TO RESCUE A WITCH

 

by

 

Lisa A. Traugott

 

 

Historical Fiction / Action & Adventure / Witch Trials

Page Count: 398 pages

Publication Date: March 1, 2024

 

 

 

 

It’s 1739. An abused girl accused of witchcraft must be defended by a man married to an actual witch.

William MacLeod, a fierce Scottish lawyer with a kind heart, takes on a daunting task—rescue young Annaliese from the clutches of her tormentors in the untamed wilds of Virginia colony and deliver her safely to her aristocratic father in London. But lurking in the shadows are enemies eager to expose MacLeod’s own wife, Fiona, as a witch with a dark secret.

Their perilous journey takes an unexpected turn when their ship wrecks, and Annaliese’s haunting nightmares and unexplained “Devil marks” trigger suspicion among the crew. Tension peaks when MacLeod must become Annaliese’s unwavering protector in a witch trial, where Fiona’s clairvoyance and a murder are unveiled.

To Rescue a Witch navigates themes of betrayal and redemption, in a spellbinding narrative that blends history, magic and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

Historical novels teach us so much about how people acted, the places they lived, and what the landscape looked like at that time. In this novel, we experience 1730s London, Scotland, and the American Colonies. We also see this time through the eyes of several characters – Annaliese, MacLeod, Fiona, and Margaret.

This story is filled with lies, deceit, remorse, redemption, and love. While most characters experience some of these emotions, they don’t necessarily experience them all. It is quite intriguing to watch the scheming of some characters end in disaster while others become victorious.

While we see this story through several different eyes, Annaliese is the main character that the story surrounds, and she has quite the tale to tell. She may only be nine but has endured much in those few years. It takes a lot for her to learn to trust others, but watching her grow is beautiful. I’m not saying she is perfect by the end of the book, but she comes quite a long way from the beginning. My heart hurt for the abuse she endured at the hands of her stepfather. He is not a nice man, but then, many men in this century took women for granted and expected little or nothing from them. I appreciated the strength of these women and seeking something better for themselves and their families.

William MacLeod seems to have lost his way in prioritizing what is really important to him. There are a few incidents that lead up to this moment, but reflection and conversations help him to realize where he needs to be in this world. I liked that he was able to reflect on his past and change the trajectory of his future.

There are quite a few different threads in this book, but all are woven together to create a story with many facets that create a world we can feel a part of by the end of the book. Anyone who reads this book might root for different characters and will be satisfied with the conclusion. Although, I would have liked it to go on just a little longer.

We enjoyed this story, the setting, the characters, and the various outcomes and give the book 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa A. Traugott is an award-winning author and World Championship public speaker semifinalist — who also spoke five lines on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She lives in Austin with her husband, two kids, and English bulldog, Bruno.

 

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REAP THE WIND

 

by

 

Joel Burcat

 

 

Action-Adventure / Suspense / Climate Change / EcoThriller

Publisher: Milford House Press, an imprint of Sunbury Books, Inc.

Date of Publication: February 6, 2024

Number of Pages: 215 pages

 

 

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THE PERFECT STORM meets THE FIRM.

Reap the Wind is a thrilling action/adventure novel that follows three lawyers as they embark on a treacherous journey from Houston to Cincinnati during a catastrophic hurricane. Josh Goldberg is on a mission to be with his girlfriend for the birth of their child. Along the way, they’ll face terrifying obstacles like tornadoes, hailstorms, and driving rain. But the real danger may come from within as they struggle to survive each other’s company. His two travel companions—his best friend, a drug-addicted lawyer, and his conniving boss who has her own agenda.

Don’t miss out on this unforgettable odyssey that might just be a suicide trip.

 

 

 

 

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Praise for Reap The Wind

 

“Reap the Wind is a bold, bracing and blisteringly original take on the legal thriller form. Joel Burcat has fashioned a seminal tale focusing on the nightmare of all road trips in which a storm raging outside the car is matched only by the storm raging within. Burcat dares to tread on the hallowed ground of John Grisham and Scott Turow and ends up blazing a fresh, daring literary tale of his own. Not to be missed!” —Jon Land, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you have ever lived through a major storm (hurricane, tornado, etc), then you will be able to appreciate this novel from Joel Burcat. While the focus of the novel is the storm, there is also the interpersonal dynamics between several of the characters.

Josh is an ambitious attorney, but at the same time, he wants a good work-life balance. His fiancee, Keisha, is pregnant with their child. Their relationship is interesting, but not without struggles, especially from the parents. His are Jewish, but admittedly, not practicing. Keisha is African-American with helicopter parents. However, there is something in their relationship that binds them together. All is well until Keisha decides to leave Houston, where Josh is for a conference, ahead of a major storm about to hit the shores. She is eight months pregnant and wants to be closer to home in case the baby decides to make an early appearance. This is where everything goes awry.

Living in Texas, we are no strangers to some crazy storms. Everyone has heard of the hurricanes that hit Houston and New Orleans. It was not a pretty sight when everything was said and done. This storm is giving signs of being very similar. If it were me, I would have holed up in the hotel in Houston until everything passed. They were in a Four Seasons, after all! However, that would not have made for an interesting tale. Keisha flew out and ended up in the hospital in Cincinnati. This has Josh worried to no end, and he makes the (not so smart) decision to drive, in a major storm, from Houston to Cincinnati. Luckily, he has a friend and coworker who will go with him, so he won’t drive this alone. Originally, it would have been the two of them on this trip until their boss, Diane, forces her way into the situation. I will state that I do not like Diane. There are many reasons, but some would take away from the story, and I don’t want to reveal too much. Let’s just say she is very bossy, more than what could be considered appropriate for anyone. So, the three set off in the car for an adventure.

I had to chuckle at some of the observations by the characters on the drive. They nailed the driving habits of Texans and the love for guns. There are many humorous moments peppered throughout their journey. While perfect conditions would have allowed them to make the trip in a reasonable amount of time, the weather slowed down their travels. There is nothing like a road trip to bring out people’s true personalities.

While this band of characters is on their journey, Keisha has her own issues to deal with in the hospital. She never expected to see her former boyfriend at the hospital and as her OB/GYN while there. He crosses some ethical lines, in my opinion. But seeing him brings Keisha to a crossroads, and she has to decide which road to follow. I am not too surprised at how that situation resolved itself, but it was probably the best outcome.

There is a prologue and an epilogue that seemingly have nothing to do with the crux of the story other than to share another perspective on how someone survived the storm. I am not sure why they were included.

The book was told from the POV of Josh and Keisha. While there are two other main characters, Geoff and Diane, their story is included to a minor degree. Maybe not as in-depth as Josh and Keisha, but it is really their story to be told.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, and if you like books about major storms, you just might like this one. We give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joel Burcat is an award-winning author of three environmental legal thrillers: Drink to Every Beast (illegal dumping of toxic waste), Amid Rage (a coal mine permit battle), and Strange Fire (a fracking dispute). His most recent book, Reap the Wind, is about three lawyers trying to drive from Houston to Cincinnati in a climate change-induced hurricane.

He has received a number of awards, including the Gold Medal for environmental fiction from Readers’ Favorite for Strange Fire, and as a Finalist in the Next Generation Indie Book Awards for Amid Rage.  He has written numerous short stories. Burcat imbues his novels with facts to educate his readers about critical environmental issues while they are being entertained by the story.

Burcat’s books are infused with realism developed over a forty plus year career as an environmental lawyer.

 

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Signed copy of REAP THE WIND

 

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or visit the blogs directly:

 

03/05/24	Hall Ways Blog	First Line
03/05/24	Librariel Book Adventures	Review
03/06/24	Jan Sikes Blog	Review
03/06/24	LSBBT Blog	BONUS Stop
03/07/24	StoreyBook Reviews	Review
03/08/24	Guatemala Paula Loves to Read	Guest Post
03/08/24	It’s Not All Gravy	Review
03/09/24	Bibliotica	Review
03/10/24	Forgotten Winds	Excerpt
03/11/24	Boys’ Mom Reads	Review
03/11/24	The Page Unbound	Excerpt
03/12/24	Chapter Break Book Blog	Notable Quotables
03/13/24	The Real World According to Sam	Review
03/13/24	Rebecca R. Cahill, Author	Author Interview
03/14/24	The Clueless Gent	Review
03/14/24	The Plain-Spoken Pen	Review

 

 

 

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TO RESCUE A WITCH

 

By LISA A. TRAUGOTT

 

 

 

Historical Fiction / Action & Adventure / Fantasy

Coming March 1, 2024

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s 1739. An abused girl accused of witchcraft must be defended by a man married to an actual witch.

William MacLeod, a fierce Scottish lawyer with a kind heart, takes on a daunting task—rescue young Annaliese from the clutches of her tormentors in the untamed wilds of Virginia colony and deliver her safely to her aristocratic father in London. But lurking in the shadows are enemies eager to expose MacLeod’s own wife, Fiona, as a witch with a dark secret.

Their perilous journey takes an unexpected turn when their ship wrecks, and Annaliese’s haunting nightmares and unexplained “Devil marks” trigger suspicion among the crew. Tension peaks when MacLeod must become Annaliese’s unwavering protector in a witch trial, where Fiona’s clairvoyance and a murder are unveiled.

To Rescue a Witch navigates themes of betrayal and redemption, in a spellbinding narrative that blends history, magic and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit.

 

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lisa A. Traugott is an award-winning author and World Championship public speaker semifinalist — who also spoke five lines on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. She lives in Austin with her husband, two kids, and English bulldog, Bruno.

 

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Synopsis

 

When Defending the Homeland Means Defending Your Heart.

Siberia 1581. When Umey, a young outcast woman, stumbles on a ravaged village, she uncovers a plot that threatens to devastate her beloved homeland. It’s furs—soft gold—the invading Cossacks crave, and the greediest of them is Yermak, the man who saved her life and raised her.

Armed with fearsome muskets, the Cossacks plunge deeper into the Siberian forest, crushing the tribal folk who stand in their way. Although prejudices are arrayed against her, Umey emerges as a tribal leader, albeit a reluctant one. She and Alexey, a Russian soldier who has seen too much war, are soon caught in an unfolding crucible of destruction where their courage and incipient love will be tested in a final collision with Yermak and his horde.

 

 

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Praise

 

“I was immediately drawn in by the atmospheric and descriptive effort that Czech put into his writing to bring the wilds of Siberia to life. I was fascinated by the customs and tribal people as well as the beauty of nature … Umey’s gentle but unwavering courage makes her a protagonist whom you grow to feel deeply for during the adventure. Overall, Kiss of Frost and Flame is a work that fans of historical adventures and cross-cultural writing are sure to enjoy as much as I did.”-K. C. Finn, author of Caecilius Rex and The Book of Shade 

 

 

Excerpt

 

The first metallic rays of the rising sun peeking above the hilltops caused Umey to stir, but it was the low, husky warble of a snow bunting that woke her. Perched on a bare branch a few feet away, the little white and black bird tilted its head as if to say, you do not belong here. When she stretched, it flew away.

Outside of her cedar tree shelter, the sun glinted from a dazzling layer of hoarfrost that coated the bare boughs of birch and poplar with a delicate skin of purest white. Thick, snowy shawls mantled the scattered pines and cedars. Against the azure sky, the awakening world resembled a crystal palace like the kind found in the tales of ice castles and princesses that Mama had once told her.

Umey studied her surroundings. White-clad peaks loomed to the north, while snow-covered ridges and valleys lay to the west. If she followed the ridges and valleys, she was certain she would eventually reach the flatlands where reindeer roamed. With luck, she might even stumble across a trail left by the herders. Luck! That was her Russian half thinking of such. Samoyeds did not believe in luck. They believed in skill and patience.

A horse neighed from far behind her, the sound carrying in the still air. Umey shaded her eyes and scanned the horizon. A single horse appeared, tiny in the distance. From the animal’s movements, its rider seemed to be following the path left by her skis. They would lead him to where she had bedded for the night, and after that he would find more telltale tracks.

Mother Forest! It had to be one of the Cossacks. What if Bugatov or Ivan Koltso tracked her? Whoever it was, he must have left the Cossack camp while she slept and made up ground on her.

Umey maneuvered along the next ridge. Using her ski pole as a sort of rudder, she glided downhill. The bottom of the ridge formed into a ravine. She glanced at the next slope. Too steep to climb. Better to stay down here.

Cattails poked out of the snow on the ravine’s floor. Animal tracks led in and out of the cover provided by the long stems. Water trickled at the base of the ‘tails and splashed over her boots. The ravine appeared to be the bed of a half-frozen stream.

The height of the ravine’s walls began to diminish. She took her eyes off its floor for a moment to look behind her and missed the thick, broken tree branch poking through the snow. Her ski hooked the branch, and with a loud cracking sound sent her sprawling. The contact with the frozen ground drove the wind from her. Pain knifed her chest and she clawed at the snow in agony until her breathing returned. She kicked out of the bindings and discovered her left ski had snapped near its tip. Muttering a Samoyed curse, she tossed the useless slats aside.

The horse neighed again, now much closer. She had laid in the snow for too long. Escape from the horseman would have to be on foot.

“Umey! I am coming for you!” the rider called, his words echoing among the hills.

Bugatov! That grating voice belonged to Stefan Bugatov!

Umey began to run. The wet snow dragged at her boots and slush speckled her trousers. The ravine’s floor widened and opened to a vast, flat, white expanse that glistened under the sun. She skidded to a stop. An ice-covered lake stretched into the distance. Patches of wind-driven snow laced its surface.

“Mother Forest, protect me,” she murmured as she dashed onto the lake, her arms twirling for a moment to keep her balance. Under her, the lake’s glazed surface groaned. The ice she slid over appeared grayish-white, not the stronger clear layer needed to support much weight. Bubbles, looking like boiled eggs, hung suspended inches below the surface. She knew what it meant. The combination of water from the stream flowing under the ice, the warm caress of wind, and the bold eye of the sun had weakened the lake’s coating in this area. Gray ice, soft and deadly.

From behind her, the crunch of the horse’s hooves as it broke through the crusted top layer of snow at the lake’s edge sent her heart skipping.

The wind carried Bugatov’s raucous shout of triumph. “Umey! Stop, or I will shoot you.”

She spun about to face him, her hands clenched. In his heavy bearskin coat, he appeared more beast than man. Frost rimed his beard and snot had frozen in his mustache. He clutched a pistol in one fist and held the leash in the other. Foam flecked his horse’s jaws and neck; a loop of saliva hung from its mouth. Gouts of white air blew from its nostrils and its whicker more a whimper of pain. Bugatov had ridden it hard to catch her. She doubted the poor horse was strong enough to carry him back to Koltso.

“Go ahead and shoot me,” she cried. “Then you can explain to the tsar what happened.”

 

 

Guest Review by Nora

 

A masterpiece of fiction from author Ken Czech! ‘Kiss of Frost and Flame,’ is a novel of pure genius from an author who always writes such wonderful books. Czech has a talent for atmosphere and setting that is unparalleled! I noted this when reading his last book, ‘The Tsar’s Locket,’ and time has only improved his craft.

‘Kiss of Frost and Flame,’ takes place in Western Siberia, in the year 1581.

Living on her own in the forest, Umey’s only thoughts are of survival and hunting. Though this is not always how she has lived, she finds the freedom edifying, and prefers to make her own rules and live in her own way. However, it is into this relatively peaceful life that chaos comes knocking.

Umey accidentally stumbles across a village that has been burned down, it’s people slaughtered.  Almost as soon as she discovers the village, she is attacked by what she thinks are Tatar warriors. Barely managing to escape, she is hit by a musket ball and almost dies before being taken in by a nearby village of Voguls.

As the Voguls care for her and nurse her back to full health, Umey believes that she owes them a debt of gratitude. She agrees to find out everything that she can about the attack on the village. In doing so, she travels to a nearby Russian army outpost, where she meets the man that will change her life forever.

Although he is not really guilty, Alexey Danilov was tried—and nearly executed—for treason against the Tsar. After being saved at the last second and sent to fight in the wilderness, Alexey knows that he must follow the rules if he is ever to earn back his rank of Lieutenant.

But falling in love with Umey is not in his game plan. Of course, things don’t always go as planned.

This story is not just a romance, but an action-filled historical novel that will keep any reader guessing from start to finish!

 

 

About the Author

 

Ken Czech is a retired history professor whose passion has turned to writing fiction.

His previous novels include BEYOND THE RIVER OF SHAME (All Things That Matter Press, 2017); LAST DANCE IN KABUL (Fireship Press, 2018); and THE TSAR’S LOCKET (Fireship Press, 2020). As a member of the Historical Novels Society, he has attended HNS conferences and workshops.

 

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Giveaway

 

This giveaway is for 2 print or ebook copies; print is open to the U.S. only. The ebook is open worldwide.

This giveaway ends on Feb 8, 2024, at midnight pacific time.

Entries are accepted via Rafflecopter only.

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The Brotherhood of Pandora

 

by

 

David L. Nichols

 

 

Historical Fiction / Nautical Fiction / Action & Adventure

Publisher: Moontower Press

November 14, 2022

313 Pages

 

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To combat Napoleon’s increasing interest in the Caribbean and help pressure France to sell New Orleans to America, Vice-President Thomas Jefferson enlists the aid of friend and naval hero Captain Jacob May. He asks Captain May to wage a clandestine war against the French in the Caribbean not as part of the US Navy, but as pirates.

To accomplish this, Captain May uses the cutting-edge technology of 1799: Girardoni air rifles, Fulton’s self-propelled torpedoes, a submarine, cannons with rifling, and Pandora, a specially modified ship. Pandora’s crew also holds a secret—two women masquerading as able-bodied seamen. Captain May molds his crew into the Brotherhood of Pandora and gives Jefferson chaos in the Caribbean.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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David Nichols has published three books and a number of articles on building small wooden boats and traditional sails. He also taught wooden boat building at WoodenBoat School and Great Lakes Boatbuilding School. In addition, he wrote and directed an hour-long “how-to” video on wooden boat building and has written many scripts for industrial and commercial films. This background allows him to accurately portray the boats and ships of the late 18^th century and weave a cohesive and compelling story. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Texas, Austin.

 

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Signed copy of THE BROTHERHOOD OF PANDORA

 

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CONFESSIONS OF A KNIGHT ERRANT

 

by

 

Gretchen McCullough

 

 

Humorous Fiction

Publisher: Cune Press

Page Count: 240 pages

Publication Date: October 18, 2022

 

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Confessions of a Knight Errant is a comedic, picaresque novel in the tradition of Don Quixote with a flamboyant cast of characters.

Dr. Gary Watson is the picaro, a radical environmentalist and wannabe novelist who has been accused of masterminding a computer hack that wiped out the files of a major publishing company. His Sancho Panza is Kharalombos, a fat, gluttonous Greek dancing teacher, who is wanted by the secret police for cavorting with the daughter of the Big Man of Egypt.

Self-preservation necessitates a hurried journey to the refuge of a girls’ camp in rural Texas. Then a body turns up nearby that is connected to Middle East antiquities, and they are on the run once more.

 

 

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Eccentric characters, varied locations, and humor throughout made this a fun book to read.

I have never been to Egypt or Cairo, but I enjoyed the perspective provided of the people and political climate. Gary is there to recover the last remaining copy of his novel. I chuckled when the people that took over his apartment said they didn’t know where it was, and then it was discovered they used it as scratch paper. While there, they meet up with more intriguing characters, including Gudrun, a German woman that moved to Texas and now operates a camp for girls. This is what brings the gang to Texas.

I enjoyed all of the drama and humor. It kept the story moving at a steady, and at times frenetic, pace. Many times I had to just shake my head at their antics. I think Gudrun was my favorite character with her outlandish dress, words, and actions. However, Mary Alice runs a close second.

While filled with crazy scenarios, there are also some educational parts regarding Native Americans and Egyptians. We also have flashbacks to Gary’s childhood that helps explain why he is the way he is.

This was a fun book to read and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gretchen McCullough was raised in Harlingen Texas. After graduating from Brown University in 1984, she taught in Egypt, Turkey, and Japan. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the University of Alabama and was awarded a teaching Fulbright to Syria from 1997-1999. Her stories, essays and reviews have appeared in The Barcelona Review, Archipelago, National Public Radio, Story South, Guernica, The Common, The Millions, and the LA Review of Books. Translations in English and Arabic have been published in: Nizwa, Banipal, Brooklyn Rail in Translation, World Literature Today and Washington Square Review with Mohamed Metwalli. Her bi-lingual book of short stories in English and Arabic, Three Stories From Cairo, translated with Mohamed Metwalli, was published in July 2011 by AFAQ Publishing House, Cairo. A collection of short stories about expatriate life in Cairo, Shahrazad’s Tooth, was also published by AFAQ in 2013. Currently, she is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Rhetoric and Composition at the American University in Cairo.

 

  American University Faculty Webpage

 

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In Confessions of a Knight Errant, readers get a taste of the Hill Country.

 

One winner will, too, with a one-pound

 

bag of pecans from Berdoll Pecan Candy & Gift Company!

 

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Synopsis

 

Middle school student Gwendolyn is a dream-shifter. This means that when she dreams, she becomes what she dreams about, and she dreams about being different animals. If she awakens naturally, she becomes a girl again. But a fire alarm jars her awake when she’s dreaming that she’s an elk. She awakes as an elk. It’s elk hunting season, and she doesn’t know how to change back to a girl, or how to stay alive.

 

 

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Review

 

This book is just the right length and topic for middle-grade readers. It contains a little bit of everything for the younger reader – fantasy, magic, adventure, and introspection.

Gwendolyn is an aspiring journalist but is also a dream-shifter. Apparently, if she is woken abruptly from a dream where she has changed forms, she emerges as that form. In this case, an elk. Imagine her surprise when that happened, which happened right before elk hunting season. That could be dangerous for a young girl that is now in elk form.

This is a journey for her as she learns to adapt to her new form, trying to discover if she can change back, and meeting new people that may or may not be able to help her.

I thought it was amazing that everyone just accepted her as an elk. There was some disbelief, but they eventually accepted it as well. She learns how to adapt to not having hands and dealing with antlers that seem to keep growing.

This was a surprisingly fun read, and we give it 4 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

About the Author

 

Lois Wickstrom earned her BA in biology with Chemistry and English minors. She is the creator of the Imagenie videos on YouTube and “Starting With Safety” available from the American Chemical Society. She also co-authored the Nessie’s Grotto Books with Jean Lorrah, and the Orange Forest Rabbit books with Lucrecia Darling.

 

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Rio Hondo

 

Three Rivers Trilogy, Book 3

 

by

 

Preston Lewis

 

 

 

 Western / Historical Fiction / Action & Adventure

Publisher: Five Star

Pages: 373 pages

Publication Date: May 18, 2022

 

 

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With the embers of the Lincoln County War still burning, rancher Wes Bracken must rebuild his life amid the white-hot animosities lingering from the deadly feud. His vengeful brother-in-law vows to kill him, the county’s economic kingpin seeks revenge, and the despicable outlaw Jesse Evans, who violated Bracken’s wife, intends to murder Bracken and his young family. Two promises complicate Bracken’s survival chances: a pledge not to kill his wife’s brother and a commitment to help William H. Bonney earn a governor’s pardon for his crimes. To survive and fulfill his dream of a peaceful life in 1880s New Mexico Territory, Bracken must fight a corrupt legal system, a duplicitous governor, a ubiquitous political ring, and the evil Jesse Evans. If Bracken keeps his promises to his wife and Billy the Kid, he risks an early grave in the same soil that holds so many of the Lincoln County War’s dead. If he ignores those pledges, he will dishonor the good name he hopes to build his future upon.

 

 

 

Amazon

 

 

 

 

 

 

Excerpt from Chapter Twenty

 

of Rio Hondo

 

by Preston Lewis

 

 

Wes strode toward the governor’s quarters. Stepping up on the porch he knocked firmly on the door.

“Enter, Orderly,” came the governor’s voice.

Wes opened the door and stepped inside.

“You’re early, but I’m ready for breakfast,” the governor called, looking up from his stack of papers and shaking his head. “I thought you were the mess orderly. I’m not seeing visitors.”

“The name’s Wes Bracken, remember? I met with you and the Kid when you promised him a pardon if he testified in all these proceedings.”

“I can’t pardon him for a crime on the Indian reservation.”

“Then pardon him for the shooting of Sheriff Brady.”

Lew Wallace stood up from his desk and shook his head. “I can’t see how a fellow like him can expect any clemency from me, as he showed none to his victims.”

“But you promised him he would walk free with a pardon in his pocket if he testified in the legal proceedings,” Wes pleaded. “He’s done just that.”

“Let me tell you, Bracken, when you get an appointment like governor to a territory as corrupt as New Mexico, you think you will go in and right all the wrongs. You are mistaken. You don’t know all the pressures and all the influences that make it near impossible to even tell right from wrong, much less correct it.”

“It’s the Santa Fe Ring, isn’t it? You and everyone else have sold out to their corruption. You don’t care who gets crushed.”

“Like I said, Bonney doesn’t deserve clemency for what he did.”

“He tried to make things right, and put his life at risk several times in doing so, and you don’t have the decency to abide by your commitment.”

Wallace pointed to the door. “It’s called politics. Politicians make a lot of promises they have no intention of keeping. It’s for the better good. Now leave before I call for soldiers to throw you out.”

“In all of Lincoln’s bad moments, there’s not been one lower than this, Governor. The Kid deserved better.”

“Bonney deserves what I’m giving him. Now get out, Bracken, or I’ll have you arrested for threatening me.”

Wes spun around and rumbled out the door, slamming it behind him.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preston Lewis is the Spur Award-winning author of 40 westerns, historical novels, juvenile books, and memoirs.  He has received national awards for his novels, articles, short stories, and humor.

In 2021 he was inducted into the Texas Institute of Letters for his literary accomplishments.  Lewis is past president of Western Writers of America and the West Texas Historical Association.

His historical novel Blood of Texas on the Texas Revolution earned a Spur Award as did his True West article on the Battle of Yellow House Canyon.  He developed the Memoirs of H.H. Lomax series, which includes two Spur finalists and a Will Rogers Gold Medallion Award for western humor for his novel Bluster’s Last Stand on the battle of Little Big Horn.  His comic western The Fleecing of Fort Griffin and two of his YA novels have won Elmer Kelton Awards for best creative work on West Texas from the West Texas Historical Association.

He began his writing career working for Texas daily newspapers in Abilene, Waco, Orange, and Lubbock before going into university administration.  During his 35-year career in higher education, he directed communications and marketing offices at Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and Angelo State University.

Lewis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Baylor University and master’s degrees from Ohio State in journalism and Angelo State in history.  He lives in San Angelo with his wife, Harriet.

 

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8/2/22	Excerpt	Chapter Break Book Blog
8/2/22	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
8/3/22	Review	Julia Picks 1
8/3/22	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
8/4/22	Author Interview	All the Ups and Downs
8/5/22	Review	The Clueless Gent
8/6/22	Scrapbook Page	Sybrina’s Book Blog
8/7/22	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
8/8/22	Review	Reading by Moonlight
8/9/22	Author Interview	Shelf Life Blog
8/10/22	Review	Rox Burkey Blog
8/11/22	Review	Jennie Reads

 

 

 

 

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ROWDY: WILD AND MEAN,

 

SHARP AND KEEN

 

THE ROWDY SERIES, BOOK ONE

 

BY

 

CHRIS MULLEN

 

 

Young Adult / Historical Fiction / Western / Action & Adventure

Publisher: Wise Wolf Books

Page Count: 278 pages

Publication Date: February 23, 2022

 

Scroll down for a giveaway!

 

 

 

 

Thrust to the mercy of the Mississippi river, thirteen-year-old Rowdy floats safely away as he watches the smoke rise from his burning farmhouse. Now alone in the world, his perilous journey of survival begins, challenging and shaping him into the young man his father would want him to become.

Pulled from the waters, he is given a chance by a lone river Captain and his mate. Rowdy has grown strong working the river but must use his wit as well as his strength to confront a bullying crewman and survive a surprise attack by river pirates.

Growing up on the Mississippi river was a start for Rowdy, but Dodge City, Kansas proves it has its own challenges. He was warned not to get entangled with Patrick Byrne Byrne, Dodge City’s most powerful rancher. Unknowingly crossing Byrne, he faces life and death decisions. Rowdy’s only option is to run.

Survival is what he has come to know all too well. His escape across the plains nearly claims his life. Through a stranger’s help, Rowdy recovers and finally discovers Lincoln, New Mexico, and acquires a new friend along the way. Rowdy is settling in when hired guns sent by Patrick Byrne find and confront him. Blood, bullets, and tears bring Rowdy’s world to a showdown. Fighting for what was right is his code, living life for others becomes his way, and staring danger in the face is what he must do if he can truly be Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen.

 

 

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Prologue from

 

Rowdy: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen

 

By Chris Mullen

 

 

Rowdy sat on the front porch of his ranch house and surveyed the horizon. A sultry breeze swirled about the Circle R ranch, bringing a sweet smell of coming rain. A rider was coming in. At Rowdy’s feet was Dog. Dog, more interested in identifying the scent flowing in with the breeze, had yet to sense the coming visitor. Rowdy watched the rider’s image grow larger as it slowly sauntered closer. The rider looked toward the Circle R. A smile edged out of the corner of his mouth. It was Roberson.

Dog, growing tired of the mysterious smell, caught sight of Roberson and stood pointing in his direction. Quietly, he stepped forward and then shot off the porch, sprinting towards Roberson. Rowdy stood and watched as Dog escorted Roberson through the gate and up to the hitching post where he dismounted. He secured his horse to the post and looked up at Rowdy. Rowdy looked back. Neither said a word. A gust of wind blew between them, spraying dust along its path.

“Got a feeling about this one?” Roberson said finally.

“More so than the last time,” Rowdy replied.

“The last time… should’ve been the last time.” Roberson spoke as he climbed the stairs to the top of the porch. Dog followed and reclaimed his spot next to Rowdy. Both men laughed as they shook hands, but Rowdy knew in the back of his mind that Roberson was right. He laughed anyway as Roberson sank into the chair next to him.

“I hear the deer are running bigger this year than they have

in a while,” Roberson said. He loved to hunt and jumped at every chance.

“I suppose we will see when we get there, but if this wind doesn’t die down, we may catch the brunt of those storm clouds,” Rowdy said, pointing at the sky beyond the ranch.

Roberson spat. Both men watched as bulging clouds spread out and up across the western sky, growing darker and more ominous by the minute.

“Danged if that isn’t blowing our way!” he said.

“Come on,” Rowdy said. “Let’s put yer horse in the barn and head inside for some coffee. Maybe this thing will blow itself out and we can hit the trail in an hour.”

The storm didn’t blow out. It grew rapidly, sparking lightning flashes that trailed like spider webs across the sky. Booming thunder followed. Dog, still lying on the front porch, slowly stood up and headed inside for his favorite napping spot.

Rain began to fall, gentle at first. Wind whipped through the Circle R and the sky opened up. Rain swept in diagonally, splashing the ground angrily. The front door rattled against its hinges while the two men tipped back in their chairs and nursed their coffee.

“Looks like we’ll be a while,” Rowdy said.

Roberson, irritated that his hunting trip was delayed, let out a grunt.

Deafening thunder rolled across the plains as the rain showed no signs of letting up. Roberson stepped to the window and looked out.

“Dang!” he said, “This is gonna clean wash us out!”

“I’ve seen worse,” Rowdy replied.

“Worse than this?” Roberson questioned. “Can’t imagine.”

Skeptical, Roberson looked out over the soggy terrain. Small streams of water ran rampant, carving miniature canyons into the ground.

Rowdy rocked back in his chair and a swift glimpse of the past rolled through his mind—Mississippi river water pouring over his skiff, supplies careening away down river, lightning flashing overhead, and roaring thunder echoed through him.

A crisp flash of lightning chased by its thunderous pursuer jolted Rowdy back to the present. Roberson turned around.

“Where did you see anything like this?”

 

 

 

 

Chris Mullen is an author from Richmond, Texas. He graduated from Texas A&M University in 1997 and began his teaching career. Chris was awarded the 2019 Connie Wootton Excellence in Teaching Award presented by the Southwest Association of Episcopal Schools. In 2021, Chris signed with Wise Wolf Books, a YA Imprint of Wolf Pack Publishing, and re-released his debut novel ROWDY: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen on February 24, 2022. On March 31, 2022, he released ROWDY: Redemption, followed by an April 21, 2022 release of ROWDY: Dead or Alive. Chris currently writes for Wise Wolf Books and is working on the next ROWDY installment.

His novel, ROWDY: Wild and Mean, Sharp and Keen was named WINNER in the 2020 American Fiction Awards, a 2020 Best Book Finalist, and 3rd Place WINNER in the 2021 Selah Awards, all in the western category. His YA Western series, ROWDY, continues to grow and attract readers of all ages.

 

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Autographed set of the Rowdy Books

 

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Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

 

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily,

 

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7/12/22	Video Interview	All the Ups and Downs
7/12/22	BONUS Promo	Hall Ways Blog
7/13/22	Excerpt	StoreyBook Reviews
7/13/22	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
7/14/22	Review	Shelf Life Blog
7/15/22	Review	Reading by Moonlight
7/16/22	Character Interview	Sybrina’s Book Blog
7/17/22	Sneak Peek	Forgotten Winds
7/18/22	Review	Rox Burkey Blog
7/19/22	Series Spotlight	Chapter Break Book Blog
7/20/22	Review	Book Fidelity
7/21/22	Review	Boys’ Mom Reads

 

 

 

 

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THE MISCHIEF SERIES

 

Mischief in the Mushroom Patch

 

A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch

 

Spider Web Scramble

 

Stranger in the Mushroom Patch

 

by

 

AMANDA M. THRASHER

 

 

Chapter Books / Fantasy / Action & Adventure / 2ND-4TH Grade

Publisher: Progressive Rising Phoenix Press

 

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Mischief in the Mushroom Patch, 2/20/2013, 146 pages

 

Where do fairies get their magical fairy dust? After leaving the mushroom patch without permission, two mischievous fairies find themselves in more trouble than they can handle. Boris, with a broken ankle and a bent wing, is unable to walk or fly, and Lilly must devise a plan to escort him safely back to the mushroom patch. As with all actions, there are consequences! Lilly and Boris have broken colony rules and wasted precious fairy dust. Sentenced to work in the dust factory, the two learn a valuable lesson about the production of fairy dust, but can they survive the foreman?

 

 

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A Fairy Match in the Mushroom Patch, 2/20/13, 162 pages

 

​Lilly, Boris, and Jack are back! The three friends are together again in this newest addition to the Mischief Series. A natural disaster has taken the elders by surprise, and the scientists are unprepared. Damage to the colony is inevitable! Can the Master Engineers devise a plan to save the colony before they lose their home? The fairies’ Kick-a-Berry Match has been postponed as well, and the fairies must find new ways to entertain themselves until the pitch dries up. Along the way, they make a new friend named Pearle, and though she cannot walk, she can fly with ease. Valuable lessons about friendship, teamwork, and perseverance will be learned as the fairies embark on their newest adventure.

 

 

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Spider Web Scramble, 2/14/16, 170 pages

 

Every third year, on the fifth full moon, the Mushroom Patch holds a magical Spider Web Scramble. Excitement buzzes through the forest as the fairies prepare to scramble the magical webs in order to complete the course. As a special treat, the elders disclose that the stars will be coming down to join in and play. A wish will be granted for the fairies who are pure of heart and manage to beat the clock, locating the star that has their name etched on it. With the no-fly rule in place, teamwork is the only way Pearle can complete the course. But little do they know that possible danger is in their midst. Will the magical spider web scramble be postponed? Will the stars grant Lilly, Boris, and Jack their wishes? Find out in this delightful magical adventure.

 

 

 Amazon│Progressive Rising Phoenix Press | Barnes and Noble | Author’s Website

 

 

 

Stranger in the Mushroom Patch, 2/15/22; 212 pages

Gold Recipient of The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA)

 

Lilly, Boris, and Jack Are Back! Get Ready for a Human Attack!

Who knew a slimy moss bomb war between friends would lead to an adventure of a lifetime! From strategizing with the elders for their playful battle to, of all things, escaping the clutches of a human! It doesn’t take long to learn the fairies shockingly have more in common with the child than they ever could have imagined. Broderick, everyone’s favorite spider, provides the goodies, and Lilly supplies the fairy songs and games. Filled with twists and turns, adventure, and fun, find out if the fairies and the elders can help the stranger reunite with her family. Or will there be a human attack?!

 

 

Amazon│Progressive Rising Phoenix Press | Barnes and Noble | Author’s Website

 

 

 

 

 

 

Check Out The Mischief Series On YouTube!

 

 

 

 

 

What a delightful story for readers of all ages, especially middle-grade-aged children. This book/series would be perfect for my great-niece, 7, who loves to read.

I read the fourth book in the series, Stranger in the Mushroom Patch, but I feel that it can be read on its own without having read the first three. There are a few things that might be easier to understand sooner, but the author does a wonderful job of sharing bits and pieces from previous books so that we understand the different fairies better like Boris and a never-ending supply of moss bombs.

The story centers around a small group of fairies in training: Lilly, Boris, Jack, Rosie, Ivy, and Pearle. This group of fairies is lively and mischievous which would be expected from someone so young. But that doesn’t stop them from having fun and learning all at the same time. From a previous book, Boris won the right to have a continuous supply of moss bombs that are slimy and smelly and just what you would expect a boy fairy to enjoy. But he isn’t the only one that likes them, all of the fairies young and old enjoy a good moss bomb fight and a battle is declared which expands the young fairies’ knowledge and experience when they meet a human child. With the help of their elders, this group of fairies helps the human child back to her parents without revealing themselves to the parents or ending up clutched in the toddler’s hands.

This lighthearted story has a few lessons within the pages for young readers to grasp from compassion for those less fortunate to friendship with each other. The story is well written and would be easy for a younger reader to understand the words within. I can only imagine the adventures that this gang of fairies experienced in the first three books and will continue to explore in future books, including perhaps a fairy ball? It is how this book ends with discussions about it and let’s just say that Boris and Jack are not looking forward to wearing formalwear or learning how to dance.

I really liked Pearle. She doesn’t fly but has a chariot and I believe that this represents someone with challenges, but she meets them head-on. There is a game they play with her that has her spinning her chariot like a merry-go-round until they all fly off and green to the gills. I chuckled at this game because it is something I would have done when I was much younger.

This series will be perfect for any young reader and we give it 5 paws up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amanda M. Thrasher was born in England, moved to Texas, and resides there still. She’s an award-winning author of Young Adult, General Fiction, Middle Grade, Early Reader Chapter, and Picture Books. Amanda is a multiple Gold Recipient of The Mom’s Choice Awards® (MCA), earning the award in multiple categories, including Young Adult, General Fiction, and Early Reader Chapter Books. She is also a multiple Gold Medal winner of the Readers’ Favorite International Book awards, a New Apple Literary Award, and has earned a first-place North Texas Book Festival award.

Amanda founded and is the CEO of Progressive Rising Phoenix Press, an independent publishing company. She shares her writing and publishing experience with others through school visits, book signings, trade conferences, and workshops for aspiring writers of all ages.

In addition, Amanda was contracted to write a graphic novel for the Driving on the Right Side of the Road Program. The publication is part of the Driving on the Right Side of the Road (DRSR) program, developed by the Law-Related Education Department of the State Bar of Texas Law Focused Education, Inc., and the Texas Municipal Courts Education Center with funding from the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals and the Texas Department of Transportation. The program’s purpose is to offer a preventive educational program to encourage responsible decision-making when it comes to obeying traffic laws and following safe practices. The graphic novel titled What If … A Story of Shattered Lives was adapted into a reader’s theater for as few as five speakers or as many as twenty-six.

 

 

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$50 Starbucks gift card

 

+ signed copies of the Mischief books

 

+ a copy of Captain Fin.

 

(US only; ends midnight, CDT, 7/1/2022)

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

 

 

 

Visit the Lone Star Literary Life Tour Page

For direct links to each post on this tour, updated daily, 

or visit the blogs directly:

 

 

 

6/21/22	Excerpts 1 & 2	Hall Ways Blog
6/21/22	Review Book 1	The Clueless Gent
6/22/22	Author Interview	All the Ups and Downs
6/22/22	Review Book 2	The Adventures of a Travelers Wife
6/22/22	BONUS Promo	LSBBT Blog
6/23/22	Excerpts 3	Shelf Life Blog
6/23/22	Review Book 3	Forgotten Winds
6/24/22	Excerpt 4	The Page Unbound
6/24/22	Review Book 4	Jennie Reads
6/25/22	Review Book 4	StoreyBook Reviews
6/26/22	Scrapbook Page	Sybrina’s Book Blog
6/27/22	Review Book 1	Rox Burkey Blog
6/28/22	Review Book 2	Reading by Moonlight
6/29/22	Review Book 3	Chapter Break Book Blog
6/30/22	Review Book 4	Writing and Music
6/30/22	Review Book 4	Jennifer Silverwood

 

 

 

 

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