Posted Saturday, 28 March, 2015 by jorielov Cedar Fort Inc, Lauren Skidmore, Sweetwater Books, What is Hidden, What is Hidden series, What is Lost 0 Comments
Acquired Book By: I am a regular tour hostess for blog tours via Cedar Fort whereupon I am thankful to have such a diverse amount of novels and non-fiction titles to choose amongst to host. I received a complimentary copy of “What is Lost” direct from the publisher Sweetwater Books (imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc) in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.
I did attempt to borrow Skidmore’s debut novel {“What is Hidden”} however time and life took me away from being able to consume the pages before the ILL (inter-library) loan was recalled back to my local library. It looked like such a beautiful novel too, and I was quite curious how she had transported us into the world of Cinderella, as I have been discovering how much I appreciate ‘fairy-tale fiction‘!
in lieu of reading what is hidden, i gained this insight from other book bloggers: (whose reviews are linked below)
I loved how a book blogger (at Novel-Ties) had a wicked new perspective on the novel inasmuch as they had on behalf of the author, due to an interesting set of circumstances surrounding reading the book and meeting the author IRL. It presented such an original lead-in to the story, I found myself nearly wanting to ask for a few more details which is always a good sign! The introduction to the setting was quite lovely as I had a feeling this series was set around ‘masks’ both in artistry and identity; a society of clandestine behaviour if you will.
I originally wanted to read What is Hidden during May [2014] for the blog tour itself, however, I was betwixt hours and availability as I had come to find Cedar Fort for the Uncovering Cobbogoth blog tour; with an upturnt schedule and less hours to accomplish everything in sight than planned, I made the gutting choice to forestall reading What is Hidden and opt instead to read Cobbogoth. IF Cobbogoth hadn’t entered my life via the cancelled blog tour of TLC Book Tours, I might never have discovered Cedar Fort and that is quite a dire revelation if you take a look-see at my Story Vault via the Publishers! It has been a true blessing to discover a third Indie publisher [as previously I had found Seventh Star Press and ChocLitUK] whose quality and capture of wicked good fiction is by far the best reading joy I’ve experienced in a very long time.
I liked the dichotomy of differences [Novel-Ties] bridged into their recollections, because it goes to the heart of character-driven story-telling as much as how to perceive what is contained within the first installment of the series itself. The way in which Skidmore threaded the depth of her character’s journey and fused it into the narrative wherein even the reader might have been a bit surprised by their responses and actions at certain parts of where what they took as a given and what they took back by seeking independence might have shown character growth as much as moxie. I even liked seeing how even a seemingly innocuous scene could tip the scale of an emotional trigger of angst for the reader.
I was a bit curious about the absence of an emotional arc on behalf of the title lead character as pointed out by [Seasons of Humility] but I do know how a character reads on paper can become as different to each new reader who picks up the novel; as stories have a quirky way of being read a thousand different ways by a thousand readers. I have experienced this myself, where I pick up a story and find myself faulting either the tone, the pace, the inclusions, or the lack of an anchour into the character yet find other readers did not find offense at all. It is healthy to find each of us absorbs stories in our own unique way and thereby are able to give the most out of our honest recollections to help guide others to know which story is truly one they will attach themselves inside.
The powerful part of the story is how Evie was able to overcome her adversity by being given a fate and identity which were not of her own choosing. When someone acts maliciously to take away her life and those of whom she loves inside it, it is how she elected to confront the situation at hand that left me seeing where her true strength lay. She is a girl who defiantly refuses to accept her lot and chooses to take what needs to be done as just dues in order to work her way back into an hour of redemptive freedom.
I can agree with the book bloggers who were a bit miffed about a lack of announcement for a sequel or an Epilogue to understand how everything ties together at the end. The book which broke my own heart for this very reason was The Golem and the Jinni and it took a very, very long time to find resolution, of which I added to my review. Being that I am picking up this series in-progress, I am thankful to have had the chance to go back through the blog tour for What is Hidden as I find blog tours very beneficial in this one particular way as to give us a way to understand what ‘happened before but what is hoped to come next’ as we are settling into the sequel. All things equal, I would have read What is Hidden but as most of the bloggers in the book blogosphere will understand, time can wick away from you!
What is Lost
"You're focusing on the wrong things here." Kit said.
"What should I be focusing on?" I asked.
"The people who want you dead."
"Does that include you?"
She grinned at me, her white teeth gleaming.
After failing to exact vengeance on the prince, maskmaker Joch flees Venesia to find his long-lost love. Along his way, Joch meets a red-clocked assassin named Kit, who tells him she knows where to find the answers he's seeking.
Soon Joch and Kit are racing to avoid the prince's guard and find their way to safety. And though Joch wants to trust Kit, he suspects she's leading him straight into a trap.
This dazzling story of second chances features a sumptuous setting, rich characters, and a plot that will keep you guessing. Unravel the deceptions and uncover the mysteries in this thrilling fantasy.
Places to find the book:
Borrow from a Public Library
Add to LibraryThing
Series: What is Hidden,
on 10th March, 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 240
Published By: Sweetwater Books (@SweetwaterBooks),
an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc (@CedarFortBooks)
Available Formats: Paperback, Ebook
About Lauren Skidmore
Lauren Skidmore grew up in Kansas, with stints in Ohio and New York, and currently lives in Utah. She attended Brigham Young University where she earned a BA in English Teaching with an emphasis in Teaching English as a Second Language and Japanese.
She then spent a year in Japan teaching and traveling. She hasn’t made it to Europe yet, but it’s on the list and has been to 30 states in the U.S. so far. When she’s not exploring new places, you can probably find her on the internet with fifteen windows open and looking at just one more thing before actually getting something done.
Website | Twitter | Facebook
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2015 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
Posted Saturday, 28 March, 2015 by jorielov in Action & Adventure Fiction, Blog Tour Host, Castles & Estates, Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, Cliffhanger Ending, Espionage, Fairy Tale Fiction, Fantasy Fiction, Fly in the Ointment, Heroic Bloodshed, High Fantasy, Historical Fiction, Inspired By Author OR Book, Inspired by Stories, Re-Told Tales
Posted Friday, 27 March, 2015 by jorielov iUniverse, Letters to Kezia, Peni Jo Renner, The Puritan Chronicles 0 Comments
Acquired Book By: I was selected to be a tour stop on the “Letters to Kezia” virtual book tour through Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I received a complimentary paperback copy of “Letters to Kezia” direct from the author Peni Jo Renner, in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.
I had attempted to borrow the first novel in this series via ILL’ing it from my local library, however, as there was only one copy available through the inter-library loan catalogue it was unable to be borrowed. Therefore, in order to help myself become acquainted with the series, I followed the original blog tour which I have linked at the bottom of this post. I shared the links which I found pivotal to understanding how the Puritan Witch Chronicles began and hope it will help my readers and visitors proceed forward into “Letters to Kezia”.
Sadly my copy of “Letters to Kezia” was impended from reading on schedule (as my review posted late) not just due to personal reasons but because my copy was glued together! As in the pages themselves were glued and stuck onto each other, and as I carefully pulled them apart, pieces of ink and words caught together, erasing bits of the text yet enough staid to where I could read enough to gather the gist. The only time this has happened previously was when I read “Vintage”. I thankfully had a better reading experience with Renner than Gloss.
A curious moment: where the second novel sparks your interest in a series:
I remember a bit vaguely when Puritan Witch hit the book blogosphere last Spring (2014) whilst touring with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours; one of the book touring companies I had started to work with the previous Autumn (2013). It is hard to believe I am nearly about to welcome in my second full year of book blogging, as when I reflect back upon the stories, writers, and memories I’ve experienced through Historical Fiction solely based on the books alighting in my life through the outreach Ms Bruno conducts through her touring company, I am quite literally a bookish heart full of joy and wonder!
Most of the stories are by independently and self-published authors, of whom I might not have met as quickly or at all, if it hadn’t been for their blog tours; on this one level of gratitude, my heart is overflowing with positive recollections of their stories who have left an etching on my imagination. Even the books where I might not have soaked inside quite as readily or felt as moved as others, each story had it’s own merit of discovery and time inside my hands, as I attempted to read outside my comfort zones and dig deeper into the historical past, through generations of insight and numerous eras of timescape.
Letters to Kezia
by Peni Jo Renner
Source: Author via Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
It is 1693 in Hereford, Connecticut, when Mary Case, the spinster daughter of a Puritan minister, finds herself hopelessly smitten by the roguish thief, Daniel Eames. Betrothed to a man she does not like or love, she is soon compelled to help Daniel escape from jail. Suddenly, she finds herself on the run, not only accused of being Daniel’s accomplice, but also of murder.
The fugitive pair soon finds solace-and a mutual attraction-among the escapee’s Algonquin friends until two men from Daniel’s dark past hunt them down. After Mary is captured and returned home to await trial, a tragedy takes the life of her younger sister, revealing a dark secret Mary’s father has kept for months. But just as Mary learns she is pregnant, she makes a horrifying discovery about Daniel that changes everything and prompts her to develop an unlikely bond with his mother, Rebecca, who soon saves Mary from a shocking fate. It is not until years later that her daughter, Kezia, finally learns the truth about her biological father and family.
Letters to Kezia shares a courageous woman’s journey through a Puritan life and beyond as she struggles with adversity and betrayal, and discovers that loyalty can sometimes mean the difference between life and death.
Genres: Biographical Fiction, Historical Fiction Places to find the book:
Add to LibraryThing
Series: The Puritan Chronicles,
Published by iUniverse
on 14th January, 2015
Format: Paperback
Pages: 208
Published By: iUniverse (@iUniverse)
Book One: Puritan Witch: The Redemption of Rebecca Eames (Book Synopsis on Riffle)
Available Formats: Paperback and Ebook
Converse via: #LettersToKezia, #LetterstoKeziaBlogTour and #PeniJoRenner
About Peni Jo Renner
PENI JO RENNER is the author of the IPPY award-winning novel, Puritan Witch: the Redemption of Rebecca Eames. Originally from North Dakota, Peni now lives with her husband in Maryland where she is currently researching for the third book in the Puritan Chronicles series.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2015 Historical Fiction Reading Challenge
Posted Friday, 27 March, 2015 by jorielov in 17th Century, 18th Century, Animals in Fiction & Non-Fiction, Apothecary, Based on an Actual Event &/or Court Case, Biographical Fiction & Non-Fiction, Blog Tour Host, Colonial America, Death of a Sibling, Death, Sorrow, and Loss, Diary Accountment of Life, Epistolary Novel | Non-Fiction, Equality In Literature, Family Life, Feminine Heroism, Herbalist, Historical Fiction, Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours, Historical Romance, History, Indie Author, Inheritance & Identity, Medical Fiction, Mother-Daughter Relationships, Multi-cultural Characters and/or Honest Representations of Ethnicity, Native American Fiction, Naturopathic Medicine, Realistic Fiction
Posted Thursday, 26 March, 2015 by jorielov Leigh Statham, Month9Books, The Perilous Journey of the Not-So-Innocuous Girl 0 Comments
I have participated in Sci Fi November for the past two years, as it happened that when I created my blog on the 31st of March, 2013 (my blogoversary!) I did not launch Jorie Loves A Story to the world until the 6th of August, 2013. Therefore, I indeed gave myself plenty of time to prepare for Sci Fi November 2013! Each year, I seek out a way to read Steampunk, and sadly, for the past two years, I have faltered a bit in my reach to hit this mark of my SFN event plans. I even re-queued the notion to read a bit of Steam during this year’s Sci Fi Experience (another annual event I participate in!) except to say, I only made it through the lovely appendix of Ms Elliott’s icepunk/steampunk novel! A bit more on this will be revealed at a latter time!
I like to keep my eyes peeled for upcoming Steampunk authors as I am looking towards uncovering a particular ‘type’ of steampunk novel. Previously I have discovered the Dystopian Steampunk styling of J.L. Muvihill’s The Boxcar Baby inasmuch as the mech insects and mech-tech steam world of A MidSummer Night’s Steampunk by Scott E. Tarbet (based on a Shakespearean play!). Both novels were published by Indie Publishers who are dedicated to wicked quality and the craft behind world-building which gives a reader a firm grounding of where they are exploring once they pick up their books.
In this, I discovered the same dedication from Month9Books, and as I discover each new novel which whets a thirst of an appetite to read their selections, I endeavour to host their authors for special guest features in lieu of reading their novels for review (as at this time they only provide e-books). I must say, between the cover-art (which is eye-popping bang-on brilliant!) and the synopsis, this novel definitely held my attention! So much so, I am hoping my local library might take a chance and respond to a purchase request I submit for it in April!
My local library has a small collection of Steampunk novels, most of which I have explored or mentioned during one of the Sci Fi events I referenced above and/or on other exploratory blog posts such as my Library Loot where I discussed my hit/miss love affair with Steampunk! I am quite eager to continue my search for stories which invigorate my mind as much as capture my attention within the Victorian Steam worlds writers are happily creating for me to devour! If you haven’t picked up The Clockwork Man by William Jablonsky I highly suggest that you do! I read this one in conjunction with a steampunky event a book blogging friend of mine created, thus giving me my first foray into reading Steam!
I am hopeful as you go back through the links I’m sharing to see where and how my travels in stream have led me to traverse thus far along, you’ll be a bit closer to understanding how wicked happy I am to be hosting this lovely author interview on behalf of Ms Statham!
Lady Marguerite lives a life most 17th century French girls can only dream of: Money, designer dresses, suitors and a secure future. Except, she suspects her heart may be falling for her best friend Claude, a common smithie in the family’s steam forge. When Claude leaves for New France in search of a better life, Marguerite decides to follow him and test her suspicions of love. Only the trip proves to be more harrowing than she anticipated. Love, adventure and restitution await her, if she can survive the voyage.
{ Read Chapter One : via the author’s blog }
Published By: Month9Books (@Month9Books), on St. Patrick’s Day, 2015
Available Formats: Paperback, Ebook
Public Library | Add to Riffle
Converse on Twitter via: #NotSoInnocuousGirl, #YALit & #Month9Books
What initially inspired you to create a story set within 17th Century France and bend it into a steampunky world where an adventure awaits your young protagonist as much as the reader who picks up the novel?
Statham responds: I first discovered Marguerite’s story while doing genealogy research. She is one of my great-great grandmothers. I knew I wanted to write her story, but when I started to do it straight up historical fiction, I was soon bored to tears. I had just finished reading Scott Westerfield’s Leviathan, and I thought – wait a minute, who says I can’t make something steampunky out of 17th century France? And that was all it took. I was in love once again. Read More
Posted Thursday, 26 March, 2015 by jorielov in 17th Century, Bits & Bobbles of Jorie, Blog Tour Host, Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours, Debut Author, Debut Novel, Fantasy Fiction, France, French Literature, Gothic Literature, Historical Fiction, Historical Thriller Suspense, Indie Author, Library Find, Local Libraries | Research Libraries, Reader Submitted Author Interview, Steampunk, The Writers Life, Writing Advice & Tips, Writing Style & Voice, Young Adult Fiction
Posted Tuesday, 24 March, 2015 by jorielov C.W. Gortner, HarperCollins Publishers, Mademoiselle Chanel, William Morrow 6 Comments
I had the opportunity to become introduced to the writings of Mr Gortner whilst I participated on his blog tour for The Tutor Vendetta, marking a special moment for me as it was Gortner’s writings which had first intrigued me to start hosting for Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. I had the chance to interview him about his writings and the Spymaster Trilogy, and now, only a handful of months since I first picked up a novel of his, I have the beautiful opportunity to dig inside an historical biographical fiction novel about Chanel! Chanel as I will reveal on my book review lateron tonight, held a key part of my personal growth with an affection for parfum which went back through my own maternal line of heritage without my realisation until I ‘met’ Chanel via a novel which changed my life.
I wanted to ask Mr Gortner about what inspired him to focus on Chanel but also, on how Chanel’s life has continued to have an impact on everyone who crosses path with either her personal history of what she’s left behind for us to discover about her or a part of her legacy in the fashion and/or parfum industries where she not only set a certain standard but directly had an impact on the direction of where both industries were going to break out into new territories.
It was further interesting to me, the synopsis for Mademoiselle Chanel mentions a previous novel I have held quite close to my heart: Z: A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald as I had the pleasure of reading and discovering Zelda through such an authentic voice as portrayed in her biographical fiction novel from Therese Fowler as to be full of thanksgiving for the novel to cross my path via the First Impressions programme at Book Browse. I believe this speaks to the authenticity of the work as a whole, as I had previously encountered Gortner’s passionate dedication to research in the Spymaster series, and this tip-off with Chanel, gave me a bit of insight of what I might find inside the pages herein.
You see Zelda wasn’t simply spoken about in a third person point of view or a narration thus far removed from her living hours; no, to me Zelda’s voice was captured so surely by Fowler as to give definition to her character and a direct line of insight into who Zelda was whilst she was alive. On this note, I am perceiving the same must have been felt by early readers and the editors on behalf of Gortner’s take on Chanel. To knit together such a convincing portrait as if Chanel herself were echoing her thoughts directly into the pen of Gortner and thus, presenting us with a story which speaks as true as the woman who lived the life.
For readers of “The Paris Wife” and “Z” comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and became one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century.
Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to an orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.
Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.
Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.
An enthralling novel of an extraordinary designer who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.
Mademoiselle Chanel by C.W. Gortner
Published By: William Morrow (@WmMorrowBks),
an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers (@HarperCollins)
Available Formats: Hardback, Unabridged Audiobook, Ebook
Public Library | Add to Riffle
Converse on Twitter via: #MademoiselleChanel, #CocoChanel Read More
Posted Tuesday, 24 March, 2015 by jorielov in 19th Century, 20th Century, Adoption, Belle Epoque Era, Biographical Fiction & Non-Fiction, Bits & Bobbles of Jorie, Blog Tour Host, Bookish Discussions, Coco Chanel, Courtesan & Cocottes, Equality In Literature, Fashion Fiction, Fashion Industry, France, France Book Tours, French Literature, Historical Fiction, History, Parfum Industry, Reader Submitted Guest Post (Topic) for Author, Realistic Fiction, the Edwardian era, the Roaring Twenties
Posted Sunday, 22 March, 2015 by jorielov Bonneville Books, Cedar Fort Inc, Denver Acey, Mormon Hacker series, The Quantum Breach, The Quantum Deception 2 Comments
Acquired Book By: I am a regular tour hostess for blog tours via Cedar Fort whereupon I am thankful to have such a diverse amount of novels and non-fiction titles to choose amongst to host. I received a complimentary copy of “The Quantum Deception” direct from the publisher Bonneville Books (imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc) in exchange for an honest review. I did not receive compensation for my opinions or thoughts shared herein.
Although a PDF copy of “The Quantum Breach” was given to me by a publicist at Cedar Fort, I decided to ILL (inter-library loan) the book via my local library, as by borrowing a paperback copy I could easily read more of the book than the first chapter or thereabouts. I can honestly not read a novel in digital form, as I strictly only read Chapter Samplers and/or small excerpts to garnish a feel for a story and if I would appreciate reading it. Thereby, I borrowed the first novel in the series to get a feel for Acey’s style of story-telling as much for a clue into the series itself. I was not obligated to post my impressions of the book herein nor was I compensated.
The Quantum Deception
The FBI Suburban was already waiting for Tanner in the parking lot. He ran up to it just as the rear passenger door opened from the inside. Tanner jumped in and closed the door before realizing the woman sitting next to him wasn't Agent Heywood. It was Reina, dressed in a blonde wig and wearing Sara's clothes.
It took Tanner a moment to realize he was being kidnapped.
Reformed cyber hacker Tanner Stone has been living a peaceful life in Utah. But all that changes when a plane mysteriously crashes into the mountains and Tanner links the "accident" to an ingenious Chinese computer virus.
Now it's up to him to prevent that same virus from destroying the financial data of everyone in America! But with stakes so high, he's not the only one searching for answers. And some will stop at nothing to find out what Tanner knows.
This action-packed thriller with explosive twists will keep you guessing. Fast-paced and suspenseful, it will change everything you know about Internet security.
Places to find the book:
Borrow from a Public Library
Add to LibraryThing
Series: Mormon Hacker
on 10th March, 2015
Format: Paperback Edition
Pages: 288
The Quantumn Breach (Book One) (Synopsis on Riffle)
Published By: Published By: Bonneville Books (@BonnevilleBooks),
an imprint of Cedar Fort, Inc (@CedarFortBooks)
Available Formats: Paperback, Ebook
Converse on Twitter via: #MormonHackerSeries
About Denver Acey
Few people understand the terrifying, yet realistic threat of computer hacking like Denver Acey. Denver has spent his entire professional career in the information technology industry where he has witnessed and even thwarted actual cybercrime. From his top-secret job working for the US government to securing computer networks at Fortune 500 companies, Denver is personally familiar with hackers and their unscrupulous activities.
But over the years, Denver has become increasingly frustrated with Hollywood’s inaccurate portrayal of cybercrime. Hackers are more intelligent and more sophisticated than simple teenagers, who guzzle down Mountain Dew while playing video games. Cybercrime is a billion-dollar business that encompasses organized crime and foreign governments. For these elite hackers, the fruits of success are iconic trademarks, innovative patents, and government secrets.
Because of his unique background, Denver decided to write a book to dispel hacking myths while highlighting the tenacity of cybercriminals. Utilizing actual computer hacking concepts and scenarios that he has experienced firsthand, Denver illustrates — in a simple way for even the non-techie to understand — how vulnerable we all are to cybercrime.
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
Read More
Posted Sunday, 22 March, 2015 by jorielov in 21st Century, Action & Adventure Fiction, Blog Tour Host, Cedar Fort Publishing & Media, Chinese Literature, Crime Fiction, Espionage, Indie Author, Library Find, Modern Day, Mormonism, Political Narrative & Modern Topics, Post-911 (11th September 2001), Specialised Crime Investigator, Spy Fiction, True Crime, Utah
