Book Spotlight - Rise of the Snake Goddess by Jenny Elder Moke + Giveaway

About the Book:

Title: RISE OF THE SNAKE GODDESS (Samantha Knox #2)

Author: Jenny Elder Moke

Pub. Date: June 7, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Pages: 320

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

Samantha Knox is back for another adventure in this 1920s female-driven mystery-adventure series!

Sam Knox’s second adventure takes her to the island of Crete, just off the coast of Greece, where she discovers the ancient Snake Goddess’s golden girdle in the depths of a cave shrine that has been buried for decades. After having been belittled by her archaeology professor throughout her first college semester, Sam knows this triumph will prove her worth in the field, but before she can take credit for the find, the girdle is stolen and the island is hit with a series of earthquakes that don’t feel quite geological.

Soon Sam, Bennett and Jo are embroiled in a wild hunt―one that takes them to tiny island shops, a glamorous auction party and a near fiery death―to find the girdle before someone can use it to raise an ancient goddess from her slumber. The final battle features gryphons, a labyrinth, the minotaur of legend and lots of snakes. Lots.

Reviews:

"Another action-packed, romance and mythology filled mystery...Themes of wealth, power, and chauvinism are skillfully woven throughout the story while readers are provided with a cast of characters they will easily find themselves rooting for!"―School Library Connection

"Billed as the heir apparent to Indiana Jones, Samantha is a witty and wise adventurer, and it feels as though Moke is building towards an eventual greater purpose for her heroine."―Booklist

"Jenny Elder Moke has done it again! Witty banter, ancient mysteries, thrilling action, and a mix of clever and dubious characters will keep you up all night in book two of the Samantha Knox series. A fantastic adventure!"―Jennifer Lynn Alvarez, author of Lies Like Wildfire

"Sam’s response to misogyny and classism propels the book’s action but also, in the deft hands of the author, provides readers with insights into the complexities of identity, self-awareness, and right action. While never becoming preachy, the book also thoughtfully explores issues related to the ethics of the acquisition and ownership of antiquities...Another satisfying supernatural adventure featuring an intrepid solver of puzzles."―Kirkus Reviews

“Ahead of her time and a force to be reckoned with, Samantha Knox is the female Indiana Jones we've long been waiting for! You haven't lived until you've read a Samantha Knox novel.”―Jen Calonita, New York Times best-selling author of the A Twisted Tale series

 

Grab CURSE OF THE SPECTER QUEEN now!

 

About  Jenny Elder Moke:

Jenny Elder Moke writes young adult fiction in an attempt to recapture the shining infinity of youth. Her debut novel, Hood, was a Junior Library Guild Selection, a Mayor's Book Club selection, and received critical acclaim.

When she is not writing, she’s gathering story ideas from her daily adventures with her two irredeemable rapscallions and honing her ninja skills as a black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Jenny lives in Denver, CO with her husband and two children.

 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of RISE OF THE SNAKE GODDESS, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	YABooksCentral	Excerpt
6/2/2022	@simplybeccamee	IG Review
6/3/2022	Just Another Teen Reading Books	Review/IG Post
6/4/2022	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
6/6/2022	Karen Dee's Book Reviews	Review/IG Post
6/7/2022	Book-Keeping	Review/IG Post
6/8/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/9/2022	Lisa Loves Literature	Review/IG Post
6/10/2022	@wraithreads	TikTok Review/IG Post
6/11/2022	DB’S Guide to the Galaxy	Review

Week Three:

6/12/2022	@drewsim12	IG Review/TikTiok Review
6/13/2022	Read With Serena	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	@ReadsReaders	YouTube Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/15/2022	Star-Crossed Book Blog	Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	popthebutterfly	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/17/2022	Fire and Ice	Review/IG Post
6/18/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	Review/IG Post

Week Four:

6/19/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/20/2022	The Real World According To Sam	Review/IG Post
6/21/2022	@jacleomik33 The Page Ladies	IG Post Review
6/22/2022	The Reading Devil	Review/IG Post
6/23/2022	Emmiepooh2	IG Review
6/24/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review/IG Post
6/25/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review

Week Five:

6/26/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
6/27/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/28/2022	BookBriefs	Review/IG Post
6/29/2022	Library of Alexandria Archives	Review/IG Post
6/30/2022	onemused	Review/IG Post

Book Review - Billy Summers by Stephen King

 

Billy Summer is the best for hire killer in the business. He will only take a job if the target is a bad guy. Billy wants out of the business but, he needs to complete one last job. Billy is a decorated war veteran who is known for his sniper skills. He is also a pro at vanishing after the job is completed. Will Billy be able to complete his last job?

This was my first time reading any of King's books but, I am familiar with his writing from movies and made for TV series. I thought the book was an okay read as I was expecting the novel to be a horror book since, I usually think of him as the "king of horror". The book was thought-provoking read providing a lot of "what ifs" but, I also felt like the book dragged on for a bit.  When all the fluff was removed, the story line was pretty straight-forward and predictable and almost ripped straight from the headlines. Personally, I do not care for Donald Trump as a person but, I felt like King's constant reference to him was like a dog with a bone to pick. While I am in no rush to run out and read another one of his books, I might pick up one of his horror books in the future.

Book Spotlight - The History of Us by Jennifer Bardsley + Giveaway

 About The Book:

Title: THE HISTORY OF US

Author: Jennifer Bardsley

Pub. Date: July 12, 2022

Publisher: Montlake

Formats: Paperback, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 317

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

From Sweet Bliss author Jennifer Bardsley comes a poignant romance about a small-town crime that throws together ex–high school sweethearts who have never quite gotten over their past.

Andrea Wint’s life in the small town of Port Inez, Washington, is a simple one. She works, enjoys the gorgeous view from her bay window, and visits her dad at the memory-care facility. Her father is in the late stages of Alzheimer’s, but Andrea brings in one coin from his valuable collection every day—little bits of precious metals that seem to bring him back to himself, even if just for a few moments.

So when Andrea’s house is burgled and the coins disappear, she’s bereft.

To track down the culprit, she turns to Dustin Karlsson, who just happens to be her former high school sweetheart. Years ago, they broke each other’s hearts, and some wounds are slow to heal. But Dustin feels indebted to the ailing Tom Wint and wants to help.

What’s more, Dustin has a personal stake in finding the perpetrator. In fact, he suspects the thief could be his own brother-in-law, a gambler and a drunk who skipped town, leaving Dustin’s sister and two young nieces behind.

As Dustin and Andrea travel the Pacific Northwest in an effort to recover the missing coins, old feelings rekindle. Maybe their happily ever after can still be minted.

 

Advanced Praise:

“Jennifer’s story peels back layer after layer until Dustin and Andrea get down to what really matters—what they feel down deep in their hearts. A lovely story of finding love, healing old hurts, and working together toward a lovely future together.” —Carolyn Brown, New York Times bestselling author of Riverbend Reunion

“Equal turns thoughtful and sweet, The History of Us is a darling read. Dustin and Andrea shine as a couple, and Port Inez is the type of small-town that will draw you in like you are a member of the Karlsson family.” —Addie Woolridge, author of The Checklist

“Jennifer Bardsley delivers a beautifully written story of love, family, and second chances. You will experience all the feels as the hero and heroine navigate their way toward happily ever after. The characters were written with such authenticity that you will feel as if you know them personally. I enjoyed the love and devotion both main characters showed for their families. Bardsley skillfully handled the delicate subject of Alzheimer’s disease with grace and care, weaving it into the storyline flawlessly. These two characters truly went on a journey that led them back to each other. —Joy Avery, author of Something So Sweet

“Gripping and emotional, The History of Us is a beautiful story of what it truly means to love someone. Bardsley weaves a captivating tale of the complicated but powerful nature of family bonds, taking readers on a journey through the Pacific Northwest with two broken people looking to recover something lost—and along the way, rediscovering their enduring love for each other.” —Elissa Grossell Dickey, author of The Speed of Light and Iris in the Dark

“Jennifer Bardsley’s love stories are exactly what we need right now—books with hope, family, and characters that feel like home!” —Brooke Burroughs, author of The Marriage Code and The Name Curse

About Jennifer Bardsley:

Jennifer Bardsley believes in friendship, true love, and the everlasting power of books. A graduate of Stanford University, she lives in Edmonds, Washington with her husband and two children. Jennifer's "I Brake for Moms" column has appeared in The Everett Herald every week since 2012. She also writes Young Adult Paranormal Romance under the pen name Louise Cypress. When she's not writing books, or camping with her Girl Scout troop, you can find Jennifer walking from her house to the beach every chance she gets.

Subscribe to Jennifer’s newsletter!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a finished copy of THE HISTORY OF US, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	BookHounds	Interview/IG Post
6/2/2022	Jenguerdy	IG Post
6/3/2022	BETTER_0FF_READ	IG Post/TikTok Post
6/4/2022	pickagoodbook	Guest Post/IG Post

Week Two:

6/5/2022	#BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog	Excerpt/IG Post
6/6/2022	Lady Hawkeye	Excerpt/IG Post
6/7/2022	SJ_Bookshelf	IG Review
6/8/2022	Two Chicks on Books	Excerpt
6/9/2022	Viviana MacKade	Guest Post
6/10/2022	M reads often	IG Review
6/11/2022	@jaimerockstarbooktours	IG Post

Week Three:

6/12/2022	onemused	IG Post
6/13/2022	@kristens.reading.nook	Review/IG Post
6/14/2022	TakeALookAtMyBookshelf	Review/IG Post
6/15/2022	@thechattybookworm	Tik Tok Review/IG Post
6/16/2022	LatestBookCrush	Excerpt/IG Post
6/17/2022	Fire and Ice	Review
6/18/2022	@coffeesipsandreads	IG Review

Week Four:

6/19/2022	Emmiepooh2	Review/IG Post
6/20/2022	beersbooksandboos	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/21/2022	@My.Bookish.Mind	IG Review
6/22/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review/IG Post
6/23/2022	The Momma Spot	Review/IG Post
6/24/2022	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post
6/25/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review/IG Post

Week Five:

6/26/2022	onemoreexclamation	Review/IG Post
6/27/2022	Lychburg Reasd	Review/IG Post
6/28/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review/IG Post
6/29/2022	Book Sniffers Anonymous	Excerpt/IG Post
6/30/2022	The Reading Devil	Review/IG Post

Book Review - Broken Harbor (Dublin Murder Squad, #4) by Tana French

Mick Kennedy is the star detective on the Dublin Murder Squad. He is known for playing by the books and for being reliable. When the gruesome homicide occurs, Mick is the man for the case.

Patrick Spain and his two young children have been murdered and his wife, Jenny, is the sole survivor. Mick thinks at first the case will be an easy solve but, there are little things that can't be explained away. The neighborhood also hold dark memories for Mick and his family. Will Mick be able to put his old memories aside and solve the case?

I had such high hopes for this novel instead, it was a lackluster and boring novel. The novel was long winded and had too many pointless details. The plot itself was unbelievable and left me with more questions than answers. I wasn't sure why Mick's sister, Dina, was even mentioned in the story. Her character was annoying and grating on the nerves. If you are looking for a thrill, I would look elsewhere.

Book Spotlight - Feather and Flame by Livia Blackburne + Giveaway

About The Book:

Title: FEATHER AND FLAME (The Queen's Council #2)

Author: Livia Blackburne

Pub. Date:  June 14, 2022

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, Audiobook

Pages: 336

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

She brought honor on the battlefield. Now comes a new kind of war...

The war is over. Now a renowned hero, Mulan spends her days in her home village, training a militia of female warriors. The peace is a welcome one, and she knows it must be protected.

When Shang arrives with an invitation to the Imperial City, Mulan’s relatively peaceful life is upended once more. The aging emperor decrees that Mulan will be his heir to the throne. Such unimagined power and responsibility terrifies her, but who can say no to the Emperor?

As Mulan ascends into the halls of power, it becomes clear that not everyone is on her side. Her ministers undermine her, and the Huns sense a weakness in the throne. When hints of treachery appear even amongst those she considers friends, Mulan has no idea whom she can trust.

But the Queen’s Council helps Mulan uncover her true destiny. With renewed strength and the wisdom of those that came before her, Mulan will own her power, save her country, and prove once again that, crown or helmet, she was always meant to lead. This fierce reimagining of the girl who became a warrior blends fairy-tale lore and real history with a Disney twist.

Reviews:

“Vivid and gripping, Feather and Flame richly blends Chinese history, folklore, and magic to tell the next chapter of Mulan’s epic story. With elegant prose and meticulous attention to detail, Blackburne weaves a tale of strength and sacrifice that will enchant readers.”—Emma Theriault, author of Rebel Rose

 

Grab REBEL ROSE now!

 

 

About Livia Blackburne:

Livia Blackburne is a New York Times bestselling author who wrote her first novel while researching the neuroscience of reading at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Since then, she’s switched to full time writing, which also involves getting into people’s heads but without the help of a three tesla MRI scanner. She is the author of the Midnight Thief, and Rosemarked series, as well as the picture book I Dream of Popo.

Website  | Facebook  | Twitter  | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon | BookBub

 

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will win a finished copy of FEATHER AND FLAME, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

6/1/2022	The Reading Devil	Excerpt
6/2/2022	Kait Plus Books	Excerpt
6/3/2022	BookHounds YA	Excerpt
6/4/2022	Rajiv's Reviews	Review

Week Two:

6/5/2022	More Books Please blog	Review
6/6/2022	BookishConnoisseur	Review
6/7/2022	A Backwards Story	Review
6/8/2022	The Litt Librarian	Review
6/9/2022	celiamcmahonreads	Review
6/10/2022	History from a Woman’s Perspective	Review
6/11/2022	Karen Dee's Book Reviews	Review

Week Three:

6/12/2022	Book-Keeping	Review
6/13/2022	lexijavabookish	Review
6/14/2022	The Book Review Crew	Review
6/15/2022	The Reading Wordsmith	Review
6/16/2022	Bri's Book Nook	Review
6/17/2022	A Court of Coffee and Books	Review
6/18/2022	Once Upon a Twilight	Review

Week Four:

6/19/2022	The Girl Who Reads	Review
6/20/2022	Don't Judge, Read	Review
6/21/2022	Laura's Bookish Corner	Review
6/22/2022	Bookwyrming Thoughts	Review
6/23/2022	Two Points of Interest	Review
6/24/2022	Lifestyle of Me	Review
6/25/2022	The Momma Spot	Review

Week Five:

6/26/2022	Books a Plenty Book Reviews	Review
6/27/2022	Nat Reads	Review
6/28/2022	BookBriefs	Review
6/29/2022	popthebutterfly	Review
6/30/2022	onemused	Review

Book Review - Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

 

Beauregard “Bug” Montage is a devoted husband, a doting father, a patient son, a loving cousin, and a fledgling business owner, who is also the best getaway driver in town. Bug knows that he has no future in driving getaway cars and tries to focus on his business. 

Bug worked hard to build his business and focus on his family. However, he finds himself struggling to maintain his lifestyle and finds himself drawn to his dangerous past. Especially, when someone from his past shows up and offers him an opportunity to join the crew for a jewelry store heist.  Bug feels that he has no choice but to get involved if he wants to keep his family safe but, he finds that he likes being in the driver seat for dangerous situations more than he should.

I enjoyed this fast paced action packed novel even though it was a bit predictable at times. I thought the characters were well fleshed out and interesting. I didn't really care for the ending because it felt like a non-ending to me. Overall, it was an interesting read and I look forward to reading more books by the author.