Friday Favorites: On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt

I discovered Victoria Holt when I was in middle school/high school and absolutely devoured every book of hers that I could get my hands on. I did read a few of her other pen names, but the books by this name were my favorite. I've read most of them at least two or three times. One of my very favorites of hers is On the Night of the Seventh Moon. Here's more about it:

 

On the Night of the Seventh Moon by Victoria Holt

Paperback, 384 pages

Published March 1st 1995 by Fawcett (first published 1972)

Description: According to ancient Black Forest legend, on the Night of the Seventh Moon, Loke, the God of Mischief, is at large in the world. It is a night for festivity and joyful celebration. It is a night for singing and dancing. And it is a night for love.

Helena Trant was enchanted by everything she found in the Black Forest -- especially its legends. But then, on the Night of the Seventh Moon, she started to live one of them, and the enchantment turned suddenly into a terrifying nightmare . . .

About the Author:  Eleanor Hibbert (1 September 1906 – 18 January 1993) was an English author who combined imagination with facts to bring history alive through novels of fiction and romance. She was a prolific writer who published several books a year in different literary genres, each genre under a different pen name: Jean Plaidy for fictionalized history of European royalty; Victoria Holt for gothic romances, and Philippa Carr for a multi-generational family saga. A literary split personality, she also wrote light romances, crime novels, murder mysteries and thrillers under the names Eleanor Burford, Elbur Ford, Kathleen Kellow, Anna Percival, and Ellalice Tate.
-Wikipedia

Classic Alice Web Series {Spotlight}

 

I'm here to tell you a little about a web series called Classic Alice. Not only is the entire production team female, but the show is about strong, classic literature & encourages the audience to think beyond the pages. There's a great message: read more, interpret more, and understand classic art!

The show is about Alice, a girl living her life according to classic literature, and plays on the ‘literary web series’ genre, but also turns it on its head a bit: Alice knows she is living these books. Here's a synopsis:

‘Classic Alice’ is the brainchild of series creator and star, Kate Hackett. It is the story of Alice Rackham, a college student with a huge drive to succeed. When she gets a bad grade on an essay because she isn’t emotionally connecting to material, she decides to take it a step further and live her life according to classic novels. Her friend, Andrew Prichard, uses the opportunity to make a vlog-style documentary about the process, and together they create ‘Classic Alice’.

Find Classic Alice online:

Website: www.classic-alice.com <http://www.classic-alice.com/>
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheClassicAlice
Twitter: @TheClassicAlice
YouTube: www.YouTube.com/ClassicAliceSeries <http://www.youtube.com/ClassicAliceSeries>
Podcasts: http://soundcloud.com/classicalice

If you like what you see and are interested in helping with the funding of this project, you can go here to do so:  http://igg.me/at/SaveAlice

Review: Eruption by Adrienne Quintana

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Eruption by Adrienne Quintana

Paperback, 288 pages

Published January 13th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description:
Jace Vega has finally landed her dream job—working for Omnibus, an up-and-coming tech firm. But a mysterious message from her future self sets Jace and her old friend Corey racing to piece together clues before Omnibus destroys their future—and their past. This fast-paced thriller will keep you guessing till the very last page. 

My Review:
Jace works for a great new company and is finally starting to settle into the kind of life she craves. One day, which she was out running, she finds a tablet. When she notices that it belongs to her company, she is set to turn it in...until she discovers a message from herself and an old college friend--a message from the future, which makes her think twice. After that, it's a race against time to figure out what's going on.

I like Jace. She isn't close to her father and her mother died. She has dreams, or flashbacks to the past, which fill the reader in on her life and character. She is hard to understand at first, because of her fears and anxieties, but as the gaps are filled in more, I felt like I could relate to her in a way, because I would probably be too trusting if I were in her shoes, even though her trusting nature frustrated me at times.

I've never read anything like this one and once I got into the story, I had no idea who was good, who was bad, who to trust, or what was going to happen. I would think I would know what was going on and then discover that I was completely wrong. I cannot wait for the next book!

Content:
Clean romance; mild violence; no language or religious elements

 

 

About the Author: 
 
Adrienne Quintana is the second of nine children born to professional oil artist, John Horejs, and his wife and business partner, Elaine. She spent her early years playing on the banks of the Snake River in southern Idaho while her father built a geodesic dome house. When the family wasn’t traveling around the country to art shows, Adrienne spent many happy hours reading in her unfinished, tent-like bedroom. Love of reading soon blossomed into a desire to write. If the family’s antiquated computer could be resurrected, a collection of short stories involving local characters and their epic battles with fire-breathing dragons would be sure to entertain.

After completing high school via correspondence, Adrienne studied Music Education at Mesa Community College. She took an 18 month break to serve a church mission in Montreal, Canada, where she gained invaluable life experiences and a few pounds from the local delicacies. After the completion of her mission and a month abroad in Europe, Adrienne moved to Utah with the intention of continuing her education at Brigham Young University, but these plans were short-lived when she met her husband-to-be while working at an investment company. Soon after their marriage, the Quintanas packed up and moved to Minnesota, where Adrienne worked while her husband earned a Law degree.

After four children and a move to Arizona, Adrienne completed her Bachelors of Science and Communication at the University of Phoenix. In the throes of housekeeping, potty-training, and carpooling, Adrienne discovered that she could find time to accomplish her goals—often in the quiet hours after the children were in bed. Since her graduation in 2012, those quiet moments have been used to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a writer. 

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Review: The Mysterious Doll by Linda Weaver Clarke

The Mysterious Doll (Amelia Moore Detective Series Book 4) by Linda Weaver Clarke

ebook, 162 pages

Expected publication: January 31st 2015 by Smashwords Edition 

Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Description:

Amelia Moore, the founder of the Moore Detective Agency, specializes in missing persons. Her cases have taken her to some very interesting places and put her in some dangerous situations, but she always solves the case. With the help of her partner, Rick Bonito, the business is flourishing.

Pauline Jones is confused why her boyfriend took off without telling a soul where he was going. But that isn’t all. Sam Whitaker is accused of stealing a valuable porcelain doll from the museum. His disappearance makes him look guilty, but Pauline is convinced he is innocent. When Amelia finds Sam, she realizes they need to prove his innocence. Where is the antique doll and who has taken it? 

My Review:
I've read all of this author's mysteries and this one is my favorite! They're all good, but they just keep getting better and better. I think part of it is getting to know the characters more with each book and watching the way Amelia and her partner, Rick, work together.

Amelia is a smart woman--one who definitely follows her hunches and thinks outside of the box. Rick is there to bring new ideas and ways of thinking into the partnership in order to help solve the cases. Rick and Amelia are attracted to one another and their relationship slowly develops over each passing book. There was a lot more romance between them in this one and it was very sweet to watch them interact with one another. They didn't let that get in the way of their work.

The mystery element was great! It moved along at a good pace and just when I thought I had it figured out at the end, a few twists were thrown in and I was at a loss once again. What I especially love is there are always great characters, a good plot, an entertaining mystery, and it's all clean. These books don't have to be read in order, since each book is about a different case, but it really helps to do so in order to see the progression of both the working and personal relationship between Rick and Amelia.

Content: no language; mild violence; no religious elements; squeaky clean romance
(to see my new content rating system, click here)

 

 

About the Author:  
 
Linda Weaver Clarke travels throughout the United States, teaching a “Family Legacy Workshop,” encouraging people to write their family history and autobiography. She is the author of the historical romance series, “A Family Saga in Bear Lake, Idaho,” which includes: Melinda and the Wild West - a semi-finalist for the “Reviewers Choice Award 2007,” and a new mystery series, “The Adventures of John and Julia Evans.” 

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Rough Edges by Kimberly Krey $50 Book Blast

Rough Edges by Kimberly Krey $50 Book Blast
Divorced mother, Allie Emerson, never imagined she’d be raising two teenage girls on her own. Between parenting and paying the bills, she hasn’t even thought about meeting a man. That changes once she hears local carpenter, Braden Fox, is in need of a secretary. Back in high school, Allie had done all she could to deny the sparks burning between her and Braden; perhaps now they could explore the possibilities. Braden has heard all about what Terrance did to Allie and the girls, has been planning to stop by and see how she’s getting along, but Allie beats him to it by showing up at his shop in search of a job. Her single visit reignites the old flame Braden used to torch for her; trouble is, old feelings of resentment return as well. Allie did choose Terrance over him, after all. And as much as Braden wants Allie in his life, he’s not sure he can open his heart again. With this second chance at romance, will the bumps in their relationship be too much to get over, or will this carpenter learn to smooth out the past?
 

Amazon

   
Praise for Rough Edges "Kimberly Krey never fails to truly amaze and captivate my heart ... She has done it yet again with this heart stopping journey of a second chance at a once in a lifetime love." ~Amber @ Wonderings of One Person

"An utterly charming romance!" ~Jamie Brook Thompson  

 

Excerpt

Their eyes met once more, and a shot of heat flooded his chest like a liquid bolt of lightening, forcing his pulse to rush. “I’ve missed you,” he blurted.

Her eyes widened in response, and Braden wondered if he’d been too bold. He’d hardly meant to speak it. It’d been more of a thought. A longing, really.

At last she nodded. “Yeah,” she said, her voice soft and low. “I … I’ve been wondering about you too. How you’ve been over the years. I kept asking Terrance who you were dating. If you were close to marrying anyone…” Her words drifted off for a breath, but then she spoke up again. “You admitted that you’d turned down our offers to come to dinner and catch up.” She studied him for a moment, a challenge presented in her gaze. “All those years. Why didn’t you just come?”

“You know why.” He’d nearly spoken over her, but he couldn’t help it.

“No, Braden, I don’t.”

He nodded adamantly, taking a step back and folding his arms. “Think about it, Allie.” ...

“I have thought about it –”

“Not nearly enough, apparently,” he snapped.

“I’ve thought about it all these years. It hurt my feelings. I thought we were friends.”

... Braden bit back his words and broke into a pace.

“Braden,” she said, “I wanted you to stay a part of our lives. You were the best influence Terrance had and you just stopped being his friend? Why would you do that?”

Braden froze in place. “I was a better friend to him than you’ll ever know.” Or possibly the worst, he realized. He strode back, his gaze set on her. “And I didn’t want to be your friend, Allie. I wanted more than that and you know it.”

Her face fell flat. Her lips parted. But no words came. She cleared her throat, casting her eyes to the floor.

“Yeah,” he said. “Don’t pretend that you don’t know. I made it clear. And as soon as I did you started setting me up with every friend you had. Including Kayla.”

“That’s not…” Her face flushed red. Her lips tightened. “That’s not how it went, Braden.” The silence that followed was painful. The tension wedged in each passing second pressed at Braden’s last nerve.

“Well,” he said, “this has been a nice trip down memory lane, but if you don’t mind I’ve got to get back to work. Come on out when you’re ready.” He turned away from her in one quick jerk and walked out of the kitchen, one long stride after the next.

Author Kimberly Krey
Writing Romance That's Clean Without Losing the Steam! I'm a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. I'm not patient enough to enjoy yoga, or tall enough to be great at basketball, but I do love to run - anywhere but on a treadmill. I love the sound of a rainstorm when I have no place to go, the feel of Soft Lips chap Stick on my lips, and the first peek of blue water as we round the mountains toward our favorite getaway in Bear Lake.

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Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennett $50 Book Blast

Devon's Choice by Catherine Bennett $50 Book Blast
Life holds no surprises for Devon Murphy. Her life consists of keeping tabs on her aging Irish father, working part time at a coffee shop, and building her online graphics design business. Devon’s only tricky situation is a shallow relationship with the pampered and affluent Michael Turner, who sees her as just another woman to conquer. Following his father’s death, Brandon’s only goal is to expand the family business and live life on his own terms. That is, until he walks into the coffee shop one snowy evening and meets the enchanting, red-haired barista behind the counter. But can Devon and Brandon’s attraction for each other be strong enough to help erase their deepest disappointments and renew their faith in God? 

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 Excerpt: Brandon looked over at her neutral expression. Whatever kind of relationship she had with Michael Turner didn’t seem to be making her happy. At that moment, all he wanted to do was to make her forget all about the jerk.

As if sensing him watching her, Devon turned her head enough to make eye contact with him. The faint, milky glow from the streetlight showed enough of her features for him to see a soft blush warm her cheeks. Under her dark lashes, he watched her sea green eyes glint invitingly as her soft lips turned up at the corners. In that moment, his resolve to keep the date on a friendly level came crashing down.

 

Author Catherine Bennett
 I grew up in Ohio where I currently live with my husband and our two rescue Labradors. Some of my favorite things include reading, shopping, pepperoni pizza, Hershey bars and hanging out with my two grown sons. I also love dogs; so going to the dog park is cheap entertainment for my husband and I! Growing up an only child, I had many imaginary friends. I believe this - and a love of books - fueled my desire to write. It was many years later that my dream of becoming a published author came true. I’m grateful to God for always keeping a story in my heart and hope you are blessed and entertained by my book.

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Coming Soon...

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$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 2/15/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Keeping Kate by Lauren Winder Farnsworth

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Keeping Kate by Lauren Winder Farnsworth

Paperback, 320 pages

Published January 13th 2015 by Cedar Fort Publishing & Media
Source: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description:
Orphan Kate Evans is determined to make a life for herself on a Utah ranch, taking care of a little girl named Addie. But when she meets her irritable employer, Kate is forced to confront the past she's been running from—and face a future she never dreamed possible. This latter-day twist on the classic Jane Eyre is a romantic and gripping read.

My Review:
I've read Jane Eyre several times and have absolutely loved it! The author did a great job in staying true to the original story, yet keeping it inventive, if that makes sense.  

Kate is an orphan, wanting to find somewhere to belong. She becomes a nanny for a sweet little girl, Addie, and finds her niche. Kate is strong because she has to be. Her parents death left her feeling unloved and unwanted, yet her faith never wavers. For as strong as she is, she sure is naive. There were times when I wanted to yell at her to wake up and take a look around. She missed some very obvious things.

Her employer, Addie's father, Tyler, is very gruff and grumpy at first and then he abruptly changed--I wish it would've been a smoother transition. Honestly, I had a hard time liking Tyler. He came off across as spoiled and selfish. Yes, he had good reasons to be grumpy and selfish, but that didn't change how I felt about him.

Tyler's best friend, Jonathan, suddenly decides he likes Kate and the pursuit  and love triangle is on! Things only get more complicated when someone returns from Tyler's past. I didn't like the way things resulted with that arrival.

The relationships were all complicated; the characters were flawed; the story was full of assumptions and misunderstandings, yet it worked. This version was harder for me to love. After much pondering on the reasons why, I decided that it's because this takes place in the here and now, which really personalizes it more, and I wouldn't be okay with these situations that seemed fine 200 years ago.

Content: no language or violence; heavy religious tones (LDS)--lots of details about faith, religion, etc.; mild romance (clean kissing). Clean.

 

 

About the Author:
 
Lauren Winder Farnsworth was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She is an avid reader, a chocolate enthusiast, a musicophile and a CPA—which, yes, is somewhat unusual for a novelist, but don’t let that freak you out. She obtained bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting from the University of Utah, went to work as an auditor of various financial statements, and then decided that writing down the stories swimming in her head sounded like a good creative outlet on the side. Having obtained two degrees from the same institution has made Lauren somewhat of a compound collegiate fan, and the only entity that holds more of her heart than the University of Utah is her husband, Bryan. Lauren currently lives in South Jordan, Utah, where she spends entirely too much time watching Gilmore Girls and looking for excuses not to clean. She loves to hear from her readers at www.laurenwinderfarnsworth.com.

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Review: The Legend of Abuela Rose: Pirates and Legends by D. Ann Nadeau

 

The Legend of Abuela Rose: Pirates and Legends - Book One by D. Ann Nadeua

Kindle Edition, 133 pages

Published November 16th 2014 by LJM Publishing, LLC 

Source: I received a copy from the author in exchange for an honest review

Description:

Heart broken and afraid, Gabriella – the beautiful granddaughter of Abuela Rose – stands atop a windy mountain wondering what will become of her and the life she has always known.

At the same time, floating on the ocean, surrounding that windy mountain, is a ship captained by a pirate with designs on both Gabriella and the seaside village she calls home.

When the two collide, Gabriella must fight to save all that is important to her even if it means disguising herself to face down the evil Captain Eduardo.

Written with purpose and heart, The Legend of Abuela Rose is the first in D. Ann Nadeau’s Pirates and Legends series. This first book tells the tale of a young girl, who after great loss, finds her life’s purpose. Young readers will enjoy the humor and adventure as they come to understand the importance of both kindness and service to others. 

My Review:
What a sweet little story! Although it's short, it really packs a punch. Gabriella is now alone, since her beloved grandmother has passed away. As she's standing on the mountain, mourning her loss, a pirate captain, Eduardo, spots her through his spyglass while at sea, and is determined to make her his wife.

There are many poignant moments, as well as many humorous ones. I love the growth and the circumstances surrounding that growth. The story progresses in a natural way; it never fee;s rushed--it feels complete.

Grizzly, one of Eduardo's crew members really stole my heart. He's often thought of as stupid, but he has such a big heart and is a great character, one who really understands what matters. He knows more than others think he does. The characters really are great and the descriptions made them easy to visualize. As in any great story, some are easy to love and others are easy to hate.

Content: Clean!

About the Author:

D. Ann Nadeau is the best-selling author of So Many Miracles and The Legend of Abuela Rose, Pirates and Legends Book One.

The recipient of a four-year acting scholarship, D. Ann Nadeau attended Suffolk University where she won multiple awards including the Helen Hayes Award. As a performer, she has appeared in such productions as The Glass Menagerie (as Amanda) and Annie (as Mrs. Hannigan). In addition to stage, D. Ann has worked in movies including the award-winning short Retirement Rehearsal for The American Film Institute.

Believing humor is the best medicine, D. Ann studied at L.A.'s famed Groundlings School and performed stand-up at venues including The Improv, Catch a Rising Star and The Comedy Store.

Her favorite job has been that of wife, mom, grandma and teacher. D. Ann and her husband, Jerry, divide their time between Arizona and Ecuador and enjoy traveling.

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