Saturday, February 13, 2021

This or That #Giveaway! Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage OR The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff #BabyTeeth #TheLostGirlsOfParis

 

So.... if you've been stopping by for the last few years to check out my Book Spotlight Giveaways and things look a little different to you, never fear, you are in the right place. I was getting a little bored after so many years of doing these posts so I'm changing it up a bit. If you stopped by last week, what do you think of the changes?  

First of all, instead of featuring one book each week, I'm going to feature two, with the winner being able to choose whichever one he/she wants me to send them. It's all about choices, right? Which ever book is not selected will be featured again another time.  

I'm still going to be using Rafflecopter, for the time being, but I may change that in the future, after I check out what other options are out there. 

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I have sooooo many books! 

The This or That Giveaway! feature that I post every Saturday is a way for me to clear my shelves and to share some of the many books I have. It's a way for me to cull my collection and give someone else the chance to enjoy these treasures.

Good luck and be sure to stop back next week!

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This book came out in 2018 and kind of creeped me out. What a nasty little girl! Even with the creepiness, it was still a 5 ⭐ read for me.


Baby Teeth by Zoje Stage
ARC ~ Pub date 7/17/18

Meet Hanna.

She’s the sweet-but-silent angel in the adoring eyes of her Daddy. He’s the only person who understands her, and all Hanna wants is to live happily ever after with him. But Mommy stands in her way, and she’ll try any trick she can think of to get rid of her. Ideally for good.

Meet Suzette.

She loves her daughter, really, but after years of expulsions and strained home schooling, her precarious health and sanity are weakening day by day. As Hanna’s tricks become increasingly sophisticated, and Suzette's husband remains blind to the failing family dynamics, Suzette starts to fear that there’s something seriously wrong, and that maybe home isn’t the best place for their baby girl after all.

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The second book this week is probably one of the first historical fiction novels that I read, which opened up a whole new genre for me to explore. Another 5 ⭐ read for me!


The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff
ARC ~ Pub date 1/29/19

From the author of the runaway bestseller The Orphan’s Tale comes a remarkable story of friendship and courage centered around three women and a ring of female spies during World War II.

1946, Manhattan

Grace Healey is rebuilding her life after losing her husband during the war. One morning while passing through Grand Central Terminal on her way to work, she finds an abandoned suitcase tucked beneath a bench. Unable to resist her own curiosity, Grace opens the suitcase, where she discovers a dozen photographs—each of a different woman. In a moment of impulse, Grace takes the photographs and quickly leaves the station.

Grace soon learns that the suitcase belonged to a woman named Eleanor Trigg, leader of a ring of female secret agents who were deployed out of London during the war. Twelve of these women were sent to Occupied Europe as couriers and radio operators to aid the resistance, but they never returned home, their fates a mystery. Setting out to learn the truth behind the women in the photographs, Grace finds herself drawn to a young mother turned agent named Marie, whose daring mission overseas reveals a remarkable story of friendship, valor and betrayal.

Vividly rendered and inspired by true events, New York Times bestselling author Pam Jenoff shines a light on the incredible heroics of the brave women of the war, and weaves a mesmerizing tale of courage, sisterhood and the great strength of women to survive in the hardest of circumstances 

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Tuesday, February 9, 2021

Release Day! Change of Tides by Ashley Farley ~ My Thoughts #ChangeOfTides

Congrats Ashley
on the release today of
Change of Tides!

Change of Tides by Ashley Farley 
Series: Palmetto Island #1
February 9th 2021 by Leisure Time Books

Second Chances and New Romances

Birdie Fuller doesn’t like change. And a lot of change is happening at once. Her daughter and three-year-old grandson are moving out of her apartment to a nearby city. Will Birdie be able to survive the loneliness without Hannah and Gus? She joins a dating website to find companionship and meets the seemingly perfect man. But is their relationship too good to be real? When the past comes back to haunt Birdie, she struggles to maintain the sobriety she’s worked so hard to achieve?

While the beauty and wildlife of Palmetto Island provide inspiration for Hannah’s creativity, she realizes that in order to grow her web design business, she must move to a bigger city. But is she ready to leave the security of her mother’s apartment? For three years, she’s been hiding out on the island, avoiding contact with her son’s biological father. She never told Ryan about the pregnancy. He doesn’t know about Gus. When Ryan shows up at Birdie’s cafĂ© out of the blue, Hannah’s world comes crashing down around her. Will she give Ryan another chance? Or will another man steal her heart?

Escape to the Lowcountry for the first installment in the Palmetto Island series. Be sure to download Muddy Bottom, the series novella prequel, for free

      

My thoughts about Change of Tides ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"Hannah navigates her kayak into the inky shadows alongside an abandoned dock."

I was totally hooked on this series after reading the prequel, Muddy Bottom, and was excited for more. I immediately fell in love with these characters. And who doesn't just love this setting, Palmetto Island?

Change of Tides gives the reader a deeper look at the lives of Birdie and her daughter, Hannah, the characters from Muddy Bottom who I already love. I was there celebrating their joys and anguishing over the turmoil of their everyday lives. This book was such a wonderful way to escape for me, just for a little bit. 

I always love Ashley's books and characters so, so much. I always feel like I become part of their circle of friends. I'm extremely excited for this series—the next installment is coming out in May. I love spending time in this world and I can't wait to go back and reconnect with them all.

I received an ARC of Change of Tides from the author and this is my honest opinion.

Muddy Bottom 
(Palmetto Island Book prequel novella)
 is FREE!

About the author

Ashley Farley

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her bestselling Sweeney Sisters series has touched the lives of many.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she's lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, a piece of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where she still calls home. Through the eyes of her characters, she captures the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kindhearted folk with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. For more information, visit www.ashleyfarley.com ~ Goodreads

Connect with Ashley


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Release Day! The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles ~ My Thoughts #TheParisLibrary

Release Day!


Congrats Janet
on the release today of 
The Paris Library!

The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles
Historical Fiction, 409 pages
Published February 9, 2021 by Atria Books

Based on the true World War II story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris, this is an unforgettable story of romance, friendship, family, and the power of literature to bring us together, perfect for fans of The Lilac Girls and The Paris Wife.

Paris, 1939: Young and ambitious Odile Souchet has it all: her handsome police officer beau and a dream job at the American Library in Paris. When the Nazis march into Paris, Odile stands to lose everything she holds dear, including her beloved library. Together with her fellow librarians, Odile joins the Resistance with the best weapons she has: books. But when the war finally ends, instead of freedom, Odile tastes the bitter sting of unspeakable betrayal.

Montana, 1983: Lily is a lonely teenager looking for adventure in small-town Montana. Her interest is piqued by her solitary, elderly neighbor. As Lily uncovers more about her neighbor’s mysterious past, she finds that they share a love of language, the same longings, and the same intense jealousy, never suspecting that a dark secret from the past connects them.

A powerful novel that explores the consequences of our choices and the relationships that make us who we are—family, friends, and favorite authors—The Paris Library shows that extraordinary heroism can sometimes be found in the quietest of places. 


My thoughts about The Paris Library ~~

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Numbers floated round my head like stars. 823. The numbers were the key to a new life. 822. Constellations of hope. 841."

I learned so much from this novel—and so much of this story was familiar to me. I didn't know anything about the American Library in Paris before reading this book. I am amazed at the strength and determination of the librarians who went to great lengths to continue to provide service and books during the war. But I guess that shouldn't really have surprised me, because from working in libraries, I understand how passionate library people can be. 

I loved the fact that I was learning so much about a library of the past but I also loved how the author really 'got' the people and nuances of the library world. It was amusing to see characters that I have known in real life, personalities that I recognize from my own library experiences. And what a great, interesting cast of characters they were. 

The Paris Library was an amazing read and one that I can highly recommend. It's the perfect World War II historical fiction story that will especially appeal to anyone familiar with libraries. This book about a great library and its people will always have a special place in my heart

I received an ARC of The Paris Library via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion of the book.

About the author


Janet Skeslien Charles divides her time between Paris and Montana. She enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with family.

The backdrop of her debut novel Moonlight in Odessa is the booming business of email-order brides, an industry where love and marriage meet sex and commerce.

Her second novel The Paris Library is based on the true story of the courageous librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II. Janet learned about the story when she worked at the Library. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Janet


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Monday, February 8, 2021

Book Blitz! Suffer Little Children by Freda Hansburg ~ Excerpt and #Giveaway #SufferLittleChildren

Suffer Little Children

 

Suffer Little Children by Freda Hansburg
Published by: Red Adept Publishing
Publication date: January 26th 2021
Genres: Adult, Psychological Thriller

Robin Perry’s life is finally on track with her dream job and a promising relationship with Ben Martin, even if his two spoiled children, Amber and Jaden, hate her. But things take a downhill turn when Gloria Reyes, an acquaintance of Ben’s, asks her to admit her young son to a cancer study meant for adults and Robin, heartbroken, must turn her down. But Gloria won’t take no for an answer and begins an insidious crusade to force the issue.

Amber Martin hates living with her crazy mother since her parents’ divorce, but she can hardly live with her dad, who’s too busy with “Miss Perfect” these days. When Amber runs into her mother’s friend Gloria, she’s glad to finally meet an adult who seems to be on her side. But as Amber becomes friends with Gloria’s sickly son, Alex, she begins to think Gloria is not as nice as she first thought, and Alex may be in trouble.

As Gloria’s threatening behavior escalates, Robin must protect the children while finding a way to save her career and her relationship with Ben. But Gloria always manages to stay one step ahead. When a secret comes to light, Robin discovers the stakes are even higher than she imagined.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

iBooks | Kobo | Google Play

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EXCERPT:

“Morning.” Robin settled into the chair opposite Gloria’s as a waitress approached. “Just coffee, please.”

Gloria set down her cup. “So?”

Getting right down to business then. Robin braced herself. So much the better.

“I’ve kept my part of our bargain,” Gloria announced.

“Bargain?” Robin’s eyebrows shot up.

“I spoke to Vanessa about the therapy. I managed to be quite convincing. You see, she posted a rant on Facebook yesterday after Amber defaced a library book.” Gloria shrugged. “I seized the opportunity.”

A bitter taste filled Robin’s mouth. Trashed library books, trashed kids on social media. She should be happy Gloria took advantage of the situation, but she wished Ben had persuaded Vanessa.

The woman’s dark eyes fixed on her. “Now, what about your part?”

Robin bristled. She’d made no promises. The waitress appeared with her coffee. Robin didn’t intend to stay long enough to drink it.

“I made a few inquiries yesterday,” she told Gloria. “Formally and informally. I found no new information about Pediatric MATCH. It’s still slated to launch sometime next year.” Robin took a breath. There, I said it. “I’m sorry.”

Gloria shook her head. “Not good enough.”

Robin sat upright. “What?”

“That’s not soon enough. My son’s life is at stake.” Gloria’s eyes bored into Robin’s. “You have kids?”

“A son in college.” Robin didn’t like bringing Sean into the conversation.

“Suppose it were him?” Gloria kept her voice low, and Robin had to lean forward to hear. “What would you do to save him?”

The same question Robin had asked herself yesterday. Anything.

“Or one of Ben’s kids,” Gloria continued without waiting for Robin’s reply. “But that would be different, wouldn’t it?” Her lips twisted in a mocking smile. “Convenient, even.”

Robin sat up and pushed aside her coffee. “I have to go. I’m due at the wrap-up session.” Reminding herself that the unnerving woman had a dying child, she added, “Gloria, if I were in your shoes, I’d be as desperate as you are. Medical research doesn’t always follow the timetable we want, but MATCH will move ahead, and when it expands to include children, it will be safer, on more solid ground.” She hoped she sounded as clear as Will had last night, but either way, she would end the discussion. “I promise I’ll keep my ears open and let you know of any developments.” She pushed her chair back from the table.

“You’ll do more than that, Robin. You’re a very responsible person. I’m counting on you.”

Robin stood, her chair rattling. “Goodbye, Gloria.”

“I’ll be eager to hear what you come up with.” Gloria’s smile widened, revealing her white teeth. “I’ll be in touch.”

About the author


Freda Hansburg is a psychologist and author of Tell on You, winner of the 2020 Independent Press Award for Psychological Thriller, the 2019 New York City Big Book Award for Suspense, and Thriller Finalist in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. Her mystery thriller, Shrink Rapt, is now available from Micro Publishing Media and her new psychological suspense novel, Suffer Little Children, will be released by Red Adept Publishing on January 26th, 2021. She is currently working on her fourth psychological thriller, Trick or Treat.

Freda is also co-author with Mel Silberman of the self-help books, PeopleSmart: Developing Your Interpersonal Intelligence - a bestseller translated into a dozen languages - and Working PeopleSmart. She has the good fortune to live on beautiful Hilton Head Island. There, she takes refuge from her fevered imagination by sitting on her dock and watching pelicans and dolphins fishing on the intracoastal. Freda is an avid Pickleball player who has spent her entire adult life being mistaken for Carol Burnett.

Connect with Freda

Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter


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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? February 8, 2021 #IMWAYR

  

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week. It's an opportunity to visit other blogs and to comment on their reads. And ... you can add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are! 

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Well, my Chiefs lost the Super Bowl last night, but as my son put it, he's waited his whole life for them to be this good and they won last year, so he's good. And we're excited to see what next year brings for them. 

Weather-wise—it's in the single digit temps for the highs here and will be for the entire week, if not longer. These are the times that I really appreciate that I'm retired and don't have to go out, unless I want to. Brrrrr!

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you all have a good week. 
Happy reading!

What I'm currently reading

Love at First
by Kate Clayborn
Pub date 2/23


Obsession in Death
(In Death #40)
by J.D. Robb
Narrated by Susan Ericksen

What I recently finished

The Paris Library
by Janet Skeslien Charles
Pub date 2/9

What I am going to read next

The Children's Train
by Viola Ardone

I really love my reading life!
What are you reading this week?

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