Monday, November 7, 2022

Book Review: The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano

About the Book:


When concert pianist Vivienne Mourdant's father dies, he leaves to her the care of a patient at Hurstwell Asylum. Vivienne had no idea the woman existed, and yet her portrait is shockingly familiar. When the asylum claims she was never a patient there, Vivienne is compelled to discover what happened to the figure she remembers from childhood dreams.

The longer she lingers in the deep shadows and forgotten towers at Hurstwell, the fuzzier the line between sanity and madness becomes. She hears music no one else does, receives strange missives with rose petals between the pages, and untangles far more than is safe for her to know.

But can she uncover the truth about the mysterious woman she seeks? And is there anyone at Hurstwell she can trust with her suspicions?

Joanna Davidson Politano casts a delightful spell with this lyrical look into the nature of women's independence and artistic expression during the Victorian era--and now.

Read an excerpt on the publisher's website.


My Thoughts:

In The Lost Melody, Joanna Davidson Politano weaves a story of darkness to light and despair to hope. The novel started off slow and a bit confusing due to timeline jumps (which stopped after a few chapters). I read the book in small sittings at the beginning, but the story grew on me until it was hard to put down.

The Lost Melody inhabits the dark atmosphere of Hurstwell Asylum, a Victorian-era facility in the isolated English countryside. The heaviness of hope lost weighs on the asylum patients, Vivienne Mourdant (our protagonista), and the reader. Vivienne learns first-hand about the mistreatment of the asylum patients. Seeing how the lack of compassionate care adversely affects mental health reminded me of today’s nursing home abuse.

Beyond the abuse and darkness, The Lost Melody offers polished prose, curated character development, and outstanding themes. Vivenne’s mindset changes quietly against the backdrop of this dark asylum, but she blooms with stunning light as she embraces God’s will and steps into her giftings. Politano does not allow her characters an easy out or rush the story’s climax.  I delighted in how plot events culminated and spiritual themes bore fruit to create a beautiful ending.

I recommend The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano to Christian fiction readers who enjoy a story with powerful themes set in a Gothic atmosphere. For readers who enjoyed Politano’s prior novel, A Midnight Dance, Jack and Ella cameo in The Lost Melody and I loved glimpsing their later life. Five stars.



Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Sunday, November 6, 2022

Book Spotlight: The Red Button by Keith Eldred

About the Book:

The prequel to A CHRISTMAS CAROL— A sweet Regency Christmas romance.

Here at last is the untold story of Scrooge's doomed engagement.

Belle Endicott and Ebenezer Scrooge are young, bookish, hardworking Londoners drawn together by button-making. His brand-new factory threatens her family’s tiny shop, yet they fall in love and start planning their future. When personal and business calamities strike, they confront them vigorously side by side, but ultimately something has to give. We know what it is. They do not.

Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/097676461X.


More From the Author:

This is a sweet, clean Regency romance with a print page count of 248.

To expand on the historical setting: As mechanization spreads worldwide in the early 1800s, Ebenezer Scrooge leaves his mentor Fezziwig to launch his first enterprise, a factory producing clothing buttons. Such businesses spell doom for independent button-makers, but Ebenezer seeks out the most respected small shop to gain expertise and contacts. There he meets congenial craftsman Archie Endicott and his daughter and partner Belle, who immediately fascinates young Scrooge as she astutely counters his business proposals. As Ebenezer and Belle learn more of each other—notably his driving ambition and her entranced communion with the spirit of her late mother—they fall in love and become engaged. This delights Belle's father but concerns Scrooge's bankers. Side-by-side, the loving couple confronts mounting challenges that jeopardize their future.

I released this book in 2020 as part of a labor of love. I was determined to self-publish my first 20 books in 2020 for reasons explained at my website in this brief "About" article: https://thisis.red/500words/


Excerpt:

CHAPTER TWO
A visitor.

Then one day, a visitor came to the Endicotts’ humble shop and home. There were three crisp knocks. Wiping his hands on his smudged apron, Archie answered. The caller was a young man, long and lean with impressive side whiskers and a long navy coat. He took a step back from the door and removed his tall hat.

“Good day, sir. I am here to discuss a contract. My name is ... ”

He stopped as if he could not recall what he was called and peered over Archie’s shoulder, his head cocked in curiosity. Archie turned to follow the gaze, and then he understood. The young man’s eye had fallen on his daughter.

As was her gift, Belle’s hands were floating and darting like butterflies as she used scissors, needle and thread to spirit fabric around buttons even as she gazed straight ahead with a soft smile and listened, it seemed, to someone beloved who was not there. Which, of course, was exactly what she was doing. She was with Lily.

A twinkle in his eye, Archie put a finger to his lips and beckoned the young man to enter. Sidewhiskers did so, his eyes never leaving Belle. In whispers, Archie explained Belle’s unique state and skill. It warmed his heart to see Sidewhiskers’ eyes narrow and his mouth flex in fascination.

“Extraordinary,” Sidewhiskers murmured. “What an asset.”

“Asset?” True to his name, Archie arched an eyebrow at this. 
A valuable capability, I mean.”

“Oh, yes, she’s a treasure, Belle is.”

“Belle,” said the young man softly. “It means ‘Beautiful’ in French. Her mother spoke a bit of French.”

“Indeed,” said the young man. “Beautiful.”

Archie could not be sure whether the visitor meant the girl or her “capability”—perhaps both—but he discovered an instant affection for him. Sidewhiskers was disarmingly awkward and nakedly ambitious. He had led with mention of a contract, and it appeared that he found Archie’s and Belle’s little family operation, to borrow the young man’s phrase, valuable. How intriguing. Perhaps there was something good—and someone good?—here for Belle.

“You were about to say your name, sir?” said Archie.

“Indeed,” said the young man, tearing his eyes from the girl and squaring again on her father. “My name is Ebenezer Scrooge.”


Praise for The Red Button:

Scrooge or Dickens lovers, take a chance on reading about a happier time for Ebenezer.
Sara M.

Organically introduces many familiar names from the original story, weaving them in and giving them believable and appropriate backstories. Will make you hopeful for one of literature’s grumpiest characters, even though you know how it’s going to end.
Renae P.

The reader gains a deeper understanding of what made Scrooge the man he is. Brings a sweet and pleasant closure to Belle’s story as well.
Erin M.


About the Author:


Keith Eldred created the THIS IS RED project with his wife Janet, a public library director diagnosed with early-stage dementia. With Janet’s condition making every day precious, they decided to make the most of 2020, the year of their 30th anniversary, by publishing 20 books. All profits from these titles go the Hollidaysburg Area Public Library, where Janet works. See more at www.thisis.red.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

My October 2022 Reads and November 2022 TBR

My October 2022 Reads: 

  1. Godmersham Park by Gill Hornby - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  2. Life After by Katie Ganshert - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - A deep story about survivor guilt, PTSD, and healing. Hard to read, but worth it.

  3. Embracing Advent by Jen Ludwig - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Read my review.

  4. Meeting Jesus in the Holy Land  by Ignatius Fernandez - ⭐⭐⭐½ - Read my review.





Expected November 2022 Reads:


This month I'll be attending The Art of Writing Conference and Christy Award Gala in Nashville, TN. Between the airport waits and the flight times, I'm hoping to work in some extra reading time. After all, what's a bookish adventure without some good reads? 😉
  1. The Brilliance of Stars by J'nell Ciesielski. - Just released on 11/01/2022!

  2. All the Lost Places by Amanda Dykes.

  3. Giving Your Words by Sally and Clay Clarkson - Sally is one of my favorite authors on parenting/homeschooling!

  4. The Sisters of Sea View by Julie Klassen.

  5. Walking with my Angel by Adam Scott Campbell.

  6. Suncoast Empire: Bertha Honore Palmer, Her Family, and the Rise of Sarasota by Frank A. Cassell - This has been on my TBR for several months and I'm not sure if I'll get to read it this month, but I'm keeping it on the list anyway.

  7.  The Lost Melody by Joanna Davidson Politano. 



What will you read this month?

Friday, November 4, 2022

Author Interview: Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris

Deadly Conclusion JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for Deadly Conclusion by Kathy Harris, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


Deadly Conclusion Title: Deadly Conclusion 
Series: Deadly Secrets #3 
Author: Kathy Harris 
Publisher: Iron Stream Fiction 
Release Date: November 2, 2022 
Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

A Fast-Paced Suspense Book You Can’t Put Down

In the thrilling conclusion of the “Deadly Secrets” series, search and rescue dog trainer Keely Lambert breaks in Titan, a new shepherd, during a rescue mission to find little Conner Wells. Aided by childhood friend, Beau Gardner of the TBI, who is also Conner’s uncle, Keely finds the boy deep inside Metropolitan Nashville’s Beaman Park. 

But Conner is not all that Keely finds. On the way back to the welcome center, she notices something sticking out of the dirt—the military dog tags of her father who disappeared more than two decades before. 

The discovery sets Keely on a hunt to unearth her father’s killer, only to be thwarted by multiple setbacks—the murder of Beau’s father, the kidnapping of her mother, and her kennel being set on fire in the middle of the night. After Keely is kidnapped, Beau leads a manhunt to find her before the outcome reaches a "deadly conclusion."

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


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kathy Harris

Kathy Harris is an author by way of a "divine detour" into the Nashville entertainment business where she works as a marketing director. For several years she freelanced entertainer biographies and wrote news stories and columns for various music publications.

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


AUTHOR INTERVIEW


Q: What was the inspiration behind Deadly Conclusion?

Kathy: Deadly Conclusion was the first romantic suspense story I ever drafted. I was writing women’s fiction at the time, but my critique partner wrote romantic suspense. She encouraged me to try my hand at it. When I signed a contract with Iron Stream Media for a three-book series, I proposed Deadly Conclusion as the third book.


Q: How long did it take you to write this story?

Kathy: Life is busy. I had a lot of other things going on… And the next thing I knew, I found myself facing a deadline I didn’t think I could make. I wrote the majority of the first draft of Deadly Conclusion in two weeks. The last third of the book was rough, but I made the deadline. My agent’s first words after she heard I’d made it were, “It’s a miracle!” ha. She was right. Of course, subsequent drafts required a major rewrite.


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

Kathy: I really like this exchange between six-year-old Keely and her father, who died the day she turned seven-years-old.

“Keely, I want you to remember two things for me, OK?”

“OK.”

“Do you promise that you will never forget?”

“I promise.”

“I want you to remember to always . . . always believe in yourself.”

“OK.”

He gave her a hug. “And I want you to always remember that I love you.”


William Lambert’s words are important to his daughter. They are almost prophetic in that he gives her two of the most important things she will need in her lifetime… A belief in herself when things get tough. And the strength that comes from knowing that her father loved her.


Q: What do you hope readers take away from Deadly Conclusion?

Kathy: First, the importance of forgiveness. I also hope they will pick up on the analogy between the sacrificial love of two imperfect fathers, who gave their lives for their children, and our Heavenly Father’s love in giving His perfect Son for each of us.


Q: Would you share something about yourself that most readers would not know?

Kathy: I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Advertising. It’s not something I pursued as a career, but I still enjoy brainstorming advertising strategy and critiquing ads I see on television, hear on the radio, etc. I know… that’s a little weird, isn’t it? ha.


Q: What are you reading now?

Kathy: I don’t have a lot of time for reading right now, but my TBR list is diverse, from romantic suspense novels to reviewing a friend’s manuscript draft, to non-fiction inspirational books.


Q: How many bookcases are in your home?

Kathy:At last count, I think it was nine. I just bought two more. I would have more than I do, but in the last ten years or so I’ve read mostly e-books and audio books.


Q: What do you like to do when you are not writing?

Kathy: I love hanging out with friends and family. Walking and hiking. And cooking. Within the last two years, I’ve started gardening and learning about preserving my harvest through canning. It has been a lot of fun. I’m also a big dog lover, as in “big dogs.” My Shiloh Shepherd, Gabriel, weighs in at 128 lbs.

TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a $35 Amazon gift card and a signed copy of Deadly Conclusion.

Deadly Conclusion JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight November 1, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 8, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours

Thursday, November 3, 2022

Book Review: Embracing Advent by Jen Ludwig

About the Book:


Do you look forward to Christmas with eager anticipation… but then the season flies by in a flash?

Do you intend to be present and focused… only to find yourself pulled every direction as you rush to holiday parties, decorate the house, and spend hours searching for the perfect gifts?

Do you long for a deeper, more meaningful celebration… yet feel like you’re missing something?

This year, you are invited to spend the days leading up to Christmas rediscovering the gifts of hope, peace, joy, and love that God extends to all of us.

Embracing Advent includes four weeks of short daily readings to encourage you to

  • Hold on to HOPE
  • Find PEACE
  • Choose JOY
  • LOVE and Be Loved


Take a few minutes each day to step away from the holiday chaos and prepare your body, soul, and mind to whole-heartedly experience Christmas this year!


My Thoughts:

Prior to five or so years ago, I had no experience with Advent. My current church introduced me to the four focus topics, the readings, and lighting the candles. Then I read Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig and gained more understanding of the Advent season. This book guides with information and offers practical living suggestions for focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love during the busyness of the American Christmas season.

Embracing Advent is divided into four chapters, one for each week of Advent. My favorite chapter was the first one: Hold on to HOPE. The emphasis of intentionally, desperately holding on to hope resonated with me. Practical applications included recalling past events, believing God’s promises, and finding encouragement in a church community.

The daily readings in Embracing Advent are short, but the content lends itself reflection. The more I meditated on each reading, the more I gleaned from it. I liked that Jen Ludwig does not give a list of do this and avoid that. Rather, the reader is encouraged to prioritize the important parts of the season according to personal needs and preferences. She celebrates the different giftings while allowing space for rest. The approach felt well-balanced.

Reading through Embracing Advent: Rediscovering Christmas in the Chaos by Jen Ludwig prepped me for the upcoming Christmas season, and I look forward to revisiting this devotional at the beginning of Advent.

 


Disclosure of Material Connection: I was provided a copy of this book by the author or publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.


Wednesday, November 2, 2022

Book Spotlight: The Call of the Sea

Call Of The Sea JustRead Blog + Review Tour 

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Call of the Sea by Sian Ann Bessey, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOK


The Call of the Sea Title: The Call of the Sea 
Author: Sian Ann Bessey 
Publisher: Covenant Communications 
Release Date: November 1, 2022 
Genre: Inspirational Historical/Viking Romance

On the eve of her betrothal to a nobleman she’s never met, Rhiannon seeks comfort on the shores of the sea she loves so well. But instead of offering peace to her uneasy heart, the ocean heralds doom with the arrival of dreaded Viking ships. A vicious raid leads to the death of her beloved father and leaves Rhiannon’s life in tatters. Heartbroken, she travels to Ynys Môn, where she takes up residence at the royal court of Owain Gwynedd.

Leif loves voyaging on the open water. As the son of a Viking chief, he’s accustomed to his people’s practice of plundering and looting. But when one of his companions ruthlessly kills an old man in front of the man’s beautiful daughter, Leif is haunted by the memory. Desperate to find forgiveness for the atrocity he allowed to occur, he’s offered a chance at redemption through the kindly teachings of an Irish priest and the unexpected arrival of a royal fugitive. Suddenly thrust into the midst of the Cymry’s political turmoil, Leif is reunited with the dead man’s daughter—Rhiannon. Forced to work side by side to uncover the truth behind the turmoil, they come to discover that love can grow from even the most tragic of beginnings. But with such incompatible backgrounds, surely a future together can never be theirs.

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


EXCERPT


“There is much I have to learn.” He reached out to touch the circled cross again. “This symbol, for example. I have seen it elsewhere. What is the meaning behind it?”

A look of veneration fell upon the priest’s face. “It would take more than a few minutes in the graveyard t’ explain the significance of the holy cross.”

“How long?” Leif asked.

The priest cocked his head to one side and studied him silently for a moment. “Come with me into the church,” he said. “And we shall see.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sian Bessy

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend university in the U.S. and earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best selling author, a Foreward Reviews Book of the Year finalist, and a Whitney Award finalist.

Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

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


TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of The Call of the Sea, $25 Amazon Gift Card, swag bundle (including stickers, bookmark, button, cross necklace), virtual book club kit, and ebook of The Heart of the Rebellion.

The Call of the Sea JustRead Giveaway

Full tour schedule linked below. The giveaway begins at midnight October 31, 2022 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on November 7, 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


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

JustRead Publicity Tours