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Behind the Scenes (GIVEAWAY) - Apart From the Crowd Book 1 - Jen Turano

Saturday, April 29, 2017

To order your copy, click here.

About the Book
Book: Behind the Scenes 
Author: Jen Turano 
Genre: Inspirational Historical Romance 
Release Date: April 2017

Miss Permilia Griswold may have been given the opportunity of a debut into New York high society, but no one warned her she wasn’t guaranteed to “take.” After spending the last six years banished to the wallflower section of the ballroom, she’s finally putting her status on the fringes of society to good use by penning anonymous society gossip columns under the pseudonym “Miss Quill.”

Mr. Asher Rutherford has managed to maintain his status as a reputable gentleman of society despite opening his own department store. While pretending it’s simply a lark to fill his time, he has quite legitimate reasons for needing to make his store the most successful in the country. When Permilia overhears a threat against the estimable Mr. Rutherford, she’s determined to find and warn the man. Disgruntled at a first meeting that goes quite poorly and results in Asher not believing her, she decides to take matters into her own hands, never realizing she’ll end up at risk as well.

As Asher and Permilia are forced to work together and spend time away from the spotlight of society, perhaps there’s more going on behind the scenes than they ever could have anticipated. . . .

My Rating

★★★★★ - You have bewitched me, body and soul. (More Info)

My Thoughts

Undoubtedly Jen Turano's BEST book yet! A healthy dose of mystery, the suspense of the romance, the antics of Permilia...And Asher...*SWOON*


"Turn your troubles over to God, and...accept what He may have in store for you."
Behind the Scenes

It is a well established fact that Jen Turano is a TOP favorite author of mine. And Behind the Scenes has surpassed all the others to take its place at the top of her books. Very well written with a lot to keep the reader engaged it was HARD to put this one down! The opening scene with Alva Vanderbilt's ball swept me into the era and had me swooning and giggling and gasping and holding my breath. Permilia and Asher danced, argued, and perhaps encounter a dastardly plot...As the story unfolds, more pieces to the puzzle are laid, but you also find out that the puzzle is much larger than originally anticipated. All the while Asher and Permilia are learning to trust that maybe God's plan for their lives can be something AMAZING!!! 

Behind the Scenes wouldn't be complete without Jen's unique style and sense of humour that she weaves into her storylines. Never fear dear reader! Jen does not disappoint. This book is full of new predicaments, comedic escapades, and dramatic rescues. I simply can not wait to continue this series with Gertrude's story in Out of the Ordinary releasing this fall! 

For a FUN interview and an interesting fact about a certain costume mentioned in this book check out Carrie's site: Reading is my SuperPower.


View more from Jen Turano on Bookworm Mama HERE!

I received a complimentary copy of Behind the Scenes from Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest review. All opinions expressed are mine alone.

About the Author 

Jen Turano, author of nine books and two novellas, is a graduate of the University of Akron with a degree in clothing and textiles. She is a member of ACFW and lives in a suburb of Denver, Colorado. Visit her website at www.jenturano.com.

Blog Stops





April 27: The Scribbler



April 27: Genesis 5020






April 28: Back Porch Reads





April 29: Bookworm Mama



April 29: Karen Sue Hadley*


April 30: Radiant Light

April 30: Bigreadersite*

April 30: Lane Hill House











May 3: Book by Book







May 5: Baker Kella



May 6: A Greater Yes*






May 7: Daysong Reflections














Giveaway


To celebrate her tour, Jen is giving away a $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card and the four books: After a Fashion, In Good Company, Playing the Part, Behind the Scenes!! Click below to enter. Be sure to comment on this post before you enter to claim 9 extra entries! http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/4664b04910/

First LIne Fridays - 4/28/17 - Unblemished

Friday, April 28, 2017


Happy Friday!!!

Today's first line comes from a book that I have been wanting to read since it released in October of last year...But, TIME!!! I just haven't gotten around to it yet! HOPEFULLY soon though because my patience isn't going to hold out much longer!



Prelude
This is all my fault. She'll lose her soul because of me.

Amazon


If you would like to host First Line Fridays on your blog, contact Carrie on Reading is my SuperPower.

Why Novellas? (And what are these short stories all about?)

Wednesday, April 26, 2017


Part of the Love at First
Laugh
 collection
(link below)
Three years ago (before I got into blogging) if you mentioned a novella to me, I probably would have given you a funny face.  Even in my avid reading days in high school...I don't remember "Novellas" really being a thing...MAYBE I AM JUST CRAZY (shhhh we already know I am).

My sister and I got our mom a Kindle last summer and I pre-ordered a couple of novellas for her and it was no surprise that after reading one, she responded with, "It was so much shorter than I thought it was going to be." (Maybe not in those exact words...but you get the idea.)

I then went on to explain what novellas are and why I love reading them. And it dawned on me...There must be others who do not know these things about Novellas....or that they ARE worth reading! So I hope this helps! ANd a HUGE thanks to Reading is my SuperPower and Faithfully Bookish for helping me brainstorm!


There are two MAIN type of novellas. 
1.) Short stories that act as a prequel or as an "inbetweener" in a series. All written by the same author. 
2.) The Novella Collection. I have found that most of these collections can be found by Barbour Inc. But there are other publishing houses that have printed these.  These contain anywhere from 4-8 or more...short stories written by several different authors.
Now, let's take a little closer look at just WHAT these short stories can offer YOU and why you should READ THEM!!!


FREE Novella HERE
MOST of the time the prequels or "inbetweener" novellas are FREE! Even if you DO have to pay for them, it is usually only $0.99 - $1.99. Typically these novellas are ONLY in eBook form unless they end up as part of a collection...Or self published like Meghan Gorecki's. These mini books ase SHORT! Landing somewhere between 50 - 100 pages it is super easy to squeeze it in between other reads. These stories contain so much background for the series and gives you WAY more than a prologue could. Reading a novella is also a good way to "test" a new-to-you (or just plain new) author's style before committing to the book/series. 

Follow the links below to discover the FREE novellas published by these authors. 



These can be so addicting! Usually the novellas in a collection all have a similar setting or theme or time period. Or all of the above. Like the Mountain Christmas Brides Collection from Barbour Publishing. All set in 1800s, mountains, christmas. The Knight's Bride from Barbour is another one. All medieval time period and all regarding knights and damsels falling in love. You usually have to purchase these collections. But they are so much fun! it is a nice break to keep a few novellas on file to "cleanse the palate" between books.

Find out more about some of my favorites by following the links below!


And there you have it! Are novellas worth it to me? YES! What about YOU? Do you enjoy novellas?

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Initially Passed Over

Monday, April 24, 2017


The Broke and the Bookish's "technical" theme for this week is: Top Ten Things That Will Make Me Instantly NOT Want To Read A Book. 

So, I put a little spin on it. Last week I talked about my Top Ten Reasons I Pick Up a Book. This week...I am going to share with you TEN books that I initially passed over (or simply put off reading for FAR too long) and tell you WHY. Many of these books have gone on to be a part of my FOREVER FAVORITE shelf. And they have embedded themselves into my very soul.



Penned in Time Series - Pepper Basham
If you have followed my blog for any amount of time, you will be familiar with my rating system. (If not you can check it out HERE.) I ended up falling so in love with Pepper's second book in this series, that I HAD to come up with a 6 star rating worthy of the book. However, I had The Thorn Keeper in my possession for about EIGHT MONTHS before I finally read it. Do you want to know why I put it off the series for so long? Pepper was a new author to me. And I LOVE discovering new authors, but sometimes, they are the ones pushed to the back of the pile! (Please don't ask if I have read A Twist of Faith yet...I am ashamed of my answer,) Read my review HERE.


The Lady and the Lionheart - Joanne Bischof
Other than the fact that Joanne was a new to me author, I had a few reasons for continuing to put off reading this one. One of the top reasons though, YOU CAN ONLY READ A BOOK FOR THE FIRST TIME...ONCE! I didn't want that magic to end. I DID FINALLY read it when my friend MAILED it to me and said READ IT NOW!!! And...to be honest...I am so very glad I did. Because, guess what? Yup...Another 6 star rating! Read my review HERE.



The Governess of Highland Hall - Carrie Turansky
I ADORE Edwardian period books. Roseanna M. White's are among my favorites. But When I started blogging, I missed the chance to review book one in the series...And I tend to be weird about reading books out of order. SO I waited...And waited...And waited. UNTIL...Carrie Turansky contacted me and ended up arranging for me to take her to the grocery store in Nashville last summer at the beginning of CFRR. I thought, "OH NO! I am going to be conversing with her and driving her around. HOW EMBARRASSING would it be if I hadn't read ANY of her books???" SO...I read it...and LOVED it! Read my review HERE.



The Lunar Chronicles - Marissa Meyer
Young Adult Fiction has a certain appeal to me. And I LOVE it! (One reason I applied to be a judge for the Young Adult section of the INSPYs award! Find out more HERE.) I had heard nothing but good things about this series. But I knew, that once I started, I wouldn't want to stop reading. And there are 4 books in the series...Big books...The last one is 827-ish pages long! So when I injured my back earlier this year. I decided to dive in! And ya I was right...I finished the last book a couple weeks ago now. Read my review HERE.



Finders Keepers - Sarah Monzon
I have always been a Historical loving girl. Contemporary fiction was something I avoided...Until Sarah dangled this book in front of me. I didn't realise at first that it indeed has a split timeline (downfall of not reading book blurbs). And if you find yourself in a similar place, this book really is great for transitioning. With half the scenes historical and half present day, you can get a taste for the contemporary side without completely abandoning the historical. Read my review HERE.


The Bachelor Girl's Guide to Murder - Rachel McMillan
Although the cover was AMAZING. Rachel was a debut author, and I was just beginning to navigate the waters of the bookish realm a little bit better and had NOOOOOOOOO idea who she was. I am glad I threw my lot in with Herringford & Watts after I read Annie's review over on Just Commonly. This series is SO MUCH FUN!!! I adore Rachel and can't WAIT to meet her in person this summer!  Read my review HERE.



The Lost Girl of Astor Street - Stephanie Morrill
I told you WHY I picked this book up last week (Author Rachel McMillan's amazing review...No I am not stalking her....), but I didn't tell you why I neglected pick it up sooner. The suspense/mystery aspect. Now I admit the suspense was probably not all that intense for most people. But I have a hard time with murder type books. BUT....I LOVED THIS ONE!!! Read my review HERE.



Leviathan - Scott Westerfeld
My best friend recommended this series to me and while I was interested in it...I didn't think I would like it as much as I did! OH.MY.GOODNESS!!! I don't remember my life before "barking spiders" and "clever boots". Scott Westerfeld melded history and steampunk with what I guess is sci-fi and turned it into an INCREDIBLE series! Full of REAL people who actually lived...But in this imagined, alternate past...WWI...it turns into something new, enticing, addicting! (Can I please have a pet Loris now?) Read my review HERE.



Matefinder - Leia Stone
So...I REALLY like vampire/werewolf stories. (You are probably thinking about how I said above I don't like murder stuff...ya...don't try to understand my brain...I don't even know how it works.) I DO need to be in the right mood for these types of books though. I had Matefinder in my possession for about a year before I finally read it. And guess what...It was really good! 
Read my review HERE.



TIME
I have SO many books that I want to read. SO many authors to discover. Genres that I really want to taste a little more of. But gosh dang it...There just aren't enough hours in the day! I mean...who needs to eat...and sleep? What IS THAT??? But seriously...Between raising two rambunctious boys...keeping house...remodelling projects...and LIFE...I DO have to pick and choose. I am SLOWLY making my way through my TBR island when I have the chance. But I was born with a TBR that I will never finish!  

What about YOU? What are some reasons you pass up a book (at least initially)?


(Spotlight) Romance in the Rockies - Heather Blanton


About the Series
Now, get ALL THREE of the bestselling Defiance books in ONE collection, along with a BONUS, never-before-published prequel novella, The Lost Chapters.

Three beautiful, Christian sisters, ranging in ages and life experiences, find themselves stranded in the lawless mining town of Defiance, Colorado. But God is moving everything into place--planning for something good to come from their individual heartbreaks. Naomi, Rebecca, and Hannah have futures bright with hope--even if they can't see it at first.

A Lady in Defiance
Charles McIntyre owns everything and everyone in Defiance. Still, he is intrigued enough by the sisters to allow them to open a hotel in his town, especially since he views feisty middle sister Naomi as his next conquest. Naomi, angry with God for widowing her, wants no part of Defiance or the saloon-owning, prostitute-keeping Mr. McIntyre. But the Lord may have other plans.

Hearts in Defiance
McIntyre built Defiance practically with his bare hands ... and without any remorse for the lives he destroyed along the way. Then a glimpse of true love, both earthly and heavenly, changed him. The question is, how much? His wife is a beautiful, decent woman. She says she loves McIntyre, that God does, too, and the past is behind them now. But McIntyre struggles to believe he's worth saving ... worth loving. Unfortunately, the temptations in Defiance only reinforce his doubts. Eventually, old enemies and old weaknesses will come calling...

A Promise in Defiance
When McIntyre founded Defiance, he was more than happy to rule in hell rather than serve in heaven. But things have changed. Now, he has faith, a new wife...and a ten-year-old half-breed son. Logan Tillane carries a Bible in his hand, wears a gun on his hip, and fights for lost souls any way he can. Newly arrived in Defiance, though, he has trouble telling the saints from the sinners. When a scandalous madam flings open the doors to a raunchy saloon, these two good men will fight their personal demons to the death. Unfortunately, only one will survive.

The Lost Chapters - A Novella
In this prequel novella, set in North Carolina, meet Naomi's first husband, her childhood sweetheart. He is faced with trying to hold the family together before a scandal and a greedy rich man can tear it apart.

And what was it like for sixteen-year-old Hannah to deal with the shame of carrying a bastard child? Rumors are swirling. Did the father of the baby abandon them of his own accord, or was he forced to leave by a family bent on protecting a grand ambition?

Rich with gritty drama and historical detail, these tales are told by real, flawed women who fight for love and faith in a godless frontier town. The Ladies of Defiance.

You can read my review and a guest post from Heather by following the links below.
My Review

Guest Post



Purchase Options
Amazon


About Heather Blanton
Heather Blanton is the independent bestselling author of several Christian Westerns, including the Romance in the Rockies series, which has sold over 40,000 copies. Intrigued by the concept of three good sisters stranded in a lawless Colorado mining town, a few notable Hollywood producers have requested the script for her first book in that series, A Lady in Defiance. Heather’s writing is gritty and realistic. In fact, her books have been compared to AMC’s Hell on Wheels series, as well as the legendary Francine Rivers book, Redeeming Love.

A former journalist, Heather is an avid researcher and skillfully weaves truth in among the fictional story lines. She loves exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. She has walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in her hand.

She writes Westerns because she grew up on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne movies. Her most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to her father, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester!
Connect

Becky Wade's 'True to You' Author Chat Party

Saturday, April 22, 2017


Raise your hand if you're ready for Becky Wade's new series! Celebrate the release of book one, True to You, with Becky and other readers on Facebook on May 4th during a fun author chat party at 8:00 PM EDT (that's 7:00 Central, 6:00 Mountain, & 5:00 Pacific)! Becky will be chatting about the book and answering your questions about the new series, and of course, there will be plenty of fun giveaways too!

Pre-order your copy of True to You so you're ready for a fun book discussion. Find out more about the book here.

Hope to see you on May 4 for Becky's True to You Facebook Party!

About the Book


After a devastating heartbreak three years ago, genealogist and historical village owner Nora Bradford decided that burying her nose in her work and her books is far safer than romance in the here and now.

Unlike Nora, former Navy SEAL John Lawson is a modern-day man, usually 100 percent focused on the present. However, when John, an adoptee, is diagnosed with an inherited condition, he’s forced to dig into the secrets of his ancestry.

John enlists Nora’s help to uncover the identity of his birth mother, and as they work side-by-side, this pair of opposites begins to suspect that they just might be a perfect match. But can their hope for a future survive their wounds from the past?

Purchase Options


Too excited to wait? Start the series with this FREE Novella!


About the Author
Becky’s a California native who attended Baylor University, met and married a Texan, and settled in Dallas.  She published historical romances for the general market before putting her career on hold for several years to care for her three children.  When God called her back to writing, Becky knew He meant for her to turn her attention to Christian fiction.  She loves writing funny, modern, and inspirational contemporary romance!  She’s the Carol Award, INSPY Award, and Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award winning author of My Stubborn Heart, the Porter Family series, and the Bradford Sisters Romance series.
Connect
Website


Becky Wade is also one of the keynote speakers at this year’s Christian Fiction Readers Retreat!
Find out more by clicking the graphic below!



Hope to see you on May 4 for Becky’s True to You Facebook Party!
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