Read an excerpt from Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer (Excerpt & #Giveaway) #SMBkTour @prismbooktours

Monday, August 31, 2020 - Leave a Comment
On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to my tour stop! Read an excerpt and enter the tour giveaway below...

Silver Moon
(By the Light of the Moon #3)
By Jenny Knipfer
Christian Historical Fiction
Paperback & ebook, 411 Pages
June 30, 2020

Summary

A tale of courage and hope in the darkest of times...

Silver Moon, the third book in the series: By the Light of the Moon, paints a stunning and poignant picture of life on the home front in Webaashi Bay, Ontario, and of three men who are a part of the Canadian Expeditionary Force during WWI.

Shamed into joining the war, the tide turns for Luis Wilson when he is steered into the depths of espionage. Injured and presumed missing, will he lose his heart to the very woman who presented him with a white feather?

Oshki and Jimmy offer a grim perspective on life in the trenches. They despair of ever returning home to the women who hold their hearts.

Meanwhile, Lily fights for the cause in her own way and rallies the female troops at home as prejudices run high and the local cafe owner is accused of being a spy.

Will the women of Webaashi Bay receive their men back unscathed? Can the power of love win out over insurmountable odds? All this drama and more plays out under the light of a silver moon.
Fans of WWI historical fiction, Christian historical fiction, and literary fiction will find Silver Moon a moving, powerful read!

Praise for the Book

Taking an original angle on a tumultuous time in history, Silver Moon by Jenny Knipfer is a sparkling slice of historical fiction. Ambitiously detailing a diverse collection of characters, this World War I story bounces across space and time, delicately filled with vivid descriptions, nuanced moral dilemmas, and authentic relationships..." --Self-publishing Review

"Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing." --Readers' Favorite

"I am stunned by the amount of detail the author gave in this single story. On one hand, we have powerful characters... and on the other, we have a plot that demands all our attention. Jenny Knipfer pulls no punches and holds nothing back." --Readers' Favorite

(Affiliate links included.)

Excerpt

Mid-June 1916
Near the Belgium border Lillie, France

“I am happy you are back with us, Lt. Von Wolff,” Hahn the man they called Rooster commented to Luis as he stood in the dugout region of German HQ, well back from the front lines.

“Ja. I am happy to be back.” Luis tried to be believable. “I took my chance when I saw it. Those British . . .” Luis seasoned his speech with a few German curses to make it sound real to Rooster.

“Ja. It is amazing how you escaped.” Rooster eyed Luis shrewdly.

“Lucky, perhaps, how I escaped. It all happened so fast, and, like I said, I took my chance.”

Rooster nodded. His gaze relaxed a little.

“So, my friend, tell me about things here. General Ostermann has told me details, of course, but it is the men I want to hear from.”

Luis wanted to gain a closer footing with Rooster. He needed an accomplice here in the ranks.

“Oh, you know . . . we seem to be holding the strategic points around. The enemy tries sporadically to wrench us from our post, but so far they’ve been unsuccessful.”

“Ja, gut, gut.” Luis looked at his watch. It neared the time for the evening meal. “I feel magnanimous today. A celebration is called for. What say we take a truck into Lille and eat at a real restaurant tonight? My treat, of course, my friend.”

General Ostermann had given Luis a free night to settle in before he spent his first weeks in the trenches again.

Rooster’s beady eyes perked up. “Ja? That is most kind, Lieutenant.”

“Very good. Come, then, we will get a truck.”
Luis left a message for the general, and he and Rooster made their way to a reserve vehicle. Luis found a driver to transport them to town in style.

Once they got to town, Rooster smoothed down his cock’s comb of hair with his hand before he jammed his hat back on. Luis straightened his uniform as he stepped out. One button on his coat had gotten a tad rusty from its burial in the earth waiting for Von Wolff to rise again from the hands of the enemy.

“Come, my friend.” Luis signaled with his arm for Rooster to walk beside him.

As Luis walked, he felt his Luger, thick against his side in its holster. He never moved without the gun now that he was back as Von Wolff. He never knew when the moment might come when the jig would be up.

Other Books in the Series

(Linked to Amazon affiliate links.)

About the Author


Jenny lives in Wisconsin with her husband, Ken and their pet Yorkie, Ruby. She is also a mom and loves being a grandma. She enjoys many creative pursuits but finds writing the most fulfilling.

Jenny’s education background stems from psychology, music, and cultural missions. She spent many years as a librarian in a local public library but recently switched to using her skills as a floral designer in a retail flower shop. She is now retired from work due to disability.

She authored and performed a self-published musical CD entitled, Scrapbook of a Closet Poet.

Jenny’s books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon earned five-star reviews from Reader’s Favorite, a book review and award contest company. Their praise: “Ruby Moon is entertaining, fast-paced, and features characters that are real. Blue Moon continues a well-written and highly engaging saga of family ties, betrayals, and heartaches… Silver Moon is a highly recommended read for fans of historical wartime fiction, powerful emotive drama, and excellent atmospheric writing.”

She holds membership in the: Midwest Independent Booksellers Association, Historical Novel Society, Wisconsin Writers Association, Christian Indie Publishing Association, and Independent Book Publishers Association.

Jenny’s favorite place to relax is by the western shore of Lake Superior, where her novel series, By The Light of the Moon, is set. She has self-published the first three books, Ruby Moon, Blue Moon, and Silver Moon, in her four-part series. One more novel to complete the series is planned for 2020. She is currently writing a new historical fiction series called, Sheltering Trees.

Photo Credit: Craig Jentink


Tour Schedule


Tour-Wide Giveaway


One winner will receive ebooks of all three books in the By the Light of the Moon series by Jenny Knipfer (Ruby Moon, Blue Moon and Silver Moon) and a $25 Amazon eGift Card

Open internationally to those who can use one of Amazon's branches
Ends September 9, 2020

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The Crownless King by Kara Linaburg (Tour Launch & #Giveaway) #CKPrism @prismbooktours

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Author Interview

What inspired you to write The Broken Prince series?

I was in high school playing basketball in the backyard with my younger sister. I remember saying that all I wanted to be able to do was write books that showed light in darkness, ones that reflected real world problems within a fantasy storyworld. I’d always liked stories about the brooding, handsome princes who rescue the maidens, but I didn’t want my story to be a cliche. So I just went from there, attempting to create a book that wasn’t your typical YA fantasy with either a helpless maiden and dashing prince, or a helpless prince and don’t-need-a-man girl. 

For those new to the series, what should they know?

It’s not hardcore fantasy, but an easy read hopefully readers not familiar with the genre can also enjoy. It’s not just for fantasy fans: it’s for anyone who needs to be reminded that love conquerors even the darkest hearts. 

If you could sum up book two, THE CROWNLESS KING, in one sentence, what would you say? 

Dragons, stories that come alive, brooding princes, warrior maidens, and unexpected endings that make you gasp, these are a few of my favorite things... 

(Kudos to those who understand my Sound of Music reference....Sorry, I’m a dork ;) ) 

What challenged you about writing this story?

Me. There’s a lot of anxiety about writing book two, because I know for me as a reader I don’t always enjoy a sequel. So going into that knowing that people had high expectations was very daunting. However, I also had the issue that I created these characters back in high school, and now attempting to rewrite them for my adult brain was a challenge and very cringe-worthy. 

Which character do you most relate to and why?

All my characters have bits and pieces of me, and reflect me at different stages in my life. Right now I relate to my MC Sabriel in “The Crownless King.” She’s always trying to prove herself, when deep down the only person she’s really trying to prove herself to is....herself. I relate to that on so many levels. And when you live like that, constantly trying to be better and better and reach perfection, you’re only going to fall short. 

What is something about you that is unique or we may not know?

I have five younger siblings and we were all homeschooled and my dad is a pastor. The perfect recipe for questions from strangers wanting to know if we were sheltered in the house as kids and forced to memorize scripture. No to that, but yes we did own a fifteen passenger van. ;) 

The Crownless King
(The Broken Prince #2)
By Kara Linaburg
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 275 Pages
September 1, 2020

She won't meet her worst enemy on the battlefield...

War is brewing and the kingdom of Sindaleer is torn as the Knights of Norcir draw the folk to their side. When Sabriel, a specially Gifted, pledges her blood to their cause, she is ready to give all to bring the peace her leader promises. She understands Tirich's deep hatred toward the king, and has prepared for this moment all her life.But when her identity as a knight is discovered by the childhood friend who betrayed her years ago, Sabriel's plans for justice come toppling down. Now distracted by what once was, Sabriel fights to hold onto what she's believed to be true for so long.

Nick never forgot the red-headed lass of years past, but she's not the friend he remembers. As enemies connected by their past take opposing sides on their country's freedom, Nick refuses to believe what she's become.

Voices warning Sabriel she'll never succeed, and loyalties torn, she begins to realize that all is not as it seems. Tirich's power is growing stronger, and she fears she was wrong about the good she once saw in him.

The concluding book following The Broken Prince, reminds us of the inner war we all face, and what it means to rise from the ashes when all hope feels lost.

(Affiliate link included.)

Tour Schedule

August 31st:
September 1st:
September 2nd:
September 3rd:
September 4th:

Other Books in the Series

The Broken Prince
(The Broken Prince #1)
By Kara Linaburg
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 217 Pages
June 3, 2019

In all the fairy tales the maiden falls in love with the prince...but she has to remember that this isn’t a fairy tale...

Born into a kingdom where those of magical Gifts are rejected, feared, and even killed, Serena has spent her life striving to hide her ability and keep her younger brother safe.

The bastard son of the hated king and father he hardly knows, Prince Milosh is considered an outcast. He never expects to feel anything but contempt for the peasant girl who unexpectedly shows up in his life, forcing him to answer questions he never wished to ask.

When two very different worlds are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances, both hold deep judgement towards the other. But will they learn to see beyond their stations and birth so that they may defeat the coming darkness, or will labels given to them at birth continue to define them?

A heart-stopping tale about the power of human love, and how each of us are never truly alone.

(Affiliate link included.)
About the Author


Kara Linaburg is most content sipping an iced chai while watching the sun set over the mountains of her home in West Virginia. When she's not dreaming about her next adventure or being a mad scientist in the kitchen, you can find on www.thebeautifullybrokenblog.com where she strives for authenticity and beauty in a broken world. The Crownless King is her second novel.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a signed print copy of The Broken Prince and a dagger replica
US only
Ends September 9, 2020

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Weekly Update #382, another exhausting week...

Saturday, August 29, 2020 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my Weekly Update where I share what's been going on and what's coming up!

I'm linking up to The Sunday Post, hosted by Kimba @ The Caffeinated Book Reviewer.

What a long week I had... Online school for the kids is still a bit rough. I feel like a broken record each week, but we're all a bit exhausted and emotional and stressed. I also got put in Instagram jail for the first time. I can now relate with the rest of you with how frustrating of an experience it is! I'm hoping it will end soon, but it's not like they tell you. And then Blogger changed something and there's a bug that's messing with my posts. I'm hoping that will get fixed soon because it's a PAIN!

I told my husband I needed to get out and go on a date with him and so we did Friday night. We just drove for a bit to get some fun dessert wearing masks and all that, but it was good to get away for a little bit and just talk to him. 

Saturday I was so worn out and I didn't want to do anything even though I have a bunch of tour things to do. I ended up getting some chores done and then reading a book and basically nothing else. Lol! It's really the book's fault though. I started it and couldn't put it down. It was really, really good and I'm excited to share my review this week. In case you're wondering, the book is Miracle Creek Christmas.

This Week


Last Week

In case you missed any of these over the past week...

I hope you're doing well and staying healthy!

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A tale of mystery, danger, and romance... It Started in Budapest by Julie Daines (Review & #Giveaway) @Covenant_Comm

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Welcome to my tour stop! I've been so excited for this new series revolving around the Orient Express!
Read my thoughts on the first book and enter the giveaway below from Covenant Communications...

It Started in Budapest
(Romance on the Orient Express #1)
By Julie Daines
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 177 Pages
August 10, 2020 by Covenant Communications

Summary

Molly Cooper is haunted by one simple fact: it is her fault her twin brother, Matthew, has spent his life trapped in a frail body while she has thrived. Deep in her heart, she knows he can't hold on much longer . . .

In her desperation to save her brother, Molly finds inspiration in an unlikely source: the newly published novel Dracula. When her family embarks on the Orient Express to seek treatment for Matthew in Bulgaria, Molly is prepared to set her plan in motion: she will sneak away from her parents and journey alone to Transylvania, where she will seek a vampire, whose blood can make her brother immortal. Molly's rash plan is going flawlessly—until she encounters Percy Hunt, a handsome American traveler running from the shadows of his own past. When he discovers Molly's plan, Percy's concern for the naive young woman leaves him no choice but to accompany her on her strange quest. But neither Percy nor Molly is prepared for the feelings that quickly grow between them or for the death-defying escapade that awaits.

(Affiliate links included.)


My Review

IT STARTED IN BUDAPEST is a great start to this new series revolving around the Orient Express. With plenty of elements of mystery, a bit of danger, a romance that is quick but also slow-building, and with vivid historical details, readers are sure to enjoy this story immensely!

This author's writing style always works well for me, and my experience was no different in this newest release. Not only did I feel immersed in this time period and the lushness of the Orient Express, I also fell in love with these complex characters. I do love the classic mysteries, like Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes, and this did feel somewhat nostalgic in that way. There is just a feel to their stories, maybe due to a similar time period, but this story felt much like theirs do. Then there was the way Dracula is used in this story, which I thought quite ingenious and a very fun plot point.

On the surface, these characters first come across lightly. However, as the story progresses, you learn that they both deal with quite a bit of heartbreak, and it was heartbreaking to read of their losses and struggles. They care deeply. They want to fix things and each have their own ways of doing that. Percy definitely had learned some things from his past trauma although he was still healing, but Molly was still dealing with trauma from her past as well as her present. I felt like he had some wisdom to give her and she had her own light to share with him. I also loved them both!

I enjoyed how the romance develops in this story, even if a bit unusual. It starts with attraction and curiosity and then builds in a very authentic way as these two get to know each other. They're with each other for days, which allows things to progress. They both have their vulnerabilities and feel duty bound. I loved the banter and teasing moments, but also the heartfelt and vulnerable ones.

There weren't many issues with this story. I would have loved it to have been longer as I felt some things needed more development (and also because I love this world and the author's writing style and didn't want to leave!). The ending also was a bit abrupt - it just left me wondering how exactly things would work out. The other thing I battled with was Molly's naivete. She is young and somewhat sheltered, but I thought she was a bit too trusting of some individuals and not enough of others. She also had some far-fetched ideas, but I also could see how those ideas could come about.

I'm very curious as to a certain character who would pop up at opportune times and if he'll appear in the other books. I'm hoping eventually there will be a bit more of an explanation for him.

In the end, was it what I wished for? This was a heartfelt story, with likable characters, a subtle mystery that is consistently weaved through the story, and a sweet romance. It also pulls on the reader's emotions, from swoon-worthy moments to ones of heartbreak and to desperation during the climatic moments. Definitely recommended!

Content: Clean
Source: Purchased

Other Books by the Author

(Linked to my reviews.)

About the Author


Julie Daines was born in Concord, Massachusetts, and was raised in Utah. She spent eighteen months living in London, where she studied and fell in love with English literature, sticky toffee pudding, and the mysterious guy who ran the kebab store around the corner.

She loves reading, writing, and watching movies—anything that transports her to another world. She picks Captain Wentworth over Mr. Darcy, firmly believes in second breakfast, and never leaves home without her verveine.

She has three published novels and a novella, has won several awards for her writing, and her novel, Unraveled, was a contender for the ALA’s Schneider Award.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do you think? Will you be reading this one?

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Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole by Auralee Arkinsly (Tour Grand Finale & #Giveaway) #DHFPrism @prismbooktours

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On Tour with Prism Book Tours

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Author Interview

What inspired you to write DARLING HEDGEHOG GOES DOWN A FOXHOLE? 

My author friend, Kathy Joy, had been visiting, and for a thank you when she went home, she gave me a card with a little stuffed hedgehog in a pink tutu. Well, I put it on my window ledge and that meant that I saw it there every time I opened my eyes in the morning. It really made me smile. One morning as I was slowly coming awake, the beginning of the story just came to me. I'd never written a children's book, but I thought I'd like to try. Also, it is just in my nature to be a little quirky. I've also been known to give people out-of-the-box advice. All of these elements come to life in this story. 


"Darling Hedgehog is an engaging book intended to teach children about stranger danger. I found the pictures to be irresistibly cute and aptly illustrated the story. Overall, a good book for children."


". . . an adorable children’s story. It teaches some valuable lessons for very young readers. It, also, has some fun, vibrant and colorful illustrations by the talented Julia Swezy. The whole book was just a delight to read."


"Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole has adorable illustrations and a fable-like lesson. . . . Darling is very susceptible to Miss Fox’s trickiness because she wants her to like her. That’s a lesson to teach our kids too. Don’t change yourself to make people like you. And don’t take gifts from strangers!"

Bizwings Blog - Review

"Darling Hedgehog Goes Down a Foxhole has a great storyline. Every child has experiences with friends, so it's a story they can relate to. . . . It's well written and easy to understand."

Wishful Endings - Excerpt & Review
"A sweet book to read with younger children, easy enough for first-grade readers, but would be worth reading through fourth grade for a quick read."


"This is a good book to teach children about strangers and the dangers of believing things that people may say. This is an especially important subject in the times we are living right now."

Splashes of Joy - Review

"The pictures were cute, and they did fit the story. And the book cover is adorable with Darling in her tutu. . . . It is a really cute story with great potential."

Remembrancy - Excerpt
Andi's Kids Books - Spotlight

Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post...

Darling Hedgehog: Goes Down a Foxhole
By Auralee Arkinsly
Children's Chapter Book
Paperback & ebook, 44 Pages
August 8, 2019 by Capture Books

Darling Hedgehog goes on an adventure to look for her parents who dropped out of sight. 

Darling Hedgehog learns about the animal nature of things in high humor and carefree, cute, and winning episodes. Learn about opposites, homophones, and similes as two animals in nature roll into fantasy land. For children 4-8 or preschool and kindergarten, as a read-to-me picture book, and first grade and second grade as a chapter book.

Darling and Miss Fox come to life as Darling introduces herself to the strange animal who is Miss Fox. Miss Fox gives her gifts so that Darling is distracted from her mission. The two animals look for things to do together in fantastical attempts to be friendly. When Darling enters Miss Fox's kitchen, she realizes that by nature, not all strangers are good for you. Will Darling save the day when it's already dinner time?

Pictures similar to Charlotte's Web and the Mercy Watson series are characterized and painted in full-color, though the pages are set up like a chapter book.

This book helps to train children in natural wisdom, analysis, and discernment. It helps to balance the teachings of acceptance of everyone and friendliness to all. There may be good purposes for everyone to exist under heaven, yet all purposes may not be good for a child. So, beware, and flee from crafty foxes especially when they are holding your parents in the pantry.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


Auralee Arkinsly writes in good humor about serious subjects because kids of all ages can learn a lot from laughing. Since opposites exist, she believes children can learn to identify the nature of things and get out of a risky situation. "Good Laughter sparks the mind." She reckons if she can save some from the bumps and bruises, then she has done a good day's work.


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive a $25 Amazon eGift Card
Open internationally to those who can receive the gift card through one of Amazon's branches
Ends September 2, 2020

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New Releases/#Free & Bargain Books for August 24th - August 30th #freebook #booksale #booklinkup #booklinky

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Here are the New Releases / Free & Bargain Books, hosted by
Sharon over at Beck Valley Books, for this week! Check it all out below...

Authors please feel free to add your own books.
Readers please free to add your own finds.
(any genre except erotica welcome)

This weekly link up is hosted by Beck Valley Books & these awesome book loving blogs...

For Pre-orders post - PRE-ORDER / genre / title /author
For New Releases post - NEW / genre / title / author
For Free Books post - FREE / genre / title / author / end date 
For Bargain Books post - SALE / price / genre / title / author / end date
(Strictly no Erotica please.  Steamy romance is fine but watch those covers people, incase any underage child is viewing it!)

Here is this weeks awesome selection!


By adding your link, you acknowledge that the information you provide will be used in accordance with our Privacy Policy and transmitted to Inlinkz in accordance with their Privacy Policy.

Would you like to share our linkup on your site? click here
Would you like to become a weekly host? sign up here

Come back and check out the new selection every week!

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Writing and reading fantasy... The Heir by K.J. Moullen (Guest Post & #Giveaway) @XpressoTours #yalit #fantasy

Friday, August 28, 2020 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my tour stop! Check out the author's guest post and enter the tour giveaway below...

The Heir
(The Spinner Sagas #2)
By K.J. Moullen
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 240 Pages
August 25, 2020 by Mascot Books

Summary

Entrusted with the safe keeping of The Book & the wickedness contained in it, Blaine & Elian embark on a journey filled with unusual creatures & a looming prophecy in the unfamiliar & ancient land of Vestia. First, they have to find their way back to each other, trusting new allies & befriending old foes along the way.

With time running out & the fate of the universe resting squarely upon their shoulders, Blaine & Elian face an unknown enemy who will stop at nothing to unleash the evil soul trapped in The Book. But Elian knows a secret about Blaine’s destiny. Will the secret prophecy divide their pathways, letting doubt & fear sabotage all they have accomplished?

(Affiliate links included.)

Guest Post

Writing and reading have always been passions of mine. I suppose you can say I was born with it. I didn’t have a favorite blanket or stuffed animal growing up, my necessity at bedtime was a Mother Goose book. From the time I was about nine months old, I needed to have this book with me to sleep. I did eventually outgrow the Mother Goose book phase; however, it was quickly supplemented by a growing love for books of all kinds. My imagination was always on hyperdrive, fueled by the likes of C.S. Lewis’ The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe and Star Wars. The idea of writing didn’t fully take root until reading A wrinkle in time. Wow! The joys of being able to create stories that whisk you away too far off worlds for adventures, how could I resist.

Writing became my escape. I wrote as much as I could and filled in the other time with reading and outdoor adventures to keep the imagination charged. Living in exotic places such as Hawaii and Alaska created a perfect backdrop for these adventures. Pursuing many classes in creative writing in school my works received a very positive reception from my teachers and peers. But it wouldn’t be until my later years that I choose to take the leap to share my writing with the world.

The publishing piece has been an experience in its self. I had heard that writing the novel was the easy part. Oh boy, were they not kidding. I took an unconventional way of being published on the advice of a dear friend that was in the textbook publishing field and I ran a campaign on Publishizer. For those not familiar with Publishizer it is a crowd source fund raising platform with a twist. They cater to authors only and work with several publishing houses from self-publishing to traditional and everything in between. By the end of my campaign I had fourteen publishers including traditional, interested in my manuscript. After in depth research on which route to take, I eventually opted to hybrid publish. I keep all the rights to my work and have a major say in how the whole process goes. It was the option that just seemed to make sense to me. I feel very blessed to have been presented this opportunity. The whole adventure of becoming a published author has been a roller coaster of emotions but defiantly worth the ride.

My First published novel is a YA fantasy, The Spinner Sagas: The Telling, released in May of 2018. The second in the series, The Spinner Sagas: The Heir was released August 25, 2020. I am currently working on the third book in this series.

The Spinner Sagas: The Telling is about a sixteen-year-old girl named Blaine. She thinks she is an ordinary teenager until she is thrust into Renault, a realm filled with magic and unknown possibilities. She is set upon a pathway that will challenge everything she has ever known. Confronted with dark family secrets and an ancient prophecy, she will have to trust a mysterious ally whose destiny is intertwined with her own. Set in a world plagued with evil, Blaine must face not only her mounting self-doubt but destiny itself. Will her choices be enough to stop the darkness of evil from spreading through the universe?

Writing and reading in the fantasy genre has always appealed to me in the sense that there are no restrictions on world creating. Whatever your imagination comes up with, you can create it. To me the escape is complete by entering a far-off world where anything is possible. Where danger lurks around every corner and magic is an everyday occurance. When I pick up a book to read and jump into the pages of someone else’s imagination, to me that is pure magic. And when I finish a book the bittersweet longing for it to continue is almost impossible to bear. For that time away from reality is truly priceless. I can only hope the stories I weave can whisk readers away to experience all the magic a book can induce. For then I truly know that my heart's desire has been fulfilled.

Keep up to date with upcoming releases by following me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Other Books in the Series

The Telling
(The Spinner Sagas #1)
By K.J. Moullen
YA Fantasy
Paperback & ebook, 304 Pages
May 1, 2018 by Mascot Books
Summary

Sixteen-year-old Blaine was a normal teenage girl. Sure, she moved around a lot, but that wasn’t completely weird, right? Then her mom tells her she’s actually from another dimension called Renault, whose inhabitants can do magic. Um, what? Suddenly, Blaine is running from an evil she barely understands. Blaine is thrust into the confusing, beautiful, and magical world of Renault with a mysterious boy she just met. There, she begins to discover her own unique abilities and her place in the universe.

(Affiliate links included.)

About the Author


K.J. Moullen started her life as an adventurer. Always loving the outdoors, whether it was playing king of the hill with her pet goat in southern California, playing hockey on the frozen lakes of the Kenai peninsula of Alaska or snorkeling and surfing off the shores of Maui. Amongst the breathtaking places she lived her imagination and love for writing knew no limitations allowing for a lifetime of plotlines and characters to be created and written about. She now shares her life’s adventures with her husband and two children in their home in North Texas.


Tour-Wide Giveaway

$25 Amazon gift card + a set of Kj’s books (The Telling & The Heir)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Did you see any of your favorite fantasy books among those the author shared in the guest post, or did you learn anything new about this series?

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Read an excerpt from this new contemporary romance from an award-winning author... Here to Stay by Adriana Herrera #romancebooks @carinapress

Thursday, August 27, 2020 - Leave a Comment

Welcome to my tour stop! Read an excerpt from this new contemporary romance below...

Here to Stay
By Adriana Herrera
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, Audiobook & ebook, 393 Pages
August 25, 2020 by Carina Press

Summary

“Hot, heartwarming, and hilarious...This is a knockout.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

Award-winning, highly-acclaimed author Adriana Herrera delivers the sexy, modern enemies-to-lovers romance you’ve been waiting for.

Starting over is more about who you’re with than where you live…

Julia del Mar Ortiz is not having the best year.

She moved to Dallas with her boyfriend, who ended up ditching her and running back to New York after only a few weeks. Left with a massive—by NYC standards, anyway—apartment and a car lease in the scorching Texas heat, Julia is struggling…except that’s not completely true. Running the charitable foundation of one of the most iconic high fashion department stores in the world is serious #lifegoals.

It’s more than enough to make her want to stick it out down South.

The only monkey wrench in Julia’s plans is the blue-eyed, smart-mouthed consultant the store hired to take them public. Fellow New Yorker Rocco Quinn’s first order of business? Putting Julia’s job on the chopping block.

When Julia is tasked with making sure Rocco sees how valuable the programs she runs are, she’s caught between a rock and a very hard set of abs. Because Rocco Quinn is almost impossible to hate—and even harder to resist.

(Affiliate links included.)


Excerpt

Julia

I stepped into the elevator and shoved my phone into the pocket of my dress, took a moment to send a prayer to the employee discount that let me buy bomb clothes on a nonprofit worker budget, and did some mental math of what could be going on.

Was the program really in trouble? Could we actually get shut down?

Nope, I would not go there. I would not think about what it would be like to get on a plane back to New York dumped and unemployed. Not happening.

A distraction. That’s what I needed. Just as the door to the elevator was about to close, someone got in. The fact that I was eye level with the base of his throat was a good clue as to who it was, but when he opened his mouth and the now familiar knee-weakening baritone echoed off the walls of the elevator, I got my confirmation.

“Morning, Ms. Ortiz.” That voice could be used for interrogation tactics. Every muscle in my body loosened at the same time whenever I heard it.

I squeaked out a “Morning” and took my time lifting my head all the way up to look at the last person in the world I wanted overhearing my conversation with my mother.

Him.

Rocco ------- Quinn, otherwise known as the “Team Leader” for the consulting firm looking to bag my job. The guy with the New York City-est name on the planet. I hadn’t exactly gotten personal with Mr. Quinn, but I picked up on that accent the first time we met.

“What’s good?” I really tried to sound polite, but my Queens jumped out in situations like this. I did not gulp, because I could not let this ------ see me sweat. I managed not to cut my eyes at him, but it was a close call.

I took him in, ramrod straight, every hair in its place, not a wrinkle in sight, and decided he could not be the proprietor of the laugh-choke from before. The man seemed to be completely lacking a sense of humor. I knew he must have teeth but I’d never seen them.

Yeah, definitely not him. That fact rallied my spirits a little bit as I stood close enough to pick up on how he smelled. Like the ocean and something woodsy. That was not helpful information.

Without saying another word, I ran my eyes over him. It struck me that he was not wearing something bespoke like pretty much everyone here. Don’t get me wrong, he still looked good enough to eat, but he was clearly on a budget. And at a place where everyone looked like they were heading to a New York Fashion Week photo shoot, it was sort of jarring. Still, the suit fit him well. And there was no question, this guy could wear the ---- out of a suit. I held back a whimper when I envisioned him in a Brioni or a Zegna. They’d have to put out a heat advisory for the building if that ever happened.

“I thought I could detect a familiar accent when I was com­ing down the hall.” His perfectly blue eyes twinkled at what I was certain was an expression of utter mortification on my face. He sounded pleasant enough, but he was also alluding to the fact that I was yapping on my phone. This wasn’t the first time he tried to be cute. Rocco Quinn seemed to like fucking with me. And it was only a matter of time before he stepped on my last nerve and I reamed him out.

Thankfully, just as I was scrambling to respond to his com­ment, the elevator got to my floor. I was planning to just leave him hanging and run off, but he was hot on my heels.

------.

“Sounds like your mom misses you.”

Oh, for ----’s sake. Why did he have to act all fake nice?

I nodded without looking at him. “She does. Listen, Mr. Quinn—”

“You can call me Rocco.”

Nope, that was not happening. I was not letting this sexy bastard talk me into getting all chummy with him. I was already on thin ice as it was. He could keep his pheromones and his slick-as----- expressions to his ---- self. I came to a dead stop a few feet away from the conference room door where my boss—and whatever ------ news she was about to give me—was waiting.

When I turned around, Rocco was looking down at me with an expectant smile. God he was handsome, that jet-black hair so dark it almost had a tinge of blue and those eyes, piercing. And I guess he had teeth after all, and of course they were perfect. Asshole. I shook my head hard when my traitorous brain started wondering what Pantone color his eyes would be.

Get your head in the game, Julia del Mar.

I straightened my back, determined to fight off the debilitating effects of those gleaming teeth and perfectly pink lips. I had to remember this niceness was probably his way of getting us to let our guard down. He was here to find ways to cut jobs. I was not about to mouth off and get myself fired, but I needed to get some things clear.

“Look.” I was proud of myself for not rolling my neck or pointing at his face. “I know you’re trying to be nice, but you make me nervous.” I pulled on the hem of my blue polka-dot dress and smoothed my yellow cardigan, avoiding eye con­tact at all costs.

“Why do I make you nervous?”

Uh, maybe because you’re here to close down as much of the foundation as you can.

I refrained from actually saying that because I had not been raised by a Puerto Rican man and Dominican woman just so I could act like I had no home training with the guy who could get me fired. But it was a close call.

“I’m sorry for saying that. You don’t make me nervous.”

Lies.

Rocco Quinn didn’t just make me nervous. He made me want to run my hands all over that big---- body and moon over his almost but not quite curly hair and blue eyes, in spite of the fact that I knew he was out here gunning for my entire program. And yet, I still wanted to kiss the ---- out of him while I climbed him like a sequoia.

Copyright © 2020 by Adriana Herrera

*Please note swear words were edited out using "----" with permission from the publisher.

About the Author


Adriana was born and raised in the Caribbean, but for the last fifteen years has let her job (and her spouse) take her all over the world. She loves writing stories about people who look and sound like her people, getting unapologetic happy endings.

When she’s not dreaming up love stories, planning logistically complex vacations with her family or hunting for discount Broadway tickets, she’s a trauma therapist in New York City, working with survivors of domestic and sexual violence.

Her Dreamers series has received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist and has been featured in The TODAY Show on NBC, Entertainment Weekly, NPR, Library Journal and The Washington Post. Her debut, American Dreamer, was selected as one of Booklist’s ‘Best Romance Debuts of 2019’, and one of the ‘Top 10 Romances of 2019’ by Entertainment Weekly. Her third novel, American Love Story, was one of the winners in the first annual Ripped Bodice Award for Excellence in Romantic Fiction. Adriana is an outspoken advocate for diversity in romance and has written for Remezcla and Bustle about Own Voices in the genre. She’s one of the co-creators of the Queer Romance PoC Collective. Represented by Taylor Haggerty at Root Literary.



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