Cover Reveal: The Lost Heiress

Since reading Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland, I've been a fan of Roseanna's White's historical fiction. I could pinch myself to think I actually get to work for the company that published her Culper Ring series. :) (I believe Circle of Spies is my favorite, but they're all wonderful!)

Today it's my great pleasure to help reveal the cover for her upcoming release with Bethany House, The Lost Heiress!

About the Book

Brook Eden has never known where she truly belongs. Though raised in the palace of Monaco, she’s British by birth and was brought to the Grimaldis under suspicious circumstances as a babe. When Brook’s friend Justin uncovers the fact that Brook is likely a missing heiress from Yorkshire, Brook leaves the sun of the Mediterranean to travel to the moors of the North Sea to the estate of her supposed family.

The mystery of her mother’s death haunts her, and though her father is quick to accept her, the rest of the family and the servants of Whitby Park are not. Only when Brook’s life is threatened do they draw close—but their loyalty may come too late to save Brook from the same threat that led to tragedy for her mother.

As heir to a dukedom, Justin is no stranger to balancing responsibilities. When the matters of his estate force him far from Brook, the distance between them reveals that what began as friendship has grown into something much more. But how can their very different loyalties and responsibilities ever come together?

And then, for a second time, the heiress of Whitby Park is stolen away because of the very rare treasure in her possession—and this time only the servants of Whitby can save her.

Add to Goodreads | Pre-order at Christianbook.com

Sign up for Roseanna's newsletter to get updates on availability at other retailers, like Amazon and B&N: http://eepurl.com/hIvJw 

And here's the full cover...

My Thoughts

Stunning! The cover is so warm and inviting, like stepping straight into a sparkling ballroom. The flourishes and the model's hair style and jewelry add an extra touch of class and beauty. And yet there are also dark shadows in the background and even in the model's hair, as well as a look on her face that suggests contemplation - of escape or scheming, fear or hope...who can say? All in all a lovely portrait of history and mystery combined.

About the Author

Roseanna M. White pens her novels beneath her Betsy Ross flag, with her Jane Austen action figure watching over her. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two children, editing and designing, and pretending her house will clean itself. The Lost Heiress is Roseanna’s tenth published book. Her novels range from biblical fiction to American-set romances to her new British series. She lives with her family in West Virginia. Learn more at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.

What are your thoughts on Roseanna's latest cover? 
Would love to know!

Revealing the Cover of My Next Novella...Where Trains Collide

I enjoyed writing How a Star Falls so much - describing contemporary places I love, working through modern trials and joys that new adults face - that I wanted to try my hand at more of these novellas. While initially I wasn't sure whether or not I wanted to write about all-new characters, the positive reader reaction to Derrick's family in How a Star Falls, along with my own fondness for them, prompted me to finally pursue the "train story" I've been wanting to tell through the eyes of Derrick's middle sister, Trisha.

"Train story?" you may ask.

Trains hold a special place in my heart, and it was, in fact, on a train that I wrote the poem that inspired the title I chose to use for this blog. It's on a similar train ride that my next heroine finds herself...

A Cover Story

The potential model(s) for this cover pinned to our secret board on Pinterest ranged from very young-looking to old-fashioned, from a guy wearing a leather jacket to a guy wearing no shirt (it was hard to tell from the angle of the models' embrace...but not quite the look we were going for, anyway!).

A girl sitting by herself near some tracks prompted the first round of actual cover comps, but it was the sweet couple holding autumn leaves that truly captured the right look and feel. Together with the train tracks leading off into the horizon, the fanciful cotton candy clouds behind them, and the little heart rushing toward them above the italicized font, the picture produces a stirring effect of romance and tender uncertainty.

My talented friend and designer Lena Goldfinch once again blessed me with a gorgeous cover - perhaps my favorite of all! (And my first cover with both the hero and heroine depicted on the front! Huzzah!)

And I have to add one thing Lena wrote when sharing this comp:

I love the fiery leaves in their hands. With the green tree way in the distance, it almost suggests two seasons, i.e. two places/destinations...

Knowing the poem that ties into my blog title and this story, as well as the title of my indie-publishing venture, you could see how that contrast beautifully captures the seasons theme so prominent in my writing. Love the way Lena worded it!

For now we hold tightly to autumn, but summer will come around the bend someday...

About the Book

New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella

Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.

Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure suddenly collapses into a nightmare when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.

All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn't know where her current track will lead, Paul’s questions only complicate matters and spark a few of her own.

Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head-on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life's best destination.

Coming April 2015

Add to Goodreads | View on Pinterest

Giveaway!

Fall in love with gorgeous autumn earrings by Belle on a Budget (perfect to set aside as a gift for yourself or a friend later on!) and treat yourself now to a little something on Amazon.com with a $5 gift card. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only, and you can enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal Participants

I'm always grateful for the wonderful blogging friends who share my enthusiasm and help me spread the word about my books! If you're interested in joining my street team (Amber's Gems) so you can stay in the loop and opt into my future blog tours and cover reveals, please feel free to sign up HERE.

 

Here's a list of the dear gems and fellow bloggers who are participating in today's cover reveal:

• A Writer's Heart
• Buzzing About Books
• Carissa's Bookshelf
• Crafty Booksheeps
• Crumpets 'n' Cream
• Dreaming Under the Same Moon
• Fictionally
• Flowers of Quiet Happiness
• i blog 4 books
• Inspiring Daring
• Jaye L. Knight
• Labor Not in Vain
• My Favorite Pastime
• Relz Reviewz
• Rivershore Books
• The American Anglophile
• The Wonderings of One Person
• To Be A Person
• Writing Roseanna

What are your thoughts on the new cover? Are you also a fan of trains?

{Something New}: My Review of Seeing Through Stones + February Picks

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

I did actually finish this one in January - I just didn't get around to writing the review until now! You'll find my February picks for the challenge below the review.

Here's a description of the book:

From Award-Winning, Young Adult author Rajdeep Paulus comes the sequel to Swimming Through Clouds, a powerful reminder that life is a battle you don't fight alone.

I live in the in between. Between yesterday and forever. The way forward haunts me. The gap I must cover daunts me. And hope beckons, "Run to me," but I just learned to walk.

After a lifetime of abuse, the Vanderbilt siblings flee their home, finally free to pursue new dreams while running from yesterday's nightmares.

Once bed-ridden Jesse navigates the Chicago streets, concealing his identity and planning revenge. A chance encounter in the rain introduces a girl who offers Jesse a glimpse of a sunnier future, but how will he weather the growing storm inside himself?

Separated from her Post-it note prince, Talia hides at a safe house for survivors of domestic violence while her father turns the city upside-down to find her. Surrounded by women fighting their own demons, Talia faces her past at every turn.

Add to Goodreads | Purchase on Amazon

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Seeing Through Stones is a powerful sequel to Swimming Through Clouds. A hard but hopeful follow-up that separately follows Talia and her younger brother Jesse as they face their own demons and struggle to embrace an uncertain future.

Just because Talia is now in a safe house doesn't mean things are settled for her. Doubts and dangers won't leave her alone, and she faces some very difficult decisions. And meanwhile, Jesse is out on the streets, alternately chasing independence and revenge. Both make new relationships and try desperately not to lose hope for the good ones they've had to let go of for a time. 

As for Lagan, Talia's "Post-It Prince"...oh, how I adore him! His character, although only allowed brief page time, has a presence that permeates the story with sweet security and joy.

Author Rajdeep Paulus has a vivid, fragmented, and beautiful way with the English language. The reading experience for this series isn't always smooth in terms of both painful content and unconventional syntax, but it's striking and poignant and captivating. Seeing Through Stones is a gripping story of perseverance, new perspectives, and finding freedom.

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Care to join the {Something Old, Something New} Challenge? Visit PidginPea's Book Nook for all the details!

And now, here are my February 2015 picks...

{Something Old}
Acquired August 2013

An Unlikely Partnership

Opening a business isn’t a piece of cake – something Melissa Sweeney discovers when an anonymous benefactor brings her to Bygones, Kansas. She can’t fulfill her longtime dream of starting up her own bakery without help. But with his traditional view of work and family, Brian Montclair is the unlikeliest candidate for the job. Even more surprising is the powerful attraction sprouting up between the rugged mechanic and his fiercely independent new boss. Brian’s heart and soul belong to his hardworking community that is slowly coming back to life. Melissa wants to be part of that transformation . . . if she can make Brian believe they can be true partners in everything – including love.

Amazon | Goodreads

Note: If this one doesn't end up being my cup of tea, I'll plan on reading one of the other Love Inspired or Heartsong Presents books that have been on my shelf for a while.

{Something New}

Acquired September 2014

Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school - irresistible. When their paths cross again after college - still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.

The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He’s a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he’s long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he’s known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia’s trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?

Amazon | Goodreads

Sweetly Seasoned Snack Size Reviews

What's a girl to do as Valentine's Day approaches? Well, for me, I guess that would be doing what I do the rest of the year: read a romance (or a dozen). ;) Here are a few sweet romance stories I've enjoyed recently!

So True a Love (Daughters of His Kingdom, Book 2) by Amber Lynn Perry
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently $3.99 for Kindle

As an inspirational historical romance fan, I was hard-pressed to pass up this lovely cover and the story's promising premise! And the book delivered on an intriguing, suspenseful read set during the Revolutionary era. I do confess that the plot is rather frustrating in terms of secrets kept and the obvious overlooked time and again, but it wasn't so bothersome that I couldn't appreciate the romantic tension and the hope that all would be revealed and worked out in time. An engaging excursion into another era!

* * *

The Vow (An Uncertain Choice Novella) by Jody Hedlund

Rating: Fall/Spring

Currently $1.99 for Kindle

It's exciting that talented historical fiction author Jody Hedlund is trying her hand at YA (young adult) fiction! I enjoyed this snippet as a sample of her upcoming novel release. The time period is fraught with peril and hardships, and poor Rosemarie has to deal with a lot of trauma for a young woman barely out of girlhood. As the set-up for An Uncertain Choice that provides interesting back story, The Vow is a nice teaser; as its own novella, there isn't much of a story so much as a promise of one to come. Lots of shifting emotions (understandably!), but not much substance that's overly compelling or satisfying in and of itself. I'll be curious to see how the novel plays out, though!

* * *

A Woodland Miracle (Amish Wonders, Book 2) by Ruth Reid
Rating: Spring/Summer
Currently $8.89 for Kindle

It's really hard to stay away from the book section when I'm in Walmart. The last time I browsed the shelves, my eyes caught on an Amish book with a cover I simply love and by an author who wrote another Amish story I enjoyed. But my gaze also snagged on this one, and the back cover copy completely intrigued me. ("Endanger their lives"? I had to know what that was all about!) Well, I bought the former because I trusted the author would deliver a good story (and yes, I'm a sucker for lovely covers), but I couldn't resist looking up this book online. After seeing the reviews and reading more about it, I one-clicked it.

A Woodland Miracle was all its back cover said it would be and just what I wanted! Unique Amish characters and setting (which has to be getting pretty rare in this genre), plenty of tension, and a suspense element that didn't wait until the very end to make itself well and clearly known (kudos to the author for that!). Yes, I think some of the characters and themes could have gone a smidge deeper, but all in all this was a very satisfying and intriguing read that kept me glued to my Fire tablet until the very last swipe of the virtual page.

[This snack size review is bordering on a full meal...thanks for indulging me!]

* * *  

Love on the Mend (Full Steam Ahead Novella) by Karen Witemeyer

Rating: Spring

Currently $2.51 for Kindle

Karen Witemeyer writes so cleverly and crafts such fun and likable characters that reading any of her stories is bound to be an enjoyable experience. Though just a short and sweet novella, Love on the Mend is trademark Witemeyer and includes some great bonding scenes and a satisfying conclusion. While perhaps not my favorite of her books, it was still fun to spend an evening catching up with Jacob from Full Steam Ahead and watching him get completely bowled over by the indomitable Mollie Tate. ;)

* * *
Have you read any sweet romances lately that you'd recommend? What's on your Valentine's reading list? 

"Seasoned" or "unseasoned" is in reference to my book rating system. Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

My Review of Dinosaur Boy

Here's a description of the book from Sourcebooks:

Everyone knows the dinosaur gene skips a generation.

So it isn’t a complete surprise when Sawyer sprouts spikes and a tail before the start of fifth grade. After all, his grandfather was part stegosaurus.

Despite the Principal’s Zero Tolerance Policy, Sawyer becomes a bully magnet, befriended only by Elliot aka “Gigantor” and the weird new girl. When the bullies start disappearing, Sawyer is relieved—until he discovers a secret about the principal that’s more shocking than Dino DNA.

The bullies are in for a galactically horrible fate…and it’s up to Sawyer and his friends to rescue them.

Purchase on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

Cory Putman Oakes's debut, The Veil, demonstrated a great deal of imagination and creativity. And wow - did she ever find an awesome outlet for all that promise in the MG (middle grade) category with her second release, Dinosaur Boy!

I'm the kind of girl who loves a good romance, and I prefer my stories with at least some hint of that. The age level of the main characters in Dinosaur Boy, though, means that the relationships portrayed are limited to friendships, familial ties, and teacher- and principal-student interactions. You know what? I still got completely caught up in the story and immensely enjoyed myself!

Right from the get-go, the far-out premise of a boy who finds out he's part-dinosaur when he starts growing a tail and spinal plates had me smiling and laughing. There's sort of a dry humor to Putman's style - a wryness that makes the absurd situations poor Sawyer finds himself in so hilarious and yet still relatable. Sawyer is a wonderful character who learns a great deal about confidence, loyalty, and convictions, all while navigating the start of a new school year as a salad-loving hybrid.

And that's not even the strangest part. But I'll let you discover the other out-there twists and turns for yourself...

Just know that this is an entertaining read for a wide audience. Anyone who's ever felt like a misfit could appreciate the struggles of Sawyer, his very tall friend Elliot, and the new girl who likes to hide inside her hoodie. Full of LOL moments, surprises, and just the right amount of heart, Dinosaur Boy is a brilliant sophomore story from Oakes.

*With thanks to Sourcebooks and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

About the Author

Sometime around sixth grade, Cory was forced to face the sad truth that being a heroine in a Tamora Pierce, Robin McKinley, or Madeleine L’Engle book was not, in fact, a valid future career choice. But since she thought it might be almost as much fun to grow up to be Tamora Pierce, Robin McKinley, or Madeleine L’Engle, she decided to do just that. She’s still working on it.

Cory’s path to being an author did not go in a straight line. There was the whole “maybe-I’ll-be-a-psychologist” thing (just on the side, until the writing took off) which led her to UCLA and an eventual B.A. in Psychology. Then there was the “maybe-I’ll-be-a-lawyer” thing (just on the side, until the writing took off) which led her to Cornell Law School, a J.D., and a year of working as a litigation associate at Sullivan & Cromwell. There was also a brief “maybe-I’ll-teach-law” phase (just on the . . . well, you know) where she taught business law to undergraduates at Texas State University.

But the writing thing was a bug that she just couldn’t shake, and she officially made her sixth grade dream come true in 2011, with her debut young adult novel, THE VEIL. Cory’s debut middle grade, DINOSAUR BOY, is due out from Sourcebooks in February of 2015. Its sequel (tentatively entitled DINOSAUR BOY SAVES MARS) will be out the following year.

Cory lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Mark (who, luckily for all concerned, decided to stick with the whole “maybe-I’ll-be-a-lawyer” thing), their two kids, and their pets. In addition to writing, Cory enjoys running, cooking, and hanging out with her family. She is proud to be represented by Sarah LaPolla of Bradford Literary Agency.

Cory can often be found on Twitter and Facebook. Visit her website HERE.

Giveaway!

Enter to win a copy of Dinosaur Boy using the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends February 28, 2015, and is hosted by the publisher.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Gingerbread Man Snack Size Reviews

While some of her stories are hit and miss with my personal preference in content, I often enjoy Lee/Elle Strauss's books. Her writing is very engaging. And now that all three of her "Gingerbread Man" episodes have released, I had to sample a taste!

Gingerbread Man: Run Run Run (#1), As Fast As You Can (#2), You Can't Catch Me (#3)
Learn more on Lee Strauss's website
Purchase on Amazon

I bought and read all three episodes in this serial series in one night - to give you an idea of how intriguing the stories are!

Run Run Run drew me in with its realistic (sometimes aggravatingly so) main characters and the strong suspense elements. It also drove me absolutely insane with the unanswered questions throughout most of the story - as well as the those typical moments where you want to shout at and shake a particular character because they're being way too gullible and about to make a really, really stupid decision. *Attempts to calm down* Anyway, this first episode in the series is quite enjoyable in a "I must find out what's happening" sort of way.

As Fast As You Can continues the drama and intrigue, and I especially liked the moments when the characters for whom the series subtitle is named for worked together and got to know each other. They make a great team, and their relationship is great fun to watch unfold, despite the dangers forcing them to race against the clock.

You Can't Catch Me was a satisfying conclusion, but probably my least favorite of the episodes simply because of the separation between characters and the stark new setting that takes up a good deal of the book. The Eager McBeaver part of me just wanted to get back to the main mystery and relationships, although the writer in me can appreciate the plot twists and revelations.

All in all, this series makes for a fun and crazy evening of reading, and I'll be interested in hearing more about the next serial series featuring some of the same characters ("Life Is But a Dream").

Content Note: If I remember correctly, there is some swearing in this series. And while there is no explicit sexual content, there are references to rape, violence, physical attraction, and drinking, as well as brief allusions to homosexuality.

Thanks to Juju of Tales of Whimsy for the inspiration regarding mini reviews!

{Something Old}: My Review of Pearl in the Sand

{Something Old, Something New} Challenge

Here's a description of the book from the author's website:

Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible's answer is yes.

Pearl in the Sand tells Rahab's untold story. Rahab lives in a wall; her house is built into the defensive walls of the City of Jericho. Other walls surround her as well - walls of fear, rejection, and unworthiness.

A woman with a wrecked past; a man of success, of faith...of pride. A marriage only God would conceive! Through the heartaches of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another's worth and find healing in God.

Add to Goodreads | Purchase on Amazon

My Rating

Summer

My Review

I'd heard great things about this book, and why I let it languish so long on my bookshelf is a mystery. (I guess it's a testament to my reckless book-buying habit and my ever-growing physical and electronic TBRs.)

Well, I'm pleased to report that I agree with the glowing recommendations. Pearl in the Sand is a beautiful and engaging debut novel!

From the harsh and horrific introduction to her character, to the heartfelt depiction of her turning to faith, Rahab stands out as an absolutely wonderful heroine. Imperfect, with a difficult past, but inspiring in the way she embraces the hope of the Lord and the challenges and rewards of a new life.

As for the hero, well...there's a lot to love about him. And there's a lot to learn from his own set of challenges, weaknesses. and lessons.

The excellent setting and cultural descriptions provide a striking background for this fictionalized account of the fall of Jericho and the life of Rahab. But while there's strong drama in the demise of the walled city, the main tension revolves around the siege against emotional and spiritual strongholds.

It's a great thing to be reminded of the very real struggles of the people mentioned in the Scriptures, as well as the very real examples of faith. Pearl in the Sand showcases the grittiness and preciousness of both.

*With thanks to Moody Publishers for my copy of the book, which I won on the Window to My World blog.*