COVER REVEAL: THE MERCENARY'S DECEPTION by Angela R. Watts!

 Hey everyone!  Today I'm SUPER DUPER pumped to share the cover reveal for The Infidel Books #3, The Mercenary's Deception!  Boy, the cover's amazing.  And in case you missed the recent cover reveals for the first two books (which you can buy now), click HERE to check them out! 

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WHEN THE WAR IS LOST, THE INFIDELS MUST RISK EVERYTHING.

The fate of the United States rests on West Johnston’s shoulders, but the fate of the war rests on Brian Jones, the Union traitor. West and Brian must work together to end the Second Civil war that ripped the nation apart by taking over the White House. But it’s only a matter of time till West’s warlord father finds out West is working for the good guys, and then it’s game over.

The small towns and militia of the US, or what is left of patriotic America, must rise and fight back. But Springtown is left in disorder when the mayor’s daughter, Rene’, is kidnapped again while on a rescue mission. This time, the town’s predator is a previous member, and bad blood is often thicker than water.

PREORDER SIGNED PAPERBACKS

The Mercenary's Deception arrives July 15, 2021 - just shy of a month away! (Do I have that date highlighted in my planner? ...*whispers* yes, yes, I do.) 

And now, what you've been waiting for: 

Do you plan on preordering a copy of The Mercenary's Deception? What do you think about THAT cover?! Whew. Sound off in the comments! 

REVIEW: Along A Storied Trail by Ann H. Gabhart

Hey everyone!  Today I'm pumped to share this book review courtesy of JustRead Tours and Revell Books!  This is a Christian historical fiction novel featuring an endearing packhorse librarian, her family, and some pretty interesting twists and turns.  

 

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Kentucky packhorse librarian Tansy Calhoun doesn't mind the rough trails and long hours as she serves her Appalachian mountain community during the Great Depression. Yet she longs to find love like the heroines in her books. When a charming writer comes to town, she thinks she might have found it--or is the perfect man actually closer than she thinks?

AMAZON | GOODREADS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ann H. Gabhart caught the writing bug at the age of ten and has been writing ever since. An award winning author, she's published many books for both adults and young adults. Her books cover several genres from historical to small town family stories to cozy mysteries (mysteries published with author name A.H. Gabhart). Her ideas are sparked by events in Kentucky history and by experiences in her own family. Her first Shaker novel, The Outsider, was a finalist for the ECPA Christian Fiction Book of the Year. Love Comes Home won the Selah Book of the Year award, and These Healing Hills was the Faith, Hope & Love Readers' Choice Women's Fiction Book of the Year.

Ann lives on a Kentucky farm not far from where she was born. She and her husband have three children and nine grandchildren. Ann enjoys hiking on her farm with her grandkids and her dogs, Frankie and Marley. See more about her books at www.annhgabhart.com or join the conversation on her Facebook page, www.facebook.com/anngabhart.

MY REVIEW

I absolutely loved this book.  The historical aspects, the dialogue, the true-to-the-Appalachians features really brought this book to life, and the characters just seem to hop right out of the pages.  The story is memorable for sure, and there are plenty of different situations going on throughout the book that will definitely keep readers invested in the storyline.  It certainly kept my attention!  I ended up reading the majority of it in one sitting.  The themes in the book are intricately woven and realistic for each character, and it's generally just a great book.  Its Christian themes are present throughout the book and integral for a few characters' development, but those themes are given to the reader thoughtfully, without it seeming too "preachy" or out of place. Very masterfully written!  I definitely loved this book, and if you enjoy historical fiction, you'll most likely enjoy it as well. 

A LITANY OF BOOKISH UPDATES!

Hey everyone!  Today I have several bookish updates to announce!  

1) Most exciting: I have six books set to go on sale from June 18th through June 22nd. They will be FREE on Kindle for those five days to celebrate the official arrival of summer.  The books that will be listed? Everything I Never Said, Everything and Nothing, the entire Mount Sterling Collection (Beautiful Chaos, Something New, Keeping Cassie) and The Lady of Lanaria! Look up any of these on Amazon and you should be able to download them for free starting Friday the 18th. 

2) Okay, so maybe this is the most exciting.  I OFFICIALLY have hardback copies of The Lady of Lanaria available!  I just got my proof copy on Friday and I was blown away by how gorgeous it is. Even with the weird little "proof" band that I have an odd disdain for. It's just so perfect. I can't even. And now, the hardback copies are available on Amazon HERE!  However, if you'd like to own a signed copy, I will be putting in a bulk order for hardbacks (if I get orders for them, anyway).  Fill out the form HERE to request a copy -- deadline is June 24th! 

3) Well...I have to say that I'm pretty excited about this, too, but I'm not giving up any details quite yet. I'm not weirdly excited about the sale itself, but definitely for the reasoning behind it.  Stay tuned.  BUT for now, I'm offering clearance prices on my remaining signed copies of Welcome Home and Guide Me Home (I have one copy of the first book and two of the latter - so very limited stock).  If you'd like to own one, fill out the form HERE and check out the prices, etc. 
Oh, and do you have any guesses about why I'm giving clearance prices for my current stock and not offering these guys for sale on Kindle this week?  I promise those two details are related. If you have any guesses, let me know in the comments.  

Anyway -- what do you guys think? Any exciting plans for summer? Anyone planning on getting some freebies this weekend? Sound off! 

REVIEW: A QUEEN IS KNIGHTED by R.J. Setser!

Hey everyone!  I'm excited to share my review of A Queen Is Knighted, a brand-new release by R.J. Setser!  Before getting into the review, though, here are a few things about the book and its authors!  And make sure you stick around for the giveaway!

 

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Three Kingdoms. Two wars. And one queen who is desperate to save them all.

The kingdoms of Tunock, Taus, and Wilmington have been at peace for more than five hundred years. On their secluded peninsula, life is perfect for royalty and commoners alike. Fear of the pirates in the waters keep them from exploring further than the beaches, and tales of strange visions and missing persons keep them from going to the mountains Beyond. They are happy with their way of living and content in knowing that as long as they don’t cross the borders; they are safe. But everything changes when the castle of Tunock burns to the ground and the royal family disappears with no one to blame.

Princess Lauraine of Tunock never dreamed that she would spend her seventeenth birthday escaping a burning castle, but that’s precisely how she spent it. Left to the mercy of a knight whom she’s never met before, Princess Lauraine goes into hiding while trying to solve the political mystery of who attacked her home—and why. She befriends an old knight—whom her father declared insane—and though she trusts her father’s declaration as much as she trusts him, something about the old man seems sincere. Could her father have been wrong about him? And when strange things happen throughout the kingdoms—things that should only belong in the fairy tale books—Lauraine finds herself at an impasse: should she rise to the position of Queen and restore order to her kingdom; or risk losing her kingdom entirely in search of the truth?

As the events happening in the Three Kingdoms continue to unwind, Princess Lauraine makes a choice. A choice that promises little reward and far more humiliation if she’s wrong. With a small band of friends who she deems trustworthy, Lauraine gives her everything to become the person who will save her kingdom—even if it means losing herself. 

GOODREADS | PURCHASE EBOOK | AMAZON  

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

R.J. Setser is a pseudonym for wife and husband duo, Rayleigh and Joshua Setser. High-school sweethearts who found their happily-ever-after in 2019, Rayleigh and Joshua have been writing together since 2015 and finished their debut novel, A Queen is Knighted in 2020. They live in a small town in Texas with their 2 dogs, Watson and Rosie, and 1 cat, Yuna. They spend most of their time juggling Joshua’s military life and Rayleigh’s civilian life. In their free time, they can be found with both of their families at the lake, reading or writing, and quite possibly playing sword-fighting video games “for research”. Find them on Instagram @r_j_setser or online at rjsetser.com.

MY REVIEW

This book is great for fantasy fans, especially if you enjoy a side of political intrigue. While it did take me a little bit to really get into the beginning of the book (after the first couple of chapters, which were pretty intense), the storyline definitely re-captured my attention later on and held it throughout the story. There were some pretty interesting twists and turns that the story took, especially in regards to a person who is pretty much regarded as a basket case -- which the rest of the cast are compelled to trust as a last resort.  That particular situation keeps readers guessing throughout the story, and the plot only thickens as some of the events unfolding in front of them turn out to mirror fairytales and visions that the Princess' friends have -- it's definitely a ride from start to finish.  Not to mention the cliffhanger at the end.  I can't say anything else, because...spoiler alert.  There are some pretty interesting themes about being open to learning new things and re-evaluating one's previous ideas when life pushes you to the brink.  Overall, it's a pretty good story and it seems like it's only the beginning!   

AND -- make sure you enter the giveaway!  It will end June 15th; one winner will receive an autographed copy of A Queen Is Knighted.  Click HERE to enter!

COVER REVEAL: THE DIVIDED NATION & THE GRIM ALLIANCE by Angela R. Watts!

 Hey everyone!  Today I have a post celebrating the dual cover reveal for The Divided Nation and The Grim Alliance by Angela R. Watts!  These are getting fresh covers in honor of the upcoming release of the third installment's impending release (coming in JULY!!)

And these covers are spectacular.  I mean...jaw-dropping.  But in case you haven't heard about her books yet, here's some info!  

THE DIVIDED NATION (#1)

WHEN THE NATION DIVIDES, THE INFIDELS MUST RISE.

The United States has fallen. Three years after the 2024 presidential election and the declaration of martial law, the nation is at war against itself. West Johnston, heir to the most powerful ganglord in the country, refuses to continue the family legacy. But to kill his father, West must play the role of the perfect son.

But while West gains his father’s trust, he also covers for fellow gangsters in their pursuit of supplying a rebel township. When George wants the group to kidnap the mayor’s daughter, it’s up West to help kidnap her--and get her home safely. If he fails, his father will learn his treachery, and a girl will die.

AMAZON | GOODREADS

THE GRIM ALLIANCE (#2)

WHEN THE NATION RIOTS, THE INFIDELS MUST BLEED.

The Second Civil War storms through the crippled US and winter brings nothing but disaster. West Johnston has earned his mafia father’s trust while searching for hidden answers: why are the UN leaders being assassinated, and why can’t the killers be found? If West can’t stop the Union from attacking D.C. in their last attempt to win the war, how can he stop his father?

Springtown remains one of the few townships left standing amid the tyrannical rule. Another group of gangsters prepare the town for winter. Rene’ Fisher is torn between fearing for her boyfriend Simon’s life and the upheaval taking place in Springtown. Can her father keep the town at peace? Will God have mercy on the allegiance the town must form with an unlikely candidate in order to survive, or will Rene’s home burn like the rest of the world?

AMAZON | GOODREADS

NOW....for the dual cover reveal!  

Aren't those stunning?! 

Have you read the series yet?  And how pumped are you for Book 3, The Mercenary's Deception?

REVIEW: TO THE UTTERMOST by Kristina Hall!

Hey everyone!  I was given the wonderful opportunity to read To The Uttermost by Kristina Hall, a Christian Western novel -- and while I promised to have this review done at the end of June, I'm posting it (obviously pretty early) now because I ended up reading it a lot quicker than I intended, and was excited to share about it! Without further ado --  

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How far will he take his quest for vengeance?

Owen Lockart will track down and kill the man who murdered his three brothers and left him to die in the Colorado wilderness. And no one will get in his way.

Sally Reiner doesn't know a stranger. She thinks nothing of befriending Owen, her family's new ranch hand. Little does she know he's won her trust to gain information about her no-good murderer of a brother.

Will deceit and vengeance destroy Sally and Owen, or will they trust in the only One Who is able to deliver them?

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BOOK 1 OF THE SERIES | BARNES & NOBLE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kristina Hall is a sinner saved by grace who seeks to glorify God with her words. She is a homeschool graduate and holds a degree in accounting. When she's not writing, she enjoys reading, arm wrestling, lifting weights, and playing the violin. Visit her website at kristinahallauthor.wordpress.com.

MY REVIEW

This book definitely maintained my interest through the entire thing!  While I found it initially a little difficult to keep track of all the characters, I was able to pick everything up within a few chapters.  To The Uttermost starts out with some action pretty quickly and does a great job of enveloping the reader into the problems at hand, the post-Civil War landscape, and the high stakes each character faces.  The story also includes really wonderful faith aspects and grapples with some of the biggest arguments that Christians face involving forgiveness, cleansing of sins, and the lines that separate sin and protection.  I was impressed with how deftly Hall managed each discussion, and I really appreciated how well the topics were presented.  There's one scene in particular where one character finally "gets" some of the things he's been told, and that one was so powerful and well-described that I just got the biggest grin on my face (and that doesn't usually happen while reading) -- so I really enjoyed reading this one overall. Additionally, the dialogue was perfect for the time period and worked very well to draw the readers in.  It's a well-researched story, enjoyable to read, and obviously a lot of thought was put into its themes.   I'll give it a solid 4.5 out of 5!  

REVIEW: CASTLE OF REFUGE by Melanie Dickerson!

Hey everyone!  Today I'm sharing a review of Castle of Refuge, the next book by Melanie Dickerson.  It's a "The Ugly Duckling" retelling/reimagining, and it's releasing soon - June 1st, to be exact!  Here's some info on the book before I get into the review....

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In this Ugly Duckling retelling, New York Times bestselling author Melanie Dickerson brilliantly crafts a high-stakes, encouraging tale about the power of love.

Ever since she was a child, Audrey wanted her life to be extraordinary. But as the daughter of a viscount born in late fourteenth-century England, the only thing expected of her was to marry—until an act of malice by her sister, Maris, four years ago damaged her face and her prospects. Though Maris was sent away, twenty-year-old Audrey is still suffering the scars of her sister’s cruelty. When her father announces his plans to marry off his damaged daughter and bring Maris home, Audrey decides to flee in search of her true destiny.

However, life outside her home is dangerous, and she soon finds herself attacked, sick, and in desperate need of help. She is taken in at Dericott Castle to be nursed back to health. While there, she decides to keep her identity a secret and work as a servant in the castle. But she doesn’t count on falling in love with the young and handsome Lord Dericott, who lost his arm several months earlier and bears scars of his own.

Meanwhile, Edwin—Lord Dericott—is curious about the new, well-educated servant’s identity. All he knows is that he’s quickly becoming smitten with her. When the man Audrey’s father wanted her to marry comes looking for her, she and Edwin must make life-changing decisions about what to believe and whether or not love is truly worth trusting.

“When it comes to happily-ever-afters, Melanie Dickerson is the undisputed queen.” —JULIE LESSMAN, award-winning author

• Second in a brand-new series set in England: The Dericott Tales
• Full-length clean fairy-tale reimagining
• Includes Discussion Questions for Book Clubs

AMAZON | GOODREADS | CHRISTIAN BOOK 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for all things Medieval with her love of romance and fairy tales. She also loves Regency Romance and has drawn on her Southern heritage to write a romance set in the late 1800s called Magnolia Summer.
Her books have won the Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader's Choice Award, and the Carol Award in Young Adult fiction. She earned her bachelor's degree from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in America, Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama. Sign up for her newsletter at http://www.MelanieDickerson.com

MY REVIEW

Well, I have to say that this is the first fiction book in awhile that's held my attention long enough that I'm able to read it cover-to-cover in one day.  While the first couple of chapters felt extremely repetitive, I'm glad that I kept reading anyway, because the rest of the story had excellent pacing and was pretty great overall.  If you're a fan of Dickerson's works, you'll definitely enjoy this book; it follows her style very well.  I can honestly say that I've never read a fairytale retelling based on "The Ugly Duckling" (at least, one that uses humans) so it was a breath of fresh air for the retelling genre.  While I thought that the main villains could have been written better (they came off a bit shallow and their dialogue stiff; there was a LOT of potential there), the main plot line was definitely interesting, the characters were memorable, and I'm definitely hooked on the Dericott storyline now.  While I haven't read the first book in this series yet, I was able to pick up well enough, so it's good as a standalone as well.  

Do you plan on reading Castle of Refuge?  What's your favorite story by Dickerson?