Debra L. Martin's Blog, page 171

#Review: A CUNNING PLAN by Astrid Arditi

  3 of 5 stars

I have mixed feeling about this book. The main character is quirky which is kind of fun, but her klutzy antics over and over again got old very quickly. I did enjoy the book being written in the first person. The author did an excellent job of letting the reader into Sloane's thoughts and emotions, but I didn't really connect with Sloan. In the beginning of the story, she had one goal--to get her ex-husband back for the sake of her children. That was very clear. As the story progressed and she meets Ethan Cunning, her character flip-flopped back-and-forth. Kiss me. No get away from me. Kiss me, over and over again until the last pages of the book. 

I enjoyed the secondary characters more, especially Claudia, the Polish housekeeper. She was a firecracker and Bizzy, Sloane's mother, was nicely fleshed out as well. It didn't take me long to figure out the plot for this story, however, I kept reading to see if my assumptions were correct. I was glad that Sloane finally figured out what she wanted. This is a light beach read and if you have a few hours to kill, this would be the perfect book.

BLURB:
Determined to put her family back together, Sloane Harper stalks her ex husband and his annoyingly stunning mistress, Kate Stappleton. But she’s not the only one.
Handsome IRS agent Ethan Cunning is surveying Kate too, but for entirely different reasons. He is attempting to nail Kate’s playboy boss.
Ethan and Sloane decide to help each other, which sends Sloane’s wobbly life spinning out of control. She’ll have to face danger, humiliation, and – scariest of all – the dating scene, to lure her daughters’ father home.
Losing control was the best thing to happen to Sloane…until it turned lethal.
BUY LINKS: Amazon UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cunning-Plan-Astrid-Arditi-ebook/dp/B01D7H7O42/Amazon US http://www.amazon.com/Cunning-Plan-Astrid-Arditi-ebook/dp/B01D7H7O42/IBooks https://itunes.apple.com/fr/book/a-cunning-plan/id1102554468?mt=11Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-cunning-plan-astrid-arditi/1123657004?ean=2940152965568Kobo https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/a-cunning-plan-5

AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Astrid Arditi was born from a French father and Swedish mother. She lived in Paris and Rome before moving to London with her husband and daughter back in 2013. After dabbling in journalism, interning at Glamour magazine, and teaching kindergarten, Arditi returned to her first love: writing. She now splits her time between raising her kids (a brand new baby boy just joined the family) and making up stories. A Cunning Plan is Arditi's first published work.CONTACT INFOI blog at www.astridarditi.comFacebook Astrid Arditi author https://www.facebook.com/AstridarditiauthorTwitter @astrid_arditi https://twitter.com/astrid_arditi
a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Excerpt: A LADY NEVER LIES by Stephanie Burkhart

Richard approached and stood behind her, looking past her shoulder. "I suppose it can be. Do you want to talk?"
"Not really."
Richard remained quiet, aching to touch her and offer her the physical comfort he believed she craved, but he waited for her to give a signal.
"I think today went well," she began, still staring. "Mr. Ruston and Mr. Foster have guards and they've promised to keep shipping coal."
"They did."
"And we've got an escort to meet with the coal mine owners in York."
"We've got to be on our guard."
"How so?"
"I saw Jonas talking to them and it didn't sit right with me."
"Why not?"
"I can't trust his motives or intentions. They were questionable the last time he visited."
She turned around to face him again, but Richard kept his hands clasped behind his back, straining his will power. He wanted nothing better than to touch her all over.
"Who is Mr. Brandon? The man I gave my scent to?"
"He's a reporter from the future. I don't trust him much, but I think there's something physically wrong with him. He told me he felt time displacement the last time the machine was used and the Professor sent him back to study his vitals."
"I take it that's unusual?" she questioned.
"Yes." He paused. "He promised to keep an eye on Jonas, but I need to watch out for him."
"Good."
"Why do you look so withdrawn? I hate seeing you like this. Is it Augustus?" Richard asked.
"Some. He's out of his element. This is all new to him. It will take him time, but I believe we've laid a foundation to build a relationship on."
"And your father?"
She raised her hand, cupping her cheek. "I don't know what I'll do without him."
"You've got to think about that possibility. I don't mean to sound insensitive, but we've both seen him. He's not getting better."
She hung her head. "No, he's not."
"I'm so sorry..." His voice broke.
Jocelyn moved toward him. She wrapped her arms around his waist and rested her head against his chest. "Hold me."
Richard's heart soared with happiness knowing that she reached out for him, because his own willpower was about to break. Then the reality of the situation crashed against him.

BLURB:
Jocelyn Dunkirk is not your typical Victorian lady. She dresses in leather, wears goggles and is not afraid to get a little grease under her fingernails. Gentlemen avoid her like a dirty rivet.

Richard Windsor, the Prince of Wales, travels through time to claim Jocelyn's heart, but if it isn't one challenge, it's another. He determines to be a constant, steady presence in her life, hoping to prove he'd make a worthy husband.

Jocelyn's facing a bucket full of problems. The Prime Minister wants her to assist in ending a coal strike before it cripples the nation while her father attempts to recover from a serious injury. Will Jocelyn's dedication to her country and family ruin the one chance she has at love?      
BUY LINKS:
AMAZON KINDLE: http://amzn.com/B00KX6FD12
PUBLISHERS'S WEBSITE: http://www.desertbreezepublishing.com/the-windsor-diaries-book-three-a-lady-never-lies-epub/
BARNES AND NOBLE: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-lady-never-lies-stephanie-burkhart/1119712149?ean=9781612527307
ALL ROMANCE EBOOKS: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-aladyneverlies-1547037-343.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Author Bio: Stephanie Burkhart is a 911 dispatcher for LAPD.  She was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire.  After serving 11 years in the US Army she currently calls Castaic, California her home. Stephanie was married in Denmark in 1991 and has two young sons. She adores chocolate, is addicted to coffee and enjoys early morning walks.  She's also an assistant den leader for her son's Cub Scout den and is a Boy Scout mom. She writes paranormal, contemporary, and steampunk romance and has two children's books published with 4RV Publishing.
FIND ME ON THE WEB AT:
WEBSITE:http://www.stephanieburkhart.com
TWITTER:http://twitter.com/StephBurkhart
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor
GOOD READS:http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart
YOU TUBE CHANNEL:http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee
PINTEREST:http://pinterest.com/sgburkhart/
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions. blogspot.com/2016/08/book- blast-lady-never-lies-by- stephanie.html



a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Excerpt: THE DEEPEST DARK by Joan Hall Hovey

The three dark figures moved quietly among the shadowy, rain-dripping birches, pines and alders toward the old farmhouse where amber lights glowed in the two lower windows. They crept with the stealth of foxes intent upon the chickens in the hen house, hungry and deadly, already tasting blood. And the Nichols’ actually did keep a few chickens of their own, mainly for the fresh eggs, but not altogether for that reason. They liked seeing them clucking and pecking about the yard; they were good company and cost only a bit of seed. Once, they had operated their own farm, and a fair sized one it was, too. These days they kept a small vegetable garden and Ethel Nichols tended the flowers that grew along the walkway and in her window boxes, mainly morning glories in heavenly blue and pansies in shades of lavender and sun-yellow.
In their early eighties now, and in relatively good health, they were enjoying the fruits of their labor in these latter years, including the big screen TV on which they were presently watching an old rerun of All in the Family, one of life’s pleasures that Hartley and Ethel shared. …
When the commercial came on, Ethel rose from the big stuffed chair across from her husband’s Lazy Boy. She was white-haired, ample of figure, and quick to smile. “Cup of tea, Hartley?”
He looked in her direction and grinned mischievously. Though his own hair had long gone and he walked with a limp, to Ethel he was as handsome as the first time she saw him walking into Mr. Biggar’s class in grade nine. She could still see him as he was then, tall and lean, with a thatch of fair hair fallen over his brow.
“Wouldn’t mind having just a tiny slice of that apple pie you baked to go with my tea.” An affectionate coaxing twinkled in blue eyes that had faded only a little over the years.
Looking at him, she mentally shook her head. He knew he had trouble getting to sleep if he ate after he’d had his supper.  “Sure,” she said. And it will be tiny, Mister Nichols, you can bet on that.  She had started for the kitchen when she stopped in the doorway between the living room and kitchen, thinking she’d heard a noise outside. She listened. Heard it again. A squeaking of the porch swing chain?
“Did you hear that?” she called into the living room.
“Hear what? Didn’t hear nothin’, Ethel.”
“I’m not sure. Sounded like... oh, I’m sure it’s nothing. The wind.”


Joan will be awarding a Still Life by Jean Baptiste Oudry from Metropolitan Museum of Art - US, Canada Only. 10 1/2" x 8" Violin, Sheet Music Laminate to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
BLURB:
Following the deaths of her husband, Corey, and ten year old daughter Ellie in a traffic accident, author Abby Miller sinks ever deeper into depression. She contemplates suicide as a way to be with them, and to end her unrelenting pain.
In a last desperate effort to find peace, she drives to Loon Lake where they last vacationed together, wanting to believe they will be waiting for her there. At least in spirit. Barring that, the pills Doctor Gregory gave her to help her sleep, are in her purse.
The cabin at Loon Lake was her and Corey’s secret hideaway, and not even Abby’s sister, Karen, to whom she is close, knows where it is.
But someone else does. He is one of three men who have escaped from Pennington prison. They are dangerous predators who will stop at nothing to get what they want - and to keep from going back to prison. Having already committed atrocious crimes, they have nothing to lose.
Unknowingly, Abby is on a collision course with evil itself. And the decision of whether or live or die will soon be wrenched from her hands.
BUY LINKS:
https://amzn.com/B00K9E7EHY
B/N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-deepest-dark-joan-hall-hovey/1120012853
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Joan Hall Hovey is the definition of an ‘artist’. From her writing that has taken the form of suspense novels, as well as short stories and articles, this woman has not only taken the suspense world by storm, but also dabbles in the theatre community. In addition to it all, Joan takes the time to work with other authors, giving them the information and help they need to embrace their talent and become a part of the literary world.
Born and raised in Saint John, New Brunswick, Joan has a family she adores; including, Scamp, the family dog. She is blessed to look out every day at the tall pine trees and the stunning view of the Kennebecasis River. But although that view is certainly inspiring, her fans will tell you that it is Joan’s view – the scenes and characters within her own creative mind – that is truly unforgettable. This is a talent who brings vibrancy to the page, creating locations that, even in the light of day, chill fans to the bone.
An insatiable reader, the works of Poe, King, and other masters of the mystery world, inspired Joan to write. And now, with her latest novel – THE DEEPEST DARK – she once again hits the nail on the proverbial head, drawing readers into a world of fear that will leave them absolutely breathless.
Official website of Joan Hall Hovey    www.joanhallhovey.com
https://www.facebook.com/joan.h.hovey
https://twitter.com/joanhh

Book trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wOFddR5pYyA

Other Suspense Novels by Joan Hall Hovey
Tragic SpawnThe Abduction of Mary RoseNight CorridorChill Waters  - winner of the Bloody Dagger AwardNowhere To Hide – Winner of the Eppie AwardListen to the Shadows
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.b logspot.com/2016/08/book-blast -deepest-dark-by-joan-hall. html




a Rafflecopter giveaway

9/11 - 15 years later, We will never forget

September 11, 2001 was a day that will go down in history as the most deadly attack on the United States. The images were horrific from that day. I remember it so clearly. My daughter had called me and told me a plan had hit the first tower at 8:46 am. Everyone in the office piled into the conference room to watch the news. No one knew what was going on--was it an accident, was it an attack? 
All too soon after that first plane hit the tower, we all watched in horror as the another plane hit the second tower at 9:03 am. I remember thinking it was like watching a Hollywood blockbuster movie, but sadly, it was no movie. It was all too real. 3,000 people lost their lives that day in New York. More lives were lost in Pennsylvania and the Pentagon as two more planes were involved in attacks against the United States.
A new tower has been built as an testament to the American spirit of never letting our enemies defeat us. As the new structure rose up into the sky, we could take comfort in knowing that we would also be honoring all those who died in those horrific attacks.
We should all take a moment to reflect on all we should be grateful for--family, friends and anything else that is near and dear to you. My heart aches for all those who lost a loved one on that tortuous day. Time will never dull the outrage we felt watching that destruction, but maybe time will help heal the hearts of all those who suffered that day.

#Excerpt: RECALL by David McCaleb

Excerpt:
“Tony!” Lori said again. Only now did Red realize she’d been screaming it. Her eyes were wide, pleading. She pointed to the ground. One of the gangbangers lay on his belly, blood running from his legs and a small pool forming under his head. Red was bent over, knuckles clenched in the man’s hair, pulling him off the pavement. His forearm was bloody and he pressed a snub-nosed revolver at the mugger’s brain stem. Where’d the pistol come from?
The thug’s eyes were closed; he wasn’t moving. Dead? Resisting the urge to let go, Red laid the guy’s head on the asphalt.
“Tony, you don’t have to kill that one.” Her voice was shrill.
He backed up, pointing the pistol at the still body. Red licked a metallic taste from chapped lips, breathing fast and shallow as a panting dog. What the hell was going on? A tall man an aisle over held up leather-gloved hands, backing away. He ducked into a Dodge Charger, tires squealing as he accelerated out of the parking lot.
Red slowed his breathing, then turned to Lori. “The kids?” Where was the Explorer? He spotted it a few spaces away. The shopping cart lay to one side, three boxes of number two pencils scattered across the pavement like pickup sticks. He jumped over the mess, landing next to two bloody heaps, the bodies of the other muggers. He squinted as the light reflected off one of the scarlet pools and stifled a retch.


BLURB:Meet Red Harmon, a special ops veteran who learns he never left the call of duty . . .
To a trio of muggers, Red looks like just another suburban dad. But when they demand his wallet at knifepoint, something snaps. In the blink of an eye, two muggers are dead, the third severely injured, and Red doesn’t remember a thing. Once an elite member of the Det, a secret forces outfit whose existence is beyond classified, Red thought his active service was over.
But his memory is coming back—and a lethal killing machine is returning to duty . . .
Facing an unthinkable nuclear threat, a volatile international power play, and a personal attack against his family, Red has no choice. He must rejoin his old team, infiltrate the enemy camp, and complete the biggest mission of his life . . .
Buy the book:https://www.amazon.com/s/?field-keywords=9781601838629https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/recall/id1088652661?mt=11https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/recall-4
~~~~~~~~~~~~~AUTHOR Bio and Links:
David McCaleb was raised on a rural farm on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He attended Valley Forge Military College, graduated from the United States Air Force Academy, and served his country as a finance officer. He also founded a bullet manufacturing operation, patented his own invention, and established several businesses. He returned to the Eastern Shore where he currently resides with his wife and two children. Though he enjoys drawing, painting, and any project involving the work of hands, his chosen tool is the pen.
Recall is the first novel in the Red Ops series. Please visit David McCaleb on Facebook or at www.davidmccaleb.com.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2016/08/blurb-blitz-recall-by-david-mccaleb.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: VEILED IN BLUE by Lynn Connolly

4 of 5 stars 

This is the third book I've read in the Emperors of London series and it's another enjoyable read from Ms. Connolly. Eve Merton has fallen on hard times since her vicar father had lost all their money before his death. Her mother and Eve live a quiet life in a quiet village and Eve has no expectations that she will fall madly in love with any of the gentlemen who have expressed an interest in her. That all changes when she meets Julius Vernon, a proposed business man, who has many secrets. From the moment Julius rescues Eve on a dark country road, he is drawn to her and is determined to make her his.

I thought the brief courtship of Julius and Eve played out well--intimate walks in the woods, searing kisses and the potential for so much more. Ms Connolly does a very good job of fleshing out more about the Emperors of London, especially Julius' mother. Eve is a strong character and I very enjoyed that she held her own when she was finally introduced to the Vernon family. No spoilers here. You'll have to read the book to find out the fate of Eve and Julius. The book can be read as a standalone, but to understand the full background of the story, other books in the series should be read as well.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This book will be available for sale on October 11, 2016.
Amazon preorder link:
https://www.amazon.com/Veiled-Emperors-London-Lynne-Connolly-ebook/dp/B01AQNY7HM/ref=

#Excerpt: PURE OF HEART by Auria Jourdain

Dumbfounded at this new information, Contesse shook her head. “I had no idea! All these years, and our country doctor couldn’t explain what was wrong with me…a child with skin and hair as pale as a—” A gasp escaped her lips, finally uncovering the epithet the old crone had called her. “She called me a ghost!”
“Who? Your mother?”
Folding her arms across her chest, she glanced away. “No. The old woman that haunts my dreams. She took care of me when I was a child…before Edouard found me. She was right…look at me!”
Eric pulled her close and forked his fingers through her hair from the roots to the ends. Trailing a light finger down her neck, he husked, “She’s daft, Contesse. You certainly feel real to me…pure and innocent, like an angel…”
Contesse inhaled sharply as desire surged through her veins. Waves of desire invaded her body with his mere touch. A flush of warmth crept up her cheeks, her womanly folds moistening in response to his husky voice. What’s he doing to me?
Entwining his fingers with hers,  he searched her face. “Have you ever been kissed?”
She lowered her eyes, unable to face him lest she burst into tears. “Oui. Once. But he didn’t want me either.”
With a sympathetic shake of his head, he tipped her chin up and stared at her. “Then he’s a fool. God, but you are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen...”

BLURB:
A ghost child left to die in a French forest, Contesse Blanchefort seeks her long-buried past after her adoptive father dies at the Bastille. Embarking on a quest across England with a pagan woman and a rogue Gypsy, Contesse falls ill in London, and her companions are forced to seek help. With overwhelming compassion, physician’s apprentice Eric McEwan nurses Contesse back to health, but discovers that her exotic accent and pale features set his heart ablaze...her mere touch brands his soul. Passion blooms as the two discover their love for one another—with disastrous consequences.
Upon his expulsion from Cambridge, Eric must battle his domineering grandfather’s wrath. When family tragedy strikes, he must return to his provincial home and confront his abusive past. Carrying on with her quest, Contesse struggles to free herself from her childhood as sinister details are revealed. Without Eric, she’s lost. But love is strong...can they conquer their demons to find one another again?
Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Pure-Heart-Escapades-Book-ebook/dp/B01HYAT144
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
AUTHOR Bio and Links:
History buff, Francophile, and hopeless romantic that demands an HEA—it’s the perfect mixture for writing romance! With fond childhood memories of reading on quiet afternoons, I loved the "happily ever after" sweet teen romances, but I quickly plunged into the world of historical romance—my get-away-from-real-life transporter. Add in a degree in Political Studies with six years of French, and twenty years later, I’m living my dream. With three published novels, 7 finished, and several more in my head, I have years of work ahead of me!
Facebook: Auria Jourdain Books https://www.facebook.com/auriajourdainbooks/Twitter: @AuriaJourdain –  https://twitter.com/AuriaJourdainInstagram:  https://www.instagram.com/auriajourdain/?hl=enWebsite: www.auriajourdainromance.com
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better the chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here:  http://goddessfishpromotions.b logspot.com/2016/08/book-blast -pure-of-heart-by-auria.html
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

Interview with Sheena Hutchinson, SERAPHINA'S AWAKENING

Can you give us a brief overview of your latest book? Is it part of a series?
Seraphina’s Awakening is the first book in hopefully a four book series. Seraphina is a smidge lost in life. She has always felt like there was more to life. After one night, one accident… she’s starting to realize maybe she was right.
Do you have a favorite character?The obvious answer would be the main character: Seraphina. Who I do have a special place in my heart for, but I have to say one of my favorite characters is her best friend, Amanda. Who seems to offer a little comic relief from her new hectic world.
Have you ever had a minor character evolve into a major one? Did that change the direction of the novel at all?Oh, all the time. At first the coffee hunk, Jack was only just a secondary character. But, the story just took me and it evolved into a love triangle of sorts. I don’t want to give any thing away, but he actually becomes a big part of the series coming up ;)
What factors influenced your decision to self-publish your book(s)?There’s a few reasons. First of all, I never thought it would go anywhere. I hit publish and crossed my fingers. Second, I’m an impatient control freak. I can’t wait a year or two until my book hits shelves. I’m not very good at keeping secrets!
If you used a graphic designer/publisher’s designer, how involved were you during the creative process for your cover?Usually, I’m very involved. I have ideas and images and scour tons of pictures looking for the right one – BUT, this was actually a pre-made cover. I saw it and I knew it was my cover.
Do you outline your story or just go where your muse takes you?Both. I start out just winging it. Writing whatever scene I can imagine. Then comes the outline and the plotting stage to fill in all the blanks. (That’s my least favorite stage by the way)
Do you find it difficult to juggle your time between marketing your current book and writing your next book?Oh yeah. Time is one of my biggest obstacles. There never seems to be enough hours in the day. On top of my writing, I also work full time, attempt to market my books and connect on social media, and pretend to have a social life.
What advice would you give a new author just entering into the self-publishing arena? Start early. Do your research. Learn your genre. Read other books in the genre. Lastly, befriend other authors, join writing groups, attend author events as a reader and make connections. Pick their brain, ask them questions -- other authors are usually the nicest people you will ever meet. I wish I had done all this stuff before hand.
Some fun facts about you, which do you prefer?Dogs or cats? Cats. Chocolate or vanilla? I’m a Chocola-holic. Coffee or Tea?  Starbucks Iced Coffee. Talk or Text? Text, I spend all day on the phone. Day or Night? I’m a total night owl. Some of my best writing happens in bed.
What’s next for you?Hopefully more books! I’ve got quiet a few Seraphina books to finish, including a spin off series and a prequel. On top of that I have a few other contemporary novels in the works that I’m hoping to get out soon.


Seraphina’s Awakening
Sheena Hutchinson
Publication date: September 1st 2016
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance

For as long as she can remember, Seraphina Cross has experienced these visions that made her feel like there was more to life. It wasn’t until one moment, one accident that her life changed forever.

She awakens the next day a new person in more ways than one. With no recollection of past night’s events, she’s forced to adapt to certain sensations she is experiencing all while trying to piece together what exactly happened to her that fateful night.

Her strange, hectic life doesn’t seem to make sense until she meets a handsome stranger. Only then does the puzzle finally piece itself together. What she doesn’t expect is the new powers she has developed attracting all kinds of unwanted attention.

Thrown into a world she never truly believed existed she is forced to come to grips with who she is becoming while staying out of trouble long enough to figure out what needs to be done to fulfill her destiny.

Goodreads / Amazon

Author Bio:
Sheena is a born and raised New Yorker, even her writing can’t seem to hide her hard sarcasm. She claims destiny has lead her back to her true passion for writing.

She constantly strives to be a positive role model and writes stories that empower and inspire. Sheena always roots for the underdog, believes in love at first sight, and that everyone should have their happily ever after.

While God is currently still writing her love story, she continues to put all her effort into her writing as she is constantly getting new inspiration.

For more info, updates, and fun facts visit her website at www.SheenaHutchinson.com

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

GIVEAWAY!a Rafflecopter giveaway

#Review: DESTINED FOR A KING by Ashlyn Macnamara

   4 of 5 stars 
This is my first read by Ms. Macnamara and I enjoyed the story immensely. The few snippets of the hero Torch's backstory were intriguing and I was hoping there was more, but I guess as this series develops, the author will reveal more of how he survived his childhood. The romance between Torch and Calista Thorne was believable although in the beginning Torch only claimed her because he thought she was part of his destiny. Calista was a bit of a wild card, stubborn, brave and loving. As an accomplished healer, I was glad to see that she wasn't a timid little mouse.

The magic comes late in the story as just an introduction of what will/can be. I was a little disappointed that more of that wasn't explained although I realize that only so many elements can be included in the first book, but the question remains. Is the magic only for a select few or are there others who can 'see' into the past? A slight criticism would be there wasn't much world building-I know there is a king and other powerful lords, but little else.

This is a good first book in an intriguing fantasy. I hope in the next book, the author will explain more about the world, the people and of course Torch. Fans of fantasy romance will enjoy this story.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Amazon buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Destined-King-Brotherhood-Ashlyn-Macnamara-ebook/dp/B0190HQVEW

Happy Labor Day 2016

I am always a bit mystified by the notion that summer officially ends on Labor Day weekend. Seems everything closes down after the weekend.  Really? Summer doesn't end until Sept. 21. We get some of our best weather in September and it can also be some of the hottest days of the season. In any event, in case you were wondering why we have a Labor Day holiday in the first place, I found this information from the Department of Labor website http://www.dol.gov/.





Founder of Labor DayMore than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers.Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those "who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold."But Peter McGuire's place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.
The First Labor DayThe first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a "workingmen's holiday" on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.