What Are You Reading? ~ April 25, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I've just begun reading Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker. 

I recently finished reading Gray: Part 3 by Lou Cadle. I loved this story! Sometimes it felt like a little much, but for the most part, I enjoyed the struggle to survive and the problem-solving.  

What's next? I think I'm going to read Starry Eyes by Jenn Bennett. It's a new book I got in this month's Uppercase book box.  A YA, lost in the woods with your the boy who broke your heart, story! It looks like a fantastic book to me! I'll let you know. :) 





Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!  

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

What Are You Reading? ~ April 18, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I'm currently reading Gray: Part 3 by Lou Cadle. I'm absolutely loving these books! Although, I have been taking a break from the action in this 3rd book because it's none stop! Especially in the second book. I had only meant to read the first book, but it just stops and picks up in the next book. I think it would be better to just get the complete collection and read it free with Kindle Unlimited! :) 

I recently finished Gray: Part 2 by Lou Cadle. I just love survival/post-apocalyptic stories!

I also finished Gray: Part 1 by Lou Cadle. So good!

What's next? I'm still hoping to get to Calming the Storm by Melanie D. Snitker. 

Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!  

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Giveaway winners!

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Hello, friends! I have a couple of giveaway winners to announce! 

First, I want to thank Shannon Winslow for having me on the tour of her new book, The Ladies of Rosings Park! And for agreeing to give away a copy of her book here! Thank you, Shannon!! 

Without further ado, the randomly picked winner is:

Luthien84

Woot! Congratulations! 

Buy: Amazon

Add to Goodreads.

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

Also, I would like to announce the winners of The Assistant Blog Tour. This was a group giveaway, and Riana Everly sent me a list of the winners to share with you! 

Many thanks to Riana for including me on her blog tour as well!! 

Winners from the blog tour are:

Carol Roberts

Susanne Barrett

Lori Dykes

Dung 

Luca Casale

Winners from two blog posts that came out after the first drawing ended are:

BeckyC

Joan Rye

Woot! Congratulations to all the winners!

Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads.

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Thank you so much, everyone, for making these guest posts wonderful!!!

Cover Reveal ~ The Best LAID Flight Plans by Leigh Dreyer

Hello, my friends! I've got a special treat for you today! Leigh Dreyer is about to release her debut novel, and I'm super excited to be part of her cover reveal!

The Best LAID Flight Plans

Excepted release date: end of April!

In this modern Pride and Prejudice variation, Captain William “Fitz” Darcy has just received a new assignment as an instructor pilot at Meryton Air Force Base. Soon he meets the intrepid 2nd Lieutenant Elizabeth Bennet, a new student at the base that he cannot keep out of his head. Elizabeth, on the other hand, finds Captain Darcy to be arrogant and prideful and attempts to avoid him at every turn. Despite Darcy’s insulting manners, Elizabeth soars her way through pilot training, but can she soar her way into love as well?

Without further ado, here's the cover!

About the Author

Leigh Dreyer is a huge fan of Jane Austen variations and the JAFF community. She is blessed to have multi-generational military connections through herself and her husband, who she met in pilot training. She often describes her formative years in this way, “You know the Great Balls of Fire scene in Top Gun (“Goose you big stud!!!”), where Goose and Meg Ryan have their kid on the piano? I was that kid.” Leigh lives with her pilot husband, a plane-obsessed son and a daughter who is almost walking.

Connect with Leigh Dreyer

Website • Facebook

So, what do you think of this cover?! And doesn't it sound like a great story? I'll post links to Amazon and Goodreads when they are available! 

What Are You Reading? ~ April 11, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list:

I just started Gray: Part 1 by Lou Cadle. Sounds like a fun survival story!

I recently finished reading Dear Sir, Dear Madam: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Mary Simonsen. I loved this! Sometimes I get annoyed with the restraints of the Regency period, so I was happy that Darcy and Elizabeth pushed the limits of propriety and wrote a few letters to one another.

I also finished Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1) by Moira Young. It was so good! I loved it! The cover compares it to The Hunger Games, and I'd have to agree in that Saba the protagonist is strong and determined. She finds herself in a situation that she doesn't want to be in, but has no choice. The story is action packed! As this is the first in the series I was happy that it ended in a good place; not a major cliffhanger. In fact, it felt complete. 

What's next? I think I'll try Calming the Storm by Melanie 








Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 



I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Sunset Clause by J.W. Becton ~ My Review

Sunset Clause (Southern Fraud Thriller #6) by J.W. Becton

Publication Date: November 15th, 2017
Publisher: Whiteley Press, LLC
Pages: 333
Received: Purchased 
Rating: 4 stars

All things must come to an end, but will Julia and Vincent survive the final showdown?  

With Mark Vincent under investigation for a murder he didn’t commit and Mercer, Georgia, embroiled in a government corruption scandal, Julia Jackson decides it’s time to end the nightmare.  

But when the US Attorney’s office takes over their investigation, Julia and Vincent are forced off the case. Sidelined from helping clear Vincent’s name and ending the rampant public corruption in Mercer, Julia and Vincent must find another way to root out the truth.  

As their new side investigation heats up, Julia and Vincent’s adversaries start working overtime to hide the truth…by any means necessary.  

The six-book Southern Fraud Thriller series blends gripping suspense with a hint of Southern charm and a slow-burn romance.

My Review 

Sunset Clause is the sixth and last book in the Southern Fraud Thriller series. I’ve really enjoyed reading these books! I’ve loved getting to know Julia and Vincent and hanging out with them through all six books. Solving mysteries with them, and always hoping that they would become something more than partners as the sexual tension between them crackled! 

In this book, Mark Vincent has been charged with murder, and Julia Jackson (now a private investigator) takes on an insurance case hoping while looking into it she can get some evidence to prove Mark’s innocence.

Julia and Mark are both on edge and feeling a little defeated - knowing they need to keep moving ahead on the investigation, but are afraid of the consequences for others and are not sure of their future. 

Sunset Clause nicely wraps up all the loose ends from the entire series. I loved seeing some of my favorite characters from past books, like kooky Mrs. Twilley! Plus, I love how strong both Julia’s mom and her sister, Tricia, are in this book. Both have come along way!

Although the Southern Fraud Thriller series is ending, I'm happy to know we'll be seeing more of the characters from Mercer as J.W. Becton is starting another series called Mercer Murders!

Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads.

Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Jennifer Becton

Website • Twitter • Facebook • Instagram • Pinterest

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear from you! 

The Ladies of Rosings Park by Shannon Winslow ~ Excerpt & Giveaway!

Hello, friends! I'm delighted to have Shannon Winslow visiting with us today! She's brought with her an excerpt from her new book, The Ladies of Rosing Park. She also poses an interesting question. Read further to find out! 

Also, there's a chance to win a copy of The Ladies of Rosing Park! Details are at the bottom of the post! 

     Although The Ladies of Rosings Park begins during the timeline of Pride and Prejudice, it’s primarily a sequel – what happens to Anne de Bourgh after Darcy and Elizabeth ride off into the sunset together. Jane Austen tells us nothing, but when I thought about it, two things seemed pretty clear. First, as an heiress (even a sickly one), Anne would have plenty of suitors. And second, Lady Catherine would never stop conniving until she got her daughter credibly married.

     We have seen a conniving mother in an Austen story before, but Mrs. Bennet had poor daughters to marry off, not a rich one. Emma is Austen’s richest heroine, but her mother is dead and her father wants her to stay quietly at home forever! So Anne’s situation is quite different, and it brings its own unique set of problems to overcome.

     Here’s a new excerpt as Anne imagines the dubious fate that awaits her:

~~~*~~~

[With Darcy and Elizabeth’s wedding past,] a long, bleak winter loomed before us. But Mama promised brighter days ahead if only I would exert myself.

     “Your situation is far from hopeless, and I shall not stand idly by,” she declared. “You may be sure of that. I have already begun making plans. Once word gets out that you are free, there are any number of eligible gentlemen who will take an interest. Then it will only be a matter of choosing the best offer.”

     And of course, I knew who intended to do the choosing.

     In my mind’s eye, I could already see the line forming – through the hall, out the door, and down the front steps – for a chance at my tremendous fortune.

     Mama would be very organized and systematic about it this time. She would designate a day (or perhaps two if the pool of suitors were too large). Each gentleman would sign his name when he arrived, present his documentation of pedigree and prospects, and then take a seat in the drawing room with the other contenders. There, he could view my portrait as he waited, to see what it was he was competing for, what the victor must be prepared to accept along with the money.

     Our solicitor would first examine the evidence of eligibility provided, judging according to Mama’s stated minimum requirements. Those who failed to qualify would be sent on their way at once, while the successful candidates were passed on to Mama to be further scrutinized and interviewed, one by one.

     Where would I be all this time? No doubt closeted away upstairs somewhere, playing no part in the process. If I were lucky, I might catch a glimpse from an upper window as the gentlemen came and went. I could expect nothing more. Perhaps even that would be enough for me to form some opinion, though. If I liked the look of a man in a green coat with an elegant yet manly way of moving, I might, by concentrated effort, induce him to pause and turn his gaze upwards. I would then observe his fair hair and excellent countenance. Our eyes would meet, and he would smile in a knowing way. In that instant, I would instinctively and accurately appraise his character. He was entirely honorable. He understood me and sympathized with my predicament, and he would always treat me kindly. We would surely be very happy together. Or at least we could have been.

     No doubt Mama would decide on somebody else – probably a gentleman with a title, better connections, and old enough to be my grandfather. Then she would inform me who I was to marry and when. In an attempt to soothe away any protest, she might offer to entrust some minor detail into my hands – deciding what color flowers I preferred, for example, or choosing between two eligible dates for the ceremony. Should I like to be married on a Tuesday or on a Wednesday? I could not see that it much mattered, so I considered the choice again.  Tuesday or Wednesday?

     “Tuesday or Wednesday, Anne? Are you listening to me?” asked Mama.

     I tried to gather in my straying thoughts. “Tuesday or Wednesday for what?” I inquired, coming back to the present.

     “Sometimes, child, you do try my patience! Tuesday or Wednesday for the doctor? I must send word which day we want him. Did I not tell you that I have another medical man coming to consult on your case?”

     I sighed. “No, Mama, you did not tell me. What is this one called?”

     “He is Mr. Essex – a younger man this time, university educated with all the latest knowledge and newest techniques. He sounds very promising to me, and he comes highly recommended. Mrs. Metcalf says he is the toast of all London.”

     “Then, by all means, let him come on Tuesday,” I said sardonically. “The sooner he begins my cure, the better.”

     I had been down this road a dozen times before. Most recently there had been Mr. Conner, and before him Mr. Stewart, Mr. Plowright, Mr. Parrish, and Mr. Silverwood – all tried and ultimately dismissed. A new man – always someone highly recommended – came to Mama’s attention one way or another and was called in. After he examined me, he invariably claimed to know just what the problem was and how to solve it. Six months later, however, after enduring all manner of abuse at the fellow’s hands, I was no better. Then it was on to the next, who was just as confident of a cure. I had been through it too many times to allow my hopes to be raised again.

     Nobody seemed to know what the trouble was, and I remained as ignorant as all the rest. I told each one who came to consult, “I am always tired, often to the point where I can manage nothing more than getting dressed before I am exhausted. I sometimes feel terrible pains in my head that last for hours, and I often have no appetite. One day might be better and another worse, but the sickness never entirely leaves me, and it has been going on like this for years.” Ever since my father died, in truth, although I had stopped mentioning that fact since no one seemed to think it relevant.

     I told the same to Mr. Essex when he came…

~~~*~~~

     The standard reaction at this stage is probably, “Poor Anne!” But this is only where the rest of her story begins! I can tell you this much; Mr. Essex’s arrival represents a major turning point. With a little help from her friends, Anne ultimately finds the strength to stand up for herself, overcome her troubles, and find her HEA. I hope you will follow her on that journey!


     So, which would you rather be? – a lady of small fortune like (Elizabeth, Elinor, or Marianne), likely to be overlooked and considered too poor to marry, or a lonely heiress, at the mercy of fortune hunters and never able to trust that a man cares for more than her money? Jane Austen gives us mostly the first scenario, which was her own personal situation. I wrote a novel about the other situation (For Myself Alone). As Anne de Bourgh discovers in The Ladies of Rosings Park, it’s a different set of issues, but the girl faces problems either way. 

The Ladies of Rosings Park

by Shannon Winslow

Book Description:

At first glance, Anne de Bourgh doesn’t seem a promising heroine. But beneath that quiet exterior, there’s a lively mind at work, imagining how one day she will escape her poor health and her mother’s domination to find love and a life worth living. 

Now Anne finally gets the chance to speak her mind. But Lady Catherine demands equal time. Even Charlotte Collins and Mrs. Jenkinson get into the act. Chapter by chapter, these ladies of Rosings Park take turns telling the tale from the moment Elizabeth Bennet sets foot in Hunsford, changing everything. Is Anne heartbroken or relieved to discover Mr. Darcy will never marry her? As an heiress, even a sickly one, she must have other suitors. Does Lady Catherine gracefully accept the defeat of her original plan or keep conniving? Will Anne’s health ever improve? And what really happened to her father? 

Complete in itself, this work expands The Darcys of Pemberley series laterally, beginning during the timeline of Pride and Prejudice and carrying beyond to reveal the rest of Anne’s story. When a young lady is to be a heroine… something must and will happen to throw a hero in her way. (Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey)

Buy: Amazon
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

Connect with Shannon Winslow

Twitter • Facebook • Website

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Shannon is graciously giving away one copy of The Ladies of Rosings Park to one of my lucky readers! 

• One person will win either a paperback (US only) or an e-copy (open international) of The Ladies of Rosings Park.
• To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment below and include your e-mail address [with parentheses around (at) and (dot)].
• The winner will be picked by random.org.
• Last day to enter the giveaway is April 12, 2018, 11:59 PM, Pacific Time. 

Good Luck!

Many thanks to Shannon for visiting us today and for offering to give away a copy of her book to one of my readers! 

So, readers, which would you rather be? – a lady of small fortune or a lonely heiress?

What Are You Reading? ~ April 3, 2018

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What are you Reading?  Let me know what your current read is, what you recently finish reading, and what you plan on reading next! 

Here's my list: 

I'm currently reading Blood Red Road (Dust Lands #1) by Moira Young. I'm enjoying this one! It took a minute to get used to the dialect in the story and the way the author doesn't use any quotations around the dialogue. Other than that, the story is moving along quickly! :)

I recently finished reading Trial by Fire by Josephine Angelini. It was really good! The middle was kind of slow, but to be fair, I've been suffering from a lot of headaches lately and haven't wanted to read. The ending was exciting and left me wanting more, so I bought the next book in the series! 

What's next? I plan to read Dear Sir, Dear Madam: A Pride and Prejudice Novella by Mary Lydon Simonsen. 

Disclaimer: Links to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks! 

I'm linking up with This Week In Books hosted by Lipsyy Lost & Found.

And with Sam @ Taking on a World of Words. 

So, tell me, what are you reading? 

Lover's Knot Blog Tour ~ Guest Post with Jenetta James & Giveaway!

Hello, Friends! It's my pleasure to be part of the Lover's Knot Blog Tour! Today, Jenetta James is here to talk about a subject that I think is very important. Cover art. I know I shouldn't, but I do judge a book by its cover. It's the first thing that catches my eye, making me pick it up, and then read the book description. So, it's important! :)

Lover’s Knot: a quick tour around the book cover.

Firstly, thank you Candy for having me visit “So little time…” as part of the “Lover’s Knot” blog tour. It is a pleasure to be here for a guest post. 

Today, I’m talking about the cover of “Lover’s Knot”. That is not because I designed it, or because I have any aptitude in that department! The cover is the work of Susan Adriani of CloudCat Design, but I’m so taken with it that I hope readers will enjoy a little saunter through its finer details. 

As a reader, I take quite an interest in covers. I love the “cover reveals” in the world of JAFF and always enjoy looking at the different designs that pop up - both for my trusty favourite authors and those who are new to me. My gut instinct is that a cover should give you a sneak peek at the story but not try to tell it. It is like wafting a just-cooked meal under the nose of a hungry soul, and a lot of what makes an effective cover comes down to feeling and atmosphere.

Because “Lover’s Knot” is both a romance and a mystery - its cover needed to hint at both as well as be slightly dark. It is after all, not every day that everyone’s favourite Hertfordshire estate is beset by a grisly murder, and I feel that should be reflected in the cover of the book. 

The full cover contains three images from historical works of art. In each case, by focussing on details, Susan cleverly transforms how those images appear. So let’s have a look at each one.  

The brooding gentleman starring out from the top of the front cover is intended to call to mind Mr. Darcy. In “Lover’s Knot”, he is not simply the male lead - he is also the narrator. It is his story, so it seemed fitting that he should take pride of place on the cover. In fact, that face is a detail from a portrait of French sculptor Paul Lemoyne by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres. It was painted in Rome in 1811. The whole portrait is here and as readers will see, in the full version, he looks a bit like Elvis and not at all like Mr. Darcy. But, to my mind (I know others will disagree, of course), the close up version could well be the man himself. 

So what of the party-going lady at the bottom of the front cover? This is a detail from a painting called “After the ball” by German artist, Conrad Kiesel. It will be clear from the fashions and the style of painting that this does not date from the Regency, but considerably later. Despite not being the right period - I found it such an appealing image. It worked in the landscape format that was needed for the front cover. And something about the opulence and hopefulness of the lady brought to my mind a particular scene in “Lover’s Knot”. For these reasons, and because I just *love* that fan, I was anxious to use it. Again, Susan focussed in, cleverly changing the way it appears. Readers can look at the whole painting here… 

The back cover features a detail from Vittorio Reggianini’s painting “A Shocking Announcement”. Reggianini was an Italian artist of the late 19th century, although he frequently painted Georgian “saloon scenes”, of which this is one. The whole painting does not really relate to the story of “Lover’s Knot” at all. It is the wrong period and shows a swooning lady in a gilded room being fanned by a maid, seemingly after hearing some unexpected news. As with the other pictures, a detail was used to suggest something quite different. The fallen chair hung with a lady’s shawl on the polished floor and the sight of retreating feet is intended to hint at the chaos and disorder of Netherfield following the discovery of a murder. 

So there you have it. I’d love to hear reader’s reflections on this cover. What do you think of it? What type of covers appeal to you? Do you like to see historical art or contemporary photography? Are you for faces or landscapes? Have your share of the conversation!

Lover’s Knot: A Mysterious Pride & Prejudice Variation 

by Jenetta James 

Book Description:

A great love. A perplexing murder. Netherfield Park — a house of secrets. 

Fitzwilliam Darcy is in a tangle. Captivated by Miss Elizabeth Bennet, a girl of no fortune and few connections. Embroiled in an infamous murder in the home of his friend, Charles Bingley. He is being tested in every way. Fearing for Elizabeth’s safety, Darcy moves to protect her in the only way he knows but is thwarted. Thus, he is forced to turn detective. Can he overcome his pride for the sake of Elizabeth? Can he, with a broken heart, fathom the villainy that has invaded their lives? Is there even a chance for love born of such strife? 

Lover’s Knot is a romantic Pride & Prejudice variation, with a bit of mystery thrown in.

Buy: Amazon / This book is free through KindleUnlimited
Add to Goodreads.

FTC Disclaimer: Link to Amazon. I am an Amazon Associate. Should you purchase a copy of the book through the link provided, I will receive a small commission. Thanks!

About the Author

Jenetta James is a mother, writer, lawyer and taker-on of too much. She grew up in Cambridge and read history at Oxford University where she was a scholar and president of the Oxford University History Society. After graduating, she took to the law and now practices full-time as a barrister. Over the years, she has lived in France, Hungary, and Trinidad as well as her native England. Jenetta currently lives in London with her husband and children where she enjoys reading, laughing, and playing with Lego. She has written, Suddenly Mrs. Darcy and The Elizabeth Papers as well as contributed short stories to both The Darcy Monologues and Dangerous to Know: Jane Austen’s Rakes and Gentlemen Rogues

Connect with Jenetta James

Facebook • Twitter 

Lover’s Knot Tour Schedule

March 29 My Jane Austen Book Club/ Guest Post & Giveaway

March 30 Savvy Verse & Wit / Guest Post & Giveaway

March 31 Liz's Reading Life / Book Review & Giveaway

April 1 My Vices and Weaknesses/  Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 2 Of Pens and Pages / Book Review & Giveaway

April 3 So Little Time... /  Guest Post & Giveaway

April 4  Austenesque Reviews / Author Interview & Giveaway

April 5 From Pemberley to Milton /  Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 6 Babblings of a Bookworm /  Book Review & Giveaway

April 7 More Agreeably Engaged / Book Review & Giveaway

April 8 My Love for Jane Austen / Guest Post & Giveaway

April 9 Diary of an Eccentric /  Guest Post & Giveaway

April 10 Laughing with Lizzie /  Excerpt Post & Giveaway

April 11 Margie’s Must Reads / Book Review & Giveaway

April 12 Just Jane 1813/ Author Interview & Giveaway

* * * GIVEAWAY * * *

It's giveaway time! Jenetta has selected a lovely giveaway package where one lucky winner will receive a Pride & Prejudice scarf, a Kindle cover, and paperback copies of all five of her JAFF books.

Terms and Conditions

• Readers may enter the drawing by tweeting once each day and by commenting daily on a blog post or review that has a giveaway attached to this tour. 
• Entrants must provide the name of the blog where they commented.
• Winner will be randomly selected by Rafflecopter.
• The giveaway is international.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wow! Awesome prize! Thank you, Jenetta, for your generosity! Also, great post! I love to hear about the thought put into a cover. 

Many thanks to Claudine @ JustJane 1813 for organizing this tour and including me! 

So, readers, what do you think? Like Jenetta asked above, what kind of covers appeal to you?