I am pleased to join this Audio Tour by iReads Book Tours. In this posting, I will be introducing the series, plus, presenting a Guest Post by Michelle Cox. She will share how this series came to be!
In the following weeks, I will be reviewing the first three in the series. I understand after that, it gets too seamy for my site and preference. I will keep you posted as I go! 
SERIES DETAILS:
Series Title: Henrietta and Inspector Howard by Michelle Cox Category: Adult Fiction (18+) | Genre: Historical Mystery | Publisher: Michelle Cox Release dates: November 2017; April 2017; April 2018; April 2019; April 2020 Format available for review: audiobook (Author Direct Download) | Tour dates: Aug 31 to Oct 2, 2020 Content Rating: R: Books 1-2 do not have any sex scenes, though there is sexual reference, Books 3-5 do have explicit sex scenes (tasteful). There is periodic swearing and violence, but not a lot. There are some dark themes (though not graphic examples) of suicide, prostitution, mob involvement, rape, drinking, homosexuality.
The True Story Behind The Henrietta and Inspector Howard Series . . . When I decided to write a murder mystery, thinking this would somehow be appealing to an agent (don’t laugh), I found myself struggling for a kernel of an idea to get the story started. In desperation, I finally turned to my stack of stories that I had collected from my days working in a nursing home on Chicago’s NW side and eventually chose to model my heroine, Henrietta Von Harmon, on one of the residents whom I had the fortune to have met. Almost daily, Adeline Schneider would remind me that once upon a time “I had a man-stopping body and a personality to go with it!” Adeline Schneider was one of those residents who still had a lot of life in her despite her eighty-one years. She loved to follow me around the nursing home, telling me stories about her colorful life in Chicago in the 1930s and ‘40s as a drop-dead gorgeous bombshell. I borrowed much of her details and then crafted a story around it, having to invent the murder, the circumstances, and, of course, the handsome inspector . . . But here are the bits that are true: *Family History: Adeline’s father, Lester Von Freudenthal, was originally from Alscace-Lorraine where he (like Henrietta’s father, Leslie Von Harmon) claimed the family had been aristocratic barons, thus the “Von” in their name. Also true (as in the novel): Adeline's great-grandfather eloped to Chicago with his bride and settled in Logan Square. *Jobs: All of the jobs listed in the novel are real jobs that Adeline herself worked at. Her extreme beauty got her jobs when the rest of the country was out of work during the Great Depression. Like, Henrietta, however, Adeline was virtuous and was constantly getting fired for slapping an owner or a manager for trying to feel her up. *Neighborhood Boys: Like Henrietta, who is dogged throughout the novel by the love-struck Stanley Dubowski, Adeline told me about the little rag-tag band of neighborhood boys who used to follow her. They knew that she was a “nice girl” and often therefore waited by the El station for her to get off from her late-night jobs so that they could follow her home at a distance to make sure that no harm befell her. *Burlesque: At nineteen years old, Adeline saw an ad in a Chicago paper for an usherette at a burlesque theater and went to audition. Like in the book, the line of eager women wrapped around the block. Many of the novel’s details about Henrietta’s audition are taken exactly from Adeline's experience, including having to show off her legs and bottom on stage in order to get the job. As in the novel, the theater maintained a strict “no touching” policy between the girls and the crowd, with burly ushers doubling as bouncers to throw out any man that crossed the line. Girls were required to go to the bathroom in pairs for safety’s sake. *Lesbians: Adeline soon discovered that most of the usherettes or dancers at the theater were lesbians. Though she did not share their sexual orientation and warded off their initial advances, she was eventually befriended by them. One of them, Didi, became her best friend and protector and tried to shield her from some of the more risqué situations that were occurring at the “lesbian parties” Adeline was subsequently invited to, which, she said, were boring because “everyone just sat around and made out.” 
$100. Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!
Prizes: $100 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Michelle Cox, author of the Henrietta and Inspector Howard Mystery Series (ends Oct 9) Enter the Giveaway by using the Rafflecopter Below! 
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Book Details:
The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog - A Blend of Truth, Fiction and Inspiration from the Other Side by Trisha Watson Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages Genre: Dog Story, Inspirational Publisher: Stone & Light Publishing Release date: January 20, 2020 Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G for General Audiences Book Description: By reading this newly released book for the dog lover’s soul, you are about to take a remarkable journey through the eyes of Russell the dog. At times you will find that reading about his spiritual adventures takes an open mind, and a willingness to laugh and cry. By choice, Russell has come into this life with a unique dual purpose: to experience his present lifetime as a dog and to review his previous lifetime as a man. His journey is multidimensional; taking him through numerous challenges triggering a spectrum of emotions which he resists. One of his special abilities is to telepathically hear and communicate with other animals, his Spirit Guides, and even people when necessary for his growth. In the process, Russell learns about reincarnation, karma, grace, unlimited thinking, and forgiveness - all from a dog’s point of view and that of a soul who has had many previous human lifetimes. Buy the Book: Amazon ~Add to Goodreads
BOOK REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This novel begins with a touching, sad treatment of dogs. It, then, evolves into a promotion for Animal Rescue and Adoption. This is all done through the eyes of the dog and the "spiritual guides". It then surprises the reader to discover "Russell" has lived several conflicting lives. In order to succeed at his "mission", he must endure the various trials. This novel is definitely for those who believe in reincarnation. It has a lot of good points and "food for thought". My personal beliefs agrees that we lived before earth-life and that we agreed to certain experiences. We are not allowed to remember because that would defeat the purpose. I, too believe life is everlasting and that there is a "Spirit Realm" before we progress the next life. I also believe we are here to learn and overcome internal weaknesses. Therefore, I can agree with several points but I feel they was an extreme amount of information, taking one's thoughts away from the story.away from the story. This is a poignant tale of facing weaknesses, emotional pain and endurance. The characters were developed well and the situations easily visualized. There were many topics to inspire the reader to "look deep within" himself/herself. This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
About the Author
Trisha Watson has a reverence for life, nature, and compassion for those in need, including, and especially animals. Of course, that encompasses pets too, and thus all her dogs and cats over the years were rescues or strays. Because of her passion, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book is donated to different animal rescue organizations. Twenty years of self-employment helped her develop a can-do attitude. When asked about the process of writing a book she said, “This story wouldn’t leave me alone, much of it flowed easily. Some of it I don’t remember writing, which at first was spooky, but later made complete sense as the story revealed itself. My intention with this book is to perhaps provide a source of inspiration and healing for those who read it.” At sixteen, Trisha began her spiritual journey. Over the years she has delved into many facets always with an open mind and a dash of healthy skepticism. Never looking back, she keeps moving forward in her own spiritual adventure, seeking to learn and share her experiences with others. Trisha was born in Rhode Island. A few years later her family moved to the “Mile High City” Denver, Colorado where she grew up. As an adult she was drawn to the mountains eventually settling in Evergreen, a small mountain town outside of Denver. It is there she’s built a life with her husband Mark and their two dogs, Maggie and Cooper. Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads 
Giveaway Details:
$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of THE SPIRITUAL ADVENTURES OF RUSSELL THE DOG (2 winners) (AMAZON.COM customers)) (ends Sep 11) Enter the Giveaway by using the Rafflecopter Below! 
Book Details:
The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog - A Blend of Truth, Fiction and Inspiration from the Other Side by Trisha Watson Category: Adult Fiction (18 +), 284 pages Genre: Dog Story, Inspirational | Release date: January 20, 2020 Publisher: Stone & Light Publishing Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G for General Audiences Book Description: By reading this newly released book for the dog lover’s soul, you are about to take a remarkable journey through the eyes of Russell the dog. At times you will find that reading about his spiritual adventures takes an open mind, and a willingness to laugh and cry. By choice, Russell has come into this life with a unique dual purpose: to experience his present lifetime as a dog and to review his previous lifetime as a man. His journey is multidimensional; taking him through numerous challenges triggering a spectrum of emotions which he resists. One of his special abilities is to telepathically hear and communicate with other animals, his Spirit Guides, and even people when necessary for his growth. In the process, Russell learns about reincarnation, karma, grace, unlimited thinking, and forgiveness - all from a dog’s point of view and that of a soul who has had many previous human lifetimes. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads 
REVIEW:
I am enjoying this fun, emotionally touching tale mostly from "Russell's" point of view. Check by my site again on 8/27 to read my review!
Trisha Watson, author of Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog Responds to...Writing is Not for the Easily Discouraged
Writing is also described by many as hellish. My lack of patience didn’t allow me the right temperament to be a professional writer. Writers are a tenacious bunch struggling with forces beyond their control. So why do people become writers? I suspect each would answer that question differently. As Richard Bach put it in the introduction to his blockbuster book, Illusions. “I do not enjoy writing at all. If I can turn my back on an idea, out there in the dark, if I can avoid opening the door to it, I won’t even reach for a pencil.” Amen Richard! That’s exactly how I felt about writing. However, my inner voice had other ideas and was not to be ignored. My book is The Spiritual Adventures of Russell the Dog – A Blend of Truth, Fiction, and Inspiration from the Other Side. Of the three elements, the most important proved to be the inspiration from the other side. Almost every moment I spent engaged in writing or thinking about this book came from a guided part of myself that was inspired by larger influences calling. Have you ever been moved to do something that comes from a hunch or gut feeling? So far, everyone I’ve met has experienced this type of intuition. I believe our spirit guides communicate with us through our inner voice, which we believe to be our own thoughts. Often, we disregard our intuitive ideas as the ramblings of our mind. And if the intention is not positive, or of a helpful nature then those thoughts should be disregarded. But very often it’s our spirit guides encouraging us to reach for higher levels in this incarnation. Spurring us to move beyond mediocrity or being stuck, into a state of forward motion with our highest and greatest good as the goal. A key factor here is that I didn’t want to write a book! And I resisted doing so for close to two years. Maybe it was laziness, but I had a good idea of the huge project writing a book would be and I didn’t want to take it on. Partly because I didn’t consider myself a writer or have the confidence that I could become an author. Still my inner voice wasn’t interested in my fears. I learned over the years, if I didn’t follow the urgings my guides were pushing me to do, I’d likely regret it. So, for the first two years, I reluctantly began writing things down, telling my husband and friends I was writing a story. By using my own life experiences with family memories, I blended truth, fiction and the inspiration I received from the other side. Over time, the combination poured through my mind slowly developing the plot, characters, dialog, and spiritual principals shared in the book. I did it! The book is finished, and my next inspiration is The Spiritual Adventures of Maggie the Dog. With writing, I learned the end is worth the punishment of the process. May you live an inspired life. 
About the Author:
Trisha Watson has a reverence for life, nature, and compassion for those in need, including, and especially animals. Of course, that encompasses pets too, and thus all her dogs and cats over the years were rescues or strays. Because of her passion, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each book is donated to different animal rescue organizations. Twenty years of self-employment helped her develop a can-do attitude. When asked about the process of writing a book she said, “This story wouldn’t leave me alone, much of it flowed easily. Some of it I don’t remember writing, which at first was spooky, but later made complete sense as the story revealed itself. My intention with this book is to perhaps provide a source of inspiration and healing for those who read it.” At sixteen, Trisha began her spiritual journey. Over the years she has delved into many facets always with an open mind and a dash of healthy skepticism. Never looking back, she keeps moving forward in her own spiritual adventure, seeking to learn and share her experiences with others. Trisha was born in Rhode Island. A few years later her family moved to the “Mile High City” Denver, Colorado where she grew up. As an adult she was drawn to the mountains eventually settling in Evergreen, a small mountain town outside of Denver. It is there she’s built a life with her husband Mark and their two dogs, Maggie and Cooper. Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ goodreads
Here is the tour schedule.
Giveaway:
$25 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of the author of THE SPIRITUAL ADVENTURES OF RUSSELL THE DOG (2 winners) (AMAZON.COM customers)) (ends Sep 11) To Enter the Giveaway, Fill Out the Rafflecopter Below! 
Life in the Camel Lane by Doreen M. Cumberford Book Tour, Guest Post & Giveaway! {Ends 9/11/20}8/23/2020 
Book Details:
Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure by Doreen M. Cumberford Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18 +), 288 pages | Genre: Memoir Publisher: White Heather Press | Release date: April, 2020 Tour dates: August 24 to September 4, 2020 Content Rating: G. There are no offensive scenes or language Book Description: Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure is what Doreen Cumberford, a Scottish author, calls her learnoire! It is a combination of her story and the stories of other expats learned while living in Saudi Arabia for 15 years as expat employees or spouses. The book takes the reader through the four stages of culture shock: arrival, honeymoon, frustration and adjustment stages to final acceptance followed by the return journey back to their home country – mostly the USA. From Saudi weddings, to falconry, to the inability of women to drive at that time, the book seeks to familiarize us with the Saudi culture, lifestyle, and deep traditions of hospitality, generosity and tolerance from an insider’s perspective. There are also chapters on the experiences of 9/11 in the terrorists’ home country and the “Terror Years” of internal terror tactics from inside Saudi Arabia designed to drive the expats out of the country and destroy the Saudi government. Full of examples, stories and compelling honesty the author describes their most challenging journey and many of the lessons learned in the process together. Designed to provide useful insights and inspiration to anyone considering living abroad, Life in the Camel Lane shines the light on the subject of building a new identity and home while abroad, and the difficulties of the journey home. Buy the Book: Amazon ~Add to Goodreads 
Review by LAWonder10:
Doreen M. Cumberford had lived as a youth in Dubai but had spent years in the U.S.. She had loved Dubai yet the lifestyle of America was so much easier and more plentiful. As a single mom she had enjoyed a career in the oil industry but when her husband received an interview with Aramco, requesting his wife be present, also, they knew something unusual was going to be a part of this opportunity. It was not a shock when they were told the job was to be mostly overseas, After the training in the states, they were first sent to Japan, which they enjoyed, then to Sadi Arabia. This was before the Gulf war and 9/11. They were gone for seventeen years. Always anxious for new experiences and adventures, the family determined to adjust to every location and life-style. Doreen was somewhat prepared, having lived so many years ib Dubai, but compared to the time she lived there, much had changed. Still the family learned to love Sadi in the same manor they learned to love Japan. They would honor and adjust to culture rules and celebrations, while still maintaining their own celebrations. This is a Memoir of this families experiences, plus the author includes other peoples feelings, experiences and adjustments, as well. In Sadi Arabia, the Aramco maintained a compound for their employees for multiple reasons. They only had the commissary and the local open market to shop at. One had to know the times because five times a day, all things closed down for prayer call. The closest city to shop in was a long distance. It would use up an entire day to commute and do little shopping. The calendars are different, the heat can get to 119 degrees and more. The author feels she gain a greater appreciation and understanding of the various cultures and cultures within a culture yet she feels the Sadi women will never understand the Western lifestyle and attitudes. This family experienced an upset of their peaceful living during the Gulf War and 9/11. She shares a little about theses times and what effects this had on their community and the surrounding area. The author shares information about their dog and horse, living with very little electronic communication and television, accepting the sometimes barbaric laws, blending cultures in various ways, changing personal views and habits by 'living in the camel lane". It is a blend of experiences, attitudes and adjusting to new cultures and returning again to a previous culture. This is very interesting and quite well written. She just seems to dwell on "expatriates" to a point it became annoying to me. The information was informative and is worthy of consideration. I offer Four Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
Five Things I Wish Someone Told Me Before I Became An Author
Having had my first solo book published I expected that perhaps I would be writing less and talking, speaking more. It seems like the opposite is true. In fact, requests for articles, blogs and material are growing – which I have to admit is kind of exciting! 1. It’s Like Taking Another Lifetime Journey I wish I knew it would take me on a another lifetime journey. The journey of writing Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure has been a different type of tour for me. In the book I document a journey that started on April 1st, 1992 when we boarded an airplane to fly to Houston and has lasted until May 14th when the book was launched by Zoom from San Miguel de Allende. Joseph Campbell said: “We're not on our journey to save the world but to save ourselves. But in doing that you save the world. The influence of a vital person vitalizes!” 2. Joys of being a writer I wish I had known the joy of authorship. When your life’s energy in the form of a book is out and walking around the world, poised to reach out and touch people’s souls through opening up the cover of a book - things change. 3. Changing Identity The difference between being a wanna be writer and a published writer requires reaching beyond an old idea of oneself. That was pretty uncomfortable for me. It’s a bit like grabbing a car door handle that is just a bit beyond your reach, then pulling the door closed and folding my body into the vehicle. These actions become automatic, but for the newly minted writer each step requires some thought and intention behind it. It’s like learning to walk all over again. Wobble, wobble. 4. Being Comfortable with Discomfort I am a huge believer in getting uncomfortable and the rewards that life delivers as a result of one’s pure willingness to tolerate certain conditions. I have lived in Africa, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, England, Dubai and the USA. Each of these places has been amazing, but I had to become very uncomfortable before during and after each move. It’s the same with authorship. 5. Essence and Expression As a writer I have discovered that the essence of what I wrote must be redistilled and reproduced, highlighting different facets of what I wrote and why. It’s like making different versions of the same cocktail. Personally, this process has been both painful and delightful. Some days I love the questions about the writing process and my personal experience, other days I want to run for the hills. The task of a good author is asking better questions of oneself to dive deeper. Hopefully, like the proverbial rabbit out of the hat, we come up with fresh ideas with which we can entertain, engage and educate others while hopefully enjoying ourselves. Win, win, win! 
About the Author
Doreen Cumberford is a Scottish expat author who has been global traveler for more than four decades. In her 20s Doreen left her home in Scotland and drove down to London to become a member of Her Majesty’s Diplomatic Service, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Her first posting was as the youngest and most junior British Embassy staffer in Cameroon, West Africa. Later she moved back to London and took a position with an American oil-field construction company based in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates. After moving to America, living in Louisiana then California, two extremely different cultures in the USofA, Doreen and family moved overseas to Japan then spent the following 15 years in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With 13 major moves under her belt, she understands the value of moving, building a new life and handling inter-cultural hurdles. One constant has been her ability to explore through the lens of adventure. Her stories are full of multi-cultural intelligence, messy multilingual communications and multi-global perspectives. Doreen is currently based on Denver, Colorado although spends most of the year living adventurously in the Housesitting Lane, which takes her around the globe. Currently she is doing her best to install Spanish in her brain which previously had French and smatterings of Japanese and Arabic. She is passionate about cultural intelligence, global heartedness and life on the road. Featured in the Anthology: Empowering Women, and a co-author in 2018 of Arriving Well: Stories About Identity, Belonging and Rediscovering Home After Living Abroad. 2020 sees the publication of Life in the Camel Lane: Embrace the Adventure. Honest, compassionate, full of wisdom and inspiration, Life in the Camel Lane comprises stories mostly from women and men who lived in Saudi Arabia from 1950s onward. This memoir contains expert advice sage wisdom and stories that all globally mobile families can use to navigate their international journey. The principles in this book will also encourage anyone who is embracing a more adventurous life, or considering taking the leap to move overseas. Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ pinterest ~ instagram ~ goodreads 
Giveaway Details:
Win 1 of 5 kindle copies of LIFE IN THE CAMEL LANE or $50 Amazon Gift Card (6 winners) (ends Sep 11) To Enter the Giveaway, Fill in the Rafflecopter form Below! 
DEBUT NOVEL FROM RENOWNED INTERNATIONAL VIRGINIA WOOLF SCHOLAR OFFERS RESOLUTION TO ONE OF THE 21st CENTURY’S GREATEST LITERARY MYSTERIES!
Talland House By Maggie Humm
Set between 1900 and 1919 in picturesque Cornwall and war-blasted London, Talland House takes Lily Briscoe from the pages of Virginia Woolf's To the Lighthouse and tells her story outside the confines of Woolf's novel -- as a student in 1900, as a young woman becoming a professional artist, her loves and friendships, mourning her dead mother, and solving the mystery of her friend Mrs. Ramsay's sudden death. An engaging and original work of romantic historical fiction and the debut novel from renowned international Virginia Woolf scholar and Emeritus Professor at the University of East London Maggie Humm, Talland House is both a story for our present time, exploring the tensions women experience between their public careers and private loves, and a story of a specific moment in our past -- a time when women first began to be truly independent. 
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Talland House begins as a story of a young girl's new adventures in life as an artist, and continues into her middle age years. The loss of her mother has a long lasting, intense impact in her life. She cherishes the memories and is obsessed in remembering the passion of art she enjoyed with her mother. Her father is very understanding and supportive. Although she pursues her art abroad, she is still mindful and dedicated in seeing her father is taken care of. After learning techniques in Paris, she is accepted to a prestigious art instruction in St. Ives. There she experiences bitter-sweet art study. However, it s here she, also, meets individuals who will forever have a profound significance throughout the rest of her life. This novel is divided into sections, representing different time periods. One time period does not seem to fit into the original introduction. It is a little confusing. However, although very slow moving, the author is very descriptive of each scene and event. The characters seem very realistic. I felt the ending was weak. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating for this book *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
One of Virginia Woolf’s best known and most beloved novels, To the Lighthouse has been the subject of much praise, criticism and debate in the nearly hundred years since it was first published in 1927. A groundbreaking work of introspective fiction which Woolf herself described as “easily the best of my books,” the setting of To the Lighthouse was formed by the author in imitation of Talland House - a property in St. Ives, Cornwall where she spent many summers with her family - and its plot and themes were centered on autobiographical details as well; specifically, Woolf’s loss of her mother at a young age, and her evolution - and ultimately, perspective - as an artist. On August 18, 2020, Talland House will be released with She Writes Press, establishing internationally renowned Virginia Woolf scholar Maggie Humm as the first author to interweave the people, places and events from Woolf’s life with a character from one of her best-read novels, and to tell that character’s life outside the confines of Woolf’s work. Centering on Lily Briscoe’s coming-of-age and offering a plausible resolution to one of the twenty-first century’s greatest literary mysteries - the sudden death of Mrs. Ramsay - Talland House partly follows the time structure of Woolf’s novel, but weaves into this frame a prequel, and many fictions of Woolf’s life including her family, the artists and friends she knew, and Lily’s fictionalized life and career outside of the novel. The culmination of decades of scholarship, years of dedication to creative writing craft, and a lifelong passion for To the Lighthouse, Talland House is an engaging and original work of romantic historical fiction which also contains an uncanny personal connection. “They always say write about what you know and I know a good deal about Virginia Woolf,” Humm shares. “My mother died at forty-nine when I was thirteen; the exact ages of Woolf’s mother and Woolf when Woolf’s mother died. So, Woolf’s depiction of her mother as Mrs. Ramsay in To the Lighthouse meant so much to me. I had to discover how Mrs. Ramsay died!” “I have carried this novel inside me throughout my academic career as a Virginia Woolf expert,” she continues. “Following retirement, a Creative Writing Diploma gave me the freedom and skills to realise my story.” Shortlisted for the Impress Prize, Fresher Fiction Prize, Retreat West Prize and Eyelands Prize and longlisted for the 2019 Historical Writers’ Association / Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Award, Talland House is already being buzzed-about throughout the industry as one of 2020’s must-read historical fiction debuts, with endorsements from Lauren Elkin (award-winning author of Flâneuse), Annabel Abbs (author of the award-winning The Joyce Girl and Frieda), the Historical Writers Association, and more. To promote Talland House’s August 2020 release, Maggie Humm has select availability for interviews and article commissions and can speak to a range of topics, including: ● The timely and timeless feminist themes that sit at the heart of Talland House, and her career as an academic specializing in feminist theory ● How Virginia Woolf has been an ongoing source of inspiration and fascination for her ● The experience of losing her mother as a young girl, and the unique bond this creates with other women who have experienced the same ● Starting over: the process of transitioning to fiction writing after a successful career in academia and non-fiction, and what it’s been like to earn a diploma in Creative Writing and enter a mentorship program in her retirement ● What she wants readers to know about Virginia Woolf and take away from reading Talland House 
About the Author:
Maggie Humm is an Emeritus Professor, University of East London, UK. An international Virginia Woolf scholar and the author/editor of fourteen books (the last three focused on Woolf and the arts), Humm is a former Co-Chair of the British Women’s Studies Association, founded the first full-time undergraduate UK Women’s Studies degree, and was a judge of the Fawcett Society book prize. To transition to creative writing, she earned a diploma in Creative Writing from the prestigious programme launched by the University of East Anglia in partnership with the Guardian, followed by mentorship with The Literary Consultancy. She contributed a programme note for the ‘Woolf Works’ ballet at the Royal Opera House and a catalog essay for the major Woolf exhibition at the Tate St Ives, as well as speaking there at a conference. Talland House is Humm’s debut novel. Shortlisted for the Impress and Fresher Fiction prizes (as Who Killed Mrs. Ramsay?) and Retreat West and Eyelands prizes, and longlisted for the Lucy Cavendish and Historical Writers’ Association / Sharpe Books Unpublished Novel Awards, Talland House is set for official release in August 2020 with She Writes Press. She lives in London and is currently writing Rodin’s Mistress about the tumultuous love affair of the artists Gwen John and Rodin. Find Maggie Humm on: Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Instagram ~ Goodreads ~ Website PUBLICITY CONTACTS: U.S. & Canada: Sarah Miniaci, SMITH Publicity, Inc. sarah.miniaci@smithpublicity.com / 856.489.8654 x329 U.K. & Europe: Ben Cameron, CAMERON Publicity, ben@cameronpm.co.uk / +44 (0)20 7917 9812 
One Paperback Giveaway to ONE Lucky Winner!! Giveaway ends on 9/7/20! To Enter, Fill in the Rafflecopter Below! 
Book Details:
The Journey: A Traveling Companion Through the New Testament by Debbie Johnson Category: Adult Non-fiction 18 yrs +, 293 pages Genre: Memoir, Religious, Inspirational Publisher: Convenant Books | Release date: 2019 Tour dates: August 10 to August 28, 2020 Content Rating: G. No obscenity, violence, sexual content Book Description: At a time of unprecedented crisis in our lives comes an inspirational book, THE JOURNEY: A Traveling Companion Through the New Testament by Debbie Johnson, who has spent decades as a mission worker, and is the founder DenverWorks, a nonprofit dedicated to helping the unemployed find work. Whether you are a Christian, religious, or irreligious, Johnson’s contemporary interpretation of The New Testament will inspire all who read her book. Years ago, Debbie took a glorious six-week backpacking trip to Europe. Now she takes readers on a metaphorical trek through the New Testament, filling her backpack with a year’s worth of inspirational items. For Debbie, her destination is love, plus the sense of “mission accomplished” in her life’s work. “Maybe this is a time for homebound people (all of us) to read through the NT,” says Debbie who begins her journey as Christ began his, when he met two sets of brothers and said, “Follow me” and eventually there were 12 friends, the 12 apostles. Jesus was no longer by himself,” says Johnson and got to experience the strength of friends. “My best friends and I remind each other that we are never alone, even though some of us live hundreds of miles apart.” Here are some of her many useful and inspiring key insights:
Buy the Book: Amazon 
BOOK REVIEW by LAWonder10:
The Book Description pretty much says it all! This is a great book to cause one to truly reflect on the inner soul. it brings out many marvelous points in the new testament, some seem to overlook or forget. In 'the Journey' the author creates "backpack" of attributes needed to obtain her journey's end. The author had "Backpack Items" plus sub headings. There are too many qualities to list in this review. However, among my sub heading favorites were: Constant Readiness, Spiritual Healing, Individual Responsibility, the Golden Rule, Journey Food, True Grit, True Freedom, Caiaphas Calculations, Wind Energy, Vain Things, Impossible Circumstances, Relentless Opposition, The Experiment, Little Distinctions, Firm Foundation, Love's Completeness, Godly Sorrow, and Faith Leaping, just to name a few. Yes, the book is cleverly divided nto various topics and sub topics fro the bible, plus with stories and insights she offers with them. This is a great book, not only for Christians, but for those searching for answers and a better life. The only negatives I experienced were some of her qualifications of scripture which were her beliefs but some not stated as such. Some will have a different interpretation of verses than she offered. Yet, often she did she it was her belief. All in all, I think this book can easily cause one to truly examine his/her own progression an where he/she needs to improve. For some, not truly familiar with the New Testament, it will offer much insight. I offer a Four Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted to me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review. 
“With the New Testament in one hand and Debbie’s guidebook in the other, you will experience the Christian journey to be an exciting venture–though not one for the fainthearted.”
Dr. William W. Klein, Ph.D. Professor of New Testament, Denver Seminary 
About the Author
Debbie Johnson is the author of two previous books, A Pocketful of Seeds and Lessons Learned from the Bottom of the Stairs: A Story of Faith and Resilience with Randy Milliken. She graduated from Ouachita Baptist University (BME, MME) and has done graduate work in social work at the University of Denver. In 1995, she founded DenverWorks to equip the unemployed in her community. She led the organization for ten years before engaging in international ministry, first as the vice president of Programs at the Dalit Freedom Network and then as executive director of India Transformed. She grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas. Today she and her husband live on a farm in Colorado with two dogs and a bunch of chickens. Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ instagram ~ 
Giveaway Details:
1 of 3 print copies of THE JOURNEY: A Traveling Companion Through the New Testament by Debbie Johnson (USA only) (ends 9/4) To Enter the Giveaway, Fill Out the Rafflecopter Below! 
THE INVISIBLE by Seb Doubinsky
RELEASE DATE: 8/11/20 GENRE: Speculative Fiction / Dystopian / Detective Noir SUMMARY: The Invisible is a masterfully written dystopian noir in Seb Doubinsky’s City-States Cycle books. It’s election time in New Babylon, and President Maggie Delgado is running for re-election but is threatened by the charismatic populist Ted Rust. Newly appointed City Commissioner Georg Ratner is given the priority task to fight the recent invasion of Synth in the streets of the capital, a powerful hallucinogen drug with a mysterious origin. When his old colleague asks him for help on another case and gets murdered, things become more and more complicated, and his official neutrality becomes a burden in the political intrigue he his gradually sucked into. Supported by Laura, his trustful life partner and the Egyptian goddess Nut, Ratner decides to fight for what he believes in, no matter the cost. BUY LINKS: Meerkat Press | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
Georg Ratner, former police detective and a respectable official, hated politics. The only one who hated them more was his wife. This is what was so peculiar when Georg accepted the assignment as the new City Commissioner of the New Babylon. He knew the President wanted him appointed to clear out the new illegal drug, Synth. she was the less of two evils running for President. Both were corrupt. The other nominee was pure evil. He was leery when she required him to give his personal guarantee he would discover who was to blame and get it under control. He was either the "scape goat" doomed to fail, or was respected enough that people truly had faith in him...He suspected the former. When he told his wife of his new commission, unexpectedly, she was supportive of him, instead of furious with him. The main character often reflects on the 1950's and 60's events in comparison to some of the present events in the book. The similarities are there but they are also different. Georg, also has a strange individual he communicates with, occasionally, in the night. This is a dystopian novel with an unusual insight, A "one world order" could actually happen with the appearance of individual country governments, while all are in an alliance together, The characters can use better portrayal, but eventually the reader can begin to feel connected. It is quite a dreary tale, as most Dystopian stories are, and I had a struggle, in the beginning, to feel connected to this tale. In time, I did begin to feel a part of the story. This is a story of corruption, all too prevalent in today's society, and of some of the situations which occur as freedoms are taken away, and the people no longer have a say in government decisions. It is also an interesting crime and detective novel. **Reader Beware: There are a few words of profanity used and sexual situations without details. I offer a Three and a Half Stars rating. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review. This is my honest review.
EXCERPT- OPT. 2 #1:
Ratner walked into the interrogation room, followed by Captain Eris Jordan. He had asked her permission to interrogate one of the suspects in her Synth investigation. She had called him a couple days later and given him a time and a room number at the police station. Ratner had then informed Flowers, who told him he should talk to Commissioner Thomsen too, as the dealer had been arrested on his turf. Ratner had promised, but “forgotten” to comply. Fuck Thomsen, fuck that little incompetent pretentious asshole, he had thought. It seemed that wherever he went, he ran into that nasty idiot. The suspect was a law student, twenty-four years old, described as Caucasian in the old racist terms, pale and nondescript in Ratner’s own categories, looking both scared and dejected. The prison’s dark blue suit contrasted violently with the general feeling of weakness projected by his demeanor, but matched nicely the dark circles under his eyes. Ratner presented himself, but Jordan didn’t. They had probably met before. The interrogation was courteous, the suspect obviously frightened and eager to cooperate. Definitely not your usual hardened dealer type, Ratner thought as he took notes of times and places. The kid explained that he got the batch of pills at a party organized by a fraternity on campus last July. He had asked around for some Synth and a girl had told him she had some. Ratner asked for a description. Tall, blonde, short hair, blue eyes, white tee, jeans, sneakers, foreign accent. She said her name was Vita. Good-looking, but not cute, he added, as if it helped. “We made a composite,” Jordan whispered in Ratner’s ear. “Doesn’t help much. I’ll show it to you later.” They had gone to the parking lot and she had given him a pill. The price was cheap and the kid thought about buying some for his friends and ended up getting a whole bag. She had given him a phone number to call in case he wanted more. Ratner glanced at Jordan, sitting next to him. “We checked it. Disposable phone. Disconnected.” The city commissioner nodded. The kid had quickly sold his batch and made a good profit. So he called and met her again, in the parking lot of a cinema downtown. And a last time, one month ago, in another parking lot, behind another cinema. Her hair had grown, he noticed. But she still had an accent. “What kind of accent?” Ratner asked. “I don’t know. German, maybe.” “We checked with the New Berlin embassy and the visa service,” Jordan said. “But no real match. Or too many, if you will. I mean, blonde, blue eyes, and an accent—seriously? And of course, no girl named Vita on their lists.” “What about the composite?” Captain Jordan turned on the tablet she had brought along and pressed and swiped a couple of times until a face appeared. The kid extended his neck to look at it too. “Yeah, that’s her,” he said, although nobody had asked him. Ratner looked at the image. Jordan was right. Could be anybody. Ratner’s phone suddenly vibrated. A message. He took it out and looked at the screen. It was from Valentino. He wanted a place and a time to meet. Today. Ratner typed a time and Le Robespierre as a place. What the hell. At least he would get good music and a decent beer if the info was bad or useless. And he was sure he wouldn’t run into Thomsen there. 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Seb Doubinsky is a bilingual writer born in Paris in 1963. His novels, all set in a dystopian universe revolving around competing cities-states, have been published in the UK and in the USA. He currently lives with his family in Aarhus, Denmark, where he teaches at the university. AUTHOR LINKS: Website | Twitter 
GIVEAWAY DETAILS:
$50 Book Shopping Spree! To Enter, Fill out the Rafflecopter Below! 
Book Details:
Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time by Dorothy Rosby Category: Adult Non-Fiction (18+) , 355 pages Genre: Humorous Essay | Publisher: Unhinged Press Release date: April, 2020 | Tour dates: August 10 to August 21, 2020 Content Rating: G - appropriate for general audience as defined above Book Description: "Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time" is a low-brow look at high-minded living, a good-natured (mostly) rant about some of the challenges we face and some of the annoyances we deal with just because we’re alive and trying to thrive at this moment in history. Part comedic call to arms and part tongue-in-cheek tirade, "Alexa’s a Spy" goes after, among other things, spammers and scammers, clutter and litter, intrusive technology and uncivil discourse. Too much stuff, too much noise, too much to worry about. Not enough patience, not enough kindness, not enough…chocolate? As a syndicated humor columnist, Dorothy Rosby has been ranting for more than 20 years in publications across the West and Midwest. If her latest book doesn’t change the world, and most likely it won’t, we’ll at least go down the tubes together, knowing how really foolish we’re all being. Buy the Book: Amazon ~ Add to Goodreads
REVIEW by LAWonder10:
This is such a great book! This is a fun, interesting humorous book all in one! It is non-fiction, yet reads like a novel. The true life insights are very clever. The author expresses thoughts on every day occurrences and topics one can easily relate to, in a very matter-of-fact, comic way. Some of the things she express her thoughts on are hilarious! One of the topics she addressed is "time wasters - and the different aspects of wasting time. It is becoming an increasing problem in today's society Because of th wide variety of topics and the straight-to-the-point way she approaches them, the book is very amusing and far from boring! It is a great book for conversation. I offer a Five Stars rating for this book. *This book was gifted me with no pressure for a positive review.
The World According to Facebook They say a friend will help you move, but a true friend will help you move a body. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say the vast majority of my Facebook friends wouldn’t help me with either of those. But if I’m ever in a position to need the latter, I probably shouldn’t mention it on Facebook. I’ve seen people post about almost everything else. I have a few Facebook friends whose posts I know I’ll look back on someday and see as warning signs I missed. Sure, we can take down a post, but not always before it takes us down. That’s why I think there are a few things we should never share on Facebook. No PUI for one thing—posting under the influence. Worldwide more than 1.5 billion people log onto Facebook every day, but in an alcoholic haze it’s easy for some people to forget their parents, children and employer may be among them. And I don’t think you should ever say something to someone on Facebook that you wouldn’t say to their face. Just my luck, I’ll tell someone they’re a few posts short of a whole fence, then run into them at the grocery store the next day. I don’t think you should post about how much you hate your job either. Your employer may find out and relieve you of your pain. Then you can spend the rest of your days unemployed and posting from your mother’s basement. None of this is to say I don’t enjoy Facebook. I love animal videos and baby pictures. I love reconnecting with people I haven’t seen in years. I like that people aren’t as choosy about Facebook friends as they are in the real world so I can have more of them. Still Facebook is one aspect of modern life I discuss in Alexa’s a Spy and Other Things to Be Ticked off About, Humorous Essays on the Hassles of Our Time. It does tick me off sometimes. In its short life, Facebook has replaced solitaire as the most common way to avoid doing actual work, created terrific job opportunities for Russian trolls and taken the art of small talk to a whole new level: “I hate rain.” “Me too.” “I’m doing laundry.” “Have fun with that.” 
Meet the Author:
Dorothy Rosby is a syndicated humor columnist and author of two other books of humorous essays "I Used to Think I Was Not That Bad and Then I Got to Know Me Better" and "I Didn’t Know You Could Make Birthday Cake from Scratch, Parenting Blunders from Cradle to Empty Nest." She’s working on her fourth and hoping to give it a shorter title—something like "Wow" or "Best Seller." She lives in the Black Hills of South Dakota, 20 miles from Mount Rushmore, something she’s very proud of even though she’s not on it. Yet. Connect with the Author: website ~ twitter ~ facebook ~ goodreads 
Giveaway Details:
Win 1 of 3 print copies of ALEXA'S A SPY or $20 Amazon Gift Card (4 winners) (USA Only (ends Aug 28) Enter the Giveaway by Filling out the Rafflecopter below! 
Ready to Trust (Hearts of Oklahoma #2) By Tina Radcliffe
Christian Contemporary Romance Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages July 21, 2020 by Love Inspired SYNOPSIS: Proving he’s a changed man could be his biggest challenge yet. Rancher Reece Rainbolt’s shocked to learn he’s inherited half of Claire Ballard’s family farm—and that he’s a father. Now Claire’s determined to break ties with the man who once left her behind. But Reece will buy her half only on one condition: she must stay in town to help with the harvest…and let him get to know his little girl. (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository AppleBooks | GooglePlay | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin
REVIEW by LAWonder10: Caire's life, growing up as a farmer's daughter, was difficult and lonely. She had mostly bad memories of those years in Oklahoma. She had moved to Tulsa and became a nurse. She was happy living her life, along with Zoe, and avoided the people of Rebel... especially the one who broke her heart. Now her father had passed away and as his only child, she was there at the reading of his will. Little did she expect a huge double shock! Reece and his siblings had to mostly raise them selves. His family were poor and felt like misfits in their town. However, he loved the town, his family and despite his lack of education, he and his brothers flourished. There was always the thoughts of his brief friendship with Claire while he was doing rodeo and she lived in Tulsa. At the ime he was frustrated, sorrowing and angry because of his life the the loss of a younger brother. Why was he fantasizing about a life with Claire Ballard? She was always out of his league. She would never want a serious relationship with him. He decided to 'break it off' before their relationship went any further and he woud be more hurt and distressed than he felt at that time. Years after not seeing each other, he was summoned to the reading o Claire Ballard's father's will. What could this possibly have to do with him? Little did he realize what a shock he was "in for"! This is a very cute story about misconceptions, pre-judgements, community unity, overcoming one's past and creating new memories. It is also an inspiring tale about overcoming obstacles and prevailing. This Christian Fiction will surely uplift and inspire the reader. The characters are very endearing and well portrayed. The scenes are equally well defined and easily visualized. The only Problem I had with this book is it felt slightly drawn out, but was still a very enjoyable story The Book Cover d Title were both a goof fit. 
Check out the Bookstagram Tour here, which has its own giveaway!
August 3rd: @fierymermaidbooks @bookishdelightz August 4th: @angelakreais @h.szott August 5th: @suziewaltner @katcoopwrites August 6th: @savingsinseconds @katscornerbooks August 7th: @christina.marie.reads @sassybookishmama August 10th: @EmpowerMoms @avidreader19 August 11th: @all.the.lovely.pages @jypsylynn @bookwormjourney August 12th: @jhannabass @wishfulendings August 13th: @DaughterOfIncrease @marieedwards429 @chroniclesofabooknerd August 14th: @_ebl_inc_ @esperdenoire
Other Books in the Series:
Finding the Road Home (Hearts of Oklahoma #1)
By Tina Radcliffe Christian Contemporary Romance ~ Paperback & ebook, 224 Pages February 18, 2020 by Love Inspired ~ Some paths need courage to follow… SYNOPSIS: Can they find their fresh startwith roadblocks around every corner? To care for her orphaned nieces and nephews, Daisy Anderson moved to a small town for a new deputy position—but now her job could be eliminated. With potential budget cuts looming, her only hope is to work with police chief Mitch Rainbolt to save their department’s funds. But can their fight for her job lead to something neither dared wish for: a future together? (Affiliate links included.) Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Target | Book Depository Apple Books | Google Play | Kobo | Christianbook | Harlequin
And coming in December..
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Tina Radcliffe is the American Christian Fiction Writers Carol Award-winning author of inspirational romance. She is an ACFW and Romance Writers of America Honor Roll member, and a four time ACFW Carol Award finalist. Tina is the author of fifteen inspirational romances for Harlequin HarperCollins. Website | Goodreads | BookBub | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Tour Giveaway! 
Giveaway Details: One winner will receive a Lily Queen Canvas Totebag (retail value $21.99), a $25 Amazon gift card and a print copy of READY TO TRUST (US/CAN only) Ends August 19, 2020 
Once and Future Wife by Clarissa Kae Book Tour, Character Casting & $100. GC Giveaway! {Ends 8/9/20}8/6/2020 
BOOK BLURB:
Immortal men like Rhys Glyndwr belong to forgotten fables—along with his reincarnating wife—but instead, they haunt the mind of a modern scientist, Isla Belle Thorne. Like an old blanket, visions of the healer servant and his wife, the daughter of a duke, have comforted Isla Belle, the only constant in her unstable childhood. When her mother is hospitalized for a mental breakdown, Isla Belle fears for her own health and keeps the visions a secret. As Isla Belle starts her new job at a renowned medical organization, she comes face to face with Rhys—the same man from her visions. She’s told an impossible tale of a love that death cannot kill. Surrounded by science but faced with an implausible legend, Isla Belle must decide what to believe and what to leave behind. BUY LINK: AMAZON ~ Add To Goodreads: 
REVIEW by VICKIE:
Once And Future Wife - Clarissa Kae
This story is so many things, but the love story in it is so sweet and heart wrenching at the same time. I love the old and the new. The characters are well developed and their emotions are easy to feel. Following Isla Belle and Rhys through the story is truly a riveting experience. There is so much happening all through the story. The story flows well from chapter to chapter and is easy to follow along. I highly recommend this beautiful love story to other readers. I give this story a literary rating of 5/5
Rhys I had as Paul Walker
Snippet #1
Lady Isla Belle leaned against the window, the morning sun sharing its obnoxious, cheerful rays. There was little light in her room; she hid in plain sight. She shifted her weight on the walking stick and kept her vigil. Last night, long after the castle had gone to bed, Rhys had left, his medical bag attached to the saddle. He had turned, casting a long look at her window, before disap‐ pearing from the courtyard. It was a turn in their usual dance, Isla Belle observing him instead of being watched. Isla Belle was continually aware of his presence, but lately, his gaze, his entire being was more intense. She touched her temple, remembering his lips on her skin. He had kissed her—and she’d thought of little else. Snippet #2 The cold night air nipped at my skin, the temperature falling as we inched closer to the holidays. Stephen had tried once more to convince me to stay home but I owed my mother—and myself—some answers. An army of silk dresses and black tuxedos made their way up the two-prong staircase of the Stanford mansion. Earlier, Stephen had told me that Leland Stanford built the mansion in Sacramento years before he built the university in Palo Alto. I’d almost told Stephen that I had no memory of Leland, only his wife, Jane—an impossible idea. The Stanfords were buried a century before my birth. Snippet #3 A breeze caressed the leaves, ruffling the stolen tunic on Rhys’ raw back. The pain seared through him, setting Rhys’ nerves on edge. The wind carried the sound of rope stretching. The borrowed horse neighed, fidgeting under the saddle and shying away from the line of trees. Rhys held the reins firm but the horse nervously backed away. Searching for the culprit, Rhys froze. Twirling at the end of a rope, swung four dead men. Rhys tucked a sleeping Isla Belle tighter against his chest and pushed the horse to a gallop. They rode for hours, long past sunset and on into the night. The image of the hung men followed him, pounding in his head in rhythm with the horse’s hooves. It’s why he drugged Milford’s small army instead of killing them despite the temptation. The temptation to kill was very real—even now. With his back ripped to shreds, he wondered if he’d made the correct choice. He shook the thought. He would not become like the captain or the king. This wasn’t the country he’d hope to return to. He’d spent his life fighting death, not inviting it.
ABOUT the AUTHOR:
Clarissa Kae is a preeminent voice whose professional career began as a freelance editor in 2007. She's the former president of her local California Writers Club after spending several years as the Critique Director.
Since her first novel, she's explored different writing genres and created a loyal group of fans who eagerly await her upcoming release. With numerous awards to her name, Clarissa continues to honor the role of storyteller. Aside from the writing community, she and her daughters founded Kind Girls Make Strong Women to help undervalued nonprofit organizations—from reuniting children with families to giving Junior Olympic athletes their shot at success. She lives in the agricultural belly of California with her family and farm of horses, chickens, dogs and kittens aplenty. Author Social Media Links: Instagram ~ Facebook ~ Website ~ Blog
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