Kelly Bowen’s A LADY’S GUIDE TO SKIRTING SCANDAL Launch Day Blitz

About A LADY’S GUIDE TO SKIRTING SCANDAL Lady Viola Hextall is bored - of the sea, her chaperones, and the woeful lack of available dukes on the ocean voyage from London to New York. Scrambling for any diversion short of jumping overboard, Viola strikes up a conversation with the ship's rough-hewn, blue-eyed surgeon - and discovers an immediate cure for what ails her... To Nathaniel Shaw, Viola has the bearing of a lady and the spirit of an adventurer - an unlikely combination that he finds utterly irresistible. So he's hoping to convince Viola to leave the stifling ballrooms of London high society behind because there is a big, wide world just waiting for them to explore – together. Kobo     Amazon     Barnes & Noble     Goodreads     iTunes Excerpt “To make a good duchess.  No matter what you think, Mr. Shaw, I will be a duchess one day.  I deserve to be a duchess one day.” Nate made a disparaging noise.  “And is this how you’ve decided to measure your value – your worth in life, Lady Viola?  By whether or not you become a duchess?” “What else is there?” She put her hands on her hips. Nate felt his own rush of resentment, along with another pang of scathing disappointment.  “This is exactly why I am leaving England,” he said. “What? Why?” Viola looked puzzled. “This antiquated viewpoint that some of us are better than others based not on merit or intelligence or courage, but based only on an accident of birth.” “But—” “Do you know how they select officers for the army, Lady Viola?” “I’m not sure if—” “They are selected based on their titles and their purchase of a commission.” “Well, of course—” “Do you know what happens when officers are given command of men not because they are qualified in the art of war, but because their names were preceded by a title?” She was looking up at him now, startled, no doubt, by the bitterness that even he could hear in his words. “Surgeons like me deal with the casualties resulting from inexperience and incompetence.” He leaned forward.  “And it is such a shameful waste.” “Why are you telling me this?” she demanded a little defensively.   “What happens if the duke you choose is a simpleton?” he asked her.  “Or perhaps he is given to sloth, or drink, or another vice that might make him cruel.  To you or to others around him.  Will you disregard this to attain the title that marriage to such a man will give you?” Viola blinked at him. “I would have thought that a woman such as you would want a husband who would admire her.  Respect her.  Maybe even love her.” “I do,” she said, a little uncertain now. “But yet those things do not count if they don’t come with a title?” “You can’t have everything, Mr. Shaw.” “So that is what you would choose?  Title over happiness?  Title over love?” He was provoking her deliberately. She was twisting the ribbons of her bonnet in her fingers now.  “You must choose what is more important, don’t you agree, Mr. Shaw?  And in my world, it isn’t a choice.” “Then I suggest you consider leaving your world behind.” “One cannot simply leave a titled position, Mr. Shaw.” Perhaps it was the powerlessness Nate had felt on the battlefield, his inability to challenge or change such thinking.  Perhaps it was the catch of hesitation he heard in her answer.  Either way, an edgy recklessness gripped him, and he found himself closing the distance between them, catching her chin in his fingers and tipping her head up to meet his gaze.  “And what would happen, Lady Viola, if you found a man who did not have a title, but a man who would worship the ground upon which you walked?” he asked, his voice barely a whisper.  “A man who would trade his life for yours without a second’s thought.  A man who would give anything he owned just for the opportunity to kiss you?  Would you turn away from such a man and live the rest of your life wondering how things might have been if you had chosen happiness and love?” “I don’t know.”  Her breath was coming in shallow gasps, and her color was high.  He had proven his point, he knew.  He had made her uncomfortable and had dared her to think.  He should step away from her now and leave her to consider his words, if she was wont to do so.  But he couldn’t.  Aside from the recklessness that had clouded his judgment, there was a woman he had glimpsed within her, one who sat cross-legged and spoke of frogs and muck.  A woman who he feared he might like very much, should she ever be allowed to be completely free of the woman who spoke of dukes and parties. His hand slid from her chin to the back of her neck, his fingers caressing the silk of her hair.  She was watching him now, her beautiful blue eyes wide.  But not afraid.  As if she was challenging him to do his worst. So he kissed her. About Kelly Bowen Kelly Bowen grew up in Manitoba, Canada. She attended the University of Manitoba and earned a Master of Science degree in veterinary physiology and endocrinology. But it was Kelly's infatuation with history and a weakness for a good love story that led her down the path of historical romance. When she is not writing, she seizes every opportunity to explore ruins and battlefields. Currently, Kelly lives in Winnipeg with her husband and two boys, all of whom are wonderfully patient with the writing process. Except, that is, when they need a goalie for street hockey. Website     Twitter     Facebook

ARC Review & Giveaway: Decadent by Adrianne Lee

Title: Decadent (A Big Sky Pie Novel, #4) Author: Adrianne Lee Publisher/Publication Date: Forever, December 16, 2014 Format/Source: ARC, Publisher Genre: Contemporary Romance Barnes & Noble     Books-A-Million     IndieBound  Amazon Book Summary "Adrianne Lee always delivers!" ---Susan Wiggs Contractor Wade Reynolds is having a tough year. His cherry farm went bust, and his construction clients threaten to unhinge what's left of his sanity. But Wade's passion for life heats up when he's hired to remodel a new storefront next to Big Sky Pie -and he falls for the red-hot, bad girl who's setting up her catering shop there. Fresh off her own divorce, Roxy isn't looking for another relationship, just a spontaneous fling or three. Her contractor Wade looks as delicious as her specialty confections, but he's way too buttoned-up for a casual affair. Yet there's an ultra-sexy strength about him Roxy can't resist. What that man clearly needs is something decadent-like her… Review Don't judge this book by its simplistic cover, because this series is too good to miss! If you like a contemporary romance novel with a bold heroine who goes after what she desires, you'll want to read Decadent by Adrianne Lee. It's an intriguing story of two people who have a second chance at romance. Lee did a good job of capturing individuals who'd been out of the dating scene for a while. You simply won't want to miss Wade and Roxy's story. Their amazing chemistry and return to the dating scene led to some compromising situations that are sure to entertain. Rating 4.5/5 I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Giveaway Enter for a chance to win a print copy of Decadent by Adrianne Lee (US & Canada Only) a Rafflecopter giveaway This Giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada only. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older and must follow the blog unless otherwise specified. I maintain the right to: delete duplicate entries, disqualify those that don’t adhere to contest rules, and cancel/postpone contests.  Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply or another entrant will be selected.  I am not responsible for prizes that are lost or damaged in the mail. Note-If selected as the winner, please send response to email and not to the newsletter/noreply address. Thank you to publisher for providing a print copy for this giveaway. Click on the link to Read an Excerpt from Decadent! Initially posted on December 29, 2014 & Updated on January 4, 2015

ARC Review: Hope Rising by Stacy Henrie

Title: Hope Rising ( Of Love and War, #2) Author:  Stacy Henrie Publisher/Publication Date: Forever; December 16, 2014 Genre: Historical Romance Format/Source: ARC, Publisher Book Summary In France at the height of World War I, American nurse Evelyn Gray is no stranger to suffering. She's helped save the life of many a soldier, but when she learns her betrothed has been killed, her own heart may be broken beyond repair. Summoning all her strength, Evelyn is determined to carry on-not just for herself and her country, but for her unborn child.  Corporal Joel Campbell dreams of the day the war is over and he can return home and start a family. When a brutal battle injury puts that hope in jeopardy, Joel is lost to despair . . . until he meets Evelyn. Beautiful, compassionate, and in need of help, she makes an unconventional proposal that could save their lives-or ruin them irrevocably. Now, amidst the terror and turmoil of the Western Front, these two lost souls will have to put their faith in love to find the miracle they've been looking for. Buy links for HOPE RISING: Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1pnwQLn Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1GkP98a IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1E5Ee0Y Amazon: http://amzn.to/1xc8AOO Review If you love historical romances and have time to read just one more book during 2014, you'll want to read Hope Rising by Stacie Henrie. Henrie presents this historical romance novel in a manner that will keep you glued to the pages until the very end. Although this is book 2 of the Of Love and War series, Evelyn Gray and Joel Campbell's story can be read as a standalone. I absolutely love Henrie's writing style and the fact that the emotional connection between the hero and heroine is at the forefront of their romantic tale.  Hope Rising is even better than the first book in the series as we follow nurse Gray's experience in the Army Nurse Corps. I like the fact that Henrie's stories are inclusive of women and their experiences during World War I—Including their roles in society along with their struggles. The nurses serving in the corps had to abide by a set of rules. At times, Evelyn struggled with adhering to these rules. After her betrothed died she met Joel Campbell, an injured soldier. Their nurse-patient relationship evolved into a friendship and a gripping yet heartfelt story of life after experiencing loss. It was also a story of  faith, letting go, and God's will. Also, Henrie seamlessly integrated history and the morals of the time along with the hope and despair associated with love and war.  It's a perfect book for those who like clean historical romances. And it's a must read if you like stories with tense heart-stopping moments that will whisk you  back in time to the heart of a conflict on the front lines as a forbidden romance unfolds.  I would definitely recommend Hope Rising and can't wait to read book #3 of the series, A Hope Remembered in March of 2015. Rating 5/5 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Click on the link to read an excerpt from Hope Rising!

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway: Decadent by Adrianne Lee

Title: Decadent (A Big Sky Pie Novel, #4) Author: Adrianne Lee Publisher/Publication Date:  Forever, December 16, 2014 Genre: Contemporary Romance About DECADENT "Adrianne Lee always delivers!" ---Susan Wiggs Contractor Wade Reynolds is having a tough year. His cherry farm went bust, and his construction clients threaten to unhinge what's left of his sanity. But Wade's passion for life heats up when he's hired to remodel a new storefront next to Big Sky Pie -and he falls for the red-hot, bad girl who's setting up her catering shop there.  Fresh off her own divorce, Roxy isn't looking for another relationship, just a spontaneous fling or three. Her contractor Wade looks as delicious as her specialty confections, but he's way too buttoned-up for a casual affair. Yet there's an ultra-sexy strength about him Roxy can't resist. What that man clearly needs is something decadent-like her… Buy Links Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/1wpfeyy Books-A-Million: http://bit.ly/1wkqa1z IndieBound: http://bit.ly/1skV4XZ Amazon: http://amzn.to/1Gwasle Excerpt She closed the gap between them, a smoldering light ablaze in her pale eyes.  “You really are gorgeous cowboy, and there’s no denying that some kind of electric storm is raging between us.  You feel it.  I feel it too.  And there is nothing I’d like more than to encourage you to act on how we’re both feeling.”  She’d backed him against the closet door frame.  “But you’re not ready to let go of the past. “But if you were, I’d stand really close to you like this, and shove my hands into your hair like this, and pull your head toward me, and kiss you like this.”  She kissed his mouth, hard, not sweet or gentle as he was used to being kissed, but with a pressure that ignited a fuse in him.  Then her tongue was pushing inside his mouth, shocking him, the sensation at once foreign, yet damned pleasurable. She pulled away, leaving him breathless, panting for more.  She was also breathing fast.  “If you were ready, I’d unbutton your shirt like this, run my hands up your back like this, and I’d tell you that just touching you makes me weak in the knees and crazed with desire.  And you’d push your hands under my sweater like this, up under my bra, to torture my tingling breasts.”  She shoved his hands beneath her sweater as she spoke, slowing, torturously bringing them to the rigid beads, the breasts were full in his palms, and an earthy groan slipped from between his lips.  She threw her head back and moaned, “Oh, my. . .” “And if you were ready, I’d unbutton your shirt and pull it loose from your jeans, then slip my fingers through your chest hair—God I love a man with chest hair—and you’d put your hands on my bottom, like this.”  She placed his hands on her butt and pulled herself hard against his erection, their hips meeting, grinding, the need a pulsing, living entity. She was kissing him again, working the buttons of his jeans.  He’d lost his mind completely, all he wanted was to be inside this woman with her legs wrapped around him, as he drove deeper and deeper.  But she was pushing back again.  Pulling his hands from her, pushing away from him, trying to catch her breath.  “It would be so nice, but you can see that it’s impossible, right?” “No.”  He grabbed her by the waist, urging her closer.  “Why is it impossible?” “On the surface, we’d be a perfect ‘friends-with-benefits’ couple, since I’m never falling in love again, never getting married again, and you’re still in love with your wife.  We’re both looking for someone who will satisfy that itch five or six times a month without expecting anything more than a romp in the hay.  I admit that it would be nice if that someone was a person I also had amazing chemistry with.  The kind we’re feeling right now.  But you’re not the kind of guy who has casual affairs.  If you were, you’d have removed your wedding ring long ago.” His silence seemed to confirm it for her. “Yeah, I thought so,” she said, looking sorry to be right.  “I hope your wife knew how lucky she was to have you.” Lucky?  Wade almost laughed at the absurdity.  The only thing keeping his ring on his finger was guilt, and giving into his baser instincts with Roxy would only make the guilt worse.  But at that moment, he wanted to grab her and kiss her so damned bad, it was killing him.  Instead, he let her step back, watched her righting her bra and her sweater, her lips puffy and sexy as hell. “I don’t know about you, cowboy, but make-out sessions always give me one hell of an appetite,” she said, a bit breathlessly.  “Let’s go get that steak Quint offered.” Wade watched her sashay to the ladder and don her outdoor gear.  His considerable discomfort wasn’t allowing him to move just yet.  He had a hell of an appetite, allright. But not for steak.           About Adrianne Lee Adrianne Lee lives with her husband of many, many years on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington State in a pole barn building her husband transformed into an upstairs apartment with a shop below for his hot rods. Adrianne creates her stories on her laptop, in her recliner with her adopted cat, Spooky, curled between her calves, snoozing.  Over thirty years of summer vacationing in the Flat Head Lake area near Kalispell and Glacier Park has given her a love for all things Montana. Adrianne’s Social Media Links Website @akaAdrianneLee Facebook Giveaway Enter for a chance to win the entire Big Pie Sky series or a print copy of Decadent from Adrianne Lee!!!  a Rafflecopter giveaway US & Canada Only

Launch Week Blitz,Excerpt & Giveaway: Double Trouble by Lori Wilde

About DOUBLE TROUBLE Two Lori Wilde romances together for the first time in print! CHARMED AND DANGEROUS When her thrill-seeking twin sister goes missing, Maddie Cooper must come to her rescue-which means teaming up with irritating, arrogant, and altogether way too sexy FBI agent David Marshall. David isn't one to get easily distracted but his new self-proclaimed partner has him completely sidetracked with her delectable curves and knockout smile. His first priority: follow the leads in the case. Then he can go about the all-too-enjoyable task of following his heart . . .  Excerpt from Charmed and Dangerous The air in the room seemed miserably hot even though he’d twisted up the controls on the air conditioner when he’d walked in. Or maybe it was the heat of his blood rushing through his veins. “Nobody likes being intimidated.” “Don’t be so sure of that. Ever heard of a submissive?” “I’m not a submissive,” she denied. “Far from it.” “You sure? You entered a man’s room while he was getting undressed.” “That doesn’t make me submissive. If anything, I’d say I was dominant.” “You dominating me?” The notion was so foreign, so utterly ridiculous that David burst out laughing. His derision incensed her. She stabbed an index finger in his direction. “Maybe you’re the one who’s longing to be submissive.” “Oh yeah?” Swiftly he covered the remaining distance between them. She backpedaled until she ran smack dab into the wall. David grabbed both her wrists, pinned her hands above her head and swiftly shoved one knee between her legs, completely hemming her in with no way out. “This look like submissive to you, darlin’?” he growled. They were both breathing hard, their lips almost touching. “For your information I’m a third degree black belt in karate,” she said. “Bring it on. I’m fifth degree.” “You don’t threaten me.” She gulped, belying her own bravado. He saw the column of her throat muscles pump hard and he knew he’d succeeded in intimidating her, but still she held her ground. She might be scared, but she was too damned proud to run away. MISSION: IRRESISTIBLE PR specialist Cassie Cooper loves the adrenaline rush of a well-planned party. And a masquerade ball at the museum is her best yet. But when a legendary amulet is stolen practically from under her nose, she needs the help of her nemesis, archaeologist Harrison Standish. No-nonsense Harrison has all the intensity of Indiana Jones. Though just when he needs his full attention on their mission, he's having the damnedest time keeping his mind-and his hands-off Cassie . . . Amazon: http://amzn.to/1rTIWNv B&N: http://bit.ly/1FPwwsw BAM!: http://bit.ly/12vZf7J Excerpt from Mission: Irresistible “Harry?” “Uh‑huh?” He hesitated. “Take this with you.” “Wha—” But that was as far as he got because Cassie unsnapped her seat belt, leaned across the console, and planted a kiss on his scarred cheek. He was so startled that he jerked his head toward her, and her mouth slipped from his cheek to his lips. The next thing he knew he was kissing her. Full on. It was hot and wet and moving. For one endless second Harrison forgot about the Ford Focus parked behind him. He forgot about the Minoan hieroglyphics. He forgot about Solen and Kiya. He forgot about the amulet. He even forgot about Adam. Whereas before there was danger, now there was nothing but pleasure. His full attention was focused on one thing and one thing alone. Cassie Cooper’s mouth. Lush and full and ripe and sweet. She tasted of summer. Throbbing and heated and humid. Filled with life and intensity and drama. He remembered swimming pools and lounging on the beach, smelled chlorine and suntan lotion. He thought of the Fourth of July, heard bottle rockets scream and Black Cats explode. He saw fireflies flickering through pecan trees, and he spied charcoal embers glowing white-hot in the bottom of a barbecue grill. It all added up to a glorious wow. About Lori Wilde New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lori Wilde has written sixty novels. She holds a bachelor's degree in nursing from Texas Christian University and a certificate in forensics. She volunteers as a sexual assault first responder for Freedom House, a shelter for battered women. Lori is a past RITA finalist and has been nominated four times for theRomantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award. She's won the Colorado Award of Excellence, the Wisconsin Write Touch Award, the Lories, the More Than Maggie, the Golden Quill, the Laurel Wreath, and the Best Books of 2006 Book Award. Her books have been translated into twenty-five languages and featured in Cosmopolitan, Redbook, Complete Woman, All You,TIME, and Quick and Simple magazines. She lives in Texas with her husband, Bill.  Website     Twitter     Facebook Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review & Giveaway!! Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie

Title: Hope at Dawn

Author: Stacy Henrie

Publisher/Publication Date: Forever, June 24, 2014

Genre: Historical Romance, Christian Fiction

Format/Source:  E-ARC, NetGalley/Publisher

Buy links

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Indie Bound

Books A Million

Amazon

About Hope at Dawn

With two brothers fighting in the Great War, her family needing extra money, and her boyfriend's drinking driving a wedge between them, Livy Campbell accepts a job teaching German-American children in a nearby small town. But even there, the effects of the war can be felt as anti-German hysteria divides the town's population. Friedrick Wagner feels shame for not fighting alongside his friends. Instead, he took a deferment to run his dying father's farm, work as the school handyman, and provide for his younger siblings. With so much hatred surrounding him, he fears God may have forgotten him. His friendship with Livy gives him hope, but the obstacles dividing them must first be overcome

Hope at Dawn Excerpt

After another fifteen minutes had crawled by, Livy forced herself to accept the likelihood that Robert—for whatever painful reason—had chosen to spend her birthday with a bottle cradled in his arms instead of her. Hot tears of anger sprang up behind her eyes and no amount of blinking could keep several of them from leaking onto her face.

            “Are you all right?”

            Livy whipped her chin up and found herself peering into eyes more brilliantly blue than she’d suspected from her seat across the room. Their clear depths exuded friendly concern in a way that made her feel immediately safe, though she didn’t know anything about this young man. Up close, his Sunday shirt and pressed trousers, though worn, accentuated his strong-looking physique. 

            She blinked, trying to remember what he’d asked her. Something about her being all right? “Yes. Thank you. I’m just fine.”

She swept away the salty drops from her cheeks. Of course her first real cry in ten years would be witnessed by a stranger, and yet, his self-assured, compassionate manner made her suspect he didn’t find her silly.

“You look like you could use a dance.” He crouched down in front of her and held out his hand. “How about it?”

Livy darted a quick look at the entrance again. “I’m . . . um . . .waiting for my boyfriend.”

“Ah.” He let his hand drop to his side. “Seems to be a bit late.”

She blushed. Who else had noticed her sitting here for over an hour? “I’m sorry,” she offered lamely.

“No, it’s all right.” He got to his feet and started to walk away.

Who was she kidding? Robert wasn’t coming. If he happened to, he’d likely be drunk and she didn’t want to be around him .

“Wait.” Livy jumped up. She could at least have one dance on her birthday. Why should she spend the whole evening hurt and angry over Robert’s absence?

The young man slowly turned back around.

She attempted a genuine smile. “I’d love a dance.”

His face lit up as he smiled in return and held out his hand a second time. Setting her hat on her chair, Livy placed her hand inside his larger one and allowed him to escort her onto the dance floor. The band began to play a fox trot—one of Livy’s favorite dances. She and Joel had become fairly adept at the steps before he’d left for the war.

It felt strange, at first, to be in another man’s arms, but the feeling soon left her. The way he held her hand in a confident but gentle grip, his hand warm on her back, helped Livy relax. He led her around the floor, their feet walking or spinning in time with the music. He was as skillful at the fox trot as her brother, and Livy relished the chance to do more than just sway to the music.

“Are you from around here?” he asked her after a minute or two of dancing.

“About an hour away. And you?”

He shook his head. “I live outside of Hilden. In the county north of here.”

Livy vaguely recalled hearing the town name. “You drove all the way down here, just to go dancing?”

“We don’t have a public dance hall in Hilden. So we have to come here, or head farther north or drive all the way to Sioux City. Do you come to this one often?”

“I used to, before I went to college in Cedar Falls.”

With slight pressure to her back, he expertly led her through a spin before he picked up their conversation again. “What did you study in college?”

“Teaching.”

“Are you a teacher now?”

Livy frowned, doing her best to tamp down the seeds of resentment the question unearthed. She loved her family and wanted to lift the burden her brothers’ absence had created, but she missed college and the chance to pursue her own dreams.

“I was only able to attend for a year before I was needed here.” Her words drew a look of sympathy from him.

“I know what that’s like,” he murmured. Before she could ask what he meant, he poised another question. “Would you still like to be a teacher?”

“Very much. I’m hoping someday I’ll have the chance.”

The understanding in his blue eyes changed to enthusiasm. “That might be sooner than you think. The teacher at one of the township schools outside of Hilden was recently . . . .” He shot a glance at the floor, his jaw tightening. Livy wondered at the change in his mood. Then he guided her through another spin and his expression relaxed. “Suffice it to say, she’s gone now and I don’t think they’ve found a replacement. It’s a little far away, but you might want to inquire about it.”

A possible teaching job? A flurry of anticipation set Livy’s pulse moving faster at the possibility. She tried to squelch it with the reminder she wasn’t likely to be hired with only one year of schooling completed and no teaching certificate, but she couldn’t destroy the hope completely. How wonderful it would be to be on her own again, and not learning how to teach this time, but actually being the teacher.

Livy met his open gaze and found her thoughts moving from his idea to the man himself. She didn’t even know his name, and yet, she felt comfortable enough in his presence to share some of her regret at having her dream of teaching cut short. She hadn’t even voiced those feelings to Robert yet.

“Thank you,” she said, hoping he sensed how much she meant it. “I may look into it.”

“I hope you will.” He smiled in a way that made her stomach twist with unexpected pleasure.

She searched her mind for a more neutral topic, one that wouldn’t mean spilling more of her secrets to this stranger. “Do you live with family, up there in Hilden?”

He nodded. “I’ve got my father, stepmother and two half-siblings. What about you?”

“I’ve got a few more than two siblings.” Livy laughed. “I’m the third of seven. Five boys and two girls.”

She studied the firm shoulder beneath her hand. He appeared quite fit and healthy, so why wasn’t he a soldier? “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“How come you’re not wearing a uniform?”

Livy wished the question back at once when a shadow passed over his face, erasing the easy camaraderie between them. Before he could answer, the song ended. He released her hand at once, though he didn’t join her or the other couples in clapping.

She gnawed at her cheek, embarrassed at her apparent mistake. He’d been so kind to notice her distress earlier and suggest the teacher position in his town, and she’d repaid him by bringing up something he clearly did not wish to discuss.

“I’m sorry. It’s none of my business,” she said, rushing her words in an effort to keep him from disappearing into the crowd. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

He watched her, his expression guarded. What could she say to erase the awkwardness her inquiry had caused? They’d been having such a lovely time talking and dancing.

“I appreciate the dance. You see it’s my birthday and I adore the fox trot. So you’ve saved my evening, Mister . . .” She waited for him to fill the pause with his name.

The corners of his mouth worked up into a smile. “How about you call me ‘the birthday rescuer?’”

Livy chuckled. She wasn’t sure why he refused to give his name, but she wouldn’t press it—not after her blunder about the uniform. His kindness had completely changed her botched evening. “Thank you for the dance, birthday rescuer. And for telling me about the teacher position.”

“You’re welcome. Do I get to know the name of the birthday girl?”

Two can play at his game, Livy thought with a smirk. “How about ‘the girl I danced with once?’”

My Thoughts

Hope at Dawn by Stacy Henrie is a riveting historical romance novel. It’s a fictional story of the forbidden love during the early 1900's. The story captures ignorance associated with prejudice as a result of what Americans read-the propaganda—and heard about the German-American Citizens. There are several heart-wrenching moments along the way as the story of the plight of the German-American Citizens during the war unfolds. As a result of Livy’s initial beliefs, she was arrogant. It was nice to witness Livy's transition as she learned more about Friedrick and her German students; and as she started to stand up for what she believed in. In Hope at Dawn, Henrie has created a great depiction of a town torn apart by prejudice and war—A story of two people during a time of turmoil who have to decide between following their heart or an unjust law.  It’s a real page-turner that you won’t want to miss!!!

Rating 5/5

I received an E-ARC from NetGalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

About Stacy Henrie

Stacy Henrie has always had an avid appetite for history, fiction and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations from Brigham Young University and worked in communications before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a stay-at-home mom to three, Stacy loves the chance to live out history through her fictional characters, while enjoying the modern conveniences of life in the 21st century. In addition to author, she is a reader, a road trip enthusiast and a novice interior decorator.

http://stacyhenrie.blogspot.com/

http://www.pinterest.com/stacyhenrie/

http://facebook.com/Stacy-Henrie-Author

@StacyHenrie

Giveaway

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Discussion Questions

Would you like some food for thought as you read Hope at Dawn? Well check out the discussion questions provided by the Author/Publisher below and feel free to post your thoughts in the comments section.

HOPE AT DAWN Reader Discussion Questions

1. Friedrick resents the language law, which he sees as a threat to maintaining his family’s ties to their German heritage. What traditions, religious or cultural, would you find it difficult to give up?
2. Faced with similar prejudice as the German-Americans during WWI, would you choose to stand silently, as Friedrick feels he must throughout most of the book, or would you take a stand, regardless of the consequences?
3. Both Friedrick and Livy react with prejudice toward each other at their second meeting, only to learn later the error of those impressions. Have there been people in your life whom you perceived to be a certain way but later discovered your initial judgments were wrong, for good or ill?

Blog Tour

Spotlight and Excerpt posts:

6/24     Night Owl Reviews

6/24     Reading Is My Breathing

6/24     JenniferVido.com

6/25     Book Reviews and More by Kathy

6/27     Paranormal and Romantic Suspense Reviews

6/28     Manga Maniac Cafe

6/28     A Bluestocking's Place           

6/29     Inner Goddess

Original Content posts (Q&A, Top 5) 

6/25     The Avid Reader

6/26     SOS Aloha

6/30     Love Romance Passion

6/30     Gone with the Words

Review and Giveaway posts

6/25     Simply Angela

6/27     Polished Bookworm

6/30     Reading on the Rocks