A southern girl chatting about books, ephemera, life, love, dogs and all things vintage!
Friday, May 29, 2015
Daily Vintage - Mechanical Valentine, Showgirl on Elephant
This is a spectacular, big vintage mechanical Valentine. It features a showgirl riding on an elephant. She moves backwards and forwards. "I wish I could wow you, my Valentine." Found at Birdhouse Books: showgirl Valentine.
Book Spotlight and Giveaway - Between the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt
Mother Daughter Book Reviews is pleased to be coordinating a Blog Tour for the middle grade book, "Between the Lines" by Claudia Whitsitt from May 18 to 31, 2015.
About the Book
Title: Between the Lines | Author: Claudia Whitsitt | Publication Date: March, 2015 | Publisher: Independent | Pages: 318 | Recommended Ages: 9+
Summary: Between the Lines tells the story of three girls who become friends during the racially-charged aftermath of the 1967 Detroit Riots. Hattie Percha is crushed when the riots start on her tenth birthday, and when she must move away from her treasured childhood home and friends, attending public school for the first time, she’s afraid her life is over. Then, she meets Beverly Jo Nichols, her first black friend, and Crackers, a fearless tomboy. Despite opposition from Hattie’s mother and a racist teacher, the unlikely friends join forces. As the self-proclaimed Dream Girls, they challenge bigotry and intolerance, willing to do whatever it takes to hold onto what’s most precious to them all, their friendship.
Amazon (US) * Amazon (UK) * Amazon (CA)
B&N * iTunes * Kobo * Smashwords * Goodreads
Excerpt From
Chapter 20 ~ Between the Lines by Claudia Whitsitt
I’m lying on
Grandma’s flowered carpet after breakfast on Saturday morning. She’s gone
downstairs to have coffee with her landlady and pay the rent. I didn’t plan to
write, but a tale comes fizzing out of me as I stare at the claw foot on her
rose-colored sofa. I decide I’ll name my story “Grandmother’s Hope.”
Hope loved closets, and Grandmother’s closet won the
prize for the best hideaway in the entire world. Running the length of an
entire wall with two entrances—one from the living room, the other from the
bedroom, she deemed the space a secret refuge. When she played in Grandmother’s
closet, she pretended to be a grown-up, living on her own, in her own hidden
tunnel. Huddled between the heavy coats, blankets, and crisply creased linens,
she felt safe. Best of all, the entire wardrobe smelled of cedar. A hideaway,
an escape, a haven.
Hope felt safest at Grandmother’s house. First of all,
Grandmother paid close attention. In the morning after waking from a sleepover
where Hope was the only visitor, she would lie in Grandmother’s bed and listen.
Bacon crackled on the stove, and the aroma filled the air above the sizzling
meat. Grandmother’s feet padded back and forth in the kitchen, clanking pots
and pans. The percolator bubbled gently as the coffee brewed inside. Hope
anticipated the perfect breakfast: sunny side up eggs, crunchy toast, crisp
bacon, fresh-squeezed orange juice, and coffee. She wouldn’t drink the coffee,
but the smell was comforting. It meant Grandmother was close by.
The Buzz
"Between the Lines is a powerful piece of historical fiction that must be added to the reading list of every middle grade student."~ 5 Stars, Lori L., Goodreads
"Teachers and parents need to purchase this novel... Parents could use this novel to engage their kids in discussions to help develop a sense of social responsibility, friendship, and morality... Ultimately, this story is inspirational." ~ 5 Stars, Amazon Customer
"This book is a must read for everyone, no matter what age ... I would recommend it highly to be in the curriculum of every 5th and 6th grade classroom. " ~ 5 Stars, Sandra W., Amazon
"My daughter and I read this book together and loved it. It is a story that will stay with both of us for many years to come!" ~ 5 Stars, aleblanc, Amazon
"Between the Lines tells a really heartbreaking but uplifting story, about race and loyalty and friends, in a way that any kid will relate to. A perfect gift book for that hard-to-please youngster!" ~ 5 Stars, Jimmy, Amazon
About the Author: Claudia Whitsitt
Claudia Whitsitt spent a lifetime teaching special education and writing before becoming a full-time author. She believes in the power of friendship, small acts of kindness, and paying it forward. Nothing makes her happier than spending time with her children, which includes not only the five she raised but the countless students who touched her life over the years.Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
"Between the Lines" Blog Tour Schedule (2015)
May 18May 19
May 20
May 21
May 22
May 23
May 24
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
* Blog Tour Giveaway *
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or $25 PayPal cash prize, winner's choice Contest closes: June 7, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by Claudia Whitsitt and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveawayThursday, May 28, 2015
Throwback Thursday - Banana Seat Bicycles
Because it feels like summer now, I wanted to send a summer image. Here's a banana seat bicycle. This one even has fun flowers! This just looks like childhood summers to me - long days of riding my bike and enjoying time with friends.
Did you love bike riding as a kid? Do you remember banana seat bicycles? Talk to me in the comments, below.
Did you love bike riding as a kid? Do you remember banana seat bicycles? Talk to me in the comments, below.
Daily Vintage - Unused Model T Valentine Card
This Mid-Century vintage Valentine is "For a Special Son," and it features a Model-T automobile. It is unused and ready to send for a fun vintage surprise! You'll find it at Birdhouse Books.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Daily Vintage - Whitney Made Valentine, Little Girl With Wreath of Daisies
Today's Daily Vintage is a lovely Whitney Made Valentine. It features a little girl in a gingham dress. She has a wreath of flowers around her neck and another on her head. This would be so pretty in a little frame! You'll find this sweet vintage Valentine at Birdhouse Books.
Tuesday, May 26, 2015
Daily Vintage - Mechanical Valentine by Charles Twelvetrees
This charming mechanical vintage Valentine has an illustration by Charles Twelvtrees. It shows a little boy with a bouquet of flowers: "Among the posies you will find - a special thing I have in mind." This exceptional card is at Birdhouse Books. I always love Twelvetrees illustrations!
Guest Post, Book Spotlight, and Giveaway - Hope in Every Raindrop
by Wesley Banks
NA Contemporary
ebook, 202 pagesMay 26th 2015
Taking a chance on the words of a local grocer, Katie stumbles upon a rare breed of dogs raised by the town doctor and his nephew Kyle. The only problem? Kyle isn’t interested in telling stories—especially not to a big-city girl who can’t seem to sit still. In an attempt to win him over as the clock winds down, Katie finds herself immersed in Kyle’s world, doing everything but writing.
When inspiration finally strikes, Katie is faced with an unforeseen catastrophe and a truth she can no longer ignore. While she has come to love the dogs, the real story may be about Kyle Walker.
Guest Post by Wesley Banks
Recently I posted my current to-be-read (TBR) list on Instagram. There were 15 books on that list, and since then
I've read 3. Of course, none of those 3 were on my TBR list, but that's a
different story.
Today I wanted to talk about the 5 books I'm most excited about on this
list.
Musashi by Eiji Yoshikawa
I'm a huge fan of Japanese culture, and especially samurai. This book
recounts the life of Japan's greatest
swordsman, Miyamoto Musashi. It's been on my TBR list for a while, but
it's at the very top.
Mistborn by Brandon
Sanderson
I actually read this series when it first came out,
but recently lost the books and ended up buying the entire series...again. Most
people probably know Brandon Sanderson for finishing Robert Jordan's famous
series Wheel of Time, but I'm super
excited to read this series again.
Liar's Poker by Michael Lewis
The first book I read by Michael Lewis was The Big Short which was an amazing insight to the housing market
crash in 2007-2008. I don't expect Liar's Poker to be as great as The Big Short, only because it's based
on the 1987 stock market crash (something I don't know that much
about), but I still think it's going to be a good read.
Riddle-Master by Patricia
McKillip
This is actually a trilogy, but I'm only counting it as one book. I
probably would have read this book based on the title alone, but everyone I
have talked to has raved about it.
The Art of Racing
in the Rain by Garth Stein
I'm shocked I haven't read this book. I've had it for quite a while, but
at the time I was reading Marley and Me,
then Merle's Door, and The Philosopher and the Wolf (which is
probably on my top 3 all-time list!). This eventually got lost in my small
library. But after the move I recently found it and it's back on my TBR.
If you didn't notice, I read pretty much everything. Though, typically I
try to alternate between fiction and non-fiction, unless I'm in the middle of
an awesome series.
What about you, what's on your TBR list?
Wesley recently moved from Florida to Oregon to get back to the great outdoors that he’s love so much. He lives with my wife Lindsey, and his two dogs Linkin and Story. Most of his time these days is spent writing, with as much rock climbing, hiking, or skiing as they can fit in.
Wesley’s debut novel, “Hope In Every Raindrop,” is set to be released May of 2015.
Follow the Tour
May 21st - Launch
May 22nd - Getting Your Read On & The Written Adventure
May 24th - Writing Pearls
May 25th - Words for the Journey & Story Broads
May 26th - View from the Birdhouse
May 27th - Mommabears Book Blog
May 28th - Underneath the Covers & Min Reads and Reviews
May 29th - Katie's Clean Book Collection
May 31st - Zerina Blossom's Books
June 1st - My Love for Reading Keeps Growing
June 2nd - A Novel Kind of Bliss
June 3rd - Grand Finale
Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card
3 ebook copies of Hope In Every Raindrop
Open internationally
Book Spotlight - Off Balance, Book 1 of Ballet Theatre Chronicles By Terez Mertes Rose
Off Balance, Book 1 of Ballet Theatre Chronicles
By Terez Mertes Rose
Genre: Women’s fiction (with YA crossover), performing arts related
Book Description:
Alice thinks she’s accepted the loss of her ballet career,
injury having forced her to trade in pointe shoes onstage for spreadsheets
upstairs. That is, until the day Alice's boss asks her to befriend Lana, a pretty new
company member he’s got his eye on. Lana represents all Alice has lost, not just as a ballet dancer, but as a
motherless daughter. It’s pain she’s kept hidden, even from herself, as every
good ballet dancer knows to do.
Lana, lonely and unmoored,
desperately needs some help, and her mother, back home, vows eternal support.
But when Lana begins to profit from Alice’s advice and help, her mother’s constant attention
curdles into something more sinister.
Together, both women must
embark on a journey of painful rediscoveries, not just about career
opportunities won and lost, but the mothers they thought they knew.
OFF BALANCE takes the reader
beyond the glitter of the stage to expose the sweat and struggle, amid the
mandate to sustain the illusion at all cost.
Author Bio:
Terez Mertes Rose is a writer
and former ballet dancer whose work has appeared in the Crab Orchard Review,
Women Who Eat (Seal Press), A Woman’s Europe (Travelers’ Tales), the
Philadelphia Inquirer and the San Jose Mercury News. She reviews dance
performances for Bachtrack.com and blogs about ballet and classical music at
The Classical Girl. She makes her home in the Santa Cruz Mountains with her husband, son and too many cats. She loves good food, good
wine, and a good (but not too hard) adult ballet class. She also publishes
under the name Terez Rose.
Author website: www.terezrose.com
Author blog site: www.theclassicalgirl.com
Author Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/terez.rose
Blogger Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/TheClassicalGirl?pnref=lhc
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ClassicalGrrl
Monday, May 25, 2015
Music Monday - "I Live For The Sun" by The Sunrays (1965)
If you've read this blog long, you know that I love The Beach Boys. I really love beach music and summer music in general. "I Live for the Sun" by The Sunrays was a 1965 hit -- and it sounds a lot like the Beach Boys. Today is Memorial Day in the United States, and sort of the unofficial start to summer ... so I thought this would be a fun song to share with you.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Daily Vintage - Big Eyed Girl Valentine
Today's Daily Vintage is an easel-back Valentine. The illustration is a big eyed girl with a plant growing hearts. "Please pick mine, my Valentine." There is no artist signature, but I believe this is by Grace Drayton, who designed the Campbell Kids. You'll find this card at Birdhouse Books.
Book Spotlight and Giveaway - To Wed An Heiress by Rosanne E. Lortz
Publication Date: April 30, 2015 Madison Street Publishing Paperback; 300p
Genre: Historical/Romantic Suspense
Haro Emison, thrust into his new role as Earl of Anglesford, discovers that his late father has left the family teetering on the edge of financial ruin. Intent on rescuing the estate, Haro abandons his long-held interest in his cousin Eda and searches instead for a wealthy heiress. But when pride and jealousy cause his plan to spiral out of control, he begins to wonder if he has made a dreadful mistake….
Eda Swanycke is enjoying her first season in London when her debut comes to a crashing halt. Jilted by her cousin, she suffers the indignity of watching Haro’s new intended lay claim to his person and position. But when a brutal murder upends the household with Haro as chief suspect, Eda must put her wounded pride aside, match wits with the investigator from London, and try, at all costs, to save Haro Emison’s neck from the gallows….
About the Author
Rosanne E. Lortz ("Rose") is a history lover, a book addict, a mom to four boys, and a native of Portland, Oregon. When she's not writing, she teaches Latin and English composition and works as an editor at Madison Street Publishing.For more information visit her website. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.
To Wed an Heiress Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, May 18 Excerpt & Giveaway at Passages to the Past Spotlight & Giveaway at Susan Heim on WritingTuesday, May 19 Interview at Boom Baby Reviews Spotlight at I Heart Reading
Wednesday, May 20 Review at Queen of All She Reads Spotlight & Giveaway at Let them Read Books
Thursday, May 21 Review at Book Nerd Spotlight at Just One More Chapter
Friday, May 22 Spotlight & Giveaway at Unshelfish Spotlight & Giveaway at View from the Birdhouse
Giveaway:
Win an e-Book copy of To Wed an Heiress (open internationally).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Thursday, May 21, 2015
Throwback Thursday - Apple Core Necklaces
Apple core necklaces -- for some reason these were all the rage in the late 1970's. Everyone wore them. Fruit themed jewelry was popular with preteen and teen girls; I'm not sure why. It would be interesting to find a few Seventeen magazines from this vintage and look through them for trends like this. Do you remember these necklaces? This is one retro trend that I don't want to repeat.
Daily Vintage - Easter Postcard with Chickens
This lovely, frameable vintage Easter postcard depicts chickens eating feed. I always love the illustrations on these early 1900's cards. You will find several vintage chicken postcards for Easter at Birdhouse Books.
Book Review - Rachel's Day in the Garden by Giselle Shardlow
About the Book
Title: Rachel's Day in the Garden (A Kids Yoga Spring Colors Book) | Author: Giselle Shardlow | Illustrator: Hazel Quintanilla | Publication Date: December 23, 2014 | Publisher: Kids Yoga Stories | Number of pages: 34 | Recommended age: 3 to 6 years Summary: Experience the benefits of yoga while learning about the signs of spring!Join Rachel as she and her adorable puppy look for signs of spring in the garden. Crawl like a caterpillar, buzz like a bee, and flutter like a butterfly. Disc over spring, explore movement, and learn the colors of the rainbow. The storybook includes a list of kids yoga poses an d a parent-teacher guide. Kids Yoga Stories introduce you to engaging characters who will get your child laughing, moving, and creating. Reading is good for the mind AND body! The story links several yoga poses in a specific sequence to create a coherent and meaningful story. This spring yoga story for ages 3 to 6 is more than a storybook, but it’s also a unique experience for children.
Rachel's Day in the Garden is the first book in a seasonal yoga book series. The summer yoga book is also now avail able: Ella's Summer Fun. The fall and winter ones are in production, coming soon!
Amazon * Book Website * Goodreads
My Review:Rachel's Day in the Garden is a charming picture book about yoga for young children. It begins with suggestions for parents or teachers on how to use the book: learn each yoga pose, act the book out for the child, and see the parent-teacher guide in the back of the book.
The illustrations in this book are bright and colorful. They are sure to appeal to children, especially with the inclusion of a cute puppy dog named Sammy. Colors are also incorporated in a very clever way.
Children will find this book a fun read, and they will also learn about colors and yoga poses! Rachel's Day in the Garden would be a wonderful addition to a home or school library.
Sneak Peek
About the Author: Giselle Shardlow
Giselle Shardlow is the author of Kids Yoga Stories. Her yoga stories for kids get children learning, moving, and having fun. Giselle draws from her experiences as a teacher, traveler, yogi, and mom to write the stories. She c an be found at the Kids Yoga Stories website or on her Amazon author page.Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Goodreads
I received a copy of this book from Mother Daughter Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Daily Vintage - Shabby Chic Print of Woman and Spinning Wheel
Author Interview and Giveaway - Too Quiet In Brooklyn by Susan Russo Anderson
Too Quiet In Brooklyn (A Fina Fitzgibbons Brooklyn Mystery Book 1)
MYSTERY Self Published Print Length: 304 pages
E-Book ASIN: B00HFEY5PU
Website: http://susanrussoanderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Russo-Anderson/349374975075796
Twitter @SusanRussoAnder
Purchase Link Amazon
a Rafflecopter giveaway
MYSTERY Self Published Print Length: 304 pages
E-Book ASIN: B00HFEY5PU
A Murder, A Child Missing, & A Young Woman Determined To Find The Truth …
Something weird’s happening. It’s too
quiet, at least for Brooklyn, so twenty-two-year-old Fina Fitzgibbons is
not surprised when she stumbles upon a throttled woman in the heart of
Brooklyn Heights and discovers that the dead woman’s four-year-old
grandson is also missing. She begins a wild hunt for the
strangler-kidnapper, Ralph. During the chase, she resists falling in
love with her boyfriend, Denny, an NYPD patrol officer, steps on the
toes of Detective First Grade Jane Templeton, and uncovers secrets about
her own past. In the end, Ralph has a deadly surprise for Fina.
View
From The Birdhouse Interviews Susan Russo Anderson:
When
did you realize you wanted to be a writer? I’ve always thought word stringing
was a great place to be, but after my husband died nine years ago, I got bitten
by storyline and started to write mysteries.
What was your favorite book as a child? Great question. Favorite book of all time: Fell in love with Paris through the hobo in A Family Under the Bridge. But there were lots of writers and books I loved: whoever wrote the Nancy Drew books, as well as Georges Simenon, Ross MacDonald, Agatha Christie, James Joyce (not that I understood him when I was ten, but I loved the sound of language), T.S. Eliot, lots of early twentieth-century American writers, even Hemingway. Love love love A Moveable Feast.
What was your favorite book as a child? Great question. Favorite book of all time: Fell in love with Paris through the hobo in A Family Under the Bridge. But there were lots of writers and books I loved: whoever wrote the Nancy Drew books, as well as Georges Simenon, Ross MacDonald, Agatha Christie, James Joyce (not that I understood him when I was ten, but I loved the sound of language), T.S. Eliot, lots of early twentieth-century American writers, even Hemingway. Love love love A Moveable Feast.
What
is your writing day like? I get up in the morning and write which I
do until noon. I work on two
books at one time, writing a first draft in the morning, editing in the
afternoon. After editing, I market (work on a marketing plan). When I take a
break, I walk, which is how I plot or listen to a book or music. I read in the
late afternoon until dinner. While watching TV, I tweet and Facebook.
Do
you have any interesting writing quirks? No, I’m pretty boring. Just consistent.
What
was the most surprising thing you learned while creating this book? The book takes
place in Brooklyn where I lived for fifteen years in the
late 1980s until 2002. When I started the book, I hadn’t been back, but as I
wrote, it was like I’d never left. I could feel the rumble of the subway around
Clark Street, smell the ocean
(aka, fish), feel the wind, the planks beneath my feet while walking across the
Brooklyn Bridge. Toward the end, I
made a visit, a physical visit, and it was the same: Brooklyn was me and I was Brooklyn. So I learned you
can be anyplace you want to be in your head: i.e., free.
Who
are your favorite authors? Love P.D. James, Flannery O’Connor, Hilary Mantel,
Margaret Atwood, James Joyce, T.S. Eliot, William Faulkner, Agatha Christie,
Virginia Wolfe, Reginald Hill, Val McDermid, Anne Tyler, Anne Perry, Ann
Cleeves, Ann Beattie (if you want your daughter to be a writer, name her Ann),
I know I’m leaving someone out.
What
is your next writing project? I just finished the first draft of the
fourth Fina Fitzgibbons Brooklyn mystery and I’m starting a new mystery, also
set in Brooklyn but it might be a new series, I don’t know
the protagonist yet. She might be Maddie, a ten-year-old I created (or who
created me) in Whiskey’s Gone.
Susan Russo Anderson is a writer, a
mother, a member of Sisters in Crime, a graduate of Marquette
University. She’s taught language arts and creative writing, worked for a
publisher, an airline, an opera company. Like Faulkner’s Dilsey, she’s
seen the best and the worst, the first and the last. Through it all, and
to understand it somewhat, she writes. Too Quiet in Brooklyn, the first book in the Fina Fitzgibbons Brooklyn mystery series, published December 2013. The second book in the series, Missing Brandy, about a missing teen, published September 2014, and Whiskey’s Gone, about the abduction of a single mom, completes a trilogy. The working title of the fourth is Dead in Brooklyn.
Author Links:Website: http://susanrussoanderson.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Susan-Russo-Anderson/349374975075796
Twitter @SusanRussoAnder
Purchase Link Amazon
Giveaway:
One lucky winner will win an eBook copy of Too Quiet in Brooklyn.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Daily Vintage - Victorian Trade Card of Women, Child, and Sailboat
This lovely Victorian trade card is from the late 1800's and advertises Domestic S.M. Co. It features two women and a child watching a sailboat in the distance. I have framed cards like this with vintage paper or scrapbooking paper as a background, in a little frame. You'll find Victorian trade cards at Birdhouse Books.
Book Spotlight and Giveaway: The British Agent Series by M.K. McClintock
Please join M.K. McClintock as she tours the blogosphere for her British Agent Series, from May 18-28, and enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card or a Blarney Lambswool Throw!
Series: British Agent Novels, Book One Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
READ AN EXCERPT.
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
"Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!" -InD'Tale Magazine
"With a strong female lead and a nice mix of both action and romance, this novel tops my list." -Judge, Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Two Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
If you had to make a choice, would it be loyalty or love?
Torn between loyalty to her family and refusal to marry a laird she despises, Rhona Davidson accepts a dangerous proposal from a man she knows only as Blackwood.
Leaving behind a life of leisure, Charles Blackwood bravely serves his country with honor and the skill of a trained British agent. When his newest case returns him to the wild Highlands of Scotland, he is faced with a choice between killing a man and saving the only woman he has ever loved.
Charles and Rhona join their lives, only to discover that their choices will result in bloodshed, unless they can uncover a truth long buried, deep in the Highland soil.
"MK McClintock has spun an enchanting tale deeply entrenched in the lands of Scotland and England that will leave you riveted to your chair until you turn the last page." -Donna McBroom-Theriot, mylifeonstoryatatime.com
“This is a wonderful book with suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and surprises to keep me guessing . . . a feisty heroine and a strong, gentle hero . . . My poetic soul is fed by the beautiful descriptions of nature.” -Verna Mitchell, poet and author of Somewhere Beyond the Blue
Series: British Agent Novels, Book Three Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
-2014 RONE Award-Nominee for "Alaina Claiborne" -2014 Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for "Blackwood Crossing" and "The Montana Gallagher Collection" -2015 Crowned Heart Heart for Excellent from InD'Tale Magazine for "A Home for Christmas"
Learn more about MK by visiting her website or blog at Books and Benches. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
Sign up for M.K. McClintock's Newsletter.
Tuesday, May 19 Spotlight at View From the Birdhouse
Wednesday, May 20 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Book Nerd (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Dreams Come True Through Reading (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Thursday, May 21 Review at Layered Pages (Alaina Claiborne)
Friday, May 22 Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story (Alaina Claiborne)
Monday, May 25 Review at A Chick Who Reads (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing) Excerpt at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Tuesday, May 26 Review at Quirky Book Reviews (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Wednesday, May 27 Review at The Lit Bitch (Alaina Claiborne)
Thursday, May 28 Blog Tour Wrap-Up at Passages to the Past
Book One: Alaina Claiborne
Publication Date: January 8th, 2013 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0615742502Series: British Agent Novels, Book One Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
READ AN EXCERPT.
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Praise for Alaina Claiborne
"This one is a winner. It broke my heart several times, the poignant moments she describes are so real." -Deborah from The Bookish Dame Reviews"Ms. McClintock succeeds in masterfully weaving both genres meticulously together until mystery lovers are sold on romance and romance lovers love the mystery!" -InD'Tale Magazine
"With a strong female lead and a nice mix of both action and romance, this novel tops my list." -Judge, Writer's Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Official Book Trailer
Alaina Claborne Available At
Book Two: Blackwood Crossing
Publication Date: June 2, 2014 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0991330607Series: British Agent Novels, Book Two Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
If you had to make a choice, would it be loyalty or love?
Torn between loyalty to her family and refusal to marry a laird she despises, Rhona Davidson accepts a dangerous proposal from a man she knows only as Blackwood.
Leaving behind a life of leisure, Charles Blackwood bravely serves his country with honor and the skill of a trained British agent. When his newest case returns him to the wild Highlands of Scotland, he is faced with a choice between killing a man and saving the only woman he has ever loved.
Charles and Rhona join their lives, only to discover that their choices will result in bloodshed, unless they can uncover a truth long buried, deep in the Highland soil.
Praise for Blackwood Crossing
"Historical Romance readers will be delighted with the author's style and veritable plot line in this clean romance. "Blackwood Crossing" is a wonderful book for the reader to begin their lifelong Historical Romance adventure or continue their HR journey! Bravo Ms. McClintock!" -InD'Tale Magazine, 4 1/2 stars and a Crowned Heart"MK McClintock has spun an enchanting tale deeply entrenched in the lands of Scotland and England that will leave you riveted to your chair until you turn the last page." -Donna McBroom-Theriot, mylifeonstoryatatime.com
“This is a wonderful book with suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat and surprises to keep me guessing . . . a feisty heroine and a strong, gentle hero . . . My poetic soul is fed by the beautiful descriptions of nature.” -Verna Mitchell, poet and author of Somewhere Beyond the Blue
Official Book Trailer
Blackwood Crossing Available At
Book Three: Clayton's Honor
Publication Date: April 29, 2015 Trappers Peak Publishing ISBN: 978-0991330652Series: British Agent Novels, Book Three Genre: Historical Romantic Mystery
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina's, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they'll stop at nothing to survive.
Clayton's Honor Available At
About the Author
MK McClintock spins tales of romance, mystery, and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes in Montana.-2014 RONE Award-Nominee for "Alaina Claiborne" -2014 Crowned Heart for Excellence from InD'Tale Magazine for "Blackwood Crossing" and "The Montana Gallagher Collection" -2015 Crowned Heart Heart for Excellent from InD'Tale Magazine for "A Home for Christmas"
Learn more about MK by visiting her website or blog at Books and Benches. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.
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British Agent Series Blog Tour Schedule
Monday, May 18 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Alaina Claiborne)Tuesday, May 19 Spotlight at View From the Birdhouse
Wednesday, May 20 Review at Flashlight Commentary (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Book Nerd (Blackwood Crossing) Review at Dreams Come True Through Reading (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Thursday, May 21 Review at Layered Pages (Alaina Claiborne)
Friday, May 22 Review & Interview at Jorie Loves a Story (Alaina Claiborne)
Monday, May 25 Review at A Chick Who Reads (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing) Excerpt at So Many Precious Books, So Little Time
Tuesday, May 26 Review at Quirky Book Reviews (Alaina Claiborne & Blackwood Crossing)
Wednesday, May 27 Review at The Lit Bitch (Alaina Claiborne)
Thursday, May 28 Blog Tour Wrap-Up at Passages to the Past
Giveaway
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