Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen

by The Lit Bitch4 Comments on Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen

I stopped reading the review pitch once I saw ‘WWI’ in the description, which was basically the first line in the summary. I have read a lot of stand alone novels by Bowen and have been impressed with her writing and historical research.

Her stand alone books have mostly been set in WWII, but WWI is truly my favorite period in historical fiction, so seeing that this book was set during that time earned this book and instant and enthusiastic, ‘yes’ from me.

I have consistently enjoyed reading Bowen’s books, whether they are one of her historical mysteries or her stand alone novels. She as an incredible gift for writing vastly different content and managing to keep all of her heroines fresh and interesting. Continue reading “Review: The Victory Garden by Rhys Bowen” →

Books, Reading

Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly

The Peddler of Wisdom
by Laura Matthias Bendoly

Publication Date: December 18, 2018
eBook & Paperback; 425 Pages

Genre: Historical Fiction

 

 

In the borderlands of the village Les Échelles, giants sleep and werewolves howl. Travelers must cross deep gorges to pay visit. The only strangers are treasure-hunters seeking the riches of Zahara, a drowned Crusader bride. She planted the nearby woods with rich botanicals, now the healing herbs of Irène Guéri, apothecary in these parts. When a cruel invader storms the village he brings along his shy, though brilliant alchemist, Joaquíno Durande. Will Irene join forces with this scholar, risking her profession and her neighbors’ trust, or flee to the valley? Enormous decisions await, and great danger as friends, neighbors, and even the tools of Irene’s workshop rise, enchanted, into the fray of war.

“Put together a hidden Medieval village, a widowed healer who tries to overthrow a murderous invader, and a possible– if dangerous– romance, and you have The Peddler of Wisdom, add to this Laura Matthias Bendoly’s spritely style and a complex world where no one can be trusted, and you will be sucked into this tale as swiftly and completely as I was. Read it.” – Sonia Gernes, ProfessorEmerita, University of Notre Dame, author of What You Hear in the Dark, New and Selected Poems

“An exciting plot, vivid characters and a clearly imagined 17th-century France. A rich tapestry of folklore, tarot, and alchemy.” – Maureen Boulton, Pontifical Institute of Medieval Studies, Toronto and Professor Emeritus of French, Dept. of Romance Languages University of Notre Dame

Excerpt

Continue reading “Excerpt: The Peddler of Wisdom by Laura Matthias Bendoly” →

Books, Giveaway, Reading

Giveaway: A MATTER OF CLASS Digital 2 Book Set by Susie Murphy

by The Lit Bitch2 Comments on Giveaway: A MATTER OF CLASS Digital 2 Book Set by Susie Murphy

If you love historical fiction and forbidden romance then you don’t want to miss out on this wonderful new series, A MATTER OF CLASS. I just finished the second book in the series and I loved it! I am thrilled that I am able to offer not just one book, but both books for your reading pleasure!

Here is a little summary from the second book, A CLASS ENTWINED to give you an idea what the series is about.

Trapped in a loveless marriage far from home, Bridget does what she can to fill her lonely days. She throws herself into charitable work, but her cherished daughter, Emily, is her only true source of happiness.

Meanwhile, Cormac’s own life unravels and he finds himself doing unspeakable things just to survive.

Neither of them dream they will ever meet again, but fate brings them back together in the most unexpected of ways.

Can Bridget rediscover her love for the man Cormac has become? And how will Cormac react when he learns Bridget’s secret?

I am thrilled to be able to offer ONE SET (book 1 and book 2) as DIGITAL COPIES for a lucky reader!

Giveaway runs 2/1/19-2/8/19

A winner will be announced 2/9/19

(how to enter)

On this blog you must leave a comment to be entered in the giveaway.  Your comment MUST include your email so I can contact you….if you do not enter an email in the comments your entry will be void. Winners will be notified by email the day after the giveaway closes and have five days to respond, it not another winner will be chosen. 

(GIVEAWAY OPEN TO INTERNATIONAL AND IS FOR A DIGITAL COPY)

Make sure you note if you have done the following for more chances to win: Tweet about the giveaway (+1), share on Facebook (+1), like The Lit Bitch on Facebook (+1), follow The Lit Bitch on Twitter (+1), subscribe to The Lit Bitch’s blog (+1), follow The Lit Bitch on Instagram (+1). Tweet/RT about the giveaway (+1). Share about the giveaway (+1).

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: A Class Entwined (A Matter of Class, #2) by Susie Murphy

by The Lit Bitch5 Comments on Review: A Class Entwined (A Matter of Class, #2) by Susie Murphy

I read the first book in this series about a year ago and thought that it was a decent start to a new series. I mentioned in my first review, that I haven’t read a lot of works published by smaller publishing companies or indie publishers in recent years.

But I don’t mind reading them when I can because I like being able to offer not only constructive criticism, but I also enjoy reading books like this that fly under the radar.

When this second book in the series came up for review, the author asked if I would like to review it and I was happy to agree so I could see how she had grown as a writer and how the story and characters have now evolved with a little bit of time and polish.

I remember loving the cover art of the first book and this book met every expectation I had when it came to design. I thought this was a beautiful cover and continued to capture my eye. Well done to the cover artist. Continue reading “Review: A Class Entwined (A Matter of Class, #2) by Susie Murphy” →

Books, Reading

Cover Reveal: A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon #2) by Mimi Matthews

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Cover Reveal: A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon #2) by Mimi Matthews

A Modest Independence
by Mimi Matthews

Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Perfectly Proper Press
eBook; 400 Pages

Series: Parish Orphans of Devon (Book #2)
Genre: Historical Romance

 

 

He Needed Peace…

Attorney Tom Finchley has spent his life using his devious intellect to solve the problems of others. As for his own problems, they’re nothing that a bit of calculated vengeance can’t remedy. But that’s all over now. He’s finally ready to put the past behind him and settle down to a quiet, uncomplicated life. If only he could find an equally uncomplicated woman.

She Wanted Adventure…

Former lady’s companion Jenny Holloway has just been given a modest independence. Now, all she wants is a bit of adventure. A chance to see the world and experience life far outside the restrictive limits of Victorian England. If she can discover the fate of the missing Earl of Castleton while she’s at it, so much the better.

From the gaslit streets of London to the lush tea gardens of colonial India, Jenny and Tom embark on an epic quest—and an equally epic romance. But even at the farthest edges of the British Empire, the past has a way of catching up with you…

Available for Pre-Order

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Continue reading “Cover Reveal: A Modest Independence (Parish Orphans of Devon #2) by Mimi Matthews” →