Tag Archives: Book one

Promo & Giveaway: To the Republic by Bruce Clavey

TO THE REPUBLIC
The Republic Series, Book One
BY BRUCE CLAVEY
Publication Date: October 26th, 2020
Pages: 394 pages
Categories: Hispanic American Fiction / Political Fiction

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A novel for our times. A saga for the ages.


On the eve of passing landmark immigration legislation, the entire Texas Senate and its native Tejano leader, Diego Reyes, vanish suddenly from Austin. When news of the disappearance hits West Texas, cowboy Del Woodward isn’t shocked. He knows exactly where the lawmakers are, but he’s not telling. Woody’s been down on his luck, and a shady bargain he’s made puts him tight in the squeeze of Marcos Cepeda, north Mexico’s ruthless drug lord. And Cepeda’s furious with this new stall in the bill. It’s got a loophole he can exploit to add another quarter million square miles of exclusive turf to his cartel—but that territory goes back up for grabs if leader Reyes can’t pass the bill before the Senate session expires in mere days. The brutal kingpin wants what he’s bought and compels Woody to step up. How the cowboy swings the vote isn’t important to Cepeda, but this sure is: if Woody breathes so much as a word of reluctance, it’ll be his last. The prize is Texas, nothing less. It’s real, and it’s on.
The Republic Series launches from true pages of the Lone Star frontera story into a hauntingly modern arena of trade, trafficking, and tradition on the Rio Grande in To the Republic: BOOK ONE.
An Amazon #1 New Release in History of U.S. Immigration
PURCHASE LINKS:

Bruce Clavey of Round Rock, Texas writes with a passion for exploring the Latin heritage tucked in cultural corners throughout Texas, Mexico, and Central America. In 2017, Clavey’s research into perspectives on state history led to his onsite rediscovery of the Mexico City dungeon where the colonial “Father of Texas” was imprisoned, documented in his book “The Inquisition of Stephen F. Austin.” His interest to illuminate compelling historic junctures brought the creation of several feature dramatizations for state museum in-exhibit performance. Clavey’s release of Book One of The Republic Series in 2020 begins the journey of Texas and Mexican characters who confront the pressure points at today’s vibrant river border, a land that has functioned for centuries as both international gateway and barrier.

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THREE WINNERS each receive a prize pack including: Autographed paperback copy of To the Republic; unisex tee with the “Texas Forever” design; baseball cap stitched with the “Texas Forever” design; ceramic lapel pin with the “Mano de Tejas” design; vinyl 5” decal with the “Mano deTejas” design.

US only. Giveaway ends midnight, CDT, May 7, 2021

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Review & Giveaway: A Distance Too Grand by Regina Scott

A DISTANCE TOO GRAND
(American Wonders Collection, Book One)
by
REGINA SCOTT
  
Genre: Historical Fiction / Christian Romance
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: October 1, 2019
Number of Pages: 384

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Meg Pero has been assisting her photographer father since she was big enough to carry his equipment, so when he dies she is determined to take over his profession–starting with fulfilling the contract he signed to serve on an Army survey of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon in 1871. What she doesn’t realize is that the leader of the expedition is none other than the man she once refused to marry.
Captain Ben Coleridge would like nothing more than to leave without the woman who broke his heart. He can’t afford to be distracted during this survey, which is a screen for another, more personal mission, one he cannot share with any member of his team.
As dangers arise from all sides–and even from within–Meg and Ben must work together to stay alive, fulfill their duties, and, just maybe, rekindle a love that neither had completely left behind.

PRAISE FOR A DISTANCE TOO GRAND:


“Five stars is not a rating I usually bestow. But Regina Scott’s A Distance Too Grand merits it. Lively, realistic, engaging characters. A compelling and intriguing plot with life and death consequences kept me turning pages. I hated to put the book down.”–Lyn Cote, Carol Award-winning author
 

“Adventure, danger, and romance in a wonderful, fresh setting: the Grand Canyon of 1871. Readers will find much to love. –Julie Klassen, bestselling author
 

“Regina has done an excellent job of bringing the setting and characters to life. I could see and feel the canyon and picture the characters going about their tasks. A balance of mystery, romance, and adventure with enough factual information that I almost felt I could take over for the heroine. I highly recommend this book.” — Linda Ford, award-winning, fan-favorite author of the Glory, Montana series

If you have read a few of my reviews by now, then you are very much aware that I judge a book by its cover constantly. As a librarian, that’s probably a terrible admission to make. But as someone who also works in publishing, I like to think that I’m keeping it real. If the choice of font doesn’t tell you that this book is a historical romance, then the lovely lady in early American garb posing with an old fashioned camera is informing you very loudly. Message received and let me tell you, I love these types of books and I am infatuated with this one in particular.

Blame Laura Ingalls Wilder, but I adore stories about America in her youth and how so much of her expanse was still unexplored. I can’t explain my fascination with the dress, the food, and the customs, but my brain laps it up and my heart sighs with content. The author does an amazing job of painting the surroundings and characters with her words – she has an impressive vocabulary, I might add. I think I read this book 1/3 slower than normal because I would look up the definition of a word (I could have just context clued it but I wanted to hear what Webster had to say) or look up images and short descriptions of things I found interesting. I wanted to know what a lemonade berry looked like and how a stereograph worked, just to name a few. Scott really did her research because this book is chock-full of historically accurate and interesting tidbits.

I found the major arcs of the story to be a bit predictable but that did not detract from the pleasure I took in reading. To be completely honest, if the author had gone off the rails and taken the plot in a nonsensical direction, I probably wouldn’t have enjoyed it so much. I think that if you care about the characters and can see everything in your mind’s eye, then the experience will be enjoyable no matter the destination. I got a sense that Scott put a lot of thought and care into this story, giving us all the details we craved but not pulling what I like to call A Heart of Darkness (i.e., going on and on about a river).

Without ruining the book for you, I just wanted to share my favorite quote because it echoes one of my own personal philosophies: “Everyone is good at something. Everyone has a story to tell. You just have to listen.” Fantastic, isn’t it?

I can see why this book is classified as a Christian romance since I would weigh it as being about middling heavy on the Biblical references, hymnal verses, and private conversations with God. But if you’re a fan of historical romances set in this time period in America, then I think that the piety can be seen as a cultural norm rather than the author pushing her spiritual agenda. I keep going back to Laura Ingalls Wilder, but notice that her books are not labeled as Christian books for children and they are cherished by people the world over. My point being, don’t put this book down just because it is a Christian romance. You would be missing out on a really great historical fiction book. I read the sneak preview of the next book and cannot wait to read the rest of the series!

Regina Scott is the author of more than 40 works of warm, witty historical romance. Her writing has won praise from Booklist and Library Journal, and she was twice awarded the prestigious RT Books Reviews best book of the year in her category. A devotee of history, she has learned to fence, driven four-in-hand, and sailed on a tall ship, all in the name of research. She and her husband of 30 years live south of Tacoma, Washington, on the way to Mt. Rainier.
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FIRST PRIZE: Copy of A Distance Too Grand + 2020 National Parks Calendar;
SECOND PRIZE: Copy of A Distance Too Grand  + Grand Canyon Candle;
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October 8-October 18, 2019

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Author Interview & Giveaway: The Gryphon Heist by James R. Hannibal

THE GRYPHON HEIST
(Talia Inger, Book One)
by
JAMES R. HANNIBAL
Genre: Contemporary Christian / Thriller / Suspense
Publisher: Revell
Date of Publication: September 3, 2019
Number of Pages: 400

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Talia Inger is a rookie CIA case officer assigned not to the Moscow desk as she had hoped but to the forgotten backwaters of Eastern Europe–a department only known as “Other.” When she is tasked with helping a young, charming Moldovan executive secure his designs for a revolutionary defense technology, she figures she’ll be back in DC within a few days. But that’s before she knows where the designs are stored–and who’s after them.

With her shady civilian partner, Adam Tyler, Talia takes a deep dive into a world where criminal minds and unlikely strategies compete for access to the Gryphon, a high-altitude data vault that hovers in the mesosphere. But is Tyler actually helping her? Or is he using her for his own dark purposes?

PRAISE FOR THE GRYPHON HEIST
“A movie-worthy tale of espionage and intrigue. Hannibal has done it again.”–Steven James, national bestselling author of Every Wicked Man


“James Hannibal has crafted a story slam full of mystery, danger, twists, and turns. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough–or bother to stop to breathe. You don’t want to miss this one!”–Lynette Eason, bestselling, award-winning author of the Blue Justice series

The Gryphon Heist plunges readers into a world where no one can be trusted, nothing is as it seems, and choosing the wrong side could be catastrophic.”–Lynn H. Blackburn, award-winning and bestselling author of the Dive Team Investigations series

“Leap on board The Gryphon Heist and ride the whirlwind of suspense. Don’t let go!”–DiAnn Mills, bestselling author of Burden of Proof

Author Interview

INTERVIEW WITH JAMES R. HANNIBAL

As a former tactical deception officer and stealth pilot, you bring a wealth of knowledge to your high-action suspense stories. Can you relay how your knowledge helped you write The Gryphon Heist?

In the intelligence world, we have a saying: “You don’t know what you don’t know.” That means an operative or analyst must work not only to find specific answers but also to discover what information or questions he or she didn’t even know to look for. Experience gives me an advantage in writing spy thrillers, because I know to look for information where others may not. I still do heavy research, but I have a head start. Additionally, you can’t truly know that world unless you’ve lived as a part of it. I’d like to caveat that statement by adding that fiction, in my opinion, should be escapist and enjoyable. So I expand on certain realities and create new ones over what real intelligence work is like in order to take the adventure to the next level for the reader.

What was your inspiration behind your book?

I had two inspirations: thieves and millennials, not necessarily in that order. I wanted to start a series of spy thrillers for the up-and-coming generation. So many thrillers these days are based on the older guy who has been around for a while. Instead, I wanted to see this world fresh, through the eyes of a rookie— and I wanted to make that today’s rookie, not me as a rookie. By the way, that took as much research as the technical stuff. While mulling my rookie over, I also got into thievery—not in any illegal sense. In a section of my last kids’ mystery series, I went deep into the pickpockets and thieves of a London thieves’ guild. That got me thinking about an elite team of thieves working for the CIA. From there, the story ran away with me.

You have several key characters in your new series. Among the thieves, spies, and assassins, do you have any favorites?

I love all my characters the same. Isn’t that what we’re supposed to say? Honestly, Tyler is at the top. No spoilers, but this guy has a shady past with layer after layer I can peel back through the story. Exploring this world with him at my side is a lot of fun. Finn, the daredevil cat burglar, and Darcy, the chemist-slash-explosives expert come up as close seconds. Darcy’s a bit off, so I never know what she’ll do next. Finn has a subconscious death wish combined with great skillsets, both aerial and criminal, so he is fun as well. I also liked playing him off our hero Talia, although he’ll have to get over himself if there’s going to be any real romance there.

In addition to offering a gripping tale, you also include an underlying theme of forgiveness in The Gryphon Heist. Can you elaborate on that?

Forgiveness emerged as a natural theme in this story amid the overall exploration of morality. God, as creator, is the author of morality, and he calls us to forgive. Most people don’t realize that a directive to forgive immediately follows the Lord’s Prayer in the Bible. As a former foster child who has endured a hard youth, Talia must overcome a great deal of anger if she is to grow as the hero and return to her faith. She must even learn to forgive the man responsible for her father’s death.

Former stealth pilot James R. Hannibal is a two-time Silver Falchion Award winner for his Section 13 mysteries for kids and a Thriller Award nominee for his Nick Baron covert ops series for adults. James is a rare multi-sense synesthete, meaning all of his senses intersect. He sees and feels sounds and smells and hears flashes of light. He lives in Houston, Texas.

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GRAND PRIZE: Copy of The Gryphon Heist 
+ Gryphon Ornament + Clip Bookmarks + $10 Starbucks Gift Card; 
SECOND PRIZE: Copy of The Gryphon Heist + $25 Barnes and Noble Gift Card;
THIRD PRIZE: Copy of The Gryphon Heist  + $10 Starbucks Gift Card
September 26-October 6, 2019

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9/26/19
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9/27/19
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9/28/19
Author Interview
9/29/19
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9/30/19
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Review & Giveaway: Racing Storms by Sara Russell


RACING STORMS
Chasing Desire Trilogy #1

by
SARA RUSSELL
  Genre: Clean Contemporary Romance 
Publisher: North Loop Books
Date of Publication: April 25, 2017
Number of Pages: 198
Scroll down for giveaway!
Decoursey dreads the upcoming weekend. A big NASCAR race is taking place at the speedway near her home–and her abusive, murder-threatening ex-husband just so happens to be a member of a NASCAR pit crew. Determined not to let her ex-husband have a decent opportunity to make good on his threat, Decoursey puts an ad online, hoping to find some security in the form of a guy needing a place to crash. 

Enter Kennan, a storm chaser looking to get away for a few days. Fresh off a failed storm chase, Kennan doesn’t make the best first impression. But that quickly changes as Decoursey gives Kennan a chance and finds the recently broken heart of a gentleman hidden beneath the surface. As sparks fly, so do hopes that they can dream of romance once again. But when their newfound trust is broken, will Decoursey and Kennan weather the storm to find a love that lasts? 
Racing Storms, the exciting debut in Sara Russell’s Chasing Desire trilogy, will get your heart pumping all the way to the finish line.
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Praise for Racing Storms:

“In Racing Storms, fresh new voice Sara Russell begins her three-book series with a courageous and adorable hero, a sassy but vulnerable heroine, spicy love scenes and an insider’s view of daredevil storm chasers! What more could you want from a romance?” 
— Vicki Lewis Thompson, New York Times bestselling author

 


Russell’s debut successfully tackles the idea of finding love when you least expect it.” 
–RT Reviews

“Austin-area writer Sara Russell’s self-described ‘first foray into fiction’ is a smoothly written, nicely plotted romance novel that will entertain many readers who like books with contemporary Texas settings.” 
–Lone Star Literary Life
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300b2-review
Let me just start by saying that I love this title. It’s witty! The crazy, stalker ex-husband works for NASCAR; the love interest is a storm chaser. So, Racing Storms… Get it? Get it?! Amazing, I know. Just like the rest of the book.
The main character, Decoursey, is instantly likeable. She’s not perfect, tall, and blonde. She’s not working at her dream job and she’s certainly not making perfect decisions. Then you meet Kennan, who is hanging with some very real and douchey guys. He is also not so perfect in the sense that he fails to physically fulfill Decoursey’s ideal (read: tall or big enough to ward off the crazy ex).
If you read romance books at all, you can kind of guess where this is all going, and you’d be right. But how it all goes down would surprise you. And that’s what reading these lovely books is all about, right? It’s about the journey. And where I really applaud Russell, is that she doesn’t give us the obvious where she clearly could have. And she doesn’t pull the rookie mistake of throwing complete curveballs either. Every moment of tension between Decoursey and Kennan is completely believable, because they as characters are believable.
There is no suspension of disbelief necessary to imagine this curvy, down-to-earth girl who enjoys things your grandma likes to do – there’s been a revolution of these retro lovelies if you haven’t noticed. And while it’s all so dreamy to imagine the hunky guy who got his broken by the gorgeous ice princess, I know a few of those as well. Ok, maybe one. But the point is, he’s real too. And in my imagination, I want those two to get together as well.
Russell’s writing is flawless. No need to reread passages that confuse or mucking through clunky dialogue. I can hear these character’s voices in my head perfectly. The whole book actually played out as a nice little movie in my head.
Some scenes are spicy enough to make you need a cold beer, but overall it’s a safe read while in the waiting room or taking a break from work. I cannot wait for the next installment. I look forward to anything else this author writes. Russell, feel free to hit me up if you want to crochet together sometime.

Sara Russell is a near-native Texan who sees nothing wrong with using “y’all” in formal conversation. She maintains that one can do practically anything in a cute dress and flats, including storm chasing, attending motorsports events, and exploring the endless delights of the Austin area, where she’s lived since childhood. When not writing or hunting & gathering at Whole Foods, Sara spends time with friends & family and enjoys live music and dancing.

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FOUR SIGNED COPIES OF RACING STORMS!
September 19-28, 2017
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Review and giveaway: A Stolen Heart by Amanda Cabot

A STOLEN HEART
Cimarron Creek Trilogy #1
by
AMANDA CABOT

  Genre: Historical Romance / Christian

Publisher: Revell / Baker Publishing Group
Date of Publication: March, 2017
Number of Pages: 352
 Scroll down for Giveaway!

 

“Endearing characters, a tender love story, and intriguing mystery all work together to make Amanda Cabot’s A Stolen Heart a compelling and enjoyable read.”
—Margaret Brownley, author of Left at the Altar
Bestselling author Amanda Cabot takes readers back in time to the 1880s Texas Hill Country in her new historical romance novel, A Stolen Heart. This is the first book in a brand-new series packed with tension, mystery, and a tender love story that readers won’t soon forget.
Cimarron Creek seemed like an idyllic Texas town. But as soon as former schoolteacher Lydia Crawford stepped onto its dusty streets, she noticed a deep-seated resentment of Northerners—like her. 
That won’t get Lydia down, though. She looks forward to the day when she reunites with her fiancé—until she discovers her fiancé has disappeared without a trace and has left behind a pregnant wife. The handsome Cimarron Creek sheriff urges Lydia to trust him, but she is having a hard time trusting anyone in a town where secrets and suspense prevail.
Cabot weaves an elegant tale of pure love amidst heartache. With an absorbing plot and engaging characters, A Stolen Heart is a springtime showstopper fit for every historical romance reader.

 

Review
Lydia takes a leap of faith following her fiancé to Cimarron Creek. Etiquette of the times aside, Edgar’s hands were covered in blood when he proposed to her. That alone makes you wonder if things will work out the way she hopes. Despite being a scorned Yankee every step of the way, Lydia leaves behind the safety of a home and the security of a good job to follow the man she loves.
If the bloody proposal didn’t make you think that maybe Lydia was too hasty to say yes to Edgar, the handsome sheriff of Cimarron Creek certainly makes you think twice. The attraction is instantaneous at both sides. Every moment that those two are together and fighting their feelings is as delicious as the candy Lydia makes. I imagine. Oh, if only you could taste the food when reading a book!
Even though you can guess who Lydia ends up with, it is still suspenseful to see what has happened to Edgar. And you can’t help but hold your breath until you find out how he could have possibly fell out of love with Lydia, and into love with the plain Opal.
Cabot does a great job of using misdirection so that it’s not completely obvious who the bad guy is. I think some of the clues laid out are a bit too much, but the characterization of each suspect softens any hard conclusions I tried to draw.
This is another Christian book that doesn’t hit you over the head with God and the good word. I think that readers who shy away from the genre would like this book a lot. It reads like a great historical romance, not a Christian book that is trying to sell or defend the faith.
From a Christian point of view, I like that this book clears up the tussle between “Honor your father and mother” and cleaving to your spouse. I think that is not addressed enough in the church and many real love stories have fallen apart because of the confusion.
I genuinely enjoyed this novel and had difficulty putting it down. I am eager to read the next two installments.
 Amanda Cabot is the bestselling author of At Bluebonnet Lake, In Firefly Valley, and On Lone Star Trail, as well as the Texas Dreams series, the Westward Winds series, and Christmas Roses. Her books have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Awards and the Booksellers’ Best. She lives in Wyoming.

  

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1ST RUNNER-UP: Book + $20 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
2ND RUNNER-UP: Book + $10 Starbucks Gift Card
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3/27
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3/28
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3/29
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3/30
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3/31
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