Jersey Girl Book Reviews: Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours

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Monday, December 12, 2016

Self-Serve Murder by D.E. Haggerty (Book Blast & Tour / Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book blast and tour events for Self-Serve Murder by author D.E. Haggerty!

Book Review

Self-Serve Murder by D.E. Haggerty

Book 3: Death By Cupcake Series

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: December 4, 2016

Format: Paperback - 130 pages

Kindle - 1111 KB

Nook - 227 KB

ISBN: 978-1540620712

ASIN: B01M8K0RYR

BNID: 2940153788715

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Buy The Series: Death By Cupcake Series

Book 1: Never Trust A Skinny Cupcake Baker

Book 2: Bring Your Own Baker

Book 3: Self-Serve Murder

Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book blast and tour events hosted by Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours and Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.

Book Description:

Book 3 in the Death by Cupcake series. Can be read as a standalone.

Kristie is kind with a capital K, so it’s quite the surprise when she wakes up next to a dead man with no recollection of the previous night. Even worse? She’s naked. Kristie may be a sweetheart out to save the world, but sticking her nose into an investigation of rapes across campus makes her the target of a murderer. Before she knows it, Callie is smack dab in the middle of a murder investigation with her colleagues Callie and Anna. If that’s not enough to drive a sane person up the wall, a friend has decided he’s going to keep her safe whether she wants him to or not. And, oh yeah, he’s her man and that’s that.

Come join us at Callie’s Cakes, where murder investigations are on the menu. You are most welcome, but you may need to serve yourself as our barista Kristie is busy trying to save the world.

Warning: Although there are plenty of moments that will make you shake your head and laugh at the antics of the ladies of Callie’s Cakes, the subject matter – rape on college campuses – is very real and somewhat darker than your usual cozy mystery.

Book Excerpt:

I’m wiping down the counters when I get ambushed by Callie and Anna. Callie grabs my arm and together with Anna she pushes me into the corner furthest from the students. “What in the world of coffee beans are you guys up to now?” I cross my arms over my chest to make it perfectly clear that I’m not okay with whatever cockamamie scheme they’ve cooked up now.

Anna looks at me and smiles in an obvious but unsuccessful attempt to look innocent. “It’s just that we think it’s time we see the Youth Center where you spend all your time.”

Yeah, right. I roll my eyes at her. “You don’t really expect me to believe that you want to see the Youth Center to check out my life’s work.”

Callie bobs her head. “We’ve been meaning to go down there for ages.”

“Yeah,” Anna jumps in. “Logan always made it sound like the first circle in hell.”

I raise an eyebrow at the troublemaking pixie. Of course, she would want to jump into the first circle of hell. “Most people try to avoid Dante’s Inferno.” I don’t know why I bother trying to dissuade her. She obviously has no fear of things ‘normal’ people avoid like gangs and violence and such. She even admits to starting to fall for Logan before she realized he was an undercover cop.

“We just need to make sure we can eliminate anyone from the Youth Center as possible suspects. You know – up close and personally – then we need to find this rapist before he strikes again. It’s time to get to the bottom of this.” Callie makes an impassioned speech. I look down but, to my surprise, no soap box has magically appeared under her feet.

“I thought you guys promised not to go to the Youth Center.” I make one last ditch effort to keep Callie and Anna safely away from this investigation.

“I promised to not go running around. I will definitely not be doing any running.” Anna shakes her head and points at her feet. As if those high-heeled boots would ever stop her from running head-on into turmoil.

Callie shrugs. “I never actually said the words ‘I promise’. There’s definitely some kind of loophole there.”

“Fine!” I throw my hands in the air in defeat. “We’ll head over in my car after the bakery closes this afternoon.”

The dynamic duo immediately jumps up and down before rushing back into the kitchen giggling. And I’m the young one?

My Book Review:

In Self-Serve Murder, the third book in the Death By Cupcake Series, author D.E. Haggerty continues to weave a delightful cozy mystery series that follows the amateur investigative adventures of Kristie, Callie's Cakes twenty-three year old barista and social work grad student.

Kristie is a social work grad student who works part time at the local youth center and part time as a barista at her friend Callie's bakery, Callie's Cakes. Kristie wakes up naked and next to a dead guy in bed, and she has no recollection of what happened the night before. Kristie has been conducting a secret investigation the past few months into a string of college rape incidents where all the female victims have the same MO, they were all drugged (roofies) and woke up in their dorm rooms not remembering what happened, but having been sexually violated. As the latest victim (but not violated), Kristie is determined to find the rapist/murderer, so with the help of Callie, Ben (Callie's detective boyfriend), Anna, and Logan (Anna's detective boyfriend), they embark on a murder investigation adventure that is sure to stir up the pot on the college campus.

Self-Serve Murder is a thoroughly entertaining cozy mystery that will keep the reader in stitches. Written in the first person narrative, the reader follows the humorous trials and tribulations of Kristie, Callie, and Anna on their latest amateur investigative adventures.

This was such a fun book to read! The reader can't help but get drawn into the quirky trials and tribulations and intriguing suspense that Kristie and friends encounter during the college rape and murder investigation. I really enjoyed Kristie's sassy humor and wit, you can't help but feel compassion for her determination to bring the rapist to justice, and when you add in the hilarious antics that follows these three cheeky chicks and their detective boyfriends Logan and Ben, you get a delightful cozy mystery that will leave you wanting more!

I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I really loved how the author used clever coffee facts and quotes at the beginning of each chapter.

Cozy mystery fans, I would highly recommend that you read the entertaining Death By Cupcake Series, you won't regret it!

RATING: 5 STARS

About The Author

I grew up reading everything I could get my hands on from my mom’s Harlequin romances to Nancy Drew to Little Women. When I wasn’t flipping pages in a library book, I was penning horrendous poems, writing songs no one should ever sing, or drafting stories which have thankfully been destroyed. College and a stint in the U.S. Army came along, robbing me of free time to write and read, although I did manage, every once in a while, to sneak a book into my rucksack between rolled up socks, MRIs, t-shirts, and cold weather gear. After surviving the army experience, I went back to school and got my law degree. I jumped ship and joined the hubby in the Netherlands before the graduation ceremony could even begin. A few years into my legal career, I was exhausted, fed up, and just plain done. I quit my job and sat down to write a manuscript, which I promptly hid in the attic after returning to the law. But being a lawyer really wasn’t my thing, so I quit (again!) and went off to Germany to start a B&B. Turns out being a B&B owner wasn’t my thing either. I decided to follow the husband to Istanbul for a few years where I managed to churn out book after book. But ten years was too many to stay away from ‘home’. I packed up again and moved to The Hague where I’m currently working on my next book. I hope I’ll always be working on my next book.

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Book Blast Event

Self-Serve Murder by D.E. Haggerty ~ Book Blast Event Page

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Book Tour Event

Self-Serve Murder by D.E. Haggerty ~ Book Tour Event Page

Click on the above link for a schedule of tour participants.

The Infertile Heart by BK Harrell (Book Review)

In association with Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for The Infertile Heart by author BK Harrell!

Book Review

The Infertile Heart by BK Harrell

Book 1: The Doctors of Atlanta Series

Publisher: Xlibris US

Publication Date: May 2, 2016

Format: Hardcover & Paperback - 306 pages

Kindle - 839 KB

Nook - 412 KB

ISBN: 978-1514477120

ASIN: B01F9D153S
BNID: 978-1514477144

Genre: Contemporary Romance / Sports Medical Theme

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addictions Virtual Book Tours.

Book Description:

Dr. Lincoln Montgomery is a man who has lost everything but longs to find a connection to someone who he can share his life with, but he fears he will never find the love again that he lost.

The hero of my recently completed novel, The Infertile Heart, has finally found the woman who can complete him, but will their past prevent them from having a future. Set in Atlanta, GA, this character driven story is a 112,257-word contemporary romance. Adventuresome and sensual, the book weaves a story of love and loss, lies and truth, and the story of two people learning to love again even though the trials and tribulations they face will stack the cards against them.

An overachiever, Dr. Lincoln Montgomery is a Noble Prize winning billionaire who has spent his life giving others what he could not give to others. Losing his brother to cystic fibrosis he was driven to find a cure for the gene mutation that took his life. Even given his success, he could not prevent the death of his wife and unborn child to a drunk driver and spent the last three years mourning their passing and trying to find a way back. A chance meeting plunges Lincoln back into the dating pool with the one woman he thinks could fertilize his infertile heart.

Dr. Nicole Harris is a physical therapist who has struggled with the decisions she made as a teenager. Drugged and raped by her date at 14, Nicole ended up pregnant and gave her child up for adoption in order to ensure that she would have a good life. Finding the perfect family that would keep Nicole abreast of Aubrey’s developments was fear number one priority. Having given up on love and finding someone who would appreciate her for the woman that she was, Nicole had grown to be. Feeding her love of golf and football, Nicole meets Dr. Lincoln Montgomery. Could Lincoln be the one to fertilize her long dormant infertile heart.

Book Excerpt:

Looking into his eyes, Nicole was intrigued by what she saw and felt. It was as if the sky had cleared, the sun was shining and she felt the refreshing breeze after a spring rain hit her all at once. But, she could see something else in his eyes that gave her pause. She could see a lingering deep despair that made her want to take him in her arms and tell him it would be okay. At 5’ 8” with dark blond hair and brown eyes, she had always been a tomboy at heart and much preferred playing games outdoors to sitting inside and reading. She had never really considered herself a beautiful woman just merely average but she had never been swept off her feet or stopped dead in her tracks by meeting a man until now. Her athletic grace seemed to elude her anytime she saw something she may be interested in. Today had caught her by surprise. She did not see this tall stranger until it was too late and she was bumping into him with full force running to get something for her mother. Right now she was thanking God that she needed more ketchup for her fries. “It is a pleasure to meet you Dr. Montgomery” she said with a smile and warm tender eyes. Nicole had been alone too long. Yes she dated in recent years but it never lasted. She was looking for the one Mr. Right not Mr. Right now. She had always had a notion that romantic love, love at first sight was out there waiting for her and she would not settle for anything less. However, today she could not help feeling that maybe she had finally found her tall prince charming. “So, did you go to school here?” she asked.

“No I am a proud graduate of the University of Georgia.” Lincoln said.

“Eww.” Nicole said with a chuckle. “So what brings you to Auburn? Slumming it with other schools?” She said mockingly.

“No, since Rob and I became friends, I have become almost as much part of the Auburn family as I am the Georgia Bulldog Nation. I like to give to the scholarship fund every year but unfortunately my seats usually go unused or given to friends and staff members. As a matter of fact I just auctioned off my luxury box at Georgia for the Auburn Georgia game last night at the charity event.”

“Well that was mighty nice of you. So why are you here and not in Athens today?”

“I prefer Rob and Erin’s company to the empty seats around me. It is so nice to have friends that accept me for what I am and not who I am or who I know.”

“Well then”, she said “you want to avoid that group over there. They only care about your bank account and whether or not they can get into it.” She said pointing at a group of women standing on the far side of the room. Lincoln laughed hard for what seemed like the first time in 3 years. He was suddenly feeling light on his feet as if the burden was being lifted.

“So what about you Nicole, do you enjoy your work and living in Atlanta?”

“I love my job. I am lucky enough to work with the best people in the business and the ability to see people regain use of their bodies and even walk again is simply amazing. I often find it difficult to put into words how I feel about it. Atlanta, well it is Atlanta. I grew up outside of Atlanta and lived there all of my life except for college and grad school. The only big change is moving to the Dunwoody area.”

“Really, I live over in the Dunwoody area as well. I wanted something close to work and to avoid the commute.” Lincoln said but thought I am running away from the ghosts of my past at my house. What would she think about me if she knew the truth.” “Please do not think this is another line, but you look so familiar. I can’t help but feel that I have seen you somewhere this weekend.”

“Well unless you were out at the Grand National yesterday then it was not this weekend.” Nicole said.

“Wait. You were the woman I saw on the 18th tee box. I stood there and admired you grace and athleticism from afar. I was taken by your strength and beauty and the way you could drive a golf ball. I was surprised to see you playing from the men’s tees. I don’t mean that in a sexist way it is just most women play from the forward tees.”

“Well I suppose most women are not scratch golfers from the men’s tees.”

Suddenly flush with renewed vigor, Lincoln knew he had to spend more time with this remarkable woman. “Please don’t think that I am being too forward, but are currently seeing anyone seriously or not so seriously? I only ask because I would really like to take you to dinner or lunch so that we could get to know each other better.”

“Well Dr. Montgomery, this is totally unexpected, but no I am not seeing anyone serious or otherwise. I would not mind having dinner with you but my schedule is very busy and I have a difficult time getting away from work at a decent hour.”

Interrupting her Lincoln said, “Please call me Lincoln or Linc as that is what my friends call me. Sorry to interrupt please continue.”

“As I was saying, I do believe I can try to make some time.” Nicole was suddenly struck with the thought why did I say yes to something so quickly. I know that I do not really have time, but there is something about him that intrigues me and makes me want to know him better. Holding out her hand Nicole says, “Give me your phone and I will put my number in there then you can text me with yours. I am sorry to have to run but I need to get back to my family since they are done eating. We always like to get to our seats early so that we can watch Nova fly before the game.”

Unsure what to do, Lincoln held out his hand to Nicole but was surprised when she pulled him in for a quick hug.

“Just as good as I thought it would be Dr. Montgomery.” Nicole said with a slight flirtiness in her voice.

After their too brief hug, Lincoln stood there staring at Nicole momentarily shocked by her display of affection, he could do nothing more than smile at her and bid her goodbye. Lincoln was so excited he could not stand it.

Rob saw Lincoln and turned to Erin to point out the look on his face and eyes. “I don’t know what just happened” he said “but I don’t think I have seen him like this in years.” Rob laughed as he watched Lincoln walk towards them with an almost swagger in his step. He was shocked by the change of his demeanor today. Gone was the dark brooding Lincoln replaced by the man he knew so many years ago. Not sure what to make of what had just happened he was silent while he waited for Lincoln to tell him about the encounter.

Lincoln wanted to talk to Rob and Erin but he did not know what to say. What was he feeling? He had so many emotions running through his mind at this very instant that he could barely make sense of the ground moving beneath his feet. “Rob, I don’t know or even understand what just happened. I feel like every nerve ending is on fire.”

“Lincoln, I haven’t seen you like this in a long time. You look like the weight of the world has been lifted off of your shoulders.”

“I don’t know what to do. I feel so alive but I‘m terrified all at once. How can someone I just met have this effect on me? I mean just looking into her eyes set my soul ablaze. I could see the sweetness and desire in her and it was just one touch and one long glance into her eyes.”

“Lincoln, I can’t pretend to know what you are feeling with all that you have been through, but I have known for a long time that you needed to connect with someone else and once you meet that person you would hopefully find that closure. Maybe she is that connection that you need.”

My Book Review:

The Infertile Heart is a heartwarming medical / sports romance tale about life experiences, new beginnings, and second chances.

Author BK Harrell weaves a wonderful romance set in Atlanta, Georgia, that follows the chance meeting of Dr. Lincoln Montgomery and Dr. Nicole Harris. Lincoln and Nicole's unexpected connection will lead them on a journey towards rebuilding their lives, and getting a second chance at finding love. You can't help but become captivated by this engaging story filled with the challenges of overcoming traumatic pasts, dark secrets, family drama, life struggles, misunderstandings, and small sacrifices, as Lincoln and Nicole take a chance at forming a bond that could teach them how to love again.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention how much I enjoyed the nice mixture of the medical and college football sports romance themes. The intriguing romantic twists and turns easily kept me engaged and guessing, while the rich descriptions of the college football games that were included in the story kept me thoroughly entertained. What a great first book in a brand new series, I can't wait to read the next book!

In The Infertile Heart, broken hearts and traumatic life experiences can be put in the past when given a second chance at love through the healing spirit of this touching and soul-stirring medical / sports romance story.

The Infertile Heart is the first book in The Doctors of Atlanta Series.

RATING: 5 STARS

About The Author

BK Harrell is a former Navy physician who has had a long love of writing. He specializes in medical, military and sports romance writing. He began seriously writing while deployed to Afghanistan in 2012 and has never looked back. Whether he is teaching, serving his country, educating people about the fine art of cigars, practicing medicine or spending time with friends and family he uses his diverse background to shape the world around him through words.

He uses his unique experiences and love of all things Atlanta, University of Georgia and sports to weave intricately detailed stories focused on Atlanta and the surrounding areas. His goal is to bring the same joy and excitement he sees in his own city to the readers and to allow them to experience the city through his eyes.

Dr. Harrell is married to his beautiful wife Erin, a proud graduate of Auburn University, which makes multiple appearances in his books, and their wonderful one son. Dr. Harrell is a native of Augusta, GA and a proud graduate of the University of Georgia, Emory University, and proud to have been a member of the first ever graduating class of Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. He currently resides in the Atlanta area where he practices medicine and raises his family.

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Virtual Book Tour

The Infertile Heart by BK Farrell ~ Book Tour Page Event

Click on the above link for the tour schedule of participants.

Monday, October 17, 2016

Silver Threads by Bette Lee Crosby (Book Review)

In association with Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for Silver Threads by author Bette Lee Crosby!

Book Review

Silver Threads by Bette Lee Crosby

Book 5: The Memory House Series

Publisher: Bent Pine Publishing

Publication Date: Paperback - August 24, 2016 / eBook - September 14, 2016

Format: Paperback - 278 pages

Kindle - 4203 KB

Nook - 1 MB

ISBN: 978-0996921466

ASIN: B01IC9BQT4

BNID: 2940156768127

Genre: Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Amazon

Buy The Series: The Memory House Series

Book 1: The Memory House

Book 2: The Loft

Book 3: What The Heart Remembers

Book 4: Baby Girl

Book 5: Silver Threads

Amazon

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addiction Virtual Book Tours.

Book Description:

On the day Jennifer Green was born a pile of stones was placed alongside her scale of life. A few were the dark gray of sorrow, but most were a pale blush color. The largest stone was the rose hue of a sunrise. That one would be placed on the scale the day she married Drew Bishop. Even more brilliant but a wee bit smaller was the pink stone glistening with specs of silver. That one would bring Jennifer a baby girl named Brooke. The Keeper of the Scale smiled. Seeing such happiness laid out before him was pleasing to his eye.

Since the beginning of time, he and he alone has been challenged with the task of keeping each person’s scale in balance. A bit of happiness and then a small stone of sorrow, until the lives he has in his charge are measured evenly.

You might think such power is universal, but it is not. There are silver threads that crisscross the landscape of scales and connect strangers to one another. Not even the Keeper of the Scale can control the events traveling through those threads; the only thing he can do is try to equalize the balance once it has been thrown off. There is nothing more he can do for Jennifer; now he must find the thread that leads to Drew if he is to have the love he deserves.

My Book Review:

Silver Threads is a beautifully written Women's Fiction story that is the fifth book in The Memory House Series. Author Bette Lee Crosby weaves a heart wrenching but inspirational story told in a thoughtful style that transports the reader to the small Alabama town of Clarksburg, where they follow the story of Drew Bishop and his eight year old daughter Brooke, as they struggle to rebuild their lives and reconnect with each other after the fickle hand of fate traumatically takes away the life of their wife/mother Jennifer in a robbery gone wrong, when she is fatally shot by suspect Tom Coggan, who was also fatally shot by drugstore owner Albert Dunninger.

Silver Threads is a compelling and emotional story about fate, choice, and the balance of life. You can't help but feel compassion and empathy for Drew and Brooke as they struggle to cope with the tragedy of Jennifer's death, and try to find a way to rebuild their lives without her. The author weaves a thoughtful tale that takes the reader on a roller coaster ride where they will experience the full gamut of emotions. The story has a wonderful mixture of heartbreak and hope, and its realistic message that life can change in a blink of an eye, but can also balance the scale with joy, happiness, and second chances, will provide the reader with much food for thought. Silver Threads is a lovely story that will resonate with the reader for quite some time. I can't wait to see what the author has in store for the reader in the next book in The Memory House Series!

Silver Threads is an amazing story of love, loss, family, and second chances that will simply stir your soul!

RATING: 5 STARS

About The Author

Award-winning novelist Bette Lee Crosby brings the wit and wisdom of her Southern Mama to works of fiction—the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away.

“Storytelling is in my blood,” Crosby laughingly admits, “My mom was not a writer, but she was a captivating storyteller, so I find myself using bits and pieces of her voice in most everything I write.”

Crosby’s work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. Since then, she has gone on to win numerous other awards, including The Reviewer’s Choice Award, The Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal, FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal and The Royal Palm Literary Award.

Crosby originally studied art and began her career as a packaging designer. When asked to write a few lines of copy for the back of a pantyhose package, she discovered a love for words that was irrepressible. After years of writing for business, she turned to works of fiction and never looked back.

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Virtual Book Tour Event

Silver Threads by Bette Lee Crosby ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Click on the above link for a schedule of the tour participants.

Wednesday, October 12, 2016

The Christmas Eve Letter by Elyse Douglas (Book Review / Contest Giveaway)

In association with Reading Addiction Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book tour event for The Christmas Eve Letter by author Elyse Douglas!

Book Review

The Christmas Eve Letter by Elyse Douglas
Publisher: Broadback
Publication Date: Paperback - September 9, 2016 / eBook - September 12, 2016
Format: Paperback - 420 pages
Kindle: 849 KB
ISBN: 978-1537483382
ASIN: B01KJF0CWG
Genre: Time Travel Holiday Romance / Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:
Amazon
Barnes & Noble
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Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Reading Addictions Virtual Book Tours.

Book Description:

30-year-old Eve Sharland is browsing a Pennsylvania antiques store when she discovers an old brass lantern tucked away on a shelf. It attracts her. She picks it up and sees something behind one of the sooty glass panes. She gently lifts it and, to her surprise, she finds an unopened letter stuck inside.

The letter is postmarked December 24, 1885, and it is addressed to Evelyn Sharland in New York City. Eve gasps and drops the letter. That’s her name! The letter is addressed to someone with the same name in 1885: Evelyn Sharland.

Eve promptly purchases the lantern and the letter, and returns to her New York City apartment. Later that evening, she carefully opens the letter and reads it, astounded by its contents. She stares at the lantern in wonder and alarm, deeply moved by the story of a tragic romance.

A few days later, following a request in the letter, Eve cautiously lights the lantern. To her utter shock, she finds herself in the past—in 1885 New York City. Eve is thrown into a life far beyond what she could have ever imagined, as she gets involved with one of the richest families in New York City, and meets the handsome Patrick Gantly. She must struggle to survive and return to her own time, even as her destiny is changed forever.

Book Excerpt:

Excerpt 1

Standing next to an old typewriter was a lantern. Why Eve was drawn to it, she didn’t know. She angled toward it, reached, grabbed the ring handle and lifted it, surprised by its weight. She stepped back and blew off a layer of dust, holding the lantern away from her as she examined it. It was 12 inches high and made of iron, with a tarnished green/brown patina. It had four glass window panes with wire guards, and an anchor design on each side of the roof.

Eve stared in rapt fascination. She liked the sturdy feel of it and she liked the design. It was elegant and old—wonderfully old. Where had it come from? Who had owned it? How did it get to Granny Gilbert’s little broken-down shop?

Eve decided to try to slide one of the panes open to look inside. With a gentle push up, a panel opened. Eve spotted something inside, blocking the wick. She moved back toward the light to get a better look. To her utter surprise, she saw what looked like an envelope wedged behind the pane. Intrigued, she lifted the lantern, peered in and tugged at the edge of the envelope. With a little effort, it slid out. It was a cream-colored envelope, glazed with dust and soot.

Eve found a tissue and wiped the dust away. But why would an envelope be wedged into an old lantern? Excited, she turned the envelope over to see the addressee. When she read the name and address, she gasped. It was impossible! She narrowed her eyes and read again but the letters seemed to swim around on the page. Eve drew back and dropped the envelope.

“Everything all right?” Granny Gilbert called.

Eve stood in shadow, frozen, staring down at the letter, now illumined by a stray shaft of morning sun. The minutes ticked by. Reluctantly, slowly, carefully, as if it might bite her, Eve leaned and picked up the envelope and straightened. With a pained expression, she read the address again. It was hand addressed, written in a beautiful calligraphy script, to Evelyn Sharland in New York City.

That was Eve’s name! Sharland was her maiden name—she’d never taken Blake’s last name. The letter was addressed to her! A shiver ran up her spine. She swallowed hard. She saw a 3-cent stamp with a profile of George Washington she’d never seen before. To her complete astonishment, she also saw that the postmark circle read New York, New York Main Post Office, December 24, 1885, 3PM.

My Book Review:

The Christmas Eve Letter is a wonderful Christmas story that will get you into the holiday spirit. The authors weave an intriguing time travel holiday romance tale written in the third person narrative, that follows Eve Sharland's personal journey between the present and the past.

While on vacation in Pennsylvania, Eve finds an old brass lantern in an antique shop with an unopened letter inside. The letter is postmarked December 24, 1885 and addressed to an Evelyn Sharland from New York! Eve purchases the lantern, and when she returns home to New York City, she opens the letter and is moved by its tragic romantic content. As requested in the letter, Eve lights the lantern and suddenly finds herself transported back to New York City in December 1885. Eve's journey of personal discovery will teach her to deal with her own issues, while finding romance with a wealthy and handsome gentleman named Patrick Gantly. Will Eve's journey into the past help her move forward in the present?

Set in the picturesque holiday setting of New York City, the reader is easily drawn into this fast paced time travel holiday romance story as they follow Eve's journey between the past and the present. The reader can easily envision both the present and the past among the city's famous landmarks, and easily get drawn into the city's joyous sights and sounds of the holiday season. You can't help but relate to Eve and cheer her on as her personal journey brings an unexpected destiny that will change her life forever. I really enjoyed the intertwining of a time travel tale with a holiday romance twist, the historical references were realistic, while the time travel between the present and past kept me intrigued right to the end.

The Christmas Eve Letter is a captivating time travel holiday romance story that captures the essence, spirit, and magic of the Christmas season, it will warm your heart, and leave a smile on your face.

RATING: 5 STARS

About The Author

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the husband and wife writing team of Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse's mother was a painter and her father a textile consultant. Elyse began writing poems and short stories at an early age, and graduated with a degree in English Literature. Douglas grew up in a family of musicians, astrologers and avid readers. His great grandfather lived to be a 134 years old, and was the oldest man in the world when he died in 1922.

Some of Elyse Douglas' novels include: The Other Side of Summer, The Christmas Bridge, Wanting Rita, The Christmas Diary and The Summer Diary. They live in New York City.

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Contest Giveaway

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Virtual Book Tour

The Christmas Eve Letter by Elyse Douglas ~ Virtual Book Tour Event Page

Click on the above link for a schedule of tour participants.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

Wait Until I'm Dead! by Elda Dawber (Book Blast)

In association with Reading Addiction Book Tours, Jersey Girl Book Reviews is pleased to host the virtual book blast event for Wait Until I'm Dead! by author Elda Dawber!

About The Book

Wait Until I'm Dead! by Elda Dawber

Publisher: Independent Self Publishing

Publication Date: May 8, 2014

Format: Paperback - 346 pages

Kindle - 1424 KB

ISBN: 978-1499766349
ASIN: B00K8D3M68
BNID: 978-1499766349

Genre: Women's Fiction

Buy The Book:

Book Description:

Winner. First Prize in Literary Fiction 2015 and Finalist in Cover Design 2015 -- Independent Publishers of New England.

Award-Winning Finalist in Fiction. 2015 USA Best Book Awards

Surviving family horror is one thing.

DJ Brava has the courage. She has the determination. She has friends covering her back. But when unearthing one secret leads to another and another...can she survive the fallout?

Some family members beg her to wait until they're dead. Has one of them gone too far in a misguided effort to protect someone -- or something?

This book is an entertaining page-turner for anyone who loves a good family drama full of secrets and intrigue. It has the social consciousness of a Picoult, the resonance of Sue Miller, the wit and tongue of Evanovich, the popular appeal of Anna Quindlen, and the female bonding of Thelma and Louise (without the drive off the cliff).

Praise for Wait Until I'm Dead!

“Wait Until I’m Dead! weaves a deeply personal issue with politics, complex family dynamics, and pushes the boundaries of our notions of right and wrong, good and bad. The depth and richness of Dawber’s characters feature some unusual individuals with relationships and points of view that stretch our minds to think in new ways. Using humor, Dawber’s own strong clinical experience, and a deep compassion for people, she provides twists and turns that keep us coming back for more.” Carol A. Plummer, Ph.D., Consultant, trauma therapist, author: Preventing Sexual Abuse.

“As both a long time trauma therapist and avid mystery reader, I highly recommend Wait Until I’m Dead! by Elda Dawber. Elda’s rich descriptions virtually pull the reader into a relationship with the main character. The unfolding of the character’s history is clever, seamlessly woven into the present. A must read!” Geraldine Crisci, MSW, trauma specialist, consultant, trainer; Toronto, Canada.

About The Author

Elda Dawber is a clinical social worker who has been working with abused and neglected children and their families for more than forty years. Her writing is informed by the trauma, grit, and struggle to survive witnessed in hundreds of remarkable children. This is their story, as well as the story of millions of adult survivors who will relate to its frank descriptions of the healing environment good therapy can provide. Elda lives in Rhode Island, surrounded by an amazingly loving and diverse family. It is her hope that this novel will find its way to the people who may need it most.