn by visiting dawnshipmanfiction.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.


Tour Giveaway

(2) winners will win Kindle copies of all three books in the series--Kingdom Lost, Quest of the Queen, and Battle for the Crown, plus a $10 Amazon gift card!

Battle for the Crown JustRead Tours giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 28, 2023 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on December 5, 2023. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. No country restrictions. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway


Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

JustRead Publicity Tours