Beauty From Ashes { Beauty from Ashes Trilogy #1 } by Pamela Hart-YA Fantasy Book Review

 

      Welcome to the Blog Tour 

for Beauty from Ashes 

by Pamela Hart, 

hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

About the Book

Title: Beauty from Ashes 

Series: Beauty from Ashes Trilogy #1 

Author: Pamela Hart 

Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing 

Release Date: July 25, 2022 

Genre: Young Adult Clean Fantasy Romance (Allegorical) 

****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

Book Summary

How far are you willing to go for love? 

When Prince Arnion volunteers to infiltrate the prison colony of Gehenna, romance is the last thing on his mind. Rescuing its inhabitants is his only priority. But the corruption in Gehenna runs deep, fueled by the obsessions of its fanatical leader—a king rumored to devour human hearts. 

To succeed, Arnion must conceal his identity from the people he’s been sent to save, including a young woman he’s inexplicably drawn to. And when her life is threatened by two merciless guards, the prince risks everything to save her. 

Afterward, she wants nothing to do with him or his promises of rescue. But she soon realizes there’s more to Arnion than meets the eye, and what he’s about to unleash on Gehenna will change everything. 

My Review

Beauty From Ashes is a YA Fantasy, mixed with a Sci-Fi and Dystopian feel. The story is based on an allegory of Christ's life and his love for people. If you are Christian, you will recognize things in Beauty From Ashes that will remind you of stories from the Bible. If you are not religious, you will enjoy a story of a brave prince from a futuristic world that battles evil beings while trying to save the world. 

Prince Arnion is going undercover into King Lucien's kingdom of Gehenna to help free the people being held in bondage as slaves there. The people have been brainwashed and have lost all hope. Arnion starts making friends and opening the eyes of the people about what is really happening. I loved when he met the downtrodden woman named Arcadia. Slowly he wins her over, opens her eyes to the spirit within her, and a romance starts to blossom. There is some violence as people are beaten and killed by Lucien's guards. It is not overly graphic. It just signifies how harsh the conditions are in Gehenna along with the people starving. It's nice to see the longer that Arnion is there the more the people are changing. You can feel your own spirits rising as they begin to have hope again. Of course, there is a happy surprise at the end and things are left open for another book.

This book can be read by teens and adults. There are many aspects that will appeal to readers with action, romance, and of course angst. 

3.5-4 Stars from me for Beauty From Ashes.

~*~*~*~*PURCHASE Beauty From Ashes~*~*~*~*

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository |

IndieBound | BookBub

ARNION AND ACADIA’S STORY CONTINUES IN...

Falling Star

The second book in the Beauty from Ashes trilogy

A wave of violence is sweeping across Elorah, threatening to undo the fragile peace.

As the web of deceptions draws tighter around Eiren, Acadia is startled to discover an insidious enemy much closer to home.

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****Meet  Author Pamela Hart****

Pamela Hart is the author of Beauty from Ashes and City of a Thousand Tears. Raised on a steady diet of fantasy, science fiction and anime, she spent most of her childhood failing to acquire a Boston accent. Since then, she has slurped ramen in Ikebukuro, stampeded through flamenco lessons in Granada, and splashed her way across a fishpond for the Milkman Triathlon in Dexter. During her travels, she tends to overpack horrendously, but never regrets cramming her backpack full of books to devour along the way. She wanders the planet with Joe, the love of her life, and her adorably maniacal Boston terriers, Willy and Marvin.

Connect with Pamela by visiting pamelahartwrites.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Pamela’s Favorites

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Tour Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a print copy of Beauty from Ashes, 2 themed bookmarks, a $15 Amazon gift card, a book themed tote bag, and a book themed pencil case!

The full tour schedule is linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight on January 17, 2023, and will last through 11:59 PM EST on January 24, 2023. The winner will be notified within 2 weeks of the close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of the prize. Open internationally. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to 

JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

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 a full list of stops!

The Shadow Wand (The Black Witch Chronicles #3) By Laurie Forest-YA Fantasy Book Review

 Book Summary

HER WORLD-ALTERING SECRET CAN’T BE HIDDEN MUCH LONGER...

Elloren Gardner hides the most powerful secret in all Erthia—she is the Black Witch of Prophecy, and destined to triumph…or be used as the ultimate weapon of destruction.

Separated from everyone she loves, isolated and hunted, Elloren must turn to the last person she can trust—her fastmate, Commander Lukas Grey. With the Mage forces of Gardneria poised to conquer all of Erthia, Elloren has no choice but to ally with Lukas and combine their power to keep herself out of the hands of Gardnerian leader Marcus Vogel…the holder of the all-consuming Shadow Wand.

With just weeks to train to become a warrior, and no control over her magic, Elloren finds unexpected allies among those under orders to kill her. It’s time to step up. To fight back. And to forge onward through the most devastating loss yet.

Book Details

    Title: The Shadow Wand 

     Author: Laurie Forest

     Series: The Black Witch Chronicles #3

    Genre: YA Fantasy

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Inkyard Press; First Time Trade edition (June 1, 2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 672 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1335210008

   ****I reviewed this book by listening to it on Audible.****

My Review

In the Shadow Wand, we see a huge change in the main character Elloren Gardner. So far we've seen this young woman struggling to find her place in her world. In this book, she comes into her own. We also find out many other things about Elloren that are very shocking. She has gone from someone powerless at the beginning of the series to the most powerful being in Erthia. I loved seeing how and why Elloren becomes a warrior. I enjoy reading novels of people who lack faith in themselves and turn it around to become strong. She has a lot of help along the way with those she once thought of as her enemies. These were some of the most powerful and fun moments in the book as she was trained by Lukas, Chi Nam, and Valasca. Oh, and that mighty bad guy, Marcus Vogel is still around causing chaos and ruining everyone's lives. He is just really annoying me. 

The love triangle is still alive in this third book...in a way. I know many readers did not like this aspect but I wasn't troubled by it at all. In fact, I feel that both men have had valuable things to teach Elloren in her quest of becoming who she is supposed to be. Up to this point, Elloren was in love with Yvan until his "death" Along comes Lukas who's been chasing after her because their affinity lines match so closely. I have to say that I wasn't too surprised by what happened with them coming together. In fact, I really loved it and the bond they shared. What I was shocked about is what happens near the end. There is always a cliffhanger that makes you run to read the next book. 

Overall, I did like this third book in the series. I can't wait to read book four. I'm taking a break to go back and read Light Mage(1.5) which comes earlier in the timeline of the series. I'm still really loving this series and it's one I've been recommending to a lot of people. Those who have started reading The Black Witch Chronicles have also become hooked just like I am.

****Meet Author Laurie Forest****

Laurie Forest is a New York Times, USA Today and International Bestselling Author who lives deep in the backwoods of Vermont where she sits in front of a wood stove drinking strong tea and dreaming up tales full of dryads, dragons, and wands. She is the author of THE BLACK WITCH (Book 1.0, The Black Witch Chronicles), THE IRON FLOWER (Book 2.0), WANDFASTED (Book 0.5 - a full-length novel prequel), and LIGHT MAGE (Book 1.5 - a full-length novel prequel) - both WANDFASTED & LIGHT MAGE are available in the print compilation - THE REBEL MAGES (her favorite book in the series), THE SHADOW WAND (Book 3.0 - a Publisher's Weekly Bestseller) and The Demon Tide (Book 4.0 - a USA Today Bestseller). Visit her realm at laurieannforest.com for links to twitter/facebook/etc. (where she posts most updates). The last book in the series, THE BATTLE FOR ERTHIA (tentative title of Book 0.5) is planned for 2023. Enjoy!

All Books in the Series

 The Black Witch series Book 0.5Book 1Book 2Book 3Book 4

The Black Witch Chronicles

Chronological Order

• Wandfasted (prequel novella)
• Light Mage (prequel novella)
• The Rebel Mages (prequel collection)
• The Black Witch (full-length novel)
• The Iron Flower (full-length novel)
• The Shadow Wand (full-length novel)
• The Demon Tide (full-length novel)
• Battle for Erthia (full-length novel)

Have you read this series yet? Would you like to?

Let me know in the comments down below

     ~*~*~*~*Purchase a Copy of The Shadow Wand~*~*~*~*

HERE:

Hardcover-https://amzn.to/3iHFBCa

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3ZHArHe

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3w6oSf9

Shifting Sands by Kathi Oram Peterson-Romantic Mystery Suspense Book Review

 

Book Summary

"A gripping, richly atmospheric, and thoroughly enjoyable page-turner." -Readers' Favorite Five-Star Review

All Gloryanna Griffin needs is a full-ride scholarship to finish her master’s degree in marine biology in order to pursue her dream of saving the ocean. However, to be a serious contender for the money, she needs to publish in a prestigious magazine. A research dive off the Olympic Peninsula is a dangerous proposition but one that just might give her article the impact it needs. But when she’s swept into an underwater vortex, she realizes her life may be the price she pays instead.

When she awakens on the rocky beach―miraculously alive―the first person she sees is the handsome stranger who saved her. Over the years, Jonathan Dawson has saved countless lives from the perils of the ocean. But until now, no one has ever seen him. Nearly eighty years ago, he died on this same beach, and his spirit has been tied to the spot ever since. Now Gloryanna and Jonathan are irrevocably linked as they are plunged into a decades’ old mystery that promises answers to the past and keys to the future. But they soon discover that some secrets may be better left undisturbed.

Product Details

   Title: Shifting Sands

   Author: Kathi Oram Peterson

   Genre: Romantic Suspense

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications (February 6, 2023)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524423025

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

My Review

I think I've read almost everything that Author Kathi Oram Peterson has written and Shifting Sands has been the most unique. It has a beautiful fusion of mystery, action, romance, and paranormal. Yes, I said, "Paranormal".This was a wonderful addition to the overall story as well as historical happenings from WWII that I hadn't heard of before. One of the main characters was a member of a division of the Coast Guard called Sand Pounders. They patrolled the coastlines of both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during WWII as they searched for enemy vessels. I enjoyed reading the historical facts that the author compiled at the end of the book.

The main character Gloryanna is a strong lady who finds herself bonding with a man who died in 1943. Sand Pounder Jonathan rescues Gloryanna from near death as she was caught in an underwater vortex while on a research dive. As the story unfolds, they both are trying to understand how and why they have been brought together. Someone is trying to murder Gloryanna, and Jonathan and his dog Max, do everything in their mysterious power to help keep her alive. You may wonder, how can a romance be built from all of these unusual variables? Well, this story will surprise you at every turn as Gloryanna and Jonathan figure out things that solve mysteries for both of them and Gloryanna's grandfather. With such distinctive plot lines that keep you reading non-stop, Shifting Sands is a Romantic, Mystery Suspense that should be put on the top of your to-read list. 

****Meet Author Kathi Oram Peterson****

Three-time Whitney Award winner, Kathi Oram Peterson was born in a small town in Idaho. Since childhood, she has loved reading and writing stories. After raising her family, she put her writing on hold to earn a BA in English and a minor in Sociology. Upon graduation, she worked for a curriculum publisher writing and editing concept and biography books for children. She now devotes her time to writing romantic suspense and young adult novels.

Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new releases, and other reader perks--by signing up for her newsletter: http://eepurl.com/cE52Y1

Visit Kathi at:
Her website http://authorkathiorampeterson.com/
Bookbub: : https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kathi...
Facebook: https://tinyurl.com/y65rlqtj
Tweeter: https://twitter.com/KathiOPeterson
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kathi-Oram-Pet...
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kathiopeter...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorkathip/

Young Adult titles:

The Forgotten Warrior

An Angel on Main Street

The Stone Traveler

Reluctant Warrior

Stripling Warrior

Guardian of the Stone

Ten Stripling Warrior Character Traits to Apply to Your Life

Romantic suspense titles:

River Whispers

Cold Justice

Wanted

Deceived

Star Struck

Breach of Trust

A Familiar Fear

Bloodline

A Stranger Watches

Treacherous Legacy

Danger Unknown

Shifting Sands

~*~*~*~*Purchase Shifting Sands HERE~*~*~*~

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3H3XhRL

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3GEYaPl

The Best Intentions {A Huntresses Regency Romance} By Sarah M Eden-Book Review

 

Product Details

   Title: The Best Intentions 

    Author: Sarah M Eden

    Series: Book 1 of 1: The Huntresses

    Genre: Regency Romance

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Covenant Communications; First edition (November 21, 2022)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 264 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1524422282

• ****I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, book tours, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.****

Book Summary

"A swoon-worthy, thoughtful Christian romance in which two haunted people learn self-acceptance and trust." -Foreword Reviews

In the eyes of London Society, Gillian Phelps is suitable enough. Though the ton whispers about her change of residence, any speculation remains just that: ballroom gossip. No one―not even the other Huntresses, the group of ladies she calls her dearest friends―knows that she is harboring a devastating family secret. Gillian has become adept at hiding the reality of her circumstances, but the close quarters of a house party will test her ability to conceal the crushing truth. And with so many people to deceive, the late arrival of another guest is a most unwelcome surprise.

Despite his standing as a gentleman of the ton, in truth, Scott Sarvol possesses little more than two debt-riddled estates. When an opportunity arises to survey one of his properties, he travels north, only to find himself an unwitting guest at Artemis Jonquil’s house party. He is warmly welcomed by all―except the aloof Miss Gillian Phelps. But when Scott proves himself unexpectedly helpful in a crisis, his acquaintance with Gillian shifts from wariness to something warmer.

As both her charade and her feelings for Scott deepen, Gillian realizes that the truth could spell not only a devastating fall from Society but also a shattered heart.

My Review

I'm happy whenever I lose myself in a novel involving the Gents and the Jonquil/Lancaster families. These beloved literary families written by Author Sarah M. Eden have my heart. Now, we get to delve into the world of "The Huntresses", Artemis Jonquil’s group of lively, beautiful, and mostly confident young ladies.

In this first novel of the new series, we get to follow Gillian Phelps and Scott Sarvol's romance. Both of these characters have longed for a cohesive, and loving family. Set with many trials in their lives, they both are hesitant to open up and let each other in. It seems like the world is against them until their friends and "family" come to their aid. I loved the way that Mater, the Jonquil Matriarch, always has a way of secretly making things happen behind the scenes. 

The many themes of the importance of family and friends that become our family, not giving up hope, and enduring to the end are felt throughout the book. It was also a joy to see the lovely way that Scott and Gillian came together. This is not only an entertaining book but one that will leave you feeling quite satisfied with the ending. I'm looking forward to book 2 in this series. 

****Meet Author Sarah M Eden****

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2020’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, Forget Me Not, and 2020 Holt Medallion finalist, Healing Hearts. She is a two-time “Best of State” Gold Medal winner for fiction and a three-time Whitney Award winner. Combining her obsession with history and her affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting deep characters and heartfelt romances set against rich historical backdrops. She holds a bachelor’s degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. 

Sarah is represented by Pam Pho at D4EO Literary Agency.​

Sarah’s links

Sarah M. Eden on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SarahMEden/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SarahMEden

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_m_eden/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Sarah-M.-Eden/e/B004XKCQZK

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/sarah-m-eden

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                     ~*~*~*~*Purchase Your Copy of~*~*~*~*

The Best Intentions HERE:

Paperback-https://amzn.to/3vM2tTZ

Kindle-https://amzn.to/3GOPIOJ