time travel

Book Review & Giveaway: The Loneliness of the Time Traveller by Erika Rummel

sleepygirl22 Comments

The Loneliness of the Time Traveller by Erika Rummel

Publisher:  Inanna Publications (June 18, 2022)
Category: Science Fiction, Time Travel, Crime, Suspense, Supernatural
ISBN: 978-1771338783
Available in Print and ebook, 298 pages

Loneliness of the Time Traveller

Description

“It is a dreadful thing to be possessed, to be invaded by a spirit woman who commands your body and soul and looks out at the world through your eyes. It happened to me in 1778. Pray it will never happen to you.”

Adele’s diary tells the story of her domination by an incubus Lynne, a serving girl in a London ale house who died a violent death and commandeered Adele’s body for eight years. Can Adele be held responsible for Lynne’s crimes? Will the evil spirit return and renew her tyranny over Adele’s mind?

Lynne has moved on into the 21st century, but the transmigration has left her emotions flat. Lynne is eager to go back to her first life and experience once more the passion she felt for her lover, Jack. To do so, she needs a channel to the past: the manuscript of Adele’s diary, if only she can find it.

A time-slip novel set in contemporary Los Angeles and 18th century London, The Loneliness of the Time Traveller is a story of love, crime, and adventure combined with fantasy, a little bit of Jane Austen-style irony, and a healthy serving of social criticism.

Amazon
Indiebound
Bookshop.org
Inanna Publications & Education, Inc.

Guest Review by Sal

With, ‘The Loneliness of the Time Traveller,’ Erika Rummel brings you into a world of strange creatures who prey on the weak and dying, and can sometimes take over a person’s life entirely. These creatures are called transmigrants, a type of supernatural spirit who, after losing their original body, can inhabit the body of another person and stay there indefinitely.

Most of the time, the bodies that transmigrants inhabit get used up, dying on their own after the creature usurps the soul of the rightful inhabitant. But not every time. Enter Adele Collingwood. Adele is only a young woman when she has a brush with death. After her father’s sudden death, Adele is struck down by a fever that nearly claims her life. It is during this time, while she is on her deathbed, that a transmigrant named Lynne finds her.

Lynne makes herself right at home in Adele’s body, and stays with the girl for the next eight years until a shocking event Causes her to move on. Adele and Lynne commit a crime together, and centuries later, after Lynne has been through many more bodies, she decides that she wishes to return to Adele’s life, and that she must find a sample of the girl’s writing to travel back.

Rummel has written what, I think, stands as a modern classic science fiction novel. ‘The Loneliness of the Time Travel,’ has action, supernatural elements, shocking twists and two main characters, one whom you love to hate and one whom you can only root for.

Do you like your Sci-Fi novels to mix in horror and historical fiction? Then this is the book for you. Rummel has an excellent talent that makes the reader engage with the story in a way that they wouldn’t necessarily do with other books. I highly recommend this genre bending, unique novel. Five stars all around!

About the Author

Award winning author, Erika Rummel has taught history at the University of Toronto and Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo.

She divides her time between Toronto and Los Angeles and has lived in villages in Argentina, Romania, and Bulgaria.

She has published eight novels and more than a dozen books on social history of the Renaissance. A recipient of international fellowships and literary awards, she was honored in 2018 with a lifetime achievement award by the Renaissance Society of America.

Erika’s Website: http://www.erikarummel.com/
Erika’s Blog: http://rummelsincrediblestories.blogspot.ca/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/historycracks

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 2 print copies and is open to Canada and the U.S. only. This giveaway ends on October 8, 2022 midnight, pacific time.  Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue reading →

Book Review & Giveaway: Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas

sleepygirl25 Comments

Speakeasy: A Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Publisher:  Broadback (April 5, 2022)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction Romance
Tour Dates May 3-June 30
ISBN: 979-8423229016
Available in Print and ebook, 375 pages


In 2019, A West Village Nightclub Singer, Roxie Raines, stumbles through a basement doorway into the past and finds herself in Roaring Twenties New York, with all its dangers, secrets, excitement, and romance.

Roxie Raines lurches through a secret basement doorway in 2019, and time-slips back to New York’s raucous Roaring Twenties. While she dazzles the speakeasy crowds with her “modern sound,” she gets trapped in the dangerous web of Frankie Shay, an evil club owner. She struggles to escape his control and return to the basement doorway that sent her to 1925.

When she meets the handsome detective, Jake Kane, it’s love at first sight, but Jake has a secret past, and her own time travel secret makes him suspicious.

Roaring Twenties New York comes alive with flappers, gangsters, romance and speakeasies and Roxie’s stunning rise to stardom could come with the price of losing both the man she loves and her own life.

Amazon

Guest Review by Sal

‘Speakeasy’ is quite a novel, and one that I would recommend to anyone.

Elyse Douglas, the author, is actually two people—a wife and husband who share a pen name, which gives this book an interesting and full perspective on the world that it creates. And what a world that is!

‘Speakeasy’ centers around a modern girl named Roxie Raines, who accidentally gets sent back to the 1920’s by a time travel portal. The portal is in the basement of the bar where Roxie is working as a jazz singer, but, when she arrives in the 20’s, Roxie is in an alley outside a bar called ‘The Black Cat.’

Dizzy and confused by the sudden displacement, Roxie is taken in by a kind man named Mario, who unfortunately turns out to be working for a gangster named Frankie Shay. Frankie Shay is suspicious of Roxie, and he imprisons her in his hotel high above the streets of New York, until he feels that he can trust her.

Unsure what to do, Roxie eventually begins writing notes begging for help on postcards and dropping them out of the window. One such note is found by a local private detective named Jake Kade, who eventually decides to find and help Roxie (after some nudging from his partner, Charlie.)

This is an excellent read from beginning to end and one that I couldn’t put down. The tension is taut and the pacing is just right for a novel like this. I really enjoyed Roxie’s pluck and determination to save herself, but I loved how Jake eventually helped her. It all comes to a head in a particularly funny scene in the hotel.

‘Speakeasy’ has everything that a reader could want out of a time travel novel and more! Definitely add it to your TBR if you haven’t already!

Speakeasy by Elyse Douglas View Trailer

About the Authors

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington.

She and her husband, Douglas Pennington, have completed many novels, including The Other Side of Summer, The Summer Letters, The Christmas Eve Series, Time Visitor, Time Change, The Summer Diary, and The Christmas Diary Series.

Website: www.elysedouglas.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 3 copies with the winner’s choice of print or ebook.  Print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends on July 1, 2022, midnight, Pacific time.  Entries accepted via Rafflecopter only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue reading →

Book Review: Gateway: Destination DC by Jeff Dawson and Larry Welch

sleepygirl2

Muki, Abdul, Judith and Larry endured a harrowing thirteen days in the bowels of the Pioche Complex with Professor Leonoid Skorzenzy. Relieved they survived the adventure, will they be able to resume the summer vacation they originally started out on or will the events of the past continue to haunt them?

And what of Nathan Francisco? Will he allow the kids to leave the confines of Nevada unscathed or will he make sure they never enjoy their new found fortune?

Did the message Judith deliver to General McCulloch reach the appropriate authorities, or is there something more sinister infecting the US GOVERNMENT?

Strap yourselves in for the continuing adventures!

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. I read the first book in the Gateway Series, Gateway: Pioche, and really liked it so I was looking forward to reading the second book.

Muki, Abdul, Larry and Judith were students at Stanford who are geniuses (geeks) and decided to go on vacation before starting work. They went Vegas and won a lot of money after learning to count cards from Larry. The mob is after them because they want that money back.

The characters are different and fairly well developed. Judith was not likeable at all in the first book, but she is getting better the more she’s with the other three. Abdul continues to put things in a Star Trek scenario but not nearly as much as in Gateway: Pioche, maybe because their situation is much more serious right now. Larry seemed to be the “normal” one but now that he’s time traveled twice, he has some mental issues including anger.

Destination DC kept my interest throughout. There was a lot of action and the graduates had mobsters following them as well others trying to kill them because they knew too much. It’s an edge of your seat page turner. I don’t recommend reading this book without reading the first book first.

The only issue I had was that it was hard to keep up with the conversations sometimes, who was talking to whom.

I am going to read the next book in the series, Destination DC, soon because I have to know what happens next!

About the Author

Mr. Dawson was involved in the road construction business for over twenty-five years. He endured great highs and lows: fathered three children, went through a divorce, two failed business ventures, bankruptcy, multiple surgeries and a reunification with his high school sweetheart, Debbie, who he would kiss goodbye for the last time seven months later.

His last surgery in 2010 forced him to temporarily exit the construction industry. With one career behind him, he ventured into a new one—writing. The first stories he wrote are real life scenarios dealing with losing loved ones to cancer: his partner, father and Debbie. These works are both honest and heart-warming. He holds nothing back as he allows readers to look deep into the psyche of one who has loved and lost so much.

He has also written books in the following genres: science/fiction, time travel, Baseball coaching manuals, horror, poetry, alternative history and erotica.

He currently lives in the DFW area spending time with friends and family.

Book Review: Gateway: Pioche by Jeff Dawson and Larry Welch

sleepygirl2

June 2016—Stanford, Ca. GRADUATION for Muki, Abdul, Larry and Judith. Six years of cramming for finals and pursuing double master’s degrees has finally paid off. It’s time for them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. A trip to Las Vegas and the blackjack tables before entering the word of commerce and research.

Their good fortune at the tables doesn’t go unnoticed by the local mob boss, Nathan Francisco, who decides, “What money comes to Vegas, stays in Vegas.” Instead of enjoying their winnings, the graduates become engaged in a hair-raising, life-threatening pursuit through the sleepy town of Pioche, Nevada. Eluding their pursuers, they wind up northeast of town at an abandoned military complex. Not wanting to tempt fate, they decide to stay put for a day and explore the complex.

What and who they find could unravel the truths surrounding the most debated conspiracies of the past—who shot John Fitzgerald Kennedy, what happened to Judas Iscariot after betraying Jesus, did America really land on the moon in 1969. And finally, will Judith Anderson be able to purge her family’s ties to the Third Reich when she comes face-to-face with her great-grand father Martin Bormann?

Prepare for the most riveting tale of time travel!

Note: This book contains strong language. Not recommended for children under 13.

Amazon

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Muki, Abdul, Larry and Judith are students at Stanford who are geniuses (geeks) and decide to go on vacation before starting work. They choose Vegas and learn how to count cards from Larry. They’re not just going to play blackjack, they’re going to win at blackjack. Unfortunately, they win enough money to get noticed by the mob and end up running from them and into an adventure like no other.

The characters are different and fairly well developed. Judith is not likeable at all, and I’m guessing that the only reason she hangs out with the geeks is that no one else wants to be around her. I wouldn’t be able to stand being around Abdul for very long. I like the old Star Trek but enough is enough! Muki and Larry seem closer to normal, although Muki does have a kickass side that is way better than normal.

It took me a while to get into this book, but there were many interesting and exciting parts such as each time the “graduates” traveled back in time. When they were being chased by the mob was intense. Unfortunately, there were a lot of slower moments in between including scientific information that was a little too in depth for me but that’s a personal preference.

I am going to read the next book in the series, Destination DC, soon because I have to know what happens next!

About the Author

Mr. Dawson was involved in the road construction business for over twenty-five years. He endured great highs and lows: fathered three children, went through a divorce, two failed business ventures, bankruptcy, multiple surgeries and a reunification with his high school sweetheart, Debbie, who he would kiss goodbye for the last time seven months later.

His last surgery in 2010 forced him to temporarily exit the construction industry. With one career behind him, he ventured into a new one—writing. The first stories he wrote are real life scenarios dealing with losing loved ones to cancer: his partner, father and Debbie. These works are both honest and heart-warming. He holds nothing back as he allows readers to look deep into the psyche of one who has loved and lost so much.

He has also written books in the following genres: science/fiction, time travel, Baseball coaching manuals, horror, poetry, alternative history and erotica.

He currently lives in the DFW area spending time with friends and family.

Audiobook Review: Yestertime by Andrew Cunningham

sleepygirl21 Comment

Author: Andrew Cunningham
Narrator: Greg Hernandez
Length: 7 hours 34 minutes
Publisher: Andrew Cunningham⎮2021
Genre: Science Fiction; Thriller
Release date: Jun. 19, 2021

“I’m going to die a hundred years before I was born….”

The handwritten note was in a dusty trunk that sat in a cave untouched for 150 years. What did the words mean? When journalist Ray Burton finds the trunk near the Arizona ghost town of Hollow Rock, his life changes in an instant.

Something in the trunk shouldn’t be there.

This begins a dangerous journey of discovery bordering on the impossible. A discovery that will affect the past, the present, and the future.

Buy Links

Buy on Audible

My Review

I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Greg Hernandez. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

I’ve read other books by Andrew Cunningham and especially enjoyed the Eden Rising series, so I was happy to listen to this book. Yestertime is a time travel novel and it was pretty good, but not my favorite one by the author.

The problems with time travel are explored in this book. The premise is a good one but it was difficult for me to keep track of all the different characters and where and when they were originally from. I did find the idea of portals and portal finders interesting.

Many of the characters are supposed to be professionals working on the secret of time travel but they have a lot of trouble keeping the secret which didn’t seem probable to me.

The narrator did a good job. His tone and pace were good, and he has narrated other books that I’ve listened to. That’s always a plus in my opinion especially in his case. It took me a while the first time I listened to him to get used to his style, but since I’m familiar with him now, it worked for me.

About the Author Andrew Cunningham

I’m the author of novels in several genres, including, mystery, thriller, and post-apocalyptic science fiction. Under the name A.R. Cunningham, I’ve also written the Arthur MacArthur series of mysteries for children.

I was born in England, but have spent most of my life living in the U.S.—including 25 years on Cape Cod before moving to Florida. A former interpreter for the deaf and long-time independent bookseller, I’ve been a full-time freelance writer and copy editor for many years. A 4th-degree Master Black belt in Tang Soo Do, I finally retired from active training when my body said, “Enough already! Why are you doing this to yourself?” I’m married, with two grown children and two awesome grandsons. My wife and I spend as much time traveling as we can, and are especially fond of cruising the Caribbean.

​I have been gratified by the response to my books. When I published Eden Rising back in the spring of 2013, I had no idea what to expect. When I sold my first few copies, I was excited beyond belief that someone was willing to take a chance on it. Numerous books and thousands of copies later, I am still humbled by the emails I get from readers telling me that my books kept them up late into the night.

In October of 2014, Wisdom Spring made me an official Amazon Bestselling author, a thrill I never thought would happen. But it still comes down to being able to bring a few hours of escape to a reader. That’s what it’s all about for me.

I hope you will try my books. Please feel free to email me with your comments.

Website⎮Twitter⎮Facebook⎮Goodreads⎮Amazon

About the Narrator Greg Hernandez

Author-preferred Narrator of Mysteries & Thrillers

Narrating audiobooks is highly gratifying.  I immerse myself into an author’s story in order to bring it to life for the listener.  I’ve enjoyed working with Andrew Cunningham for several years. His books are filled with rich characters, and the stories keep me turning the pages.

I also work as a background actor in movies and TV shows.

For more than 20 years, I worked as a radio news reporter and news writer.  I spent half of my broadcasting career at ABC News Radio in the Washington, D.C., bureau.  I covered all the federal agencies as well as Congress and the White House. I reported on a wide range of stories during my career, including financial and entertainment industry news.

For nearly 24 years, I worked as a federal government spokesman at three separate agencies—National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Mint and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Twitter

Tour Schedule

Click here to view the full tour schedule!

Book Review: What if? by Fran Lewis

sleepygirl21 Comment

Genre: Time Travel/ Sci Fi
Published by: Fidelli
Publication Date: July 8, 2020
Number of Pages: 78
ISBN: B08CNKX3DT
Purchase Links: Amazon | Goodreads

With the pandemic that never seems to be leaving us anytime soon I’ve created worlds that might make you pause for thought. Dark stories told by the characters as they experienced their journeys into worlds that you might not want to live in a hopefully be happy in the one you’re in.

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free copy. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

What If? has six dark stories and a poem that will make you think. I liked them, but I particularly two that rang true during the times that we are in:

  • “Confined!” is about Fern who self-isolates due to fear of the virus. See what can happen when someone isolates both their mind and body.
  • “One Race: On World – The Year 2050”: the government makes everyone multicolored, everyone works, everyone is paid the same amount no matter their job, and no one can have their own opinions (sounds a lot like 1984). Then, new neighbors move in…

“The Match” is a poem that’s disturbing. The other three stories are pretty good; they’re interesting and thought-provoking. What If? is a good book to read for when you don’t have much time (the stories are just 6 to 16 pages each) but want something that will make you think.

Read an Excerpt

One Race: One World: The Year 2050

It was now 2050 and the world had really changed. There were no more planes or trains. All you needed to do was think about being somewhere and you were there. The government, in order to save money on gas and fuel, had banned cars, buses, and any means of transportation, and implanted chips in everyone’s arms that helped transport them to wherever they wanted to go, including the past.

A huge explosion had occurred, and all that was left in the world were twenty countries, with only twelve hundred people in each country. Most people had not survived the explosion, which had caused most of the countries to just disappear into space forever. No one really knew if anyone was out there or if these people survived somewhere, and no one really cared enough to find out.

One man called The Ruler headed all the countries, and assigned one person as the Chief of Law and Enforcement in each country. Under this person, five people helped to enforce the rules and the laws.

Then, one miserable day, someone decided there were too many wars, too many hate crimes, too many people being killed on the streets, and too much traffic and congestion on the highways. The government hired several scientists to find a solution to the problem, and that was how everyone in the entire world wound up multicolored.

Because of all the wars and fighting and hate that took place in the past, the government created a way to eliminate the many different races in the world and opted for only one. Everyone looked the same. Our faces might have looked a little different, but our skin colors were the same—multicolored. They did this so that no one would insult, mock, or hurt anyone because of their skin color. They eliminated houses of worship so that everyone was nonsectarian, and no one would be discriminated against. However, what they could not eliminate were our thoughts and desires to make changes in our lives, even though they tried.

Everyone that lived here had a job that paid the same amount. No one, no matter what they did or what career they chose, was paid more than anyone else. We never had to worry about being laid off. Unless we decided to move somewhere else our job stayed the same, and there was no room for advancement—ever. Everyone did the same thing every day. Nothing changed. Life was supposed to be anger free, insult free, and most of all, calm and tranquil. HOW DULL AND BORING! (OH! I am not supposed to say that. Opinions are not allowed here.)

One morning I got up and got dressed to go to my boring job as an accountant with the only accounting firm in this city. I went over the books daily, entered my accounts in their daily ledgers, and did taxes for some of the companies in this city. It was grunt work, and nothing exciting ever happened at work or anywhere else.

Walking to work as usual, I began remembering how it was only twenty years ago when there were cars, trains, and people running and yelling for cabs and trains to wait for them at the station. I missed the newspaper people on the street and the vendors selling hot coffee and bagels from their pushcarts. Those were the days. I loved the way people had looked and the different races and nationalities that lived here. Learning from other people was what made life exciting.

Then the unexpected happened. A new family with two children moved in down the street from me. These two kids were not going to conform to our way of thinking, and decided it was time to shake things up—and they did. One morning when going to school they each wore something other than the school’s drab gray uniform. The girl wore a pink and green dress with flowers, and the boy wore something blue, and a shirt that said, “I hate being the same. Different Rules.”

This did not go over well, and they were taken into custody by the guards in their school and promptly suspended. This did not stop them. They started screaming and yelling all sorts of words we had not heard before. “One race is not what we are supposed to be. I hate this planet. I hate all of you.”

I could not believe my ears. This was grounds for banishment into the Devoid Zone. These two children had painted stars all over their faces. Their younger sister decided to paint her face one color. Who in today’s world had a face that was one color? Everyone here looked and dressed the same. It prevented jealousy, arguments, and fashion wars. How dare they go against the laws of this state?

***

Excerpt from What if? by Fran Lewis. Copyright 2020 by Fran Lewis. Reproduced with permission from Fran Lewis. All rights reserved.

 

About the Author

Fran Lewis is a reviewer, talk show host, mj network, reading and writing staff developer. She was the administrative assistant to the Principal and created original programs for students after school. She was the music director and created musical festivals along with other staff members. She’s a member of Marquis Who’s Who, Continental Who’s who and who’s who of America’s professionals and educators.

Catch Up With Fran Lewis On:

Website, Goodreads, BookBub, Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook!

Book Review & Giveaway: The Christmas Eve Promise by Elyse Douglas

sleepygirl25 Comments

Christmas Eve Promise: Time Travel Novel (Christmas Eve Series, Book 4) by Elyse Douglas

Publisher:  Broadback (September, 2020)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christmas

ISBN:
Available in Print and ebook,  405 pages

Eve and baby Colleen are traveling to Ohio for the Christmas holidays to spend time with Eve’s parents.

After a few days in Ohio, they all plan to fly to Florida in Eve’s father’s private airplane.  Patrick will meet them there after he completes exams for his forensic psychology degree.

Nothing goes as planned.  The day Patrick is to leave for Florida, he receives a shocking telephone call from one of Eve’s cousins.  Sobbing, she tells him a terrible tragedy has occurred.  It stuns him and shakes him to his heart’s core.

His life shattered, Patrick knows he has but one chance:  he must use the time travel lantern to return to the past in order to prevent the current tragedy.

But once again, the time travel lantern has a mind of its own, and Patrick is hurled back to a time where he must confront a strange, unfamiliar world and learn why the lantern transported him there.

When Patrick comes face-to-face with a mysterious, beautiful woman who looks and acts like Eve, and whose name is Eve, Patrick is haunted.

He recalls the promise he and Eve had made to each other on Christmas Eve the previous year—no matter what happens; no matter if they’re separated; no matter what time or place they find themselves in; no matter what obstacles they must face, they will always find each other, help each other, and love each other for all time.

The Christmas Eve Promise is a journey about the enduring promise of hope and the infinite, unbreakable bonds of love.

Amazon

Guest Review by Sal

She raised her glass to his. “I want both of us to promise that no matter what happens to us; no matter if we’re separated; no matter what time or place we find ourselves in; no matter what obstacles we face, we will always find each other, help each other and love each other, for all time.”

‘The Christmas Eve Promise’ is the fourth book in the ‘Christmas Eve’ series by the husband and wife writing team known as Elyse Douglas and, in my opinion, the best one yet.
This series, about a married couple who meet via a lantern that allows the user to time travel, has everything I love in a book. Between the romance, the time travel aspect and the mystery, I always end up loving every page of the books in this series, and this one was no different.


This book begins with a promise. On Christmas Eve 2019, Eve asks Patrick to promise that they will always find each other and always love each other, no matter what time period their lantern brings them to. The following Christmas, Eve and their new baby daughter, Colleen go on a trip to visit Eve’s parents in Ohio and then on a flight on her father’s plane. Unfortunately, during the trip they are both killed in a plane crash, along with Eve’s parents. Devastated, Patrick decides to use the lantern to go back in time to rescue them, but, of course, the lantern seems to have a mind of it’s own and it sends him back to 1925 instead.

 In trying to decide what to do next, Patrick accidentally stumbles across a woman who looks and acts exactly like Eve and even has a similar name—Evelyn. Are Eve and Evelyn the same person? Will Patrick be able to save his wife and child? These are questions you’ll have to read the book to find out. And believe me, you won’t regret it. This one captivated me and left me unable to put it down. I hope there are lots more to come in this wonderful series!

Praise Christmas Eve Series by Elyse Douglas

“The Christmas Eve Letter is a beautiful, poignant story. It is well written and will have you turning the pages eagerly.
All of the characters are well thought out, and believably written, together with the well-constructed scenery, that has you feeling as if you yourself have just stepped into the past.
The story is unique and moving. It will hold you long after you turn the last page. A perfect Christmas tale of love and hope.”-Whispering Stories

“This book is the perfect vehicle for a movie, and I can only hope that there will be more in the series. This novel is truly as close to perfection as the reader could imagine! 5 Stars!”–My Devotional Thoughts Blog and Reviews

“I enjoyed the new characters, an update on characters from the first book, and the possibility for more books.  If you enjoy time travel-themed novels you will love these books!”–StoreyBook Reviews

“I am most impressed that this book did so well as a stand-alone novel. Kudos to the author! If you are looking for a good Christmas book with time travel, give this a go!”–Carole’s Bookshelves

“I love this whole story, and I especially love Patrick and Eve’s romance and all of the adventures that they go on together. Eve is exactly my kind of character.  I still can’t stop thinking about the feeling that it gave me and the arc that the characters went on. Everyone really developed a lot in this story and it was so rewarding as a long-time reader to watch that happen. It feels like every new book in this series just keeps getting better and better and I love these characters more and more. Every time a new one comes out I feel like a kid on Christmas morning.
The Christmas Eve Secret is my favorite in the series so far, but if you have not read the first two books I would recommend doing that as soon as possible! If you enjoy romance, time travel, mystery and great writing, I promise that you won’t regret dipping a toe into this series.”–Cuzinlogic

About the Authors

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist.

Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years.

Website: www.elysedouglas.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

Giveaway

This giveaway is for 1 copy for 3 winners. Print is is open to the U.S. and Canada only and ebook is open worldwide. This giveaway ends November 26, 2020,midnight pacific time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Continue reading →

Book Review: Fighters, Feared and Fallen by N. D. Richman

sleepygirl2

Title: Fighters, Feared and Fallen (Boulton Quest Series, Book 3)

Author: N. D. Richman

Publication Date: June 14, 2016

Pages: 210

Recommended Ages: 10+

Thomas is swept into Robert Cain’s web of terror
He’s forced to fight in a child army
Against the most evil of people
And learns the first casualty of war is the truth

“If you can’t trust yourself, Thomas, who can you trust?”

My Review

I chose to read this book after receiving a free e-copy from the author. All opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased.

Fighters, Feared and Fallen, book #3 in the Boulton Quest Series, is a middle grade and young adult book. I read the first 2 books, Brothers, Bullies, and Bad Guys and Sinners, Survivors and Saints quite a while ago, but I remember liking them so I was happy to read Fighters, Feared and Fallen.

Book #3 is mostly about Thomas being abducted along with thousands of other children and taken into the future. They’re taught to fight to save the world…but are they being told the truth? I wondered since they were not treated well if the leaders were being honest. Their excuse was that they needed to harden the kids to be good fighters…but is that true? Thomas definitely learns how to fight and fight well.

I was sad to see that there aren’t any more books in the series. I understand that the author reached his goal by encouraging his children and other youngsters to read, but there are questions that haven’t been answered!

About the Author

I started to write for my son, a reluctant reader. I set out to write a series of books that captivated from the first chapter and pushed the reader through with a solid plot, relentless action and adventure, and humour.

Comments received from parents and teachers indicate I’ve accomplished my goal. I’m very proud of the Boulton Quest Series. It has captivated the hearts of reluctant readers around the world, boys and girls alike, and is entertaining their brothers, sisters, parents, and grandparents.

Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting, and getting into trouble:  What a great way to grow up!  One of my favourite memories is sitting on the handlebars of my brother’s bike, my dog on my lap, as he careened down the steep mountain trails above our home in Kamloops, BC. My brother and I had caves, tree forts, frog filled ponds, and cactus patches to play in, and sling shots for protection. Somehow I survived my childhood and proudly moved on to fatherhood. My children, Christopher, Michael, Thomas, and Katherine, kindly donated their names, characters, and ideas to the Boulton Quest series of books.

Website  | Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Pinterest  |  Tumblr

Book Review & Giveaway: Time with Norma Jeane by Elyse Douglas

sleepygirl23 Comments
Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Publisher:  Broadback (January 13, 2020)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Time Slip, Women’s Fiction
Tour Dates March and April, 2020
ISBN: 978-1671646032
Available in Print and ebook, 258 pages
Time with Norma Jeane

Description

A young woman is hurled back to 1954 to spend a week with Marilyn Monroe.  Together, they embark on their own personal journeys — one a coming-of-age — the other, Marilyn’s journey, a struggle to reconcile with her past and perhaps change the future.

Guest Review by Laura Lee

Time travel books are always a big win for me. And time travel romances, doubly so. The author of this book, Elyse Douglas, is actually a married couple who write under that pseudonym and I have read and loved two of their books in the past. Both were time travel books with a twist so I knew that I would enjoy this one, too. And, of course, I was right!

“Time With Norma Jeane” pulled me in immediately with the introduction of the main character, Darla who is 16 and just recently lost her mother. Her father remarried quickly and Darla does not get along with her stepmother. The only solace that Darla finds in her day-to-day life comes when she watches old movies, particularly those that star Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was Darla’s mother’s favorite movie star and, in this small way, she feels as though she can connect with her departed mother.

One day, when Darla overhears her father and stepmother fighting, she decides to take a walk in the woods to get out of the house. While walking, Darla stumbles upon a strange, glowing path in the woods. Before she knows what is happening, she is transported back in time to the year 1954 and is almost hit by a car. When the driver steps out to check on her, it turns out that it was Marilyn Monroe herself driving. Of course, Marilyn is as kind and beautiful as she was in real life, and she brings Darla back to the house that she is staying at to make sure that she is okay. Marilyn and Darla become fast friends and spend a week together while Darla tries to figure out how to get back to her own time.

This book was both great fun and incredibly touching. I loved every minute!

Praise

“A delightful and enthralling read! Elyse Douglas captured magic and put it on the page.”—Ambling Bookworm Reviews

“This is just an astonishing read that will have you hooked on page one and won’t let go till the last. I read it all in one sitting and could not put it down.”—Donadee’s Corner Reviews

Praise for Lost Mata Hari Ring

“I am amazed by the research done into her characters, especially since with this book it is a known woman from the past – Mata Hari. From the moment Trace falls back in time, the descriptions of people and towns created a vision in my mind and I could imagine myself there observing the situations. This book captivated me to the end! If you like books that delve into past lives along with time travel, this is a book you should pick up and read!”-Storeybook Reviews

“I must say that the authors did a fantastic job in writing this book. I do not believe that time travel is possible nor do I believe in reincarnation. But while I was reading this book, I believed it was all possible. Part of me envied Trace Rutland for what she experienced, for the things she got to see. What an exciting thing! Well, except for the being thrown in prison part.  Once I was about halfway through the book, putting it down for any length of time proved to be impossible.”- Lisa’s Writopia

“This book has it all mystery, romance , history.  I really enjoyed it as I didn’t really know that much about Mata Hari.  I like historical fiction and this book was filled with history.  I am not a believer in past lives but I found myself being drawn into the story and holding my breath to see what would happen next.  A very well done story.  I would recommend it if you like historical fiction.”-Mindy, A Room Without Books Is Empty 

About the AuthorTime With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist.

Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years.

Website: www.elysedouglas.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

Amazon

Giveaway

This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of print or ebook however, print is open to Canada and the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends April 22, 2020,midnight pacific time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Mar 9 Excerpt with Kickoff

Dee Donadees Corner Mar 10 Review

Mkowalewski Goodreads Mar 11 Review

Jas International Book Reviews Mar 12 Review

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Mar 13 Review & Guest Post

STE Goodreads Mar 16 Review

Leslie StoreyBook Reviews Mar 17 Review

Elisha Rainy Day Reviews Mar 18 Review & Guest Post

Katy Goodreads Mar 19 Review

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews Mar 20 Guest Review

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Mar 23 Review & Excerpt

Gud Reader Goodreads Mar 25 Review

Dawn Bound 4 Escape Mar 27 Guest Review

Carole Rae’s Random Ramblings Apr 3 Review

Annie The Write Review Apr 8 Review & Excerpt

Ruth My Devotional Thoughts Apr 10 Review

Donna Amazon Apr 14 Review

Betty Toots Book Reviews Apr 16 Review & Interview

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Apr 17 Review

Mindy Room Without Books is Empty Apr 20 Review

John Around the Corner Amazon April 22 Review

Time With Norma Jeane: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Book Review & Giveaway: The Christmas Eve Secret by Elyse Douglas

sleepygirl22 Comments

Christmas Eve Secret by Elsye DouglasChristmas Eve Secret: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Publisher:  Broadback (September 16, 2019)
Category: Time Travel, Historical Fiction, Romance, Christmas
Tour Dates: October-November, 2019
ISBN: TBD
Available in Print and ebook, 440 pages
Christmas Eve Secret

.

.

Description 

A mysterious man from the past steals the time travel lantern.

When Eve and Patrick find it, they destroy it.

Eve’s life is shattered.

She must return to the past, where secrets await.

In the third novel of THE CHRISTMAS EVE series, Eve and Patrick Gantly are living a normal life in 2019 New York, preparing to celebrate the Christmas season.  Patrick is taking courses in forensic psychology and Eve continues to work as a nurse practitioner.  To their delight, she is three months pregnant.

Despite their happiness, Eve is having premonitions that something dreadful is about to occur.  Concerned about the future and the safety of their child, she insists that they destroy the time travel lantern.  Patrick is more cautious.

One afternoon when Patrick is out, a sinister man breaks into the apartment and forces Eve to give him the lantern.  In many ways, Eve is relieved the lantern is gone.  She hopes they can now live a more normal life.

A day later, Patrick shadows a woman who has been staking out the Gantly’s brownstone apartment, and he confronts her.  To his and Eve’s utter shock, they learn that Lucy Rose is from 1924 and that she time-traveled with the man who took the lantern.  He returned to 1924, but she chose to stay behind.  She offers to sell the lantern back to Eve and Patrick, and they reluctantly agree, hoping to keep it out of unscrupulous hands.

Convinced that the lantern is a threat to their future happiness, Eve and Patrick decide to destroy it.

But the lantern has more power than they could have ever imagined.  Once the lantern is destroyed, Eve’s life is completely changed.  She must set off on an adventure, in a struggle that will return her to the past, where she will learn the secret of the lantern’s origin and delve into the farthest reaches of her heart.

.

.

Guest Review by Suzie Mamba

When Eve bought the lantern that turned out to be for time travel, her life changed forever.  She found out by lighting the lantern and ending up in 19th century New York that it was for time travel.  In book one of ‘The Christmas Eve’ series, she meets Patrick and falls in love.  She brings him back to the 21st century.  Then in book 2 they go back to try to rescue the daughter Patrick didn’t know he had.  Now, in book three, Eve’s world explodes once again and she must go back to 19th century New York again to try to piece her life back together.

This time Eve’s friend, Joni insists on going with Eve.  Joni doesn’t really believe they can time travel until she wakes up there with Eve. There Eve and Joni have many adventures and Joni meets a man and falls in love.  However, she must learn to rein in her 21st century ways or she will bring on big trouble to both herself and Eve.  Will Eve be able to piece her life back together and return to the 21st century?  What will happen to Joni?  You need to read the book to find out!

I love ‘The Christmas Eve’ series but ‘The Christmas Eve Secret’ is my new favorite.  Husband and wife writing team, Elyse Douglas keeps even the old characters fresh.  They dance off the page and into your head and will not leave!  Reading the book is more like watching a movie in your head.  Someone should seriously look into buying the movie or television rights to the series.  I really think they would make a killing!  I give this book 5+ stars!

.

.

Praise for Christmas Eve Letter

“If you are a fan of authors such as Nicholas Sparks and  Marybeth Whalen, or H.G. Wells or Jack Finney, you need to add this book to your shelves.
This is a romantic suspense novel with many dangerous and tense moments. As always, when one travels in time, the concern of consequences and potential changes to history and the future weigh heavily on both the traveler’s and readers’ minds.  Those worries added to the atmosphere but were also handled skillfully. I smiled at a certain twist of color. It is a perfect bookclub read.”-Laura’s Interests

“The Christmas Eve Letter is a beautiful, poignant story. It is well written and will have you turning the pages eagerly.
All of the characters are well thought out, and believably written, together with the well-constructed scenery, that has you feeling as if you yourself have just stepped into the past.
The story is unique and moving. It will hold you long after you turn the last page. A perfect Christmas tale of love and hope.”-Whispering Stories

“The Christmas Eve Letter is a wonderful time travel book and one of my favorite books of the year.”–The Book Return Blog

.

.

Praise for Christmas Eve Daughter

“This book is the perfect vehicle for a movie, and I can only hope that there will be more in the series. This novel is truly as close to perfection as the reader could imagine! 5 Stars!”–My Devotional Thoughts Blog and Reviews

“I enjoyed the new characters, an update on characters from the first book, and the possibility for more books.  If you enjoy time travel-themed novels you will love these books!”–StoreyBook Reviews

“I am most impressed that this book did so well as a stand-alone novel. Kudos to the author! If you are looking for a good Christmas book with time travel, give this a go!”–Carole’s Bookshelves

.

.

About the AuthorChristmas Eve Secret: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a master’s degree in English Literature.  She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist.

Douglas has worked as a graphic designer, a corporate manager and an equities trader.  He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years.

Website: www.elysedouglas.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/douglaselyse
Facebook: www.facebook.com/elyse.authorsdouglas

.Pre-Order 

Amazon

.

.

Giveaway 

This giveaway is for the winner’s choice of one print or ebook copy of the book. Print is open to the U.S. only and ebook is available worldwide. There will be 3 winners. This giveaway ends November 29, 2019, midnight pacific time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
.

.

Follow the Tour

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Sept 30 Kickoff

Ruth My Devotional Thoughts Oct 1 Review & Guest Post

Maria  FLY HIGH! Oct 2 Guest Review & Excerpt

Lu Ann Rockin’ Book Reviews Oct 3 Review & Excerpt

Katy Amazon Oct 7 Review

Leslie StoreyBook Reviews Oct 9 Review

Dennis Amazon Oct 10 Review

Shalini’s Books & Reviews Oct 11 Review

Becky What U Talking Bout Willis Oct 15 Review

Catherine Cuzinlogic Oct 16 Guest Review & Excerpt

Carole Rae’s Random Rambling Oct 18 Review

Carole’s Book Corner Oct 21 Guest Review

Kathleen Celticlady’s Reviews Oct 22 Guest Review & Excerpt

Kim Amazon Oct 24 Review

Teddy Rose Book Reviews Plus Oct 25 Review

Dawn Bound 4 Escape Oct 28, Guest Review

Jas International Book Reviews Oct 29 Guest Review & Interview

Dee Donadees Nov 1 Review

Donna Amazon Nov 20  Review

Mindy A Room Without Books is Empty Nov 25 Review

Wendy Wall-to-wall books Nov 26 Review

Amy Locks, Hooks and Books Nov 27 Review & Excerpt

John Arond the Corner Amazon Nov 27 Review

.

.

Christmas Eve Secret: Time Travel Novel by Elyse Douglas