Author: deanne01

I am an avid reader and reviewer. I am open for review requests please contact me at Cnnamongirl at aol dot com. I work with big name publishers and indie publishers alike. I am on launch and street teams and have MANY NetGalley and GoodReads reviews up. I love all animals and I am a vegetarian. Thank you for joining me here.

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Man of Shadow and Mist (Of Monsters and Men Book 2)

322 pages Barbour Fiction publisher June 1, 2023 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

“The world seems full of good men—even if there are monsters in it.”
–Bram Stoker, Dracula
 
England, 1890
 
Vampires are alive and well in North Yorkshire, leastwise in the minds of the uneducated. Librarian Rosa Edwards intends to drive a stake through the heart of such superstitions. But gossip flies when the mysterious Sir James Morgan returns to his shadowy manor. The townsfolk say he is cursed.
 
James hates everything about England. The weather. The rumours. The scorn. Yet he must stay. His mother is dying of a disease for which he’s desperately trying to find a cure—an illness that will eventually take his own life.
 
When Rosa sets out to prove the dark gossip about James is wrong, she discovers more questions than answers. How can she accept what she can’t explain—especially the strong allure of the enigmatic man? James must battle a town steeped in fear as well as the unsettling attraction he feels for the no-nonsense librarian.
 
Can love prevail in a town filled with fear and doubt?

MY THOUGHTS

This cover, I love it as it goes perfectly with the story.
A Man of Shadows and Mist is the second book in the Of Monsters and Men series.


A historical romance but also gothic I was immersed in the ambience, a dark chilling manor, screams in the night. The author’s writing style is one you will get lost in as you are in her world while reading this.


James has returned from Transylvania to North Yorkshire living in his manor he just wants to care for and find a cure for his dying mother. This is the late 1800’s, he is misunderstood and ostracized, those around him fear him and think he’s evil.


Rosa helps her father out in his subscription library of which James goes to often. She winds up seeing him around town and brings him books. I enjoyed seeing her kind and helpful attitude when no one else wanted anything to do with him.


History, mystery full of encouragement and faith filled. This is my favorite book by the author so far and I look forward to more intriguing books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

I hear voices. Loud. Incessant. And very real. Which basically gives me two options: choke back massive amounts of Prozac or write fiction. I’ve been writing since I discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. I seek to glorify God in all that I write–except for that graffiti phase I went through as teenager.

You are wonderful. You can do it. Thank you for stopping in.

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What’s your preference, morning or night?

Are you more of a night or morning person?

While I do enjoy the evening when the house becomes quieter and relaxation can set in I also love the morning in all its new found fresh glory. The rising of the sun, the dew on the grass, the chirping of the birds and the stillness of an early morning in the country.

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What are your thoughts on eating meat?

What are your feelings about eating meat?

Answering the daily prompt ❓❓❓❓❓

So my mother has been a vegetarian for as long as I’ve known her. I was not and she didn’t try to influence me to become one either.

I became one , it’ll be six years in April of next year. I am a lover of animals and have watched many documentaries on animal suffering and what they go through so we can eat them and this includes birds and fish as well. I decided I could not contribute to this cruelty anymore. It’s better for the environment not to eat meat as well. My health has improved and I have more energy not eating meat. Luckily I enjoy many fruits and vegetables and plant based foods. I think they are delicious.

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Waiting for Christmas 

280 pages Tyndale Fiction publisher September 3, 2024 publish date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In this hope-filled Gilded Age Christmas novella from bestselling author Lynn Austin, the year is 1901 and the hustle and bustle of the holidays is descending on New York’s Fifth Avenue.

For the first time in her privileged life, Adelaide Forsythe won’t be swept up in it. She couldn’t be happier about the prospect of a quieter Christmas. That’s not to say her transition from Miss to Mrs. has been without challenge. Though she doesn’t regret marrying for love instead of wealth, she can barely light the hearth or cook more than burnt toast. She feels woefully unprepared to run her own household.

Then, on the first Sunday of Advent, winter winds bring change through two unlikely means: a young orphan boy, hiding near Adelaide’s front steps, and a seasoned housekeeper who seems too good to be true.

The boy, Jack, claims he isn’t an orphan at all and is desperate to reunite his family. Adelaide and her husband Howard work tirelessly to solve the riddle of Jack’s story, while Adelaide’s new endeavors open her eyes to a world beyond her past experience—and all the challenge and possibility it holds. As Christmas approaches, small glimmers of wonder light the way toward the answers Adaleide seeks and the most miraculous gift of all.

Includes discussion questions for book clubs

The novella length of this delightful work of Christmas fiction about the true meaning of Christmas makes this a great stocking stuffer or host/hostess gift

Beautiful hardcover, giftable size

Great companion to All My Secrets by Lynn Austin

MY THOUGHTS

While I do enjoy Christmas romance books, I do actually prefer feel good Christmas books of which this one is.


Taking place during the gilded age in 1901, newly married Adelaide Forsythe who grew up in the lap of luxury has had enough of it and just wants to be ordinary and live within her husband’s means. It hasn’t been easy though, growing up with cooks, nannies and maids has left her unable to do the simplest domestic chores but she’s willing to learn.


Coming home one evening hearing a rustling in her bushes she investigates and discovers a ragged street urchin about nine years old. Bringing him in out of the cold he’s cared for.

Now I fell in love with this little boy, though he did have some problems adapting to a new way of life and insecurities plagued him. Though this is novella length it is a beautifully, pull on your heartstring filled story.

A child looking for the rest of his family and can’t rest easily until he does. It’s almost Christmas, will his Christmas hopes be fulfilled or will disappointment once again fill his life?


Poignant read, one that will be remembered for a long time.
Recommended highly!

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Enjoy your day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Wrangling the Wandering Rancher: A Sweet Historical Romance (High Country Ranch Book 4) 

216 pages October 22, 2024 publication date

ABOUT THE BOOK

In the high country of Colorado, love endures all things, even the solitary way of life in the wilderness.

Maisy Merritt has vowed she’ll never marry a mountain man. Even though she loves the Colorado Rockies and the wild creatures she helps, she hates the way her pa’s mountain-man ways took him away from his family and caused her ma to die of loneliness. Maisy’s ready to start a normal life, and that includes marrying a normal man.

As a trapper and trail guide, Tanner Oakley lives a wandering life. He’s witnessed how hard being alone is for Maisy and her sister whenever their pa is gone, so he’s decided that he’s not husband material for any woman since he’s so restless and unsettled.

Having given up looking for the family he lost long ago, Tanner returns to the mountains and finds Maisy in trouble. As he tries to help her, he only makes matters worse. With Maisy injured and her reputation in shatters, he’s forced to do the right thing and marry her. They resist being together, but maybe marriage is what both of them really want—and need—after all.

Lost family

Friends to more

Alone together in wilderness

Trapped in a cabin

Shotgun marriage

Abandonment issues

MY THOUGHTS

I’ve read reading the authors books for years and her books are automatic reads for me. I love everything about them, her writing style, the setting and the characters.

This is Tanner’s story, the second adopted son. The previous book had his brother’s story.
The book has a beautiful western setting. Maisy doesn’t want to get married all the mountain men she knows leave, including her father and her sister’s husband and she doesn’t trust it not to happen to her.


Tanner hasn’t found a woman worth staying around for but he’s out to prove it to Maisy she’s the one for him and he’s staying despite her hesitation.


I love when a question from another book is answered and the book had a very satisfactory wrap up, a totally unexpected one at that. Faith filled and inspirational this clean western romance is one I can highly recommend.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

MEET THE AUTHOR

Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet, clean historical romances with plenty of sizzle (but without the spice).

Have a great day. Thanks for visiting today.

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Never Forgotten

`320 pages Barbour Fiction November 1, 2024 publication date

Buy Link

ABOUT THE BOOK

All He Wanted was Justice. All She Wanted was His Heart.

Georgina Whitmore, not accustomed to any man being unaffected by her charms, is plagued with the disappearance and rejection of Simon Fancourt. Twelve years later, Mr. Fancourt returns to British society with two children and a mad hunger for justice.

Racing against time, Simon works to uncover the men responsible for his wife’s horrific murder, protect his children, and fulfill his father’s unexpected will by marrying Georgina—the last thing in the world he wants to do.

Though her heart throbs to accept, she would rather lose him again than have his name without his love. She denies his proposal of matrimony, knowing it will cost them both. But as tragedies unravel and secret enemies narrow their sights on Simon, Georgina risks her life—and her reputation—to protect him and the children. Will the danger scorch them alive? Or will it, for the first time, open his heart to her?

Enjoy other Gothic Style Regencies from Hannah Linder:
Beneath His Silence
When Tomorrow Came
Garden of the Midnights
The Girl from the Hidden Forest



MY THOUGHTS

This is my first read by the author. I loved her writing style, and the fact that it’s original from any I’ve read before. It’s a gothic regency read. It’s a bit dark at first with some dark undertones. This sets the story up for what’s to come.


Georgina and Simon, they had such a beautiful story presented about them.
The mystery and intrigue pull you deep into the story, you must keep reading.


A romance that almost wasn’t so many secrets, I was thoroughly intrigued as I read. The characters fascinated me and I’ll now be reading more books by the author.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

THE AUTHOR

Hannah Linder resides in the beautiful mountains of central West Virginia. Represented by Books & Such, she writes Regency romantic suspense novels filled with passion, secrets, and danger. She is a four-time Selah Award winner, a 2023 Carol Award semi-finalist, and a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Also, Hannah is an international and multi-award-winning graphic designer who specializes in professional book cover design. She designs for both traditional publishing houses and individual authors, including New York Times, USA Today, and international bestsellers. She is also a self-portrait photographer of historical fashion. When Hannah is not writing, she enjoys playing her instruments—piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjolele—songwriting, painting still life, walking in the rain, and sitting on the front porch of her 1800s farmhouse. To follow her journey, visit hannahlinderbooks.com.

Thank you for stopping in.

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Blog Tour for The Stolen Sisters by Ann Bennett

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Stolen Sisters by Ann Bennett

https://geni.us/B0CYMYXTPGsocial

‘The lorry is ready to take you to the train station,’ the soldier announced, and Marta clung to her little sister. ‘I want to stay with her,’ Marta said, voice shaking. ‘It is not possible. You belong in the Reich,’ the officer said. ‘And she does not.’

Poland, 1944 When twelve-year-old Marta and her little sister Joanna are snatched while out shopping for food and pushed into an army truck with a swastika on the door, they are heartbroken. Terrified they will never see their mother again, the little girls cling to each other as the truck full of stolen children rumbles through the countryside.

But worse is yet to come. When they arrive at their strange new home, tears streaming down their cheeks, Marta is sent into a separate room. As she is measured, her blonde hair and blue eyes exclaimed over, she doesn’t realise she has seen her sister for the last time. Later, as she sobs alone in the chilly dormitory, her only crumb of comfort is the memory of a kind German nurse who took a photo of the two sisters, and promised Marta she will do what she can to find Joanna.

Berlin, 2005 In her cosy sitting room, seventy-year-old Marta freezes. The woman on her television talking about lost children is someone she could never forget. Margarete Weiss is the nurse who took the photo of her and Joanna, the photo with the secret message on the back…

Marta has never been able to find her younger sister and has buried herself in work so as not to be haunted by the ghosts of her past. But, seeing Margarete’s blue eyes again, a shoot of hope takes root in her heart. Margarete may not have been able to prevent the sisters being separated during the war. But might she be able to help Marta find out what happened to Joanna now?

A beautiful and emotional read about finding hope in the darkest corners. Fans of The Midwife of Auschwitz, Before We Were Yours and The Orphan Train will lose themselves in this beautiful and heartbreaking book.

MY THOUGHTS

There is nothing that brings out the empathy in readers more than to have down on their luck characters involving animals or children. This one involves children and it’s heartbreaking.

The author, I love her writing style her words are so fluid, they just flow effortlessly. A book like this just gets to you, as you keep reading hoping against hope to find that silver lining amongst the sadness. There has to be hope somewhere.


Sisters in Poland ten and twelve are out minding their own business when they are kidnapped. Scared out of their wits, the older does everything she can to comfort and protect the younger, all the while having no one to reassure her. Their mother, sickly and at home has no idea what has happened to her children.


Put through unwanted medical tests they had no choice but to receive, all of the kidnapped children are Germanized if they pass the medical tests. The process involves shipping them off to different facilities, none a pleasant place to be with no security or comfort.
The Nazi’s don’t care how the children are treated or if they have enough to eat.


There is one little ray of hope in a kindly German nurse who puts her life on the line to treat the children kindly and offer comfort for the little time she is with them.


When the unthinkable happens and the children are separated will they find the will power to go on or just give up? Utterly heartbreaking and intense.

I loved the ending it was rewarding and satisfying. I really enjoy WWII historical fiction especially when it’s as realistic as this author writes it. This is an automatic buy author for me and looking forward to many more great reads.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

VISIT OTHERS ON THE TOUR

THE AUTHOR

About the author

Ann Bennett is the author of several historical novels about the second world war in South East Asia, inspired by her father’s experience as a prisoner of the Japanese on the Thai-Burma railway. She has a Law degree and works full time as a lawyer, but is fascinated by India and South East Asia. Since her early twenties she has spent as much time as possible travelling in the region. She’s married with three sons and lives in Surrey.

Author social media:

Website

https://www.bambooheart.co.uk/

Facebook URL

https://www.facebook.com/ann.bennett.104

Instagram URL

https://www.instagram.com/annbennettrann

Twitter URL

Newsletter sign up

https://www.bookouture.com/ann-bennett

Have a wonderful day. Thank you for stopping in.

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Happy Thanksgiving

I am thankful for all of you following and visiting my blog. I hope you’re having a wonderful day.

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North America’s oldest employee

https://windsorstar.com/news/local-news/amazing-person-home-depots-oldest-north-american-employee-turns-100-in-windsor

This should give you a smile. 😀

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Blog Tour for Winter Magic in Port Berry by K.T. Dady

Book Title:

Winter Magic in Port Berry

Book Blurb:

Welcome to Port Berry, where love and festive magic are just around the corner.

Ginny Dean’s quiet life running Port Berry’s only café is disrupted by the arrival of gorgeous and enigmatic Will Pendleton. Will has returned to Port Berry looking for answers about his family’s heritage.

Sparks fly when he meets Ginny. At the annual holiday party their connection only grows into an undeniable chemistry neither can resist.

Then Will announces plans to open a tearoom next to Ginny’s café. She sees her own dreams melt with the winter snow. For as long as she can remember she has dreamed of her own tearoom — and just like that, this stranger to Port Berry has snatched it away.

But Will is going nowhere, and when they find themselves stranded in the snow together, they discover that neither are their feelings.

With Christmas approaching, both Will and Ginny must learn to face their own fears and take a chance on happiness.

And perhaps they need a little winter magic to help . . .

This festive, opposites attract romance is perfect for fans of Sue Moorcroft, Milly Johnson, Kim Nash, Jessica Redland and Jo Bartlett.

Readers Love PORT BERRY:

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Loved it . . . An ace love story but not in a predictable story line . A fabulous read.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Great read and lovely to be back in Port Berry.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘This book makes you laugh at times and has you feeling for what the characters are dealing with in life. I recommend reading this book.’

⭐⭐⭐⭐ ‘Not just a love story; it’s a tale of second chances and the healing power of community . . . If you’re looking for a feel-good romance with depth and heart, this book is a must-read.’

More stories from Port Berry coming in 2025!

Book Links/Buy Links:

https://geni.us/winter-port-berry-tour

MY THOUGHTS

This is another go to author for me, and you know what that means. Yes, as soon as I see another book coming out by the author, I just have to read it. I’ve read quite a few of the author’s books but not quite all and I need to remedy that.


I feel as though the characters could be neighbors and friends with me in this small-town charmer of a book. Not too long as to make you bogged down reading it’s the perfect length for a cozy afternoon in reading.


The thing I really enjoy, and it continues on in this book of the authors is how realistic it is. By this I mean the book isn’t all peaches and cream, unfortunately we all have things we experience or go through that aren’t the best, but we certainly work on improving them.


A character returns to Port Berry, and he has a lot to deal with, will he come to think of it as home though? There are themes of dementia, and we follow another character on a healing journey. The healing journey was really beautiful to see because this character isn’t alone one step of the way, they have so much support.

The characters are fun and supportive. This is one of the things I liked so much about the book, how the characters are really there for each other in their time of need. No one is allowed to feel alone or unsupported and I loved it.


Warmth, fun and wisdom you can feel coming right through the pages.
Highly recommended.

I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Name of Author:

K.T. Dady

Twitter Handle:

@kt_dady

Instagram Handle:

@kt_dady

Facebook Handle:

@ktdady

Author’s Website:

ktdady.com

Genre:

Festive Romance

Author Bio (small paragraph about yourself which I can share with reviewers.):

Hello, I’m K.T. Dady. I’m the bestselling author of the Pepper Bay series. I’m also a chocolate lover, mum to a grown-up daughter, and a huge fan of a HEA. I was born and raised in the East End of London, and I’ve been happily writing stories since I was a little girl. When I’m not writing, I’m reading, baking cakes, or pottering around in my little garden in Essex, trying not to kill the flowers.

Thank you for stopping in. I hope you have a lovely day.