The Gentleman and the Thief (The Dread Penny Society #2) A Proper Romance By Sarah M. Eden-Book Review and Video of Virtual Launch Event!

 

Product Details

• Title: The Gentleman and the Thief-A Proper Romance
  
• Series: The Dread Penny Society #2
  
• Author: Sarah M. Eden
  
• Genre: Victorian Historical Romance
  
• Paperback : 368 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1629727903
• Publisher : Shadow Mountain (November 3, 2020)
• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own*** 
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• Book Summary
• 
  A gentleman scribes penny dreadful novels by night and falls in love with a woman who is a music teacher by day—and a thief at night.
  
  LONDON 1865
  
  From the moment Hollis Darby meets Ana Newport, he's smitten. Even though he's from a wealthy, established family and she isn't, he wishes he could have a life with her by his side. But Hollis has a secret: the deep coffers that have kept his family afloat for generations are bare, so he supports himself by writing penny dreadfuls under a pseudonym. If not for the income from his novels, he would be broke.
  
  Ana Newport also has a secret. Though she once had a place in society thanks to her father's successful business, bankruptcy and scandal reduced his fortune to nothing more than a crumbling town house. So Ana teaches music during the day, and at night she assumes the identity of the "Phantom Fox." She breaks into the homes of the wealthy to reclaim trinkets and treasures she feels were unjustly stolen from her family when they were struggling.
  
  When Hollis's brother needs to hire a music tutor for his daughter, Hollis recommends Ana, giving him a chance to spend time with her. Ana needs the income and is eager for the opportunity to get to know the enigmatic gentleman. What neither of them expects is how difficult it will be to keep their respective secrets from each other.
  
  When a spree of robberies rocks the city, Ana and Hollis join forces to solve the crimes, discovering that working together deepens the affection between them. After all, who better to save the day than a gentleman and a thief?
• Book Trailer
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• My Review
  

What fun going back to Victorian London to be reading more "Penny Dreadfuls" written by those who belong to the Dread Penny Society. Their true mission is to take care of the poor and young being taken advantage of by ruthless people. Readers are introduced to this world in book one in the Lady and the Highwayman. Beloved characters from this first book are in the second but we quickly become involved in the lives of gentleman Hollis Darby. He secretly writes the penny dreadfuls to keep himself afloat in high society. We also meet music teacher, Ana Newport, who has her own secrets as she tries to reclaim mementos from her past.

 

The best part of this book is when the two main characters finally team up to solve some unsolved crimes. Their attraction to one another can't be denied as this odd pairing try to bring down a bad guy. Once again in this book the Penny Dreadful stories are interspersed throughout the novel. I really like these and they are fun to read. Sarah Eden's wit and humor comes shining through in her characters making this novel another delightful read for her fans. This being the second book in the series, I strongly suggest you read book one first.

 
                            Meet Author Sarah M. Eden

About

Sarah M. Eden is a USA Today best-selling author of witty and charming historical romances, including 2019’s Foreword Reviews INDIE Awards Gold Winner for Romance, The Lady and the Highwayman, 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.​

 

Learn more about Sarah and her 

books HERE: https://www.sarahmeden.com/

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Awards & Recognitions

• Seeking Persephone, 2008 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Courting Miss Lancaster, 2010 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Longing for Home, 2013 Foreword Reviews IndieFab “Book of the Year” Gold Medalist, Romance

• Longing for Home, 2013 AML winner “Novel of the Year”

• Longing for Home, 2013 Whitney Award finalist, Romance

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Whitney Award winner, "Best Novel of the Year,"

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Whitney Award winner, "Best Romance,"

• Longing for Home: Hope Springs, 2014 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, 2016 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Sheriffs of Savage Wells, 2016 Whitney Award finalist

• Sarah M. Eden 2017 Best of State, Gold Medal winner, Fiction.

• Love Remains, 2017 Whitney Award winner, “Best Romance”

• Sarah M. Eden 2018 Best of State, Gold Medal winner, Short Story.

• Ashes on the Moor, 2018 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award, Silver Medalist, Romance

• The Heart of a Vicar, 2019 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award finalist

• The Lady and the Highwayman, 2019 Foreword Reviews INDIE Award, Gold Medalist, Romance

• Healing Hearts, 2019 Holt Medallion finalist

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Purchase your own copy of The Gentleman and the Thief

HERE:  https://amzn.to/2JJkbmN

The Ultimate Book Club of Book Clubs, virtual launch event for "The Gentleman and the Thief"

 

 

 

Christmas Countdown Blitz & Giveaway 2020: Day 2-Featuring: Christmas at Thorncliff Towers By Marina Myles

Although Marina Myles lives under the sunny skies of Arizona, she would reside in a historic manor house in foggy England if she had her way. Her love of books began as soon as she read her first fairy tale, and grew by leaps and bounds when she discovered Nancy Drew/Agatha Christie mysteries and rich, historical romances.

Dreaming of becoming a published author, she wrote her first 'gothic' story at age eleven. She went on to study creative writing at Southern Methodist University- where she received degrees in Communications and English Literature. During her time in Dallas, she had the unique experience of being a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

Now with her loyal Maltese close by, she relishes the hours she gets to escape into worlds filled with tortured heroes, strong heroines, and their fiery-but not easily attained-love affairs. She's busy being a wife (to her Italian-born husband) and a mother (to her two beautiful daughters), but she is never too busy to hear from her amazing readers.

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THE WEREWOLF'S SERVANT

Thorncliff Towers is done up for Christmas, secure against wind and wolves. But Karina Petri is shut out, too, and the gypsy witch wants what's inside. She envies the gifts, the feast, the pretty clothes, of course. But her true desire is for the love of Constantin Stoica. Her smolderingly handsome childhood friend agreed to serve Lord Draven after his brother was caught stealing last year. He suspects Karina was involved—and it would take more magic than she possesses to make him forgive…

Constantin has always been drawn to Karina's dark curls, flashing eyes, and reckless ways. But trusting her has proven dangerous before, and this night holds more to fear than most. The wrong decisions could cost him his job, his safety—even his life. But letting Karina go could cost him his heart… 

  

~ Amazon ~ 

  

Top Ten List:

10 fun facts about me:

1. I grew up in a 200-year-old farmhouse in Pennsylvania.

2. I met my husband at a hair salon.

3. I've been stung by a scorpion.

4. I read the entire Nancy Drew series, plus all Agatha Christie novels by the time I was eleven.

5. I wrote the description of Thorncliff Towers in 6th grade.

6. My father made an appearance on "Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood" as Lady Aberlin's hairdresser.

7. I wanted to be either a writer or a ballerina when I grew up.

8. I named my youngest daughter, Gianna, after seeing the name in a magazine.

9. My three favorite movies are Titanic, The Phantom of the Opera, and Somewhere in Time.

I0. I've been married to my Italian-born husband for 27 years but haven't learned to speak Italian yet!

  

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Christmas Countdown Blitz & Giveaway 2020: Day 1-Featuring: Millie's Christmas Spirit By Tina Peterson Scott

Some say Tina Peterson Scott likes to live life backwards: she got married and had her family first and just recently earned her Bachelor's Degree in University Studies with a minor in English. She does admit to being a life-long learner, but otherwise thinks she got life just right. 

Tina has written numerous articles for a local newspaper and worked as a newspaper editor for a time. She was also a contributor of non-fiction articles for The Beehive, and the Desert Saints Magazine. She is currently doing her best to fill the world with quality fiction that involves sweet romance and happily-ever-afters. 

Tina doesn’t usually enter contests but has won first place in the American Mothers Association for her article titled, Just Call Me Mom, and second place for her poem, A Part of Me. In the LDStorymakers’ First Chapter Contest, she won second place for her novel, Menopausal Fairy Mischief. She is also pleased that one of her children’s picture book reviews was published in the Arizona English Bulletin.

  

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Can former high school sweethearts have a second chance at love? Phoenix property manager Millie Crump returns to her dusty hometown, the week before Christmas to prepare the local haunted hotel for sale. Her boss doesn’t know it, but her secret agenda is to keep her childhood promise to the ghost. Unfortunately, the guy who broke her heart fourteen years ago is the only one who can help with her plans.When his old crush roars into town behind the wheel of a fancy red Miata, Lonny Medina is blindsided by the city girl she’s become. Sure, he’ll help her with hotel cleanup and even dabble in some ghost-hunting, but he can’t risk his heart again. Together, they unravel clues, ward off danger, and fight to uncover the mystery of the old hotel while attempting to help the elusive ghost pass on. In doing so, Lonny and Millie discover the misconceptions that have kept them apart all these years, but both are unsure whether it will be enough to rewrite their futures into a happily ever after.

  

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Top Ten List:

TOP 10 FACTS:

1.It seldom snows in the Gila Valley although December's lows can get below freezing.

2.Bronco Bill was an actual bank robber.

3.It is said that Bronco Bill stashed his last haul from Wells Fargo somewhere around Solomon, Arizona

4.Bronco Bill went to jail for his crimes. When he got out, he became a law-abiding citizen.

5.Although it's against the law, people still participate in cockfighting in Arizona.

6.The Gila Valley traditionally shows their Christmas spirit by hosting a lot of holiday events.

7.The author's family once got a ticket between towns for driving five miles over the speed limit.

8.There were several homes in the Gila Valley that, as a child, the author thought were actually haunted.

9.The cowboy poets are popular in the Gila Valley and throughout rural Arizona.

10.In the 2010 census, Solomon, Arizona had a population of 426.

  

To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our 
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Ming's Christmas Wishes Written By Susan L. Gong & Illustrated By Masahiro Tateishi-Children's Christmas Picture Book Review

  

Ming's Christmas Wish is the story of a little girl whose parents are Chinese Immigrants. This story takes place in California in the 1930s.  Ming doesn't fit in at school because of her race (She doesn't get to be in the school choir) and she doesn't feel American enough because her mother won't let her family get a traditional Christmas tree. I read this to my class and I did have to explain why Ming wasn't allowed into the school choir. It did enable us to have a good conversation about racism and how things have changed through the years.

I really enjoyed the part of the story where Ming's Pop takes her to a friend's house to learn more about her Chinese heritage. The illustrations go along so beautifully with this story. It was nice to discuss traditions in various cultures with my 2nd graders as we are doing our Holidays Around the World studying other celebrations and cultures. As an adult, I would have loved an author's note to know more about the author's family stories that this children's book is inspired by.  This cute book is a great avenue for family discussions about differences and traditions.

 

Purchase your own copy HERE:  https://amzn.to/2JTvaK4

Bound In Shallows: A Natalie Marsh Mystery (Book #4) By Stephanie Black-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

 

 

Product Details

• Title:Bound In Shallows
• Series: A Natalie Marsh Mystery (Book #4)
• Author: Stephanie Black
• Genre: Mystery/Suspense  
• Paperback : 264 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1524415243
  
• Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (November 23, 2020)
• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***  

Book Summary

It’s the week before her wedding, and Natalie Marsh doesn’t have a moment to spare. But when a potential donor requests a meeting regarding Natalie’s mental health clinic, the soon-to-be-bride makes time for the conversation—especially since that donor is tied to a tragedy in the life of Natalie’s fiancé, Gideon: eight years ago, Gideon’s roommate Travis died of a drug overdose. Now Travis’s mother wants to honor his memory by helping others avoid the same fate. It is a noble request that soon turns into a nightmare.

As wedding celebrations ensue, old friends renew acquaintances. But what begins as a party of wedding guests becomes a cast of suspects when the discovery of a bloodstained knife puts them all under the spotlight. Things are taking a deadly turn, leading Natalie and Gideon to a horrifying realization: all those years ago, Travis didn’t overdose—he was murdered. And his killer is willing to take deadly action to silence anyone who suspects the truth.

My Review

Stephanie Black is back with a book that will keep you in its clutches until you read the last page. I picked it up one morning and finished the novel later that night. Thank goodness it was the weekend! Honestly, this novel keeps you enthralled as the main characters Natalie and Gideon wind up in more life-threatening situations as they still seem to be magnets for danger. The action never seems to stop as you try to figure out who is behind the murder and set-up. You'd think that Natalie and Gideon's long-awaited wedding would be a day full of joy? Think again because you're reading a novel written by Stephanie Black. 

 In my opinion, I feel 'Bound in Shallows' is one of the best novels written by this author. Even though this is book four in the series, it can be read as a standalone, but I don't recommend it. Get the full experience by reading the first three novels before this new one. I can promise you that you'll not be disappointed in this series and you'll also be taking the day off to read this exhilarating novel, Bound in Shallows. 

 

Meet Author Stephanie Black

I’ve enjoyed making up stories since I was a child, when my sisters and I would play long Barbie games full of intrigue and danger, or write and direct plays for ourselves and our younger siblings. I took a creative writing class in high school, but my stories stunk, since I hadn’t yet figured out that a story needs a plot. An encouraging comment from the teacher got me rolling in the right direction (thank you, Mrs. Owen!) and my final story for that class eventually developed--after many years, much studying of fictional technique, and countless hours of writing and rewriting--into my first published novel. The Believer, a dystopian thriller, was published in 2005 by Covenant Communications.

Four of my contemporary mysteries are Whitney Award winners for Best Mystery/Suspense Novel, and my second dystopian novel was a Whitney Award Finalist for Best Speculative Novel. My novella “An Eye for an Eye” is part of the RONE Award-winning anthology Timeless Romance: Autumn Suspense Collection and the winner of the suspense category in the 2019 StoryCatchers Contest.

My husband Brian and I have five children, three children-in-law, and a rather majestic cat. I love spending time with my family, enjoy homemade pizza, anything chocolate, and taking pictures of wildflowers. I play the violin in a community symphony (but never practice enough), and always have unmatched socks, post-laundry. At the center of everything that matters most in my life is my love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Learn more about Stephanie and her books HERE: http://stephanieblack.net

Purchase Bound in Shallows HERE:

Amazon – Deseret Book

 

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