#The Duke I Once Knew by Olivia Drake–Review–4 stars–#NetGalley

Dec2

the duke I once knew:.jpg 850.jpgOlivia Drake’s Newest Historical Fiction Release–Coming 12/31/18

 

Abby was tired of being taken advantage of. Her siblings were squabbling once again, over where she would live, and who needed her help, the most. It would have been nice if they had considered Abby’s feelings in the matter, but they didn’t. So Abby knew it was time for a change. And, her family was not happy about it.

Abby was twenty-nine years old and decided that it was time for her to take control over her life. She applied for a governess position at the Duke of Rothwell’s residence. Abby had once known the Duke when he was fifteen years of age. Before he left for London, Max had pledged his love, promised to write, and when he was of age, return home to marry Abby. Even though Max broke Abby’s heart, she never stopped loving him. Max never wrote to Abby or returned home, as he promised. In fact, Max hadn’t been back to the Rothwell residence for fifteen years. 

 Abby was shocked to not only find the Duke at home but showering a beautiful woman with inappropriate attention. Just as Abby expected, he was not pleased to see her. Max gave Abby one week, to finish her employment in his home, working as his sister’s governess. Although being dismissed by Max, was humiliating and stung, Abby was glad to finally, put an end to her romantic fantasies regarding him. That was, however, until Max kissed her. Although Abby was anxious in Max’s home, she never expected to be in mortal danger. 

The Duke I Once Knew is a well-written historical fiction romance. And, even though I found the book predictable, it was still an entertaining and enjoyable read. 

Thank you, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Olivia Drake is the author of 8 books including the Cinderella Sisterhood series: IF THE SLIPPER FITS, STROKE OF MIDNIGHT, ABDUCTED BY A PRINCE, BELLA AND THE BEAST, and HIS WICKED WISH. Another book in the series will be out in 2017. She also has written 24 romance novels under the name Barbara Dawson Smith. Her books have won the Golden Heart Award, Best Historical Romantic Suspense, Best Regency Historical, and the prestigious Rita Award from Romance Writers of America. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and a pair of feisty cats. Her two daughters have flown the nest, but they still come back whenever they want a home-cooked meal.

 

 

Today’s New Fabulous Releases, #Dancing With The Sun & #The Good, The Bad, and The Duke

Nov27

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In Case You Missed My Reviews On these Outstanding Books, Here Are The Links:

 

 

Dancing With The Sun by Kay Bratt—5 stars

https://write-escape.com/2018/10/27/dancing-with-the-sun-by-kay-bratt-review-5-stars-netgalley

 

 

The Good, The Bad, and The Duke by Janna MacGregor—4.5 stars

https://write-escape.com/2018/10/23/the-good-the-bad-and-the-duke-by-janna-macgregor-review-4.5-stars-netgalley

The Vogels: On All Fronts by Jana Petken–Review–5 Stars!

Nov25

The Vogels::.jpg 850.jpgDon’t Miss Jana Petken’s Newest Fascinating Historical Fiction Novel–Out Now!

 

The Vogels: On All Fronts is an amazing story and the second book in Jana Petken’s fascinating German Half-Blood series. This superbly-written WWII novel is as unputdownable as the first book in the series.

This story takes place on several fronts, Germany, Poland, Russia, and England. The Vogels love, and stand by each other, even though their political views and loyalties are very much divided. Dieter Vogel is German, his wife Laura is English, and their children, are German half-bloods, each having their own opinion on what is right regarding Hitler’s treatment of the Jews. All three Vogel boys take part in WWII but play different roles. Both Willie and Paul wear the German uniform, but only Willie is an SS soldier. Paul is a doctor, and, unfortunately, is forced to follow the Nazi rule regarding medical treatment for the Jews. Max, is as German as his two brothers but wants nothing, to do with Hitler, his cruelty, and his lies. Max works as a British spy. 

Jana Petken brings each main character in her book to life, as well as many of the horrific war atrocities that occurred during WWII. If you have not read book one in the series, this novel may be a little confusing at first, but don’t worry, it becomes quite clear quickly, as well as unputdownable. This story ends with a set up for book three. I will definitely be reading the next novel in this series. 

5 out of 5 shining stars!

 

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Amazon

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Jana Petken is a bestselling historical fiction novelist and screenwriter. 

She is critically acclaimed as a bestselling, gritty, author who produces bold, colourful characters and riveting storylines. She is the recipient of numerous major international awards for her works of historical fiction and is presently in talks with film producers regarding one of her titles. 

Before life as an author, she served in the British Royal Navy. During her service, she studied Naval Law and history. After the Navy, she worked for British Airways and turned to writing after an accident on board an aircraft forced her to retire prematurely.

Titles by Jana Petken. 

Bestseller, Multi Award Winning, The Guardian of Secrets. (2013) 

The bestselling Mercy Carver Series: award-winning, Dark Shadows, book 1, and award-winning Blood Moon, book 2. (2014) 

Multi Award Winning, The Errant Flock: The Flock Trilogy Book 1. (2015)

Multi Award Winning, Swearing Allegiance. (2016)

Award Winning, The Scattered Flock (The Flock Trilogy book 2)

Flock, The Gathering of The Damned (The Flock Trilogy Book 3)

2018, The German Half-Bloods

http://www.janapetkenauthor.com

@AuthoJana

petkenj@gmail.com

 

#Not The Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt–Review–4.5 Stars–#NetGalley

Nov19

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New Exciting Historical Fiction by Elizabeth Hoyt–Coming 12/181/18

 

Not The Duke’s Darling is the first book in Elizabeth Hoyt’s exciting new Greycourt Series.

Freya de Moray was not who she was portraying herself to be. She was a Wise Woman who was on a mission. Pretending to be a Lady’s companion was a vital part of her plan. Witch-hunting in England had been outlawed for some time, but a particular aristocrat was pushing to bring the practice back. Freya’s mission was to make sure that he didn’t succeed. She was also seeking revenge for her brother’s ruined life. Freya became excited when she spotted the Duke of Harlowe. Her plan was coming together perfectly. 

Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe was back in London after spending years in India. At the age of eighteen, Christopher had been sent away for disgracing the family name. But, since inheriting the Dukedom, Christopher’s lofty status had been reinstated. Normally the duke was not one to mingle, but since his blackmailer was demanding his presence at Lady Lovejoy’s house party, Christopher went. It was at this party, where he came across Freya; the most intelligent, infuriating, and beautiful woman he’d ever met. He wanted to get to know her. The problem was, however, that Freya, wanted nothing to do with him. In fact, she acted as if she hated him. 

Not The Duke’s Darling is a wonderful start to Elizabeth Hoyt’s new series. I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline, the dialogue, and the characters.

Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4.5 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Elizabeth Hoyt is a New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of historical romance, including reader favorite, The Raven Prince. She also writes deliciously fun contemporary romance under the name Julia Harper. Born in New Orleans, but raised in the frigid winters of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Elizabeth was fortunate to travel extensively when she was growing up and lived in St. Andrews, Scotland; Oxford England; and Kawasaki, Japan. She went to the University of Wisconsin, Madison, where she not only earned a degree in anthropology but also met Mr. Hoyt. Some years later, after a short pause to birth and raise two children, Elizabeth realized that she really wasn’t qualified to do anything but Make up Stories and started writing.

Elizabeth now lives in Minneapolis, Minnesota with three untrained canines, a garden in constant need of weeding, and, of course, Mr. Hoyt.

 

 

#The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband by Julia Quinn–Review

Nov14

The girl with the makbelieve husband850:.jpg.jpgA Sweet Romantic Tale–Out Now

 

The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband is a sweet and enjoyable historical fiction romance.

Cecilia Harcourt left England, for the States, after receiving a letter from Thomas’s commanding officer, informing her of his injuries. Cecilia never thought that she’d have the courage to cross the ocean by herself, but she needed to see her brother. Thomas was all she had left. But, when Cecilia reached the NY hospital, Thomas wasn’t there; his best friend, Edward Rokesby, however, was. Knowing that only family members could visit patients, Cecilia told the officer in charge that she was Edward’s wife. Cecilia was hoping that Edward could shed some light as to the whereabouts of her brother. He couldn’t. Edward was suffering from a severe head injury with amnesia.

It bothered Cecilia to lie to Edward. But, he was an Earl’s son and an officer, and the Rokesby name was opening doors. And, right now she had to find her brother. But as the days passed, Cecilia felt more and more guilty about the lies she was telling. And, the thing was, Cecilia was falling in love with Edward.  She hoped against hope that she’d find her brother before Edward regained his memory because Cecilia knew, that Edward was going to be furious. And, Cecilia would rather not be around for that scene, even though it was going to break her heart to leave.

The Girl With The Make-Believe Husband is an entertaining read, but not one of my favorites by this author. 

3.5 out of 5 stars

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Julia Quinn loves to dispel the myth that smart women don’t read (or write) romance, and in 2001 she did so in grand fashion, appearing on the game show The Weakest Link and walking away with the $79,000 jackpot. She displayed a decided lack of knowledge about baseball, country music, and plush toys, but she is proud to say that she aced all things British and literary, answered all of her history and geography questions correctly, and knew that there was a Da Vinci long before there was a code. Ms. Quinn is one of only sixteen members of Romance Writers of America’s Hall of Fame, her books have been translated into 29 languages, and she currently lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.

 

#Just After Midnight by Catherine Ryan Hyde–Review 4 stars–#NetGalley

Nov11

the miracle of kindness 850.jpgNew Release From Catherine Ryan Hyde! Coming 12/4/18

 

Just After Midnight is an enjoyable, well-written, character-driven novel.

Faith was hiding out at her family’s beach house. She didn’t want to be anywhere near her controlling husband when he discovered that she was divorcing him. Faith knew that her life was about to change in a big way but would never have guessed that a teenage girl was going to be the main reason for it.  

Sarah was crushed. She hated and blamed her father for her mother’s sudden death, for selling her horse, and for basically stripping her life of happiness. When Sarah met Faith on the beach, she had no idea what a good friend Faith would become to her.  Although Faith was much older than herself, Sarah found that she could talk to her and that Faith understood her. Sarah would discover that although everything in her life felt hopeless and dark, that genuine loving kindness could turn everything around.  

Just After Midnight, is an uplifting and touching story. The loss fourteen-year-old Sarah was made to suffer was heartwrenching. The story itself, however, is heartwarming, and about, how kindness can heal even the most broken of hearts. 

If you enjoy touching stories and reading about horses, you’ll love Just After Midnight.

Thank you, Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley, for my advanced review copy.

~4 out of 5 stars~

 

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Bio (from author’s page on Amazon)

Catherine Ryan Hyde is the author of more than 30 published and forthcoming books, including THE WAKE UP, ALLIE AND BEA, SAY GOODBYE FOR NOW, LEAVING BLYTHE RIVER, ASK HIM WHY, WORTHY, THE LANGUAGE OF HOOFBEATS, TAKE ME WITH YOU, WHEN I FOUND YOU, WALK ME HOME, and DON’T LET ME GO. 

An avid hiker, traveler, equestrian, and amateur photographer, she has released her first book of photos, 365 DAYS OF GRATITUDE: PHOTOS FROM A BEAUTIFUL WORLD.

She is co-author, with fellow author and publishing industry blogger Anne R. Allen, of HOW TO BE A WRITER IN THE E-AGE: A SELF-HELP GUIDE.

Her novel PAY IT FORWARD was adapted into a major motion picture, chosen by the American Library Association for its Best Books for Young Adults list, and translated into more than 23 languages for distribution in over 30 countries. The paperback was released in October 2000 by Pocket Books and quickly became a national bestseller. Simon & Schuster released PAY IT FORWARD: YOUNG READERS’ EDITION in August of ’14. It is suitable for kids as young as eight. A special Fifteenth Anniversary Edition of the original PAY IT FORWARD was released in December of ’14

LOVE IN THE PRESENT TENSE enjoyed bestseller status in the UK, where it broke the top ten, spent five weeks on the bestseller lists, was reviewed on a major TV book club, and shortlisted for a Best Read of the Year award at the British Book Awards. Both BECOMING CHLOE and JUMPSTART THE WORLD were included on the ALA’s Rainbow List, and JUMPSTART THE WORLD was a finalist for two Lambda Literary Awards. WHERE WE BELONG won two Rainbow Awards in 2013 and THE LANGUAGE OF HOOFBEATS won a Rainbow Award in 2015.

New Kindle editions of her backlist titles FUNERALS FOR HORSES, EARTHQUAKE WEATHER AND OTHER STORIES, ELECTRIC GOD, and WALTER’S PURPLE HEART are now available. Also available is THE LONG, STEEP PATH: EVERYDAY INSPIRATION FROM THE AUTHOR OF PAY IT FORWARD, her first book-length creative nonfiction. 

More than 50 of her short stories have been published in The Antioch Review, Michigan Quarterly Review, The Virginia Quarterly Review, Ploughshares, Glimmer Train and many other journals, and in the anthologies Santa Barbara Stories and California Shorts and the bestselling anthology Dog is my Co-Pilot. Her stories have been honored in the Raymond Carver Short Story Contest and the Tobias Wolff Award and nominated for Best American Short Stories, the O’Henry Award, and the Pushcart Prize. Three have been cited in Best American Short Stories.

She is founder and former president (2000-2009) of the Pay It Forward Foundation, and still serves on its board of directors. As a professional public speaker she has addressed the National Conference on Education, twice spoken at Cornell University, met with Americorps members at the White House and shared a dais with Bill Clinton. 

For more information and book club questions, please visit the author at catherineryanhyde.com

 

Today’s 5-star New Releases,#Girls On The Line & #My One and Only Duke

Nov6

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Check Out Today’s 5- Star- Outstanding Book Releases!

 

 

In Case You Missed My Reviews On These New Releases, Here Are The Links:

 

 

The Girls On The Line by Aimie K. Runyon
https://write-escape.com/2018/10/15/girls-on-the-line-by-aimie-k-runyan-review-5-stars-netgalley

 

 

My One And Only Duke by Grace Burrowes
https://write-escape.com/2018/10/14/my-one-and-only-duke-by-grace-burrowes-review-5-stars-netgalley