#BookReview Ask Me No Questions by Shelley Noble @ShelleyNoble3 @freezin4books @Joni2345zb #mystery #series #historical #crimefiction

Book Details
Title: Ask Me No Questions
Author: Shelley Noble
Publisher: Forge
Publication Date: October 16, 2018
Pages:349
ISBN: 9780765398710 Hardcover

 My Rating: 🌠🌠🌠🌠

My Review

Ask Me No Questions is the first book in the new Lady Dunbridge Mystery Series and my first read by Shelley Noble. Lady Philomena Dunbridge is our protagonist, a 26 year old widowed countess who is also an amateur crime-solver.

The story takes place in the early 1900’s in Manhattan, New York. Lady Dunbridge is originally from England but she has decided to come to America after being in mourning for her husband. As soon as she arrives and meets her friend at the boat dock she finds herself in the middle of a mystery. Her friend’s husband has been found murdered.
Readers are introduced to a great group of characters. I loved the main character Lady Phil as well as her maid, Lily and her faithful butler, Preswick. The author did an excellent job describing the early 20th century New York setting. This is one of my favorite time periods and the historical detail was amazing.

Ask Me No Questions was such a joy to read. A great start to a new series…can’t wait for the next installment in the Lady Dunbridge Mystery Series. Highly recommended. Thanks to the author and Forge for providing me a copy to review. Highly recommended for those who love mysteries set in the early 20th century.

About the Author:

Shelley Noble is the New York Times bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach, The Beach at Painter’s Cove, and Whisper Beach. A former professional dancer and choreographer for stage, television, and film, she’s a member of Sisters-in-Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Women’s Fiction Writers Association, and Liberty States Fiction Writers. Noble lives at the Jersey shore and is always on the lookout for lighthouses and murder plots. You can find her online at www.shelleynoble.com, on Facebook as ShelleyNobleAuthor, and on Twitter as @ShelleyNoble3

#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

Blog Tour for The Underground River by Martha Conway #TheUndergroundRiverBlogTour #MarthaConway #UndergroundRailroad #histfic #historicalfiction #blogtour #HFVBTBlogTours

THE UNDERGROUND RIVER BY MARTHA CONWAY

Publication Date: June 20, 2017
Touchstone
Hardcover, eBook, AudioBook

Genre: Historical Fiction







The New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice


Set aboard a nineteenth century riverboat theater, this is the moving, page-turning story of a charmingly frank and naive seamstress who is blackmailed into saving runaways on the Underground Railroad, jeopardizing her freedom, her livelihood, and a new love.

It’s 1838, and May Bedloe works as a seamstress for her cousin, the famous actress Comfort Vertue—until their steamboat sinks on the Ohio River. Though they both survive, both must find new employment. Comfort is hired to give lectures by noted abolitionist, Flora Howard, and May finds work on a small flatboat, Hugo and Helena’s Floating Theatre, as it cruises the border between the northern states and the southern slave-holding states.

May becomes indispensable to Hugo and his troupe, and all goes well until she sees her cousin again. Comfort and Mrs. Howard are also traveling down the Ohio River, speaking out against slavery at the many riverside towns. May owes Mrs. Howard a debt she cannot repay, and Mrs. Howard uses the opportunity to enlist May in her network of shadowy characters who ferry babies given up by their slave mothers across the river to freedom. Lying has never come easy to May, but now she is compelled to break the law, deceive all her new-found friends, and deflect the rising suspicions of Dr. Early who captures runaways and sells them back to their southern masters.

As May’s secrets become more tangled and harder to keep, the Floating Theatre readies for its biggest performance yet. May’s predicament could mean doom for all her friends on board, including her beloved Hugo, unless she can figure out a way to trap those who know her best.
AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | INDIEBOUND | BOOKS-A-MILLION | POWELL’S
 
My Review
This is my first read by author Martha Conway but I'm planning to go back and read her other books. Her first novel, 12 Bliss Street was nominated for an Edgar Award for Best First Novel. The setting for this novel is twenty years before the Civil War on the Ohio River which was the natural division between the free states in the North and the slave holding states of the South. 

My favorite character was May Bedloe. The novel was told in her point of view. I loved her bluntness and quirkiness. The story line flows smoothly. The author is a great storyteller. The author used some realistic historical events like the sinking of the steamboat Moselle. When I read historical fiction I love looking up things online to learn more about the subject. So glad I took part in this blog tour. I live close to the Ohio River making it all the more interesting. 


Praise for The Underground River

“Creating a perfectly straight seam finds echoes throughout the book in plot devices and metaphors, even in saving souls, and it may come as a surprise how lively and sustaining this lost art can be. Twain has his ‘Life on the Mississippi.’ Conway’s life on the Ohio makes you see the place, through May’s eyes, in all its muddy glory.” (The New York Times Book Review)

“The Underground River is both a dear love story and a page-turning adventure about the Underground Railroad—and an unwilling participant. An extraordinary cast of memorable characters gives this book irresistible appeal while the setting on the watery boundary between North and South places them in dangerous and morally ambiguous territory. A captivating, thoughtful, and unforgettable read.” (Kathleen Grissom, author of The Kitchen House and Glory over Everything)

“It is part of Martha Conway’s gift as a writer to weave stories from the richest and most interesting periods of American history. Set on a nineteenth century floating theatre on the Ohio River, The Underground River is a riveting and atmospheric novel about slavery, betrayal and redemption, with a memorably forthright heroine, and a plot as fast flowing and twisty as the river itself.” (Louisa Treger, author of The Lodger)

“Warning: The Underground River is a page-turner. Be prepared to stay up late reading, because once you start you won’t want to put it down. From the first page to the last, Martha Conway’s novel is riveting, immersing the reader in the adventures of an unlikely heroine who finds courage, independence and love amid the social turmoil of the Underground Railroad. Vividly drawn settings, original characters, and perilous situations make this mesmerizing book one you will remember for years to come.” (Amy Belding Brown, author of Flight of the Sparrow)

“Martha Conway’s The Underground River is simply wonderful, a novel in which the women—good and bad—matter. The tale is told by young May Bedloe, who grows up and falls in love as the modest little show-boat drifts down the river between the small towns of the slave-holding South and the free North. May is pitched into the middle of the Slave vs Free drama not through conviction–though she does indeed know what’s right–but by blackmail, until eventually she musters the courage to risk everything for another woman. I loved May, and I very much hope we have not seen the last of her.” (Beverly Swerling, author of City of Dreams)

“Well-researched and gripping to the end, The Underground River is a vivid look at a pivotal chapter in American history.” (The Mercury News)

“The Underground River evokes Twain in both story and setting. A compelling book that would no doubt please the Master of the Mississippi….A compelling story of a young woman who is trying to find her way in a world that, in a few years, will be ripped apart by war. A tale worthy of Twain.” (The Free Lance-Star)

“May herself is a marvelous creation, more than a little reminiscent of Mattie Ross in Charles Portis’ True Grit….You’ll root for her till the last page. Add a gentle love story and an especially sinister villain (who enters stage left, rather late) and The Underground River has the makings of a cult classic.” (Wilmington Star-News)

“Thanks to the success of Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad, the subject of the abolition movement is popular in fiction now. Conway (Thieving Forest; Sugarland) offers a novel take on the topic, and book groups will especially enjoy the distinctive setting, the rich historical details, and the thorny issues begging to be discussed.” (Library Journal)

“Readers will profit from narrator May’s attention to detail and will appreciate the richly drawn showboat and the North-South border 

setting.” (Booklist)
About the Author
Martha Conway grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, the sixth of seven daughters. Her first novel was nominated for an Edgar Award, and she has won several awards for her historical fiction, including an Independent Book Publishers Award and the North American Book Award for Historical Fiction. Her short fiction has been published in the Iowa Review, Massachusetts Review, Carolina Quarterly, Folio, Epoch, The Quarterly, and other journals. She has received a California Arts Council Fellowship for Creative Writing, and has reviewed books for the Iowa Review and the San Francisco Chronicle. She now lives in San Francisco, and is an instructor of creative writing for Stanford University’s Continuing Studies Program and UC Berkeley Extension. She is the author of The Underground River.

For more information, please visit Martha Conway’s website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.
 Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, June 18
Review at 100 Pages a Day
Review at Just One More Chapter

Wednesday, June 20
Excerpt at Teaser Addicts Book Blog

Thursday, June 21
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Friday, June 22
Feature at Donna’s Book Blog

Saturday, June 23
Interview at T’s Stuff

Tuesday, June 26
Review at Creating Herstory

Wednesday, June 27
Review at Reviewing Nerds

Saturday, June 30
Review at Clarissa Reads it All

Monday, July 2
Review at What Cathy Read Next

Wednesday, July 4
Review at Library of Clean Reads

Friday, July 6
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views

Saturday, July 7
Review at Lady J’s Bookish Nook

Monday, July 9
Feature at Historical Fiction with Spirit

Wednesday, July 11
Review at Jorie Loves a Story
Excerpt at Jathan & Heather

Friday, July 13
Guest Post at Passages to the Past

Monday, July 16
Review at Pursuing Stacie

Tuesday, July 17
Feature at CelticLady’s Reviews

Friday, July 20
Excerpt at What Is That Book About

Monday, July 23
Review at Donna McCabe

Wednesday, July 25
Review at Writing the Renaissance

Thursday, July 26
Guest Post at Writing the Renaissance