Thank you for dropping in to the last Christmas Bookstore of the week. Another five authors with terrific books that would make wonderful gifts.
The first author is Judith Barrow with more reviews for her latest book A Hundred Tiny Threads, a book that I enjoyed and reviewed a few weeks ago. Definitely a gift for someone who loves family dramas.
About A Hundred Tiny Threads
It’s 1911 and Winifred Duffy is a determined young woman eager for new experiences, for a life beyond the grocer’s shop counter ruled over by her domineering mother.
The scars of Bill Howarth’s troubled childhood linger. The only light in his life comes from a chance encounter with Winifred, the girl he determines to make his wife.
Meeting her friend Honora’s silver-tongued brother turns Winifred’s heart upside down. But Honora and Conal disappear, after a suffrage rally turns into a riot, and abandoned Winifred has nowhere to turn but home.
The Great War intervenes, sending Bill abroad to be hardened in a furnace of carnage and loss. When he returns his dream is still of Winifred and the life they might have had… Back in Lancashire, worn down by work and the barbed comments of narrow-minded townsfolk, Winifred faces difficult choices in love and life.
One of the recent reviews for the book
This is the first book I have read by Judith Barrow and it certainly won’t be the last! A superbly written novel set in 1911 and during the First World War. Winifred Duffy is disillusioned with her mundane job and domineering mother and wants to become involved in the Suffrage Movement. She is persuaded by her Irish friend Honora to go to a meeting and is determined to play her part in trying to get women the vote. Winifred is introduced to Honora’s brother and falls in love for the first time in her life. Can it last?
Bill Howarth works in the mines and has a serious accident which leaves him out of work and disgruntled. He worships Winifred from afar and is determined to be with her. However, things take a turn for the worse and then Bill is drafted into the war. When he comes out, he is battled scarred and weary, but still his needs for Winifred are undiminished.
How will the story unfold? Will it end in tears or happiness for our three main characters?
An excellent read from start to finish, great narrative and Judith Barrow is an author to be commended.
Head over read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/100-Tiny-Threads-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B073W1LTSR
and at Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/100-Tiny-Threads-Judith-Barrow-ebook/dp/B073W1LTSR
Also by Judith Barrow
Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Judith-Barrow/e/B0043RZJV6
and Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judith-Barrow/e/B0043RZJV6
Read more reviews and follow Judith on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3295663.Judith_Barrow
Connect to Judith via her blog: judithbarrowblog.com/
The next author with a shelf full of books that would make any historical romance lover happy is Shehanne Moore. Here is Splendor ( London Jewel Thieves Book Two) which was published in May this year.
The only thing he hates more than losing at chess is marriage…
For Splendor, former servant to London’s premiere jewel thieves, pretending to be someone else is all in a day’s work. So when she learns of a chess tournament—a men’s chess tournament—with a ten thousand pound prize, pretending to be a man is the obvious move. The money will be enough to set her fiancé up in his own business so they can finally marry, and more importantly, it’ll pay off her bills and keep her out of debtor’s prison. But she doesn’t plan on her opponent, the rakish Kendall Winterborne, Earl Stillmore, being a sore loser—and a drunken one, at that. But before she can collect her prize, she finds herself facing the most merciless man in London across a pair of dueling pistols at dawn. Chess may be Splendor’s game, but she’s never fired a pistol before. And dressed as a man with ill-fitting shoes on the slippery grass and borrowed glasses that make it hard to see, she’s certain she’s finally tipped her own king.
Bitter divorcee Kendall Winterborne, Earl Stillmore, is the ton’s most ruthless heartbreaker. And he’s got three pet peeves: kitchen maids, marriage…and losing. So when he realizes the “man” opposite him has entered the chess tournament under false pretenses, he’s in the perfect position to extort the little chit. But that’s before the exasperating woman begins to slip beneath his skin, and soon all he can think about is slipping beneath her skirts. But the confounded woman is engaged to someone else, and worse—she’s nothing but a former kitchen maid, just like the one that lured his father into the marriage that ruined the family name. And his ex-wife taught him more than he cared to know about why marriage was the worst kind of checkmate of all…
One of the reviews for the book
I loved every delicious page of this book. The story of Splendor’s tempestuous rise from skivvy to become the wife of the gorgeously glowering Kendall Winterborne, third Earl of Stillmore, is an enthralling read. Exhilarating, witty and wicked, as well as wonderfully original. Ms Moore has a voice like no other and it is as irresistible as chocolate brownies. I gobbled it up. This is Georgian England, so of course there is a rollicking duel, class warfare and subjugation of women, but no one is going to get the better of the brilliantly ballsy Splendor, whether it’s at chess, at disguise or at love. Yet underneath all the abundant fun and crazy cross dressing there runs a powerful and serious comment on what women have had to face throughout history.
In Splendor Ms Moore has created a cracking champion for the female of the species, infinitely more deadly than the male. She comes out fists swinging, but the vulnerability that she is so determined to keep hidden from view is immensely touching. And the finale will capture your heart. Shehanne Moore can spin a tale that is a romance like no other. Savour it.
Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Splendor-London-Jewel-Thieves-Book-ebook/dp/B071S9W9W
And on Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/Splendor-London-Jewel-Thieves-Book-ebook/dp/B071S9W9WN
Also by Shehanne Moore
Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Shehanne-Moore/e/B00CMBK7BW/
And on Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Shehanne-Moore/e/B00CMBK7BW
Read more reviews and follow Shehanne on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7029905.Shehanne_Moore
Connect to Shehanne via her blog: https://shehannemoore.wordpress.com/
The next author is Judy Penz Sheluk and her novel Skeletons in the Attic – A Marketville Mystery which is now available in audio for those who love to listen to their books as well as read them.
Judy has some FREE codes for the audio book as she would like obtain more reviews for the book. If you are interested please connect to Judy via her website listed below.
Calamity (Callie) Barnstable isn’t surprised to learn she’s the sole beneficiary of her late father’s estate, though she is shocked to discover she has inherited a house in the town of Marketville—a house she didn’t know existed. However, there are conditions attached to Callie’s inheritance: she must move to Marketville, live in the house, and solve her mother’s murder.
Callie’s not keen on dredging up a thirty-year-old mystery, but if she doesn’t do it, there’s a scheming psychic named Misty Rivers who is more than happy to expose the Barnstable family secrets. Determined to thwart Misty and fulfill her father’s wishes, Callie accepts the challenge. But is she ready to face the skeletons hidden in the attic?
One of the reviews for the book
The characters spring to life with their words and actions. Hints and clues are woven throughout the story and kept me guessing as the mystery unfolded. First of all the main character is named Calamity Barnstable and with a name like that you know it is going to be unique and interesting. Calamity goes by Callie Barnstable and inherits a house from her father that she never even knew existed. She is stunned when her father’s lawyer gives her the keys and a nice budget to work with as well as a thirty-year-old mystery to solve.
This story had so much going on that you could feel the frustration of this woman that had been tossed into a mystery that took place when she was six years old. A missing mother, a psychic, a nosy neighbor and other completely colorful cast of characters makes this book such an enjoyable read. Each chapter brought new suspects and helpful hints to light.
I almost gave it a 4.5 heart rating because of the hurried ending, but I enjoyed the book so much I stayed with the five.
Read the reviews for the book and buy in print and audio: https://www.amazon.com/Skeletons-Attic-Marketville-Mystery-Book-ebook/dp/B01IQ0N3X6
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skeletons-Attic-1-Marketville-Mystery/dp/1772232645
Also by Judy Penz Sheluk
Read the reviews and buy all the books: http://www.amazon.com/Judy-Penz-Sheluk/e/B00O74NX04
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Judy-Penz-Sheluk/e/B00O74NX04/
Read more reviews and follow Judy on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8602696.Judy_Penz_Sheluk
Connect to Judy via her Blog: http://www.judypenzsheluk.com/
Our next author who has a series that would make fantasy readers very happy is Marcia Meara and here is her most recent release, The Emissary – A Riverbend Spinoff Novella which follows the story of a previous character in the series.
Was Gabe Angelino, the mysterious truck driver in Finding Hunter: Riverbend Book 2, really an angel, as Willow Green believes? Or was he simply a good man, determined to help a stranger in need? Find out, as author Marcia Meara reveals the truth in the first Riverbend spinoff novella, The Emissary.
An angel’s work is never done—that’s part of the gig. But angels hadn’t been created to deal with such a vastly over-populated planet, rife with misery, suffering, and general chaos. Helping souls in peril has become a nearly impossible job, and even angelic tempers are frayed.
The archangel Azrael has had enough. He believes he’s found a way to ease their burden while saving jeopardized humans, too—hired help.
When Jake Daughtry lost his life rescuing a total stranger from certain death, he was on the fast track to Heaven. But that was before Azrael pulled him right out of line at the Pearly Gates. Now, as an Emissary to the Angels, Jake is taking to the highway in a quest to help souls in trouble. But the innate stubbornness of human beings bent on self-destruction is a challenge unlike any he’s ever faced.
It’s up to Jake and Azrael to bridge the gap between humans and angels. Will they ever convince the Council of Angels this endeavor is worthwhile? Can Jake figure out how to play by Azrael’s complicated rules? Will Azrael ever master the use of contractions in general conversation?
To find out the answers, hop on board Jake’s big red-and-white semi and travel the roads from the Florida Keys to north Georgia on an adventure that will make you laugh hard and cry even harder.
One of the recent reviews for the book
As a spinoff, I wouldn’t recommend reading this before the Riverbend books, unless you don’t mind plot spoilers. If you read Finding Hunter, and wondered what was up with the mysterious Gabe Angelino, this book will answer all your questions.
This is a perfect read for this time of year–cozy, magical, and even set in winter. Jake Daughtry, AKA Gabe Angelino, died–and then the angel Azrael put him to work helping lost souls. There’s liable to be some issues along the way–angels aren’t the cuddliest of people, and Jake has a bit of a sense of humor–but there’s also going to be wonder, and hope, and examples of humanity’s best and worst.
At 105 pages, this story packs a lot into a short amount of time, making it a great read for a busy season, without the story being rushed. It wraps up satisfactorily at the end, but leaves more room for the next adventure. And in between–is a sweet story, full of faith without hitting too heavily on dogma, willing to have a little fun with the idea of angels, and the emissaries they might need to get their jobs done.
The relationships between the characters grow pretty quickly like any novella, but are engaging for all that. There’s not as much space for lovely descriptions of the landscape, but there are song titles and funny place settings at the chapter headings, such as “close to here but not far from there.” It’s a story of journeys, physical and spiritual, and always in motion. No matter the tragedies that form obstacles along the way, you know that there will be a happy ending coming, because this is that kind of book–the sort that wraps you like a warm blanket. A great read for fans of Marcia’s work, and fans of cozy mysteries with a bit of the supernatural.
Read the reviews and buy the book: https://www.amazon.com/Emissary-Riverbend-Spinoff-Novella-ebook/dp/B075Y2T3CL
And Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Emissary-Riverbend-Spinoff-Novella-ebook/dp/B075Y2T3C
A selection of books by Marcia Meara
Read all the reviews and buy the books: https://www.amazon.com/Marcia-Meara/e/B00EUCXRU4
And Amazon UK : https://www.amazon.co.uk/Marcia-Meara/e/B00EUCXRU4
Read more reviews and follow Marcia Meara on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7242441.Marcia_Meara
Connect to Marcia via her website: http://marciamearawrites.com/
I am sure there will be a book or two that you might add to your TBR for your own reading pleasure or might buy as a gift for somebody else. Thanks Sally
Sally, you are so kind. Truly. My angel in fact xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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We are family Shey… and my way of thanking everyone for all their support this year… hugs xx♥
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Aw xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Reblogged this on Judith Barrow and commented:
With many thanks to Sally… as always.
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Delighted to share Judith and thanks for spreading the word.. hugs xxxx
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Thanks Sally! I have some FREE review codes that work with Audible UK if any of your readers are interested in listening to Skeletons in the Attic or The Hanged Man’s Noose. All I ask is that they post an honest review after listening to it…
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Sorry Judy meant to put those in the post.. Will do that now. xx
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Thanks so much!
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So lovely to be included in this group of wonderful writers! Thank you, Sally, for sharing a bit about The Emissary, and including that super review! And thanks for all you do all year long to promote authors and help us reach new readers. You are a Christmas Angel, indeed. (Some far distant day, just before you step through the Pearly Gates, Jake and Azrael may come looking for you! 🙂 And that would be quite a team to be part of!) 😀 ❤ Merry Christmas to you, Judith, Shehanne, and Judy! ❤
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Thank you Marcia.. I am just reciprocating the great support I receive from all of you throughout the year.. delighted to share. hugs ♥
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Reblogged this on The Write Stuff and commented:
Another great way to start the day. Check out Sally’s Café & Bookstore Christmas Book Fair post for today. How lovely to be included with Judith Barrow, Shehanne Moore, and Judy Penz Sheluk! 😀 ❤
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Thank you for spreading the word Marcia..hugs xx♥
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Fabulous recommendations. Thanks, Sally!
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Thank you Olga..hugs xx
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Congratulations to all of the authors featured here. Marcia Meara always tells a good tale so I look forward to reading The Emmisary, and I will need to check out the others as well.
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Aw, thanks, Mae. That’s such a nice thing to say. Hope you’ll enjoy the Emissary when you get a chance to read it. 🙂 ❤
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Thank you Mae..hugs x
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Great luck to all the authors and happy holiday sales. Thanks for sharing another bunch of great reads, Sally. 🙂
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Thanks Diana..hugs xx
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More great books to pop in someone’s stocking!!
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All these authors and books are simply marvelous, Sally. What a lovely post.
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Fantastic Robbie… hugs xxx
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Pingback: Christmas Book Fair – featuring Judith Barrow, Shehanne Moore, Judy Penz Sheluk and Marcia Meara | Annette Rochelle Aben
A great Quartet of Authors Sally.I am already a massive fan of Shehanne Moore, I think her writing is so skillful and effortless. Every one of her novels has its own unique feel and writing style. Splendor is on my TBR list. I have also been impressed with Judith’s effortlessly rich prose that really brings the story to life, leaving you feeling immersed in it rather than simply a passive witness to events unfolding away from you. Thank you for introducing me to the other 2 other authors (Judy and Marcia). Their unique books look a very interesting and fun read. Shared Px
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Thanks for sharing Paul.. I have one of Shey’s books The Courtesan on my TBR for a near future read.. Looking forward to it.. xxx
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Some great looking reads here today from all these talented gals. I have and have read some books by Marcia and Judith, and look forward to reading Shey and Judy. 🙂 xx
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Thanks, Deb! Sorry I’m so late getting back. (Electricians, and plumbers, and roofers, oh my!) It was great being featured here!! 😀 ❤
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No need to apologize Marsh, we all get there eventually. And glad to hear the work is being done to repair the ‘Irma’ damage! 🙂 ❤
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Wow, so many of my favorites are here! A superb lineup of first-rate authors ❤
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Thank you Tina..hugs xx
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Thank you, Tina! I was thrilled to be included! 🙂 ❤
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Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.
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Thanks Jaye.. hugs xx
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Weekly Round Up – Christmas Trees, Abba, Santa’s wish list and Potatoes… | Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life
Thanks for sharing these books, Sally. I have a few on my kindle already, will look at some others. Looking forward to time to read this holiday season!
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Hope you find time for lots of reading, Sarah! I’m planning the same thing, if I get any spare time at all. Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🙂 ❤
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