Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5... Books of 2020

 

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. For a list of December topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to the weekly post.

I find this to be a challenging post. How do you choose just 5? I will do my best.

This middle grade adventure plots an orphan and his friends against a powerful group who doesn't want the truth revealed.

While I have enjoyed all the Tradd Street books, this one is my favorite so far because Melanie's relationships are tested in so many ways. 

Caitlin Strong has been a favorite character of mine for years. In this novel, Land really gets up close and personal with the plot. Loved this from beginning to end.

These two books from Charlotte Hubbard are a tie. I simply can't choose between them. The first one finds the maturing of a character and a new bishop who threatens so much of what the community has built. 

The second is the strong start of a new series. I am reading the second book of the series now. 

If ever there was a book that reads as wonderful as a Hallmark Christmas movie, Selling Christmas is it. I hope to read this one again.

What were your top books of 2020? What books should I add to my list to read in 2021? 

Top 5 Tuesday - Top 5… Black and Orange Books

Top 5 Tuesday is a weekly meme that explores different topics. Originally created by Shanah at Bionic Book Worm, it is now hosted by Meeghan at Meeghan Reads. For a list of October topics you can click here. To participate, link your post back to Meeghan's blog or leave a comment on her weekly post.

Well, isn't this shaping up to be a nice fall week the the blog. Sure makes me happy considering this is my favorite time of year. Let's see how I do with finding Top 5… Black and Orange Books in my list.

This is a book I edited. Just loved this story. It's not even one of my typical reads, which is why I was originally shocked by how much I enjoyed it.

My husband reads more Peretti than I do, but this cover is great. 

Caitlin Strong remains one of my favorite female leads.

Do I really need to say more about this book? It remains one of my all-time favorites and I blog about it when it works into a meme. You would get bored if I talked about it all the time. :)  

This book introduced me to the masterful writing of Jerry Jenkins. He's amazing. This is one of my favorite series. I caught up when the series was four books in and eagerly awaited each new release. I was so disappointed when Left Behind ended, but it ended where it should. 

What are some of your favorite books with black and orange covers?

Seasonal Short Story/Novella Kindle Bargains

Just in time for the holidays! Check out this magical holiday collection of eight original short stories by some of today's bestselling paranormal authors:

Dreaming of a Witch Christmas by Mindy Klasky
It's beginning to look a lot like Yuletide...

And newlywed Jane Madison needs to find a gift for her husband and warder David Montrose. A pen set and a necktie would be easy, but those are hardly gifts of the heart. Fortunately, Jane does a little witchy research and discovers the perfect present. But now that she's found it, she's not certain she can afford it - in terms of money or of magic! Will Yule turn out to be the most wonderful time of the year? Or is Jane destined for a blue Christmas?

Speed-Dating the Christmas Demon by Christiana Miller
Love is hard. Speed-dating is harder. Speed-dating with a Christmas Demon can be terrifying.

Gus's sister decides to get Mara out of her dating slump by taking her speed-dating. Soon, they're facing a whole new set of problems, when they find themselves sitting across the table from a demon.

The Werewolf's Christmas Wish by Kristen Painter
Bridget Merrow has almost everything a werewolf could wish for. And it's not that her awesome family and popular business aren't enough - she just wants someone to share it all with this Christmas. Too bad the someone she wants doesn't want her. Or does he?

A Miracle on Bourbon Street (A Jade Calhoun short story) by Deanna Chase
It's Christmas Eve and Jade Calhoun's ready for a quiet, magical night with her husband Kane. But when Santa demons and energy-stealing elves start wreaking havoc, it's going to take a miracle on Bourbon Street to save Christmas.

A Very Merry HEX-Mas (A Woolven Secret Novella) by Saranna DeWylde
Eleanor Westwood, resident Woolven caretaker and wicked witch extraordinaire, has a slip of the tongue that conjures a real-life goblin king. Enoch needs to give his subjects a white Christmas, but only a certain wicked witch will do for a very Merry Hex-mas.

Cupid's Christmas (Broken Heart Worlds #1) By Michele Bardsley
As the winter holidays approach, love goddess Aphrodite and her personal assistant, the wood nymph Daphne, decide it's time to make another love match. After all, their interference... er, help... in the relationship of werewolves Darrius and Alaya worked out. Now, it's time for a human couple to get the benefit of Aphrodite's gift for matching mates. But can she really convince a movie star and a wedding planner they can have a happily-ever-after? Damn right she can.

Frost's Bite (An Easy Bake Coven short story) by Liz Schulte
Orphan bounty hunters don't celebrate Christmas, at least Frost never had. But now that she is officially part of a coven of witches who are determined to include her in the festivities, she has no choice but to go along with them. However, when her long buried past starts coming to the surface, Frost will need her friends more than ever.

Ghost of a Chance by Angie Fox
'Tis the season...for ghosts. Verity Long has come to terms with the fact that she can see spirits, and talk to them, and...she's actually making cookies for one of them. But she's drawing the line at any more ghost hunting or mystery solving. Until a dear friend needs help locating a missing antique at the party of the year. Verity straps on her sparkly heels and sneaks in to see what she can find...and uncovers a holiday secret that will change everything.

File Size: 4134 KB
Print Length: 348 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Bayou Moon Press, LLC (November 17, 2015)
Publication Date: November 17, 2015
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B017TJE5ZU


Purchase here for 99 cents!

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Silver Bells. Readers will love this collection of six historical romance novellas, all centered around the Christmas season.

In NY Times & USA Today’s bestselling author Lucinda Brant’s delightful novella, FAIRY CHRISTMAS, Kitty Aldershot is orphaned and forced to live on others’ charity. Offered a home under the generous roof of her relatives, the Earl of Salt Hendon and his countess, Kitty wants for nothing, not even the affections of Mr. Tom Allenby. But when Kitty stumbles across a letter written by Lady Caroline that reveals how Mr. Allenby would be ruined should he marry the likes of Kitty, she realizes she has been fooling herself all along. Kitty’s world crumbles around her as she recognizes she will forever be alone with no prospects at all.

Sarah M. Eden’s charming romance novella A CHRISTMAS PROMISE, Sean Kirkpatrick is trying to get to his new place of employment, Kilkenny Castle, in order to start as the new stablehand. His only requirement is to drive a team of high-spirited nags from Dublin to Kilkenny in a certain amount of time. Unfortunately he winds up in a muddy field, stuck, lost, and running out of time. He’s about to lose the job before he can prove himself capable of finishing his first assignment. When Maeve Butler arrives on the scene, Sean isn’t sure if she’s intent on rescuing him or bent on torturing him with her fiery wit and lovely dark eyes.

In Heather B. Moore’s enchanting novella, TWELVE MONTHS, Lucien Baxter’s best and most incorrigible friend, Will, dies unexpectedly, leaving behind his new bride and unborn child the week before Christmas. Will’s last request is that Lucien watches over Cora, not just as a benefactor, but as a husband. When Lucien does his duty and proposes to Cora, he’s turned down flat. But over the course of the next few days, Lucien discovers that marrying Cora wouldn’t be any sort of duty after all, but a matter of following his heart.

In Lu Ann Staheli’s sweet romance novella, A FEZZIWIG CHRISTMAS, Dick Wilkins and his best friend Ebenezer Scrooge have been looking forward to the annual Fezziwig Christmas dance for weeks. Ebenezer is practically engaged to Annabelle Fezziwig, and Dick hopes to start courting her younger sister, Pricilla. Once the dance starts, and Pricilla arrives, as pretty and charming as ever, Dick discovers that he’s not the only man vying for her attention. His best friend advises Dick that he has to win Pricilla’s heart, as well as her mother’s favor. Losing his heart has suddenly become very complicated.

A TASTE OF HOME, a captivating romance by Annette Lyon, we meet Claire Jennings, who’s on her way to spend Christmas with her family. As she rides the train with William Rhodes, who grew up across the street, memories of Christmases past flood her mind. He may be twenty-one now, but she can’t forget his torturous teasing from their school years. At the rail station, Claire discovers that her home is under quarantine because her little brother has measles. She's stuck in town, away from her family, on her favorite holiday. William stays behind with her, and as Christmas Day approaches and her homesickness deepens, she discovers that perhaps he has changed in more ways than one.

Becca Wilhite’s entrancing novella, MY MODERN GIRL, follows Margie, who lands her dream job as a clerk at Macy’s department store in New York City. Margie might be new in town, but she’s determined to succeed and prove to Henry that moving to the city was the right decision. As the Christmas season approaches, Margie realizes that being a “modern girl” might not be all she had dreamed of and Henry might have more to offer than she ever imagined.

File Size: 4792 KB
Print Length: 292 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: Mirror Press (October 14, 2014)
Publication Date: October 14, 2014
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B00OIAJ7R0


Purchase here for only 99 cents!

Interview with Francesca Pelaccia, Author of The Witch's Salvation

The Witch's Salvation is Francesca Pelaccia’s debut novel and the first book of The Witch's Trilogy. A teacher and now at long last an author, Francesca has written in other genres but enjoys creating and writing time-travel fantasies. Francesca blogs on the craft of writing especially as it relates to genre and reviews books. Currently she is working on the second book of The Witch’s Trilogy entitled The Witch’s Monastery. Visit Francesca at www.francescapelaccia.com.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Writing is what I do when I’m not working, being a mom to two kids in university, a wife, and trying to stay active by walking and re-learning yoga. I used to work in corporate publishing but now teach English as a Second Language to adult immigrants.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Toronto, Canada. I now live just outside the city limits in what is referred to as the Greater Toronto Area, but still work in it.

When did you begin writing?

I have been writing as long as I can remember! I used to write everywhere and often, and where I shouldn’t. At work, on the bus, at coffee shops, at my kids’ soccer or hockey games, any place I could find a piece of paper and a pencil.

Do you write during the day, at night or whenever you can sneak a few moments?

I write in the evening after dinner. I usually spend about two hours every night on writing. I don’t have time on the weekends but I may find an hour or two to write.

What is this book about?

The Witch’s Salvation is a tale about restoring humanity to the last surviving witch of the Carpathian Mountains. The only people who can restore her humanity are Anasztasia and Matthias, two eighteen-year olds born mortal to two immortal families of royal lineage. If they go back in time and retrieve the Golden Cup that holds the mystery to regaining the witch’s humanity, she will make them immortal. She will also dissolve the curse that keeps Matthias’s family imprisoned in the ancient boundaries of Wallachia, present day Romania, and Anasztasia’s family exiled from it. But Anasztasia and Matthias must return to Easter Sunday, 1457, the day Prince Vlad III, aka Dracula, massacred nobles. Anasztasia and Matthias return to the past where life and death adventures begin toward saving the witch, unraveling their families’ secrets, and coming into their own.

What inspired you to write it?

I actually set out to write a light-hearted vampire novel about two characters born mortal to immortal shape shifter royals. But while researching Dracula, I got drawn in to his ignoble history and all the myths, legends, people, and events around it. What was to be a romp turned into an expansive time-travel that is both plot and character-driven.

Are you a member of a critique group? If no, who provides feedback on your work?

I am a member of a critique group at the University of Toronto. The group is made up of unpublished authors who write both genre and literary.

Who is your favorite author?

I have several favorite authors. I enjoy both genre and literary. For pure entertainment I love reading the books of Janet Evanovich, Carl Hiaasen, Jennifer Cruise, and those of the late Ariana Franklin. For literary, right now I’m enjoying the works of Carlos Ruiz Zafon.

Where can readers purchase a copy of your book?

The Witch’s Salvation can be purchased online at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Sony, the iBookstore, Gardners Books, and most other major ebook sellers.

Where can readers find you online?

My website is www.francescapelaccia.com
My blog is www.francescapelaccia.com/blog
I blog about the craft of writing especially as it relates to genre.

What is one piece of advice you would like to share with aspiring authors everywhere?

Just do it! I have been writing all my life. I used to write everywhere. It was fun just letting my imagination go and writing. There were no worries about plot, or character arcs, or historical accuracies. Then life got in the way—work, family, and of course all those bills. I wrote but when I had the time. Also, the rules of how to write became paramount. They were drilled into me by everyone and anyone connected to writing—agents, publishers, other authors, critique partners, teachers. Writing became difficult. Now, I’m back to writing as I started off. For the joy of it, but enriched with what I learned. For all you authors out there: believe in yourself, never give up, and go for it!

What is up next for you?

I am working on two projects: the second book in The Witch’s Trilogy called The Witch’s Monastery and an old romance that I’m reworking and breathing new life into.

Stillwell: A Haunting on Long Island Book Blast

Paul Russo’s wife just died. While trying to get his family’s life back in order, Paul is being tormented by a demon who is holding his wife's spirit hostage on the other side. His fate is intertwined with an old haunted mansion on the north shore of Long Island called Stillwell Manor. Paul must find clues dating back hundreds of years to set his wife's soul free.

PURCHASE YOUR COPY AT AMAZON!

Born and raised on Long Island, Michael Phillip Cash has always had a fascination with horror writing and found footage films. He wanted to incorporate both with his debut novel, Brood X. Earning a degree in

English and an MBA, he has worked various jobs before settling into being a full-time author. He currently resides on Long Island with his wife and children. Stillwell: A Haunting On Long Island is his second novel.

Visit his website at www.MichaelPhillipCash.com or his blog at http://www.michaelphillipcash-officialblog.com/.

Connect & Socialize with Michael!

TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOODREADS

Pump Up Your Book and Michael Phillip Cash are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card or a Halloween Party Pack for 18!

Terms & Conditions:

• By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
• Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or the Halloween Party Pack.
• This giveaway begins September 23 and ends October 25, 2013.
• Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, November 4, 2013.
• Winner has 48 hours to reply.

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Book Review: The Kensei by Jon F. Merz

Writing this review feels like such an accomplishment for me. It was this book that began my downward spiral into owning a TBR pile that rivals Mount Everest. This book came to me in 2011 and I planned to review it right away, but I took on too many book tour requests and my pile grew and grew. I am finally catching up and it feels great.

Lawson is a wise-cracking vampire charged with protecting the Balance between vampires and humans. A shrewd and deadly opponent, he rids the world of bad guys and hopes to live long enough to make it home.

In The Kensei, Lawson escapes to Japan for a well-deserved and needed vacation and advanced training. He no sooner sets foot in the country when he is dropped into the middle of a Yakuza turf war orchestrated by a shady figure know as the Kensei. With the help of former KGB assassin, Tayla, who is also his human girlfriend--just don't tell the Council that--Lawson attempts to put a stop to the Kensei's organ trafficking networks and hopes to prevent the creation of an army of vampire-human hybrids; that is if he doesn't get killed first.

In the late '90s, Buffy the Vampire Slayer became a cult phenomenon. One of the more interesting aspects of the series was Buffy's wiseguy vampire boyfriend, Angel, who had a curse placed on him that gave him a soul. The character became so popular he earned a spin-off titled, Angel.

Lawson's sarcasm and mannerisms remind me of Angel. Both are tall, dark, and handsome. Both are quick-witted and funny. And both can kick butt.


There are a lot of elements to this story. Lawson's destiny as a Fixer. His on again-off again relationship with Tayla. His friendships in the States and Japan. The gangs in Japan. The organ trafficking networks. The Kensei's role in organ trafficking and his interest in Lawson. The mysterious Council who Lawson is defying by having a secret relationship with a human, in addition to Lawson beginning to take stock of his life to determine what matters.

The Kensei is a fast-paced, exciting read that draws you in from the first moment. A masterful storyteller, Merz blends rich descriptions, well-developed characters, and a superb plot to create a mesmerizing novel. With several twists and turns, the tension increases. Tons of action, witty banter, and a dash of romance fill the pages of this unique paranormal novel. I couldn't put it down.

You'll find a different type of vampire story in this one and you'll be hooked!

Highly recommended.

Paperback: 304 pages
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin (January 18, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0312662238
ASIN: B005EP1XKC

I received a free paperback copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinions, for which I have not been compensated in any way.

This is the 1st book I've read for the 2013 Catch Up Reading Challenge.

First Chapter Review: Lady Languish: An Irish Vampire Novel by SCD Goff

This author contacted me about a review, but since I am so far behind, I politely declined. She was, however, open to a First Chapter Review. Though I don't usually feature YA novels here, I thought this one would reach a crossover audience of adults who enjoy vamp stories.

If you are interested in seeking a First Chapter Review of your book, please see our guidelines.

TITLE/AUTHOR: Lady Languish: An Irish Vampire Novel by SCD Goff

BLURB:  After her Uncle Malachy terrifies Evangeline Languish on her 16th birthday, she is abandoned at a boarding school by her parents. But when Evangeline discovers a strange young man, injured and alone, she is forced to change her mind about everything she knew. Could Malachy's stories be true? Evangeline must face her uncle once more ... can she get to him before he kills everything she loves?

COVER:  Simple and elegant, but not what I would expect for this genre--at least not in the States. In the author's homeland of Ireland, it might be very appropriate.

FIRST CHAPTER: Young Evangeline Languish is left at the St. Rita's School for Young Ladies under the direction of the stern, sour Ms. Goulder. Scared and alone, her sheltered life does not allow her to make friends easily; but Sive, who has been at the school for years is charged with getting Evangeline acquainted and used to how things are run around the place. Though never having participated in sports, it seems Evangeline has a natural talent for hockey.

KEEP READING:  Probably. I have to admit, vampire stories aren't my favorite, and this one is different than what I expected. The prologue is set six months prior to Evangeline's arrival at St. Rita's. It also doesn't involve her or any of the characters the reader meets in Chapter One. That caused a momentary bit of confusion, but based upon the synopsis, should make sense later.

The reader is immediately drawn in by the girl's plight--abandoned at a boarding school, afraid and made fun of. The first chapter shares much of what happens the day of Evangeline's arrival. Goff does two things with this chapter:  creates engaging characters and paints a detailed picture of St. Rita's School for Young Ladies. Despite a grammar issue and a missing word or two, Goff's eloquent, lyrical style flows nicely. Bare minimum, I would give it a few more chapters to see how the story evolves.

File Size: 466 KB

Print Length: 232 pages

Sold by: Amazon Digital Services

ASIN: B007VFDHXE

SRP: $2.99 KINDLE

I received a free PDF copy of this book in exchange for this first chapter review. I received no monetary compensation to share my opinion. A full review might be forthcoming. I'll know more once I get a chance to read a few more chapters.