Cover Reveal for Royal Spy (Fate of Eyrinthia #2) by Heather Frost

 What is Royal Spy all about?

HERE is the Cover for Heather Frost's new novel

Royal Spy (Fate of Eyrinthia #2)

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In Harm's Way: A Guardian Novel #5 By Traci Hunter Abramson- Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

 

Product Details

• Title: In Harm's Way
• Author: Traci Hunter Abramson
• Series: Guardian Series #5
• Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Action
• Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (March 8, 2021)
• Language : English
• ISBN-10 : 1524414670

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

For years, Troy has lived in the shadows as a Guardian. As part of this secret government task force, he has agreed to oversee the team’s base of operations on a remote private island in Maine, replacing fellow agent Ace and his wife, Kristi, for a year. When Troy steps in to hold down the fort, however, he does not anticipate company. So when Kristi’s sister, Jocelyn, appears on the island looking for a getaway, Troy is unnerved by her presence—hiding his top-secret work from the beautiful visitor is a recipe for disaster.

It’s been years since Jocelyn has been able to relax, and the family island is the clear antidote to the chaos of the business world. Expecting solitude, she is taken off guard by the presence of the handsome house sitter living in her sister’s home. Though she and Troy fall into an easy friendship, beneath his calm demeanor, he is an enigma. It’s clear the man who is quickly stealing her heart has a secret, but the truth is beyond Jocelyn’s widest imaginings: Troy is involved in stopping a political coup, and their relationship threatens to place Jocelyn squarely in the crosshairs of a deadly assassin.

My Review

In Harm's Way is another wonderful book by author Traci Hunter Abramson. I have loved the Guardian series and this book is a great addition to the series. If you haven't read any of this series yet, I suggest you start with the first and read them in chronological order. You could totally enjoy this mystery/suspense book without having read the others but you will understand so much more of what's happening having read the others first.

This book was exciting to find out more about the closed off Troy. I grew to like this character so much more. It was also fun to get to know Jocelyn, Kristi's sister, and this added more to that family's dynamic. I especially loved having Senator Whitmore and his wife more front and center in this novel. The suspense and intrigue is great and there are many heart stopping moments where you're wondering if everyone will make it out alive. In Harm's Way is a great, quick read with lots of action and a little added romance. Fans of the Guardian series can't miss reading this one and once you read this series you'll always be a fan.

Meet Author Traci Hunter Abramson

Traci Hunter Abramson was born in Arizona, where she lived until moving to Venezuela for a study-abroad program. After graduating from Brigham Young University, she worked for the Central Intelligence Agency for several years, eventually resigning in order to raise her family. She credits the CIA with giving her a wealth of ideas as well as the skills needed to survive her children's teenage years. When she’s not writing, Traci enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, preferably on a nice quiet beach somewhere. She also enjoys sports, travel, writing, and coaching high school swimming.

She has gone on to write a number of bestselling suspense novels that have consistently been nominated as Whitney Award finalists. She considers shoes an optional accessory which became evident when she won her first three Whitney Awards in 2013 (Code Word), 2014 (Deep Cover), and 2016 (Failsafe.) Safe House won Whitney Awards for both the mystery/suspense category as well as 2017 Adult Novel of the Year. She added two additional awards in 2019 (Mistaken Reality - best mystery/suspense and Sanctuary - Adult Novel of the Year.)

 Follow Traci on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/traci-hunter-abramson and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tracihabramson/ Learn more about her and her book HERE: https://www.traciabramson.com/

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Treacherous Legacy by Kathi Oram Peterson-Blog Tour Review, Book Excerpt, and Book Giveaway

Product Details

• Title: Treacherous Legacy
• Author: KATHI ORAM PETERSON
• Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (March 15, 2021)
• Genre: Mystery/Suspense
• Language : English
• Paperback : 258 pages
• ISBN-10 : 152441459X

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Anna Braverman comes from a long line of intelligence agents, but her late father insisted she follow a different path and become an accountant. When an urgent summons arrives from her only living relative, Uncle Ezra, Anna drops everything to meet him in a café on the outskirts of Reykjavík, Iceland. Uncle Ezra sweeps her into a decades-old mystery as he explains that her great-grandfather, a famous Jewish artist, was accused of being a Nazi sympathizer. He wants Anna to help him disprove the lie and expose the truth. But they can trust no one. Any skepticism Anna may have harbored disappears when her uncle is shot. Barely alive, he utters one final word: “Run.”

Though he met Ezra only briefly, journalist Kristofer Tómasson knows the information the old man passed on to his niece is likely the reason he was murdered. Now his niece’s life is also in peril. Despite the danger, Kristofer approaches Anna with an offer to help in exchange for an exclusive story. United by a common goal, as well as an undeniable spark of attraction, Anna and Kristofer race to uncover the mysteries of the past—that is, if they survive.

My Review

I've read many books by this author and this one is so unique in many ways. The historical aspect alone was interesting and thrilling. It starts during WWII and then switches to modern day. It takes place in Iceland and Denmark. This is a part of WWII history I've never studied about. The main character Anna is Jewish and she's looking for the truth about what happened to her Great-Grandparents during the Holocaust. 

There is so much action and huge waves of suspense in this book. Poor Anna is never sure who to trust from one minute to the next. As she gathers clues, the mystery broadens even more. Let's just say that Treacherous Legacy is truly intense! Some of the twists and turns will leave you reeling in shock. I know I gasped out loud several times while reading. Anna's family legacy was a lot more complicated than she'd imagined. 

This novel has colorful characters from bold journalist Kristofer Tómasson, to the mysterious spy Samara, and also the gruff little old lady, Unn, who captained her own boat. I loved the details the author wrote that brought to life Iceland and Denmark for me. This novel is rich in historical details that made reading this book not only entertaining but very interesting too.

This book is recommended to readers that love a good murder mystery, historical intrigue, and the journey of unexpected romance.  

Excerpt From Treacherous Legacy

September 29, 1943

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sweat beaded Joseph Braverman’s forehead. He sat at his desk, where the satchel containing the wireless telegraph machine rested, earphones on his head as he listened for confirmation from the Danish Resistance that they had received his message. He pulled his Waltham watch from his pocket and held it to the dim lightbulb of the desk lamp: 11:30 p.m. A reply shouldn’t take this long. He glanced at his wife.

Hadassah’s anxious brown eyes watched his every move as she stood by their apartment door with her hands grasping each of their ten-year-old twin boys’ hands. A small suitcase crammed with precious photos and clean undergarments for the family rested by her feet. Joseph hoped the skipper of the small skiff wouldn’t mind. The man had said Joseph’s family could hide in the hull but no luggage. Surely, they could make room for one small suitcase.

Benjamin and Bernard’s identical faces were still pale with shock. The entire family had been stunned during their worship at the synagogue only a few hours ago. They had gone to stand before God on Rosh Hashanah, the Day of Judgment, but their beloved Rabbi Melchior had interrupted services and said, “We have news that this coming Friday night, the night between the first and second of October, the Gestapo will arrest every Jew in Denmark. They have our names and addresses. We must leave now.” And then the rabbi had sent the congregation home.

For a small fortune, Joseph had procured a boat on their way to their apartment, but he’d also seen something disturbing at the harbor. Something he shouldn’t have. Something that, if the Resistance knew, could save thousands of lives. He had to report it. While Hadassah had gathered their things, he’d sent the message. What was keeping Command from acknowledging that they’d received it? Joseph didn’t have time for this. Nor did his family. It wouldn’t take the Germans long to triangulate a transmission and know exactly where it had come from. There had been no time to go into the woods, away from their apartment, like he usually did.

He pulled the right earphone away from his head. “Hadassah, you and the boys go on without me. I’ll catch up.” “No!” She stood her ground. “We’ll never find each other again. We’re staying together.” The twins said nothing, just stared at him with haunted eyes. They knew too well the danger around them. Though the Germans had invaded their homeland three years ago, things had grown worse during the last year. His sons had had to watch as German soldiers had hauled away the baker from the corner pastry shop because they’d assumed he was a spy. The boys had witnessed the soldiers beating him, seen the blood covering his face. The twins knew very well that their father was part of the Danish Resistance. The same thing could happen to him. From that day on, they’d grown more solemn.

Joseph had to make Hadassah see reason. “The boat is waiting. I’ll catch up. I promise. Go!” With great reluctance, his beloved picked up the suitcase, opened the door, and gave Joseph a soulful look that said she loved him before ushering the boys out. Joseph prayed with all his heart that they’d be safe.

Cursing under his breath, he jerked the earphones off his head. He wondered if the rumored spy within the Resistance had intercepted his message. The danger Joseph had put his family in could be for naught. He’d find some other way to get word to Command. His gaze shot around the room, searching. It would be too dangerous to carry his coded notes on his person. Besides, he had it memorized. He couldn’t risk burning it and drawing attention. He had to hide it. If he were stopped from getting word to the Resistance, maybe someone would find the message. His eyes locked on The Portrait of Bethsedia that he’d painted years ago. It was worth a fortune. The Nazis might destroy his home, but even they appreciated true art. Joseph’s work was world-renowned. He rushed over and took the painting off the wall. Footsteps thundered up the stairs.

Nazi jack boots. Many of them.

Joseph folded the message to the smallest square, then turned the painting over and slid the paper between the underside wood frame and the stretched canvas that was stapled to it. Barely noticeable. With shaking hands, he hefted the painting onto the wall. “Tur auf!” Thuds shook the door.

The doorknob rattled. Nazis burst in, guns at the ready. They shoved Hadassah and the twins to the floor at Joseph’s feet. Brokenhearted, he gathered his family to him, holding them tight. Would they ever forgive him? And would the message he’d risked everything for ever be found?

Meet Author Kathi Oram Peterson

Kathi Oram Peterson is the Whitney Award winning author of A FAMILIAR FEAR, released in 2018.

Kathi's heart-pounding suspense novels make readers double check door locks and sleep with a flashlight. Her YA Time Travels bring readers to historical events as if they are there. Her novels have richly-drawn characters and plots that hook readers and make setting the book down nearly impossible.

Keep connected with Kathi--and stay informed about special deals, new released, 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/


Romantic Suspense:

Bloodline (2019)
A Familiar Fear (2018) Whitney Winner
Breach of Trust (2017)
Star Struck (2016)
Deceived (2014)
Wanted (2013)
Cold Justice (2012)
River Whispers (2011)

Novella: An Angel on Main Street (2009).

YA Time Travel Novels:

Reluctant Warrior (2017)-Previously published as The Forgotten Warrior (2009)
Stripling Warrior (2017)
Guardian of the Stone (2017) Previously published asThe Stone Traveler (2010)
Chasing the Star (2017)

Stories included in other books:

A Christmas to Remember (2011)
Life Lessons from Mothers of Faith (2013)
Remembering the Joy of Christmas (2015) 

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Roommaid by Sariah Wilson: Contemporary Romance Book Review

Roommaid by Sariah Wilson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book Summary

From bestselling author Sariah Wilson comes a charming romance about living your life one dream at a time.

Madison Huntington is determined to live her dreams. That means getting out from under her family’s wealth and influence by saying no to the family business, her allowance, and her home. But on a teacher’s salary, the real world comes as a rude awakening—especially when she wakes up every morning on a colleague’s couch. To get a place of her own (without cockroaches, mold, or crime scene tape), Madison accepts a position as a roommaid. In exchange for free room and board, all she needs to do is keep her busy roommate’s penthouse clean and his dog company. So what if she’s never washed a dish in her life. She can figure this out, right?

Madison is pretty confident she can fake it well enough that Tyler Roth will never know the difference. The finance whiz is rich and privileged and navigates the same social circles as her parents—but to him she’s just a teacher in need of an apartment. He’s everything Madison has run from, but his kindhearted nature, stomach-fluttering smile, and unexpected insecurities only make her want to get closer. And Tyler is warming to the move.

Rewarding job. Perfect guy. Great future. With everything so right, what could go wrong? Madison is about to find out.

My Review

I loved this cute romance. It was an easy read that I needed right now. The main characters are so likable that you are truly cheering them on. It was also kind of nice that the main character, Madison, was a 2nd-grade teacher like me. There was so much I could relate to. Madison and Tyler had chemistry from the start. There were so many fun scenes between them it had me laughing through much of the novel. I also loved the addition of Tyler's cute dog Pigeon that brought the two characters closer together too. Even though this is a clean romance, there are a few toe-curling, steamy kisses. This riches to rags story clicked all of the right buttons for me and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

View all my reviews

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Of Sword and Shadow By A.L. Sowards: Blog Tour Review, Excerpt, and Giveaway

 

Product Details

• Title:Of Sword and Shadow 
• Author:  A.L. Sowards
• Publisher : Covenant Communications, Inc. (February 8, 2021)
• Genre:Historical Fiction/ Historical Romance
• Language : English
• ISBN-10 : 1524413585

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Greece, 1379

She is known by many names, none of them her own. In truth, she is an unnamed slave, nothing more than a weapon in the hands of her owner in his attempts to provoke political mayhem. When she encounters a handsome young man while on an assignment, she thinks little of him—until he attempts to take what she has stolen. But in her line of work, failure is not an option.

Gillen is intrigued by the mysterious woman who thwarts his mission. But when his path crosses hers again, his intrigue turns to gratitude as the thief he comes to call Eudocia saves his life. The two form a bond of friendship and join forces to wrest control from a group of ruthless rulers. But as their camaraderie blossoms into something more, Gillen and Eudocia must fight for love even as they wage war for a better future.

My Review

I love historical fiction and A.L. Sowards is one of my go-to authors for great, accurate historical stories. Of Sword and Shadow takes place in Greece 1379. Between the interesting time period and the absolutely gorgeous cover, I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book. This novel met all of my expectations. 

The characters in this novel are amazing! Most of them are fictional and some are real people from the history of the time. I learned a lot about what was happening in Greece and now I want to read more of this time period. Better yet, the story is so well crafted that readers are drawn in from the first chapter full of thievery, to many adventurous episodes full of political intrigue, and of course a budding romance. The main character is an unnamed slave girl, later known as Eudocia. Her life is changed while during a botched robbery she meets the handsome Gillen. After that meeting, things will never be the same. The excitement never ends in this novel. The characters go from one predicament to another whether it's sword fights or torture. 

This novel was different with a unique story. I highly suggest it to readers who love stories based during the Middle Ages and those that love historical fiction. A.L. Sowards has written a novel that has everything you need for a fantastic read. 

Meet Author A.L. Sowards

A. L. Sowards is the author of multiple historical fiction novels, with settings spanning the globe from the fourteenth to twentieth centuries. Her stories have become Whitney Finalists and won a Whitney Award, reached the number one spot across multiple Amazon categories, received praise from the Historical Novel Society, and been loved by readers from a variety of backgrounds. She has called both Washington State and Utah home, and is now in the process of adding Alaska to the list. She enjoys hiking and swimming, usually manages to keep up with the laundry, and loves it when someone else cooks dinner. She lives with her husband, three children, and an ever-growing library.

Learn more about the author at her website HERE: www.alsowards.com

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EXCERPT from Of Sword and Shadow:

Thebes, Greece, Spring 1379

I don’t remember the name my mother gave me. Nor can I recall each of the hundreds of names I’ve used since. But the morning I was to steal five sheets of paper from Don Paco de Folgueres, I would be Anna, if anyone asked.

Anna was a safe sort of name, giving few clues about a person’s birth or loyalties. Anna could be Greek, like most of the population. Or Anna could be a descendant of the Franks, who created the Duchy of Athens after they sacked Constantinople during the Fourth Crusade. Anna could also be a Catalan, whose ancestors had worked for, then turned on the last Frankish Duke, Walter de Brienne. They’d defeated him in battle and ruled Thebes and the Duchy of Athens ever since.

Thomas and everyone else I knew called me Girl or Little Mouse. Names weren’t as important as abilities for people in our line of work, where failure could mean starvation, a flogging, mutilation, or exile but where a commissioned burglary might offer a chance to break from the gutters completely.

The Greek scribe who worked for Don Paco de Folgueres had a desk in a small stone room bordering the property’s central courtyard. Light from the room’s sole window illuminated the wooden writing surface and a second table with four books, a supply of paper, parchment, and papyrus, reed pens, and ink. I found the documents I wanted among his scattered papers and slipped them between my dalmatica and tunica. I didn’t always wear both layers— clothes were expensive—but Thomas had taught me to dress the part most likely to lead to success, so I was respectable today. At least on the outside.

The scribe was absent, and that made my task easy. But a complication in

the form of a tall, brawny man appeared the moment I left the room. He was clean-shaven, and the hair reaching to the collar of his pourpoint was a few shades lighter than my raven locks. He had a straight nose and long ears, one of which was pierced with a gold earring. He gave me a friendly smile.

“Have you seen the scribe?” His words were Catalan but pronounced differently than what I was used to hearing from the class who ruled Thebes. I pretended not to understand. Perhaps if he thought I was Greek, he wouldn’t press me. I gave a small gesture of incomprehension with my shoulders.

He repeated his question, in Greek. That meant I would have to reply. “No. He seems to be out at the moment.”

The man surveyed the scribe’s room, and I surveyed him, noting his pleasant face and hazel eyes. He looked closer to twenty than to thirty years of age. The fitted hosa western men wore were meant to show off their masculine legs, and his legs were certainly worthy of admiration. My favorite Anna, daughter of the Emperor Alexios Komnenos, would have noticed him, much as she had noticed and commented on the pleasant forms of the Frankish crusaders who had passed through Constantinople on their way to take Jerusalem during the First Crusade. She’d also dismissed the handsome knights as ignorant barbarians, and I thought it best to follow her example.

Now that I had the documents I’d come for, I was eager to get away from the tall man with the earring and from Don Paco’s home. “I hope you find him soon.” And I did. If the scribe was busy with the earring man, he was less likely to notice his missing documents.

“Thank you.” The man gave me a nod and entered the scribe’s room.

I left, forcing myself to walk at a normal pace across the sunny, paved court- yard, past the fountain and the marble statue that dated back to times before the Frankish invasion.

The scribe stood near the gates, speaking with someone I took to be a Moor. A line ran across the Moor’s face, from his left temple to his lips, a pale-pink scar against skin of rich brown. His inquisitive eyes glanced at me as I passed.

A polite person would have gone back to the scribe’s office to tell the man who was seeking him where he could be found. But I was polite only when politeness suited my task.

“You there, what’s your business?” One of Don Paco’s men stepped in front of me. He was clothed in mail armor and carried an arming sword and a crossbow.

I’d spoken in Greek when I’d met the man with the earring, and my clothing was more Greek than western, so I kept my identity as Anna the Greek, for the moment. “I was visiting one of the weavers, a friend. We grew up on the same street, you see. She wanted my opinion on whether the cloth she is making has a strong enough warp thread or if she should order something with more twists.” I continued in rapid Greek, uncertain if he understood my language while I compared the thickness of the supposed warp thread to the thinness of the made-up weft thread. As I spoke, I gave silent gratitude to Zoe, the silk maker who had always welcomed me into her workshop. I could talk about silk long enough to bore all but the most dedicated of weavers. The Catalan man-at-arms waved me on quickly. It seemed the silk trade was not his passion. I relaxed as I walked along the streets of the Cadmea, Thebes’s fortified citadel. Don Paco’s property faded from view, then disappeared completely when I turned left after the bakery that sold the best durum wheat bread in the city. It also sold a more affordable loaf of summer wheat, barley, rye, and millet, and I was more familiar with the latter. I turned right after a wine merchant’s shop that specialized in muscat and malmsey. Then I ducked into a narrow side street. I took off my hair veil, and I didn’t want to put it on again. The early spring sun shone pleasantly, and I was neither respectable nor Christian, but bareheaded women stood out, and I didn’t want that. I turned the veil over so my head was covered in blue instead of yellow and walked farther into the alley. A tall man stepped out in front of me, blocking my path. The same man who had been looking for the scribe, but this time, there was no smile on his face. It seemed changing the color of my hair veil hadn’t prevented him from recognizing me. “I believe you took something from the scribe’s office. I need it.”

I tried my best to display confusion. “I took nothing from the scribe.”

“You’re the only one who was near that room from the time Rasheed distracted the scribe.” His eyes shifted to a spot behind me. I followed his glance. The Moor stood between me and the main street. So they were working together. And I’d benefited from their plan.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I tried to walk past the man with the earring, but he took my arm and held me. He didn’t squeeze, but I had a feeling it would be difficult to break his grip. A threatening longsword hung at his side. Another complication.

“I think you do. There was a letter on that table, delivered this morning, threatening Don Paco de Folgueres because he supported Maria of Sicily instead of Pedro of Aragon when King Frederick died.”

His intelligence was good. Better than mine. The letter was Catalan, and I didn’t read Catalan. I’d just memorized the name of the sender so I could verify I had the right document. The discord King Frederick’s death created had spilled into the Duchy—some local nobles had supported Maria because she was King Frederick’s daughter and his declared heir. Others had followed Pedro because he was a man. But the succession crisis was nearly two years in the past. Pedro had won. “I thought the Catalans had reconciled to their new lord.”

“On the surface, perhaps. The divisions are still there, underneath. King Pedro has stripped more than one Catalan noble of lands because they chose the losing side—just as Don Paco did.”

“Well, I hope you find your letter. I don’t have it.” I pulled away, but he didn’t let go.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t let you leave until you’ve given me the letter.” He gave me a smile again, but this time, the motion contained no friendliness. Maybe I shouldn’t have dismissed him quite so quickly as a typical westerner with more muscles than brain.

He’d chosen his ambush site well. A few streets over, there would have been a steady flow of foot traffic, but here, behind the wine shop, the alley was deserted. All the deliveries had been made far earlier in the day, so it was just me, the man with the earring, and the Moor.

A Captain For Caroline Gray: A Proper Romance By Julie Wright-Regency Book Review

 

Product Details

• Title: A Captain For Caroline Gray
• Author: Julie Wright
• Publisher : Shadow Mountain (March 2, 2021)
• Genre: Regency Romance
• Language : English
• Paperback : 336 pages
• ISBN-10 : 1629728462

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

Regency London

Caroline Gray's third season in London society ends as badly as her first two—no marriage proposal, no suitor, not even a glimmer of an interested prospect. She suspects it's because she is far too quick to speak her mind to men who are put off by her forthright opinions, her eager intellect backed by a formal education, and her unconventional ideas about the future. She is far more daring than demure to suit the taste of her class. Besides, Caroline thinks there will always be next season to find a husband.

However, her family's dwindling income leaves Caroline with only one choice to secure her future: a one-way ticket to sail with the Fishing Fleet to India, where the son of a family friend waits. If the match doesn't work, Caroline cannot return home.

Captain Thomas Scott loves the thrill of the open sea, and as commander of one of the ships of the Fishing Fleet, he ferries scores of young English girls to the shores of India to find husbands. The voyages pay well, but he struggles to understand why families would allow young women to be matched with total strangers so far away.

The trips have always been routine and uneventful—until this trip's first night's dinner with one Miss Caroline Gray. She engages in a lively political conversation, presenting opposing viewpoints to the conventionally opinionated gentlemen at her table. Captain Scott is secretly amused and delighted at her boldness, not to mention quite drawn to her beauty.

The rest of the passengers are shocked by her behavior and Caroline finds herself an outcast, suffering harsh judgments from the other passengers. However, she finds an unlikely ally in Captain Scott which quickly draws them closer.

Both know an arranged marriage awaits Caroline at the end of their voyage, yet the attraction between them is undeniable. Caroline will have to decide if she will honor her mother's wishes and marry a man in India whom she has never met, thus securing a future for her and her mother, or be brave enough to throw convention to the wind and commit to love a sea captain. He may be enchanted by her bold and unconventional ways, but will his love and admiration last?

My Review

It is always so refreshing to read a Regency novel with a twist. A Captain For Caroline Gray has many things that make it different; it takes place on a ship, some of the novel takes place in India, and the main female character is strong and independent thinking. I really liked Caroline when she was allowed to be herself. In this time period women were seen, not heard, especially when it came to speaking of politics and current events. As Caroline has not found a husband after three London seasons, she is now on her way to India to "find" a good husband. On this fateful voyage, she meets renowned bachelor Captain Thomas Scott. Right from the beginning, Caroline and Thomas clash. Their differences soon turn to great interest and then on to other things. Her uniqueness and opinions fascinate him.

A good portion of the novel takes place on the ship. There is a bevy of characters from the young women heading to India, the crew of Captain Scott's ship, and the cute little cabin boy, Tom. The young women keep things interesting from the very confident and jealous Miss Cole to the mousy and timid Miss James, and the high strung Miss Jeffries. There is also some suspense with the evil cook Corbeau causing problems on ship and land. 

The romance in this novel is slow-building and sometimes leaves you wanting more. The couple is kept apart for most of the story because of hurt feelings and misunderstandings. It's so surprising what or should I say "who" finally brings them back together. The story wraps up nicely for this clean, Proper Romance. If you're looking for a romance intertwined with adventure, you'll find it and more within the pages of, A Captain for Caroline Gray.

Meet Author Julie Wright

Julie Wright (1972-still breathing) was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. She's lived in LA, Boston, and the literal middle of nowhere (don't ask). She wrote her first book when she was fifteen. Since then, she's written twenty three novels and coauthored three. Julie is a two-time winner of the Whitney award for best romance with her books "Cross My Heart" and "Lies Jane Austen Told Me" and Is a Crown Heart recipient. Her book "Death Thieves" was a Whitney finalist.

She has one husband, three kids, one grandbaby, one dog, and a varying amount of houseplants (depending on attrition).She loves writing, reading, traveling, hiking, playing with her kids, and watching her husband make dinner.She used to speak fluent Swedish, but now speaks only well enough to cuss out her children in public. She hates mayonnaise.

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Real By Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard: Book Review

 

Product Details

    Title: Real

• Author: Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard
• Publisher : Shadow Mountain (February 2, 2021)
• Language : English
• Hardcover : 224 pages
• ISBN-10 : 162972789X
• ISBN-13 : 978-1629727899
• Reading age : 8 - 11 years
• Grade level : 3 - 6

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Watch the YouTube Video to meet the co-authors of REAL

Authors Carol Cujec and Peyton Goddard talk about their book, Real, about a girl with non-speaking autism who must face the social and learning challenges of public school. Real is based on the true story of Peyton Goddard. Peyton wants people to see her arduous struggle to communicate, something we all take for granted, but she puts exhausting effort into every interaction because, she says, communication is what makes us human.

Book Summary

Inspired by a true story, Real speaks to all those who've ever felt they didn't belong and reminds readers that all people are worthy of being included.

My name is Charity. I am thirteen years old. Actually, thirteen years plus eighty-seven days. I love sour gummies and pepperoni pizza. That last part no one knows because I have not spoken a sentence since I was born. Each dawning day, I live in terror of my unpredictable body that no one understands.

Charity may have mad math skills and a near-perfect memory, but with a mouth that can't speak and a body that jumps, rocks, and howls unpredictably, most people incorrectly assume she cannot learn. Charity's brain works differently from most people's because of her autism, but she's still funny, determined, and kind. So why do people treat her like a disease or ignore her like she's invisible?

When Charity's parents enroll her in a public junior high school, she faces her greatest fears. Will kids make fun of her? Will her behavior get her kicked out? Will her million thoughts stay locked in her head forever? With the support of teachers and newfound friends, Charity will have to fight to be treated like a real student.

My Review

REAL was such an amazing novel. This book was written for the age group of kids 8-14 but it should be read by adults too. As I did some research, I found that a book was written for adults about Peyton published in 2012 called, 

I Am Intelligent: From Heartbreak to Healing--A Mother and Daughter's Journey through Autism.

 The novel REAL is inspired by Peyton's life but told from the story of the fictional Charity Wood. It is told in the first person from Charity's viewpoint. It is a story of a non-verbal child that is deemed stupid and not very smart because she can't speak. Finally, a device is given to her where she can get her thoughts out from typing on a machine. Slowly her world opens up as she's able to finally express herself. This novel will open any person's eyes to the struggles of any child with autism or any disability. I have a loved one that is autistic but she is verbal. I do know of other friends that have a child that is non-verbal. It's hard to see your child suffer and be bullied by others because of your child's disability. I could totally relate to the feelings of Charity's parents as they desperately try to advocate for their child. 

The main message I hope kids get from reading this book is to not judge other kids from the outside. Make sure to get to know all kids, no matter their race, gender, abilities, or disabilities. We as adults need to find ways to help those who are in need of advocates. Things are not what they always seem. We as humans need to dig deeper and look beyond ourselves. I'm hoping that pre-teens and teens read this book to enlighten their minds and reach out to those who are different and find ways to help others. I'm so glad that Peyton has told her story in a book for adults and teens/kids. This book will change the mind and hearts of kids and I hope that educators will use it in their literature classes. 

Purchase Your Own Copy of REAL HERE:

https://amzn.to/3aGAbAQ

Meet Authors Carol Cujec & Peyton Goddard

Carol Cujec is an educator and author. Her latest book, written with Peyton Goddard, is a middle-grade novel, called REAL, which invites young readers into the world of a girl with nonspeaking autism. Peyton wants kids to understand autism not as a disability so much as a different way of experiencing the world. Real is a groundbreaking story that celebrates the magic that happens when we value and include all people.

Carol lives with her family in southern California and enjoys yoga, cooking, playing guitar with her daughter and, of course, hiding out with a good book.

Visit Carol's website: http://carolcujec.com
Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carolacujec
Follow her on Twitter: @Ccujec

Peyton Goddard is an advocate for inclusion and has written about and made many presentations on living with autism. Her message is one of valuing all people and protecting those most vulnerable from abuse which she experienced for several decades when she lacked a dependable mode of communication. Her message centers on “changing this worrisome world” through compassionate understanding and support for all. Peyton lives with support in her own apartment, adjacent to her parents’ home in San Diego.

Learn more about Peyton HERE:https://peytongoddard.com