Book Review and Giveaway: A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction Book #1) by Jen Turano

This was our ladies book club for November and we all agreed that it was a delightful and satisfying read.

A Change of Fortune (Ladies of Distinction Book #1)
by Jen Turano

Paperback: 320 pages
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (November 1, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-0764210181
Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating: 5.0 of 5.0

Lady Eliza Sumner is on a mission. After losing her family, her fiance, and her faith, the disappearance of her fortune is the last straw. Now, masquerading as Miss Eliza Sumner, governess-at-large, she's determined to find the man who ran off with her fortune, reclaim the money, and head straight back to London.
Much to Mr. Hamilton Beckett's chagrin, all the eyes of New York society--all the female ones, at least--are on him. Unfortunately for all the matchmaking mothers and eligible daughters, he has no plans to marry again, especially with his hands full keeping his business afloat and raising his two children alone.
When Eliza's hapless attempts to regain her fortune put her right in Hamilton's path, sparks instantly begin to fly. The discovery of a common nemesis causes them to join forces, but with all their plans falling by the wayside and their enemies getting the better of them, it will take a riot of complications for Hamilton and Eliza to realize that God just might have had a better plan in mind all along.
"Set in New York City circa 1880, Turano's historical romance has witty dialogue, a spunky heroine, a bounty of humor, and a fast-paced plot. There are wonderful secondary characters, too, including an ankle-biting boy, a relentlessly matchmaking mother, and a full cast of despicable villains. A Change of Fortune will make a delightful addition to any library." --Booklist (starred review)
"Turano's charming story of losing and gaining both wealth and love in 1880s New York City will certainly please fans of witty and classic romance stories."--RT Book Review
"[A] delightfully lighthearted debut novel."--Desert News

Review:
Eliza is no milk-toast English Miss. She has come to America and taken a job as a governess so she can track down those who took her fortune and ruined her family’s reputation. She inadvertently discovers the assumed name and whereabouts of her father’s steward who embezzled the family fortune. Agatha, the elder daughter of the family that employs her, insists on tagging along when Eliza attempts to sneak into the home of the thief. They run into the Beckett brothers who are already there sneaking around. The Becketts believe the thief has a connection to a man who has been continually underbidding their company bids.

The misadventure gets Eliza and Agatha in trouble and Eliza fired from her position. Hamilton Beckett offers her refuge at his home until they can find proof of the theft and the connections.

Hamilton is a widower with two children – a precocious five-year-old daughter, Piper, and a three-year-old son, Ben, who has a bad habit. Eliza is soon charmed by the children, not to mention the tingles she feels when their father is in the room. Hamilton’s match-making momma is quick to notice the attraction between the two and eager to scheme ways to put them together.

One stumbling event leads to another with Eliza finally having to risk facing the villains. Hamilton and his mother, plus friends, are there to give her support even as she faces serious danger. Along the way Eliza realizes she needs to stop being angry with God. She needs to learn to “Trust” again. After all, her misfortune has saved her from marriage to a money hungry fiancé and, just maybe, it has brought her to a new family where she can love and be loved.

This is a totally delightful read! It is a bit madcap at times but that is part of the lighthearted fun. I enjoyed the undertones of romance and Hamilton’s bumbling attempts to secure Eliza’s hand… and heart. There is danger, kidnapping and a last minute stand-off. Even then, the gentle humor, and God’s protective touch, shine through in the story. I like how Ms. Turano gently portrays God’s hand at work in Eliza’s life.

I will definitely be reading more books by Ms. Turano, starting with the next book in the series. I highly recommend this to readers who love historical and inspirational romance.

I purchased this book in print for Ladies Book Club (and purchased the ebook for my reading.) This was our November book discussed on 12/5/15.

TWO (gently read) PRINT COPY GIVEAWAY

US Only

ENTRY FORM HERE

(Don't forget to fill in the form for entry!

I have noticed a few commenters who forgot to enter through the Form.)

For 3 Extra Bonus entries

(a) comment on the review, OR

(b) Visit the AUTHOR'S WEBSITE and tell me something you learned or like there.

* This contest is open to US only for Print Copy.
* This contest will close 5 PM (Central) December 12, 2015.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED after December 12, 2015.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond on the winners form linked in the announcement or by email.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway December 4, 2015

Happy Friday.
Holy Smoke - It's Friday again - in December - three weeks until Christmas!
I am hustling at work with several projects and closings to complete.

This was the last week of double winners and we will be back to two random winners next week.  {As I noted last week I celebrate Friday Pick's anniversary (year 6) during the month of November. I like to award extra wins in November so this week and the next three weeks will have some extra winners. I have now posted 62 groups of 16 books so the total books up for grabs has come to 992! Happy Picking!}
I also hope to get all picks mailed next week and GCs sent if not by this Saturday, then next.

TO ENTER FRIDAY PICK

US Entrants: Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
INTERNATIONAL: Leave a comment indicating "Gift Card" (see further comments near the end of the post.)

CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 9:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up too late to do the winner post! I will randomly pick two + TWO (from 11/6 - 11/27) winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.

Thank you to all who entered the November 20 Pick. There were no automatic wins this week. (I guess because so many have been winning this month.) Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times without other people asking for that book during those weeks. There was one blocked title but it was won.

CONGRATULATIONS
to Random.org picked Winners from November 20 Pick:
Janhvi gets a GC

Elizabeth gets 3,2,1 Married!
Rita gets Never Look Back (through a block)
Mystica gets a GC

All winners please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me to confirm your win, send your snail mail address information and let me know if you would like bookmarks - sensual, sexy or sweet bookmarks. {The form is new because Google changed their forms and the old one wasn't letting me print out the responses.}

This looks cozy - reading before the fireplace!

Image found at Bustle.

New Book Group #62 November 6, 2015
(I was getting ready to leave the office and realized I hadn't taken the photo of the books yet.
I took this very quickly. I may try to get another next week but this will have to do for now.)

PAIRS
Joan Johnston – Colter’s Wife and The Rivals
Nora Roberts – Born in Ice and Carnal Innocence
SINGLES
The Wedding Night by Jane Ann Krentz
The Marriage Prize by Virginia Henley
In Shelter Cove by Barbara Freethy
Into the Valley by Rosanne Bittner
Never Look Back by Linda Lael Miller
The Sleeping Doll by Jeffery Deaver – CD Audiobook
Touch Me by Beverly Rae (personally autographed)
Driven by Desire by LuAnn McLane (personally autographed)
To Marry a British Lord by Judith Obrien
A Highlander For Christmas by Sandy Blair
A Midnight Clear by Katherine Stone (slight seam creasing)
Silver Bells by JoAnn Ross, Fern Michaels, Mary Burton, Judy Duarte


New Book Group #61 October 30, 2015
After I noticed the trend I went on a hunt for “bride” titles. I even pulled a couple from some of my long time collections(*). (But they are not getting read on my shelves.)

PAIRS:
Leigh Greenwood –  The Reluctant Bride and The Independent Bride
Jane Feather(*) – The Hostage Bride and The Accidental Bride
SINGLES:
The de Burgh Bride by Deborah Simmons
The Forever Bride by Evelyn Rogers (Seam creasing)
Short Straw Bride by Dallas Schultz
The Bride Thief by Susan Spencer Paul
Bride by Stella Cameron (Seam creasing) (*)
An Unwilling Bride by Jo Beverley (*)
Bride Enchanted by Edith Layton
The Maiden Bride by Linda Needham (hardback)
Bride of Lochbarr by Margaret Moore (*)
The Ideal Bride by Stephanie Laurens (*)
Honor’s Bride by Galye Wilson
A Necessary Bride by Debra Mullins
Border Bride by Deborah Hale


New Book Group #60 September 18, 2015
A set of "haunting" tales and a few mysteries for October!

Shannon Drake –  Realm of Shadows (Alliance Vampires#4) 
SINGLES:
Bloody Good by Georgia Evans
Cat of Nine Tales by Deborah Macgillivray
The Shadowing by Joan Overfield
The Renegade Hunter by Lynsay Sands
Trilogy Of Mysteries Audio Book Shadow Prey, There Was A Little Girl, Smokescreen Audio Cassettes (NOT CDs)


New Book Group #59 July 31, 2015
A few more summer titles, historicals and mysteries!

ANTHOLOGIES:
Broken Vows, Mended Hearts by Lynn Stone, Gail Ranstrom and Anne O'Brien
3,2,1 Married! by Sharon Sala, Marie Ferrarella and Beverly Barton
SINGLES:
Cruise to a Wedding by Betty Neels
Little Girl Lost by Shirlee McCoy
You Don't Know Jack by Erin McCarthy

New Book Group #58 June 26, 2015
-- A few summer titles, a few mysteries, a few historicals...

SINGLES:
Sevant, The Awakening by L.L. Foster

New Book Group #57 May 1, 2015

SINGLES:
A Little Bit Wild by Victoria Dahl
The Ruthless Greek's Virgin Princess by Trish Morey
Rally Fever by Crea Jones

New Book Group #56 March 20, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
The Sweetheart Dance by Patti Ann Colt
Raintree Haunted by Linda Winstead Jones (spine creases)

New Book Group #55 February 5, 2015
(I'll try to get the rest linked another day.)

SINGLES:
If I Had You by Deborah Bedford
The Man Who Ate the 747 by Ben Sherwood

New Book Group #54 December 26, 2014

SINGLES:
Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card - Tape Cassettes


BOX 4 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 47-53)

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Hidden Truth of Cytech's Randall Forty byVickie Kennedy
First to Fight Anthology
Jezebel by Katherine Sutcliff
The Commander by Kate Bridges
The Cinderella Plan by Margaret Daley
The Mr. & Mrs. Happy Handbook by Steve Doocy
A Garden of Friends by Penny Pierce Rose
Richard Paul Evans PAIR: The Looking Glass and The Carousel
Undateable by Ellen Rakieten & Anne Coyle
Sleeping with Ward Cleaver by Jenny Gardiner


BOX 3 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 39- 47)

Shetland Summer by Janet Lynnford
Breakfast in Bed by Sandra Brown - Audio Cassette Tapes (link is for mass media version)
Cattle Rancher, Secret Son by Margaret Way
Whisper on the Wind by Joan Smith
Remember Me by Mary Higgins Clark
A Lady of Consequence by Mary Nichols
Sweet Talking Man by Betina Krain


BOX 2 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 24- 38)

Thinner by Stephen King
Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov
Magic: The Gathering Distant Planes, An Anthology
The Willful Widow by Valerie King (spine wear)
Dancing on Snowflakes by Jane Bonander
An Honorable Man by Rosemary Rogers (spine creases)
A Courtesans Guide to Getting Your Man by Susan Donovan and Celeste Bradley -- NOTE This book has dog bite damage; it is missing half back cover and the edges of pages in the back third of the book... it does not effect the text but I will understand if no one wants this one
Tara Taylor Quinn: Father: Unknown and McGillus v.Wright
The Trailsman: Texas Lead Slingers by Jon Sharpe
Anthology: Something Borrowed, Something Blue - this book has spine creases and minor water damage...I thought I had read it and liked it but now I realize it was another anthology I read with Elaine Barbier.


BOX #1 2015 (reboxed from Boxes 1- 23)

Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo
Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester
Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser
Death Angel by Linda Howard

If you saw the pictures posted of my bookshelves and boxes you know I do have lots of books! And that doesn't include the other eight or so boxes at my office!! And more books as I find deals too good to pass up! I am sharing my book bounty by these Friday Pick Giveaways.

I started Friday Pick on November 27, 2009 and in almost six years I have posted 62 groups of 16 (992) books to find new homes! (as of November 6, 2015).

I am happy to say that so far about 901+ books have found new homes! YAY. I have to update my print out to check the exact number sent out - a few were never claimed. I periodically update the lists - deleting those won. You can still go to the Friday Pick list link to see older posts and the older lists book pictures if you want!

Note rules here regarding international entries.

Because postage to overseas can be prohibitive I am willing to give a $5.00 book certificate to international winners - Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Borders, ARe, TWRP, ClassAct Books, eTreasures, Desert Breeze, etc....you tell me where and I'll set it up. So for my overseas visitors your comment may indicate a smaller book and I'll check postage or note your choice of gift card.

I learned that The Book Depository does not ship to everywhere. The postage for some of the books to far away places runs between $7.00 and $10.00 and up. Since I would award $5.00 for The Book Depository to an international winner, as an alternative you may choose a smaller book and we will hope the postage will not exceed $6.00. If the postage is more, or if you want to pick a larger book and you are willing to pay any extra postage beyond the $6.00 I will work with you on that. This may not make a difference to many but if it helps one or two of you to give one of my books a home that will make me happy too. :o)

Repeating this helpful blog tip: You can right click on a link and you will be given the choice to open the link in a new window or tab so you do not navigate away from the screen you are on!! I use this all the time!

Book Review: Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11) by Robyn Carr

This is a sweet little romance that showcases the needs of single mothers.

Sheltering Hearts (Virgin River Book 11)

by Robyn Carr

File Size: 246 KB

Print Length: 74 pages

Publisher: Harlequin Special Releases (April 30, 2010)

ASIN: B003JTHMO6

Genre: Romance Novella

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

New York Times bestselling author Robyn Carr takes readers back to her beloved Virgin River country in this heartwarming tribute to Rhonda Clemons, founder of Zoë Institute and a winner of a Harlequin More Than Words award.
By discovering a seed of compassion and nurturing it to effect real change, the dedicated women selected as Harlequin More Than Words award recipients make our world a better place. To celebrate their accomplishments, bestselling authors have honored the winners by writing short stories inspired by their lives and work.
This special eBook is yours at no charge because Harlequin is committed to celebrating women’s efforts and supporting the causes that are meaningful to them. By sharing Rhonda Clemons's story, we hope to turn awareness into action and mobilize others to make a difference.
To find out more or to nominate a woman you know, please visit www.HarlequinMoreThanWords.com.

Review:
Dory Finn is a single mother who was able to escape her abusive and controlling husband with the help of the Zoe Institute, a women’s shelter. She was also fortunate to inherit a small home from her uncle on the outskirts of Fortuna, near Virgin River. Dory works hard as a grocery clerk to pay household bills and take care of her eight-year-old daughter and six-year-old son. Dory has little extra time since she spends her spare time and energy at the local women’s shelter group that she helped to establish in her community.

Dory has a new neighbor, handsome firefighter Clay, who is eager to be friendly. Dory doesn’t trust any man’s motives and pushes Clay away to the point of rudeness. Finally she realizes that her kids adore him and he has been nothing but nice and kind. She decides it is okay to be friends and allow things to develop from there.

Actually, I thought the beginning of the book was confusing although it was intended to introduce the real life person who was the founder of the Zoe Institute and the inspiration for this story. Although Dory may have helped establish the local support program she still has a ways to go to becoming healed of her own negative reactions. There is a sweet story as the relationship develops for Dory and Clay. Clay is a wonderful guy and steps right into a role with the children even though he has to learn to be patient with Dory.

Much of the energy of the book is spent promoting the need to help all single mothers, and lauding the program that helps especially those with no support structure. I liked the cameo appearances of a couple of characters that I recognized from the first Virgin River that I read earlier this year. The romance is sweet and the tone is typical small town, down-to-earth Robyn Carr. But clearly the whole plot is a platform for the chosen cause. Still, I enjoyed the quick read and give credit for the author’s effort to shed light on the difficulties faced by single mothers.

This is Book 9 for my TBR Pile Challenge (three more after this one). It is a free novella which has been on my Kindle shelf since 2010.

Audible Book Review: Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1 by Joshua Dalzelle

This is an quick, fun space adventure with likable characters and good action.
Omega Rising: Omega Force, Book 1
Written by: Joshua Dalzelle
Narrated by: Paul Heitsch

Length: 6 hrs and 41 mins
Series: Omega Force, Book 1
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:10-24-14
Publisher: Joshua Dalzelle
Genre: Sci Fi
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Jason Burke was a man hiding from himself in a small cabin high in the American Rocky Mountains when his simple, quiet life was shattered one night by what he first assumed was an aviation mishap. But when he investigates the crash, what he finds will yank him out of his self-imposed exile and thrust him into a world he could have never imagined. He suddenly finds himself trapped on a damaged alien spacecraft and plunged into a universe of interstellar crime lords and government conspiracies, along the way meeting strange new friends… and enemies. As he struggles to find his way back home he is inexorably drawn deeper into a world where one misstep could mean his death. Or worse. He desperately wants to get back to Earth, but it may be the end for him...or is it just the beginning?
©2013, 2014 Joshua Dalzelle (P)2014 Joshua Dalzelle

Review:
Jason Burke is a former military man who has suffered losses. He has chosen to live secluded in a small cabin in the Rocky Mountains. A quiet night is disturbed when he hears and sees what he believes to be an aviation crash. He arrives on site to offer aid but accidentally gets trapped in a damaged alien spacecraft. He discovers the ship is manned by a ‘synthetic’ (humanoid-like robot) named Deetz. Jason wonders why there are no other living beings and is surprised when Deetz asks him to stay on board as the commander and help complete a secretive mission.

Although Jason has some misgivings, it is hard to refuse the opportunity to be the first human to see Jupiter up close and step onto Mars! Fortunately the ship responds to Jason as the recognized commander. Deetz is very secretive of his mission and as the undisclosed cargo is being loaded, two small craft start firing on the ship. Jason picks up a local mechanic, Twingo, who was caught in the cross fire and Deetz whisks them away from the hostile pursuit.

Jason is glad to have a new friend in Twingo but they soon learn that Deetz has unhealthy business connections. A rather nasty mob leader coerces Jason into taking on a delivery run. An angry “Doc” (a medical geneticist) is added to the crew along with a few henchmen. Jason, Twingo and Doc begin to share notes and discover some common issues. They are soon making plans to release captured aliens, hoping they will be grateful for the rescue. Three unique characters are added to Jason’s crew in the process of completing the rescue and making their escape. This group declares themselves to be the Omega Force with the mission to help those who can’t help themselves.

I liked the opening of the book but the next two and a half hours is a bit drawn out setting the scene of Jason on the alien ship. After that the plot thickens with danger, action, conspiracy, betrayal and battle. Although the translators make the characters all seem human, they are not. I liked the newly added characters: Crusher, the giant warrior, Cage, the four armed computer hacker, and Lucky Seven, a mammoth battle synth.

The writing is straight forward making for easy listening. I enjoyed the easy pace, the creative plot, the good action and the light humor in this opening book. I look forward to enjoying more in the series. Readers who enjoy Star Wars or Firefly type episodes, might want to try this out.

Audio Notes: Paul Heitsch does a nice job with the narration. It may not be stellar but it captures the military tone and carries the varied alien voices. The narration enhanced my reading enjoyment and I recommend it for a quick listen.

I received this title through Audiobook Jukebox. It qualifies for my Audio Challenge.

Book Review: Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays by Four Authors

This is an engaging collection with mystery, time travel, humor and some creepiness!

Joy to the Worlds: Mysterious Speculative Fiction for the Holidays

by Maia Chance , Janine A. Southard, Raven Oak,G. Clemans

File Size: 3951 KB
Print Length: 298 pages

Publisher: Grey Sun Press (November 26, 2015)
ASIN: B014RK5UX0
Genre: Speculative Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

What do you get when you mix mystery and speculative fiction, then toss in the holidays for good measure? A mobster Santa, genetic hanky-panky, Victorian villages, time-travelling detectives, Krampus, eerie bell spirits, and more–this collection of short cross-genre fiction is the perfect counterpoint to traditional holiday reading!

This collection stars four authors, each with their own distinct style. National bestselling mystery author Maia Chance, who is famous for her cozy mysteries, dazzles with humor and folklore. IPPY award-winning science fiction author Janine A. Southard beguiles with unexpected time-travel science. Science fiction and fantasy bestseller Raven Oak offers a look into the gothic past. And for a whole new perspective, debut fiction author and art expert G. Clemans dives into the intersections of creativity and mystery.

Joy to the Worlds brings together eight short works that explore mysteries across time and space. Ranging from dark dystopian worlds to comedic retro-futures, four diverse writers find new ways to combine these disparate worlds into something everyone will enjoy.

Review:
This is an engaging collection although more dark than light. There are elements of Christmas, particularly folklore connections, but I think this need not be limited to holiday season reading. I liked meeting the new authors through two short stories each which gave me a good feel for their writing styles. I am inclined to look for longer works by a couple of the authors.

Wild Hunt by Janine A. Southard - my rating 4.25
Tyson Wallenstein is a preternatural (dead man) trying to prove his right to be part of the Wild Hunt. The hunt group, who are known as the best detectives…when not devouring miscreant souls… are out with King Herla trying to capture wayward pixies. Tyson is distracted by a local murder investigation while the Hunt continues on the original search. Tyson must prove his sleuthing expertise if he hopes to rise in the Hunt and gain his own hound dog.

The story has a nice writing flow with good description and well developed mystery. I enjoyed the humor that made the dead huntsman engaging.

Escape from Yorktown by G. Clemans - my rating 4.0
Lizzy is a teenager living in a galactic, live museum. Victorian Yorktown is a tourist town on an isolated planet where the inhabitants are stuck as full time reenactment characters. Lizzy is frustrated by her isolation but her mother is the Old Yorktown manager. Lizzy’a life gets excitement from an unplanned visit from J.D., the teenage son of the President of the Galaxy. He has slipped his security team but his father declares that he has been kidnapped. As Lizzy and her friend Cab try to hide J.D., they begin to run into bizarre clues that point to rebellion and conspiracy. J.D. may be in danger from threats but the biggest threat may be closer to home than anyone realizes.

This story is light with YA elements. I did enjoy the puzzle features that the youths unraveled. There were secrets but not a lot of awe in this piece.

Odysseus Flax & The Krampus by Maia Chance - my rating 4.25
This bit of darkness features a Krampus, a judgmental demon character who comes out on Christmas eve to capture bad boys or girls in his basket. The protagonist, Odysseus Flax, is an unlikely hero. His occupation is stealing from criminals. He inadvertently got off the train at the wrong station and finds himself the framed first for robbery, then kidnapping and worse. Odysseus has to hunt down the real Krampus if he wants to save his own reputation… and neck.

What I noted most in this story was the author’s wonderful ability at storytelling. It reminded me of a good ghost tale told in the dark around a campfire. There is a unique, steampunk element of surprise that caps the ending.


Ol’ St. Nick by Raven Oak - my rating 4.25
This is a version of the murder in a locked room. It is set on a spaceship and the victim is a mobster traveling under the alias of St. Nick. The dead man’s name really is Nick and he is the estranged father of the Captain of the crew who is taking the abandoned ship as salvage. Since the murder occurred after the crew boarded the disabled craft, everyone is suspect until they can be eliminated.

In addition to the mystery the story dealt with some prejudices, pitting the crew members against each other. The story also laughs at some holiday myths. I liked the space setting, the fast paced mystery and the alien crew member.

Bevel & Turn by G. Clemans - my rating 4.25
Anyone who has ever had or seen a Christmas whirligig (spinning angels or characters propelled by the candle heat) will enjoy this story built on wood crafting and a curse. Georgia comes from a long family line of wood crafters. Unfortunately many of her ancestors suffered serious accidents from their craft. Georgia’s parents seemed to have escaped the craftsman’s curse and they are hoping Georgia will too. However Georgia’s beloved Aunt and the prized three-tiered Christmas tower have disappeared and Georgia is obsessed with building a new whirligig in shop class. A new boy in class, Caleb, steps up to help Georgia finish her special project before winter break. Together they make a macabre discovery about the whirligig and the curse in Georgia’s family.

I enjoyed the time traveling element and the German history peppered through the story. The folk tale and history features show good research used to create a new tale.

Death Node by Janine A. Southard - my rating 4.25
This tale takes the reader on a time warp where alternate realities occur … either in spite of, or because of the time travel. The chapters jump between different times, past and present, as Marie Postrel, fulfills a mission to travel back in time. At first the style was a bit confusing but once I realized the author was presenting different time scenarios it became quite intriguing. It isn’t quite clear if Marie is to keep the directive of observation only or if she is being sent to proactively impact the people in the past in an effort to change the future. And perhaps the purpose changes with the timeline. I felt there were obvious clues that the reader gets but the time traveler misses. The ending is not the result I would have wished for but it makes for an engaging story.

The Ringers by Raven Oak - my rating 4.75
This is a story with a different tradition of bells and death, and fresh and twisted magic. The Ringers are soul eating wraiths that roam the town of Dekwood five nights before the Yule. The town people are oppressed and defeated in their daily drudgery with little hope of escape or change.
Elise is a fourteen year old girl hoping to enter the Acadame to study magic. Her father has always worked hard to set aside funds to support her efforts but now they have fallen on hard times. They move to Dekwood where magic is forbidden but Elise is not willing to settle for the depressing surroundings. When a friend who tries to help her disappears, Elise is even more determined to uncover the dark magic that is killing the community.

The story is creepy in a fascinating way. The plotting is precise and the story well-told. Even with the dark magic the author’s wonderfully creative imagination is revealed.


Mr. And Mrs. Mistletoe by Maia Chance - my rating 4.0
This story is a retro-future tale set in the 1950s that uses a theme along the line of The Stepford Wives. The local doctor tries to convince the spinster librarian, Miss Pynne, that she needs to find a mate. He reels her into an elaborate scheme by asking her to hunt down the missing Mistletoe Trophy. As she interviews the winners and scheduled contestants she begins to see several motives and bizarre likenesses in children of similar ages.

This is a bit funny crazy as well as creepy. I really liked the creative world of hover pads, Hooverpets and Robarmaids.

I received this title through NetGalley for an honest review. It is part of my NetGalley Challenge