#BookReview: Post-War Dreams by Brenda Whiteside

Post-War Dreams by Brenda Whiteside

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

World War II has ended and the soldiers are coming home. After years of following her crop worker father, motherless Claire Flanagan is also coming home. If she can keep her father in one place long enough, she plans to follow her dreams to Hollywood. Until she meets Benjamin.

Benjamin Russell has been working since he was fifteen to support his mother and siblings. What he most wants in life is to own a construction business and take care of the family his father abandoned. The last thing he expects is to fall for his younger sister’s best friend.

Life, however, throws cruel twists and turns into the path of romance. And when an unrequited love seeks revenge against Claire, and Benjamin learns his ex-girlfriend is pregnant, will lost dreams of a future together be the only thing they have left?

Kindle Edition, 296 pages

Published October 14th 2015 by The Wild Rose Press, Inc

My Review:

Since I'm avidly interested in the WWII era, I eagerly began reading this story that takes place shortly after the war. It's the coming of age story of Claire Flanagan who lives with her Da and dreams of life as a Hollywood movie star. Her Da moves frequently from place to place in search of jobs. She ends up in a small American town where she becomes close friends with a girl named Pauline. She spends much time with Pauline and her family, enjoying the experiences of a large family, something she's never known. When she meets Pauline's brother, Benjamin, she realizes that he is a different sort of man than the other boys she's known so far. She's drawn to him and the story of their time together, as well as the complications of their relationship is what I really liked about this story. I'm all about the romance!

I enjoyed reading Post-war Dreams. It was filled with enough historical details to allow the reader to feel what it was like to live during that time period, but not in an overwhelming way. There were choice words a descriptions that really set the tone and mood for this story. The scene of the family dancing in their living room was fun to read since it was getting a glimpse at what people during this time did for entertainment. I suppose it must've reminded me of something my grandmother might have done with her family and I found it quite charming.

Also, I very much enjoyed the first person POV for Claire and the third person POV for Benjamin. I liked getting inside Claire's head to her intimate thoughts which allowed the reader to see and feel Claire's growth from a young girl into a woman. I'll admit, first person POV is probably my favorite when reading for enjoyment.

The only difficulty I had while reading this story was that midway my Kindle broke and I had to wait to several weeks to get a new one to finish it. Yes, I know there are Kindle apps for the computer, but I don't like reading for pleasure on my computer. It's more annoying for me since I can't cuddle up with my computer on the sofa.



View all my reviews

Buy this book:

The Wild Rose Press

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Time for a Change #IWSG

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Visit others in this group here or find the hashtag #IWSG on Twitter.

This is my first post in the Insecure Writer's Support Group. I discovered this blog hop about a year ago and while I read many of the posts I've never written one of my own.

Time for a change.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm beyond insecure. Okay, well, maybe only my close friends know it. I don't advertise it. Except today! Ha! Seriously, I know I'm not the only one and that's okay.

Writers, as well as other artists, are known to be self-conscious and insecure, doubting their abilities.

I'm included in a great group of people!

Here we are in the first month of a brand new year! Hello, 2016! I'm always eager for these new starts. I want to try new things, accomplish the goals that I strive for and continue my resolutions. The trouble is that there are many times when I start something but I don't finish it. NaNoWriMo is counted among them. And I get easily discouraged by this.

And for some reason, I neglect to remember those times that I have finished stories. Many stories. So why should I be discouraged because I can't finish 50,000 words in one month?

For the beginning of 2016, I've made goals and resolutions. I have plans that I wish to accomplish. My fear is that I'll stop. That the motivation that stirs me along the first few days might dwindle.





So, for the start of the new year, I'm giving myself a total of 100,000 words to write. And I have the whole year to do it. It's not a race. I can finish it anytime I want. And not only that, but I'm including all words written in this goal, as in words written for journal entries and blog posts as well as any articles or stories that I write.

There have been too many days where I haven't written a word. Not a single word. Too many days that have gone by and I tell myself that I'll get that word count in and double tomorrow. But with those extra words stacked against me, its like climbing a steep mountain with heavy gear weighing me down. I'm not inclined to do it.

Sometimes I'm so easily discouraged.

Also, I'm not focusing on word count for my stories. I'm going to write it until the story gets done, not until the word count is reached. That way, I'm focusing on how much time I'm spending on my stories, whether its brainstorming, writing or editing. I'm doing something to move forward.

And if I include all of my writing to reach that 100,000 words, then I don't have the word count goal hovering over me.

It's been six days and I've written every day. Just the act of writing, no matter the content, feels good.

Tricia

The Witch and the Ghost #8Sunday #excerpt

I've joined again with the Weekend Writing Warriors to offer a short excerpt.

This week's excerpt comes from my newest release, The Witch's Kiss, where Sage Merriweather (a witch) is preparing for an argument from Marianne Grey (a ghost).

When she stood before him, he braced himself for her anger, scorn and ire. No doubt the scathing words about to exit her mouth would cut him to the quick. He’d been the target of Marianne’s wrath numerous times in the past, but never when he deserved it as mightily as he did in this moment. 

She opened her mouth to speak, but no sound emerged. The blood drained from her face, no easy feat for an incorporeal being. Fearing she suffered from some manner of ghostly apoplexy, he tried to reach out to her, only just remembering he could not touch her moments before his hand sliced through her arm. His skin shivered where he made contact with her phantom being.

His actions managed to snap her out of whatever condition had struck her, for she quickly looked up. Only then did he realize she did not see him, but some object beyond his shoulder in the ballroom. 

“Marianne?”

Please be sure to check out the other blogs participating in this Sunday event. Also check out #8Sunday on Twitter to find more great excerpts!

 

Blurb for The Witch's Kiss:

Marianne Grey is a ghost. But, she's not dead. Cursed by a necromancer, Marianne searches for the elusive spell needed to merge her spirit with her physical body. She's not alone in her search. Her neighbor and best friend, Sage Merriweather, has vowed to help her break the curse.

Sage suffers from his own demons. Literally. After surviving a horrific attack, a demon has bonded with him, mutating Sage's magic so he can only conjure fire. Until he can break the bond, he is a danger to everyone near him, including those he loves.

From the glittering ballrooms of London to eerily dark graveyards, Marianne and Sage battle forces of evil destined to claim their souls for eternity. Though their newfound love for each other may be the toughest battle of all.

Click here for more information and links to buy.

New Year, New Goals #writinggoals

Happy New Year, dear readers!

It's that time of year again. Time to look back at the old year to see what worked and what didn’t and re-evaluate for the new year. I'm the type of person who likes to set goals, but often things run amok and sometimes I don't complete them. Not all the time, but I'll admit to some time.

This is sort of what happened in 2015.

I had a list of goals and I did well during the first few months. Then my son was born in April and my life again turned upside down. This time with the added stress of some health issues that sprang up over the summer. My mind was not on writing. Also, I had some technical difficulty with my blog. So much so, that I was prepared to close this one and open a new one since I couldn't figure out why it wasn't posting. That, hopefully, has been resolved.

Not only that, but my social calendar quickly filled with events for my children in 2015. They are very sociable and eager to join groups and events, so as their mother I'm obliged to encourage and assist them. Plus, I have to drive them!

I'm hoping this year will turn out differently. I'm keeping a positive mindset. I'm all about juggling my family and my life and making things work, but I'm eager to jump back into my writing world. Writing is my passion. I love it! And I want to make a prosperous career out of it. As in, I'd like to be able to promise my husband that I'll contribute to paying some of the bills for the house and our family so he doesn't have to keep working overtime just to make ends meet.

Even though I had some major life events occurring this year, I did manage to get two stories written and sent to my editor and publisher. I'm working on re-writes for one and waiting to see if they'd like to contract for the other. And I have additions to the lists of possible future books. My idea file is overflowing!

Also, February marked the release of my 4th Merriweather Witches book, The Witch's Kiss. This one

is my favorite so far and I was excited to share it with my readers!

• With that said, I'm not going to give myself a list of projects to complete as I did last year. I'm just going to focus on writing every day, whether it's for a story, an article or blog post, or even an entry in my personal journal. As long as I'm writing, getting words down on paper or text, I'm using my brain and exercising those creative muscles. I'll be happy with that. My goal is a page a day. I'm going easy on myself since some of my health issues are not yet resolved and my son is still waking up multiple times during the night, so there are days when I feel like a zombie. I usually write 1,000-2,000 words a day, on those days that I'm writing. I'd like to see 100,000 words by the end of the year. I even downloaded a beautiful word tracker program to keep count.

• I want to complete the many unfinished projects I have hanging around the house. Such as scanning in the family photos into the computer and labeling them, finishing the baby records and journals I have for my kids, and working on the genealogy projects that I do in my spare time. And maybe some of those unfinished craft projects. I have a doll house that needs decorating, too.

• My husband bought an electric guitar for me as a gift this year. I used to play guitar many years ago. This year, I want to relearn those songs I've forgotten and teach myself some new songs as well. I have a very musical family with both musicians and singers. My grandmother sang on the radio back in the day and always lamented over not pursuing her music career. My great-grandfather and my uncle played the guitar in different bands. My brother plays guitar, too. I even married into music. My husband is a bass player and singer with an album to his name. And now my eldest son is learning to play the trombone. So, I feel compelled to plunge myself back into the music world. And as I'm always practicing singing, my husband and I are talking about recording a duet. That is exciting!
  

• Last, but not least, I want to become more fluent in the German language. I've become rusty over the years of disuse, so I want to practice reading and speaking it daily. I have a few novels written in German that I've been putting aside thinking it too complicated for me, but why should I not challenge myself? I'm not going to become fluent waiting to save up money to buy the Rosetta Stone (although that would be a nice addition to my language collection). Others have learned without the benefit of such programs and I have many books on the subject. I have no excuse. So, I'll practice a new word a day to ease myself back into the language. Over the next few weeks, I'd like to intensify that, but I'm starting out slow.

So there's my list of goals. What about you? Do you have any resolutions that you'd like to share?

Tricia

Escaping Christmas by Lisa DeVore #25daysofbooks

 

This year I'm counting down the days 'til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I'm sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!

Escaping Christmas by Lisa DeVore


Author, Alexandra Storm, escaped to the mountains of Colorado to avoid everything about Christmas, including her ex-boyfriend. He dumped her on Christmas Eve two years ago, and the holiday has haunted her since. Her plan is to write her way through the dreaded Christmas cheer.

But, she didn't expect her new landlord, Zach Camden, to be a hunky savior on a snowmobile. After learning of her aversion to the holiday, he vows to give Christmas back to her. The attraction is undeniable, but she doesn’t need another failed romance. And she most definitely doesn’t need a reunion with her ex, or the escalating threats from an unknown enemy.

As the danger increases, will she survive the season and allow love to restore her holiday spirit?

Excerpt:

Goosebumps covered her body as she toweled off. The silence was creepy. She pulled the nightshirt over her head and stopped, putting an ear to the bathroom door. She swore a creaking sound came from the front of the suite. Must have been a door above her closing. She finished dressing and hung the towel on the rod. Alex opened the door and noticed the room was dim. She didn’t remember shutting the light off. Her instincts were warning her something was wrong, but all Owen’s talk about danger probably had her paranoid. She had checked the lock on the door before going for her bath…hadn’t she?

Something wasn’t right. Alex walked slowly down the hallway to the living room, struggling to see in the dim light. She strained to hear, moving toward the kitchen. She needed a weapon. She had no time to react to the gloved hand that covered her mouth. Alex slammed violently into someone’s stone hard chest.

“Listen carefully,” a menacing voice growled in her ear. “Finish your book and stay away from Owen Banks. He’s off limits to you, so don’t even think about a reunion. If he comes sniffing around again, you better convince him you’re through. And if you say one word about his marriage, a lot of people are going to get hurt. We’ll start with your boyfriend. You do get around, don’t you, Miss Storm? Are we clear on what’s expected of you?”

Alex nodded, biting down on her lip like the nervous child she used to be. She closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing. Fear was at the forefront, but she was desperately trying to remember the voice. She swore she recognized the voice.


Happy Holidays!
~Tricia

No Accounting for Love by LM Gonzalez #25daysofbooks

This year I'm counting down the days 'til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I'm sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!












No Accounting For Love


by L.M. Gonzalez






Laura Cortez, a single mom, works full-time and takes classes toward an accounting degree for a better income for her family. She meets her dream man on a blind date set up by their siblings but thinks she should have stayed home. When he asks her to his company’s Christmas party, she agrees against her better judgment; she’s attracted to him despite all the reasons she shouldn’t be.




Tony Alvarado has spent his life, ever since his marriage, building his accounting firm because his ex-wife nagged him constantly about money. When she divorced him, claiming he was always working, she took half his money, and his son. Now he believes women only date him because he’s rich. His reactions to Laura puzzle him, but he continues to see her because he can’t figure her out.




Will the holiday season help them forget the liabilities and balance out the miracle of love in adding together two lonely hearts?




Excerpt:

“Where are you going?” Laura asked and admired a house whose whole front yard was a Christmas wonderland of lights, complete with Santa Claus and reindeer in the front yard. “Oh, isn’t that pretty?”




“To Dallas.” What was it with her and Christmas lights?




“Ummm…I hope you don’t get caught in a snowstorm.”




“Yes, that’s another worry.”




“I would love a white Christmas,” she said, “if I could stay home.” She giggled. “I don’t want to be driving in it. What are you going to do in Dallas?”




“I’m going to see a potential client. It would be an asset to my company to acquire him. I won’t return until Saturday morning.”




Laura knew that was the day of his Christmas party. She watched as Anthony maneuvered the car up her driveway.




“Have a good trip, then. And thanks again for dinner.” Laura opened the car door as he shut off the car’s engine.




“Thanks for going.”




“I wouldn’t have missed it.” Laura climbed out of the car. She watched as Anthony also got out. She didn’t want him to walk her to the door. She’d had enough awkwardness for one night. But she didn’t say anything.




He walked with her. Her heels beat a fast clickety-click on the sidewalk, and she unlocked the door quickly.




“Goodnight,” Laura said and looked up at Anthony. He was so close she felt the warmth from his body. She caught the scent of his cologne again—that mix of woodsy with mint.




“Goodnight,” he said—and touched her shoulder and bent his head.




Heat rushed from his touch through her entire body, as it had in the restaurant. “Don’t,” she said, even though she longed to lean into him and find out how his lips would feel against hers.




“Why not?” He still leaned toward her.




“Because we’re not going to see each other again, and…” What if I can’t forget you? She looked down and opened the door, said, “Goodnight,” and stepped inside her house.




Anthony stared at her and asked, “You really don’t want me to kiss you?”



Oh, yes! But you don’t. You’re just doing it because that’s what you do at the end of a date.




“It’s better this way,” she said.




Anthony seemed to want to pursue the issue, but then he only said, “Goodnight.”




Laura heard the car door shut and the engine start as she shut her door and leaned back against it. She heard Anthony drive away.



What a night! She looked toward the mirror against the far right wall. Stepping in front of it, she scrutinized herself. To her eyes, she looked fine. But she wasn’t Anthony’s type, that’s all. She smoothed some loose hairs away from her forehead. She took the barrette off.



I wish I were his type. As Laura walked to her lonely bedroom, tears filled her eyes. I’m such an idiot!













Happy Holidays!


Tricia

Dead of Winter by Sean Harris #25daysofbooks

This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!

Dead of Winter by Sean Harris



"Fairbanks, Alaska is a city filled with colorful characters and I was one of them. Since I was a teenager, I’ve seen spirits and ghosts walking among us. There’s a lot more of them than you might think."

A young woman reaches out from beyond the grave, and a reluctant clairvoyant, Allysen Coles, answers her pleas to solve a decades-old murder. With the help of her friends—a spiritually magnetic computer programmer and a hockey-playing priest—Allysen uncovers something far more sinister than murder. In the long, dark winter of Fairbanks, things aren't always what they seem.

Excerpt:

In the room, the thumping was nearly deafening. With each tremendous blow, Harry and I nearly fell over. He did as I told him and kept a firm hold on me. Suddenly, books began flying off the shelves. We ducked constantly to avoid being hit. Leave it to a doctor to own lots of large, heavy books. One of them caught me on my injured leg. Thankfully, it didn’t hit the wound but it was enough to make me cry out. I felt my knees start to give out on me, but Harry caught me and kept me from falling.

The booming blows continued to rain down on the house, and drywall dust fell from the ceiling as the structure began to show signs of the beating it was taking. To our right, the closet door swung open and slammed shut in perfect rhythm of the moans and wails.

Then, suddenly, it all stopped.

The closet door stood wide open. I looked into it from where I stood but could see nothing but darkness. Either the entity I was looking for was in there and inviting me into its lair, or the Meyers had one heck of a walk-in closet.

I could hear the sound of someone or something breathing in the darkness. That was unusual, considering that ghosts don’t need oxygen and have very little use for breathing. Some of them continue to do it out of habit, but after a while, most of them found it too tedious to keep up the façade.

Cautiously, I took a step toward the closet.

“Careful, Allie,” Harry said. He still had a death grip on my hand.

“Harry, is the closet door open?” I needed to make sure I wasn’t the only one seeing this.

“Yes, and I can hear something breathing. And it smells bad.”

I didn’t notice the odor myself, but now wasn’t the time to argue about it. I took another step, and I thought I could make out movement there in the darkness.

“Allysen, we’ve been waiting for you.” voices called in unison from the darkness.

I suddenly wanted—no, needed, to get out of that room. The door to the hallway suddenly slammed shut, causing both Harry and I to jump.

“Come, Allysen. Come see what we have in mind for you,” they called again.
 

I stepped backward, but I was a split second too late. Before I could go anywhere, some force I couldn’t see reached out and grabbed my wrist. I knew in that instant what it was planning to do.

Stupidly, I’d played right into its plan.

“Harry, let go of my—”

Laughter echoed in my head as the unseen force dragged me and Harry into the darkness.

Happy Holidays!


Tricia

Christmas in Transylvania by Sandra Hill #25daysofbooks

This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!










Christmas in Transylvania by Sandra Hill













For the first time ever, the leader of the Viking Vampire Angels, Vikar Sigurdsson, has been talked into celebrating a traditional Christmas! The tree has been decorated, the gifts have been wrapped, and the stockings have been hung. And that's mistletoe, not cobwebs, hanging from the ceiling of the creepy castle full of vangels … really!

The icing on the vampire cookie comes when vangel Karl Mortensen rescues Faith Larson, a battered young waitress, from her abusive boyfriend and hides her in the castle amidst the Christmas chaos. But what Karl thought was a frail young teenager is actually a very tempting woman. And she thinks his fangs are sexy!

But a strange "Christmas visitor" at the castle and demon vampires up to their old tricks could threaten the budding romance between Karl and Faith. It's an impossible match—a human and a vangel—but Christmas is a time for magic.

Karl and Faith don't stand a chance …










Happy Holidays!






~Tricia

Twelve Brides of Christmas #25daysofbooks

This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!


















Brides of Christmas Volume One






Big on Christmas by Jan Romes




Cassie Newman left L.A. with a secret and finds herself in Woodstock, Vermont – a town rich with Christmas tradition. She tries to forget the world she knew, but the small-town charm makes her even more aware of the life she never had.

Luke Stennett doesn’t have time for relationships. Things are starting to go right but he has a secret of his own that could potentially turn everything upside down.

Once their secrets are revealed, will it kill the chemistry and send Cassie back to LA? Or will she fight for her happiness and stay firmly planted in a place big on Christmas?







Late for the Wedding by Barbara Edwards




Despite an impending nor’easter, Heather Green sets out for her twin sister’s wedding with the dress, cake, and favors. As the snow piles up, she wrecks her car in an accident.

Driving a tow truck, Nicholas Burnes has the task of helping Heather. When the storm closes the roads, he ends up offering her shelter. Warm and rested, Nick and Heather explore their attraction to each other, only to part when he delivers her to her sister’s wedding. But weddings breed weddings…







Till the World Is Safe for Dreams by Fleeta Cunningham




Dreams were put on hold when the bombs hit Pearl Harbor, including Kay and Jeremy’s wedding plans. Now he’s half a world away, and Kay is spending her days in a war plant, forging bonds with other women who worry and wait. Then she receives the news that Jeremy has life threatening injuries. Will he come back? If he does, will he be the same? Will the world ever be safe for dreams?







Brides of Christmas Volume Two






The Christmas Room by Tanya Hanson




Running from her past and healing from unspeakable grief, Martita Akala has built a new life on the island of Oahu…until a handsome cowboy disrupts her well-ordered peace.

Will spending time in Martita's "Christmas Room" make American cowboy Rooney Lind realize he's found what he's been looking for his whole life?







The Mystery of the Claddagh Rings by Kallie Lane




The Claddagh rings have resurfaced along with the hit men searching for them. An FBI agent offers to protect Fiona in exchange for the rings. Does she trust a mysterious stranger or go it alone and lose everything…maybe even her life?




Agent O’Shea is willing to do whatever it takes to clear his father’s name. He never imagines Fiona will touch his heart. As they join forces to beat the odds, will he be able to keep her safe…or will he surrender to the legacy of the Claddagh rings and let her go?







Six Geese For Monica by Brenda Gayle




When her inability to conceive a child ended her marriage, Monica Stevens left her home town. Seven years later she reluctantly returns to run the Mother Goose Daycare while her mother undergoes surgery. Luke Donovan is struggling to balance career and fatherhood to six adopted children.

Initially brought together by the children, Monica and Luke quickly surrender to their growing passion. But Monica wonders if Luke’s interest in her is only as a mother to his children. Is history about to repeat itself or will a Christmas miracle finally give Monica the family she’s always dreamed of having?







Brides of Christmas Volume Three






Seven Swans Bride by Donna Dalton




Abigail Whitlock will do anything to make it home to Seven Swans in time for Christmas even if it means braving unforgiving mountainous terrain, fickle winter weather, and a captivating escort who threatens to steal her heart.

Country and duty come before all else for Major Evander Holt. He’s scheduled to arrive at his new assignment by year’s end, but there's something about Abigail he can't resist...even if it means risking his career.







A Case for Calamity by Mackenzie Crowne




Jane Whitmore switched identities with her best friend. But when the romantic night she spent with Gabe Sutton means he’s about to be a father, the truth of her identity is just another calamity Jane would rather avoid.

When Gabe finally finds Jane and learns the truth, his belief in happily-ever-after staggers under the weight of her deception. Should he fight her for custody of his future child or cling to the promise of true love?







Faerie Faith by Silver James




Abhean, the fae harper, is exiled to the mortal realm until he finds the other half of his heart. As Venn McLyre, the NYC street musician, he has no memory of his true nature—or his magic. When he steps in to save reluctant bride, Gwyneth Riley, he could lose more than his heart—he could lose his immortality.












Brides of Christmas Volume Four







The Tenth Suitor by Laura Strickland




Edwina’s father has invited ten titled lords to spend Christmas at his medieval estate so Edwina may choose one for a husband. However, it soon becomes apparent the lords are more interested in gaining her father’s estate than Edwina’s hand.

Thorstan’s in attendance, but he hasn’t been invited, and he’s no lord. When Edwina is abducted, only Thorstan—a skilled swordsman—has hope of rescuing her in time for the promised Christmas wedding.







Piper's Piping by Dylan Newton




Werewolf Aribella Lupari-Gray is on her long-awaited honeymoon. Or at least, that was the plan. When she and Mason land in Ireland just before Christmas, their dream holiday turns into a nightmare: the pack’s werewolf children have all vanished. With Aribella’s life in danger searching the pups, there may not be a marriage to bless.







Bang The Drummer by Desiree Holt




Jill Kennedy has plans for a Christmas wedding. Now all she needs is a groom. A drummer who'll keep her life as steady as he keeps the beat to his music. But with Christmas approaching and no groom in sight, she's starting to wonder if she'll ever bang the drummer of her dreams.










Happy Holidays!






~Tricia

Heartbeat Thief by AJ Krafton #25daysofbooks

This year I’m counting down the days ‘til Christmas with books and other fun things readers enjoy! I love the Holiday Season so I’m sharing ideas for you to fill your holiday stocking!












Heartbeat Thief by AJ Krafton







Haunted by a crushing fear of death, a young Victorian woman discovers the secret of eternal youth—she must surrender her life to attain it, and steal heartbeats to keep it.

In 1860 Surrey, a young woman has only one occupation: to marry. Senza Fyne is beautiful, intelligent, and lacks neither wealth nor connections. Finding a husband shouldn’t be difficult, not when she has her entire life before her.
But it’s not life that preoccupies her thoughts. It’s death—and that shadowy spectre haunts her every step.

So does Mr. Knell. Heart-thumpingly attractive, obviously eligible—he’d be her perfect match if only he wasn’t so macabre. All his talk about death, all that teasing about knowing how to avoid it…

When her mother arranges a courtship with another man, Senza is desperate for escape from a dull prescripted destiny. Impulsively, she takes Knell up on his offer. He casts a spell that frees her from the cruelty of time and the threat of death—but at a steep price. In order to maintain eternal youth, she must feed on the heartbeats of others.

It’s a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Edgar Allen Poe, and a whole lot of stealing heartbeats in order to stay young and beautiful forever. From the posh London season to the back alleys of Whitechapel, across the Channel, across the Pond, across the seas of Time…

How far will Senza Fyne go to avoid Death?




My Review for this book.







Happy Holidays!






~Tricia