#BookReview Slay in Character by Lynn Cahoon #CozyMystery #CozyMysteryReviewCrew @Joni2345zb @LynnCahoon

Thanks so much to author Lynn Cahoon and The Cozy Mystery Review Crew for providing me with a copy of this book to review.

I loved the cover art for the book. This was my first read by Lynn Cahoon and this particular book is number four in the Cat Latimer Mystery series. I was able to read this as a stand alone but there were things from some of the characters past that were mentioned and were probably explained in previous books. It wasn't necessary to know the information but it did make me want to go back and read the series from the beginning.

The story begins with Cat Latimer holding a writers retreat in the Old West town of Outlaw, Colorado. The writers group takes part in different workshops and they get to do research around the town to possibly help them with future novels. A friend and roommate of one of the participants is found murdered in the Old West town but was she really the intended target?

The characters in the story were likeable. Cat and the participants of the retreat work at solving the mystery. The author does a wonderful job describing the setting. It makes me want to go for a visit. This cozy mystery had plenty of twists and turns to keep the reader interested. I would recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers who enjoy a well-written story line with descriptive setting and a great who-dun-it. **** 4 stars ****

#BookReview The Tory and The Traitor by T.J. London #TJLondon #TheTory #TheTraitor #HistoricalFiction #HistFic #HistoricalRomance #BlogTour #HFVBTBlogTours #Giveaway @Joni2345zb @hfvbt @TJLondonAuthor

The Tory by T.J. London

Publication Date: April 11, 2018

Peperback & eBook; 517 Pages

Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga, Book #1

Genre: Historical Fiction

It is the winter of 1776, and Captain John Carlisle, one of His Majesty’s not-so-finest, has gone back to the scene of the crime to right a wrong so dark it left a permanent stain on what was once an illustrious career and left a man broken, defeated, in search of justice… In an effort to win back his commission, he must discover the true nature of the relationship between the Six Nations of the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. Undercover as a war profiteer, John travels to the treacherous Mohawk River Valley and infiltrates local society, making friends with those he’s come to betray. But a chance meeting with a beautiful half Oneida innkeeper, whose tragic history is integrally linked to his own, will provide him with the intelligence he needs to complete his mission—and devastate her people. Now, as the flames of war threaten to consume the Mohawk Valley, John has the chance to not only serve King and country, but to clear his name. When the truth he uncovers ties his own secrets to those in the highest positions of the British military and threatens the very life of the woman he’s come to love, he will be forced to make a choice…

"The pages fly as you immerse yourself in this fantastic adventure." - RT Book Reviews

Available on Amazon

The Traitor by T.J. London

Publication Date: October 26, 2018

eBook; 574 pages

Series: The Rebels and Redcoats Saga, Book #2

Genre: Historical Fiction

Spy. Liar. Scoundrel. Redcoat. Provocateur and spy for His Majesty, Captain John Carlisle returns to Fort Niagara with the secrets he stole in the arms of the beautiful Oneida innkeeper, Dellis McKesson. Determined to complete his mission and clear his name, he’ll see justice done—and damn the consequences. Now, he finds himself drawn into political intrigue as the British prepare to launch a three-pronged attack that will bring the Rebels and the Mohawk River Valley to its knees. A dangerous revelation finds Dellis as whispers of intrigue insinuate her beloved is not all that he seems. Unwilling to wait for her lover’s return, she sets out in search of the truth as the Onieda begin negotiations with the Rebels, breaking the neutrality agreement with the crown. A bold move that will stoke a fire between the brother tribes and lead to a bloody inter-confederacy war—one Dellis predicted, and one John incited. While war between the colonies and the King smolders, the punishing winter of 1777 allows the perfect opportunity for old enemies to settle scores, lying in wait, ready to exploit John’s one weakness—his heart. John is not an innocent man. The truth he’s long tried to hide from can no longer be ignored, the ghosts of the past seeking justice, and karma wanting payment for sins so dark they cannot be forgiven.

Available on Amazon

My Review: 5 out of 5 stars

Thanks to author T.J. London and blog tour host Amy Bruno of HF Virtual Book Tours for allowing me to take part in the blog tour and providing me copies of the books. The cover art for both of these books was amazing. I have been on a historical fiction kick for awhile now and these books did not disappoint. I haven't read many during the American Revolutionary time period so this was interesting to me.
The story begins with Lieutenant John Carlisle, a skilled map maker wishing to win back his commission by working undercover to find out the relationship between the Iroquois and the Colonial Army. John sets up his headquarters at the inn of a half-breed woman, Dellis McKesson, our heroine. Dellis' tragic past is linked to John's and he tries to trick the tribe into a peace treaty with Britain.
I loved both of these extremely well-written books. The research that went into them was evident. The two main characters were complex and realistic. The pacing was spot-on and held my interest throughout. Fans of historical fiction with a dash of romance are sure to enjoy this series. I can't wait for the story to continue in Spring 2019 with The Turncoat, book #3 in the Rebels and Redcoats Saga.

About the Author

T.J. London is a rebel, liberal, lover, fighter, diehard punk, and pharmacist-turned-author who loves history. As an author her goal is to fill in the gaps, writing stories about missing history, those little places that are so interesting yet sadly forgotten. Her favorite time periods to write in are first and foremost the American Revolutionary War, the French Revolution, the French and Indian War, the Russian Revolution and the Victorian Era. Her passions are traveling, writing, reading, barre, and sharing a glass of wine with her friends, while she collects experiences in this drama called life. She is a native of Metropolitan Detroit (but secretly dreams of being a Londoner) and resides there with her husband Fred and her beloved cat and writing partner Mickey.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, November 5 Interview at Passages to the Past Tuesday, November 6 Review at For the Sake of Good Taste (The Tory) Wednesday, November 7 Guest Post at Let Them Read Books Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit Thursday, November 8 Review at Hoover Book Reviews Friday, November 9 Review at Pursuing Stacie (The Tory) Excerpt at Donna's Book Blog (The Tory) Tuesday, November 13 Review at Jorie Loves a Story (The Tory) Review at For the Sake of Good Taste (The Traitor) Wednesday, November 14 Excerpt at Spellbound By History Thursday, November 15 Feature at Donna's Book Blog (The Traitor) Friday, November 16 Review at LadyJ's Bookish Nook (Both) Review at Pursuing Stacie (The Traitor) Review at Jorie Loves a Story (The Traitor)

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away 3 sets of both books in Paperback, 3 sets of both books in eBook, and a $50 Amazon Gift Card! To enter, please see the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on November 16th. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to readers in the US & Canada only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. TJ London

#BookReview for Lady of a Thousand Treasures by Sandra Byrd #BlogTour @hfvbt @SandraByrd @Joni2345zb #LadyofaThousandTreasures #SandraByrd #HistFic #Christian #Victorian #HFVBTBlogTours

It was my pleasure to take part in another historical fiction blog tour hosted by Amy Bruno of HF Virtual Book Tours. Thanks so much to author Sandra Byrd for providing me a copy of the first book in this new series.

LADY OF A THOUSAND TREASURES BY SANDRA BYRD

Publication Date: October 9, 2018
 
Tyndale House Publishers
Hardcover, Paperback, & eBook; 480 Pages

Series: The Victorian Ladies Series, #1


Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars 

Description
Miss Eleanor Sheffield is a talented evaluator of antiquities, trained to know the difference between a genuine artifact and a fraud. But with her father’s passing and her uncle’s decline into dementia, the family business is at risk. In the Victorian era, unmarried Eleanor cannot run Sheffield Brothers alone.

The death of a longtime client, Baron Lydney, offers an unexpected complication when Eleanor is appointed the temporary trustee of the baron’s legendary collection. She must choose whether to donate the priceless treasures to a museum or allow them to pass to the baron’s only living son, Harry—the man who broke Eleanor’s heart.

Eleanor distrusts the baron’s motives and her own ability to be unbiased regarding Harry’s future. Harry claims to still love her and Eleanor yearns to believe him, but his mysterious comments and actions fuel her doubts. When she learns an Italian beauty accompanied him on his return to England, her lingering hope for a future with Harry dims.

With the threat of debtor’s prison closing in, Eleanor knows that donating the baron’s collection would win her favor among potential clients, saving Sheffield Brothers. But the more time she spends with Harry, the more her faith in him grows. Might Harry be worthy of his inheritance, and her heart, after all? As pressures mount and time runs out, Eleanor must decide whom she can trust—who in her life is false or true, brass or gold—and what is meant to be treasured.

Purchase Links
Amazon  Barnes & Noble   IndieBound

Praise for Lady of a Thousand Treasures

“Sandra Byrd’s amazing cast of characters and Victorian settings pull the reader right into the story. I became happily lost in this compelling, lovely book.” -Karen Harper, NYT bestselling author of The Royal Nanny

“Lady of a Thousand Treasures delivers mystery, romance, and suspense in a well-researched Victorian setting.” -Julie Klassen, bestselling author

“I’m always swept away by a Sandra Byrd novel, and Lady of a Thousand Treasures will be long remembered as one of Sandra’s best.” -Jane Kirkpatrick, NYT bestselling author of All She Left Behind

“Sandra Byrd is the rare writer whose evocative, prose grabs hold and doesn’t let go. The Victorian Ladies Series is off to a stunning start!” -Laura Frantz, author of The Lacemaker

“With stunning characters and impeccable research, Sandra Byrd has woven together an exquisite treasure hunt with an ending that will leave you breathless.” -Melanie Dobson, award-winning author of Catching the Wind

“Sandra Byrd’s writing is an absolute piece of art! If I had to sum up this story all in one word, it would be satisfying.” -Michelle Griep, award-winning author of the Once Upon a Dickens Christmas series

My Review
The first thing I noticed about this book was the beautiful cover art...love it!! This is my first read by this author and my first Gothic romance novel and I enjoyed it a lot. This is the first book in a new series called The Victorian Ladies and what a great start. 

The author was able to grab my attention and keep it throughout. This is another book where I was able to learn new things. The main character Miss Eleanor Sheffield a talented evaluator of antiquities, able to tell the difference between true artifacts and a fraud.

I highly recommend this to those who love historical fiction mixed with a touch of danger and mystery. I can't wait for the next in this series!

About the Author

Bestselling author Sandra Byrd has published more than fifty books over her editing and writing career. Her traditionally published books include titles by Tyndale House Publishers, Howard Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, WaterBrook Press, a Penguin Random House imprint, and Bethany House. She’s also an independent author.

Sandra’s series of historically sound Gothic romances launched with the best-selling Mist of Midnight, which earned a coveted Editor’s Choice award from the Historical Novel Society. The second book, Bride of a Distant Isle, has been selected by Romantic Times as a Top Pick. The third in the series, A Lady in Disguise, published in 2017 and was named by the American Library Association’s Booklist as one of the Top Ten Inspirational Fiction books of the year.

Her contemporary adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, which was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2011, and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more or to invite Sandra to your book club via Skype. You can also connect with Sandra on Facebook   Twitter  Instagram Pinterest  Goodreads