Showing posts with label Prism Book Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prism Book Tours. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

BLOG TOUR/GIVEAWAY: Death by the Book by Julianna Deering



Death by the Book
by Julianna Deering
Christian Mystery
Paperback, 320 pages
March 4th 2014 by Bethany House Publishers

Drew Farthering wanted nothing more than to end the summer of 1932 with the announcement of his engagement. Instead, he finds himself caught up in another mysterious case when the family solicitor is found murdered, an antique hatpin with a cryptic message, Advice to Jack, piercing his chest.

Evidence of secret meetings and a young girl's tearful confession point to the victim's double life, but what does the solicitor's murder have to do with the murder of a physician on the local golf course? Nothing, it would seem--except for another puzzling note, affixed with a similar-looking bloodied hatpin.

Soon the police make an arrest in connection with the murders, but Drew isn't at all certain they have the right suspect in custody. And why does his investigation seem to be drawing him closer and closer to home?

Bethany House


Other Books in the Series:
 


REVIEW
Murder in general is not the most pleasant of topics. For me, what I enjoy about this sort of story is how the characters solve the mystery behind it.  It also helps a lot to have fun characters that I enjoy.  This book meets all my requirements for a good murder mystery.  The murders are puzzling and seemingly unrelated, except for the messages pinned to the bodies. I loved the British setting, although it took me awhile to figure out the time period, not having read the first book. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns. I also found Drew an engaging, sympathetic character who sincerely cared about those he was trying to help.  The romance between him and Madeline was sweet and the interfering Aunt Ruth provided a humorous touch. With plenty of unexpected events and suspicious characters, Death by the Book, provides an entertaining and enjoyable read.


Julianna DeeringJulianna Derring has always been an avid reader and a lover of storytelling, whether on the page, the screen or the stage. This, along with her keen interest in history and her Christian faith, shows in her tales of love, forgiveness and triumph over adversity. A fifth-generation Texan, she makes her home north of Dallas with three spoiled cats and, when not writing, spends her free time quilting, cross stitching and watching NHL hockey. Her new series of Drew Farthering mysteries set in 1930s England debuts with Rules of Murder (Bethany House, Summer 2013) and will be followed by Death by the Book (Bethany House, Spring 2014) and Murder at the Mikado (Bethany House, Summer 2014).


ALL readers, who are interested, can receive an autographed bookmark. 
You can see a picture of the bookmark here.

Just send a self-address STAMPED (7" long) envelope to:

Julianna Deering
P. O. Box 375
Aubrey, Texas 76227

From the author regarding the fabulous GIVEAWAY:

How could one possibly have a cozy mystery 
set in an old manor house in the English countryside near a quaint little village 
and not have tea? 
Drew doesn't usually take lemon or milk in his. He prefers honey, 
especially if it's fresh from the hive. 
Mrs. Devon, his housekeeper, spoils him terribly and makes sure he has it.

Print copies of The Rules of Murder and Death by the Book and a Tea Gift Basket (US ONLY)
March 10th - 28th

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow the Tour:

3/11 

3/12 

3/13 

3/14 

3/16 

3/17 

3/18 

3/19 

3/20 

3/21 - Grand Finale

Grab Our Button!
Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.
Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

BLOG TOUR/GIVEAWAY: Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate


There is a mystery in Wildwood Creek's history, a mystery that affects Allie's present...


Wildwood CreekWildwood Creek
by Lisa Wingate
Christian Romance
Paperback, 384 pages
February 4th 2014 by Bethany House Publishers

Allie Kirkland has never been one to take wild risks. But when she’s offered a costuming assistant’s job on a docudrama in the hills near Moses Lake, she jumps at the chance. She’s always dreamed of following in her director-father’s footsteps, and the reenactment of the legendary frontier settlement of Wildwood is a first step. The family expectations will have to wait.

But in 1861, the real Wildwood held dangerous realities. Town founder Harland Delevan held helpless residents, including young Irish schoolteacher Bonnie Rose, in an iron grip. Mysterious disappearances led to myths and legends still retold in the folk songs of Chinquapin Peaks. Eventually, the entire site was found abandoned.

When strange connections surface between Allie and the teacher who disappeared over a century ago, everyone in Wildwood, including Allie’s handsome neighbor on the film set, Blake Fulton, seems to be hiding secrets, and Allie doesn’t know who she can trust. If she can’t find the answers in time, history may repeat itself . . . with the most unthinkable results.



Lisa Wingate Author PictureLisa Wingate is a journalist, inspirational speaker, reviewer for the New York Journal of Books, and the author of over twenty novels.  Her novels combine elements of history, romance, mystery, and women's fiction with nuggets of Southern culture, from the sublime to the humorous. She is a seven-time American Christian Fiction Writers Carol award nominee, a Christy Award nominee, an Oklahoma Book Award finalist, a Christianity Today Book Award nominee, an Inspy Award nominee, and a two-time Carol Award winner. Her works have been selected for Booklist’s Top Ten List in 2012 and in 2013. Recently, the group Americans for More Civility, a kindness watchdog organization, selected Lisa along with Bill Ford, Camille Cosby, and six others, as recipients of the National Civies Award, which celebrates public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life.



 REVIEW

 I quite enjoyed this book, the characters, the plot, the mystery, everything really.  Allie and Bonnie Rose are both sympathetic characters with some tragedies in their past that make it hard for them to see their own worth. I especially enjoyed how the author interwove the two stories together. Allie, living in the present day, must contend with leftover feelings from her father's death, a mother and stepfather who want to control her life, and a new boss who hates her.  Bonnie Rose, living in 1861, must deal with the loss of her family and the horrid memories from 10 months as a captive of a group of Comanche as well as take care of herself and her little sister.  The two stories intersect around the town of Wildwood, a boom town that disappeared amidst much speculation and mystery. I found myself very much rooting for both Allie and Bonnie as they faced unkind treatment while pursuing a dream, holding on to hope despite everything. Recommended for those who enjoy a story of mystery and love.

 Tour-Wide Giveaway
February 10 - March 2nd  US Only
See Rafflecopter for restrictions.

1 Winner, 1 Amazing Prize Pack:
   $50 Amazon Gift Card
   Print copy of Wildwood Creek by Lisa Wingate
   Handmade-by-author Prayer Box with notepads


Grab Our Button!
Are you a blogger and want to receive information about new tours? Go HERE.
Are you an author or publisher and would like to have us organize a tour event? Go HERE.
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , ,

Friday, September 27, 2013

GRAND FINALE!!! Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey




Cassie's Cowboy Crave (Sweet Montana Bride, #1)Cassie's Cowboy Crave
Sweet Montana Bride Series
by Kimberly Krey
Published July 12, 2013

Twenty-four-year-old Cassie Lovell has a great job, good friends, and an apartment with a killer view. That is, until life is turned upside down. Without the chance to say goodbye, Cassie is forced into a witness protection program on Emerson Ranch. Just when she fears life is doomed, Cassie meets Shane Emerson, the stunningly handsome cowboy who’ll be posing as her newlywed groom. 

Shane Emerson is determined not to fall for the woman he’s agreed to harbor. Especially since the whole thing was his family’s way of trying to get him hitched. So why is it when he takes Cassie into his home, Shane wants nothing more than to turn their make-believe marriage into more than just a sham? 

In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss. 
In return, Cassie steals his heart. 
Yet before they confess their undying love, 
a hidden danger threatens to tear them apart.

*Although this novel is considered clean romance, it does contain passionate kissing and a few mild curse words.


The Kissin' Tour
The delights of Romantic Tension!

Sept. 16 – Launch
17 – TheReading Diaries - Review
-          After learning about Cassie’s story I wanted to adopt her as my own sister and give her the life she always wanted but never had.
recipe image-          Pieces of Whimsy - Excerpt and Recipe
    Chef John's Easy Apple Pie
        “He always said my pies put him under a spell, and I’m looking forward to the affects of it already.”

      
Cassie gulped down the lump forming in her throat. She couldn’t remember disliking a person so much in all her life.

18 – TheWonderings of One Person - Review
 Even amid the desire, Shane’s main focus was on getting to know her heart because he intended this to be forever. That melted my heart more than any steamy kiss they shared.
19 – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  - Kissing Quiz?

 Are You A Good Kisser?
Go ahead... take the QUIZ!!!  :-D

20 – Mommasez… - Initial Sparks I, A Teaser
“I got it,” Shane offered, coming up from behind. He was quick to move, and none too subtle as he nudged up against her, reaching high overhead to open the cupboard. "

-          Mel’s Shelves - Review
What a fun, clean read! 
I felt like I could relate to his family which is why I enjoyed them so much and look forward to learning more about them in future books!
21 – BookwormLisa - Review
I was pulled into the book from the beginning.  There are kissing scenes, but the book doesn't go farther than the kiss.  This is the kind of romance book that I really enjoy. Sweet with a bit of spice that doesn't make me blush!

22 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - Excerpt
Though he was certain her cup of cocoa had been as cool as his, all he could taste was the heat.  
-          Sun Mountain Reviews - Frozen Hot Chocolate

23 – GettingYour Read On - Favorite Kissing Scenes
 Today Kimberly and I are going to dish some of our top, favorite kissing moments from movies, TV and books...
"One of my favorite Movie Kisses would have to be from A Walk In The Clouds..."
Review 
Cassie's Cowboy Crave was a fantastic diversion.  I loved it....  A perfect way to spend a few hours by the pool while your kids swim.  :)  (yes, that's exactly how it went for me)
-          Christy’s Cozy Corner - Initial Sparks Excerpt
“A kiss goodbye?” The laughing stopped, and he could swear Cassie’s gaze had landed solidly on his mouth. Shane moistened his lips, suddenly hungry for a taste of hers...  He had to get out of there. And fast.
24 – Tressa’sWishful Endings 

 Top Ten Things That Make a Great Romance Novel
I want to get a good grip on the attraction right away. Even if there’s a bit of a love-hate thing going on, I like knowing there’s something brewing, an undeniable attraction no matter how maddening the opposite is.
- The Wonderings of One Person - Inteview!
 It was actually Shane who came to me first, and I loved his story: Two older brothers who’d met their wives through this witness protection thing – I loved the expectations that came along with it, and knew I needed to write his story.
I also loved the setting on the ranch. The horses and hard labor, the group meals and gatherings, the camaraderie and the way Shane's family adopts everyone who works there or marries into the family. 
I loved the times when Cassie and Shane went off on walks, rides, or on a picnic. Just the simple things they did to develop their friendship.
26     - What’s Beyond Forks?
This was an addictive little story. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this book. 
I just couldn't put it down.
Sept. 27-30  Grand Finale


Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!


Kimberly Krey
I'm a writer of contemporary clean romance, a lover of home, family, & friends, & the ultimate hater of laundry.

A few of my favorite things: Diet Coke, Cafe Rio, and novels by Marcia Lynn McClure.

I do not go anywhere without: SoftLips Chapstick and Altoids Smalls. 


Giveaway:

$100 Amazon Gift Card + Signed Paperback + Recipes!  (Int'l.)
Sept 16 - Oct 11

See the rafflecopter for restrictions. Must be 18 to enter and able to receive winnings, etc.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Posted by at No comments:
Labels: ,

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

COVER REVEAL: Goddess Tithe by Anne Elisabeth Stengl


Title: Goddess Tithe
Author: Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Series: Tales of Goldstone Wood
Expected Release Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Rooglewood Press
Page Count: 130 pages

The Vengeful Goddess Demands Her Tithe

 When a stowaway is discovered aboard the merchant ship Kulap Kanya, Munny, a cabin boy on his first voyage, knows what must be done. All stowaways are sacrificed to Risafeth, the evil goddess of the sea. Such is her right, and the Kulap Kanya's only hope to return safely home.

Yet, to the horror of his crew, Captain Sunan vows to protect the stowaway, a foreigner in clown's garb. A curse falls upon the ship and all who sail with her, for Risafeth will stop at nothing to claim her tithe.

Will Munny find the courage to trust his captain and to protect the strange clown who has become his friend?


You can learn more about Goddess Tithe, which novel it's connected to and read Chapter 1, here: 


About the Cover Design

I had the fun of designing this cover—finding reference photos, inventing the composition, applying the text, etc.—but the actual artistic work was done by talented cover artist Phatpuppy (www.phatpuppyart.com), whose work I have admired for many years. It was such a thrill for me to contact and commission this artist to create a look for Goddess Tithe that is reminiscent of the original novels but has a style and drama all its own.

The boy on the front was quite a find. I hunted high and low for an image of a boy the right age, the right look, with the right expression on his face. Phatpuppy and I worked with a different model through most of the cover development stage. But then I happened upon this image, and both she and I were delighted with his blend of youth, stubbornness, and strength of character! It wasn’t difficult to switch the original boy for this young man. He simply is Munny, and this cover is a perfect window into the world of my story. You can’t see it here, but the wrap-around back cover for the print copy contains some of the prettiest work . . . including quite a scary sea monster! Possibly my favorite detail is the inclusion of the ghostly white flowers framing the outer edge. These are an important symbol in the story itself, and when Phatpuppy sent me the first mock-up cover with these included, I nearly jumped out of my skin with excitement!


Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a kindle of kitties, and one long-suffering dog. When she’s not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and practices piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of the Tales of Goldstone Wood, including Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, Starflower, and Dragonwitch. Heartless and Veiled Rose have each been honored with a Christy Award, and Starflower was voted winner of the 2013 Clive Staples Award.


 Giveaway:

Anne Elisabeth is offering two proof copies of Goddess Tithe as prizes! (U.S. and Canada only) 

 a Rafflecopter giveaway




Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Thursday, July 11, 2013

BLOG TOUR/GIVEAWAY: Dragonwitch by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

On Tour with Prism Book Tours...


Dragonwitch (Tales of Goldstone Wood #5)
Dragonwitch
by Anne Elisabeth Stengl
Paperback, 432 pages
Published July 1, 2013 by Bethany House Publishers

Submissive to her father’s will, Lady Leta of Aiven travels far to meet a prospective husband she neither knows nor loves–Lord Alistair, future king of the North Country.

But within the walls of Gaheris Castle, all is not right. Vicious night terrors plague Lord Alistair to the brink of insanity. Whispers rise from the family crypt. The reclusive castle Chronicler, Leta’s tutor and friend, possesses a secret so dangerous it could cost his life and topple the North Country into civil war.

And far away in a hidden kingdom, a fire burns atop the Temple of the Sacred Flame. Acolytes and priestesses serve their goddess to the limits of their lives and deaths. No one is safe while the Dragonwitch searches for the sword that slew her twice…and for the one person who can wield it.




Anne Elisabeth Stengl makes her home in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she lives with her husband, Rohan, a passel of cats, and one long-suffering dog. When she's not writing, she enjoys Shakespeare, opera, and tea, and studies piano, painting, and pastry baking. She studied illustration at Grace College and English literature at Campbell University. She is the author of HEARTLESS, VEILED ROSE, MOONBLOOD, and STARFLOWER, with DRAGONWITCH due to release in 2013. HEARTLESS and VEILED ROSE have each been honored with a Christy Award.




AUTHOR INTERVIEW

If you could go anywhere in the world where would you go and what would you like to do there?

I would love to travel to Sri Lanka, which is my husband’s homeland. It is a vivid, beautiful country that would be so fun to explore! Plus, I would get to meet some of my new married-into family and friends.

How does your writing process work?
I begin with the first seeds of an idea, which I let mull around in my head sometimes for weeks and months before I write down a word. Then, I’ll jam out a few notes and let it sit a little longer, this time for months or even years (meanwhile, of course, I’m working on other projects).
When the time is right for that new story, I’ll write out, in no particular order, all the various ideas I’ve been considering for it. These are sometimes quite disjointed and disconnected, but I’ll write them all out in various degrees of detail so that I can have a look at them on the computer screen. Then I start tweaking and finagling to see how they’ll all fit together, writing out “What if . . . ?” scenarios as I go along. If any idea doesn’t seem to fit the story during this stage, I’ll toss it back into the “idea pile” for later consideration.

Then, I take the ideas that seem to be working and gelling well together, and I compile a loose sort of outline. This allows me to see the story in a glance, from beginning to end—all the major plot points, all the major reveals and climaxes. It helps me to see that every character is serving an important role and purpose, building toward the final climactic sequence.
After this, I create a chapter-by-chapter outline. In this outline, I make certain that I know what needs to happen in each chapter, but I don’t worry about how it will happen. I figure out the how as I go, leaving plenty of room for spontaneity and inspired creativity. The outline is a map to navigate the complex plot twists of my world and to make certain that the current novel is properly connecting to the other novels. But it is not a prison. I can move around as I like inside it.
Then I write from the beginning to the end, starting at chapter 1. I will rarely skip around as I write. I’m always afraid that if I skip ahead, the story will start feeling disjointed. Sometimes I will go back and flesh out and adjust things earlier, but I never jump ahead.
This process can take me anywhere from two to eight months to complete. I don’t think I would write my novels anywhere near as fast if I didn’t carefully outline and plan ahead! They’re tough enough as it is . . . And I definitely recommend outlines to all of my writing students.

I love cats myself. What is your favorite characteristic about cats?
I love that cats are such independent little souls. No two cats are going to be alike, and they will not be put into boxes or forced into stereotypes (though they’re quite happy to jump into any number of boxes on their own!). Winning a cats love and devotion is an accomplishment, because they won’t give their love to just anyone. But when they love, they love completely, and it’s always a satisfying relationship!

How did you become a published author?
It’s not much of a story, really. I knew I wanted to write from the time I was nine years old. I wrote my debut novel, Heartless, the summer after I left university, found an agent for it a year later, who found a publishing house for it a year after that. It was all very quick and very exciting . . . and not, I am given to understand, the normal way of it for new authors. I was very blessed to find people ready to believe in me and my stories so soon. It wasn’t through any great skill on my part! It was all the grace of God.

REVIEW

There are a lot of reasons that Anne Elisabeth Stengl is one of my favorite authors and Dragonwitch does a great job of showcasing them. First of all, I love her writing, it is so lyrical and smooth that I forget about the writing as I read and can focus completely on the story. Second, her characters feel so real with all their strengths and weaknesses. Also her characters always grow and Allistair, The Chronicler, and Leta are no different.

Allistair is haunted by nightmares and does everything he can to get away from them. The Chronicler lives in the Castle Gaheris' library reading and writing and trying to teach Allistair how to read. Leta arrives at the Castle as Allistair's betrothed prepared to spend her life as others direct. Allistair is the heir to Castle Gaheris and the probable king of the North Countries. As they struggle with their own issues, disaster comes their way in the form of the Flame in the Night, the dragonwitch who desires nothing more than to find the sword that has killed her twice before.

Plotwise, Stengl always manages to surprise me. Just when I think I know where the story is going, she throws in the unexpected and yet it all manages to make sense. With enough detail to carry the plot yet not bog it down, Stengl has crafted another winner.  Highly recommended.


TOUR-WIDE GIVEAWAY

July 1 - 26
USA, Canada & UK - Print Copy of the entire series to date!
See Rafflecopter for giveaway details.



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Pull up a chair and a cup of tea... we've invited Anne Elisabeth to every blog on the tour!

July 

1 – Book Release!
2 –  The Writer’s Window
3 – TheOther World
4 – Mel’sShelves
5 – JL Mbewe

7 – TheProud Book Nerd
8 – GettingYour Read On
-          Christy’s Cozy Corner
9 – BookwormLisa
10 – Jojo’sCorner
11 – LDS& Lovin’ It
12 – TheWondering’s of One Person 

14 – Mommasez…
15 – Dee’sReads
-          Kelly P’s Blog
16 – ThatGirl Reads
- CTFDevourer
17 – Livinga Goddess Life
18 – Cu’sEbook Giveaways
 - Shannon's Blog
19 – Grand Finale Blast!


 

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)