Wednesday, December 21, 2016

What Are You Reading? ~ December 21, 2016

* * Post contains affiliate links. * *


What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

It's almost Christmas break!! Woot! We don't get off until the 23rd, so we're hustling right up until Christmas, but then we should have a nice couple of stress-free weeks! Or at least I hope so! Lol! 

Here's my list: 


I'm currently reading Ashfall by Mike Mullin. Actually, I'm just starting it so I can't tell you if it's any good. It looks good, though! 

I've read a few more chapters of A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin. 

Plus, I'm listening to a book I've already read, Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry, but this is the first time listening to the audiobook. I love that there is a male and female narrator for the dual POVs! 

I recently finished Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs. It was okay. 3/5 stars.








What's next? I think I'm going to read Unwind by Neal Shusterman. 









FTC Disclaimer: Book links to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words




I hope you all enjoy your holiday! And get lots of reading done! :) 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Thursday, December 15, 2016

The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill Blog Tour ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, Friends! I'm delighted to be part of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill Blog Tour! I hope you enjoy the excerpt! And be sure to read to the bottom of the page for the giveaway details to an amazing prize package! 



     When Thora Bell, a widow of several years, returns to help her daughter-in-law save the family coaching inn, she finds herself the reluctant recipient of romantic interest from not one, but two bachelors. But Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love?

Excerpt

     At the front of the vehicle, the Royal Mail coachman faced away from her, in conversation with the ostlers as they unhooked the weary horses, so all she had was a view of the back of his dark head, hat, and benjamin—a tan coat with multiple shoulder capes to sluice off rain. But such clothes were customary of most coachmen. Was it him? Or had he changed routes in the intervening months?

     He set aside his long whip and clambered down. She caught of glimpse of his face from beneath his broad hat brim.

     Charlie Frazer.

     Again that little jolt of anticipation. Again that silent rebuke. There was nothing between them, she reminded herself. He was a flirt—that’s all. His handsome face had always split into a grin whenever he saw her, and he would sweep off his hat and press it dramatically over his heart, spouting some blarney about how she stole his breath, and praising her supposed beauty in his low brogue. She knew he probably did the same to landladies all along his route.

     And, of course, Thora would wave him off and tell him to hush and stop his foolishness, though inwardly she had liked his attention. Now and again he overdid it and embarrassed her in front of a guest or her son, when John had been alive. But John always chuckled at her discomfiture and offered Charlie a pint, enjoying seeing someone dare to tease her. Charlie was one of the few men who didn’t seem put off by her gruff exterior. She had been surprised to miss him while she’d been away. She hadn’t thought a great deal about most people, but she had missed Charlie, as well as Talbot, more than she’d anticipated.

     Passengers began alighting, sleepy and stretching. She watched while Charlie assisted the ostlers in changing the team and then walked around the coach, inspecting the wheels and springs. The relief coachman, a new man she did not know, came out of the stable block, adjusting his neckerchief as he came.

     Thora turned away from the window. She would not stand there like a preening schoolgirl hoping for a compliment on a new dress. It was time to stop dawdling and make herself useful.

     She greeted the arriving passengers and showed them into the dining parlour, where Alwena and Cadi would serve the breakfast Mrs. Rooke and her kitchen maid had been up since five to prepare. Then Thora returned to the reception desk.

     The side door clicked open. Hearing no sound of its closing, Thora glanced up and saw Charlie Frazer standing in the open doorway, staring at her.

     She said, “Close the door before you let in every insect in the county. Close your mouth while you’re at it.”

     He slowly did so, his gaze remaining fixed on her.

     “Thora Bell . . .” he murmured, “as I live and breathe . . .”

     His deep voice still held a faint Scottish brogue, though he’d lived in England for most of his life.

     “Hello, Charlie.”

     He was a broad-shouldered, stocky man. His face was weathered, but he was still handsome. Beneath his coat, he wore a blue neckerchief, striped waistcoat, and low “jockey” boots, a style copied by sporting gentlemen everywhere.

     He removed his hat, but said only, “You’re back.”

     “As you see.”

     No compliments were forthcoming.

     He pulled off his gloves. “For how long? Just visiting, or . . . ?”

     She had been right to rebuke herself earlier for her foolish expectations. He’d probably forgotten all about her after she left. “I have yet to decide.”

     He grimaced as though the news did not please him.

     She arched one brow. “Sorry to see me?”

     “Nae. Not . . . exactly.”

     What did that mean? “I am glad to see you are still driving the Quicksilver.”

     “Are you?”

     “Yes. We’ve lost a few stagecoach lines now that the turnpike is finished. I’d hate to think the Royal Mail would follow suit.”

     “I have’na heard anything about that . . . officially.”

     Thora noticed him avoid her eyes, but before she could pry out more information, he changed the subject.


     “Oh come, Charlie. No one charms large gratuities from his passengers like you do.”

     “Perhaps I once did. But I travel with a dashing new guard now. With his fine horn playing and beautiful voice, he kicks up more tips than I do nowadays.” Charlie gestured out the window. The young Royal Mail guard in his official red coat was urging the relief coachman to hurry. “Not that I begrudge him. Best guard I’ve had since old Murphy. Makes the hours pass more pleasantly, listening to him.”

     “I am glad you get on well together. It is good to have a useful partner.”

     “Aye. A good partner is the key to life.” He gave her a crooked grin, and she saw a bit of the old Charlie in the mischievous glint in his eyes.





Book Description 

The lifeblood of the village of Ivy Hill is its coaching inn, The Bell. When the innkeeper dies suddenly, his genteel wife, Jane Bell, becomes the reluctant landlady. Jane has no idea how to manage a business, but with the town's livelihood at stake and a large loan due, she must quickly find a way to save the inn. 

Despite their strained relationship, Jane turns to her resentful mother-in-law, Thora, for help. Formerly mistress of The Bell, Thora is struggling to overcome her losses and find purpose for the future. As she works with Jane, two men from her past vie for her attention, but Thora has promised herself never to marry again. Will one of them convince her to embrace a second chance at love? 

As pressure mounts from the bank, Jane employs new methods, and puzzles over the intentions of several men who seem to have a vested interest in the place, including a mysterious newcomer with secret plans of his own. With the help of friends old and new, can Jane restore life to the inn, and to her empty heart as well? 

Visit talesfromivyhill.com to find a map of the village, character profiles, a book giveaway, and more!


Buy: Amazon • B&N
Add to Goodreads


FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 


Author Bio


JULIE KLASSEN loves all things Jane--Jane Eyre and Jane Austen. A graduate of the University of Illinois, Julie worked in publishing for sixteen years and now writes full-time. Her books have been honored with the Christy Award for Historical Romance, the Minnesota Book Award, and the Midwest Book Award, among others. Julie and her husband have two sons and live in a suburb of St. Paul, Minnesota. For more information, visit www.julieklassen.com.

Connect with Julie Klassen







The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill Blog Tour Schedule

December 5: Author Q&A on Pemberley to Milton
December 6: Excerpt on My Love for Jane Austen
December 8: Review on Laura's Reviews
December 9: Book Spotlight on More Agreeably Engaged
December 10: Review on A Bookish Way of Life
December 11: Review and Excerpt on Delighted Reader Book Reviews
December 12: British Show Inspiration Guest Post on Living Read Girl
December 13: Historical Background Guest Post on English Historical Fiction Authors
December 14: Review on Calico Critic
December 15: Excerpt on So Little Time
December 16: Review and Author Q&A on My Jane Austen Book Club
December 17: Review on Just Jane 1813
December 18: Excerpt on Babblings of a Book Worm
December 19: Review on Austenesque Reviews
December 20: Guest Post on Jane Austen in Vermont
December 21: Review on Luxury Reading


* * * Giveaway * * *

Be sure to enter the giveaway before you leave—the winner will receive a $20 Teavana gift card and a package of four inspirational British romances from four different eras (The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen, A Haven on Orchard Lane by Lawana Blackwell, The Lost Heiress by Roseanna M. White, Not by Sight by Kate Breslin). The winner will be notified on December 22.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


What a lovely prize package! Good luck, everyone! 

Many thanks to Bethany House Publishers for including me in this blog tour and for providing me with a copy of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill! I'm looking forward to reading it! 

Congratulations to Julie Klassen on the release of The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

What Are You Reading? ~ December 14th, 2016

* * Post contains affiliate links. * *


What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 


I'm just starting Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs. I'm hoping for a nice festive read! 





Again, no progress on A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin this week.



I had a fantastic reading week! 


I snuck an extra book in this week by starting and finishing Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson. I started listening to it on my run Monday morning, and I just wanted to keep reading it. So, I started reading it on my Kindle later that afternoon. I had 75% completed before I went to bed that day, and I finished it the next day. Loved it! 


I finished reading Alight by Scott Sigler and loved it! I can't wait for the next book to come out! I pre-ordered it right away - Alone will be out in March 2017! 







I also finished reading Northern Rain: A North & South Variation by Nicole Clarkston. It was very good! I'm curious to read the original North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell to see how it differs. 








What's next? Right now, I don't have a plan. 


FTC Disclaimer: Book links to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words


So, tell me, what are you reading? Feel free to leave a link to your post. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

What Are You Reading? ~ December 7, 2016

* * Post contains affiliate links. * *


What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I just started reading Alight by Scott Sigler. So far so good!






I listened to a bit more of Northern Rain: A North & South Variation by Nicole Clarkston. I'm enjoying it!



No progress on A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin this week. 



I recently finished reading For Darkness Shows the Stars by Diana Peterfreund, and as much as I love Persuasion by JA and Futuristic/SciFi stories, I could not get into this story. It was okay, good even, but it never grabbed me. 


What's next? I think I'll pick up a festive book - Candlelight Christmas by Susan Wiggs. I won a copy of this book from Leatherbound Reviews, and it's been sitting on my shelf for a couple of years now. It's about time to read it!





FTC Disclaimer: Book links to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!


I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.


And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words


So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Spotlight on: This Is Our Song by Samantha Chase ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, Friends! This Is Our Song book 4 in The Shaughnessy Brothers series by Samantha Chase is being released today! Woot! It's my pleasure to be part of this Spotlight Tour! 

Samantha Chase is here with a short guest post and an excerpt of This is Our Song. Plus, details to win a fantastic prize package are at the bottom of the page! 




New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Samantha Chase crafts a tender, hopeful family-centered romance.   

She knows him by reputation 
Riley Shaughnessy knew that to stand out in his large family, he'd have to go big. Making a name for himself as a musician wasn’t easy, but he followed his dreams to rock-star success. But the relentless expectations of fans is not helping the slump he's in now. So of course the person who attracts him is the woman who is not impressed by fame.   

Which gives Riley Shaughnessy a lot to prove 
Entertainment reporter Savannah Daly is completely unfazed by pretty-boy rock stars. She’s just here to get her interview and write her story. But spending an entire month with the Shaughnessys is going to show Savannah a side of Riley she never could have guessed.   

New York Times and USA Today Bestseller Samantha Chase released her debut novel, Jordan's Return, in November 2011. Teaching creative writing to students from elementary through high school motivated Samantha to take that step as well. Since then, she has become a NYT and USA  Today bestselling author. She lives with her husband of 25 years and their two sons in North Carolina.

 


I’m one of those people who can multi-task. To a point. I do like almost complete silence while I write with the exception of my Sounds of the Ocean soundtrack playing. I can have twenty tabs open online and be on social media while I’m writing, but please don’t make me listen to anything! But amazingly enough, on most of my books I do end up with a playlist that helps me get the job done.

I just don’t listen to it while I’m writing.

I turn to it when I’m blocked – when I’m stuck in a scene and need to get hyper-focused on my characters. This is Our Song was kind of easy to have a playlist to because Riley is a musician. There were songs that I felt like I could imagine him singing or that the lyrics really applied to him.

So what was on my list and why? Here’s just one of the songs that was on my This is Our Song playlist:


Viva La Vida by Coldplay

Where do I even begin with this one? Riley went from being on top of the world with Shaughnessy to struggling solo artist who couldn’t find his muse or get his album done! So he’s struggling with where he was and where he currently is which is kind of what Chris Martin and the boys are talking about – a fall from power, a fall from grace. I thought it was a little fitting for this situation and helped me get into the mindset of Riley during those scenes where he’s struggling with this the most.

Favorite line: One minute I held the key
Next the walls were closed on me
And I discovered that my castles stand
Upon pillars of salt and pillars of sand


I was lucky with This is Our Song because of Riley’s career. Some books it will just be a single (as in one) song that is on my playlist to help me over the humps. And sometimes I’ll have to listen to that song like five times in a row to get me in the proper mindset to write what I need to write.

Happy listening and I hope you enjoy This is Our Song!!


_______________________________________________



Excerpt:

     He didn’t just beat her in the best of three.

     Oh, no. That would have been too easy.

     No, Savannah—who realized too late that she was a very sore loser—kept egging him on until he finally put the paddle down after beating her in twelve games. Twelve! Why did she have to keep taunting him? Even while they were playing she couldn’t make herself ask him anything important. They talked about useless stuff—favorite bands, favorite foods—hell, at one point she’d even asked him his favorite color.

     She hung her head low in defeat and put her paddle on the table. Riley had excused himself and went to get them each a drink. She prayed it was vodka. Something to make her forget this humiliation.

     His prize at the end of the first three games was that she’d stay and have dinner with him.

     After the next three she’d stay for a movie.

     She really thought she was going to beat him in the third round. Unfortunately, it had been her biggest loss, and he’d simply chuckled and said he’d have to think about his reward. And he’d repeated that after the fourth and final win.

     Riley cleared his throat when he walked back into the room and handed her a glass of ice water. They drank in silence for a few minutes. “That was fun,” he finally said, and Savannah realized he wasn’t being obnoxious and he wasn’t gloating. He genuinely looked like he’d had a good time.

     And despite all the losing, Savannah would have to agree. It was fun.

     “How do you feel about salmon for dinner?”

     “It’s one of my favorites,” she said and was relieved he wasn’t gloating.

     “It’s kind of early yet. Maybe we can watch a movie first?”

     That was a reasonable request, and she agreed. Together they picked out a classic Neil Simon movie from 1967, Barefoot in the Park. “Ooo…Robert Redford.” She sighed. “Another favorite.”

     Tucked away in a corner was one of the biggest flat-screen TVs Savannah had ever seen. Riley noticed her stunned look. “It’s one hundred ten inches. They don’t come any bigger than this right now. The picture’s great too.”

     Two oversized recliners were centered in front of the screen and they each sat down. Riley started the movie and within minutes Savannah was more relaxed and they were both laughing along with the story.

     She kicked her sandals off and tucked her feet up on the chair beside her. Next she pulled the clip out of her hair so she could relax her head against the back of the comfortable chair. Looking to her right, she saw Riley was watching her. His expression was intense and for the life of her, she couldn’t figure out what was wrong. “Is everything okay?”

     He didn’t answer right away.

     “Riley?”

     “I still have to decide what I get for winning those last two rounds,” he said, his voice low and gravelly.

     Savannah nodded, hypnotized by the way his eyes had gone so dark.

     “I’m going to combine them into one request,” he said, and it sounded more like a warning than a statement.

     “Okay.” Her own voice was almost a breathy whisper.

     Leaning closer, Riley’s eyes zeroed in on her lips before meeting her eyes. “Savannah?”

     “Hmm?”

     “I’m going to kiss you. Twice.”

     “Oh.”

     His hand snaked out and around her nape and slowly drew her closer to him. And then his lips touched hers and Savannah’s brain simply stopped functioning.






Buy: *AmazonB&NiBooks
Add to Goodreads

FTC Disclaimer: Book link to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Samantha Chase



* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

Sourcebooks Casablanca is kindly giving away an awesome prize package! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below! 


Good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for including me in this spotlight! 



Wow! What did you think of that excerpt? I loved the "I'm going to kiss you. Twice." *sigh*  

Monday, December 5, 2016

Winner of the 'Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter' Giveaway!

Hello, Friends! I'm excited to announce the winner of the e-copy of Mr Bennet's Dutiful Daughter by Joana Starnes!

But first, I would like to thank Joana Starnes for being a guest here at So little time..., and for having a giveaway with me! Thank you, Joana!! 

Also, a big thanks to Claudine Pepe @ JustJane1813 for including in this blog tour!



Without further ado, the randomly picked winner is:


Vesper


Congratulations!







Mr Bennet’s Dutiful Daughter by Joana Starnes 

Book Description: 

When Colonel Fitzwilliam’s disclosures are interrupted by the bearer of distressing news from Longbourn, Miss Elizabeth Bennet is compelled to consider an offer she would have otherwise dismissed out of hand. An offer of marriage from the all-too-proud Mr Darcy.   

Yet how is she to live with a husband she hardly knows and does not love? Would she be trapped in a marriage of convenience while events conspire to divide them? Or would love grow as, day by day and hour after hour, she learns to understand the man she married, before she loses his trust and his heart?



Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Book link to Amazon - I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Blog Tour Schedule


November 17/ My Jane Austen Book Club/Launch Post & Giveaway
November 18/ Pemberley to Milton/Book Review & Giveaway
November 19/ Obsessed with Mr. Darcy/ Book Review & Giveaway
November 20/ A Covent Garden Madame Gilflurt's Guide to Life/Guest Post & Giveaway
November 21/ Margie's Must Reads/ Book Review & Giveaway
November 22/ Babblings of a Bookworm/ Book Review & Giveaway
November 23/ Diary of an Eccentric/Book Review & Giveaway
November 24/ Happy Thanksgiving
November 25/ So Little Time... So Much to Read/ Excerpt & Giveaway
November 26Just Jane 1813/Interview with Joana Starnes & Giveaway
November 2 / My Kids Led Me Back to Pride and Prejudice/ Guest Post & Giveaway
November 28/ More Agreeably Engaged/ Vignette & Giveaway 
December 1/ My Vices and Weaknesses/ Book Review & Giveaway
December 2/ Austenesque Reviews/ Excerpt & Giveaway

Many thanks to all who entered!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...