Blog Tour: Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

The Cumberland University Library has been given the opportunity to participate in a blog tour (hosted by Knights of Whitechapel, which one of our library ladies is a member of group!) for the upcoming book Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco.  This blog tour is active from August 1 to September 19.  Make sure to look for the other posts!

About the book:

Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...

Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.

Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.

The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.

Review:

Audrey is anything but ordinary.  Audrey wants to be more than someone's wife and fights the typical norm for women in her era.  She is a girl of high society but has an interest in forensic sciences (which is a big no-no in the Victorian time period).  However, she just can't help the curiosity that stems from dissecting dead bodies.  If anyone found out about this, she would be the black sheep of society.  Good thing she is willing to dress like a boy in order to be her uncle's apprentice.  Her uncle is approached by the police to help in the investigation of some pretty nasty murders.  This is where the story takes off and Audrey "helps" with the investigation.  She is accompanied by the wonderfully arrogant Thomas.  The two of them have pretty much a love-hate relationship (or is it hate-love).

This story takes you through a great mystery and Maniscalco is able to draw an amazing landscape of the time period.  The author gives you such great descriptions that you will feel like you are in Audrey's world (thank goodness we are not, haha!)  Even though Audrey had "different" interests, she still appreciates all things girly which was a nice treat.  All the characters were great (then ones that survived anyways, ha!) and I loved how wonderfully complex this novel was.  It definitely keeps you guessing and you will love it with every page turn.  If you are into dark, intriguing reads, then this is the book for you!

Find it: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Goodreads |

About the author:

Kerri Maniscalco grew up in a small town just outside of New York City where her love of the arts was fostered from an early age. In her spare time she reads everything she can get her hands on, cooks all kinds of food for her family, and drinks entirely too much tea while discussing life's finer points with her cats. Stalking Jack the Ripper is her debut novel.

Connect with the author:

Website | Twitter |Facebook 

Kerri is hitting the road for a book tour and will be in the Nashville area for the Southern Festival of Books.  I know I am super excited to meet her at the festival.  Below is the list of her tour dates if you are interested!  

Blog Tour: Sleeping with the Enemy by Tracy Solheim

Members of the Vise Library were selected to participate in the blog tour for the book Sleeping with the Enemy.  We received a copy of Tracy Solheim's book for an honest review.

About the book:

The author of Risky Game returns with a football team owner who’s a real player, and the woman who’s ready to call him out on everything . . .

Dot-com millionaire Jay McManus is discovering that owning a pro football team like the Baltimore Blaze isn’t easy. An anonymous blogger is out to destroy his reputation, and now his team is being sued by its own cheerleaders. If Jay’s not careful, he could lose big—and not just financially.

Bridgett Janik’s brother may play for the Baltimore Blaze, but she’s not thrilled to be defending Jay McManus, the man who broke her heart. It’s bad enough she has to mingle with Jay during games, but working beside her former lover may be too much for her body—and her heart—to resist.

Jay’s determined not to let Bridgett slip away from him a second time. But, as the two follow the mysterious blogger’s trail, secrets—both past and present—are revealed, and Jay and Bridgett must decide if their relationship can be something more than just sleeping with the enemy.

Jay and Bridgett have a "little" bit of a past together.  Several years before they met in Italy and had quite the romance.  However, each one is hurt for different reasons over the ending of their relationship.  They each think that the other one ended it and are deeply hurt by those actions.  These two are thrown together again when Bridgett is hired to represent Jay in a sexual harassment case.  Bridgett refers to him as the "Antichrist" while Jay is determined to hold a grudge against him.  As they are around each other more and more, they realize that they still have a lot of chemistry together.  Jay and Bridgett just can't seem to put aside past hurts in order to move forward.  The story reveals a little of their past and how each party feels like they've been wronged.  Not only do they have to figure out their feelings for each other, but they also dig deeper into this sexual harassment case.  The case is not all it appears to be and the source of the claims are coming from Jay's past.  When the person and their actions are revealed, Jay and Bridgett learn that the betrayal they each feel may be the work of someone else.  This book had a lot more depth and substance the the characters and story.  I  loved that there was a little mystery involved about the case and the person behind.  The witty dialogue they have together was very entertaining too.  This book is in a series, but I didn't feel like I needed too much background information to read this as a standalone.  However, it would be good to read them just to revisit the characters that play minor roles in this book!

Buy the book:

     Amazon

       Barnes and Noble
      Parnassus Books

About the author:

Tracy Solheim, a military brat who now makes her home near Atlanta, began her writing career as a teenager when she penned a column in her town's local newspaper. Then, it was on to journalism school and a brief stint with NBC sports. After spending nearly two decades writing reports and testimonies for Congress, she delved into fiction. She lives in the suburbs with her husband, two teenagers, a Labrador retriever who thinks she's a cat and a horse named after her first novel. When she's not writing, she enjoys photography, cooking, and reading. A frustrated sports writer, the books she loves to read--and write--feature athletes and the women who capture their hearts. See what's she's up to at www.tracysolheim.com.

Connect with the author:

   Facebook

   Twitter

   Website

Book Giveaway: Crow Hollow

The Vise Library has been given a copy of Crow Hollow to host a giveaway (see below for giveaway!) in celebration of its publication.  

About the book:

Wall Street Journal bestselling author Michael Wallace transports readers back in time to the late 15th century with his new book CROW HOLLOW (Lake Union Publishing | June 1, 2015). Two unlikely partners—a young Puritan widow and an English spy—journey across a land where greed and treachery abound.
Packing all the punch of a thriller, with all the rich detail of a historical, Wallace’s new novel takes readers on a treacherous journey. Crow Hollow tells the story of Prudence Cotton, a young Puritan and recent widow, who must embark on a relentless journey to rescue her daughter from the Nipmuk tribe. Convinced her daughter is alive, but unable to scour the wilderness alone, Prudence teams up with James Bailey, an agent of the crown, who has been sent from London to Boston to secretly cause unrest.
After his partner is murdered, however, James finds himself in need of Prudence’s help as much as she is in need of his, and the two set off into the wild New England landscape looking for clues that will lead Prudence to her daughter. What they confront in the wilderness, and discover about each other, could change their allegiances forever, and alter each of their destinies.
CROW HOLLOW is an epic adventure novel that will keep readers breathless until the last page. As a true thriller novelist, fans of Dan Brown and Stephen King will enjoy Michael Wallace’s razor-sharp storytelling.

Buy the book:

     Amazon

       Barnes and Noble
      Parnassus Books

About the author:

MICHAEL WALLACE was born in California and raised in a small religious community in Utah, eventually heading east to live in Rhode Island and Vermont. In addition to working as a literary agent and innkeeper, he previously worked as a software engineer for a Department of Defense contractor, programming simulators for nuclear submarines. He is the author of more than twenty novels, including the Wall Street Journal bestselling series The Righteous, set in a polygamist enclave in the desert.

Connect with the author:

Website

Giveaway:

To be entered in the giveaway for a free copy of Crow Hollow leave a comment on this blog post about who (real or fiction) you would like to accompany you (and why!) on journey like the one Prudence and James go on in Crow Hollow.  We will pick a random winner to receive a copy of this book!  Good luck!!!  

Book Review: Season of Fire by Lisa T Bergren

Members of the Vise Library were selected to participate in a blog tour for Season of Fire.  We received a copy of Lisa T. Bergren's book for an honest review.

About the book:

After tackling her first mission and coming to terms with her power of empathy, Andriana discovers her first battles were only a taste of what is to come. She and her knight, Ronan, have admitted their feelings for each other, but their bonds are tested when Dri is captured by their mortal and spiritual enemy—Sethos—and his master, Keallach, emperor of Pacifica. Andriana is certain Keallach can be convinced to follow the Maker's plan and join the other Remnants … but in time, she must decide whether she really can pull him back to the Way, or if Sethos's web of darkness has slowly and thoroughly trapped them both … forever.

This book is the second book in the Remnants series by Lisa T. Bergren.  This book continues right where Season of Wonder left off.  In this book you get the view point of not only Andriana, but also the point of view of Ronan at times.  We are introduced to a lot of new characters (both good and bad) and learn that Dri and her group are helping bring awareness to their cause.  Once what was forbidden to speak of, is no longer the case.  The members start to find many people that are sympathetic to their plan.  However, because of this, the evil is trying to take over more than ever.  

The Ailith have many trials throughout this book.  Andriana (Dri) must learn to not give into the darkness of Sethos and members of his clan.  In this book Dri is held a prisoner of Keallach at one point and she wonders if he is as terrible as everyone thinks.  We also learn what his powers are and how powerful he really is.  Ronan and Dri also must deal with their feelings of each other and think of the journey their Maker has set for them.  There are many trials for Dri to go through.  She must learn patience, how to resist the Dark, keep faith and learn to stay true to herself.  There are a few twists of who is actually good and who is really bad.  There are two huge surprises near the end of this book for Dri.  She learns why Niero is the perfect leader for the group and she also is reunited with two people that she didn't think she would ever see again.  Anyone that enjoys dystopian books, will enjoy this book.  

Buy the book:

     Amazon

     Barnes and Noble

About the author:

Lisa Tawn Bergren is the best-selling author of over thirty novels, children's books, and nonfiction books. She's currently working on a teen time travel series called River of Time. Lisa and her husband Tim reside in Colorado with their three children.

Connect with the author:

   Facebook

   Twitter

   Website

   Goodreads

Blog Tour: Storm Fall by Tracy Banghart

Members of the Vise Library were selected to participate in a blog tour for Storm Fall.  We received a copy of Tracy Banghart's book for an honest review.

About the book:

In the action-packed sequel to Rebel Wing, Aris battles for life and love . . . and not everyone will survive. 

Aris Haan gave up everything to join the Atalantan Military: her family, her boyfriend, even her identity. In the end, though, it didn’t matter that she was a war hero. When the all-male Military discovered that she was actually a woman, she was sent home and erased from history. 

Now she has a chance to go back to the battlefield—as herself. But as hard as it was to be a soldier in disguise, it’s even more difficult now. The men in her unit undermine her at every turn. The Safaran army has spies everywhere, perhaps even on Aris’s stationpoint. And she’s falling for her mysterious superior officer, Milek. But their relationship is forbidden, just stolen moments between training sessions and missions. There’s no room for love in war. 

Then Aris discovers that Safara’s leaders have set their sights on her, Atalanta’s hero. And she must find them before they find her . . .

This book is the second book in the Rebel Wing series by Tracy Banghart.  The first book in the series is Rebel Wing.  The first book of this series was action packed and had a lot more background information to it.  In this book, there is even more action and you are really seeing what is happening with the War.  Aris, at the beginning of this book, is struggling being at home after her secret time in the military.  She doesn't feel like she quite fits in with her friends at home and has really lost part of her identity.  She also is struggling with nightmares of Elom and coming to terms with what she saw on her missions.  Milek finally comes to visit Aris after she rescued his mother.  He offers her a way back in to the military without having to hide her identity.  Eventually she agrees, but is unsure what Milek wants from her as a person.  The war is getting more dangerous everyday.  Everyone is trying to figure out where Elom is and what Ward Balias' end game really is.  Not only is Aris having to deal with that, but she is also not being respected at her job.  Even though women are allowed to serve in the military, it doesn't mean that they are very welcome by soldiers or people in general in the military.  There are sightings of Elom at different places and Aris is sent on a mission to scout out an area.  However, there is something faulty with her plane that eventually she is found out and shot down.  I won't give anything away after that point, but we get to see quite a few view points of the aftereffects of her crash.

This book has a lot to it.  It has great characters and a fun story to it.  There is still an air of mystery to it with what is happening with Ward Balias.  The female characters in this book are funny, strong and not afraid to be their true selves.  I admired Aris and Dysis for different reasons.  They are both strong in their own ways and I am a little jealous of that!  This book shows you in multiple ways to seize your happiness while you have the chance.  More than one character gets a shot of redemption through forgiveness that they never saw possible.  It was great to see so many of the small characters from the first book in this series.   I love the imagination of the structures of the territories and how some characters aren't exactly what they appear to be.  I enjoyed the military and spy angles as well.  I mean, who doesn't love spies????  All and all this is a great book in a great series and I am very anxious for the third book in order to find out to the answers to some very important questions!

Buy the book:

     Amazon

     

About the author:

Award-winning author, Army wife, and mom Tracy Banghart has an MA in Publishing and an unhealthy affection for cupcakes. Her quiet childhood led to a reading addiction, writing obsession, and several serious book boyfriends.

Connect with the author:

   Facebook

   Twitter

   Website

   Goodreads

Book Review: New Uses for Old Boyfriends by Beth Kendrick

Members of the Vise Library were selected to participate in a blog tour for New Uses for Old Boyfriends.  We received a copy of Beth Kendrick's book for an honest review.

About the book:

After growing up in privilege and marrying into money, Lila Alders has gotten used to the good life. But when her happily-ever-after implodes, Lila must return to Black Dog Bay, the tiny seaside town where she grew up. She’s desperate for a safe haven, but everything has changed over the past ten years. Her family’s fortune is gone—and her mother is in total denial. It’s up to Lila to take care of everything...but she can barely take care of herself.

The former golden girl of Black Dog Bay struggles to reinvent herself by opening a vintage clothing boutique. But even as Lila finds new purpose for outdated dresses and tries to reunite with her ex, she realizes that sometimes it’s too late for old dreams. She’s lost everything she thought she needed but found something—someone—she desperately wants. A boy she hardly noticed has grown up into a man she can’t forget...and a second chance has never felt so much like first love.

I love when fun, enjoyable books teach us lessons on life.  New Uses for Old Boyfriends does just that!  Lila Alders has always kept up appearances and done all of the things that were expected of her.  She married someone that provided her with a lifestyle other people might be jealous of and had a career on TV.  Her life takes a turn for the worst when her contract with her job is not renewed and her husband informs her that he has found someone else to be with.  So Lila packs up her life in her newly purchased FUV (her SUV that she purchased to stick it to her ex-husband) and heads back to her hometown of Black Dog Bay.  Lila's mother, Daphne, still lives there, but is struggling with her own problems.  Daphne is a recent widow and on top of missing her husband is having a lot of financial difficulties.  

Lila learns that her mother has spent waaaaayyyy beyond her means and does not see a way out of the hole.  Meanwhile, Lila's old high school flame, Ben, has come back to town and her mother will do anything to match them back up.  Lila (without the help of her mother, who is in total denial) tries to help clean out the home she grew up in in preparation to sell it.  She discovers a ton of priceless vintage clothing her mother has accumulated over the years and she has an idea to save her mom and herself.  Through a ton of good luck (thanks Ben!) and stars aligning (you'll find out the help of an old high school classmate that she doesn't even remember, Malcolm, that helps make things possible), the two women set out to start a vintage clothing store that will attract the wealthier tourists of Black Dog Bay.  Things start looking up for Lila and Daphne, but unfortunately they have another stroke of bad luck come their way.  I won't give away the details of that, but they both have to learn about themselves again and learn to pick up the pieces.    

Beth Kendrick wrote a great book to continue the Black Dog Series.  Each one can be a stand alone book, but it is always fun to see glimpses of other characters make their way into each book.  I really cared about these characters and felt for them when things didn't go their way.  I loved how Lila learned not to do what was expected of her but rather what she really wants.  Daphne always wants Lila to project an outside image that just doesn't seem to fit Lila anymore.  Lila also discovers to take her life into her own hands and take action to turn things for her and her mom around.  She is able to also teach her mom a few lessons along the way and Daphne discovers she is capable of doing things she never though possible.  I love how this book teaches the reader that even though a person's circumstances seem to be insurmountable, if they just take the next five minutes at a time, then they can do it.  I feel like Lila taught me that you can have more inner strength than you think is possible of yourself.  Even though Lila and Daphne have a lot of troubles in this book, they are able to have a lot of fun and gain great new friends along the way.  This book was sad, but hilarious due to the FUV (I love that!) and Malcolm (who was in the military) and Lila's covert operations language they use to communicate.   

I am so glad that I had an opportunity to read and review New Uses for Old Boyfriends and I am sure once you pick up this book, you will too! :)

Buy the book:

     Amazon

     Barnes and Noble

Praise for the book:

"Beth Kendrick has written a sharp, sassy, surprisingly emotional story that will make readers laugh out loud from page one and sigh from the heart at the end.  Light and lovely perfection!"
—Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author on CURE FOR THE COMMON BREAKUP

“A smart, funny spin on happily-ever-after!"
—Beth Harbison, New York Times bestselling author

"Kendrick writes with a wicked sense of humor and great wisdom about the power of friendship [and] the importance of true love."
—The Chicago Tribune

About the author:

Beth Kendrick is the author of The Week Before the Wedding, The Lucky Dog Matchmaking Service, and Nearlyweds, which was turned into a Hallmark Channel original movie. She lives in Arizona with her two rescue dogs, but she loves to vacation at the Delaware shore, where she goes to Funland, eats boardwalk fries, and wishes that the Whinery really existed.

Connect with the author:

   Facebook:  http://on.fb.me/1hyNbYy

   Twitter: http://bit.ly/1gSjj3h

   Website: http://bit.ly/1lQXUw

   Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1hyN7Ie

Book Review: Blushing by Katie Delahanty

If you remember correctly, this past summer the Vise Library was given an advanced copy of Katie Delahanty's first book In Bloom.  (Our review of that book is here.) Through the powers of the internet after my review, I have had contact with Katie's editor.  Since I enjoyed first book so much, I was given a copy of Katie Delahanty's newest book, Blushing.  This was given to me out of my love for the first book as a gift, not with any promises of a review.  However, since we (Vise Library) love books and authors so much, I decided to write a review regardless.  Reviews (good or bad) help authors in many ways.  Anyways, on with what Blushing is about and what I took away from the book!

About the book:

My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Engaged.

When Berkeley proposed I thought we’d live happily ever after—we’d plan our wedding and he’d tour with the Brightside while I continued designing lingerie. But instead he dropped a bombshell that turned my life upside down: he’s set to star in a movie with, who else, his gorgeous ex, Christina Carlton. And what’s more? I’ve been erased from the public eye. All anyone can talk about is #Berkstina.

Berkeley wants me to work on set as a costume designer—a dream come true—but there’s a catch; we have to keep our relationship secret. I’m okay with not being photographed, but the sneaking around, the lies, the love scenes; it’s not how I imagined our engagement. I know Berkeley is passionate and driven, but he has so much going on—I don’t know if we can take it. I’m starting to wonder how well I know him.

I love him, but am I ready to drop everything and decide the rest of my life? To become Olivia Dalton?

So as I stated above, I LOVED Katie's first book.  I was very excited to be given the opportunity to read her book before publication.  Sometimes with sequels to movie or books there is the possibility of the letdown, but honestly, I wasn't worried about that at all with Katie Delahanty's newest book.  I enjoyed the story of Liv and Berkeley so much, that I was anxious (in a good way!) to continue reading about their story.

This book pretty much picks up right where the last one ended.  There is not any significant amount of time that has elapsed.  (Thank goodness, I'd hate to miss anything!)  Berkeley and Liv are now engaged and trying to figure out the details.  However, because Berkeley is starring in a movie with an old (and very famous & very liked) girlfriend, the two have to keep their engagement secret.  Berkeley has a lot at stake with this movie, so it is very important that Liv, who will be working as a costume designer on the movie, isn't recognized or seen with him.  Liv has to go under a transformation to keep a low profile.  At first, Liv can handle it, but the longer this charade goes on, the harder keeping it up (and their relationship) becomes.  Liv eventually becomes very secluded where doubts start creeping in.

Gosh, I wish I could dive more into the plot of this, but I do not want to give any of the major events away.  (And I DESPERATELY need someone to discuss this book with!)  I will tell you that I loved it (shocker, I know...)!   Like any relationship, Liv and Berkeley are still trying to figure out their relationship and each other.  They have a few added obstacles with the fame and now having to keep their engagement to themselves.  We get to explore different cities (New York and Pittsburgh) with these two and get to catch up with Liv's our old friends, Blair, Parker, Boots and Mark! There are a few different twists to this book and people's REAL personalities also are revealed.  

I was very happy with the ending, but if certain circumstances did not come to light, I would have been content with it going in the complete opposite direction.  I think this is due to Katie's writing.  I think the way she writes these characters makes you want to root and support them in any decision that they make.  They just feel REAL, that's really all there is to it. She also makes it possible to feel the emotions that Liv is experiencing.  I remember being almost as anxious as Liv was in some of the scenes when she was interacting with certain characters.  I'm pretty sure I haven't been this anxious about a character since I stayed up late in college reading the 5th Harry Potter book that featured Professor Umbridge (ugh, that women...)!  I just could empathize with Liv as some things started unraveling.  I take that as a good thing, because I was able to become so engrossed with this story.  These characters are not overly dramatic, but they do have real life circumstances and events happening to them.  I cannot comprehend Hollywood or the movie/music scene, but I felt like what is happening between Liv and Berkeley is relatable.  Even though at times Liv struggles and has burdens to deal with, she becomes a stronger person in the end for it. I wish I was part of the Brightside gang!

One thing I was happy to see again in this book was the tweets and messages from the characters before each chapter.  They seem to give a little insight into what you will be reading about.  They don't give too much away, but they keep you wondering what you, as the reader, will be experiencing in the next chapter.  (Plus, you can never get too much of Liv & the gang!) I think it's great to see Liv grow as a person and realize what she wants to do and needs out of life.  She has to figure out some of the logistics of her life that she has not contemplated before. And also like the first book, I went back to reread some of the major happenings to experience them again.  Some books just stick with you and never get old - this is one of those books & series.  Again, like the first book, I stayed up way too late reading this and ignoring other things I should have been doing.  (Sorry husband for not feeding you!  I am sure he TOTALLY understands!)  If you want a fun read with GREAT characters in it, make sure and check this one out! Even though I received a gift copy of this book, I purchased one to send to my kindle.  You should too!

Side note: Be on the lookout in early March for a special blog post for Liv... :)

p.s. I have heard that there will be a third book in this series, but not sure who or what that entails - either way, I am sold and counting down the days until it comes out!  *HAPPY DANCE!*  

About the author:

Katie Delahanty never knew she was a writer. Her childhood obsessions centered on old movies, costumes, fashion, playing dress up, and books. Lots of books. On her quest to play make believe for a living she decided she wanted to be a fashion designer and after satisfying her practical parents by graduating from UCLA with a BA in Communication Studies. She went on to pursue her design dreams with a Professional Designation in Fashion Design from FIDM. Now in charge of the ecommerce business for In Bloom Lingerie, she was asked to start the company blog. Not knowing what to say about lingerie but needing to use bridal keywords, she decided to start a fictional serial about how a girl named Olivia Bloom, who worked for In Bloom Lingerie, became engaged. And that's when Katie fell in love with storytelling and the path to make believe became clear. She hasn't looked back since.

Connect with the author:

·         Facebook

·         Twitter

·         Website 

·         Goodreads

Buy the book:

·         Amazon Kindle

'Praise for In Bloom:

"In Bloom is absolutely magical. With Olivia Bloom, Katie Delahanty has created a heroine who will both capture your heart and leave you longing to move to Los Angeles to pursue your own Hollywood dream. A dazzling debut novel with adventure, humor, and passion."--Marjorie Hart, New York Times bestselling author of Summer at Tiffany

"A delightful and dazzling Hollywood romp that had me laughing and loving all the way through!" --Ophelia London, author of Abby Road

"We're all Livs at heart...if she can meet her Prince Charming, maybe, just maybe, we can too. Liv reminds us to take a risk...to jump, to soar and...live!" --Lola Jaye, author of By the Time You Read This