Monday, February 24, 2025

Book Tour and Giveaway: Fast Times, Big City by Shelly Frome


 

Book Details:

Book Title:  Fast Times, Big City by Shelly Frome
Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages 
Genre: Historcal Escapade, Crime Fiction
Publisher:  BQB Publishing
Release date:   March 2024
Content Rating:  PG. My book is rated PG for the times some of the mob characters utter mild curse words     

Book Tour and Review: The Unexpected Heiress: A Family Saga From Concentration Camp to Gold Mining Empire by George Mallory


 

Book Details:

​Book Title:  THE UNEXPECTED HEIRESS by George Mallory
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  347 pages
Genre: Jewish Literature, Jewish Fiction, Saga Fiction
PublisherGM Publications
Release date:  April 29, 2024
Formats Available for Review: print (print - softback / USA), ebook (EPUB, PDF)
Tour dates: Feb 24 to Mar 14, 2025
Content Rating:   PG-13 +M due to scenes of war and other adult issues and subject.. ​

PRAISE FOR THE UNEXPECTED HEIRESS

'"Hollywood will come calling!" - Kate Mc Clymont, Chief Investigative Reporter, The Sydney Morning Herald

"The Unexpected Heiress transcends time and weaves horrors from World War II with present-day challenges. From Abe's harrowing past to Ellie's contemporary struggles, an embittered brother, a vacuous globetrotting socialite mother, and the betrayal of a much-loved kid brother, the novel paints a vivid portrait of a family divided by loyalties, lies and the enduring power of love...this novel shines a light on what it is like to come from a family legacy and have that legacy fall on your shoulders, and the need to fight to keep it." -  The Book Muse

'The human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity takes centre stage in The Unexpected Heiress.Australian Book Lovers 

"George writes with passion, honesty and grace. Lots of charismatic, creative and realistic characters and scenarios." Happy Valley Books


Book Description:

She inherited a legacy of ambition, betrayal, longing and secrets.

In the shadow of Poisson Gold, a multi-billion-dollar gold mine conglomerate, a family's legacy unravels in a compelling tale that dives deep into the human psyche.

At the helm of this empire stands the enigmatic Abe Silver, a concentration camp survivor whose past holds secrets as complex as his fortune. With his health failing, Abe's last-minute will alters the course of history, leaving his daughter Ellie, a newly minted lawyer, to navigate a treacherous path to control the colossal riches.

As grieving Ellie grapples with the immense responsibility thrust upon her, she must confront not only the malignant opposition of her own family and the rigid glass ceiling, but also her deeply buried secret - her sexuality. Set against the backdrop of 2010, a time when LGBTQ+ acceptance was scarce, Ellie's struggle to reconcile her personal truth with her public facade adds an extra layer of complexity to this riveting narrative.

BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
​add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

George Mallory's literary journey is a testament to the transformative power of storytelling. Born in Serbia to Russian parents and raised in Australia, his multicultural background offers a unique perspective that enriches the tapestry of his narratives. From his early years at Lithgow High to pursuing an engineering degree at UNSW in Sydney, George's academic journey laid the foundation for his literary pursuits. His love for literature, kindled in childhood, eventually led him to pursue a Bachelor of Arts at Sydney University.

In The Unexpected Heiress, he brings to life a character inspired by the untold stories of concentration camp survivors who amassed wealth. Through dual-perspective narratives, George weaves themes of corporate glass ceiling, sexual orientation and dysfunctional families, offering readers a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience. George's extensive corporate background sensitised him to social prejudices and discrimination. His novels reflect his commitment to shedding light on these issues while delivering engaging stories. He features determined women who defy societal norms, demonstrating resilience and determination while retaining their femininity.

connect with the author: website ~ instagram ~linkedIn ~ facebook ~ youtube ~ X ~ goodreads 



My Review:

The Unexpected Heiress: A Family Saga From Concentration Camp to Gold Mining Empire is a great debut for author, George Mallory. After reading the blurb, I was curious to see what this saga was all about. I have to admit, it was rather slow at the beginning but after getting through the first few chapters, I was intrigued. I enjoyed getting to know this wealthy family and learning how they became to be. It covers the horrific events from the past all the way to the present times. I believe there will be readers who will be able to understand the family dynamics within the pages and feel a sense of understanding and connection. There was some suspense as lies and secrets are uncovered. I wanted to keep on turning the pages to find out how it would all end for all of the characters. I was not disappointed.
I am going to give The Unexpected Heiress: A Family Saga From Concentration Camp to Gold Mining Empire four and a half stars. I believe fans of Jewish and Saga Fiction will want to pick it up and give it a read for themselves. I would be curious to read more like this from George Mallory in the near future. 
I received a paperback copy of George Mallory's The Unexpected Heiress: A Family Saga From Concentration Camp to Gold Mining Empire from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Review: The Frights of Fiji by Sunayna Prasad





Book Details:
Book Title:  The Frights of Fiji (Alyssa McCarthy's Magical Missions, Book 1) by Sunayna Prasad
Category:  Middle-Grade Fiction (Ages 8-12),  136 pages
Genre:  Fantasy
Publisher:  Amazon KDP
Release date:   October 2018
Content Rating:  G: There is no mature language or adult content whatsoever.
Book Description:

A world of magic and adventure awaits…

Sent to live with her strict, aloof, and uncaring uncle after her parents are killed in a car accident, twelve-year-old orphan Alyssa McCarthy longs for the life she used to have—one filled with fun and love. Then one stormy night, a message appears in the raindrops on the window that will change everything.

"Your life will never be the same again, as magic will interfere."

​Before long, Alyssa is kidnapped by Master Beau, a banished sorcerer with a mysterious connection to her who can only regain his power by weakening hers. Suddenly hurled into a world of wizardry filled with fantastical beasts and marvelous technology beyond her wildest imagination, Alyssa must defeat Master Beau if she ever wants to get home again. But Master Beau will stop at nothing, including using Alyssa’s friends, to ensure he is triumphant.
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ Barnes and Noble ~ Kobo
Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Sunayna is passionate about world-building as well as fantasy and magic. She especially likes reading fantasy books as well as creating original magical creatures and other enchanted elements She also likes to blog, cook, draw, and get active.

Connect with the Author:   website ~ X/twitter ~ goodreads




 

My Review:


The Frights of Fiji begins Sunayna Prasad’s series, Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions. It is, also, my first introduction to this author’s books. I thought this one was a pretty good read. It was full of adventure, action, and magic. 
In The Frights of Fiji, readers are introduced to Alyssa McCarthy, who is a 12 years old girl and has been kidnapped by a sorcerer. I found this young girl having so much bravery and courage. I admired her determination to survive. She goes to a whole new world that she never she would experience. I thought her story to be entertaining and fun to read. I enjoyed some of the suspense and mystery of it. I was constantly wondering where she would end up next. I loved the author’s imagination. She crafted such a wonderful tale that so many readers would enjoy. I loved taking this journey with Alyssa. She was a great role model and she learned some very important lessons that so many other readers of all ages could learn from, as well. 
I am giving The Frights of Fiji four and a half stars. I believe many younger readers who enjoy fantasy will enjoy reading this one. I would have no problem allowing my ten year old reading this book. I know she will think it is as good as I did. I look forward to read the second installment from the Alyssa McCarthy’s Magical Missions series, A Curse of Mayhem, to see where Alyssa ends up next. 
I received Sunayna Prasad's The Frights of Fiji from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review.  This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

Friday, February 21, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: His Grace's Governess by Jackie Killelea



About the Book



Book: His Grace’s Governess

Author: Jackie Killelea

Genre: Christian Historic Romance

Release date: February 4, 2025

A governess with a secret. A duke with a broken heart. Can love heal their wounds?

Miss Eleanor Clairbridge, at five and twenty, has resigned herself to a life without love. With her family’s London townhouse threatened by dwindling finances, she accepts employment as a governess to help support her widowed mother and preserve her cherished childhood home. When Eleanor arrives at Ivy Grange Estate, the last thing she expects to find is a spark of attraction between her and her new employer. Determined not to risk her position, she resolves to keeps her distance. There is more than one reason a romance between them can never be.

Edmund Colhampton, the Duke of Albemarle, has no intention of finding love. Since losing his family in a tragic carriage accident five years ago, he has devoted himself to protecting his young niece, the only family he has left. But when his niece’s enchanting governess arrives at the estate, Edmund finds himself reconsidering his vow never to love again. Why then, as he seeks to know her more, does she seem determined to avoid him at all costs?

As Eleanor fulfills her role as governess, her past begins to catch up with her, threatening to unravel the secrets she holds dear. Both Eleanor and Edmund must confront their deepest fears and decide whether to succumb to the darkness within or brave the path to healing and love.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Jackie Killelea is a born and raised small-town girl from Connecticut with a degree in English and Creative Writing. She started off her writing journey with poetry, soon shifting into novels and becoming hooked. On days when she’s not busy with her nose in a book, she can be found typing away with a cup of tea at her side.

 

 




 

More from Jackie

In His Grace’s Governess, much trouble befalls Edmund and Eleanor as they attempt to sort out their close proximity to and burgeoning feelings for one another, but there is one scene in particular that I enjoyed researching.

In one scene of the novel, Mr. Roskilly(the gardener at Ivy Grange Estate) worries at Eleanor plucking the plant Rabelera–otherwise known as Greater Stitchwort–from the ground. He fears that danger will befall Eleanor if she takes it from the garden and Eleanor, misunderstanding him, even believes at one point that Mr. Roskilly might be threatening her. But, why is Mr. Roskilly so worried? Is he really so concerned that Edmund’s hackles will be raised when he sees that Eleanor has plucked a few mere flowers from the garden–and with his niece, no less?

Indeed, that is not where his concern lies, for if you read the passage closely, you’ll see that Mr. Roskilly is Cornish. This is an important factor. When doing my research for the novel, I found that, in Cornwall, it is believed that Greater Stitchwort is the property of the pixies. It is believed that to pick it is to take it from them and to anger them, and if you anger them then there is all the chance that they may well retaliate for you having stolen what was theirs. Truly, they may even enchant you, according to legend. Having read this and being sufficiently intrigued, the scene was born! I do hope you get as much enjoyment out of it as I do.

Here is an excerpt from it so you know what I’m referring to:

“Hope yer walk’s went well. ’Tis a fine day fer one.” He grinned, revealing a mouth full of crooked teeth. His Cornish accent was thick, with a friendly tone to his voice.

Eleanor returned his smile and nodded. “It certainly is. What better way to spend a morning than to enjoy the sun in these beautiful gardens? They’re the finest I’ve ever seen.”

She could’ve sworn there was a hint of a blush on the man’s tawny face. “I than’ ye, miss. We do our righ’ bes’, and keepin’ i’ as i’ is makes ’is Grace ’appy. Ever since…” The man trailed off, a growing look of concern on his face.

What had he been about to say? Something about the duke or his family?

“Greater Stitchwort.” He spoke with a grave edge to his words, looking intently at the flower in Rose’s hand.

Eleanor’s gaze flitted from the man to the flower, her brows furrowing. “Is something wrong, sir?”

The man tilted his head, flicking his eyes to the side in a plea for a private conversation.

I will not say whether this decision to pick the plant affected Eleanor later on in the story or not, but I’ll leave you with this: Do consider all of the plants you touch before you decide to place your hand upon them and pull them from the ground.

Happy reading!

Jackie Killelea

Blog Stops

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 18

Holly’s Book Corner, February 19

Texas Book-aholic, February 19

Life on Chickadee Lane, February 20

Pens Pages & Pulses, February 20

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 21

Stories By Gina, February 22 (Author Interview)

Devoted To Hope, February 22

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 23

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

Paula’s Pad of Inspiration, February 25

Abba’s Prayer Warrior Princess, February 26

Simple Harvest Reads, February 27 (Guest Review from Donna)

For Him and My Family, February 28

Pause for Tales, February 28

Book Looks by Lisa, March 1

Blossoms and Blessings, March 2

Cover Lover Book Review, March 3

Little Homeschool on the Prairie, March 3

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Jackie is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54157


My Review

His Grace's Governess starts off Jackie Killelea's Saving the Spinsters series. I adored the main characters, Eleanor and Edmund. I enjoyed getting to know both of them and thought they had great chemistry. They were so easy to love. Their story was full of hope, faith, love, and healing. I had no problem reading the whole book in one sitting. I thought it was a beautiful tale to read. 

I am going to give His Grace's Governess five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read clean and inspirational Historical Regency Romantic fiction. I look forward to the second installment from the Saving the Spinsters series, Arranged with the Earl, to see what happens next. 

I received a paperback copy of Jackie Killelea's His Grace's Governess from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion. 

Thursday, February 20, 2025

Movie Review and Giveaway: The Unbreakable Boy


Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21!

When the odds are unbelievable, show the world you're unbreakable.

Together, we are unbreakable. Don't miss THE UNBREAKABLE BOY,
starring Zachary Levi, Meghann Fahy, and Patricia Heaton!

Watch this moving family film in theaters starting February 21!


Synopsis: 

From Kingdom Story Company, the team behind JESUS REVOLUTION and
THE BEST CHRISTMAS PAGEANT EVER, and Lionsgate, the studio behind
WONDER, comes THE UNBREAKABLE BOY.

When his parents, Scott (Zachary Levi) and Teresa (Meghann Fahy), learn that Austin
 is both autistic and has brittle bone disease, they initially worry for their son’s future.
But with Scott’s growing faith and Austin’s incredible spirit, they become “un breakable,”
finding joy, gratitude, and courage even in the most trying times — an extraordinary true
story about a father and son learning together that every day can be the best day of your life!



Buy tickets today to see The Unbreakable Boy in theaters starting February 21!



My Review:

I can not say how much I adored the movie The Unbreakable Boy. I thought it was so good. I loved the message of unconditional love, healing, persevering, overcoming brokenness. and seeing the beauty of everyone's differences. I have to admit there were a few scenes that made tear up and needed a box of tissues handy. I have no doubt those families who have had personal experiences with special needs children will relate to this film. Austin made me smile and reminded me of a close friend of my own family. He is such a joy. 

I am going to give The Unbreakable Boy five plus stars. I highly recommend it for families of all ages. It would make a perfect outing for the whole family to enjoy. 

I received an early screener link to view The Unbreakable Boy film from Kingdom Faith Marketing Services, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.  


Disclosure:

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the prod uct for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.


Giveaway: 

$10 Amazon Gift Card

Leave a more than a three word completed sentence telling me who you will be watching The Unbreakable Boy film with. Don’t forget to leave your email address so I can contact you if you win. Winner’s name will be drawn on February 26, 2025.



Giveaway Rules:   

Giveaway is limited to US winners only.        

Three or less word comments will be deleted and will not be entered into the giveaway.

Chosen winner/s will be contacted by email to verify information needed to give to the appropriate channels to get the prize to you. 

Winner/s MUST reply to this email within 24 hours

If no response, a new winner’s name will be drawn and you forfeit the prize.

Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible for lack of response from the chosen winner. 

Winners from previous Momentum campaigns within 90 days will be disqualified. 

Please note: Locks, Hooks and Books is NOT responsible in sending the prize.

Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett



About the Book



Book: Love and Chocolate

Author: Linda Shenton Matchett

Genre: Christian Historical Fiction

Release date: September 13, 2024

She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love?

Ilsa Krause and her siblings are stunned to discover their father left massive debt behind upon his death. To help pay off their creditors and save the farm, she takes a job at Beck’s Chocolates, the company her father despised and refused to supply with milk. Then she discovers her boss is Ernst Webber, her high school love who unceremoniously dumped her via letter from college. Could life get any more difficult?

A freshly-minted university diploma in his hand, Ernst Webber lands his dream job at Beck’s Chocolates. His plans to work his way up the ladder don’t include romantic entanglements, then Ilsa Krause walks back into his life resurrecting feelings he thought long dead. However, her animosity makes it clear she has no interest in giving him a second chance. Can he get her to change her mind? Does he want to?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves.

A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII and a former trustee for her local public library. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she explores the history of this great state and immerses herself in the imaginary worlds created by other authors.

 




More from Linda

A couple of years ago while I was planning my upcoming writing projects, I knew I wanted to write a series of books about siblings but couldn’t decide where or went to set the stories. Lots of research later, I discovered the 1898 Columbian Exposition here in the United States and the various inventions associated with that event. Further study led me to Milton Hershey who attended that World’s Fair and was so enamored with the concept of chocolate production for the masses that he sold his caramel company to enter the chocolate business – a risky proposition at that time. As I read more about Milton and his wife Catherine “Kitty” Sweeney-Hershey, I knew I had the beginnings of a story.

The owner of Beck’s Chocolates in my latest release Love and Chocolate is inspired by Milton Hershey, and I enjoyed creating my own “company town,” Cocoaville in which to set the story. Taking place in 1914 prior to the beginning of World War I, the story explores the mixed feelings about German Americans that were prevalent at the time as well as themes of second chances and forgiveness.

In the early days of my career, I worked in a printed circuit board factory, but I knew nothing about chocolate or how to manufacture it. Research for Love and Chocolate included interviewing a close friend who is a chocolatier and trying various brands of chocolate to understand the difference in flavor and texture. Here are a few fun facts I learned about chocolate along the way:

  • The Aztecs and the Mayans were the first to realize the benefits of cacao beans, ground and soaked in water approximately 5,000 years ago.
  • Switzerland has the highest per capita chocolate consumption.
  • The smell of chocolate can help relax and reduce stress.
  • It takes two to four days to produce a single serving chocolate bar.
  • Cote d’Ivoire is the single largest producer of cocoa, providing roughly 40 percent of the world’s supply.
  • The world’s largest chocolate bar weighed over 12,000 pounds.
  • It takes about 400 cacao beans to make a pound of chocolate.
  • Cacao trees can live up to 100 years.

Blog Stops

Vicky Sluiter, February 14

Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, February 15

lakesidelivingsite, February 16

Book Looks by Lisa, February 16

Texas Book-aholic, February 17

She Lives To Read, February 18

Pause for Tales, February 18

Locks, Hooks and Books, February 19

Devoted To Hope, February 20

Happily Managing a Household of Boys, February 21

Leslie’s Library Escape, February 21

Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, February 22

Sylvan Musings, February 23

Books You Can Feel Good About, February 24

Connie’s History Classroom, February 25

For Him and My Family, February 26

Holly’s Book Corner, February 27

Mary Hake, February 27

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Linda is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Visa Gift Card and a signed copy of the book!!

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

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54156


My Review

Love and Chocolate is another wonderful heartwarming story from Linda Shenton Matchett. I loved getting to know the main character, Ilsa. I adored her scenes with Ernst. I thought they made a wonderful duo and I wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen in the end with the two. Going back in time to a chocolate factory in the early 1900s Wyoming was a bonus. I thought it was a sweet and entertaining tale to read.

I am going to give Love and Chocolate five stars. I highly recommend it for reading who love to read clean and Christian Historical Romance.  As always, I look forward to more releases from Linda Shenton Matchett in the future. 

I received a copy of Linda Shenton Matchett's Love and Chocolate from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Book Tour and Review: The Breaks: A Novel by Ellen Barker


 


Book Details:

​Book Title:  The Breaks (a Novel) by Ellen Barker
Category:  Adult Fiction (18+),  310 pages
Genre: Literary Novel
PublisherShe Writes Press
Release date:  February 2025
Content Rating:   PG-13 +M:  I'm not sure if this book should be PG-13 or PG-13+M. The book contains little profanity, no sex or violence, and no abortion, suicide, adultery, sexual or physical abuse. It does deal with wrongful conviction and women leaving prison, which may be unsuitable for under 13. ​
Book Description:

​Waking up in the emergency room with a broken arm was not one of the ways Marianne imagined her first date with Carl, if it is a date, ending up. Nor was driving up to the entrance of a women’s prison a few weeks later anywhere on her radar. But here she is. At least I’m on this side of the gate. She picks up newly released Stephanie, as a favor to a nun she barely knows, returns to her East of Troost home, and finds herself immersed in a whole new drama.

East of Troost is Marianne’s childhood neighborhood, downtrodden by decades of redlining and a wide swath of destruction to make way for an expressway. Marianne moved back there after a reversal of fortune limited her options. She’s had to repair the house and deal with a couple of “incidents” – hence her acquaintance with Officer Carl. 

Meanwhile, Sister Colette has bought the house behind her and is taking in women who, in her words, need to learn to “just live.” As Stephanie helps Marianne cope with her broken arm, she gradually comes out of her shell and teaches Marianne a thing or two about "just living."
BUY THE BOOK:
Amazon ~ B&N ~ BAM
Bookbub
​add to goodreads

Meet the Author:

Ellen Barker grew up in Kansas City during a period of demographic upheaval, and she returns there in her novels. She has a bachelor’s degree in urban studies from Washington University in Saint Louis, where she developed a passion for how cities work, and don’t. She began her career as an urban planner, then spent many years working for large consulting firms, first as a writer-editor and later managing large data systems. Her volunteer work involves years of pet-assisted therapy with children in “the system,” both foster care and prison. She is the author of East of Troost, which introduced readers to the neighborhood where The Breaks takes place, and Still Needs Work, which takes place in the same area. She now lives in Los Altos, California, with her husband and their German shepherd, Boris, who is the inspiration for the dog in this novel.

connect with the author: website facebook instagram ~  bookbub ~  goodreads

My Review:

The Breaks: A Novel is another wonderful novel by Ellen Barker. I can say enough at how much I loved meeting and getting to know the main character, Marianne. She is learning to navigate a "new life" after being dealt with some hardships on the past. As I read on, I was introduced to new friends and neighbors that I felt like I was, also, part of their world. This story was heartwarming to read that made me laugh out loud at times. I loved learning along the way with Marianne of how being resilient, being true to herself, living life to the fullest, and embracing friendships. It was uplifting and inspiring to me and good reminder for myself. I admired her strength and courage as a single woman. I loved every single page of her story and had no problem reading it cover to cover in one sitting. I thought it was an overall fun and entertaining tale. 

The Breaks: A Novel will be getting a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love to read Women's Literary Fiction. I would love, love, love to read more by the talented author, Ellen Barker, in the near future. This one is most definitely not one to be missed. 

I received a paperback copy of Ellen Barker's The Breaks: A Novel from the publisher, but was not required to write a positive review. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.