Read an excerpt from Miss White and the Seventh Heir by Jennifer Faye

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the book tour for Miss White and the Seventh Heir. I have an exclusive excerpt for you to read today. It's the second book in the Once Upon a Fairytale contemporary romance series by Jennifer Faye. You can read even more excerpts and reviews when you follow the tour listed below. Also find out how to get some freebies and enter the amazing giveaway!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me support my websites, at no additional cost to you.

Grab a FREE Miss White and the Seventh Heir (Once Upon A Fairytale) Bookmark!

NOTE: A big apology but due to postal fees the freebies are only available to continental U.S. residents.

All you have to do is go to Jennifer's Contact Page and let her know your physical mailing address.

NOTE: Please state the quantity you desire and which bookmarks/titles you are interested in.

And remember you can order extra to share with your favorite bookstore, library and family/friends. :-)

Miss White and the Seventh Heir

(Once Upon a Fairytale #2)
by Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 pages

June 1st 2018 by Harlequin Romance

A billionaire with a secret…

Can the truth lead to happily-ever-after?

In this Once Upon a Fairytale story, hardworking magazine editor Sage White’s just getting used to being in charge, so she’s alarmed to find sparks flying with her new assistant—the distractingly handsome Trey! Working together, they grow closer, but can their blossoming relationship survive when Sage learns that Trey is really Quentin Rousseau, seventh heir to the publishing empire—and her boss?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Book Depository│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

Read an excerpt:

With evening setting in, Trey continued running—pushing himself. After bumping heads with Sage most of the afternoon, he was filled with pent-up energy. That woman was so frustrating and yet so enticing. He couldn’t decide whether he wanted to yell at her or pull her into his arms and kiss her.

He let out a frustrated groan as he slowed to a walk a block from his condo. The sooner he got the information he’d come to QTR for, the better. Ever since he’d stepped inside the office, everything had grown increasingly complicated.

The shrubbery next to him shook. He came to a stop. There was no wind to explain the sudden rush of motion. It was probably a squirrel. He was about to move on when he heard a high-pitched whine. Or was it a bark. Could there be a dog in there?

Trey peered closer at the bush. In the long shadows of evening, it was hard to make out a dog in between the leafy limbs. Then the bush moved again.

Arf! Arf!

Trey straightened and looked around to see if someone was looking for their dog. The bush was sitting next to a park, but no one was around. Just then a car turned onto the street. By the time it reached Trey, it was well above the speed limit. He didn’t want anything to happen to the dog.

Trey turned back to the bush. Why was the dog in the bush? Had it gotten lose from its leash and gotten scared?

Trey already had enough of his own problems. He didn’t need someone else’s. But if he had lost a pet, he would want someone to go out of their way and make sure it got safely home.

With a sigh because he knew that he wasn’t going to get anything else done that evening, he crouched down next to the bush. “Come here, fella. It’s okay. I won’t hurt you.”

Arf! Arf!

The bark had to be a positive sign, right? Trey hadn’t had a dog growing up. His mother said that she had her hands full with him and running the house alone. She couldn’t take on a dog, too. As such, he didn’t really know much about animals.

He kept his voice soft. “Come on. Come here.”

He kept talking to the dog in gentle tones, hoping the dog would trust him enough to poke its head out. He wished that he had some food on him. If worse came to worst, he could run home and grab some food—

The leaves moved again. A little head poked out.

Trey didn’t waste any time. He cautiously moved his fisted hand toward the dog, hoping it wouldn’t bite him. Instead it sniffed him.

“Good boy.” Trey made sure to keep his voice low and steady. “I’m going to pick you up, but you don’t have to worry. I won’t hurt you. Promise.”

Other Books in the Series

Beauty and Her Boss

(Once Upon a Fairytale #1)
by Jennifer Faye

Contemporary Romance

Paperback & ebook, 256 pages

March 1st 2018 by Harlequin Romance

An innocent beauty, a scarred hero...

Could she be the one to open up his heart?

Handsome but guarded former Hollywood star Deacon Santoro prefers the confines of his mansion since an accident left him scarred both inside and out. But he promised to protect sparky beauty Gabrielle Dupre, his new PA. Can Gabrielle convince Deacon that love will give them the fairy-tale ending they deserve?

Goodreads│Amazon│Barnes & Noble

Book Depository│Harlequin│iBooks│Kobo

About the Author

Award-winning author, Jennifer Faye pens fun, heartwarming contemporary romances with rugged cowboys, sexy billionaires and enchanting royalty. Internationally published with books translated into nine languages. She is a two-time winner of the RT Book Reviews Reviewers' Choice Award, the CataRomance Reviewers' Choice Award, named a TOP PICK author, and been nominated for numerous other awards.

Website│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│
Google+│Pinterest│YouTube│Klout

Tour Schedule

June 4th:

Launch

Thoughts of a Blonde

Jorie Loves A Story

It's All About the Romance

Rockin' Book Reviews

Andi's Book Reviews

June 5th:

Bri's Book Nook

Stacking My Book Shelves!

Two Points of Interest

June 6th:

Deal Sharing Aunt

E-Romance News

Inside The Mind of an Avid Reader

Becky on Books

June 7th:

Christian Chick's Thoughts

underneath the covers

Book by Book

Wishful Endings

June 8th:

Simply Kelina

Teatime and Books

Bookworm Lisa

June 9th:

Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

- 1 winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card, autographed copy of BEAUTY & HER BOSS (Once Upon a Fairytale, book 1), Lindt Lindor assorted chocolate truffles, Lindt Salted Caramel bar, Whoppers, Reese's Pieces, candle, flower kit, book magnet, pen, and bookmarks

- US only

- Ends June 13th

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Review of Gumshoe Girl by Andi Ramos by Giveaway

Welcome to the review tour for Gumshoe Girl by Andi Ramos. You simply must check out this romantic suspense debut novel. I have an excerpt for you to read before you download your own copy. And it's just 99 cents! I also have included my own review of this mystery. Please leave the author comments and questions. Also check out some other excerpts and reviews when you follow the tour. You'll also have more opportunities to enter the giveaway below.

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites, at no additional cost to you. I also received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Gumshoe Girl

Sheagan O’Hare got more than she bargained for when her newly inherited detective agency lands its first case; a missing person, embezzlement, and murder. Sheagan’s out to prove she can hang with the pro's, despite the constant reminder of her amateur status from an annoyingly attractive FBI agent, Colin 'Mac' MacEvine, who’s forced himself into her life.

How does she feel when an old high school friend hopes to ignite a new romance?

Will she be able to discover if detective work and love can mingle before someone gets hurt?

Read an excerpt:

“Does this have to do with this detective stuff you decided to play around with?”

She shot a dirty look at the wall. “Listen, don’t worry about it. I’ve got it under control.”

“Obviously you don’t. I’m going to the police.”

“Um, no. You can’t call, uh, not yet.”

“Why can’t I?” He came back into the room.

“I can’t explain that.”

“You’d better explain something, because I am calling 9-1-1 right now.” He picked up the phone.

“Stop!” she yelled.

He looked at her like she was crazy. “Why?”

“Listen, just let me call my friend first.”

“Your friend?” It was his turn for sarcasm.

“Yes, my friend.” She snatched the phone from him, grabbed her bag, and went into the bathroom. She fished around until she found the card from Mac and punched in his number on her cell.

“Yup,” Mac answered.

“I have a sticky situation.”

“What is it?”

“Well, I’m at my old place.”

“I’m not here to settle disputes for you and your boyfriend.”

“Boyfriend? What are you talking about, we broke up?” Then it dawned on her. Her address showed she was still living with Rat Bastard.

“Sheagan,” she heard him shout, breaking into her thoughts.

“What!” she shouted back.

He grunted. “What is the situation?”

“The O’Dwyer boys came to visit my ex-boyfriend last night.”

“I’ll be right there. Don’t call the police.”

“I know. I called you.”

“Well, you got something right.” He hung up.

She screamed into the receiver, “You son-of-a-, I’ll give you, ‘you got something right’. You can kiss my butt.”

When she emerged from the bathroom, Rat Bastard cocked his head. “Friend, huh?”

“It’s complicated!” she snapped.

 Available on Amazon

**My thoughts**

This debut novel by Andi Ramos is cute, funny, and a great addition to the genre. Sheagan is spunky, independent, and determined. Her world has been rocked following the death of her father and the discovery of how Rat Bastard, aka her boyfriend, really is cheating on her. Her father had been a very successful private detective and she picked up a few tricks along the way. Her first case is tracking down the aforementioned boyfriend, but she quickly falls into another case, a real case. A man seeks his missing wife. Sheagan jumps on the opportunity and soon finds herself knee-deep in an FBI case and inadvertently getting herself into trouble. 

Trouble is compounded by the appearance of two men in her life. One is an old friend from high school who grew up into quite a lovely specimen. The other is an FBI agent who gets under her skin and triggers a passionate response. You know, the guy who makes you so crazy that you can't help but fall for him and have no idea why?

Sheagan has some good instincts and is learning how to put pieces together to solve little mysteries on the way to figuring out the big picture. She also seems to be a quick study in the skills needed to become a good detective. The end of this book seemed to wrap up a little too fast, but this book really feels like the start of a fun series to keep an eye on. I devoured it in one evening whilst sitting on my front porch and am looking forward to the next installment.

About Andi Ramos

Andi Ramos grew up in central Massachusetts where she still lives today with her family, goat, and Boston Terriers. Her love for reading grew into a passion for writing. She dabbled with pen and paper for a long time and eventually stopped pushing her amusements aside and started developing those stories into novels. One of her favorite things to do is to hop into her motorhome with her family and write while traveling down the road as they journey to various destinations.

Social Media Links

Website: www.andiramos.com

Blog: www.andiramos.com/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/andiramosauthor

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/andiramosauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/andiramosauthor

Andi will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Review of A Hasty Grave by Jessie McAlan with Giveaway

Welcome to the review tour for A Hasty Grave by Jessie McAlan. It's a cozy murder mystery with secret codes and cyphers and some twists and turns along the way. Please enjoy an excerpt following the blurb before downloading your own copy. I also have my own review for you. Leave questions or comments for the author and then follow the tour for more reviews and chances to win the giveaway at the end!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me support my websites, at no additional cost to you. I also received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

A Hasty Grave

Finding a large hole on one’s property is one thing; finding a body in it the following day is quite another.

Rona and her ex-husband, Johnny, also discover a sheet of paper at the gravesite, symbols looking like code or treasure hunting glyphs. What’s it mean? Does it have any bearing on the man’s death?

Add to this mix the old Finley-Tennet feud and an elderly Finley’s nebulous recollection of James/Younger outlaw days. Does she have the clue to the cache’s location?

When a second death pushes Rona and Johnny into a deadly game of hide-and-seek with the killer, she learns—nearly too late--just how deeply Johnny still loves her.

Available on Amazon

Read an excerpt:

She told Johnny later she didn’t know what woke her or how long she’d been asleep. Perhaps Drew’s growl pulled her from her dream; perhaps it was a sixth sense. She eased out of bed, barely breathing, and grabbed her flashlight. Drew was at the bedroom door, alternately looking at her and then back to the hallway.

Clutching the flashlight like a club, she stepped into the hall. Drew followed beside her, his presence and growls reassuring.

“Who’s there?” Her voice sounded thin in the stillness.

No voice or noise answered. No scuffle of footsteps, no crash of a falling lamp or thud against furniture signaled the invader’s presence. She swallowed and called again, forcing more volume into her words. “Whoever’s here, I’m going to let my dog loose. You’ll get bitten.”

As if to underscore her statement, Drew barked.

She stooped, patted him, and whispered, “Let’s see who’s here.”

He barked again and padded down the hall. When he got to the den, he stopped and looked back at her. 

The room was dark but she didn’t want to turn on the lamp for fear of pinpointing her location to the intruder. Enough moonlight sifted through the tree branches outside and into the room for her to make out the dark forms of the furniture. Besides, she knew the layout and could most likely navigate it in total darkness. Still, she sensed someone in the room, someone who reveled in the dark.

**My thoughts**
Caches, and ciphers, and codes, oh my! The promise of all of these being intertwined in this mystery is what prompted me to grab this title for reviewing. I've been fascinated by secret codes and ciphers since I was a kid. I've known about geocaching for quite some time now, and only recently had my first experience participating in one. But I have thankfully never come across a dead body while trying to solve any of these. I can't imagine.

Clearly there is some history with Rona and finding dead bodies on her property. They keep referring to a dead woman from a few weeks before. With a little bit of research, I figured out that there is a book previous to this one. I didn't feel like I needed a ton of preknowledge from that story to understand this one, as far as murders and mystery is concerned. What I did want to better understand was the relationship between Rona and her ex-husband Johnny. I felt like I was missing a large part of that history and wanted to know more.

I admire Rona for taking the initiative to find answers to her questions on her own. I am a naturally inquisitive person, and I am fascinated by history. But if someone was threatening me, I don't know that I could do it. Her inquiries uncover a lot of interesting history, some of which may seem a little familiar to the reader. It also contributes to lots of twists and turns, so that you're not quite sure what is happening next.

About Jessie McAlan

A family trip to the Big Spring area in the Missouri Ozarks introduced Jessie to the wonders of nature. Her summer stints as a camp counselor and canoeing instructor cemented her enthusiasm. This love of the natural world and the river flows through her Linn House mysteries.

In 2001 Jessie graduated from Webster University with a BA degree and departmental honors in English.

She lives in the St Louis, MO area, and spends as much time as she can writing mysteries and watching the barges on the river.

https://www.amazon.com/Jessie-McAlan/e/B0725KQ4WT

https://www.facebook.com/Jessie-McAlan-Mysteries-257832941350367/

http://www.jessie-mcalan.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16850946.Jessie_McAlan

Jessie McAlan will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Read an excerpt from You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn with Giveaway

Welcome as we celebrate the recent release of You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn. Find out what the story is about and take a sneak peek before you download your copy. Make sure you leave a question or a comment for the author. And then follow the tour for more excerpts and more chances to win the giveaway!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me support my websites.

You Never Forget Your First Earl

With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .

Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .

Available on Amazon

Read an excerpt:

“It would not be only you pretending you might be interested in me,” Lord Littleton explained. “I would be seen to be interested in you as well.” 

This still seemed unnecessary. Either Lord Harrington would want her for herself or not. She did not like to engage in deceptions. “To what purpose?”

“My dear lady.” Lord Littleton possessed himself of her hands, his gaze capturing hers.
Good Lord, the man was dangerous. She sent a prayer of thanks to the deity that she was not affected by him. “Do you do that on purpose?” 

He shook his head and stared at her. “Do what?” 

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at him. “Look into a woman’s eyes as if she were the only lady on earth you wished to be with.” 

“Ah, no,” he said a little sheepishly. “It just happens. I can’t seem to stop myself.” 

“It’s like this, Lizzy”—her brother cut in—“any gentleman who’s interested in a lady don’t wish to see another man making up to her.” He gave his friend a disgusted look. “Littleton agreed to help, but you can see how dangerous it is for him to be in Town. He truly can’t help himself from flirting, and he’ll soon find himself in a bumble-bath if he remains too long. He’s not ready for a leg-shackle yet, but he’d be bound to raise some lady’s expectations and that won’t do.” 

“That’s it exactly.” Lord Littleton must have realized he was still holding Elizabeth’s hands and released them. “But that’s not the only reason Turley and I thought I’d be the best one. You see, Harrington and I never got on well together. That will give him the extra incentive to court you properly.” 

“And,” Gavin added, “Littleton is so full of juice that he is just as eligible as Harrington. Other than the title that is.” 

Her brother and Lord Littleton focused their gazes on her, and she glanced from one man to the other. “I understand.” Or she thought she did. Men were such strange creatures. She wondered why Lord Harrington did not like Lord Littleton. He seemed amiable enough. “Very well, then. How do we begin?”

About Ella Quinn

USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.

She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Portuguese Water Dog. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.

Website ~ http://www.ellaquinnauthor.com/

Facebook ~ http://www.facebook.com/EllaQuinnAuthor

Twitter ~ http://www.twitter.com/ellaquinnauthor

Blog ~http://ellaquinnauthor.wordpresscom/

Ella will be awarding a signed copy of the book (International Giveaway) to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Read an excerpt from For the Brave by Holly Bush with Giveaway

Welcome to the blurb blitz tour for For the Brave by Holly Bush! I love stories about the Civil War, so I simply had to share this one with you. Check out an excerpt and the blurb, and then please download your own copy. You may also leave comments or questions for the author. Follow the tour for more excerpts and more chances to win the giveaway at the end of the post. 

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me support my websites, at no additional cost to you.

For the Brave

1869 – Matthew Gentry joined the Confederate Army at eighteen years of age after an argument with his father, leaving Paradise, his Virginia home and famed horse breeding stables, for the fields of Gettysburg. Having survived the War Between the States, Gentry is haunted by the violence and inhumanity of the war. He continues to roam the country long after the conflict is over, finding solace in the arms of soiled doves and at the bottom of whiskey bottles. Finally traveling home after learning of a family tragedy, he nearly loses his life in a spring-flooded riverbed.

Annie Campbell, lone survivor of her family, lives at a remote farm near the North River, raising pigs and trying to grow enough to feed herself, and to stay out of the crosshairs of the Thurmans, violent men who run the town of Bridgewater. Annie’s secrets threaten her safety, even as she rescues and nurses Matthew Gentry.

Matthew knows he must return to Paradise, to grieve with his family. Will his heart lead him back to Bridgewater and Annie Campbell?

Buy links

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iTunes / Kobo / Google Play

Read an excerpt:

The rain had finally stopped long enough for Annie Campbell to feed the hogs and not get soaked to the skin. She pulled on her father’s brown hat, the brim bent down so far that it was barely recognizable as a brim any longer. She stepped into her brother’s boots, pushing down on the newsprint that lined the soles where the leather had worn through. She pulled on her coat over the heavy wool shirt she wore and tucked the legs of her flannel pants down into her boots.

She threw another log on the fire before she left and stirred the soup in the back of the fireplace. 

Annie moved the shotgun from her right hand to her left and picked up the bucket sitting on her front porch beside the old rocker. There were plenty of scraps there to keep the hogs happy and fat, and the fatter they were the better price she’d get from Jeb Barlow, a neighbor man who took her hogs to auction in Harrisonburg when he took his heifers. For a price, of course.

“Dinnertime!” she called. “The sun is finally coming out and I’m able to get out here and feed y’all.”

Two great pigs and nine piglets came trotting over to the trough where Annie was dumping the scraps. They were snorting and oinking loud enough that she could barely hear herself think. But it was springtime, her hogs would sell soon, and it was a beautiful day. Even though she was not naturally happy or ebullient, the sun breaking through after endless weeks of wet, chilly spring weather was threatening to make her feel some joy. What an odd feeling, she thought, as she spun in the warm sunbeams. Maybe tomorrow she wouldn’t even need her coat when she went out to do her chores.

She took a look along the fence line she intended to fix this spring, and fix it she would starting tomorrow, the whole way down to where it stopped at the stand of trees. Past those trees was the North River, just a large stream at this point but with all the rain, she imagined it was well over its banks as had happened on other occasions.

There was something standing there just inside the tree line. She brought her shotgun up to her shoulder instinctively, but it wasn’t a who. It was a what. A deer? No. Her eyes were playing tricks on her now. She walked down the slope toward the trees to get a better look. She stopped dead in her tracks when she realized it was a horse. A horse meant a man. She turned and ran back to the house as fast as her feet would carry her. She threw the bar over the door and climbed on the stool to see out the slit on that side of the cabin. The horse had walked out of the trees and stopped in the tall grass. She climbed down, opened her mother’s sewing box, picked up the tray that held the spools of thread, and pulled out her father’s spyglass.

About Holly Bush

Holly Bush writes historical romance set on the American Prairie, in Victorian England, and recently released her first Women’s Fiction title. Her books are described as emotional, with heartfelt, sexy romance. She makes her home with her husband in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Connect with Holly at www.hollybushbooks.com and on Twitter @hollybushbooks and on Facebook at Holly Bush.


Links:
www.hollybushbooks.com

Twitter - @hollybushbooks

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/?ref=tn_tnmn#!/pages/Holly-Bush/247399131941435

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/holly-bush

https://www.amazon.com/Holly-Bush/e/B006ZDTQ1A/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Holly Bush will be awarding a $25 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Gratitude Effect by Richard J. Cavaness

I was compensated via Fiverr for sharing this post. There are also affiliate links present in this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites, at no additional cost to you.

The Gratitude Effect

Are you leveraging the most UNDERUTILIZED TOOL for improving life satisfaction and increasing happiness?

Your mindset is 100 percent responsible for the outcomes in your life. This truth will open your eyes in a brand new way and to a brand new world: Living a life of Gratitude.

In the “The Gratitude Effect” you will dramatically increase your personal wellbeing, shift your mindset, optimize your outcomes, and boost your physical and emotional well-being in life.

Author and personal development coach Rich Cavaness shows you how to:

• Have the power to determine the direction of your thoughts and your life
• Reframe your past so you can be grateful for where you are today• Boost physical, emotional, and mental well-being
• Understand that your overall happiness is directly connected to this effect
• Apply the seven principles of being thankful in your everyday life
• Fend off the negative activities that prevent being grateful

Through sharing real-life stories and practical teaching points, Rich gives you the tools you need to live your life in gratitude—the catalyst for a positive mental attitude—starting now!

Rich Cavaness is a recognized trainer, teacher and coach in the field of personal development and achievement. He is a Certified Master Coach Practitioner with the Certified Coaches Federation. Rich’s diverse experience, including business ownership, self-employment, management, sales, and ministry experience, has provided him with a broad understanding of many life issues faced today.

Available on Amazon

Testimonial

"OMGoodness!!! The book is WONDERFULLY INSPIRATIONAL!! I am so thankful that I have read this book. I am expecting to live my life in a more positive way from reading The Gratitude Effect and I absolutely will be buying many copies for my friends and family."
Petey Parker, Co- Founder of Young Hiring Partners

About Richard J. Cavaness

Rich Cavaness is a recognized trainer, teacher and coach in the field of personal development and achievement. He is a Certified Master Coach Practitioner with the Certified Coaches Federation. Rich’s diverse experience, including business ownership, self-employment, management, sales, and ministry experience, has provided him with a broad understanding of many life issues faced today.

http://www.thegratitudeeffect.net/

Read an excerpt from Asta and the Barbarians by Becca Fox with Giveaway

Welcome to the book blast for Asta and the Barbarians by Becca Fox! If you're into fantasy, then this one is for you. See what I mean as you check out an excerpt before you download your copy. As always, please leave the author comments and questions, and then follow the tour for even more chances to win the giveaway!

Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help me support my websites, at no additional cost to you.

Asta and the Barbarians

Asta heard about King Torvald's crusade and watched her people fortify the town's defenses, but she never imagined foreign invaders would come to her peaceful shores. In one fateful night, she loses everything she holds dear and somehow gains the favor of the warrior god. Has he given her the tools she needs for revenge or does he have a greater plan in store?

Buy links

Amazon US * Amazon UK * Smashwords * Apple * Kobo * Nook   

Read an excerpt:

“Why did you help me?” I asked. “I have nothing to give in return. You must have known that.”

Bryn smiled softly. “A very wise woman once said, ‘A world without kindness is a dark and hopeless place.’ And that isn’t the kind of world I wish to live in.”

My eyes stung with the coming of new tears.

Viggo rolled his eyes and turned to leave. “I’ll see you at dinner, Bryn.”

“Until then,” Bryn said over his shoulder. His glowing eyes fell on my face again. “What’s your name?”

“Asta.”

“I would like to hear your story, if you are willing and able to tell it, Asta.”

I rubbed my face against the blanket. “You won’t like it.”

“We are rarely fond of the truth,” Bryn said with a shrug. “Tell me anyway.”

About Becca Fox

Becca Fox was that strange girl in high school, who always seemed to have her nose in a book. She didn’t talk much because, more often than not, she was daydreaming about different fantasy worlds. During class, under the guise of taking notes, she wrote scenes for her works in progress.

Becca is a bit more social now but still enjoys reading, writing, and daydreaming. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband, a fat orange tabby cat, and a forever-puppy. She has published three books to date, I Dare You to Love Me (a young adult romance), In the Dark (a new adult paranormal romance), and Asta and the Barbarians (a new adult fantasy.)

Links:

Blog: https://fanofthefiction.wordpress.com/
Website: http://becca-fox.com/
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Becca-Fox/e/B076PTNPV9/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17274613.Becca_Fox
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The Waldensian Series by Donna Wichelman Book Tour Grand Finale with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for

The Waldensian Series

By Donna Wichelman

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops

you can see snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below.

Please note that affiliate links are also present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission to help support my websites, at no additional cost to you.

Launch - Interview with the Author

What was your motivation behind writing these books?

A number of years ago, I became fascinated by the real-life story of the Waldensians, a persecuted, pre-reformation Christian sect who were often martyred for holding to their doctrinal views against papal authority over the centuries of the second millennium. While church historians have written volumes on the religious group, I wanted to write a fictional, Christian suspense series that created a contemporary story around a people whose real-life story of valor and faith endured the test of time. In both Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor, Jamie and Alessandro come face to face with unrelenting criminal forces that require the protagonists to find courage and hope by looking toward the preserving faith of their ancestors.

Heidi Reads... - A Series is Born

A number of years ago while my family and I were on vacation in Varenna, Italy and enthralled with the beauty of the Lake District and the Northern Italian Alps, I pictured the place as an enchanting setting for a book. On our return home, I couldn’t get the allure and Old World charm out of my head. Still, I needed a story to make the setting come alive...

Rockin' Book Reviews - Review

"A well-written story with so much research done to make it a great historical novel with a great romance." - Review of Light Out of Darkness

"As with the first story, this is a well-written story with so much research done to make it a great historical novel with sweet romances...

I recommend this book to other readers. It is a very good read." - Review of Undaunted Valor

Stacking My Book Shelves! - Excerpt from Light Out of Darkness

Jamie froze. Panic choked her throat.

She whirled around and peered down the path behind her. No one else seemed to be on the darkened walkway. Those who had hurried past her were nowhere in sight. She heard only the calm lap of the water against the shoreline and relaxed again. Wasn’t it just like the darkness to make insane fools of us all?

Coming to a stretch of the walkway where the path widened and a bench sat under another lighted lamppost, Jamie caught sight of a shadowy figure, elongated by the extended light. A tremor chased through her body. There was nowhere to go except straight ahead. She began to run, but the footfalls matched her pace. Her feet shifted into high gear.

Colorimetry - A Future Historical is Born

In Undaunted Valor, Book 2 of The Waldensian Series, Jamie finds a letter written by her seventeenth century cousin Anne Charbonnier. Anne’s story of courage and strength bolsters Jamie’s fight against the men who want to destroy her and Alessandro. Jamie identifies with the persecution her ancient cousin faces at the hands of King Louis XIV during the Nine Years’ War. Setting out to eradicate Waldensians and Huguenots from existence, Louis sends dragoons—military soldiers—to their home valleys to confront them at gunpoint. His message—convert, accept exile in Switzerland. or die for their faith...

Uplifting Reads - Excerpt from Light Out of Darkness

They clambered about the exterior of the stone edifices for a few minutes more. The buildings seemed in need of repair after the winter snows, though Jamie imagined these structures had never been truly rain- or snow-worthy. She suspected the barba had always contended with their surroundings in the same way they persevered through persecution.

All at once, an explosive cacophony of what sounded like firecrackers ricocheted across the valley. Jamie whirled around as Alessandro snatched hold of her. “We’re being shot at. Follow me!”

She clutched his hand and sped with him toward the stone pathway back down through the chestnut forest.

Another round of shots rang out.

Reading Is My SuperPower - Review

"If you like different-than-the-norm settings, high-tension suspense, art and antiquities intrigue and sweet romantic chemistry, then you definitely need to check out The Waldensian Series by Donna Wichelman. Layered characters and fascinating history in a modern & picturesque locale draw you in and keep you engaged with the story and its outcome. Pop some popcorn and settle in for a riveting journey through Italy and France!" - Review of the Light Out of Darkness and Undaunted Valor

Remembrancy - Excerpt from Light Out of Darkness

Jamie appealed to the woman once more, her voice more urgent. “Signorina, we’re terribly concerned for our friend. You must understand …”

The woman kept her nose down, straightening up the clutter on her desk—or pretending to. She seemed to cogitate in silence. She looked up and around and then back at Jamie. Her eyes pleaded, and she whispered. “Signorina, please. The man in the photograph. Capo di Mafioso.”

Jamie’s eyes softened, desperate to show the woman she understood. Of course Justina would fear the mob boss. “Just tell us. Our friend—did he say where he was going?”

Paulette's Papers - Find Your Own Romantic Adventure in Italy’s Lake District

In Light Out of Darkness—Book 1, The Waldensian Series—Jamie Holbrooke and Alessandro Marianni’s adventure begins on the shores of romantic Lake Como in Varenna, Italy when a prestigious art exhibition turns into a horrific spectacle and a murder sends the art curator and professor on a search for a highly coveted painting...

It's all About the Romance - Excerpt from Undaunted Valor

Outwardly, Luciana could only manage deep guttural sounds through the hands that clasped her mouth. What did these two people want with her, an old lady from a long-forgotten Alpine people? She didn’t have a scrap of money. They would see that right away.

Her impostor spoke in Italian. “I feel … old in this drab outfit. I don’t understand why I need to impersonate her. It’s not like anyone will care.”

Perhaps not here. But my grandson—

“You are not being paid to ask questions. Just do your job right, and you will be handsomely rewarded.”

Mel's Shelves - Excerpt from Undaunted Valor

Not until they were halfway through the park at a curve in the path did Jamie see another living soul. She slowed her pace, her heart pumping hard. She released Alessandro’s arm and halted, staring ahead.

Alessandro took a step back. “What’s wrong?”

“The man leaning against that tree, leering at us.” She indicated the towering ash ahead of them and the lanky man whose hands dug into black leather military jacket pockets as he rested with one foot against the tree. She’d know that figure anywhere from their encounter with him the year before. She wanted to flee, but he pulled her in like gravity to a black hole.

Moments - Spotlight

Hearts & Scribbles - Excerpt from Undaunted Valor

Out of nowhere, Alessandro’s Mercedes came to an immediate halt in front of them. “Get in!” Nico shouted. Jamie hopped into the back on the driver’s side.

“I’ll drive,” Alessandro said, waving his hand at Nico to go around to the other side, while he slid into the driver’s seat. He slammed his door. As soon as Nico had dumped himself into the front passenger seat, Alessandro accelerated forward toward the way they had come.

“Have we lost them?” Jamie gripped the armrest, her knuckles turning white, her body fighting the G-forces as Alessandro drove past the park and village businesses, then up an incline.

Teatime and Books - A Journey of Spiritual Proportions Awaits You

Jamie and Alessandro’s ancestors come from the Cottian Alps—the mountain range that forms the border between present day France (Hautes-Alpes and Savoy) and Italy (Piedmont). For nature lovers, ski aficionados, travel enthusiasts and history scholars, the terrain provides some of the most spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation in all of Europe with its majestic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, unspoiled forests and quaint mountain villages. People all over the world come to get away from the daily grind and rejuvenate...

Locks, Hooks and Books - Review

"Light Out of Darkness is the beginning to Donna Wichelman’s series. . . . It is full of hold on your seat action and adventure and nail biting suspense and mystery. Jamie and Alessandro were quite the duo and I enjoyed reading how it would end for them...

Undaunted Valor continues Jamie and Alessandro’s story . . . . I had a hard time putting it down and no problem turning the pages. I found their story to be fascinating, intriguing and exciting.

I give Undaunted Valor 5 stars and I highly recommend it. It is so so good."

underneath the covers - Italian Food: One of Life’s Most Delectable Encounters

If you’re like me, Italian food sits right up there with life’s most delectable encounters. In Italy, meals are a festive time enjoyed with family and friends and accompanied with a good glass of wine. Like art and culture and love, Italians are passionate about their food and pay particular attention to the preparation and presentation. Each region has its own cultural flair and unique flavors...

All-of-a-kind Mom - Review

"I loved the fact that this story is set in Italy. (It’s on my bucket list of places to visit) The setting, the details, all of it, make this a lovely place to “visit”.

And then there’s the mystery...

She gets to know Alessandro. There’s a bit of romantic attraction between the two. And they are determined to solve the mystery...

The Italian Mafia also has a part in this story….and there are other elements as well that all tie together to make this an intriguing suspense novel." - Review of Light Out of Darkness

Andi's Book Reviews - Review

"Any story that takes place in Italy is going to grab my attention. Add to that numerous references back to Cleveland, which was one of my favorite places to visit when I lived in Ohio, and the setting has completely grabbed my attention." - Review of Light Out of Darkness

"...the setting is a good one. I adore the area around the French Alps. It's just majestic and a place that everyone should aspire to visit at least once in their life...

And again, I adore Luciana. Plus my antique book geek side loved the secret Jamie finds in her grandmother's trunk." - Review of Undaunted Valor

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below, if you haven't already...

Light Out of Darkness

(The Waldensian Series #1)
By Donna Wichelman
Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 320 pages
April 2nd 2018 by Soujourner's Press

A prestigious art exhibition turns into a horrific spectacle when a murder sends an art curator and a professor on a hunt for a highly coveted stolen painting.

Escaping a painful past in Cleveland, Ohio, Jamie Holbrooke flees to Milan, Italy as an art curator. But her past follows her during an evening stroll along Varenna’s shoreline walk when an assailant, who looks like her dead brother, presses a mysterious riddle into her hand. Still reeling from shock the next day, she discovers her long-time paragon, Dr. Alessandro Marianni, may have a link to the enigmatic riddle. Before she can discover the answers, their colleague falls prey to an assassin’s bullet. Convinced the riddle and murder are connected, Jamie and Alessandro risk their lives to uncover why an obscure painting has caught the attention of art critics and criminals alike. At stake is a two-thousand–year-old drama, unfolding in the contemporary world of the Northern Italian Alps.

Will Jamie and Alessandro stop powerful organized crime figures before the painting is lost forever and with it a secret more valuable than the prized artwork? Will Jamie find the answers to help her reclaim her life again? She will need the courage to face her fears and the persevering faith of Dr. Alessandro Marianni to heal her wounded heart.

Goodreads│Amazon

Undaunted Valor

(The Waldensian Series #2)
By Donna Wichelman
Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 281 pages
April 4th 2018 by Sojourner's Press

For nature lovers, ski aficionados, travel enthusiasts and history scholars, the French Alps offer some of the most spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation in all Europe with its majestic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, unspoiled forests and quaint mountain villages. People come to get away from the daily grind and rejuvenate their spirits.

But when Alessandro Marianni’s grandmother Luciana is kidnapped during a church conference in Chamonix, the same landscape becomes an ominous height to scale, and Jamie Holbrooke and her fiancé Alessandro have difficulty distinguishing between friend and foe on the race to find her. They will have to weather a rainstorm on a mountain trail, negotiate a dangerous waterfall, outmaneuver a car chase, and defy an assassin’s gun in their search.

Will they find their beloved Luciana before it’s too late? Who will die on the way to the finish line? Who can they trust? And where will Jamie find the courage to confront her adversaries?

In this sequel to Light Out of Darkness, the answers will lie in unanticipated places and with unexpected allies and require Jamie to discover what it means to trust God with Undaunted Valor.

Goodreads│Amazon

About the Author

Donna Wichelman was a communications professional before writing full-time. She has authored short stories, essays and articles in various inspirational publications and lives her dream writing novels and screenplays. She and her husband work with teens at their local church in Fort Collins, Colorado. They travel, bike and kayak whenever their schedules allows.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│
Twitter│Pinterest│Amazon│Newsletter

Tour Giveaway

1st Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Copy of the LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner) + 4 oz. Tea of your choice from the Tea Source or 1 LB of Coffee from DazBog Coffee (will Add $10 to Gift Card for international gift in lieu of tea or coffee)

2nd Prize: $15 Amazon Gift Card + Copy of LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner)

3rd Prize: Copy of LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner)

Ends May 23rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review of the Waldensian Series by Donna Wichelman with Giveaways

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Light Out of Darkness

(The Waldensian Series #1)
By Donna Wichelman
Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 320 pages
April 2nd 2018 by Soujourner's Press

A prestigious art exhibition turns into a horrific spectacle when a murder sends an art curator and a professor on a hunt for a highly coveted stolen painting.

Escaping a painful past in Cleveland, Ohio, Jamie Holbrooke flees to Milan, Italy as an art curator. But her past follows her during an evening stroll along Varenna’s shoreline walk when an assailant, who looks like her dead brother, presses a mysterious riddle into her hand. Still reeling from shock the next day, she discovers her long-time paragon, Dr. Alessandro Marianni, may have a link to the enigmatic riddle. Before she can discover the answers, their colleague falls prey to an assassin’s bullet. Convinced the riddle and murder are connected, Jamie and Alessandro risk their lives to uncover why an obscure painting has caught the attention of art critics and criminals alike. At stake is a two-thousand–year-old drama, unfolding in the contemporary world of the Northern Italian Alps.

Will Jamie and Alessandro stop powerful organized crime figures before the painting is lost forever and with it a secret more valuable than the prized artwork? Will Jamie find the answers to help her reclaim her life again? She will need the courage to face her fears and the persevering faith of Dr. Alessandro Marianni to heal her wounded heart.

Goodreads│Amazon

**My thoughts**
Any story that takes place in Italy is going to grab my attention. Add to that numerous references back to Cleveland, which was one of my favorite places to visit when I lived in Ohio, and the setting has completely grabbed my attention.

This story was a more unique one in the realm of romantic suspense. Yes, you had the art heist and battles between the Mafia and other underworld groups from other countries. I think this is the first time I have a read a thriller involving Albanians. But there is also a strong religious aspect with the history of the Waldensians. The book itself does more justice to explaining it than I can. But in a nutshell, they are an early form of the Protestant Christian movement that was one of the first to break away from Catholicism. They believed essentially in poverty, as riches were not necessary to a happy life. They believed in taking care of their fellow man. And some followers still practice these beliefs today, right in the area where the book takes place. 

I always find this kind of history quite interesting. And then you add into it the intrigue of the painting heist. In some ways, this crazy underworld slamming into such a strong faith-based world doesn't seem like it should make sense, but it adds for interesting twists to the story.

There are a lot of people to keep track of. Where did they come from? What is their nationality? Where do their loyalties lie? And in any good heist novel, those loyalties keep on shifting, keeping you guessing as to whom you should trust. 

Another interesting aspect to this novel is how it is more than just a search for a lost painting. Jamie also has lost her faith, following the accidental death of her brother, for which she blames herself. With the help of her new friend Alessandro, she stands a good chance of finding it again, just as they hope to find the painting. 

Undaunted Valor

(The Waldensian Series #2)
By Donna Wichelman
Romantic Suspense

Paperback & ebook, 281 pages
April 4th 2018 by Sojourner's Press

For nature lovers, ski aficionados, travel enthusiasts and history scholars, the French Alps offer some of the most spectacular scenery and outdoor recreation in all Europe with its majestic mountain peaks, cascading waterfalls, unspoiled forests and quaint mountain villages. People come to get away from the daily grind and rejuvenate their spirits.

But when Alessandro Marianni’s grandmother Luciana is kidnapped during a church conference in Chamonix, the same landscape becomes an ominous height to scale, and Jamie Holbrooke and her fiancé Alessandro have difficulty distinguishing between friend and foe on the race to find her. They will have to weather a rainstorm on a mountain trail, negotiate a dangerous waterfall, outmaneuver a car chase, and defy an assassin’s gun in their search.

Will they find their beloved Luciana before it’s too late? Who will die on the way to the finish line? Who can they trust? And where will Jamie find the courage to confront her adversaries?

In this sequel to Light Out of Darkness, the answers will lie in unanticipated places and with unexpected allies and require Jamie to discover what it means to trust God with Undaunted Valor.

Goodreads│Amazon

**My thoughts**
This story brings back one of my favorite characters from the first book. Luciana stole my heart in the first book, though she didn't feature so prominently in it. I admire her feisty spirit and love for life. I hate that she has been kidnapped, but I love being able to read through her thought processes.

And again, the setting is a good one. I adore the area around the French Alps. It's just majestic and a place that everyone should aspire to visit at least once in their life. 

I like this book better than the first one. It just seemed to flow better. I think it helped that there were fewer interruptions with characters speaking in their native languages. I understand the point of doing it, but it almost made the first book take longer. I also had fewer players to keep track of. And again, I adore Luciana. Plus my antique book geek side loved the secret Jamie finds in her grandmother's trunk.

About the Author

Donna Wichelman was a communications professional before writing full-time. She has authored short stories, essays and articles in various inspirational publications and lives her dream writing novels and screenplays. She and her husband work with teens at their local church in Fort Collins, Colorado. They travel, bike and kayak whenever their schedules allows.

Website│Blog│Goodreads│Facebook│Twitter│Pinterest│Amazon│Newsletter

Tour Schedule

May 14th:
Launch
Heidi Reads...
Moments
Stacking My Book Shelves!
May 15th:
Colorimetry
Uplifting Reads
Reading Is My SuperPower
Remembrancy
May 16th:
Paulette's Papers
Hardcover Feedback
It's all About the Romance
Jen Around the World
May 17th:
Mel's Shelves
Rockin' Book Reviews
Hearts & Scribbles
May 18th:
Teatime and Books
Locks, Hooks and Books
underneath the covers
All-of-a-kind Mom
Andi's Book Reviews
May 19th: Grand Finale

Tour Giveaway

1st Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card, Copy of the LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner) + 4 oz. Tea of your choice from the Tea Source or 1 LB of Coffee from DazBog Coffee (will Add $10 to Gift Card for international gift in lieu of tea or coffee)

2nd Prize: $15 Amazon Gift Card + Copy of LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner)

3rd Prize: Copy of LIGHT OUT OF DARKNESS (signed print copy to US winner, ebook to international winner)

Ends May 23rd

a Rafflecopter giveaway