Book Review and Giveaways: Promise Me by Dee Julian

This is a lovely historical romance that kept me eagerly reading.

Promise Me

by Dee Julian

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace (February 19, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1475047975
• ISBN-13: 978-1475047974

Also available in Kindle and other ebook formats
     Genre: Historical Romance
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: February 19, 2012

After a hasty promise to her dying fiancé jeopardizes the future of his illegitimate child, Lady Leah Sheridan vows to make amends for the gentleman’s lack of honor by personally seeing to his son’s financial needs. When the boy’s heartless mother abandons him, Leah finds herself nearing a disastrous scandal. To make matters worse, her fiancé’s older brother returns to England demanding answers she swore never to divulge.

As soon as the Duke of Chase meets the woman his deceased brother had intended to wed, he is unexpectedly captivated by the lady’s beauty, but he quickly suspects she is hiding a secret, making him more determined than ever to discover the truth behind his brother’s fatal accident.

Will Leah break her promise and confide in the only man who can keep her safe?

Review:

Leah’s fiance died in an accident immediately after revealing he had an illegitimate son. Leah promised that she wouldn't tell his grandmother.  Leah has been paying the greedy mistress to take care of the child even though Leah’s clandestine selling of jewels and trips out of town are providing fodder for the local scandalmonger, Irma Crandle.

The Duke, Nicolas, returns to the stunning news of his brother’s death. He overhears rumors making him suspicious of Ms. Sheridan’s role in the ‘accident’.  He rushes to meet a beautiful woman stepping out of the ballroom but his attitude becomes hostile as soon as he learns it is the mysterious Ms. Sheridan.

Leah is summoned to meet with the mistress but arrives to find the sick child has been abandoned. In spite of her promise, Leah decides it is time to take the child to her fiance’s family.  Too bad she follows the poor advise of her best friend, Anne, the Duke’s cousin, who encourages Leah to wait a few days before revealing the truth.

Nicolas follows Leah while another cheeky fellow, Trinity, is spying on her for Ms. Crandle. The Duke continually jumps to negative conclusions and struggles with his strong attraction to Leah.

This story is driven by the characters as they weave their way through rumors, half truths and misconceptions. Leah is a likeable character as a lovely, kind young woman with an air of sadness due to her lose of love and twisted rumors. She longs for love and a home but sees Nicolas as a man who likes his life: “Uncluttered. Unemotional. Unattached.” Nicolas is arrogant and impulsive in his judgments, but he has undeniable loyalty and tenderness with his family. The eccentric gossip hound and the roguish Trinity are two quirky characters who add humor to the story.  Nicolas’ grandmother and Leah’s sister, Kat, are also likeable characters with some meddling tendencies. There is a bit of intrigue with the mistress’s conniving and the threats of gossip that could ruin Leah’s reputation.

Ms. Julian writes an engaging story with a nice, easy flow. The romance is sweet but there is strong conflict and sensual tension that keeps the story interesting. I also enjoyed Ms. Julian’s first novel, The MacGregor’s Daughter (see my review here). I recommend both stories to those who enjoy historical romance with sweet romantic tension and a quick pace.

~~~~~~~

Anne helps Leah admit her feelings for Nicolas:

"Does your heart beat faster whenever Nicolas is near?"
"Yes."
"And when his dart eyes watch you?"
"I feel as though I'm the only woman in the room."
"He speaks and...?"
"His voice creates shivers that slowly dance down my spine until they reach my toes."
"His touch?"
"Takes my breath away."
Location 2439.

Thank you to the author, Dee Julian, for providing this lovely book to read and review.

I will add this to my ARC challenge list.

Ms. Julian is providing several prizes for giveaway!

First Place gets choice of Print or ebook copy of Promise Me.

Second Place will win an ebook copy of The MacGregor's Daughter and a mouse pad.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THESE PRIZES:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting OR comment on my review.

2.  For two extra entries, check out my previous interview series with Dee Julian and come back here to make a comment on something you learned in the interview.

3.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

4.  For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Six total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE TWO GRAND WINNERS.

* This contest is only open WORLDWIDE entries. 

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 20, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on April 21 with 72 hours to complete the winners' form.

Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway April 6, 2012

[** If you are new to Friday Pick Giveaway - Welcome!  Scroll down a bit (below book group #19) for instructions on how to enter.] 

Happy Friday.  We had a nice visit with our son and daughter-in-law on Skype but now it is late and I am soooo tired.  I hope everyone has a Happy Easter weekend. I've got another box of books set up to add next week.

Thank you to all who entered March 30 Pick.  There were THREE Automatic winners (yay!) this week (those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks). 

Carol M chose Scarred for four weeks with no block (no one else choosing the book.)
miki chose Final Justice
and 
Linda K chose the Patterson pair: Sam's Letters and The Beach House

CONGRATULATIONS

to Random.org picked Winners from March 30 Pick:

Birgit gets a Gift Certificate  
and

Tore chose Saving Faith

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 or sexy and I have a new supply of sweet bookmarks.

This is a nice idea (the pic reminds me of our youngest grandchild who will be 1 this month!

Easter photo book 

New book Group #26 March 2, 2012
These are Paired sets - two per author.
Four are parts of series the others are just singles by the same author.
Winners get both books if you pick these.

Cathy Maxwell - Marriage Series

     Married in Haste (#1) and The Marriage Contract (#3)

Maggie Shayne - Wings of Night Series

     Demon's Kiss (#1)  and Lover's Bite (#2) or #13 and #14 in the larger series
Jude Deveraux - The Velvet Series
     Velvet Song and Velvet Angel
Sabrina Jeffries - The School For Heiresses Series
     Only a Duke Will Do (#2) and Beware a Scot's Revenge (#3)
Nora Roberts
     Inner Harbor (#3 Cheasapeake Bay Series) and Blue Dahlia (SC) (#1 In the Garden Trilogy -(nice trilogy!)
Mary Higgins Clark
     Let Me Call You Sweetheart and Moonlight Becomes You  (SC)
Dick Francis
     Smokescreen (SC) and Field of Thirteen
James Patterson
     Sam's Letters to Jennifer and The Beach House    

New Group #25 January 12, 2012

*Smaller books on the right would be okay for most international mailing.

Endless Chain by Emilie Richards

Baby and All (3 Novels in 1) by Candace Camp, Victoria Pade and Myrna Mackenzie

Leopards Kill by Jim DeFelice

Thinner by Stephen King

Category 7 by Bill Evans and Marianna Jameson

Dangerous Lady by Amanda Scott

November of the Heart by Lavyrle Spencer

Long Way Home (Friends Romance Series) by Wendy Corsi Staub

Hell's Belle by Jane Holleman

Foundation (Foundation Novels) by Isaac Asimov

The Firebird Deception (Silhouette Bombshell) by Cate Dermody

*Shadow Rider: Apache Sundown by Jory Sherman

*Prime Time by Sandra Brown  

*Silent Night by Mary Higgins Clark

*Out of the Blue (Allegheny Hopes) by Janice A. Thompson

*A McKaslin Homecoming by Jillian Hart 

New Group #24 Pick Books November 25, 2011
(The only Thanksgiving title I found is a Harlequin I'd like to read someday so no Thanksgiving titles for November.)

After Dark by Beverly Barton(spine wear)

The Shattered Rose by Jo Beverley

Final Justice by Jasmine Cresswell

Green Calder Grass by Janet Dailey

Praying for Sleep by Jeffery Deaver

Sunset Bay by Susan Mallery

The Wedding Wager by Cathy Maxwell

Moon Racer by Constance O'Banyon

Destiny Unleashed by Sherryl Woods

New Group #23 Pick Books October 14, 2011
I tried to pick some books that would be good for October -
Halloween or dark minded.

Ghost Writer (Shivers #3) by M.D. Spenser

Witch by Barbara Michaels (spine wear)

Emily's Good Nightmare by Cosmic Debris Cosmic

Death Angel by Linda Howard

New Group #22 Pick Books September 2, 2011

Singles:

Tender Triumph by Judith McNaught

A Far and Deadly Cry by Teri Holibrook

Blackwater Sound: A Novel (Thorn Mysteries) by James W. Hall

New Group #21 of Pick Books July 29, 2011

There are eight mysteries and I have asterisked nine books that are smaller and would be good for oversea choices if so desired.

Coffin Underground (Inspector John Coffin) by Gwendoline Butler

Mallory's Oracle (Kathleen Mallory Novels) by Carol O'Connell

* I. O. U by Pickard, Nancy (spine creased)

Stand by Me Anthology with Dallas Schulze, Roberta Leigh and Linda Randall Wisdom (spine creased)

May, 2011 New Group of Pick books

Group #20

Singles

Luciano's Luck by Jack Higgins - Audio Cassettes

3/25/11 I did get to set up a new group of books:

Group #19

Singles

Disguised Blessing

Rhapsody: A Love Story

Primary Colors - audio tapes

Note of Peril (black strip on cover)

2/19/11 Book Group #18- Pairs!

Not all of these are two from a series but several are. Each pick gets two books.

Patricia Cornwell Pair:

Cruel and Unusual

At Risk (Win Garano)

I have finally updated the intro and Entry paragraphs here:

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 in November 27, 2009 and in two years I  posted 26 groups of 16 books to find new homes! (March 2012)

I have 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! I am happy to say that so far about 331 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.

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 $5.00 and $6.00 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)

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment and tell me WHICH BOOK you would like to get from the Friday Pick lists.
CUT OFF TIME IS THURSDAY NIGHTS AT 10:00 PM CENTRAL so I do not have to stay up past midnight to do the winner post!
I will randomly pick two winners to announce Friday mornings with the next Pick post.
Automatic wins are those who requested the book four times and I did not note other people asking for that book during those weeks.

WINNERS PLEASE CHECK THE WIN POST ON FRIDAYS AND fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads@gmail.com. [I will confirm receipt of the addresses- well I realize I haven't always done this. But if you filled out the form and don't get the book within two weeks nudge me with an email please!] If I have the winners e-mail I will send a reminder in a week or so....

Thanks for helping these books find new homes!!

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!

1/14/11 New List
#17

Moonfire by Judith Redman Robbins
Saving Faith by David Baldacci (Audio Book)

12/3/10 Book Set:

#16

Best Of Enemies by Taylor Smith

Sleight of Hand by Robin Hathaway

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

Uneasy Alliance (Famous Firsts) Jayne Ann Krentz (slightly worn)

List #15

The Texas CEO's Secret (Silhouette Special Edition) by Nicole Foster

List #14

Blood And Glory (Soldiers Of War) (Soldiers of War, Book 1) by Larson Reed

Lines of Defense by Barry Siegel
Gospel Truths by J.G. Sandom

Here is set #13 of Used books!

Pearl Beyond Price by Claire Delacroix

This is a group of books I have had for several years but not gotten to read. Since it doesn't look like I will get to read them for another year (or more!) I am passing them on. Although as I type them part of me still says "But you may want to read that some day!" Yes, yes; along with the other 700 books I am housing! Must Let goooooo.....

Group #12

The Ripple Effect by Lynn Erickson

Double Jeopardy by William Bernhardt

The Genesis Code: A Thriller by John Case

Group #11

Cat's Eyewitness by Rita Mae Brown

Alien Chronicles - The Crimson Claw by Deborah Chester

Snow in April by Rosamunde Pilcher

Looking Back by Belva Plain

The Ring on Her Finger by Elizabeth Bevarly

List #1 Circle of Stars by Anna Lee Waldo

Pick #2

The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

Pick #3

One Eye Closed by Karen Whiddon

Pick #4

Talking God by Tony Kellerman

Everything to Gain by Barbara Taylor Bradford

The Sixth Sense

The Shadow by Shelley Munro (PA)

Swear by the Moon by Shirley Busbee

Pick #5

See Jane Lead by Lois P. Frankel

The Jester by James Patterson - Audio Tapes

The Daddy Spell by Patti Ann Cole

Misfortune by Nancy Geary

False Prophet by Faye Kellerman

Cold Hit by Linda Fairstein - Audio Tapes

Pick #6

The Marshall Takes a Bride by Renee Ryan *PA*

Elusive Love by Catherine Lanigan

Pick #7

Scarred by William Heffernan (spine creased)

Prey by Michael Crichton - Audio Tape

Princess Charming by Jane Heller (slightly creased)

Pick #8

(sc) = slightly creased on binding otherwise all in good shape

The Jury by Steve Martini - Audio Tapes

Midnight Come Again by Dana Stabenow (sc)

No Safe Place by Richard North Patterson - Audio Tapes

Pick #9

Three Weddings and a Kiss - Anthology

On Treacherous Ground by Earl Murray

Guardian by Dee Henderson - Audio Tapes

Time to Hunt by Stephen Hunter - Audio Tapes

Pick #10

The Third Twin by Ken Follett (spine creased)

Double Blind by Ken Goodard

Dreams Gather by Kathryn Collins (sc)

Book Review and Giveaway: How to Ravish a Rake by Vicky Dreiling

What happens when a bright but shy maiden gets stuck with a bold, devilish rake?

How To Ravish a Rake

by Vicky Dreiling

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (April 1, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446565407
• ISBN-13: 978-0446565400

Genre: Historical Romance
My Rating:4.25 of 5.0

Publication Date: March 27, 2012

SCANDALOUS DESIRES . . .

Amy Hardwick has one last Season to shake off her wallflower image and make a love match. If she can't, she'll set aside her dreams of romance and return home to a suitor who can provide security-if little else. What she doesn't count on is the inappropriate-and irresistible-attention lavished on her in a darkened library by rake extraordinaire Will "The Devil" Darcett . . .

DEVILISH DELIGHT

When Will is caught in a tryst with the ton's shyest miss, he knows he must offer for her hand. Yet Amy is not the shrinking violet she seems to be. Passion lies beneath her prim exterior and Will is eager to release it. But winning Amy isn't simply a matter of seduction; first, Will must convince her that he's mended his wicked ways . . .

Review:

Amy spent several years as a wallflower but is determined to make this season a success. She is designing remarkable fashions which have already caught the eyes of her friends, other ladies and even some of the men. Even with her cleverness and artistic success, Amy still gets tongue-tied around the gentlemen. The only man that doesn’t intimidate her is the ton “devil.”  She sees right through his arrogant charm.

Will escaped his large family for four years of traveling on the Continent. Now he’s back in town and well known as a ‘devil’ of a rake.  He wants to avoid his family meetings where his elder brother and three sisters meddle and nag. Will plans to go back traveling until his brother asks him to be his steward and tells him the money won’t be provided for more traveling. Will sets out to win the money but ends up with a large debt instead.

Will approaches Amy at the next ball thinking perhaps he can compromise her.  She rebuffs his advances but at a ball a few nights later they are accidentally compromised and forced to wed. Will does the honorable thing proposing to Amy. She is swept along into the marriage but isn’t prepared to consummate the union until they are better acquainted. Will and Amy establish a wager that requires him to court her for three weeks. Will they be able to build a relationship to let their marriage of convenience become a marriage of love?  And what will happen to their fragile trust if they learn of the secrets they are each hiding?

This is a charming story with likeable characters and an interesting conflict. I enjoyed the blossoming courage and strengths in Amy that Will helps to bring out and the hidden tenderness in Will that Amy recognizes. Other characters add interest and fun, especially Will's blunt Aunt Hester. The romance builds nicely and although Will has a healthy sexual appetite the scenes are tastefully done and do not overtake the story. Ms. Dreiling’s pleasantly descriptive writing, humorous situations and witty dialogue make this an easy and enjoyable read. This is the third in a series but would be fine as a stand alone. I recommend this to readers who enjoy when a bright young woman capture and keep the heart of a rake.

~~~~~~~~~~

Amy’s courage:

Until now, she’d thought all of her choices were gone, but she realized she did have a choice. She could decide to make a mockery of the vows she would take or she could do everything possible to make this marriage work. P 152.

Amy’s wisdom:

   “I think people form opinions of others and label them. ... We all take on these identities and let them define us. ...
   “As a child you misbehaved to get attention and took on the identity of a bad boy. You let it define who you are for years, but that is not the Will I know....” P321-322

Thank you to Forever or this book to read, review and share!

This book will be added to my ARC challenge list.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THREE PRINT COPIES:

1. Visit the Author's website and tell me something you found interesting.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower or tell me if you are already a follower.

3.  For two extra entries, blog, facebook, tweet (any of those networks!) about this giveaway and tell me where you did.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Four total entries possible.)

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS.

* This contest is only open TO US and CANADA (Sorry -  I had an ebook "worldwide" clause here when first posted) These are Print copies being given away.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on April 20, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries and announced on April 21 with 72 hours to complete the winners' form.

Book Review: An Irish Rogue by Suzanne Barrett

What might a charming rogue do to get a green card?

An Irish Rogue
by Suzanne Barrett

• File Size: 662 KB
• Print Length: 232 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press (December 27, 2011)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B006QZJ8SS

(Also available in print format)
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Product Description

Justine Farris would do anything for her dotty old aunt, but marrying Declan Walsh seems just plain crazy. Although the handsome handyman might be sent back to Ireland unless they pretend to tie the knot, how can Justine possibly say “I do” when they can’t agree on anything.

Declan would never have proposed to an independent, unconventional woman like Justine, but this is an emergency. Then, suddenly, he begins to wish that his temporary fiancée could stay in his arms forever. And where there’s a will, there’s a way…

Review:

This is a fun, engaging romance with very likable characters.
Declan is laying low until he can get a new job and renew his visa. He needs to hide from a vindictive ICE (immigration) agent.  Declan’s cousin helps him get a job at an out of the way house doing carpentry renovations. That’s not his field but he figures he can handle it.

Justine lives in the “fixer-upper” property with her eccentric aunt, Laverne,  and her new age, vegan sister, Willow. Justine is the business mind of the family, running her bookstore in town and managing the household. She is practical, down to earth and comfortably looking forward to marrying her teacher boyfriend. At least she was comfortable until her aunt hired this distracting, handsome, Irish rogue to work on the house. Now she can’t seem to stop ogling those flexing muscles while he’s working.

Justine can’t seem to stop herself from comparing the rugged, intense Irishman to her easygoing, poetry reading, sort of average, James. But she and James have many things in common, don’t they?  Irrepressibly she is drawn by the passion she experiences whenever she is near Declan.

Declan is intrigued by Justine but he is woman shy since he was feels he was betrayed by his ex-wife, Maura. He can’t stop thinking about Justine yet he struggles to tell her how he feels. 

When the ICE agent locates Declan the only way to keep him in the States is if he gets a green card through marriage. Justine impulsively tells the agent they are married and they have to begin a pretense for the spying eyes. But when it comes time for the hearing will Justine step away from her well ordered life and risk her heart with Declan? Can Declan respond to Justine’s willingness to love and can he learn to express his feelings in order to keep her by his side?

The writing is smooth making this a quick and easy read. The characters are strong, independent and flawed; very real. The secondary characters are quirky and further the fun elements of the story. The Irish brogue and words adds a flair that I really like.  The chemistry is immediate and visual but the romance builds slowly in a very nice progression of draw and resistance. Once again Ms. Barrett has provided a fine, entertaining romance.

~~~~~~~

Here are a few quotes showing the reactions of the protagonists when they first meet.
Justine watching Declan:

Something about the set of his shoulders, the easy way he moved, disturbed her. Deep inside a little flutter of unease rippled and then flared to a dazzling warmth. Location 116.

Declan following Justine:

He’d never given much thought to how women walked, but Justine Farris made him take notice. Her stride reminded him of a racehorse, each movement precise, yet fluid. Location 133.

Declan's second thoughts:

He offered her a wicked grin. Discovering the woman behind that cool business facade might prove the most intriguing challenge of all. Location 142.

Thank you Ms. Barrett for providing this book to read and review.

This story is set in California for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my ARC challenge list.

Sourcebooks Shares Some Time Travel!

Shared from the desk of Sourcebooks' Publicist

Hello,

Love the idea of traveling back (or forward) in time? Ever wonder if there’s some kind of connection between you and the past, or felt as though you belonged in another era? Then Sourcebooks has the perfect eBook deal for you: a collection of some of our favorite “timeslip” romance and fiction titles on sale for $2.99! The full list of titles is below. The sale begins, so check them out!

As always, please be patient if our online retailers don’t have every single title uploaded to their discounted price points, but the promotions are set to begin on the start dates listed below. These deals are available with all major e-Book retailers!

Feel free to share the info with your blog readers, on Facebook and Twitter, and however else you’d like to spread the word.

You can always receive the latest information about our eBook deals by checking our eBook deals page, which also lists our eBook retailer partners:  http://www.sourcebooks.com/readers/browse-our-lists/ebook-specials.html.

Enjoy!

Danielle

Sourcebooks, Inc. |  @SourcebooksCasa

Spring Forward – Timeslip eBooks for $2.99!

4/3/2012 – 4/16/2012

Catriona by Jeanette Baker (romance)

Known for her Scottish time travel and Irish historical romances, Jeanette Baker is an award-winning and bestselling author. A part of our Casablanca Classics line, Catriona is now back in print! Kate Sutherland is visited by the mystical, ghostly Catriona, her deceased ancestor, who transports Kate into the passion and bloodshed of 15th century Scotland. With ties in both the past and the present, Kate must now risk everything to right the wrongs of the past, or lock the door on history to pursue her future love.

A Cottage by the Sea by Ciji Ware (fiction)

When a Hollywood scandal leaves her life and her marriage in ruins, Blythe Stowe escapes to the wild coast of Cornwall and a cottage by the sea. There she finds herself both physically drawn to her handsome neighbor, Lucas Teague, and literally drawn into a haunting 200-yearold love story as an elaborate family tree on his study wall sends her rushing back into the past. As Blythe struggles to make sense of what is happening and discovers family secrets that have been long concealed, she realizes Lucas holds the key to both her past and her future…

No Proper Lady by Isabel Cooper (romance)

The Terminator meets My Fair Lady in this fascinating debut of black magic and brilliant ball gowns, named A Best Book of 2011 by both Publishers Weekly and Library Journal! Joan is from a time where demons run rampant and humanity is fighting for its existence. To prevent this terrible future, she is sent back to Victorian England to kill the magician responsible for unleashing the dark forces. To get close to her target, she’ll need Simon Grenville to teach her how to fit into polite society. Joan doesn’t mind practicing proper flirtation on Simon, but she can’t allow herself to be distracted by his gentle hands or devilish smile—the very future depends on it.

The Return of Black Douglas by Elaine Coffman

Elaine Coffman has written 19 novels and sold 5 million books. The Return of Black Douglas is a response to reader requests for books about the Scottish ancestors of Coffman’s bestselling seven-book historical Mackinnon series, the last of which was a New York Times bestseller. Isobella Douglas is pulled back in time by the ghost of her infamous ancestor The Black Douglas, where she encounters a Highland laird who’s completely captivated by the modern lass...

Whispers in the Sand by Barbara Erskine

Past and present collide in richly mysterious Egypt, where recently divorced Anna is retracing an Egyptian journey her great grandmother Louisa made from Luxor to the Valley of the Kings. As she follows Louisa's footsteps, Anna discovers both the chilling secret of the bottle and the terrifying specters that pursued her great grandmother. A thrilling suspense story, Whispers in the Sand is another gem from timeslip master Barbara Erskine.