~ BLOG TOUR 'DANGEROUS TO KNOW' ~

~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~

--  'DANGEROUS TO KNOW'  --

Author Megan Whitson Lee

Post Includes:  Book Spotlight & Author Bio

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 
“Don’t look at him, dear. He’s dangerous.”
 
Isabella Bankmill seeks a husband whose character matches her list of requirements. The man must share her faith, but he must also possess a certain je ne sais quoi. The enigmatical Lord Gregory Gordon Bromby—London’s newest literary sensation—certainly possesses the latter. Despite a deformed foot and alarming views on politics and religion, he attracts the ladies in droves.

Haunted by his past and overwhelmed by his newfound celebrity status, Lord Bromby’s obsession with his own doom leads to reckless behavior. When he is stalked by an obsessive aristocrat seeking an elopement, Bromby’s friends urge him to marry a suitable lady as soon as possible. Intrigued by Isabella’s convictions and hoping to avoid further scandal, Bromby proposes to Isabella.

Isabella also receives an offer of marriage from kind-hearted philanthropist, David Beringer—a man equally devoted to his faith—but she only has eyes for Lord Bromby. Blinded by his talent and good looks, Isabella convinces herself that he’s not as dangerous as everyone claims. But when Bromby’s world violently collides with hers, Isabella must decide once and for all who is lord of her life. God or Bromby?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Megan Whitson Lee is an anglophile and a recovering runaway. Over the years, she escaped to England and Australia before finally settling down in the US. These days, she lives a relatively quiet life as a wife, a mom of two greyhounds, an editor for Pelican Book Group, and a high school English teacher. She now escapes by writing novels instead of jumping on planes to foreign countries. Her novel, Captives, won the 2016 Director's Choice Award and was a finalist for a Selah Award in the women's contemporary fiction category at Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference.

Megan writes women's contemporary thrillers and historical fiction featuring characters standing at the crossroads of major life decisions.

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR:

Website:     www.meganwhitsonlee.com
Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/meganwhitsonlee/
Twitter:     https://twitter.com/MeganWhitsonLee
Instagram:    https://www.instagram.com/meganwlee1/
Pinterest:     https://www.pinterest.com/megan_whitson/

                      ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ *~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

--  Monday, July 16th:  Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday historical fiction feature on a new novel by award-winning author, Kirby Larson, entitled, 'Code Word:  Courage'. This book is set during World War II and features some unique characters and fine writing.

--  Tuesday, July 17th:  Blog Tour Stop for 'Building a Life'. Post includes a book spotlight, author bio, excerpt, and ten behind-the-scenes facts shared by the author. Tour organized by Singing Librarian Books.

--  Wednesday, July 18th:  Blog Tour Stop for 'The Last Summer'.  Post includes a book spotlight, author bio, excerpt, and ten behind-the-scenes facts shared by the author. Tour organized by Singing Librarian Books.

# # # # #

 

~ MMGM S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE 'NITTY-GRITTY GARDENING BOOK' ~

~ MARVELOUS MIDDLE-GRADE
MONDAY S.T.E.A.M. FEATURE ~

--  'THE NITTY-GRITTY GARDENING BOOK:

FUN PROJECTS FOR ALL SEASONS'  --

AUTHOR KARI CORNELL
PHOTOGRAPHS BY:  JENNIFER S. LARSON

LEARN MORE ON GOODREADS

ABOUT THE BOOK {from Goodreads}:
Grow your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers! Become a gardener in any season with these fun and easy projects. You don't even need a garden space--many of these activities can be done by planting in containers to set on a porch or a patio or even in a window. Try your hand at growing potatoes and strawberries. Plant bright flowers that attract butterflies, birds, and bees. Learn how to get daffodils to bloom in the winter! You can even make your own compost. Colorful photographs and simple step-by-step drawings make each project easy to follow for gardening success. Ready to get your hands dirty and your garden growing?

MY REVIEW:
This S.T.E.A.M. title for middle-graders features an extensive Introduction including an explanation of why people should garden and an in-depth description of native plants. Under the 'Gardening Basics' section, learners are led through how to evaluate a garden space and how to test soil PH.

Readers are also taught how to map the sunlight in their garden space, figure out their growing zone {a color 'Plant Hardiness Zone Map' of the United States is included}, tips on how best to water and feed plants, and how to deadhead and weed the garden. There are also helpful tips on things to do before a young gardener starts to plant.

This book has excellent gardening projects to work on with children. One of my favorite things about this book is that it has projects for all four seasons. Frequently, we might think of gardening as a springtime activity. This book opens up learners' minds to looking at gardening as a year-round activity.

Use of recycled materials for gardening is recommended throughout the book. The first project in the spring chapter teaches readers how to make newspaper pots for planting seeds. The Grow a Sack of Potatoes project encourages the use of the potting soil bag if a burlap sack is not available.

The photography is colorful and shows children actively making the projects presented. The background about gardening and the text about each project is engaging and interesting. Stepped-out instructions enriched with photos and diagrams are excellent.

One other thing I liked about the book was that readers were consistently instructed to ask an adult for help with certain tools and materials.

I especially liked the following projects: Grow a Sack of Potatoes, Plant a Strawberry Basket, Setting Up a Birdbath, Make a Compost Bin, Create an Herb Window Box, and Build a Terrarium in a Jar.
The author has included valuable information in the back matter, too. A glossary, a list of gardening resources, supply resource list, and index. By my count, this book covers Science, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics making it an educational, hands-on, and fun S.T.E.A.M. title for learners of all ages!

Highly-recommended for school classes, scouting and youth groups, families, child care centers, church groups, or neighborhood friends to use to learn about gardening.

I borrowed this book from Children's Section in the local public library.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

# # # # #

~ TOP TEN CALIFORNIA VINTAGE TOWNS ~

~ TOP TEN CALIFORNIA

 VINTAGE & ANTIQUE TOWNS ~

10. Columbia State Historic Park—This historic park has several vintage-style stores including a dry goods store that carries quilting fabric, patterns, and trims. There is also a delightful mercantile that carries many reproduction toys, tools, and kitchen gadgets.

9. Angel's Camp—This Gold Rush foothill town located on the Gold Highway, 49, has a fabulous store called Nellie Lou's that features china, figurines, artwork, small furniture and lots more! I love to browse in this neat, organized, and fun shop when I have time. They frequently have old toys and dolls on display which takes me back to my childhood days.

8. Eureka—This isolated Northern Coast logging and fishing town has many shops of interest in their Old Town Area that carry vintage linens, farm tools, books, and artwork. This area also boasts the exquisite Carson Mansion which can be viewed from the street. Many other Victorians line the streets in Eureka. The Sequoia Park, Zoo, and Garden are fun for children and adults alike.

7. Cayucos—A Central Coast town south of Hearst Castle, this beach town features a number of whimsical shops that sell everything from dolls and toys to maritime memorabilia

6. Jamestown—This Gold Rush Town has an active Main Street with many vintage shops that carry everything a treasure hunter and collector could envision!

5.  Placerville—Here is yet another foothill Mining Town located on Highway 49 near Highway 50 with lots of promise for vintage hunters! Placerville offers several shops with collectibles and other specialties such as vintage earrings, hats, gloves, brooches, toys, dolls, and small furniture.  The historic downtown also boasts a fantastic yarn and fiber shop, Lofty Lou's. They have everything a knitter or crocheter needs for their projects. My personal favorite is Kelsey's Needle Krafts on Main Street. This shop carries a treasure trove of supplies for stitchers of all kinds since they carry an abundance of cross-stitch, needlepoint, and embroidery materials. Don't miss the two historical museums in the area:  The El Dorado County Museum is located at the fairgrounds and has a plethora of displays on the area's gold mining, local, and Native American history. The other museum is in old town Placerville—the Fountain and Tallman Museum. This museum features exhibits on local dining history, the Miwok and Maidu tribes, Snowshoe Thompson, and other historical artifacts such as buttons and furniture. Up the road a few miles in Camino is Apple Hill. Be sure to stop at Boa Vista Orchards for some complimentary tastings of apple cider and produce products. (https://www.placerville-downtown.org/)

4.  Sutter Creek—This foothill Mining Town along Highway 49 has a small, but lovely Main Street with several gems that provide a vintage hound with many opportunities to find hand-crafted items as well as vintage treasures such as buttons, dolls, tools, and books. The J. Monteverde General Store Museum, depicting an authentic family general store that opened in 1898 and closed in 1971, is located just off of Main Street. The store has been preserved as it was in 1971 including shelves filled with miner's supplies, apparel, dry goods, patterns, and most amazingly—groceries.  My favorite shop in Sutter Creek is the garden shop, The Antique Gardener. This lovely garden shop is filled to the brim with vintage and antique garden tools, garden decorations, gifts, and holiday décor. They even sell plants and flowers out on their back patio. I hardly ever walk away empty-handed!  (www.suttercreek.org)

3.  Folsom—Historic Sutter Street in Old Town Folsom located southwest of Lake Tahoe has many delightful shops including a Christmas Store that carries everything Christmas. There are many vintage shops that carry books, clothing, jewelry, children's items, or anything else you are looking to find! The real treasure in this town, however, is the Folsom History Museum. Each year this museum has an antique quilt and clothing show that is simply the best I have ever seen! (www.FolsomHistoryMuseum.org)

2.  Niles District in Fremont—The East Bay city of Fremont was originally made up of five districts. The Niles District is where Charlie Chaplin filmed several silent movies. There is a fun Silent Movie Museum and a Railroad Depot Museum in this area along with many vintage/antique shops. The Main Street area is where the merchants and museums are located. However, if you walk around in the residential area located 'behind' Main Street, you will see many historic homes in the Craftsman, Victorian, Cottage, and Bungalow styles of architecture. The Niles District hosts many fun events throughout the year. Check out their website to plan your visit into the past.  (http://www.niles.org/)

1.  Ferndale—A few miles from Eureka this small Victorian village has a large mercantile that carries many collectibles and vintage and antique items for the kitchen and more. There is a newish quilt store named, Stitch, and a yarn store called, Foggy Bottoms Yarns. My favorite shops are Farmer's Daughter and Ring's Pharmacy, a Rexall Drug Store which calls itself , "The oldest continuously operating drug store in California . . ." Get out of the car and walk around the streets on either side of Main Street to see some magnificent Victorian homes and a sprinkling of Cottage and Craftsman-style homes. The Ferndale Museum and Fern Cottage are also not to be missed on your trip to this quaint village. (https://www.visitferndale.com/)

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!

**NOTE FROM BLOGGER:  All photos of the antique dolls, toys, and books shown above were taken by me with permission of the director of the Folsom History Museum. The yellow dinnerplate dahlia photo was taken at the Sequoia Park Garden in Eureka.

# # # # #

                             

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE -- MOON AND STARS ~

~ FRIDAY FICTION FEATURE ~

--  'MOON & STARS'  --

AUTHOR ELIZABETH JOHNS

~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,

  Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~

 

  

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

'Moon and Stars' by Elizabeth Johns 

Lady Charlotte Stanton was officially on the shelf. Her first offer to be a chaperone had sealed her fate at the advanced age of eight-and-twenty. Yet, one magical evening a mysterious gentleman took pity on her and danced with her clandestinely under the stars. He refused to tell her who he was—other than unsuitable. It has ruined her peaceful existence as an aging spinster. Sir David Douglas, known to many as Captain Deuce the infamous smuggler, regardless of having changed his ways and made his fortune away in the Indies. His past was destined to follow him forever. Despite helping bring down a high level smuggling ring, the King wants him to do more to earn his pardon. Reluctantly, he is forced back into the dark trade of smuggling once again. As Sir David struggles to gain his freedom, Lady Charlotte tries to unravel his mystery and help him. But will she find her happily ever after or will she be caught up in the sins of his past?  

AMAZON

   

“Sometimes I think I have more in common with the moon and the stars than Polite Society,” a deep, baritone voice said from behind her, as if the man had heard her thoughts. 

Charlotte managed not to flinch. She was unused to anyone seeking her company in dark places. “Yes, I was brought up amongst the ton, yet it is not often comfortable,” she replied, still looking at the night sky.

 “That is the last word I would use for it,” he said as he came to stand next to her. 

He was so close she felt warmth radiating from him and smelt his scent of spice and pine. She was afraid to turn and look. She did not wish to ruin the moment with reality, yet the arm of his coat appeared to be well made, and his hands appeared to be strong. They stood there in silent kinship, listening to the sounds of laughter and dancing coming from the ballroom. 

“Would you care to dance?” 

Charlotte did not answer. This man must be someone new in Town, someone who knew not who she was, or could not see her clearly in the moonlight. What did it matter? It was only a dance. One dance would change nothing. She held her hand out to him and finally allowed herself to look up. 

“Have we been introduced?” she asked, annoyed at her inanity. 

She had never before seen this man, of that she was certain. His light grey eyes twinkled in the moonlight, and they were looking at her—her!—flirtatiously. Crinkles formed at the edges of his eyes, indicating an experience and maturity that made him more handsome when he smiled. It was devilish cruel that men became more striking with age. 

“You know very well we have not,” he answered. 

He pulled her close—too close—and began to twirl her around. The moment was too intimate for mere words. Charlotte felt light and dainty for the first time ever as this man spun her in his arms. She must be dreaming. It was a heady, delicious feeling as her pulse raced and her insides quivered. When the music ceased, they stood there still, retaining the position of the dance as their breathing slowed. Charlotte grew self-conscious as the man studied her. 

“Am I to know your name?” she whispered. 

He took her hand and brought it to his lips, sending shivers through her. 

“Some things are better left unspoken, my lady.”

   

“I loved everything about this story. Every woman needs to meet a man who wants her just the way she is. Despite the struggles and self doubt, despite the familial opposition, despite the outside forces and ever present danger from sinister forces - our dear couple finally triumphs.” 

“Elizabeth Johns writes lovely, intricate Regency tales filled with angst, longing, tragedy and triumph. She does not pander with superfluous and gratuitous sex scenes. Yet her stories are romantic and satisfying. I highly recommend this series and all of Johns' books if you want to be transported and escape this time period to the land of happily ever after. I cannot wait for the next one!”

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

National bestselling author Elizabeth Johns was first an avid reader, though she was a reluctant convert. It was Jane Austen's clever wit and unique turn of phrase that hooked Johns when she was "forced" to read Pride and Prejudice for a school assignment. She began writing when she ran out of her favorite author's books and decided to try her hand at crafting a Regency romance novel. 

Her journey into publishing began with the release of Surrender the Past, book one of the Loring-Abbott Series. Johns makes no pretensions to Austen's wit but hopes readers will perhaps laugh and find some enjoyment in her writing. Johns attributes much of her inspiration to her mother, a retired English teacher. During their last summer together, Johns would sit on the porch swing and read her stories to her mother, who encouraged her to continue writing.

Busy with multiple careers, including a professional job in the medical field, author and mother of small children, Johns squeezes in time for reading whenever possible. 

 

   

   

Giveaway Details --  Ends 7/15/18 

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal or gift codes via Amazon.com. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
-- Monday, July 2nd: In honor of Independence Day on July 4th in the United States, my Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday feature will be a non-fiction title, 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' Post includes a book spotlight and review.

-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.

-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

# # # # #

 

~ BLOG TOUR STOP 'FALLING FOR THE COWGIRL' ~

~ BLOG TOUR STOP ~

--  'FALLING FOR THE COWGIRL'  --

AUTHOR TINA RADCLIFFE

~Post Includes:  Book Spotlight,

Author Bio, Excerpt & Giveaway~

Welcome to my stop on the JustRead Publicity Tour's BLOG TOUR for Falling for the Cowgirl by Tina Radcliffe.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Title: Falling for the Cowgirl
Series: Big Heart Ranch, Book 2
Author: Tina Radcliffe
Publisher: Love Inspired
Release Date: June 19, 2018 (Print) July 1, 2018 (Ebook)
Genre: Contemporary Romance / Western
Links: Goodreads -- Book Bub

She won the job… Can he win her heart?

Hiring Amanda “AJ” McAlester as his assistant at the Big Heart Ranch isn’t foreman Travis Maxwell’s first choice—but his sisters insist she’s perfect for the job. And AJ’s determined to prove she’s just as qualified as any man. But with money on the line, AJ and her innovative ideas could put him at risk of losing everything…including his heart.

EXCERPT:  Link to Excerpt -- Courtesy of the Publisher

LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | iTunes | CBD |

 Book Depository | BAM! | Barnes & Noble

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Originally from Western, N.Y., Tina Radcliffe left home for a tour of duty with the Army Security Agency stationed in Augsburg, Germany and ended up in Tulsa Oklahoma. While living in Tulsa she spent ten years as a Certified Oncology R.N. Her move to Colorado led to a career as a library cataloger. A freelance writer for over twenty years, Tina is a two-time RWA Golden Heart finalist, two-time Carol Award finalist, and a 2014 ACFW Carol Award winner. She currently resides in Arizona where she writes fun, heartwarming romance.
 

Stay up to date on all her releases by signing up for her newsletter HERE. (http://bit.ly/2angfWP)
 

TO CONNECT WITH TINA: website, facebook, twitter, pinterest, instagram, Book Bub 

GIVEAWAY:

Tina has graciously offered (1) winner an awesome Falling for the Cowgirl prize pack that includes:

--An autographed copy of Falling for the Cowgirl
--Corkcicle Canteen Classic Collection-Water Bottle & Thermos----Triple Insulated Shatterproof Stainless Steel, 9 oz, Gloss Pink
--ESVAN Original Floral Tote Bag Shoulder Bag for Gym Hiking Picnic Travel Beach
--$20.00 Amazon Gift Card

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule shown below. Complete prize open to US mailing addresses only. If international winner, winner will win the gift card only.

ENTER HERE or use the Entry Form below

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway will begin at midnight June 25, 2018 and last through 11:59 PM on July 4, 2018. Winners will be notified within a week of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

Be sure to stop at a stop each day for extra entries!


TOUR SCHEDULE:

For the full tour schedule, click on either of the launch pages below.

Launch Page @JustReadTours

Launch Page @JustCommonly

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

COMING UP SOON ON 'READING, WRITING & STITCH-METIC':
--  Friday, June 29th:  Friday Fiction Feature on Elizabeth Johns's newest Regency romance, 'Moon and Stars'. Post includes a book spotlight, author bio, excerpt, and giveaway. Event organized by I Am A Reader.

-- Monday, July 2nd: In honor of Independence Day on July 4th in the United States, my Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday feature will be a non-fiction title, 'What is the Declaration of Independence?' Post includes a book spotlight and review.

-- Friday, July 6th: 'Top Ten California Towns in Which to Find Vintage Treasures' article. This list includes some of my favorite towns to visit around Northern and Central California including an assortment of shops and museums.

-- Wednesday, July 11th: 'Dangerous to Know' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight and Excerpt. Tour organized by AJ Publicity.

-- Friday, July 13th: 'Hope of Azure Springs' Blog Tour. Post includes a Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway. Tour organized by JustRead Publicity.

# # # # #