#GIVEAWAY 8th Annual #HoHOHOHarlequinHolidayExtravaganza- Intro post

Welcome to The Reading Frenzy’s 8^th Annual Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza
just like everything else in this challenging year the 2020 version of this holiday blog festival will be a bit different. Because of some non-Covid health issues plaguing my family I wasn’t able to plan this year’s holiday event like in the past. So instead of having guest posts from the lovely and talented Special Edition authors I’ll be showcasing and reviewing some of Harlequin’s 2020 Holiday novels. And like a real hero Harlequin has once again stepped in and is sponsoring a fabulous #Giveaway for this year’s holiday blog fest. You can enter once a day all during the holiday blog fest and it’s open to US and Canada.
So for the next couple of weeks sit back with a cup of hot chocolate enjoy the show and enter this year’s #Giveaway.

This year's giveaway is for
12 HQN holiday titles (see photo below)
Open to US and Canada only
Please Use Rafflecopter form 
enter once per day
Good Luck!

 

I hope all your Christmas wishes come true and that 2021 will be a much better year!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sophia Rose Reviews: Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak, narrated by Melanie Rehak

Today Sophia Rose is reviewing a non-fiction digging into the facts behind the creation of Nancy Drew.
Enjoy!

Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak, narrated by Melanie Rehak

Non-Fiction, Biography, Pop Culture

Publisher:  Brilliance Audio

Published:  9.8.20

ISBN:  1713525437

Time:  9 hours 31 minutes

Rating: 4

Format:  MP3

Source:  Brilliance Audio

Sellers:  Amazon - Audible - Barnesand Noble - Kobo

Add To: GoodReads  

GoodReads Blurb:

The true story behind the iconic fictional detective is “a fascinating chapter in the history of publishing” (The Seattle Times).

An Edgar Award Winner for Best Biography and a Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year

The plucky “titian-haired” sleuth solved her first mystery in 1930—and eighty million books later, Nancy Drew has survived the Depression, World War II, and the sixties (when she was taken up with a vengeance by women’s libbers) to enter the pantheon of American culture. As beloved by girls today as she was by their grandmothers, Nancy Drew has both inspired and reflected the changes in her readers’ lives. Here, in a narrative with all the page-turning pace of Nancy’s adventures, Melanie Rehak solves an enduring literary mystery: Who created Nancy Drew? And how did she go from pulp heroine to icon?

The brainchild of children’s book mogul Edward Stratemeyer, Nancy was brought to life by two women: Mildred Wirt Benson, a pioneering journalist from Iowa, and Harriet Stratemeyer Adams, a well-bred wife and mother who took over her father’s business empire as CEO. In this century-spanning, “absorbing and delightful” story, the author traces their roles—and Nancy’s—in forging the modern American woman (The Wall Street Journal).

Happy Thanksgiving

I know this year has been a challenge in many ways but we all have something to be thankful for so from my home to yours I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving

Sophia Rose Reviews: A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams

 Today on this Thanksgiving eve in the US Sophia Rose is here to review A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams.
Enjoy!

A Broken Bone by Melinda Leigh, Narrated by Christine Williams

#6 Widow’s Island

Romantic Suspense

Publisher:  Brilliance Audio

Published:  11.3.20

Time:  2 hours and 42 minutes

ISBN:  179972705X

Rating: 5

Format: MP3

Source:  Brilliance Audio

Sellers:  Amazon - Audible

Add To: GoodReads  

 

GoodReads Blurb:

The mysterious death of a local teen leads to a hunt for a killer in the sixth Widow’s Island novella by #1 Wall Street Journal bestselling author Melinda Leigh.

On Widow’s Island, the secrets are dark…and everybody has one. So when Deputy Tessa Black responds to a call about an explosion in a quiet neighborhood, she gets more than she bargained for: the body of a teen who went missing weeks ago.

Until recently, Gavin was living in a reputable foster home. But now that he is found dead—Tessa can’t help but wonder if sinister forces are at play. Who would want to hurt him, and why?

With the help of her partner, Park Ranger Logan Wilde, Tessa tries desperately to decipher what happened to Gavin before another life is cut short. Someone on Widow’s Island knows the explosive truth. Will Tessa find the answers she needs before someone else turns up dead?             

 

#MacmillanAudio Review of Stories From Suffregette City MJ Rose Fiona Davis & Kristin Hannah

 It's very timely to review the Macmillan Audio edition of Stories From Suffregette City, not only is it the 100th anniversary of ratification of the 19th Amendment but it's also election year an election where it's very possible that women decided the outcome because it's a fact that they outnumber men in the US and have since 2013. I have also included some actual footage of that day.
Enjoy!

ASIN: B0876HQ2NY
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: 10-27-2020
Length: 8hrs-55mins
Source: Macmillan Audio for review
Buy It: Audible

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview

A collection of short stories from a chorus of bestselling writers all set on the same day, October 23, 1915, in which over a million women marched for the right to vote in New York City with an introduction by Kristin Hannah.

Stories From Suffragette City is a collection of short stories from the leading voices in historical fiction that all take place on a single day. The day one million women marched for the right to vote in New York City in 1915. A day filled with a million different stories, and a million different voices longing to be heard. Taken together, these stories from writers at the top of their bestselling game become a chorus, stitching together a portrait of a country looking for a fight, and echo into a resounding force strong enough to break even the most stubborn of glass ceilings.

#GIVEAWAY interview Author J.L. Lora author showcase

A Few weeks ago I was part of the Caffeinated PR release day tour to celebrate J.L. Lora's The Autumn You Became Mine. Well today I have a real treat for my readers an interview with Ms. Lora and a fab #Giveaway too. Details below.
Enjoy!

A Love for All Seasons

Giveaway is for one ecopy of
The Summer I Loved You
Open Internationally
Please Use Rafflecopter form to enter
Good Luck!

Cover Reveal - Letters Across the Sea by Genevieve Graham

 Those of you who know me know I love historical fiction and know that my favorite author is this genre is Genevieve Graham who always tells a bit of Canadian history in all of her incredible novels. Well she's got a brand new WWII era novel coming out in March of 2021 and I'm excited to share with all my friends her US cover reveal and an excerpt. I can't wait to get my hands on this book and I know many of you feel the same way.
Enjoy!

Review Alone With You by Lisa Ann Verge

Today on the blog I'm reviewing a reissued and refreshed romance from the wicked past of fave author Lisa Verge Higgins when she was known as Lisa Ann Verge, number 1 in her Cabin Fever Series, Alone With You.
Enjoy!

AISN:  B08JZ6DT61
Publisher: Bay Street Press LLC; 2nd edition
Release Date: 9-30-2020
Length: 133 pp
Source: Author for review
Buy It: Amazon

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

Jenny believes the rented cabin is hers alone—until she steps out of the shower to find a brawny man in her bedroom. No way is she taking on a roommate, especially a six-foot stud with a slow-fuse grin. Yet the brooding Logan has his charms, and his secrets. They'll be stuck together for two weeks. Not long enough for him to seduce her…or melt her frozen heart.

Sophia Rose Reviews- Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve

 Thanks for all the well wishes my hubby is home and recovering from surgery. 

Today I once again turn the blog over to Sophia Rose who's reviewing #6 in the Inspectors Hannaslyde and Hemmingway series,  Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve.
Enjoy!

Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer, Narrated by Ulli Birve

#6 Inspectors Hannaslyde and Hemingway

Historical Mystery, Holiday

Publisher:  Bolinda

Published:  5.1.15

ISBN:  1486231365

Time:  11 hours 36 minutes

Rating: 4

Narrator: 5

Format:  Audiobook

Source:  Purchase

Sellers:  Amazon/ Audio

Add To: GoodReads 

Bear With Me

 

Hubby had an emergency appendectomy yesterday, he's doing good but it's been a bit of a whirlwind few days. I'll be back soon!!!

xo

Review Dead After Midnight Interview with author CP Daly

 A while ago this debut author reached out to see if I would be interested in reading and reviewing her novel. While I'm always happy to help promote a book especially a debut I don't often have time to read those offered novels. Well I'm happy that this time I did and Cynthia also was gracious enough to let me pick her brain.
Enjoy!

ISBN-13:  978-1999134518
Publisher: Twister Publishing
Release Date: 9-16-2020
Length: 227pp
Source: Author for review
Buy It: Amazon- (free on KindleUnlimited)

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

Suzie Q is a prostitute and determined to get out of her current line of work and excited for a fresh start with best friend Lucy by her side. Her dreams come to an abrupt halt, when, during a night of turning tricks, she stumbles upon Lucy's brutally murdered body. Fearing for her life, Suzie runs to her neighbor, Luke's, to regroup, where she discovers he's not just a creepy client, but an undercover FBI agent. He blindsides her when he reveals that she's mixed up in an FBI investigation, and that she's been unknowingly working for Johnny Stone, New York's notorious crime boss. Suzie flees from New York, hiding in a quaint seaside town in Maine. She changes her identity and her life. Now she has to survive, to keep the life she has come to love.

This is the first novel in the Kelsey Woods thriller series.

#GIVEAWAY Showcase Third Degree by Ross Klavan, Tim O'Mara and Charles Salzberg

Third Degree

by Ross Klavan, Tim O'Mara, & Charles Salzberg

on Tour October 1 - November 30, 2020

Synopsis:

”Cut Loose All Those Who Drag You Down”:

A crooked reporter who fronts for the mob and who’s been married eight times gets a visit from his oldest friend, a disgraced and defrocked shrink. The man is in deep trouble and it’s clear somebody is going to pay with his life.

”Beaned”:

After smuggling cigarettes, maple syrup, and coffee, Aggie discovers a much more sinister plot to exploit what some consider a precious commodity: the trafficking of under-aged children for the purposes of sex.

”The Fifth Column”:

Months after America’s entry into World War II, a young reporter uncovers that the recently disbanded German-American Bund might still be active and is planning a number of dangerous actions on American soil.

#MacmillanAudio Review- All Scot and Bothered by Kerrigan Byrne narrated by Derick Perkins

 Historically Historical romance is not my cuppa but when Macmillan Audio had All Scot and Bothered in their October offerings I decided to give it a try and I've got to tell you I'm definitely going to try this author again.
Enjoy!

ASIN: B0861N73YY
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Release Date: 9-29-2020
Length: 11hrs-44mins
Source: Macmillan Audio for Review
Buy It: Audible

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

All Scot and Bothered is the second audiobook in the stunning Devil You Know series by USA Today best-selling author Kerrigan Byrne!


They are a dangerous duke, a fierce lord, and an infamous earl - dark, bold, brave men who know exactly what they want. And there is only one woman who can bring them to their knees....

He is first and foremost - at everything. A man who’s made his own way through ruthless cunning and sheer force of will. A strong and imposing Scot who can turn on the charm but does not suffer fools. His title: Lord Chief Justice of the High Court. His name: Cassius Gerard Ramsay. His mission: to investigate the goings-on at London's most notorious gaming hell, owned and operated by one of the most intriguing and desirable women he’s ever met.

In this game of love, the rules do not apply.

Cecelia Teague was an orphan facing a rather dire future - until a secret benefactor from her mother’s scandalous past swept into her life. Sent to prestigious boarding school and later to university, Cecelia believed high society was at her fingertips....Then, from out of nowhere, she became the inheritor of a gambling establishment. Now, Cecelia must live two lives: one as a proper lady who finds herself undeniably drawn to Lord Ramsay and the other as a savvy gaming hell owner trying to save her business from the very same man. He has no idea she is both women...and Cecelia would like to keep it that way. But what happens when consuming passion and escalating danger threaten to reveal the truth?

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Paperbacks

"With the Devil You Know series, Byrne once again delivers the beautifully nuanced characters and seductive storytelling her readers have come to expect." (Booklist)

Review War of The Poor by ÉRIC VUILLARD Translated by MARK POLIZZOTTI

 Today I'm showcasing Eric Vuillard's powerful account of the German Peasants’ War (1524–25) that shows striking parallels to class conflicts of our time. 
Enjoy!

ISBN-13:  978-1-63542-008-1
Publisher: Other Press
Release Date: 11-3-2020
Length: 112pp
Source: Publisher for Review
Buy It: Amazon/ B&N/ IndieBound

Overview:

From the award-winning author of The Order of the Day, a powerful account of the German Peasants’ War (1524–25) that shows striking parallels to class conflicts of our time.

In the sixteenth century, the Protestant Reformation launched an attack on privilege and the Catholic Church, but it rapidly became an established, bourgeois authority itself. Rural laborers and the urban poor, who were still being promised equality in heaven, began to question why they shouldn’t have equality here and now on earth.

There ensued a furious struggle between the powerful—the comfortable Protestants—and the others, the wretched. They were led by a number of theologians, one of whom has left his mark on history through his determination and sheer energy. His name was Thomas Müntzer, and he set Germany on fire. The War of the Poor recounts his story—that of an insurrection through the Word.

In his characteristically bold, cinematic style, Éric Vuillard draws insights from this revolt from nearly five hundred years ago, which remains shockingly relevant to the dire inequalities we face today.

#Audible Review of Void Fate Interview with author Suren Hakobyan narrated by Matthew Raymond

 Once in a while an author reaches out and you take a chance and suddenly you can't get enough. That's exactly what happened with Void Fate, an eerie and wonderful tale. I got to pick the author's brain and I'm sharing my review.
Enjoy!

ASIN:B08F5J35LF
Publisher: Suren Hakobyan
Release Date: 8-04-2020
Length: 8 hrs-57mins
Source: Author for review
Buy It: Audible

ADD TO: GOODREADS

Overview:

Empty streets are littered with stalled-out cars, buses, and motorcycles. A sunless and moonless sky is covered with an enormous barrier that prevents any view of the heavens.

Nothing stirs. The air is oppressive and there is no wind, not even the softest breeze.

It was supposed to be a typical day for the five friends, but they wake up to discover that they are left alone on earth. The world that they knew is gone. All that is left is silence, pervasive, absolute silence.

What happened while they slept? Are they the only ones left? As the theories start to fly, and their imaginations run wild, they wonder if they are still on Earth at all, possibly abducted by aliens, trapped in a simulation, or claimed by the afterlife.

Aram is the only one who can see deep into the silent world. That’s why, from the very beginning, he starts to look for a way out of this new reality. If he can convince his friends to stay focused, as the whispers begin, and fight against the evil of the silent world, the fog-shaped beings that wander the empty streets, they may stand a chance.

If not, the only thing that lies ahead is the fate of the void.