Book Spotlight: The Lady's Triumph by Shelley Adina and R.E. Scott

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Lady's Triumph by Shelly Adina & R.E. Scott, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: The Lady's Triumph 

Series: The Regent's Devices #3 

Author: Shelley Adina and R.E. Scott 

Publisher: Moonshell Books 

Release Date: September 28, 2022 

Genre: Regency Steampunk

Only one thing could be worse than Napoleon’s invasion of England…

After their daring adventures behind enemy lines in France, Loveday Penhale and Celeste Blanchard cannot settle into everyday life at home. Has the Tinkering Prince forgotten them entirely? What of the prize he promised? Then, with the flourish of a royal messenger’s hand, their lives are changed. Not only have they won the prize, they are to join the Prince’s Own Engineers in London! 

They must overcome many a stone in the path, however—leave all they love, find a suitable house, and worst of all, cope with a chaperone—before they can take their rightful places among the most intelligent and forward-thinking minds in the kingdom. Their goal? To develop an airborne fleet that will end Napoleon’s dreams of conquering England forever. 

But the saboteur who has been plaguing their efforts for months has not yet been caught. And along with battling for acceptance among the engineers, tiptoeing closer to falling in love, and receiving invitations to Almack’s, they must discover the traitor’s identity … before the Prince Regent steps forward to command the fleet and finds himself playing right into Napoleon’s hands.

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookBub

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EXCERPT 

Determined to see this new planet named George, Celeste and Emory headed up the stairs, where a footman pointed them to the second flight into the top floor of the house. Several couples had also abandoned the ball and stood waiting for a chance to look through the eyepiece of the long brass telescope trained out the window.

Oblivious to the frigid air crawling in, Mr. Guelph was keeping an eye on his treasure. He wiped down the eyepiece with a cloth after each guest and adjusted this dial and that level.

“Ah, Miss Aventure, Sir Emory,” he said as they stepped forward for their turn. “I thought you’d make your way up here sooner or later. Couldn’t wait to catch a peek, what?”

“A decided attraction, sir,” Emory said. He stepped aside to let Celeste go first.

She bent to the eyepiece. In the night sky, stars popped into view, gleaming yellow and blue and red like gemstones scattered on velvet. And there, that faint bluish haze, that was the planet?

“Amazing,” she said, straightening. “But you must speak with Loveday. She has made a device that can see even farther.”

Their host’s brows rose. “Indeed. You can be sure I’ll discuss it with her at the first opportunity. In fact—” He glanced around. The other couples had left. “Keep an eye on it for me, will you?”

Emory didn’t have a moment to agree before Mr. Guelph barreled out.

“You will want to look,” Celeste told Emory in the quiet that followed.

“Why?” Emory asked. “The most beautiful sight of the night is standing right in front of me.” He bent closer. Celeste raised her chin and closed her eyes, shivering in anticipation.

“Now, that’s a statement I might have to steal.”

Emory straightened, and Celeste could have wished Jacob Barnes to perdition. Leaning against the doorjamb, their colleague grinned at them both, then sighed theatrically. “Ah, young love. Truly a marvel.”

It would be a marvel, if it were only true.

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ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Shelley Adina is the author of more than 50 novels published by Harlequin, Warner, Hachette, and Moonshell Books, Inc., her own independent press. She writes steampunk adventure and mystery as Shelley Adina; as Charlotte Henry, writes classic Regency romance; and as Adina Senft, is the USA Today bestselling author of Amish women’s fiction. She holds a PhD in Creative Writing from Lancaster University in the UK, won RWA’s RITA Award® in 2005, and was a finalist in 2006. When she’s not writing, Shelley is usually quilting, sewing historical costumes, or enjoying the garden with her flock of rescued chickens.

R.E. (Regina) Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t sell her first novel until she learned a bit more about writing. She now has had published more than 60 works of warm, witty historical romance for Harlequin, Penguin, and Revell. Regina and her husband of more than 30 years reside in the Puget Sound area of Washington State on the way to Mt Rainier. She has dressed as a Regency dandy, learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research, of course.

Connect with Shelley by visiting shelleyadina.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates. Connect with R.E. Scott by visiting reginascott.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(3) winners will receive a copy of The Emperor’s Aeronaut and The Prince’s Pilot (print + bookmarks US only, ebook internationally).

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 27, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 4, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Print + bookmarks US only, ebook internationally.Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen

 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Covert Danger by Jerusha Agen, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Covert Danger 

Series: Guardians Unleashed #2 

Author: Jerusha Agen 

Publisher: SDG Words, LLC 

Release Date: September 22, 2022 

Genre: Christian, Romantic Suspense

A K-9 protection team. An assassin. Only one can survive.

An assassin is on the loose in the Twin Cities, aiming to kill FBI witnesses the Phoenix K-9 Security and Detection Agency is hired to protect. Rogue CIA agent Amalia Pérez and her protection K-9 must get the edge on this deadly opponent before he kills her childhood best friend—the only man who knows her true identity. 

Investigative journalist Michael Barrett can’t believe his eyes when the woman he’s spent years searching for walks back into his life. But he soon fears the woman he loved is lost forever beneath the secrets Amalia wears like armor. 

As the assassin closes in, Amalia will risk anything to keep Michael safe—anything except believing in the God he trusts. When the layers of deception become as dangerous as bullets, can Amalia and Michael uncover the truth in time to stop the assassin from completing his lethal mission?

PURCHASE LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookDepository | IndieBound | BookBub

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EXCERPT

Michael swung back to face Amalia “I don’t know why you lied to them and why you’re lying now, but you know better than anyone I won’t lie. For you or anyone else.”

An odd sensation pinged her chest. As if he’d shot an arrow that bounced off the rock of her heart. She mentally brushed away the laughable image and returned to her objective—persuading an uncooperative protected witness not to blow her cover.

“There’s a lot at stake in your cooperation, though I can’t tell you what it is.” The words, You’ll have to trust me, died before they came out. She wouldn’t go that far. Not with Michael. She didn’t even trust herself, and she was the last person he would trust.

“I understand you don’t want to lie.” She held the breath she wanted to exhale. It’d be a tell that suggested compromise, giving up ground. “You don’t need to lie about knowing me or keep our history a secret if you’re asked directly. All I’m asking is that you call me by my right name and don’t reveal my former identity to anyone. I am Amalia Pérez now, so you won’t be lying. The person you knew no longer exists.”

He walked farther away from her and stopped at the end of the king-sized bed, looking out the glass patio doors ten feet in front of him. “Okay.”

Amalia relaxed her grip on Raksa’s leash. Another successful negotiation.

“But on one condition.” He turned toward her, sunlight from the window behind him backlighting his strong frame. “That you tell me what happened to Sofia.”

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jerusha Agen imagines danger around every corner, but knows God is there, too. So naturally, she writes romantic suspense infused with the hope of salvation in Jesus Christ. Jerusha loves to hang out with her big furry dogs and little furry cats, often while reading or watching movies.

Connect with Jerusha by visiting JerushaAgen.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $50 Barnes & Noble gift card, a signed Covert Danger paperback, plus a Covert Danger mug and swag.

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight September 26, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on October 3, 2022. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Untold by Vanessa Hall

About the Book:

You can only run for so long …

Two years hasn’t erased the sting of betrayal and the shadow of the past, but Nikolai Alexandrov has finally found a way to live. Moscow, Russia, is the last place anyone would look for a rogue ex-CIA officer, and the members of Grace Baptist Church see beyond his past to the man he is now.

Molly Baird never wanted to be a missionary, but due to her father’s wishes, she lands in Moscow to aid her missionary cousin, Gabe Kelly. All is foreign in the massive city, though, rendering her unable to serve. Only the few English speakers in Grace Baptist’s congregation hold a trace of familiarity—including Nikolai, whose kindness she can’t deny.

Yet when a sniper’s bullet strikes far too close, Nikolai and Molly are thrown together in a desperate race against untold threats. When time runs out, will Nikolai and Molly be able to trust God with the past—and with the future?

Goodreads ┃Purchase Untold┃ Unknown (Book 1) is $.99 on Amazon

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Excerpt from Untold 

On nights like this, it only took footsteps.

Or the glare of a streetlight. The shouts of a drunken neighbor. The ache in his chest.

All reminders that wouldn’t loosen their grips, even after months.

Years.

He blinked his eyes open, the leather of a Bible soft against his fingers. Yet instead of comforting Words, a name stared up, penned in stalwart blue ink.

Nikolai Petrovich Alexandrov.

A lie.

Even a dozen aliases hadn’t convinced him he was anyone but Nick Bates—a stupid kid from Tennessee who’d ended up in Russia.

Six years.

He slid the Bible to the nightstand, his hand shaking.

Pathetic.

He drew his fingers into a fist.

The red numbers on the alarm clock, ever taunting, glowed three forty-seven. Mid-morning back home.

His eyes fell shut, and he slumped back onto the lumpy mattress.

Cold jolted through his veins, his fingers curving into the rumpled sheets.

Enough. Morning would eventually come, and according to Polachev, work would be back-breaking.

What would he have thought ten years ago if he’d known only a construction job awaited? Yet anything more risked discovery of falsified documents—and therefore endangered this very fragile safety.

One word from the right person, and it’d be over.

His forehead throbbed in time with his pounding pulse, and he pried his hand from the sheet to press to the ache. Heat flooded his palm, slick with sweat.

It was high time to learn to deal with this. Other men had suffered worse.

A deep breath, in through his nose, rasping past the congestion.

Easy, pure—

The breath caught, smothering.

No.

He jerked upright, fire flooding his chest. Coughs tore his raw throat—but at least they smothered the cry.

Just a cold. The pastor’s little granddaughter had been coughing up a storm on Sunday.

Yet dizziness still attacked, his breaths coming as pants.

Tough officer, wasn’t he, unable to sleep because of a stuffy nose and a cough.

Oh, God, please help me. This has to end … it has to.

Training should’ve stopped this, should’ve prepared him.

Yet he’d marched right into Serbia. And even after that nightmare, straight into Russia.

So young, so confident, so incredibly stupid.

He squeezed his eyes shut.

He never would’ve stepped foot in this place if he’d known what he would find.

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About the Author:

Vanessa Hall is an author, musician, and homeschool graduate. Most days, she is reading, writing, or practicing the violin—or trying to find time for all three pursuits. Currently, she is working toward gaining a degree in instrumental music education. But above all, she is a sinner saved and held fast by the abounding grace of Jesus Christ.

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Connect with Vanessa:

Website/Blog: https://vanessahallauthor.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21596469.Vanessa_Hall

Newsletter: https://vanessahall.ck.page/ 

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vanessa-Hall/e/B09D5FK28P/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/vanessa-hall-76d55a60-3f49-4ac3-8e43-d64014ae4c55

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Tour Giveaway:

One winner will receive free e-copies (epub or pdf) of Unworthy and Untold. Winner will be announced on Saturday, October 1, on Vanessa’s blog and will be contacted via email. Giveaway open to all entrants over 18.

Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/b768bf280/

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Tour Schedule:

Friday, September 23

Kristina Hall – Spotlight

Rachel – Spotlight

Emma – Review

Rachel Anne English – Spotlight and Author Interview

Vanessa Hall - Tour Kickoff + Giveaway Announcement!

Saturday, September 24

Kristina Hall – Review

Anna – Review

Vanessa Hall - An Author’s Perspective: What Do I Love Most About My Characters?

Lorelai Angelo – Spotlight

Sunday, September 25

Jolene @ Beauty in the Binding – Spotlight

Monday, September 26

Kristina Hall – Character Questionnaire (Daniil, Evgeny, and Gregor)

Grace A. Johnson – Spotlight

Kirby @ The Preppy Book Princess – Review

Tuesday, September 27

Stephanie @ Books Less Travelled – Review

Lillian Keith – Spotlight

Charity Henico – Review

Wednesday, September 28

Lillian Keith – Author Interview

Saraina Whitney – Review

Issabelle Perry – Review

Thursday, September 29

Stephanie @ Books Less Travelled – Author Interview

Madisyn Carlin @ Madi’s Musings – Spotlight and Author Interview

Vanessa Hall - Music of Untold (In Which I Gift You with A Playlist!)

Friday, September 30

Katja L. @ Old-Fashioned Book Love – Spotlight and Review

Rachel Anne English – Review and Character Questionnaire (Nikolai)

Abby Burrus – Review

Issabelle Perry – Author Interview

Saturday, October 1

Saraina Whitney – Character Questionnaire (Molly)

Kayti - Review

Vanessa Hall - Wrapup + Giveaway Winners!

Book Spotlight: An Autumn Kiss Novella Collection

 

QUICK FACTS

• Title: An Autumn Kiss

• Series: Timeless Victorian Collection (Book 7)

• Authors: Laura Rollins, Annette Lyon, & Lisa H. Catmull

• Genre: Historical Romance, Victorian Romance, Inspirational Fiction

• Publisher: Mirror Press (September 20, 2022)

• Length: (275) pages

• Format: Trade paperback, eBook, & audiobook 

• ISBN: 978-1952611308

• Tour Dates: September 12 – 25, 2022

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BOOK DESCRIPTION

An Autumn Kiss is the seventh book in the Timeless Victorian Collection, a bestselling anthology series from Mirror Press. The book features three novellas from acclaimed historical romance authors whose stories reveal if one kiss will change the lives of the three heroines.

“The Plucky Miss Ruth,” by Laura Rollins

Miss Ruth Hughes is certain she’s caught in a time loop—every day she wakes to find it exactly as the one before. A thrilling prospect to be sure. If the many books she reads on time travel has taught her anything, it is that to break free she must complete an all-important task. For Ruth the task is straightforward: reunite a couple, once desperately in love but forced apart by society. Unfortunately, things are not always as easy as they first appear. Struggling, Ruth opens up to the handsome Lord Lambert and he readily agrees to help. With autumn on the brink of turning into winter, time is running out for Ruth to help the ones who need her most. And, with a bit of luck, perhaps she can even find a little time for her own happily ever after.

“Mr. Dowling’s Remedy,” by Annette Lyon

Crandall Dowling’s aspirations of becoming a physician collapse when he develops symptoms that land him in an asylum. He’s been at Sherville Retreat long enough for autumn leaves to appear when Beverly Stanton arrives. She’s held under the dubious diagnosis of “hysteria” but seems perfectly sane, unlike Crandall, though his verbal and physical tics don’t seem to scare or even bother her. Beverly and Crandall develop a friendship fueled by an undeniable attraction that under other circumstances could become more. But in an asylum, one cannot plan a future, let alone one of love or marriage. Then tragedy strikes, testing staff and patients beyond anyone’s training. When the dust settles, Beverly’s diagnosis may be reversed, but if she leaves, what will become of her? What of Crandall? And what of their autumn-born love?

“A Railway Through the Roses,” by Lisa H. Catmull

Mr. Adrian Everard has tried everything to keep his father’s factory open, but a single solution remains. Marry an heiress before Christmas to fund the desperately needed railway. The local landowner, Lady Anne Baxter, will not agree to sell her garden—or her heart. Indeed, his childhood friend is determined to sabotage all his efforts to find a wife. As the deadline for Adrian to choose a bride draws close, one thing becomes painfully obvious. Saving the factory will mean losing the woman he loves forever.

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EXCERPT 

A Railway Through the Roses, by Lisa H. Catmull

Chapter One


Adrian Everard was the last man I wanted to see first thing in the morning while carrying a vase of flowers, but I forced my best smile. My baroness smile. I held out a hand and hid my annoyance. “Mr. Everard. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?”

“Lady Baxter.” He clasped my hand and gave me his most dangerous, adorably sheepish smile. The one that had almost convinced me to agree to his preposterous idea. “I apologize for the earliness of my visit. I neglected one detail from our conversation yesterday.”

He hadn’t let go of my hand yet, and my fingers fit perfectly in his. It was hard to remember that we stood in my entrance hall instead of a ballroom, as we had so many times before.

I shifted the vase to my other arm and tried to pull my hand out of his grip. He startled and dropped my fingers abruptly. I motioned awkwardly toward my library. “Shall we?”

“After you.” Adrian rubbed the back of his neck. “The guests arrive any moment for my father’s blasted house party.”

I stopped abruptly and arched an eyebrow coolly.

Adrian held up his hands. “Don’t look at me like that. You’re invited to all the events.”

He had always been a bit oblivious, so I wondered if it was even worth an effort. “It’s not that.”

“What?” Adrian shifted from one foot to another. “I called you Lady Baxter instead of Annie. I’m on my best behavior today. I knew you’d be awake, and the early hour really can’t be helped.”

I sighed and set the vase on the closest sideboard. “Adrian, why is your father hosting this blasted house party?”

He grinned. “It’s not really swearing if I’m around you.”

He was hopeless. “And the party?”

Adrian tugged at his waistcoat. “Father rounded up some heiresses for me to marry.”

My temper rose at his casual tone, but I took a deep breath and resumed my walk down the hall. “And will you tell the charming and intelligent heiresses about your deuced bad luck or the blasted contraptions that pass as train carriages?”

He cleared his throat behind me. “You’ve never complained before. We talk man-to-man about all our business.”

I stopped again. “Man to man?”

“You know what I mean, Annie. Business associate to business associate. You own half the countryside around here, so I treat you like an equal. Why should I start watching my language now?”

I shook my head and continued to my library, muttering beneath my breath, “And you wonder why you’re still unmarried.”

“I heard that,” Adrian said. “I don’t swear around women, just around you.”

I picked up my pace. “You may be my closest neighbor and oldest friend, but sometimes I want to strangle you.” It didn’t matter what I wore or how I did my hair, Adrian never saw me as a woman, just as another business partner.

“What? I won’t say one inappropriate thing at the house party, I swear.”

I laughed.

“Wrong choice of words,” he admitted. That grin was going to be the death of me. I couldn’t stay mad when one side of his mouth tilted up and that single dimple appeared.

We both knew I would agree to anything he asked, but I intended to put up a fight first. Adrian put a hand on my arm to stop me at the door of my library. “Promise you’ll come to some of the events.”

I tried to say no. “You can be miserable on your own,” I said. “I have no desire to marry at present.”

“I know,” Adrian said, glancing around. His hand fell off my arm. “Where’s Fenton? Is he joining us?”

“He and Aunt are just finishing breakfast.”

Adrian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Good chap.”

I nodded. “The kindest and best.”

We hovered in the doorway together. His pale green eyes, flecked with auburn, were framed by thick eyelashes. His eyebrows were an odd mixture of rust and brown, almost as dark as his hair.

The clock chimed the hour as my cousin rushed down the hallway. “Didn’t know we were starting early today.” He looked between us. “What did I miss?”

“Nothing.” Adrian rushed past me into the burgundy-wallpapered room. “Morning, Fenton.”

I seated myself behind my mother’s thick mahogany desk as Adrian slipped into his favorite chair across from me. His gaze caught mine, and my stomach flipped.

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ABOUT THE SERIES

Since 2015, Mirror Press has been presenting the Timeless Romance Collection, a curated anthology of novellas and short stories featuring bestselling authors from the contemporary and historical romance genres. The collection has hit the USA TODAY bestselling list and charted at #1 at Amazon.com. Learn more about the series and other anthologies published by Mirror Press at their website.   

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ADVANCE PRAISE

• 5 STARS – “…a fun collection and each of them have something unique from most of the romances I've read. Very enjoyable reading.”— Maria Thomas, Goodreads

• “This anthology is truly wonderful. Each story is very distinct from the others, and each is also very compelling. It will keep you reading and wanting more with each page and chapter.”— Shauna Jones, Goodreads

• 5 STARS “absolutely adored this collection of short stories! I would recommend this collection to anyone who needs an escape for a couple of hours.”— Jzcotter03, Goodreads

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PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON | BOOKBUB | GOODREADS

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AUTHOR BIOS

Laura Rollins

Laura Rollins has always loved a heart-melting happily ever after. It didn’t matter if the story took place in Regency England, or in a cobbler’s shop, if there was a sweet romance, she would read it.

​

Life has given her many of her own adventures. Currently she lives in the Rocky Mountains with her best friend, who is also her husband, and their four beautiful children. She still loves to read books and more books; her favorite types of music are classical, Broadway, and country; she loves hiking in the mountains near her home; and she’s been known to debate with her oldest son about whether Infinity is better categorized as a number or an idea.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Annette Lyon

Annette Lyon is a USA Today bestselling author, a 9-time recipient of Utah’s Best in State medal for fiction (three times for novel-length works and five times for short fiction), and a Whitney Award winner for BAND OF SISTERS. She's the author of over a dozen novels, at least that many novellas, a cookbook, a popular grammar guide, and over a hundred magazine articles.

She’s a founder and regular contributor of the Timeless Romance Anthologies line of sweet romance stories, which she served as editor for its first three years. She's also one of the four co-authors of The Newport Ladies Book Club series. She graduated cum laude from BYU with a degree in English.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Lisa H. Catmull

I write clean and wholesome romances in the Victorian era and sweet contemporary romances. My books have been nominated for Swoony, RONE, and Whitney awards. 

 

I taught Middle School English and History for seven years before pursuing screenwriting and writing. I currently live between a canyon and a lake in Utah with my husband, two cats, and two rambunctious children.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | GOODREADS

Author Interview & Giveaway: The Characters Within by Sunshine Rodgers

About the Book

Book: The Characters Within

Author: Sunshine Rodgers

Genre: Inspirational Fiction / Romance / Humor

Release date: July 30, 2020

Brittany Myers is stuck. She hates her role as a Cheese Crusader to Florida’s popular Cheddar and Such theme park! She is sick of the guests, the heat and working at the Fun at the Parm Attraction which features the animatronics Patty the Pretzel and Peter the Breadstick.

Her only relief from the monotony is writing chapters in her upcoming novel “The Carnival Ride” where she tells stories with theatrical scenes about her co-workers, her fears and the struggles she faces day in and day out.

With the help of her work family, the man of her dreams and her best friend, Brittany discovers that the magic she is looking for was right inside of her the entire time.

Click here to get your copy!

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About the Author

Sunshine Rodgers is   an International Best-Selling Author on Amazon. She has written 11 books which have landed on 26 different Best Seller lists, including #1 in the United Kingdom, #2 in the United States and #25 in Canada. Her books have been translated in several languages (Spanish, English and Portuguese). She has participated in 5 book tours and dozens of book signings. When she is not writing, Sunshine is a guest and featured author on radio, podcasts and online magazines. Sunshine is a Brand Ambassador, a Blogger and an Entrepreneur to her 32,000 social media followers. Sunshine is married to the love of her life, Travis, and they reside in sunny Florida.

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Interview with Sunshine

Q: What was the inspiration behind this novel?

Sunshine: The Characters Within is a story about Brittany Myers who works at Cheddar and Such theme park and is writing a novel, “The Carnival Ride” using her co-workers as real-life characters in her story.

This is a true to real-life story because I used to work at a theme park and I used 35 of my former co-workers as characters on the pages. (you can read all the names on my website: http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/)

I experienced so much of the raw and real and behind the scenes from working years at the theme park that I decided to make a fiction novel about my personal experience.


Q: Do you have a favorite quote from this novel?

Sunshine: I have a few favorite quotes that I have listed on my Goodreads page (https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/85445124-the-characters-within)

One is when “Uncle” Mike starts signing his song ♫♫ Good Luck Charm ♫♫ to Sasha and I love that song. It’s so encouraging!

“♫♫ “I have always believed in you. I have seen you grow. And you young lady are a star!” ♫♫ Mike starts singing with a reassuring tone.

Sasha stops him and speaks gently. “No. Not me!”

He continues his song as the music trails behind him. ♫♫ “If there’s anyone I know, who has the charm, who has the glow …it’s you!” ♫♫”
― Sunshine Rodgers, The Characters Within

Sunshine: A second quote is from one of The Jokesters, Andrew Masterson who sings to Sasha the song, ♫ I Dare You! ♫ I love this particular song because it encompasses the fun I used to have on set.

“Andrew sings with his energetic and powerful voice, grabbing Sasha's hand and twirling her around. ♬♫ "There is something Unique. Something True. A Rare Beauty within you. I dare you to show it!" ♬♫”
― Sunshine Rodgers, The Characters Within

Sunshine: The last quote I want to share showcases Brittany’s frustration with working at the Cheddar and Such theme park while keeping her dreams alive.

“One day, I'll be away from all of this! I will make enough money after getting my book published, and I will sign a literary contract and be living the dream!

A little boy drops his frozen custard near me, causing the vanilla cream to spread all over my black shoes.

I frown with displeasure and shake it off.

One day...”
― Sunshine Rodgers, The Characters Within


Q: What are you reading now?

Sunshine: I am reading Present Concerns, journalistic essays by C.S. Lewis.

I absolutely love this book, especially the essay titled “Hedonics” where Lewis talks about finding the joy in the mundane, describing how a simple train ride can become an adventure!

I am such a fan of C.S. Lewis! One of my favorite books written from him is The Screwtape Letters, a fiction story about demons and their attempt to turn a human to their side.

I wrote a modern-day version of this classic titled After You: A Demon is Always Lurking Nearby which is a PG-13 Dark Christian Fiction novel told from a demon’s point of view.


Q: Who is an author you would recommend to anyone and everyone?

Sunshine: I am an avid reader, devouring about 2-2 books a month and I love the authors: C.S. Lewis, John Eldredge, Sarah Dessen, T.D. Jakes, Joyce Meyer, Mark Batterson, Max Lucado and Gene Edwards.

These authors truly inspire, grow and mature me! I recommend any of their books!! These names are such great Authors and teachers!

My all-time favorite book is Wild at Heart by John Eldredge with a close second being The Truth about Forever by Sarah Dessen (and did I mention I love The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis???)


Q: Where can readers find out more about you and your novel?

Sunshine: My website (http://www.sunshinerodgers.com/) shares reviews, book trailers, Best Seller lists, audio book samples and so much more!

The Characters Within can be found on Amazon, B&N, B.A.M, Walmart (and other book retailers) and is available as an eBook, audio book, hardcover and paperback.

You can connect with me on social media:
Twitter: @Writer_Sunshine
Instagram: @AuthorSunshineRodgers
Facebook: @SunshineRodgersBooks

And be sure to follow me on Goodreads and Amazon!

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More from Sunshine

This book is about…me. I spent over 5 years working at a theme park, barely surviving the mess, the mayhem and the craziness that often occurred on-stage and backstage. I used that immersive experience to write my novel,  “The Characters Within.” This story is about Brittany Myers, a Cheese Crusader who has to wear this silly costume and repeat these corny sayings and hear the same annoying tunes playing over and over again. But she really wants to be an Author. 

 

And that’s where I found myself. At a backstage break room, writing this book as Brittany was writing hers. I have included 35 real-life people as characters (those who survived the madness with me!) and together we invite you to join us…as I now lift the curtain to “The Characters Within” – a Book-within-a-Book, Part Musical, Part Love Story and 100% pure entertainment!” 

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Blog Stops

Book Reviews From an Avid Reader, September 16
Inklings and notions, September 17
Simple Harvest Reads, September 18 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, September 18
Texas Book-aholic, September 19
Beauty in the Binding, September 20 (Author Interview)
deb’s Book Review, September 21
Locks, Hooks and Books, September 22
For Him and My Family, September 23
Blossoms and Blessings, September 24 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, September 25
Susan K. Beatty, Author, September 26 (Author Interview)
Ashley’s Clean Book Reviews, September 26
Because I said so — and other adventures in Parenting, September 27
Guild Master, September 28 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, September 29

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Sunshine is giving away the grand prize of a $40 Visa card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

Link for giveaway: https://promosimple.com/ps/21813/the-characters-within-celebration-tour-giveaway

Movie Review: Lifemark

Movie Synopsis:

David's comfortable world is turned upside down when his birth mother unexpectedly reaches out to him, longing to meet the 18-year-old son she's only held once. With the encouragement of his adoptive parents, David embarks on a journey of discovery that leads to a staggering truth from his past.

From exective produces Kirk Cameron and the Kendrick Brothers--creators of War Room and Fireproof--comes LIFEMARK, inspired by an incredible true story that celebrates the gift of life.

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Watch the Trailer:

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My Review:

Just from viewing the movie teaser for LIFEMARK, I expected to cry during the movie because adoption has a special place in my heart. LIFEMARK held my attention throughout the movie.  The mild comedy made me smile often, but the parent-child relationships and emotional healing were what I enjoyed the most. And yes, I cried at more than one scene.

LIFEMARK contains themes about trusting God, the importance of family, and the value of a life. The movie will appeal to the pro-life target audience but also aims to present adoption as the best option for women in crisis pregnancies. LIFEMARK is a brave foray considering the current social tensions over abortion rights.

Adoption, in LIFEMARK, celebrates the preservation of a life and the raising of a child. David’s adoptive parents are a loving family who have never withheld information about his birth parents. Furthermore, when David’s birth mother reaches out, his adoptive parents encourage David to respond to her. As the story progresses David agrees to meet his birth mom and both families embrace each other with great affection.

While this ideal picture of adoption entertains in the movie and gives hope for what adoption can be, not all adoptions go so well, even in Christian households. One character mentioned this at the end of the movie, but it is not a topic that LIFEMARK explores. Those who have experienced adoptive parents who are less loving or even abusive might find the movie’s rosy view of adoption unrealistic or triggering.

In conclusion, I liked LIFEMARK. The movie entertained and evoked emotion. It is a movie that I would watch again, though probably not with my children until they are teens. I have always hoped to adopt a child at some point in life and this story made my adoption-loving heart happy. I especially liked how the ending credits showed the actors with the family that inspired LIFEMARK.

Many thanks to WTA Media for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

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More about LIFEMARK:

• LIFEMARK is a story of hope, of overcoming the obstacles life throws at us, reveling in the art of faith, grace, and perseverance.


• This encouraging and inspirational film is based on a true story!


• Buy your tickets TODAY to see LIFEMARK in theaters starting 9/9! Tickets available at: https://lifemarkmovie.com/

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Giveaway:

One reader of this post will receive a $10 Amazon gift card. US only. Giveaway ends 09/13/2022 at 11:59 P. M. EST.

Enter by leaving a comment on this post that includes your name and email address.