Book Spotlight - Chasing Starlight by Teri Bailey Black

Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Tor Teen (August 11, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0765399512
ISBN-13: 978-0765399519

Praise for CHASING STARLIGHT

"Chasing Starlight dazzles with richly drawn characters, a breathtaking mystery, and a vivid 1930s Hollywood setting. Black masterfully evokes the glamour and darkness of a mesmerizing era steeped in secrets, lies, and dreams." ―Cat Winters author of The Raven's Tale

"Miss Fisher meets Tinseltown in this addictive mystery full of Old Hollywood glamour and slow-burn secrets. Chasing Starlight is the journey of aspiring-astronomer-turned-reluctant-sleuth Kate as she works not only to solve a murder but find her place in the world after a tumultuous past. Come for the gossipy glam of old Hollywood; stay for a cast of charmingly quirky characters and a mystery that will have you guessing until the end." ―McKelle George, author of Speak Easy, Speak Love

"Chasing Starlight is a mystery as alluring as old Hollywood itself―and fun! Teri Bailey Black’s story has a historical-yet-modern feel, and the setting is so creative and cinematic you’ll feel as if you’re sitting on a film set. With a cast of dream-chasers who showcase both the glamour and the grit, Chasing Starlight is delightful from the first scene to the last." ―Jodie Lynn Zdrok, author of Spectacle

“Black delivers an atmospheric mystery with cinematic flair that’s chock full of period detail, highlighting women’s roles in front of, and behind, the camera during Hollywood’s golden age. A captivating crowd pleaser.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“This complex tale featuring blossoming romance, an edge-of-your-seat murder, and a host of characters to love and hate is recommended for collections where mysteries are popular.” ―School Library Journal

“Entertainingly conveying the glitz of Kate’s Hollywood life and romantic interests, this breezy whodunit is a fun historical escape with satisfactory twists.” ―Publishers Weekly

“A thrillingly romantic dive into Old Hollywood that will appeal to cinema and history buffs alike.” ―Booklist

Movies, mansions, and murder in the Golden Age of Hollywood! Teri Bailey Black's Chasing Starlight is a historical mystery from the award-winning author of the Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel.

1938. The Golden Age of Hollywood. Palm trees and movie stars. Film studios pumping out musicals, westerns, and gangster films at a furious pace. Everyone wants to be a star―except society girl and aspiring astronomer Kate Hildebrand, who’d rather study them in the night sky. She’s already famous after a childhood tragedy turned her into a newspaper headline. What she craves is stability.

But when Kate has to move to Hollywood to live with her washed-up silent film star grandfather, she walks into a murder scene and finds herself on the front page again. She suspects one of the young men boarding in her grandfather’s run-down mansion is the killer―maybe even her grandfather. She searches for clues.

Now, Kate must discover the killer while working on the set of a musical―and falling in love. Will her stars align so she can catch the murderer and live the dream in Old Hollywood? Or will she find that she's just chasing starlight?

You can purchase Chasing Starlight at the following Retailers:

        

Photo Content from Teri Bailey Black

Teri Bailey Black is happiest when she's creating things, whether it's with words, fabric, or digging in the garden. Her debut novel, Girl at the Grave, won the Thriller Award for Best Young Adult Novel, and the Whitney Award for Best Debut and Best Young Adult Novel. Her second novel, Chasing Starlight, will be published June 2020. She and her husband have four children and live in Orange County, California.

        

WEEK ONE - REVIEW & INTERVIEWS
AUGUST 10th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
AUGUST 11th TUESDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW
AUGUST 11th TUESDAY MetalPhantasmReads REVIEW
AUGUST 12th WEDNESDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW
AUGUST 12th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
AUGUST 13th THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
AUGUST 13th THURSDAY PopTheButterfly Reads REVIEW
AUGUST 14th FRIDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT
AUGUST 14th FRIDAY J Long Books REVIEW

WEEK TWO - REVIEWS

AUGUST 17th MONDAY Ya It's Lit REVIEW
AUGUST 18th TUESDAY Rajiv's Reviews REVIEW
AUGUST 18th TUESDAY Book Briefs REVIEW
AUGUST 19th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
AUGUST 19th WEDNESDAY Here's to Happy Endings REVIEW
AUGUST 20th THURSDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
AUGUST 20th THURSDAY Port Jericho REVIEW
AUGUST 21st FRIDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW
AUGUST 21st FRIDAY Reading Adventures of a Book Dragon REVIEW

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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Book Review - The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

Photo Credit - Amazon

Dr. Montague wants to investigate Hill House which is known to be haunted and none of the inhabitants of the house stay for long. Dr. Montague and three other adults decide to stay in the house to see if they can witness any paranormal events. Dr. Montague picked them for special reasons. Theodora was invited because had psychic abilities of guessing cards without seeing them; Eleanor had an experience with poltergeists, and Luke is the heir of Hill House. In the beginning, their stay seems like merely a spooky encounter until Hill House starts gathering its power to make one of them their own.

I was very excited to read this book but, felt quite disappointed. The novel was very short and felt incomplete. There wasn't much character development or story building. I felt like the story was written where the author hints of what might have happened but, the reader is left to guess what happened. I had a hard time liking any of the characters, they seemed cruel to each other for no reason. I think the author is hinting that is the house changing the characters' personalities. This wasn't my type of book but, it might be for others.

**Disclosure -  This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.*

Book Spotlight - Perisan Betrayal by Terry Brennan + Giveaway

About the book:

How much can Brian Mullaney risk to serve God and save lives--without losing his own?

DSS Regional Security Officer Brian Mullaney has been tasked with an incredibly dangerous mission. When a synagogue in Jerusalem is destroyed by an explosion, burying the second key prophecy Mullaney is hunting--and the deadly box that protects it--the answers he desperately needs are also crushed. How can he discover the meaning of the centuries-old prophecy now? Why are he and the ambassador he’s assigned to protect being targeted? And is there any way this lone man can thwart a nuclear arms race between three ascendant empires of the past?

An otherworldly servant of evil known only as the Turk is maneuvering all three nations into an intricate dance designed to undermine prophecy about the end times. And he won’t let Mullaney or anyone else get in his way.

Wounded in a bloody shoot-out, pressured by his wife to come home, and mourning the death of his best friend, Mullaney doesn’t need a powerful enemy. Who is he to save the Ishmael Covenant, the treaty promising peace in the Middle East? Despite angelic intervention, Mullaney wants nothing to do with his final assignment. But without him, evil will win the ultimate struggle . . . and humankind will have no hope left.

About the author:

Terry Brennan is the award-winning author of The Sacred Cipher, The Brotherhood Conspiracy, and The Aleppo Code, the three books in The Jerusalem Prophecies series. His latest series is Empires of Armageddon, which includes Ishmael Covenant and Persian Betrayal. 

A Pulitzer Prize is one of the many awards Brennan accumulated during his 22-year newspaper career. The Pottstown (PA) Mercury won the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing for a two-year series published while he led the team as the newspaper’s Editor.

Starting out as a sportswriter in Philadelphia, Brennan became an editor and publisher for newspapers in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York and later moved to the corporate staff of Ingersoll Publications (400 newspapers in the U.S., Ireland and England) as Executive Editor of all U.S. newspaper titles.

In 1996, Brennan transitioned into the nonprofit sector, spending 12 years as VP Operations for The Bowery Mission and six years as Chief Administrative Officer for Care for the Homeless,  both in New York City.

Terry and his wife, Andrea, now live in Danbury, CT.

More on Brennan can be found at www.terrybrennanauthor.com. He is also on Facebook (Terry Brennan) and Twitter (@terrbrennan1). 


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August 2020 Haul!

Ahh, my favorite part of the month is when all my orders come! I love getting new things and trying them. I bought a few new lip glosses (no big surprises there) from Tarte. I love the twist cap application but the product does get depleted quickly. I bought a few hair products because my hair is growing really long and while it's getting on my nerves, I need to take better care of it. I bought a new scalp scrub and hair mask I am excited to try. I am excited to try this new topcoat that smells like black cherry vanilla from Leesha's Lacquers. I finally have more time to do my nails! I also got some more face sheet masks to replenish my stock. I am still trying to do 3 masks a week. So far, some weeks have definitely been better than others.

Book Review - The Gentleman Spy by Erica Vetsch + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Marcus never expected to be the Duke of Haverly as he was the second-born son. When his father and older brother suddenly passed away from a carriage accident, he becomes the Duke with responsibilities he never wanted. Marcus goes against his mother's wishes and impulsively marries a bookish wallflower.  He thought since she was independent that he would be able to compartmentalize to his relationship with her and his duties as a secret agent for the Crown.

However, Charlotte is determined to become Marcus's wife and duchess. She wants to use her position to help women who were forced into prostitution due to circumstances out of their control. Her desire to pursue the charity is frown upon by society and by Marcus who wants her to remain in the background.

This was the second book in the novel and could be read as a standalone. The book was a quick and engaging read. I did enjoy reading more about the mysterious Marcus character. He has grown from his debut in the first book. I feel like he was more playful in the first book, while this book he is coming into his own as the Duke and learning his new role. I am excited to read the next book in the series and curious to know who would be the main character.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

About the book

He only wanted a duchess for a day--but she's determined to make it a marriage for life When his father and older brother suddenly pass away, the new Duke of Haverly is saddled with a title he never expected to bear. To thwart the plans of his scheming family, the duke impulsively marries a wallflower. After all, she's meek and mild; it should be easy to sequester her in the country and get on with his life--as a secret agent for the Crown. But his bride has other ideas. She's determined to take her place not only as his duchess but as his wife. As a duchess, she can use her position to help the lowest of society--the women forced into prostitution because they have no skills or hope. Her endeavors are not met favorably in society, nor by her husband who wishes she'd remain in the background as he ordered. Can the duke succeed in relegating her to the sidelines of his life? When his secrets are threatened with exposure, will his new wife be an asset or a liability?

About the author

Erica Vetsch is a New York Times best-selling and ACFW Carol Award–winning author. She is a transplanted Kansan now living in Minnesota with her husband, who she claims is both her total opposite and soul mate. Vetsch loves Jesus, history, romance, and sports. When she’s not writing fiction, she’s planning her next trip to a history museum and cheering on her Kansas Jayhawks and New Zealand All Blacks. A self-described history geek, she has been planning her first research trip to England. Learn more about Erica Vetsch and her books at www.ericavetsch.com. She can also be found on Facebook (@EricaVetschAuthor), Instagram (@EricaVetsch) and Pinterest (Erica Vetsch).

Book Spotlight - Roaring by Lindsey Duga

Roaring

by Lindsey Duga

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Teen)

Release Date: August 3rd 2020

Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Paranormal

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Google Play

Synopsis:

Colt Clemmons is an agent in a specialized division within the Bureau of Investigation—one that hunts down not just mobsters, but also monsters.

For reasons that are kept top secret, Colt is the only person who can resist a siren's voice. But he's never had a chance to test this ability. The last siren left in the world mysteriously disappeared years ago.

Then one night, with a single word, she reveals herself. It seems too good to be true.

And it is. Because nothing about this siren—her past, her powers, or her purpose—is what it seems...

Website | Goodreads | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

Lindsey Duga is a middle grade and young adult writer with a passion for fantasy, science fiction, and basically any genre that takes you away from the real world. She wrote her first novel in college while she was getting her bachelor’s in Mass Communication from Louisiana State University.

Other than writing and cuddling with her morkie puppy, Delphi, Lindsey loves catching up on the latest superhero TV show and practicing yoga.

August 10th

What Makes Patri - Main Interview

August 11th

Nay's Pink Bookshelf - Review + Favourite Quotes

Gwendalyn’s Books - Review

The Reading Faery - Review

Kyie's Book Nook - Review + Favourite Quotes + Reaction from the Author

Booklover.zzz - Review + Playlist + Dream Cast

August 12th

Wishful Endings - Meet The Characters

bookstacksandliterature - Review

two points of interest - Review

booktales and donuts - Review + Dream Cast

Inktalkswithmaria - Review

August 13th

WordNerds Reviews - Review

Books and Zebras - Review

Willow Writes And Reads - Review + Playlist

@fictitious.fox - Review

Isobel's Book Corner - Review + Playlist + Favourite Quotes

August 14th

Yours A-fiction-ately - Review + Favourite Quotes

These Blank Pages - Review + Favourite Quotes + Dream Cast

Reader of the Written Word - Review

Adventurous Bookworm - Review + Favourite Quotes

Journey in Bookland - Review

August 15th

Blooming Bibliophile - Review

Bookishly Nerdy - Review + Official Playlist

Katherinelovesbooks - Review

Finding Faith, Holding onto Hope, and Living with Love - Review

books_n_sunshine - Review

August 16th

Books, Tea, Healthy Me - Review + Video Interview

Crazykidjournal - Review

TiJah Writes Erotica - Review + Favourite Quotes

Ashton Reads - Review

MaBookYard - Review + Favourite Quotes

August 2020 Empties!

Ah, it's August already! I felt like the year has passed us by. I can't say I tried any new products that I was excited/love enough to buy again. I did like the Bliss Mud Foam. It had a unique dispensing method and it did dry out the cystic acne along around my chin. I liked the IWIN lip oil. It tasted great and left my lips so soft but, a little goes a long way otherwise it has this chemical taste. I liked the Skyn Iceland oxygen moisturizer. It made my skin feel soft and radiant but, a little goes a long way. I got overzealous one day and woke up with irritation on my cheek.

Two disappointments were the Tatcha and Lancer masks. Both of the masks are uber prices (think double digits for the Lancer mask) and I didn't notice much of an improvement. Meh, what a jip! The Burt Bee's lip mask was more like a thin cotton piece of paper soaked in oil. I had the same results by using a night treatment for my lips.

Here is everything I finished below. Have you tried any of the products before?

Burt's Bees Moisturizing Lip Mask

Sur Medic Age Control Multi Vita

Inn Inn Glaze #1 Lip Oil

Shore Soap Clay Mask

Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mask

Lancer Lift & Plump Sheet Mask

Kneipp Body Oil Restoring Safflower and Olive

Fourth Ray Beauty The Lightweight Hydrator

23 Years Old Seaweed Silky Mask

Feel Brilliant Bamboo Charcoal Facial Sheet Mask

Villages Naturals Therapy Aches + Pain Muscle Relief

Holika Holika Watermelon Mask Sheet

Evolue Hydrating Serum

Vasanti Power Oils Lip Gloss - Super Mom

I Dew Care Jump Start Energizing Pomegranate Mask

Purlisse Charcoal + Licorice Sheet Mask

Dr. Althea Pro Lab Recovery Solution 2 Step Mask

Jeju:en This is My Sheet Green Tea Calming

Dr. Althea Herb Therapy Velvet Mask

Bliss Pore Patrol Deep Detox Four Clay Souffle Mask

Dove Dermacare Scalop Anti-Dandruff 2 in 1

Lollia This Moment Water Lily & Sun Blossoms Perfumed Shower Gel

Red Flower Sea Salt Scrub

Pantene Pro-V Foam Conditioner Sheer Volume

Dr. Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil

The Cottage Greenhouse Cucumber & Honey Foaming Bubble Bath

Elea Springs Epsom Salt Restore Jasmine Vanilla Scented

Skyn Iceland Oxygen Infusion Night Cream

Evanhealy Wild Carrot Nourishing Eye Balm

Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter Body Moisturizer

Juara Rice Facial Cleanser

Book Review - After the Worst Thing Happens by Audrey Vernick + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

Army Morand feels like her world has changed overnight when after an unfortunate accident, her beloved dog passed away. Army feels terrible because it was her fault that her beloved dog, Maybe got sick. She is having a hard time coming to terms with his death and she is hiding from her best friend, JennaLouise.


One day, Army sees the new girl that moved in across the street, Madison wandering around the street by herself. Army sees that Madison is also climbing a tree and goes out on the roof by herself. Army finds herself wanting to help Madison's family and making sure nothing happens to them. However, when a big storm is headed their way, will Army be able to find Madison when she goes missing?


The novel was an interesting read about a young girl dealing with sorrow and coming to terms with dealing with death and loss. She decides to use her energy to help a young family in need as a way to help her grieve her beloved dog. I thought the novel was an okay read. I didn't bond with any of the characters. I thought it was odd that the mother relied on Army without consulting Army's mother first. I feel like that she was stressed out and wanted Army to feel useful but, she should have talked to Army's mother first. I felt that some of the dialogue felt forced. I did like that there was some humor sprinkled throughout the story and that the author showcased one of the different spectrums of Autism.

**Disclosure - I received a free unedited copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

About the Book:

Title: AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS

Author: Audrey Vernick

Pub. Date: July 7, 2020

Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books

Formats:  Hardcover, eBook

Pages: 224

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, iBooks, Kobo, TBD, Bookshop.org

Left reeling after her thoughtless mistake causes a terrible accident, 12-year-old Army Morand channels her grief to help someone in need.

Army Morand feels like her life has been blown to bits when the worst thing imaginable happens--her beloved dog dies. It was an accident, but it was also Army's fault. She can't seem to stop hiding from everything and everybody including her best friend JennaLouise.

But then Army sees Madison, the little girl who moved in across the way, climbing a tree and walking down the street unsupervised. Her family is not neglectful, just overwhelmed. Army finds herself overcome with the need to help Madison's family to make sure another worst thing doesn't happen--which becomes even more challenging when a big storm threatens her town.

"The subjects are heavy, but Army’s young voice infuses them with humor and warmth, even when her path forward seems uncertain. 'Just go with it and make things happen before you totally understand how to do all of it,' Army suggests, a hard-won lesson that young readers will take to heart." —Booklist

"this is fundamentally the story of small moments of growth and insight. Army’s first-person narration feels particularly authentic as she navigates her intense feelings"—The Horn Book

"In short chapters told from Army’s earnest first-person perspective, she finds new ways to negotiate with her caring but emotionally reserved parents and steps out of her own comfort zone; this exploration of family dynamics is where the novel shines."—Kirkus Reviews

"With moments of humor, Vernick (Two Naomis) weaves together a well-paced story that explores grief in all its raw pain, as well as the power of friends, family, and community to help heal." —Publishers Weekly

About Audrey:

Audrey grew up in Whitestone, New York, where she lived with her parents and two sisters and a not very bright small white dog. She has a freaky memory about the names of the kids in her class at P.S. 184Q, and even remembers where most of them stood in size order. 

She always loved to read and still rereads Harriet the Spy on a regular basis.  She was not one of those children who always knew she wanted to be a writer; she didn't love to write until college. She's been writing ever since. 

In addition to writing for children, Audrey has published more than a dozen short stories for adults in magazines and literary journals. She received an mfa from Sarah Lawrence College.

Audrey divides her time between writing (which is mostly spent revising) and visiting elementary schools to talk about writing and publishing. (For school visit info, click here.) She also speaks at conferences around the country. 

She lives near the ocean in New Jersey with her family, and one fairly intelligent medium-sized black dog.

Audrey Vernick received a 2019 Fellowship from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive a finished copy of AFTER THE WORST THING HAPPENS, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389ba21128/?

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

8/3/2020	Her Book Thoughts	Review
8/3/2020	Her Book Thoughts	Instagram Stop
8/4/2020	BookHounds YA	Interview
8/4/2020	Oodles of Books	Review
8/4/2020	Jaime's World	Excerpt
8/5/2020	Lifestyle of Me	Review
8/5/2020	kelly_lyn_90	Instagram Stop
8/5/2020	For the Love of KidLit	Excerpt
8/6/2020	onemused	Review/Instagram Stop
8/6/2020	reading_with_nessie	Review
8/6/2020	Two Chicks on Books	Interview
8/7/2020	notinjersey	Excerpt
8/7/2020	notinjersey	Instagram Stop
8/7/2020	TheReadingCornerforAll	Review
8/7/2020	TheReadingCornerforAll	Instagram Stop
8/7/2020	JaimeRockstarBookTours	Instagram Stop

Week Two:

8/10/2020	Kait Plus Books	Review
8/10/2020	Kait Plus Books	Instagram Stop
8/11/2020	A Dream Within A Dream	Excerpt
8/11/2020	YA Books Central	Excerpt
8/11/2020	YA Books Central	Instagram Stop
8/12/2020	Life Writings of a Reader	Excerpt
8/12/2020	Life Writings of a Reader	Instagram Stop
8/13/2020	two points of interest	Review
8/13/2020	Here's to Happy Endings	Review
8/14/2020	fictitious.fox	Review/Instagram Stop
8/14/2020	Hurn Publications	Review
8/14/2020	Hurn Publications	Instagram Stop