Read an excerpt from this Christian romance... Chain of Mercy by Brenda S. Anderson (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #chainofmercy #newbooks #booktwitter #bookx #christfic #romancebooks #christianromance @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!

Read an excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

Chain of Mercy

(Coming Home #1)

By Brenda S. Anderson

Christian Contemporary Romance

Paperback & eBook, 390 Pages

April 22, 2014

Summary

A devastating argument
One reckless decision
An unforgivable sin 

Successful Manhattan businessman Richard Brooks is living the dream, drunk with success and all its trappings, until one reckless decision turns his dream life into a living nightmare. 

Richard flees to Minneapolis where he repairs ancient boilers instead of solving corporate problems, and he's determined to live the solitary life he now deserves. 

Executive Sheila Peterson has other plans for the handsome custodian. Richard appears to be the perfect match for the no-strings-attached romance she's after, but she soon discovers that he's hiding more than the designer clothes in his closet. 

Richard can't deny the allure of a relationship with Sheila. The closer they get, though, the greater the risk that she will discover not only who he used to be but also the unforgivable sin he committed that reckless night.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Excerpt

“You’re scapegoating me? Over the past four years, I’ve been your top performer.” Richard pointed to the man seated kitty-corner from him. “What about Edwards? Wasn’t he responsible for a three million—?”

“Quiet!” Entenza raised his voice and sat up straight. “This isn’t about Edwards, or Constapoulas, or anyone else. It’s about the image you present of ACM Technologies.”

Richard laughed. “So, this has nothing to do with my performance.”

“Our shareholders don’t take kindly to having a member of our board with a police record.”

“Ahh, I see.” Just as he thought. How could he win a battle against the truth? “Let me save you and the shareholders a little trouble.” He pushed away from the table, grabbed his briefcase, and stood. Neither a demotion nor an outright firing was acceptable. “I’ll have my office cleared in an hour. Other companies have been begging for my expertise. I guess it’s time I answer them.”

“So be it.” Entenza pushed a button on the conference phone. “Patrice, will you send in Cowell?”

“Cowell?” Could this possibly get any worse? “A security escort?”

“Protocol, son. I’m sure you understand.”

Richard pinched the bridge of his nose. “Perfectly, sir.” He gave Entenza a mock salute and strode from the room, slamming the door behind him.

Happy unbelievable birthday.

About the Author

Brenda S. Anderson writes authentic and gritty life-affirming fiction that shows God at work in people’s messy lives. She enjoys live sports and theater, walking along the shores of Lake Superior, and sharing hot cocoa with friends and family. She lives near Minneapolis with her newly retired husband and their mischievous twin kitties.

Connect with Brenda at brendaandersonbooks.com to follow her on social media and sign up for email updates.

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will win a book box which includes a paperback copy of Chain of Mercy and locally crafted, book-related items like a Booktrovert glass tumbler, bath balls, a bookish tote, bookmarks, and much more!

Full tour schedule linked above. The giveaway begins at midnight May 28, 2024 and will last through 11:59 PM EST on June 4, 2024. Winners will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only for book box. Winner outside the US will receive a $30 Amazon gift card and ebook. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to JustRead Publicity Tours Giveaway Policies.

Enter Giveaway

What did you like about the excerpt? Is this a book you'd like to read?

Read an excerpt from this historical romance... To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #newbooks #booktwitter #bookx #historicalromance #histfic #christfic #romancebooks @justreadtours

Welcome to my tour stop with JustRead Publicity Tours!
Read and excerpt and enter the giveaway below...

To Catch a Coronet

(Best Laid Plans #1)

By Grace Hitchcock

Christian Historical Romance

Audiobook, Paperback & eBook, 296 Pages

May 21, 2024 by Kregel Publications 

Summary

Sometimes the only way to outsmart a scandal is to find a crown big enough to silence it

Muriel Beau, country baker turned heiress, can't stop instigating outrage. She discards two arranged engagements, then further antagonizes Kent society by publicly proposing to a baron at a ball. His rejection leaves her with no choice but to flee to the city and to secure a coronet so splendid that her peers will forget her debacles. The glitter of the London courts convinces Muriel that it's possible to find the future she dreams of, until she finds herself entangled in yet another escapade--one that may cost her more than her crumbling reputation. 

After years of serving as a privateer under an assumed name, Captain Erik Draycott, heir to Draycott Castle and soon to assume his uncle's title of Earl, returns to his London home to find it in disrepair thanks to his longtime nemesis. A staunch bachelor intent on returning to his ship, the captain is shocked when his mentor encourages him to take a wife. But while his alleged pauper status causes the potential London brides to turn their noses up at him, the ladies of Kent have no such qualms and are eager to fill his coffers with their fathers' wealth. 

Caught in a whirlwind of high society and high seas, Muriel and Erik navigate a risky undertaking that threatens their futures and creating stakes that soar above the masts of Erik's ship. Will Muriel's bold charm and Erik's daring bravery be enough to outsmart the scandal and secure a future as glittering as the crown Muriel seeks? 

"To Catch a Coronet by Grace Hitchcock is perfect Regency! This hilarious novel has it all: sparkling dialogue, a spunky heroine with a penchant for baking, and a dreamy hero who loves her in spite of her antics. I loved it and highly recommend!" --Colleen Coble, USA Today best-selling author of Fragile Designs

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Excerpt

By the time her apple pie was ready to come out of the oven and her second batch of vanilla scones was ready to go in, she had a comforting sheen of sweat on her brow and her prayers had turned into singing—or rather bellowing—her favorite hymns. Wiping her hands on her apron, she worked out a recipe that she thought would be a match for the sponge she had tasted and promptly dropped during her calls this morning. She rose on her tiptoes to reach the tin marked Flour on the third shelf in the dry larder, which was acceptable if one was of an average height, but Muriel, being only an inch over five feet, could only scrape the bottom of the ten-pound tin with her fingertips. She snatched her wooden rolling pin from the table and used the tip to scoot the tin to the edge of the shelf, intending to catch it as it fell.

A man’s large, calloused hand shot above her head and seized the tin. “Allow me to assist you.”

Her song strangled itself in a gasp. Whirling, she rammed into his arm, causing the tin to slip from his grasp and the heavy pin from her hand. Both knocked him on the head, loosening the lid and showering them with flour as he fell to his knees with a grunt and then collapsed face flat onto the brick pavers.

“Lord, have mercy.” Muriel clutched her hand to her throat and sank to her knees beside the crumpled giant. Grabbing his muscular right shoulder with all her strength, she flipped the man onto his back and saw at once that his left arm was in a sling. His large, Grecian nose trickled blood from his fall to the bricks. Other than that and the lump already forming just below his thick chocolate hairline, he was in marvelous physical condition. With his impeccable jawline and the sun-kissed skin that she glimpsed beneath the flour, she knew he had enjoyed fine health before waltzing into her kitchen. She leapt to her feet and ran for the pitcher of water on the counter. Pitcher wrapped in her arm, she dipped her fingers inside and flicked water onto his flour-covered face as if he were a pie crust, continuing the practice until a fine paste had formed on his forehead and a moan escaped his full lips.

“Oh, thank God. I haven’t killed him,” she whispered, sinking onto her heels and wiping her forehead, feeling the grit of flour roll across her skin. She leaned over him, her dark hair spilling free from her coiffure over her shoulder, flowing down to his chest. “Sir? Are you hurt badly? Sir? Can you hear me?”

(pg 23-24)

About the Author

Grace Hitchcock is the award-winning author of multiple historical novels and novellas. She holds a Masters in Creative Writing and a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in History. Grace lives on the Northshore of New Orleans with her husband, Dakota, sons, and daughter.

Connect with Grace by visiting gracehitchcockbooks.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

Tour Schedule

Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

Tour-Wide Giveaway

(1) winner will receive a signed copy of To Catch a Coronet, a bookmark, and book-themed goodies!

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked above. Giveaway began at midnight May 29, 2024 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on June 5, 2024. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. US only. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Enter Giveaway

What did you like about the excerpt? Do you want to read this one?

A story with all the feels... Look on the Bright Side by Kristan Higgins (Review) #newbooks #booktwitter #bookx #womensfiction #romancebooks @BerkleyRomance @BerkleyPub

Look on the Bright Side

By Kristan Higgins

Contemporary Women's Fiction, Romance

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 432 Pages

May 28, 2024 by Berkley

Summary

From the author of Pack Up the Moon comes a funny, romantic, and deeply moving novel about the unexpected rewards that come from life’s detours.

Lark Smith has always had a plan for her life: find a fantastic guy, create a marriage as blissful as her parents’, pop out a couple of kids and build a rewarding career as an oncologist.

Things aren’t going so well.

For one, the guy didn’t work out. Theoretically, she’d love to find someone else, but it hasn’t happened. Two, she’s just been transferred out of oncology for being too emotional. (Is it her fault she’s a weeper?) Three, her parents just split up.

Deviating from the plan was…well, not in the plan. A potential solution comes from the foul-tempered and renowned surgeon Lorenzo Santini (aka Dr. Satan). He needs a date this summer for his sister’s wedding. His ancient Noni wants to see him settled. In exchange, he could make a few introductions and maybe get Lark back into the field of her choice.

As a sucker for old people and fake relationships, Lark agrees. Teeny problem—she instantly falls for his big, warm family. Especially his estranged brother.

Meanwhile, Lark’s mom has moved in with Lark’s colorful landlady, Joy, and an unlikely friendship blossoms. The three women have a long summer and a big beautiful house on the ocean to figure out what’s next…and quite possibly learn that the best things in life aren’t planned at all.

(Affiliate links included.)

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My Review

LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is another story from this author with all the feels. The characters are fully drawn with their own unique personalities and areeasy to relate to. Readers will be pulled right into this story as they cheer these characters through the complexities of life and finding their happy endings. Highly recommended to women's fiction fans!

This author does such a good job in weaving through so many emotions in her stories with relatable characters that readers can't help but love. This story made me laugh, cry, swoon, cheer... there were seriously so many good moments! I loved when Lark totally steps up and takes charge. I also loved the "Dr. Satan" moniker, but also that even though he is, you also see that he's not just one dimensional. These characters have histories, their own challenges, and their own redeeming qualities. Now Dante was definitely swoon worthy, and that whole story and history and emotional connection was pretty amazing. But also not easy. There was some work involved and real conversations, and not just between Dante and Lark but with other characters too.

I really liked that the author took what you could think was going to be a Beauty and the Beast story or enemies to lovers and it not be that. She didn't fall into the cliche at all. And she didn't fall into one of my pet peeves of cheating either. Characters approached and even stepped over the line, but there were consequences. It wasn't just brushed aside and there was responsibility for choices from both sides. That's a pretty hard line to walk and it worked for me here. There were some really tough themes in this book, like the cheating, but also loss, grief and abuse. All of that heaviness was balanced by humorous moments (some of them in the ER), beautiful moments of friendship, family moments, and one adorable dog. Of course, the endings for these characters were bittersweet and beautiful. My favorite way for stories to end.

I also had a few places that really struck me. Here are two of them:

"I'm on your side, he said. "People say not to take sides, and to that, I say, ridiculous! There's right and there's wrong. I'm on the side of right."

"The key, she had learned, was to live in the here and now. Not the back then or the what-if, but right now. Not to worry about the shadows or the times of sorrow and darkness. They would come, of course. No one was immune. The trick was to carry hope and determination like a torch into the dark times."

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a book I was looking forward to and the author did not disappoint. It took me on an emotional journey with characters I loved and little pieces of wisdom along the way. Well worth the read!

Content: References to abuse and neglect (nothing overly detailed), references to cheating, someone dying from cancer with the subsequent grief and loss, some ER trauma in and out of the hospital, some swearing (mostly s-words).
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Kristan Higgins is the New York Times, USA TODAY and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of more than twenty novels, which have been translated into more than two dozen languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide. If you want to receive a free short story and be notified when Kristan releases a new book, sign up at kristanhiggins.com.

Kristan enjoys gardening, mixology, the National Parks and complimenting strangers on their children. The mother of two entertaining and wonderful humans, and the grandmother of one perfect child, Kristan lives in Connecticut with her heroic firefighter husband, cuddly dog and indifferent cat.

You can find the author here.

Photo credit: Lydia Leclair

Have you read any of Higgins' previous books? What's the last book that made you cry, laugh swoon, and/or cheer?

I Can't Wait for... A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey (Can't-Wait Wednesday) #CWW #WOW #booktwitter #akingdomtoclaim #newbooks #histfic #romancebooks #historicalromance #cleanreads @ShadowMountn

Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted here to spotlight and discuss the books we're excited about that we have yet to read. Generally they're books that have yet to be released. Find out more here.

Holidays always mess up my schedule, so sorry for this being a few hours late!

I've been a fan of this author for some time, and feel like she just keeps getting better and better. Her couple of last books set in medieval times were fantastic, so I'm super excited to visit this time period with her again and with one of my favorite publishers. It's my pick this week...

A Kingdom to Claim

By Sian Ann Bessey

Medieval Historical Romance

Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 352 Pages

July 2, 2024 by Shadow Mountain

Summary

Aisley lost everything in a Viking attack. Now, working alongside the one man she trusts, she is ready to fight for her people—and for love.

Wessex, AD 878

Aisley’s young life was changed forever when her father accompanied King Alfred into battle and lost his life in a deadly skirmish with the Vikings. Now, almost seven years later, the Vikings are once again rallying on Wessex’s borders, and Aisley fears that her older brother may have treacherous plans to betray the king by aligning himself with the invading Norsemen. But when Aisley encounters a handsome nobleman in the market, she feels the first stirrings of hope. Though they met only once when Aisley was little more than a child, she recognizes him immediately as one of King Alfred’s most trusted men.

It has been years since Brecc has seen Aisley, but when he spots her in the marketplace, he finds himself inexplicably drawn to the copper-haired young lady with a gift for healing. Before his fledgling feelings for her can develop into something more, however, a Viking attack tears them apart. King Alfred is forced into hiding, and in a matter of days, the Saxon nation is brought to its knees. Unwilling to forsake their people, the king and his men embark on secret raids of Viking encampments. But when Aisley joins the fight, Brecc must reconcile his steadfast loyalty to King Alfred with his growing love for the king’s newest warrior.

(Affiliate links included.)

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Will you be reading this one?

Romance on a cruise ship... Love Overboard by Shannon Sue Dunlap (Review & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #romancebooks #christfic #romcom @celebrate_lit

Welcome to my tour stop!  Check out a review and giveaway below...

Love Overboard: A Novel

By Shannon Sue Dunlap

Christian Romantic Suspense, Romantic Comedy

Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

May 21, 2024 by Kregel Publications

Summary

When four quirky friends retire on a never-ending round of cruises, their attire consists of more than floral shirts and gaudy skirts. Armed with walkie-talkies and battle plans, these relationship experts—who’ve dubbed themselves the “Shippers”—target hostess Lacey Anderson and director Jonathan King in their romantic schemes. However, the young couple is determined not to play along, having previously sailed the tumultuous seas of love only to witness their relationship crash and burn.

Boss matchmaker Emily Windsor has orchestrated multiple romantic successes, and these two upstarts certainly won’t get the best of her. The chemistry between Lacey and Jonathan is obvious, but the couple rebuffs every outlandish plot and “coincidental” meeting, forcing the Shippers to chart a new course to true love—all while inadvertently thwarting drug smugglers threatening to ruin their floating home.

Can they untangle the mess of romance and intrigue before it’s too late, or will their journey end in heartbreak and disaster? Shannon Sue Dunlap’s enthralling new series unfolds a tale where love, laughter, and danger converge in an entertaining maritime adventure.

(Affiliate links included.)

Goodreads | Amazon | Bookshop

My Review

LOVE OVERBOARD is a cozy romantic suspense all set on a cruise where four mischievous old ladies try to match the two main characters, who are both cruise staff, together. It has somewhat of a small-town feel as all the characters are on the cruise together, quirky characters with plenty of laughs in the old ladies, and a second-chance romance. Readers of the genre and light romantic mysteries may enjoy this one.

I really liked the premise for this story, the characters, and the romance. The cover is also adorable. The four old ladies are what I would call a hoot. They all have their own distinct personalities and contributions to trying to match up to the two love interests. Jon is a well-rounded, good looking, charming, dependable type who goes along good naturedly about the whole thing. Lacey has a soft spot for the ladies and gets roped into their traps regularly. She is pretty frustrating for most of the book, but of course redeems herself in the end. The suspense aspect was interesting although I felt it wasn't worked well into the story and didn't work for me. It also didn't surprise me. The ending was sweet.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a light, sweet read with some likable characters and faith elements. I felt like it needed more development and not everything worked for me, but otherwise it was an enjoyable read.

Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy through Celebrate Lit, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Shannon Sue Dunlap lives in hot and humid Houston, Texas where she writes love stories with a laugh-out-loud center. She enjoys traveling around the world, singing tunes from classic musicals, and drinking Dr. Pepper. Shannon is a die-hard fan of happy endings and believes God has designed one for each of us.

Tour Schedule

Pause for Tales, May 24

Wishful Endings, May 24

Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, May 25

Texas Book-aholic, May 26

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, May 27

Stories By Gina, May 28 (Author Interview)

Life on Chickadee Lane, May 28

The Sacred Line, May 29

Locks, Hooks and Books, May 30

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, May 31

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, June 1

For Him and My Family, June 2

The Lofty Pages, June 3

Labor Not in Vain, June 4

Holly’s Book Corner, June 5

She Lives To Read, June 6

Tour-Wide Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon Sue is giving away the grand prize package of a $50 Amazon gift card and a copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter. 

ENTER HERE

Do you enjoy cozy mysteries with romance? Have you read any books set on cruise ships?

Superbly written Gothic fiction... The Lamplighter by Crystal J. Bell (Review) #TheLampLighter #TBRBeyondTours #CrystalJBell #newbooks #bookx #yalit #yabooks #gothic @tbrbeyondtours

Welcome to my tour stop! If you're a Gothic or historical fiction fan who doesn't mind a

touch of the macabre, then this is definitely a book to pick up. Read my full review below...

The Lamplighter

By Crystal J. Bell

YA Historical Fiction, Gothic Horror, Fantasy

Paperback & eBook, 304 Pages

May 20, 2024 by North Star Editions

Summary

It’s an honor to bring light to the dark.

The whaling village of Warbler is famous for its lucky ship figureheads—and infamous for people disappearing into the nightly fog. In this murky locale, the lamplighter position is synonymous with safety and protection, and it’s a position Temperance assumes when her father is found hanging from one of the lampposts. Though Tempe proves competent, the town is still hesitant to let a woman handle this responsibility.

When a girl goes missing after two lamps go out, Tempe’s ability to provide for her mother and younger sister hangs in the balance. She scrambles for answers, hindered at every turn by the village authorities’ call for her removal. As more villagers vanish under her watch, Tempe discovers unsettling truths about the famous Warbler figureheads and her own beloved father. But her warnings of a monster are ignored, even by her own family. Now she must follow the light out of her own fog of despair, as she faces the choice to look the other way or risk speaking out and possibly dooming herself and her sister to be among the lost.

Content Warning: Murder, death of a parent

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My Review

THE LAMPLIGHTER is an eerie Gothic story about a girl who lights the lamps of her small town to help keep the townspeople safe from getting lost in the fog that creeps in each night. It's her family heritage and provides a living for her mother and sister. She must fight to maintain her position as a woman and especially when danger threatens all she holds dear. A story of family, grief, resilience, love and survival masterfully woven that will hold readers' attention from beginning to end. Definitely recommended for Gothic fans who like a touch of other in their stories. 

I feel like I wasn't quite prepared to enter this world and face the feeling of eeriness. It's full of danger, uncertainty, and secrets. The author did a fantastic job of immersing readers into this mysterious story where you're not quite sure what is real and what to trust. The story is set in this small whaling town with its superstitions and prejudices, but also its friendships and loyalties. I could feel the distrust and danger as well as almost the physical touch of the fog when it creeps in. It's a bit chilling and that emotional undertone continues to drive the story to the very end. It's very intense, but also broken here and there with moments of sweetness between sisters and love interests. There is a strong main character in Tempe (short for Temperance). Sometimes she is overly dramatic and acts out of fear with dire consequences, which can be frustrating as a reader. At the same time, she pulled me right into her world and all her emotions. I felt her fear, her distrust, her longing, her protectiveness, her heart and her fight. The story also brought to the front different themes from the time period that women and small towns faced, allowing thought without being told what to think. I applaud the author for handling these themes so well. I wouldn't mind a second installment to see how everything unfolds after this story ends.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was an engrossing read that will keep readers turning the pages. By the end, I was on the edge of my seat, equally distraught and hopeful. It's superbly written Gothic fiction. I'll definitely be picking up this author's next release! 

Content: Inuendo, assault, murder, violence and some descriptive horror elements.
Source: I received a complimentary copy through TBR and Beyond Tours, which did not require a positive review. All opinions are my own.

About the Author

Crystal J. Bell is a Colorado native who writes horror and fantasy with the intent to make readers both eager and uneasy to turn the pages of her books. When she isn’t drinking up autumn like the elixir of life, she can be found on the back patio with her laptop and a book, out on the reservoirs on her stand up paddle board, or cooking in the kitchen with her husband. Most likely pasta.

Website | Instagram | Goodreads

Tour Schedule

Follow the tour here.

What do you think? Does this sound like a book you'd enjoy? Do you have a favorite Gothic book?

A day in the life of the author... Spellbinders: The Not-So-Chosen One by Andrew Auseon (Guest Post & #Giveaway) #newbooks #bookx #Spellbinders #TheNotSoChosenOne #AndrewAuseon #middlegrade #fantasy @andrewauseon @randomhousekids @RockstarBkTours

Welcome to my tour stop with Rockstar Book Tours!

Read a guest post from the author and enter the giveaway below ...

The Not-So-Chosen One

(Spellbinders #1)

By Andrew Auseon

Middle Grade Fantasy

Hardcover, Paperback, eBook & Audiobook, 448 Pages

May 14, 2024 by Yearling

Summary

"Ben may only be pretending to be the 'Chosen One'—but I’ve definitely chosen this one as my favorite new fantasy series.”
—Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Last Kids on Earth series

How far would you go to play the hero? One seventh grader gets way more than he bargained for when he is swept into the fantasy quest of his gaming dreams in this funny illustrated series full of adventure and twists.

It’s not so easy being the Chosen One (or in Ben Whitlock’s case, pretending to be the Chosen One). Sure, when you’ve been mistaken for a long-prophesied hero by a teenage girl/mysterious assassin and transported to a fantasy realm you're supposedly destined to save, you don’t have to worry about things like math homework. But when flying narwhals are trying to blast you into oblivion (gulp) and a bunch of old mystics in flip-flops want you to enter something called the Gullet of Eternal Torment (double gulp), suddenly a C in algebra doesn’t seem like such a big deal.

Back in the real world, Ben preferred to escape into fictional adventures and role-playing games. But the more he learns about his true quest, the more he realizes that being a hero goes way beyond rolling a few dice. . . .

Reviews:

“Spellbinders hooked me from the beginning, but it became one of my favorites around the first flying narwhals.'“—James Riley, New York Times bestselling author of the Story Thieves series

"Here comes a new series that brilliantly embodies the power of creativity....The book’s immersive fantasy world of Lux is one I did not want to leave."—George Jreije, author of the Shad Hadid series

"To use the local parlance, a “ridonkulously” entertaining kickoff." —Booklist

"The themes of interpersonal relationships and change give the work emotional heft...A love letter to escapism and writing one’s own destiny." —Kirkus Reviews

"Through subversions of familiar fantasy tropes and a thoroughly engaging plot, Auseon conjures an idiosyncratic realm replete with endearing characters, madcap humor, and hijinks-filled adventure"— Publisher’s Weekly

(Affiliate links included.)

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Guest Post:

A Day in Your Writing Life

I’m trying to imagine an exciting answer to this question, to envision the type of author whose day consists of thrills, chills, action, romance, and the unpredictable third-act twist. I’ll do my best. (Sidebar: I’m slightly tempted to write a fictional version of a day in my writing life just to add some gloss, but I will resist my impulses and give it you straight.)

I usually get up around 6:00 a.m. I do that because my children’s schools start around 9 a.m., as does my day job as a video game designer. Years of practice have taught me that I’m more productive first thing in the morning, and that it’s important for me to get out of the house. I’m easily distracted, and as many of us knew already, or learned during pandemic lockdowns, the home is the ultimate whirlpool of time and energy. I must escape! I go to a nearby coffee shop (preferably one with free refills and membership benefits) and plant for a few hours.

I work on whatever piece of writing flow the most freely in the moment. For example, today I was planning to work on a manuscript revision, but these interview questions felt like an easier, lighter lift, so I jumped in and started writing. It was the right decision. There are always 2-4 projects of varying scope that need attention--correspondence, publicity, marketing content, new writing, revisions, or other tasks I’ve haven’t anticipated. It’s a balancing act, and since I need to be 100% focused on what I’m doing, I try to knock out as much of my writing work as possible before 9:00 a.m.

Around 8:30 a.m., I return home and prepare for work. I’m incredibly lucky in that I love my job and (I’d like to think) I’m pretty good at it. I’m a narrative designer for video games, something I’ve done for about 18 years now. In addition to being an incredible opportunity to work with the most talented craftspeople in the world, it’s also an exciting way to expand and experiment in new methods of storytelling. Give me a piece of paper and a pencil and I’ll busy myself for days designing games. That’s all it takes. I sit down at my desk and start work a few minutes before 9:00 a.m., and I tend to work until lunch, pausing to grab something to eat or a refill of coffee. Sometimes at lunch I spend 30 minutes on whatever game I’m currently playing, taking bites between turns, or I might take a walk. I work through the afternoon, ending with a trip to the gym around 6:00 p.m. I might pick up a kid from school at some point in there as well, but it depends on the day and my place on the family schedule.

After work, I might read a book, play a game, or write, finishing at 7:00 p.m. when I clean the house and do chores. My wife and I like to take a walk every night before dinner, which is something I really enjoy. After dinner, we like to watch a TV show as a family until the kids go up for bed. (Right now, it’s Derry Girls and Schitt’s Creek, and we’re about to start Freaks and Geeks.) Depending on deadlines, I might go up and continue working for a few hours in preparation of the following morning, but the best nights are when I get to hang out with my family. I like to go to bed around 10:00 p.m. every night, because I’m old, but I always read for an hour before bed. (Right now, I’m reading Pearl, by Josh Malerman; and Mike Nichols: A Life, by Mark Harris.) I have trouble sleeping but reading a physical book and going to bed at the same time really help put in a place to rest. (Exercise also helps.)

Exciting, no? ;)

Book Trailer

About the Author

Andrew Auseon is the author of several books for children and young adults, and he is the writer of numerous bestselling and award-winning video games. A transplant from the Midwest, he lives in Washington, D.C. with his family and two very naughty cats. He loves breakfast cereal, the sound of the ocean, and the feeling of a brand-new book in his hands.

Website | Book Website | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Amazon

Tour Schedule

Week One:

5/20/2024	Two Chicks on Books	Guest Post/IG Post
5/20/2024	Wishful Endings	Guest Post/IG Post
5/21/2024	@darkfantasyreviews	Excerpt
5/22/2024	YA Books Central	Interview/IG Post
5/23/2024	A Backwards Story	Excerpt/IG Post
5/24/2024	@katherinebichler	TikTok Spotlight
5/25/2024	onemused	IG Post

Week Two:

5/26/2024	@enthuse_reader	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/27/2024	Review Thick And Thin	Review/IG Post
5/28/2024	jlreadstoperpetuity	IG Review/TikTok Post
5/28/2024	Fyrekatz Blog	Review/IG Post
5/29/2024	The Momma Spot	Review
5/29/2024	@thepagelady	IG Review
5/30/2024	Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers	Review/IG Post
5/31/2024	Country Mamas With Kids	Review/IG Post
5/31/2024	Kim's Book Reviews and Writing Aha's	Review/IG Post
6/1/2024	@dana.loves.books	Review/IG Post/TikTok Post
6/1/2024	More Books Please blog	Review/IG Post

Week Three:

6/2/2024	One More Exclamation	Review/IG Post
6/3/2024	nerdophiles	Review
6/3/2024	The Book Critic	Review/IG Post

Tour-Wide Giveaway

2 winners will receive a signed finished copy of SPELLBINDERS: THE NOT-SO-CHOSEN ONE & a swag pack. US Only.

Ends June 8th, midnight EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What did you like about the author's guest post about her daily life? Did you view the book trailer? Is this a book you or a kid you know would enjoy?