Wednesday, December 2, 2015

New Covers + Excited to Read!

And now 'tis time for another blog post filled with lovely new covers! Gaze upon these beauties, and then tell me which ones are your favorites and which ones you can't wait to read! ^_^



Songkeeper [THE SONGKEEPER CHRONICLES #2] by Gillian Bronte Adams

~ AHHH!! Is this cover not epic? And amazing?? And fantastic? After loving the first book in the series, I can't wait to read this one! ~


A Spy's Devotion [THE REGENCY SPIES OF LONDON #1] by Melanie Dickerson

In England’s Regency era, manners and elegance reign in public life—but behind closed doors treason and tawdriness thrive. Nicholas Langdon is no stranger to reserved civility or bloody barbarity. After suffering a battlefield injury, the wealthy, well-connected British officer returns home to heal—and to fulfill a dying soldier’s last wish by delivering his coded diary.

At the home of the Wilherns, one of England’s most powerful families, Langdon attends a lavish ball where he meets their beautiful and intelligent ward, Julia Grey. Determined to maintain propriety, he keeps his distance—until the diary is stolen and all clues lead to Julia’s guardian. As Langdon traces an evil plot that could be the nation’s undoing, he grows ever more intrigued by the lovely young woman. And when Julia realizes that England—and the man she is falling in love with—need her help, she finds herself caught in the fray. Will the two succumb to their attraction while fighting to save their country?

~ I'm like ... for real? A Regency spy story from Medieval fairy-tale author, Melanie Dickerson? Yes please!! I'm can hardly wait to read this! And the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I love it so much! ~


Tainted [THE SOUL CHRONICLES #1] by Morgan L. Busse

~ This one looks intriguing, doesn't it? *grins* I don't believe I've ever read of the genre steampunk before, but it sounds fantastic! Looking forward to trying it! ~


Honor Redeemed [KEYS OF PROMISE #2] by Christine Johnson

Two Men Vie for Her Affection - Survival Will Depend on Choosing the Right One.

Two years ago, Prosperity Jones waved farewell to her beloved David as the army sent him to faraway Key West. Now with her parents gone, she has but one prospect for the future: make the dangerous journey from Nantucket to Key West to reunite with David and secure a happier life. Arriving penniless in the South, Prosperity is dismayed to find David married to someone else. Scrambling to survive and nursing a broken heart, she gains the friendship--and the affection--of a kind doctor. Could he be the answer to her loneliness? Or will her life be upended by circumstance yet again?
 
With a deft hand, Christine Johnson fills the reader's senses with the sights, sounds, and smells of Key West in this heartwarming story of honor lost, honor redeemed, and a love forged in adversity.

~ I read by Christine Johnson for the first time this year, and found her books to be fresh, sweet, exciting historical romance set in the 1850s near the Florida Keys. I'm so excited to continue this series!  Beautiful cover too, wouldn't you agree? ~


The Ringmaster's Wife by Kristy Cambron

What is revealed when you draw back the curtain of the Greatest Show on Earth?

Rosamund Easling is no stranger to opulence. As the daughter of an earl, she’s grown up with every comfort money can buy. But when hard times befall the family’s Yorkshire estate in the aftermath of the Great War, Rosamund’s father sells her beloved horse, setting the stage for a series of events that would extend beyond even her wildest dreams.

Though expected to marry for a title instead of love, Rosamund feels called to a different life – one of adventure outside the confines of a ladies’ parlor. She abandons all she’s known and follows in pursuit as her horse is shipped to the new owner – an American entertainer by the name of John Ringling. Once introduced to the Ringling Brothers’ circus and knowing she has much to learn, Rosamund agrees to a bareback riding apprenticeship in the shadow of the Ringlings’ winter home—Ca’D’Zan. It is at that mansion, in what would become the last days of the enigmatic Mable Ringling’s life, that Rosamund finds a deeper sense of purpose in the life she’s been given, and the awakening of faith in her heart.

With a supporting cast of characters as mysterious and dazzling as the Ringlings’ big-top world, Rosamund’s journey takes her from the tradition of the English countryside to the last days of America’s Roaring ‘20s—a journey that forever changes what one life might have been.

~ I've not read by Kristy Cambron before, but this sounds interesting! ~


A Treacherous Decision [ORDER OF THE MOONSTONE #2] by J C Morrows

~ I haven't read the first book of this series yet, but it sounds intriguing! Dystopian, assassins, royalty, and romance! I'm going to give it a try! ~


Healer's Curse [MARDAN'S MARK #0.5] by Kathrese McKee

Lady Elilan heals people. Or does she?

The fever is back, and people in Northern Marst are dying. After Elilan’s husband dies under her care, she abandons her divine gift of healing. What good is the “gift” if she can’t save those she loves?

Her faith is put to the test when the king commands her to nurse a seriously wounded enemy soldier back to health. Will she rely on her knowledge of medicine or entrust her patient’s life—and her good name—to the One who gave her the gift she has neglected? Elilan must decide what she really believes when death threatens again.

Healer's Curse is a companion novella in the Mardan's Mark series. Read it before or after Mardan's Mark (Book One).

~ I recently read this novella, and Book One of the series, but I just had to share the beautiful cover! If you haven't read the MARDAN'S MARK series, do so now! Amazing fantasy! I am so very excited for Book 2 to come out! ~


So Rare a Gift [DAUGHTERS OF HIS KINGDOM #3] by Amber Lynn Perry

Escape is Anna Rone’s only option. Never again will she be trapped in a loveless marriage. A new life in America means safety—and discovering the truth behind her beloved brother’s death. But when she is nearly captured and forced to return to England, her vow to never marry for anything but love is forgotten when she must marry for protection. Perhaps the handsome man she accepts is truly as caring as he seems. If he is not, her future in America is darker than ever before.

Captain Henry Donaldson aided the colonists too many times. And now, the British army intends to make him pay with his life. Without his friends in Sandwich, he would be a dead man. He’s already changed his name, and when the kind, courageous woman he rescued offers to become his bride, he accepts despite the risks. His past taught him that women are not to be trusted and that love can cut deeper than the sword. Only time will reveal if this choice will bring the greatest pain he’s ever known.

~ Revolutionary War historical romance? Yes, yes! That's like my favorite era!! I'm so excited to try out this series! And I really like this cover ... with the pretty gown and bows and pearls! ~


To Follow Her Heart [THE SOUTHOLD CHRONICLES #3] by Rebecca DeMarino

Satisfying, Emotionally Rich Conclusion to The Southold Chronicles Series
It is 1664 and Patience Terry is devastated to learn that Captain Jeremy Horton's ship has been shipwrecked off the coast of Barbados, with no survivors. She had hoped that Jeremy would someday give up the sea and settle down with her in Southold, Long Island. 
Unaware his memorial service is being planned, Jeremy is rescued and aboard a British Naval Gunship with secret orders to attack New Amsterdam and claim it for the British Crown. When he makes his surprise return to Southold--and to an overjoyed Patience--it's not the happily-ever-after his beloved had hoped for. 
With a finely tuned sense for authentic historical characters and settings, Rebecca DeMarino plunges readers into the 17th century--a world of high seas and tall ships, daring journeys and yearning hearts.

~ Not sure yet if I'll end up reading this book (the one that comes before it wasn't so much my style), but I simply had to share this stunning cover. Isn't it beautiful? I am rather tempted to read it now! ~


The Beautiful Pretender [A MEDIEVAL FAIRY TALE #2] by Melanie Dickerson

What happens when a margrave realizes he’s fallen in love with a servant?

The Margrave of Thornbeck has to find a bride, fast. He invites ten noble-born ladies from around the country to be his guests at Thornbeck Castle for two weeks, a time to test these ladies and reveal their true character.

Avelina is only responsible for two things: making sure her deception goes undetected and avoiding being selected as the margrave’s bride. Since the latter seems unlikely, she concentrates on not getting caught. No one must know she is merely a maidservant, sent by the Earl of Plimmwald to stand in for his daughter, Dorothea.

Despite Avelina’s best attempts at diverting attention from herself, the margrave has taken notice. And try as she might, she can’t deny her own growing feelings. But something else is afoot in the castle. Something sinister that could have far worse—far deadlier—consequences. Will Avelina be able to stop the evil plot? And at what cost?

~ I already shared this cover before ... but had to share again! It's gorgeous! And beautiful. And ... eep! Who's ready for a fairy-tale retelling that's a cross between The Princess and the Pea and The Beauty and the Beast? ~


Road to Deer Run [DEER RUN SAGA #1] by Elaine Marie Cooper

The year is 1777 and the war has already broken the heart of Mary Thomsen, a nineteen-year-old colonial woman from Massachusetts. Her brother, Asa is dead — killed by the King’s army, so when she stumbles across a wounded British soldier, her sense of right and wrong is challenged. Should she help a soldier of the enemy who took her brother’s life, or let him die, cold and alone?

The war has also broken British soldier Daniel Lowe’s spirit. A severely wounded prisoner of war, he escaped his rebel captors while on a death march to Boston. As the pain in his injured leg worsens, he wonders if the young woman looking down at him is an angel or the enemy.

Need and compassion bring these two young lives together, but will the bitterness of war keep them apart? Or can they find their way to love and forgiveness on the Road to Deer Run?

~ More Revolutionary War historical! ... When I see colonial dresses on covers, and 1770s in the story desciption, my heart jumps for joy! *winks and grins* I'm intrigued, and excited to get a chance to read this one! ~


Miriam [A TREASURE OF THE NILE #2] by Mesu Andrews

~ This one looks to be a intriguing Biblical retelling! I've read once by Mesu Andrews, and look forward to reading more! ~


Three Wishes [RIVER OF TIME: CALIFORNIA #1] by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Three Wishes follows Zara, a normal So Cal girl on the verge of graduating high school and thinking about her dawning future. But when dusk brings a shattering loss, in a piercing moment, she finds she might consider new hope found in a distant past, when she meets handsome Javier de la Vega, a ranchero in 1839 California (pre-statehood, pre-Gold Rush), who has big dreams, big secrets, and big dreams about his future wife…

~ I had some issues with the companion series, but I've loved others of Lisa's books, and might give this one a try! In any case, what an enchanting cover! ~


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Alright, so now it's your turn! Tell me:

Which of these books you are excited to read.
And which covers are your favorites, and why.

Comment away! ^_^

14 comments:

  1. All those covers look gorgeous!! :D

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    1. I know, aren't they just, Alyssa?! So much beautiful! ^_^

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    1. You're welcome, Lisa! Such a gorgeous cover ... and the story sounds really intriguing! :)

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  3. Hi Shantelle,
    Thanks for including Tainted in your list! If you like Victorian historicals, then you'll love Tainted! It's a Victorian historical with a fantasy twist :)

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    1. Hi Morgan!
      You're welcome! I do love Victorian historical ... and am getting more excited by the moment to read Tainted! :D It sounds splendid! (Because I love fantasy too!)

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  4. What pretties! Kristy's sounds fabulous and Morgan's looks really intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing, Shantelle.

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    1. You're welcome, Rissi! They are all so lovely, aren't they? Yes, I'm really fascinated by Morgan's! Sounds like something I'd really enjoy!

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  5. Shantelle!!
    Oh my goodness, I am SO honored to have SO RARE A GIFT included on your post. Thank you so much! (Sorry I'm glad in getting here!!!) I'm pleased to know you like the cover and I can't wait to hear what you think about the series. I really hope you enjoy it!!!
    Much love and MANY thanks to you, Shantelle!! <3

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    1. Hi Amber!
      You're welcome!! ^_^ I more recently discovered your books ... the covers are gorgeous, and the 1700s/colonial/Revolutionary War era is one of my absolute favorites! So I'm very excited to read the Daughters of His Kingdom series! :)

      It was my pleasure to share! :) Thanks for stopping by!!

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  6. Wow, they're all so amazing!! My favorite cover would have to be "The Ringmasters Wife" by Kristy Cambron! I read her other series this year and it was so amazing!! of course, it didn't hurt that they were set around WWII which happens to be my favorite historical era. . . ;) I can't wait to read her new book!! :D

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    1. They really are, Jesseca! ^_^ Kristy Cambron's is really lovely! And it sounds interesting! Ooh, I love the WWII era!! I'll have to check out more of her books! :)

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  7. So many gorgeous covers! Thank you for including Songkeeper in the list!!! :) Can't wait for you to read it.

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    1. I know, Gillian! They just make my day! :) You're welcome!! And I can't wait to read it! :D It's cover is so spectacular; and I loved Orphan's Song!

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